Also, it is difficult to know whether someone is in the room with the witness. Please realize that fear isn't the only reason someone stays in a situation like that. A recorded 911 call made by the complainant shortly after the incident indicated she wasupset and crying. We would in effect be shifting the burden of proof from the petitioning party in a DVRO to the responding party. Molly Abraham, Detroit Food Critic and 'Diehard' Union Supporter, Dies at 92. from 8 AM - 9 PM ET. Deborah Davis, assistant prosecuting attorney for St. Joseph County, Mich., reacts as defendant Coby Harris is arrested during a March 2, 2021, court hearing held via Zoom. Frederick Penney: How is it more difficult? There was a virtual hearing going on, both Harris and Lindsay attended the March 2 live hearing along with attorneys and Judge Jeffrey Middley. The hearing, which was to determine if Harris should stand trial, took a dramatic turn soon after it started whenstate attorney assistant Deborah Davis was questioning Lindsey about the alleged assault. Im at a house, Lindsey says. Whether it is a criminal proceeding for a defendant charged with a crime involving domestic abuse or a hearing in family law court for a domestic violence restraining order, alleged victims and abusers are now testifying remotely, from the comfort of their own home. Youre playin a fool here, Middleton said, removing Harris from the complainants view. Tuesdays hearing was a rescheduled examination, which beganMarch 2, after Harris appeared in Judge Jeffrey Middletons court on allegations he assaulted a Sturgis woman with intent to commit bodily harm less than murder. During that hearing, Deborah Davis, assistant to the prosecuting attorney, told Middleton she had reason to believe Harris was in the same home as the complaining witness. In the courtroom people are there and he can take more immediate action. "Your honor, I have reason to believe that the defendant is in the same apartment as the complaining witness right now, and I am extremely scared for her safety," Davis said. "Awesome job," comments Jared German, also a reader of the local paper. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The benefits of holding these hearings virtually in this regard are very clear. This is an issue we didnt have when we were having live court, the judge said. That is NOT easy to do in a Zoom meeting, but she did it," Sturgis Journal reader Michelle McNamara comments at the newspaper's Facebook page. I do not want to be a cat on the call. Become your target audiences go-to resource for todays hottest topics. 'The hearing is adjourned. In response, Judge Middleton informed him that the hearing had been adjourned but that his bond had already been canceled. Officers are directed to take Harris into custody on a bond violation, and the hearing gets rescheduled to March 16. Mans Zoom court hearing ends with handcuffs after hes found attending from victims home Court officials, attorneys and defendant Coby Harris, bottom right, watch during a March 2, 2021, court hearing as Harris' alleged assault victim, bottom left, answers her door for police. Harris was arrested and now faces additional charged. https://www.uscourts.gov/news/2020/04/08/courts-deliver-justice-virtually-amid-coronavirus-outbreak. Harris was out on bond, a release which included the condition that he was not . Molly Abraham, Detroit Food Critic and 'Diehard' Union Supporter, Dies at 92. Todd Kuhnen: I have made sure that I have a very reliable internet connection for every remote hearing, and I stopped letting my kids use my dedicated computer or phone for the court proceedings. After several more excuses, Attorney Davis cut in, The police are at Miss Lindseys apartment right now, Attorney Davis told the virtual courtroom. At this point, Davis (complainants attorney) informed the court that the police were knocking on the door of Lindsays apartment. Both Harris and Lindsey were attending a livestream court hearing March 2, along with attorneys and Judge Jeffrey Middleton. 'I ask that that be dropped. Crime News is your destination for true crime stories from around the world, breaking crime news, and information about Oxygen's original true crime shows and documentaries. I knew the cops were outside, he said. If the case has been lingering for awhile the judges are more prone to tell the parties to come in and talk over the case. Jennifer Xia is an editorial intern for the Daily Dot and a second-year journalism student at the University of Texas at Austin. The court revoked Harris' bond and he now faces additional charges. Lindsey, where are you right now? Middleton asked. Appearances are now more liberally allowed via telephone or video conferencing especially if it is early in the case. It came back online shortly after and this time, Harris could already be seen in police custody. Your Honor, Davis said. After Harris eyes continue to dart off-screen, he can be seen standing up to reveal similar blue curtains behind him before he disappears from the call. When asked to give the address, she gave it and said, "It's my house." Stay tuned, a year from now we will probably have a better understanding of what the courts keep in place. A Michigan assault case descended into chaos last week after an eagle-eyed prosecutor realized that the alleged abuser had joined the virtual court hearing from inside his victim's home. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Soon after, Harris could be seen moving around before his camera also switched off. This is an issue we didnt have when we were at live court, Judge Middleton said. "Kudos to Deborah Davis, the only one who saw what was happening under everyone's noses," says a YouTube comment under a Southwest Michigan court video seen nearly 1.4 million times. So an assistant prosecutor's alertness and action during a seven-person Zoom hearing earns these headlines and online praise as a hero. I am also the co-host of the nationally syndicated radio show Radio Law Talk. Coby James Harris, 21, of Sturgis, faces an assault charge stemming from a Feb. 9 argument with his girlfriend, Mary Lindsey. She's a community college professor of communications. Your bond is canceled. Harris had initially been charged withassault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Mary Lindsey, a Southwestern Michigan single mother was seen in a dramatic courtroom video. Conviction carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both. "Your honor, me and Mary both don't want the no-contact, I ask that that be dropped," he said. Someone or something makes you that way. Court officials then asked the alleged victim to recount what took place Feb. 9. https://www.uscfc.uscourts.gov/video-conferencing-guidance . Ms. That could have been me: Delivery workers call for protections after brutal murder of Uber Eats driver, Newsletter: Video declaring the easiest job in the world goes viral, Please tell me you didnt drink the whole thing: Viewers criticize Starbucks customer who ordered $20 drink, I felt like that was racially charged: Asian woman says Saks Off 5th worker wouldnt accept her return because the dress smelled like soy sauce, *First Published: Mar 10, 2021, 3:48 pm CST, Fill her up: Bartender gives woman a glass of water when the man shes with orders tequila shot, I dont think my store has even sold one: Whataburger employees take picture with first customer who bought a burger box, It was a template used by anyone in the company: Travel agents condescending out-of-office email reply sparks debate. However, it became more obvious that he was not wearing much else. Coby Harris, 21, allegedly assaulted his girlfriend, Mary Lindsey, in her Sturgis, Mich., home on Feb. 9. However, pre-pandemic access to the public generally meant that the 10 or 20 people in the audience of the courtroom, likely people waiting for their own case to be called, would bear witness to the proceedings. Davis, who said she feared for her client's safety, told the judge that police were on their way toLindsey's home. The judge proceeds to ask Harris for his location, and he replies with a home on East Lafayette Street. However, Harris may face further charges following a disastrous court hearing on Tuesdaywhich culminated in the judge canceling his bond and police appearing on the scene to take him into custody. I'm amazed that she was aware enough of the victims body language that she could tell exactly what was wrong. Im not granting a PR bond, he said. When you are remote you can get other work done while you are waiting your turn to appear. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! The courts have had to dramatically change their systems to allow more remote access as individuals were unable to meet in person due to state rules concerning meeting in person during the pandemic. (St. Joseph County District Judge Jeffrey Middleton), Your Honor, me and Mary both dont want the no-contact (order). Family law attorneys no longer have to waste hours in the car driving from courthouse to courthouse to attend hearings. Frederick Penney: Prior to the pandemic how quick were the courts making technology changes? But that is for the courts to decide. Harris attorney, Paul Gipson, asked Middleton to consider allowing Harris to be released on a personal recognizance bond, as Harris has serious financial issues. Middleton denied the request. Ms. Support our reporting by becoming a Deadline Detroit member for as little as $3 per month. Preliminary Examination of Mary Lindsey and Coby Harris on March 2, 2021. youtube 362 119 119 comments Best Add a Comment AutoModerator 2 yr. ago Hello, u/thebigremark! As a practicing California trial attorney I do have some concerns or worries about the technology, security, and use of video conferencing. Testimony also alleges that Harris pushed a metal bar into her face, causing her to believe he would break some of her teeth. Davis replies Monday: "Obviously I cannot say much, but I wanted to say that this was a team effort with Officer [Josh] Edgington, and I am thankful for the trust and backing of the Sturgis Police Department.". This is a continuance of the hearing that was interrupted earlier this month. "This is an issue we didn't have when we were at live court," Middleton said. Lindsey appeared frightened during the virtual hearing as she spoke from her apartment, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Deborah Davis first said, KIRO 7 reported. The charge stems from an incident in early February with the alleged victim Mary Lindsey in Sturgis, Michigan. The judge reminded the attorney that he was appearing as a cat and the lawyer acknowledged that and told the judge he was ready to proceed with the hearing and that he was not a cat. It is soon revealed that Harris is at the same apartment, as Harris is seen being taken into custody by police. Coby James Harris, 21, of Sturgis, faces an assault charge stemming from a Feb. 9 argument with his girlfriend, Mary Lindsey. Davis was worried about her clients safety and called the police who had arrived at Lindseys address and the accused was caught red handed. As Lindsey answers the door, Harris continually looks off-screen. It is important to note that the doctor had another surgeon with him taking over while he was on the video conference call with the judge. Coby James Harris, 21, of Sturgis, faces additional charges on top of an assault charge stemming from a Feb. 9 argument with his girlfriend, Mary Lindsey. Privacy Policy Agreement * I agree to the Terms of use and Privacy Policy. Source: YouTube screenshot - VESA Channel As the St. Joseph County assistant prosecutor questioned Mary Lindsey about the night she says boyfriend Coby Harris hit her, the accuser appeared reluctant to answer questions or explain why she called police. 14:51 BST 09 Mar 2021 Harris, I advise, dont say anything else. The video shows the doctor in his scrubs, mask and gloves and the operating light above. Fortunately, the police had already been sent to Lindsey's address to check on her. According to a report from Wood TV, prior to the hearing, Davis got a tipoff that Harris might be at Lindsey's home in a different room during the virtual hearing. Did Ukraine use innocent civilians as human shield against Russia in the name of evacuation? Her reflective post also responds to social media critics who "don't understand the reason to stay" with an assault case defendant: I want my fundraiser to be able to raise awareness [of] what a victim goes through, the reasons they stay, why it's so scary to leave. Attorney Frederick Penney weighs in on the future of remote court hearings. U.S. District Court Judge James Donato indicated he was interested in continuing virtual conferences, regardless of what a post-vaccination world looks like. Though the full return to in-person proceedings remains on hold, Judge Donatos comments are a clear signal that the court system is embracing the benefits that virtual conferencing technology can offer. Shocked the Judge asked the doctor if he was in surgery and the doctor acknowledged that he was. I also want people to understand why an abuser is the way they are. Cision Distribution 888-776-0942 Thats the first time I ever had anybody sitting in the next room potentially intimidating a witness to assault.. Harris and Lindsey had both individually dialed into the. Soon the police were at Mary Lindsey's home arresting Mr. Harris. A sampling of other reactions to the drama generating national attention: "Nice job to Deborah Davis. It turns out the Harris called the victim from jail and told her not to show up to court, and lo and behold, she didn't show up! Davis asked if the argument became physical. 'Your honor,I have reason to believe that the defendant is in the same apartment as the complaining witness right now, and I am extremely scared for her safety,' Davis said. Also Read :The Last of Us 2 Ellie Tattoo: About the Game and Tattoo. Thats the first time I ever had anybody sitting in the next room potentially intimidating, the judge says before Harris interjects, claiming he never attacked Lindsey. The fact that shes looking off to the side, and hes moving around, I want some confirmation that she is safe before we continue, Davis says during the stream. streamed on the judges courtroom YouTube channel, Gov. Stay up to date with our daily newsletter, Cop Fatally Shot While Responding To Domestic Violence Call, Colorado Man Jailed For Domestic Violence Kills Wife A Week After Being Released, 'Because It's There': The Enduring Appeal Of Everest, Japan, South Korea Resume Finance Dialogue Amid Geopolitical Tensions, Normalising China-Australia Trade Will Take More Than A Political Fix, 'Godfather Of AI' Quits Google To Warn Of The Tech's Dangers, Rocket Fire From Gaza After Palestinian Hunger Striker Dies, Coby Harris was charged with assault and released on bond last month, He was on a no-contact order with his girlfriend Mary Lindsey, He was caught violating theorder during a virtual hearing on March 2, His bond has been revoked and he now faces additional charges. ", 'A True Hero:' Viral Video Brings Praise for Michigan Prosecutor Who Saw Something and Said Something, March 10, Michigan Assault Defendant Attends Zoom Hearing from Accuser's Home, March 9, Copyrightdocument.write(new Date().getFullYear());Deadline Detroit, Inc. - All Rights Reserved, 'A True Hero:' Viral Video Brings Praise for Michigan Prosecutor Who Saw Something and Said Something, Michigan Assault Defendant Attends Zoom Hearing from Accuser's Home, Struggling Founders Detroit Taproom Closes Its Doors, Starkman: Ford Is an Example of a Phony Baloney Company Professing Concern for the Environment, 'Detroit in Black and White:' Ex-Detroit Police Ike McKinnon Says Lifting Residency Requirement 'Literally Killed Us'. These abusers can be so slick and manipulative. He was already facing up to 10 years in prison on charges of assa#ult. Lindsey could be seen walking to the door and answering it, at which point her connection to the call dropped. "When I would call to inform a victim of the suspect's status, I would often ask if the suspect was there. Harris was arrested March 2 after he was . Review your content's performance and reach. Youve hit bottom, and youre continuing to dig, the judge says. It is more convenient for witnesses to log in to the hearing from home or work and go about their day until it is their turn to testify. "Kudos to Debbie Davis for recognizing the body language and for speaking up. -- Nikki Berry, "I used to work as a victim advocate in a court, specifically for domestic violence. 'The fact that she's looking off to the side and he's moving around, I want some confirmation that she is safe before we continue.'. -- Ken, Video: Michigan Assault Defendant Attends Zoom Hearing From Accuser's Home, March 9, Copyrightdocument.write(new Date().getFullYear());Deadline Detroit, Inc. - All Rights Reserved, Video: Michigan Assault Defendant Attends Zoom Hearing From Accuser's Home, Struggling Founders Detroit Taproom Closes Its Doors, Starkman: Ford Is an Example of a Phony Baloney Company Professing Concern for the Environment, 'Detroit in Black and White:' Ex-Detroit Police Ike McKinnon Says Lifting Residency Requirement 'Literally Killed Us'. The hearing starts with Davis questioning Lindsey on what happened the night of the argument, in which Lindsey gives short and hesitant answers. Video of the March 2 hearing is publicly available on Judge Jeffrey Middleton's. Im sorry I lied to you.. If you have $10 million, you can't bond out. In addition, the prosecutor's probably also going to charge you with obstruction of justice,' the judge told Harris. Frederick Penney: Tell me a few of the changes that have occurred with discovery and the court hearings since the pandemic started in early 2020? "We're serious as a heart attack, it's the first time I ever had anybody sitting in the next room potentially intimidating a witness.". "Mr. Harris, my advice is don't say anything else. Todd Kuhnen: When it comes to cross examination, I rely somewhat on the body language and actions of the party being cross-examined and it is more difficult to read that body language if it is telephonic or via video conferencing. This is one of, if not the, most common complaint we faced from victims -- that the accused's bond conditions required they stay apart. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. The old rules about appearances, dress, demeanor, and court rules about sending documents to the other parties involved in a lawsuit were very strict. Mr. Harris had been released from jail on bond under the condition that he was to not have any contact with Mary Lindsey. Coby James Harris, 21, is accused of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, an attack statutorily comparable to strangulation. Judge Middleton interrupted Defendant Harris, Mr. The Edwards family has many repairs to their home now that they have found mold to be a detrimental factor in the severity of her illness. All Rights Reserved. 'Um, I'm at a house,' Lindsey said. The accused attended a Zoom wiretap via phone video from Lindsays apartment while he was nearby on another device. In a pre-pandemic world, witnesses (including alleged victims of domestic violence) had to take a day off from work, drive (sometimes long distances) to the courthouse, and wait (sometimes hours) for their turn to testify. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. Harris could be seen shaking his head to say no. By It contained Lindsays address, which she had given twice at the request of the judges. Take your phone with you so that we know youre OK, Davis told her. IBT Fast Start - Let the best of International News come to you. There were also no videos taken of the patient and the patients name was not known. Court officials, lawyers, and defendant Kobe Harris watch the trial on March 2, 2021, while Harris, the alleged victim of the attack, opens the door for Highway Police.
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