GUILTY CA - Father Eric Freed, murdered in church rectory, Eureka, 1 Jan 2014

[Lilibet]

Day 12 (Thursday March 17)--Jury and Alternates Chosen, Trial Schedule Decided, Opening Arguments Tomorrow.

Jury--10 women, 2 men. Alternates--3 women, 1 man.
Two potential jurors excused because, after thinking it over, their religious convictions did not make them fit for this particular case, although they would normally want to do their civic duty.

http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/twelve-regular-jurors-selected.html

Opening arguments will start tomorrow. The judge wants the trial to conclude by April 18. Trial will not be in session on March 23, March 30, 31 (court holiday) and April 1.

http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/opening-arguments-in-gary-lee-bullock.html

This afternoon, it was decided that jurors will be allowed to submit written questions for witnesses. The People's motion to have the jurors visit the church rectory was withdrawn.

http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/bullock-jurors-will-be-allowed-to.html

 

[Lilibet]

Day 13 (Friday March 18)--Charges, schedule, who attended

Fr. Eric's family, his three sisters and one brother in law, two parishioners and St. Bernards present pastor Fr. Tom Diaz attended this morning's hearing.

Several Deputy District Attorneys were in court. No one from Bullock's family in attendance.

http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/no-one-from-gary-lee-bullocks-family-or.html


Opening Statement

I have to prove that Mr. Bullock intended Fr. Freed to suffer. That hole in the tongue did not kill him. What killed him was a combination of being beaten and choked. Asphyxia. In this case there are no marks of pipe, ligature, possibly arm?" Mr. Isaac said that you can suffer internal damage to the throat from applied pressure. "If you hit hard on the face, the brain shuts off breathing. What didn't kill him was the broken spine."

"I have to prove Mr. Bullock intended to kill Fr. Freed," Mr. Isaac said, again. "I also have to prove that he intended to burn the house."

http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/the-hole-in-tongue-didnt-kill-him-what.html

First Witness

The People's first witness, after morning break, was District Attorney Investigator Martin Perrone. He is assigned to computer and cellphone forensics. He was designated an expert.

http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/monday-morning-jurors-in-bullock-trial.html

 

[Lilibet]

John Chiv's Commentary

If the cigar that Bullock lit and put next to the gas burner had blown up the rectory, Chiv and others who had gathered to attend Mass that morning would not be here.
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/had-cigar-lit-by-bullock-blown-up-st.html

 

[Lilibet]

More Opening Statement:

Times Standard--

Deputy District Attorney Andrew Isaac repeated the refrain, “I have to prove Mr. Bullock intended to kill Father Freed,” three times among the numerous references he made to show how the beating death was an intentional act during his opening statements to jurors this morning.

http://www.times-standard.com/gener...rove-mr-bullock-intended-to-kill-father-freed

North Coast Journal--

Instead, after introducing himself and his investigators, he dove into the details of the case, telling jurors that they will hear recorded jail phone calls Bullock placed to his mother, wife and grandmother. In a portion of one call played for jurors this morning, Bullock can be heard telling his mother that he is going to spend the rest of his life in prison. When she tries to console him, he tells her, “They’ve got video of me. They’ve got me dead to rights.”

Isaac said the complicated part of this trial will be determining Bullock’s intent, not his actions. “There’s not going to be any evidence that shows Mr. Bullock didn’t kill father Freed,” Isaac said. “Mr. Bullock killed father Freed.”
........

In perhaps the most dramatic moment in this morning’s opening statement, Isaac held up a chart created by forensic pathologist Mark Super detailing the wounds he found on Freed’s body during an autopsy. “You’ll see Fr. Freed was beaten literally from the top of his head to the tips of his toes,” Isaac told the jury, adding that it will see evidence of a cut between Freed’s toes. “He was beaten from head to toe.”

http://www.northcoastjournal.com/Ne...rights-opening-argument-given-in-bullock-case

Lost Coast Outpost--

The prosecutor went on to suggest that Bullock’s underlying motivation was to find a way home to Southern Humboldt, where he’d been arrested the previous day before being booked and released from the Humboldt County jail. In fact, Bullock told his wife in another recorded phone call that he didn’t think his family would come pick him up from jail so he decided to “figure out my own way home.”

https://lostcoastoutpost.com/2016/mar/18/bullock-intentionally-killed-father-freed-prosecut/

 

[Lilibet]

Day 14 (Monday March 21)--Video; Testimony by Officers and Deacon

Lost Coast Outpost:
In the dark pre-dawn of New Year’s Day 2014, Southern Humboldt man Gary Lee Bullock — freshly released from the Humboldt County Jail — spent more than five hours on and around the St. Bernard Catholic Parish property in Eureka. Today a jury watched much of his disturbing behavior as it was captured that night on grainy security camera footage.
.....

In the afternoon, Deacon Frank Weber took the witness stand and testified about discovering Freed’s body later that morning. When Freed didn’t show up for the New Year’s Day mass, Weber walked over the the rectory looking for him. He went upstairs to Freed’s living quarters, pushing aside a Japanese curtain in the doorway and walking in.
“I saw a disheveled person laying on the floor under some blankets,” Weber testified. He didn’t immediately recognize that it was Freed, “but rather quickly realized that something was terribly wrong,” he said.
https://lostcoastoutpost.com/2016/mar/21/jury-watches-chilling-security-camera-footage-bull/

John Chiv:

Details of the video.
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/jurors-in-bullock-trial-get-to-see.html

Details of Deacon Weber's testimony.
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/i-entered-room-and-saw-disheveled.html

Gary Bullock's mother's cell phone went off TWICE during the video showing!
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/dramatic-video-of-bullock-at-st.html

Testimony by officers who talked to Bullock in the early morning and escorted him from the premises.

The gist of Detective Cosetti's testimony was that Bullock did not seem in crisis, he was compliant, they had no reason to detain him, they gave him directions to the Eureka Rescue Mission and escorted him off the church property. Detective Cosetti who is trained in dual diagnosis and Crisis Intervention Training said she saw no signs of Bullock being intoxicated.
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/epd-responded-to-st-bernards-after.html

Testimony of first responders.
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/deacon-weber-had-called-and-priest-was.html

 

[Lilibet]

Day 14 (Tuesday March 22)--Photos of the murder scene; Phone calls; Evidence found elsewhere

Lost Coast Outpost: GRAPHIC

The most disturbing evidence presented in the case thus far came in the form of crime scene photographs of Father Freed’s body on the rectory floor. Before displaying these photos on a flatscreen TV for the jury, District Attorney Investigator Martin Perrone and prosecuting Deputy District Attorney Andrew Isaac walked into the audience portion of the courtroom to warn family and friends of Freed who have been watching the trial.
.......
Wilcox testified that a fingerprint found on a tumbler glass in Freed’s room came back as a match for Bullock, as did a print pulled from an empty whisky bottle.
https://lostcoastoutpost.com/2016/mar/22/jurors-see-photos-father-freeds-battered-body-bull/


John Chiv:

Victim's family stays in courtroom during graphic testimony.
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/fr-eric-freeds-family-choses-to-stay-in.html

Bullock's fingerprints found at crime scene.
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/bullocks-fingerprints-found-on-glass.html

Phone calls from Bullock.

Bullock spoke with his wife Stephanie on February 16, 2014, now his ex wife, He tells her, "They asked me if I wanted to make a phone call and I said no".

His ex-wife tells him in that same phone call, "You could have done things differently but you chose not to."
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/they-asked-me-if-i-wanted-to-make-phone.html

Expert Witnesses Thursday and Friday.
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/expert-witness-phase-with-doj-analysts.html

 

[Lilibet]

John Chiv's Commentary:

Chiv shares an email received from a former student of Fr Freed.

http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/i-want-everyone-to-know-how-lucky-they.html

 

[Lilibet]

Day 15 (March 24)--No trial yesterday; Only morning today; Bullock's DNA found on Fr Freed, and Freed's DNA found on Bullock

Lost Coast Outpost:

According to the testimony of two California Department of Justice criminalists, Bullock’s DNA was found on a broken pilsner glass that was shoved into Freed’s mouth that night as well as a cigar found at the scene; Father Freed’s blood was identified on a blue thermal shirt Bullock wore that night; and both Bullock’s and Freed’s DNA were identified on Freed’s fingernails and the late priest’s wristwatch.
https://lostcoastoutpost.com/2016/mar/24/bullocks-dna-found-father-freeds-body-freeds-dna-f/

John Chiv:

DNA Evidence:
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/fr-freeds-blood-found-on-bullock-shirt.html

Evaluating the testimony. Will defense attorney waive jury for insanity portion if Bullock is found guilty (as is very likely)?
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/with-evidence-mounting-against-bullock.html

 

[Lilibet]

Day 16 (March 25)-- WARNING: Graphic Testimony from the Forensic Pathologist; The State Rests; Many MSM and other reports today

Lost Coast Outpost: **GRAPHIC**

The jury in the murder trial of Gary Lee Bullock today saw dozens of graphic autopsy photographs and heard forensic pathologist Dr. Mark Super describe the brutal bludgeoning death of Father Eric Freed before the prosecution rested its case, just a week after opening arguments......

“Could Father Freed have been awake the whole time?” Isaac asked.
“Yes,” Super said.
Isaac asked several times if certain injuries would have been painful, and Super gave the obvious answer: “Yes.” The extensive injuries could have taken anywhere from several minutes to several hours to inflict, Super said.
.....
Some of the late priest’s friends and family were in attendance, as was Bullock’s mother, Carol Bruno. Bullock himself sat quiet and composed as Freed’s gruesome injuries were exhaustively cataloged over the course of about two-and-a-half hours.

https://lostcoastoutpost.com/2016/mar/25/autopsy-photos-show-brutality-father-freeds-death/

Times Standard: **GRAPHIC**

Pictures from Freed’s Jan. 4, 2014, autopsy showed he sustained multiple bruises, cuts, gashes, and scrapes on nearly every part of his body as well as a fractured skull and larynx and a broken lower spine.
“So injuries from head to toe?” Isaac asked.
“Absolutely,” forensic pathologist Dr. Mark Super said in response
http://www.times-standard.com/gener...se-in-bullock-trial-freeds-injuries-described

KIEM TV: **GRAPHIC**

Photos of Freed’s lacerated tongue were shown. Those injuries, Dr. Super says could have been caused by a broken pilsner glass found by Freed’s body. Super also stated that Freed was likely strangled from behind due to injuries on the neck and lower spine.

http://kiem-tv.com/video/“blu...mpression”-father-freed’s-autopsy

KRCR TV: **GRAPHIC**

The cuts and bruises on Freed’s head included abrasions on the forehead, left cheek, chin, and under the chin. There was also a laceration on the nose and underneath the nose. Dr. Super said there were possibly six separate blows to the head area.

http://m.krcrtv.com/graphic-images-show-freeds-injuries-in-bullock-murder-trial/38702672

 

[Lilibet]

Day 16 continued: **GRAPHIC**

John Chiv:

Graphic, bloodied photos and details by Coroner tell the disturbing details of Fr. Freed's torture and death

To add insult to injury, Bullock's mother who attended court today with a family friend, both whispered loudly and talked while Dr. Super was testifying. Bullock's mother did the same thing last time, including her cell phone going off twice.
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/graphic-bloodied-photos-and-details-by.html

Top of the ear torn; " bleeding indicates that he was alive" testifies Dr. Super; Fr. Freed's face so bloodied and bruised that he was barely recognizable

While some injuries, Dr. Super was definitive about calling perimortem, for others he could not say for sure whether they were definitely perimortem, he had an opinion; same thing about consciousness or unconsciousness and how long it took for these injuries--he said from a few minutes to several hours.
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/top-of-ear-torn-bleeding-indicates-that.html

"The defense is now trying to reduce the defendant's mental state and his accountability of his actions."People win motion to bar defense from using Bullock's statements to law enforcement.

Court business conducted out of the presence of jurors.
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/the-defense-is-now-trying-to-reduce.html

 

[Lilibet]

John Chiv's Commentary

A glimpse of Fr. Eric and who he was for those who never met him

Includes his obituary and a link to a video in a comment.
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/a-glimpse-of-fr-eric-and-who-he-was-for.html#comment-form

 

[Lilibet]

Day 17 (March 28)--Defense Opening Statement, Witnesses Testify about Bullock's Behavior Before, During and After His Arrest on December 31, 2013 and His Release from Jail early January 1, 2014.

John Chiv--Will Archangel Michael be Gary Bullock's savior to claim insanity?

Bullock's brother Danny was in court this morning. Bullock waved to him when he entered the court.
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/will-archangel-michael-be-gary-bullocks.html

KIEM TV

Murder suspect Gary Lee Bullock’s mental state leading up-to when he allegedly murdered Father Eric Freed in the rectory of St. Bernard’s Church New Year’s Day 2014, was presented in court Monday.
http://kiem-tv.com/video/bullock’s-attorney-says-not-trial-who-done-it”-“why”

John Chiv--Opening Statement

Mr. Cockrum opened his remarks to the jurors by saying, "You all agreed to wait and make up your mind until you have heard all the evidence. The first part of the case can bring up strong emotions."

This is not a whodunnit but howdunnit? What was going through Gary Bullock's mind? You have been presented a very narrow view."

"We are going to talk about a very bad 48 hours. You are going to hear from every witness who came into contact with Mr. Bullock."
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/this-is-not-whodunnit-but-howdunnit.html

Lost Coast Outpost--Opening Statement and Witness Testimony

In delivering his opening statement, Cockrum, who works in Humboldt County’s Conflict Counsel office, went on to suggest that Bullock was mentally unhinged for much of the 48-hour period from New Year’s Eve 2013 through New Year’s Day 2014 — a period during which Bullock allegedly tortured and murdered Father Eric Freed in the rectory of St. Bernard Catholic Parish.

NOTE: This article is long and details the testimony of all who encountered Bullock on December 31 through his release from jail in the early morning hours January 1. I can't even pick what parts to quote as it is a narrative of drug-induced madness that needs to be read in its entirety IMO.

It also discusses some court business at the end.
https://lostcoastoutpost.com/2016/mar/28/high-drugs-and-foaming-mouth-bullock-was-delusiona/

John Chiv--"Can I release you from your prison?" is what Bulock told a correctional officer after he was released on New Year's Eve
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/can-i-release-you-from-your-prison-is.html

John Chiv--Based on defense opening, could Bullock trial conclude tomorrow with closing arguments?
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/based-on-defense-opening-could-bullock.html

John Chiv--In Phase 1 of Bullock trial , is Mr. Cockrum going for voluntary intoxication?
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/in-phase-1-of-bullock-trial-is-mr.html

 

[Lilibet]

On a personal note...

As I have mentioned several times previously, Gary Bullock was my husband's student and our daughter's classmate. I can't say that we really "knew" Gary the way we knew other local kids. We moved away from the area over 30 years ago, so time has stopped and I still picture him as a kid in class photos.

As I post about the trial each day, my heart breaks. On the one hand, I have read the testimony about what Gary did to Fr Freed. It is beyond horrible. I can't imagine anyone doing that to another human being. On the other hand, I have read about Gary's years of drug abuse and the mental torment he endured in the hours leading up to the murder. What went wrong? When and why did he start down the drug path? How did it come to this? If it weren't for drugs I can't imagine this tragedy ever happening. But it's too late and a life has been taken and another life ruined (not to mentioned the lives of families on both sides). If only...

 

[DexterMorgan]

On a personal note...

As I have mentioned several times previously, Gary Bullock was my husband's student and our daughter's classmate. I can't say that we really "knew" Gary the way we knew other local kids. We moved away from the area over 30 years ago, so time has stopped and I still picture him as a kid in class photos.

As I post about the trial each day, my heart breaks. On the one hand, I have read the testimony about what Gary did to Fr Freed. It is beyond horrible. I can't imagine anyone doing that to another human being. On the other hand, I have read about Gary's years of drug abuse and the mental torment he endured in the hours leading up to the murder. What went wrong? When and why did he start down the drug path? How did it come to this? If it weren't for drugs I can't imagine this tragedy ever happening. But it's too late and a life has been taken and another life ruined (not to mentioned the lives of families on both sides). If only...

Wow. I didn't even know that y'all had a personal connection to the suspect. I'm sure that it makes it more devastating for you.

 

[Lilibet]

Wow. I didn't even know that y'all had a personal connection to the suspect. I'm sure that it makes it more devastating for you.

Thanks Dex. Yes it does bring it closer to home than any other case. Normally we look at people who commit brutal murders and it's so easy to condemn them for what they did. We know nothing about them usually, other than their terrible act. But they were all once children in a classroom with half a chance to make a decent life. Most in our daughter's class and in my husband's many classes in 30 years of teaching did, but Gary didn't. In no way am I excusing Gary, but I picture that little boy and it is devastating to think that somewhere along the way it all went wrong. And if it hasn't dawned on him yet, someday the magnitude of what he did will hit him full force. Tragic. I wish I could turn back time.

 

[Lilibet]

Day 17 continued (late report):

Times Standard--Defense opening statement and witness testimony

Before Bullock was taken to jail for drug intoxication on Dec. 31, 2013, witnesses remembered how he had looked for his family in a neighbor’s freezer and microwave, cawed like a crow in a fit of rage, and told a sheriff’s sergeant that he was his archangel.
.......

The deputies then took Bullock to his brother Danny’s house to inform Danny they had apprehended Bullock. When they arrived, Bullock began kicking at the patrol car door, causing the window frame to bend, while screaming unintelligibly and “mimicking a crow sound,” Swithenbank testified. The deputies eventually had to restrain Bullock by tying a nylon rope around his ankles.

As he drove Bullock to the jail that afternoon, Swithenbank said Bullock would throw himself against the patrol car’s divider screen and had put a gold ring into his mouth.


More at link.
Accessing the story through FB will bypass the paywall, if necessary:
https://www.facebook.com/TimesStandard/posts/10153711335679081
http://www.times-standard.com/gener...s-describe-bullocks-behavior-prior-to-killing

 

[Lilibet]

Day 18 (March 29)--More witness testimony, including Bullock's stepfather's account of his prior drug use and his behavior the day of his arrest.

KIEM TV

The stepfather of murder suspect Gary Lee Bullock testified in court Tuesday on his son’s prior drug use and unusual behavior the day of his alleged crimes.
.....
Bullock’s stepfather for 40 years John Bruno took the stand. He was questioned about Bullock's prior drug use. Bruno said he had never personally seen bullock do drugs but that he has seen Bullock "high" and "whacked out of his mind and doing crazy stuff," when on drugs. Bruno said that after Bullock was arrested in November, himself, Bullock’s mother Carol, his wife Stephanie and brother Danny all sat down with Gary to discuss his drug problem. Bruno said he asked Bullock "When is this going to stop?"

http://kiem-tv.com/video/bullock’s-father-testifies-“he-was-definitely-not-sane”

Lost Coast Outpost--Very complete article

Despite strong objections from his attorney, Gary Lee Bullock’s history of drug abuse was described to jurors today. This was a blow to the defense, which has been trying to build the case that Bullock was insane when he tortured and murdered Father Eric Freed on Jan. 1, 2014.
........

The day’s testimony began with Eureka Police Officer Corey Crnich and private security guard Tim Clark describing the interactions they each had with Bullock on church property the night of the murder
........

The bulk of the day’s testimony — and by far the most significant — came from John Bruno, who said he considers Bullock his own son. When he and Carol Bruno got together, he said, Bullock was just 7 or 8 years old, and he lived at home until he was in his early 20s.

LOTS MORE...
https://lostcoastoutpost.com/2016/mar/29/bullocks-insanity-defense-undercut-drug-abuse-hist/

 

[Lilibet]

Day 18 continued--All John Chiv--More at each link

"Did you feel responsible for what happened to Fr. Freed?" We find out security guard was also a St. Bernard's parishioner

When he heard the news next day, he said, "it blew my mind". He said he felt responsible for what happened to Fr. Freed. "I wish I had done more."​

.....

In his testimony, Bruno said that Bullock claimed to be reincarnated and he was Archangel Michael. Bullock also said he was going to heal his mother, who has Lyme disease. He refused water saying it was tainted. Later he only ate some of the chicken offered saying it was not a,part of his new diet.​

http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/did-you-feel-responsible-for-what.html

People will be allowed to question Bullock's step father about Bullock's prior drug use and "issues with family"

Before the jurors left this morning for a break during Bruno's testimony, two female jurors cried as they heard Bruno talking a call from the Sheriff's office, his surprise that "Gary" was involved in the death of Fr. Eric Freed, he had watched on the morning news and turning his step son in to law enforcement.
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/people-will-be-allowed-to-question.html

"In all the hours of recordings you heard, does he ever talk about what Fr. Freed lost.?"

In the last phone call played from September 17, 2014, Bullock tells his mother "drugs change you." He goes on to say, "It changes you. It made me evil."
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/in-all-hours-of-recordings-you-heard.html

"You made a choice one day to go where you wanted to go. We tried to help you. You made harsh choices. You chose your own self over everything. You wanted to get high and say f___ everything else." (Quoting John Bruno)

Gary Lee Bullock's wife in a phone call, days after he was arrested tells him, "You could have chosen to do things differently."

She is now his ex wife. Due to this case, she has left Humboldt County with her two daughters. Someone who knew the family well told me that Bullock's daughters adored him, looked up to him, until this happened.
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/you-made-choice-one-day-to-go-where-you.html

Defense rests, people present rebuttal, closing arguments in Bullock April 4

Jury back 10:30 Monday. While trial is dark rest of the week, Judge Feeney and attorneys will go over closing jury instructions tomorrow.
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/03/defense-rests-people-present-rebuttal.html

 

[Lilibet]

Day 18 continued (Late story)

Times Standard

Bruno also recalled how his son began spinning a tent pole around and spoke incoherent biblical citations. Bullock then ran away, but returned to the house later that afternoon. Rather than wearing the blue windbreaker and sweatpants from earlier that day, Bullock was shirtless and had wrapped bungee cords at even lengths around his flailing arms, Bruno testified. A pink bungee cord was also wrapped around Bullock’s neck, which Bullock had said was “a direct connection to higher consciousness,” according to Bruno’s testimony.
Deputy District Attorney Andrew Isaac asked Bruno if Bullock seemed intoxicated, but Bruno said that was not a fitting description.
“He was just way out there,” Bruno said. “It’s just not in anyone’s character to be flailing his arms, tied up in bungee cords, and spouting that kind of stuff. He was definitely not sane.”
.......
In his cross examination of witnesses and rebuttal on Tuesday, Isaac worked to show the jury how Bullock was not insane on the night of Freed’s murder as well as to show how Bullock’s drug use affected his behavior.
However, Cockrum stated that there has been no evidence presented during the trial that Bullock had been on drugs after he was released from jail on New Year’s Eve 2014 and entered the rectory a few hours later.
While being cross-examined by Isaac, Bruno testified that Bullock had not been “on his right mind in a couple of instances” while allegedly on drugs.

More at links:

Bypass paywall if necessary by going through Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/TimesStandard/posts/10153715115344081
http://www.times-standard.com/gener...bullock-defense-case-rests?source=most_viewed

 

[Lilibet]

Day 19 (April 4)--Closing Arguments

Lost Coast Outpost: Deliberate Crime or Psychotic Break?

WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT IN ARTICLE

Was the murder of Father Eric Freed a carefully considered, premeditated crime committed in the course of stealing his car? Or did Gary Lee Bullock kill the Catholic priest in an explosive fit of rage that erupted amidst the hallucinations and irrational behavior of a man suffering a psychotic break?
.......
“You cannot — you cannot — you cannot unintentionally strangle someone,” Isaac said. He reminded the jury that, according to Super, Freed’s injuries were consistent with having a knee shoved in his back while being strangled with either an arm or a pipe, and the only reason to keep an arm or pipe on his neck for two full minutes “is to kill,” Isaac argued.
........
From start to finish, Gary Bullock knew exactly what he was doing,” Isaac said.
..........
The evidence, Cockrum said, shows that “Bullock was behaving reactively, not proactively, that day.” The defense attorney was not arguing that his client didn’t kill Freed. Indeed, he seemed willing to concede as much. Instead Cockrum was arguing against the charge of first-degree — that is, premeditated — murder.
Far from being deliberate and carefully considering his actions, “Gary Bullock was in a hot, explosive anger,” Cockrum said. “In my opinion he was having a psychotic breakdown.”
..........
Before Cockrum could finish his remarks, Judge John Feeney said he needed to wrap up for the day. Cockrum will conclude his closing statement Tuesday morning, after which Isaac will have an opportunity for rebuttal. The jury will then deliberate on verdicts for each of the seven charges, and if Bullock is found guilty the case will move to the second phase — determining whether or not he was sane at the time the crimes were committed.

Much more at the link:
https://lostcoastoutpost.com/2016/apr/4/bullock-was-willful-deliberate-and-premeditated-wh/

Times Standard:
Brief summary of closing arguments.
Avoid paywall if necessary by accessing through FB.
https://www.facebook.com/TimesStandard/posts/10153732182839081
http://www.times-standard.com/general-news/20160404/jury-nears-deliberations-in-bullock-trial

KIEM TV:

[Prosecutor] Issac said “Every move Mr. Bullock makes is intentional.”

Bullock’s attorney Kaleb Cockrum presented his closing arguments. He insisted that Bullock’s behavior was reactive and not proactive and that his actions deemed more second degree murder than first degree. Cockrum added that Bullock acted in “explosive anger and rage” and that the murder was not premeditated. Cockrum said Bullock “was having a psychotic breakdown.”
http://kiem-tv.com/video/attorneys-argue-intent-gary-bullock-murder-trial