While working as an assistant DA under Chesa Boudin, Brooke Jenkins accused a defense lawyer of fabricating their case to deceive the jury in a murder trial, according to the court’s decision.
Former San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins is at the center of controversy following a ruling by the California State Appeals Court that highlights alleged misconduct during a murder trial
The ruling, resulting from an appeal related to the fall 2021 trial, has raised questions about ethical conduct within the DA’s office. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Brooke Jenkins attempted to downplay the significance of the ruling, asserting that the misconduct was a minor error with no impact on the case’s outcome.
The trial in question involved Daniel Gudino, who was charged with the murder of his mother during a severe mental health crisis. The court records revealed that Gudino believed his mother was a demon due to his mental state. The trial marked Brooke Jenkins’ final case before leaving her position, citing dissatisfaction with the handling of the case by her superiors as a contributing factor in her decision.
However, Deputy Public Defender Ilona Solomon, who represented Gudino, emphasized that the ruling sheds light on ethical concerns within the DA’s Office. Solomon criticized Brooke Jenkins for impugning her integrity and questioned the ethical standards set by the office’s leadership.
The Appeals Court found that Brooke Jenkins engaged in misconduct during the trial’s closing arguments, where she accused the defense attorney of not seeking justice or truth but solely focusing on getting their client acquitted
The court ruled that such unsubstantiated accusations are not permissible for prosecutors. Brooke Jenkins defended her actions by asserting that her statements were part of a larger argument undermining the defense witnesses. She reaffirmed her belief in a robust defense while emphasizing the importance of ethical and fair prosecutions.
Gudino’s appeal sought to overturn his murder conviction and alleged misconduct in the case, aiming for a retrial that could have led to his release. Although most of these arguments were refuted in the ruling, the court found Brooke Jenkins’ accusations against the defense attorney as an instance of misconduct.
Despite the controversy surrounding the case, Brooke Jenkins criticized Gudino’s release and expressed disagreement with the verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. The appeal case attorney, Jean Frances Matulis, did not provide a comment on the matter.
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