Bishop Anderson's guilty plea saves taxpayers' money | News

HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF)- Amy Bishop Anderson pleaded guilty to shooting six people at UA-Huntsville, killing three.

While Bishop Anderson saved taxpayers from a lengthy expensive trial by pleading guilty, there's still a growing amount of debt from attorney fees to psychological testing that has been billed up to this point.

Someone is responsible for paying - taxpayers.

Bishop Anderson would have gone to trial later in September. Instead, she pleaded guilty Tuesday to a shooting spree that left three people dead and three others injured.

Had her case played out in court, with a lengthy jury selection, extra security, and expert witnesses, the cost would have skyrocketed.

"I think it's a waste of time, waste of money, impractical… Why keep someone alive that has no purpose on this earth, really, you know?" said Sean Clark, a taxpayer.

"Well, I think a trial is needed in most cases and taxpayers' money, apparently, must pay for it, but when someone admits their guilt, I don't see a lot of benefit going through a lengthy expensive trial," said taxpayer Hulen Chambers.

While Bishop Anderson might have saved taxpayers money on a drawn out trial, her case up to this point is costly.

Her defense team has to be paid. Those court appointed mental evaluations come with a price. There are added expenses from court filings and briefs to paying travel expenses for doctors and psychologists.

Legal expert Mark McDaniel said taxpayers will pay Bishop Anderson's legal expenses through her sentencing.

While it will be costly, it's nothing compared to the bill that would have come in had she fought her case in open court.

McDaniel said the trials are paid from money the courts take in from court costs, lawsuits that are filed, speeding tickets, and fines.

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