Guest Opinion Column — Orange MP questions retrial of assault case – Orange Leader

I write today about what matters most when it comes to pursuing justice in our community.

Our Orange County Assistant Prosecutor Byrd Anderson finds himself working for Orange County Attorney General District Attorney John Kimbrough (128).^th The District Court (Presiding District Court Judge Courtney Arkeen) is seeking a third retrial of Case #A190613-R on or about June 10, 2024, despite two previous mistrials.

In the previous two trials, the prosecutor was Assistant U.S. Attorney Byrd Anderson.

If implemented, this decision would not only be a misuse of taxpayer funds, but also a grave injustice to the defendants and a violation of their constitutional rights.

I do not support the actions of defendant Terrence Watson. Involved. But he has the same rights as every American here in the United States.

Regardless of our views on the issue, he has every right to do whatever he wants with his property. The gentleman being defended by the State, Brandon Scott, violated the rights of the defendant.

That’s why we, the people, cannot allow our justice system to manipulate the system and prosecute innocent people.

As residents of Orange County, it is imperative that we come together to oppose such actions.

Rehearing cases multiple times not only places an undue burden on an already strained judicial system, it also undermines the principles of fairness and equality on which our country was founded.

By continuing with this prosecution, the district attorney is ignoring the defendant’s rights under Article 14.^th It is about fixing and perpetuating the systems that allow racial bias and discrimination to flourish.

We cannot and must not tolerate such injustice in our communities, our cities, and our counties.

Please join me in sending a letter to 128 people.^th The Judicial District Attorney, 801 Division Street, requests the immediate dismissal of Case A190613-R and if you do not support their decision and need to prevent this trial from taking place in our county. We are asking people to let us know that they are protesting. or sign a petition to have the charges dismissed.

Together, we can make our voices heard and demand accountability from those tasked with upholding the law. Let us unite in our commitment to justice and equality for all.

I am going to do this because I was elected to represent the people.

Now, I am calling on my fellow citizens to stand with me for what is right.

Dear Orange County residents, we must come together and not be divided.

– Sincerely,

Terry Turner Salter, Orange City Councilman, District 3

Vice President, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)