A Texas man facing the death penalty claims a Comedy Central prison roast unfairly affected his sentencing.
Convicted murderer Gabriel Hall is shown making light of his part in the murder and stabbing of a wheelchair-bound woman when questioned by comedian Jeff Ross during filming Jeff Ross Roasts Criminals: Live at the Brazos County Jail. Business Insider first reported on the matter.
He was awaiting trial for the 2015 murder of a Marine veteran and his wife when Ross’ show entered the Brazos County Jail. Hall’s footage did not make it to air on Comedy Central, but the footage was later subpoenaed by the state for use in his conviction on the murder and assault charges. Hall was subsequently sentenced to death.
Hall’s lawyers argue that the footage was obtained unfairly because they had previously issued a “no contact” letter prohibiting anyone from contacting Hall without their consent.
The appeal against his death sentence will be heard in the US Supreme Court in January.
In footage from the comedy special, Hall’s lawyers said he was “trying to play along with a joke.” He uses the word “hacking” to describe his crime.
The footage showed “a professional comic deliberately working to provoke a reaction from an unwary subject – and acting aggressively [Hall] making “outrageous” statements, to which Ross offered “wild” or outrageous responses – to maximize the video’s commercial value as entertainment.
The state claimed Hall voluntarily agreed to speak with Ross and that he later signed a release form. Hall’s lawyers said it violated his no-contact order.
Neither Ross nor Comedy Central have commented on the matter.
Author: Bruce Herring
Source: Deadline
Joseph Fearn is an entertainment and television aficionado who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for what’s hot in the world of TV, Joseph keeps his readers informed about the latest trends and must-see shows.
