DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz rejected a non-fatal shooting defendant’s request for severance from his co-defendant on Sept. 19.
Eric Latney, 29, and James Crossland, 29, are charged with conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting. The incident took place on July 8, 2021, on the 200 block of 56th Street, NE. One person was injured.
Latney requested to be tried separately from Crossland due to concerns that Crossland made statements against Latney and that there is significantly more evidence against Crossland.
Judge Kravitz denied the request because Crossland falsely stated that he had been allegedly carjacked earlier that day. He does not believe this rises to the level of Latney’s having the right to confront Crossland as an accuser per the Sixth Amendment’s right to confront and call witnesses.
Crossland’s defense attorney, Hannah Claudio, and Latney’s defense attorney, Nikki Lotze, both expressed concern about receiving discovery materials in evidence from the prosecution ahead of the Nov. 3 trial. They said the previous prosecutor did not give them everything necessary and were still waiting to receive some materials.
The new prosecutor said they would work on reviewing and sending those materials once their current trial ended early next week.
Judge Kravitz said he also wants outstanding motions to be addressed as early as possible due to this being an old case.
Parties are set to reconvene Oct. 10.
