Tensions high in Joyner case
By From staff reports
Published in News on March 27, 2014 1:46 PM
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News-Argus/STEVE HERRING
Extra sheriff's deputies were called in after several near-fights and tempers flaring between attendees at the Leonard Joyner trial Wednesday.
Tensions spilled over outside the courthouse during the lunch recess, when supporters of the Leonard Eugene Joyner incited a verbal altercation with members of Kennedy McLaurin Jr.'s family.
Deputies poured into the parking lot to defuse the situation.
No punches were thrown and no one was injured, according to witnesses, but deputies arrested one person.
After the recess, Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Arnold Jones told the court some of the jurors witnessed the altercation and, "for everyone's safety," security would be vamped up and police escorts provided to and from the parking area.