MEMPHIS, Tenn. — District Attorney Amy Weirich was on the witness stand for almost four hours Tuesday, testifying on the job she did prosecuting the 2005 murder case of Vern Braswell.
Braswell is serving 24 years for killing his wife, who he claims accidentally drowned.
He wants a new trial, saying Weirich didn’t give his attorneys, Walter and Jay Bailey, pertinent information in the case that could have changed the outcome, including several witness statements.
“We turned over everything we were required under the law to turn over,” Weirich said outside of court.
Weirich admitted actual statements in some cases were not handed over, but says supplements were available to the attorneys had they made efforts to get them.
She also denied labeling an envelope ‘Do not show to the defense.’
“A couple of people say there was this envelope. I don’t recall the envelope and no one can say what was in it. It could have been an empty envelope for all we know,” Weirich said.
“There was a lot of information that could have provided additional information for the defense to put in front of a jury and information that corroborated the defendant’s version of events,” Lauren Fuchs, attorney for Braswell, said.
This isn’t the first time Weirich has come under scrutiny. Nora Jackson is slated to get a new trial in the case of murdering her mother after a high court said Weirich withheld evidence.
“I hope the community looks at my track record as a 23-year prosecutor and the justice that has been served while I have served this community and the justice that has been served while I have been District Attorney and there shouldn’t be any question,” Weirich said.
Weirich’s testimony wrapped up Tuesday and she is not expected back on the stand.
The case will be back in court December 2, 2014 for attorneys to set the next court date. The judge is expected to issue a written ruling when the testimony is over.