Identical Twin Brother Complicates Murder Case Based on Eyewitnesses; Defense Claims Mistaken ID
At first, authorities in Chandler, Ariz., thought they had a solid murder case against Orlando Nembhard.
But it is based on eyewitness testimony, which can be problematic at the best of times. And in this case, it’s particularly fraught with doubt—was it Orlando Nembhard that witnesses allegedly saw commit the crime outside a crowded nightclub on Feb. 12 or his identical twin brother, Brandon, who was also at the scene?
Apparently doubtful about the strength of the case, a judge on July 28 reduced the defendant twin’s bond to $10,000, outraging the family of the victim, Sir Xavier Brooks, 19, reports the New York Times (sub. req.).
Defense attorney Jason Lamm is calling the murder charge against his client a case of mistaken identity.
Meanwhile, a relative of Brooks has a suggestion: “They need to put them in a room and let them battle it out,” said his grandmother, Barbara Jones, of the twins. “OK, who’s going to do the time?”
If it can’t be proven that one of the twins is the culprit, however, both will go free, the article notes.
