Crime: The Trial Of Reginald Potts

Latest update here. To find all posts about Nailah Franklin, type "Nailah Franklin" in the box at the top left corner of this page and hit RETURN. To find all posts about Reginald Potts, type "Reginald Potts" and do not include his middle initial or honorifics. Thanks.

It's often said that a person who represents himself at trial has a fool for a client.

Reginald Potts' hearing in the matter of the murder of Nailah Franklin was supposed to be held today. Mr. Potts is representing himself. The prosecution wants the death penalty. Her family has opined that death is too good for Potts.

No new information was presented, as a result of the postponement of the hearing. Previous coverage is available, with links, here, here, here, here, here, and here. We have been following this story since Nailah was first reported missing. Mr. Potts' preliminary hearing has been rescheduled to January 4th, at which time we will do our best to update those who care about Nailah Franklin (there's a lot of you out there!).

Nailah's family has asked for your prayers for them, and for Mr. Potts' family as well.

CBS has details. Incidentally, WBBM is now reporting that Mr. Potts has eight prior felony convictions. Prior reportage showed five felony convictions and three misdemeanor convictions. However, at the time, there were charges pending in unrelated cases, so it's possible that he may have received additional felony sentences since then.

The Chicago Defender would like us all to remember (and rightly so) that, no matter what his prior criminal record, Reginald Potts has rights, too. This is true. Despite what looks like very convincing evidence, Potts is entitled to his day in court. The prosecution has not yet proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Potts murdered Nailah Franklin.

May she rest in peace.

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