I am taking questions over the weekend on the case. If there is something you'd like to know, I will try my best to answer. If you are interested in dropping in on this case, I'd do it quick. The trial is way ahead of schedule.
To ask a question, please post a comment or send me an email at: sprocket.trials AT gmail.com.
QUESTIONS:
blackguyj2009 asked:
Considering the amount of force needed to break the hyoid bone, did the prosecution ever entertain the possibility to Kelly Soo may have used her legs to do the strangulation in conjunction with her hands?
Answer:
DDA Okun-Wiese did not ask that specific question, and Dr. Pena did not say specifically what limbs could be/were used in manual strangulation. Strangulation is not so much breaking the hyloid bone, because that doesn't always happen, just that it would take force to do that. Dr. Pena said it is about stopping the flow of blood from returning to the heart and compression of the airway. Dr. Pena also testified about the underlying structures that were also damaged in Juliana's neck.
Anonymous @ 5:05 AM asked:
thank you for the hard work! it is very interesting trial. I check your blog everyday. how long is this trial gonna last?
Answer:
Judge Kennedy told jurors at the end of court on Friday that we are ahead of schedule. The prosecution may rest its case on Monday and the defense be finished with presenting their case this coming Friday. If they keep up this quick pace, then closing arguments could be as early as the 27th.
Kathy asked:
I don't think this was Kelly Soo's first murder. Imagine what it take's to distinguish the life of a healthy, strong person.
Not only did she murder one person, she put the lives of every other person who lived in the building and in the vicinity at risk with turning on the gas and lighting the candle.
Is it your opinion that the reason the entire building didn't blow up was because it was an older building, maybe drafty and had too much fresh air circulation?
Answer:
I can't say. The firefighter's testimony stated that the gas concentration in the enclosed space (the apartment) would need to be within a certain % range for an explosion to occur. It did not necessarily need the candle for the explosion, but the candle was down low, on a coffee table. Gas is lighter than air, so it congregates around the ceiling and attic spaces. The gas would needed to have reached the flame height, in the room. He indicated the windows were wood to wood. There is the potential for air to leak in those windows, and around doors and attic spaces, too.
It's unknown if it was the attic space, or those windows, or just not enough time for the concentration of gas to reach to the level of where the candle was. We don't know the specific burner rating, or, how much gas was leaked through that single burner.
Anonymous @ 9:33 AM asked:
I enjoyed your coverage and analysis of the Stephanie Lazarus case. Now on to Kelly P. My family knew her entire family very well when all of us were in our teens. From what I remember, her sister Kim was a very sweet girl and Kelly was the wild one. Her sister Kim and Kelly were always so close. Kelly's sister Kim used to make a living making and selling specialty candles. Did they take a look and see the origin of the candle? Btw I don't doubt it at all that she murdered Juliana. She is fully capable of it mentally and physically. Check out the candle story. If she brought candles or a candle from her home .... Premeditation?
Answer:
The prosecution is not finished presenting their case yet, so it remains to be seen if they will present testimony about the products made at "The Bubble Factory" (that is/was behind Golden State Pharmacy) and whether or not the candle was Juliana's, or brought to the location.
In prior motions, the prosecution alleges that Park was paid large sums of money before the murder. That would be argued premeditation. I don't know if the prosecution will present this evidence to the jury.
KSP's former boyfriend isn't charged in this case, but IIRC, at first wasn't there some thought that she didn't act alone, and possibly he (or somebody) helped her?
Subjective, but in your expert opinion, is the prosecution 'reaching' the jury with the forensic evidence? As you say, testimony is zipping along quickly.
Thanks for the weekend Q and A!
But understand, I have a bias. I've been in the courtroom several times for DNA evidence presentation. In addition, I've watched trials on TV that also presented DNA evidence. I believe I have a higher than average understanding of the scientific process.
I don not believe Kelly Soo Park committed this crime. How can a trial even take place without the main suspect who is the doctor she worked with and fled the country. Why hasn't he been extradited to be present for the trial.
Answer: