Justin M. Howard | January 25, 2021
Jussie Smollett’s defense team, attorneys Tina Glandian and William Quinlan met with Judge James Linn on Wednesday to discuss evidence that could be implemented in Smollett’s trial. According to the Chicago Tribune, Judge Linn went through some 25 disputed pieces of possible evidence before ultimately making very few final decisions about what could be allowed at trial.
Smollett’s defense team may have indicated that they seek to call Eddie Johnson (former police Superintendent) and Rahm Emanuel (former Mayor of Chicago) to discuss “demonstrably false” statements made in press conferences regarding Smollett in 2019.
Johnson and Emanuel indeed made several false claims regarding the Osundairos testimony. However, this evidence would be more significant in the civil suit involving the case, not the criminal case. Judge Linn wishes to base the trial strictly on “what happened on the street” the night of the alleged attack. Judge Linn was still open to the idea of allowing this evidence if the defense can offer him proof of its significance.
Smollett’s defense also asked to use evidence found against the Osundairo brothers. Some evidence includes items found in a police raid and various lawsuits the brothers filed since the attack. According to Smollett’s defense the Osundairos lied to police about Smollett paying them to participate in a fake attack and really attacked Smollett, “along with at least one other collaborator.” The brothers were then pressured to make up a story that would get them out of custody and out of trouble.
Jussie Smollett is expected to be back in court on March 5. Many cases have been halted due to the Covid19 pandemic. When asked about a trial date Linn responded: “Your guess is as good as mine.”