Opinion ID: 172566
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Mr. Hoskins's Testimony

Text: The government also presented the testimony of Mr. Hoskins, a prisoner who allegedly witnessed Mr. Pursley's involvement in the assault. Mr. Hoskins testified that he was transported to the courthouse on the day of the assault against Mr. Cluff to face charges for several counts of robbery with a deadly weapon. On the way to the courthouse, Mr. Hoskins sat behind Mr. Wardell and Mr. Pursley. Prior to collecting Mr. Shields, Mr. Pursley said to Mr. Hoskins, We are going to pick up our friend at the FCI [Federal Correctional Institution]. Do you mind scooting over so we can sit with him[?] R., Vol. XII, Tr. at 570 (internal quotation marks omitted). Mr. Hoskins obliged. As Mr. Shields entered the transportation van, Mr. Pursley, Mr. Wardell, and Mr. Shields all greeted each other. Id. at 573. Mr. Shields then sat next to Mr. Hoskins, and Mr. Pursley conversed with Mr. Shields for nearly the entire approximately one-hour trip. Mr. Wardell occasionally spoke with Mr. Pursley. Because the three men conversed in whispers, Mr. Hoskins was unable to discern the content of these conversations. Mr. Hoskins testified that when they reached the courthouse, he was placed in a cell with Mr. Wardell and Mr. Pursley. Within five to ten minutes, Mr. Hoskins heard Mr. Shields ask, Guess who is in here with me[?] Id. at 576 (internal quotation marks omitted). Mr. Wardell or Mr. Pursley queried, Who is it[?] Id. (internal quotation marks omitted). Mr. Shields stated, The guy that's testifying. Id. (internal quotation marks omitted). Either Mr. Wardell or Mr. Pursley then retorted, [H]e is the rat fuck that's testifying against us. Id. Mr. Shields just laughed. After some additional conversing, either Mr. Wardell or Mr. Pursley commented, Shorty will take care of him. [5] Id. (internal quotation marks omitted). Either Mr. Wardell or Mr. Pursley then requested everyone to start making a lot of noise so the guards couldn't hear what was going on in the other cell. Id. at 577. Everyone in the cell, including Mr. Pursley, started talking vociferously just to make some loud noise. Id. at 578. Mr. Hoskins heard the sounds of the assault over the cellblock din. In particular, he heard Mr. Cluff repeatedly scream, Help me, somebody help me. Id. at 577 (internal quotation marks omitted). According to Mr. Hoskins, a guard arrived at Mr. Cluff's cell approximately thirty to forty-five minutes after the assault. Approximately ten minutes later, Mr. Cluff was removed from the cell. Mr. Hoskins observed Mr. Cluff's injuries; Mr. Cluff was bleeding from his ear and mouth, he had a cut above his left eye, and he vomited blood.