1. Attorney allegedly threatened during murder trial delay
2. Murder trial postponed due to alleged attorney threat.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
In a surprising turn of events, Kyree Washington, a 22-year-old resident of Chester, will not be facing trial alongside his co-defendant, Jabree Robertson, for the fatal shooting of Randy Maultsby in February 2020. The trial was set to commence next week, but was delayed after Washington allegedly made threats towards his defense attorney, Scott Galloway.
Galloway, in a motion filed on Thursday, expressed concerns about his safety after Washington threatened to assault him during a visit at the county jail. As a result, Galloway requested to withdraw as counsel for Washington, stating, “I do not feel like I can effectively represent Mr. Washington.” The motion was granted by Common Pleas Court Judge George Pagano.
Deputy District Attorney Matthew Krouse contested the decision, suggesting that Washington could be restrained to prevent any harm. However, Judge Pagano stood by his ruling and announced that a new attorney would be appointed for Washington by Monday.
Allegations of Ineffective Representation
Following the incident, Washington claimed that Galloway had failed to file several motions on his behalf and was not adequately representing him. These accusations further complicated the legal proceedings surrounding the case.
Despite Washington’s absence, the trial for his co-defendant, Jabree Robertson, is expected to proceed as scheduled. Meanwhile, Darin Shelton, the third defendant in the case, who previously pleaded guilty to charges of third-degree murder and conspiracy, is now set for trial in September after seeking to withdraw his pleas.
Background of the Case
The shooting incident, which took place on February 22, 2020, in Chester, resulted in the death of Randy Maultsby, who sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the chest. Two other individuals, including an 18-year-old and a juvenile, were also injured in the incident.
Following a thorough investigation by Chester police and the Delaware County Criminal Investigation Division, Shelton, Washington, and Robertson were identified as suspects in the case. The legal proceedings have since been marred by delays and complications, with new developments emerging at every turn.
Upcoming Legal Proceedings
As Washington awaits the appointment of a new attorney, he also faces unrelated charges of aggravated assault, conspiracy, and possessing an instrument of crime for an alleged incident inside the jail in October. A preliminary hearing for these charges is scheduled for June 11 before Magisterial District Judge Wendy B. Roberts.
Galloway, the defense attorney, expressed his belief that county detectives would be looking into the threats made against him, adding another layer of complexity to an already convoluted legal saga.
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murder trial delayed attorney allegedly threatened.
