Motion to sever Ortiz cases denied

The motion to sever the Rodney and Vincent Ortiz cases was denied by Visiting Judge Johnson.

No other media was in court. As usual, the hearing wasn't simple since Vincent Ortiz did not waive time but Rodney Ortiz has and his attorney, Public Defender Casey Russo said that they could not be ready within 60 days for  atrial. There were good arguments by all attorneys on the motion to sever, the People prevailed.

I will do a separate posts on those arguments.

The September 25 trial date was vacated and an October 15 trial date was scheduled for setting and hearing the 995 motion by a Visiting Judge in a courtroom to be assigned. A tentative date of January 11 for the jury trial is set.

Visiting Judge Arvid Johnson is subbing for Judge Timothy Cissna this week in Courtroom 4. Deputy District Attorney Jackie Pizzo is prosecuting the cases for the People. Public Defender  Casey Russo represents Rodney Ortiz and Conflict Counsel's Greg Elvine-Kreis represents Vincent Ortiz.

Last post (with background and other links):

johnchiv.blogspot.com/2015/09/ortiz-motion-to-sever-and-995-motion.html