Judge delays hearing of petition to release video of fired WPD officers
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A New Hanover County judge ruled to push back the hearing for the petition to release video from the Wilmington Police Department on Wednesday morning.
Police say the video features three fired officers who made racially-charged or derogatory comments about African Americans.
The judge ruled to continue the case.
The attorney for two of the former officers pushed for more time and a hearing in person.
Attorney Michael McGuinness asked the judge for a continuance, saying he needs more time to review the evidence, and discovered he hasn’t received all the documents pertaining to the case.
The three former officers Kevin Piner, Jesse Moore, and James Gilmore were fired in late June.
Wilmington police say the three men were caught on one of their accidentally activated car cameras, making racially charged or derogatory comments towards African Americans including Chief Donny Williams.
McGuinness says he has 98 pages of evidence to present, and one “expert witness”. He says his clients have been getting death threats and have had to spend a lot of time away from their homes, so he hasn’t been able to meet with them in person as much as he needs to.
McGuinness also told the judge, if the recording was released into the community, he believes the violence that has gone on in Wilmington will continue.
City of Wilmington officials told the judge they would prefer to have the petition heard sooner rather than later to provide “closure” for the community.
McGuinness says he wants to talk with city officials about the possible need for limited testimony from the New Hanover County Sheriff, Wilmington Mayor and District Attorney.
Just a few weeks ago, an attorney for Gilmore filed an appeal for his reinstatement.
The judge requested a copy of the recording to review prior the new hearing. He set a new date for an in-person hearing for August 27.
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