Bob_Ward's Blog

I'm glad the jury is taking its time and reviewing the evidence presented. This way there will be no mistrial or appeal issues at least on this issue, but I'm sure EW will include it anyway. The prosecution has an overwhelming case and Neil's inconsistencies will come back to haunt him. Was it his email account for adult friend finder that he checked on the 20th? For me, his conversations with Trooper Manning sealed his fate, but that and all the other evidence presented. I especially liked how Fabbri mentioned in his closing that NE originally opened the Adult Friend Finder account just after Rachel and Lilly left for the states. Shows a real loving and caring husband.

Hi Bob,

Every time I think a jury is going to come back quickly, and they don't, I get the "O.J. fear." I was thinking they might have a hold-out or two. I would have been willing to consider the thought that it was a suicide, if it weren't for the glaring evidence to the contrary. I am always careful about judging reactions to tragedies, but in this case, I think Neil's actions (or lack thereof) speak volumes about his ability to at least WITNESS horror, and keep his cool. I found his conversation with the police bizarre. There is no way that I would not be asking the police what evidence they had, who they thought was involved, etc. He seemed like he was having a casual conversation with a buddy.

Thanks for keeping us up to date, and keep up the great work!

Bob, I say Thurs. You guys did a great job keeping us posted. Thanks.....

Chip, This is what I said on Lynn’s blog (LMo 1974) pertaining to the OJ trial.

I know we would all love to pull the switch on this cold hearted Bastared, but I still think back to the OJ trial. Extremely over whelming evidence in that case and he walked, can history possibly repeat itself? Lets hope not, but all the defense has to do is create reasonable doubt, did they?

All the defense has to do is plant that seed in one or two of the juror’s minds and then who knows what the jury will think and take into consideration? I don’t think he’ll walk, but he may not get first degree murder either, he may get second degree murder with a chance of parole. Who knows? Strange things happen in these types of cases. I would not want to be a sitting juror in this case.

The reason why I mentioned the OJ case is because it left such a bad taste in all of our mouths and we would hate to see that happen again. I think it’s hard to ignore it when OJ keeps rubbing our faces in it. I want to say I would not be surprised to see a hung jury in this case, but who knows? There’s so much evidence to consider we can only hope that this jury gets it right. The judicial system is the only one we have so we have to have faith in it. I also said on Ted’s blog; watch how quickly the defense files motions for appeal because the jury was not sequestered. Let the appeals process begin.

Bob, thanks for the updates.

Do we know what occurred on his computer that day? I don't recall that testimony.

Question - why was Neil able to join his lawyers during the sidebars? I have never seen the defendant join their attorneys during these discussions with the judge.

Hope you can answer that.

I believe they will return today with the guilty verdict.

Thanks again.

In a murder trial, most juries will refrain from looking at the defendant near the end of the trial. Especially filing out for deliberations, eyes staight ahead. Not looking at a murder defendant, is not always an indicator on what the jury is thinking.

Hi Chip,

Yes I have been on a jury, and I don't know how this happened, but I was the foreman.

It was an interesting case. And it was good for me to see the dynamics involved.

After it was over I was happy for the experience, and I'm not anxious to do it again.

BW

Hi iamthinking,

The computer records pertain to Neil's entries on January 20th, 2006 the day of the murders.

The computer was accessed at 12:30pm. Neil told State Police he found the bodies at 11AM.

Neil's lawyer says Neil has his times mixed up.

As for the sidebar, it's very unusual, but that was worked out before the trial started.

Your guess is as good as mine about why they wanted that.

BW

While I'm pretty sure he's guilty as sin, I'm glad the jury is doing what they are supposed to do - examining every piece of evidence. It can't be an easy decision to make when a man's fate is in your hands - I certainly wouldn't want to be in their position. That being said, I really hope they come back with a guilty verdict considering the evidence... not to mention his actions!!

Bob, thanks for your reply.

I have served on a few juries, I agree with you it was hard to look at the defendant when we were working towards a guilty verdict.

It was very stressful and emotional when the verdict was handed down.

Any updates for today? Are they deliberating through lunch or taking a break....??