Attorney for Defendant's Wife Won't Be Forced to Testify in Ga. Murder Trial
When a high-profile murder trial begins next month in Georgia, there’s one sought-after witness who won’t be called—a matrimonial lawyer representing the defendant’s estranged wife.
Although the defense contended attorney Esther Panitch may have had independent information about the crime and defendant Hemy Neuman’s mental state at the time it was committed, the judge overseeing the DeKalb Superior Court case quashed a witness subpoena that would have required her to testify, the Dunwoody Crier reports.
The Dunwoody Patch also has a story.
“Defendant had the burden of showing that [Neuman] would be prejudiced if Ms. Panitch were unable to testify …That showing was not made,” wrote Judge Gregory A. Adams in his Jan. 23 ruling. “There was no evidence or proffer made to the court that Ms. Panitch would provide material testimony at the trial.”
Earlier coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Can Divorce Lawyer for Defendant’s Wife Be Subpoenaed in Murder Case? Defense Counsel Says Yes”
