Court Update: April 11

Today, Tuesday April 11th, was the first day of official court proceedings for the Aston Park/sanctuary camp defendants who are currently facing trial. The day focused on administrative proceedings only. 

Court began with one of the five defendants taking a plea deal, leaving four remaining. 

For the rest of the day, the court heard motions, including a "joinder" motion presented by the state to join all of the defendants into one trial. As part of the motion's hearing, the state presented a Signal loop (group message thread) as grounds to move forward with the joinder. However, the admissibility of these messages remains contested by the defense attorneys and has not been ruled on. 

Arguments on the joinder motion will be heard tomorrow morning, along with other motions. Jury selection may begin tomorrow afternoon. 

Photos, footage, and interviews with defendant Sarah Norris, attorney Cat Perez, and a supporter are in this WLOS story: https://wlos.com/newsletter-daily/judge-hears-arguments-for-and-against-trying-aston-park-defendants-as-group#

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