Diddy Trial: Government Seeks Removal of ‘Attempted’ Arson and Kidnapping Allegations from Jury Instructions
Federal prosecutors are seeking to strengthen their case against Sean Combs by requesting a judge to remove references to “attempted” kidnapping and arson from jury instructions. This request comes as part of the ongoing legal proceedings, with Combs still facing serious allegations including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking that encompass the kidnapping and arson claims. In a recent filing to U.S. District Court Judge Arun Subramanian, prosecutors acknowledged the judge’s interest in simplifying instructions for jurors.
They indicated that they are removing the instructions concerning attempted kidnapping under California and New York law, along with attempted arson and aiding and abetting sex trafficking. Closing arguments in the trial are scheduled for Thursday, and legal analysts suggest that the shift away from “attempted” crimes indicates a strategic move by the prosecution. Danny Cevallos, a legal analyst for NBC News, noted that the government is likely not abandoning the serious charges of kidnapping and arson but is instead streamlining the charges to avoid confusing jurors regarding the distinctions between attempted and completed acts.
Former federal prosecutor Nadia Shihata also pointed out that by dropping the “attempted” theory, the prosecution is likely focusing on presenting these acts as completed offenses. This situation suggests a level of confidence from the prosecutors in proving their case effectively. Maria Cruz Melendez, a New York criminal defense lawyer, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that a clear direction for the prosecution supports the notion that they believe they have sufficiently proven the alleged completed acts.
The arson allegation is centered on an incident from early 2012 when a Molotov cocktail was thrown into Kid Cudi’s vehicle. This incident followed allegations that Combs had previously broken into Kid Cudi’s home, demonstrating the escalating tension related to Combs’ past relationships.