Judge Nadia Krall has ordered jurors in Duane "Keefe D" Davis' jail fight trial to return to court following reports of possible juror misconduct. Davis was convicted on April 9 of two counts related to a December jailhouse altercation. The defense alleges that jurors discussed the case before deliberations, which would violate court instructions. A witness reportedly overheard such discussions, and a documentary filmmaker submitted an affidavit stating a juror made comments about jailhouse violence and reputations. An evidentiary hearing is scheduled for July 2, according to KTNV.
Arnold is requesting a new trial, claiming that juror misconduct—if confirmed—could affect the validity of the verdict. The District Attorney's office says the request was filed too late, which would normally prevent the court from taking action. However, Judge Krall said that "the affidavit constituted new evidence and she had jurisdiction over Arnold’s motion," as reported by News3LV.
Davis is facing more than charges from a jail fight; he is also waiting for his trial in the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur, which is scheduled to begin next February. Arnold, his attorney, says it is important for jurors to follow court rules. “This hearing is a vital opportunity to restore trust in the fairness of this process,” Arnold told KTNV. He also said, “Mr. Davis is being prosecuted for defending himself in a moment where security failed him. The jury's impartiality is the cornerstone of any fair trial, and when that is compromised—as it appears to have been here—a full and fair review is absolutely necessary.” The hearing will focus on whether the jury acted fairly and could affect Davis’s upcoming legal proceedings.
