Judge Judge Shukura L. Ingram who was on Monday assigned to preside over the RICO trial involving rapper Young Thug, has recused herself after three days.
The reason given was that her deputy was the deputy arrested for an improper relationship with Thug’s co-defendant Big Bhris (Christian Eppingee) and she didn’t want the potential appearance of impartiality.
NEW:
— THUGGERDAILY ひ (@ThuggerDaily) July 17, 2024
Judge Ingram has RECUSED HERSELF
Her deputy was the deputy arrested for an improper relationship with Thug’s co-defendant Big Bhris (Christian Eppingee) and she didn’t want the potential appearance of impartiality.
New judge will be assigned soon . https://t.co/veEXXGruns pic.twitter.com/tfpeF1Ukjm
Ingram was appointed after several defendants filed motions to remove chief judge Ural Glanville from the case involving multiple defendants, including Deamonte Kendrick, Jeffrey Williams (Young Thug), Kahlieff Adams, Rodalius Ryan, Shannon Stillwell, Quamarvious Nichols, and Marquavius Huey, accused of gang-related activities and associated crimes. The motions to recuse stem from the involvement of State witness Kenneth Copeland and the handling of his testimony by Chief Judge Ural Glanville.
Key Points:
- Motions to Recuse: Motions were filed by lawyers representing Deamonte Kendrick, Kayla Bumpus, and Jeffrey Williams to recuse Judge Glanville due to his involvement in an ex parte meeting with the State and witness Copeland, which they allege was improper and coercive.
- Judge’s Actions: On June 7, 2024, Copeland initially refused to testify, invoking his Fifth Amendment right. Judge Glanville warned him of contempt charges, resulting in Copeland’s temporary imprisonment until he agreed to testify. On June 10, 2024, an ex parte meeting occurred without defense counsel present, raising concerns of bias.
- Legal Findings: Judge Glanville determined the motions to recuse were timely and supported by affidavits. Despite defending his actions, the necessity to maintain public confidence in the judiciary mandated his recusal.
- Court’s Decision: The court granted the recusal motions for Kendrick and Williams but denied Bumpus’ motion as moot. The case was ordered to be reassigned to another judge.
A new judge will now be assigned to the case which some say has been the longest trial in the state of Georgia.
