Marquez Case Closes

Back in May I wrote about a case I've been working about two teens who killed one of their moms. Both of the guys were to be tried separately and I testified in Eddie George's trial in May. This month I was supposed to testify in the second trial - that of Taylor Marquez. But, I didn't have to. He plead guilty. Turns out screaming, "Plea Guilty! Plea Guilty!" at the television when a news story comes on about a trial you have to testify at totally works.

Teen Charged In Mom's Slaying Pleads Guilty

He got life in prison with the possibility of parole in 25 years. His buddy wasn't so lucky. You may recall that he got life without the possibility of parole. It doesn't quite seem fair since Taylor was the mastermind behind the plot to kill his mother, but I suppose the lawyers know what they're doing. And the bonus was that I didn't have to go on the witness stand. And the even bigger bonus is that Taylor's stepfather didn't have to testify again, either.

So, my testimony count is still at three and right now I have no trials scheduled for the near future.


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Conviction

We had a big meeting at work today about my testimony yesterday. Mostly a critique, what I could have done better, what we as a section need to do better, and overall preparation for court. But, I was told that I did a good job on the stand and was very professional. There were a few lessons learned, and I hate learning them under the gun, but overall I think we got the outcome everyone expected.

Jury Finds Teen Guilty Of Killing Friend's Mother
Teen Found Guilty In Grain Valley Slaying
Teen Convicted of Killing Best Friend's Mother

Someday I hope that testimony becomes second nature, but getting so few opportunities to actually do it, it's kinda hard to get experience. I suppose there really is no other way though.

Eddie George found guilty at age 18... will spend the rest of his life in jail without the possibility of parole. Kids, take note. Be kind to your parents. This didn't have to happen.


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Nikki's First Murder Trial

I testified in Jackson County court, finally, after working in the lab for slightly over two years. Although, it was in the Independence Annex, so I still have yet to testify in the Jackson County Courthouse proper. Regardless, this is my second time taking the stand, and my first murder trial.

Without going into details (maybe you'll get lucky sometime after the trial is over), here is information on the case, courtesy of the local news.

Teen's Confession: I Stabbed Her So Hard the Knife Broke
Prosecutors: Boys Planned to Kill Parents for Months
Dad Takes Stand In Grain Valley Murder Trial

The courtroom was totally packed. I imagine it was family and press, although I don't know. But, there was definitely press there. A lot of them. And a video camera. Although my testimony was rather boring, so I doubt I'll make the news. If only I would have had a really great sound bite, I might have made it. But nothing I can do is going to be more sensational than putting the grieving husband on television.

The two kids in this case are both being tried separately, as adults – so the fun news is that I get to do this trial all over again come August.

I'm glad I didn't go cruising for news stories before I testified. The 911 call and Joe Marquez's testimony were pretty difficult to hear, especially after having seen the crime scene and morgue photos at work.

I'm sure the jury has an important, yet difficult, decision to make. I'm glad I was on the other end of the witness stand.


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