Jesse Matthew Status Conference/Motions
Matthew entered a plea to both murders today in exchange for life sentences; death is off the table. Matthew was charged separately in two capital murder cases of Virginia students. He was supposed to be tried first for the 2014 murder of UVa student Heather Graham followed by an October trial for the 2009 murder of Va Tech student Morgan Harrington.
Argument in MD’s High Court–Baltimore Cops Cases
Argument is scheduled for today in Maryland's highest court--the Court of Appeals--regarding the compelled testimony of Officer Porter in the trials of the other five officers also charged in Freddie Gray's death.
Garrett Miller Trial/Baltimore Cop
Miller's trial is on hold pending the outcome of the March 3 argument in the MD Court of Appeals regarding the compelled testimony of Officer Porter in Miller's trial and that of the other four officers charged in Freddie Gray's death.
NY v. Pedro Hernandez
Pedro Hernandez is charged with the 1979 murder of 6-year-old Etan Patz. He was not arrested until 2012. A jury deadlocked 11-1 for conviction at his first trial in 2015. Today is a control date; jury selection was scheduled for a week from today. After today's hearing, the trial was postponed. The next date is May 23--a control date. The trial is expected to begin in September.
Bill Cosby Preliminary Hearing–Stayed
Cosby's preliminary hearing in Norristown, PA was originally scheduled for this day. On March 1, an appellate court temporarily stayed the hearing pending an appeal. Cosby is facing charges related to the alleged sexual assault of Andrea Constand in 2004.
Decision in MD Court of Appeals
Maryland's highest court issued a decision today ordering that Officer William Porter testify against all five of the other Baltimore officers charged in Freddie Gray's death.
Brian Rice/Baltimore Cop Trial to Begin
Rice's trial is on hold pending the outcome of the March 3 argument in the MD Court of Appeals regarding the compelled testimony of Officer Porter in Rice's trial and that of the other four officers charged in Freddie Gray's death.
Camille Cosby Deposition Stayed for Now
Bill Cosby's wife was scheduled to continue her deposition begun on Feb. 22 in a Springfield, MA hotel. Bill Cosby is being sued for defamation by seven women who claim he drugged and sexually assaulted them. On Feb. 22, the plaintiffs' attorney said she was reserved, did not shed a tear, and relied on privilege a number of times. He is exploring the nature of the marital relationship. After her Feb. 22 deposition, Bill Cosby's attorneys filed a motion to stay the entire defamation case (including Camille's deposition) until the Pennsylvania criminal matter is resolved.