Court Won’t Disqualify Judge in Murder Case
The California Supreme Court rebuffed an attempt Thursday by the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office to disqualify Superior Court Judge Terry Green from hearing contempt proceedings against Michael Duarte, a prosecutor accused of misconduct.
Duarte allegedly concealed evidence from the defense during a capital murder case, in violation of a court order.
Citing the alleged misconduct, Green granted a new trial last month for Kenneth Leighton, who had been convicted of the first-degree murders of two West Hills witnesses.
Prosecutors argued that Green was biased against Duarte, but an appellate court disagreed. The state’s highest court declined to review the appellate decision.
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