Gang affiliation off limits at Scranton man's alleged killer's trial - News - The Times-Tribune

Gang affiliation off limits at Scranton man's alleged killer's trial - News - The Times-Tribune: "Prosecutors can't make reference to alleged gang affiliations of homicide suspect Jeremy Kendricks, but can refer to his 'street name' during Mr. Kendricks' upcoming murder trial, a Luzerne County judge ruled Monday.
Mr. Kendricks, 28, is accused of killing a man on a crowded dance floor at the Bull Run Tavern, Main Street, Plymouth, in September 2008.
Jury selection will begin today as scheduled, but the start of the trial has been delayed until early May.
Luzerne County President Judge Thomas Burke on Monday approved a defense motion to bar any references to Mr. Kendricks possibly being in the Bloods street gang, but denied a motion that would have forbidden them from referencing Mr. Kendricks' alias, Squirm. Judge Burke said aliases have evidence value because they help identify suspects.
Mr. Kendricks is accused of killing Kirk Lipscomb, 26, of Scranton, and wounding David Green of Scranton in the shooting.
The judge also ruled he will allow prosecutors to bring up the fact that Mr. Kendricks had previously been in a scuffle with one of Mr. Lipscomb's friends. Prosecutors argued it would help establish motive."