What an experience!!!!

[Talk Host]

I can talk about this now, I could not last week. I'm sure that many of you know the trial of the boys accused in the Villages murder case began last Tuesday with jury selection. I was in the original pool of 350 called for the case. I have been at the Marion County Courthouse every day since then.

The selection process went through every one of the prospective jurors called. As of this morning (Monday) there were still three to be seated. I was in the final 11 this afternoon. After sitting in the courtroom face to face with the defendants for about 7 hours, I was excused at about 5:30.

What an interesting experience. It is a death penalty case, so, the responsibility weighed heavily on me. A big part of me wanted to be selected, but another big part of me was greatly relieved when I was excused.

[RCT]

I can talk about this now, I could not last week. I'm sure that many of you know the trial of the boys accused in the Villages murder case began last Tuesday with jury selection. I was in the original pool of 350 called for the case. I have been at the Marion County Courthouse every day since then.

The selection process went through every one of the prospective jurors called. As of this morning (Monday) there were still three to be seated. I was in the final 11 this afternoon. After sitting in the courtroom face to face with the defendants for about 7 hours, I was excused at about 5:30.

What an interesting experience. It is a death penalty case, so, the responsibility weighed heavily on me. A big part of me wanted to be selected, but another big part of me was greatly relieved when I was excused.
I sure can understand your feelings. I've been on two, civil cases, and was quite an experience both times. I know, and feel privileged, to do this needed service, but, would much rather have that as a Utopian part of life, with no need for it.

[ouma1938]

I know how you feel Jan. I sat in on a drug related case in New York City and it was a fascinating experience. I would be unsure about a death penalty case. My son is the DA in York County SC, not my county, and they do try capital cases and its a very hard thing to watch. So I would prefer to never sit on a jury in a capital case.

[nONIE]

Jan,

For those of us who are not in TV, would you be able to divulge any of the details of this case?

[Muncle]

The important issue is, "Did you buy any baked goods from the clerk so her kid could go on the trip???". ??? ???

[Talk Host]

Jan,

For those of us who are not in TV, would you be able to divulge any of the details of this case?


Two young men are accused of murdering a Piedmont resident in her home. Her husband was shot as well, but survived. Their visiting daughter was kidnapped by the two. There was a third young man involved, and he has turned states evidence and is scheduled to testify against the other two. The suspects were arrested following a chase north of Gainesville.

News reports said at the time that the three men were invited to the house by the daughter. Once there, it turned into a robbery. The wife was shot twice and the husband once, according to the reports. The husband managed to escape and call police. It was during that time period that the daughter was taken hostage and the family car was used in the escape. There are lots more details that were in the press, but I feel real odd about telling details, even though I have been excused as a juror.

[Talk Host]

The important issue is, "Did you buy any baked goods from the clerk so her kid could go on the trip???". ??? ???


I did buy some of the baked goods. Somebody must have complained to an authority. The practice stopped two days after it started. Although well intended, it was improper conduct in my opinion. The ladies in the Jury office were wonderful.

[nONIE]

Good enough Jan, Thankyou. I didnt mean to put you on the spot.

[Muncle]

A fairly detailed account is at:
http://www.ocala.com/article/20071129/NEWS/211290360/1025/NEWS

I'm sure there are better reports somewhere on the web. One aspect of this crime that was rather sobering, the obvious tragedy aside, was a comment from one of the accused. He had stated that they expected to find a lot of money in the house. When asked why they thought there would be money there, he replied to the effect that these folks lived in the Villages and everybody knew that meant that they're rich. It scares the hell out of me that somebody might think I'm really rich and have piles of money in my house because I live in a bit better surroundings than they do.

[lm01]

That was a terrible murder last year If I was in your shoes and got selected boy, I would have many a sleepless night. But thinking about the mom who did not survive the attack It would have been the correct thing to do and serve on the jury.

[JohnnyM]

Hey Jan, I'm sure you would have done a great and unbiased job as a juror if you were selected. I'm sure you did TV proud as you went through your paces at the courthouse. Thanks for sharing. Johnny

[Taltarzac]

Yes, thanks for sharing this. :agree:

[Donna]

Jan,

I am sure this was a very disturbing case, to say the least..
One can only imagine the feelings and emotions the jurors have to deal with day in and day out..

All things happen for a reason, maybe it was better you were excused..

Thanks for sharing..http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/consoling1.gif (http://www.millan.net)

[Hope2b]

I don't think the daughter was all there mentally. The father got a restraining order against her after the murder. (Reported in newspaper) She has never been charged with anything but at the time we wondered if she had really been kidnapped.

[Talk Host]

I don't think the daughter was all there mentally. The father got a restraining order against her after the murder. (Reported in newspaper) She has never been charged with anything but at the time we wondered if she had really been kidnapped.


The defendants have been charged with kidnapping in addition to murder.

[Hope2b]

I saw where they were charged for kidnapping but did read that father wants nothing to do with her. Makes you wonder what was going on. Maybe he can't forgive her for inviting them to the house.

[Floridagal]

What ever happened to the daughter? We don't hear anything about her.

[gingersmom]

The daughter is in rehab, but is supposed to testify tomorrow. The father couldn't sell the house because the daughter's name was on it and she wouldn't sign the papers. The probate court eventually straightened that out. And the poor victims lived in Springdale East, not Piedmont.

[MikeH]

How refreshing to know you were willingly ready to fulfill your civic responsibility when called. Unfortunately, too many are not. I commend you!

[chelsea24]

I would not have liked to be in your shoes Jan. I'm glad you weren't chosen. I'm a big Law and Order fan and I always think I know what I would do, but when you're really faced with a situation it weighs heavily on your heart. You're a nice man, thanks for sharing your feelings. :)