Chase Merritt Charged W/Murder of Joseph, Summer, Gianni and Joe Jr McStay #4

[NuttMegg]

It was blurry video—the back view of two adults and two children. Considering that about 25,000 pedestrians per day cross the border at San Ysidro, it wasn’t too surprising to find that.

What stuck out to me is that they seemed to purposely be to the left in the line, where their images could be picked up and separated from all the others crossing.

 

[Mony Mony]

Tracy's testimony is heartbreaking.

 

[MrsPC]

Cathy Russon‏ @cathyrusson
#McStay - The prosecution rests in the penalty phase. The defense called no witnesses and didn't give an opening statement. Closing arguments will follow jury instructions which the judge is giving now.

 

[Blondiexoxo]

Is that it now? Have we not heard about CM’s past convictions and heard stories of his shady character?
I thought they had something big as the deal breaker for the DP, was hoping we’d hear all his dirty little secrets, moo.

 

[Edmo]

I hope the Prosecution can bring in CM's criminal record in closing arguments.

 

[Blondiexoxo]

So it looks like the jury will begin deliberating today, or one would hope... please don’t tell me they’ll all just go home after the instructions have been read. IMO they could have done all this last week

 

[Edmo]

Anyone know if the DP is a majority decision by the jurors, or it has to be unanimous?

I read on a website it has to be unanimous in Ca.

 

[Force Ten]

I hope the Prosecution can bring in CM's criminal record in closing arguments.

It's sounds like that's what they'll do after recess.

 

[wary]

So it looks like the jury will begin deliberating today, or one would hope... please don’t tell me they’ll all just go home after the instructions have been read. IMO they could have done all this last week

After instructions, then closing arguments. I have no idea how long they’ll be.

I wanted to hear a full rundown on CM, too, and expected to. Felt disappointed!

My theory now is that the prosecution knows that there’s nothing to offer that will top what the jury has already decided—that CM murdered a family of four, including a man who considered himself a friend, and two little children.

So, they’ve offered some testimony to humanize the family, in a way that they weren’t allowed to, during the trial, and then they’ll just let the facts speak for themselves.

 

[Edmo]

It's sounds like that's what they'll do after recess.

Are we on recess til 1:30 pst? Thanks

 

[wary]

Anyone know if the DP is a majority decision by the jurors, or it has to be unanimous?

I feel confident that it has to be unanimous. (Remember Carla Brucia’s murder, 15 years ago? The DP was recently overturned, by a higher court, because it was decided by a 10 to 2 vote.)

 

[oceanblueeyes]

Is that it now? Have we not heard about CM’s past convictions and heard stories of his shady character?
I thought they had something big as the deal breaker for the DP, was hoping we’d hear all his dirty little secrets, moo.

The big dealer breaker is all four murders.

Nothing is bigger or more detestable, extremely cruel sadistic, and heinous than that.

Imo

 

[geevee]

The verdict must be unanimous.

 

[Dontknow?]

JD Crighton‏ @JDCrighton 13m13 minutes ago
#McStay: Judge Smith is now finished giving jury instructions at 11:03 am. Closing statements will begin after a 10 min recess. #chasemerritt

 

[oceanblueeyes]

Anyone know if the DP is a majority decision by the jurors, or it has to be unanimous?

I read on a website it has to be unanimous in Ca.

It has to be unanimous in every state that has the death penalty now.

The USSC changed that a few years back. A few states had enacted laws where it only had to be a majority, but now all DP verdicts have to be unanimous.

 

[LadyL]

Since the first day of passing out flyers with Joey's Mom, Susan Blake. I have followed this crime.
Now that we know who murdered in cold blood this entire family.
I really want the rest of Chase Merritt's life to be hellacious.
Yes. I really do.
I want the rest of his life to be an ongoing nightmare.
This One man has devastated so many people, for what? Money.
It's not mentioned much here, but the likelihood that he raped Summer in addition to bashing in her little boy's heads has me over the top.
Absolutely monstrous.
I personally feel nothing but scathing anger at this murderer.
I really do hope that justice is going to put him in a nightmare.
For the rest of his miserable life.
Done.

very well-said

 

[Edmo]

Video is up, no audio yet.

Back in session-closing statements.

 

[Lilibet]

Video is up, no audio yet.

Back in session-closing statements.

Link? Thanks.

 

[oceanblueeyes]

Also at one time a sole judge presiding over a DP bench trial could impose the death penalty. That no longer can happen.

Now all DP trials must be by jury trials, and all 12 have to agree to impose the DP.

Imo

 

[Edmo]

Wow, court is empty.