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Search every verified Mark Simmons interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. Mark Simmons, an attorney, delivered the closing argument in the 2019 first-degree murder trial of Rayquan Borum. During the argument, Simmons criticized the state's investigation, saying that detectives did not test a shell casing or collect a canister found near the body, and that a medical examiner's causation opinion was given with only about 51% medical certainty. He also questioned the credibility of a state witness, describing the witness as a convicted fraudster with incentives to lie, and argued that a concrete wall separated Borum from officers, making it impossible for him to have intended to kill a police officer. Simmons further stated that the presumption of innocence remained in effect as deliberations began.
“Detective Peck said it would be irresponsible to test that shell casing because it might lead them to the wrong person — but if testing risks naming the wrong person, why didn't they test to make sure they had the right guy?”
“The state's key witness is a convicted fraudster with incentives to lie — they put him on the stand, let him swear on the Bible, but you heard he wasn't telling the truth.”
“If you find yourself wondering why the state didn't get certain evidence or do certain tests, remember reasonable doubt is a chain — if they break one link by not pursuing evidence, you can't convict beyond a reasonable doubt.”
“There was a concrete wall separating Mr. Borum from the officers — how could he have intended to kill a police officer when the officers were ten feet back behind a barrier?”
Attorney Mark Simmons. Rayquan Borum First Degree Murder Trial Closing Argument 3/6/19 .
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