GUILTY FL - Bonnie Haim, 23, Jacksonville, 6 Jan 1993 *husband arrested*

[BUF]

YouTube @ Scales of Justice has the whole Michael Haim trial if you are interested in viewing any you missed. Here is the section where the son testified.

 

[BUF]

Who sent the letter, anyone have any ideas?

Christy Turner

@ChristyANJax
·
10m

When asked why he dismissed the anonymous letter sent to FDLE that said Bonnie was buried in the backyard, Detective Hinson said he didn't have probable cause to go back and search. The letter was processed for prints and DNA.
@ActionNewsJax

Christy Turner

@ChristyANJax
·
10m

The stamp was processed for DNA, which was for an unknown male.
@ActionNewsJax

 

[BUF]

State rests after Det Hinson. Then defense asks for acquittal, judge denies it. Quick break, now defense..
Christy Turner

@ChristyANJax
·
3m

Judge asks Haim's attorney's if Haim will testify. They say they haven't decided.
@ActionNewsJax
Christy Turner

@ChristyANJax
·
1m

First witness for the defense is a retired JSO homicide detective who was assigned to the case.
@ActionNewsJax

 

[BUF]

• Katie Jeffries
  @Katie_Jeffries

Michael Haim says he will take the stand #BonnieHaim

 

[JaxFlaGal]

Update from live stream after Jury excused for a break. MH intends to testify in his defense. Judge has given the court recess until 4.20

 

[BUF]

Waiting...

As soon as the live stream came on, all the attorneys got up and marched towards the judge and the live stream shut off.

 

[BUF]

• Katie Jeffries
  @Katie_Jeffries

Defendant, Michael Haim takes the stand. He is charged with second degree murder. #BonnieHaim

 

[BUF]

• anne schindler
  
  @schindy

A much more animated #MichaelHaim on the stand. "I wouldn't do anything like that," he says when prosecutors ask him if he had opportunity to kill #BonnieHaim. "I would never harm my wife." His decision to testify surprised a lot of observers
@FCN2go

Photos
Twitter

 

[Jax49]

Defense rests after Michael Haim testifies: 'I would never hurt my wife'

The man accused of killing his wife a quarter century ago took the stand in his murder trial Thursday afternoon and said: "I loved my wife. I would never hurt my wife."

 

[Kapua]

Praying for justice for Bonnie and Aaron.

 

[BUF]

Closing arguments just started...

WATCH LIVE: Michael Haim claims innocence in trial of Bonnie Haim killing: ‘I love my wife and I would’ve never hurt my wife’

 

[BUF]

Prosecution finished closing. Short break until 10:40, then defense closing. Sounds like prosecution then gets up again.

I thought that Mac Heavener did a great job during closing bringing the whole story together. Very easy to listen to.

 

[JaxFlaGal]

The defense attorney's closing wanders around so much! That is challenging to listen to and I think that will also work in favor of the prosecution. Defense is making the jury piece together the argument, whereas prosecution argument was clear and concise, easy to follow.

 

[BUF]

Defense actually said this during closing...

Christy Turner

@ChristyANJax
·
3m

Defense: If Michael Haim were convicted this would be a miscarriage of justice. When I say miscarriage of justice I mean the state is getting a conviction they are not entitled to

 

[JaxFlaGal]

I have watched about half of the livestream of the trial and tried to focus strictly on what was presented, leaving out news details of the wrongful death case excluded from trial. This will be judged based on reasonable doubt, and it's not perfect evidence. Still I cannot see how they could reasonably believe that anyone besides Michael Haim was responsible for her death and for concealing the body by burying it in the backyard. If her skeletal remains had never been found (which I believe was his expectation) or had been found anywhere else besides their home, then there MIGHT be some room for some reasonable doubt as to his culpability, but I am not seeing it here.

 

[JaxFlaGal]

Great bullet points on 2 slides included in prosecution rebuttal. They are captured on Christy Turners Twitter (Action News Jax reporter). I can't upload from this device but will do so later if they don't get uploaded sooner.

 

[BUF]

Christy Turner

@ChristyANJax
·
40s

Jury has left the courtroom to deliberate.
@ActionNewsJax

 

[JaxFlaGal]

From the final defense presentation:

 

[Kapua]

I have watched about half of the livestream of the trial and tried to focus strictly on what was presented, leaving out news details of the wrongful death case excluded from trial. This will be judged based on reasonable doubt, and it's not perfect evidence. Still I cannot see how they could reasonably believe that anyone besides Michael Haim was responsible for her death and for concealing the body by burying it in the backyard. If her skeletal remains had never been found (which I believe was his expectation) or had been found anywhere else besides their home, then there MIGHT be some room for some reasonable doubt as to his culpability, but I am not seeing it here.

Exactly. The location of Bonnie's remains incriminates Michael, IMHO. I think LE dropped the ball during the original investigation. They should have listened to Aaron. I believe that Aaron witnessed his mother's murder. Hoping for a conviction and the harshest possible sentence. MOO

 

[JaxFlaGal]

While the jury is deliberating, the judge and attorneys are discussing possible sentencing if the defendant is found guilty. Prosecutor is seeking higher sentence for aggravating factors (evidence tampering, adverse impact to victim's family, etc). I am glad to hear them discussing that now. Through the case it was clear that MH has destroyed 3 generations of his and Bonnie's family: Her parents lost their daughter, MH's father was estranged from his own brother because they both believed differently about MH's guilt or innocence. MH's aunt lost a best friend, Bonnie's sister lost a best friend. Aaron lost his mother and his family and was adopted to another family. Horrible impact to so many!