I was excited to be invited by WVEC13 anchor, Dan Kennedy to join him outside of a high profile murder trial in Hampton, Virginia. Dan had a thought that the WVEC13 viewership could benefit from live, on the spot analysis of some of the developments of this widely followed trial. It was a tragic story, the defendant was tried for killing his young son. It was unusual in the sense that there was nobody, which is not a typical murder trial. That factor, as well as some of the other unique evidentiary considerations that came to play, made the live interview (hopefully) helpful to the viewership, as many people had an interest in this case. I was able to explain some of the rulings that were made, as well as the significance of procedure aspects of the case, like closing arguments, and jury instructions. I appreciate the opportunity to have been a part of this important case with Dan Kennedy at WVEC 13 News
View the interview with WVEC13’s Dan Kennedy here.
About The Bigsby Murder Case
The trial in Hampton, Virginia, for Cory Bigsby, who was accused of killing his 3-year-old son Codi and hiding his body, reached a conclusion on Tuesday. The jury, after about two hours of discussion, found Cory guilty of second-degree murder and concealing Codi’s body. Codi’s remains have never been found.
The jury delivered its decision around 1:45 p.m. News reporters noted that Cory remained stoic, showing little emotion, as he had throughout the entire seven-day trial.
There was little reaction from Cory as the verdict was read inside the courtroom. However, outside the courthouse, some people expressed relief and happiness that there was finally some accountability for what happened to Codi.
Amanda Randall, a member of Team Codi and co-founder of 6 Women N A Notebook, expressed her emotions, saying she cried tears of joy upon hearing the verdict. Another woman, Nancy Strickland from We Are Codi’s Voice, exclaimed that their prayers had been answered with the guilty verdict.
Cory Bigsby’s family seemed frustrated with the decision, particularly his sister, who defended her testimony. Outside the courthouse, advocates for Codi chanted “Justice for Codi” as Cory’s sister, Tandeleyia Butler, left. Butler maintained her stance, asserting that she had told the truth from the beginning.
Curtis Brown, Cory Bigsby’s attorney, faced questions about a potential appeal. He expressed dissatisfaction with how the case was presented, feeling it was biased against his client. When asked if he thought Codi was still alive, Brown declined to comment.
Hampton Commonwealth’s Attorney Anton Bell held a press conference, acknowledging the lengthy process leading to the verdict. He emphasized that while there’s resolution in the case, there’s no closure as Codi’s whereabouts remain unknown.
Bell addressed Brown’s courtroom behavior, describing it as combative and repetitive. He stated that despite Brown’s approach, he wouldn’t compromise his own dignity in response.
Bigsby and his legal team chose not to have him testify. Bell mentioned he was ready to challenge Bigsby had he taken the stand, intending to press him regarding his confession.
The defense failed to provide evidence suggesting Codi was alive after June 2021. Bell stressed the significance of this gap in establishing the timeline and proving the case.
Sentencing for Cory Bigsby is scheduled for June 18, marking the third anniversary of Codi’s death. He faces a potential sentence of up to 45 years.
The trial day began with jury instructions followed by closing arguments. Deliberations started mid-morning with 12 jurors, eight women and four men, considering the evidence.
Bell urged the jurors to consider Cory as a predator rather than a protective parent, emphasizing accountability for Codi’s death. Defense Attorney Curtis Brown argued for reasonable doubt, highlighting the lack of forensic evidence linking Cory to the crime.
Testimony concluded on Monday, with witnesses including Cory’s sister and a man claiming to have seen Codi shortly before his reported disappearance in January 2022.
Nancy Strickland, a member of “We are Codi’s Voice,” shared her anticipation for the trial’s conclusion, expressing faith in the jury’s ability to deliver a just verdict. She emphasized the importance of leaving the decision in the hands of both the jurors and a higher power.