Having heard all the evidence, I still don't think MS is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
It's difficult because I think about TB, his family and the pain they are going through and that makes me really want to make a decision that feels like justice is served. It won't bring him back, but it might offer temporary relief or a feeling of getting them (MS, DM) back for all the pain that was caused by their stupidity. I read their texts and see the life they were living and I can see how easy it is to be inclined to think they are better off locked up. Or they deserve it...
But If I were a juror, Im not sure I would be able to make the decision to put someone away for life based on the lack of evidence around MS.
- His story around the events the night of the murder line up. It makes sense with the bobcat video footage (vs lack of evidence in field where Crown suggested murder took place) and also explains the lack of GSR or blood in the Yukon.
- DM was seen wearing satchel that was found in DM's washing machine with GSR or blood on it, which further shows MS story to be accurate
- DM continued cleaning up with help of CN after MS was no longer involved, he parked the car at his mom's home and put the truck's key on his key ring with all his other possessions like a prize or keepsake. This is what serial killers do - collect keepsakes from their victims which continues to make me sick thinking about it. This again shows MS story to be most accurate (DM desperate, goes for the kill "Im keeping it", and keeps the truck and goes on about life like nothing happened - truly deranged)
- DM tried to set him up as proven in the letters where he tampers with evidence/witnesses and speaks to concocting a story based on disclosure (I think this was the most damning evidence to show MS was right about how sick in the head DM truly was. If the amazing work of the police hadn't uncovered this, I think the trial would have ended up very different)
In terms of the circumstantial character evidence about MS:
- The "amnesia" around gun: There's simply so much scientific research that shows traumatic experiences and pot usage both significantly affect the brain's ability to create memories. TD is right - he could have lied and said he tossed it in a lake, but he didnt. He stuck to his story under intense pressure by people much smarter than him. I also can't help to speculate though whether he was scared for his life because of MWJ - but that's speculation so let's not get into that.
- Why he stayed and helped clean up: Over drinks with my neighbors, we were talking about this. 4 out of 5 in the group admitted that while it's impossible to assume how you'd react in a situation until you are in it (hello: look at judging parents when a young 20-something to becoming a parent and the "rules" are out the window! LOL like "I'll never be like my mom"). If we were hypothetically in MS shoes with a best friend or loved one who just did something like this, we probably would have helped in some way and possibly would not have called police. Not to mention being on drugs, having a criminal record and being under duress. This may also explain why so many witnesses (friends, family) all seemed to have known something but didnt say anything. If we get off of our soap boxes for a second and think about it... I don't know how I would truly react in that same situation.
- Why he continued contact with DM: Google Stokholm syndrome. There's a lot of scientific evidence that loving the abuser or person who created your traumatic experience is a coping mechanism the brain creates as an evolutionary mechanism.
- Why he didnt go to police after: You've just helped cover up a murder. You're going to go to the police and turn yourself and your squeaky clean psychotic millionaire friend (who you suspect would turn on you and frame you) in to the police? Yeah right.
- The texts: There was an actual bbq that week they were inviting girls to... I venture you to look at your texts messages over the past 2 months and see if there's anything that could be spun to look like you are up to no good. What did you mean about the box in the basement you asked your wife to get? etc etc
I know I'm going to get a lot of attacks for saying this because I'm sensing my opinion is unpopular, but I just don't think MS is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. I wouldn't be able to put MS away for life based on the evidence that's been presented and I think the jury needs to really think critically, not emotionally, about the reaction their decisions will cause.