By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
The court has allowed a teenager who refused a plea agreement in a murder case two weeks ago to delay his trial, court records show.
Reginald Terrell Leach, 18, was expected to accept a plea agreement to second-degree murder April 30, but he refused the deal at the last minute.
Leach is charged in the shooting death of 13-year-old Treasure Feamster, who was killed outside the J.C. Price American Legion Post following a party there March 16, 2007.
Leach’s attorney, Nancy Gaines, filed a motion with the court May 4 saying publicity surrounding the case has created negative feelings toward her client and has created “a prejudicial environment for trial.”
On the day of his plea hearing, various media outlets were present in Superior Court. Gaines provided various examples of news stories that were published about the matter.
She placed photocopied articles from media outlets including the Salisbury Post and subsequent reader comments about the hearing and Leach. There were more than 80 such comments on the Post’s Web site as of Thursday.
The court document also says Leach would not be able to select an unbiased jury at this time.
The District Attorney’s Office, which represents the state, did not object to continuing the trial, the document shows.
The matter will be removed from the May 11 trial calendar and scheduled for a later date.
Leach surprised the court during his plea hearing when he suddenly stood up and said he didn’t do it. He asked to return to his cell. He turned to tell his mother he loved her. She yelled back that she was glad he was not taking a plea deal.
The Rowan County District Attorney’s Office was going to reduce the first-degree murder charge to second-degree murder and consolidate the rioting charge. An unrelated charge of possession of a stolen vehicle was also to be consolidated.
Authorities have said the argument at the party started between rival gangs. Police say Feamster was caught in the crossfire, and police arrested Leach at a home in East Spencer nearly a week later.
Leach would most likely have served at least 15 years under the plea deal.