Introduction to the Incident
A Fulton County judge misspoke while reading a defendant’s verdict in a Georgia courtroom Friday, telling him he was guilty when the jury deemed him not guilty.
Alton Oliver was on trial over the 2022 killing of a Fulton County deputy, and faced six counts, including three of murder, NBC affiliate WXIA of Atlanta reported.
The Verdict Reading
Video from inside the courtroom shows the moment the judge accidentally told Oliver he was guilty. After confirming with the jury that the paperwork was correct, the judge read the verdict: "We the jury find the defendant guilty as to all six counts." Oliver and his legal team sat in silence but people in the courtroom started audibly questioning the judge’s reading, prompting him to double-check the paper.
Correction of the Verdict
"Didn’t I say ‘not’?" the judge asked the room, to which a number of people replied "no." He apologized, then re-read the statement, this time correctly. People in the courtroom laughed and applauded. After learning he had been acquitted, Oliver hugged his defense team, the video shows.
Background of the Case
Earlier in the week, Oliver testified that he acted in self-defense when he shot Deputy James Thomas after Thomas repeatedly drove by Oliver and made unwanted sexual advances, WXIA reported.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the importance of precision in legal proceedings, especially during critical moments such as the reading of a verdict. Thankfully, the mistake was quickly corrected, and justice was served as intended. The reaction of the courtroom, from initial confusion to relief and applause, underscores the emotional impact of such moments on all parties involved.
FAQs
What happened in the Georgia courtroom?
A judge mistakenly read out a verdict stating the defendant, Alton Oliver, was guilty on all six counts, when in fact the jury had found him not guilty.
What were the charges against Alton Oliver?
Alton Oliver faced six counts, including three of murder, related to the 2022 killing of a Fulton County deputy.
How did the defendant react to the initial incorrect verdict?
Oliver and his legal team initially sat in silence as the mistake was realized and then corrected.
What was the basis of Alton Oliver’s defense?
Oliver testified that he acted in self-defense, claiming the deputy had made unwanted sexual advances towards him before the incident.
