The Mississippi Court of Appeals has denied Jackson man Dameion Stewart’s request for a new trial in connection with a 2016 armed robbery and carjacking, for which he was sentenced to 40 years in prison. Stewart argued that certain aspects of his trial were unfair, including a question asked by prosecutors and allowing a witness to testify via videoconference. However, the Appeals Court found that the trial judge handled these issues appropriately and upheld Stewart’s conviction.
Stewart was convicted in 2023 for robbing three women at gunpoint and fleeing the scene in a rental car. The car was later found at Stewart’s mother’s home, with changed plates. A witness identified Stewart during a photo lineup, leading to his conviction.
The Appeals Court determined that Stewart’s defense team was still able to effectively question the witness who testified via closed-circuit video, ensuring his Sixth Amendment right to confront witnesses was not violated.
Despite the rejection of his appeal, Stewart is still slated to be released from prison in 2032, according to the Mississippi Department of Corrections website. The case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of violent crimes and the importance of proper legal procedures in criminal trials.
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