“The law is clear that it is improper for jurors to use outside information in reaching a verdict. Further, reversal is necessary when juror misconduct might have influenced the verdict.”
The capital murder conviction of a former UAB football player in the killing of a Birmingham nursing students has been vacated, and a new trial ordered amid allegations of juror misconduct.2020 shooting death of 20-year-old Destiny Washington.The attorneys handling Stephens’ appeal late last month filed a motion seeking a new trial, claiming jurors did independent research during the deliberation process.
“It is clear from the testimony that the extraneous material that was used by the jurors regarding the definitions of capital murder, manslaughter and heat of passion are of such a nature as to constitute prejudice as a matter of law and it really goes to the heart of this case,’’ Davis wrote. “The Court is convicted that justice and fairness in a case of this magnitude warrants a new trial.”
They told jurors Stephens was angry that Washington’s boyfriend was 30 minutes late arriving to their meeting and angry at what followed – which included Keyuntae Moultrie trying to sell Stephens a pair of fake AirPods, raising the previously agreed-upon price and then accusing Stephens of paying with counterfeit money.
According to Anthony’s affidavit, the jury began deliberations in the late afternoon on Friday, April 8, after four days of testimony. The judge’s ruling stated that Juror 551 testified that he was told by the judge daily not to research or Google anything, not to go on social, or to the scene of the crime, but he testified that he misinterpreted what the judge’s instruction meant.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'I'm Terrified I Might Be Here Forever': Brittney Griner Pleads for Help in Letter to Biden From Russian PrisonImprisoned basketball player Brittney Griner has appealed to Joe Biden in a heartfelt letter, asking the president to help bring her home.
Read more »
Parkland jurors must manage trial stress on their ownThe 12 jurors chosen this past week to decide whether Florida school shooter Nikolas Cruz is executed will be exposed to horrific images and emotional testimony, but must deal with any mental anguish alone.
Read more »
2 key U.K. senior ministers quit Boris Johnson's governmentThe two ministers resigned after a day in which the prime minister acknowledged he had changed his story on how he handled sexual misconduct allegations against a government official.
Read more »
Brittney Griner Makes Direct Plea to Biden for Her FreedomWomen’s basketball star Brittney Griner made a direct plea to President Biden to work to free her and other Americans detained abroad, in a handwritten letter delivered to the White House
Read more »