Prosecutors Stand by Former Militant's Conviction, but Blast Judge's Prior Misconduct

Georgia prosecutors defend 2000 murder conviction of ex-Black Panther leader, but accuse original prosecutor of 'grave and clear' misconduct.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Georgia prosecutors are defending the 2000 murder conviction of former Black Panther leader Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin, known as H. Rap Brown, for the shooting of two sheriff's deputies. However, they also accuse the case's original lead prosecutor, now a Fulton County judge, of 'grave and clear' misconduct during the trial.

Why it matters

This case has long divided civil rights advocates and law enforcement, with Al-Amin's family seeking to clear his name. The allegations of misconduct by the former prosecutor, who is now a judge involved in other high-profile political cases, raise concerns about the integrity of the original prosecution and conviction.

The details

Prosecutors say modern DNA testing, combined with ballistic evidence and trial testimony, still points strongly to Al-Amin's guilt. However, they acknowledge serious wrongdoing by the former prosecutor, Robert McBurney, and an FBI agent involved in the original investigation. McBurney is accused of misrepresenting evidence and withholding critical information from the defense, among other misconduct. The filing also describes an FBI agent kicking and spitting on Al-Amin after his arrest, and allegations that the agent planted the guns used to shoot the deputies.

  • On March 16, 2000, Fulton County sheriff's deputies Ricky Kinchen and Aldranon English went to Atlanta's West End neighborhood to serve a warrant on Al-Amin.
  • Al-Amin was arrested four days later in White Hall, Alabama.

The players

Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin

Also known as H. Rap Brown, a former Black Panther leader convicted of murder in 2000 for the shooting of two sheriff's deputies.

Fani Willis

The Fulton County District Attorney whose office is defending Al-Amin's conviction.

Robert McBurney

The original lead prosecutor in Al-Amin's trial, who is now a Fulton County superior court judge and has been involved in several high-profile political cases.

James Campbell

An FBI Special Agent involved in the original investigation, who is accused of misconduct including kicking and spitting on Al-Amin after his arrest.

Ricky Kinchen

A Fulton County sheriff's deputy who was killed in the 2000 shooting incident.

Aldranon English

A Fulton County sheriff's deputy who was wounded in the 2000 shooting incident.

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What they’re saying

“His legacy is still at the center of this.”

— Mawuli Davis, Attorney for Al-Amin's family (wbal.com)

“These were not minor oversights; they reflected a troubling pattern of behavior that prioritized winning over truth, and conviction over justice.”

— Fani Willis, Fulton County District Attorney (wbal.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to grant a hearing to evaluate the case in its entirety, potentially leading to a public reexamination of the prosecution that has long divided civil rights advocates and law enforcement.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing concerns about misconduct and lack of transparency in the criminal justice system, even in high-profile cases. The allegations against the former prosecutor, now a sitting judge, underscore the need for rigorous oversight and accountability to ensure the integrity of the judicial process.