RESULTS: Not Guilty Verdict in Taylor County Murder Trial
Blizzard and Zimmerman Attorneys successfully secured a Not Guilty verdict in a Taylor County first-degree murder jury trial after a seven-day trial. The defense team was led by Jacob Blizzard, a Texas Board of Legal Specialization board-certified criminal law and criminal appeals attorney, along with Senior Paralegal Madison Zajdel.
After hearing the evidence, the Taylor County jury deliberated for less than two hours before returning a unanimous Not Guilty verdict, clearing the client, Matthew Haynes, of all charges.
“We take self-defense in Texas seriously, as we should here”, said attorney Blizzard. “Here, Mr. Haynes clearly acted in self-defense. He was defending his home and his self from attack. We’re proud to have been involved in showing Mr. Haynes clearly acted in self-defense. He was defending his home and his self from attack. We’re proud to have been involved in showing Mr. Haynes acted within his rights and happy the jury gave a just result.”
The Allegations
The State alleged that the Haynes intentionally shot and killed the alleged victim, Mackenzie Christopher Chastang, inside the client’s apartment without provocation.
Prosecutors attempted to convince the jury that the shooting occurred without any altercation and that the client acted unlawfully.
However, the defense presented evidence showing that Haynes acted in lawful self-defense after being attacked in his own home.
The case required extensive investigation, forensic analysis, and careful trial preparation to demonstrate what truly occurred during the incident.
The Defense Investigation
The defense team began working the case early, conducting an independent investigation to uncover the full facts surrounding the shooting.
This investigation included:
- Multiple visits to the scene with a private investigator
- Independent evidence collection and case analysis
- Detailed review of witness statements and communications
- Preparation of forensic expert testimony
The defense retained experts in:
- Ballistics
- Trajectory analysis
- Blood spatter interpretation
Expert analysis demonstrated that the shooting occurred within approximately 1 to 3 feet of the client, directly contradicting the State’s claim that the shooting happened from approximately ten feet away without any confrontation.
This forensic evidence supported the defense position that the client was under immediate physical threat.
Evidence of the Attack
At trial, the defense presented substantial evidence showing the alleged victim had threatened the client and had a history of violence.
Key evidence included:
- Text messages showing threats to kill the client
- Evidence of prior aggressive and violent behavior
- Documentation of the alleged victim’s significant criminal history
The defense demonstrated that the client was attacked in his own home and fired his weapon only to prevent:
- A severe physical assault
- The alleged victim from attempting to grab the client’s firearm
Under Texas law, individuals have the right to defend themselves when faced with an immediate threat of serious harm.
The Result – Jury Returns Not Guilty Verdict
After hearing the full evidence and expert testimony, the Taylor County jury deliberated for less than two hours before returning a Not Guilty verdict.
The verdict confirmed that the client’s actions were justified and that the prosecution had failed to prove the murder charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
Experienced Murder Defense in Abilene, Texas
Cases involving murder charges require experienced legal representation, detailed investigation, and a strong courtroom strategy.
Jacob Blizzard is Board Certified in Criminal Law and Criminal Appeals by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction earned by a small percentage of Texas attorneys. He regularly defends individuals facing serious felony charges, including murder, aggravated assault, and other violent crimes in Abilene and throughout West Texas.
Contact a Board Certified Abilene Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you or a loved one is facing serious criminal charges, early legal representation is critical.
Blizzard & Zimmerman Attorneys provide aggressive and strategic criminal defense for clients throughout Abilene, Taylor County, and the surrounding West Texas region.
Contact us today to schedule a free case review.
Related News Stories-
KTXS: Abilene man found not guilty of murder
Yahoo News: Abilene man found not guilty of murder in alleged love triangle shooting
Other case results-
Jury Trial – Dammien Cate Found Not Guilty of Murder
Jury Trial For Murder Accusation – Client Found Guilty of Lesser Charge
Injury to a Child Case No Billed by Grand Jury
Juvenile Criminal Case Dismissed
Related Link-
State Bar of Texas Criminal Justice Section – The Texas Criminal Justice Process – A Citizen’s Guide 2005 (pdf)
About The Attorney
Jacob Blizzard is a Texas board-certified expert in criminal law and criminal appeals, dedicated to providing exceptional defense services. He is also nationally certified in criminal trial law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. His expertise and tactical negotiation skills are instrumental in achieving positive results for his clients, highlighting his commitment to protecting client rights and minimizing the impact of criminal charges on their lives.
Among over 111,000 licensed attorneys in Texas, Mr. Blizzard is one of less than 90 attorneys to hold dual board certifications in both criminal law and criminal appellate law. He’s among only 32 in Texas with NBTA certification in criminal trial law. His expertise and dedication make him a leading figure in his area of practice.
Disclaimer
Attorney Jacob Blizzard works tirelessly to achieve the greatest possible results for each of our clients and their families. This is one of his successful results, settlements, and verdicts. Every case and client is unique and depends upon the individual facts and circumstances of each case. Clients may or may not obtain the same or similar results in each case.
