People vs McGuffin-Closing arguments recap
All in all, both sides are relying on circumstantial evidence to make their case, the defense just as much as the prosecution. As I have said before, I would not want to be a juror in this trial.
Read MoreAll in all, both sides are relying on circumstantial evidence to make their case, the defense just as much as the prosecution. As I have said before, I would not want to be a juror in this trial.
Read MoreThe most striking change has been in the defendant, Nick McGuffin. Gone are the relaxed and easy smiles and confident demeanor he exhibited when first the trial began. In the last few days he seems noticeably more agitated, he swallows frequently, his breathing is marked by deep breaths and audible exhalations and I am not surprised by word that he will not testify on his own behalf,
Read MoreThe prosecution wrapped up its case today with testimony from medical and forensic experts who had examined the crime scene and the remains of Leah Freeman. The exact cause of death could not be determined, however, blunt force trauma to the head could not be ruled out despite no evidence of a skull fracture.
Read MoreWhen defense had finished with the witness, DA Paul Frasier, on redirect, asked Walker if any trace evidence or DNA from anyone was found on the clothing of Leah Freeman? “No”, she answered. “After such a long time, that is not unusual”.
Read MoreThis morning the prosecution has gotten into the more gory details of the crime. Forensic scientist, Kathy Wilcox has described the vehicle processing as well as the blood spatter on the shoes, and the jury have seen pictures of Leah’s clothing. Leah’s body had been laying in the summer heat for weeks and her body had “melted” into her clothes, Wilcox explained.
Read MoreToday, marked a distinct change in how the defense questioned prosecution witnesses as the testimony began to getter closer to the crux of Nicholas McGuffin’s guilt or innocence. A parade of witnesses today included former Coquille police chief, Mike Reaves, and former CPD officers Dave Hall and Randy Ulmer.
Read MoreA possibly big hole in the defense timeline is that John Lindegren claims to have seen McGuffin and Freeman outside of Mitchell’s house shortly after the television program ‘Survivor’ ended at 9 PM. McGuffin maintains he never saw Freeman after leaving her at the house at 7 PM.
Read MoreThe jury plus two alternates is composed of ten women and four men. Opening arguments will be detailed later today but it was revealed that the exact cause of Leah’s death was never determined, however, there was evidence of a puncture wound through a shirt and sports bra. Cory Courtright has completed her testimony.
Read MoreThe defense team representing Nick McGuffin moved to have the trial, originally scheduled to begin next week, postponed until July 5, 2011. The defense cited an unexpected health issue for the lead counsel as the reason for the delay.
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