I have been an expert in several state, federal, and military courts. I worked for TX-DPS crime lab for several years. Trust me when I say that she would NOT have gone free in Texas. We would have been sending her straight to God.
Maybe the Florida prosecutors could benefit from the TDCAA presentation on Building a Circumstantial case. They did it without a body, crime scene evidence, etc. Or maybe it is the way Texas juries think. I think we all know in our hearts she was involved. The other topic about what charges may have been filed as lessers would probably help to make sure she did not get off so lightly.
Posts: 419 | Location: Abilene, TX USA | Registered: December 16, 2002
I think if we had tried this case in our respective counties we would have different results depending on our counties. Sometimes, the results are not what we would like them to be. But truly it doesn't help to disparage the prosecution in this case.
I'm certainly willing to lay some of the blame for that verdict on the venue and the jury pool. Remember, this is a state that couldn't figure out how to hold an election a few years back.
I think the prosecution put on a good case. I also don't think the defense did anything fantastic to get their verdict. I just think the jury was looking for absolute evidence in a circumstantial (albeit substantial) evidence case. I think it was a no win situation for the prosecution. But this is the system we have, yes it has its flaws, but it is a great system, and the system has spoken.
