Cesar Laurean's Trial

[LaLaw2000]

Judge is talking with the jury. Sheriff Brown is there. ADA Lee is beginning state's closing arguments. Then McNeil, then Hudson.

ADA Lee is sounding good and putting the story and evidence together. His voice is loud, clear, and passionate!

 

[Topsail Girl]

I'm so glad Sheriff Brown is there!!! This case has haunted him for too long now!!!

 

[panthera]

Good morning - sorry I'm late! The ADA has begun his closing argument recapping the events in Maria's life on 12/14/07.

 

[LaLaw2000]

ADA Lee is taking it from the very beginning and referring to the evidence as he goes. He is good! He is putting it all together.

 

[waltzingmatilda]

Good morning all! I wanted to say that I am so grateful to you all for the updates on the trial as I am not able to watch. I live near Wilmington and have followed this sad case from the beginning.

I pray for Justice for Maria and baby Gabriel.

Thanks all.

wm

 

[panthera]

Very detailed account of Cesar's activities - shopping at Lowe's, giving away the crowbar, asking for instructions on building a fire pit, withdrawing money from Maria's account at the ATM, shirt Cesar was wearing at the ATM, driving Maria's car to create a facade Maria is still alive, his truck and her card being found in Durham.

 

[panthera]

Now the ADA is recounting about Christina - did not flee to Mexico, was picking up her child from daycare at 5:20pm 12/14, continued to work, etc. stating the killer of Maria is not Christina. Saying how Maria going UA would help Cesar's career.

 

[panthera]

ADA saying Maria was lured to the house by Cesar. Part of his plan to get rid of her to save his career from her rape allegations.

 

[panthera]

ADA giving theory that while Maria is looking at baby items in Cesar's garage, Cesar decides he can now take care of his problem and hits her with the crowbar. Keeps repeating it is all to preserve Cesar's own military career.

 

[panthera]

ADA is showing diagram of where blood was found in the garage, and findings of blood evidence belonging to Maria to the exclusion of all others. Blood inside the raft.

 

[LaLaw2000]

McNeil objected to ADA Lee's statements about the blood in the garage. I did not catch the actual words of McNeil, but the judge overruled the objection!

 

[panthera]

ADA talking about Maria's injuries, the crowbar, Maria's blood on the end of it, no DNA from Cesar however could have been wiped off and he hadn't handled it for a month when it was handed over by Ward.

 

[panthera]

Going over five points the state must prove. State contends this is a premeditated deliberate murder with malice.

 

[panthera]

Going over the felony murder rule. Robbery with a dangerous weapon. Seven elements: took property from victim (ATM card), carried away the property, person didn't not voluntarily consent to taking of property, defendant knew he was not entitled to take the property, defendant intended to try to remove property permanently, used a dangerous weapon, obtained property by threat of use of a dangerous weapon. Even if intent to use card is afterward, it is continuous transaction. Defendant took card, intended to use the card, motive, opportunity and means to murder Maria. Enticed her to attempt to go to Mexico, enticed her to go to his garage.

 

[panthera]

ADA concludes his closing argument. Break until 10:40am.

 

[LaLaw2000]

IMO, ADA Lee has given the jury a clear way to convict. Now that is just my opinion and we all have one.

Let's see what McNeil has to say. There is a break before McNeil starts.

 

[Topsail Girl]

Oh Man I soooo wish I could be following along but thanks to y'all for the updates. I can't wait to get home to watch the segments on WRAL. It sounds like Lee has done a great job for Maria - I just hope the jury sees it that way.

 

[snowshuze]

Maaaaaaaan, he was good. I take back what I said about no passion.
ETA:He musta been saving up.

Yall keep your fingers crossed baby takes a LONG nap this morning, lol.

 

[snowshuze]

He put EVERYTHING together, and told Marias story. I'm so grateful.

 

[GeekyGirl]

Thanks Panthera, for the awesome recap... Again, can't watch at work, and I missed out on all the disucssion this weekend because family was in town. Keep up the awesome work, and I'll be reading along