A final decision about the legality of Brian T. Shaw’s oral confession made to Syracuse Police the night of his arrest was not announced as planned Wednesday.

Judge Joseph E. Fahey, who has presided over the case, said the decision would be finalized and mailed to Tom Ryan, Shaw’s defense attorney and Pat Quinn, the Chief Assistant District Attorney for Onondaga County who is prosecuting the case, by the end of the day.

The decision was scheduled for Wednesday after Shaw’s pretrial hearing ended on Oct. 9. If Fahey finds the oral confession illegal based on the testimonies of Shaw and Syracuse Police officers involved in his interrogation, it will not be allowed to be used as evidence during the Shaw’s trial. The trial is scheduled to begin on Jan. 30.

Brian T. Shaw case recap

Who is Brian Shaw?

A former senior enrolled in Syracuse University through University College. He was a member of the SU cheerleading team and a brother in the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

When was he arrested?

March 2005

Why was he arrested?

He was arrested in connection with the death of Chiarra Seals.

Who was Chiarra Seals?

She was the mother of Shaw’s 4-year-old daughter. She was found dead in a suitcase at 112 Avondale Place. She also had a son who was 18 months old at the time of Seals’ death.

How did Seals die?

Her autopsy revealed the cause of death to be strangulation by a rope or cord.

What is Shaw charged with?

He is charged with murder in the second degree and endangerment of a child.

How did he plea?

He pleaded not guilty to both charges.

What is the defense’s position?

The defense will push for a reduction of the charges to manslaughter.

What’s going on now?

The pretrial hearings for the case ended Oct. 9. Judge Joseph E. Fahey said he would mail his decision about the legality of Shaw’s oral confession to the affected parties by the end of the day Wednesday. The trial will begin Jan. 30.

Published on November 16, 2005 at 12:00 pm