Correction and update, October 21, 2026: The earlier version described Richardson as awaiting a ruling on a hearing request. A subsequent update from his representatives reports that the request was denied. This revision adds that development and removes unsupported courtroom descriptions and predictions.
James Richardson’s lawyers reported in July 2026 that a judge had denied their request for an evidentiary hearing. They said they intended to appeal. The announcement did not report an exoneration or the grant of a new trial.
The conviction and hearing request
Richardson was convicted in 2011 of killing Andrew Kirby and Landon Blackley in a shooting outside a Greenville, North Carolina, bar, according to WITN.
The Southern Coalition for Social Justice and Tin Fulton Walker & Owen represent Richardson and maintain that he is innocent. Their challenge raises questions about witness evidence, material that they say the original jury did not hear, and the fairness of the proceedings. Those are the defense’s contentions, not findings of innocence by a court.
The development missing from the earlier article
In its July 15, 2026 update, the Southern Coalition for Social Justice said retired Superior Court Judge Henry W. Hight Jr. signed an order on September 24, 2025, denying an evidentiary hearing. The organization said it learned of the order in July 2026 and planned to appeal.
WITN’s July 18, 2026 coverage also reported the denial and the lawyers’ announced plan. This supersedes this site’s earlier description of the initial request as still awaiting decision.
How to interpret the status
A request for an evidentiary hearing, a hearing on whether to grant that request, and a new criminal trial are different events. Coverage should identify which one took place instead of using “hearing” and “retrial” interchangeably.
The next record needed to update this account would be an appeal filing or a later court ruling. An announced intention to appeal does not by itself establish that an appeal has been filed, decided or successful.
Sources
- Southern Coalition for Social Justice: July 15, 2026 update. This statement is from Richardson’s representatives.
- WITN: July 18, 2026 reporting.
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