North Carolina Prosecutors Try to Keep Men Acquitted of Murder Behind Bars

When facing murder charges in North Carolina, acquittal is a common goal. However, a recent case in the Tar Heel State shows that even after an acquittal, state prosecutors may continue to try to keep you behind bars. This case involves the high-profile murder of an NBA player’s grandfather, and it continues to make headlines in 2026.

North Carolina Acquits Convicted Murderers Who Spent Decades in Prison

In 2025, various sources reported that a North Carolina judge had acquitted two men convicted of murdering an NBA player’s grandfather. This incident occurred all the way back in 2002, when the victim suffered a heart attack after being tied up in his own Winston-Salem home. The initial brief suggested that the defendants believed that the victim had a large amount of cash in his home.

Although four teens were convicted of the murder, only two remained behind bars as of 2025. The two who remained behind bars were initially charged with life without possibility of parole. Both men repeatedly attempted appellate strategies and eventually found success with Superior Court Judge Robert Broadie in Forsyth County.

Broadie noted that a key witness in the initial murder trial had recanted their testimony. The judge also took the boys’ “poor legal representation” into account, as well as “questionable” conduct by police involved with the case. But perhaps the straw that broke the camel’s back was a new development in regard to DNA evidence. The judge concluded that the defendants were probably not at the scene of the crime.

State Prosecutors Desperately Try to Keep Acquitted Murderers Behind Bars

State prosecutors immediately questioned and criticized the ruling by Judge Broadie. They also asked the Court of Appeals to keep the men in custody despite their acquittal while the Attorney General’s Office explores its appellate options. The fact that Broadie dismissed these cases “with prejudice” may make them extremely difficult to appeal. When a judge dismisses charges with prejudice, it means that the defendants cannot face charges for the same crime in the future.

Later, Law360 reported that the prosecutors had asked for a retrial. In making their arguments, these prosecutors cited “abundant caselaw” that supports the logic of a new trial instead of an unconditional release. In making this argument, prosecutors also referred to the defendants’ claims as “meritorious.”

This last-ditch effort came after the Court of Appeals lifted a temporary stay on the defendants’ release and denied all further requests to delay this process.

Can a North Carolina Murder Defense Lawyer Help Me? 

If you want an acquittal, you might want to speak with an experienced assault violent crimes lawyer in North Carolina. The aforementioned case shows that even after spending many years in prison on murder charges, it is possible to secure an acquittal and enjoy freedom. To learn more about the possibilities, contact The Pritchard Firm today.

Sources:

 law360.com/articles/2433131/prosecutors-seek-retrial-in-killing-of-nba-star-s-grandfather

ctvnews.ca/world/article/judge-tosses-convictions-in-2002-killing-of-nba-star-chris-pauls-grandfather/