Chase Merritt SENTENCED TO DEATH for murder of McStay Family POST TRIAL THOUGHTS

[missy1974]

I have seen a lot of sentencing hearings. I've never seen one where the defense attorney got up and began revisiting the trials evidence and asked to play a powerpoint summarising the cell phone evidence.

But this isn't the "sentencing hearing" yet. This is a post-conviction motions hearing. I am just not sure if these are usually held together like this or if they would normally be done with post conviction motions before the actual sentencing hearing? I haven't watched many California trials....

 

[katydid23]

Of course my phone rang at the end of that lol I think this motion and cell phone records is about what the expert would have said had he been called as a witness, which McGee failed to do. So I guess it's a bit of "new evidence" and a bit of "McGee sucks"?

The judge told Raj that he couldn't have the expert give live testimony----but the judge would accept a report and a powerpoint presentation----so Raj requesters ten minutes to get that in order---saying he'd need to take out the slides that were going to be used for live testimony---or something like that?

 

[missy1974]

*snort* ya think? LOL! And McGee gets thrown under the bus.......

Maline even through (LOL) threw himself under a tire by saying the cell tower stuff wasn't his part.

 

[katydid23]

But this isn't the "sentencing hearing" yet. This is a post-conviction motions hearing. I am just not sure if these are usually held together like this or if they would normally be done with post conviction motions before the actual sentencing hearing? I haven't watched many California trials....

Let me rephrase. I have never seen a case where both families have arrived in court, prepared to hear the sentencing, and first have to sit through last minute testimony and cell phone evidence, thrown in, as if the trial were ongoing and there was not already a GUILTY verdict....

 

[Bernina]

Isn't the headline "Sentencing Hearing"? I was expecting a slam/bam/thank you judge.....wth?

 

[missy1974]

Let me rephrase. I have never seen a case where both families have arrived in court, prepared to hear the sentencing, and first have to sit through last minute testimony and cell phone evidence, thrown in, as if the trial were ongoing and there was not already a GUILTY verdict....

Oh, I agree, I'm not sure I have ever watched anything like this, I can't really recall. Maybe a ruling on a motion and then continued on to sentencing (having already held the post conviction hearings?)
But if they were prepared to hear the sentencing right way, that is on the lawyers IMO We knew months ago that they would have the post conviction motions hearings first. It was listed on the court portal and even mentioned in court.

 

[Recidivist]

The family drove a long way today. I bet sentencing does not finish or even start today. It is so unfair.

 

[asyousay]

Yes this seems so redundant he has been found guilty and the family are waiting for him to be sentenced.

they don’t want to visit old ground when he has now been found guilty in a court of law.

 

[Lilibet]

That’s a very long 15 minute break!

 

[missy1974]

The family drove a long way today. I bet sentencing does not finish or even start today. It is so unfair.

Hopefully this is the longest part and the rest is quick so they can get it over with and the families don't have to come back.

 

[missy1974]

That’s a very long 15 minute break!

ALWAYS with this courtroom. The whole trial was like this! BRUTAL IMO

 

[la2cabo]

Yes this seems so redundant he has been found guilty and the family are waiting for him to be sentenced.

they don’t want to visit old ground when he has now been found guilty in a court of law.

Remember it's California where the criminal has more rights than the victim.

 

[katydid23]

This is the most laid back, casual judge I've ever seen. So many breaks and 'whatever' type replies.

 

[asyousay]

Remember it's California where the criminal has more rights than the victim.

Yes it seems like that sometimes in the UK as well unfortunately.

 

[katydid23]

That’s a very long 15 minute break!

Maybe the judge had to go to the dentist?

 

[Lilibet]

ALWAYS with this courtroom. The whole trial was like this! BRUTAL IMO

I confess that’s why I didn’t watch the trial. I admire everyone who hung in there!

 

[missy1974]

@cathyrusson
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52s

#McStay - Everyone now waiting on the judge.

 

[Bernina]

Pushing for that lunch break, kids, we could be here all day.........ugh!

 

[missy1974]

Pushing for that lunch break, kids, we could be here all day.........ugh!

yep, and you know they go from noon - 1:30 for lunch LOL they need to get back at 1:30 so they can take their 2pm break

 

[la2cabo]

I wonder if any of the jurors are in court today? If I was one of them I think I'd be a bit annoyed at today's nonsense. They reached their verdict and it's time to sentence. Period.