Judge denies shopping trips for ex-cop facing trial in fatal shooting
The former police officer charged in the 2015 shooting death of stranded motorist Corey Jones won’t get to go shopping for new suits before jury selection for his nationally-televised trial that starts Feb. 21.
Palm Beach County Circuit Judge Joseph Marx denied a request Friday to ease house arrest restrictions for Nouman Raja. He’s been allowed to drive to work and put gas in his car, mow his grass and sit on his patio for his kids’ birthday parties.
But this week, Raja sought special permission to take two, 90-minute clothes shopping trips, make an hour-long appointment at a credit union, shop at Publix, visit his father’s grave, pick up his young children after school, make extensive repairs to the outside of his house and more.
“This is approximately the ninth time the defense has tried to nibble at the house arrest, I want this condition, I want that condition,” Marx said. “I’m just telling you right now, we’re 12 days from the start of the trial, I’m not messing with this.”
Since Raja’s arrest on June 1, 2016, he’s been allowed to stay on house arrest as a condition of a $250,000 bond. There are two charges: manslaughter by culpable negligence while armed, and attempted first-degree murder with a firearm.
Plans are moving ahead for the lawyers and the judge to find a jury of six people plus four alternates from a pool of more than 200 prospects.
The potential jurors initially will be screened on their ability to participate in a lengthy trial and whether they have been exposed to extensive media coverage of the case.
Just in case it becomes impossible to pick a jury, the defense announced that Monday it will file a request to move the trial
elsewhere.
Attorney Richard Lubin said he has an obligation to make the request, even though everyone hopes the jurors will come from Palm Beach County. The law forbids change of venue requests unless lawyers formally ask at least 10 days before a trial.
The issue caught prosecutors off-guard. Assistant State Attorney Brian Fernandes called it premature since, “We haven’t even tried to pick a jury.”
The judge also set more ground rules Friday for the expected two to three week trial. This includes preventing the prosecution and the defense from calling expert witnesses in the areas of police practices and police use of force.
Marx said he’s lost sleep over these issues and finally decided the trial must focus on the facts of the case and not outside opinions about police work.
The judge said he’s intent on holding a fair trial, which includes giving the Jones and Raja families an equal number of seats in the courtroom. Marx announced that Court TV will broadcast every day of the trial and it will be streamed online for those who can’t attend.
The shooting happened at 3:15 a.m. Oct. 18, 2015, beside an Interstate 95 offramp, after Raja had driven an unmarked van up to Jones’ broken down SUV. Within seconds, the plainclothes officer fired six shots from his personal handgun, hitting Jones three times.
Raja had been working a car burglary patrol in the area that night. Jones, a drummer for a reggae band, was in need of roadside assistance after a gig.
Raja claims the shooting was justified because he identified himself as a cop and found himself threatened at gunpoint.
But prosecutors contend that Raja lied about what happened, both in his 911 call and in his statements to investigators made about four hours after the shooting.
Davie Fire & Police Expo, today, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Kids will get up-close and personal with Davie Fire Rescue and Davie Police Department to learn ways to keep families safe. There will be police and fire rescue demos, a petting zoo and activities for all ages. Free. Davie Public Safety Complex, 1230 S. Nob Hill Road, Davie.
Adopt a Sweetheart, today and Sunday, 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Whether you’re looking for a pooch to smooch or a cat to cuddle, you can find the Valentine of your dreams waiting for you at the adoption center. There are over 100 pets looking for love and adoption fees will be half price for pets one year of age and older. Some pets will even have their adoption fee waived. Humane Society of Broward County, 2070 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale. humanebroward.com
Black History Month Community Celebration, today, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. This family festival will feature folkloric music, cultural drum and dance classes, poetry, contests, giveaways, an African American business expo, children’s storytellers and other activities for families. North Miami Public Library, 835 NE 132nd St., Miami. nortmiamifl.gov Sensory Friendly Saturday at Miami Children’s Museum, 9-11 a.m. Explore the museum in a sensory-modified setting with limited admission and sound/ lighting adjustments. Children can enjoy sensory-friendly stage performances and parents will have the opportunity to network with other parents and speak with various health professionals. 980 MacArthur Causeway, Miami. For more information, call 305-373-5437 or email SensorySaturday@MiamiChildrensMuseum.org.
Science of Chocolate, today, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Learn about the history of chocolate, explore the “Dinosaur Invasion” exhibit with a chocolate twist, enjoy complimentary tasting stations of your favorite chocolates and flowing chocolate fountain, explore plenty of chocolate activities, labs, and demonstrations for the entire family. $13.95-$17.95 (Included with price of admission.) South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach. sfsciencecenter.org Young At Art Museum’s Love Factory, today, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Your little ones can celebrate Valentine’s Day with art stations and workshops they can create greetings, charms, boxes, and bows to give to friends, family and classmates. Then join in on a Love Dancy Party. $11-$14 (Price included with admission) 751 SW 121st Ave., Davie. LEGOmania, Sunday, 1-4:30 p.m. Families with kids of all ages can join enjoy an afternoon of LEGO fun. Become a LEGO engineer, create a LEGO masterpiece, do a craft or play with giant blocks during this self-led, drop-in program. For more information, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call 561-868-7703. Free. Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis St.
Arts Spark Kids Fest, Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. This interactive festival celebrates the cultural, creative and performing arts. Events include karaoke, musical and dance numbers, petting zoo, puppet making, drumming circle and more. $10. Sugar Sand Park, 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton. sugarsandpark.org
Sensory Sunday at Young at Art, 10 a.m. The museum opens one hour early exclusively for children and adults with autism or other sensory integration sensitivities. Guests will enjoy a monthly, theme-based art activity in addition to other sensoryfriendly activities. This month’s event is Love & Happiness. 751 SW 121st Ave., Davie. youngatartmuseum.org.