Deceased/Not Found CA - Sierra LaMar, 15, Morgan Hill, 16 March 2012 #22 *A. Garcia-Torres guilty*

[SurfCity]

Always look forward to your posts Ocean. I also appreciate the work others do here - EMI, Amanda, and all! I just hope the jury is able to follow things better than I can.. Wish we could have an unbiased reported give a detailed summary at the end of each day's session...

I totally agree Steve. It would be great to have a daily summary from one of the reporters attending the trial. I suspect that we are missing much of the trial. One thing I'd like to know is if they showed a picture of the rope found with the hair. How big was the picture? If it was 12 feet of rope and in poor resolution would it be possible to see a hair? Did they show a comparison of the handwriting in the Spanish book?

 

[Emi]

Good morning everyone
There are daily summary articles
I will post them here

 

[Emi]

tracey kaplanVerified account‏@tkaplanreport 2m2 minutes ago
Gillis: at time, took pics, didn't do hair analysis, different analyst did later. #sierralamar
tracey kaplanVerified account‏@tkaplanreport 4m4 minutes ago
Gillis: He didn't see sheriff's ROPE photo, wd not have known that no hair showed up in that photo. He took own photo, had hair #sierralamar
tracey kaplanVerified account‏@tkaplanreport 9m9 minutes ago
DA David Boyd has blamed low photo resolution, depth of field for why hairs not visible in photo. #sierralamar
tracey kaplanVerified account‏@tkaplanreport 16m16 minutes ago
Def has claimed 1 strand of #sierralamar hair w/her DNA on rope in his trunk not present initially. Blames cross-contamination or planting
tracey kaplanVerified account‏@tkaplanreport 21m21 minutes ago
Gillis changes lab coats and gloves, keeps surfaces clean, takes cpla days btwn examining Def evidence & #sierralamar
tracey kaplanVerified account‏@tkaplanreport 23m23 minutes ago
Week 5, #sierralamar trial: Crime lab analyst Trevor Gillis on stand, defending precautions defense's evidence contamination theory.

 

[Emi]

tracey kaplanVerified account‏@tkaplanreport 3m
Gillis: Yes. "Indistinguishable," or "similar in all attributes." Again, chipping away at certainty around physical evidence. #sierralamar
tracey kaplanVerified account‏@tkaplanreport 6m6 minutes ago
Lopez: There's no such thing as "identical" fibers like Mr. Boyd said, correct? #sierralamar
tracey kaplanVerified account‏@tkaplanreport 12m12 minutes ago
Lopez's job here is to raise doubt. Harder than usual job since jurors are "death-qualified" (usually tougher) #sierralamar
tracey kaplanVerified account‏@tkaplanreport 14m14 minutes ago
Def Atty Al Lopez starts cross w fiber questions, will get to rope later. #sierralamar
tracey kaplanVerified account‏@tkaplanreport 21m21 minutes ago
Other analyst, Melissa DuPay, pulled 58 hairs off rope. #sierralamar

 

[Emi]

I am attaching minnute orders as well as a document which has the list of witnesses

 

[Emi]

attached minute orders

 

[Emi]

tracey kaplanVerified account‏@tkaplanreport 2m2 minutes ago
This the first first fiber case Gillis testified in. Did so in this once b4, either at grand jury at prelim. #sierralamar
Morgan Hill Times‏@morganhilltimes 5m5 minutes ago
He removed the hairs, resealed them with rope and sent to the crime lab's hair examiner. #SierraLaMar
tracey kaplanVerified account‏@tkaplanreport 5m5 minutes ago
2) be intrusive. In hindsight, I wd have liked to." Ouch for DA, who will have to do cleanup. #sierralamar
Morgan Hill Times‏@morganhilltimes 6m6 minutes ago
Gillis testified he noticed a number of hairs stuck to a rope found in def's trunk while examining it for fiber analysis. #SierraLaMar
tracey kaplanVerified account‏@tkaplanreport 7m7 minutes ago
1) Lopez: Why not, since you said the case was leave no stone unturned? Gillis: I felt they were doing me a favor & didn't want #sierralamar
Morgan Hill Times‏@morganhilltimes 8m8 minutes ago
County criminalist Trevor Gillis continues to testify in the #SierraLaMar trial.
tracey kaplanVerified account‏@tkaplanreport 9m9 minutes ago
Gillis just acknowledged on cross that he didn't take fiber samples from #sierralamar friend's house.

 

[Emi]

tracey kaplan‏Verified account @tkaplanreport 3m3 minutes ago
Lopez: Did u take sample from #sierralamar lint trap? Gillis: That wd have been a good idea, but we didn't in this case. Ouch for DA
tracey kaplan‏Verified account @tkaplanreport 43s43 seconds ago
Gillis acknowledges he didn't take fibers from #sierralamar school bus or sheriff command post.
tracey kaplanVerified account‏@tkaplanreport 3m3 minutes ago
Now, Lopez ties up his point, which is similar fibers exist in the world. No one can definitively link Jetta fibers to #SierraLaMar
tracey kaplanVerified account‏@tkaplanreport 2m
Gillis didn't know that abt the photos/particle board. Walked rt into trap. #sierralamar
tracey kaplanVerified account‏@tkaplanreport 3m3 minutes ago
Deputies carelessly put #sierralamar clothes on particle board to take photos. Their report said they put them on smoother,side of board.
tracey kaplanVerified account‏@tkaplanreport 6m6 minutes ago
Lopez: contamination from particle board used by sheriff? "Absolutely." another ouch for DA. #sierralamar
tracey kaplanVerified account‏@tkaplanreport 7m7 minutes ago
Strongest evid in #sierralamar v Def is fiber/ DNA. Lopez: No concentration of fibers on her sweater, jeans (as wd be if she in his car).
tracey kaplanVerified account‏@tkaplanreport 12m12 minutes ago
Lopez is actually asking if there were fibers from Jetta on #sierralamar clothes. There weren't. Lopez Implying if she in car there wd be.
tracey kaplanVerified account‏@tkaplanreport 16m16 minutes ago
Lopez: what is cross-transfer? Gillis yaps it cd be secondary, tertiary, "even quatrery." "It goes on and on and on." Ouch 4 DA #sierralamar
tracey kaplanVerified account‏@tkaplanreport 19m19 minutes ago
People who have pet hair irritatingly stuck to their clothes might dispute that. But he is talking re thicker fibers #sierralamar
tracey kaplanVerified account‏@tkaplanreport 26m26 minutes ago
But Gillis adds that fibers usually fall off quickly, (meaning recent contact). #sierralamar
tracey kaplanVerified account‏@tkaplanreport 28m28 minutes ago
On cross, Gillis says he can't say how or when fibers got on her clothing (from carpet in #sierralamar def's red Jetta.
tracey kaplanVerified account‏@tkaplanreport 31m31 minutes ago
Gillis is young,slim, w/ goatee-Esque beard, likeable, but most likely from DA pt of view, blabby. #sierralamar

 

[Emi]

tracey kaplanVerified account‏@tkaplanreport 1m1 minute ago
Lopez circles bk to issue of 58 hairs on rope & how they got there. #sierralamar
tracey kaplan‏Verified account @tkaplanreport 3m3 minutes ago
#sierralamar Lopez, of course, will mount all-out attack on DNA, but it remains to be seen if it will work.
tracey kaplanVerified account‏@tkaplanreport 4m4 minutes ago
Lopez now talking re subconscious confirmation bias. Gillis knew Def was a suspect. "I was looking 4 an association" he says. #sierralamar
tracey kaplanVerified account‏@tkaplanreport 3m3 minutes ago
Gillis' report: fibers on #sierralamar clothing COULD have come from Jetta. Lopez: you agree there is difference btwn COULD& did originate?
tracey kaplan‏Verified account @tkaplanreport 44s44 seconds ago
Lopez hitting on all cylinders. BUT Def problem is #sierralamar DNA all over his car, including trunk. (Hella transfer, if transfer)

 

[Emi]

tracey kaplan‏Verified account @tkaplanreport 3m3 minutes ago
This cross-examination showcases Lopez's skill at seeming affable, unthreatening. #sierralamar

 

[Niner]

Must be lunch time there...

fftobed: for me - be back tomorrow to read up on the afternoon session!

:tyou: again Emi for the tweets!

:wave:

 

[SurfCity]

Well the defense is doing a good job. So far in my opinion I still feel that he is guilty and that there is enough to convict him. Yes the writing in the Spanish book could possibly be hers (but not likely). Yes there could have been cross contamination of the hair onto the rope (bad procedures by the lab). Yes there could be someone else out there with the same DNA that was found on her pants (but someone who lives nearby who had the means, motive and opportunity?). Yes the fibers on the pants could match with something else (but it so happens to match with the suspects carpet in the trunk?). Yes she could be alive and have run away (sadly not likely). Much of this will come down to the jury and if they believe that it is beyond a reasonable doubt....

 

[Emi]

tracey kaplan‏Verified account @tkaplanreport 56s56 seconds ago
Gillis: stun guns leave marks but depends on how long held on fabric. If on skin, no mark on fabric. #sierralamar
tracey kaplan‏Verified account @tkaplanreport 3m3 minutes ago
Oops, Gillis says 1% bleach solution at lab CAN discolor fabrics. #sierralamar
tracey kaplan‏Verified account @tkaplanreport 5m5 minutes ago
DA points out diluted bleach might not show up on clothes, car. #sierralamar
tracey kaplan‏Verified account @tkaplanreport 6m6 minutes ago
DA makes point that bleach cd been used on naked body, not show up on clothes. #sierralamar
tracey kaplan‏Verified account @tkaplanreport 8m8 minutes ago
Gillis: No bleach marks on car carpet. No taser burns or other textile damage on clothes or in car. #sierralamar
tracey kaplan‏Verified account @tkaplanreport 9m9 minutes ago
Def bought bleach & turkey baster; DA says to wipe body clean of DNA. Gillis didn't find bleach marks on her clothes #sierralamar
tracey kaplan‏Verified account @tkaplanreport 11m11 minutes ago
Again, implication is rope didn't have #sierralamar hair On it when recovered from Def Jetta.
tracey kaplan‏Verified account @tkaplanreport 14m14 minutes ago
Def Atty Al Lopez shows 2 photos of the rope to Gillis, making clear that it was wrapped differently by time he got it. #sierralamar

 

[Emi]

tracey kaplan‏Verified account @tkaplanreport 1h1 hour ago
But some crime lab analysts come across as far less neutral. #sierralamar
tracey kaplan‏Verified account @tkaplanreport 1h1 hour ago
Gillis works 4 the crime lab run by the DA's office. BUT he is supposed to be impartial, present purely scientific findings. #sierralamar

 

[Emi]

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/02/...-crime-lab-analyst-defends-evidence-handling/

 

[essjay]

Wow, as of today, things are not looking in our favor, folks. I have hope, but I am sitting on serious pins and needles! C'mon, prosecution! Pull out all the stops, give us your all!

Going by what reporters have tweeted, if I were on a jury I would have enough reasonable doubt and wouldn't be able to convict him guilty at this point -- obviously we apparently have half a trial to go yet, so there's that. There simply isn't enough solid evidence that I have seen mentioned so far. I am hoping we have much more trial left and maybe some surprises that haven't been previously mentioned to the media, but the ROPE was supposed to be the big winner for us (although a while ago it became clear it could be something the defense could tackle -- and the defense attorney seems rather good at his job). It is becoming less and less reliable.

And this all just breaks my heart, because Sierra and her family deserve justice. They really, really do. I just want Sierra to be found, some way or another. For closure, for evidence. Ugh, I just feel more and more depressed by this case as the trial goes on. I was expecting at least a sense of excitement to hold someone accountable for this. This just sits terribly with me. So many prayers this case turns around to our favor soon!! :shakehead: :cry: :frown: :nerves:

 

[Niner]

Morning!

Well the defense is doing a good job. So far in my opinion I still feel that he is guilty and that there is enough to convict him. Yes the writing in the Spanish book could possibly be hers (but not likely). Yes there could have been cross contamination of the hair onto the rope (bad procedures by the lab). Yes there could be someone else out there with the same DNA that was found on her pants (but someone who lives nearby who had the means, motive and opportunity?). Yes the fibers on the pants could match with something else (but it so happens to match with the suspects carpet in the trunk?). Yes she could be alive and have run away (sadly not likely). Much of this will come down to the jury and if they believe that it is beyond a reasonable doubt....

:goodpost: And how is the Defense going to explain away why HER DNA is in his car?? Common sense Jurors! Use your common sense!

snipped by me...
Going by what reporters have tweeted, if I were on a jury I would have enough reasonable doubt and wouldn't be able to convict him guilty at this point -- obviously we apparently have half a trial to go yet, so there's that. There simply isn't enough solid evidence that I have seen mentioned so far. I am hoping we have much more trial left and maybe some surprises that haven't been previously mentioned to the media, but the ROPE was supposed to be the big winner for us (although a while ago it became clear it could be something the defense could tackle -- and the defense attorney seems rather good at his job). It is becoming less and less reliable.

from the article Emi posted above (post #495)
The prosecution has blamed other factors, such as limited lighting and low photo resolution for the absence of visible hair in the initial photo.
Lopez tried to draw a sharp contrast between the two photos by showing them to the jury of six men and six women. Not only is there a difference in the hair, he said, but also in the way the long rope is knotted into a bundle.
But two jurors submitted written questions, asking if it was possible the photos looked different because they showed opposite sides of the bundle of rope.

And wondering "what" was the answer to these two questions?? Did anyone tweet about this?? As it's been stated before, we aren't getting everything in this trial thru these tweets.... :gaah: frustrating!

So no more tweets after lunch? Wish we had one of you living in the Bay Area attending this trial, at least we would have a bit more than what's been reported.

:judge: JUSTICE FOR SIERRA!!

 

[CharlieP]

It would be good to hear the answers to the two questions but for me this is a good sign, at least the jurors are paying proper attention and taking the time to ask questions. It's when they don't bother to ask questions that I worry.

 

[Emi]

http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/loca...n-Hair-Found-in-Defendants-Car-414920523.html

 

[Emi]

tracey kaplan‏Verified account @tkaplanreport 4m4 minutes ago
Dupee has more experience testifying re hair than Gillis did yesterday re carpet and other fibers.#sierralamar
tracey kaplan‏Verified account @tkaplanreport 1m1 minute ago
Dupee is proficient in hair, gunshot residue, paint, latent prints, fibers, glass etc. #sierralamar
tracey kaplan‏Verified account @tkaplanreport 7m7 minutes ago
#SierraLaMar, Tues 3/28 a.m. Criminalist Melissa Dupee takes stand. Will testify in particular abt S's strand of hair on rope In Def trunk.