trial day 33: the defense continues its case in chief #96

[Rosemary Pierce]

It's going to be funny watching Wilmott try and to to the state experts what Juan did to theirs and seeing it not happen, at all. Just like the ME. I find it hard to believe Wilmott is an experienced DP trial lawyer. She seems in over her head. They have made dumb move after dumb move.

Did Willmott do the cross on Dr. Horn? I have seen the direct...but not the cross. I need to watch it.

 

[AuburnSchnauzer]

This was a reader's review on Amazon regarding Ms. LaViolette's book "It Could Happen to Anyone:Why Battered Women Stay.

While I thought this book was good, all I can hope, after hearing that Ms. LaViolette is to be the Domestic Violence Expert for the Jodi Arias DEFENSE, is that Ms LaViolette does not end up prostituting herself for a buck to the point that she ends up hurting the many REAL abuse victims out there who are in DIRE need of being able to convince juries- when it is TRUE and REAL- that they have been victims of abuse and had NO OPTION BUT to resort to self defense.

The Jodi Arias case is a whole other animal and in no way has anything to do with authentic domestic violence. It is NOT about self defense. It is about manipulating a jury via the only possible defense someone like her could possibly come up with. It is to sucker punch every woman who has found herself made black & blue-physically, emotionally and via mind games- by their abuser. Listening to Jodi Arias and her defense tell this ridiculous story, is to KNOW this is not what happened. And I find it particularly reprehensible the way Jodi Arias has decided to continue the slaughter against Travis Alexander and his family by telling such heinous lies that have no corroborating evidence WHATSOEVER. And honestly, I find that the so-called professionals that are assisting her in this LIE of a defense are almost as reprehensible.

Ms LaViolette has yet to give her testimony. If Ms LaViolette truly cares about battered women, she will speak only in generalities about abuse while on the stand and stay far away from giving Arias - specifically- credibility when it comes to her specific situation. And when the prosecutor asks her whether Arias could be lying about everything- that she (Ms LaViolette) does not deny this could be also true. But To go out of her way to insist that Jodi Arias is a battered women, when there is not one iota of independant corroboration that speaks to this situation as anything more than a dysfunctional relationship by two enthusiastic and consenting adults, and give legitimacy to this LIE, imo would tell me more about the ethics and authenticity of a purported "professional" than it would anything about Ms. Arias. I get that people are entitled to a defense, but to GIVE credibility to what Jodi Arias is saying is to deny any commitment a person has to helping women who deal everyday with very real terror.

I'm with you - Is MsLav at the end of her career? Must be - Big risk by testifying about someone she does not know.

 

[katydid23]

I'm no expert, but to me, that was a BIG moment today. Not only did he say that JA said she ran into the hallway once, but he said it twice EVEN after studying his notes. JM asked the Judge if that answer could stand and they went to sidebar. JM didn't look happy walking away, so I would assume the answer won't be admitted? Hey-Hey!!! The Jurors heard him say it TWICE.

I agree. And it started even before that when he bumbled and said she pulled out the gun and pointed it at Travis IN THE CLOSET.

And this was JW's face=

Dr: "She ran through the closet and that was when the gun was held up."

Willmot [] "And Do you remember her telling you that she exited the closet door?"

Dr: Ummm yes..through to an adjoining closet or the hallway, bedroom or something I believe...:clown: :clown:

 

[magpie]

I don't think it is over, I think Wilmont just said it was a good time to end. It was 4:30

This is what I think too, Wilmott will continue Wednesday @1pm, their time, IMO. Any idea why we are starting late in the morning? I've had no time to read the threads today, had to be gone all day for my precious grandson's 4th B-day so I caught up by watching the YouTubes provided by croakerqueen123, much thanks for the videos!

OK, so in the 3rd/last video at about 45 minutes I was watching Jodi digging at the bottom of her right thumb with the lead of one of those stubby pencils they give her to write with. After a short period of time she quickly put both hands under the table as if she realized the camera might be on her or someone was watching, but it appeared she continued with the digging action on her right thumbunder the table. Jodi's face was just a very flat affect as she did this digging with the lead of the pencil the entire time. I am so curious as to why she was doing this. :waitasec: Was she trying to inflict pain to stay awake or something? Maybe she has a condition that makes her crave pain? What the heck? I cannot figure this out. I continued to watch her hands but saw no blood, so I dunno what the crazy "blankety blank" was doing.

This is the video, about 45 minutes into it was where I saw this crazy digging action with the pencil going on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtqwJtMFJII

And is it just me, or was that top she was wearing totally inappropriate for court? I would have told her to keep that darn jacket ON had I been Wilmott.

Oh, and ever since someone mentioned Jodi slipping an ink pen into her notebook the other day I am totally OCD about counting Wilmotts ink pens in that cuppy thing that was left entirely too close to Jodi all day. That viper could go nuts, grab an ink pen and stab someone in the eye, ear, heart, wherever/whoever she took a notion to stab ... or maybe I just need some sleep, I dunno. :facepalm:

 

[paperwing]

Makes me wonder what his other trials were like. People bought this act?

To me it has been an act. Trotting out the books is to project erudition and authority. Especially that suitcase he rolled in yesterday!

Apart from his obvious bias, he came across as lazy, an actor depending upon his ability to establish an easy rapport with the jury. Until JM came along.

I don't think it's an act. I think he hasn't been challenged to this degree before. And I believe he is absolutely NOT up to said challenge (Juan Martinez).

I think he found that he loved to get paid without having to do 'therapy', and got too comfortable and doesn't have a heck of a lot of common sense. He seems like someone who is easily duped (maybe a factor in why he doesn't counsel the general citizenry. From what I've seen, we can all be thankful for that.

He seems like the type of therapist who would be a Godsend to those who have ulterior motives. The jails, I imagine, are full of malingerers. He doesn't seem capable of doing his job appropriately or sufficiently well.

This trial may prove to harm his standing. I'd be surprised if it didn't.

I do not think he's pretending. I don't think he's all that smart, is all. jmv

 

[AuburnSchnauzer]

I agree. And it started even before that when he bumbled and said she pulled out the gun and pointed it at Travis IN THE CLOSET.

And this was JW's face=

Dr: "She ran through the closet and that was when the gun was held up."

Willmot [] "And Do you remember her telling you that she exited the closet door?"

Dr: Ummm yes..through to an adjoining closet or the hallway, bedroom or something I believe...:clown: :clown:

Don't worry, friend - The Jurors heard it too.....

 

[paperwing]

That chewing baby thing is the worst. Also my bobbin thread kept tangling in the feed dogs. At least that tv station feed is no commercials.

Hat - if this is akin to some form of haiku - it's brilliant.

I love this post.

 

[AngelWings444]

Hope everything is okay... :seeya:

Yes! I had posted that I didn't tweet and another word that came out wrong. Didn't want to get in trouble with the mods. Someone quoted it, so if it's still there, maybe it was ok. :seeya:

 

[Rosemary Pierce]

This is what I think too, Wilmott will continue Wednesday @1pm, their time, IMO. Any idea why we are starting late in the morning? I've had no time to read the threads today, had to be gone all day for my precious grandson's 4th B-day so I caught up by watching the YouTubes provided by croakerqueen123, much thanks for the videos!

OK, so in the 3rd/last video at about 45 minutes I was watching Jodi digging at the bottom of her right thumb with the lead of one of those stubby pencils they give her to write with. After a short period of time she quickly put both hands under the table as if she realized the camera might be on her or someone was watching, but it appeared she continued with the digging action on her right thumbunder the table. Jodi's face was just a very flat affect as she did this digging with the lead of the pencil the entire time. I am so curious as to why she was doing this. :waitasec: Was she trying to inflict pain to stay awake or something? Maybe she has a condition that makes her crave pain? What the heck? I cannot figure this out. I continued to watch her hands but saw no blood, so I dunno what the crazy "blankety blank" was doing.

This is the video, about 45 minutes into it was where I saw this crazy digging action with the pencil going on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtqwJtMFJII

And is it just me, or was that top she was wearing totally inappropriate for court? I would have told her to keep that darn jacket ON had I been Wilmott.

Oh, and ever since someone mentioned Jodi slipping an ink pen into her notebook the other day I am totally OCD about counting Wilmotts ink pens in that cuppy thing that was left entirely too close to Jodi all day. That viper could go nuts, grab an ink pen and stab someone in the eye, ear, heart, wherever/whoever she took a notion to stab ... or maybe I just need some sleep, I dunno. :facepalm:

lol, I have no idea what she is doing. Ughh the leading that was going on by Willmott was disgusting.

 

[magpie]

I agree. And it started even before that when he bumbled and said she pulled out the gun and pointed it at Travis IN THE CLOSET.

And this was JW's face=

Dr: "She ran through the closet and that was when the gun was held up."

Willmot [] "And Do you remember her telling you that she exited the closet door?"

Dr: Ummm yes..through to an adjoining closet or the hallway, bedroom or something I believe...:clown: :clown:

Oh yes! That was fun to watch, wasn't it! :floorlaugh: I was lol'ing all over the place when that happened.

And as I mentioned before, had to catch up via YouTube today, I really missed all of you... But I loved the facial expressions, eye rolling, and shaking heads NO - done almost like synchronized swimming by Willmott and Jodi at the same time when Juan was giving Samuels he11 at one point. :great:

 

[thefragile7393]

Did Willmott do the cross on Dr. Horn? I have seen the direct...but not the cross. I need to watch it.

SHe did and it was painful. She came off as a giddy school girl getting to talk to Harry Styles.

 

[sourgrapes]

Not needed - We do not question the room-mates. Jodi Arias is the person that slaughtered Travis.

I'm not questioning the roommates. That is not my intention, for having the house layout. I did say that may explain the reason for their not noticing the smell; however, that isn't cause for my curiosity.

Thank you, for letting me know that JA is indeed the person that "slaughtered Travis". :doh: That should take care of all of my curiosities about this case.

 

[thefragile7393]

If she gets LWOP I guess I will be okay with it, but I am definitely hoping she gets the DP. IMO she deserves it. Not just because of the premeditation, and brutality of the crime....but also because of her actions afterward. Sending the grandmother the flowers, and contactng the family with an 18 pg. letter (full of bs). Plus having ZERO remorse.

The DP is on the books for a reason....and this case screams out for it IMO.

LWOP would be the worst place for her....but she wouldn't be the only socio/psychopath in gen pop. They thrive in that environment. I want her in an environment where she does not thrive and being alone most of the time with no one to listen to her, enable her, no one to be manipulated, is the worst punishment for her.

 

[marciec]

Did Willmott do the cross on Dr. Horn? I have seen the direct...but not the cross. I need to watch it.

You won't BELIEVE how awkward & uncomfortable that cross exam is! IMO, the worst of the trial so far.. Maybe it's because Dr. Horn did such a GREAT job on direct; he was easy to follow, didn't appear to be a "full of himself" doctor, and not too difficult on the eyes either! Between Juan Martinez and Dr. Horn, it was perfect ~ then JW gets up..QUICKLY went down hill, and even the Dr. looked at her several times in disbelief at her questions..

 

[Rosemary Pierce]

SHe did and it was painful. She came off as a giddy school girl getting to talk to Harry Styles.

:floorlaugh: I will definitely watch that shortly!

 

[thefragile7393]

Not needed - We do not question the room-mates. Jodi Arias is the person that slaughtered Travis.

She isn't questioning the roommates, she was asking about the layout and trying to figure out why and how the smell wasn't noticed for a while. Two different things.

 

[wishinuall]

LOVE THIS MOMENT:

Willmott is trying to get the Doctor to testify as to where Jodi ran when she got the gun.

He said "down the hallway"

she says "you mean the bathroom?"

Doc: "oh wait oh wait let me look, I want to be sure"

Willmott: "this is important"

Doc: "++page flipping, checking....still checking+++Ok, the hallway"

Objection (JM) ...then JM says "Your honor can we let the answer stand" (Because Hallway is a bad answer LOL he just realized, he sort of objected as the Doc said Hallway)

Willmott: Um, Judge, no??? (with a big smile on her face like Really? its a very bad answer for us, of course you want it to stand"

LOLLLL love it

BUT!! Then she goes into what Jodi tells him happened after she shot him, blah, blah, blah, and where she went after she shot him...he glances at his notes & says "SHE RAN BACK TO THE BATHROOM"!!!!! That shouldn't sit to well with the juror's since she was supposed to have already been in there! I just caught that at the very end of NG while watching it rerun. I have no doubt it's surely been addressed here already, but I cannot keep up with y'all!! Still, it's so nice to get to pop in when I get so excited to hash it out here! I just love all my sleuth friends! OK, back to reading:seeya: Oh yea! Also, finally the TH's are talking about that last photo of Travis & it being eye level, was he sitting down...BUT! Those savvy juror's already got that answer straight from the killer's mouth. The question was, "Was Travis still sitting when you took that last picture?" She replied "yes"! That's my all time favorite, he absolutely could not have lunged out & body slammed her from a sitting position with out giving her time to get out of his way! OK, I'm really done now!

 

[thefragile7393]

You won't BELIEVE how awkward & uncomfortable that cross exam is! IMO, the worst of the trial so far.. Maybe it's because Dr. Horn did such a GREAT job on direct; he was easy to follow, didn't appear to be a "full of himself" doctor, and not too difficult on the eyes either! Between Juan Martinez and Dr. Horn, it was perfect ~ then JW gets up..QUICKLY went down hill, and even the Dr. looked at her several times in disbelief at her questions..

She was asking about scalp wounds and (I think) she meant to ask if the scalp bleeds easily if wounded (it does...they tend to bleed A LOT) but she ended up phrasing it differently and the doctor gave her this strange look and said "Yes....the scalp does bleed..."
It's not so funny when I type it but watching it is hilarious like he was thinking "how much more into layman's terms can I phrase this?"

 

[AngelWings444]

Per the Old Farmer's Almanac - the high temp for June 4, 2008 was about 90.

Interestingly, the high temp (this is usually from about noon to dusk, in general) on the 7th and 8th, it's 103. On the 9th it's 105. On the 10th it's 108. Temps recorded a PHX (Sky Harbor - not far from Mesa).

That there was no smell on the 4th makes sense. The temp that day per decomp doesn't seem too relevant. The temperature rose pretty significantly in the days before Travis was found, which makes sense.

But still, 90 in AZ does not give any of us the idea, "Hey! I'll wear a sweatshirt today!" Not unless it's to conceal something imv.

Here are the temps/weather for June 4, 5, and 6th in Mesa.

June 4, 94° / 63° , 0.00 in, 27% / 8% , 29.65, 29.41, 28 MPH from 250° , 41° / 21°

June 5, 89° / 67°, 0.00 in, 38% / 12% , 29.81, 29.53, 21 MPH from 240° , 44° / 23°

June 6, 98° / 62° , 0.00 in, 31% / 8% , 29.88, 29.71, 13 MPH from 170° , 35° / 23°

Here is the link. http://www.mesa.azweather.com/archives/2008daily.html

It was unusually low the day of the murder and the following day. I am surprised the lows were in the 60's for the week. The other site must have been off a little saying it was in the 70's.

With these temps, it's not unusual for the home to be cool in the evening with the air-conditioning on. I think that was the original conversation, the bill would be $800 a month to cool? I believe that is incorrect.

The "expert" today testified JA was wearing a sweater the day of the murder, which isn't inconceivable considering the temps in the home, the fact she was already wearing sweatpants, black socks, and as you say, she was probably trying to cover her body as much as possible.

Regardless of any of the above, I really feel sorry for the roommates! I believe they live with this nightmare every day and question themselves why they didn't notice. I'm sure they would prefer not knowing they lived in that house with a dead body for so long. My heart breaks for them, finding Travis must have been horrible. I'm sure they will never be able to get that image out of their minds. :cry:

 

[AngelWings444]

Does anyone have a link (if there is a one?) to the layout of Travis's house; the entire house and not just the crime scene?

Did his house have two sets of stairs? I ask this because the stairs seem to be much wider in one of the photos and although it could be due to the angle, it made me wonder if there are two stairways to get to the upstairs rooms.

If there were two sets of stairs, this would explain quite a bit in regards to the roommates not noticing the smell (that is, if they aren't passing Travis's room on the way to their own).

If only one set of stairs, then how are the other rooms positioned? Are they across the landing (the area with the two love seats), from Travis's? Of all the photos, I still haven't seen where the other rooms are in reference to T's room.

There are pictures of the layout of the house at this link:

http://www.hlntv.com/slideshow/2013/01/03/jodi-arias-evidence-photos-nancy-grace-mysteries-day-4