During the criminal trial of Shamell Naquan Joyner, jurors in Washington, DC, discovered a suspected packet of drugs and a Chinese yuan banknote hidden inside clothing that had already been admitted into evidence. The items were previously not identified by investigators or prosecutors before trial.

The blunder led US District Judge Rudolph Contreras to question the law enforcement and how they missed the items. The judge said, “The Court shares Mr. Joyner’s amazement at law enforcement’s failure to uncover the Chinese Yuan, note, and powdery substance in the physical evidence.”

Despite the unusual discovery, the jury later convicted Joyner on 13 charges and remained deadlocked on 15 others.

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1. Joyner faced a sweeping robbery and carjacking case. Federal prosecutors accused Joyner of carrying out a string of armed robberies at convenience stores and gas stations across Washington, Maryland and northern Virginia during the spring of 2023.

According to prosecutors, the alleged crime spree escalated between April and early May 2023. Joyner was also accused of stealing vehicles during two of the incidents. Authorities ultimately brought a 28-count federal indictment against him. He was not charged with drug possession.

2. Joyner's jacket, which was part of key evidence, contained unexpected items. The trial took an unusual turn during jury deliberations.

While examining clothing presented as evidence, jurors found a folded piece of paper which looked like a receipt and contained a white powdery substance inside a jacket pocket. Another juror found a Chinese yuan banknote inside a sweatshirt pocket.

The jury immediately informed court staff, which then opened up major legal questions for Joyner. Judge Contreras criticised the investigative oversight after learning about the items.

The judge later confirmed that neither item had been identified or introduced during the trial.