A motion for a new trial in the case against Corey Yates was denied Monday after Judge Thomas Motley concluded that information prosecutors gave Yates’ defense attorneys after the trial ended wasn’t significant enough to change the outcome of the case.
Yates was convicted in August of second-degree murder in the death of Darrel Hendy. Yates’ co-defendant, Chamontae Walker, was convicted of first-degree murder. A third suspect, Meeko Carraway, pleaded guilty in the case and was sentenced to 25 years in prison in April.
On Monday, Yates’ attorney, Todd Braunstein, argued that prosecutors failed to turn over key information that could have helped Yates at trial.
Braunstein said some evidence, including discussions with witnesses, was sent to defense attorneys on Aug. 28 after the trial had ended. Braunstein said that evidence could have allowed the defense to cast doubt that Yates helped drive other suspects to North Carolina after the murder in a blue van, calling into question Yates’ role in the murder.
But Motley said that the information wasn’t enough to change the outcome of the case.
“It’s not ironclad proof, Your Honor,” Braunstein said, “but we could have argued to the jury that’s true.”
Yates is scheduled to return to court Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. for sentencing.
