Defense impeaches Mariah Acosta

 

Jury trial for Demetrius Coleman resumed today.

There was discussion yesterday about the rebuttal case. EPD records were mentioned by Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer. Ms. Andrea Sullivan mentioned text messages. Today, before the jury came in, attorneys met with Judge Kelly Neel.

 Judge Neel allowed admitting some text messages but denied one set of text messages. The text message exchange that was included was Mariah Acosta calling Alma Ahumadamendoza the "C" word and Coleman the "N" word. Judge Nel said that through testimony it was already established that Acosta had animus against Ahumadamendoza and Coleman.

The purpose is to impeach Acosta. Ms. Sullivan questioned Mr. Cisco Lassiter. 

One set of messages is from August 23, 2019, five days prior to the homicide of Johnny Renfro and is a conversation between Mariah Acosta and her daughter, Eunice discussing a sample they gave to 

Ahumadamendoza to show buyers. This impeaches Acosta's testimony that she only discussed one sample with Ahumadamendoza. Other text messages from 8/28/19 and 8/29/19.

How will this impact the jury and Acosta's credibility?  Will Ms. Schaffer address it in her closing?

The People have two rebuttal witnesses. First witness was  EPD Records Manager Amanda O'Neill She testified that she reviewed all calls to EPD for the 24 hour period on 8/29/2019 and audio from 1 to 7 p.m.. There were no calls about a robbery, shots fired or disturbance at 2030 Park Street. Ms. Sullivan had no questions from Ms. O'Neill.  

How will this impact Coleman's credibility? Will Ms. Sullivan address it in her closing?

The second People's rebuttal witness was HCSO evidence technician Andrew Campbell. He was questioned about text messages from Acosta's phone. None of it did anything to bolster Acosta's credibility or add any new information.

Judge Neel is giving closing jury instructions now. She finished doing so at 11:20. At Ms. Schaffer's request, lunch break is early so she can set up. Court resumes at 1 p.m. Closing arguments this afternoon.

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