🌱 Charleston Convicted Murderer Gets New Trial + New Acting Mayor

Good morning, everybody. It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Daily. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Breezy in the afternoon. High: 70 Low: 52.

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Here are the top three stories today in Charleston:

1. Kenneth Lamont Robinson Jr., a North Charleston man convicted of murdering a mother of three, was granted a new trial by South Carolina's Court of Appeals. Chief Judge H. Bruce Williams wrote that using "prior bad act evidence," Robinson's gang-related past, should not have been allowed. Robinson was 15 years old when he took part in the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Kadena Brown. (Charleston Post Courier)
2. On Jan. 10, Charleston City Council approved Mayor John Tecklenburg’s recommendation for Jason Sakran to serve as mayor pro tempore. Sakran, of District Three, has the authority to “act as mayor during the sickness or temporary absence of the mayor.” The Council named the chairs for the 2023 standing committees as well. (WCBD News 2)
3. New documents share a different reason for the firing of Charleston County School District’s staff attorney, Mercedes Pinckney, in November. According to a peer review by attorney Alice Paylor, Pinckney Reese admitted to not executing many of the required responsibilities during an interview. (Live 5 News WCSC)

Today in Charleston:

• Brewery Bingo Night At Snafu Brewing Company (5:00 PM)
• Live at The Garten: John Paris At Bay Street Biergarten (6:00 PM)
• Fela! The Concert At Charleston Gaillard Center (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• According to the Charleston Police Department, two 13-year-old adolescents are facing charges after a group was seen breaking into vehicles in West Ashley on Jan. 9. (WTMA)
• Charleston coroner identified a man who died from an assault on New Year's Day. According to reports, 52-year-old Darren Ray was killed by blunt force injuries. (WTMA)
• The City of Charleston Police Department is reminding the community to lock your car doors and remove all valuables when your car is unattended. Last month there was a total of 28 stolen guns from motor vehicle incidents, 22 of which came from unsecured vehicles. (City of Charleston Police Department via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.