A mother from The Bronx, accused of the horrifying killing of her 7-year-old child back in August 2021, may be compelled to appear in court, as a frustrated judge indicated on Wednesday. This followed her absent presence at not one, but two consecutive legal proceedings within a week. Named Navasia Jones, she displayed her refusal to proceed beyond a confinement area located just outside the courtroom, having ascended six levels from a Corrections Department vehicle she initially wouldn’t exit on Monday.
The presiding judge wouldn’t have these transgressions hamper progress, and moved the court case a step closer to the starting point of trial proceedings. A new date, September 9, was designated for a pre-trial meeting and the judge conveyed the possibility of signing an order that might allow law enforcement personnel to physically usher Jones to the court, if she persistently maintains her defiant stance against partaking in the process.
The incredibly slow pace of court proceedings in The Bronx has resulted in the case against Jones and her son, Paul Fine, who is 20 years old, stagnating since their capture in June 2022 for the alleged murder of Julissia Batties, which transpired the previous year. Despite the case reaching a stage of readiness for trial as early as May, there has been an unfortunate delay in proceedings.
The primary cause for the pause in the pursuit of justice is attributed to Fine, who stands accused of not just murdering his half-sister but also sexually abusing her, was assigned new legal representation within this month, according to court documentation.
Deveraux Cannick, Fine’s new legal advocate, stated on Wednesday that he was still waiting to receive crucial evidence from the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, which he is legally entitled to access. This continued setback has caused grave angst and fury in Julius Batties, Julissia’s father.
Mr. Batties has expressed strong disapproval against authorities for providing him unsatisfactory explanations regarding the stagnation of the case. Expressing optimism, Edward Sapone, Jones’ court-assigned lawyer, conveyed his confidence that Jones would indeed be present at the forthcoming September gathering.
At this impending hearing, Sapone expressed his intentions to challenge the evidence that the prosecution holds against Jones. More specifically, he is preparing to dispute the thought of jurors being provided access to ‘damning’ statements that Jones purportedly made to the police force.
A representative from the District Attorney’s Office also weighed in on the matter, expressing that they plan on having Jones in court by September, thus reflecting a sense of anticipatory resolution towards the agonizing hiatus in proceedings.