GOSHEN, N.Y. — An Orange County man facing murder charges returned to court on Tuesday, following a dramatic incident that has led to a mistrial. Arthur Thomas is accused of assaulting his own defense attorney during proceedings related to a 2020 stabbing.
Thomas was escorted into the courtroom in handcuffs and shackles after the alleged attack on his lawyer led to a halt in the trial on Friday. During this recent hearing, he was assigned a new attorney, Joe Artrip, to take over his defense.
The previous attorney, Matthew Witherow, who also serves as a part-time judge in Port Jervis, was unharmed in the incident. Despite the assault, he expressed his commitment to legal ethics and his clients’ interests. “I’m used to fighting for my clients on a daily basis. Notwithstanding what happened here, my commitment to these ideals is unwavering,” he stated in a recent interview.
Witnesses from the trial recounted that on the second day of testimony, Thomas allegedly grabbed Witherow, forcing him to the ground before court officers swiftly intervened. The court’s swift response prevented further escalation, but the incident raised serious concerns regarding courtroom safety.
The murder trial was centered around a fatal stabbing in Newburgh two years ago, in which Thomas is accused of taking the life of another individual. Following the attack on his attorney, officials announced that a new jury would need to be empaneled to begin fresh proceedings.
As the legal process continues, a new trial date is expected to be scheduled. Thomas is set to return to court on June 10, where further arrangements are likely to be discussed. Efforts to reach attorney Artrip for comments regarding his new role were unsuccessful.
This situation underscores ongoing discussions about mental health in the criminal justice system and the safety of individuals involved in high-stakes trials. Observers note that incidents like this could spur further reviews of courtroom protocols.
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