Verdict Watch

[Madeleine74]

This may not be fair, but I'm feeling the namby-pamby cross-exam of the slayer did nothing to help the state and instead may have allowed the slayer to look 'more innocent' to the jury. There was a golden opportunity to nail his hiney and IMHO it was an opportunity sorely missed. That ball was wiffed. She had ONE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED NINETY THREE DAYS to anticipate and contemplate being able to question that . There is no excuse for her not being prepared in the event he might take the stand.

Boz Z. would not have been afraid to confront the slayer with as much vitriol as needed. Just sayin'.

 

[Just the Fax]

I think they decided long ago he would take the stand....all the dirty laundry would be aired and they had a well rehearsed script to explain everything away (or agree the affairs were wrong...but).

 

[gritguy]

I think it's that gas evidence the defense team presented in closing. They introduced doubt about how many miles he had driven.

Another question: assuming we have a hung jury and a retrial, are JLY's statements on the stand in this trial admissible as evidence? Or do they have to essentially treat it as if that trial did not happen?

They could use it to impeach his butt if he tries to "improve" his story. Good point on gas, another item that may have obscured the path to a guilty verdict.

 

[Luna24]

I think he's just going to declare a mistrial. He lucked out with the defense team he got this go around as they did a decent job - would it be different attorneys next time since they are considered public defenders in this case?

I really hope if it's a mistrial that his bum stays in jail..he couldn't afford to pay for his defense and the taxpayers had to pay - they'd best put that bail high enough that they can't afford to get him out...

now that he's spoken, I think the DAs will do a lot better job to prepare this time now that they have his words on the record.

I really hope they bring in the emails with the sister kim and the one where he is berating MY about coming home and taking care of the baby.

grr. i'm in a bad mood now. :maddening:

 

[dgfred]

I think they decided long ago he would take the stand....all the dirty laundry would be aired and they had a well rehearsed script to explain everything away (or agree the affairs were wrong...but).

It did seem the prosecutors were a little surprised tho.

 

[StJohn]

I had read the story when he took the stand and most journalists were even questioning the cross examination.

What was the opinion here? Do you think him taking the stand made this not as sure (to the jurors) as before?

I think BH had a gift right in front of her with JY on the stand, and she missed it. The best she could do was act like a deer caught in headlights and drill him about how his affairs disproved that he loved his wife. At least if there is another trial, Pros will be more prepared for him.

I read somewhere that the jurors in the Brad Cooper trial were bothered by the fact that BC did not take the stand in his own defense and explain the google map searches. Looks like JY's attorneys learned from that mistake.

 

[borndem]

Did they hear what I heard when he took the stand. Those 6 jurors must have been asleep!

That's what good, competent Def. Attys can do.

What a contrast to things we've seen.

Too dayam good for that . ullhair: ullhair: ullhair:.

 

[cody100]

The gas definitely produced doubt. It was a great closing argument by DT. Yes, he better stick to his story if he is retried.

 

[Luna24]

I think it's that gas evidence the defense team presented in closing. They introduced doubt about how many miles he had driven.

Another question: assuming we have a hung jury and a retrial, are JLY's statements on the stand in this trial admissible as evidence? Or do they have to essentially treat it as if that trial did not happen?

I"m interested to that answer too.

as for the gas evidence, I do think that is easily explained away with he could have gotten gas with cash anywhere - however, I think the prosecutors could use a lot more exhibits to show things the next time around...

 

[NCEast]

I think they decided long ago he would take the stand....all the dirty laundry would be aired and they had a well rehearsed script to explain everything away (or agree the affairs were wrong...but).

If that's the case, and the prosecution was aware that he was going to take the stand, it makes BH's cross even worse.

 

[Boodles]

This is one of those cases where everyone knows he did it (thus the civil trial decision) but the legal concept of the "beyond a reasonable doubt" catch comes into play. The defense was very good about casting a few points to insert some doubt. I don't doubt the jurors believe he did it - I bet they're stuck on the interpretation of the legal threshold. I wish the court would declare a mistrial now rather than allow the potential to persuade those voting guilty over to NG.

 

[happy2binNC]

I"m interested to that answer too.

as for the gas evidence, I do think that is easily explained away with he could have gotten gas with cash anywhere - however, I think the prosecutors could use a lot more exhibits to show things the next time around...

BBM

I agree, and think it's likely he purchased gas somewhere with cash after leaving the hotel, but it's the burden of the state to prove that. And they can't.

If we get a retrial, I want to be called for the jury! Pick me! Pick me! :seeya:

 

[bobloblaw]

I think he had a solid alibi. Not surprised the jury has come to this result.

 

[borndem]

My husband said 'it's the fault of the prosecutor for not hammering JLY on cross exam.' I agree. He took the stand and they let him off with a lousy cross.

Abso-freakin'-lutely. Balls-on. Grrrr.

She has worked hard & all, I'm sure, but she blew a golden opportunity -- and she'll never get it back. And neither will the State or MY. Grrrrrrr. Beyond maddening. JMO.

 

[Luna24]

BBM

I agree, and think it's likely he purchased gas somewhere with cash after leaving the hotel, but it's the burden of the state to prove that. And they can't.

If we get a retrial, I want to be called for the jury! Pick me! Pick me! :seeya:

Me too!

I think the biggest thing that may have caused reasonable doubt was the other set of shoe prints which did make me take a breath the first time I heard about that years ago (probably from a JTF post).

I think they also need to explain his cleanup a little better - maybe by showing that he could have stripped in the room, put his stuff in the garbage bags in the BR and then came downstairs and just used the hose to get his hands after he left the blood on that doorknob.

I also thought they could have refuted the hair on the picture frame better - they did say it could have been from previous parties, etc but didn't explain well that forcibly removed could have been from a brush - i think someone here was the one to explain that to me.

 

[WolfpackWoman]

I think it's that gas evidence the defense team presented in closing. They introduced doubt about how many miles he had driven.

Another question: assuming we have a hung jury and a retrial, are JLY's statements on the stand in this trial admissible as evidence? Or do they have to essentially treat it as if that trial did not happen?

His statements will be admissible against him, but they likely won't be able to discuss verdict or lack thereof.

 

[gracielee]

This may not be fair, but I'm feeling the namby-pamby cross-exam of the slayer did nothing to help the state and instead may have allowed the slayer to look 'more innocent' to the jury. There was a golden opportunity to nail his hiney and IMHO it was an opportunity sorely missed. That ball was wiffed. She had ONE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED NINETY THREE DAYS to anticipate and contemplate being able to question that . There is no excuse for her not being prepared in the event he might take the stand.

Boz Z. would not have been afraid to confront the slayer with as much vitriol as needed. Just sayin'.

Totally agree, if this is the best Wake Co. has to offer, CW better be out scouring law schools for new graduates. Those with some balls. Boz Z, at that other trial, was criticized by some. That's what is needed IMO. Namby-pamby is right, Maddie. :banghead:

 

[Just the Fax]

If that's the case, and the prosecution was aware that he was going to take the stand, it makes BH's cross even worse.

The defense was under no obligation to reveal JLY was going to testify until he did. He was obviously well rehearsed. Again, I think they planned to call him all along.

 

[Zamboni]

It is maddening to me to see the hints of smiles on the def's family's faces.

 

[Luna24]

One other thing (sorry to be blasting off with all these posts - I have my Irish up :maddening

but I think things may have been a little different if jurors were allowed to review the evidence in the evidence room. I guess that's because in case there is a hung jury, they can't mess with the evidence? But don't most states allow them to view it in there, in the baggies and have a debate about it right there?