a view from the inside: observations from our own court observers #3

[katiedid2]

MOO. The jury is on to her and her lies. They've seen the photos of what she did. They see her on the stand day after day not affected by the horror of it. I believe she will be convicted and receive the death penalty.

In her case LWOP would mean she'd interact with others, which would benefit her. If given the DP she will be more isolated and have less privileges. It may take 20-30 years for the sentence to be carried out.

I want what Travis' family wants in terms of punishment.

I'd choose isolation over life!
No one to talk with ! besides the walls! Or an occasional fly! On the wall!
Plenty of time to do her wall gymnastics.:floorlaugh:

 

[biggirl]

I'd choose isolation over life!
No one to talk with ! besides the walls! Or an occasional fly! On the wall!
Plenty of time to do her wall gymnastics.:floorlaugh:

And to sing to herself! Is it true she had been crying to the Detective right before this was taped?? What a sick woman. Although maybe she thought if the blood rushed to her brain it would help clear the "fog".

 

[all4justice]

Well since we have to wait for the continuation of the nefArias trial I'm gonna take a nap. fftobed: :seeya:

Bolded and colored by me

Stealing this. Thanks! :great:

 

[minor4th]

Here's the thing. The Judge will give them very specific instructions to determine whether this crime fits the criteria for the requested sentence by the State (Death). They will be given a very specific definition of the word "cruel" as it is used in this context and decide if this trial fits that definition. It's not subjective really. It's a formula. And they are Death qualified meaning every one of them stated they could impose the DP.

This is why I believe they will draw the inevitable conclusion that that sentence fits this crime. They'd have to go outside the box to decide otherwise and I don't see that happening with this jury. She's not sympathetic AT ALL once you realize what she did.

And yes now she's lied directly to THEM and their questions. And I suspect we will see more of that proven as well.

It's true, the jury instructions are very specific and very thorough so as to actually lead the jury to the right conclusion. The only way I can really see a possibility of an acquittal or even conviction of a lesser included offense would be if there is jury nullification -- meaning the jury ignores the law because they don't believe it's fair and arrive at a verdict that is not supported by the evidence.

Same goes for a verdict in favor of death. I do not see how they can find that the death penalty aggravating factors have not been proven, and since this is a death qualified jury, IMO they will give her the death penalty unless there is some huge mitigating evidence that we are unaware of at the moment.

ETA: I have always been a death penalty opponent, and I would not qualify for a death penalty jury -- but I can still look at the law and determine when it's appropriate or not under the law, and I think this is a clear cut death penalty case.

 

[LambChop]

It's true, the jury instructions are very specific and very thorough so as to actually lead the jury to the right conclusion. The only way I can really see a possibility of an acquittal or even conviction of a lesser included offense would be if there is jury nullification -- meaning the jury ignores the law because they don't believe it's fair and arrive at a verdict that is not supported by the evidence.

Same goes for a verdict in favor of death. I do not see how they can find that the death penalty aggravating factors have not been proven, and since this is a death qualified jury, IMO they will give her the death penalty unless there is some huge mitigating evidence that we are unaware of at the moment.

ETA: I have always been a death penalty opponent, and I would not qualify for a death penalty jury -- but I can still look at the law and determine when it's appropriate or not under the law, and I think this is a clear cut death penalty case.

I would have thought Mr. Samuels would have testified at mitigation. Is it possible for him to testify again if Jodi is convicted? If not, it seems to me they are burning a bridge. jmo

 

[minor4th]

I would have thought Mr. Samuels would have testified at mitigation. Is it possible for him to testify again if Jodi is convicted? If not, it seems to me they are burning a bridge. jmo

I was thinking the same thing - that much of his testimony seems like mitigation evidence. I think he is just there to give credibility to Jodi's so-called amnesia. I think he could still be called during mitigation.

As far as burning a bridge, you're right. Same goes for Jodi's trial testimony -- it kind of taints whatever she says in mitigation during penalty phase.

 

[PASA]

I'm going by Anita Richman's juror names list.

Church Lady: Watching R.S.- more attentive than when ja was on the stand.
Trump: Can't see him from where I'm seated
Housewife: Can't see her from where I'm seated
Grandpa: Attentive
Tricolor: Attentive
Nancy: Taking notes
Paul Rudd: Arms crossed, naval intelligence. I've not seen this posture from him before.
CEO: Thinker pose (fist under chin)
Willie: Can't see him from where I'm seated
Barb: Can barely see her. She's either looking ahead or taking notes. I don't see much else from her in the way of body language.
Poquito: Can barely see him. Leans forward. Seems more attentive than when ja was on stand. (When I am able to see him)
Neil: Looks down or forward. Not much different than before
Wrestler (I call him lumberjack): Attentive
CPA: Can't see him from where I'm seated.
Elderly Man: (headphones) Attentive, naval inteligence.
Maureen: Can't see from where I am seated.
Ponytail: Naval Intelligence
Artist: Drinks water, naval intelligence, and thinker pose.

RS goes over his credentials and that he came to AZ from NJ and practiced in both states until his affairs were in order. Then says he does only forensic psychology in AZ.
JW has to remind him of his government work. She's leading him along.

More $$ in forensics than private practice (reading between lines). Cha Ching...
Mentions violent sexual perpetrator cases. Nurmi will be calling on him again, no doubt.

When he's discussing how he was hired in 2009 and Mr. Nurmi came to see him to discuss the case it's so quiet in the courtroom you would hear a pin drop.
Usually someone is whispering, but not during this bit of testabaloney.

I look up and notice the judge has earphones on. iPod?? LOL!! Just kidding... about the iPod, not earphones.
She removes them as RS is finishing up his credentials spiel.

I notice 3 vacant seats in the front row of ja's family. 2 vacant seats in 2nd row of Travis' family side.

I think Lumberjack/Wrestler is the alpha male. Good foreman choice? CEO looks promising, altho' Janine didn't think he would be foreman.

Juan is gonna be on fire when he gets his turn. He will turn this guy into a witness for the prosecution, unless he lies on the stand during cross.

My notes say: Pacifist???? GMAFB!!!! and a box drawn around GMAFB. He says she's more confident. I write "Jail has given her self-esteem LOL!".

More juror observations: (these will be random, as I can't see all of them)

CEO: taking notes
Paul Rudd: arms folded across chest
Nancy aka Nan: Watching the testimony
Lumberjack: Notes

ja's aunt leaves room, comes back a few mins later.

RS is using a laser pointer so what he's pointing to only shows up on the Jumbo-tron which the jury faces.
The other big screens in the courtroom show the brain illustration and article excepts sans red laser dot.

Poquito leaning forward during testimony re: the brain illustrations and adrenaline rush.

RS gives example of mother lifting car when child is pinned underneath. Bingo, ja dragging Travis, easy due to adrenaline rush and wet, bloody tile floor.(I write)

Sidebar: I drink some water, goes down wrong way... coughing. Thankfully hissing/static is on so I'm not heard. LOL!

Testimony goes to fight or flight. I think this will help the state. ja Fighting and attacking Travis, he's trying to flee/Flight. I write Score 4 JM
Fight or flight can affect memory... ja's fog rolling in.
Tricolor taking more notes, Nan adjusting glasses, CPA swiveling back and forth in chair.

Another question goes into the basket, I think it came from elderly headphones man.

Paul Rudd takes a note from the back row and places it into the basket.

I notice the redhead to the right of ja's aunt shaking her head in agreement with testimony re: fight or flight.

I have a little macho dog, Dito. I see Juan as Dito and ja as one of the squeaky toys he shakes the heck out of.. Sorry, it's in my notes, keepin' it real.

Testimony re: diary strengthens memory, I write "I need to start a journal asap". LOL!

Ponytail: chin-hand pose
CEO: notes

Amnesia testimony:
Paul Rudd: Hand on side of his face
CEO: Notes
Tricolor: leaning forward in her seat
Nan: Notes
Ponytail: naval intelligence

Detective Flores leaves the courtroom. Comes back a short time later through a side door. No mystery folder this time.

Person behind asking court official what time break starts. LOL!

Juan objected to one of the slides. It was removed, and after a sidebar was not shown.

More later.

 

[BChand]

If Thursday will be a black out day because a witness cannot attend does that mean that "Gus" will be on the stand till Weds afternoon??

Yes but think positively. Maybe Juan will be getting his turn at him and jurors questions will be asked. We'll get an idea of how they're taking him then.

 

[PASA]

Thanks Pasa! I'll let you know I struggle with going as I feel I'm intruding on the family's tragedy (my momma raised me right) but on the other hand I also feel I'm here in town so many would love the opportunity to be able to go I could contribute beyond my quips & comments to observation for them.

Let me see how Miss No No does this weekend she had a growth between toes on her paw removed so basically incision cut top & bottom of webbing (think your thumb & index finger) with heavy duty stitches. I'll let you know hopefully I can catch happy hour too!

Btw.. :great: "feeling" good about interview today should know next week lease:.. Unlike Katie's big dreams of being University President it's just training physicians & surgeons at the med center

Poor Miss No No. I hope she is much better today. I hate when I have to take one in for surgery. I worry the entire time.

I understand the feeling of intrustion. I keep my distance for the most part unless I'm with someone who knows the family.
I did hear one of the sisters say they appreciate the support and are aware there is a lot of it out there for them.
I believe they see a courtroom full of supporters for Travis, and know they have people who care about them and justice for Travis.

Glad the interview went well. Sending good thoughts on getting the job.

If you can't attend trial, let us know if you want to join for HH.

 

[katiedid2]

I'm going by Anita Richman's juror names list.

Church Lady: Watching R.S.- more attentive than when ja was on the stand.
Trump: Can't see him from where I'm seated
Housewife: Can't see her from where I'm seated
Grandpa: Attentive
Tricolor: Attentive
Nancy: Taking notes
Paul Rudd: Arms crossed, naval intelligence. I've not seen this posture from him before.
CEO: Thinker pose (fist under chin)
Willie: Can't see him from where I'm seated
Barb: Can barely see her. She's either looking ahead or taking notes. I don't see much else from her in the way of body language.
Poquito: Can barely see him. Leans forward. Seems more attentive than when ja was on stand. (When I am able to see him)
Neil: Looks down or forward. Not much different than before
Wrestler (I call him lumberjack): Attentive
CPA: Can't see him from where I'm seated.
Elderly Man: (headphones) Attentive, naval inteligence.
Maureen: Can't see from where I am seated.
Ponytail: Naval Intelligence
Artist: Drinks water, naval intelligence, and thinker pose.

RS goes over his credentials and that he came to AZ from NJ and practiced in both states until his affairs were in order. Then says he does only forensic psychology in AZ.
JW has to remind him of his government work. She's leading him along.

More $$ in forensics than private practice (reading between lines). Cha Ching...
Mentions violent sexual perpetrator cases. Nurmi will be calling on him again, no doubt.

When he's discussing how he was hired in 2009 and Mr. Nurmi came to see him to discuss the case it's so quiet in the courtroom you would hear a pin drop.
Usually someone is whispering, but not during this bit of testabaloney.

I look up and notice the judge has earphones on. iPod?? LOL!! Just kidding... about the iPod, not earphones.
She removes them as RS is finishing up his credentials spiel.

I notice 3 vacant seats in the front row of ja's family. 2 vacant seats in 2nd row of Travis' family side.

I think Lumberjack/Wrestler is the alpha male. Good foreman choice? CEO looks promising, altho' Janine didn't think he would be foreman.

Juan is gonna be on fire when he gets his turn. He will turn this guy into a witness for the prosecution, unless he lies on the stand during cross.

My notes say: Pacifist???? GMAFB!!!! and a box drawn around GMAFB. He says she's more confident. I write "Jail has given her self-esteem LOL!".

More juror observations: (these will be random, as I can't see all of them)

CEO: taking notes
Paul Rudd: arms folded across chest
Nancy aka Nan: Watching the testimony
Lumberjack: Notes

ja's aunt leaves room, comes back a few mins later.

RS is using a laser pointer so what he's pointing to only shows up on the Jumbo-tron which the jury faces.
The other big screens in the courtroom show the brain illustration and article excepts sans red laser dot.

Poquito leaning forward during testimony re: the brain illustrations and adrenaline rush.

RS gives example of mother lifting car when child is pinned underneath. Bingo, ja dragging Travis, easy due to adrenaline rush and wet, bloody tile floor.(I write)

Sidebar: I drink some water, goes down wrong way... coughing. Thankfully hissing/static is on so I'm not heard. LOL!

Testimony goes to fight or flight. I think this will help the state. ja Fighting and attacking Travis, he's trying to flee/Flight. I write Score 4 JM
Fight or flight can affect memory... ja's fog rolling in.
Tricolor taking more notes, Nan adjusting glasses, CPA swiveling back and forth in chair.

Another question goes into the basket, I think it came from elderly headphones man.

Paul Rudd takes a note from the back row and places it into the basket.

I notice the redhead to the right of ja's aunt shaking her head in agreement with testimony re: fight or flight.

I have a little macho dog, Dito. I see Juan as Dito and ja as one of the squeaky toys he shakes the heck out of.. Sorry, it's in my notes, keepin' it real.

Testimony re: diary strengthens memory, I write "I need to start a journal asap". LOL!

Ponytail: chin-hand pose
CEO: notes

Amnesia testimony:
Paul Rudd: Hand on side of his face
CEO: Notes
Tricolor: leaning forward in her seat
Nan: Notes
Ponytail: naval intelligence

Detective Flores leaves the courtroom. Comes back a short time later through a side door. No mystery folder this time.

Person behind asking court official what time break starts. LOL!

Juan objected to one of the slides. It was removed, and after a sidebar was not shown.

More later.

Someone mentioned in another thread I think
Jodi standing maybe nodding! smiling at the jury as they came. In?
Did you catch this? Did they react to her?

 

[SunnyinMO]

I'm also curious Katie if you attended on Wed in the morning (3/13).

It was announced there were technical difficulties so court was adjourned til after lunch. However, court minutes show the jury was questioned individually about something.

Did you hear any chatter about why that would have been necessary?

http://www.courtminutes.maricopa.gov/docs/Criminal/032013/m5677435.pdf

Page 2

Wasn't that because JA's Mom said she saw Travis' family talking to a juror??

 

[PASA]

Someone mentioned in another thread I think
Jodi standing maybe nodding! smiling at the jury as they came. In?
Did you catch this? Did they react to her?

No, I'm sorry I did not. I was looking at the jurors as they came and she's in the other direction.
I only saw the back of her head yesterday.
She can smile, but they don't look at her when they walk in, at least not
that I've seen.
The jury looks down or straight ahead when they come into the courtroom.
I have seen them glance at the gallery once or twice, when leaving.

 

[PASA]

Wasn't that because JA's Mom said she saw Travis' family talking to a juror??

There was something about that awhile back, but as for yesterday I don't know.

 

[Dmacky]

Janine is a well known body language expert who is in court with KatieCooLady today.
Some of us, myself included, think she's one of the best, and are honored to have her come to town to attend the trial.

HTH

:laughcry: Pasa, I just now noticed your wooden spoons :floorlaugh:

 

[BChand]

Wasn't that because JA's Mom said she saw Travis' family talking to a juror??

That did happen a while ago yes. This was just this past Wednesday though.

( I was wondering if they've come up with another complaint though. )

 

[PASA]

That did happen a while ago yes. This was just this past Wednesday though.

( I was wondering if they've come up with another complaint though. )

Ohhh ok. Sorry, I thought it was yesterday, rather than Wednesday.
I don't know anything about it. Nothing was said yesterday by anyone I heard.

 

[katiedid2]

No, I'm sorry I did not. I was looking at the jurors as they came and she's in the other direction.
I only saw the back of her head yesterday.
She can smile, but they don't look at her when they walk in, at least not
that I've seen.
The jury looks down or straight ahead when they come into the courtroom.
I have seen them glance at the gallery once or twice, when leaving.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. Thank you for all you do to inform us of what you observe in the courtroom
Hugs:seeya:

 

[mck16]

I have been having a nagging thought that I would like to throw out there for anyone to comment on that has been inside the jury room.

This trial has been so long and there has been lots of detail in the testimony. I am concerned that the jurors could have lost some of the detail because of this. I know that for myself there has been so much pointed out and discussed by fellow sleuthers here on the forum that I missed from testimony. What concerns me is that the jurors do not have the benefit of discussion from other people.. They don't have other opinions and other interpretations of evidence that could have been missed by them.

E.g. the fact that it was implied JA and TA had sex all day long on June 4th. But, thru discussion amongst WS members I am totally convinced they did not. But, what if a juror believes they did just based on the pictures and JA's direct. I know this is a discombobulated post but I hope someone can understand what I am saying and help me out. We have had at some point 3 or 4 hundred people on the forum and have had the benefit of all that information and discussion. In short I wish the jurors did too. jmo

 

[Texas Lady]

I am sorry to have to ask this question but I don't know the answer and I am sure it has been explained somewhere but I can't find it. Can you tell me what you mean when you say "naval intelligence" on the descriptions of jury members actions. TIA

 

[Dmacky]

Can't you picture an exchange on cross like this?
JM: "In your professional opinion, do false charges of abuse cause fewer women who are truly abused to come forward?"
KN: "Objection. Relevance."
--or more likely--

KN: "Objection. Relevance. Lack of foundation. Assumes facts not in evidence. Badgering."
since he likes to throw in several reasons for each objection, hoping one will catch the judge's ear.

:floorlaugh: OMG That is sooooo funny :laughcry:
Thanks for a much needed laugh today bsk !!