Closing Arguments- Chase Merritt Charged W/Murder of Joseph, Summer, Gianni and Joe Jr McStay #3

[asyousay]

Umm...err, I'm considering flying over from NZ since we now have a three day wait instead of the original TWO HR wait!!!

Even me from the UK could now make it for Monday that’s how ridiculous the wait is.

 

[missy1974]

Even me from the UK could now make it for Monday that’s how ridiculous the wait is.

I could probably make it too, could drive LOL

googling "Do I need a passport to get into the USA"...

 

[citygirl]

The delay was not up to the family. Apparently 2 jurors had to leave early today, thus waiting until Monday.

OMG. There are no words.

 

[la2cabo]

I'm thinking about going but I think the courthouse is going to be a zoo, especially with the media suddenly being interested. I'd like to go to support Patrick but I'm not sure yet.

 

[gitana1]

Wallace said he was taking the 5th & if called as a witness would take the 5th.
The mitigation specialist /investigator described Mr Wallace approaching the DT leaving on Wed to ask about approaching Jurors for interviews . She describes the complete discussion so worth the read..
McGee can’t recall exactly because his memory has been affected by his illness from that time.
Maline said there was no court order so technically no charge & that they didn’t know Wallace would do that.
Another atty(?) said there were many meetings with Wallace & film crew present when it was made clear they weren’t to film or talk jurors . I think he was the one who said any reasonable person would know not to approach the jurors or alternates .
ETA : Wallace asked DT mitigation specialist Wed & approached the alternates Thurs .

What a .

It could affect when the verdict is read if the court wants to talk to jurors about wherther they were approached, first.

But one of our posters who knows the family says it was a delay to allow family to get here and that makes sense!

 

[gitana1]

I really wish I could be. I'm currently 6 hours away. I'm not going to make it.

What courthouse is it?

 

[katydid23]

Found a list of graduation dates for the San Bernardino area...

Graduations 2019 schedule: Dates, times for San Bernardino area high schools, universities – San Bernardino Sun

Today, the only graduation in the area is San Bernardino High School... at 7pm tonight. I guess it's possible, but that seems like something that would have come up when they were discussing "deliberating on Friday's" a week and a half ago. I've known my son's graduation day for months. JMO

Maybe it did come up weeks ago. The judge said they could keep to their own schedule. If one or two had kids in the local high school, I am pretty sure they told the other jurors they needed to leave early on Friday to help their kid get ready for graduation ceremonies etc.

Maybe they all thought if they turned it in at 10 am they would have a 2 hour wait to read the verdict and then they could all leave. But the judge may have said it would be longer than a 2 hour wait, because of a family member or two?

I dont feel it is right to be bashing the jury at this point. When they signed on they were told it would be only until April. And we are now in June. So they have gone above and beyond, in the whole scheme of things. JMO

 

[gitana1]

I would like to know what was so important it could not wait.
Like I think they should have had to justify their reason for the family.
I guess that explains why they came in early!
They should have just skipped today, come in Monday AM and announced they had a verdict. Then announced it 2 hours later.

It goes super fast once they've reached a verdict. They come in, it's announced, they're thanked and they leave. Except those willing to stay behind to make a statement.

I don't think the jurors are responsible for the delay in reading the verdict.

They seem to have wanted to sleep on it as people suggested and confirmed their verdict this morning.

 

[la2cabo]

I would like to know what was so important it could not wait.
Like I think they should have had to justify their reason for the family.
I guess that explains why they came in early!
They should have just skipped today, come in Monday AM and announced they had a verdict. Then announced it 2 hours later.

My personal opinion is they reached a verdict yesterday, came in this morning ready to announce it but were told about the 2 hour delay requested by the family and realized that the delay, etc. would likely prevent them from leaving at whatever time the 2 jurors needed to leave.

 

[gitana1]

Maybe it did come up weeks ago. The judge said they could keep to their own schedule. If one or two had kids in the local high school, I am pretty sure they told the other jurors they needed to leave early on Friday to help their kid get ready for graduation ceremonies etc.

Maybe they all thought if they turned it in at 10 am they would have a 2 hour wait to read the verdict and then they could all leave. But the judge may have said it would be longer than a 2 hour wait, because of a family member or two?

I dont feel it is right to be bashing the jury at this point. When they signed on they were told it would be only until April. And we are now in June. So they have gone above and beyond, in the whole scheme of things. JMO

Agreed. They were put through it. A horrible case which lasted unreasonably long. Dead babies, ya'll. A massacred family.

I thank them for being willing to serve and not trying to get out of it.

 

[MissJames]

What a *******.

It could affect when the verdict is read if the court wants to talk to jurors about wherther they were approached, first.

But one of our posters who knows the family says it was a delay to allow family to get here and that makes sense!

The Prosecution asked JS on Monday if he would seal a verdict if it came in before the affidavits were returned . They wanted to make sure no other jurors had been approached .
Given the affidavits , I just wonder what the PT’s next step will be.

 

[la2cabo]

What courthouse is it?

San Bernardino County in downtown San Bernardino

 

[gitana1]

The reason is to give the family time to get there.

I'm bumping this. The families need to get there and that's the reason for the delay.

Nothing more to say. They have victims' rights and I'm happy they're being accommodated.

 

[gitana1]

I guess 94 hours gives them plenty of time.

It's the weekend. Not everyone can immediately catch a flight and get there before the end of court on the same day.

 

[gitana1]

Why wouldn’t the family be there though as they knew it was going to be announced at any time so I’m sure the family would be staying with friends and family?

Because people have jobs and lives and can't take the agony of waiting of around indefinitely.

No one could know for sure when this would end.

 

[UndiscoveredTruth]

I spoke with Patrick earlier and he's still here in California. He's as frustrated as the rest of us about the delay but it is what it is. All things considered, Patrick seems to be in good spirits and is trying to stay busy until Monday but is looking forward to getting back home.

The delay was not up to the family. Apparently 2 jurors had to leave early today, thus waiting until Monday.

@gitana1 You must have missed these two posts above.

ETA: Sorry, @gitana1 I think you are yet to read them and are behind in the posts...again, sorry!

 

[la2cabo]

I was just repeating what verified insider Roundhouse stated...that the delay until Monday was so that family could get there for the verdict. I assume Roundhouse is accurate because s/he was with a family member yesterday. But if you have another inside source....?

When I spoke with Patrick McStay this morning he told me it was due to two of the jurors needing to leave early today. At this point I suppose the reason doesn't matter since we have to wait regardless. It's going to be a very long weekend for the family and for that I'm very, very sorry.

 

[gitana1]

The jury still has to go through the sentencing phase before they're released.

Oh shoot! That's true!

 

[gitana1]

Oh thank you so much for letting all of us now the reason for the delay.

If they wanted this delay then I know everyone else understands it.

They are the ones who matter.

My warmest thought, and prayers are with all of the family members of the victims.

I feel true justice has finally come for Joey, Summer, JJr, and little G.

Please tell them all so many have supported them throughout. and their long journey seeking justice.

I love you OBE! Always defending the victims in a patient, warm and compassionate way.

 

[gitana1]

Are courts closed on Fridays or this Judge does not work on Fridays? Therefore, the Judge did not want to open the courtroom/courthouse and bring in security...all would mean extra monies spent? I guess no rush as ‘he’ is in jail....just hope the jury stays silent.

I know for family law San Diego superior court clerk's office closes at noon on Friday.