Delays in the Cudjoe Young Murder Case | Criminal Defense Attorney Josh Kolsrud Weighs in on 12News

The ongoing legal proceedings surrounding Cudjoe Young have attracted significant public attention. Young is currently facing both first-degree murder and kidnapping charges in connection to the killing of Mercedes Vega, alongside an earlier charge for armed robbery involving Vega and several other dancers in Phoenix. Notably, Young’s trials have seen an extraordinary 19 delays, sparking debate and frustration from all sides.

 

Recently, criminal defense attorney Josh Kolsrud shared his professional perspective on these delays and the complexities of the prosecution’s case in an interview with 12News Phoenix.

 

Case Background:

• Cudjoe Young is charged with the murder of Mercedes Vega, who was also the primary eyewitness in a prior armed robbery case where Young was a defendant.
• Young was indicted for first-degree murder and kidnapping more than five years after the initial armed robbery.
• Both cases remain active, and Young has pleaded not guilty in each.

 

Delays and Continuances: A Systemic Perspective

Kolsrud acknowledged the distress these numerous continuances have caused, particularly for the victims’ families who have watched the case drag on for over five years. However, he emphasized the importance of remembering the unique legal dynamics at play:

 

“There are two cases here—the armed robbery case and also the capital murder case. Let’s not forget that Mercedes was the eyewitness in the armed robbery case and she’s no longer with us. She was murdered.”

 

Kolsrud pointed out that the death of the key eyewitness creates substantial challenges for the prosecution.

 

The Hearsay Issue: Can the Case Move Forward Without the Eyewitness?

Ordinarily, Kolsrud explained, statements made by a now-deceased person like Vega would not be admissible in court due to hearsay rules. However, a crucial nuance exists.

 

Kolsrud clarified:

“The Supreme Court has ruled that a defendant can’t benefit by silencing one of the witnesses. The prosecution must now prove to the judge, by a preponderance of the evidence, that Mr. Young murdered Mercedes specifically with the intent of silencing her.”

 

Key Points:

• Normally, deceased witness statements are considered hearsay.
• An exception can be made if the court is convinced the defendant killed the witness to prevent testimony.
• The open status of the murder investigation further complicates the matter.

 

Why More Delays?

Kolsrud noted that the prosecution might have motives for allowing further continuances:

 

• The prosecution wants to extend the armed robbery case so they’re well-prepared to argue the hearsay exception before the judge.
• New evidence or findings from the still-open murder investigation could potentially strengthen the prosecution’s position.

 

Attorney-Client Conflict: Impact on Defense

The interview also touched on Young’s dissatisfaction with his public defender, whom he accused of being unprofessional. Kolsrud, drawing from his extensive experience, offered support for public defenders:

 

“Public defenders have one of the toughest jobs in the profession. This type of conflict isn’t abnormal. I fully expect the attorney will act with professionalism and vigorously defend his client. Of course, a healthy attorney-client relationship is always preferred, but professionalism prevails.”

 

Conclusion: Justice, Patience, and Legal Complexity

Kolsrud’s insights underscore the intricate balance between ensuring defendants’ rights, maintaining judicial integrity, and respecting the suffering of victims and their families. With such high-profile and complex cases, continuances and delays are sometimes necessary to ensure that constitutional and evidentiary standards are satisfied.

 

As the Cudjoe Young cases move forward, Josh Kolsrud’s analysis highlights the critical role that procedural safeguards and evidentiary rules play in Arizona’s justice system—reminding us that, however frustrating, due process must guide every step.

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If you have questions about complex criminal cases, evidentiary rules, or need an experienced defense attorney, contact the Kolsrud Law Offices today for a confidential consultation.