☀️ In Today’s Edition

1. Video Evidence Under Scrutiny
2. Around Our Network
3. What We’re Reading
4. Our Recent Stories

In 2011, when James Richardson stood trial for a drive-by double murder outside a nightclub in Greenville, N.C., Pitt County’s district attorney used a surveillance camera video to argue that the former professional basketball player had acted alone, driving a BMW while firing his gun out its passenger window.

Now, Richardson’s lawyers say new evidence proves the video that helped convict him was a misleading, low-quality copy of the original, and that the DA’s lone gunman theory was physically impossible. 

On August 26, they’ll argue before N.C. Superior Court Judge Henry Hight Jr. that these new findings merit a full evidentiary hearing, with sworn witnesses. “We obviously fully believe James is absolutely innocent,” said the Southern Coalition for Social Justice’s Jake Sussman, who leads Richardson’s legal team. Their goal: a new trial. 

Pam Kelley reports on the latest in the case.

‘Compromised’ Video Got Him Life in Prison. He Wants a New Trial.

A prosecutor showed low-quality surveillance video to convict a former pro-basketball player of a drive-by double murder. Now his lawyers say new evidence shows the DA’s theory of the crime was impossible.

“There’s insufficient evidence to bring a case to secure a conviction, now that we have the full story about the video,” said Jake Sussman, who leads Richardson’s legal team.

Have a news tip for our team? You can reach us at scoops@theassemblync.com.

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Jim Melvin helped shape the city he loved for over half a century, earning him the moniker “Mr. Greensboro.” The Thread reflects on the longtime mayor’s legacy after his recent passing.

Saint Augustine’s University will be allowed to operate this fall thanks to a preliminary court injunction that has paused its accreditor’s decision to revoke its status.  But the Raleigh HBCU said its controversial board chair would step down, per INDY and The Quad.

Heidi Perez-Moreno of the Border Belt Independent was on WUNC’s Due South to discuss FEMA cuts, while freelancer Kathleen Purvis also appeared to talk about her story on year-round oysters.

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What We’re Reading

Under Pressure: The state Department of Health and Human Services is ramping up its effort to reclaim $101,000 owed by the nonprofit run by Yolanda Hill, the wife of former Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, per WRAL.

Monumental Decisions: The New York Times looks at the ongoing lawsuit over a Confederate monument in Columbia, N.C., where residents have asked that an inscription to the “faithful slaves” be removed or covered. 

A Pointed Argument: In Durham, County Commissioner Chair Nida Allam accused City Councilwoman DeDreana Freeman of repeatedly poking her at a campaign mixer earlier this month. The N&O has more.

Our Recent Stories

The Cattle Con

The recent sentencing of a Surry County man sheds light on how the shady world of fraudulent cattle traders operates.

Higher Ed 2.0: N.C. Schools Tackle AI

Institutions scramble to keep pace with the rapidly evolving technology.

Support Without Strings

Greensboro-based Held gives money directly to people who are unhoused. It sounds radical, its founder admits, but it’s working.

An Extraordinary Exoneration

A judge overturned the convictions of four men accused as teens of murdering NBA star Chris Paul’s grandfather.

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