At trial, the Fifth Amendment gives a criminal defendant the right not to testify. This means that the prosecutor, the judge, and even the defendant's own lawyer cannot force the defendant to take the witness stand against his or her will.
If EA were to take the stand, then he could be asked about everything and anything JMHO. And all his interviews and statements used against him to impeach his testimony. There was some testimony that showed not all he said were lies. Yes he lied. And I do not take that lightly. But also can see options why he would that could be reasons of innocence too. Yes it is very suspicious that he last one see with her and she missing but it is not as cut and dry. Testimony from the PPD Witnesses didn't even agree, and Lead Det didn't know about some of the evidence questioned about. JMHO
Sometimes (not saying in this case just in general) truth can be twisted to fit a theory.
Example: boy seen throwing rocks by neighbor. Neighbor gets onto boy, boy leaves area, neighbor goes on about his business. Next morning neighbor sees her car has a broken window. Sees rocks on ground.
Fact boy was throwing rocks, neighbor did get onto boy. Did boy throw the rock that broke window? Neighbor may think so, files police report go trial (hang with me, I know this is out there and a lot diff) But at trial, State could ask the boy only enough questions to make their theory work. Boy throwing rocks, neighbor got onto, boy got mad at neighbor for spoiling his fun.
But what if boy went home after neighbor got on to him and did nothing wrong? What if another kid mowing grass and a rock flew out broke window, no one else sees and he doesn't want to get in trouble so says nothing.
I respect your opinion, and that is your Fifth Amendment Right, and your are free give up that right, if YOU so choose. But only if YOU choose. Doesn't matter what anyone else thinks about it. But a jury is instructed that it can not be held against you for not testifying.
JMHO
