The much postponed money laundering trial of the bosses of the Murder Inc record label has been postponed again, albeit for a short time, after the prosecution presented a new witness at the last minute.
As previously reported, Murder Inc chiefs Irv and Chris Lorenzo 'Gotti' are accused of using their record company to launder money for notorious drug dealer Kenneth 'Supreme' McGriff. After two previous postponements, the case finally reached court on Monday, but the two label execs' lawyers requested a further postponement after the prosecution called a previously unmentioned witness to the stand - Donnel Nichols. Defence lawyers said they needed more time to investigate the background of the new witness.
Some reports in the US already suggest that the Lorenzo brothers' legal team should be able to successfully raise considerable doubt as to the credibility of the prosecution's new witness. Hip hop website SOHH.com says Nichols was a former employee at Murder Inc, who was given a job there after Chris Lorenzo felt sorry for him after finding him living on the streets. Reports suggest Nichols has a reputation for "fabricating stories" about his status in the company, and that he was fired after telling people he "owned" the label.
Nichols will tell the court that he had an insight into the relationship between the Lorenzos and McGriff when he "handled cash transactions" while working for Murder Inc. However, the defence is sure to ask why the witness has only come forward now. They are suggesting Nichols agreed to testify when he realised he could become the "star witness" in the case.
After the defence team asked for more time to check out Nichols' background, Judge Korman agreed to a 48 hour break. The case will resume later today with Nichols expected on the witness stand tomorrow.
Before the break in proceedings, Korman told the prosecution they couldn't reference the 2000 shooting of 50 Cent in their opening address. The prosecution allege McGriff was involved in that shooting, and that he had spoken about the incident with the Lorenzo brothers. They want to prove that McGriff offered the brothers street protection as part of their ongoing business relationship, and that the Lorenzo's awareness of the 50 Cent shooting is relevant in proving that. But the Lorenzo's lawyers argue that that incident is not relevant to the current case, hence why Korman said it could not be included in any opening statements. However Korman said the 50 Cent shooting could be discussed during the trial if brought up by witnesses.