AB 10/09/18
1. CW has photo of SW. BW, and C.W. in his cell as well as a Bible. Is it for show, was he advised by the Defense to display these items in his cell, so he’d look good? Or is CW a man who is deep in mourning? We don’t know what he’s thinking. Scott Peterson had Laci’s photo in his cell. OJ had a picture of Nicole in his cell. There could be an innocent explanation. Prisoners can get permission to have pictures of loved ones in their cells. It’s very common for prisoners to have religious materials in jail. If he’s on Close Watch Protocol he’s not supposed to have reading material in his room.That may have changed, nobody knows. The Weld County Jail has a Public Information Officer who has never once returned a call to AB.
2. The Defense is not concerned about the autopsy reports. Could infer that there’s nothing more incriminating in them. Defense claims they don’t care. C.W. has already been damaged by leaks, the autopsy information will come out at the Preliminary Hearing, anyway, but they are interested in learning about Prosecution witnesses who might be tainted. Guest Defense Attorney, Renee Sandler says she wouldn’t be so cavalier about an Autopsy report. She wouldn’t want those results out, both sides need to protect witnesses, both sides need to protect taint. It works both ways. The Defense said, “Mr. Watts rights to a fundamentally fair proceeding and, ultimately, a fair and impartial jury at trial, have been so substantially damaged in this case, it does not see, that in any prophylactic order, at least on the narrow issue of whether the autopsies should be released, can serve to salvage the wreckage of those rights which may remain.” Really dramatic stuff. Defense is suggesting they are already doomed. It’s a Death Penalty case, they have to set up an appeal before they even try the case. The Defense said, “The government has made no further proffer with respect to which witnesses it intends to interview that have not been interviewed nor how what those witnesses have to say that could be impacted by the contents of the autopsies.” Defense is trying to make an argument that so much damage has been done CW can’t get a fair trial. Once they get some discovery, and find out who some of the witnesses are, Defense may change their strategy.
3. AB showed SW’s online baby blog pre Bella’s birth. CW seemed to equally participate in that blog. SW has left so many SM posts, the Prosecution won’t have to recreate her as a victim, she did it herself.
4. SW’s guest Pat LaMama, from *********** disagrees with AB about SW’s videos. AB thinks the videos show SW was a happy person who enjoys being on video, LaMama thinks some of the videos show SW as pathetic and desperate for attention and not very happy.
5. Progression videos chronicle pregnancy with Bella. The day they found out they were pregnant, CW said he was so happy.
6. Guest, Investigator, Tom Verni explains that investigators will pore over videos, and both Prosecution and Defense will use whatever they feel is advantageous to their case. Guest Defense Attorney, Rene Sandler, explains, when she looks at videos she looks for timeline, investigative leads, and how she can get them admitted into evidence, if at all. It’s hearsay. You can’t cross examine it. It won’t come in unless it fits into an exception under the hearsay rule. It’s difficult, it’s a text by text, blog by blog analysis. AB showed blog entry where C.W. lovingly worked on Bella’s nursery, asked if the Defense could use it. LaMama said the defense has to be careful about opening a door, once it’s opened it’s wide open and it’s a free for all for all sides. They have to be tactical and strategic.
7. What was in the evidence bags removed from the house? Bags were see through. Looked likely bedding. Pink and blue and yellow sheets and blankets. Guest, Forensic investigator, Joseph Scott Morgan, explains, because CW was having an affair Police must be entertaining the thought that other parties might be involved. They will be using DNA to determine individualization of evidence. Was someone else in the home that wasn’t part of the family unit? If AP was in SW’s and CW’s bed her DNA might be there. Will the bedding tell who strangled the children? Is there hair there? Is there DNA? Did the victims regurgitate sputum? Mix of blood and sputum? Guest, Morgan is is concerned about the quality of the evidence because LE put the evidence in plastic bags. Plastic is bad because it can sweat and can compromise the integrity of the biological sample. It’s not good to commingle evidence from different places, either.
Viewer Questions
1. I noticed in videos that Shanann kept her home impossibly clean, all the way down to the inside of the pantry. How long do you think it took investigators to realize that anything out of place would have been considered a big deal? Keeping a clean house like she did would be very helpful. Right away you could tell if things were out of place, if there had been a struggle.
2. If this goes to trial will they allow cameras in the courtroom? It’s a State by State thing, Colorado does allow cameras in the courtroom, but it will come down to the judge. Does he think it will be a circus or does he think the public has a right to know step by step?
3. When time for trial if there is a trial the attorneys need to find out who these women and men are in love with the maniac so they don’t get chosen on the jury! Defense Attorney Sandler says in the search for the truth, both sides are given an opportunity to question potential jurors to see if there are any biases or prejudices, to see if they can be fair and impartial.
4. Why is this case taking so long when he confessed? Police say he confessed, but C.W. might fight that, so it might be suppressed, and they’re going to handle this like CW hasn’t confessed. Nothing will be taken for granted. There will be a thorough investigation. Very involved case. CW was charged with 9 felonies, including 5 counts of First Degree Murder.
)- that's why I am so grateful for Layla's daily overviews!
