The case of Freddie Gray personally hit me very hard. I was born and grew up in Baltimore. As a former Baltimore City prosecutor, I prosecuted major crimes there for 5 years. I know the area known as Western District where Freddie Gray was arrested. I also know that over the years and for decades, Baltimore Police have engaged in police brutality and excessive force resulting in settlements and judgments. A. Dwight Pettit, a Baltimore attorney, has successfully represented many victims of police brutality for as long as I can remember, in the pre-social media days and even today. Now with video and social media, what was once hidden for many years is now coming to light in Baltimore. There must be an independent investigation by the Maryland State Prosecutor, the Maryland Attorney General’s Office or the Maryland State Police. The Department of Justice (“DOJ”) has initiated an independent investigation to determine if Gray’s civil rights were violated. Baltimore … [Read more...] about Why I Don’t Trust Baltimore Prosecutors with Freddie Gray Case
Archives for April 2015
Final Score: Guilty Verdict for Aaron Hernandez
The trial of Aaron Hernandez, former New England Patriots player has reached the final score. After seven days of jury deliberations, former NFL New England Patriots Aaron Hernandez was convicted on Wednesday of first degree murder and gun charges. The verdict could mean a sentence of life without parole. And although appeals may be down the road, it brings an end to one legal battle for Hernandez. He still faces a second murder trial involving the murder of two people in 2012, set to start later this year. After over 40 days, 400 plus exhibits and 135 witnesses, the jury delivered its verdict of guilty on all charges in the circumstantial murder case. The murder case against Hernandez was an entirely circumstantial one. There was no gun found and no eyewitnesses. The prosecution alleged that Hernandez, once worth $40 million for playing with the New England Patriots, drove the victim, Lloyd, to an area and shot him six times. Prosecutors contended that evidence left at … [Read more...] about Final Score: Guilty Verdict for Aaron Hernandez
Why the 2nd Officer in the Walter Scott Case Must Be Charged
Officer Clarence Harbersham is the black officer hovering over Walter Scott’s body in the viral video taken by Feidin Santana. In the video, it clearly shows that Officer Habersham never administered CPR or aid to Walter Scott, despite his report statements. Habersham’s police reports and subsequent statements also never mentioned that now former officer Michael Slager dropped what appears to be the Taser gun next to the body of Walter Scott. It’s probably fair to state the reasons for his omission about the Taser or black object being dropped is obvious—to support the cover up of his fellow officer Slager. Some African Americans in North Charleston, South Carolina refer to the action as “Code Blue”, a code of conduct to protect police bad conduct. Habersham’s statement of giving aid to Mr. Scott which turned out to be false is grounds for charges on obstruction of justice, filing a false report and other similar charges. The question remains as to why Officer Habersham has not … [Read more...] about Why the 2nd Officer in the Walter Scott Case Must Be Charged
Why the Boston Bomber May Avoid the Death Penalty
With the first phase of the trial over for Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, convicting him on all counts, one would think the second death penalty phase is a no brainer. Multiple reasons suggest that Tsarnaev may likely receive life without the possibility of parole. Unlike the first phase, jurors will now get to hear evidence that will show the aggravating factors which warrant the death penalty. His case is likely the most heinous crime committed in Massachusetts with four persons killed by a bomb, used as a weapon of mass destruction, including an eight year old and injuring 264 others with life permanent injuries both physical and emotional. Family members of the four deceased victims, including one police officer and many of the other many victims whose lives have been forever altered will likely testify on behalf of the prosecution. The prosecution will also likely portray his callousness in going to a Whole Foods store and the gym following the bombing. In his defense for life … [Read more...] about Why the Boston Bomber May Avoid the Death Penalty
Aaron Hernandez Trial: Awaiting Final Score
The trial of Aaron Hernandez, former New England Patriots player has reached the time for the final score. The jury is deliberating for four days. The twelve jurors who are deciding his fate have requested the 400 plus exhibits and asked 6 questions since their deliberations began. Hernandez is on trial for the 2013 murder of Odin Lloyd, a friend or acquaintance and weapons charges. After over 40 days, 400 plus exhibits and 135 witnesses, the mostly circumstantial murder case is finally in the hands of the jury to deliver a verdict. The murder case against Hernandez is an entirely circumstantial one. The prosecution alleges that Hernandez, once worth $40 million for playing with the Patriots, drove the victim, Lloyd, to a an area and shot him six times. Prosecutors contend that evidence left at the scene such as Hernandez’s DNA left on a marijuana butt and .45 caliber shell casings found at the crime scene support their theory. The casings found at the scene and found in … [Read more...] about Aaron Hernandez Trial: Awaiting Final Score
Walter Scott is the Latest Casualty in the Police War on Blacks
A war is raging against blacks in America by persons dressed in police uniforms who have taken an oath to protect and serve the community. And Walter Scott in North Charleston, South Carolina is the latest casualty in the war. Walter Scott was stopped for a minor routine traffic stop for a broken tail light on Saturday morning on April 4. It ended with him being shot in the back eight times by North Charleston police officer Michael Slager, all caught on a bystander’s video tape. The video shows the callous manner in which the officer disregarded the life of Scott. It shows an officer running after Scott with Scott’s back to the officer and then the officer pulling a gun and firing eight times. It doesn’t stop there. The officer then goes over to handcuff Scott, as if he were still alive. And then he discards the Taser gun in an attempt to perhaps support a false report of Scott taking the Taser from the officer. The complete graphic video can be found here. We … [Read more...] about Walter Scott is the Latest Casualty in the Police War on Blacks