Judge intends to dismiss Mumia Abu-Jamal's request for new trial
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A Philadelphia judge said she intends to dismiss a request for a new trial made by Mumia Abu-Jamal's legal team. Supporters of Abu-Jamal rallied outside the Criminal Justice Center Wednesday, ahead of yet another hearing for the now 68-year-old convicted cop killer.
"This is long overdue to see our brother Mumia come home. He's been in there longer than I've been alive. You know, so to know that all of the evidence points in a different direction, outside of had his guilt, yes, time to bring him home. So it is time to give him a new case," supporter Rafael Outland said.
Abu-Jamal was convicted for the fatal shooting of Philadelphia Police officer Daniel Faulkner in 1981.
But for decades multiple appeals to overturn Abu-Jamal's conviction have failed.
Now his defense team says new evidence from 2018 shows the district attorney's office withheld evidence during trial, evidence, Abu-Jamal's defense and supporters say, that suggests a tainted conviction.
"I pray and I believe that we will get justice for Mumia, and he will be free," supporter Hali Cooper said.
But during Wednesday's hearing, prosecutors argued the defense's attempts to introduce new evidence had already been heard by other courts. The judge agreed, saying she intends to dismiss but is giving both the defense and prosecution the next several weeks to respond.
Faulkner's widow, Maureen, spoke after the hearing.
"It's been a long journey, and I will not give up. I will continue to come to court. I will keep Mumia Abu Jamal in prison until he is six feet under," Maureen Faulkner said.
The judge is expected to make a final decision on this case in December.