Atlanta, Georgia – Lawyers representing defendant Deamonte Kendrick are pushing for a halt in the trial proceedings, requesting that another judge assess the necessity of Judge Glanville’s recusal. Kendrick’s legal team is also urging the Georgia Supreme Court to compel Glanville to release an unredacted transcript of a private meeting held in chambers on June 10.
The state Supreme Court has stated that Kendrick must first exhaust all avenues for relief in the superior court before seeking original mandamus relief from the higher court. Mandamus, a legal term for a court order mandating specific actions, is being invoked in this case.
Kendrick’s attorneys argue that seeking relief in the trial court would be futile as the request would likely be assigned to Glanville, who they believe would deny it. The state Supreme Court acknowledges that Glanville would be disqualified from presiding over the matter if Kendrick were to file a petition for another judge to consider the recusal requests.
With concerns raised about potential improprieties, defense attorneys are questioning the closed-door meeting where a witness, Kenneth Copeland, was reportedly pressured to testify against the defendants. Copeland, who was granted immunity in exchange for his testimony, faced contempt of court charges when he initially refused to answer questions during the trial.
Young Thug’s lead attorney, Brian Steel, was held in contempt of court and sentenced to 20 days in jail after questioning Glanville about the meeting. The judge demanded to know Steel’s information source, but Steel cited confidentiality rules and declined to disclose it.
The state Supreme Court has put Steel’s sentence on hold as they review the propriety of Glanville’s contempt ruling. Additionally, Glanville has scheduled a hearing to determine if any individuals involved in the meeting should also be held in contempt for informing defense counsel about it, a charge which in Georgia can result in fines or up to 20 days in jail.