Current:Home > reviewsWhite man convicted of killing Black Muslim freed after judge orders new trial -Prime Capital Blueprint
White man convicted of killing Black Muslim freed after judge orders new trial
View
Date:2025-04-11 12:52:51
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A white man from Maine who was convicted of manslaughter for shooting his sister’s Black boyfriend in 2019 was released on bail Friday after a judge ordered a new trial, sparking confusion and outrage from the victim’s family.
Mark Cardilli Jr. says he killed Isahak Muse in self-defense during a confrontation that escalated after Muse refused to leave the Cadilli family’s home when asked by the parents. Cadilli was 24 at the time, and Muse was 22.
A judge ruled this week that attorneys for Cadilli failed to “vigorously argue” the self-defense claim during the trial. His lawyers included an attorney who’s now a district judge.
The attorney general’s office vowed Friday to appeal the judge’s decision that vacated the conviction and ordered a new trial. In the meantime, a judge set bail at $20,000 for Cardilli and he was released Friday.
The shooting created tension in Portland’s Muslim community, with some calling it a hate crime by a white man against a Black Muslim.
In a statement, Muse’s sister said she was heartbroken that Cardilli was released after serving less than half of a 7 1/2-year prison sentence.
“We are devastated and shocked to hear of this decision and can not understand how we could lose my little brother, but Cardilli will get to walk around free,” Asli Muse said. “He took my brother’s life, and was convicted of this. It is not fair that he barely served any time and can just walk away from it all. We can’t get my brother back.”
Cardilli, now 28, was originally charged with murder, but he was convicted of the lesser charge of manslaughter.
The confrontation happened when the 22-year-old Muse, who was dating Cardilli’s 17-year-old sister but was barred by her bail conditions from being in her presence, refused to leave the family’s Portland home at the request of her parents, witnesses testified. Pandemonium broke out, and Cardilli retrieved a handgun from his room.
Cardilli said he was assaulted by Muse, backed against a wall and in fear for his life when he fired three times with one bullet grazing Muse and two bullets hitting Muse, who died at the scene.
veryGood! (94666)
Related
- Finally, good retirement news! Southwest pilots' plan is a bright spot, experts say
- Ex-Detroit-area prosecutor pleads guilty after embezzling more than $600K
- Minnesota trooper fatally shot man fleeing questioning for alleged restraining order violation
- Extreme heat costs the U.S. $100 billion a year, researchers say
- Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
- Giant, flashing ‘X’ sign removed from San Francisco headquarters after complaints, investigation
- Malaria Cases in Florida and Texas Raise Prospect of Greater Transmission in a Warmer Future
- Mega Millions jackpot at $1.25 billion, fourth-largest in history: When is next drawing?
- Tree trimmer dead after getting caught in wood chipper at Florida town hall
- Why Jessica Chastain & Oscar Isaac's Friendship Hasn't Been the Same Since Scenes From a Marriage
Ranking
- Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
- Police officer holds innocent family at gunpoint after making typo while running plates
- 1 dies, over 50 others hurt in tour bus rollover at Grand Canyon West
- Lori Vallow Daybell, convicted on murder charges in Idaho, still faces charges in Arizona
- Civic engagement nonprofits say democracy needs support in between big elections. Do funders agree?
- Lizzo sued for alleged hostile work environment, harassment by former dancers
- Man whose body was found in a barrel in Malibu is identified by authorities
- Movie extras worry they'll be replaced by AI. Hollywood is already doing body scans
Recommendation
Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau separating from wife, Sophie
Politicians urge Taylor Swift to postpone LA concerts in solidarity with striking hotel workers
Kim Kardashian Reflects on the Night Kris Jenner First Met Boyfriend Corey Gamble Nearly a Decade Ago
See you latte: Starbucks plans to cut 30% of its menu
Why Keke Palmer Doesn't Want to Set Unrealistic Body Standards Amid Postpartum Journey
ESPN's Pat McAfee apologizes, then defends his post about Larry Nassar, Michigan State
Foreign nationals evacuate Niger as regional tensions rise