The legal team that represented New York’s Daniel Penny in his criminal negligence case and succeeded in getting an acquittal will assist an Alabama man who shot his “deranged” neighbor.
Raiser and Kenniff, PC is working with Keith Sullivan and his family in Dekalb County.
"Raiser & Kenniff, PC is honored to have joined Mr. Sullivan’s legal team," Steven Raiser told 1819 News. "The right of self defense is the cornerstone of society. We stand by Mr. Sullivan, who is now being treated as a criminal, by asserting this most basic right."
Sullivan shot Gregory Bagwell in May 2023 after Bagwell showed up on his porch at 2 a.m. acting erratically. Sullivan’s defense claims Bagwell terrorized his neighbors for years. Community members called him “deranged.”
According to a video by the group “We Stand with Keith,” things happened in the hours leading up to the shooting, making Sullivan believe his life was in danger. Bagwell also lept towards Sullivan on his own front porch. Sullivan later passed a polygraph test, saying he believed Bagwell had a weapon.
Bagwell had a lengthy criminal history while Sullivan had never received so much as a speeding ticket.
Sullivan’s trial is set for March 3. His attorneys with Woodall, Baker and Massey requested more time to prepare for trial but Dekalb County Judge Circuit Judge Shaunathan Bell denied that motion, despite the district attorney having no objection to continuing the trial.
Daniel Penny was accused of criminal negligent homicide in the death of a man on a New York subway who was threatening other passengers.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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