Defense attorneys in fatal Oceanside stabbing expect evidence sooner under new reforms

Defense attorneys for some of the Long Beach teenagers facing second-degree gang assault charges after the deadly stabbing of an Oceanside High School senior in September said Tuesday that they expect prosecutors to turn over more evidence in the case soon.

Five of those seven Long Beach teenagers appeared Tuesday in Nassau County Court for a conference for the first time since criminal justice reform measures took effect that give defendants faster access to evidence.

An indictment charges the defendants with the felony gang assault offense in connection with the September attack on Khaseen Morris, 16, who died after prosecutors say another teen stabbed him in the heart during an afterschool brawl at an Oceanside strip mall.

Those who appeared in court Tuesday were: Haakim Mechan, 19; Marquis Stephens Jr., 18; Javonte Neals, 18; Sean Merritt, 18; and Taj Woodruff, 17. All previously put in not-guilty pleas.

Morris’ accused killer, Tyler Flach, 19, of Lido Beach, maintains his innocence to charges including second-degree murder and first-degree gang assault. Authorities say he attacked Morris with a knife at about 3:45 p.m. on Sept. 16 at the Brower Avenue location. He remains jailed.

Defense attorney William Kephart, who represents Stephens, said after Tuesday's court proceeding that the prosecution told Acting State Supreme Court Justice Howard Sturim during a conference at the judge's bench that more evidence would be turned over “forthwith.”

“Pursuant to the new law, the court ordered the DA to provide all evidence in their possession,” he added.

Attorney Lawrence Carrà, who represented Neals and Merritt on Tuesday, said the defense expects to get evidence shortly that includes grand jury testimony, witness names and detectives’ notes – items that until this year's reforms didn't have to be disclosed until right before a trial.

Attorney David Haber, who Tuesday represented Mechan and Woodruff, confirmed that the defense still was waiting to get additional evidence that included witness statements.

Prosecutors declined to comment Tuesday.

Sturim on Tuesday also offered a third bail option to the teenagers, a partially secured bond, which also is a new requirement under the reform measures.

But each of the five teens already is free from custody after satisfying previously set bonds of $25,000.

Each also faces a misdemeanor assault charge after prosecutors say they intentionally hurt a 17-year-old male who suffered a broken arm and head injury during the brawl. 

Police have said Flach and his friends charged at Morris and his friends before Flach fatally wounded Morris.

The violence broke out after Morris went to the location knowing that the ex-boyfriend of a girl he was friendly with wanted to confront him, according to police.

Morris had texted the ex-boyfriend to say he wasn’t dating the girl, but had walked her home from a party, according to Morris’ family.

Several of Morris' family members were in court Tuesday and have pledged to fight for justice for their slain relative, the youngest of four siblings. He dreamed of studying photography, had a talent for drawing and writing music and got around on his skateboard, according to loved ones.

Morris’ sisters, Keyanna Morris, 30, and Kedeemah Morris, 22, described in an interview after court how they feel tension every time they face the defendants and their families — causing stress as they grieve.

Kedeemah Morris wore a T-shirt that said “Team Khaseen” across the back and on the front had a photo of her brother striking a playful pose. Both sisters seemed on the verge of tears at times as they spoke of missing their late brother.

“Everybody thinks … the holidays are over. So you’ll be fine after the holidays,” Keyanna said, before explaining that isn’t the case.

“Yesterday was my twin daughters’ birthday and we couldn’t even get through dinner without them breaking down,” she added.