Derrick Brown, 22, of 815 Crawford St., was indicted for possession of cocaine, two counts aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery, and aggravated murder for the death of Joseph Romano at his Lafayette Avenue home. He is also charged with participating in a criminal gang.
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Brown’s attorney Melynda Cook entered a not guilty plea on her client’s behalf, and the judge set his bond bond at $1 million.
But despite warnings from his attorney, Brown spoke up and said, “your honor, I would rather just plead guilty.”
The judge told Brown he would not accept a guilty plea until he had a chance to consult with his attorney.
Also receiving a $1 million bond was Douglas Best, 28, of 402 Richmond St.
Best was indicted on charges of aggravated murder with gun specifications, for the deaths of Romano and Tiffany Hoskins a day later at a Jacoby Avenue residence.
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Best is also facing a conspiracy to commit murder charge for allegedly conspiring to kill Douglas Hobbs, who was living in Romano’s residence, and aggravated arson, tampering with evidence and gross abuse of a corpse for allegedly bleaching Hoskins’ body and then lighting it on fire. He was also indicted for participating in a criminal gang.
Attorney Michelle Temmell entered not guilty plea on Best’s behalf. Bond was set for Best at $1 million by Judge Greg Stephens.
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Charles Ray Graham, 27, of 2002 Pearl St., was indicted for attempted burglary and participating in a criminal gang.
Attorney James Hardin entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. Stephens noted Graham’s charges were less severe and set his bond at $150,000.
Hoskins’ family sat in the front row of the courtroom, and her mother sobbed during the hearing.
Emotions ran high and overflowed into the lobby when families of all three men walked near Hoskins’ family. Hoskins’ mother screamed that she wanted justice for her daughter.
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