Westerfield trial TV coverage lures viewers with lurid details

The San Diego Union-Tribune ^ | June 7, 2002 | Robert P. Laurence

[demsux]

I predict that the van Dams end up divorcing.

During the public hearing Feldman asked if BVD and DVD had considered divorce approximately one year earlier. There was an objection that was sustained.

Sounded like he knew they were "on the rocks" one year earlier.

[John Jamieson]

Did the cononer verify the body had been burned as reported earlier?

[DWSUWF]

"...Sounded like he knew they were "on the rocks" one year earlier..."

I hadn't heard that. (I can hear you guys saying, "Yeah... Right...")

Actually, it surprises me that they would have talked about divorcing and not followed through with it.

They may be tougher nuts to crack than most folks manage to be.

Still, losing their little girl like this... There's no come-back from something like this. They're toast.

[sbnsd]

Still, losing their little girl like this... There's no come-back from something like this. They're toast.

If neither had anything to do with her death, why wouldn't a family tragedy bring them closer together? I can see if either BLAMES the other that this could tear them apart. I had always thought that tragedies such as a death would bring people closer because they realize what they had, how much they really do love each other and their children, and to appreciate what's left even more.

[cubreporter]

A good personal opinion too. Marriage is the union of two people. My own personal opinion is if you truly love your spouse neither one of you would even want to consider being with other people. No respect for oneself or each other.

[Karson]

Actually, it surprises me that they would have talked about divorcing and not followed through with it.

I wonder if this is when they decided to have an "open marriage"?

I wouldn't be surprised if they are already separated but still living in the same house until the trial is over. (Of course, to me a couple are already separated when they live their kind of lifestyle. JMO)

[Karson]

Did the cononer verify the body had been burned as reported earlier?

No, her body was not burned.

[spectre]

Hey, we're not the only ones to notice the bias on Court TV.

We have learned there are just way too many people in this world who have no morals and by gosh, defend those who don't. Those anchors on CTV who are pitying the van Dams, shrugging their shoulders wondering what all the hype about "grown-up married couples group sex" is.. are the same ones who voted for Clinton. Figures.

sw

[MizSterious]

"My own personal opinion is if you truly love your spouse neither one of you would even want to consider being with other people. No respect for oneself or each other."

And then there are the vows. Something most of us don't take lightly, but for people like these, just a pesky formality, easy to get around. Your personal opinion is the same as mine. I wish it were shared by more people.

[Karson]

If neither had anything to do with her death, why wouldn't a family tragedy bring them closer together? I can see if either BLAMES the other that this could tear them apart. I had always thought that tragedies such as a death would bring people closer because they realize what they had, how much they really do love each other and their children, and to appreciate what's left even more.

I agree it should work that way but a large percentage of marriages don't survive a tragedy... especially one like this.

[Karson]

We have learned there are just way too many people in this world who have no morals and by gosh, defend those who don't. Those anchors on CTV who are pitying the van Dams, shrugging their shoulders wondering what all the hype about "grown-up married couples group sex" is.. are the same ones who voted for Clinton. Figures.

Bingo! Now, I know where Clinton got his votes from and I now know what is meant by the talk about all the "soccer moms" who voted for him.

[MizSterious]

And a bingo to you too--yes, as a matter of fact, during the impeachment, this little bimbo showed up on some of the shows to offer her "legal" commentary--which turned out to be "it's is private sex live, it's no one's business." We knew then, and even liberals know now, that it wasn't "just about sex," but also about national security. With the van Dams, it's not "just about sex," but also about the well-being of their children. Not that will register with some here, or on Court TV.

[spectre]

The van Dams were self centered, focused on their own needs and gratifications and put them above their childrens welfare..as it turned out.

All of this show-boating in the trial is meant to inflame the jury.

As a juror, I'd be sitting there wondering where the evidence is...linking David Westerfield to the crime? They know the child is dead. The more the prosecution tries to make the van Dams appear "normal" the worse it looks for them, IMO.

sw

[spectre]

Bump for your post.

sw

[Jaded]

It was a mutual lifestyle choice.

[NormsRevenge]

Just watching his dispassionate behaviour, he seems numb... nothing would surprise me at this point

[pinz-n-needlez]

Bump what you said.

[John Jamieson]

I didn't understand the lines about two freashly painted volkswagon bumbers just inside Westerfields front door, in the testimony I read last night? Was that the lawyer trying to trick the cop into admitting that he'd never been there, or what?

[curmudgeonII]

Perhaps we all ought to get off the subject of a married couple with kinky habits and back to the fact that a little girl was murdered.

[John Jamieson]

So well put!!!