Jurors To Hear Recorded Westerfield Tapes: Mudd Still Wrestling With Media! (VERDICT WATCH-Aug.14th)

Union Trib ^ | August 14, 2002 | San Diego Staff

[Eva]

Why is Westerfield on trial instead of someone else?

That is exactly the question that those of us who don't think that the state has proven their case against Westerfield would like to have answered.

There is some question that the father, Damon Van Dam, was not completely cleared as a suspect before Brenda pointed to Westerfield. For instance, Damon was known to have been driving his Blue van (possible source of blue fibers?)near the Dehesa road site, just days before the body was discovered, despite the fact that the police had ordered him not to enter in the search for the body. As a matter of fact, it was Damon that pointed the way to the searchers, asking that they search closer in, even though the area had already been searched.

[Kerensky]

As a matter of fact, it was Damon that pointed the way to the searchers, asking that they search closer in, even though the area had already been searched.

And note that the body was found after Westerfield had been arrested. Where are Danielle's pajamas and her foot? Was the ground blood-soaked under the body? There would have been lots of blodd there if that is where animals feasted on her initially.

[crystalk]

Put me down for tomorrow Thursday at 3:33 pm Pacific, and a hung jury.

[pinz-n-needlez]

morning, spec.

Sure hope you're right about today.

I think they may have decided yesterday, but decided to hang out for a while today and check out the dirty pictures. LOL

[lexington minuteman 1775]

Well this is California where some 600 are sitting on death row.I think they have executed 11 folks since 1977.About the only thing you can be assured of is if he gets the death penalty he will never get out of jail.But an execution would be 15 years or more up the appeals road.

[wimpycat]

A hung jury after only a week or so of deliberations? I don't think so. This thing could go on for at least 2 weeks or so, if they're gonna hang.

These California juries always seem to take longer than other juries.

Excruciating, isn't it?

tick, tock, tick, tock.......

[Congressman Billybob]

HER blood on HIS jacket. HER hair in HIS bed. HER thumbprint on HIS bedside table. Child porn on HIS computer, which he blamed on his son who denied it under oath. And the forensic experts who testified on this were well-aware of prior problems in L.A. and the fact that they would be raked over the coals by defense counsel.

Westerfield raped and then murdered this young girl. This "man" is slime. The only question is not whether he is guilty, and will be found guilty, but how soon he will die for his crimes.

Congressman Billybob

Click for latest column: "Good People, Naked People, People Who Are Wet and Wild."

Click for latest book: "to Restore Trust in America"

[connectthedots]

I certainly respect your opinions, but I do have a few serious questions. The forensic evidence is circumstantial in nature, which is as valid as direct evidence, certainly gives good reason to suspect Westerfield.

What troubles me is that the prosecutions theory seems to be so open-ended and consists of much speculation as to how DW actually could have done it. A few questions that have not been answered that would cause me to vote 'not guilty' are:

1. Where is the evidence that DW was in the VD home? Even the prosecution has admitted that they found none.

2. How could DW keep a body in the motor home for up to two days and the dogs not alert when used to detect the presence of Danielle in the motor home?

3. What about all the fiber, finger prints, DNA that has not been identified? Where is the evidence that establishes when this evidence was deposited? I will grant that this forensic evidence, on its own, is very strong,

4. Most of all; how does a reasonable person explain away the bug evidence that four experts testified about and concluded that the body was disposed of no earlier that 2/9, but more likely 2/16; the day Damon was known to be driving in the desert in the Dehesa area pasing out flyers and almost immediately there after suggested that LE look closer to town?

DW may have murdered Danielle, but the prosecutor has fallen far short of eliminating reasonable doubt. Had the DA not been in such a hurry to indict, he may have been able to better develope the evidence; but he didn't.

[bolthead]

While you're describing that "bedside table", could you also explain where that "thumb print" was found?

[spectre]

I'm relaying your information to Miz.."Thursday 3:33 pm (pacific time)..."

Hung jury? AWHHH..maybe a little too soon for that :~)

Miz, I hope it doesn't come in while you are gone, I've a feeling you'd miss alot of the in-coming FLAMES from the Van Dam fan club, tho...lucky you! wink, wink..sw

[bvw]

Why confuse his respected opinion with facts?

[the Deejay]

Hmmm. Me thinks (reading your post) you've been
listening/getting too much of your information
via the media/Court TV no doubt. I say this,
because your post sounds exactly like what the
media deadheads have been saying. Just about
word for word.

[Congressman Billybob]

See post #87.

Billybob

[bvw]

I did inform him of that evidently strong possibility, yet he seems to have missed my earlier take on his opinion.

[Congressman Billybob]

I haven't watched Court TV since the O.J. trial, and then only because it was like watching a train wreck. Their commentaries tend to be average at best, juvenile at worst. If they are talking about the same thing I have posted here, it is because the subject is so obvious that even they could not miss it.

Congressman Billybob

Click for latest column: "Good People, Naked People, People Who Are Wet and Wild."

Click for latest book: "to Restore Trust in America"

[Eva]

And while were talking about dogs, let's not forget Layla, the deaf, dumb and blind dog.

I think that the reason that the prosecution did not bring up the possibility that Danielle was picked up outside the home (the only explanation that avoids labeling Layla as deaf, dumb and blind) is that it would open up the possibility that Danielle wandered outside previously and may have entered the motorhome.

[the Deejay]

I'd say, he just doesn't get it and never will. He is so misinformed about all the facts. *giggle*

[bvw]

"bedside table"!

[bolthead]

Notice that OJ has already been referenced twice...these things sure get predictable.

[small_l_libertarian]

Well, considering that approximately half of your "facts" are wrong, maybe you could read a little of the testimony before posting your opinion.

(There is no bedside table. It is not a thumb print. The only hair definitely identified as Danielle's is in the motorhome sink drain.)