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

[katiecoolady]

Let me tell you. Just one example. In our case the defense had the f'ing audacity to claim the defendant just had to inflict so many wounds on my sister because she fought back or some other such bull*****. In the last hearing I attended (after one of her killers got off death row with a mental retardation claim), his attorney turned and faced me and apologized to me personally. I am normally a very courteous and engaging person but in this instance I stared straight ahead stoned faced. I was not going to give him that esp BEFORE I had to get up there and give my Impact Statement. And I looked him straight in the face when I was kicking his A$$ in my Statement. You're beaten down and still in freaking warfare as a victim's family. And it's just begun for Travis's.

 

[Sleuth13]

There is NO proof it was HIS hard drive... there is NO proof it was TA's private parts! I just don't see how those pictures could be entered into evidence.

And I still wanna know what all the hub-bub behind closed doors was all about!! What else were they trying to pull???? The Judge has to know the exhibit flahsing snafu was on purpose and I can only hope she starts sanctioning them for any other BS here on out! She won't but maybe that false hope will calm my nerves this weekend!!

 

[txbluesman]

The testimony in your link says it was a mirror image. So who's hard drive was being mirror imaged to your knowledge?

I'll try here Karmandy. See, that's the thing; they started all this smoke and mirrors thing about the "Compaq". What was in the search logs, who was the user, all this stuff. Then they get you thinking about these benign youtube vids and next thing you know, he's talking about ANOTHER hard drive with no documentation. We don't know who owned it, we don't know where it came from, we don't know about any file names or directories. Then WHAM, she flashes these photos for all the world to see.

Where the hard drive came from, I don't know. What we do know is that it did not come from TA's laptop.

 

[minor4th]

The testimony in your link says it was a mirror image. So who's hard drive was being mirror imaged to your knowledge?

No clue. They didn't even discuss that. It was a hard drive from a lap top, but not from Travis' lap top, so who knows?

 

[HarvestMoon]

Let me tell you. Just one example. In our case the defense had the f'ing audacity to claim the defendant just had to inflict so many wounds on my sister because she fought back or some other such bull*****. In the last hearing I attended (after one of her killers got off death row with a mental retardation claim), his attorney turned and faced me and apologized to me personally. I am normally a very courteous and engaging person but in this instance I stared straight ahead stoned faced. I was not going to give him that esp BEFORE I had to get up there and give my Impact Statement. And I looked him straight in the face when I was kicking his A$$ in my Statement. You're beaten down and still in freaking warfare as a victim's family. And it's just begun for Travis's.

It is so sad.

Tanisha while sad, looks fierce. She will also give one heck of a statement when the time comes.

You did good Katie~

 

[Karmady]

I'll try here Karmandy. See, that's the thing; they started all this smoke and mirrors thing about the "Compaq". What was in the search logs, who was the user, all this stuff. Then they get you thinking about these benign youtube vids and next thing you know, he's talking about ANOTHER hard drive with no documentation. We don't know who owned it, we don't know where it came from, we don't know about any file names or directories. Then WHAM, she flashes these photos for all the world to see.

Where the hard drive came from, I don't know. What we do know is that it did not come from TA's laptop.

Thank you for explaining. And I agree that all of this is very disjointed. But can you please clarify how we know is was NOT Travis's laptop?

 

[katiecoolady]

It is so sad.

Tanisha while sad, looks fierce. She will also give one heck of a statement when the time comes.

You did good Katie~

YOu know on TV I always thought she just looked extremely pissed. In person she looks like every single second she's witholding dissolving in tears. She looks terribly sad. Her husband is amazing though. He is constantly checking in with her, touching her, caressing her but in a very appropriate supportive way.

 

[Karmady]

No clue. They didn't even discuss that. It was a hard drive from a lap top, but not from Travis' lap top, so who knows?

Well, that's my question and what I missed, I guess. How do we know it was NOT Travis's laptop?

 

[oceanblueeyes]

I think trials have become a reflection of our society and they reinforce a dangerous mentality. It's becoming easier and easier to blame other people, issues, and entities both in and out of court - no personal accountability, no thought of consequence, and a greedy reliance on a legal system that has no obligation to act with standards or integrity.

Start 'em young pointing the finger elsewhere, create the mindset that we are never at fault for our own actions and by the time we commit a crime there's a lawyer waiting for us with a prepared story about how the victim was begging to be victimized.

It really makes me sick and sad.

Thats true. Unfortunately we have become a 'blame anyone else but me' society instead of teaching children they will be held accountable for their own behaviors and actions. So it starts early on and just gets worse the older a person gets.

We have also become a society that makes celebs out of viscious murderers.:banghead: The more viscious they are the more attention they are given. Even the media giving out tidbits about their lives in jail and trying to glamorize criminals. Its truly bizarre.

It really is truly revolting and I dont see any change in sight.

IMO

 

[popsicle]

No clue. They didn't even discuss that. It was a hard drive from a lap top, but not from Travis' lap top, so who knows?

But Juan was following along, wouldn't he know? It came from what was confiscated during the investigation tho, right?

 

[KPinMN]

Thank you for your wonderful reports Katie. I'm finishing up my bachelors in Community Health & Welfare which includes taking a number of criminal justice courses so the interest I already had in this case, as well as others, has certainly made these courses all the more interesting. Last semester I took Victimology and really enjoyed the course. This semester I'm taking Restorative Justice and struggling with it because there are so many cases where I just don't feel it would appropriate, this case being one of them. Your insight into the victims is very nice to read and your compassionate tone warms my heart.

 

[PrincessSezMe]

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:

Thank you katie the cool lady! It all looked so BORING to us, but you bring in all the nuances of the trial that make it real with your eyewitness accounts. :rocker:. Maybe Beth should take you under her wing as a mentor. You could be the next face on In Session :biggrin:. Then they can get rid of the oh so annoying "Jinkasaurus" :floorlaugh:

 

[ILikeToBendPages]

All it was was the power of suggestion, with Willmott and those two photos. It created a visual for the jury. Once out there it can't be taken back.

Someone said up thread what I was also thinking, it was a large body part, and considering where it was reported to have gone, that might not sit well with all. I think that is part of what Willmott was aiming for.

She thinks she's upped one on JM.

I wonder if the men on the jury will be ticked at her for letting the women on the jury see them. Especially if they aren't admissible. A cut throat is horrible but I think the penis pic will do more harm to the defense.

 

[katiecoolady]

ditto, ditto, ditto.

I am sickened by the way this good young man is being picked apart and dissected and laid bare. Wishing the alexander family and friends peace and hope during this grueling and cruel process. May justice be done.

I know that every criminal is entitled to their day in court and all that, but i feel such disdain for any attorney who can tear apart the legacy of a murder victim for the sake of their clearly guilty murderous client. I do not know how their consciences allow them to do this. (speaking specifically about wilmott and her shenanigans today, as well as her opening remarks).

yes yes yes

 

[HarvestMoon]

YOu know on TV I always thought she just looked extremely pissed. In person she looks like every single second she's witholding dissolving in tears. She looks terribly sad. Her husband is amazing though. He is constantly checking in with her, touching her, caressing her but in a very appropriate supportive way.

I really am crying Katie, as you here, are telling, the real story. I forget her husband's name for the moment, but bless him, his support is invaluable.

 

[oceanblueeyes]

I think it should be illegal to present false info like George Anthony faced, when he is not on trial. Total BS...

Things like this have just got to stop. It is destroying the very fabric of our justice system.

I think any lawyer that says things he/she knows he cant prove should be locked up and disbarred.:furious:

 

[Hatfield]

I know I have been mad at the judge lately, but this example today is a perfect example of her not doing her job when it is desparately needed.

-She could have stopped the defense blatant actions before it did damage to the jury - she did nothing.

-Even if she missed it, she could have at least verbally instructed the jury to totally disregard those photos as they are NOT evidence yet and may not ever become evidence.

-But instead, she lets the jury go home with the thought in their heads that Travis had some really bad dirty pictures on his computer.

-like was already nicely pointed out in the transcript, it is not even proven these really came from his computer at all, we dont know whose pics it even is, and basically it is garbage that the defense brought in.

-so sad

 

[Sleuth13]

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).

Katie my dear, you do indeed have a way with words!! I began crying as I read the first part of this post, but you turned that around by letting us know that our guy is taking good care of the fam and that made me smile!!

(I am out of the loop as to what your situation was with your family, but just knowing something happened to you and you are willing to fight and do good for others really touches my heart!)

I had posted earlier today that I was glad that jerkwad cut in line the other day bc everything seems to be falling into place! Thank you for keeping us in the loop and for passing along our support to his family. I'm really happy I joined this site last week - you are slowly restoring my faith in the human race!!

 

[katiecoolady]

Thank you for your wonderful reports Katie. I'm finishing up my bachelors in Community Health & Welfare which includes taking a number of criminal justice courses so the interest I already had in this case, as well as others, has certainly made these courses all the more interesting. Last semester I took Victimology and really enjoyed the course. This semester I'm taking Restorative Justice and struggling with it because there are so many cases where I just don't feel it would appropriate, this case being one of them. Your insight into the victims is very nice to read and your compassionate tone warms my heart.

Thank you. Wow I'd be very interested in your comments re: the Victimology aspect. Please chime in from that angle any time. It's an important one here and not really acknowledged that I can see (in court). Believe it or not I'm also very interested in Restorative Justice. It's hard to find a place to forgive when the person is still fighting you every step of the way not claiming any shred of responsibility. and/or in this case blaming their victim. But it IS possible. And itDOES happen. Redemption is one of the most heartwarming feelings on the planet.

As A Course In Miracles says "the holiest place on Earth is where an ancient hatred becomes a present love". Sigh....

 

[txbluesman]

Well, that's my question and what I missed, I guess. How do we know it was NOT Travis's laptop?

I'll give this a go, too. Sorry to have misspelled your name earlier, Karmady.

What we seem to be running into here is a matter of semantics regarding the "other" hard drive. I'll get to that.

First, the expert says he inspected the search history of TA's laptop. He could only have done that with an intact, functioning (not broken) hard drive.

The "other" hard drive was damaged in some way. They were still able to get some data off of it, which we are led to believe included the images we saw at the end of the day.

When he got the hard drive, it came with some "other parts", consistent with the enclosure that would have held this hard drive. What that means is that the hard drive he examined would have been of the same size that goes in a laptop, but in this case was used in an enclosure external to the laptop.

When a hard drive is damaged and can't spin, it is difficult to get data off of it and a snapshot or "image", sometimes called a mirror image is taken so they can get "some" data from it.

So, my take is that it was never "inside" of TA's laptop, but may well have been a backup. It also could have been brought there by someone else. We don't know its relationship, if any, to TA.