Ex-Black Panther’s Request for New Trial Clears Hurdle

The California Supreme Court has returned former Black Panther Party leader Elmer “Geronimo” Pratt’s request for a new trial to Los Angeles Superior Court for a hearing--a development that left Pratt’s supporters flush with optimism.

“We are all absolutely thrilled, we’re delighted and we think that what this means is that finally--after 24 years of unjust imprisonment--Geronimo Pratt is going to get his day in court,” said crusading lay minister James McCloskey, who has compiled evidence he says points to Pratt’s innocence.

Pratt is serving a life sentence for the murder of Caroline Olsen, a teacher who was shot to death during a 1968 robbery that netted $18 on a Santa Monica tennis court.

Superior Court Judge Michael A. Cowell transferred Pratt’s petition to the Supreme Court last month, ruling that he did not have jurisdiction to hear the request.

But the Supreme Court order issued Wednesday and signed by Chief Justice Ronald M. George said the Superior Court does have jurisdiction and ordered it to “proceed to a disposition” of Pratt’s petition.