By Issa A. Mansaray | The AfricaPaper
Minneapolis, Minn – A Crystal City man, Pierre Barlee Collins accused of killing his 10-year-old son will stand trial beginning Jan. 4, 2016.
Judge Tanya Bransford set the trial date at yesterday’s hearing. The trial is expected to last about three weeks.
Courtroom
Issa Mansaray| The AfricaPaper.
Yesterday’s hearing lasted about eight minutes. It was to start at 3p.m, but about 2:30 p.m. almost all the 30 audience seats in the courtroom were occupied. At 3.15 p.m. many looked towards the door where Collins entered the courtroom. His beard was shaved, and wore a clean-pressed orange jail jumpsuit. He briefly darted his eyes around, avoiding eye contact with the audience. Shawn Webb one of his public defenders murmured something to him.
Five Sheriff deputies secured the courtroom before Collins’ appearance at the hearing.
Court Dates
Judge Bransford read and outlined the evidence discovery phase, and announced the pretrial and trial dates. Collins’ next court date will be Oct. 19, for more evidence discovery. A pretrial conference is set for Dec. 14, at 2:00 pm for any contested issues arising from the evidential process. Collins is still held on a $2 million bail bond at the Hennepin County jail.
Speedy Trial Waived
Indicted on first- and second-degree murder, Pierre Collins’ trial is set to draw emotions, and a long wait for the African community and activists longing to hear the truth about the death of 10-year-old Barway.
Collins had wanted it to be a speedy trial, but waived all rights in court after talking with his lawyers Greg Scanlan and Shawn Webb. This gives time for his lawyers to prepare his defense. The evidence discovery continues.
Exchanges
Earlier in the courtroom many didn’t notice Yamah, Collins’ wife, who briefly greeted late Barway’s mother, Louise Karluah along the court corridor. Out of court, Yamah slowly walked past a group of women and took the stairs to the ground floor and out of the building. Karluah’s lawyer, Marcus A. Jarvis briefed the media on how his client is coping after her son’s burial, and the first court appearance. TAP
