Report: Teen Convicted In Shooting Attack On Cop Will Get New Trial
MIAMI (CBS4) - The teenager convicted in the robbery and shooting of an off-duty Miami-Dade Police officer as he performed volunteer work outside his church has been granted a new trial.
According to CBS4 News partner The Miami Herald, prosecutors agreed Wednesday that Willie Barney, 19, should be re-tried. Defense attorney Robert Barrar filed a motion for the new trial, claiming Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Jorge Rodriguez-Chomat should have allowed Barrar to strike a prospective juror during jury selection. Rodriguez-Chomat refused, the juror stayed on, and was one of six who convicted Barney.
"In admitting that justice requires a new trial, the state realized that I was right and they shouldn't have fought me on this in the first place and wasted all these taxpayers' dollars," defense attorney Robert Barrar told the paper."Willie are I are looking forward to a new trial and his vindication."
Barney was convicted on April 26 of attempted murder, robbery, and aggravated battery in the attack on Officer Wislyn Joseph on September 22, 2012. Prosecutors argued Barney and two other men, identified as 20-year old Dedrick Brown and 19-year old Travares Santiago, shot Joseph after demanding he turn over his gold chain.
Barney faced up to life in prison at sentencing next week. His new trial could start May 20.
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