Zafiro v. United States

506 U.S. 534 (1993)

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Nature of the Case

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Facts

Ds were charged with a drug distribution conspiracy. Ds were observed placing a large trunk in a car and driving to another's apartment. As the Ds were carrying the box up the stairs agents identified themselves, and the men dropped the box and ran into the apartment. The agents pursued them. The box contained 55 pounds of cocaine, and a warrant search of the apartment revealed cocaine, heroin, and marijuana and $22,960 in cash. At trial, the woman and one of the men sought a severance on the grounds of antagonistic defenses. The woman claimed that the man was merely her boyfriend and that she had no idea that he was keeping illegal drugs there. The other man claimed that he was just visiting his girlfriend and did not know that she was involved in illicit drug dealing. The motion for severance was denied, and Ds were convicted and appealed. Garcia, Soto, and Martinez claimed that the District Court abused its discretion in denying their motions to sever. The Seventh Circuit affirmed. The Supreme Court granted certiorari.