This trial started November 24, 2003 and is ongoing.

December 01, 2003
by
dll

9:05am - Arrived in courtroom 942 East.  Court is not yet in session.  In the press area are four people.  In the spectator's area there are nine people.  Prosecutors are present.  All four of the defense team present.  No defendants yet.

9:10am - A photographer with the PI is taking pictures. His camera is wrapped in some black foam form to keep the noise of the shutter to a minimum.  He is here from the press pool.  Every day a different member of the press can come in and take pictures.  

9:12am - They are booting the computers.  Aiming the projector at the screen.  Veronica (AR's lawyer) and James (prosecutor) are arguing.  She asked him a question and he says he is "not answering that."  She says, "Why not?"  He said, I'm not playing that game with you Veronica.  They are still at it.  Veronica won't give up.  There are all sorts of prosecutor exhibits littering the courtroom.  These are huge maps and satellite photos of the Seattle/Bellevue area.  

9:20am - Judge enters.  Says he has received witness list and juror has had contact with one of the witnesses, a Bellevue police officer.  Going to bring juror in to discuss it.

9:25am - Jeff (SB's lawyer) objects to Officer Thompson introducing the huge photos of Bellevue and Seattle to the jury.  He says this witness will be called twice.  Once to introduce photos then later to talk about the crimes.  He said if the prosecutors call him up that the defense has the right to ask ANY questions of him, not just what the prosecutors bring up.  Says seeing him twice, the jury will "warm up" to Thompson and the jury will give him more credence than other witnesses.  

Veronica now objecting as well.  Wants to know why he is introducing the maps since he didn't find them or create them.  

Prosecutor (James) now talking to judge.  Prosecutor complaining about the earlier exchange with Veronica.  Veronica says, "I object," but I couldn't hear her comment about what she was objecting to.

James says the defense should not be asking him about his witnesses before the trial starts each day.  He is pissed and used the term "BS."  

Judge rules the defense can only ask Thompson Q's within the "scope of the direct" meaning if the prosecutor does not bring a subject up, defense can't question him (Thompson) on it.

9:30am - Juror who had contact with Bellevue police officer is brought in.  Mertel asks juror about contact.  He said she once came to his office when there was a disturbance.  Mertel asks if this contact made him feel any particular way about the officer, juror says no.  Prosecution and defense have no objection to keeping this juror.

9:45am - Side bar.

9:46am - State calls first witness: Bellevue Police Officer Thompson.

10:03am - State calls second witness: Bellevue Police Captain Kowalczyk.

10:55am - Break.

11:12am - SB and ARE brought back in.  AR talking to about his new haircut.  SB getting water and putting on tie and belt.  SB scanning courtroom.

11:20am - Jury returns.  Captain Kowalczyk's testimony continues.

Noon - Break.

Afternoon - no coverage.

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