The defense lawyer for Amari McNabb must provide prosecutors with opinions from two expert witnesses by July 1, a judge ruled on Tuesday, after prosecutors complained they have not been told specifics about the experts’ opinions ahead of McNabb’s July 26 trial on murder charges.
McNabb, 22, and two other men were charged in April 2019 with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Juan Nash. The 25-year-old victim was killed during a block party in the 1200 block of Orchard Road in Bloomington.
Scotty Allen is serving 50 years and Exodus Hebert was sentenced to 20 years, both for murder, in the case.
Assistant State’s Attorney Aaron Fredrick argued Tuesday the state was given the names and credentials of two potential witnesses, but details of what the experts may say has not been disclosed.
Defense lawyer Edward Johnson said the information will be given to the state by July 1.
According to Fredrick, the defense has hired a person who will testify about gangs and a second witness with medical expertise.
The defense should be barred from using the expert testimony, Fredrick argued, because of the late disclosure.
“The people have a right to know what the opinions are prior to trial. We’re on the eve of trial,” Fredrick told Judge Casey Costigan.
Costigan agreed with Fredrick, saying “the state is entitled to the opinions.”
Lawyers for the state and defense both indicated they are ready to start the jury trial July 26.
Costigan set a July 1 date to hear any pending pre-trial motions. The state may raise additional objections to the expert testimony after a review of the opinions.
