A judge is currently considering whether or not to grant a new trial to Granville Richie, who was convicted of the murder of 9-year-old Felicia Williams. The same jury that initially sentenced him to death will now review his latest appeal.
In 2019, Richie was convicted of raping and killing Felicia Williams. This tragedy has brought immense pain and suffering to Felicia’s mother, who cannot imagine a more devastating experience than losing a child.
The prosecutors alleged that Felicia was left in the care of a family friend, Ebony Wy, who ultimately betrayed her by leaving her with a stranger, Granville Richie. Richie molested and strangled Felicia to death.
In an effort to protect herself, Wy participated in covering up the crime by lying. Richie was sentenced to death by a jury in September 2020. However, he is now fighting to save his own life and is requesting a new trial. The state supreme court has already rejected his initial request, but in his latest appeal in State Court, Richie is specifically asking for police records from multiple agencies.
Prosecutors criticize this request, labeling it as a “fishing expedition.” The judge wants to ensure that the request is more targeted and not a mere attempt to gather unnecessary information. In a virtual hearing, the court received an update on the documents and evidence that have been turned over to Richie.
If he discovers any legal errors in these records, it could provide him with the evidence necessary to challenge his death sentence..
