Kelly Soo Park, in custody 2010
6:15 AM
Jurors return to court at 9:00 AM today to continue their deliberations. At the close of court yesterday, the jurors requested gloves and to see the actual latent print card that contains the fingerprint of Kelly Soo Park. During the trial, crime scene specialists testified this latent print was lifted at the crime scene from an orange plate in or near the kitchen sink.
Answering questions left on yesterday's post.
A verdict was not reached yesterday. If/when a verdict is reached, it will be read in open court that same day.
The reason this is not a death penalty case is because of the California Penal Code and policies set by the LA County DA's office. If you read the Code, there is not an extenuating circumstance to the crime under section 190.2 of the Calif. Penal Code. The death penalty isn't something that is sought after in every case. It is carefully considered. There is a panel in the DA's office that reviews every case submitted for the death penalty. If I'm remembering correctly from the DA's race debates last year between former DDA Alan Jackson and DA Jackie Lacey, one of five specific circumstances criteria must be present in the crime before the DA's office will seek the death penalty.
Sentencing options are set by the Penal Code. The judge does not have discretion. If Park is convicted of first degree felony murder, she will receive a 25 years to life sentence. If Park is convicted of second degree felony murder, she will receive a sentence of 15 years to life.
If there is a hung jury, the district attorney's office can file to recharge the case. If she is found not guilty, she cannot be charged with this crime a second time.
The jury only considers the evidence presented at trial. They do not get to consider that Park is married to a retired police officer. Those facts are not related to the crime.
I will update once I reach the 9th floor.
8:45 AM
I"m inside the courtroom on the 9th floor. Terri Keith from City News is sitting to my right. She is such a hard working journalist. I have quite a bit of respect for her. There is another case that has a pretrial hearing at the moment. Judge Kennedy is on the bench.
Answering questions in the comments. The jury is not sequestered. It's been many years since a jury has been sequestered in this courthouse. It's my understanding Park got married late last year. The jury was not told Park is married to a retired police officer. That has no relevance to the crime. The prosecution did not present evidence of other crimes, murders. All this trial is concerned with is the death of Juliana Redding.
I do not report my personal opinions when I cover a case. This is the goal of a journalist, to report what happened during court proceedings with transparency. The Jodi Arias trial was held in a different state from where I live and had lots of media coverage. I rarely report on trials that I don't personally attend. My friend and blogger, Donchais, covered the Arias case on her blog, Calls For Justice, and it has a strong following. Calls For Justice is a pro-prosecution blog, so the reporting is from that perspective. T&T strives to report on cases it covers from an unbiased perspective.
8:57 AM
Jurors come in by twos and threes. Detective Thompson is inside the courtroom. Her hair is neatly pulled back into a tight french braid.
8:59 AM
Buzz! All the jurors are in the jury room and starting their deliberations for today. The clerk just got a call from Judge Kennedy's bailiff. He is tied up on the 10th floor (a jail holding floor) and will be down as soon as he can. I believe the current case is waiting for the defendant to be brought out. The prosecutor that handled the City of Bell Counsel corruption scandal are in the courtroom. There may be a hearing on the refiling of that case after the current pretrial hearing. Judge Kennedy has momentarily left the bench.
9:10 AM
Park's mother, Irene enters the courtroom. She greets her son-in-law with a kiss before she takes a seat beside her daughter.
9:17 AM
There are a lot of people here and media for the City of Bell hearing. The courtroom is filled with chatter. Judge Kennedy is about to take the bench. The bailiff is here and tells people to turn their cell phones off.
A defendant is in the courtroom for another case. The City of Bell hearing will be after that. Other pretrial hearing case is People v. Chavez (sp?). Defense moves for new trial. Denied. This is a sentencing hearing.
9:28 AM
Judge Kennedy is presenting her thought process on the sentencing in the Chavez case.
9:31 AM
Answering a comment. I believe my reporting is unbiased, not biased to a particular side.
9:33 AM
Park case. Latent fingerprints were collected at the crime scene. A latent print was found and collected on an orange ceramic plate, found in the kitchen, in or near the sink. Fingerprint experts testified that the latent print collected from the orange plate matched a print belonging to Park. There was no testimony presented at the trial, about fingerprints on Juliana's neck. The coroner's criminalist took a DNA swab from Juliana's neck at the scene. That was collected as part of the sexual assault kit. That DNA was analyzed and a mixture of two profiles was found within that DNA.
9:36 AM
The Chavez case, the defendant was sentenced. Counsel for the City of Bell corruption case went into chambers with Judge Kennedy.
9:41 AM
There are many conversations going on in the gallery and the well.
9:47 AM
The Bell City Counsel group comes forward. Judge Kennedy reads the last names of the five defendants. DDA Miller & DDA Huntsman for the prosecution. Miller won't continue for the people. Huntsman will take over the case. It is the people's decision to retry the counts where the jury did not reach a verdict.
As of today's date, there is no specific determination as to who, if any of these defendants will be continued to be represented by their present counsel. Judge Kennedy asks if they have decided on a return date. One attorney asks for July 2nd for a reading of sentencing for the verdicts that were reached. That's it for that hearing. The gallery thins out.
9:54 AM
Cars near the scene. That information was in the Charging Document and Statement of Probable Cause. That is the document that was prepared to issue an arrest warrant. The prosecution did not present witnesses to the jury to testify about cars that were caught on video in an alley near the scene. I do not know why they chose not to present this evidence in their case-in-chief. The jury only considers the evidence presented at trial.
10:03 AM
The courtroom is quiet. The gallery is not that full. The bailiff grabs a snack at his desk. Cameramen are setting up microphones at the judge and clerks desk. Detective Thompson is in the well of the court. Verdict watch can be very tiring and boring at times.
10:05 AM
I am asking that people please try to be civil in the comments. I will start censoring comments or turn the feature off altogether. Comments are a way for those of you following the trial to ask me questions about court proceedings and the testimony that was presented.
10:12 AM
Answering a question. When Judge Kennedy instructed the jurors, they were told that they would be able to view the physical evidence if they asked for it. However, Judge Kennedy asked that the jurors use gloves when handling physical evidence that may contain biological materials. The gloves are for the jurors to handle the evidence.
People are free to comment their opinions on the case. T&T is not obligated to publish your comment. All T&T asks is that you be respectful. I understand that emotions are on high and people are on edge. There are many people who support the victim Juliana and Park.
10:16 AM
Buzz! Buzz! The bailiff investigates. Break time.
10:17 AM
Three jurors exit the jury room for a break. The only witnesses I've seen in the courtroom on prior days have been Juliana's girlfriends. At this moment, I mostly see Juliana's family members in the gallery. The man with the bicycle helmet was here to serve Park with papers. I do not know what the papers were. Detective Thompson, who testified is in the courtroom waiting in the well.
Right now, the mood in the courtroom is very quiet. People are reading or looking at their cell phones.
10:22 AM
How the police focused on Park is detailed in the Charging Document which you can read at the link above. The "Female James Bond" comment comes from prosecution motions. One place you can read that is the people's motion to admit other conduct, page 12, lines 27-28. The "James Bond" comment was not presented to the jury because it is hearsay.
10:30 AM
Jurors file back in from their break.
10:31 AM
Greg Redding testified that he became concerned when he believed that Golden State Pharmacy did not have the proper licenses to manufacture large amounts of "pain cream." His license and reputation would be on the hook if there was any illegal activity going on. I don't remember the amount specifically, but it's my understanding Redding testified that he saw thousands of empty jars in the Pharmacy facility. My understanding is, the difference is large scale manufacturing verses compounding individual prescriptions.
10:36 AM
There were cell phone records entered. I remember the number of phone calls and their time frame to Dr. Uwaydah were presented to the jury. I would have to go back and review my notes to see if I took down the specifics of that particular testimony.
10:41 AM
Tom Chronister is retired from the Oxnard Police Dept. The crime occurred in the city of Santa Monica. Look those cities up on Google Maps. They are not near each other. Most of the witnesses who testified (police, coroner, criminalists), are back at work.
10:43 AM
I am only one person. I can't type in the blog posting window, and approve comments at the same time. Sometimes, my internet connection doesn't bring the comments through quickly. Please have some patience people. I don't have a huge network machine behind the time I am devoting to this case.
10:49 AM
I believe that Redding backed out of the business deal because he felt uncomfortable. I don't believe he testified that it was because anything that his daughter said to him.
If Park is convicted, it's my experience from past trials that she will be taken into custody until sentencing. For her to get out on bail again would require her to be sentenced then an appeal filed. All of that takes quite a bit of time.
10:52 AM
Judge Kennedy is having a conversation with (I think) a deputy DA at the clerk's desk. From the back, it looks like it's DDA Francis Young, who is assisting DDA Sean Carney on the Gerhard Becker case. I've been typing away and I didn't see the sharply dressed woman enter. She turned around and I can see now that it is Francis Young. I love Young's style. Young enters the back area behind the clerks desk. I can now see Francis chatting for a moment with Judge Ito.
10:57 AM
Judge Kennedy ruled that Dr. Uwaydah's travel plans would not be presented to the jury.
11:07 AM
Young was kind enough to stop by on her way out of the courtroom to say hello.
11:08 AM
A forensic specialist did testify that the scene indicated evidence of a physical altercation in the living room as well as an attempted clean up. A specific crime scene analyst was not hired by either side to testify.
I don't feel that I am on pins and needles at this point. I am very tired due to less sleep than usual and my real life responsibilities to Mr. Sprocket's business.
11:13 AM
If Dr. Uwaydah had any convictions of any kind, they were not presented to this jury. Dr. Uwaydah is not on trial in this case.
11:19 AM
There was no testimony that spoke of a jealousy motive. Jealousy was not the prosecution's theory of the crime.
11:21 AM
DDA Okun-Wiese is in the courtroom. She is in a conversation with the bailiff and Detective Thompson in the seating area behind the prosecution table.
The prosecution's theory of the crime has been documented in motion to present other evidence. At trial, the prosecution did not present a motive to the jurors. They are not required to do so.
11:24 AM
Since the jurors have not "buzzed" each time they have started and stopped deliberations, I have not kept track of the number of deliberation hours.
11:27 AM
It's still relatively quiet in the courtroom.
11:31 AM
Thank you Anon @ 11:30 AM. I never try to predict a jury. I've learned that juries will surprise you.
The latent fingerprint card was reexamined by a forensic specialist (fingerprint expert) a year after it was collected. In that examination, the analyst thought there might be a drop of blood on the card that was collected when the print was lifted. To test that spot on the card for blood, she would have to lift the tape off of the white card. She testified that she has experience in this field, and she would have been able to tell if the tape had been lifted prior to her lifting the tape off the card. The presumptive test for the spot was positive for blood. The blood was analyzed and a profile developed. It came back to a single source profile. That profile could not exclude Park as being the contributor.
11:58 AM
Only a couple of minutes before the lunch break.
11:59 AM
Buzz! Buzz! This is most likely the jurors notice that they are breaking for lunch. Yes. They start to exit the courtroom.
12:00 Noon
We are asked to leave.
1:22 PM
I'm up on the 9th floor. The hallway is packed and stuffy. Mr. Sprocket didn't cook last night so I had to find a salad at the underground city. This is slightly less-bad food than the court's cafeteria. The CBS 48 Hours crew is sitting on a bench to my right. Both families are here in the hallway, far apart from each other.
I'm going to move down towards the courtroom now, and unplug from a wall outlet.
1:35 PM
Back inside Dept. 109. Judge Kennedy is going to take the bench in another matter.
1:58 PM
The blood drop on the latent print card.
This was discovered in 2009 when a forensic specialist with the Santa Monica PD was performing a review of the latent prints collected in their case file. The specialist testified that the spot was round, about the size of an eraser at the end of a pencil. She testified that the edges of the blood did not appear to be smeared, like what would be present in a blood smear or swipe. This drop of blood was not noticed during the initial collection.
1:59 PM
Sometimes, evidence isn't always found the first time around. I don't have any statistics to confidently say if that is unusual or rare.
2:01 PM
The blood drop was found on a latent print card, where the latent print was collected at the crime scene. The latent print card was stored in an evidence locker until it was reexamined and the spot discovered.
The latent print and the blood were collected at the same time via the lifting tape.
2:04 PM
When evidence is found. Well, that's hard to say. In the Lazarus case, the crime occurred in 1986. Evidence was collected at that time, but was misplaced in the coroner's office freezers. It was rediscovered in late 2004 and tested for DNA in 2005. In that case, the discovery of the evidence and the testing didn't make that evidence less relevant.
2:10 PM
If I've missed answering any of your questions, I do apologize. I was out late last night. I'm trying to wake up with a four tea-bag hot tea.
2:15 PM
Ever since I first covered a case in Judge Kennedy's courtroom (back in 2011), I've been fascinated by all the large and small figurines on the left (her right) side of her bench. Back then, I asked the bailiff if I could get a closer look at them to describe them, but that request was denied. If I squint, I can make some of them out. Most are animals.
2:19 PM
It's organic Chinese green tea. I blog under the moniker "Sprocket," but I am not "anonymous." I use my real name when reporting at court. You can read about why I started blogging under a moniker on the About T&T Page, in the section under my name.
2:29 PM
I believe people who follow a case are allowed to have opinions. It is only within a court of law that a defendant is presumed innocent until a jury reaches a verdict. Famed prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi wrote about that in his book, Outrage. The police, prosecutors, etc., can have an opinion. It's the jury's job is to remain neutral and keep an open mind.
Bail bondsman Josh Herman enters and from the expression on Park's face, she is quite happy to see him. They step outside together to chat privately.
2:37 PM
The cases listed on the right that I did not attend are Christian-Newsom (covered by guest blogger David in TN) and Casey Anthony (covered by co-blogger ritanita). The rest of the listed coverage, I attended.
I attended most, but not all of the Lois Goodman hearings. I know I missed the last hearing, where the charges were dismissed. I do not know what the reasoning was, to drop the charges. I did not speak to the prosecution about that. However, sources within the LAPD lead me to believe that the original investigation was flawed.
2:39 PM
DDA Okun-Wiese is inside the courtroom, chatting with the bailiff at his desk.
2:49 PM
I don't know if Park's relationship with her bail bondsman is unusual or typical. Detective Thompson entered Deptl 109 has joined Okun-Wiese and the bailiff in their conversation.
2:52 PM
I have to say, I'm very impressed with all the people on both sides of the table who are coming to court and sit for verdict watch.
2:53 PM
Judge Kennedy has stepped out from chambers and is discussing something with her clerk. Judge Kennedy is wearing a dark blue and black sleeveless dress. I'm trying to get a sense of how to describe the long necklace she is wearing. My eyesight isn't great under these fluorescent lights. From where I'm sitting it looks like inch wide mother of pearl buttons with spaces between them.
2:57 PM
I meant to mention that Patricia Redding looks like she had her hair done. I like the new hairstyle and highlights. It gives her a softer look. Patricia's hair is now down with slight soft curls verses being pinned up on her head similar to a french twist.
3:02 PM
Park reenters the courtroom with Herman and Chronister.
3:03 PM
One of Park's supporters hugged her goodbye. I believe it was her sister, Kim.
3:05 PM
The conversations in the gallery get a little loud and the bailiff addresses the room, "Quiet in the courtroom please!"
3:08 PM
Park's famous sister is Kolleen Park. If you Google her, you can see images.
3:12 PM
Another deputy steps into Dept. 109, nods to the bailiff who acknowledges him. The deputy then leaves.
3:16 PM
Detective Thompson left the courtroom. I did not notice when that happened. Okun-Wiese is at the bailiff's desk. The bailiff left the courtroom a few moments ago.
3:19 PM
The bailiff's nod had nothing to do with a verdict. They were just acknowledging each other. When we hear three buzzes, that's when a verdict has been reached.
Okun-Wiese leaves the courtroom.
3:22 PM
The bailiff is back at his desk. The court clerk appears to be working hard.
3:24 PM
I'm having a bit of trouble staying connected to the Internet through the court's free WiFi.
3:34 PM
A tall suited bearded man with a leather briefcase stepped into the courtroom, sat down, looked around then left.
3:40 PM
The court day in Judge Kennedy's courtroom goes from 9:00 AM to 4:15 PM. They have been instructed in that. In prior days, the jury has stopped deliberating at 4:00 PM. They cannot deliberate past 4:15 PM because that would require so many court staff to stay for overtime.
3:42 PM
FWIW: Sometimes, blogger does a blip and comments unintentionally end up in the spam file folder. I don't know why that happens. So sometimes, comments will show up published late when I find them in the spam folder and then approve them.
3:47 PM
In prior days, the jurors have left at 4:00 PM. They can deliberate as late as 4:15 PM today.
3:50 PM
Thank you everyone for your support and kind words about my trial coverage efforts.
3:51 PM
So far, only three comments from today were not published.
3:56 PM
Buzz! Buzz! The bailiff opens the door. The jury is done for the day. The jurors file out.
3:57 PM
Judge Kennedy addresses park from the clerks desk. "Ms. Park, you are ordered back at 9:00 AM. Bail stands."
When we heard the first buzz, then the second one, I believe I heard Judge Kennedy say, "Come on, one more buzz."
See everyone back here tomorrow.
6:15 PM
It's 12 hours later from when I first posted this morning.
A BIG SHOUT OUT to those of you who have made donations to my trial coverage costs. My husband and I are truly touched and thank you for your support.
Thank you to everyone for your kind words (on and off the record) regarding my trial reporting efforts. It's very rewarding to know that many of you appreciate the time and energy I am dedicating to transparent reporting on this case. I hope to see everyone back here tomorrow.
One last note.
I've answered this question several times, but one more time for the road. If the jury is unable to reach a unanimous verdict, then the people have the option to retry the case. Although it will be as if the first trial didn't happen, all testimony in the first trial is admissible in the second trial. For example, if a witness is suddenly unavailable (moved out of state/country; in the hospital, incarcerated, dies, etc.) that individual's testimony from the first trial can and would be admitted into evidence at the second trial. That happened in Phil Spector's second trial (Dianne Ogden died), and in Stephanie Lazarus's trial (Criminalist Lloyd Mahaney's testimony from the Lazarus preliminary hearing was used after he died.)
The criminal case doesn't necessarily affect a civil lawsuit the family may or may not have filed. I have not checked with the court's Pubic Information Office to find out if civil suit has been filed by the family. Usually, it is my experience that both parties in a civil suit (and the judge) will delay a civil suit going forward until the criminal trial is adjudicated. That's what happened in the civil suit brought against Phil Spector in the death of Lana Clarkson. The Clarkson family lawsuit settled exactly nine years after Lana Clarkson was murdered.
To the anonymous prosecutor who left a comment. I am honored at the suggestion that you would like to form a partnership. My best guess is, you said that in jest. I just want to assure you, reporting on trials in this venue (with no advertising or grant/sponsorship) will not pay anything close to what you can make by continuing as a public servant.
Posts
152 comments:
i hope today will be the day that justice for the redding family !!!!!!!! thgis hitwoman miss james bond needs to be held accountable ! to the comment yesterday . alcoholics come in different faces color etc so who cares that she maybe smart or knows 2 or 3 languages and who cares if you know her or not she committed a murder and needs to be held accountable . i beleive that she marriewd a ex cop thinking he could get her off she probably loves the doctor
justice for julianna !!!!!
keely soo park is a evil lady a murderer please find her guilty !!!
i wish u covered jodi aris because the amount of commercials makes it hard to watchy your a very good reporter !!!!!
it wasnt the boyfriend it wasnt cher it wasnt bvh its kelly soo parks whom will be founf guilty
are we their yet ?????????
i really think if they investigate they will fing a whole lot of crimes from this woman has she had any cimmanal record ? has any one else died cause of her or been beaten up whats her back ground how long did she work with the shady doctor ?
if they are saying this was a hire to kill why arent they going after the doc even if he out of the country ???
when did she get married to the ex police officer ? does she have a cimmanal record ?
do you think the jury will have a verdict today and what do u think guilty ?
i know u have to be not bias but do you think she will be found guilty of at least 2nd ?
guilty guilty guilty !!!!!!!
ok so the jury dosent consider she is married to a cop do they know that ?
0830 am see anyone yet is the jury sequestered ?
verdict today and guilty please im hoping and praying giuilty guilty guilty !!!!!!!!!
jury is making 100 percent sure its her print and coulcnt be tampered with verdict today guilty !
Justice for Juliana
so is Kelly so in the courtroom yet and is the jury is deliberating and who all is there for the reading familyis Cher the boyfriend or BV h in the courtroom
My heart goes out to the Redding family. It must be torture to wait on what appears to be a slam dunk case....
good job for T&T you are a very excellent reporter
I know you're supposed to be biased but what do you think what evidence presented do you think she'll be found guilty I know we never know because that's the jury's decision but I'm wondering what you think of all the evidence
She married the ex cop in November of 2012. He was still working as a cop when she first met him.
KSP Is not guilty...She has a spotless record...I don't even think she has a speeding ticket... Come on people... You really think a woman who is in her 40's with no record, who is very well educated, Who has a very, very good reputation in the business world would do something like this... Wake up... Julianna's ex boyfriend is a mess... Look up his wrap sheet... It is about a mile long...They apparently were fighting on the day of the murder...
thank you for your own biased reporting and catch me up on all the questions I asked and please keep us posted on the verdict are any of the witnesses that were on the stand in the courtroom on the prosecution side
To previous post.....KSP has a very dark past, the jury is not aware of it as certain evidence was disallowed by JK...she and the Dr, for want of a better expression, are no better than gangsters.
you're being bias KSp he is guilty the fingerprints were around her neck are you watching and listening to the evidence you're very partial to KSP her boyfriend fingerprints were not found around her neck
just because her boyfriend was a mess doesn't make him a killer she was a debt collector and yeah so what if she was successful successfully murdered a woman
There were not fingerprints on her neck. Look at the evidence. The boyfriend should be looked at KSP is innocent!
Guilty to the friend of Kelly soo park she has manipulated you into believing because she is smart and successful that she's not a murderer just because you're smart and successful doesn't mean that you did not commit a murder Jodi aris Phoenix Arizona was smart toeven at one point on a home in Palm Desert she to commit a murder just because you're smart successful doesn't mean that you did not commit a crime if your boyfriend had Bernard her his fingerprints would have been around her neck not Kelly's
you're right they were gangsters and she got caught and he fled if they were so honest and successful he would be in the courtroom with his debt collector backing her up
To you who thinks KSP is innocent! Please explain how her fingerprints came to be in Juliana's apartment? I too believe she married the cop hoping he could get her out of this mess. And yes they started dating Nov. 2011 and were married Nov. 2012. Her husband, the cop, has just filed a lawsuit against the City of Oxnard. JUSTICE FOR JULIANA..
Was there any weight put on the fact that the gas stove was on and a candle was burning...like she was hoping for an explosion so as not to have the problem of DNA being left in J's apartment?
our opinions really don't matter what matters is what the jury States guilty or not guilty
did KSP deny being in Redding apartment and if she denied it why were her fingerprints there
from what I heard KS p and Juliana Redding we're not friends she had never been in the apartment so why was he r fingerprints there if she's never been to the apartment
I read somewhere something about cars seen leaving the scene of the murder. Did you report that, or do you know anything about it?
KSP was never a successful business woman. The only money she made on her own was through Dr. Uwaydah. She came back from S. Korea from a failed marriage and an unsuccessful career trying to do various things but her career never got started. Sort of telling since she always bragged about her famous sister's connections and her father's family. When she came back to Ca, some of her friends had pity on her and gave her a break in the mortgage banking business where she met Dr. Uwaydah. Please tell me how she is successful? She speaks Korean and English like most Korean kids do (even the ones born and raised her. Kelly bragged about Dr. U and his money all the time. Stephanie Lazarus was a veteran cop with a SPOTLESS record. A UCLA grad (same education as Kelly). About 52 years old. Since when is being bilingual or being 40+ years old or not having a criminal record (yet) is enough evidence to prove your innocence? You are not on this jury and please wait until the jury renders its verdict. The Kelly you knew is not the person you thought you knew. She did NOT have a good record in the Korean community nor in the mortgage banking business. If you are in mortgage banking business or workman's comp business, you would know. The evidence on the victim's neck was actually her DNA (1 on a trillion). Along with her (1 in trillion) DNA on the victim's tank top (front and back). If you are her friend or family, it's OK to support her. I totally understand but I do want to give you some facts from what I know.
Hey KSP supporters! You will put yourself out there saying she is innocent, but haven't heard you explain how her DNA got into Juliana's house!!
hey me too about the cars I thought the doctor was in one of the cars while she went in and murdered him is that correct but they couldn't for sure know who was in the cars but his car was spotted in the alley I thought
Ok, So Kelly Fans please answer me this question ... If she is not guilty why the hell is her DNA all over Juliana's neck , tank , cell and the stove knob ??? If she is innocent why not take the stand and explain why all of this DNA is on this girls body and house ?!...Six months prior to her death would have been the last time Juliana would have had any kinda contact with this "Hench Women" ... Justice For Juliana !!!!
JUSTICE FOR JULIANA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
so the jury is deliberating right now as we speak 10:05 a.m. and they have the latex fingerprint card is that correct in the gllovescan you tell me wete the gloves t hat they found it to the scene of crime?
okay sorry will keep the comments just to you you I didn't know it we weren't supposed to do that
are any of the prosecution witness is in the gallery are there in the courtroom did you ever find out why the guy on the bike was there
thank you for clarifying the gloves I was so confused are there any of the prosecution witness is sitting in the courtroom and can you tell me who is in the courtroom is it quiet what is the mood there
okay the news is reported her as a James Bond hit woman how did they come to that conclusion what's your real estate woman a mortgage broker or the debt collector because she wouldn't turn the doctor in is that why they focused in on her or was it the evidence that focused and on her what she ever in the apartment before and how long does DNA or fingerprints stay on things 6 month?
I have not formed an opinion yet I'm trying to weigh in on evidence on both sides I really want to know if she was innocent why is the Dr there and do we know what kind of shady deal the doctor was trying to make with Miss reading father did that come out in court
Hi,I am wondering if when the jury exits for breaks etc, is there any eye contact or any contact at all between them and KSP or her family/friends or the Redding's?
Thanks again for your awesome work!
Thank you for your coverage. It has been wonderful to read your detailed and thorough reports. I understand that some believe KSP is guilty and others believe she is innocent. But it is important to realize that the jurors are assessing whether or not the prosecution has proved murder in the first or second degree beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a higher standard than preponderance of the evidence which is used in a civil case. It is also a higher standard of proof than clear and convincing evidence which is used to determine whether punitive damages should be awarded in a civil case. Based on what I have read in the daily summaries, a reasonable juror is probably asking himself or herself how KSP's fingerprint and DNA ended up in Juliana's residence. The defense has no obligation to prove anything because the burden of proof rests with the prosecution. By failing to explain facts which might explain the reason why KSP's fingerprint and DNA was found in Juliana's residence or on Juliana's clothing, the juror may conclude that this evidence is circumstantial evidence sufficient to meet the prosecutor's burden. At the same time, a reasonable juror may conclude that they need direct evidence to convict. This leads to a counter-argument that DNA and a fingerprint are just as reliable as direct evidence. Some believe that the only question is whether she is guilty of first or second degree. It is also possible that the jurors are trying to be thorough in order to avoid convicting an innocent person. Although my own opinions are irrelevant and I do not know anyone involved, I would vote to convict for first degree murder based on what I have read in sprocket's daily reports. The most compelling evidence for me is the fact that KSP's DNA was found on a stove knob and the burner was found in an open position (presumably to create an explosion and destroy evidence). Who knows how many people would have been injured or killed if the gas had caused an explosion?
so the prosecution witness is or the defense are they kept informed and are they reached a verdict is reach and are they allowed to sit in the courtroom for the rest of the trial
I would like to know why KSP fingerprints are in her apartment what she asked and what was the reason why her fingerprints are on the apartment on a tank top what was the defenses reason why her fingerprints and DNA is there
were there any cell phone records of her calling the doctor the day of the murder
what is her alibi is the cop that she's married to the same she was with him all night what is her alibi
If she is convicted, will she remain free on bail she has already posted? It seems like someone in her position would be more likely to flee after being convicted. Does California permit conjugal visits?
Also, KSP came back from S. Korea with a son from that marriage. She comes from a very loving family and I know that her younger sister (the very famous one) used to give both of her sister a lot of credit for encouraging her and shaping her emotionally. Well, as of now, that famous sister has done everything she can to distance herself from her older sibling (not both siblings ... just the one on trial... Kelly). Her son has never come to visit her in prison even when he lived in L.A. Her father (now retired) has never come and visited either. Supposedly he is now in a hospital? Was he also in the hosipial during her initial arrest, bail hearing, pretrial hearing? It's telling that such a close knit family would be so divided in their actions. If you check, you will find that Kelly didn't get her real estate license or her mortage brokerage credentials until late 2006. She met Dr. U about that time and started to spread the aura of success. By the way, Stephanie Lazaurs was married to a cop. WOW. I find the similarities in their backgrounds very interesting. The difference is that with Stephanie, she actually had a job. If you knew KSP before 2006, please let me know what sort of job she had. That's other than peddling her sister's brilliant organic soap idea and looking for investors in that failed business.
Just a question for you, its hypothetical so I apologise if its not in context...in this day of internet etc, do you really think its possible for jurors, in any case nowadays not just this one, to not hear or see anything about the case in media, to not have looked up Dr. Uwaydah etc? I am just curious what you think because of your experience...
did Greg reading say what his daughter Julie Anna told him about the doctor that made him change his mind about investing with this doctor: besides the licensing did he say what his daughter told him the reason why do not invest with the doctor and why did the doctor fleethe country charges be brought up on the doctor if you was doing illegal investments in the pharmacy with the cream
Stop bringing up the boyfriend he is completely dismissed from this trial in general. Not only does he have an alibi but also no DNA fingerprints to make him a suspect. This is ridiculous with how much evidence there is on this case. It is apparent through DNA and fingerprints and evidence that IT IS Kelly soo park. Justice for Juliana!
Stop bringing up the boyfriend he is completely dismissed from this trial in general. Not only does he have an alibi but also no DNA fingerprints to make him a suspect. This is ridiculous with how much evidence there is on this case. It is apparent through DNA and fingerprints and evidence that IT IS Kelly soo park. Justice for Juliana!
alright will try to have patience sorry about that
so we don't know if the doctor was shady but why did you leave the country did that question come up
Kelly SOO PARK is the murderer. All the evidence points to her. Finger prints.
judge ito know that's very cool
Betsy, You are doing a wonderful job both reporting on this case as well as moderating this comment board. I for one appreciate your dedication and hard work, as they say, "no good deed goes unpunished" and therefore you must take some of the comments left by the readers with a grain of salt.
Again my thanks for a great job.
do you think jealousy was any part of this crime do to Julie Anna used to work for the doctor had a short intimate relationship with the doctor do you think or have you heard any of this brought up did KSP have a intimate relationship with the doctor
Just as an fyi, that van that was seen on the scene on the night of the murder was a vehicle that was used in business dealings with Dr U. This info can be found in the court papers which were filed by the state. His business associate Marissa Nelson was the registered owner, but the van was in fact used for Dr U's businesses. This shows once again that he had his "people" on the scene on the night of the murder. Too big of a coincidence if you ask me and I hope the Jury was privy to this information as well. If it smells like a duck, quacks like a duck...
Perhaps I missed it in your reporting of the testimony Betsy, but was there testimony from a Crime Scene Interpreter as there was in the Lazarus case. You remember the testimony where the guy described "what happened" based on the evidence in the apartment. I didn't see such a description in the KSP trial.
BJ in SV
so I'm on pins and needles waiting for the jury I can imagine for you it's even worse you're probably on the edge of your seat too aren't you ?
Juianna was a fabulous young lady who brought much love and joy to her family,friends and who didn't even meet her. She was one of God's angels who has returned home. We,here on earth, have been cheated by her death. May God bring justice to Juliana!
I don't know if this was brought up because it was ruled that nothing about the doctor could be brought up right but does he have a criminal record or any charges
YES KP and the dr had an intimate r/s...this was his m.o. with a lot of the women he employed.
so was it brought up that Julie Anna also had a intimate relationship with him and maybe s he was jealous was there any thing about that being part of the motive
how many hours has the jury deliberating and what did the prosecution say the motive for this murder was was it because Juliiana is father backed out of the deal
JUSTICE for JULIANA!!! The evidence is there that Kelly Soo Park committed the crime. She brutally killed this beautiful young woman!
I am an attorney and former police officer and am now never surprised by what a jury will do or ask for. However, I am stumped as to why they would want to look at a fingerprint card. An amateur wannabe forensic in the jury pool who is going to compare the fingerprint found at the home? Have you spoken to anyone in the media who has a theory as to why this was asked for?
Absolutely fabulous job of reporting by you.
JUSTICE FOR THE VICTIM JULIANA REDDING!
I believe they just want to see if the fingerprint card has been tampered or could be tampered with would you agree but we never know what the mind of a jury is deliberating but we do know they're working hard on this case and we will know the end of his case well and with the bird which are cool try true crime reporter well let us know
Just a comment, not trying to be mean...but I feel as if KSP knows she did it, and is just seeing if the State can prove it. The only thing the defense ever wanted to present in her defense was about Mr. Gilmore, who apparently has strong alibis and was seen on video in stores around the time of the crime if I remember correctly. If R. Case or the Marissa lady were present, if they did it and she knew about it, then she'd rather not rat them out thinking the State can't prove it. Just my opinion.
During Greg Reddings testimony. mentioned asking Juliana had any objections to doin business with the Dr. Juliana did not object. This was during the negotiations a second time and after Juliana had already stopped seeing the doctor.
I wondered the same about the fingerprint card. I'm thinking that they're wanting to see the "blood drop" that was on it and determine whether it should have been obvious to the original responders that it WAS a blood drop. I know I shouldn't speculate but it speaks to me that at least one juror has put some weight on the "smeared DNA" concept offered by the defense.
I hope I am not a lone voice in the crowd saying how much I appreciate your taking the time to cover this trial... you have always done an exemplary job, and I love the details you bring out visually for us. I can see that Donchais has learned this skill, too, and for those who are sans-TV, it is a richer following experience.
Hope all is well with Mr. Sprocket...
well there's one thing for sure this trial and every trial ends with the verdict
where does Kelly state she was during the murder
No Kelly did not state where she was "during the murder". The time of death is undetermined. Therefore, we don't know when is "during the murder."
I cannot even begin to imagine what the jury has to deliberate on... this shouldve been a quick decision, as the MURDER, Kelly soo park's DNA was found on Juliana's neck, back of shirt, back door knob, stove and fingerprint on a plate. The family and friends of our sweet Juliana will suffer her loss for eternity, a GUILTY verdict is all we have left. Justice must be served, or this SOCIOPATHIC MURDERER will be free to do whatever she wants for the rest of her life, while the life a beautiful, amazing YOUNG woman, was cut short at just 21 years old. Justice for Juliana.
you're doing a great job on reporting it's like I'm sitting there with you
have a good lunch reporter
I really hope verdict comes in today and Julie and her family can finally have some peace and move forward
Anonymous said...
Who said I was "pretending" to know Kelly? How else would I have known anything about her education & her fluency speaking other languages?
May 28, 2013 at 6:13 PM
You are pretending because your information on her education and her fluency in other languages are wrong.
Please people, stop pretending that you know KSP or the victim.
Sandy, you are absolutely not the lone voice. I enjoy this blog immensely and I hope she can keep this site advertising free, bias free and free of unkindness. I am not related at all to Sprocket but I thank all fellow donors for helping to keep this site from all ads and bias. She really tries hard to keep us informed.
Reading through the comments, it's hard not to note that many are filled with typos and shorthand typing! I'm picturing you in the courtroom with supporters on both sides of the case and on both sides of YOU, tapping out messages on their cell phones or iPads as a way of saying what they are feeling yet remaining openly civil and under control! Good job of managing this and providing an unbiased reporting!
SeniorMoments
I believe KSP is guilty! And I am hoping for "JUSTICE FOR JULIANA!" I'm not sure of the motive as it could have been jealousy or the good old Dr. sent her there to get back at Juliana's father for backing out of the business deal. I personally have been keeping up with this trial because I know KSP husband and have for a long time. And I would have NEVER guessed he would get himself involved with someone like this. I clearly don't get it! How do you go from a 28 year veteran police officer to marrying a murder suspect? I believe we teach our kids that there are consequences for the choices we make. So he made a choice to date and marry KSP and now he is suing the Oxnard Police Department! Who does this?
shame on Kelly soo parks
Kelly is INNOCENT!!!!!
what was the reason why her DNA was found there at reading the apartment did that come out what the reason was
does the jury come in at different entrance
You people are so quick to point a finger yet none of you were there ... God help you ALL
Julianna, I hope in the next day or so we will get the answer you deserve. I hope justice is served at the highest level. I love your family and I wish I could be their. Reading the trail has helped me support you all. I am shocked the jury is taking so long.
I have a feeling we'll be put in handcuffs on someone today
poor Julie Anna she was only protecting her father from a bad investment deal till the evil woman did her evil deed and the doctor ran
Keep up the good work Sprocket...we really appreciate you.
Dear Sprocket,
I'm a little confused....if the blood drop was missed by the first responders, when was it finally discovered?, and, was it discovered at the scene like, the next day, or not until it was noticed on the fingerprint card sometime later?...
yes we are all in suspense justice for Julie Ana
I think, if I am reading correctly, that the blood drop was discovered upon the re-examining of the fingerprint card a year later...is that right? That seems a little weird, no? Just wondering...
The blood drop was found in a locker 1 yr. later.It was then tested.
Well...if it was a year later, and I'm a juror, its certainly going to make me think about things a little that's for sure...I can't say it would change my mind, but...I would sure wonder how something like that could be missed at the scene and found a year later....I mean...you miss blood? On a card that the police themselves collected?....hmmmm....
It's powerful evidence either way, I don't think the year makes the evidence any less relevant does it?
Friends, please let us at least, spell her name correctly....
It's Julianna...not Julie Ana.
It's powerful evidence if you understand DNA, blood "spatter", and have an inherent trust of law enforcement. IMO there's a large portion of the LA jury pool that has none of those things.
We must remember that in life there are always oversights (regarding the blood) and from what I understand the blood stain was small. Regardless of when it was discovered, it was discovered no the less.
Giggle.
Anonymous smiles at the thought of Sprocket downing atomic tea!
Thanks for the dedication. It is much appreciated.
sorry dragon speech sometimes spelled things wrong so sorry
Whoa...4 tea bag! Easy there, that's a lot of caffeine and we need you! :-) Also, is Sproket and Besty one of the same? I'm a bit confused...
Another voice here, saying thank you for wonderful trial coverage, amidst high emotions on all sides. Understandably so: a young woman was viciously murdered.
Everyone who has ever served on a jury that took its work seriously, knows the responsibility of giving a just verdict. Just like everyone voicing different opinions here in the comments, there may be different views of the case inside the jury room.
We have to trust that everyone is doing their best, while our hearts go out to family and friends anxiously waiting. Thanks again, Betsy, for an exemplary job of reporting.
Wow! a 4 bagger! The most i have done is 3 and that was earl grey lol!
,how about JR for sure so that I can spell it right
As I said: I'm not "pretending"to know Kelly. I know things that were "NOT brought up @ the trial. For example: Did you know Dr. Uwaydah sponsored Kelly's ex-Ronnie Case for one of his races?
no disrespect meant for Jr
wow I hope she doesn't for the jury like she's full do we have to keep an open mind here and let the jury decide we have no rights to decide I'm keeping an open mind and not making a decision and I'm going to have to believe that the jury has made the decision
people please keep your opinions to yourself we are waiting for the jury to make that decision and we have to honor it
Dr. U sponsoring Ronnie C is old news and common knowledge. There are quite a few things about Kelly that different people knew little portions of her life. For example, I know several of her friends who never knew anything about this Dr. boyfriend of hers or the fact that she lived with Ronnie Case. Many people who knew Kelly are on this site and are finding out the different facets of her life. In fact, it's assumed that even her own sisters (she was very close to both) or her son didn't know what she was up to. We all knew little portions of her life that she wanted us to see. In fact, she told people that she raced in one of those races herself as a driver. Of course, no one knows for sure like half of the things that Kelly said.
Having worked with Kelly many years ago, I have an interest in following this trail. From what I have read she is guilty, way beyond a reasonable doubt. But have been on juries, I can tell you it is difficult to convince 12 people of anything. It just takes one person to think, well maybe... If I am ever in trouble I will relay on a jury as there may be someone that will think well maybe... to the most unbelievable story.
Hi, thank you for this great coverage. I hope this is an ok question...I know you did not cover all the trials listed on the right hand sde of the page, but I was looking thru some of them, and that Lois Goodman one seemed really bizarre...did you cover that one? ANd, what is the "strangest" one you have ever covered and why?
Thanks:)
Just wondering....Is it unusual for bail bondsmen to attend trials? Much less be chatty with their clients? Or is there usually a relationship developed, just because of the circumstances?
who is Parks famous sister?
oh maybe the bailiffs nod was because they have a verdict let's see
'Justice for Juliana'!!!
how long is the jury allowed to deliberate can a deliberate past 430 or 415 ???
thank you so that means that they can only deliberate for the next 10 minutes correct
well it looks like we have another day for the jury deliberate Thanks for your report and your unbiased opinion you're very good
THat must be where all my comments are because none have shown up!
I'm a prosecutor. I like your blog. I sometimes wish I could do what you do. (Do you need a partner?) I think courtroom affairs are very distorted by the mainstream media, either out of negligence or just to "make the story." All of your explanations have been very accurate, even when you give your opinion on what is going on in the court. You provide a very fair and thorough news source for people interested in trials. Keep up the good work.
I agree I enjoy reading this I'm hooked !!!!
thank you so much I will be back tomorrow too
Please let tomorrow be the day for a guilty verdict! Praying it's not a hung jury or a not guilty. Justice for Juliana.....
omg... one more day to go. I totally understand Judge Kennedy. we all need the verdict now!!!!! I think Im the only one who pay attention to this trial in Korea.
p.s - thank you for your report! I am so glad to know your blog!
Really appreciate all your efforts....I have been following you ALL day! Thanks for all of the hard work!!
How old is her son? I can't believe that this jury is taking so long......3 letters DNA.
....I don't know...not looking good for the prosecution, seems like some of the jury have doubts about who did this terrible act of violence....oh dear, what a world...
My understanding of the defense case is essentially that the actual murderer framed the defendant by planting her DNA at the apartment.
This defense is faulty for two reasons:
1) The defendant just does not look like someone who would do such a crime. A murderer intent on framing another person simply would not pick someone like the defendant to frame. The murderer would have picked someone that would distract the police, perhaps a prior felon with an obvious motive.
2) The murderer had clearly planned on destroying the residence with arson. Someone intent on framing the defendant by placing her DNA at the scene would not then also seek to destroy it. Why go through all the work of collecting DNA to just destroy it?
3) As ridiculous the idea is to frame someone by planting DNA at a crime scene, you simply cannot plant fingerprints at a location without that person's fingers being present at the location.
Like so many of these obvious cases, a member or some members of the jury want(s) to have a role in the "solving" the case rather than making the common sense decision. Everyone wants to be the twelfth angry (wo)man. I'm sure the majority is pulling their hair out right now.
Sprocket
I am thinking hung jury as of today. There is something hanging them, no idea what it could be. Maybe the verdit...maybe the 1st or 2nd degree? Who knows. My question is now...if there is a hung jury what happens to the defendant? How does that work? Does she go free and get re arrested if they choose? Does she stay with the ankle monitor and out on bail as usual? And how long would be expected for them to re try her? Or would they even re try her?
If this jury "hangs" what happens with any civil lawsuit that may have been filed against this defendant?
Responding to the comments on the "relationship" with the bondsman. On large bonds, there is a necessity to become involved with the client and their families. You state that only the jury needs "to remain neutral" when in fact, the bondsman's job centers around not having an opinion on guilt or innocence. That being said, he must remain aware of where she is and how the trail is going for her-he's on the hook.
I miss a commentator.
Robert-where are your words of wisdom?
Thank you Sprocket. You have the patience of a saint. Excellent job in the courtroom.
To those who claim to know KSP, great, wonderful, you can be penpals with her soon.
I agree with Anon at 7:48 pm. Robert, oh Robert, where are your words of wisdom?
Her son is in his mid twenties. He was living in L.A. at the time or her arrest.
There is something terribly amiss in this so called "reporting". LA juries are well known in legal cirles as the cream of the crap. This jury has discounted the DNA evidence because that tech locked evidence in her locker, which is entirely against standard accreditted lab protocols. Sweetie, you need more than four bags of tea to get your head straight. Sprocket has it right: the jury is hung and these "jurors" have discounted the DNA. Thus, the fallback to the see the latents is intended to sway hold outs.. AND, none of these jurors (who weren't smart enough to get out of jury duty to begin with) couldn't tell you a thing about latents: 10 point systems, loops, swirls . . . Sprocket has it right: THIS JURY IS HUNG BECAUSE THE PROSECUTION INTRODUCED TESTIMONY FROM A TECH WHO DOESN'T LOG EVIDENCE OUT; JUST PUTS IT IN HER LOCKER. The People will retry her, possily in the vennue where the crime occurred? Sprocket, this "reporter is an amateur. Probably makes less than the guy outside the courthouse conning people for "food" money, and the beggar does better work.
Kelly is the type of personality that is impulsive & hysterical. We used to call her "the dragonlady." I believe she didn't go there to kill Juliana, I think it was intimidation gone wrong.Poor Juliana, This is so sad! What a beautiful woman Juliana was.
Anon @ 10:06 PM,
I have not said that the jury is hung. We don't know if they are hung or not.
The forensic specialist explained their lab policy. The case files can be locked up in their individual personal lockers. There was no testimony that indicated there was anything wrong with that procedure. That's standard.
The defendant IS being tried in the county where the crime occurred, Los Angeles County.
It just seems like the defenses strategy from the beginning was..."all they have is DNA...so let's see if the State can convince 12 ordinary people to convict on DNA alone, its complicated, they'll get bored, it will seem like small amounts, and we'll say it can be transferred...let's see if that brings up any reasonable doubt"....if the prosecution had even one surveillance camera photo of KSP at or near the crime scene, or someone saw her in the area, or anything even semi-conclusive like that, I think regular folks are more likely to be impacted strongly by something like that. I'm not saying its right....I just think DNA alone is tough for folks to get their heads around...and Sprocket's great descriptions of the Jury during the DNA testimony proves some of that I think....it seemed like some were struggling to stay awake amidst all that important info...its a different language than "KSP was outside the apartment an hour before". Maybe the finger print will have a bigger impact on them, if there are doubters....
DNA evidence certainly worked well in the Lazarus trial in the same county last year.
We will all just have wait for the jury to decide. It really doesn't matter what any of us think...
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