Courtney Clenney's attorney accused of influencing public opinion in documentary ahead of murder trial
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
MIAMI, FLORIDA: Prosecutors in the case against model Courtney Clenney are demanding a halt to her lawyer's public discussions about the case before she faces charges of second-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of her boyfriend, Christian "Toby" Obumseli.
In a recent court filing, Clenney's attorney Frank Prieto faced criticism for what prosecutors describe as "increasingly inappropriate conduct" by appearing in an upcoming documentary.
(Law&Crime Network, @courtneytailor/Instagram)
Courtney Clenney's parents arrested for tampering with Christian Obumseli's laptop
Clenney stands accused of killing her crypto-currency trader boyfriend during a dispute in their Miami high-rise in April 2022. She has pleaded not guilty to a new charge of interception of wire communications related to her boyfriend's killing.
Clenney's parents Deborah and Kim Clenney are facing similar charges concerning the unauthorized access of the victim's laptop amidst claims of abuse, the suspects' defense and Obumseli's family's conflicting narratives about the dynamics of their tumultuous two-year relationship.
(Austin PD)
State attorney seeks judicial intervention to safeguard fair trial
The legal battle escalated on January 31 when prosecutors expressed frustration, calling for sanctions against Prieto, accusing him of crossing ethical boundaries with statements made to the media regarding Obumseli.
State Attorney Katherine Rundle has sought "judicial intervention requiring the Respondent show cause is needed to case his litigation of this case in the court of public opinion and to ensure a fair trial for all the parties," as per Radar Online.
The dispute involves alleged leaks to the media, with prosecutors particularly concerned about an upcoming documentary. Prieto had initially downplayed Clenney's involvement with the project, but it was later revealed that her parents Deborah and Kim participated in an interview on January 3.
Prosecutors accuse Courtney Clenney's attorney of attempted public opinion manipulation
Prosecutors argue that Prieto's remarks, deemed "dehumanizing" toward Obumseli, are an attempt to sway public opinion.
"The Respondent attempts to justify his conduct by suggesting that he must comment on the instant case to counter public narratives or incorrect reporting by the media or public," they said.
"Or, put another way, the Respondent is seeking to litigate the instant case in the court of public opinion."
In the court documents, Prieto's conduct was criticized for utilizing "the soapbox afforded to him to raise the proverbial temperature, attack Obumseli, his family, the State, and to facilitate a docu-series that is clearly intended to get inadmissible information to the jury pool in advance of trial."
However, Clenney's defense asserted that Prieto's actions are justified, aiming to counter misinformation and provide context.
They cited the "strategic release" of the "Elevator Video," capturing a dispute between Clenney and Obumseli, as part of their defense strategy.
They stated, "It would substantially prejudice Ms. Clenney if the defense is unable to correct any misinformation or be prevented from explaining information that is taken out of context."
