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Murder Inc Trial/Day 4: Judge Delivers A "No" Blow To Prosecutor's 50 Cent Theory
Judge Korman flip-flopped back and forth about allowing the 50 Cent evidence into trial, but today decided once again not to allow the 50 Cent evidence - delivering a blow to the prosecution as day four of the trial began.
As the start of the proceedings, Judge Korman sequestered the jury as the attorneys on both sides argued before the bench for 45 minutes about the hot button issue - the 50 Cent shooting. Defense attorney Gerald Shargel presented today's NY Daily News, with 50 on the cover and the headline "He Almost Died Tryin'" along with reports from New York's Hot97 to show how the rapper's shooting is a distraction in the trial and a sensational topic.
Prosecutor Sean Haran rebuffed Shargel, instead highlighting text messages sent to Murder Inc. artist Black Child after 50 was shot. "You need to call me immediately. Are you stupid? You're fucking up. Stop everything you're doing," one message sent to Black Child read.
Haran argued that the messages showed motive considering Black Child was convicted of stabbing 50 at New York's Hit Factory recording studio months earlier. Haran also mentioned a text message sent from Irv to his wife assuring him that she was safe. Haran then stressed that it wasn't a coincidence that Irv assured his wife she was safe the day 50 was shot.
Judge Korman was visibly aggravated with the bickering over the text messages and the prosecution's attempt to link the shootings to the case. Last week, Korman said he would allow testimony about the shooting. Today, frustrated, Korman flip-flopped and decided the 50 Cent shooting "has no relevance" and would not allow the jury to hear testimony about 50 Cent.
With the jury back in the courtroom, prosecutors then focused again on the relationship between Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff and Irv and Chris Lorenzo. In one instance, Haran cited that Irv sent McGriff a text message shortly after the alleged murder of E Money Bags. "Nothing is over. Turn up the heat on these patsies," Irv wrote to McGriff.
Haran also mentioned an incident in which McGriff's nephew, Prince, stabbed a former Inc. associate Quasiem for talking smack about Irv. Haran then said that if the text messages weren't allowed into the trial, it would be a misleading representation of the relationship between the Lorenzos and McGriff.
Judge Edward Korman agreed that it was relevant to know the nature of the relationship. Meanwhile, Shargel said the jury would be distracted by the violence in a trial alleging a non-violent crime.
The defense then cross-examined John Ragin, a former partner in McGriff's Picture Perfect film company, and inquired about his investment into the Crime Partners film and meetings that took place at Def Jam surrounding the soundtrack.
During his initial testimony, Ragin said he could identify checks and had knowledge of McGriff giving money to The Inc. Yet, under Shargel's cross-examination, the defense reminded the court that Ragin admitted he never saw Preme give money, but only heard about it.
The prosecution then called in IRS special agent Greg Coats to the stand. Coats, one of the search agents during The Inc.'s January 2003 raid, told Haran he saw notes that read, "Cut the check," and said he found a sheet that listed The Inc.'s budget. The sheet indicated that Preme gets $100,000, but owed $35,000.
Next up, the government called IRS special agent John Lopez to the stand.
Lopez, the team leader on the search, confirmed that $35,000 in cash, 20s and 100s was found in Chris' office.
Shargel then inquired whether or not Lopez paid attention to the denomination, hinting that the cash might not have been street money.
Irv Lorenzo, wearing a dark grey suit and light grey shirt and tie, and older brother Chris Lorenzo, rocking a black suit with a grey shirt and black tie with blue stripes, appeared quite relaxed. The two cracked jokes and slapped five with defense attorney Gerald Lefcourt.
While Ja Rule was a no-show in court for the second straight day, Hip-Hop Action Summit Network's Dr. Benjamin Chavis did come through to show support.
Outside of the courtroom at the midday break, it was overheard that defense attorney Shargel stated the trial is wrapping up and that "we may submit our closing arguments today."
Source: sohh.com
As the start of the proceedings, Judge Korman sequestered the jury as the attorneys on both sides argued before the bench for 45 minutes about the hot button issue - the 50 Cent shooting. Defense attorney Gerald Shargel presented today's NY Daily News, with 50 on the cover and the headline "He Almost Died Tryin'" along with reports from New York's Hot97 to show how the rapper's shooting is a distraction in the trial and a sensational topic.
Prosecutor Sean Haran rebuffed Shargel, instead highlighting text messages sent to Murder Inc. artist Black Child after 50 was shot. "You need to call me immediately. Are you stupid? You're fucking up. Stop everything you're doing," one message sent to Black Child read.
Haran argued that the messages showed motive considering Black Child was convicted of stabbing 50 at New York's Hit Factory recording studio months earlier. Haran also mentioned a text message sent from Irv to his wife assuring him that she was safe. Haran then stressed that it wasn't a coincidence that Irv assured his wife she was safe the day 50 was shot.
Judge Korman was visibly aggravated with the bickering over the text messages and the prosecution's attempt to link the shootings to the case. Last week, Korman said he would allow testimony about the shooting. Today, frustrated, Korman flip-flopped and decided the 50 Cent shooting "has no relevance" and would not allow the jury to hear testimony about 50 Cent.
With the jury back in the courtroom, prosecutors then focused again on the relationship between Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff and Irv and Chris Lorenzo. In one instance, Haran cited that Irv sent McGriff a text message shortly after the alleged murder of E Money Bags. "Nothing is over. Turn up the heat on these patsies," Irv wrote to McGriff.
Haran also mentioned an incident in which McGriff's nephew, Prince, stabbed a former Inc. associate Quasiem for talking smack about Irv. Haran then said that if the text messages weren't allowed into the trial, it would be a misleading representation of the relationship between the Lorenzos and McGriff.
Judge Edward Korman agreed that it was relevant to know the nature of the relationship. Meanwhile, Shargel said the jury would be distracted by the violence in a trial alleging a non-violent crime.
The defense then cross-examined John Ragin, a former partner in McGriff's Picture Perfect film company, and inquired about his investment into the Crime Partners film and meetings that took place at Def Jam surrounding the soundtrack.
During his initial testimony, Ragin said he could identify checks and had knowledge of McGriff giving money to The Inc. Yet, under Shargel's cross-examination, the defense reminded the court that Ragin admitted he never saw Preme give money, but only heard about it.
The prosecution then called in IRS special agent Greg Coats to the stand. Coats, one of the search agents during The Inc.'s January 2003 raid, told Haran he saw notes that read, "Cut the check," and said he found a sheet that listed The Inc.'s budget. The sheet indicated that Preme gets $100,000, but owed $35,000.
Next up, the government called IRS special agent John Lopez to the stand.
Lopez, the team leader on the search, confirmed that $35,000 in cash, 20s and 100s was found in Chris' office.
Shargel then inquired whether or not Lopez paid attention to the denomination, hinting that the cash might not have been street money.
Irv Lorenzo, wearing a dark grey suit and light grey shirt and tie, and older brother Chris Lorenzo, rocking a black suit with a grey shirt and black tie with blue stripes, appeared quite relaxed. The two cracked jokes and slapped five with defense attorney Gerald Lefcourt.
While Ja Rule was a no-show in court for the second straight day, Hip-Hop Action Summit Network's Dr. Benjamin Chavis did come through to show support.
Outside of the courtroom at the midday break, it was overheard that defense attorney Shargel stated the trial is wrapping up and that "we may submit our closing arguments today."
Source: sohh.com