According to Revolt, in a recent turn of events, the state appeals court has ordered Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Lee Coffee to step down from the murder case. This decision was reached on Friday, Oct. 27, following concerns raised by the defense team. The move to recuse Judge Coffee comes about a month after a lawyer representing one of the suspects, Justin Johnson, expressed doubts about the judge’s ability to preside over the case impartially. Notably, on Sept. 28, Judge Coffee had initially rejected a motion for a new judge.
According to the outlet, the lawyer, Luke Evans, contended that Coffee failed to inform Johnson about a communication and visitation order restricting Johnson from interacting with individuals outside of the jail, except for Evans. Evans further claimed that the judge issued this order without proper notification or a hearing. While Evans characterized the judge’s decision as “punitive,” Coffee argued that the communication restrictions were implemented to protect Johnson and maintained that he had not determined Johnson’s guilt or innocence.
Source: Black Enterprise
