So let me get this straight his own attorney admits poor legal defense and gets his client a new trial during which he is convicted of a lesser offense. I am sure Mr. Dippery got paid both times. How convenient is that? Our system is flawed.

There's a new defense strategy!

"Just sit tight while I screw up the trial. I'll then prove that I'm incompetent and we'll go for a lesser charge the next go round. Works like a charm." "Don't worry about me, I'm used to people thinking us lawyers are thieving weasels. The check I get for all this will just have to do to comfort me."

fry both of em'.

While I understand an outsiders point of view I must argue that the only thing wrong with our legal system today is the fact that its getting too lazy to look at situations case by case. Had that been done by McEachen in the first place then all of this would have been taken care of a long time ago and Zach would be back home where he belongs. Instead Zach has sat 5 1/2 undeserved years in prison and rather that getting upset about it like he has the right to do he has been having a HUGE positive impact on the lives of fellow prisoners as well as myself. Having known Zach for more than a decade I can testify that there is not and never has been a bad bone in that mans body. He is polite, helpful, generous, loving, and one of the greatest young men I've ever known. Call it a matter of opinion, call it what you will I say this because I know the truth while all of you have been tainted by dramatized news articles and Mr. Ledford's misconduct. Let me tell you just a few ways in which Zach has made the most of his time the past two years. I think there is light that needs to be shown for his time well spent. Rather than sitting around letting depression set in, Zach started off getting a group of guys together to play handball, he then found a new talent as a barber and started cutting their hair for free (I didn't know that jailers let "murderers" use cutting tools). From there Zach started a workout group, getting guys out of their pods to get back in shape. One guy lost 15-20 pounds, I'm sure giving his self-esteem a long awaited boost. Most importantly Zach faithfully wrote me as I went through one of the most difficult times of my life this past year and despite his situation he ALWAYS stayed so positive and encouraging to me. His most recent letter to me stated this about his time in prison, "I think it's great that I can make a positive impact on peoples lives even in a place like this" Zach has never been and never could be a threat of any kind to the community. He would only be a tremendous benefit. It's quite obvious that most know he is most certainly not a murderer, from the public eyes to the jail guards. He was given a new trial, his bail lowered by 75%, he was even put in a pod with lowered security (full of parole violators, not murderers,) and now he's given manslaughter. It was unfortunate the outcome of Bernies life, God rest his soul, but after hearing the facts while sitting through his trial and knowing the family first hand, I can guarentee that Zach shot only in self defense. That is a burden Zach must live with the rest of his life. He shouldn't have to pay an undeserved price of any more time in prison. So until you know even an ounce of what you're talking about please keep it to yourself. FREE FARRELL
God Bless You, L.O.S.

Zach, I knew that the world would get to hear the truth! You are a fanstatic human being. You are a kind, and great man. I know that you as a young boy had to carry great sorrow on your young, strong shoulders! You stood up when you had no other choice! You did your family, community, and world a great service. I know that you are not happy or proud, but thank you and God bless you! The world is a better place because of your courage! The community is jumping for joy. I look forward to the day that you can walk our streets again. You deserve to walk free!

You have a thing for guys with shaved heads and goatees don't you? You're making this idiot sound like a saint when he killed someone.

So what you're saying is that if I shot a gun at you intending to kill you that you would just stand there and not defend yourself? We have a constitutional right to bear arms and Zach was doing NO MORE than defending himself. Zach is a saint. God Bless Him. As for you...Well I'll be praying for you... cause the way the world is today someone may someday shoot at you and I hope you have the common sense to save your own life.

No, I do not have a thing for "guys with shaved heads and goatees" and, this young man is not an idiot or saint. He killed someone in "self defence". So go ahead and send your comments at me. You oviously know nothing about this situation. I only know about a young boy who had no "childhood". I also only know about a young man who would ONLY act in "self defense".

It is awesome to see people who actually know Zach speak up for him. I have known him since he was just a little baby, and I know that entire family. He is a great young man, in fact he used to babysit my children. I also knew his dad, and it was just a matter of time before something like this happened. The system failed Zach and his sisters numerous times, and he has had to spend far too long in jail for the outcome of this tragedy. I hope the judge see's that and sets him free due to time already served. I look forward to seeing Zach able to move on with his life.
For those of you condemning Zach, unless you actually know the facts in the case, you really do not have a clue what you are talking about. The Wretched Searchlight has done nothing but drag Zach through the mud ever since this incident happened, yet never mentioned what a scumbag Bernie was. I am also glad Ledford is no longer employed by our county. He will have to face his maker someday and I would love to be there for that. I am so happy the Court of Appeals noticed the things he did in the previous trial and acted on it.

The truth will set Zach free. As for this person this polaris character who has no idea what he is talking about..well he must live the rest of his life in the bondage of his own naive self. Like I said before until you know the facts or even an ounce of what you're talking about keep the comments to yourself. God Bless Shimmeringshoes, I'll send your message on to Zach. ~L.O.S.

Wow, a defense attorney hustled the system, what a surprise. Hope that little tidbit is not lost on all of you. Defense attorneys (98%) are slimeballs, conspiracy theorists, and cashmongers. As for Farrell, wow again. Sefl defense has turned into - if you think someone is a bad guy, you don't have to avoid the bad guy, call the cops (however many times are necessary), OR BE REASONABLE, you can just KILL the SOB and all will be forgiven by the ignorant of SC, or your friends and family who you of course never SHOT DEAD. Hopefully none of you are ever considered "bad" or even worse accused of something you didn't do, cause someone might shoot you AND get away with it.

Actually, the report is a little misleading. The defense attorney made his share of mistakes, but the real culprit was the Shasta County District Attorney covering up a bunch of evidence and misleading the previous jury. Of course that attorney just happened to retire not very long ago...coincidence? I think not...

in response to Hornetfan; shimmeringshoes & last1standing...

I also have known Zach since he was small, I saw him as a sweet, shy boy.. I also knew Bernie & his problems, problems that greatly impacted the family and it's very unfortunate that Zach was the one who had to put an end to it all. It could have easily been someone else in the community that ended it. I just hope Zach can continue to be the kind of man he has become, put all this behind him. Linda & the girls are lucky to have him on their side. God Bless you all....

Thank you Barbie, and I think he will be able to do just that. He is a very kind young man with an awesome family behind him.

Well, Zach got away with killing my uncle. All we (Bernie's family) can hope for now is that Zach gets the 20 years. It is a sad day when our judicial system lets someone go after shooting them in the back. By the way it was the defense attorney who withheld evidence at the first trial not the DA. Oh, and the evidence he withheld didn't even get brought into play this go around. Isn't that funny. I want to thank the new DA for doing his best, after only getting the case right before the trial. My first thought in reading this article was how was my grandmother, mother, and aunt going to take the news. Well, my mom is very devastated after I spoke with her. Her brother is dead and the person who killed him will get to live his life. Killing someone because you are angry is not the way to go about things and letting Zach off will make it sound ok. I pray my grandmother will be ok for I know this has been the hardest thing besides losing my grandfather she has ever faced. May my uncle rest in peace knowing that there are a few who love and miss him dearly. I love and miss you Uncle Bernie. By the way for those that will say how can I love someone I rarely saw being in NC. I saw him more times than you think and he was a big part of my life when I was in CA. Aunt Cindy, when you read this tell Grandma I love her and am praying for her.

holden150 I am sorry for you,your mom, and grandmother's loss. I am also sorry for Zach. He has "lost" also. He lost his childhood to the hands of a very abusive man. He lost his young adult life and he lost his father. Again God bless you Zach and all of your family.