TN - Chris Newsom, 23, & Channon Christian, 21, murdered, Knoxville, 6 Jan 2007 #2

[SuziQ]

The same young man who was sobbing yesterday and the sweet girl who dabbed his tears is again sitting behind the Newsom's.

 

[SuziQ]

Deena and Gary are there.

 

[SuziQ]

I keep thinking about that young man and the sweet girl. It was one of the most touching things I've seen in a long time.

 

[SuziQ]

Feed talking about finding out about Channon.

 

[SuziQ]

Showing video of inside chipman house.

 

[SuziQ]

http://twitter.com/jamiescoop

Verdict showed this was no-nonsense jury, meticulous and deliberate. Unlikely to decide penalty on emotion

 

[SuziQ]

Court in session.

Moment of silence for Rick Clark.

 

[SuziQ]

Ugh, we have an annoying reporter talking over the proceedings....

 

[SuziQ]

http://twitter.com/jamiescoop

Judge starts with moment of silence for lawyer friend who has died

 

[SuziQ]

Judge addressing Cobbins. Explaining his right to testify or not.

 

[yolorado]

http://twitter.com/jamiescoop

How much will this jury's belief that Cobbins wasn't calling shots play in their punishment choice?

We may today hear from Cobbins relatives

Today is death phase of Letalvis Cobbins' trial. Follow me for up to minute coverage

We'll see. MO, although I don't know about Tenn, here the DP is rarely given...only for the worst of the worst...for which this case would qualify. However here, Cobbins probably wouldn't get it unless he was considered at least as responsible as Davidson, but he might. This was a particularly heinous crime. It takes so long to carry out the death penalty, at least here, that I've gotten to the point that I almost think it may be better to save the expense of DP riggamarole and appeals, and the emotional uncertainty to the victims family, and just go for life w/o possibility of parole...knowing that that leaves the slight possibility, no matter what the current thinking is, that the perp may someday walk free...due to changes in laws, natural disasters, prison escape, etc..

With regard to Cobbins in Tenn, I'd guess it could go either way.

 

[SuziQ]

http://twitter.com/jamiescoop

No new witnesses for state at this phase. Christian family to address jury

Judge asking Cobbins if he wants to testify

 

[SuziQ]

Do opening statements then victim impact statements. Cobbins needs to decide soon if he'll testify.

 

[SuziQ]

http://twitter.com/jamiescoop

Alternates not allowed in jury room during deliberations now to return with main panel to hear penalty phase proof

Cobbins has till mid-morning to decide on testimony. We will start with opening statement

 

[yolorado]

Does it seem like the judge seems a little stressed out and worn by this trial? Looks like it to me.

 

[SuziQ]

Does it seem like the judge seems a little stressed out and worn by this trial? Looks like it to me.

He really does. His friends death may have him rattled.

 

[SuziQ]

Wow, Cobbins own family won't speak up for him?

http://twitter.com/jamiescoop

Defense signaling won't call relative witnesses, we'll have to see what they say in openings to be sure

 

[SuziQ]

http://twitter.com/jamiescoop

Jury in, judge says he rules proof of aggravating circumstances shown at trial, victim impact stuff to follow

 

[SuziQ]

TK doing opening statement for the state.

 

[SuziQ]

http://twitter.com/jamiescoop

Judge to jury - u can consider all u heard at trial as evidence in penalty phase