Defender Archives

Gunman in Sacramento Mass Shooting Dies in Custody, Public Defender Mourns Loss of Inmate

Sacramento, California – The suspected gunman involved in a deadly mass shooting in Sacramento has passed away while in custody, reports say. The inmate was identified as Smiley Martin, who died at the Sacramento County Main Jail after being in custody since April 20, 2022. Martin, who was facing charges of murder, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a machine gun, was one of the 12 individuals injured in the shooting …

Public Defender Report Finds Police Not at Fault in Tbilisi Pride Festival Violence: Summary of 2023 Equality Report

Tbilisi, Georgia – The 2023 Equality Report by the Public Defender of Georgia has cleared the police of any blame for failing to protect the Tbilisi Pride Festival from a violent mob on July 8, 2023. According to the report, the rapid increase in far-right supporters at the festival site, coupled with its large size, made it impossible to stop the violence. The report emphasizes that the events of July 8 demonstrate the inadequacy of …

NAACP and Broward County Public Defender Demand Justice for Inmate Deaths in Broward County Jails

BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – A concerning pattern of inmate deaths in Broward County jails has prompted the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to call for intervention by the Justice Department. According to officials, a total of 21 people have died while being held in jails across Broward County since 2021. NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson expressed horror at the situation, stating, “The Broward County Sheriff’s Department has failed its community. …

Accused Highland Park Parade Shooter Changes Tune, Asks for Public Defender

WAUKEGAN, Ill. – Robert Crimo III appeared in court with a newly assigned public defender, Anton Trizna, at his side. In December, Crimo told judge Victoria Rossetti that he wanted to defend himself and requested a speedy trial, resulting in the trial being scheduled for February. However, last week, Crimo changed his mind and asked to have a public defender back on the case. He is facing 21 counts of first-degree murder and 48 counts …