And...it's over.
This case consumed me when it started. I also thank everyone who followed this case - we definitely had some good discussions about it, even in our frustration over lacking a suspect for so long.
I just heard the news about the verdict. I do think he is guilty but had concerns and disappointment about how the case was handled - much better to have no doubts how evidence was gathered.
But, I do think they got the right guy, and I'm glad for the family that it is finally, finally over.
I don't think there are many of us who walk/jog/run on our own who don't think of Karina regularly. I wish we could expect safety.
jmo
I too had concerns about how the case was handled initially.
It's easy to Monday morning quaterback, but, I know there are some that think the Allen Charge should have been applied in the first case.
The Allen Charge isn't allowed in 22 states. There have been several times where it has been challenged on appeal when it is used the day before a holiday. That was the situation in this case. The Judge ruled a mistrial the day before Thanksgiving, on the 21st of November.
The jury was also divided 7-5, so, it wasn't close when the judge ruled. That's not to say the Judge wanted to come back on Friday, during the holiday weekend and because he had family flying in for the holiday, it was much easier to declare a mistrial. The reason the Allen Charge is challenged because it puts pressure on the jury to come back with a verdict before the holiday.
In the end, it will give the defense one less thing to argue during the appellate process.
As far as the letter saying they were looking for 2 white men, I don't think that will matter. Once they knew the DNA was from a black male, they had no reason to think that 2 white men did this, so under the Brady rule, the state didn't have to turn that letter over to the defense during the discovery process because it wouldn't have pointed away from a black man, or him.
Some of the evidence collected when looked at individually may have raised doubt, however collectively to me anyway points to guilty once you apply occam's razor.
I'm not sure if they used the same defense that karina got his DNA from the pizza shop, but if she did, I'd find it odd that it was just his alone with many people in the pizza shop every day.
Maybe he did search prosecution etc on his phone the day before he was arrested and after he gave his DNA, but unless I misunderstood, the defense claimed that someone else may have searched using his phone. What's the chances of that?
He cut his hand the same day on his knuckles consistent to punching her.
His confession was allowed in court. His confession revealed things that put him there, ie. he got to the park at 5 pm... he knew about the puddle etc. If he just strolled through the park that day, how would you remember details like that 6 months later if it was just another uneventful day? Even if his confession was pressured, if he didn't do it, he wouldn't have been able to make up exact details.
I'm glad this trial is over. I Hope after the sentencing that the Vetranos can start to heal.