Quiet before the storm in first trial of Dunbar Village rape case defendants

The hall outside the 11th floor courtooms of the PB County Courthouse, in West Palm Beach, offers spectacular views of the Town of Palm Beach and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. It is filled with attorneys, jurors, plaintiffs and defendants whose lives can change forever when the courts are in session.

C.B. Hanif for WAOD:

There's a lull in the trials of Tommy Poindexter, now 20, and Nathan Walker, 18, accused of a heinous sexual assault on a mother and her son two years ago in their home in the West Palm Beach housing development.

Two juries have been seated for their trials, which will run simultaneously although the defendants are being tried separately.

Opening statements in Poindexter's trial are set to begin Monday, when Circuit Court Judge Krista Marx reconvenes the case at 8:30 a.m. at the Palm Beach County Courthouse.

The judge has allowed time for the prosecution to adjust to Monday's appendicitis hospitalization of Assistant State Attorney Terri Skiles, who for years with fellow prosecutor Aleathea McRoberts has proved a formidable team.

With Skiles at last word scheduled for surgery, it is not apparent whether Assistant State Craig Williams will substitute, or to what degree. On Tuesday he conducted the voie dire examination of jurors for Walker's case.

Judge Marx had wanted to continue no later than Friday. But McRoberts successfully argued against Public Defender Carey Haughwout, who is representing Poindexter, that "We cannot go forward at this moment, or even Friday morning, without being appropriately prepared."

Marx told both sides: "I don't know if she is here on Monday, or what her condition is" then, as she held off testimony until then.

Earlier in the day, there was other courtoom drama as Poindexter again was accused of  "acting up."

Tuesday began with him absent from his place at the defense table beside Walker and their attorneys. A sheriff's deputy said he had refused to cooperate in a required clothing change. The judge opted to continue, since the day was devoted to selecting Walker's jury.

After Poindexter appeared later, the judge cautioned him that it was the second such instance, and that if problems continued she would be forced to call a formal hearing. That could result in him having to wear a stun belt during the trial or being otherwise restrained.

Two of my conversations with prospective interview subjects last night resulted in another half-dozen more interview possibilities that I plan to pursue. I also was invited to wade through a ton of documents that I was told will document criticisms of  the performance of Housing Authority Director Laurel Robinson.

I'm speaking on an interfaith lunch panel today and have a radio interview set for tomorrow along with some other writing to do.

In between all that, and while the two sides in the trial load up their ammunition and strategies for their throwdown next week, I plan to be addressing some of your comments.

So check in for that. And  share your thoughts.

Comments

[gem2001]

Yes, how is it that Laurel Robinson has been able to keep her job. Great work. Would love to see some video interviews with folks.

[Miss Thang]

Laurel Robinson is able to keep her job because she is a government worker. Sorry folks but the government does not fire it's people. The only way Miss "Disgrace to her profession" Robinson, can get fired is if she's found in a crack house lightin' up. And even if they find her she'll only be asked to take 2 weeks off with pay.

Ms. Robinson is a public safety issue for black women and girls. She is CLEARLY incompetent and hasn't done enough to prevent this from happening again. People need to call for her job. She needs to be fired!

[Miss Thang]

Oh, why haven't they caught the other little monsters! Crappy police work. But what do you expect when it concerns black women and children.

[Duane]

I don't think "crappy police" work is the reason why they haven't caught all the perpetrators. They are relying heavily on DNA evidence in this case to try to get convictions as these kids are refusing to give up information on who participated in the attacks. The "no snitching" rule is in effect.

I firmly believe there are people in that community who know exactly who was involved, but they’re either too indifferent or too scared to come forward with information.

[Villager]

Thanx for sharing these updates. Is there a Twitter #hashtag for the Dunbar Village rape case?

[Duane]

I'm glad this blog is bringing this case to the attention of the public. The major news networks such as CNN, MSNBC, etc. as well as sites like Huffington Post are completely ignoring the Dunbar Village trial.

Even Hollywood couldn't make a horror movie that would come close to what the victims experienced. Why are only local news stations covering the case? Should we all be outraged at what happened?

[Symphony]

Pursuant to s. 421.07, F.S., the Mayor of the City of West Palm Beach is the only official authorized to initiate proceedings for the removal of a housing commissioner.

The board of commissioners for WPBHA are: Chairperson: Ms. Thyra Echols Starr, Commissioner: Dr. Seymour Foreman, Commissioner: Mr. Paul E. Dumars Sr., Vice-Chairman: Mr. Charles V. St. Lawrence, Commissioner: Anthony Scott, Commissioner: Zenobia Scruggs.

Residents could put pressure on the mayor to get rid of the board if the board won't get rid of the Executive Director they appointed.

Couple of years ago I listed some phone numbers and email addresses for members of the board. I'll try to find them over the weekend if folks want them.

Connecticut refused to renew Robinson's contract that's how she made her way to West Palm Beach.

Great job by Gina, C.B. and all who have helped the cause and kept this story alive. Have a great day all.

[Miss Thang]

@Symphony,

Please post information. I will be sending an email and will call them.

[gem2001]

The time for letters is over. The time for asking politicians to do the right thing is over. The time for requests is over. If Mayor Frankel is the only one that can fire Laurel, then Lois Frankel has to be publicly SHAMED until she does so. Lois Frankel, the mastermind of the debacle as far as I am concerned since she knew she had a third world country on her hands and did nothing, not so much as a single security camera or a security guard while she was remodeling city hall and building board walks for tourists. IN fact she got sued TWICE by taxpayers who didn't want to spend money on city hall. But to keep Laurel at the helm is the worst. I wouldn't be surprised if they are childhood friends. Frankel is from NY and I wonder were Robinson is from. At one time Frankel had ambitions of running for governor and with a Senate Seat and possibly a governor's position open, she may seek higher office. The day she announces will be the day I mail in the paperwork to form a political action committee.