Written by: Michael Phillips
HAMPTON, VIRGINIA - In the heart of Hampton, Virginia, the murder trial of Cory Bigsby, accused of the tragic disappearance and presumed murder of his four-year-old son, Codi Bigsby, has captivated the community's attention. This afternoon a Hampton jury returned a Guilty verdict against Cory Bigsby in the murder of his son, Codi.
Yet, a significant development unfolded not within the solemn walls of Hampton Circuit Court but hundreds of miles away in a small courtroom in Augusta County on Monday, highlighting the complex interplay between Virginia's Court system and the pursuit of justice, and potentially affecting Bigsby's ability to receive a fair trial.
Unexpected Legal Detour
At the center of this legal maelstrom is Amina Mathey-Willard, Cory Bigsby's defense attorney, whose absence from the defense table during a crucial phase of the trial sparked a flurry of questions and concerns. Breaking Through News has learned that Mathey-Willard was compelled to attend a traffic matter in Augusta County on behalf of a client, a decision that seemingly disregarded the gravity of the ongoing murder trial in Hampton.
A Sudden Change in Court Requirements
The Augusta County case in question involves a reckless driving ticket. Zach Cruz, a client of Matheny-Willard, shared email messages between his attorney and the court, alongside prosecutors, wherein the prosecutor indicated that the judge had "denied her (Matheny-Willard) request for a continuance." Notably, Cruz was initially not required to appear for the hearing, a stipulation that was changed a week prior to the hearing, after the scheduling of the Bigsby trial matters—a timing that raises eyebrows about the court's priorities.
A Question of Priorities
This unexpected requirement placed Mathey-Willard in an impossible position, forced to choose between her duties in a felony jury trial and a traffic court appearance. Given the Augusta County Court's denial of Matheny-Willard's request for a continuance, failure to appear could have resulted in contempt charges against the attorney.
The practical effect of this was to require Mathey-Willard to miss a critical phase of the Bigsby trial for what ultimately amounted to an unnecessary appearance in Augusta.
The Ripple Effects of Judicial Decisions
This situation raises critical questions about the legal system's flexibility and its capacity to accommodate the schedules of defense attorneys engaged in high-stakes trials. The apparent disregard shown by the general district court for the ongoing murder trial in favor of a traffic matter—a decision that may have had far-reaching effects on the trial's outcome—highlights the delicate balance courts must strike between adhering to procedural norms and ensuring the fair administration of justice.
Looking Ahead: The Bigsby Trial Continues
As the Bigsby trial concludes with a guilty verdict, the question remains whether the Defendant will appeal his convictions. The absence of Cory Bigsby's defense attorney at a critical juncture serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges facing legal practitioners in navigating a system where competing priorities can, at times, undermine the pursuit of justice.
Commitment to Comprehensive Coverage
As this story develops, Breaking Through News remains committed to uncovering the facts and providing comprehensive coverage of the Cory Bigsby trial and any potential appeal, shedding light on the complex dynamics at play within Virginia's legal landscape.
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