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A man once found guilty of killing a rival over a gambling dispute must have a completely new trial, all because his mother couldn’t find a seat during jury selection.
According to Daily Mail, 23-year-old Daniel Floyd, was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison over the 2008 Brooklyn shooting death of father Leon Hill. The young man left angrily after losing money in a game of dice, returning with a gun.
As shocking as this may seem, law requires that for trials to be deemed public, proper seating must be available. His conviction was overturned in April 2013 by the Court of Appeals.
Floyd’s mother, 41-year old Melissa Floyd, was unable to find a seat in the courtroom, therefore making the trial not public.
The mother of the victim, Linda Dixon Hill, called the verdict “frustrating.”
Floyd’s mother was present in court on Monday for her son’s pre-retrial hearing. His next court date is on September 12.
Photo Credits: NYP; Shutterstock