Jan 24, 2019

Russ Clanton and his wife testify in case against former neighbor and Mr. Clanton's client



Jury selection was completed yesterday in Michael Black's case. He is the man charged with making criminal threats against local attorney Russ Clanton. Black is also a former client of Mr. Clanton's and a neighbor.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney A. J. Kamada. Black is represented by Ms. Andrea Sullivan.

9 women, 3  men and two female alternates listened to opening statements this morning. People are only presenting 4 witnesses. Vickie Hawkins-Clanton, Russ Clanton, Crystal Bigham and HCSO Deputy Shane Steele testified for the People and concluded their case at 3 p.m. Defense's first witness was Black. Mr. Kamada will cross examine Black tomorrow morning.

Judge Kaleb Cockrum is allowing jurors to ask questions of witnesses. He mentioned what the guidelines were and that not all questions will be asked.
The jurors asked excellent questions of the witnesses today.

Both Mr. Kamada and Ms. Sullivan gave excellent opening statements.

If you have read any previous coverage of this case, you know that Ms. Sullivan tried to get Black pre-trial mental health diversion. The District Attorney's office could have resolved this case.

Ms. Sullivan is a private attorney who practices in several counties, including Humboldt County. After he went through several attorneys, Ms. Sullivan was appointed to the Chad Smith case and this morning to the Brandon Watson case. She also represented Joe Olivo III. Ms. Sullivan was retained by Michael Black on this case.

Previous post:
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2019/01/jury-trial-for-man-who-made-criminal.html?m=1



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