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The murder trial of South Carolina restauranteur Gregorio M. Leon seemed to be going exceedingly well for the state’s eleventh circuit solicitor’s office – at least until prosecutors called veteran forensic pathologist Dr. Janice Ross to the stand last Friday (June 23, 2023).
Ross’ testimony painted a grim picture of the shooting that claimed the life of 28-year-old Arturo Bravo – capping a compelling case from the prosecution.
Leon, the accused murderer, followed a GPS tracker he had installed in his wife Rachel Leon‘s vehicle to a parking lot off of Interstate 20 in Lexington County. There, on Valentine’s Day seven years ago, he found his wife having sex with Bravo in the backseat of a Toyota Tundra she had purchased for him just days earlier. Ballistics diagrams presented to the jury indicated Bravo was shot through the side/ back – and that he had not turned to face Leon as the shots rang out.
This would contradict the defense’s contention that Bravo had raised his arm toward Leon immediately prior to the shooting.
The problem? Ross’ testimony contradicted what her initial report said …
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Defense attorney Alissa Wilson sparred with Ross over this major discrepancy last Friday. I initially reported Wilson’s cross examination “pointed out that in Ross’ initial report she hypothesized that Bravo’s right arm was raised when he was shot – even though she had just testified it was down by his side at the time of the shooting.”
“So it wasn’t until this time, seven years later, that you changed your opinion?” Wilson pressed Ross.
Ross replied that she had changed her assessment “after reviewing her files in preparation for the trial, and that she had told the solicitor’s office about this change,” I noted in my coverage.
However, I added “this change didn’t appear to have been conveyed to the defense team – which could conceivably raise an appellate issue should Leon ultimately be convicted.”
Actually, it appears to have become an issue well ahead of any potential appeal …
On Monday morning of this week, S.C. circuit court judge Walton J. McLeod IV – who is presiding over this trial – dismissed jurors until Wednesday, citing a matter that the attorneys had to resolve.
(Click to view)
(Via: @Dnolan2000)
Upon returning to court at the appointed hour on Wednesday, it soon became clear to me something was amiss.
As I ascended the main staircase that runs through the center of the beautiful Lexington County courthouse, I immediately noticed something different – a congregation of bailiffs and court staff standing behind the glass door leading to the judge’s chambers.
I began to wonder aloud what was going on …
(Click to view)
(Via: @Dnolan2000)
As I entered the courtroom, I noted the absence of any documents on either of the parties’ tables – and further observed the court reporter was nowhere to be seen.
(Click to view)
(Via: @Dnolan2000)
More than an hour after court was scheduled to begin, attorneys began intermittently emerging from the judge’s chambers. Once all parties were present, the jury was brought in and told they would not be needed until the next morning.
Judge McLeod thanked jurors for their service – and for their commitment to serve for another week – which would stretch what was initially billed into as a two-week commitment into nearly month of jury duty.
Interestingly through, both prosecution and defense agreed they would no longer require the assistance of translators (who have to this point attended every day of the trial). With these matters put on the record, court concluded for the day – but according to sources close to the case this wasn’t all that transpired.
Sources familiar with the situation confirmed to this news outlet that attorneys Dick Harpootlian and Chris Kenney – who previously represented Leon – testified in McLeod’s chambers earlier this morning. Readers will remember the alleged witness tampering in this case took place in the parking lot of Harpootlian’s office.
Additionally, sources close to the case have indicated the defense intends to move for a mistrial – perhaps as soon as tomorrow morning.
Stay tuned to this news outlet for updates …
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dylan Nolan is a journalist and video producer for FITSNews. He graduated from the Darla Moore School of Business with a bachelors in Accounting in 2021, and has spent his professional career attempting to shine light on corruption and institutional failure in South Carolina through his journalism. Got a tip or story idea for Dylan? Email him here. You can also engage him socially @DNolan2000.
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