but it does not appear that Shabazz requested his assistance. In fact, defense counsel left the courtroom to take a phone call during the questioning of one of the State’s witnesses.
After the State rested its case, the court asked if Shabazz had any witnesses he wished to call. Shabazz indicated that there was additional information that he needed in order to go forward with his defense. The following colloquy took place:
[Prosecutor]: State rests.
The Court: Mr. Shabazz, call your first,
The Defendant: Oh.
The Court: Do you wish to testify?
The Defendant: No. You said the next witness.
The Court: Or you can make legal arguments.
The Defendant: Your Honor, is—could I see the law on—
[Prosecutor]: I just want to clarify, he’s not going to call witnesses before we start going—
The Court: Are you going to call any witnesses?
The Defendant: I would like more physical evidence, the logs at the time—
The Court: Well, let me ask you—
The Defendant: At the time—
The Court: Stay focused on one question at a time. Do you wish to call any witnesses?
The Defendant: No more physical—
The Court: I’m sorry?
7
