If innocent, would a press conference help Terri?

[GrainneDhu]

In my opinion it's simple...TH is the classic "Peter Principle" in action. She has reached her highest level of ineptness/incompetency and has now hired the most apt and exepensive criminal defense attorney in Oregon to soften her repercussion blow.

If she weren't guilty of something, there really wouldn't be a need for all this. IMHO.

ETA: She hasn't been charged with anything. Why would you go out and find a criminal defense attorney such as Houze?!? I could see it after an indictment, but surely not before. Overkill anyone?!?

Kevin Fox thought just the same way. He knew he was innocent, he was desperate to help find the murderer who killed his little girl and since he was innocent, what harm could it do to talk to the police?

Well, he ended up going through an abusive and terrifying police interrogation, spent eight months in jail, was publicly reviled (there are still people who think he did it), the murderer of his little girl was left free to assault two more children... I think the damage done is probably still evolving.

People like Richard Jewell, Steven Hatfill and Wen Ho Lee could also give you examples of why it's a good idea to have an attorney present before you've been indicted.

Heck, if Rod Blagojevich had been smart enough to have his attorney present while he was being questioned, he wouldn't be a convicted felon today! And that is regardless of whether he actually participated in any corruption or not; the one count he's been convicted on is because the jury thought he was lying when he told FBI agents that there was a firewall between his campaign finances and his public office finances. Had his lawyer been present (and competent, of course), Rod Blago would never have answered the question.

 

[mmmagique]

Personally I think she's guilty as sin and should keep her darn mouth shut. (if she is, she should.)

If she were innocent, she should be (imo)telling everything she knows and suspects in order to find the guilty. Over and over again, as many times as it takes.

 

[stmarysmead]

These videos have been linked before but I don't think it hurts to link them again:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wXkI4t7nuc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08fZQWjDVKE

One of the hypothetical examples given in the video is of someone the police are questioning in connection with a robbery. This person is factually innocent of the robbery. The person they're questioning says (paraphrased) "I didn't do it. I can prove I was five hours away at the time of the robbery. I was visiting my mother."

For some reason, the police remain suspicious. A witness comes forward, an honest witness who has made an honest mistake: they saw the suspect near the site of the robbery just half an hour before. This witness is mistaken but they honestly believe they saw the suspect.

Now the suspect is in BIG TROUBLE even though they are factually innocent. How much credibility will their own mother have as a witness? Zilch. Less than zilch.

Even though there is no physical evidence linking the factually innocent suspect with the crime scene, that factually innocent suspect now looks guilty as all get out.

If you read the files of the Innocence Project, you will find many exonerated people who were convicted basically on those grounds. Mistaken eyewitness testimony played a role in more than 75% of the cases of prisoners exonerated by DNA testing.

Being factually innocent is no guarantee against a false conviction.



Those young men had a huge advantage going for them: they knew that their DNA would not show up in the rape kit. They were all able to retain good defence lawyers right away. They knew they would be exonerated before they were ever brought to trial.

Which is indeed what happened.

TMH's case is different. She does not, apparently, have a tight alibi for the time in question. A lack of a tight alibi does not equal guilt but it does mean that there is no easy exoneration in sight for her. DNA will probably not be a factor for her, since she lived with Kyron and innocently intermingled DNA from skin cells, sneezing, etc.



First of all, I doubt it would make one little bit of difference if she proclaimed her innocence. Most of the people who are already convinced she is guilty would rip her statement to pieces and it would not do anything to change their minds.

Second, she may not present all that well in public. Some people just don't, regardless of whether they are innocent or guilty. If she tends to have darting eyes, a nervous voice, breaks down easily into dry sobs, she would just look really guilty, even if she is innocent.

Finally, Oregon is a death penalty state. While I have no idea who goes on in Mr Houze's mind, I would not be at all surprised if he's planning out strategies for all possible contingencies. The worst case scenario would be that TMH is charged with murder in the first degree and convicted. During the sentencing phase, if TMH ever makes a public statement about her own innocence or asking that Kyron be returned or anything like that, the prosecution will use it as an example of how depraved she is.

Frankly, I don't understand the criticism that all four parents have received for either not speaking out "soon enough" or not speaking out at all. I have yet to see a case that was already getting good media coverage where the parent's words made one bit of difference to the outcome.

I think they did the smart thing from the beginning: they did not saturate the media with appearances, which meant that they were able to keep the media spotlight going for an incredibly long time.

Your paragraph BBM...Just one important correction, because it is important to the kids and families that suffered through that Hoax...the three players were indicted AFTER the rape kit came back with NO player DNA...but instead DNA from multiple male sources in every orifice of the accuser. They did NOT know they would be exonerated. If tried in Durham, it would have been difficult to sit a jury not already convinced of their guilt. And let's not forget, the D.A. arrested the alibi witness on trumped up charges. So...please...they were terrified.

I think some excellent points have been made here on all sides. Certainly Terri could never field random questions from the press. And, perhaps the moment is passed where, if innocent, she might have spoken up in a prepared statement and helped make the "possibility" of her innocence just come into people's consciousness. As it is, Terri is the sum of all things we imagine about her, that the media writes about her, that others say about her.

When The Lacrosse team appeared. it was a risk...but they became human. Great lawyers can't do it all when the mantra is "privilege" and "high priced lawyers" trying to buy a someone out of trouble.

I'm just saying I saw a miracle. But it began with a risk, yes, and a leap of faith.

 

[PaulaF513]

If I recall correctly, the lacrosse players were victimized first by the woman who lied, and then more grievously by a corrupt prosecutor who was trying to make a big name for himself. I believe he succeeded but in a manner that was unexpected and unwelcome.

I see no correlation between that case and Kyron's, nor between the suspects and victims of either. Why is it constantly being referenced?

Grainne Dhu

I think I love you.....you found the links I was searching for like a madwoman. And honestly, you say what I want to in such a concise and understanable manner. Thank you

 

[wvjules]

In my opinion it's simple...TH is the classic "Peter Principle" in action. She has reached her highest level of ineptness/incompetency and has now hired the most apt and exepensive criminal defense attorney in Oregon to soften her repercussion blow.

If she weren't guilty of something, there really wouldn't be a need for all this. IMHO.

ETA: She hasn't been charged with anything. Why would you go out and find a criminal defense attorney such as Houze?!? I could see it after an indictment, but surely not before. Overkill anyone?!?

Wouldn't a restraining order based on a MFH plot be reason enough to hire a criminal defense attorney? I certainly would have gotten one at that point.

Also, to those that say she should be telling LE to look elsewhere....what makes you think she hasn't proclaime her innocence to them and told them they are suspecting the wrong person? I'm willing to bet she has.

 

[ami]

Personally, I could be swayed towards believing in her innocence if she spoke out. And I wouldn't need to hear her complete alibi, either, because I'd understand that some things just can't be shared publicly at certain points in an investigation.

I would like to hear her say she loves Kyron and that her attorney advised her to remain silent, but silence no longer felt right when she knew there was a kidnapper out there and kids were going back to school, that she didn't want to start a panic but because she knows she is innocent, whether others believe this or not, she felt morally compelled to speak about it. She could say that she can't give many details, for legal reasons, but she loves and misses Kyron and regrets the divorce from Kaine became so public because she's also struggling with that, etc etc etc.

Her attorney could proof read whatever her statement would be, remove any potential land-mines, and she could read it verbatim with no questions.

I could be convinced.

 

[Aedrys]

Wouldn't a restraining order based on a MFH plot be reason enough to hire a criminal defense attorney? I certainly would have gotten one at that point.

Also, to those that say she should be telling LE to look elsewhere....what makes you think she hasn't proclaime her innocence to them and told them they are suspecting the wrong person? I'm willing to bet she has.

BBM. Yet this doesn't exist, or wasn't a real MFH plot according to some. So why hire a defense attorney if you were just joking about killing your husband, or it didn't happen? That would not be the first thing on my mind, then again, I'd never ask someone to kill my husband no matter how mad I get at him sometimes.

Either it didn't happen or was a joke and therefore doesn't need a criminal attorney, or it did happen, was criminal, and required an attorney. This just can't go both ways. Either the evidence is there or it's not and becomes a he said, she said. Why on earth get the best attorney in Oregon for a joke? Or for a simple he said/she said? No, you get an attorney like Houze because you know you're guilty, and you're going to need his services.

And I highly doubt she ever told them to look elsewhere. There's a difference between defending your actions only, and begging the police that it's not you and please look somewhere else. I think she falls in the first category. She has never shown for a moment that she cares about Kyron and where he is at all.

 

[wvjules]

*double post*

 

[debs]

BBM. Yet this doesn't exist, or wasn't a real MFH plot according to some. So why hire a defense attorney if you were just joking about killing your husband, or it didn't happen? That would not be the first thing on my mind, then again, I'd never ask someone to kill my husband no matter how mad I get at him sometimes.

Either it didn't happen or was a joke and therefore doesn't need a criminal attorney, or it did happen, was criminal, and required an attorney. This just can't go both ways. Either the evidence is there or it's not and becomes a he said, she said. Why on earth get the best attorney in Oregon for a joke? Or for a simple he said/she said? No, you get an attorney like Houze because you know you're guilty, and you're going to need his services.

And I highly doubt she ever told them to look elsewhere. There's a difference between defending your actions only, and begging the police that it's not you and please look somewhere else. I think she falls in the first category. She has never shown for a moment that she cares about Kyron and where he is at all.

Because whatever the truth about the MFH and LS thing is, it was used against her in a legal matter. It is of a criminal content. She needed, and got, a lawyer.

 

[wvjules]

BBM. Yet this doesn't exist, or wasn't a real MFH plot according to some. So why hire a defense attorney if you were just joking about killing your husband, or it didn't happen? That would not be the first thing on my mind, then again, I'd never ask someone to kill my husband no matter how mad I get at him sometimes.

Either it didn't happen or was a joke and therefore doesn't need a criminal attorney, or it did happen, was criminal, and required an attorney. This just can't go both ways. Either the evidence is there or it's not and becomes a he said, she said. Why on earth get the best attorney in Oregon for a joke? Or for a simple he said/she said? No, you get an attorney like Houze because you know you're guilty, and you're going to need his services.

And I highly doubt she ever told them to look elsewhere. There's a difference between defending your actions only, and begging the police that it's not you and please look somewhere else. I think she falls in the first category. She has never shown for a moment that she cares about Kyron and where he is at all.

Step-son is missing.
Hubby moves out abruptly taking my daughter.
Hubby seeks a Restraining order on me.
I'm being set up in a MFH sting (even though it is false).
Hmmm, something isn't right here.
They are apparently trying to pin something on me. I need to protect myself. Maybe I should start looking out for my legal interests and hire an attorney. Oh and since I'm getting an attorney I'm getting the best since it looks like they are tring to set me up for atleast the MFH and now possibly Kyron's disappearance.

She has not shown that she cares about Kyron and where he is at all? That my be true to the public but we have no idea how she is acting with her family or behind closed doors. IMO, there is NOTHING she can say or do at this point that will change anyone's mind and she and her attorney are smart for keeping a lid on it.

 

[desquire]

BBM. Yet this doesn't exist, or wasn't a real MFH plot according to some. So why hire a defense attorney if you were just joking about killing your husband, or it didn't happen? That would not be the first thing on my mind, then again, I'd never ask someone to kill my husband no matter how mad I get at him sometimes.

Either it didn't happen or was a joke and therefore doesn't need a criminal attorney, or it did happen, was criminal, and required an attorney. This just can't go both ways. Either the evidence is there or it's not and becomes a he said, she said. Why on earth get the best attorney in Oregon for a joke? Or for a simple he said/she said? No, you get an attorney like Houze because you know you're guilty, and you're going to need his services.

BBM.

Seriously? If someone told you (via RO or just in polite conversation) that the police are saying they have probable cause to believe that you committed a kidnapping/murder and solicited another murder and you know you are innocent but that your only alibi for the capital charge is the testimony of a 2-year old and that the other felony is your word against someone else's, you're really going to sit back, put your feet up and confidently say "Lawyer? I don't need no stinkin lawyer!"????

 

[krowdkat]

Wouldn't a restraining order based on a MFH plot be reason enough to hire a criminal defense attorney? I certainly would have gotten one at that point.

Also, to those that say she should be telling LE to look elsewhere....what makes you think she hasn't proclaime her innocence to them and told them they are suspecting the wrong person? I'm willing to bet she has.

My only point is...If I am Terri and was truly innocent of Kyron's disappearance, I'd forget about Houze (for now) and hire an EXCELLENT family lawyer and fight the RO in family court post haste in order to reestablish visitation/custody with my 18 month old child.

She hasn't been charged with ANYTHING. Anyone can lie in court and be granted a RO. If she's innocent, she'd force LE and Kaine's hand to bring forth the evidence they reportedly have against her. If innocent, she doesn't need Houze's assistance until she has been formally charged with a crime(s). Horse before the cart sort of thing.

 

[wvjules]

My only point is...If I am Terri and was truly innocent of Kyron's disappearance, I'd forget about Houze (for now) and hire an EXCELLENT family lawyer and fight the RO in family court post haste in order to reestablish visitation/custody with my 18 month old child.

She hasn't been charged with ANYTHING. Anyone can lie in court and be granted a RO. If she's innocent, she'd force LE and Kaine's hand to bring forth the evidence they reportedly have against her. If innocent, she doesn't need Houze's assistance until she has been formally charged with a crime(s). Horse before the cart sort of thing.

But it is a restraining order granted in part by information provided by LE invlolving alleged CRIMINAL activity.

 

[Calliope]

BBM. Yet this doesn't exist, or wasn't a real MFH plot according to some. So why hire a defense attorney if you were just joking about killing your husband, or it didn't happen? That would not be the first thing on my mind, then again, I'd never ask someone to kill my husband no matter how mad I get at him sometimes.

Either it didn't happen or was a joke and therefore doesn't need a criminal attorney, or it did happen, was criminal, and required an attorney. This just can't go both ways. Either the evidence is there or it's not and becomes a he said, she said. Why on earth get the best attorney in Oregon for a joke? Or for a simple he said/she said? No, you get an attorney like Houze because you know you're guilty, and you're going to need his services.

And I highly doubt she ever told them to look elsewhere. There's a difference between defending your actions only, and begging the police that it's not you and please look somewhere else. I think she falls in the first category. She has never shown for a moment that she cares about Kyron and where he is at all.

If one is being accused of something they didn't do, that's a great reason to get a defense attorney. If one is the focus of LE/DA for a crime they know they didn't commit, that's a great reason to hire a defense attorney. Innocent or guilty, she finally showed some smarts and hired a defense attorney.

 

[Calliope]

My only point is...If I am Terri and was truly innocent of Kyron's disappearance, I'd forget about Houze (for now) and hire an EXCELLENT family lawyer and fight the RO in family court post haste in order to reestablish visitation/custody with my 18 month old child.

She hasn't been charged with ANYTHING. Anyone can lie in court and be granted a RO. If she's innocent, she'd force LE and Kaine's hand to bring forth the evidence they reportedly have against her. If innocent, she doesn't need Houze's assistance until she has been formally charged with a crime(s). Horse before the cart sort of thing.

I don't know that LE would assist Kaine in a civil hearing (although they have involved themselves a bit too much already, so who knows?).

 

[Calliope]

BBM.

Seriously? If someone told you (via RO or just in polite conversation) that the police are saying they have probable cause to believe that you committed a kidnapping/murder and solicited another murder and you know you are innocent but that your only alibi for the capital charge is the testimony of a 2-year old and that the other felony is your word against someone else's, you're really going to sit back, put your feet up and confidently say "Lawyer? I don't need no stinkin lawyer!"????

lol you stated it much better than I did.

 

[Aedrys]

BBM.

Seriously? If someone told you (via RO or just in polite conversation) that the police are saying they have probable cause to believe that you committed a kidnapping/murder and solicited another murder and you know you are innocent but that your only alibi for the capital charge is the testimony of a 2-year old and that the other felony is your word against someone else's, you're really going to sit back, put your feet up and confidently say "Lawyer? I don't need no stinkin lawyer!"????

I never said I wouldn't get any lawyer or at least look for legal advice. I'm saying the first thing on my mind would not be getting the best dang lawyer in Oregon on retainer when I haven't even been charged with anything, especially if I can't pay for that lawyer. I am a poor person. I can't afford the likes of Houze nor would be I able to retain him. I'm not saying I wouldn't look for a good lawyer, but I certainly don't have the money for the best lawyer in the whole state where I live either.

So yeah, she got her high priced, hot shot lawyer when she's not even charged with anything, when it's just suspicion? When, like some keep asserting, there's no evidence that she's done anything wrong to anybody? That doesn't look like an innocent person to me.

I don't know about you, but I can't afford to get a lawyer everytime I feel like I need one. I would only get a lawyer if it's absolutely necessary to do so. What if this goes on for years? Is Houze really going to stay on retainer for her if this doesn't end for five, ten, fifteen or more years? I know I could never ever afford that.

 

[stmarysmead]

If I recall correctly, the lacrosse players were victimized first by the woman who lied, and then more grievously by a corrupt prosecutor who was trying to make a big name for himself. I believe he succeeded but in a manner that was unexpected and unwelcome.

I see no correlation between that case and Kyron's, nor between the suspects and victims of either. Why is it constantly being referenced?

Grainne Dhu

I think I love you.....you found the links I was searching for like a madwoman. And honestly, you say what I want to in such a concise and understanable manner. Thank you

BBM...I am pleased ro answer this for you as best I can.

First, this is a discussion Board and as far as I can see many people reference personal experiences, prior cases, etc. When one makes a point, these "references" often shed new light on a point of view. I believe the point of this Board is to speak our views and listen to those of others. I am sharing my experience in regard to the effectiveness of addressing the media.

Secondly, this thread is about JUST THAT...the merits and possible value of a media event or press conference. I mention the Duke case specifically because... directly addressing the media... proved a turning point in the case. While there are differences, of course, there are also similarities in the anger and widespread belief in the guilt of the parties involved.

If I were to meet Terri Horman and believe her to be innocent...I would tell her so much in reference to the two cases, because, if she is innnocent..it would give her great hope.

Since some of you believe in her,(although my opinion differs) at the least I can offer that same hope. I think expressing hope has merit anywhere in life...even on a discussion Board.

I appreciate the civility and kindness with which posters on this Board address each other and the respect that you show to each other. So when you ask me...Quote

I see no correlation between that case and Kyron's, nor between the suspects and victims of either. Why is it constantly being referenced?


...in that spirit I am happy to answer your question and I hope this helps.

 

[Calliope]

All it takes is a google search to see why Terri would consider hiring an attorney. IMO, she waited far too long.

But back on topic, aside from the fact that it could only hurt her, there's no reason for her to speak out. She doesn't need to convince anyone, and she wouldn't in any case.

 

[krowdkat]

But it is a restraining order granted in part by information provided by LE invlolving alleged CRIMINAL activity.

Most RO's are based on allegations of CRIMINAL behavior, spousal battery, etc...

Someone just pointed out we have moved off topic, so once again, I'll state for the WS record, I don't think TH holding a press conference would benefit her now. Early on, maybe yes, but not now.