***Refresh the page to see newest updates -- blogging as we go.***
After court abruptly recessed yesterday, speculation flew as to the reason. Jose Baez sent texts to media outlets saying it was a "private matter" and to "stop speculating." Will we find out what was so pressing that it interrupted a process already under extremely critical time constraint? Certainly, private crises are private and we're not owed an explanation when that's the case. I think because of the drama and circus surrounding this case, though, it's understandable that some are unwilling to take anything at face value.
Judge Perry takes the bench. All parties, including Jose Baez, are present. No mention of yesterday's goings-on. The judge says four jurors who were at the courthouse yesterday indicated to the judge that they would not be paid for jury service. The parties do not require the jurors to come in for further questioning, and those four jurors are excused. There are 12 potential jurors remaining to be screened.
Juror #3131 (the one who has been ill the past couple of days). She has heard reports of the case in the media in the past. She says she remembers "the baby" was missing, mother was suspected. Her voice broke when saying she remembers the baby being found in a field with tape over her mouth.
Juror watches Ch 8 and CNN. Says she cannot watch Nancy Grace because it's too sensational.
Juror recalls that the "babysitter" was used as a scapegoat. As a daycare provider herself most of her life, it upset her. She has formed opinion of guilt, cannot set it aside. She's excused. Eleven potential jurors left to question.
Juror #3310 has not heard anything in the media about this case. Says he kind of remembers there was something about a murder, but that was all. Judge asks him if he recalls anything specific. He says just that a child was murdered and the mother was accused. He listens to TV news while getting ready for work, but doesn't really keep up with it. Doesn't watch Grace, Rivera, 48 Hrs.
The juror has not formed an opinion of guilt since he says he knows no details and believes everyone is IUPG.
Linda Drane Burdick for the state. Juror says he recognizes Anthony's name. Does not know the name of the child nor who George & Cindy Anthony are. He has not been exposed to any Orlando media coverage.
Baez for defense. He asks juror what cable channels he watches: TVLand, Spike. Likes to watch old stuff, like "I Love Lucy." He DVRs shows he wants to see. Used to catch HLN occasionally. Has never watched NG, JVM on HLN. He has a Facebook account but isn't active with it. Thinks his sister might have set up a Twitter account. He hasn't really used either.
Juror tells judge he doesn't really have an opinion about the death penalty, that he sees it as a sometimes "necessary option." The judge explains mitigating/aggravating factors and reads the jury instruction to the juror. Juror says he can follow the instruction and law in arriving at his decision on a penalty of DP or LWOP.
State has no questions. Finnell for the defense. Juror says when he told judge he has no opinion on death penalty, he meant in this case. In general, he says, he finds it a sad but sometimes necessary penalty. He is a 6 on the 1-10 scale for death penalty. He understands how mitigating/aggravating factors should be applied. Juror believes mercy should be considered, as well as age and character & background.
LDB conducts general voir dire for the state. Juror is 57 yrs old, has never married, no kids, 1 brother and 1 sister. Dad was an educator, mom housewife. Sister is a CPN, an assistant in nursing home. Brother works for government, lived in Syria for years. Juror works for Verizon. About 15 yrs ago, he completed a program to get a certificate to apply for LE work, but none was available and nothing ever came of it. Close with his family - takes mom to mall every weekend, spends time with sister's 2 boys.
His sister was "messed up in her head" many years ago, he says. About 17-18 yrs ago, a guy she was with broke into her dad's home and tied him up, robbed the place. He said she had gone along with the guy. Guy was never caught. She was sentenced to a place in Ocala and served her time. He said she turned her life around, is now married, two great kids, and family was very proud of her. Says nothing about this would affect his ability to serve.
Jose Baez asks to question juror at sidebar. Baez goes over legal concepts of proof beyond a reasonable doubt, proving elements of a crime, presumption of innocence, etc. Juror agrees to follow the law and court's instruction in all matters.
Neither side challenges the juror. He becomes the 12th juror retained. There are 10 more jurors to screen. Brief recess.
Starting a new post for second half of morning.
No comments:
Post a Comment