a view from the inside: observations from our own court observers #3

[PASA]

I think Nurmi probably knows how damning that statement was but JA probably congratulates herself for it. It was like "hey I just made some small mistakes at the beginning of not telling the truth but since that was Travis' fault I did it, no jury will convict ME!" I do think she's that arrogant.

I agree.

You know, that's about the only "vibe" I get from her in the courtroom, arrogance.

 

[PASA]

I'm trying to find the Facebook page you are referencing...can you please post a link? Thanks!

I'm pretty sure it's this one:

https://www.facebook.com/Justice4Travis

HTH

 

[PASA]

Anyone here follow the Hans Reiser case in Oakland? He murdered his wife. This MM reminds me of Hans' best friend/had affair with Nina guy. He is strange, but he didn't want to testify for either side so he said some whackadoodle stuff to make sure no one would call him.

I can't imagine being Mrs. MM and knowing my husband would lie for a murderer. YIKES.

I didn't follow it but have seen the case featured on one of the Investigation ID shows, or 48Hours?

I wonder if the kids are still in Russia.

 

[PASA]

Just an FYI:
With the time change (Arizona does not) court will resume on Wednesday at 1:00 Eastern, 10:00 AZ time.

We're on Pacific Time until time changes in the Fall. We'll be back to Mountain time then.

Don't want anyone to miss the trial.

 

[biggirl]

You're very welcome. Thank you for your insight into what goes on behind the scenes, I appreciate your input.

From what you describe I believe it's the same with ja. She is taken to a room off the courtroom. I can't see what's back there, but my guess it's very similar to what you described above.

I have not engaged in any conversation with ja's family. I am civil and if she smiles I smile back. The father is not in good health (cancer treatments)? He was in court the day the sex tapes played. That's the only time I've seen him in court. I believe he and the mother are still married and no issues between them. I've seen two of ja's siblings *on the feed* and they seem to be close to their mother.

Yes, the laughing is odd. I don't know what to make of it. Have they been hoo-doo'd by ja and actually believe her? Are they overwhelmed and laugh because they are nervous? I dunno. In your experience, have you seen a defendants family act in such an odd manner?

Yes, the jury can see their behavior, if/when they look towards the family.
I haven't seen jurors look out into the gallery. They pretty much stick to note taking, and listening to testimony.
I think KCL has seen one or two of them look out into the gallery. I have not.

For what TA's family has been through they are being so strong. I'm in awe of their strength. I've met some of them and spoken a few words (I don't want to be intrusive) They all seem like a really nice, caring people.

Thank you PASA as always!
I forgot to add that the holding cell off to the side of the Courtroom also had a toilet. If the D needed a potty break that is where the Deputies would take them.
In almost 2 decades of watching D's families during some really horrific criminal trials (like this one is) I have never observed a D's family laughing and joking in the Gallery. Maybe out in the hall but never in the gallery. I think some of that could come from the counsel for the D prepping them that that would not bode well for the D. Not having supporters taking the trial seriously is not the image that should be projected. Especially when there are TV cameras on them.
If JA does not acknowledge their existence, why do you and KCL think they are so loyal about being there for her? It reminds me of Casey Anthony a bit.
??? Who is sitting as counsel table with JM? Is that co counsel or the detective? Does JM have co counsel??
Wish I could join in on the happy hours. Sometimes after court concluded that is when the business gets done.

 

[luvmygarden]

If you want to catch what you missed, it's between 57:30 and 58:00 here if I did this correctly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BaLE7MiXvI
It was the perfect question, and her answer gave me the willies. The way she turns to the jury so flippantly when she has just been busted in an absolute lie is amazing.

It's also a little fun that at the end when Martinez wraps, Nurmi shoots him a little extra glance. Then as the jury is leaving, Jodi appears to shoot a quick glare at (as best I can tell) Nurmi.

So at the end of the video when Jodi is talking about the injury to her finger at Casa Ramos Juan is asking if she reported her injury to the manager she is soooooooooo irritating with her answers. I was waiting for Juan to ask her how much blood from her finger was mixed in with the Margaritas. She claims it was so busy she didn't have time to tell the managers about the injury and it was a private business so she guesses they don't have to follow Ca. workplace injury laws.

 

[IfIMay]

I didn't follow it but have seen the case featured on one of the Investigation ID shows, or 48Hours?

I wonder if the kids are still in Russia.

He was also on the stand for something like 9 days and sealed his own fate. Guilty of 1st degree murder without a body. He made a deal with the DA to plead down to 2nd if he gave up Nina's body and finally told the truth of what happened to her.

I think they are. Nina's mother is raising them. Nina is buried there. Such a sad case.

 

[PASA]

Thank you PASA as always!
I forgot to add that the holding cell off to the side of the Courtroom also had a toilet. If the D needed a potty break that is where the Deputies would take them.
In almost 2 decades of watching D's families during some really horrific criminal trials (like this one is) I have never observed a D's family laughing and joking in the Gallery. Maybe out in the hall but never in the gallery. I think some of that could come from the counsel for the D prepping them that that would not bode well for the D. Not having supporters taking the trial seriously is not the image that should be projected. Especially when there are TV cameras on them.
If JA does not acknowledge their existence, why do you and KCL think they are so loyal about being there for her? It reminds me of Casey Anthony a bit.
??? Who is sitting as counsel table with JM? Is that co counsel or the detective? Does JM have co counsel??
Wish I could join in on the happy hours. Sometimes after court concluded that is when the business gets done.

Thank you so much for an insiders view of what goes on behind the holding cell door.

I didn't watch the Casey Anthony trial, but am familiar with the case.
I thought it was unusual too, the way ja's family acts at times, but this is
the first trial I've attended in person.

That is a question I've asked myself a few times. Why does her mother and aunt come to court every day when ja never looks their way. I was told the mother visits her in jail.
When on the stand ja doesn't talk about her mother in a good light. It's always "we have our problems", "we don't get along", "we're not close".

Esteben Flores is the lead detective on the case. He works for Mesa P.D. I think he's referred to as lead investigator. He's also the detective who interviewed her on the jailhouse tapes we've seen.

Juan Martinez is a lone wolf, and has no co-counsel. When inside the courtroom they're all business. Outside the courtroom I've seen Flores and Martinez interact and they appear in a good mood.

Are you close enough to attend the trial? If we have other WSers coming in we will make sure we have happy hour after. During court we may not get to sit together, and the breaks are over before you know it. So it's a time for us to visit and compared notes on the trial.

 

[Tsunvirtual]

Thank you so much for an insiders view of what goes on behind the holding cell door.

I didn't watch the Casey Anthony trial, but am familiar with the case.
I thought it was unusual too, the way ja's family acts at times, but this is
the first trial I've attended in person.

That is a question I've asked myself a few times. Why does her mother and aunt come to court every day when ja never looks their way. I was told the mother visits her in jail.
When on the stand ja doesn't talk about her mother in a good light. It's always "we have our problems", "we don't get along", "we're not close".

Esteben Flores is the lead detective on the case. He works for Mesa P.D. I think he's referred to as lead investigator. He's also the detective who interviewed her on the jailhouse tapes we've seen.

Juan Martinez is a lone wolf, and has no co-counsel. When inside the courtroom they're all business. Outside the courtroom I've seen Flores and Martinez interact and they appear in a good mood.

Are you close enough to attend the trial? If we have other WSers coming in we will make sure we have happy hour after. During court we may not get to sit together, and the breaks are over before you know it. So it's a time for us to visit and compared notes on the trial.

I followed the Casey Anthony trial from the first day I heard abut the 911 call. I attended the trial on day three and was actually seated next to Cindy and George. Cindy asked me how many people were waiting to get in and George just sat there crying quietly.

I think Ja's mom and aunt come to court every day to show she has family that cares about what happens to her. Maybe to possibly save her life.

I'm so impressed with Juan. He is so organized right by himself!

I'm close enough here I could probably make it to the Trayvon Martin case. But my son and I are having a disagreement about whther it's healthy to follow another trial. We'll see.

 

[outofstatelawyer]

Thank you so much for an insiders view of what goes on behind the holding cell door.

I didn't watch the Casey Anthony trial, but am familiar with the case.
I thought it was unusual too, the way ja's family acts at times, but this is
the first trial I've attended in person.

That is a question I've asked myself a few times. Why does her mother and aunt come to court every day when ja never looks their way. I was told the mother visits her in jail.
When on the stand ja doesn't talk about her mother in a good light. It's always "we have our problems", "we don't get along", "we're not close".

Esteben Flores is the lead detective on the case. He works for Mesa P.D. I think he's referred to as lead investigator. He's also the detective who interviewed her on the jailhouse tapes we've seen.

Juan Martinez is a lone wolf, and has no co-counsel. When inside the courtroom they're all business. Outside the courtroom I've seen Flores and Martinez interact and they appear in a good mood.

Are you close enough to attend the trial? If we have other WSers coming in we will make sure we have happy hour after. During court we may not get to sit together, and the breaks are over before you know it. So it's a time for us to visit and compared notes on the trial.

JM is the lone attorney for the State in the courtroom, but I suspect that he's getting a great deal of help back in the DA's office. Lots of times, even in civil cases, one lawyer will appear in court so as not to make it look like one side has superior resources or is "ganging up" on the other side.

 

[biggirl]

Thank you so much for an insiders view of what goes on behind the holding cell door.

I didn't watch the Casey Anthony trial, but am familiar with the case.
I thought it was unusual too, the way ja's family acts at times, but this is
the first trial I've attended in person.

That is a question I've asked myself a few times. Why does her mother and aunt come to court every day when ja never looks their way. I was told the mother visits her in jail.
When on the stand ja doesn't talk about her mother in a good light. It's always "we have our problems", "we don't get along", "we're not close".

Esteben Flores is the lead detective on the case. He works for Mesa P.D. I think he's referred to as lead investigator. He's also the detective who interviewed her on the jailhouse tapes we've seen.

Juan Martinez is a lone wolf, and has no co-counsel. When inside the courtroom they're all business. Outside the courtroom I've seen Flores and Martinez interact and they appear in a good mood.

Are you close enough to attend the trial? If we have other WSers coming in we will make sure we have happy hour after. During court we may not get to sit together, and the breaks are over before you know it. So it's a time for us to visit and compared notes on the trial.

Thank you thank you!
I find it strange that Marinez has this case all to himself! What a man! I have never ever seen a capital murder case that only had one prosecutor. Amazing! Although from the research I have done I saw he has been on the case from day one and he has had plenty of time to prepare his case. Hopefully there is a good support team back at his office backing him up with research and anything he needs.
So the lead detective is actually sitting at the Prosecutor's table? I have never seen that before either. Usually seated right behind. I am sure the two have bonded during this case. Stressful cases usually do that to Counsel.
I wish I lived closer. Even if it was just for happy hour. I am on the east coast and appreciate the info on the time change. Now we are 3 hours ahead of you! Ugh.
I do feel bad for JA's mother if she visits her daughter at the jail and sits through this horrendous testimony and her daughter does not even appreciate her. ie IMHO borderline personality disorder or narcissism or both?
I am so excited to hear the observations from Janine Driver. I think you and KCL have been very good at describing the Juror's demeanor. I often wonder if KCL has had any contact with the Scott Peterson jury after his trial. One thing is for sure. Their lives are forever changed. In our court I was the one that escorted the Jury and did all the interaction with them. The Deputies took care of the D and security. When we were sequestered the Deputies did stay with us all the time. I know that for a fact that their lives will never be the same from my own Juror's. They sometimes have reunions because they have been through something that they can never describe to their family and friends and need a support group all their own.

Please keep up the good work with your posts and let us know how the happy hour talks go too. Will wait patiently (not) for Weds at 1:00 our time. Thank you PASA and KCL!

 

[biggirl]

I followed the Casey Anthony trial from the first day I heard abut the 911 call. I attended the trial on day three and was actually seated next to Cindy and George. Cindy asked me how many people were waiting to get in and George just sat there crying quietly.

I think Ja's mom and aunt come to court every day to show she has family that cares about what happens to her. Maybe to possibly save her life.

I'm so impressed with Juan. He is so organized right by himself!

I'm close enough here I could probably make it to the Trayvon Martin case. But my son and I are having a disagreement about whther it's healthy to follow another trial. We'll see.

I hear you! Your son is wise. I have not been back on WS for some time after Casey Anthony. I get too involved.
Did you get to get inside the courtroom after day 3?? Did you sense people felt bad for the Anthony's??
Casey and Jodi remind me of each other and would probably make great friends.
PASA and KCL, who is the other Katie you refer to? Are Dr. Drew's people guaranteed seats every day? Are there lines to get into the courtroom everyday? Thank you as always!

 

[katiecoolady]

I followed the Casey Anthony trial from the first day I heard abut the 911 call. I attended the trial on day three and was actually seated next to Cindy and George. Cindy asked me how many people were waiting to get in and George just sat there crying quietly.

I think Ja's mom and aunt come to court every day to show she has family that cares about what happens to her. Maybe to possibly save her life.

I'm so impressed with Juan. He is so organized right by himself!

I'm close enough here I could probably make it to the Trayvon Martin case. But my son and I are having a disagreement about whther it's healthy to follow another trial. We'll see.

Wow Tsunvirtual, I had no idea you'd attended the CA trial. How heartbreaking...sigh....(George, talk about being thrown under the bus).

I've said all along JA's mother can't win for losing. If she doesn't attend the trial for her daughter for her LIFE, how would she look/feel then ? If she does, she's under that microscope and associated w/ her daughter's horrible crime. None of us know what she thinks about Jodi's guilt/innocence but she does sit there with her own daughter speaking horribly even about HER from the stand...and ignoring her in the courtroom. I just can't imagine.....my heart goes out to anyone who's had to be a sociopath's family member.

 

[loveamystery]

I think that GPS thing is interesting also. I believe it's going somewhere, just not sure where. I know he has lots of other info to impeach her on, not that he needs it but it's there.

I also think we've not heard the last of Matt M. I wonder if either side will call him....

I wonder if car rental companies were putting them in their cars to keep track of where they went. Some rentals don't want you to take the car out of state.

The way Mr. Martinez says Matt's name, I wonder if he's already in jail or something.

 

[katiecoolady]

I hear you! Your son is wise. I have not been back on WS for some time after Casey Anthony. I get too involved.
Did you get to get inside the courtroom after day 3?? Did you sense people felt bad for the Anthony's??
Casey and Jodi remind me of each other and would probably make great friends.
PASA and KCL, who is the other Katie you refer to? Are Dr. Drew's people guaranteed seats every day? Are there lines to get into the courtroom everyday? Thank you as always!

Katie is the regular "Dr. Drew's Juror" on his show each night. She has to stand in line for a seat in the public gallery like anyone does. She gets up early (5am) to get to court on time every day..she has really made a sacrifice for this trial and I do hope she gets "discovered" in some way from this to work with the legal system as some kind of correspondent. I think she is very perceptive for a 27 year old and an all around nice and compassionate person. I really like her.

So no she's not guaranteed a seat. The producer usually scans the gallery and picks a different "juror" for each night. There is a line to get in the public seats every day now. PASA knows way more about how the process goes down. I sit with the family.

 

[Shelby1]

Thank you thank you!
I find it strange that Marinez has this case all to himself! What a man! I have never ever seen a capital murder case that only had one prosecutor. Amazing! Although from the research I have done I saw he has been on the case from day one and he has had plenty of time to prepare his case. Hopefully there is a good support team back at his office backing him up with research and anything he needs.
So the lead detective is actually sitting at the Prosecutor's table? I have never seen that before either. Usually seated right behind. I am sure the two have bonded during this case. Stressful cases usually do that to Counsel.
I wish I lived closer. Even if it was just for happy hour. I am on the east coast and appreciate the info on the time change. Now we are 3 hours ahead of you! Ugh.
I do feel bad for JA's mother if she visits her daughter at the jail and sits through this horrendous testimony and her daughter does not even appreciate her. ie IMHO borderline personality disorder or narcissism or both?
I am so excited to hear the observations from Janine Driver. I think you and KCL have been very good at describing the Juror's demeanor. I often wonder if KCL has had any contact with the Scott Peterson jury after his trial. One thing is for sure. Their lives are forever changed. In our court I was the one that escorted the Jury and did all the interaction with them. The Deputies took care of the D and security. When we were sequestered the Deputies did stay with us all the time. I know that for a fact that their lives will never be the same from my own Juror's. They sometimes have reunions because they have been through something that they can never describe to their family and friends and need a support group all their own.

Please keep up the good work with your posts and let us know how the happy hour talks go too. Will wait patiently (not) for Weds at 1:00 our time. Thank you PASA and KCL!

BBM I agree!

I can't remember what show, probably In Session, anyway, they said that Juan tries all his cases like that. He prefers to do it all himself.

 

[katiecoolady]

BBM I agree!

I can't remember what show, probably In Session, anyway, they said that Juan tries all his cases like that. He prefers to do it all himself.

BOTH of our cases had just one prosecutor. The inimitable Catherine Hughes. She was AMAZING. Both Death penalty trials , both with DP convictions/sentences. She also had the lead detective Mark "Jigsaw" Jones with her at the table.

 

[katiecoolady]

I thought your hair was cute in a ponytail.

Oh PASA, what would I do without you?

People here may not know but PASA has sent me ongoing text messages with running commentary every time I've been out of town or at work and unable to attend and she's watching the stream for weeks. She's been just an angel to me! xoxo PASA.

 

[bsk]

BBM I agree!

I can't remember what show, probably In Session, anyway, they said that Juan tries all his cases like that. He prefers to do it all himself.

The judge the other day made reference to another court hearing (?) JM had to attend. Do you know anything about whatever other case(s) he's working? With our tunnel vision just zeroing in on the JA trial, we forget that he's got other duties. Maybe that's normal for any DA, but it leaves me more amazed by JM than I already was.

 

[katiecoolady]

The judge the other day made reference to another court hearing (?) JM had to attend. Do you know anything about whatever other case(s) he's working? With our tunnel vision just zeroing in on the JA trial, we forget that he's got other duties. Maybe that's normal for any DA, but it leaves me more amazed by JM than I already was.

It is NOT normal that a prosecutor would have a case of this magnitude and also working other cases. That really shocked me..I don't know how he does it.