What to Know
- A man accused of raping a woman in Syracuse caused mayhem during jury selection Monday when he threw the defense table
- No one was hurt, but one woman was excused from jury service after an apparent panic attack
- Shamik King faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted of the 2018 August rape
A man facing trial for raping a 74-year-old woman in Syracuse caused bedlam in the courtroom by throwing a table in the air.
Shamik King stood up during jury selection Monday, picked the defense table up and threw it, The Post-Standard of Syracuse reported. It landed on the prosecution table and sent splinters flying.
No one was injured but one woman was excused from jury service after an apparent panic attack.
Jury selection continued after a break with the 30-year-old defendant absent from the courtroom. The judge said that for now he can only return if gagged and shackled.
King faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted of the Aug. 19, 2018 rape.
A message seeking comment on the outburst was left with King's attorney.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
