long weekend break: discuss the latest here #101

[Isabelle]

I usually post crime-related movies or TV shows on the daily "Breaking News" board but have not done so while I've been following the JA case. Looks like a good lineup of true-crime films this weekend, so I'll post those for sure.

Thanks. I'll have to remember to check on "Breaking News: for that info.

 

[Boytwnmom]

I find it very odd that any mental health professional presented with a woman clearly lying about an incredibly violent slaughter doesn't contemplate that she may have a more significant issue than PTSD. How does a professional only believe what the known killer tells him or writes in her own journal and concludes she is peace loving and non-assertive and has low self esteem. Wouldn't you also consider whether she had a serious personality disorder which allows her to live in her "alternate reality" and nonchalantly discuss all manner of things with Det Flores. I assume one would view those interrogation tapes. Facile lying about a gruesome murder does not strike me as a hallmark of a non-assertive peaceful person. I just find his conclusions fly in the face of reality which he seems very willing to ignore in order to enter Jodi's world and accept her alternate reality.

Not to mention the text messages the Dr was led to describe as "mean" were accusations about the defendant that were about her lying, manipulation, sociopathology etc, hardly the normal insults romantic partners throw at each other-Travis was clearly laying out details of things Jodi did. How can a Dr determine from those specific accusations only that Travis was "mean" to poor Jodi and use that to further bolster Jodi as victim?

I agree with you some what except with his snobbery discounting "other highly qualified licensed mental health professionals" (uhum like someone here typing). Additionally, I disagree with areas in his sloppiness with testing, his out and out dishonesty with some of his testimony to be paid big bucks, and his dx is dubious. That is such a disgrace to our profession which we walk a thin line with the public anyway we don't someone like Samuel making our public image worse.

My Professional Opinion.

 

[irishnate]

This is what I was thinking--her going over the jury questions with Samuels AGAIN seemed to be aimed at Martinez. Too bad for Jodi, since the jury sounds like they have had it with this guy.

Is it professional to deny the objection like she does? "Judge, I didn't say that!"

Does Juan do things to get her worked up on purpose? Does he think she's a bad trial lawyer?

I don't think Juan concerns himself much with Willmot and Nurmi. I think he understands that the defense team is doing their job just as he is doing his. I do think he does get frustrated with their constant objections. I agree with a previous poster, Willmot is objecting to break his flow of questioning. The defensive teams has had some success by objecting so much it does throw Juan off sometimes but he is too driven to get sidetracked. JM does a great job but you can see the frustration in his body language every time there is a sidebar that interrupts him.

 

[Isabelle]

Believe it or not, I just read about that case.

Talk about sick!

I did a yahoo check on his name and a 10 minute video came up. The video included some of the police interrogation of Karla. Nuts!

 

[Novice Seeker]

Is it about the spectator in the gallery saying out loud "I wish Jodi would die" or words to that effect who was kicked out yesterday?

I have no idea. Some of the thoughts going around is perhaps this is related to something going on at the jail and perhaps the things Jodi was stealing from the table were intended to be used in some sort of weapon. Other theory's includes it's standard procedure in this sort of case, due to the incident with the two women yesterday and possibly JA is claiming concern/fear because of the blue ribbons/support the court observers are wearing. Going to be interesting to find out.

 

[TXHoney]

Tawni Dilly (who posts many of the YT videos we all look at and share) says that Travis' family has spent more than $20,000 to date to be at the trial every day. She has confirmed that this Facebook page is legitimate and the money goes to the family. If you can give, please do.

https://www.facebook.com/TravisAlexanderFund?fref=ts

If this violates forum rules, my apologies.

 

[josie1986]

MY BOMBSHELL OF THE DAY!!!

When asked if JA was having these "physiologic reactions to stress" (the shaking like a chihuahua and hands sweating he's talked about) PRIOR to the murder, he answers "highly unlikely".

Do you realize what he just did?

He just INVALIDATED the next expert who's entire job is to explain why she reacted with such OVER reaction is because she was a "battered woman" and she will try and sell how she'd been having this build up of trauma/anxiety/chihuaha shaking etc. up to the murder. HE JUST INVALIDATED that with that one answer. She tried to mitigate that damage but he sure did say it.

I can't wait for Juan to point that out lease: i hope he caught it.

just want to bring this over from the court observer thread.

will be very interesting to see what AL now has to day

 

[SunnyinMO]

I bet after this trial ends Jodi retires the skinny ugly Betty look she's been rockin through the trial. Even in prison I'm sure she'll go back to the old look

She wont be a blond that for sure. And I have seen grey hair during close ups. She will be an old looking hag in a very short time.

 

[gcharlie]

Mea Culpa!

I previously thought a small chef's knife could have made all the wounds described in the autopsy report. Until I was watching HLN After Dark tonight and noticed the autopsy report indicated a wound 1 3/4" wide by 5 3/4" deep (to the abdomen).

I had failed to take into account the 1 3/4" notation and now realize it would have taken a bigger knife--a wider blade--to inflict that wound.

It comes as no surprise Jodi would want to use the most lethal knife she could, to finish him off relatively quickly, in the shower (as she originally intended).

Note the large chef's knife in the attached photo has a blade 1 3/4" wide when it is at a depth of 5 3/4", and 1 1/2" wide at a depth of 3 1/2"--both wounds [1 3/4" x 5 3/4" (abdomen) and 1 1/2" x 3 1/2" (heart)] detailed in the autopsy report. The autopsy report describes the neck incised wound as 6" by 1 1/2".

The knife also can make cuts of 3/4" and 1" and 1 1/4" when the knife goes in less deep. Note the autopsy report said the knife hit bone at certain places in the back, which would explain why the knife didn't go very far in those particular places. The photo below shows at which points the knife goes in at 3/4", 1", 1 1/4", 1 1/2" and 1 3/4".

OMG I can't imagine the terror Travis felt when he saw that lethal weapon. She used a knife that cut bone, cut six or more muscles, tendons, the heart artery, lung cavity, came close to decapitating him. This knife explains the wide incised (more wide than deep) wounds on his scalp and base of his thumb. Not saying this is the exact type of knife she used--the blade wouldn't have to be 10" long--but imo it's close. MOO

View attachment 31037

Good work!

I can't remember if it was talking heads or the ME, but I've read somewhere that the knife was maybe 5" long. That does not make sense, because if a knife goes all the way to the hilt, it would be difficult to pull it back out unless it was in extremely soft tissue.

IMO, it had to be a chef's knife that was used because that type of knife is the only one I can think of which would be strong enough for such a savage attack. The taper of a chef's knife also comes into play. A utility knife blade would break.

JA did work in a restaurant at the time. Betcha she got the knife there. It would have been of decent quality and well honed.

 

[G&AMom]

One of the things that we constantly work on my Trial Ad classes is how to get rid of our annoying habits and ticks. Everybody has them, mine is that I pace back and forth when I get nervous. JW probably doesn't even realize she looks like a whiner, but she's also probably completely freaking out inside, given how her case is going.

I think her biggest worry should be that by objecting too much, she's alerting the jury that whatever JM's talking about must be really important and really bad for the defense. Sometimes it's best to just sit on your hands, let it come in, and try to rehabilitate on re-direct...especially when most of her objections are being overruled. On the other hand, if she doesn't object, they won't be able to argue the objection in an appeal, so that's got to be on her mind as well.

All of this inner tension has got to her and is showing up on the exterior, IMO.

After having to really focus on Wilmott because I was transcribing the tesitmony yesterday, I did come to some conclusions about her. She is smart. Not as smart as JM, but smart. She doesn't conceal her feelings well enough. I wonder if this is because she is working with Nurmi and their anger towards the prosecutor reinforces each other. I don't find her voice that bothersome, although I do think the microphone is not her friend.

I hesitate to comment on someone's appearance (except for the defendant's, which is part of the trial strategy), but I'm not impressed with the way she dresses. Yes, she is covered up (unlike someone else on the team), but her clothes are way too tight. Someone yesterday said they thought JM was checking out her *ss, and frankly her clothing encourages it. I have long hair and if I left it down like hers I would go nuts. It is hot, it gets in the way, it is hard to control, it catches in your lipstick. Her bangs obscure her face. I do sympathize with the fact that she is apparently very short: even in 3" heels she is not as tall as the 5'5" prosecutor. I knew a lawyer once who was 4'11" and it was really a problem for her. But IMO she looks like a real estate agent or a TV anchorwoman. Maybe I'm showing my age. :floorlaugh:

 

[dani]

Its really bothering me that when Samuels refers to JA's Ninja story, he keeps saying it was a defense mechanism - an alternate reality created because she was in denial. whaa?? Its as if he's not even aware that she has admitted the Ninja story was nothing more than a way deflect suspicion from her once she realized they had evidence she was there.

I really hope this gets addressed, I'd like to see him either admit he's wrong about it being an alternate reality, and/or admit she's completely put it over on him.

BBM: Samuals can say "defense mechanism", or "alternate reality", or "a way to deflect suspicion" all he wants. My brain hears "Liar, liar, pants on fire". I think the jury sees "No mas pantalones". :seeya:

 

[Liebchenmutti]

Believe it or not, I just read about that case.

Talk about sick!

You know what's even more sickening? That she lives with her husband and 3 children in some tropical location (I think. Not sure on the location name). Someone wrote an e-book about finding her.

She reminds me of Jodi--she had them all fooled that she was an abused woman and had no part in the crimes--she got out & then the videos of the torture and rape of those little girls surfaced & proved she's as sick as her ex-husband.:furious:

 

[BunnyHop]

She wont be a blond that for sure. And I have seen grey hair during close ups. She will be an old looking hag in a very short time.

I've got a few grays, does that make me ugly Betty?

:seeya::seeya::seeya:

 

[StephanieHartPI]

After having to really focus on Wilmott because I was transcribing the tesitmony yesterday, I did come to some conclusions about her. She is smart. Not as smart as JM, but smart. She doesn't conceal her feelings well enough. I wonder if this is because she is working with Nurmi and their anger towards the prosecutor reinforces each other. I don't find her voice that bothersome, although I do think the microphone is not her friend.

I hesitate to comment on someone's appearance (except for the defendant's, which is part of the trial strategy), but I'm not impressed with the way she dresses. Yes, she is covered up (unlike someone else on the team), but her clothes are way too tight. Someone yesterday said they thought JM was checking out her *ss, and frankly her clothing encourages it. I have long hair and if I left it down like hers I would go nuts. It is hot, it gets in the way, it is hard to control, it catches in your lipstick. Her bangs obscure her face. I do sympathize with the fact that she is apparently very short: even in 3" heels she is not as tall as the 5'5" prosecutor. I knew a lawyer once who was 4'11" and it was really a problem for her. But IMO she looks like a real estate agent or a TV anchorwoman. Maybe I'm showing my age. :floorlaugh:

I think she likes Mr Martinez. Not necessarily in that "I want you way" but I think she appreciates him and likes to think she is his match in court. She is not, she needs to be much better prepared and not sound like she has to think of what to ask next and how to ask it? The art of delivering the goods in court, it needs to roll off her much better.

She sounds new.

 

[Liebchenmutti]

I hesitate to comment on someone's appearance (except for the defendant's, which is part of the trial strategy), but I'm not impressed with the way she dresses. Yes, she is covered up (unlike someone else on the team), but her clothes are way too tight. Someone yesterday said they thought JM was checking out her *ss, and frankly her clothing encourages it. I have long hair and if I left it down like hers I would go nuts. It is hot, it gets in the way, it is hard to control, it catches in your lipstick. Her bangs obscure her face. I do sympathize with the fact that she is apparently very short: even in 3" heels she is not as tall as the 5'5" prosecutor. I knew a lawyer once who was 4'11" and it was really a problem for her. But IMO she looks like a real estate agent or a TV anchorwoman. Maybe I'm showing my age. :floorlaugh:

THANK YOU. I kept showing my husband my computer when it showed JW walking toward the bench--that outfit was a size too small. I don't mind body-skimming suits for women--but that skirt was so tight I don't know how she sat down in it (even if it does stretch).

I would just pull my hair back if I were her--it's too distracting. But then, my theory on defense attorneys is that some of them work hard at being a distraction with long hair & pony tail for men, outrageous clothes, etc. Some of the very well known defense attorneys do this. But, I don't think that's the case with JW.

I think Juan is a man who admires women--and if you don't want him to inadvertently check out your hiney, wear something less provocative.

P.S. Juan can check me out all he likes! :floorlaugh:

 

[josie1986]

I've got a few grays, does that make me ugly Betty?

:seeya::seeya::seeya:

o/t but my dad calls my mum ugly betty :floorlaugh:

not in a bad way obviously she finds it funny

 

[Liebchenmutti]

Mea Culpa!

I previously thought a small chef's knife could have made all the wounds described in the autopsy report. Until I was watching HLN After Dark tonight and noticed the autopsy report indicated a wound 1 3/4" wide by 5 3/4" deep (to the abdomen).

I had failed to take into account the 1 3/4" notation and now realize it would have taken a bigger knife--a wider blade--to inflict that wound.

It comes as no surprise Jodi would want to use the most lethal knife she could, to finish him off relatively quickly, in the shower (as she originally intended).

Note the large chef's knife in the attached photo has a blade 1 3/4" wide when it is at a depth of 5 3/4", and 1 1/2" wide at a depth of 3 1/2"--both wounds [1 3/4" x 5 3/4" (abdomen) and 1 1/2" x 3 1/2" (heart)] detailed in the autopsy report. The autopsy report describes the neck incised wound as 6" by 1 1/2".

The knife also can make cuts of 3/4" and 1" and 1 1/4" when the knife goes in less deep. Note the autopsy report said the knife hit bone at certain places in the back, which would explain why the knife didn't go very far in those particular places. The photo below shows at which points the knife goes in at 3/4", 1", 1 1/4", 1 1/2" and 1 3/4".

OMG I can't imagine the terror Travis felt when he saw that lethal weapon. She used a knife that cut bone, cut six or more muscles, tendons, the heart artery, lung cavity, came close to decapitating him. This knife explains the wide incised (more wide than deep) wounds on his scalp and base of his thumb. Not saying this is the exact type of knife she used--the blade wouldn't have to be 10" long--but imo it's close. MOO

View attachment 31037

Wow. Just wow. That picture is absolutely chilling.

 

[smeck]

Mine says 115

:Banane14: was in a tiny fog when I gave that info

I still have the same weight on my drivers license that I had when I first got my license at age 16 (about 40+yrs ago). I figured that if they wanted to know my weight then they should have a scale there to weigh me LOL

 

[justsharing]

When you look at the video you see at aprox 58:58 Jaun asks Samuels for the exhibit with 3 holes he begins to search for it , the defence looks sick and calls for side bar , while at side bar camera pans to jodi , she sits still for awhile then grabs what appears to be an exhibt (green tag on it) and shuffles it under some papers in front of her. I wonder why she did that?

BBM, I thought maybe the camera guy thought he found the three holed exhibit when panning on Jodi:blushing: I couldn't help myself.

 

[2door73chevy]

OT....But Katie (not katiecoolady, the other Dr. Drew jury girl) if you're reading, I just saw you on HLN @ 4pm and you were great and gorgeous!