Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Cameron Brown Retrial: Day Ten, Part II

Friday, August 7th, 2009

(this is an unfinished, draft entry)


Prosecution Witnesses:

#26 Jon Hans (former friend of the defendant; testimony complete)
#27 Jane Doe (former girlfriend of the defendant in Colorado: testimony complete)

1:28 pm: Harris and Veretsian enter 107. A young woman, maybe 20, very pretty, enters and sits at the other end of the 2nd bench row, the one I'm sitting in, directly in front of the family. She has a large spiral notebook with her.

Mavis is the court reporter for the afternoon session. Ted enters around 1:30pm. He's carrying some sort of satchel with a long strap. It could be a man-bag, but I'm not sure, since it isn't leather. It's some blue looking print material. Maybe it's a lunch bag that has a shoulder strap.

JP: Bring out Mr. Brown.

Hum stops Harris as he's exiting the jury room. (There's a restroom inside the jury room.) It appears he's discussing a specific withness with him. I can tell Harris is still not happy. The defendant is still getting his jacket on.

I believe Harris addresses Judge Pastor about his admonishment of Patty, earlier. Harris informs the judge that Patty was shaking her head at the spectator she was speaking to. I believe Harris also mentions that the woman is willing to make a statement to the court about that.

Judge Pastor indicates something to the effect that he appreciates the information. He also says something about "not being put in the position..." I'm remembering the exchange as it happened, but my notes don't have any more detail than that.

The attorney's argue 1101(b) regarding the witness Jane Doe. Ms. Veretsian argues for Mr. Brown.

The defense doesn't want this witness to testify to certain things. Their argument is that there is not enough similarity in the events she is to testify to, to meet the requirements of 1101(b)

LV: Based on common plan or design, there has to be similar incidents.

The case (I think) everyone is citing is People vs. Ewoldt. Veretsian also mentions a few other cases that I don't take the time to write down.

LV: He threw items out of the cabin. [...] He was in a relationship. [...] With Ms. Key-Marer, we are way past athat the wen't in a relationship. [...] Even if true, they were all involving (?) (not) harming another human being or pet. [...] How can he take that to show 1101(b)?


CH: Prior acts can not be shown to be criminal.... [...] disposition and thats (?) here. [...] The 1101 must show common plan and motive.

Hum reads the Ewoldt ruling.

CH: Motive. Motive is the same. He even tries to attack Ms. Key-Marer when she wouldn't have an abortion. (via) Deportation.


Hum gives examples of the defendant's actions against Ms. Key-Marer.

CH: Intent. The act itself (is) not conceeded. [...] The acts share similar victim circumstances. (in the) manner lashed out.


LV: Testimony by cliff to show plan or design to eventually throw lauren off cliff.... if (that's) let in then limiting instruction and not involved, related to Lauren falling off cliff. [...] Comparing thowing clothes out (over cliff) is related to showing throwing child off (a) cliff is going far and wide.

Judge Pastor speaks about his ruling, Ewoldt 7 Cal. 4 380

JP: In this case, the consideration of Ms. Doe compared or contrusted (?) to or before me.... both females where the defendant had a dating or romantic relationship or indiv(?) where defendant had conflict. (There is the) existence of same motive: retribution, vindictivness or mindset; or the action taken outside of the presence (of the victim). [...] They demonstrate a common core of the defendants acts [...] to the level of demonstrating a comonality of the defendants acts. [...] Possessions, [...] can relate to a loved one.

Judge Pastor goes over everything that the witness will testify to.

JP: 1986 (when the events ocurred) [...] Not all that recent; not all that remote. [...] Incidents did not involve acts against another person. [...] Finds that the jury would be swayed or inflammed by that.... quite the contrary. (Basically, my understanding is, the acts are not so horendous, like against another person, that the jury would be so swayed by them.) [...] Find significant probative value. [...] Do not find quality would promote a prejudical bias. [...] Prejudice is not the same as damaging. [...] Not inflamatory on their own. [...] Don't believe potential for jury confusion.

The Judge states Ms. Doe will verify different set of circumstances, so motion 1101(b) is granted. Hum asks for another sidebar as the jury enters. The defendant has put his tie back on. I note that this route (the back of the wall bench row aisle) the jury takes keeps them from getting close ot the defendant. That was so different where the jury filed out right past Spector. I note that when the jury files in, they look straight ahead. They don't look over at Brown.

The pretty young woman puts her notepad away.

Jon Hans is back on the stand under direct.

Hans states that he had met the defendant's wife. The second time he met her, there was a discussion about seeking custody of Lauren. This was during a visit the Brown's made to Colorado.

CH: Where were you?

JH: Near our house, near woods. It was Cameron, Patty Brown, myself and my wife. [...] Patty brought up that they were seeking custody. [...]

It was a short hike. Afterwords, they were sitting right down. Hans's wife was on his left, Patty was on his right. The defendant was on the right of his wife.

JH: Patty said that Lauren was being abused by the mother and she had taken Polaroids of the bruises. And she was going to use that in court (to gain) full custody of Lauren because the mother (was abusing her).

Hum asks what the defendant was doing.

JH: Cam was looking straight out, like he was listening with his left ear, and just looking out.

CH: The defendant did not say a singel word?

JH: No.

CH: Did the defendant make any comment at all?

JH: No.

CH: Did that seem odd to you?

JH: Yes.

CH: Why's that?

JH: Because he was the father and I thought that he would have been more involved. [...] It was so out of character since he wouldn't be involved in the conversation and be so aloof.

CH: Did the defendant discuss with you any interest in seeking custody of Lauren?

JH: Not that I remember.

CH: Not long after, did you get a phone call from the defendant?

JH: Yes. [...] About a few months later. [...] He was very excited and happy. [...] Because he and his wife wre moving to Utah where they could (park?) a trailer where they could camp. [...] Moave, Utah.

The witness explains that he was surprised by this because they were seeking full custody of Lauren, and then move out of state. He didn't see how that would be possible. I think he says something about with the mother then being so far away.

JH: I asked him, "Did you get custody of Lauren?"

Hum asked what was his reply.

JH: He said, "No. Sarah had got remarried and (her new husband) wished to adopt Lauren and he was happy."

CH: Did the defendant say anything about child support?

JH: He said he had to pay a lot but didn't tell me how much.

CH: Did the defendant ever express any opinion about paying?

JH: He was depressed about it that he had to pay this money. He was not happy.

CH: Did the defendant ever talk to you about Lauren?

JH: No. Are you talking about a certain point in time.?

CH: Before her death.

JH: No.

CH: Is there a reason why that (conversation) stands out in your mind?

JH: I said to my wife "So they were lying about the abuse because they wouldn't be going to Utah if there was any abuse." [...] The defendant looked at the move as a bonus because they (him, Cameron) would be closer together.

The location in Utah is not that far from where the witness lives. At some point, he received a card in the mail. It was a berevement card. It said, "We regret the passing of our little angel." I think it was in Patty Brown's handwriting.

After Lauren's death, a few times a year they would speak on the phone.

CH: Did he ever tell you how he claimed Lauren died?

JH: No.

CH: At the time you got this notice, did you still think of the defendant as a brother?

JH: Yes.

CH: After you got the notice in the mail, did you ever visit with the defendant?

JH: Yes.

CH: Do you remember how many times?

JH: I think three times.

CH: During these visits, did the defendant ever (?) tell you how he claimed Lauren died?

JH: No.

CH: Did that stick in your midn?

JH: Yes.

CH: Then you learned he was arrested.

JH: Yes.

CH: What did you do to support him?

JH: I accepted (collect) phone calls. [...] I purchased many books for him. I sent many things to him and wrote a letter of support for him.

CH: Who asked you to do that?

JH: Mrs. Brown. Oh. I'm sorry. It might have been Cam.

CH: Then later, you sent a letter telling him not to contact you?

That letter was posted on the Internet and he wrote (whom?) to have the support letter taken down (off the support site). Dective Leslie and Mr. Hum came out to Colorado to speak to him. Before that happened, he received a two word message from Cameron on his voice mail. The message said, "Why Jon."

JH: It was angry and threatening.

That's it for direct. Harris gets up to cross.

Harris first brings up that phone call he received from the defendant where he said those two words.

PH: Why (would you) characterize it as threatening?

Harris has him demonstrate, by repeating in a similar tone of voice what the defendant said. On direct, the witness also had said, that the call came so close to the time that the detectives came out to talk to him.

PH: How could you have possibly known they were on their way out?

JH: It was so close in the time frame that that happened.

PH: Hou could you know if Mr. Brown (knew)?

JH: I could not say that I know that.

Harris asks if the detectives taped the interview with him.

PH: Mr. Hum referred to a letter (you wrote) and questions about who asked (you) to (write it). You chose to write it because you supported him, (correct)?

Hum reads from the letter. I don't take many notes on everything Harris quotes from the letter. I figure it's probably still up on the support site, not taken down.

PH: When did you write this letter?

JH: Shortly after he was arrested, and waht his (wife? said).

PH: You wrote, "I know Cameron Brown is not capable of doing this."

JH: Yes I did.

The black-haired spectator has her eyes closed. I hope Judge Pastor or the bailiff doesn't see that.

PH: All those things you descibed before. All those things you kenw before you wrote this letter.

JH: That's true.

PH: The first trip, when Patty and Cam came to see you....

JH: I don't remember when that was.

Some dates are offered but I'm not sure who says them. About 1998, 1999. (They) got married in 2000. The first visit before they were married.

JH: I'm not sure if before they got married.

Harris brings up the second visit and the conversation out in the woods. The witness is not sure about something regarding Harris's question.

PH: Do you think that they were there because the mother was in England? [...] And then, two or three months after, a second trip? [...] Are you sure that...

JH: It was our next phone coversation after visit.

PH: You said it was two or three months after.

JH: I said it was soon after. I believe I said that was an estimation.

PH: And you're absolutely sure that conversation about buying land wasn't in 2003.

JH: I can't remember exact dates, (I) just know they occurred.

PH: At some point, you decided to no longer support Cam.

JH: Yes.

PH: You sent Cam a goodbye card. [...] Actually, it was a Thank You card?

Harris asks for the defense next in order to enter into evidence the Thank You card, and Judge Pastor says, "Defense exhibit "U."

Hum asks to see the card and reads the card. I'm wondering, is it possible that Hum has not seen this? I can't imagine that. Hum is still reading, and the court is reading and Hum states, "I read slow."

PH: In card you write, "I got a message from your wife...."

The card was dated November 25th, 2005. Harris continues reading the card....

PH: I won't be sending any messages anymore because you can read everything I wrote on the Internet.

JH: Can I read it?

PH: Sure.

The witness rereads card to himself.

Harris continues with what the witness wrote in the card.

PH: Any homeless alcoholic can walk into any library and read (what I wrote)... [...] However, this has been way too stressful to me and my family. You never gave me any explanation, although I can understand because of what your attorney (said?). [...] I can't take being a friend in limbo anymore. I must ask you to never contact me again.

Harris asks the witness what was the reason he turned against him. He asks him something to the effect if it was because Cam never gave an explanation. (I'm not sure if it's at this point, because it's not in my notes here, or if it's later, where the witness states that he used "critical thinking" to evaluate the situation and "things didn't add up." That's what I'm remembering he said from some point in testimony.)

JH: In that letter, you would think that.

Harris asks him if he knows a friend, Kim Underwood (sp?) in Colorado.

PH: Do you remember telling him a different explanation story as to why (you turned against Cameron)? [...] You were reading Internet sites. [...] That characterized Cameron Brown as a bastard and that he's a devil.

Harris reads from the witness's support letter. Harris then accuses the witness of reading Internet sites that (condem Brown). I think the witness then replies that his reason for turning away from Brown was specifically in regards to the grand jury testimony that he read on the Internet. Then, the witness questioning Cam on the next phone call, didn't add up for him.

JH: You have to know that I had (not) read anything up to this (point, on the Internet).

PH: You were talking to someone, real country girl at hotmail.com? [...] Do you remember someone named Loretta, and coresponding with Loretta? [...] She used expletives to describe Mr. Brown. [...] In fact, you gave testimony about another child that you read about on the Internet.

JH: I was trying to find that child that he told me about.

Harris is confronting the witness that the conversation with Brown about a child on the trip to California was a complete fabrication after he read about this story he found on the Internet.

PH: That whole thing was an entire Internet creation. [...] You saw that on the Internet!

JH: I went looking for that. I assumed that...

Harris confronts the witness that he even asked the detectives about this child, wanted to know if the detectives had found the "boy." He thought the child was a boy.

JH: I asked them if they had found his boy and they said..

PH: The detectives told you they had not. [...] You've never told anyone that story before?

JH: I told my wife.

PH: You never told the police before did you?

JH: Not until I was asked.

PH: The truth of it is, you came up with this whole story when you read this story on the Internet.

JH: That would be incorrect.

The witness states he said he told his friend Jamie, a sheriff. This is a friend he knows through his wife. He can't remember the man's last name at the moment.

JH: He (Jamie) didn't tell me not to do it (inform police). Because when he.... [...] (said) it wasn't important; relevant. [...] I was very confused, so I asked my wife. She thought I should tell them even though it was so long ago.

It's 2:42 pm, and Harris asks for a break.

Harris is still in the well. Patty and Ted speak to Harris. As the witness exits the stand, he speaks to Hum. I hear snatches of what he says.

The witness talks to Him about the history of what he did after he saw, read the grand jury testimony on the Internet. When he saw that stuff on the Internet, he thought that someone else had found out about the child.

During the break, I speak to the very pretty young woman sitting in the second row, in the ladies restroom. She tells me she was an excused juror on another case. Her father is a lawyer, and she thought she would drop in on a courtroom. She found sitting in on a trial fascinating. Before, she thought the law was very boring stuff. But now, after today, she is now considering a career in law. I don't say it but I'm thinking, I bet her dad is going to be real proud.

The defendant puts his tie on again. I overhear (I think Judge Pastor inquire) that Harris requested the early break because his client needed to use the facilities.

Break is over, and Harris continues his cross.

PH: Want to talk a bit about Mr. Brown. You knew him for 20 years. You thought him to be an outstanding himan being.

JH: I thought he was.

PH: Whenever he stayed with you, he always wrote you a thank you note?

JH: (Yes.)

Harris mentions something about that being "unusual" in this day and age.

PH: He wasn't wrapped up in material things?

JH: Like getting rich?

PH: Being outdoors was most important to him?

JH: Yes.

PH: When you would be around him he was fun loving?

JH: I always thought he was.

Harris asks quite a few questions about the defendant, and how he was, his personality and characteristics.

PH: You mentioned that he was a little bit scattered; an airhead.

JH: Well, it was his personality. On his boat, he was totally immaculate, but then he would do these funny voices.

PH: Would you consider him a planner?

JH: I think so.

PH: You tell anyone that?

JH: I don't know that I told anyone that.

PH: He was unquestionably adventurous?

JH: Yes.

PH: He was a risk taker....scratch that... He would do things that you thought would be a risk?

(I'm quite surprised by this line of questioning by the defense attorney.)

Hans agrees. He explains abou a hike through the mountain territory that he did not want to go on, to take a particular route but the defendant did. Harris then shows the defendant several photos of Brown. These are actually photo size photos, and not printed on paper. Harris asks him if these are all of Brown and some of them, the witness is not sure on. Harris asks for another defense exhitibt number, and Judge Pastor assigns "V" 1 through 10 for the photos. Harris then puts the photos on the overhead. They are all photos of Brown either back packing, skateboarding, sailing, skiing, running, mountain biking, etc. The witness states that one photo, he might have taken of the defendant.

The witness states he never went backpacking with the defendant, and then he corrects himself.

JH: Oh no. ONce, Yes. He, Dave and I did go backpacking.

PH: How often did you speak to him in 1999... Did you speak to him?

JH: About four times a year.

PH: Even though you were close friends, you didn't call every week?

JH: Correct.

Harris asks how often he would go see Brown in California. He states, something to the effect of once a year or once every other year.

PH: Mr. Brown came to your home with Sarah Key? [...] You remember her being the English woman?

JH: Yes.

PH: You thought at the time that this was someone who Cam had done very well (by dating). [...] She came out (when/year)?

There is a note here I'm trying to remember more about but I cannot. She came out.... you have notes... I do not.... laughs.

JH: It was a ski trip, but I can't remember if it was brfore or after Christmas (this is about Sarah coming to Colorado).

The witness states he doesn't remember the time. The next time, after the trip he spoke to Cameron.

Harris asks if between the time he saw Cameron with Ms. Key, until he was arrested, during that entire time you never head him talk negatively (about her)?

There is a pause while the witness thinks.

JH: Well, except for the phone number change and she was hassleing him.

PH: Did the police present documents (to you)? [...] And you didn't read any of that in the grand jury? [...] But you're sure?

JH: Yeah, because he would have to call me up to tell me his new number.

PH: In your interview with detectives, did they ever try and ask you a question about something positive, things?

JH: I don't remember. But I know that I told htem about positive things.

PH: They kept asking you for names of ex-girlfriends, and you gave them names, correct? [...]And they were trying to find them?

JH: That's correct.

PH: And they asked you if you had ever seen him angry? [...] You asked them to turn off the recorder, because you wanted to gather your thoughts? [...] AYou could basically come up with two incidents in 18 years?

JH: Are you talking about bad emotions?

The two incidents are gone over.

JH: I just remember he got mad and kicked him out of the car and he stank.

Stacey (sp? ) Brown girl he actually dated for a while.

JH: He got angry at her, locked the door and didn't let her in or (get on the boat). [...] If you knew her, you wouldn't throw her off the boat. [...] If you were talking about anger, those were the two that stood out in my mind.

Harris then asks the witness about another talent he has.

PH: No in addition of writing, you're an artist?

JH: I've had my work in a gallery.

PH: You painted Cameron a picture?

JH: Yes.

PH: You called it, "Cam Sails to Freedom?"

JH: Yes. [...] I painted on furniture for a fundraiser.

Harris asks for the next defense exhibit; "X," and the witness identifies it.

JH: It's the letter I sent to be published on his brother-in-law's website.

(I did not realize that the support Cameron Brown web site was run by the defendant's brother-in-law.)

Harris goes over the letter. Brown looks over at the jury then it looks like he looks at his attorney. Harris goes over the details of this letter and I put my pen down. Through this letter, Harris is getting into evidence the defendant's history in Colorado and his personality and activities.

There's a whole story about a cabin hing in the mountains and how Cam lived in this remote cabin one entire winter. There's more in the letter about Cameron living on the boat.

(I have a note here that I just remembered. In Harris's argument about the testimony of this witness and the character assassination, Harris stated that he is now going to add thirty plus names to the defense witness list.)

Several of the jurors are listening, they don't appear to be taking notes at this moment. When reading from the letter, Harris gets a tad emotional and puts a lot of inflection in his voice.

Cross is over and redirect begins.

CH: It sounds like you really (liked the defendant)?

JH: I loved him like a brother.

CH: Was it hard for you to talk to police?

JH: It was emotional and also a relief to get it off my chest.

CH: Was it hard for you to come into court and testify?

JH: Yes.

CH: You've obviously changed your mind?

JH: Yes.

CH: You went on the Internet and was on the net...

The witness mentions the grand jury testimony.

CH: Once you read the grand jury, did you start to have questions in your mind?

JH: Yes.

CH: Did you think over some of the things that had occurred with the defendant?

JH: I did.

CH: It was the grand jury and adding up everything that had happened?

JH: That's correct. [...] The only thing I had a question about, was that other child.

CH: The defendant had a saying he used to say all the time?

JH: "I'm on a budge" which was short for budget.

CH: When you read on the Internet those terribe things, did that change your mind? [...] What was the reason?

JH: I used critical thinking and after I read the grand jury, I put everything together in my mind and I couldn't come to any other conclusion.

That's the end of redirect. Recross begins.

Harris asks a question I miss.

JH: In my mind, everything pointed to him being guilty.

PH: You didn't get to hear his side of the story because...

JH: That was the only side I could ever get. [...] I waited a long time. [...] There was no emotion. [...] There was no grief.

PH: So you got your information off the Internet? [...] You told Ken Umbru (sp?) that you had been on several sites and that's why you changed your mind? [...] You corresponded with these people that were running these Internet sites?

JH: I originally went on there to tell them, that I wanted to tell them, that I wanted my letter taken off. [...] I don't think I told any of those people about the child.

PH: And that's where you got this story, that this could be his child, off the Internet?

JH: No. Cameron Brown told me about this child.

PH: But that's where you saw this story, that a child (out there) could be Cameron Brown's?

JH: Yes, I saw that story on the Internet.

No more redirect. There's another sidebar.

The next witness is called. Jane Doe. Understand this is not her name. She is testifying under her real name. I have given her this name at her request. During the break, Detective Leslie had also mentioned to me about the witness not wanting her name used. I told Detective Leslie that I wasn't here to have any big reporting "scoop" and that I didn't have any problem not using her name. I understood.

A tall, thin woman wearing a pretty print, flowing dress takes the witness stand. I just get a sense that she's under some type of stress. Here face is a bit angular, but certainly attractive. I'm guessing she is in her late 30's to early 40's. I see the defendant lean in to whisterp to Veretsian.

The witness states she's lived in Colorado since 1972. She identifies the defendant.

CH: Did you meet the defendant in 1986?

JD: Yes. [...] After high school, between '83 and '86. (That might put her age range from 41 to 44 if she graduated high school sometime between those years mentioned.)

They met through a mutual group of friends. She and the defendant dated a year, maybe a little less.

CH: During the relationship did you get along very well?

JD: Yes.

CH: Later, you wanted to go out with other friends? [...] How did the defendant react?

JD: Sometimes he would get angry. [...] Sometimes, just the look on his face.

CH: Did he ever confront you?

JD: No.

CH: Did he have another way?

JD: Yes, I guess he did.

CH: Would he go behind your back?

JD: Yes.

CH: Did you two stay in a cabin?

JD: Yes.

CH: Was there a time (that you) had some (of your things) in the cabin? [...] (What happened?)

JD: Cam told me a man named George, who had one arm... he rode a horse, was angry that we were staying in the cabin and threw belongings off the cliff.

The witness said the items were a radio, boom box and clothings.

JD: Cam had rode down and everything (was) brought back up.

CH: Did he have any explanation as to why only your belongings went over the cliff?

JD: No.

I believe the witness states that he eventually admitted to throwing them himself, but I'm not positive.

The witness states that there was something else he did, that started to bother her. He would follow her to places when she went out with friends. (From the testimony, I get the impression of stalking.)

JD: We didn't fight and he wouldnt show a lot of anger.

CH: Did the defendant ever show a lot of emotion?

JD: Yes.

CH: Did you get pregnant?

JD: Yes.

She came to the decision to have an abortion.

CH: What did you decide to do.

JD: He accompanied me to have an abortion. [...] He was on the sofa, we both cried and we both shared our grief together. IT was a sad time.

CH: You specifically saw the defendant exhibiting grief?

JD: Yes.

CH: Was there a time where you stopped seeing each other?

JD: Yes.

CH: Afterwords, were you fearful of him?

JD: Yes.

CH: When was the last time you had any contact with him?

JD: I don't know exactly but I believe it was 20 years ago.

Thank you Ms. Doe. Unfortunately, I don't write in my notes who does the cross, and I'm drawing a blank as to how it was.

Defense: Mr. Hum was asking about the abortion when you became pregnant with Mr. Brown. You told police Mr. Brown cried about the abortion and that you told them it was wrong. (2006).

From the police report...

Defense: Do you remember you told that Mr. Brown was upset about abortion, cried about abortion and said it was wrong?

JD: Yes.

Defense: You don't have any knowledge of this trial?

JD: Correct.

Defense: You never met Sarah Key-Marer?

JD: No.

Defense: You never met Lauren?

JD: No.

Defense: Never went out to Inspiration Point?

JD: No.

Defense: Were you in the range of 20 to 25 years old and at that time he exhibited some signs of jealousy?

JD: Yes.

Defense: What did you like about him?

JD: Love of the outdoors. We had a similar group of friends.

Defense: Did you find him thoughtful?

JD: I know that he thought of me, but I don't know if I would (characterize him that way).

Defense: You had mutual friends? Joe C? Bill E? Brad O'Neal (sp?)?

JD: (To Brad O'Neal question) No. I see him occasionally at parties. [...] The only thing I talked to Brad O'Neal was if he wantaed to give my name to you. And at first I did not and then I called him back and said give my number to whomever you want.

Cross is finished. A sidebar is called. It's 4:10 pm.

CH: Towards the latter part of your relationship, did things start to deteriorate? [...] Did you find someone had been in your apartment?

JD: The sliding door was open.

CH: Was your apartment on the ground floor?

JD: No, the fourth floor. [...] He had been in my apartment and he had written some words, nasty words, the word bitch. He had written on some of my papers.

She doesn't remeber all the things the defendant wrote, but he did write several things on different papers. The other thing that happened was, he rammed his car into her car. The damage was arounf $600 to $1,000.

JD: I remember his mom wrote me a check to cover it (the damage(.

CH: Did the defendant some time later admit to you that he had broken into your apartment?

JD: Yes.

CH: Did the defendant admit that he was the one who rammed your car?

JD: Yes.

CH: Are these the other incidents that made you fear him?

JD: Yes.

Harris recrosses. (Ah! Here it is. It was Harris.)

PH: This was back in 1986?

JD: Correct.

PH: Fourteen years prior?

There are a few other questions that I miss and then that's it end of cross and court ends right at 4:15 pm.

Judge Pastor is a bit funny when giving the daily ending instruction to the jury. He asks them to speak along with him. Some of the jurors chuckle. The jury is ordered back at 9:15 am on Tuesday.

Counsel and the judge go over the days off and Pastor orders the attorneys back at 8:45 am on Tuesday. It's mentioned that Hum will be out of town on Monday.

(Today, Tuesday, I found out from Detective Leslie that on the day I missed last week, Wednesday, there was another witness called. This witness was a woman, Dr. Berkowitz (sp?) a pediatric expert. She testified to the characteristics of a four-year-old. I will have to find the time to re-number all my witness from that point forward.)

7 comments:

Ronni said...

Thanks, Sprocket. Most excellent coverage.

Jenifer said...

I wonder if Judge Pastor wanted the jury to say the instructions along with him to emphasize that they weren't to go online looking for the sites discussed during the day's testmony.

Sprocket said...

I disagree Jennifer. Judge Pastor was just trying to engage his jury.

He gives the exact same instruction at the close of every court day. This day was no different.

He doesn't specifically mention to avoid just the Internet. He tells them not to do any investigation on their own regarding testimony or visiting locations in question. He mentions books and newspaper articles. It's a very lengthy instruction.

Susan said...

Will you be posting more of the testimony past Day 10, Part II, or am I missing another site where this is posted? You have been providing amazing coverage! Thank you very much.

Sprocket said...

Hi Susan,

This day, Day Ten, Part II I believe is complete.

Real life has taken over. My responsibilities at home have left me little time to write up my notes for this past week.

I attended Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday all day this week. I missed the morning session today, (Friday) but I did attend the afternoon session. Detective Leslie was on the stand the entire afternoon. His testimony is finished.

Here is where the trial stands.

Monday is dark. No court. Tuesday is the last prosecution witness, whom I have called their trajectory expert. It is unknown at this time whether or not this expert will go into a second day.

Wednesday is a staff furlough day, meaning no court. Thursday may be more of the prosecution expert, or they may rest their case on Tuesday.

It is unknown at this time whether or not the defense can get witnesses lined up for Thursday and Friday, (20th & 21st). That is what I heard Harris tell the judge as I was leaving court today. If he cannot get his out of state witnesses lined up, then he will be starting on, I believe September 2nd.

Court is dark from August 24th to September 1st. I believe Judge Pastor is off the bench from August 25th to September 1st.

Hopefully, I'll know more on Tuesday.

Susan said...

Thank you for the update, Sprocket! Your information is amazingly concise. As someone else had mentioned in the comments, we would not know anything about this case without your reporting. Thanks.

Sprocket said...

I think the critical thing the prosecution presented with Jane Doe is the escalation in the defendants behavior when Jane Doe wanted to hang out with/date other people, and her fear of the defendant afterwords.

The defendant broke into her fourth floor apartment.

The defendant wrote derogatory statements on some of her writings.

The defendant also rammed her car.

He later admitted all of this to the witness and Brown's mother paid for the damage.

In the 402 arguments before the witness testified, Hum stated that the witness made a police report about the above incidents and Brown's mother paid for the damage to Jane Doe's car. Once Pastor heard that, the witness was allowed to testify about all of these events.