Credit: Instagram
Wendy Osefo and her husband, Eddie Osefo, requested separate trials after being arrested earlier this month on charges of insurance fraud, conspiracy, and making a false statement to a police officer. But why?
As the Real Housewives of Potomac couple, both 41, continues to put up a united front, a couple of legal experts — who are not associated with the case — have spoken out, sharing why Wendy and Eddie may want to be tried as individuals, rather than co-defendants.
“Some reasons the two may want to be tried separately include different defense strategies related to one defendant-spouse not wanting to be prejudiced by evidence against the other spouse; or the defenses may include trying to deflect blame on one spouse by implicating the other,” criminal defense attorney John W. Day explained to Us Weekly.
He continued, “And there may be evidence against one spouse that [is] not strong against the other, and that spouse may not want to be prejudiced by the other’s evidence. This is a smart move by the defense lawyers. It’s not unusual at all for spouses to want their cases severed from each other. We don’t [have] enough right now to know the defense strategy.”
Another source, Lauren Johnson-Norris, who is also a criminal defense attorney, said that it is “quite common” for couples indicted together to request separate trials.
“But that request is not a typical or routine step,” she stated. “It reflects the specific strategic and legal dynamics of the case. Separately trying spouses may give each individual a better chance to control their own defense, avoid the risks of ‘guilt by association,’ and pursue negotiated outcomes tailored to their circumstances.”
After being accused of staging a home robbery in April 2024, Wendy filed documents on October 17, requesting that the charges against her be thrown out, alleging an illegal arrest, and asking for a separate trial from Eddie.
Of the move, Wendy’s legal team told Us Weekly, “The motions that were filed by our legal team are standard motions that are filed in every criminal case in Maryland. These motions are intended to prompt prosecutors to produce evidence pursuant to the Maryland Rules. It is routine to file these motions at the outset of every case to preserve evidence and assert our clients’ rights, though not every component is applicable to every case.”
A week later, on October 24, Eddie’s lawyer filed documents on his behalf, also requesting that his charges be dropped and expressing interest in a separate trial.
Amid the legal ordeal, Eddie took to Instagram where he promoted a pop-up event for his cannabis business, Happy Eddie.
“TOMORROW join me [Far & Dotter] in Pikesville from 1-3pm where [Happy Eddie] will be giving away all types of goodies! Pick up your favorite Happy Eddie 🍃(Zen Wen, Velvet Slippers, Nutty Professor, Oreoz, Apple Fritter, Nigerian Silver & Mischief) just in time for the weekend. Happy Friday-eve,” his post read.
Following the sharing of the flyer, Wendy “liked” the post and offered a series of emojis, including clapping hands, fire, and a kissing face, as Eddie responded with a heart and a forever sign.
The Real Housewives of Potomac season 10 airs Sundays at 8/7c on Bravo.