Well, that I agree with. He needs to get on the move and decide right now. The longer he waits the longer it takes for Terri to die. Who knows what is taking so long. I am getting impatient, but I didn't realize this judge has had the case for awhile this morning already!
I think Whittmore should look closely at his oath. He must assume that 'all bets are off' and take his investigation seriously. If 'all bets are off', then he'd be curious about every person who claims that he or she heard Terri speak, respond, etc.
He is obviously NOT taking it seriously if he stalls before taking it seriously, unless [God forbid] she was already dead before he was aware of these claims.