Thursday, December 7, 2023

Courthouse Brawl!

Highlights: 

  - Synopsis of case 

- Today's Trial 

- Courthouse brawl

 All hell broke loose in the Hinds County Courthouse this morning as the families of the missing Latasha Crump Coleman and her husband Derrick Coleman brawled after a hearing. When it was all said and done, Derrick Coleman and five family members went to jail.

Synopsis of Case

Latasha Coleman filed domestic and malicious mischief charges against her husband on July 17, 2022.  A Jackson municipal court issued a no-contact order against him the next day.  Derrick went to her home on July 21 and kicked in the door, violating the no-contact order.  Latasha filed more charges against her husband on July 22.  

Jackson Municipal Court Judge Jeffrey Reynolds ruled on July 25,2022 that Derrick was guilty of violating a no-contact order "related to several domestic violence charges" filed by Latasha.  The Court said Derrick was an "extreme danger to the victim" and set his cost bond at $2,500 and appearance bond at $250,000 (KF: Remember July 25, 2022.  That date will be very important.)

Derrick's attorney, Damon Stevenson, appealed to Hinds County Court in August 2022 and asked Judge Johnny McDaniels to reduce the bond in an emergency motion filed a week later.  

Judge McDaniels agreed with the lawyer and reduced the appearance bond to $50,000 while leaving the cost bond in place in August 2022.  He ordered Derrick to wear a GPS monitor for 270 days or "until the appeal is resolved" and kept the no-contact order in place. Derrick never got a GPS monitor as the responsibility for obtaining the device was - wait for it - left to the defendant.  

Latasha disappeared on July 18, 2023.  Latasha has not been seen since July 18.  The police have asked the public for assistance in finding Derrick's wife.

No action took place in the case until Jackson prosecutors filed an emergency motion to revoke his bond on September 14, 2023.   Hinds County Court Judge Johnny McDaniels held a hearing on September 29 and revoked his bond after determining he never obtained a GPS monitor.  Earlier post and video of hearing.

Coleman's trial for violating the no-contact order began on November 29 in Judge McDaniels' courtroom.  Jackson prosecutor Bridgette Morgan submitted an ore tens motion to dismiss Coleman's appeal, arguing he never paid the $50,000 appearance bond set by the municipal court.  Derrick's lawyer, Catouche Body, argued the appeal was valid as the city waited 15 months to file such a motion, thus waiving its right to contest the appeal. He said his client paid the bond at the Circuit Clerk's office in Raymond.  

He called the city's delay in objecting to the appeal "problematic", stating it should have been filed within 30 days of the notice of appeal while calling the ore tens motion "untimely."   Judge McDaniels postponed the trial to today after the prosecution and defense admitted they had video evidence that was not submitted to opposing counsel even though it would be used in court.  

 

Today's Trial

Morgan submitted a motion for reconsideration to dismiss the appeal late yesterday afternoon. The prosecutor argued Rule 29.1 of the Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure require the defendant to "simultaneously" file "both a cost bond and appearance bond" with the Circuit Clerk.  The motion accuses Coleman of misleading the Court as he testified he "erroneously filed the $50,000 cost bond in the Hinds County Clerk's office in Raymond."  However, the clerk never received the bond. 

Morgan stated there is no deadline for challenging an appeal to County Court.  Judge McDaniels scheduled the hearing to start at 9:00, he finally strolled into the courtroom at 9:45.  The Court asked if both sides completed discovery.  Prosecution and defense replied discovery took place to their satisfaction.  The Court took note the defense filed several motions to suppress evidence.

The resumed with a discussion of Morgan's motion of reconsideration.  Everyone huddled at the bench for a moment before Judge McDaniels retreated to his chambers with the lawyers in tow to review the motions.  

Judge McDaniels returned to the courtroom ten minutes later and said he needed to hear the motion for reconsideration.  Morgan opened by repeating the arguments made in her motion.  Body said he was not "expecting to be defending against the motion this morning.  The bond was posted on August 11, 2022 somewhere on behalf of Derrick.  Judge McDaniels said the bond documents should be properly filed with the Circuit Clerk. However, Body said he had not an "opportunity to find out" if they were indeed properly submitted to the Cicruit Clerk.  "I feel like me and my client are being ambushed.  The motion was filed late yesterday and I haven't had time to run those things down and properly present them to the Court," said the defense lawyer.

Body tried to show the Court something that was on his phone but Morgan objected, claiming the information was not properly authenticated.  

Judge McDaniels reminded all the Court mentioned last week the prosecution did not challenge the appeal until 15 months after it was filed.  "But this Court is very much aware of the fact that jurisdiction can never be waived and the court saw to address that issue to the extent of the evidence presented to the court at that time," said the judge.  

The judge stated he wanted to resolve the case through testimony and presentation of evidence, thus determining whether the no-contact order was violated. 

However, the Court said "the information and documentation on file in this matter does not sufficiently show the defendant properly submitted them to this court."

Judge McDaniels dismissed the appeal without prejudice as he granted the motion. The case is remanded to the Jackson Municipal Court for execution of its judgment as it "relates to the six month sentenced proposed by the lower court."  

Deputies shackled Derrick and took him back to jail. 

 

Courthouse Brawl

The case might have been over but the drama was just beginning as a fight took place in the courthouse lobby by the front doors.  As luck would have it, none other than Hinds County District 2 Supervisor David L. Archie was holding a press conference on the courthouse steps, effectively blocking anyone from leaving the building.  

Although there were eight deputies in the courtroom last week, only two were present in the courtroom today although three JPD officers appeared near the end of the trial.  

A member of Latasha Coleman's family said a deputy took them to the front doors but they were unable to leave due to the press conference taking place on the steps.  As they stood waiting to leave, Derrick Coleman's family entered the area.  

One family is upset because its loved one disappeared and is suspected to be dead.  The other family is upset because their loved one is going to jail for at least four months.  As there was minimal law enforcement present, it was a perfect recipe for disaster and a disaster it was.  

Tempers flared, words were exchanged, and fists flew as a full-scaled brawl broke out in the Hinds County Courthouse and spilled over onto the courthouse steps in front of Mr. Archie's press conference (I know, right?).

 

The brawl raged for several minutes until deputies and police officers got both groups under control. They arrested five individuals and charged with disorderly conduct.

 

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

I was there. I had Justice Court this morning on the 3rd floor. I cam down the stairs right into that dumpster fire.

Doubtful in Durant said...

Video or it didn't happen. Sideways video from local phone will be fine.

Anonymous said...

There is video because it did happen. And as usual, Ross Adams was in the middle of it...holding his phone up to catch video. He just grates on my nerves.

Geeze said...

😳🤦

Anonymous said...

Why is David Archie playing referee?

Anonymous said...

@4:15 PM - Because there were cameras.

Anonymous said...

Brawling in the presence of a bunch of cops. There's dumb, and then there's Hinds County dumb. You can't fix stupid.

Anonymous said...

"Brawling in the presence of a bunch of cops. There's dumb, and then there's Hinds County dumb. You can't fix stupid."

Oh, please. If possibility of "the presence" of a single cop even in the general vicinity would stop such things, there would be no crime anywhere. It is not a fair accusation that only Hinds County folks are idiots, or in this case, caught up in a highly emotional situation. That's a worldwide problem.

Anonymous said...

Sometimes people run their mouths to the point where people decide the beatdown won't be delayed.

Anonymous said...

What kind phone dat? My footage don’t look that good.

Anonymous said...

David Archie, the voice of reason in Hinds County. Y’all will regret booting him out of office, just like you regret booting McQuirter out. It’s just going to get worse. And worse. And worse.

Anonymous said...

It would been funny if someone would have knocked out the fat head David L Archie Bonkers.

Anonymous said...

Poor ass Court security. Nobody including David Archie should be allowed to block the Courthouse entrance or exit especially during business hours. From previous events all should have been on notice that this was a potentially dangerous situation and these families should remain separated. They are just lucky no one was seriously injured or killed.

Anonymous said...

That group of light weight attorneys couldn’t win a Jr. High Debate match.

Anonymous said...

@7:46 PM - Hook, line, and sinker.

Anonymous said...

I agree that nobody should block the entrance or exit. From reading Kingfish's post, the family of the missing person was leaving first. Afterwards the family of the husband was to leave. This got screwed up because of that blocked entrance. It was a bad situation. You just can't put opposing families who are in this situation together without emotions taking over.

To anyone who thinks this is because its Hinds County, grow up. Has nothing to do with location. Family of a missing person in a room with family of possible killer...can happen anywhere and its a bad situation.

Anonymous said...

If I'm that woman's father I got 4 months to figure out the best way to kidnap and kill that guy.

Anonymous said...

ID be mad too if that scum had disappeared my loved one with no consequences after multiple no contact orders. Which we know don’t work.

Anonymous said...

Very poor practice on the part of Sheriff's Office or Police Department, whichever has first-line obligation to ensure the safety of the people in this venue.

In some jurisdictions these things are as automatic as a reaction-plan to a fire. You know in advance who does what, which family exits where and when, which officers are assigned to which family, etc.

Anonymous said...

Look at Ross Adams all up in the middle of it. Too bad big momma didn't fall on him.


Recent Comments

Search Jackson Jambalaya

Subscribe to JJ's Youtube channel

Archives

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

Note: Security provided by INS
.