2021 The Tiger King Trial – Murder for Hire: the Prosecution of Joseph Maldonado-Passage

Agenda
00-1:30:  The investigation of Joe Maldonado-Passage and pretrial maneuvers to keep evidence out of the trial.
The Tiger King documentary examined the world of exotic animals and the inherent dangers in owning exotic animals.  We will discuss the investigation that lead to the indictment of the Joseph Maldonado-Passage, how this investigation came about, and the specific indictments in this case.  Further, we will analyze the preliminary motions that were filed in this case and discuss other acts evidence pursuant to Evid. R. 404 (B), motions to dismiss, duplicity of counts, motions to protect an undercover FBI agent, and the motion for separate trials.  Attendees will learn how motions in limine are used at trial and how to preserve these issues for appeal.  

Break 1:30-1:45

1:45-3:15:  The trial and conviction of Joe Maldonado-Passage
In order to understand this trial it is essential that we discuss who testified at trial and how the Business and Salesyers attempted to impeach these witnesses.  Attorneys will review the prosecution and the defense strategies at trial and discuss the crimes of Murder for Hire, Complicity, Conspiracy and Attempt.  We will examine the defense of entrapment and whether it would be applicable to this trial.  Attorneys will discuss whether motive is an element of crime of Murder for Hire and whether motive was important in this case.  Finally, attendees will review the evidence and attempt to develop a defense strategy that may have changed the results of this trial.