Res Ipsa wrote: ↑Sat May 06, 2023 5:11 am
I listened to the closing arguments. Both sides did a solid job.
I saw commenters freaking out that the jury didn’t return a verdict before the end of the day. There’s a massive amount of evidence that has been admitted in this case. It would not surprise me if the jury reviewed most of it. That takes time.
I served on a jury for a criminal trial. The foreman had us look at each and every exhibit. It was a burglary, and the prosecution introduced a bunch of the items that had been stolen. Total waste of time — the nature or value of what has been stolen wasn’t at issue. But prosecutors seem to think juries like to review tangible evidence.
The jury also has to work through four different verdict forms — one for each count. And they have to consider T’s mental state at least twice: once at the time of the murder, and once at the time (s) she did something with the body, and at the time she cleaned up any evidence. That’s a lot to work through.
I agree with every single thing you stated above. The general public can be so stupid sometimes. We don't want the jury to return in 5 minutes. We want them to do their job and be painstakingly careful with their decisions about someone's life. As you noted, this case is so weighted down in evidence it's astounding. Something between 1500 and 2000 pieces of evidence are involved. I know I keep saying this but I've never seen such a complex case as this and I've followed quite a few. Oftentimes a trial takes about 2 weeks. Even the judge lost count of how many weeks this one has lasted. I don't remember either.
Speaking of the judge, I think Judge Werner has also done a tremendous job of keeping control over the courtroom and today, acknowledging the jury and attorneys and how in spite of how worn down everyone felt, they presented well. During Dr. Lewis' testimony, even Judge Werner lost his temper and if you've watched any of this trial, you can tell what a fine job he does. But even he was pushed to his limits during that testimony when Dr. Lewis persisted in speaking past a sustained objection.
I regret that I didn't pay closer attention the first day of her testimony. Boy did she ever blow it.
I thought the closings were respectful, professional, and not overly lengthy. No theatrics--remember Will Cook's theatrics at the start?--no over the top speeches and no dysregulated emotional content. I really appreciated the professional bearing of all the attorneys who delivered closing arguments and in particular that of DA Allen.
I left my viewing today with that same sense of appreciation that I often have for LE, CBI, FBI, forensic teams, and our court for the work that they do. And I am so proud of this community for the reasons I've listed many times on this thread.
While I was out driving today, I was thinking about how many people T victimized when she victimized Gannon and after. It's nearly beyond my ability to comprehend it. But...I had myself a good cry on the way to Walmart (because that's how it is with me) and prayers for all involved in the process...strength, courage, and comfort for Al and Landin and all those who love them and loved Gannon in this life.
Meanwhile...we trust the process and know that this is at least one weight that can be lifted off Al and Landin's hearts. No one can lift it all off their hearts but this much can be over unless T files for appeal and some part of me believes she 100% will because she just. never. stops. and hasn't stopped in 3 years.
All of this harm, damage, blatant carnage and destruction when she could have just
walked out the front door and cooled down.
That really gets me as a wife, mother, and teacher. Who doesn't know that when your emotions are challenged by a child or the situation, that the answer is to disengage?
I'm tired of her. Listening to her. Watching her. Thinking about her. And yeah, I know I don't have to do it but following this trial is partly my way of honoring Gannon and giving support to his family, and the other part is my own catharsis. This case did a real number on me as I am sure it did to many an area resident. And so I bore you all with my comments here as I work through it for myself.
Thanks for your comments RI. It really helps to hear from an attorney looking in on this case. Your validation and correction are always appreciated by me.