prosecutors

Tory Lanez Retrial Request “Lacks Substance,” Prosecutors Say

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The case of Tory Lanez and his shooting of Megan Thee Stallion isn’t over yet, but prosecutors seem determined to uphold the original verdict. Moreover, they expressed that the rapper’s motion for a new trial “lacks substance” according to court law. Los Angeles County prosecutors gave a Response to the Defendant’s Motion for a New Trial, and that motion surfaced on Thursday (April 6). In it, attorneys Kathy Ta and Alexander Bott point to a number of reasons as to why Tory’s request is unfounded. With this development, the court’s response to each side will prove crucial to his accountability

First, prosecutors pointed to the main reason why a defendant may request a new trial: if they can “demonstrate a reversible error or other defect.” Furthermore, the defense team argued for a retrial based on evidence that they didn’t fight back against in court. As such, the prosecution did not identify any significant “error” or “defect” that calls for a retrial. They maintained the defense had the chance to comment on said evidence. Another point they brought up was Lanez’s access to counsel under the Sixth Amendment, which the defense team denied.

Prosecution Blasts Tory Lanez’s Retrial Request

Also, no evidence (including DNA) was determined to be improper in the trial. Not only that, but said evidence wasn’t objected to at trial, making it “proper” in the legal sense. Said conclusions mean that the defense can’t retroactively dismiss the evidence or a faulty proceeding under rule of law. In addition, prosecutors disputed Tory Lanez’s claims that he couldn’t testify and that they violated his rights of due process.

“Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge David J. Herriford is scheduled to consider Lanez’s new trial request Monday (April 10) at 10:30 a.m.,” Law & Crime reporter Meghan Cuniff tweeted. “Lanez was to be sentenced that day if Herriford rejects the motion. But the sentencing is now expected to be delayed to late April or early May.” Tory Lanez faces up to 22 years in prison and deportation to Canada ahead of sentencing. For the latest updates on the Tory Lanez case, stick around on HNHH.

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Prosecutor Labels XXXTentacion’s Alleged Killers “Predators”

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Florida prosecutor Pascale Achille called the alleged killers of XXXTentacion “predators” during closing arguments to the jury on Tuesday. In doing so, she played cellphone videos that showed the defendants smiling and dancing just hours after the murder as they flashed $100 bills for the camera. The three men are co-defendants Michael Boatwright, Dedrick Williams, and Trayvon Newsome. They are all charged with first-degree murder and face mandatory life sentences if convicted.

“This is who they are. This is their real character. Killers that within 24 hours after shooting the victim dead and stealing $50,000 from him, this is what they do,” Achille told the jury as she played the video. “Look at how happy they look. Look at how excited they look.”

XXXTentacion Tribute In L.A.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 15: A view of a tribute to slain rapper XXXtentacion during day 2 of Rolling Loud Festival at Banc of California Stadium on December 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)

In the trial, Boatwright, 28, is accused of being the shooter, while Newsome, 24, is accused of being a separate gunman. Williams, 26, is accused of being the driver for the crime. A fourth suspect, Robert Allen, 26, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, last year, and testified against the three men.

One of the strategies defense attorneys tried to use was to pin the killing on Drake. Attorney Mauricio Padilla cited an Instagram post from XXXTentacion in which he claimed, “If anyone tries to kill me it was @champagnepapi [Drake]. I’m snitching RN.” X later quickly deleted the post and retracted the statement, claiming his account had been hacked. “Before X died, he said, ‘If anybody kills me, it’s Drake.’ Do you think sitting here years later, any detective has ever asked Drake or anybody like that? No,” Padilla argued, according to Complex. “This is one of the biggest celebrities in the world. Excluding an order from this court, we all know that I will never be able to take his deposition.” Attorneys eventually got a deposition scheduled for Drake on February 24, but the Toronto rapper ended up being able to get out of it.

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R. Kelly Prosecutors Want 25 Years Of Additional Prison Time

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Prosecutors in the R. Kelly trial in Chicago requested the judge to sentence him to another 25 years in prison. Moreover, federal prosecutors seek more time for convictions of child pornography and enticement last year, which could add to his New York sentence. Furthermore, the court already sentenced him to 30 years in jail. Also, another government request suggested he serve his new sentence only after he completes the 30 years. On Thursday (February 16), prosecutors told the U.S. District Court in Chicago through their motion that Kelly is “sadistic,” “a serial sexual predator,” and “poses a serious danger to society.”

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JUNE 26: R&B singer R. Kelly covers his mouth as he speaks to members of his entourage as he arrives at the Leighton Criminal Courts Building for a hearing on June 26, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. Kelly is facing several counts of aggravated sexual abuse. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

“The only way to ensure Kelly does not reoffend is to impose a sentence that will keep him in prison for the rest of his life,” the 37-page government filing maintained. The singer’s sentencing for his Chicago trial is due next week. However, his lawyer Jennifer Bonjean pushed back against these new requests in a filing last week out of concern for his life. “Kelly would have to defy all statistical odds to make it out of prison alive,” she said. Furthermore, she recommended a sentence of 10 years that he could serve in tandem with his New York sentence.

Previosly, Bonjean claimed that Kelly faced unjust scrutiny and treatment in comparison to similarly charged white musicians. “None have been prosecuted and none will die in prison,” she expressed. Despite these arguments, the prosecution pushed for a long sentence that adds to his existing time, not one that stands within it. Still, they acknowledged but justified that a 25-year sentence goes beyond recommended sentencing guidelines.

“A consecutive sentence is eminently reasonable given the egregiousness of Kelly’s conduct,” their filing stated. “Kelly’s sexual abuse of minors was intentional and prolific.” Meanwhile, this decision rests on Chicago Judge Harry Leinenweber. While the artist’s legal team sought to appeal both cases, they also described him as a damaged, abused, and trauma-struck individual. Regardless, his actions caused his financial collapse and in one of the most high-profile cases of celebrity accountability. Log back into HNHH for the latest court updates and more news on R. Kelly.

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