PRLog (Press Release) - Nov 13, 2009 -
Contact: Kanya Simon
info@outofthisworldproductions.com (quickest response)
252-758-0263 (messages only)
Publicist, Attorney Chuck Hobbs
Controversial Rachel Hoffman Murder Trial Expected To Begin Early
Case reveals possible police misconduct, spawns new State law
TALLAHASSEE, FL. ( Nov. 12, 2009) – More than a year later, the truth about the controversial death of 23-year-old Rachel Hoffman will finally begin to unfold. Originally set for October 2010, Hoffman’s murder trial has been expedited and will begin with jury selection on Nov. 30. The trial is expected to last at least four weeks.
Described by some as a “drug war tragedy” and a “disaster in the making,” Hoffman’s death has been the source of marches, protests, debates and even a law suit against the City of Tallahassee (filed by Hoffman’s parents).
Although Hoffman’s 2008 death took place in a small town outside of Florida’s capital city, the case has already been in the national spotlight. Surrounded by accusations of misconduct, cover-ups and media interference, the Hoffman murder saga has already been featured on Dateline NBC, 20/20 and ABC News. The case has also been a hot item in the Florida Legislature, as it has become the foundation of a new Florida law regulating how police informants are used.
Hoffman, a Florida State University graduate, became a Tallahassee Police informant after being arrested for possession of marijuana. She agreed to go undercover in exchange for a lesser sentence. She was believed to have been murdered during a sting operation gone badly. As a result, Tallahassee’
One of the defendants, 23 -year-old Deneilo Bradshaw is being represented by prominent defense attorney Chuck Hobbs. Having made several appearances on TruTV, CNN, Fox News and MSNBC, Hobbs is known for his work in the Kappa Hazing Trial, the Adrian McPherson Trial and the NAACP’s legal pursuits against the Martin Lee Anderson Verdict. Hobbs is also known for his unique defense style in the courtroom, which has often left juries hung and led to several mistrials in other high-profile cases.
Prior to 2008 Bradshaw, who has spent the last year in a local jail, had no violent criminal record until recently when he was accused of stealing a hand gun. The gun is alleged to have been used in Hoffman’s death.
The trial date was expedited due to Bradshaw’s and his legal team’s request to take advantage of his right to a speedy trial. Bradshaw’s decision will allow him to be tried individually from the second defendant, 27-year-old Andrea Green. Green is expected to keep the original trial date of 2010.
Assistant State Attorney Frank Allman will face off with Hobbs once again serving as the prosecutor for this case. Allman has been on the opposing side in several of Hobbs’ high-profile cases including the Kappa Hazing Trial. Allman has recently expressed concerned about how quick the case has come about, and whether there has been enough time to prepare for it.
But, despite the quick turnaround of the trial and all the controversies surrounding it, Hobbs says he is ready to get down to business.
“This is a very simple, straight-forward case," Hobbs told a reporter at the Tallahassee Democrat newspaper. "We don't believe any more time will make our case any stronger than it is right now."
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[Please find links to news coverage and photos below. For more information on the trial and for exclusive interviews with defense attorney Chuck Hobbs contact info@outofthisworldproductions.com.]
Hoffman Trial Media Links:
Tallahassee Democrat Coverage (updated)
http://www.tallahassee.com/
20/20 Airing:
http://www.youtube.com/
Dateline NBC Airing: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/
ABC News Coverage
http://www.abcactionnews.com/
