The Verdict is In - post your thoughts here

[PolkSaladAnnie]

I WILL rejoice that convicted killer, Bradley Cooper, is on his way to prison! I WILL rejoice for justice! For Nancy! I WILL rejoice that inmate Bradley Cooper has lost his freedom! REJOICE!! :martini:

Me TOOO!

:great: :great: :great:

 

[Guerrmo]

The continued references on the news and in this thread to the value of the Google Maps search as damaging evindence is making me a little crazy (or crazier). You guys are probably right that it was damaging to BC. It was troubling and suspicious. But it's true value as evidence has been greatly overstated to both the public and apparently to the jury.

Do me a favor. Do a Google Maps search of your own address. Then walk out in your front yard and compare the image on your computer screen with the real life image around you. What will be glaringly obvious to you is that the computer image, in the vast majority of cases, is decidely different from the reality around you, just as the current forested Google Maps image of what exists on Fielding Drive, is deciedly different than the new houses, playground, etc... that are actually there. This would have been obvious to BC as well. No one in their right mind would use Google Maps to pick, preview, or view a spot to dump a body.

I have no doubt that this piece of evidence damaged BC, largely because it was not adequately rebutted, but the Google Maps search, in truth, proved very little.

 

[azwildcat]

I'm not sure how I feel about this case. I know I've been mostly a lurker (and a lurker for a much longer time than my signup date suggests) but I've enjoyed reading the insights from both sides. I'm still not sure how I feel. My initial reaction, when she first went missing and was found, was that BC did it. Then the more I read the more I wondered and I had hoped by the end of the trial I'd feel firmly one way or the other. I don't.

Maybe I shouldn't follow cases closely. This case and the case about the St. Johns, AZ boy have left me with more questions than answers.

 

[Madeleine74]

Being deposed wasn't optional for BC. The Rentzes subpoenaed him to give his testimony in a deposition and he was required to attend. He could have asserted his 5th Amendment right against self incrimination, but by doing so in a civil trial it allows the trier of fact to infer that his answer to the question posed would have been adverse to his position.

It was totally optional. It wasn't optional if he wanted to continue fighting to get his kids back, because had he refused, he would have defaulted on the custody suit. But yes, it was optional.

Someone asked way upstream who was the prosecution's best witness: I think it was Brad Cooper himself. The jury saw him lie for most of the 6+ hrs of deposition they watched. That deposition allowed the jury to compare BC's version of events, from his own mouth, to the evidence.

Remember that the jury asked for pictures of Nancy at Fielding Dr. That jury saw evidence none of us did. The body itself was evidence. WE didn't see all of the evidence in the case. We only heard about it. The jury saw it all and had it all to examine during deliberations.

I said it before, but the person who cooked Brad Cooper's goose was none other than Brad Cooper. First and last time he ever cooked.

 

[less0305]

Hi less!!! :great:

Exacta-mundo!

Scuse me bargin in ... Missed ya since I resurfaced from cyber space. Sent you a pm.

Hey Miss PSA (Annie)!!!! I love PSA - always makes me think of Public Service Announcement (which your posts are always a public service announcement for me!!!!!) I'm sooooo glad you're back! And I'm so glad you are YOU! Tell it like it is, honey - keeping it real !!! I got your PM - we've got some more trial watching to do, so pack your bags, put your phones on hold, grab a cup of joe, and let's get these shows on the road... Central Prison has a few more vacancies!!!

 

[cody100]

Hi cody .... y'ole sparrin pardner here, lol. OK ... do you seriously believe that all through this trial that the map was the only "bit" that did it? Despite many crucial hours of critical FBI testimony none of us were privy to? Despite the enormous amount of lies, deception and evasiveness in Brad's depos?

What about the inconsistencies? The way he bullied her? Cutting her off and isolating her in her own "stolen freedom" ?

I think the jury studied the entire program, here. And I think what Det Daniels said "take away all the techno gibberish - this was domestic violence at its worst" (or words to that effect) ... rang true for 12 intelligent, capable and dedicated citizens. Immense trial. Immense emotion.

Commendable if not historic team effort by CPD and prosecution. The nay-sayers will always knock LE. So be it. Justice won. Rest in Peace Nancy Cooper. BC finally cooked his goose.

First, I am fine with the verdict. My opinion only (from a left side brain thinker) is the map was tangible evidence of premeditation. Sure, there were other things (some we could argue over, preferably with a glass of wine), but IMO the map was very visual evidence of pre-planning (I still would love to have some answers on several questions regarding that and no, I did not see the FBI testimony on the maps). I respect the jury for their dedication and assessment of the trial. Domestic Violence is a very horrible thing, and for some reason here in NC we have had our share and more of this. I think any criticism of LE should be evaluated by the agencies in an effort to review their procedures. They got it done, but it was bumpy in spots. Now may we all go on to the next trial.

 

[Cheyenne130]

The problem that I have with the importance of the google map search is that it is one small act that had nothing to do with the actual murder. What if he hadn't looked at that spot in google maps on his computer? He still would have killed Nancy but would he be a free man now except for that one mistake? I am curious to find out what the jury focused on if they ever decide to speak out. I found him to be guilty based on the evidence presented before the google map was ever mentioned.

 

[cody100]

The problem that I have with the importance of the google map search is that it is one small act that had nothing to do with the actual murder. What if he hadn't looked at that spot in google maps on his computer? He still would have killed Nancy but would he be a free man now except for that one mistake? I am curious to find out what the jury focused on if they ever decide to speak out. I found him to be guilty based on the evidence presented before the google map was ever mentioned.

That is a very interesting question. I would like to know the answer to that piece of question. I will always think that would be a very big act in showing his pre-planning. I think the answer to the question might lie in how analytical they are and what other pieces of information they had that we might not know. I hope they will talk. But I respect their wishes should they prefer to remain quiet.

 

[less0305]

The continued references on the news and in this thread to the value of the Google Maps search as damaging evindence is making me a little crazy (or crazier). You guys are probably right that it was damaging to BC. It was troubling and suspicious. But it's true value as evidence has been greatly overstated to both the public and apparently to the jury.

Do me a favor. Do a Google Maps search of your own address. Then walk out in your front yard and compare the image on your computer screen with the real life image around you. What will be glaringly obvious to you is that the computer image, in the vast majority of cases, is decidely different from the reality around you, just as the current forested Google Maps image of what exists on Fielding Drive, is deciedly different than the new houses, playground, etc... that are actually there. This would have been obvious to BC as well. No one in their right mind would use Google Maps to pick, preview, or view a spot to dump a body.

I have no doubt that this piece of evidence damaged BC, largely because it was not adequately rebutted, but the Google Maps search, in truth, proved very little.

I'll never believe the google search MADE his decision or HELPED him decide where to put Nancy's body - I believe he made that decision long before in a car or on a run or on a bike ride and the google search the day before was just a "souvenir" type action - salivating in anticipation of exactly what would transpire in just a few short hours. I think he looked up that spot again for one purpose only and that was to "live it out" in his mind where he would finally put her lifeless deadly silent body - where she would finally have a face full of dirt and nothing - absolutely nothing - she could say or do to cause him any more trouble or expense. That search and zooming in was a trophy for him - and nothing more. MOO.

 

[PolkSaladAnnie]

You are right about eye witness testimony. He did not acknowledge anyone, and I thought that was indicative of his shock, perhaps his coldness or detachment. I would guess his parents are gravely pained. I hope in time they can see those two precious girls. How gracious of NC's family to reach out.

Cody, you're so right. Kind words you used there. Correct. Nancy came from a wonderful family and despite the attempts of some to trash her good name - NC was actually a decent, normal, everyday gal going through an acrimonious end to a marriage. A much loved sister, daughter, niece, cousin, aunt, friend and adored mama of B & K. Didn'r deserve to be murdered by an avaricious and vindictively revengeful husband. Less is RIGHT! Opt for divorce - pay the school fees and get on with your life.

"Snoopin and hollerin and isolatin and hatin" = LOSER :loser: But then, that's all IMOO. Brad chose his road ahead. What was once a bright future is now a cold, dark, empty, lonely little ole prison cell.

 

[Guerrmo]

The problem that I have with the importance of the google map search is that it is one small act that had nothing to do with the actual murder. What if he hadn't looked at that spot in google maps on his computer? He still would have killed Nancy but would he be a free man now except for that one mistake? I am curious to find out what the jury focused on if they ever decide to speak out. I found him to be guilty based on the evidence presented before the google map was ever mentioned.

I was referring more to the bloggers who cited the Google Maps thing as what knocked them off of the fence. As I understand it, the new services also reported that the Google Maps search was the most damaging piece of evidence. But to be fair, I'm not sure how they came to this conclusion, since none of the jurors, as far as I know, has spoken to the press. This and the attempt to wipe his hard drive were the most troubling things to me personally, but still fell short of what I personally would need to vote for a guilty verdict. There were lots of circuitous lines between the evidence, BC and this crime. What I would have liked to have had is at least one straight line.

 

[cody100]

The continued references on the news and in this thread to the value of the Google Maps search as damaging evindence is making me a little crazy (or crazier). You guys are probably right that it was damaging to BC. It was troubling and suspicious. But it's true value as evidence has been greatly overstated to both the public and apparently to the jury.

Do me a favor. Do a Google Maps search of your own address. Then walk out in your front yard and compare the image on your computer screen with the real life image around you. What will be glaringly obvious to you is that the computer image, in the vast majority of cases, is decidely different from the reality around you, just as the current forested Google Maps image of what exists on Fielding Drive, is deciedly different than the new houses, playground, etc... that are actually there. This would have been obvious to BC as well. No one in their right mind would use Google Maps to pick, preview, or view a spot to dump a body.

I have no doubt that this piece of evidence damaged BC, largely because it was not adequately rebutted, but the Google Maps search, in truth, proved very little.

Again, I agree with you. It was not adequately rebutted, but the jurors probably don't know that. ANd yes, it was a damaging piece of evidence for BC IMO.

 

[PolkSaladAnnie]

The problem that I have with the importance of the google map search is that it is one small act that had nothing to do with the actual murder. What if he hadn't looked at that spot in google maps on his computer? He still would have killed Nancy but would he be a free man now except for that one mistake? I am curious to find out what the jury focused on if they ever decide to speak out. I found him to be guilty based on the evidence presented before the google map was ever mentioned.

Hi Cheyenne! Ditto - he was guilty in my book in 2008 ... about 2 days into NC's (then) missing person case. I lurked in this trial ... but the passionate belief grew in me and I did not falter (er, thanks for lyrics there, George Michael)

So, like you, I would really like to know which pieces of the jig-saw puzzle "did it for the jury". Hmmm, very interesting angle you've adopted here ...

 

[cody100]

Cody, you're so right. Kind words you used there. Correct. Nancy came from a wonderful family and despite the attempts of some to trash her good name - NC was actually a decent, normal, everyday gal going through an acrimonious end to a marriage. A much loved sister, daughter, niece, cousin, aunt, friend and adored mama of B & K. Didn'r deserve to be murdered by an avaricious and vindictively revengeful husband. Less is RIGHT! Opt for divorce - pay the school fees and get on with your life.

"Snoopin and hollerin and isolatin and hatin" = LOSER :loser: But then, that's all IMOO. Brad chose his road ahead. What was once a bright future is now a cold, dark, empty, lonely little ole prison cell.

Well, the divorce agreement would have been greatly modified in the end IMO, and no one deserves to be killed as NC was. She did come from a wonderful family. She and BC both had their flaws and extra marital affairs. Sadly, all of that had to come out in trial, but basically she seemed to be a loving person and a great mother.

 

[PolkSaladAnnie]

Hey Miss PSA (Annie)!!!! I love PSA - always makes me think of Public Service Announcement (which your posts are always a public service announcement for me!!!!!) I'm sooooo glad you're back! And I'm so glad you are YOU! Tell it like it is, honey - keeping it real !!! I got your PM - we've got some more trial watching to do, so pack your bags, put your phones on hold, grab a cup of joe, and let's get these shows on the road... Central Prison has a few more vacancies!!!

:floorlaugh: oh less0305 ..... thank you. You're the best. Straight from the heart. Guess this is our first date with the girls (hens???) - hahaha - hubby says "OK" ... so yeah, got me cuppa joe, hoodie, blankie and chucked all the techno-geek-speak stuff away. No VOiP's in Jason Young's trial, either, thank heavens!

See you at the ringside seats ...

:yourock:

 

[Guerrmo]

I'll never believe the google search MADE his decision or HELPED him decide where to put Nancy's body - I believe he made that decision long before in a car or on a run or on a bike ride and the google search the day before was just a "souvenir" type action - salivating in anticipation of exactly what would transpire in just a few short hours. I think he looked up that spot again for one purpose only and that was to "live it out" in his mind where he would finally put her lifeless deadly silent body - where she would finally have a face full of dirt and nothing - absolutely nothing - she could say or do to cause him any more trouble or expense. That search and zooming in was a trophy for him - and nothing more. MOO.

Respectfully...everything you've stated is possible, but what you're really describing is a Hollywood-like characterization of a serial killer, and entirely unproven. Even if it is true, it would have been immediately obvious to BC, as soon as he clicked the search button, that Google Maps was a completely useless tool for "collecting souvenirs and/or trophies".

 

[CrimeAddict]

At times the defense placed doubt in me, just as Mr. Rentz stated it occured with him. The defense did present a strong case, which I can't deny.

However, I had flashbacks of the custody hearing and RKAB postings. Narcossistic personality, an IQ in 99%. Remembering he can't take defeat, because it is about controlling and winning.
The one day I attended the trial was the day Mrs Rentz took the stand. While waiting for the jury to leave for the day she remained on the stand, she was weeping, she tilted her head towards her shoulder and looked at BC wih begging eyes. You could read what she was asking, "WHY?" She did this for several minutes, she was so weak, and all she wanted was eye contact. He refused to look up.

With the CE presented and my 2 days in court...BC is GUILTY as charged.

RIP Nancy

Thank you for letting us know your thoughts of seeing it first hand. At least we can walk away with justice for the rentz family.

 

[PolkSaladAnnie]

Well, the divorce agreement would have been greatly modified in the end IMO, and no one deserves to be killed as NC was. She did come from a wonderful family. She and BC both had their flaws and extra marital affairs. Sadly, all of that had to come out in trial, but basically she seemed to be a loving person and a great mother.

OK. OUT with it, cody! Fess up ... WHO paid you to be so darn nice & decent; fair & level headed? Posters like you are few and far between, IMO ... :crazy:

Yep - and everyone deserves love and should not be denied warm arms to hold them. BC and NC were extreme poles apart: love elsewhere was clearly a thing on both of their horizons. HE ... put an end to his own future loving ... by strangling the love out of NC.

How very ironic that the thing he craved was also taken by his own hands. A little bit of Paris was to be his Paradise, perhaps? Well, I'll betcha Miss. Paris is fearfully rushing back up those "cobbled streets" around Eiffel Tower that Scotty described to AF in his equally FAKED CALLS!

The gaul of these types of men! Ugh!

 

[gbay]

Great news, cody! See you in the JY forum - now that's a case *very* close to me - and many here, too.

BTW - I leaped from here to Vincent Tabak - and just as I thought - the monster *confessed* to (manslaughter) murdering Jo Yeates. Man oh man ... what is it with these people? Guess murder is older than the world's most popular and longstanding "profession", eh?

From there I stopped back at Wral's twitter-box (still don't know how twit works - just read these eternal rollin messages). Boy! Was there ever another ugly bun-fight in that place. Scary is as scary does! How can people post F words and what have you all over the 'Net? Just does me 'ole head in! Don't ever want to tweet if that's how strangers respond. Methinks the 'Net is a den of evil sometimes. Wow.

Oh...i will have to go and read about Vincent Tabak I had been somewhat following the case as I was in England when it all happened and it was in all over the news. Glad you mentioned it here!!

 

[less0305]

Respectfully...everything you've stated is possible, but what you're really describing is a Hollywood-like characterization of a serial killer, and entirely unproven. Even if it is true, it would have been immediately obvious to BC, as soon as he clicked the search button, that Google Maps was a completely useless tool for "collecting souvenirs and/or trophies".

I bet he's thinking so now, anyway - useless, cuz it did him in!