MIAMI (WSVN) - A social media influencer accused of killing her boyfriend will remain behind bars prior to her trial.
A hearing wrapped up Tuesday morning where a judge denied the release of 26-year-old Courtney Clenney before her murder trial.
7News obtained a copy of the judge’s order. It reads in part, “In Florida, a defendant charged with an offense punishable by life imprisonment, whose guilt is evident, has no substantive right to pre-trial release.”
“The Obumseli family’s faith in the system has been renewed,” said attorney Larry Hanfield. “We believe that the judge made the appropriate, fair decision based upon the facts in the law.”
“Obviously we are disappointed with the judge’s ruling. We’re going to dissect her opinion just on a brief review of it,” said Frank Prieto, Clenney’s attorney.
7News cameras captured Clenney in a red prison jumpsuit as she wiped away tears.
Both families were in court, but did not want to speak to 7News.
The social media model has had several Arthur hearings and had requested a bond ahead of her trial.
She stands accused in the fatal stabbing her boyfriend, Christian Obumseli, at their unit at the One Paraiso high-rise in Miami.
“My boyfriend is dying of a stab wound,” Clenney told police in a 911 call.
Clenney claimed it was self-defense when she admitted to killing Obumseli last April.
“There’s no question that she is a victim of domestic violence,” said Sabrina Puglisi, another of Clenney’s attorneys. “There was no mention of the bruising that she had, no mention of the bodycam, which clearly, two days before this incident, she’s asking the police for help.”
But prosecutors said evidence shows an abusive and violent pattern throughout the couple’s relationship, and they believea she made him pay the ultimate price when she plunged a knife three inches into his chest, April 3.
“After hearing those incidents that the state has brought to your attention in the last two days, you still feel comfortable allowing her to come home to your house?” said a prosecutor.
“A thousand percent,” said Kim Clenney, her father.
In her most recent hearing, Clenney’s father took the stand.
“Did you have knowledge of the true relationship between Courtney and Obumseli?” an attorney said.
“Oh, yes, it was very toxic. She didn’t deserve what she put up with,” Kim said.
“We look forward to the ultimate justice, and it’s when a jury of our peers find her guilty,” Hanfield said.
Clenney’s attorneys will look into the possibility of appealing the judge’s decision.
“There’s things that we believe that are not supported by the record,” said Prieto.
If convicted, she will face life in prison.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.