Judge Debra Turner denied a request for a mistrial in the case against Charmane Goins, who was charged with murder after his mistress' burned corpse was found in Deshong Park in 2014.
Goins’ attorney, Wanda Jackson, asked for a mistrial after Goins’ mention of a previous conviction was not omitted from a tape shown to the jury. During the video of Goins’ interview with Gwinnett County detectives, Goins mentions the police already have access to his DNA because he had previously been in prison. Goins served 15 years for an armed robbery conviction.
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Jackson said she and the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s office had agreed to omit information about Goins’ conviction, though Goins may bring it up if and when he testifies.
“I don’t think it will be mistrial material,” Assistant District Attorney Daryl Mans told Judge Turner. “It would not be proper at this point.”
Turner denied Jackson’s request for a mistrial. Testimony will continue in the case and the prosecution expects to rest within a day.
Goins' trial on charges of murder, felony murder and aggravated assault began Tuesday afternoon.
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