Judge Refuses To Enter Judgment Of Acquittal On Remaining Leon Ford Charges
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Allegheny County Judge Donald Machen refused to enter a judgment of acquittal on the remaining charges against Leon Ford Tuesday.
However, he chastised the District Attorney's Office for not making a decision yet about whether to retry the case.
The prosecution says they have up to a year to decide whether or not to retry the case.
Judge Machen said if prosecutors don't decide within two weeks, he will consider lifting the gag order.
"Cases are not like fine wines," the judge said. "They do not get better with age."
Ford was charged after fleeing from officers during a traffic stop. They opened fire after fearing for their lives.
Ford was found not guilty of the most serious charges: two counts of aggravated assault against Officer David Derbish, the officer who jumped in the car and shot Ford as the car pulled away.
The jury was deadlocked on charges of resisting arrest, escape and reckless endangerment.
Ford was left paralyzed and is confined to a wheelchair after being shot.
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