GUILTY TX - Former Dallas Police Officer Amber Guyger, indicted for Murder of Botham Shem Jean #6

[Amster]

Jury being dismissed til Monday

 

[mickey2942]

I got the lawn mowed

I have to break out the snow shovel. For the defense witnesses.

(It is actually snowing outside).

 

[CrimeDawg123]

I think the defence has scored a huge own goal. The string of witnesses testifying that they accidentally wander into each other's apartments does her no favours, quite the opposite IMO. What she should have done was what the rest of the tenants probably did; had a little look around, realised she was in the wrong place, apologised and left. Even if she was in her apartment and there was someone else inside it could have been anyone, the maintenance man, a friend or relative dropped in to surprise her, fire dept checking something out. But no, she goes straight to "I'm in fear for my life, I must shoot to kill." Her defence is ludicrous.

It's easy to excuse her actions by presuming she must have some kind of psychiatric or emotional condition but there is no testimony for this so we must presume that she hasn't.

My dad was a police officer for nearly 40 years, was almost killed more than once. I think I was 4 years old when I realised that every time he went to work might be the last time I saw him. He policed the poll tax riots, the race riots 1981 and many more (if you are not from the UK or not familiar with these events, look it up. It was brutal.) He once didn't come home for 5 days and 5 nights, my mum didn't even know if he was alive. He would come home from the most difficult, soul destroying shifts and lovingly tuck us into bed. Not once have I ever seen him raise so much as his voice in aggression, let alone a weapon. Being a police officer is no defence, in fact IMO it makes it worse.

Thank you very much @AllyBeeUK for weighing in and sharing your experiences. Excellent post.

 

[Weki]

So if she’s convicted of murder the minimum is 5 years and the max is 99 years and the jury will decide. This defense atty on ABC also thinks the lesser included charges will be dropped based on AG’s testimony - namely, saying she intended to kill. So state of mind doesn’t align with manslaughter or negligent homicide.

So it’s likely even if she’s convicted of murder, jury could be lenient on time to be served. Smh. I think the appropriate sentence is a minimum of 25 years but I’m expecting 10 max.

 

[CrimeDawg123]

So if she’s convicted of murder the minimum is 5 years and the max is 99 years and the jury will decide. This defense atty on ABC also thinks the lesser included charges will be dropped based on AG’s testimony - namely, saying she intended to kill. So state of mind doesn’t align with manslaughter or negligent homicide.

So it’s likely even if she’s convicted of murder, jury could be lenient on time to be served. Smh. I think the appropriate sentence is a minimum of 25 years but I’m expecting 10 max.

The defense lawyer on WFAA explained this as well. Paraphrasing - based on the Texas statutes, based on the fact that she stated several times she intended to kill him when she fired her weapon, then murder is the appropriate charge. People are drawn to manslaughter because AG didn't plan to kill him but that is not the way the law is written.

 

[Jax49]

Looking forward to jury instructions.

 

[iluvmua]

@iluvmua Why would you vote for manslaughter vs. murder?

Because this is a Manslaughter case

 

[kim.kitchenstupman]

If I were on the jury I would vote for Manslaughter

I would never vote for murder.
Manslaughter ...maybe.
Negligent homicide....yes

 

[Mickey Mouse]

Reporter saying she thinks the defense is done, and will formally rest first thing Monday.

 

[CrimeDawg123]

Because this is a Manslaughter case

But WHY do you say that? I just heard a defense lawyer say the exact opposite. I'm trying to understand what you are basing this on.

 

[CrimeDawg123]

I would never vote for murder.
Manslaughter ...maybe.
Negligent homicide....yes

WHY? Have you read the statutes?

 

[iluvmua]

Initially I would have also voted manslaughter. But after the past couple of days, I would now vote for negligent homicide. jmo

Does negligent homicide get less time?

I know manslaughter is between 2 to 20 years.

 

[Jax49]

So if she’s convicted of murder the minimum is 5 years and the max is 99 years and the jury will decide. This defense atty on ABC also thinks the lesser included charges will be dropped based on AG’s testimony - namely, saying she intended to kill. So state of mind doesn’t align with manslaughter or negligent homicide.

So it’s likely even if she’s convicted of murder, jury could be lenient on time to be served. Smh. I think the appropriate sentence is a minimum of 25 years but I’m expecting 10 max.

One correction, is appears life is a possible sentence.

5 to 99 years or life (possibility of parole after at least 30 years)

 

[iluvmua]

But WHY do you say that? I just heard a defense lawyer say the exact opposite. I'm trying to understand what you are basing this on.

The DA overcharged.

The DA is trying to get people to believe that she purposely had it out for Mr. Jean.

 

[CrimeDawg123]

The DA overcharged.

The DA is trying to get people to believe that she purposely had it out for Mr. Jean.

Can you cite a reference? With all due respect, I completely disagree. I have not heard, nor read ANYthing to indicate that.

 

[Jax49]

The defense lawyer on WFAA explained this as well. Paraphrasing - based on the Texas statutes, based on the fact that she stated several times she intended to kill him when she fired her weapon, then murder is the appropriate charge. People are drawn to manslaughter because AG didn't plan to kill him but that is not the way the law is written.

Exactly, the law in Texas is different than most states.

 

[iluvmua]

So what is the motive in this case?

 

[HongKongPhooey]

Please can someone clarify what she is charged with? And if it's murder, why is manslaughter a possible outcome?

 

[HongKongPhooey]

So what is the motive in this case?

Does there need to be one, legally?

 

[iluvmua]

Please can someone clarify what she is charged with? And if it's murder, why is manslaughter a possible outcome?

They can vote on lesser charges