A Aggravated Second Degree Murder charge has been dismissed with prejudice after the case lacked ‘meritorious evidence’ and a ‘mishap’ in procedure.
Darnell and Maxxi Whitescale were charged with one count of Aggravated Second Degree Murder and six counts of Aggravated Attempted Second Degree Murder on the 30th of October 2024. However, over the course of a month, the case against the pair fell apart with charges being dropped against Darnell on the 3rd of November, and the full case being tossed out on the 13th of November.
The alleged murder of Officer Stephanie Lindore occurred on the 18th of October, after a jewlery store heist at the Vangelico in Grapeseed turned into a pursuit and then a shooting around the Von Crastenburg Hotel in the Rockford Hills.
Police had alleged that Darnell and Maxxi Whitescale had murdered the officer during the final shootout at the Von Crastenburg. in total, police alledged the pair had shot seven officers in total, and allegedly murdering Officer Lindore.
The evidence presented already raised issues with the courts, when the initial arrest warrant was bounced after officers failed to provide solid information about the officers injured, or the officer who was murdered in the case.
Before I can approve this warrant I will require some things from yourself.
- I see in the initial brief that the suspect(s) opened fire on numerous officers but have provided no solid number or names as to who. I will need this
- You have not given any information or articulation on who was actually murdered. I will need this
You have 48 hours
Magnus McCready, Circuit Judge
The requested information was provided, and warrants were issued and served.
The troubles for the prosecution started as soon as the case began, with an initial pre-trial conference finding that the evidence presented against Darnell Whitescale was in “error” and that the charges should be dismissed. The court dismissed the charges without prejudice due to an on-going investigation
Shortly after the pre-trial conference, the Department of Justice recused itself, and granted prosecutorial authoritiy to the detectives at the Major Crimes Division.
A second pre-trial conference occurred, and this time to State asked the Judge to dismissed the case with prejudice after they determined there was a lack of meritorious evidence and a mishap in procedure.
After a thorough review of this case and all factors from the beginning, it is my duty to request that this case be dismissed due to the lack of meritorious evidence and mishaps in procedure.
I’d request in the interest of justice that the case be dismissed WITH PREJUDICE, to avoid double jeopardy or any other violations of Ms. Whitescale’s civil rights or her right to due process.
Amara Clark, Major Crimes Division
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