By Edward J. Boyer — June 13, 1997 Former Black Panther Party leader Elmer “Geronimo” Pratt’s case did not fit the mold of those the Rev. Jim McCloskey takes on. Pratt was a public figure whose case had attracted any number of high-profile supporters over the years. McCloskey’s Princeton, N.J.-based Centurion Ministries specializes in helping […]

Courts: Granted $25,000 bail, former Black Panther, with Attorney Johnnie L. Cochran Jr. is greeted by cheering crowd, including other radical icons of ’60s. June 11, 1997|EDWARD J. BOYER | TIMES STAFF WRITER SANTA ANA — After more than a quarter-century in custody, former Black Panther Party leader Elmer “Geronimo” Pratt strode out of jail Tuesday into […]

May 30, 1997|EDWARD J. BOYER | TIMES STAFF WRITER A judge on Thursday reversed the quarter-century-old murder conviction of former Black Panther Party leader Elmer “Geronimo” Pratt, culminating Pratt’s prolonged struggle to win a new trial. In a sharply worded opinion that was harshly critical of Los Angeles County prosecutors, Santa Ana Superior Court Judge Everett W. […]

March 13, 1997|EDWARD J. BOYER | TIMES STAFF WRITER Since he showed up at San Quentin prison 23 years ago, a third-year law student offering to help with appeals, San Francisco attorney Stuart Hanlon has been the constant in former Black Panther Party leader Elmer “Geronimo” Pratt’s persistent efforts to overturn his murder conviction. Other attorneys have […]

The ex-Black Panther could have faltered at any of several points. But dogged legal work, and crucial information released by the opposing camp, have taken him closer to his goal. By Edward J. Boyer Jan. 14, 1997 A petition for a writ of habeas corpus–a request that a court free a prisoner it finds is […]