Syracuse

Divided Jury Returns Compromise Verdict in Controversial Syracuse Police Shooting Case

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Syracuse, N.Y. — Jurors in a civil lawsuit deliberating the actions of a Syracuse police officer faced a challenging task as they weighed the complexity of a fatal shooting incident. After deliberating for about 30 minutes, the eight-member jury raised a question regarding whether their verdict needed to be unanimous, a sign that their views on the case might not align. Chief U.S. District Judge Brenda Sannes clarified that a unanimous decision was mandatory and instructed the jury to continue deliberations. After two days, the jury issued a verdict last Friday that legal representatives described … Read more

Federal Jury Delivers Mixed Verdict in Syracuse Police Shooting Case: Excessive Force Determined, But Family Awarded $10,000

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Syracuse, N.Y. — A federal jury delivered a nuanced verdict Friday in a civil lawsuit concerning a fatal shooting involving a local police officer, marking a significant moment for the city of Syracuse. While the jury found that Officer Kelsey Francemone used excessive force in the 2016 shooting of Gary Porter, they awarded Porter’s family only $10,000, a sum far lower than the city’s previously proposed settlement of $825,000. During the trial, a federal judge indicated that the determination of excessive force could be overturned due to the principle of qualified immunity, which often shields … Read more

Attorney Seeks New Trial in Syracuse Medical Malpractice Case Citing Juror’s Undisclosed Conflicts

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Syracuse, N.Y. — A recent legal dispute has emerged over a medical malpractice case involving serious injuries sustained by Gloria Pace after her hip surgery in 2014. The attorney for Pace’s estate is now challenging a jury verdict due to alleged misconduct by one of the jurors. The initial trial found Dr. Scott Bradley entirely responsible for the injuries Pace suffered. Consequently, her estate was initially awarded $7 million. However, this sum was later reduced to $1.5 million by Judge Robert Antonacci upon request from the defense. Dissatisfied with the reduction, Pace’s husband demanded a … Read more

Jury Deliberation Begins in Syracuse Murder Trial: Key Witness Testimony Crucial

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Syracuse, N.Y. – A jury is set to deliberate on the case of a Syracuse man, Vanico Spaights, charged with the murder of A’salic Parham following a drive-by shooting event that occurred in December 2020. Spaights, just 21 at the time, allegedly ended the life of 25-year-old Parham in a moment of violence that has since cast long shadows. The trial, which began just this Tuesday, has drawn local attention due to its complex narrative of crime and alleged betrayal, set against the backdrop of this quiet community. Central to the prosecution’s case is the … Read more