By Hadram Hydara, Denver, Colorado
After a week-long trial marked by emotional witness testimonies, rigorous cross-examinations, and intense legal arguments, the fate of defendant Michael Sang Correa now rests with the jury.
The proceedings, which spanned jury selection, opening statements, and harrowing accounts from victims—including Demba Demb, Alieu Jobe, Tamsir Jassey, Sainey Bayo, and Yaya Darboe—culminated in closing arguments Monday at the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado.
Prosecutors urged the jury to convict Correa on all six charges, emphasising evidence from victims and expert witnesses, including Homeland Security officials.
The defence countered by asserting Correa acted under coercion, duress, and fear, imploring jurors to weigh these factors in their deliberations.
The charges include conspiracy to commit torture, the torture of Yaya Darboe, Tamsir Jassey, Demba Demb, Pharing Sanyang, and Pierre Mendy (deceased).
Judge Christine M. Arguello, presiding over the case at the Alfred A. Arraj United States Courthouse, dismissed the jury to deliberate Monday afternoon.
The jury must reach a unanimous verdict on each count for the defendant to be found guilty of that specific charge. Similarly, the jury must also come to a unanimous verdict to prevent a “hung jury.” If the jurors are unable to reach an agreement after lengthy deliberation, the judge may declare a mistrial due to the hung jury situation.
A verdict is anticipated on Tuesday, April 15, when court resumes at 8 a.m. MST (2 p.m. GMT).
Stay tuned for live updates as the trial reaches its conclusion.
