On Monday, March 6, 2017, Attorney Joseph Tamburino was featured on WCCO-TV (CBS Minnesota affiliate news outlet), discussing the pending case of Diamond Reynolds, 27. She and two other women face felony charges in Ramsey District Court, derived from an assault where a woman was beaten with a hammer last week.
Reynolds is known as the woman who live-streamed the aftermath of the PhilandoCastile shooting. Ramsey County District Judge Thomas Gilligan, Jr. said the charges Reynolds faces are serious.
According to the criminal complaint, Reynolds and two other women are accused of attacking another woman, with Reynolds striking her with a dangerous weapon. The case is currently being handled by the Washington County Attorney’s Office since a conflict of interest may be present with Ramsey County’s criminal case against St. Anthony police officer Jeronimo Yanez, who shot and killed Castile during that traffic stop.
“Everything in that case that was on video is on video, so it speaks for itself,” commented Attorney Tamburino about the Castile shooting. “But whatever happened before that video was turned on comes down to two people: the officer and Ms. Reynolds.”
Our Minneapolis criminal defense lawyer is not connected with this case. He informs WCCO-TV that Reynolds’ current case may affect the outcome of the Yanez case.
“If Ms. Reynolds is convicted by the time of officer Yanez’s trial, she could be what’s called ‘impeached as a witness’ with her felony conviction,” said Tamburino. “Impeachment means that you call into question the witness’ credibility.”
However, if Reynolds is not convicted, Tamburino says the defense cannot challenge her testimony.
“So if she’s not convicted by the time of the trial, they can’t use it. If she is convicted, they will use it, the defense.”
Reynolds requested to be released without bail, stating she needed to help her five-year-old daughter, who also witnessed the Castile shooting. In the end, the judge set bail at $40,000.
Reynolds’ attorney Michael Padden stated that his client has no involvement with the assault. Her next court appearance is set for April 3rd.
If you were recently arrested for a criminal offense in Minnesota, request a free consultation with our Minneapolis criminal defense lawyer at Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A. today. Have more than 100 years of combined legal experience on your side!