When I say I think, I'm saying its my understanding. I don't know about Kentucky specifically but in many true crime books I've read the grand jury meets periodically & hears many cases in a session. Imo if this GJ meeting was to only consider DS charges it would take about 30 minutes. jmo
What do you base it on it would only take 30 minutes? Do you have a case, and link about a serious death such as this one when the victim was found dead, bound, naked, and buried only taking 30 minutes?
The reason I asked when my husband was on a GJ last year one of the cases involved a murder case, and that one alone lasted almost two days. The GJ he was on met for 2 weeks because there were several type of cases involved including the one about murder I mentioned. Then in the 6 months period he was recalled two more times.
How do we know they are only presenting evidence for only one indictment? They very likely could present evidence where the GJ will either true bill or no bill more than one offense against DS.
I have also been on a GJ although my service was several years back, but I dont recall any testimony lasting only 30 minutes for any particular case even those of a much lesser degree of severity.
All GJurors are also allowed to tell the prosecutor they want other witnesses called after hearing from the witnesses initially called before rendering a determination. They are also allowed to ask as many questions themselves they may have of any witnesss who has testified. That is why GJ can be useful in 2 different ways. 1. To bring indictments. 2. Use as an investigative tool.
DAs can also ask for a special GJ to hear only one particular case.
Imo, so only 30 minutes for such a serious case just isn't logical or feasible.
Probable cause has already been met in his preliminary hearing by the presiding judge on his initial offenses.
Imo, the GJ will decide if other more serious additional offenses are warranted based on the evidence/testimonies submitted to them that has been uncovered since he was first intially arrested, and charged.
We are seeing LE use this same smart tactic quite often now where they will arrest the suspect on other less severe charges intially ..while giving them time to collect the evidence needed for them to be indicted on the charge of murder or more severe charges.
I asked this question the other day, but never saw it answered, but could have missed it.
In several states only a GJ can hand down an indictment for the top charge of first degree murder. Do we know if KY is one of those states? Tia
Jmho