Martinez, California – Ramello Randle, a 28-year-old man from Oakland, has been found guilty of a 2020 shooting that resulted in the death of his ex-girlfriend and the injury of another individual. Randle’s unusual legal strategy, which involved attacking his own lawyer, threatening the jury, and causing courtroom chaos, ultimately failed to secure his acquittal.
After just over a day of deliberations, the jury returned with a guilty verdict on Friday morning. In addition, they found Randle guilty of lying in wait, ensuring that he will likely receive a life sentence without the possibility of parole. However, there is still a chance for appeal.
Randle’s disruptive behavior throughout the trial made it far from a smooth legal process. He verbally abused a judge, physically assaulted his first attorney, and even stabbed his second lawyer with a pen. Moreover, he attacked the prosecutor and threatened to kill the entire jury on the same day that his trial concluded. These antics resulted in one mistrial in 2022 and almost caused a second when several jurors were too distraught to continue.
During the shooting incident in question, Randle fatally shot his ex-girlfriend, 24-year-old Jonaye Lahkel Bridges, and injured her friend outside a 7-Eleven in Antioch. Prosecutors alleged that Randle had tracked Bridges using a device and proceeded to shoot at her vehicle multiple times with a pistol equipped with an extended magazine.
Randle’s accomplice in the crime, Christopher Slaughter, accepted a plea deal and received a 15-year prison term. However, Randle claimed in court during his first trial in 2022 that Slaughter was the actual perpetrator and accused the police of framing him. This first trial ended in a mistrial after Randle directed vulgar language towards the prosecutor and displayed disrespect towards the judge.
After losing his pro per status, Randle exhibited further violent behavior, including physically assaulting his court-appointed attorney, Matthew Fregi, by stabbing him in the head and jaw with a pen. He later charged at the prosecutor, Kevin Bell, while court proceedings were underway.
In a chilling and alarming moment, Randle threatened the jurors by stating that he would have them all murdered if they found him guilty. Witnesses reported that he even mimicked the sound of gunshots. Despite his attempt to intimidate the jury, Randle was unable to escape the guilty verdict.
The jury delivered their verdict on Friday morning, while Randle remained in his cell. With “guilty” and “true” being repeated for each charge and enhancement, Randle’s fate of spending the rest of his life in prison became certain.
The dramatic and disruptive events that unfolded throughout the trial captivated those present in the courtroom. Randle’s combative behavior and threats underscored the tension and danger surrounding the case. As the legal process moves forward, the possibility of an appeal remains, but Randle’s conviction ensures that he will likely spend the remainder of his life behind bars.