Mobile County DA Criticizes Judge After Murder Trial Acquittals

Prosecutors argue judge's decision to exclude key witness testimony led to not guilty verdicts.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood issued a scathing statement criticizing Mobile County Circuit Judge Michael Windom's decision to exclude the testimony of the prosecution's star witness, Deunta Perdue, in a high-profile murder trial. Prosecutors argued Perdue had waived his Fifth Amendment right not to testify, but Windom ruled against them, preventing Perdue from taking the stand. The jury subsequently returned not guilty verdicts for the three defendants.

Why it matters

Blackwood's public rebuke of the judge's decision is highly unusual, highlighting the tensions between prosecutors and the judiciary over evidentiary rulings that can significantly impact trial outcomes. The case also raises questions about the limits of witness testimony and the balance between a defendant's constitutional rights and prosecutors' efforts to secure convictions.

The details

Prosecutors argued that Perdue had waived his Fifth Amendment right by testifying at an earlier trial of a co-defendant. However, Judge Windom ruled against the state, excluding Perdue's full prior testimony and preventing him from testifying further. Blackwood said his office provided the judge with a Supreme Court ruling supporting their position, but Windom 'declined to follow the law.' With the key witness barred, the jury quickly returned not guilty verdicts for the three defendants.

  • On Thursday, the jury returned not guilty verdicts.
  • Prior to the trial, Perdue had testified at an earlier trial of a co-defendant.

The players

Keith Blackwood

The Mobile County District Attorney who issued a scathing statement criticizing the judge's decision to exclude key witness testimony.

Michael Windom

The Mobile County Circuit Judge who ruled against the prosecutors, excluding the testimony of their star witness.

Deunta Perdue

The prosecution's star witness who invoked his Fifth Amendment right not to testify, after previously testifying at an earlier trial of a co-defendant.

LaQuonte McCants, Darrin Miller, and Darrion Johnson

The three defendants who were acquitted of murder charges by the jury.

Marcus Foxx

The attorney appointed to represent Perdue, who advised him to invoke his Fifth Amendment right.

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What they’re saying

“Despite that, Judge Windom declined to follow the law and decided to exclude the witness's full testimony that he had already given, and prevented him from testifying further.”

— Keith Blackwood, Mobile County District Attorney (fox10tv.com)

“I will tell you from our side of the bar, Judge Windom is not what we would consider a favorable judge to us.”

— Jason Darley, Attorney representing Darrin Miller (fox10tv.com)

“Bottom line is this, I believe that you have an absolute right to cross-examine any witness that gets up on the stand and testifies against a criminal defendant. It's just bedrock.”

— Chase Dearman, Attorney representing Darrion Johnson (fox10tv.com)

What’s next

Prosecutors have already served subpoenas to all three acquitted defendants, suggesting they will call them as witnesses in the upcoming trial of the last defendant, Antonio McCants.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between prosecutors and judges over evidentiary rulings, and the delicate balance between a defendant's constitutional rights and the prosecution's efforts to secure convictions. The outcome underscores the significant impact that a judge's decision can have on a trial's outcome.