“If we’re going to start a precedent, starting yesterday, where we’re going to bring high-profile members of the African-American community into the courtroom to sit with the family during the trial in the presence of the jury, I believe that’s intimidating and it’s an attempt to pressure,” attorney Kevin Gough, who represents William “Roddie” Bryan Jr., told the court following a lunch break. “Could be consciously or unconsciously an attempt to pressure or influence the jury.”
In Georgia’s majority White Glynn County, where the trial is taking place, race has played a central role in the case.
Last week, following a long and contentious jury selection process, Judge Timothy Walmsley said the defense had appeared to be discriminatory in selecting the jurors but allowed the case to go forward — with only one Black member in the panel.
Just days prior, Gough had complained that older…
