GREAT BEND — A Kansas man charged with first-degree murder and afraid the tattooed mirror-image letters spelling out the word “murder” across his neck might prejudice a jury will be allowed to wear a turtleneck for his upcoming first-degree murder trial to cover the tattoo.
Jeffrey Chapman, 32, is accused of shooting Damon Galyardt to death and leaving him in a ditch in Barton County in November 2011.
Chapman’s attorney asked the court permission to get a professional tattoo artist to remove the tattoo before the trial began because they felt it could prejudice his defense.
Chapman’s attorney wanted either a tattoo artist to come to the jail in Barton County to remove it or transport Chapman to a tattoo parlor to get the work done.
State law does not allow a licensed tattoo artist to leave his or her licensed facility to do work. Authorities say they refused Chapman to be transported out of jail to get the tattoo removed.
A comprise was reached with both parties agreeing to allow Chapman wear the turtleneck.