5/3/2024
Today from Hiiraan Online:  _
advertisements
Google
Ohio court's third trial ends with conviction in 2021 kidnapping, slaying of Somali Imam
306 Shares
    FacebookFacebook messengerTwitterWhatsAppLinkedInTelegramEmail


    Sunday January 21, 2024

     
    Isaiah Brown-Miller was convicted of taking part in the robbery, kidnapping and deadly shooting of 48-year-old Mohamed Hassan Adam in December 2021. (Franklin County Jail)


    COLUMBUS (HOL) – After a protracted legal battle marked by two mistrials,  a Franklin County jury has finally convicted Isaiah Brown-Miller, 24, of kidnapping and aggravated robbery in the 2021 case involving the death of a prominent Columbus imam, Mohamed Hassan Adam. This verdict comes after intensive deliberations and represents a significant milestone in a case that has captured the attention of the local Somali community and beyond.

    Mohamed Hassan Adam was an esteemed imam at the Masjid Abu Hurairah mosque in Northeast Columbus. He went missing in December 2021 and was found fatally shot two days later in an abandoned lot near the Mosque. Known for his spiritual leadership and community involvement, Adam's mysterious disappearance and subsequent death sent shockwaves through the community.

    advertisements
    In all three trials, Brown-Miller was consistently charged with kidnapping and aggravated robbery. However, he was not charged with murder. Jurors couldn't reach a verdict in February or June, ending in a mistrial.

    The decision by the prosecution to focus on Brown-Miller's involvement in the planning and execution of the kidnapping and robbery, rather than the actual killing, was based on the evidence available. While there was substantial evidence to suggest his participation in the crime, direct evidence linking him to the act of murder was insufficient.

    The prosecution presented a scenario where Brown-Miller and John Wooden, 47, conspired to extort money from Imam Adam. This theory was supported by video evidence of Adam at an ATM accompanied by a masked individual and several failed transaction attempts on Cash App from his phone. These details were central to the prosecution's narrative, depicting a premeditated criminal plan.

    Brown-Miller's defence, led by attorney Lumumba Toure McCord, questioned the adequacy of this evidence, suggesting it was insufficient for a murder charge. McCord's argument previously resulted in two hung juries and had sought dismissal of the charges after the second mistrial. However, the third trial concluded with a conviction on the kidnapping and robbery charges.

    "Through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to holding the individuals responsible for the disappearance, kidnapping, robbery and murder of Imam Adam, our prosecutors were able to secure a guilty verdict," said Anthony Pierson, chief legal counsel for the prosecutor's office. "I hope and pray this verdict can help the family and community heal from these horrific crimes.

    John Wooden, the co-defendant in this case, had previously been convicted in October of aggravated murder, kidnapping, and aggravated robbery, among other charges. He was portrayed as the more directly involved in the actual act of murder. His criminal history and the ballistic evidence tying him to the murder weapon were decisive in his conviction.

    Judge Phipps revoked Brown-Miller's bond on Friday. He will be sentenced at a later date but faces mandatory prison time. Wooden awaits sentencing on Jan. 30, potentially facing life imprisonment.


    FILE- Somali Community in Columbus holds media conference on missing imam. (WSYX)

     





    Click here