About 10 years ago I was on the jury for a murder trial (large east coast city but not DC). It was pretty straightforward, the state wanted first degree murder and the defendant was arguing that it was self defense, and I think there was also an option for us to pick second degree murder ("heat of passion" or whatever) if we thought that was more appropriate? Spoiler alert, we didn't, we picked first degree murder.

Anyways, my point is, I remember the forensic testimony and I remember taking notes because I felt like I was getting clues to solve a mystery- I was like "oh! the lady said that the stab wounds were at an X degree angle, that means they were pointed downwards, that seems like he was kneeling or on the ground when he was stabbed- that can't be self defense!!" and I felt so proud of myself for being so clever, and wondering why on earth the prosecution was leaving it up to me to connect all of these dots from the testimony.

But, I was wrong. The closing statement tied it all together and pointed out very clearly all of these things that I thought I was supposed to put together on my own. They know that juries are often filled with many not very intelligent people. In this case too, I am sure that during closing arguments, the prosecution will be very clear as to what all of the testimony is pointing towards- they will explain the blood splatter on the shoes as being important, they will explain the blood clotting disorder piece and why it's important, they will explain it all.

Anonymous wrote:It’s not sexist or superficial to comment on the prosecutor’s attire when it is that unprofessional. It’s disrespectful to the court and jury. She was wearing culottes today with a baggy sweater. It doesn’t have anything to do with the facts of the but it does not aspire confidence or that the state is taking this case seriously

Can someone post a link and time stamp? I watched some footage today but the prosecutor was off screen for all of it.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I miss my friend Joe. There's a picture of us together LARPing somewhere on this thread. He was weird, and kinky as anything, but he has the biggest heart.

I am sorry for your loss, is his grandma still around? any reason why she wasn't callled? i am worried he might be found not guity, because not enough people spoke.

Unless his grandmother had evidence regarding the murder, it would not make any sense for her to be called for BB's murder trial. If he is found guilty, victim impact statements happen during sentencing (and I hope she would be called then of course)

Is it fair to say, they owe the lawyer over 1m so far?

Will Tess B, be the first one to speak for the defense ?

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone been to the trial? I’m thinking to go tomorrow. Can you go for only part of the day?

It starts at 10am, you can go in for part of the day, if you have to go before lunch or recess just walked out very quietly.

Anonymous wrote:Can the father be recalled?

Why didn't they asked him how much he misser her?
What she ate, what did she like to do?
it felt 2 question re her growing up

It’s not relevant to the prosecution. They will talk about that in the sentencing phase.

For her family, friends, and first of us who have been following this case and feel such sad sadness over the loss of a lovely mother and community member it can be hard to watch the trial. It can seem like the victims have no voice and are almost incidental. But the job of the CW is to convince the jury that BB killed Christine and Joe. That’s it.

Anonymous wrote:Defense now trying to dismiss all of JMs testimony wtf.

The parties appeared aware in advance that the request would be made and that it was likely to be denied. After the recess, the Commonwealth, Anthony, and defense counsel discussed that the trial was expected to conclude at approximately 4:00 p.m. They also discussed plans to request a strike from the judge.

Anonymous wrote:Can the father be recalled?

Why didn't they asked him how much he misser her?
What she ate, what did she like to do?
it felt 2 question re her growing up

As a general rule, character evidence and testimony about feelings is only allowed in during sentencing.

Anonymous wrote:I miss my friend Joe. There's a picture of us together LARPing somewhere on this thread. He was weird, and kinky as anything, but he has the biggest heart.

I am sorry for your loss, is his grandma still around? any reason why she wasn't callled? i am worried he might be found not guity, because not enough people spoke.

Can the father be recalled?

Why didn't they asked him how much he misser her?
What she ate, what did she like to do?
it felt 2 question re her growing up

Anonymous wrote:So sad seeing her father there… So many years, so many holidays, dinners, the birth of a granddaughter, happy moments. Just to end like this…

Very sad. Not only CB, but her whole family is great. Truly kind and compassionate people. I still remember when the former au pair got engaged. CB offered to help and paid for her wedding dress. And Christine’s parents paid for her honeymoon. I can’t think too much about how such tragedy can happen with good people like them. It challenges my own faith. Awful.

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, it’s admirable seeing her father holding himself together. If it was my kid, I would be sitting in Brendan’s chair but he wouldn’t be here anymore.

Yes, he seemed so kind and composed.

Honestly, it’s admirable seeing her father holding himself together. If it was my kid, I would be sitting in Brendan’s chair but he wouldn’t be here anymore.

Anonymous wrote:The blood splatter expert testified that some of the blood drops on the shoes of Brendan, came directly from Christine.

Catch me up. He was right in the middle of the crime scene. Of course he would have blood on him. That is how he set it up to explain away. Can you elaborate?

Actually I am not following closely evough but how does the blood tie him to it since he was there. I do get that the blood testimony on the staged body makes sense.