A California defendant on trial in the murder of his ex-girlfriend stabbed his attorney and attacked a prosecutor in a chaotic courtroom outburst Monday.
Ramello Randle, 28, is accused of killing 24-year-old Jonaye Lahkel Bridges in July 2020 amid a bitter child custody dispute.
The attack came as jurors listened to the defense’s final witness, who was Randle’s brother, at around 11 a.m.
Randle managed to cut through his lap restraint and stabbed his attorney Matt Fregi’s head with a pen twice before charging at Deputy District Attorney Kevin Bell who had been standing near the jury box.
Bell was not harmed and only suffered a scratch on his finger.
“The courtroom was immediately cleared,” the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office said.
“The Fire Department responded to assess both of the attorneys, who refused medical attention.”
Randle is now facing additional charges of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and battery.
