Jury begins deliberations -Prosecutor says victim has pointed to her killer (keep it civil)

UNION-TRIBUNE signonsandiego.com ^ | August 9, 2002 | Alex Roth

[dread78645]

Jurors in the David Westerfield trial began deliberating yesterday after hearing a final statement from the lead prosecutor, who beamed a photo of 7-year-old Danielle van Dam onto the wall and urged the jury to focus on the physical evidence.

Finishing closing arguments in the two-month murder trial, prosecutor Jeff Dusek called a blood spot on Westerfield's jacket the "smoking gun." And Dusek imagined what Danielle might tell the jury if someone could bring her back to life "just for a moment" so she could answer the question, "Please tell us who did this to you."

"I've already told you," Dusek said the girl would tell the jury. "I've told you with my hair and where you found it. I've told you with the orange fiber that you found on my choker, and where you found it.

[small_l_libertarian]

Now something's bothering me, and if I'm reaching, you guys please tell me so. I was under the impression that Julie Mills eventually identified the green jacket and floral/striped bedding.

Dusek didn't pull that stuff out in court and ask her to confirm that those were the items that DW brought in. He did, however, pull them out with the cop (Torgerson?) on the stand and have him identify them as the items he took into custody.

Wouldn't it have been more important to confirm that the chain of possession of the items started with DW, not with the drycleaners? I know what I'm trying to say, but maybe it's not coming out right. Why weren't the drycleaners asked to identify the items instead of the police?

[hoosiermama]

"Penalty for false evidence is the same as the crime being tried." should be posted where all can see.

Been a Loooooong day....... Night all!

[185JHP]

Well, you've reached the "Age of Sense" - 30 IMO.

[The Other Harry]

Hope spelling doesn't count.

I like to think I know when to count spelling errors and when to disregard them. In these forums at these hours, it isn't the spelling that cooks the cucumber. ;)

[small_l_libertarian]

After "...identified the green jacket and floral/striped bedding," please add, "but she didn't (see RS's post earlier)."

[small_l_libertarian]

Agreed. I have grown much more sensible in the last few years. You grow up a lot in your late twenties (at least I did).

[The Other Harry]

You're scaring me.

Fair trade. You've nailed me more than once. Btw, that's a great website you have there.

I may try to tighen up the profile a bit. That was done right off the cuff. I'm already wrong on over 40 for the gals -- that now goes down to over 30.

[185JHP]

There's a psychological theory that you change a lot in your late twenties - it worked for me, too. FRegards.

[the-gooroo]

You've got that right! I am so angry at the DA and prosecutors who didn't demand that LE investigate the VD's and their morally bankrupt friends more thoroughly. I can only hope the jury feels the same way.

[small_l_libertarian]

:-)

[fatima]

i WILL TAKE A GUESS ON THE JURY,2 HUNG 10 GUILTY

[Jaded]

Not if they FOLLOW THE LAW in the instructions.

[John Jamieson]

That's the age when your parents seem to gain about 30 IQ points. I watched my kids go through it.

[demsux]

He was convicted. Motive? His little girl and new girlfriend didn't get along, so something had to give.

That sounds eeriely like Barb Easton and DVD.

[John Jamieson]

FLASH-DOJ0-CHILD_ABDUCTI 08/10 115
CHILD ABDUCTION ALERT

SUBJECT: CHILD ABDUCTION ALERT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AT 1600 HOURS, IS WAS DISCOVERED THAT 2 JUVENILE FEMALES
WERE REMOVED FROM HOME OF MOM AND SUSPECT MARTIN MANCALLO RUIZ
@ 525 E PLEASANT, COALINGA, LAST SEEN @0530 HOURS TODAY.
SUSPECT RUIZ: DOB/120169, 5'5" 160#, BLK W/ GRY HAIR, BRO EYES,
DRIVING 93 EL DORADO BLU/GRY WITH BLK RAG TOP, CA PLATE: 4FQN698.

SUSPECT IS BELIEVED HEADED TO MEXICO WITH THE GIRLS.

VICTIMS ARE: ASHLEY COMPOS DOB/022894 & CINDY COMPOS DOB/100391.

PLS CONTACT SGT. INGHAM COALINGA PD 559-935-1525 OR STATE OES
@916-845-8911 WITH ANY INFORMATION.

Unusual car should get him caught pretty quick, but he got a big head start (5:30AM?)

Girls are about 8 and 11, I hope he doesn't hurt them.

[fatima]

Hi Jaded,how are you and family,we were asked to guess on jury only,what the heck do I know,I am giving a guess and never servered on a jury.I would not be on this jury because I could not kill someone like that but would protect my kids to death,what is the law ,in the instructions.You know I stayed up till 3-30 est on Thursday,went to work late all because of trial.I do a little radio program and had to cancel that day.

[fatima]

Just posted this on our prayer forum,Dear God.

[John Jamieson]

Jurors don't vote "hung", that would be 2 not guilty and 10 guilty. The result would be a hung jury.

[John Jamieson]

Oh, I want them to catch him quick! Every chopper in California should be out looking tonight.

[fatima]

Thanks John,2 not guilty,rest guilty.