Trojanbear 11:11

Just had a conversation with Senator John Cornyn at the airport. I was very gracious & asked him to pass the SAVE America Act.

I have not yet read the full trial transcript. But so far, I do know this. Karmelo Anthony was entitled to a jury of his peers. He did not get that. On that ground alone, he is entitled to a new trial. Minorities are not interchangeable. The prosecutor’s reported proffered reasons for striking all black jurors —that they were teachers—appears to be pretext. Anthony needs a new lawyer on appeal and in a new trial. His trial lawyer allowed in opinion evidence that should have been struck. He also seemed unable to appreciate and counter the impact of racial overtones in that case. Those overtones are clear even on Twitter commentary as folks seek to paint Metcalf as having no culpability in what happened and Karmelo as a complete monster. The facts on how the matter escalated are more complicated than that. He and they had no such authority. They are also apparent in the statements that seek to deputize Metcalf and other kids with authority to remove Anthony. They had none and initiated the conflict. That does not mean they should have been killed but it means they have explaining to do. The lawyer for Anthony apparently did not require that explaining. It is fair to ask how the Anthony’s ended up selecting that lawyer. The trial judge must be disqualified in any new trial if he actually gave an interview about the case before the appeal was considered. He has negatively affected the appeal rights of the defendant. He should know better. He should also be disqualified if he has any relationship with the Metcalf side. In a criminal trial, the prosecution has the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. The defendant does not have to prove he is not guilty. Those rules apply to everyone. They apply to Anthony.