GUILTY NC - Kathy Taft, 62, Raleigh, 6 March 2010 - #5

[borndem]

Hi, Mad74 -- I agree about wanting to see Saacks have at it with this JW case -- it will be interesting to see how Saacks runs the PT's case. I don't yet know who will be included in the rest of his team -- do you?

We were all very impressed with him earlier -- tech savvy, quick-thinking, that wonderful ability (that we so missed in the 2nd Young trial) to fire off the questions like a rat-a-tat machine gun when the situation/witness called for it. Making witnesses squirm. If he had cross-examined PY in the recent Young trial, she might have just come close scratching his eyes out! He might have brought out the Mama Bear in her -- which would have been a sight to see!

And I am happy for him -- he deserves a 1st chair on a big one, and now he's got it. And a DP case. Let's hope that for all the folks who missed him during Young # 2 -- while he was working on this one, that it has paid off in a (I hope, I hope) smack-down of Jason Keith Williford!!!

See you "there" !

 

[Madeleine74]

Hi Borndem,

I know nothing else about this case or who's on the team except for Saacks. I'll have to watch it all unfold and learn as it goes.

 

[Madeleine74]

From reading back...

I didn't know that JG had passed in 2011. How sad. Anyone know his COD? I'm sure the murder of his dear friend in his home had a huge impact on him. So young though.

 

[diphi]

Hi Mad74 - I would be surprised if this trial wasn't streamed. I'm sure some will want to suppress it out of consideration for the family, but KT was such a well-known person and the investigation was so intense...well, I just think it will be available.

It's interesting you mentioned that the case really isn't a 'who dun-it.' If you have the time to read over some of the earlier threads, you'll see many of the posters speculated all kinds of things (including me). But, it seems as though they have their guy, after all, so you might be right that it's a very tight case.

I'm sure the stress of the whole event had a huge impact on JG...and anyone of a certain age is well aware of the effects of stress. That makes me wonder how KT's sister is fairing. I hope the stress didn't affect her too badly.

IMO

 

[borndem]

Hi Mad74 - I would be surprised if this trial wasn't streamed. I'm sure some will want to suppress it out of consideration for the family, but KT was such a well-known person and the investigation was so intense...well, I just think it will be available.

It's interesting you mentioned that the case really isn't a 'who dun-it.' If you have the time to read over some of the earlier threads, you'll see many of the posters speculated all kinds of things (including me). But, it seems as though they have their guy, after all, so you might be right that it's a very tight case.

I'm sure the stress of the whole event had a huge impact on JG...and anyone of a certain age is well aware of the effects of stress. That makes me wonder how KT's sister is fairing. I hope the stress didn't affect her too badly.

IMO

Hi, diphi - I agee with Mad74 that this case, interestingly, will not really be a whodunit. I think it will be more of a why-he-dun-it and he-wasn't-of-sound-mind-when-he-dun-it. S/be very interesting -- a new trial angle for me. With DP in the mix as well...

I'm thinking that instead of a lot of emphasis on did-he-do-it or lots of techno magic, or a love triangle, etc., etc., it will be, as we have been teased, a mental problem for JW and a serious problem with what drinking alcohol does to this man & how it's a more severe illness with him than with most other folks.

And this type of defense might influence some jurors to vote against the DP for this man. That's what Conner does -- if he is indeed able to participate due to his other Capital Murder defense commitments. We'll see what Diane Savage does with her DNA expertise -- that will be interesting, too.

And as for DH, I think she still has things to tell us about that night -- I just have a little mind-nag that the LEO's have asked her to keep some details about that night quiet -- IDK, JMO. I think she may very well turn out to be a strong witness who may just surprise some folks.

And I think the trial will be live-streamed as you do, diphi. I surely hope so -- I can't afford to park downtown every day, all day, to watch it in person! But I do plan to go a couple of days to get a look at all of the principals, to watch Saacks in action and to see the wise Judge Stephens in person!! (I still have the crush-let on that man!)

 

[wheaten]

Madeleine74, JG's COD was massive stroke, I'm told. So sad.

 

[Madeleine74]

That is very sad.

I personally can't wait to see David Saacks in action again. For that (selfish) reason I hope the trial is streamed. I really liked his style in JY trial #1. He has a slight sarcastic edge that I enjoy.

 

[borndem]

Hi Sleuthers!:seeya: I've been reviewing our posts along with the media accounts, to get re-acclimated to this biggie, and some of my old thoughts are still with me regarding JW. I think he had certainly been in JG's house before -- I don't know if they were neighborhood acquantances and "party-heartiers," or if JW and done some work for JG around the house, or what... JW may have simply known an easy way to get in if the door(s) was/were locked, if he had gotten in and taken a key and had his own made or what, but I think that man knew JG's house. I think he did either go in and occasionally sneak a beer or a shot from JG's bar, or he went in to do whatever drug he did not want his wife to know about.

That night, after DH had gone up to bed, I think he entered the house, and went into the master bedroom to do the drugs.... then he saw poor kT and thought about a bit of "fun," put his hands on her, she woke, clawed at him or kicked him, he silenced her, maybe with this glove in her mouth, and he, in his rage, hit her with whatever -- golf club in the B/R, shotgun barrel, and then just finished his crime. Freaked, of course, he quickly left, having no care or idea that he had dealt her a death blow.

I don't know what lights would have been on in the house when he entered (but if I had been KT's caretaker in a house I did not know, there would have been inside & outside lights on (I do that at my home when my DH is out of town), but he probably turned off at least a few before he started doing anything. He knew JG's cars, and they were not there, so why not take a few minutes before going home. He might have been out a band practice or at a club watching a new band, etc, etc, and those clubs do go on till late.... He may have parked, if he still was in his car, at the HT so that no one would know & maybe he didn't wanna park at his place & not go in...

Was he hanging around GV & saw her leave her car running & opened the door & locked it himself as a pretense for helping her get back home (after already doing meth or whatever)?

Is that what the LEO's did not want her to tell, thus leaving seemingly suspicious gaps in her evening? Did he follow her home/escort her home (if she had known the way by foot, why did she drive there?) and threaten or disable her with a drug , knowing KT was there?

I just think there is more to DH's integrity than we know, as well as more to the story of that night.... JMHO...

 

[borndem]

IMO - At least enough justification for defense to argue for life in prison and not death row

Seems to me -- and of course I have no idea what Willoughby's directives on this case are, above or below him -- that the DA's office would accept a plea of Guilty of Murder in the First Degree and have JW accept LWOP, and it would all be over. But 2nd Degree, seems to me, or some insanity defense, would be totally unacceptable to the DA...

Just my thoughts...

. slooth

 

[Prancy]

Seems to me -- and of course I have no idea what Willoughby's directives on this case are, above or below him -- that the DA's office would accept a plea of Guilty of Murder in the First Degree and have JW accept LWOP, and it would all be over. But 2nd Degree, seems to me, or some insanity defense, would be totally unacceptable to the DA...

Just my thoughts...

. slooth

This is a tough one. While it seems like a tight case with DNA and maybe even more physical evidence, depending on what items from the Gell home they recovered from JW, it also has some sticky spots. I am quite worried about the various stories from a witness that could get a jury confused. Let's hope all of that can be explained, but for those who followed this case when it first progressed, you will recall that several versions of events came out. IT was quite odd and I was all over the place, not knowing what to believe. I would presume the state is in a good place to know the strenghts of the case by now and whether the risks are better not taken.

 

[borndem]

diphi -- You make a good point! All of us were all over the place at the beginning of this journey. For the record, I "voted" for JG in my mind -- I was too timid to post on here at that time -- and the poor guy was yes indeed, what? 300--400 miles away? -- I never thought it might be DH.

Poor DH, in an unknown house with her sister undergoing, in actuality a breast augmentation, a chin lift (thus all the turtlenecks she wore, bless her -- my neck looks just like hers did), and a face lift. She was petite, smart, very classy in the right way, had the dough to do or go about whatever or wherever she wanted, and was nowhere close to sitting and knitting. I'm sure she was excited and looking forward to her new looks. Mmmppppfff.

Like many folks, she had probably wanted to have those nips and tucks done for some time, and now she was doing it -- that is so sad to contemplate. Just such a dayam shame. And her little sister probably had never gone through this type of caretaking before and wanted to do all the right things. Then something happened.... I hope we get to find out what really happened that night -- had JW been watching them? Or was he just a little high, and wanted to get higher, walked in & saw an opportunity...

And I want to know why his mental situation is apparently different from any other alcohol or drug abuser; homosexuality -- what's the deal with that? Child abuse -- sad, but so what? KT is still two years dead and her family & friends still miss and mourn her, of course.

And his wife... the last time I saw her in court (online), she was kissing his wedding ring and looked so sad, shocked and helpless. Did she look at the facts & realize that she most likely married a bad, bad man? Does she feel that the LEO's are framing him with or without knowing that he couldn't have done it? What a situation to be in for her. DNA doesn't lie, as they say, but I do so hope that the LEO's got the DNA typed and matched by a 2nd source with no connection to the State of North Carolina. That surely would make me feel more confident, and surely that would stop that avenue as a piece of doubt.

And do they have the murder weapon? Surely not. Surely, Shirley, he threw the gloves (oh glove, reeks of JY) and the weapon away and not at a dumpster in GV -- if they were searched... Were they? Lots we don't know. Oh, lots, IMO. Was his DNA found in the baggie corners? Did he lick the leftovers of the baggie? DNA on a beer bottle/can or on a glass? Did he leave something behind? Seems to me if he had been high on whatever, he would have made some mistakes... Other than The Obvious.

I would be happy with a plea for 1st Degree Murder and Rape (proper name is ??????) and a sentence of LWOP.

And I guess he is still at Central -- after these 2 years? No matter, but curious -- the DOC site still lists him as there, but no details whatsoever, as it should be since he has not been cleared or convicted... It does look like Savage is right there with him, and Connor (Conner?) was also in court most recently. Two biggies....

And I think Saacks is ready...

And a big :seeya: to you, NCEast!! Great to have you with us!!

 

[diphi]

This is a tough one. While it seems like a tight case with DNA and maybe even more physical evidence, depending on what items from the Gell home they recovered from JW, it also has some sticky spots. I am quite worried about the various stories from a witness that could get a jury confused. Let's hope all of that can be explained, but for those who followed this case when it first progressed, you will recall that several versions of events came out. IT was quite odd and I was all over the place, not knowing what to believe. I would presume the state is in a good place to know the strenghts of the case by now and whether the risks are better not taken.

Prancy - you are so right...from the beginning it was all over the place. And there are still sticky spots, as you say, that beg for more information from a potential witness. And I'll say that witness is DH. Where was she, what was she doing?

Look, I know WS is victim friendly, and I respect that. And, clearly, DH is a victim here based on the DA's actions. But, still...questions need to be answered and I hope she can provide the answers. Just not sure how far we can go, here. ADMINS?

Borndem, I also agree JW, somehow, had either been in the house or was clearly aware that sometimes it sat empty. So, it's easy to speculate that he wandered in while high on something, and, well...sort of lost it. But you mentioned gloves. Did they find gloves with his DNA? If so, to me that would point to more than just a drug induced wandering....that would mean some planning.

IMO

 

[borndem]

Hi, to Elisa!! :seeya:

Hi, to noway!! :seeya:

 

[borndem]

Prancy - you are so right...from the beginning it was all over the place. And there are still sticky spots, as you say, that beg for more information from a potential witness. And I'll say that witness is DH. Where was she, what was she doing?

Look, I know WS is victim friendly, and I respect that. And, clearly, DH is a victim here based on the DA's actions. But, still...questions need to be answered and I hope she can provide the answers. Just not sure how far we can go, here. ADMINS?

Borndem, I also agree JW, somehow, had either been in the house or was clearly aware that sometimes it sat empty. So, it's easy to speculate that he wandered in while high on something, and, well...sort of lost it. But you mentioned gloves. Did they find gloves with his DNA? If so, to me that would point to more than just a drug induced wandering....that would mean some planning.

IMO

bbm

IIRC, diphi, gloves were listed on the SW seized-list for Williford's apt. I could certainly be mistaken, however, about gloves in JW's home.

Several of us did surmise, somewhere back in our posts, that he may have worn gloves when he entered the Geil residence that night -- since he had gotten arrested for B&E in his past, he may have decided to wear gloves -- if so -- and we may never know -- then it occured to me that that could be what he may have used to silence her, since KT did not hear any commotion coming from the master b/r downstairs. There was no mention of DNA having to do with gloves or anything in that regard, I'm pretty sure.

The mention of a glove to silence her was purely my speculation of how she could have been silenced. He certainly could have used part of the sheet, etc., to do the same thing. I do think she probably made some sound however, until he hit her hard enuff to make nearly everything in her little body come to a halt... It was just MO as I was reflecting on what may have happened -- and I do think that this is one part that we will never know for certain...

 

[Prancy]

I guess since LE had no idea who did it initially, and we can assume they checked all over for prints, that his were not there. Since his prints were in the system and would have gotten a hit if entered. i would therefore believe gloves were involved. Indicates planning to me.

Also, please help me if you can. It seems like I recall seeing some photos of items seized from the defendant's property on this site The photo was one that a poster had located and posted in order to demonstrate an item that was listed on the items seized from the defendant's property. It looked like a long hedge trimmer on a pole. IT's used for trimming limbs high on a tree. IT was speculated that it could be used to cut phone lines, though there is no idication that was done in this case. And the defendant rented so why would he need yard supply tools?

I consider things like this when wondering about premediation. This, in combination with the prior breakins, makes me wonder if it's really just an unintentional, drunk, out of control, crazy, out of character, tragedy or something much more sinister.

 

[NCEast]

diphi -- You make a good point! All of us were all over the place at the beginning of this journey. For the record, I "voted" for JG in my mind -- I was too timid to post on here at that time -- and the poor guy was yes indeed, what? 300--400 miles away? -- I never thought it might be DH.

Poor DH, in an unknown house with her sister undergoing, in actuality a breast augmentation, a chin lift (thus all the turtlenecks she wore, bless her -- my neck looks just like hers did), and a face lift. She was petite, smart, very classy in the right way, had the dough to do or go about whatever or wherever she wanted, and was nowhere close to sitting and knitting. I'm sure she was excited and looking forward to her new looks. Mmmppppfff.

Like many folks, she had probably wanted to have those nips and tucks done for some time, and now she was doing it -- that is so sad to contemplate. Just such a dayam shame. And her little sister probably had never gone through this type of caretaking before and wanted to do all the right things. Then something happened.... I hope we get to find out what really happened that night -- had JW been watching them? Or was he just a little high, and wanted to get higher, walked in & saw an opportunity...

And I want to know why his mental situation is apparently different from any other alcohol or drug abuser; homosexuality -- what's the deal with that? Child abuse -- sad, but so what? KT is still two years dead and her family & friends still miss and mourn her, of course.

And his wife... the last time I saw her in court (online), she was kissing his wedding ring and looked so sad, shocked and helpless. Did she look at the facts & realize that she most likely married a bad, bad man? Does she feel that the LEO's are framing him with or without knowing that he couldn't have done it? What a situation to be in for her. DNA doesn't lie, as they say, but I do so hope that the LEO's got the DNA typed and matched by a 2nd source with no connection to the State of North Carolina. That surely would make me feel more confident, and surely that would stop that avenue as a piece of doubt.

And do they have the murder weapon? Surely not. Surely, Shirley, he threw the gloves (oh glove, reeks of JY) and the weapon away and not at a dumpster in GV -- if they were searched... Were they? Lots we don't know. Oh, lots, IMO. Was his DNA found in the baggie corners? Did he lick the leftovers of the baggie? DNA on a beer bottle/can or on a glass? Did he leave something behind? Seems to me if he had been high on whatever, he would have made some mistakes... Other than The Obvious.

I would be happy with a plea for 1st Degree Murder and Rape (proper name is ??????) and a sentence of LWOP.

And I guess he is still at Central -- after these 2 years? No matter, but curious -- the DOC site still lists him as there, but no details whatsoever, as it should be since he has not been cleared or convicted... It does look like Savage is right there with him, and Connor (Conner?) was also in court most recently. Two biggies....

And I think Saacks is ready...

And a big :seeya: to you, NCEast!! Great to have you with us!!

Terrific thoughts up there Born! I need to brush up a little on this case and I'm keeping my fingers crossed it will be streamed. There were questions I had when all of this unfolded and I still have them.
Looking forward to hanging out with you guys when the trial starts!

 

[Prancy]

I'm really concerned about whether this trial will be aired by live stream on WRAL. I just checked with them and was told they are not sure if it will happen or not. It's down to the wire, so I'm not sure why they don't know yet. I know I will not be able to sit through the entire trial, although I would like to. Any thoughts? Have they waited until the last minute to announce if they were streaming other trials such as Cooper and Young?

 

[Madeleine74]

Could be a question of demand/ratings or

Could be the nature of the crime (sexually motivated murder).

 

[borndem]

I wonder if Stephens is worrying about so much public eposure via online streaming & that the Court will have similar or worse trouble with "outsiders" or possible family member trying to make trouble or sabotage the proceedings or a verdict like a few did before & during the Young trial. And as we know, that's not over yet.

Emailing, facebook, blogs, etc., etc., and the Court may be in another investigation or even mistrial. And this one is B-I-G. It wouldn't surprise me if Stephens or Willoughby just decides not to let it be streamed -- WRAL can always film it & save it for after the trial is completed.

I worried about this trial during Young for this reason -- i. e., if this mess doesn't stop, we'll never see another one....

JS is of the old order, but I don't think Saacks would object to no streaming, either. No idea about the DT attitude on this... It certainly doesn't help anyone having to do with justice for Taft, the State, or Williford. And "we" don't matter when it comes to an untainted and fair trial & verdict.

Yes, it worries me, too.

 

[Prancy]

I thought that Judge Gessner would be presiding in Williford case. I'm not sure.

Anyway, I went by the 3rd floor this morning and asked one of the asst. D.A.'s about it. She said she thought WRAL would live stream it, but was not certain. She said that they have awhile yet, because the jury selection will take several weeks. So, I guess I'm getting too anxious. We will have to wait through all the jury selection, before anything really starts.