Klansman Trial: Cross-Examination of Police Witness Begins

The prosecution wrapped up their questioning of the police witness today to make way for the defense to conduct their cross-examination. Assertions of innocence and complaints from the defendants were abundant as witness number seven defended his claims in the Supreme Court.

After the conclusion of the examination in chief, cross-examination of witness number seven began. Things got heated in court as the witness claimed that one attorney was being dishonest during her cross-examination on behalf of defendant Micheal Whitely, who stands accused of murder, arson, and being part of a criminal organization. He was in custody in 2018, but according to his lawyer Denise Hinson, had not yet been charged.

Eight months later Whitely was then picked up by the witness, who was a detective at Counter-Terrorism and Organized Crime (CTOC) in July 2019. When asked by the lawyer why it took so long to charge her client the witness replied by saying “it was not time for us to be ready for Mr. Whitely”. After being asked to clarify that statement, the witness said that several “checks” were done before evidence pointed to Whitely’s involvement in gang activity.

It was at this time that the witness made his claim of dishonesty, explaining that for whitely to be in custody for so long he would have to be charged and tried before the court. After a gentle reprimand by Chief Justice Sykes, the witness issued an apology to the lawyer before moving on.

Attorney Hinson also asked why the second witness who admitted to being involved in the gang was not arrested and charged. The police witness said that upon checking several police divisions, the second witness was not named as a suspect in any other matter, as a result, he was not charged. He also said investigations into the Klansman Gang are still ongoing and the second witness is giving information to the police.

This caused a stir among the defendants. Some called for the second witness to be arrested and charged. Others begrudgingly mumbling that he secured a plea deal.

Andre Golding and Micheal Whitely were positively identified by the police witness who was in court on Thursday. Meanwhile, a document verifying the return of a sim card used in the undercover operation within the gang was submitted into evidence.

Court resumes on Friday at 10 am

Reporter: Jhanielle Powell