Courtrooms are typically solemn and tense environments where serious legal matters unfold. The delivery of justice in life-altering criminal cases and the determination of individuals’ futures demand a high level of respect from all parties involved. However, emotions and anxiety can sometimes escalate, leading to disruptive and aggressive behavior, as was the case when a man shocked the courtroom by defecating and hurling feces at the presiding judge.
In 2019, Dorleans Philidor, facing burglary charges in a Miami court, startled everyone by attempting to throw feces at Dade Circuit Judge Lisa Walsh just before closing arguments were set to begin. Witnesses reported that the 33-year-old man shouted, “It’s protein! It’s good for you!” Fortunately, the judge managed to avoid the waste, prompting a swift response from bailiffs, police officers, and correctional staff who rushed to the scene.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene, with law enforcement officers swiftly taking control of the situation. Despite the interruption, the trial resumed in a different location after the courtroom was cleaned. Surprisingly, Philidor was later acquitted of the initial charges, although he still faced prosecution for another alleged crime.
Notably, this incident was not the first disruption in the trial proceedings. The day before the feces incident, Philidor had smeared feces on himself and his holding cell, causing a delay in the trial as his mental health was evaluated. Despite this, the trial proceeded the following day after it was determined that Philidor was fit to continue. Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation assured that additional security measures would be put in place to prevent such incidents in the future.