© 2025 Kansas City Public Radio
NPR in Kansas City
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

The 'Just Clowning Around' Defense Doesn't Get Far

STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:

Good morning, I'm Steve Inskeep. It's said the man who represents himself in court has a fool for a lawyer. Not saying that's true here, but a Massachusetts man representing himself in court apparently has a clown for a lawyer. Orlando Melendez is accused of robbing a convenience store with a toy gun. He says he was just clowning around because he's a real clown. Sadly, the judge denied the defendant's motion to prove he is a clown by juggling in court. You're listening to MORNING EDITION. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.

Congress just eliminated federal funding for KCUR, but public radio is for the people.

Your support has always made KCUR's work possible — from reporting that keeps officials accountable, to storytelling to connects our community. Help ensure the future of local journalism.