VERDICT WATCH Closing Arguments- Chase Merritt Charged W/Murder of Joseph, Summer, Gianni and Joe Jr McStay

[Longtimenoc]

I remember when the news flashed that bodies had been found. Like most of us who followed this case from the beginning, I instinctively felt it would be them. When it was announced during the live press conference, I actually shed tears over a family I didn't know, had never met and never would. I had read every shred of evidence or supposition, wondered if they were happily in Belize, suspected DK, threw shade at RB, watched their home videos, and in that process felt that I had come to know them a little over those nearly four years of absence.

And yes, hopefully, those poor souls and their families will find that the scales of justice tip their way.

You've decribed my journey as well. This phase has nearly come to an end and hoping justice will finally be served.

So glad we don't have to look at the defendant for a few days. The schoolboy look doesnt suit him.

 

[Meemaw12]

.

 

[smr]

BBM: ...taken out to the (around Victorville) desert , which just so happens to be Chase Merritt's stomping grounds; which just happens to be close in proximity to his ping information; which just happens to be where he mentioned to someone that's where he'd bury a body, should he have one to bury; which just happens to be where he spends quite a bit of time digging holes; which just happens to be where he creeped out the fellow miner, who hastily fled and called police.....

So alleged killer went all the way miles from his house to Fallbrook to kill a family of 4 at their house, then drive all the way miles to bury them in his backyard, sounds logical......NOT!

 

[Tortoise]

So alleged killer went all the way miles from his house to Fallbrook to kill a family of 4 at their house, then drive all the way miles to bury them in his backyard, sounds logical......NOT!

Why is it more logical he would he choose an area he doesn't know?

 

[Recidivist]

So alleged killer went all the way miles from his house to Fallbrook to kill a family of 4 at their house, then drive all the way miles to bury them in his backyard, sounds logical......NOT!

It is logical when the Mojave Desert is your backyard.

 

[smr]

Maybe watching the prosecutions case over again will refresh your memory ( no pun intended).

Seriously? It was the State's case that changed my opinion, I have watched this whole trial, I am not uninformed at all. I have a different view and I am not alone, I just post more then others about it, many gave up! The wonderful thing about WS's is that we can have differing opinions here

Anyone feeling the need to talk down to Missy1974 about watching the case needs to read these threads all over again, if they had ever read them.

 

[citygirl]

It's deliberating already and will continue this afternoon.

Did you hear the judge say their time is theirs within reason? When they begin and end each day?
Will we get any kind of update such as jury has gone home for the day?

 

[Niner]

So from the posts here - the jury started deliberations about 12 noon there?

And now I won't find out anything more - until the morning....

Good night all.

 

[smr]

Glad she is toning it down a bit, tone-wise, literally, and is a bit less strident and now more relaxed. I think it will help.

She's trying hide the laughs.

 

[Tortoise]

Did you hear the judge say their time is theirs within reason? When they begin and end each day?
Will we get any kind of update such as jury has gone home for the day?

They choose their own hours, within reason. I don't know if anyone will update us when they go home.

 

[Paulette]

So for the people who think Chase is guilty here is a question for you all as I’m quite new to watching real crime.

Do you think Chase will ever confess if he is found guilty of this crime?


How often in the U.S do people found guilty then decide to confess?

No. I think he'll continue to deny because he has nothing to gain by confessing. Give him something to gain if he confesses & he'll tell.

 

[MrsPC]

So.. I missed the very end. Is the jury going to deliberate this afternoon?

Yes and the Judge said it would probably be this afternoon before jurors are provided the evidence exhibit items and printed instructions.

 

[smr]

Those "tears," were for himself ONLY. His only regret, is that he was caught--same with all criminals.

Another confirmation bias. He's guilty, therefore his tears were for himself.

 

[Texas Red]

I didn't say the distance is different, you did.

I don't believe your opinion is going to change, others can decide for themselves. Both photos are to scale.

 

[Force Ten]

I don't believe your opinion is going to change, others can decide for themselves. Both photos are to scale.
View attachment 186891 View attachment 186892

It's totally not.

 

[LadyL]

According to this Canadian government page, you do need a passport when crossing from the U.S. to Canada.

Crossing the border: documents you need - Canada.ca

 

[Recidivist]

Another confirmation bias. He's guilty, therefore his tears were for himself.

The defense had to call Dr. Rudin to have him calculate how long it takes a killer to produce fake tears. That's why the long pause at the end of Maline's closing yesterday.

 

[citygirl]

They choose their own hours, within reason. I don't know if anyone will update us when they go home.

This was confusing to me. It seems in past trials the jury comes in the court room to report and is then taken to the jury room. Maybe it's different in different states?
Hopefully we will have some journalist hanging around who tweets what's happening. Wishful thinking.

 

[LadyL]

The defense had to call Dr. Rudin to have him calculate how long it takes a killer to produce fake tears. That's why the long pause at the end of Maline's closing yesterday.

 

[asyousay]

Your courts are so random in the U.S

When we had to deliberate we had to be in at 9.30 bring our own lunch and was locked away unless we had a question then everybody was called back into to answer our questions and then locked away again until 4.30pm.

But you guys get to keep your own hours within reason

My court was by London Bridge and by the second full day I was thinking about throwing myself out of the window I was so sick of it. I also only had a 8 day trial so god knows how these lot feel.