The case was a re-trial that had previously ended with a hung jury, deciding 11-1 in favor of guilt. Following a three and ½ week trial, the client was acquitted of First Degree Murder, Second Degree Murder, and Witness Interference with a firearm, all of which carried life sentences. While the client was convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter, and sentenced to the low-term on the felony and mid-term on the gun enhancement, we expect that he should be out in 4 months, if not less, and will not spend life in prison. Mr. Lindo was also briefly released and able to spend much-needed time with his family.
We are upset with the Court for remanding Mr. Lindo to custody following a brief release, and believe we know, and are abhorred by, the reason. There are few cases (none of which we are aware) where black men are able to successfully assert self-defense when the decedent was white. We have a long way to go as a society. We will be bringing an appeal on the sole conviction for Involuntary Manslaughter and are confident about its success. It was an honor to represent Stephen John Lindo, and to get to know his wonderfully supportive family.
