Wednesday, January 12, 2011

A Note to T&T Readers from Sprocket

Again, T&T wishes to thank everyone (old and new) who took the time to stop by and read our extensive, in-depth coverage of the Dr. Conrad Murray preliminary hearing. It's for readers like you, who want to know what's going on inside the courtroom and can't attend the trial personally that we endeavor to do this type of coverage.

As far as my trial notes for the prelim go, please note that I have some personal responsibilities to catch up on, but I do plan on getting the rest of the detail testimony for Day 1 and Day 2 up on the blog as well as perform a complete edit of the remaining days as soon as possible. Please keep checking back for those updates.

As far as covering the actual trial, at this time I see that as a remote possibility. There is no guarantee at this time that I will get a reserved seat. Like I've said before, there are many, many respected journalists who's job it is to cover the criminal court beat. They are there in this courthouse on a daily basis covering trials. It's my belief that these reporters in the MSM will have a much better shot at getting a reserved seat inside the courtroom than I will. I don't have a national news organization standing behind me. And, it's also unlikely that the Public Information Office will have an empty courtroom available for the length of the trial to use as a media overflow room. Empty courtrooms on a regular basis, (considering the time this trial will take) are very hard to find. Also understand that there are no other courtrooms inside this building that are larger that could accommodate the trial.

It helps the T&T writing staff to hear from our readers as to how we are doing and what our readers think of our trial coverage. That feedback helps us decide which trials to attend personally (or to watch an online feed). Understand however, that there are limitations as to what trials T&T staff or myself can personally attend or watch online since we are not paid for the time invested into reporting on a case. If any of you have followed ritanita's Casey Anthony trial coverage, you know that she often times will spend days reading the motions and news reports then further copious time writing her entries on these motions and hearings. She does all that work herself.

Speaking for myself, there are several other upcoming trials that I'm interested in covering.

Grim Sleeper Case (Lonnie David Franklin, Jr.) Next court appearance: 1/31/11 Dept 109.
Cameron Brown retrial (3rd trial) Next court appearance: 2/25/2011 Dept 107.
Stephanie Lazarus Case (25 yr. career police officer accused of killing ex-boyfriend's wife) Next court appearance 2/14/2011 Dept 104.
Westside Rapist Murderer (John Floyd Thomas) Next court appearance: 2/9/2011 Div. 30.
Kelly Soo Park (DDA Alan Jackson's next case) Next court appearance: 2/8/2011 (Date Added 1/22)

I will note at this time that there is a "small, remote possibility" I will go to Orlando to cover "some" of the Casey Anthony case since I have relatives who live in Florida. It's NOT confirmed by any means. Currently, T&T's ritanita is the "go to" person for anything involving the Anthony Case.

Again, many thanks for reading T&T.

1/12/11 9:30 p.m. Day 1's testimony is complete and edited.
1/13/11 11:00 p.m. Day 2, Part 1b has new text added; now complete.
1/14/11 8:45 p.m. All transcripts are up. Not all are completely edited.

6 comments:

iwishiwas said...

I don't care who you guys wanna write about, I love reading your blog. Thanks for doing what you do!

Anonymous said...

Sprocket

Do you think Murray trial can be televised or Judge Pastor will allow cameras in the courtroom? Because I was listening to TMZ Live chat one day and they said with several other media channels they filed a request for cameras. What's your take on this?

Sprocket said...

I'm sure there were quite a few media organizations that requested placing a live camera inside the courtroom for this prelim.

At this time, I think it is highly unlikely that Judge Pastor will change his ruling and allow a camera inside the courtroom.

But don't quote me on that as being gospel. That's just my opinion. He could change his mind.

I base my opinion on having attended a previous trial in his courtroom, the Cameron Brown retrial (2nd trial).

Although at that time, Judge Pastor allowed the media to take still photos during opening statements, closing arguments and (IIRC) the reading of the hung jury verdict, I clearly remember him telling the media that they did NOT have permission to photograph him.

There are some judges that like to keep their anonymity.

Anonymous said...

Concerning the Westside Rapist Murder suspect (John Floyd Thomas), there was a lot of press when he was arrested nearly two years ago, but little since. Thomas has been having regular status hearings in Municipal Court. According to the LA Sheriff's Inmate Locator, the next is on February 9. Do you have any updates regarding this case?

David In TN

Anonymous said...

This work is unbelievable as usual, "unedited" or otherwise. I hope you will cover those trials that are most compelling to you personally.....maybe it is more rewarding and less like unpaid work that way.

I think Dr Murray should snap at a plea bargain if one is offered to him. Wonder if it will be?
Wes J.

Sprocket said...

David in TN,

I have no updates on that case. I do remember that I was at the LA Co. Crime Lab when the arrest was made, linking him to (I think) 30 rapes via DNA.