I was recently summoned to serve on jury duty here in my community, Flagler County…I felt it would be my responsibility as a citizen and a privilege…
Never visiting our court house, Arriving at around 8:00 AM…I was screened by the officers on duty, who were all to be welcoming and appreciative…
The judge from the Seventh Circuit met us in a preliminary room where he spent a great deal of time going over our schedule and responsibilities… He said we may be there for 2 to 3 days…He was extremely knowledgeable and appreciative that we were there to serve…
There were about 25 of us, about 17 white men, and 8 female, one of whom was the only black… several Hispanic, one Asian…
We were then escorted to the Hearing room where all attorneys were present…A white, female prosecutor; and at the defense table 2 males, one of whom was black… Learning, one was the public defender and the other was the defendant, a young black male…
What struck me so, not having any previous knowledge about this case…Since both males were wearing suits, I assumed, at first, the black male was another attorney...
How wrong I was…He was the defendant…My impression was, he definitely could have been one of my students…What went wrong in his life that led him to this place in his life?
I was so relieved that I was not chosen to be part of this jury…All 7 were white, with one being a female…
My heart breaks for our children…
Jury did find him guilty of the charges…
He is in for life…for his orevious crime and there is an appeal pending..This current crime will Just add more time to a life sentence for his crimes…Where there was no loss of life…
Already Serving Life, Carlos DuPree Is Convicted on Charges of Assaulting Jail Deputy
Janis Sexton...Teacher...Advocate 