GUILTY NC - Kathy Taft, 62, Raleigh, 6 March 2010 - #6

[borndem]

I'm unsure of the exact reason they are seeking the DP. Can somone advise me? It could be the combination of crimes. A death as the result of committing a felony rape. There is also a B&E, assault with a deadly weapon, the rock, etc.

Colon Willoughby (Wake County District Atty) spoke about this, and he said it was the combination of crimes that made it eligible for the DP, but he added that they also look at the victim -- he said something like, "was the victim just sitting at home minding his/her own business, or shopping at the grocery store at the time of the crime," etc.

But all the DT needs is that one jury to pity that man, and it's hung. I assume they also will have 2nd Degree Murder as an alternative finding of guilt for JW as well... it's fairly typical these days -- judges often add it to avoid an overturn by appeal if it's not there.

 

[Prancy]

I'm unsure of the exact reason they are seeking the DP. Can someone advise me? It could be the combination of crimes. A death as the result of committing a felony rape. There is also a B&E, assault with a deadly weapon, the rock, etc.

It is my understanding that in NC you can get the DP only for First Degree Murder. First trial you must prove the first degree murder and then there is a separate trial on the DP. Both sides present their evidence of aggravating and mitigating circumstances. They are weighed and the jury decides on death or life. I'm providing a link that gives the factors. They include how cruel, brutal the crime was, was it committed during the commission of another crime, prior record of other felony or violent crime, etc.

http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/aggravating-factors-capital-punishment-state

 

[Boodles]

Colon Willoughby (Wake County District Atty) spoke about this, and he said it was the combination of crimes that made it eligible for the DP, but he added that they also look at the victim -- he said something like, "was the victim just sitting at home minding his/her own business, or shopping at the grocery store at the time of the crime," etc.

But all the DT needs is that one jury to pity that man, and it's hung. I assume they also will have 2nd Degree Murder as an alternative finding of guilt for JW as well... it's fairly typical these days -- judges often add it to avoid an overturn by appeal if it's not there.

Maybe the fact that he (CW) lives nearby factored in? Not sure he does, but think he might.

 

[borndem]

Gee, I had a totally different take on his lawyer. To me, I thought he displayed compassion for both sides, explained the background for his defense well, and gave a good outline of who was going to be speaking for the defense. This will be an interesting case. ( I just wish I could turn up the sound on my laptop!) They're coming back at 2:30. Hello everybody!

Hi, laces!! :seeya: Nice to have you with us!!!

Yeah, I thought Connor did okay -- not a lot of polish there, but that may win over a few jurors, who knows? It's obviously worked for him before.

 

[laces]

Laces, are you watching on ABC? I always have a problem with their audio, but WRAL's audio is much better. Of course, the trade off is that WRAL has time outs, but you get a warning beep. Good luck!

Thank you so much! WRAL has a much better audio, you're right! Bless you,
laces

 

[Prancy]

Hi, laces!! :seeya: Nice to have you with us!!!

Yeah, I thought Connor did okay -- not a lot of polish there, but that may win over a few jurors, who knows? It's obviously worked for him before.

I wonder if they are going at this defense from 2 angles. First to show that the defendant was too intoxicated to form the specific intent to kill the victim, therefore knocking out the first degree murder AND to add enough mitigation so that in the punishment phase, avoid the death penalty. I have a link on that that I will post soon. I need to make sure it's okay first.

 

[laces]

You guys are awesome! I for one appreciate everyone's hard work on this site. Great sleuthing. I can't keep up with you all.

 

[gracielee]

Thank you so much! WRAL has a much better audio, you're right! Bless you,
laces

Hey laces, I'm on our desktop right now, but we've discussed the problem with hearing on laptops before. It can usually be solved with an inexpensive pair of headphones. When I'm listening on the laptop I usually borrow hubby's headphones for his laptop. :fence:

 

[gracielee]

He's reputed to be a Big Time defense attorney whose specialty is DP cases. And he and Diane Savage (the female at the DT who is from Chapel Hill and is a DNA specialist, among other areas) were both assigned by a Judge (not Stephens or Gessner) for this trial.

His name is Ernest (Buddy) Connor or Connors (?) is from Greenville, of all places, certainly knew KT, her ex, Tom Taft, and her family. He certainly does not come off as very polished, IMO, but he is speaking to the jury, not us, so we'll see. His manner & delivery must have been successful somewhere because he is apparently very well known & respected in this state. Maybe somebody on this board can speak better to his reputation... One thing he did say this morning was that the DT will "place JW in that house that night," (or close to that), so that will be interesting. I have had a feeling all along that JW had been in that house before -- maybe it was to do with what Connor was just saying -- that JW would get into houses & drink their liquor and/or steal drugs/medications. We'll see...

I think we're just at the beginning of a long and winding road here, folks. So let's just sit back and see where it takes us.

So far, I have no pity for him.

I guess it depends upon the make-up of this jury. Me personally, he came across as rather bumbling, rambling etc. Perhaps that's his schtick? Like an Andy Griffith type character. I'd never heard of him before. Borndem, do you know what case Boz is handling? I thought he was prosecuting this one, don't know where I got that impression from though?

 

[gracielee]

I wonder if they are going to call Dr. Weisler in their defense? Although he has a big name in Raleigh, I've never been impressed with him.

 

[NCB]

bbm
Oohhh,me too, NCB!!! I've got my coupon shopping list all ready to go....

Now when will we go?? When???:waitasec:

Midnight or later?? Ackkk. :what:

Midnight works for me!! :woohoo: My list is ready, and I'm doing my matching now! Triples are great! I waited too long last time and missed out on some of the best deals. My HT really tries to keep stocked, but it is a crazy time for them. Happy shopping!!

 

[gracielee]

How terrible for Kathy's family to have to sit through the defense opening statement all about poor jason williford. And now the sexual assault photos.

 

[kate42000]

How terrible for Kathy's family to have to sit through the defense opening statement all about poor jason williford. And now the sexual assault photos.

I agree...I don't know how these families can cope with it...so sad...

 

[laces]

Excellent testimony by Wake Med Emergency Room Sane Nurse - she stayed beyond the time her shift was over to perform the exam and collect evidence from Kathy Taft. She was knowledgable, unruffled and I think anyone who comes in contact with her in the ER is darned lucky. I'm proud to be a nurse when I see women and men like this one!

 

[Secrett]

I agree...I don't know how these families can cope with it...so sad...

first post? Welcome!

:welcome4::wagon:

 

[aarrgghh]

I guess it depends upon the make-up of this jury. Me personally, he came across as rather bumbling, rambling etc. Perhaps that's his schtick? Like an Andy Griffith type character. I'd never heard of him before. Borndem, do you know what case Boz is handling? I thought he was prosecuting this one, don't know where I got that impression from though?

Buddy Conner is not to be underestimated. He may not seem "polished" etc but he is one of the best. This is kind of his "aw shucks" approach that is very relate able to jurors. He knows what he is doing and will deliver. He is from Greenville and does know the Taft family but very limited. Greenville is a small town...everybody knows everybody but Buddy isnt a social climber...kind of keeps the spotlight off of him.

Could not even begin to guess a strategy here...way above my intellect...but JW is well represented.

 

[Secrett]

I can't hear the questions .. speak up! (answers by witness are loud and clear)

 

[kate42000]

first post? Welcome!

:welcome4::wagon:

Thank you Secrett....I am an old member but have not been here in a long time...hello to all..

 

[kate42000]

Does anyone have a link for the Kaufman trial or is it over for today? TY

 

[NCB]

Does anyone have a link for the Kaufman trial or is it over for today? TY

Hi Kate,

You can catch it on the CNN Live page:

http://www.cnn.com/video/