***Jury Recommends DEATH for Mark Sievers*** Penalty/Sentencing Phase

[Curious Me]

I've been thinking about Mark's Mother, Bonnie, and the position he put her in within his murder plan. I'm surprised to hear she's there today!

 

[susnoat]

I think Mary's impact statement was more than enough by the state. When you bring the judge nearly to tears you have nothing left to add.

how does one now defend Mark? His greatest accomplishments in life; living like a carefree playboy, using women as objects, destroying marriages and lives. What can anyone possibly say to give him one redeeming feature?

 

[JenaTaoson]

I'm wondering if the sidebar was about pictures they were going to show of Mark and the girls maybe? Trying to show how great of a dad he was?

 

[MsArk]

I’m going to say this...I hope Bonnie doesn’t try to take responsibility for Mark’s actions. What very little I have learned about his life with his mom I understand it to have been somewhat disjointed but the only person who needs to take responsibility is Mark. Many people have things in childhood that are less than ideal and they don’t murder their spouse.

 

[TTF14]

I'm wondering if the sidebar was about pictures they were going to show of Mark and the girls maybe? Trying to show how great of a dad he was?

If the State didn't show pics of the girls and their mom, Mark should not be allowed.

 

[beach]

I'm wondering if the sidebar was about pictures they were going to show of Mark and the girls maybe? Trying to show how great of a dad he was?

I hope they don’t go there. He lost custody of his girls for a good reason. He was denied jail visitation for good reason. His brother lost his petition for guardianship for good reason. The family court records concerning all those hearing are sealed but, suffice it to say, it would be the height of hypocrisy for him to attempt to paint himself as a good father.

 

[kaen]

I have questioned the prosecutor's strategy lots in this case and the JRR case. I think they are doing this right. MAG was able to paint a poignant picture of the vacation weekend with her last photo of all of her children. We know that MS was plotting to kill TS as they had this wonderful vacation. His plan was in action as they played, laughed, and took photos. She described Teresa's work and livelihood in a very clear and succinct manner. She conveyed the loss of her self and her ability to move on. She gave a view of the kids and their loss. She spoke for her children beautifully. The risk here is to say too much, make it so overwhelmingly emotional that the process gets muddied with emotion. Most importantly, MAG did not acknowledge or engage with MS in any way. His actions have severed any shred of relationship. I believe that the jury will see this AND not see a lack of witnesses as less powerful or less endorsing of the DP. Rather, I think the reality is that, plain and simple, he contracted to kill her and she was a force of good will hold as much sway as a parade of people. It will also impact the defense who will have to try hard and make MS look like a redeemable human being when you have the comparison to Teresa.

 

[Oregonmama]

I am not against Bonnie, I just wish she cut the cord and get herself away from him. Mark will never change! JMO

 

[Scalex]

Can't wait to see Mark in that drab tan jumpsuit. Shackled.

The jumpsuits aren’t tan in Lee county anyway. They are red.

 

[Spartygirl]

The court room looks crowded today.
More so than the trial was.

 

[Curious Me]

I'm wondering if the sidebar was about pictures they were going to show of Mark and the girls maybe? Trying to show how great of a dad he was?

I've been thinking about all the things they could try to say, but that Mark failed to do properly. He really wasn't a great dad by taking them on play dates so he could hook up with some woman. He took their mother away from them. Girls need their mothers their whole lives.

A good nurse? A great office manager? Maybe not. Best not to bring up some of what the neighbors have to say about him, too. It's up to his loyal relatives, I guess.

 

[beach]

That is Mark’s brother, Scotty, with the beard & glasses.

 

[TTF14]

The first thing Bonnie does is laugh?

 

[Oregonmama]

Bonnie is on stand

 

[dixiegirl1035]

I can't believe Mary is only one

I think the siblings are waiting and sharing their energy for after the verdict. They will be very vocal.

 

[beach]

The first thing Bonnie does is laugh?

Nervous. She’s a bit quirky. I feel terrible for her.

 

[Curious Me]

Wrote a journal! No, Bonnie, don't talk about the sex journal.

 

[Kakidoll]

She is still defending him. He's kind, he's a protector?

 

[beach]

I think Bonnie is very naive, too.

Try to remember this is her son facing the death penalty. She’s still a mother.

 

[dixiegirl1035]

I'm kind of surprised that the Judge wouldn't allow the family to stand together with their mother during her statement. I don't like it, but I do understand. He runs a tight ship, he does.

I guess Florida is different then many states. For this, she had to sit in the witness box. Many states they stand at a Podium and actually face either the judge or can face the defendant. Florida is just different.

If she is seated in the witness stand, it would have been very difficult for the family to stand around at that time versus standing at a podium.

She gave one of the most beautiful victim statements I have ever heard. My heart poured out for her.