eades contd
AUSA Nelson holds up the duffel bag the FBI bought (identical to the one BC did), saying the jury can determine whether or not a human being can fit inside one
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"He's not just a cold-blooded killer," Pollock says, "In fact, I don't think he is one at all." Later, when describing YZ's kidnapping/death, she looks directly at the Zhang family and sincerely says "I'm sorry."
Then Asst. Federal Defender Elisabeth Pollock delivers her closing argument. She has a powerpoint presentation explaining jury instructions and their mitigating factors
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No amount of Drano could erase what they say happened [in the bathroom]" she says. AUSA Miller would later dispute this claim in the government's rebuttal
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Toward the end, Pollock tears up, walks over and puts her hands on Brendt's shoulders. She argues that what he did for three months in 2017 isn't a full enough picture of who he is to warrant a sentence of death
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AUSA Miller gives a lengthy, pointed (albeit repetetive and rambling) rebuttal, concluding it with "The lre is only one sentence that will do justice in this case."
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he jury is now deliberating. In order for a sentence of death to be imposed, it must be unanimous, the jury following the instructions to determine the aggravating factors outweigh the mitigating ones. If just one juror holds out, it's automatic life in prison
Because of that, federal prosecutors argued that the jury should work toward a goal of reaching agreement, while the defense said they should all think as individuals
Court is in recess now. Closing arguments just finished for the sentencing phase of the Brendt Christensen trial. The courtroom was full, and an overflow room was opened up to accommodate the crowd.
Mitigating factors include no criminal record, BC’s mother’s history of depression and alcoholism, BC’s capability to love and care, the breakdown of BC’s marriage, how well BC behaved in jail, etc.
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Aaron Eades Retweeted
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Courtney Bunting
@cbuntingWCIA3
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16m
The jury is given a list of mitigating and aggravating factors they need to go over in order to make a decision for the death penalty. Aggravating factors include the vulnerability of the victim, lack of remorse, and victim impact.