And so she returns
February 8, 2007 | General
a wiser but sadder woman after more then a week on jury duty. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do.
Our defendant was charged with One Count of Murder and One Count of Murder in the Perpetration of a Robbery. The judge would not tell us the punishment for each crime as it should have had no bearing on the evidence and verdict.
We listened to the Prosecutor and Defense Attorney bring in their truths and red herrings. The Prosecutor lost a lot of ground by his antics. In fact, all the jurors were insulted at how he talked down to us, as if we could not walk and chew gum at the same time. The guy was a real piece of work. A pompous ass as one juror decided.
The defense attorney was a true professional. He questioned each witness with a calm, polite manner as he worked through the crimes. Unfortunately, it was one thing he said in passing that finally cinched the verdict for us all.
It took many hours of debate and frustration as we each fought with our consciences, but eventually we all agreed on the verdicts. Not guilty on the Count of Murder, but guilty on the second charge.
Back at home, curiosity got the better of me and I researched the Indiana criminal sentences to discover Indiana still imposes the death penalty for murder. On the second count, the minimum sentence is 65 years.
There is a sadness that swallows me every day as I think of this young man and how he ruined his life for a few hundred dollars. It saddens me further to realize our world has resorted to this condition.
Sloane
Barabara, this is an amazing story and one I’d not heard. Thank you for sharing the information.
Dennis Fritz went through a horrible time and I’m glad to hear his faith and abilities not only proved his innocence but brought the true criminal to justice. I definitely will buy Journey Toward Justice.
Sloane
On February 9th, 2007 at 6:24 pmThanks, Beth. You’re right in your thinking and I appreciate your support.
I don’t think it hit the kid as to what he’d done unitl he saw the grave removal photos. Bad, bad, bad.
Sloane
On February 11th, 2007 at 9:15 amSloane, I have been wondering how your jury duty went. It is a big responsibilty that you took on, and it is touching that you took your duty so seriouesly. In time the mixed feelings you seem to be having will smooth out, yet you will keep the lesons that you learned through the prosses and from having a part in the consaquences close in your heart and you will grow as a person.
On February 20th, 2007 at 1:34 amTami
You are so right, Tami. I did learn a lot and it has changed much of my thinking. Now I pray for a better world.
Thank you for your concern. You’re a kind woman.
Sloane
On February 20th, 2007 at 8:49 am