Talked to somebody inside the Dalvin Cook camp about his case and the upcoming trial. Keep in mind that this information comes from the defense’s side. If you’ve heard some of this before I apologize. Just passing along what I was told.
· As most are aware, Judge Aikens granted the defense’s motion for sanctions. I’ve been told this is pretty rare in criminal cases. Some of what is being excluded include screen shots of a “fake” Dalvin Cook Twitter account, some juvenile records among other things.
Fake account -
· The defense feels the attempt to introduce the fake Twitter account was to force Dalvin Cook to testify since he is the only one that could refute the account’s authenticity. As you may know, the defendant has the right not to testify and this would be effectively been taken away from him had the bogus Twitter account come in.
· The defense strongly feels that sending police investigators to Dalvin Cook’s apartment last week was an improper move by the State. Some of the reports make it sound like Cook lives with Da’Vante Phillips, but his roommate is Ermon Lane, who was not out during the night in question. So there was no reason for investigators to go to Cook’s apartment especially since he is represented by counsel.
· Reportedly, the State amended its discovery several times attempting to bring in “new” witnesses or evidence such as the fake Twitter account. This is pretty unusual and is probably one of the reasons the Judge granted sanctions. The assistant state attorney that will handle the case for the State was reportedly on vacation for nearly two weeks. This was apparently used as an excuse as to why the State was frequently amending its discovery.
· We were told on Saturday that the defense has a “very credible” witness that saw the entire scene from beginning to end that will refute the State’s case. The witness that reportedly backs up the State’s position has apparently been recanting on the original story.
· The defense reportedly isn’t too concerned whether or not Da’Vante Phillips is allowed to testify or not (Judge to decide that Monday). Doesn’t sound like he will have much to add one way or another.
Again, this comes from one side but it sounds very much like the defense has a strong case and it will be extremely difficult for the state to get a guilty verdict.
Warchant.com will have live updates from the Courthouse starting Monday morning. On Monday morning at 7 a.m., Warchant Radio will have a full rundown of what is to be expected at the trial including an interview with noted Tallahassee defense attorney Chuck Hobbs. Warchant.com will have more details on what to expect at the trial on Sunday.
· As most are aware, Judge Aikens granted the defense’s motion for sanctions. I’ve been told this is pretty rare in criminal cases. Some of what is being excluded include screen shots of a “fake” Dalvin Cook Twitter account, some juvenile records among other things.
Fake account -
· The defense feels the attempt to introduce the fake Twitter account was to force Dalvin Cook to testify since he is the only one that could refute the account’s authenticity. As you may know, the defendant has the right not to testify and this would be effectively been taken away from him had the bogus Twitter account come in.
· The defense strongly feels that sending police investigators to Dalvin Cook’s apartment last week was an improper move by the State. Some of the reports make it sound like Cook lives with Da’Vante Phillips, but his roommate is Ermon Lane, who was not out during the night in question. So there was no reason for investigators to go to Cook’s apartment especially since he is represented by counsel.
· Reportedly, the State amended its discovery several times attempting to bring in “new” witnesses or evidence such as the fake Twitter account. This is pretty unusual and is probably one of the reasons the Judge granted sanctions. The assistant state attorney that will handle the case for the State was reportedly on vacation for nearly two weeks. This was apparently used as an excuse as to why the State was frequently amending its discovery.
· We were told on Saturday that the defense has a “very credible” witness that saw the entire scene from beginning to end that will refute the State’s case. The witness that reportedly backs up the State’s position has apparently been recanting on the original story.
· The defense reportedly isn’t too concerned whether or not Da’Vante Phillips is allowed to testify or not (Judge to decide that Monday). Doesn’t sound like he will have much to add one way or another.
Again, this comes from one side but it sounds very much like the defense has a strong case and it will be extremely difficult for the state to get a guilty verdict.
Warchant.com will have live updates from the Courthouse starting Monday morning. On Monday morning at 7 a.m., Warchant Radio will have a full rundown of what is to be expected at the trial including an interview with noted Tallahassee defense attorney Chuck Hobbs. Warchant.com will have more details on what to expect at the trial on Sunday.
