Trial break: The State vs Jodi Arias; trial resumes 4 February 2013

[Laceybug]

Pretty much every day of this trial.. Jodi has mirrored Wilmott... I noticed yesterday she did not. She wore black while Wilmott wore a lavender? purple-ish top. Perhaps Jodi KNEW what Wilmott was going to do... and chose NOT to dress/look like her attorney. Anyone else notice that?

 

[Love Never Fails]

Ok gonna post my impressions from today. This was a very somber day in so many ways for me and for all of us.

I got to court early and got right in. The Deputy recognizes me now and I just said I was there at the invitation of the Victim Advocate and showed her card and got right in. I first sat on the aisle behind Travis family then thought better of that position and moved to the end of that row. The Victim Advocate Nicole came and sat with me.

I also had a long talk before court started with the brother of a murder victim named Jake Orbin. His brother was Jay Orbin and married this platinum blond showgirl named Marjorie who ultimately murdered him and chopped up his body and...more horror. I have seen shows on this horrible crime on 48 Hrs. etc. He is there watching the trial and in support of the family just like me. We had a natural comraderie. He's a very nice fellow and we will likely become friends. He has some of the same drive I do to make some kind of difference out of a tragedy. He's raising his brother's son.

I talked also for a long time with Nicole the Victim Advocate. We know many people in common (not the least of which my former Victims Rights Atty who now works in her office!). She asked me if I had an interest in becoming a Victim Advocate and we talked about that. I've had an interest in helping victims write their Impact Statements as I do think I have a gift for writing and doing so in a way that can be more than venting but truly make an IMPACT. She said Travis' family are working on their statements right now and so I offered my assistance/support should they be interested. It would be my blessing to assist them or any victim in this way.

You all saw what I saw in court so that's nothing new. What I can say is what was palpable to me is the change in energy in the courtoom when Martinez is questioning vs. Nurmi. I said before it's like someone changes the channel from ESPN to PBS. And one of those really sedate PBS shows (not my beloved Downton Abbey). It's like you're almost sitting there waiting with anticipation for Martinez to get up and speak because the second Nurmi takes the podium it's like "come ON, spit it OUT". He entire demeanor is boring. I almost feel sorry for him. (but I don't).

Someone who will not be named told me Victoria Washington withdrew from this case for reasons that are sealed but said "I really like Victoria but I'll say she has higher ethical standards than Kirk Nurmi". Big surprise.

Nicole and I also discussed the whole chameleon like nature of a sociopath. She clearly thinks Jodi is one (as do I). How she looks so completely different now than in her previous photos. I hate to say it but in her blonde photos we've all seen I do think she looks stunningly gorgeous. And now, she's so mousy you wouldn't pick her out of a crowd. she looks frail and mousy sitting over there.

Every person "in the know" I've asked their opinions (granted not a huge sample) thinks Jodi will testify. One said they think next week. Early next week. I think their case is going so badly and they know they are losing, they will throw this Hail Mary.

I did see Nurmi walk in today with a big brown paper bundle that looked like evidence to me. I've seen plenty of evidence packages and this is what it looked like. It looked the size you'd wrap a christmas package of a big fluffy bathrobe. That size. Not sharp edged like a box but kind of soft. Hmmmm...

Jury does seem attentive. I almost ended up on the elevator with them. But did end up on one with Det. Flores and his wife and some others and we all had to get off because the doors weren't closing (imagine ME getting stuck on an elevator with HIM..lol).

Saw Beth briefly. She's always so friendly. Saw my friend Mike Kiefer. he's also quite chatty so passing me little tidbits.

I did post that I saw Martinez approach Travis sister (the younger one who first ran out of court yesterday) and had a very close conversation,she speaking directly in to his ear. Both were smiling as they parted.

I'll review my notes and see if I forgot anything.

I will be going ALL day Monday and afternoons Wed and Thurs next week. Ahhhh the pleasures of being self employed...don't hafta ask the boss.

Feel free to ask any questions or put me on assignment for anything you'd like me to check out or ask next week. I'd be happy to help in any way I can. :seeya:

PS. Edited to add--I gave Nicole the card to give the family and she said she was going to do it at lunch. She also asked if I'd put my contact info on there and that she was going to read and show them my Victims Impact Statement (as it is online).

Thank you Katie. I do not understand the justice system when the evidence is clear and/or the murderer confesses. Seems to me they would be sentenced by the jury right away and the defense would be barred from destroying the victim any further. I wonder if the two DA's were trying to channel Jose Baez and failed. They must realize how much he is hated by everyone for his antics. I heard Mark Geragos had a good reputation until he defended Scott Peterson. What is this winning at all costs about in this nation? I have tremendous respect for the passion of Juan Martinez. I am praying for justice for Travis from this jury. But even that will never bring him back. I hope you can assist with their impact statements if they ask you. I just have this overwhelming feeling of taking a baseball bat to Jodi. Cruel I know. Guess that is what our justice system is for.

 

[TigerBalm]

 

[Boodles]

Hi Lacey,

I know Beth K has been VERY frustrated with the Judge's pulling so many things "in camera" as she said. It's her job to report and a lot of this trial is being kept from the public. Other than that I don't have complaints with her. I think it's Juan Martinez who's Alpha Dogging that courtroom anyway.

That's for sure!

 

[Bravo]

It seems that Trials have become about "winning". Blame anyone including the Victim. Defense should be defending their client and not playing dirty. This is just appalling. So very heartbreaking for Travis's Family :rose:

 

[TigerBalm]

Pretty much every day of this trial.. Jodi has mirrored Wilmott... I noticed yesterday she did not. She wore black while Wilmott wore a lavender? purple-ish top. Perhaps Jodi KNEW what Wilmott was going to do... and chose NOT to dress/look like her attorney. Anyone else notice that?

I don't think she gets to choose her outfits, they bring her clothing to the courthouse for her to change into every day.

 

[TotallyObsessed]

</vent>

When did become okay in criminal trials to trash the victim?

When did it become okay for defence lawyers to throw all kinds of irrelevant garbage at the jury hoping something sticks in order to divert their thinking from the real evidence and the real reason they are there?

As much as the defence witnesses have provided us with levity I am so angry at them for their tactics. Yesterday was joke. They know they have nothing and they knew their ship was sinking quickly with their useless witnesses. So in order to try save that ship they resort to showing "evidence" that shouldn't be allowed in the first place and successfully have questionable photos flashed in front of the jury and national television.

Shame on Nurmi and whats-her-name.

</vent>

The precedent was set in State of Florida v. Casey Anthony. IMHO the door to hell was opened by JB. Now all defense attorneys in big media trials will follow suit. :furious:

 

[Stolat]

</vent>

When did become okay in criminal trials to trash the victim?

When did it become okay for defence lawyers to throw all kinds of irrelevant garbage at the jury hoping something sticks in order to divert their thinking from the real evidence and the real reason they are there?

As much as the defence witnesses have provided us with levity I am so angry at them for their tactics. Yesterday was joke. They know they have nothing and they knew their ship was sinking quickly with their useless witnesses. So in order to try save that ship they resort to showing "evidence" that shouldn't be allowed in the first place and successfully have questionable photos flashed in front of the jury and national television.

Shame on Nurmi and whats-her-name.

</vent>

I'm Ok with defense trashing the victim if it essential to show the victim had exhibited behavior that supports the def claims. For example, if a woman takes out an RSO on her abusive husband and he beats her and she pushes him down the stairs in a struggle, I think it's necessary to show how he treated her to put her actions into context. Victim bashing has gone on forever. It's not new. Some times even warranted. Think of all the mafia killing trials. This concept is ok when in proper context.

However all they've got in this case is a guy who may have lied to friends/family, cheated on his girlfriends and used women for sex. Yeah?? So what?? They just described hundreds of thousands of guys in America. Should we round em all up and shoot them too? Oh, and slit their throats? And butcher them
29 times?

 

[norest4thewicked]

I tottttally get you and appreciate you!

But we have to laugh or we would all go insane.

But, not at the expense of Travis...not at the expense of a victim. We can laugh at plenty of things without laughing at something that will hurt the victims family. Instead of going insane here, we could walk away. We don't have to make that family have one more moment of pain.

 

[kscornfed]

The precedent was set in State of Florida v. Casey Anthony. IMHO the door to hell was opened by JB. Now all defense attorneys in big media trials will follow suit. :furious:

or maybe we just notice it more now. hey, remember OJ? hitting those golf balls in his front yard!! colombian neckties!

 

[Love Never Fails]

Thank you Sleuth.

In a small nutshell, my sister Cindy was murdered in 1988 by a German man and his brother in a "let's marry American women and take out big insurance policies on them then kill them and get rich" scheme. She was their first (and last) victim. They were both sentenced to Death in 1990.

She was killed on Dec. 23 and her body was found in the desert on Christmas Eve by a young boy out 4 wheeling with his Dad who came to court and testified "I thought it was a deer".

It was a very sophisticated premeditated plan and cover up--they nearly got away with it but their 3rd accomplice turned on them. Yet just a couple years ago after a 7 year appeal which cost tax payers over 10 million dollars one of them was released from Death Row to L with parole on a MENTAL RETARDATION claim. he will be up for parole in 5 years now but luckily has a second sentence to fulfill for the conspiracy charge..another 25 years. They will both die in prison. But he almost could have gotten out (another story).

Cindy was killed much like Travis. Over 30 stab wounds and nearly decapitated. No gun shot though. Like Travis' family I avoided crime scene/autopsy photos 100% (I wouldn't even be in the courtroom ) but horrifically ran in to one online a few years ago and thought I was going to lose my mind...seriously. So I know alot of what they are dealing with. Cindy was my only sister. Just 14 months older than me. She was my lifeline.

That's it, in a nutshell. Thanks for the love, you and everyone.

Katie,
I didn't realize exactly what happened in your family either. That is horrific. I am so sorry. Your will be a strong help to Travis' family if they let you. I just don't understand the mind of a killer. It's not sick...it's pure evil.

 

[Chester_from_THM]

I can support your notion that the drive was not from Travis's laptop. But based on that theory alone, it is premature and unsupported to deduct that definitively disqualifies it as belonging to Travis. We no more know that it isn't his than we know it is his. We only know what computer it did not come from. I have 3 laptops and 2 desktops because I keep upgrading, No reason to believe he had only one computer in his house.

It will be interesting to find out where it came from and who the owner is.

Hi Stolat -

I am rewatching this part today, and it is very confusing. First, he clearly says he analyzed the Compaq Presario, which we know belonged to Travis.

Then he said he received a laptop-sized hard disk in October, with some parts that could have been a case for that drive. I didn't catch anyone ever saying where that came from. The witness did not say anything about what data he analyzed from that.

Next, the lawyer asked him if he received in November a mirror image of an external drive that had been damaged and sent to a recovery service by Pima Cty LE. He said some data was marked unrecoverable by that service, but he found the backup master file table (or something like that) which enabled him to access files on the drive.

I didn't catch anyone saying the mirror was in fact an image of the 2.5 in laptop sized disk he received in Oct.

But that image is where those pictures came from that he flashed the courtroom with.

No where in that testimony did I hear anyone say where the image came from that contained those pictures.

I've watched several trials, and it seems like they always start out with identifying where the evidence came from.

I can't understand how this could help the defense in any case, whether the pictures were found on Jodi's drive, or Travis'. I know this testimony is not over, but I guess I just don't have the imagination to see how this is related to abuse.

 

[zoey]

The precedent was set in State of Florida v. Casey Anthony. IMHO the door to hell was opened by JB. Now all defense attorneys in big media trials will follow suit. :furious:

All under the guise of "searching for justice"-"defending the innocent "-"search for truth" and lets not forget "innocent until proved guilty " meanwhile the true victim is portrayed as evil. Makes no sense to me :twocents::moo:

 

[Steely Dan]

fftobed: Don't expect me to read every dang page when I wake up and come back. :snooty:

 

[nursebeeme]

Folks: do NOT personalize your posts. That is a :nono: What else is a no no is discussing Travis' family members unless it is a kind thought. Thanks everyone..

 

[Bravo]

I am of the opinion Travis's Family has done some healing as the years have passed. Have found some semblance of a "new normal". Appears they are supported and support each other tremendously. I'm sure this Trial and the realities of it have brought the agony once again to the forefront. I cant imagine and pray I never have to. MOO

 

[TotallyObsessed]

:furious:

Ok with defense trashing the victim if it essential to show the victim had exhibited behavior that supports the def claims. For example, if a woman takes out an RSO on her abusive husband and he beats her and she pushes him down the stairs in a struggle, I think it's necessary to show how he treated her to put her actions into context.

However all they've got in this case is a guy who may have lied to friends/family, cheated on his girlfriends and used women for sex. Yeah?? So what?? They just described hundreds of thousands of guys in America. Should we round em all up and shoot them too? Oh, and slit their throats? And butcher them
29 times?

I agree. I think if the defense is going to be put forth, put some evidence to back the claims of abuse up. Hard evidence. Not just spewing lies in a courtroom by a defense attorney, then nothing to back it up with. However, MOST intelligent jurors could probably say "well, he said this...but where is the proof?" But then again, some pinheads can't do that.....

 

[Bravo]

fftobed: Don't expect me to read every dang page when I wake up and come back. :snooty:

:floorlaugh::floorlaugh: Between you and Linda (and others) I have had moments of hysterical laughter. Thank You. Much needed :seeya:

 

[CUCKOOHEAD]

Good morning everyone! Something just hit me last night after hearing a clip of the defense attorney's (the woman) opening statement. I'll try to be as delicate as possible since I bet there are people that haven't even gotten their morning caffeine yet.

The lawyer was referring to Travis's sex fantasy. It involved a tree, Jodi's backside and 'putting it all the way in'.

I have never been in an abusive relationship so I may be way off but if someone is an abuser do they really give a hoot if sex is on the painful side? Travis's so called fantasy (if true) suggests that while the two engaged in anal intercourse it never went past the comfort of Jodie. Does that sound like an abuser? It doesn't to me.

 

[Linda7NJ]

thats the problem - the defense just threw out the pics w/out proper procedure or any explanation of where they were from, but then thats the image the jury is going to go home w/ and think about for the next 3 days

I wouldn't waste anytime thinking about it if I were a juror. I'm not a juror and IMO it was so insignificant, I'm not even going to waste time discussing it here.

I'd rather talk about the previous witness being one of the best prosecution witnesses yet! Thank you defense for calling him!


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