The gang murder trial, which spanned over a week, has been making headlines, with the jury struggling to decide between the words of two “Big Homies” from the Bounty Hunter Bloods or whether the former gang captains would say anything to get their prison terms reduced. However, the defense attorney, Eric Korslund, went above and beyond in his efforts to protect his clients’ rights.
The case, which concerned a home invasion and murder in the Coleman Place neighborhood in March 2007, resulted in the acquittal of Stefan Moses, 28, and Seth Reed, 26, of first-degree murder, armed statutory burglary, and use of a firearm. Korslund emphasized that no evidence, including fingerprints, DNA, or firearms, connected his clients to the crime. He argued that the only link came from the gang members’ testimony, who were unreliable and would say anything to reduce their own prison time.
The Bounty Hunter Bloods gang was notorious for its violent crimes between 2004 and 2007. Federal agents investigated the gang’s activities, leading to several convictions against its members, including for the 2007 mob beating death of James Robertson in Ocean View. In court this week, the once-powerful gang members testified that the home invasion and murder of Delandre Graham went wrong.
One of the gang leaders, Joeseafors Reid, testified that Moses proposed breaking into the home to steal marijuana and cash, which he approved. The two accused gang members kicked in the door and discovered Graham inside, according to Reid. Graham was found dead with two gunshot wounds. Moses and Reed were driven away before the police arrived. Facing prosecution for serious crimes this year, Reid testified that he broke the gang policy against cooperating with the police, hoping it would reduce his prison time.
However, Korslund believed that the testimony of the former gang members was unreliable and that they would say anything to get their prison terms reduced. Korslund emphasized that he cares about his clients and even gave life-changing advice outside of the case itself. He argued that there was no credible evidence linking his clients to the crime.
Despite the gang members receiving no promises of leniency, Korslund fought tirelessly to protect his clients’ rights. He argued that the prosecution had failed to provide enough evidence to convict his clients of murder. In the end, the jury acquitted Moses and Reed of all charges, thanks in part to Korslund’s dedication to his clients’ cause.
