Chaos erupted in a Contra Costa County courtroom when an Oakland man, on trial for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, attacked his defense attorney and the prosecutor with a pen. The Bay Area News Group reported that Ramello Randle, 28, had managed to break free from his restraints during the Monday morning proceedings before launching his assault.
Caught by his own defense attorney's pen, Randle unleashed a violent outburst which resulted in the stabbing of the lawyer, Matthew Fregi, and the subsequent attack on Deputy District Attorney Kevin Bell. According to the SFist, after being tackled by a courtroom deputy, Randle was arrested once again.
The incident was observed by the jury, which is tasked with determining Randle's fate regarding the July 2020 murder of 24-year-old Jonaye Lahkel Bridges and the attempted murder of her male companion. As per a Mercury News article, a note was later found in which Randle expressed remorse, simply stating "sorry."
Fregi, who received treatment at the courthouse for his injuries, appeared to downplay the event. "It was no big deal," he told the Bay Area News Group, further asserting his intent to continue the trial. The injured prosecutor was examined by paramedics for a scratch on his hand, which was incurred when Bell reportedly swung at Randle in defense.
This is not Randle's first disruption in court; his prior outburst in November 2022 during a separate trial resulted in a mistrial. He was representing himself at the time, and after a contentious exchange, Judge Charles "Ben" Burch revoked that privilege. Fregi told the Bay Area News Group that he harbors "no ill will toward Mr. Randle" and remains "hopeful we can finish what we started six weeks ago." Both attorneys are expected to return to the courtroom to proceed with the trial.
