The Latest Breaking News from Derrel McDavid

Witness struggles as R. Kelly trial turns to alleged early-2000s cover-up

The witness, using the pseudonym “Susan,” had difficulty with details and sometimes seemed at a loss for answers, particularly when asked why she let her daughter stay in contact with Kelly after rumors of Kelly’s abuse first surfaced.

Chicago Sun-Times · Aug 22, 2022

R. Kelly jurors set to view portions of graphic child pornography

U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber has ruled that the videos should not be viewed by the public. However, he resisted prosecutors’ calls to clear the courtroom.

Chicago Sun-Times · Aug 19, 2022

Woman testifies R. Kelly sexually abused her ‘hundreds’ of times when she was underage

The now-37-year-old woman, referred to as Jane, was the central figure in Kelly’s 2008 state court trial, but declined to testify then. That trial ended with Kelly’s acquittal.

Chicago Sun-Times · Aug 18, 2022

Jury selection close to finished in R. Kelly’s federal trial; opening statements likely Wednesday

CHICAGO — Another 24 potential jurors were questioned Tuesday during the first phase of jury selection for R. Kelly’s Chicago federal trial, and the selection process is expected to finish Tuesday afternoon.

Chicago Tribune · Aug 16, 2022

Jury of 8 women, 4 men selected to decide R. Kelly’s fate in latest Chicago trial

The group includes three Black jurors federal prosecutors sought to keep off the panel. They were restored to the jury after defense attorneys accused the feds of improperly striking them based on race.

Chicago Sun-Times · Aug 16, 2022

Jury selection in R. Kelly’s federal trial begins in Chicago

CHICAGO — Jury selection in R. Kelly’s federal trial in Chicago got underway Monday with the judge questioning more than 60 potential jurors about what they know about the indicted R&B star and the charges against him.

Chicago Tribune · Aug 16, 2022

Judge excuses 16 potential jurors in R. Kelly’s federal trial, many who said they would have trouble being impartial

CHICAGO — Jury selection in R. Kelly’s federal trial in Chicago got underway Monday with the judge questioning 30 potential jurors about what they know about the indicted R&B star and the charges against him.

Chicago Tribune · Aug 15, 2022

As jury selection set to begin, judge denies request to remove any who’ve seen ‘Surviving R. Kelly’ docu-series from pool

CHICAGO — The judge presiding over R. Kelly’s second federal trial sped through a slew of pretrial decisions Monday before prospective jurors were brought in, ruling in favor of prosecutors on several high-profile requests.

Chicago Tribune · Aug 15, 2022

As jury selection set to begin, R. Kelly’s attorney wants any who’ve seen ‘Surviving R. Kelly’ docu-series removed from pool

CHICAGO — A number of last-minute issues are already hanging over R. Kelly’s federal trial in Chicago as jury selection gets underway on Monday, including a request by Kelly’s attorney over the weekend to dismiss potential jurors who have seen the popular Lifetime docu-series “Surviving R. Kelly.”

Chicago Tribune · Aug 15, 2022

R. Kelly federal trial in Chicago opens Monday

Fallen R&B star’s trial in federal court in his hometown to mirror his 2008 state child pornography trial, with some key differences: this time, his alleged victims are set testify against him.

Chicago Sun-Times · Aug 15, 2022