A motion for a bond hearing has been denied for the second time for a man accused of fatally shooting a protestor during the Charlotte demonstrations over the Keith Lamont Scott shooting in 2016.
Rayquan Borum, 23, is accused of firing the shot that killed Justin Carr, 26. Borum has been held in a Mecklenburg County jail for 19 months. His first attorney’s request for a bond hearing was denied in March 2017. Mark Simmons, one of Borum’s attorneys, said he felt he presented enough new evidence to warrant a hearing.
“He has new attorneys, a new place to live with his parents and we’ve spoken with new witnesses,” Simmons said. “I’m unhappy with the judge’s decision, but not surprised. Not a lot shocks me these days.”
Simmons said when the judge questioned him about new witnesses in the case, he responded by saying he could not release the information because it remains confidential.
Borum is accused of firing a weapon as demonstrators carried signs and shouted chants in front of the Omni Hotel, which was surrounded by police. Carr was participating in that protest and was hit by a bullet. The Charlotte Uprising Group and others said police shot Carr, but CMPD officials said that they have video that will prove officers were not involved in the shooting.
Simmons said he will not make arguments about Borum's release until the trial, which is set for Dec. 3.
Stay informed: Sign up for The Frequency newsletter and get WFAE headlines in your inbox every weekday.
