MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Shelby County District Attorney Amy Weirich released the following statement Thursday after recusing herself from the new trial for Noura Jackson:
While this office has not been disqualified to proceed with the prosecution of St. v. Noura Jackson, I have decided to request the Tennessee District Attorney Generals Conference to appoint a Pro Tem to handle the prosecution of this case. Jennifer Jackson and her family and friends deserve to have this matter proceed in the courts without the distraction of our office’s involvement. I am making this decision in the interest of justice for Jennifer Jackson.
Jackson reportedly stabbed her mother more than 50 times and was convicted of second-degree murder in 2009.
The Tennessee Supreme Court said Jackson deserves a new trial because Weirich, who was the lead prosecutor, violated Jackson’s right to due process by not turning over a key witness’s statement to the defense.
The court also ruled Weirich’s comments on Jackson exercising her right to remain silent and not testify were impermissible.
Jackson’s attorneys asked Friday for an earlier bond hearing, but the judge said the situation was not an emergency and set a report date for March 13. He wanted to make sure the state had representation in a bond hearing. Since Weirich’s office recused itself, another office will have to take over.
Jackson’s attorneys told WREG there is still a pending motion to make sure Werich’s office has no involvement in Jackson’s case.
Several of Jackson’s supporters were in court Friday, wearing Free Noura Jackson bracelets. They have been fundraising on freenourajackson.org for her bond.
“Noura has been moved from the prison where she had activities, she had a job, she had things that she can do, and do with her time while she was there. And now, she’s in jail where she sits in her cell,” Jackson’s friend Ansley Larsson said. She said Jackson will stay with her if/when the judge grants her bond.
In an earlier statement, Weirich said, “Because this is a pending case, I am limited in my ability to talk about details…While I disagree with the Supreme Court’s ruling, I respect their decision and will prepare for a new trial.”
Everyone is due back in court March 13th for a status hearing. That means the judge wants to hear from the office that will be prosecuting Jackson. The bond hearing may or may not take place at that time.
