Ok, after time off the boards I am here to issue my mea culpa.
(Mea culpa: Latin phrase that translates into English as "my mistake" or "my fault". )
After the hung jury verdict there was a lot of bashing of the jury.
I defended them. They had given nothing but signs that they were attentive,
intelligent, and engaged.
Then the foreman was on GMA and he was really bashed and some posts stated things he never said. I transcribed the interview and posted my views that I thought his statements might be being blown out of proportion. We needed to stand by the jury who had invested so much.
Now, I see there are other interviews. I haven't seen any other than GMA but reading on here has given me the picture (and given me LESS incentive to watch them UGH). So I must apologize. As far as this juror goes, it appears you were all right.
I could understand him saying that at first sight it was difficult to relate a relatively small (compared to Travis) woman defendant as the perp.
I could understand the jurors (having only seen an iota of the texts, etc) maybe feeling Travis had verbally abused JA. That May text was really harsh. However, we had more "background" info to take into account and could see that it was a strong reaction to something terrible JA had done. (in addition to all the stalker BS he had been putting up with).
I don't agree with those conclusions, but could understand why he may feel that way.
Now, hearing he says she was "crucified in the press". and all the other carp.. DISGUSTED!
You know who was crucified, Mr Foreman? TRAVIS WAS!
Four times! Stabbing, throat, bullet and reputation attacked!
I only pray he is naïve of all we know and will feel differently in the future.
The lies from JA, the manipulation, the pre-meditation, the interviews... so much HE doesn't know. I doubt he will ever publicly admit to feeling differently in the future, but I don't really care about that. For his sake I hope he cares enough to digest all that was held back from the jury and then decide whether the lying murderess has earned that has been in the press about her.
So I apologize. I gave this man WAY too much credit! I believe him being foreman was a pivotal point in this hung jury.
I am still reserving judgment on the rest of the jury - we haven't heard from any of them yet. (have any of them done interviews? I haven't seen any) They may feel very differently, and apparently some do or we wouldn't have had a hung jury. We heard some really great juror questions so SOMEONE(s) on the jury is thinking far more clearly than the foreman. I hope some of them speak out. I am very interested to hear what they have to say. Like "how did this guy become foreman?" "did the majority agree she was verbally/mentally abused?" "with proving and charging her with pre-med did you let any possible mental issues sway you?" so many questions! If I had been on the jury, feeling like I do,having to give a hung jury would have been so frustrating and painful. I believe she deserved DP and if I wasn't able to get that verdict to the courtroom, it would gut me to look in the Alexander's eyes. I am guessing that is what the one woman who mouthed "I'm sorry" to them was feeling.
I know the friends and family of Travis were beyond hurt by this hung jury. I pray they try to get some "regular life" back for a while. Play with their kids, sip tea watching the sunset, get restorative sleep, laugh with friends. I will stand behind whatever decision they make going forward (not that they should care about my opinion LOL). Whatever they choose, I know they will dig down and find the strength in themselves, their family, their friends, their faith and the memory of Travis to do what they need to do. God bless them all.
PS Is there a way to "set" how long it is before the page times out and logs you off? Every time I write a long post I get timed out... Maybe that is telling me to shut up or make a quick point
