A trial for the seven defendants charged in the January 2022 drive-by shooting that killed 8-year-old Arbrie Anthony may not begin until 2026, according to updates from a Wednesday status conference.
“I want movement,” said Richmond County Superior Court Judge Ashley Wright, “toward a trial or toward a resolution.”
The defendants — Antoine Rodriques Redfield, Kendariss Lawayne Brown, Antionous Wytell Thomas, Henri Ramone Beach, Michael Demontrez Tolbert, Michael Anthony Freeman and Destiny Rich — were indicted on 27 charges, including malice murder, felony murder, multiple counts of aggravated assault, cruelty to children and gang activity.
Prosecutors allege the group, part of the Loyalty Over Everything gang, were settling a score at the Dogwood Terrace housing project. Two other children were shot, six more people were assaulted and a horse was killed.
Chief Assistant District Attorney Kevin Davis said the state’s case includes up to 45 witnesses and 10 hours of statements. A protective order on discovery is in place, but Assistant District Attorney Keagan Waystack said some defendants are violating it.
Among the delays, Wright noted, has been the trial schedule in Fulton County. Atlanta attorney Bruce Harvey is representing Brown, in addition to attorneys Robert Booker and Robert Homlar. Harvey represented one of the defendants in the 23-month Young Slime Life trial in Atlanta.
Brown, who was indicted as the gang’s leader, said Wednesday he wants Harvey to remain his lead counsel. A representative for Harvey said Brown’s defense will include an expert witness.
At least two of the defendants, Brown and Freeman, represented by Jacque Hawk, have filed motions to sever their cases and be tried separately from the others. Freeman and Rich each have been granted a bond and are not in custody.
Wright encouraged the attorneys to schedule motions hearings in an effort to move the case forward.
