Friday, August 7, 2026

Alongside Trial for Harlem Gang Assault Murder iCard Objection Sustained and Paella Celebrated



Alongside Trial for Harlem Gang Assault Murder iCard Objection Sustained and Paella Celebrated

by Matthew & Russell Lee, Patreon Substack

100 CENTRE ST, Aug 6 รข€“ Three defendants charged in connection with the death of Jervey Barfield back in May 2025 are in trial before Justice Cori H. Weston in 100 Centre Street, in a courtroom more full than usual (including Inner City Press).  

 On August 3 an NYPD witness was asked about various video angles, from the sidewalk in front of a deli to an elevator lobby, all leading to the death. Two of the defendants are charged with murder, the other with manslaughter. All three are charged with gang assault. From the thread:

Judge Weston: Jurors, I have to tell you, if you feel sleepy, let us know and we'll take a break... Also, you can't talk with each other during the videos. [Video shown of Harlem Street]

ADA: What time is this? NYPD Witness: 5:10 am, at 310 East 143rd Street...

 ADA: What is at 2657 Eighth Avenue? NYPD witness: A deli.

We have video from there. ADA: Play it. [Time stamp starts 5:06 am-  figure shoved onto street in front of deli, struggles to stand up]

Cross examination:

 Defense lawyer: Did you come to ID the people involved in these videos?

NYPD witness: I was not involved in that... Defense: You know the neighborhood? NYPD witness: Yes...

Defense lawyer: You don't know if this building requires a key? NYPD witness: I do not. Defense: At some point in the video someone takes a swing-

ADA: Objection! The jurors saw the video, they don't need a narration.

Judge: Sustained.

Defense: So put up the video again. Who is this? NYPD Witness: The decedent. Defense: And who is standing in front? In the black T-shirt?

NYPD witness: I don't know their names. 

Defense: Who's the female, in the headband?

NYPD witness: I don't know

 Defense: Let's go to TARU 6B as in boy.... Judge: Say what time it is Defense: 5:06, 6 seconds. That's the deceased with his back to us?

NYPD witness: Yes.  Defense: Who throws the first punch at him?

NYPD witness: I don't know. I'm not on Detective Smith's team

 Defense: Who's that, the girl in the headband by the elevator? NYPD witness: Same as the one outside. Defense: Here, there's a hand reaching up- ADA: Objection!

Judge: Sustained. Defense: Just play the video [Played] Nothing further   

 Was it wise for the prosecution to bring in the video with a witness who could not identify the assailants? If he can't, will the jurors?

On August 6, Detective Smith himself was on the stand. Beyond the video, photos of the defendants and their clothing were introduced as well as a clearer depiction of the murder itself: the defendant was knocked down, got up, then a final stab or jab. A car drove to Southern Boulevard in the Bronx - but who was in it? The destination was presented as the residence of one of the defendants. Reference to an iCard on another person in the video led to an objection, sustained. Justice Weston told the jurors to enjoy the weekend and its weather - but not to discuss the case.

In another courtroom Justice Michele S. Rodney asked the prosecutor about a paella party, between commitment to a mental hospital and an unrelated strangulation plea. No objection was made, at least not to paella. Inner City Press stood firm. Courts must be open.

The trial continues.

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