Race was ‘a significant factor’ in Johnston County death penalty case, NC judge rules
In a 120-page order, Superior Court Judge Wayland Sermons also ruled that race was “a significant factor” in other death penalty cases brought by Greg Butler, the assistant district attorney who prosecuted Bacote, and by other prosecutors in the county and the prosecutorial district where the cases were tried.
NC judge's ruling opens door for death row prisoners to challenge cases due to racial bias
Bacote spent 15 years on death row before former Governor Roy Cooper commuted his sentence to life without parole in December 2024. Judge Sermons told the court that the ruling in this case means every pending racial justice act case should be handled individually and based on their facts.
North Carolina judge finds death sentences influenced by racial discrimination
On Friday, a Johnston County judge found that race played a significant role in the death penalty trial of Hasson Bacote, influencing the makeup of the jury along with the decision of the death sentence.
Judge rules race did play a role in Hasson Bacote's sentencing
On Friday, a judge said race did play a role in the trial and death sentence of Hasson Bacote. Bacote was previously sentenced to death for the 2007 death of Anthony Surles during a robbery attempt.
Johnston County judge finds death sentences influenced by racial discrimination: Court Documents
On Friday, a Johnston County judge found that race played a significant role in the death penalty trial of Hasson Bacote, influencing the makeup of the jury along with the decision of the death sentence.
Judge rules race affected Bacote's death sentence
Judge rules race affected Bacote's death sentence
Black Man’s Compromised Capital Trial Could Lead To North Carolina Death Row Inmates Being Resentenced
Death row inmates in North Carolina may be resentenced after a judge ruled last week that Hasson Bacote's capital trial was ...
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North Carolina Judge Rules Racial Bias Played a Role in Conviction of Black Man Who Spent 15 Years on Death Row
Judge ruled prosecutors unlawfully dismissed Black jurors in Hasson Bacote's death penalty case and used racist language like ...
Racial bias tainted jury selection and death sentence for a Black man in North Carolina, judge says
A North Carolina judge has ruled that racial bias tainted jury selection and sentencing in the trial of a Black inmate who ...
Judge finds racial bias tainted jury selection in Black man's death row case
A North Carolina judge ruled Friday that a Black defendant’s capital trial was undermined by allegations of racial bias ...
North Carolina judge finds racial bias in landmark death penalty case
The Racial Justice Act allowed people to challenge their death sentences if they could demonstrate race played a role in ...