Courts face backlogs due to COVID-19 shutdowns as families wait for justice

CHARLOTTE — Mecklenburg County courts are ready to finally resume jury trials, but many wonder how long it will take to catch up with the court’s backlog of cases after shutting down due to the pandemic.

Lucille Puckett is tired of waiting for justice. Her son, Shawn Harbin, was shot and killed five years ago outside their home off Freedom Drive.

[Local sheriff, police chiefs say Meck County’s judicial system is creating crime in their neighborhoods]

“I’m just so … happy and glad that we will get our day in court,” Puckett said.

In the video at the top of this webpage, veteran crime reporter Mark Becker speaks with Puckett and the county’s district attorney about jury trials starting again.

Mecklenburg County Courthouse in uptown evacuated after bomb threat Mecklenburg County Courthouse in uptown evacuated after bomb threat

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