A view from the inside: observations from our own court observers

[Kimster]

Hi guys! OMG!!!! I met BETH KARAS!!!! What an amazing day! I'm exhausted, but can't sleep. I want to answer a couple quick short questions before I hit the sack; I'll put my notes and answer the amazing questions from the first page in the morning on my laptop. :seeya:

She's been on Tricia's radio show a few times and I just LOVE her! She's so down-to-earth and humble, even when we are chatting before the show! She's my fave news media peep by FAR! Glad you guys got to talk to her! :great:

 

[Anita Richman]

Thank you both for your reports, they are really interesting

Can anyone post me the link to the DR Drew show you were on please? I don't know where to find it and would like to watch it

TIA

I don't have a link. I haven't seen it yet. :blushing: Hubby recorded it, but I've been sloooooowly typing out my notes since I got up. (In between feeding and interacting with these DEMANDING children who expect to eat three times a day, plus snacks!)

 

[WhatsupAZ]

Oh my Gawl... CA on the cover! I did NOT catch that! You cannot even write this stuff! I bet the DT wrote the magazines off because they thought there could only be some ca trial inference business. I bet they didn't know about the secret messages. Blind sided! (Pun intended )

Oh gosh... Vinnie would have a field day with this little but of observation. You rock, lady!

(Ps, I apologize for ny exuberance if this is not new news.)

 

[Frigga]

I am trying to arrange to come next week too! I had planned to come this week but it worked out better to be there next week! I would much rather be there for examination by Juan then Nurmi- that's a given I suppose.

I copied the advice Anita gave for times and parking. I intend to get there pretty early as I will be coming from Chandler and don't want to have to worry about traffic coming in to Phoenix. I may bring my friend who used to work on the Dr Drew show, she and her husband just moved back to Arizona from LA, and I will be staying with them.

 

[PASA]

I would like to attend the trial live on Monday. Is there a long line to get in? Is there a chance of not getting in? What time should I arrive? Where should I park? Is it chilly in the court room? Any tips or advice would be GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks.

I've only gone in the afternoon thus far, so take it for what it's worth.

Get there as early as you can, there has been a line to get in.
I've been three times and have gotten inside once.
I have met some interesting people out in the hall, so each trip has been
worth it, to me.

I'm attaching a screenshot of where I park and the courthouse. *yellow pins* It's 5.00 to park all day. It's unattended and you'll need cash to put in the slot corresponding to the number of the space you park .
I like it because it's a short walk to the courthouse.

I bring a sweater.

My other tips:

When you get to the courthouse you'll go through security. Your purse etc goes through xray and you go through metal detector (like the airport).
I set it off each time and get the wand scan.

Bring bottled water. No eating allowed in courtroom. Chewing gum is ok.
Cell phone must be turned off.
If you want to take notes bring a notebook.

As for what to wear, I've seen pretty much everything there. I wear a nice blouse/sweater, jeans, and comfortable shoes.

This trial is located on the 5th floor, south tower.

That's all I can think of off hand. If you have specific questions, LMK. I'll do my best to answer.

I'm sure Anita and KatieCL will have some good tips when they check in.

 

[AZlawyer]

HaHa I know right?? We should have a viewing party! Wonder if there's a place DownTown maybe lounge @ Hyatt we could all watch live feeds, discuss then get "our jurors" and maybe BK & CO to join us... Like a FOCUS GROUP!

BTW if you don't mind me asking..
Are you in metro Phx area? What's your area of Practice?

Yes, I'm close to downtown. Mostly civil litigation at the trial level; all areas at the appellate level.

 

[PASA]

Thanks! I am sick of hearing how beautiful she is.:banghead:

Me too. No one I know thinks she's anything above average.

 

[Observer in AZ]

FYI.. In Session is showing the Magazine Gate section of Trial.. STAR MAG now!

 

[CJae]

Oh my Gawl... CA on the cover! I did NOT catch that! You cannot even write this stuff! I bet the DT wrote the magazines off because they thought there could only be some ca trial inference business. I bet they didn't know about the secret messages. Blind sided! (Pun intended )

Oh gosh... Vinnie would have a field day with this little but of observation. You rock, lady!

(Ps, I apologize for ny exuberance if this is not new news.)

Ahh. So JA taking some lessons from an old pro on how to shock a jury into submission with the sickest lies she can possibly conjure up in her twisted diabolical mind??

I haven't watched a trial since that disaster!

 

[Anita Richman]

Page 14

LOVE him asking her "Was this @ the 'Purple Plum'?" No, Applebees. Juan KNOWS damn well it was at Applebees, he's letting her think she's smarter than him, little by little.

Her language is so precise.

Poor, Gay, dramatic, "maybe"-Steve! Wherever he is! Going over the testimony whether Steve was frantic because Jodi was there or was he acting frantic because she wanted to talk to Bianca. Tense exchange. Jodi's mom just said, "OBJECTION!" I am NOT making this up!! She called out the objection a split second before Nurmi did! (I had, during the sidebar right before this, said in a joking way to the law student next to me, that I might pull a "Gus Searcy" from the gallery and shout out "I object! Badgering the witness!" and we giggled at how silly that was. Within the hour, Jodi's mom pulls a Gus. You couldn't make this stuff up!

**During the lunch break, I spoke with the producer for the Dr. Drew show. He is DARLING. He said that the judge had sent a note to the journalists telling them that the JURORS had requested the gallery be more quiet, it was too distracting to have people getting up and leaving, etc. So THAT'S why we were told if we left, we couldn't come back in. I figured they were new, tough, Juan rules. Good to know that the jury is taking their jobs seriously.

According to Jodi, regarding Matt McCartney, "He messed up and was very sorry for it." Yeah, I'll bet you made him VERY sorry, Jodi.

How does she recall all this detail-cities they were in, who she talked to when, in what order, but only when it benefits her. SHE DOES NOT WANT TO GET TRIPPED UP BY JM. She's being evasive to not fall into his trap.

Court is adjourned. Jury leaves. I see the Wrestler has a full page of notes written when he gets up. I don't want to leave the courtroom until Jodi does. Her mom, auntie and two ladies are having a little get-together at the end of the row. Jodi comes off the stand, walks toward her DT, She looks like she's about to cry. Holding her throat, stroking it, back and forth. She knows she figuratively slit her own throat.

 

[WhatsupAZ]

Breaking news... they filed a stay... is this news or same ol same ol? Az lawyer, anybody?

 

[PASA]

EVERYONE (including the media) commented on how FEW people were there yesterday! It was really expected to be a day when everyone would want to get in; I figured most people would realize it and assume they WOULDN'T get in, so they didn't try. I arrived at 9 and was the 21st person. I think they ultimately let in 26 for the morning session. Yes there is a chance of not getting in, however, if you don't get in for the am session, you can wait for the afternoon session (having been in court in the am doesn't give you priority) and get first dibs on a seat. I spoke with two women who get there at 5 am and chat with each other. That's not necessary, but they DO always get a seat. There is a parking garage catty corner to the South Tower (where the trial is), the parking is $5 a day. I can't recall the street, but you could google view it and figure it out. Some people mentioned being chilly in the courtroom. I had on a shortsleeved top with a long sleeve shirt on under it for court and I was totally comfortable, all day.

If you have a smartphone or a tablet, I'd bring it in case you don't get in, there is free wifi at the courthouse. Bring a water, it's the only liquid available in the courtroom and coughdrops or mints or hard candies. It's dry in there. Bring a pad of paper and pens and take lots of notes! Don't be afraid to talk to people; they are all so friendly and it's like a giant fraternity of trial watchers in the public section. EVEN the "Jodi Supporters". If you get a chance to meet the family of Travis, take it. They LOVE, EMBRACE, WELCOME, APPRECIATE every single interaction with the public, even though they are strangers.

Before court, Tanisha came over to the spectator waiting area with a baggie full of ribbons for Travis and the courtwatchers who had been there previously swarmed her. She ran out quickly but hugged each and every person who approached her.

I soooo hope you go!!! Make sure you introduce yourself to the Katies, they are both so open and welcoming and approachable, too! Hope this helps!

Awesome tips! I picked up a few myself.
BTW, the first day I went people who were there in the morning got first dibs on the afternoon session. The other days it was first come first served.

I brought my iPad but didn't think court had wi-fi. Will bring it again and see if I can figure out what I did wrong. Thanks so much for that info, much appreciated.
I've tried watching on my phone but the battery ran down.

 

[Anita Richman]

Oh my Gawl... CA on the cover! I did NOT catch that! You cannot even write this stuff! I bet the DT wrote the magazines off because they thought there could only be some ca trial inference business. I bet they didn't know about the secret messages. Blind sided! (Pun intended )

Oh gosh... Vinnie would have a field day with this little but of observation. You rock, lady!

(Ps, I apologize for ny exuberance if this is not new news.)

It wouldn't have been new news to the DT because they know of all the evidence that's coming in; it was, however a shock to the entire gallery and some of the journalists.

Exuberance is embraced, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by me! Thank you!! :great:

 

[Observer in AZ]

Yes, I'm close to downtown. Mostly civil litigation at the trial level; all areas at the appellate level.

Would you by chance know & be able to recommend (via Private msg) a couple of the Top Divorce Attys in town?

I'm looking for an Atty that would be able to handle D/FLWC against a woman with issues very similar to JA with the bonus she works in a law office! (Yes imagine BPD w/ Narc/Sociopathic tendencies working for Fam Law office going thru own D.. Yeah can you say Judicial Weapons?)

I'd appreciate it & if not I understand too!

 

[Madeleine74]

Hi Madeleine! I still want to hear the story about the atty getting busted posting on websleuths at the trial you were at; I told Katie about it and we're both dying to hear your story!!

I have no idea if the camera was ever on me. The camers are very unobtrusive and on the other side of the room, catty corner from the defense side. I had NO trouble hearing in the courtroom and wondered if Juan was mic'd because I heard him so clearly.

Hi Anita,

It wasn't an attorney, it (he) was a major defense computer witness who testified in the trial (this is the Brad Cooper trial, 2011) then came to Websleuths that same evening and he posted his thoughts and responses to comments that had been made about him. One of the things he wrote in his long post was how he got involved in the case and why and he said he agreed with the judge's decision to not qualify him as a "forensic" expert, though he is a network intrustion expert and has a ton of experience. In his posting he also mentioned he told the defense team attorneys up-front that he wasn't a qualified forensic examiner. (The defense decided to call him anyway (i.e. took a risk) and lost.) Thus the witness was limited to what he could testify about. And then next day the prosecution knew about his WS posting and was able to further impeach and use his own words to argue a motion to the judge. It was fortuitous and pretty interesting when that happened.

 

[momtective]

Per IS...an Interlocutory stay has been filed by the defense today with AZ supreme court to stay the DP portion of the case.....see JA takes the stand thread #49 for more info.

 

[debloree]

Thank you too Anita & Pasa. So enlightening to hear.

 

[ilovewings]

Katiecoo and Anita and PASA, too: thank you all so much for traveling to the courthouse and taking notes for all of us that would like to be there, but can't. Like me--I live thousands of miles away, but your notes and insights give us all a clearer understanding of what is going on. The tv camera only shows so much and never pans over the jury. It's such a relief to hear about the jurors' reactions because I think we've all been worried that someone might be sympathetic toward this killer. Thank you, too, so much for being there for Travis's family. I can't begin to imagine the hell they have endured and continue to go through because of Arias. (Can't bring myself to call her by her first name, just can't do it.)

:yourock:

Katiecoolady and Anita: Reading your observations is something absolutely wonderful. You take us right into the courtroom; otherwise we would have no clue as to the reactions of the jurors, families and others. You guys are great. what bugs me is some ofthese talking heads seem to think that Jodi is scoring points by trying one-up Juan and are saying that she is holding her own and doing great. What is wrong with them? Thank you again.

 

[my2sense]

I'm skipping ahead because I have to say - Anita, I was glad to see your notation about Arias calling Travis "Alexander." When she did that, it shocked me. She made it so clear that he means NOTHING to her now. It's all about her.

thanks so much for sharing -- VERY appreciated.

 

[WhoaIsMe]

Page 13

Coming off lunch break, Jodi was very animated in a powwow with her DT.

They're in sidebar, she's staring down and to the side with a smile on her face. In a word. C-R-E-E-P-Y!!!

Magazine being examined by Nurmi and Wilmot, JA is NOT (underlined a lot) amused. She is staring at them. Hard.

Guy next to me (2nd year law student) mentions he was an engineer tech and the magazine Nurmi is looking at is an audio magazine, he recognizes the pro audio ads. I said, could it be a photography mag? Nurmi flips it around and we see, Bingo, Photo Pro.

Grandpa is looking at JM with what I am interpreting as appreciation and admiration. I think he is silently asking JM to UNLEASH HIS LAWYER, but I might be projecting.

Donovan and girlfriend did not come back after lunch. Too bad, because we were definitely building rapport! Girlfriend asked me as we were leaving for lunch, "What did you want when you tapped me?" and I said, I was going to ask you to get the deputy to kick the snoring guy out and she said, "OH! Yeah, we sent the deputy a note. Thanks!" Instead of Donovan, a younger guy, mid twenties in a green plaid shirt sits in front of me. He and the lady next to him do a lot of whispering. My curiousity gets the best of me, so I lean forward to ask if he's family to Jodi or just a friend. I touched his shoulder and he LURCHED forward, up and away from me like I had tazed him. He turned and gave me a dirty look and I said, "I just want to ask you a question" and he said, "I don't have any answers!". Clearly it was going to take some time to work on my relationship with him.

HOLY ****! (Excuse my lingo) Casey Anthony on the cover of the Star Magazine!!! Soo Apropos! You KNOW Juanderful left it on the projector with her photo there, just to rub it in. I didn't hear it, but was told by TOK that the back row all sort of softly groaned when they saw CA, like "oh yeah, don't remind us of THAT verdict."

I'm actually glad she's got neat penmanship. Makes it easy to read. (See, I can find something nice about ANYONE! )

Who is Ann Campbell?! (Ha!!! Just freaking learned I was BFF with her right before lunch!)

Chilling how Jodi laser-focuses on the parts of JM's question that he DOESN'T want her to answer. It's unreal, machine-like. Scary! Her brain. Wow.

Matt McCartney. You're under the bus next, sir.

I completely missed CA on the cover!! Wonder if she studied her before this trial. also wonder if she has study Juan in other cases

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