1 00:00:02,002 --> 00:00:04,872 [dramatic music] 2 00:00:05,005 --> 00:00:11,011 ♪ ♪ 3 00:00:11,111 --> 00:00:15,148 - Hi, everyone, I'm Dan Abrams, and this is "Court Cam." 4 00:00:15,282 --> 00:00:17,084 - You should be ashamed of yourself. 5 00:00:17,184 --> 00:00:19,353 - I want dude off my case. [spits] 6 00:00:19,419 --> 00:00:20,354 ♪ ♪ 7 00:00:20,454 --> 00:00:21,722 - Got a runner. 8 00:00:21,822 --> 00:00:23,624 [people yelling] 9 00:00:23,757 --> 00:00:24,791 - Get out! 10 00:00:24,892 --> 00:00:28,962 - This is not TV court. This is for real. 11 00:00:29,062 --> 00:00:35,002 ♪ ♪ 12 00:00:35,068 --> 00:00:36,837 - First up, we take you to Dallas, Texas, 13 00:00:36,904 --> 00:00:38,572 for a sentencing hearing. 14 00:00:38,672 --> 00:00:41,041 ♪ ♪ 15 00:00:41,108 --> 00:00:47,948 37-year-old Kendrell Lyles has pled guilty to murder. 16 00:00:48,081 --> 00:00:50,117 Four years earlier, Lyles picked up 17 00:00:50,183 --> 00:00:52,085 22-year-old Muhlaysia Booker, 18 00:00:52,185 --> 00:00:54,821 a transgender sex worker. 19 00:00:54,955 --> 00:00:57,457 Investigators say Lyles shot Muhlaysia three times 20 00:00:57,591 --> 00:01:00,394 in the head and neck 21 00:01:00,460 --> 00:01:03,630 and then dumped her face down in the street. 22 00:01:03,730 --> 00:01:06,166 Police found her lifeless body after responding 23 00:01:06,266 --> 00:01:08,101 to reports of shots fired. 24 00:01:08,235 --> 00:01:09,770 They had few leads, 25 00:01:09,870 --> 00:01:12,639 until a witness gave cops a description of a vehicle 26 00:01:12,739 --> 00:01:16,343 they say Muhlaysia got into during what the witness called 27 00:01:16,476 --> 00:01:19,813 one of Lyles' frequent visits to the area. 28 00:01:19,913 --> 00:01:22,916 The description helped them ID Lyles' car. 29 00:01:22,983 --> 00:01:25,218 Then, using cell phone data 30 00:01:25,352 --> 00:01:27,554 from Lyles' and Muhlaysia's phones, 31 00:01:27,621 --> 00:01:29,122 police were able to place them 32 00:01:29,222 --> 00:01:31,458 in the same spot at the time of the killing. 33 00:01:31,592 --> 00:01:35,362 Lyles was officially charged with murder. 34 00:01:35,462 --> 00:01:37,598 He initially pled not guilty. 35 00:01:37,664 --> 00:01:40,033 But on the day jury selection was set to begin, 36 00:01:40,100 --> 00:01:42,602 he took a deal, pleading guilty, 37 00:01:42,669 --> 00:01:47,474 avoiding the possibility of the death penalty. 38 00:01:47,541 --> 00:01:50,510 Today, Lyles appears at sentencing in front 39 00:01:50,644 --> 00:01:53,680 of Muhlaysia's family, who, after four years, 40 00:01:53,747 --> 00:01:57,751 are given a chance to speak directly to her killer. 41 00:01:57,851 --> 00:02:00,320 First is Stephanie Houston, Muhlaysia's mother, 42 00:02:00,387 --> 00:02:03,323 who does not hold back her feelings. 43 00:02:35,022 --> 00:02:36,323 ♪ ♪ 44 00:02:36,423 --> 00:02:38,525 - Next to speak is La'Quincia Taylor, 45 00:02:38,625 --> 00:02:41,028 Muhlaysia's sister. 46 00:02:41,128 --> 00:02:43,897 - I wanted to get up here and ask you why you did it. 47 00:02:44,031 --> 00:02:46,199 But I know why you did it, 'cause you a coward. 48 00:02:46,266 --> 00:02:47,768 You know you not nobody. 49 00:02:47,868 --> 00:02:50,103 That gun made you feel like you had power, 50 00:02:50,237 --> 00:02:51,838 but you don't got no power. 51 00:02:51,938 --> 00:02:54,141 I serve a good god. 52 00:02:54,274 --> 00:02:57,044 And you will reap what you sow. 53 00:02:57,110 --> 00:03:01,448 I hope your days in jail are a living hell, you bastard! 54 00:03:01,548 --> 00:03:04,084 ♪ ♪ 55 00:03:04,184 --> 00:03:07,421 - Lyles was sentenced to 48 years in a state prison. 56 00:03:07,554 --> 00:03:09,923 He'll have no chance of parole. 57 00:03:10,023 --> 00:03:12,959 Lyles has also been charged in the unrelated deaths 58 00:03:13,026 --> 00:03:15,829 of two other individuals in the Dallas area. 59 00:03:15,896 --> 00:03:18,765 Those cases are pending. 60 00:03:18,865 --> 00:03:23,003 ♪ ♪ 61 00:03:23,070 --> 00:03:25,105 Next, we head to Traverse City, Michigan, 62 00:03:25,238 --> 00:03:28,909 for a civil hearing. 63 00:03:29,042 --> 00:03:31,478 30-year-old Jacob Nutter has filed a suit 64 00:03:31,545 --> 00:03:35,482 against his ex-girlfriend, 29-year-old Courtney Saxton. 65 00:03:35,549 --> 00:03:37,517 The couple, who have two children together, 66 00:03:37,584 --> 00:03:43,256 are arguing over items they shared while living together. 67 00:03:43,390 --> 00:03:46,193 The judge is Geno Salomone. 68 00:03:46,259 --> 00:03:49,429 - So, Mr. Nutter, I have a list here 69 00:03:49,529 --> 00:03:51,031 of 19 items you're claiming. 70 00:03:51,098 --> 00:03:52,032 Is that right? 71 00:03:52,099 --> 00:03:53,366 - Yes, sir. 72 00:03:53,467 --> 00:03:55,836 - I've got two TVs. You bought 'em in 2018. 73 00:03:55,936 --> 00:03:57,237 You two were living together. 74 00:03:57,337 --> 00:03:58,805 - Yes, we weren't at the time, 75 00:03:58,872 --> 00:04:00,407 'cause we had a no-contact order. 76 00:04:00,474 --> 00:04:01,675 - Yes, we were. 77 00:04:01,775 --> 00:04:03,910 - I understand you got back together, correct? 78 00:04:04,044 --> 00:04:06,680 - If you look at the legal time I bought those TVs, 79 00:04:06,780 --> 00:04:07,948 we were not living together. 80 00:04:10,383 --> 00:04:12,352 - I need--Mr. Nutter, listen. 81 00:04:12,452 --> 00:04:13,754 I need you to answer my questions. 82 00:04:13,854 --> 00:04:15,789 That's actually gonna make this a lot easier. 83 00:04:15,889 --> 00:04:16,957 - Okay. 84 00:04:17,023 --> 00:04:19,392 - Now, you bought these TVs in 2018. 85 00:04:19,493 --> 00:04:21,428 - Yes, sir. - After that time, 86 00:04:21,528 --> 00:04:23,830 you two lived together again, is that true? 87 00:04:23,897 --> 00:04:25,699 - Yes, sir. - Thank you. 88 00:04:25,832 --> 00:04:28,568 Okay, is there anything you wanna get back to me? 89 00:04:28,668 --> 00:04:31,371 - I mean, he can have his air conditioner 90 00:04:31,471 --> 00:04:33,673 that he submitted the receipt for. 91 00:04:33,807 --> 00:04:37,277 Everything else was given to us 92 00:04:37,377 --> 00:04:40,080 as far as, like, birthday presents goes 93 00:04:40,180 --> 00:04:42,749 for our children, or I would also say 94 00:04:42,883 --> 00:04:44,718 given to us for, like, 95 00:04:44,784 --> 00:04:47,354 our baby shower and things like that. 96 00:04:47,454 --> 00:04:49,189 - What was given to you for a baby shower? 97 00:04:49,256 --> 00:04:52,959 - Baby shower was given the, um, 98 00:04:53,026 --> 00:04:54,828 Chicco car seat, 99 00:04:54,928 --> 00:05:00,000 the Evenflo car seat, the camo kids' wagon. 100 00:05:00,901 --> 00:05:02,636 - All of our-- 101 00:05:02,736 --> 00:05:04,237 - All right, stop. Here's what we have. 102 00:05:04,304 --> 00:05:06,673 Mr. Nutter, you're done. 103 00:05:06,806 --> 00:05:10,710 If you interrupt me again, I will dismiss your case. 104 00:05:10,844 --> 00:05:12,512 Am I clear? 105 00:05:12,646 --> 00:05:14,047 - Yes, sir. 106 00:05:14,114 --> 00:05:16,550 - What about the MacBook Air? Tell me about that. 107 00:05:16,683 --> 00:05:19,786 - I purchased that and I said she could use it for college. 108 00:05:19,920 --> 00:05:22,322 And if we ever split up, then I wanted it back. 109 00:05:22,422 --> 00:05:23,657 And that's the end of that. 110 00:05:25,826 --> 00:05:27,194 - I have the MacBook Air. 111 00:05:27,260 --> 00:05:29,162 I also submitted a text message 112 00:05:29,262 --> 00:05:32,632 that he told me it was a gift for starting school. 113 00:05:32,699 --> 00:05:34,968 - Let me see where that's at. 114 00:05:37,103 --> 00:05:39,439 - Mr. Nutter, just be quiet. - Sorry. 115 00:05:39,539 --> 00:05:42,042 - I'm trying to figure out where is this text. 116 00:05:42,108 --> 00:05:44,311 - Saxton, who works at the courthouse, 117 00:05:44,444 --> 00:05:48,114 hand-delivers a copy of the text message to the judge. 118 00:05:48,215 --> 00:05:51,384 - "This is for your schooling. You're gonna need this." 119 00:05:51,518 --> 00:05:55,021 And then the next page if you go over, 120 00:05:55,155 --> 00:05:58,225 it says, "You deserve it." 121 00:05:58,358 --> 00:06:01,061 - Yeah. It does say that, Mr. Nutter. 122 00:06:01,194 --> 00:06:04,497 - I'm sorry, I was never given those text messages. 123 00:06:04,631 --> 00:06:06,366 - After listening to both sides, 124 00:06:06,466 --> 00:06:08,969 Judge Salomone is ready to make his ruling. 125 00:06:09,069 --> 00:06:11,471 - This is a situation where it's not 126 00:06:11,605 --> 00:06:13,039 crystal clear all the time. 127 00:06:13,139 --> 00:06:14,708 And in this case, you had children together, 128 00:06:14,841 --> 00:06:16,209 and people were giving you gifts. 129 00:06:16,309 --> 00:06:21,948 So Mr. Nutter is entitled to the 65-inch TV, 130 00:06:22,082 --> 00:06:25,785 the roof racks, the AC units. 131 00:06:25,919 --> 00:06:27,554 I'm giving the Mac-- I'm gonna let-- 132 00:06:27,621 --> 00:06:28,922 based on the texts that I've seen-- 133 00:06:29,022 --> 00:06:31,191 Courtney keep the Mac and everything else. 134 00:06:31,291 --> 00:06:32,592 The other things were donated by-- 135 00:06:32,659 --> 00:06:34,628 were given by people or they're too old. 136 00:06:34,728 --> 00:06:35,795 They don't have value. 137 00:06:35,862 --> 00:06:37,430 - They were not given by her family. 138 00:06:37,530 --> 00:06:39,366 They were given by my family and friends. 139 00:06:39,466 --> 00:06:40,634 It's not okay. 140 00:06:40,700 --> 00:06:42,402 - And your family and friends gave them to her. 141 00:06:42,469 --> 00:06:44,304 She has 'em. - I'm getting screwed on this. 142 00:06:44,437 --> 00:06:46,640 ♪ ♪ 143 00:06:46,706 --> 00:06:49,142 Your Honor, she is getting away with robbery with this. 144 00:06:49,276 --> 00:06:50,277 This is not okay. 145 00:06:50,343 --> 00:06:51,845 - Mr. Nutter, I just need you to be quiet. 146 00:06:51,912 --> 00:06:54,681 ♪ ♪ 147 00:06:54,748 --> 00:06:55,916 - I feel ignored. 148 00:06:55,982 --> 00:06:57,550 Can I ask you a question, Your Honor? 149 00:06:57,617 --> 00:06:59,319 - What do you wanna ask? 150 00:06:59,386 --> 00:07:00,787 - Her family bought none of those things. 151 00:07:00,920 --> 00:07:02,188 Why does she get more than I do? 152 00:07:02,255 --> 00:07:04,024 It makes no sense. - I think I just ruled 153 00:07:04,157 --> 00:07:06,259 that people have given you those--have given things-- 154 00:07:06,393 --> 00:07:07,627 just 'cause her family didn't buy it, 155 00:07:07,727 --> 00:07:09,462 your family did-- there's children. 156 00:07:09,596 --> 00:07:10,830 They've been in the house where she lives at 157 00:07:10,930 --> 00:07:12,299 for several years. 158 00:07:12,432 --> 00:07:13,566 The court's ruling against you. 159 00:07:13,667 --> 00:07:14,668 I know you don't like it, 160 00:07:14,801 --> 00:07:16,503 but that's the court's ruling. 161 00:07:16,636 --> 00:07:18,705 - She has no proof of these assets. 162 00:07:18,838 --> 00:07:20,573 Why am I getting screwed here? 163 00:07:20,674 --> 00:07:23,109 - Mr. Nutter, if you continue arguing with the court, 164 00:07:23,243 --> 00:07:25,645 I'm just gonna dismiss your case and you get nothing. 165 00:07:25,712 --> 00:07:28,782 I'm not gonna warn you again. 166 00:07:28,915 --> 00:07:32,285 - The judge ruled that Saxton must either return the items 167 00:07:32,385 --> 00:07:33,687 awarded to her ex 168 00:07:33,787 --> 00:07:36,222 or pay him the total value of the items, 169 00:07:36,356 --> 00:07:38,058 which is $800. 170 00:07:38,191 --> 00:07:45,065 The case is now closed. 171 00:07:45,065 --> 00:07:46,433 - Next, we're in Des Moines, Washington, 172 00:07:46,499 --> 00:07:50,036 for an arraignment. 173 00:07:50,103 --> 00:07:52,439 59-year-old London Lee has been charged 174 00:07:52,539 --> 00:07:55,041 with two counts of driving with a suspended license 175 00:07:55,141 --> 00:07:56,676 and operating a vehicle 176 00:07:56,776 --> 00:08:00,880 without an ignition interlock device. 177 00:08:00,947 --> 00:08:02,115 ♪ ♪ 178 00:08:02,215 --> 00:08:03,383 After allegedly committing 179 00:08:03,516 --> 00:08:05,318 her second driving-suspended offense 180 00:08:05,385 --> 00:08:06,753 in two years, 181 00:08:06,853 --> 00:08:09,356 Lee was arrested and taken into custody... 182 00:08:09,422 --> 00:08:10,623 - Here's my car. - Okay. 183 00:08:10,757 --> 00:08:11,925 Let's walk over here by it. 184 00:08:12,025 --> 00:08:13,793 - On a warrant for failing to appear 185 00:08:13,860 --> 00:08:19,566 in court for her first driving-suspended charge. 186 00:08:19,666 --> 00:08:22,836 Today, she appears from jail before Judge Lisa Leone 187 00:08:22,902 --> 00:08:24,637 to find out if she'll make bond. 188 00:08:24,738 --> 00:08:26,072 - Good morning, Ms. Lee. 189 00:08:26,206 --> 00:08:27,774 - Good morning. 190 00:08:27,874 --> 00:08:31,745 - She's represented by public defender Maxim Poudrier-Tudan. 191 00:08:31,878 --> 00:08:33,413 - Your Honor, I went over my client's rights 192 00:08:33,513 --> 00:08:34,748 as well as her charges. 193 00:08:34,881 --> 00:08:36,449 She indicated to me she had no further questions. 194 00:08:36,549 --> 00:08:38,985 So I'll ask to enter a plea of not guilty. 195 00:08:39,119 --> 00:08:40,487 - Mm-hmm. - Um-- 196 00:08:40,587 --> 00:08:42,822 - So what is your decision, Your Honor? 197 00:08:42,956 --> 00:08:45,392 - Well, we're gonna get to that. 198 00:08:45,492 --> 00:08:47,861 Let me hear first from the city. 199 00:08:47,994 --> 00:08:50,296 - Your Honor, the city recommends that Ms. Lee be held 200 00:08:50,430 --> 00:08:53,666 on $5,000 bail on both cases and that she be ordered 201 00:08:53,800 --> 00:08:55,802 to abide by standard driving conditions. 202 00:08:55,869 --> 00:08:57,904 - So you are doing both of my cases here 203 00:08:58,038 --> 00:09:02,842 when I've got one in Des Moines and one in Auburn? 204 00:09:02,909 --> 00:09:04,511 And, I mean-- - You have--no. 205 00:09:04,644 --> 00:09:06,413 - We're gonna get rid of both of these today. 206 00:09:06,513 --> 00:09:08,548 Don't play with me. 207 00:09:08,681 --> 00:09:12,118 - Lee is trying to discuss an unrelated case. 208 00:09:12,185 --> 00:09:15,288 - Ms. Lee, the Auburn, we can't hear today. 209 00:09:15,388 --> 00:09:17,023 That's not part of my jurisdiction. 210 00:09:17,157 --> 00:09:18,191 So what we're hearing today-- 211 00:09:18,258 --> 00:09:20,593 - So that's what he's saying, though. 212 00:09:20,660 --> 00:09:23,363 - You may have another case. - Let's get our facts straight. 213 00:09:23,463 --> 00:09:27,634 We will not be driving, and I'm pleading guilty. 214 00:09:27,700 --> 00:09:29,702 - Well, you're entering a plea of not guilty. 215 00:09:29,836 --> 00:09:32,839 - I'm entering a plea of guilty. 216 00:09:32,939 --> 00:09:34,707 - Um. - Mr. Poudrier-Tudan. 217 00:09:34,841 --> 00:09:36,476 - I had--I had borderline-- 218 00:09:36,576 --> 00:09:38,912 - That's what he advised. - I--okay. 219 00:09:39,045 --> 00:09:43,249 - I'm entering a plea of guilty today! 220 00:09:43,349 --> 00:09:44,350 - All right. 221 00:09:44,417 --> 00:09:46,152 - And that's all I'm gonna tell you. 222 00:09:46,219 --> 00:09:48,788 ♪ ♪ 223 00:09:51,424 --> 00:09:52,992 - No. 224 00:09:53,092 --> 00:09:55,628 - [talking indistinctly] 225 00:09:57,664 --> 00:09:59,899 - Poudrier-Tudan has concerns 226 00:10:00,033 --> 00:10:02,635 that Lee may not be competent to stand trial. 227 00:10:02,735 --> 00:10:04,204 - Okay, Ms. Lee. - Okay. 228 00:10:04,270 --> 00:10:06,573 Are you gonna-- 229 00:10:06,673 --> 00:10:08,641 - You slow down if you wanna talk to me 230 00:10:08,741 --> 00:10:12,679 because I know just what the hell is going on with me. 231 00:10:12,779 --> 00:10:14,147 I'm not gon' play your [indistinct] 232 00:10:14,280 --> 00:10:15,715 and dungeon bull[bleep], 233 00:10:15,815 --> 00:10:17,617 like they're flying off somewhere. 234 00:10:17,750 --> 00:10:19,552 You listen, lady. 235 00:10:19,652 --> 00:10:21,421 - Judge Leone remains calm 236 00:10:21,554 --> 00:10:24,224 as she reviews the defendant's cases. 237 00:10:24,357 --> 00:10:27,760 - I don't see a case out of Auburn 238 00:10:27,827 --> 00:10:30,096 in the criminal history that-- 239 00:10:30,230 --> 00:10:32,499 - Your Honor? - Yeah. 240 00:10:32,632 --> 00:10:34,634 - Um, he pled not guilty. 241 00:10:34,767 --> 00:10:36,236 So I'm gonna go with what he said 242 00:10:36,336 --> 00:10:39,005 and set this matter over. - Okay. 243 00:10:39,072 --> 00:10:41,241 - And then that should be settled, okay? 244 00:10:41,341 --> 00:10:43,343 Let's don't dig around into something 245 00:10:43,476 --> 00:10:45,245 that you don't know what you're talking about. 246 00:10:45,311 --> 00:10:46,546 'Cause I'ma tell you right now, 247 00:10:46,679 --> 00:10:49,148 you better get your [bleep] together up in here. 248 00:10:49,282 --> 00:10:52,418 - Okay. Ms. Lee, I don't wanna have to mute you, 249 00:10:52,552 --> 00:10:53,553 but I need you to-- 250 00:10:54,821 --> 00:10:56,923 - No, Ms. Lee, don't talk like that. 251 00:10:57,023 --> 00:10:58,758 - Let me tell you something, don't play me. 252 00:10:58,825 --> 00:10:59,792 Don't play me, lady. 253 00:10:59,893 --> 00:11:01,661 I've been in front of you before. 254 00:11:01,794 --> 00:11:03,663 - That's right, you have. 255 00:11:05,331 --> 00:11:08,768 - Ms. Lee, I am going to order 256 00:11:08,835 --> 00:11:12,472 that you have an evaluation there in custody. 257 00:11:12,605 --> 00:11:14,040 I've signed the order. 258 00:11:14,107 --> 00:11:15,842 - What kind of order did you just sign into-- 259 00:11:15,909 --> 00:11:17,677 - An order for you to be evaluated 260 00:11:17,777 --> 00:11:20,113 by a mental health evaluator. 261 00:11:20,246 --> 00:11:23,082 - Okay. 262 00:11:23,149 --> 00:11:25,218 - Lee was returned to jail, 263 00:11:25,351 --> 00:11:27,487 and, after completing an evaluation, 264 00:11:27,587 --> 00:11:29,389 was deemed competent. 265 00:11:29,455 --> 00:11:32,125 She then took a deal, pleading guilty to one 266 00:11:32,225 --> 00:11:33,993 of the suspended license charges, 267 00:11:34,093 --> 00:11:35,595 as well as operating a vehicle without 268 00:11:35,662 --> 00:11:37,263 an ignition interlock device, 269 00:11:37,397 --> 00:11:38,965 in exchange for her having 270 00:11:39,065 --> 00:11:42,635 her most recent suspended license charge dismissed. 271 00:11:42,735 --> 00:11:45,305 The judge sentenced her to 26 days in jail 272 00:11:45,438 --> 00:11:53,713 with 26 days credit for time served. 273 00:11:53,713 --> 00:11:55,415 - Next, we're in San Antonio, Texas, 274 00:11:55,515 --> 00:11:59,085 for a sentencing hearing. 275 00:11:59,185 --> 00:12:02,789 19-year-old Dominick Brinkley has pled no contest 276 00:12:02,922 --> 00:12:06,259 to aggravated robbery. 277 00:12:06,392 --> 00:12:07,660 A year and a half earlier, 278 00:12:07,794 --> 00:12:10,463 police say Brinkley was riding in a stolen car 279 00:12:10,597 --> 00:12:12,999 with his 16-year-old brother, Isaiah Brinkley, 280 00:12:13,066 --> 00:12:15,768 when they spotted a couple removing Christmas presents 281 00:12:15,835 --> 00:12:17,103 from their vehicle. 282 00:12:17,236 --> 00:12:19,572 When the couple stepped away for a moment, 283 00:12:19,672 --> 00:12:22,775 the brothers allegedly stole some of the presents. 284 00:12:22,875 --> 00:12:25,478 But then, as they tried to flee the scene, 285 00:12:25,578 --> 00:12:28,047 one of the victims chased after them. 286 00:12:28,114 --> 00:12:30,149 As he grabbed a hold of Dominick, 287 00:12:30,283 --> 00:12:33,720 Isaiah allegedly fired multiple shots, 288 00:12:33,786 --> 00:12:37,657 hitting both the victim and Dominick in the arms. 289 00:12:37,790 --> 00:12:39,726 The victim made a full recovery, 290 00:12:39,826 --> 00:12:43,062 and for several months, the case went unsolved. 291 00:12:43,196 --> 00:12:46,799 Eventually, when DNA samples found inside the victim's car 292 00:12:46,866 --> 00:12:50,470 were a match for Isaiah, it led police to Dominick, 293 00:12:50,603 --> 00:12:53,673 who'd recently been arrested on an unrelated charge. 294 00:12:53,806 --> 00:12:57,143 He admitted that he was at the scene the day of the incident 295 00:12:57,276 --> 00:13:00,079 and was officially charged. 296 00:13:00,146 --> 00:13:01,814 Today, Dominick, who's recovered 297 00:13:01,914 --> 00:13:03,449 from his gunshot wounds, 298 00:13:03,549 --> 00:13:07,220 appears with his attorney before Judge Stephanie Boyd. 299 00:13:07,353 --> 00:13:09,956 - According to the plea bargain agreement, 300 00:13:10,023 --> 00:13:11,791 punishment is to be assessed 301 00:13:11,858 --> 00:13:13,760 at a cap of eight years in the prison. 302 00:13:13,826 --> 00:13:16,796 And there's to be restitution to the complainant. 303 00:13:16,863 --> 00:13:19,565 - The defense calls Amber Asher, 304 00:13:19,666 --> 00:13:23,436 the defendant's mother, who asks the judge for leniency. 305 00:13:23,503 --> 00:13:25,905 - Before he was arrested on this charge, 306 00:13:26,039 --> 00:13:30,877 there was, like, tremendous maturity happening. 307 00:13:30,943 --> 00:13:37,083 And he made some really bad choices in that time frame. 308 00:13:37,150 --> 00:13:39,752 My dad had just passed away, like, two months before that. 309 00:13:42,855 --> 00:13:43,956 [somber music] 310 00:13:44,023 --> 00:13:45,958 And then he felt like the one person 311 00:13:46,025 --> 00:13:49,128 who was always there for him was gone. 312 00:13:49,228 --> 00:13:52,098 He's very responsible. He's a great dad. 313 00:13:52,231 --> 00:13:53,399 ♪ ♪ 314 00:13:53,466 --> 00:13:56,636 He made a horrible choice, and he knows that. 315 00:13:56,736 --> 00:14:00,273 And we just ask for mercy, that's all. 316 00:14:00,406 --> 00:14:03,242 - When she's finished, the defendant speaks directly 317 00:14:03,309 --> 00:14:04,877 to Judge Boyd. 318 00:14:04,944 --> 00:14:08,481 - Your Honor, um, I really just wanna ask for forgiveness. 319 00:14:08,581 --> 00:14:10,717 I just can't imagine how traumatized 320 00:14:10,850 --> 00:14:13,386 that his family and he is. 321 00:14:13,519 --> 00:14:16,789 And if I had the opportunity to apologize, I would do so. 322 00:14:16,856 --> 00:14:19,459 I just please ask you that you give me 323 00:14:19,592 --> 00:14:23,429 a little bit of leniency and push for the probation 324 00:14:23,496 --> 00:14:26,099 instead of prison time, so that way I can be there 325 00:14:26,232 --> 00:14:28,368 around my daughter while she grows up, 326 00:14:28,434 --> 00:14:32,438 and she doesn't have to grow up without a father like I did. 327 00:14:32,505 --> 00:14:34,440 - Before the judge imposes sentence, 328 00:14:34,540 --> 00:14:37,043 the prosecutor has a few questions. 329 00:14:37,110 --> 00:14:40,146 - So after it happened, what did y'all do? 330 00:14:40,279 --> 00:14:43,082 - I went straight home, and I rinsed my arm off. 331 00:14:43,149 --> 00:14:44,884 That's what I did, and I wrapped it up. 332 00:14:46,919 --> 00:14:49,155 - Um... 333 00:14:50,390 --> 00:14:51,724 - Yes, sir. - Thank you. 334 00:14:51,824 --> 00:14:53,593 No further questions, Your Honor. 335 00:14:53,693 --> 00:14:56,396 - Next, Judge Boyd has a few questions of her own 336 00:14:56,462 --> 00:14:57,430 for the defendant. 337 00:14:57,530 --> 00:14:58,664 - All right, you know that that day, 338 00:14:58,798 --> 00:15:00,466 you ruined somebody's Christmas. 339 00:15:01,601 --> 00:15:03,669 - And you understand that the complainant was shot. 340 00:15:04,871 --> 00:15:08,307 - So I understand your upbringing was bad. 341 00:15:08,441 --> 00:15:10,910 I understand that you have a baby 342 00:15:11,043 --> 00:15:12,745 that you want to be there for, right? 343 00:15:12,879 --> 00:15:14,881 - Yes, Your Honor. - But I have to balance things 344 00:15:14,981 --> 00:15:18,151 and look at both things. 345 00:15:18,217 --> 00:15:20,353 Sentencing is about one of the things. 346 00:15:20,453 --> 00:15:23,322 It's for rehabilitation, right? 347 00:15:23,389 --> 00:15:25,191 But it's also for punishment. 348 00:15:25,258 --> 00:15:28,327 And in your case, if I send you to prison, 349 00:15:28,428 --> 00:15:31,063 it's punishment and rehabilitation. 350 00:15:31,197 --> 00:15:36,402 This case is going to be a prison case. 351 00:15:36,502 --> 00:15:38,237 I know that you are young. 352 00:15:38,337 --> 00:15:41,274 You will still have time to live your life. 353 00:15:41,407 --> 00:15:42,975 I'm gonna find you guilty, 354 00:15:43,075 --> 00:15:49,148 sentence you to eight years in the prison, $1,500 fine. 355 00:15:49,282 --> 00:15:51,751 - In addition to the eight years in prison 356 00:15:51,851 --> 00:15:54,887 and the fine, Brinkley must also pay restitution 357 00:15:54,987 --> 00:15:59,792 of $24,630.40 to the victims. 358 00:15:59,892 --> 00:16:02,762 He'll be eligible for parole in 2027. 359 00:16:02,829 --> 00:16:04,964 He'll be 23 years old. 360 00:16:05,064 --> 00:16:07,700 As for his minor brother, Isaiah Brinkley, 361 00:16:07,834 --> 00:16:15,408 he's in custody and his case is pending. 362 00:16:15,408 --> 00:16:17,176 - Next, we're in Ann Arbor, Michigan, 363 00:16:17,276 --> 00:16:19,812 for a probation violation hearing. 364 00:16:19,912 --> 00:16:21,280 ♪ ♪ 365 00:16:21,380 --> 00:16:24,817 37-year-old Chaddick Gembel has been convicted 366 00:16:24,951 --> 00:16:27,286 of armed robbery. 367 00:16:27,386 --> 00:16:28,754 ♪ ♪ 368 00:16:28,821 --> 00:16:31,324 Three years earlier, according to police reports, 369 00:16:31,424 --> 00:16:34,827 Gembel entered a party store armed with a knife 370 00:16:34,961 --> 00:16:37,163 and demanded money from the register. 371 00:16:37,230 --> 00:16:40,032 After he left with an undisclosed amount of cash, 372 00:16:40,099 --> 00:16:44,637 investigators say Gembel fled in a gray vehicle. 373 00:16:44,704 --> 00:16:47,440 Police released surveillance images of the car 374 00:16:47,540 --> 00:16:49,242 and from inside the store, 375 00:16:49,308 --> 00:16:52,512 which led to Gembel's arrest two days later. 376 00:16:52,645 --> 00:16:56,682 He was charged, pled guilty, and sentenced to probation. 377 00:16:56,749 --> 00:16:58,217 As part of his probation agreement, 378 00:16:58,351 --> 00:17:03,356 Gembel was ordered to undergo regular drug testing. 379 00:17:03,456 --> 00:17:06,726 Today, he appears with his attorney, Zachary Ward, 380 00:17:06,826 --> 00:17:10,162 before Judge Arianne Slay, because earlier that morning, 381 00:17:10,229 --> 00:17:14,300 Gembel tested positive for methamphetamine. 382 00:17:14,433 --> 00:17:15,534 - Mr. Gembel's case was called 383 00:17:15,635 --> 00:17:18,237 in the earlier docket this morning. 384 00:17:18,304 --> 00:17:20,640 He had an appointment at CMH, which I understand-- 385 00:17:20,740 --> 00:17:21,807 did you keep your appointment? 386 00:17:23,209 --> 00:17:24,076 - Okay, you went to your appointment, 387 00:17:24,210 --> 00:17:27,313 came back, and tested positive. 388 00:17:28,314 --> 00:17:31,550 - And that was very concerning to me. 389 00:17:31,651 --> 00:17:34,387 So I did ask that you come back up in front of the court. 390 00:17:34,520 --> 00:17:36,355 - The judge explains the situation 391 00:17:36,422 --> 00:17:38,791 to prosecutor Lou Danner. 392 00:17:38,891 --> 00:17:42,194 - Mr. Danner, the alleged violation right now 393 00:17:42,295 --> 00:17:43,763 is that he tested positive for meth. 394 00:17:43,829 --> 00:17:46,165 Do you have a motion? - Yes, Your Honor. 395 00:17:46,265 --> 00:17:47,266 The people are gonna make a motion 396 00:17:47,400 --> 00:17:48,534 for a remand in this case. 397 00:17:48,634 --> 00:17:50,603 ♪ ♪ 398 00:17:50,703 --> 00:17:52,038 - Mr. Ward? 399 00:17:52,138 --> 00:17:55,107 - Your Honor, I'd ask the court not to remand Gembel. 400 00:17:55,241 --> 00:17:58,044 He has reached out to his sponsor. 401 00:17:58,110 --> 00:18:04,250 He has sober living lined up and that he's working towards-- 402 00:18:04,317 --> 00:18:06,686 - And he's scared that incarceration 403 00:18:06,786 --> 00:18:09,956 will take that off the table. 404 00:18:10,022 --> 00:18:11,123 And he admitted, Your Honor. 405 00:18:11,190 --> 00:18:12,959 He didn't hide this, so. 406 00:18:13,025 --> 00:18:16,028 - So, Mr. Gembel, my concern is, you were here this morning. 407 00:18:16,162 --> 00:18:18,598 I asked if you were okay, and you knew I had concerns 408 00:18:18,664 --> 00:18:20,099 because I sent you down to text. 409 00:18:20,232 --> 00:18:21,867 You knew when you were here this morning 410 00:18:21,968 --> 00:18:23,636 that you had used yesterday. 411 00:18:23,769 --> 00:18:25,438 That wasn't any part of the conversation. 412 00:18:25,504 --> 00:18:28,874 You were in a room full of treatment folks 413 00:18:29,008 --> 00:18:31,210 to be of assistance to you. 414 00:18:31,277 --> 00:18:34,947 And it was more concerning for you to leave 415 00:18:35,081 --> 00:18:36,549 and to not say anything. 416 00:18:36,682 --> 00:18:39,218 And I told you if you needed the CCMH in the jail, 417 00:18:39,352 --> 00:18:40,620 I would set that up for you. 418 00:18:41,587 --> 00:18:42,521 - But I'm conc-- 419 00:18:42,588 --> 00:18:43,990 - I did. 420 00:18:44,123 --> 00:18:48,160 But maybe you weren't listening. 421 00:18:48,227 --> 00:18:49,829 I'm remanding you today. 422 00:18:49,962 --> 00:18:51,063 We'll do your formal arraignment 423 00:18:51,197 --> 00:18:53,833 tomorrow morning at 9:30. 424 00:18:53,899 --> 00:18:56,469 - Gembel seems unhappy with the outcome 425 00:18:56,602 --> 00:19:00,439 and brings up a previous judge from the case. 426 00:19:07,480 --> 00:19:08,681 - As the State Court Administrator's Office, 427 00:19:08,781 --> 00:19:11,517 as I'm the backup Sobriety Court judge. 428 00:19:11,584 --> 00:19:14,086 Either way, this is the ruling of the day. 429 00:19:14,186 --> 00:19:16,822 That's it. Officer McNeely. 430 00:19:16,956 --> 00:19:19,625 - As the officer tries to take Gembel into custody, 431 00:19:19,759 --> 00:19:21,861 he continues to plead his case. 432 00:19:21,994 --> 00:19:23,763 - I just wanna tell you, you know, 433 00:19:23,829 --> 00:19:25,831 addiction is hard, you know? 434 00:19:25,931 --> 00:19:28,267 - It is. 435 00:19:48,387 --> 00:19:49,321 - She said-- - Sir. 436 00:19:49,388 --> 00:19:52,224 Please go with the officer now. 437 00:19:52,358 --> 00:19:54,927 - You'll have your chance-- - Your hearing is not today. 438 00:19:55,027 --> 00:19:56,462 - I wanna give a chance for her-- 439 00:19:56,595 --> 00:19:59,632 [indistinct speech] 440 00:19:59,732 --> 00:20:02,401 ♪ ♪ 441 00:20:02,501 --> 00:20:04,203 - Gembel is taken to jail. 442 00:20:04,270 --> 00:20:08,040 The next day, he's ordered held without bond. 443 00:20:08,140 --> 00:20:11,677 His sentence for probation violation is pending. 444 00:20:11,744 --> 00:20:14,013 ♪ ♪ 445 00:20:14,113 --> 00:20:15,681 That's it for this edition of "Court Cam." 446 00:20:15,748 --> 00:20:17,016 I'm Dan Abrams. 447 00:20:17,116 --> 00:20:18,217 Thanks for watching. 448 00:20:18,350 --> 00:20:21,087 [static humming] 449 00:20:21,187 --> 00:20:22,955 ♪ ♪