Knowledge can be gained in many ways, including: reason, logic, expert opinion, direct observation, physical observation, a confession or testimony.
We knew that John killed Todd, although we did not physically observe the shooting.
It has been interesting and somewhat frustrating what evidence is allowed into a court of law. The jury is instructed to consider the defendant innocent until proven guilty. All 12 members of the jury have to agree that the defendant is guilty.
Even before I heard that John had been named by Todd as his killer, I suspected that John was involved. Given the location of the incident, it did not seem likely that it would be a random shooting in a residential neighborhood that was not directly on Todd’s way home. Given what I knew about John’s behavior, he was the logical choice.
In Todd's case, we had some clear help from those who were there. Todd lived long enough to identify that it was John. For those of us who knew Todd or the situation, that was more than enough evidence. We later found out that John admitted to killing Todd, yet claimed it was in self-defense. John was also there at the scene, and that information confirmed that he was at the scene probably helped some for the jury, or anyone who didn't directly know Todd.
The prosecution showed pictures of both Todd and John from that evening. John barely had a scratch. It was obviously quite different for Todd. We knew it would be really hard to convince the jury that Todd was shot six times and sustained other injuries in self defense.
We knew it was premeditated. Even without any additional evidence, that is just what made the most sense. Todd was attacked while he was in his car - strapped in, and behind the steering wheel. John had been trying desperately to get me to change my mind and date him. John had been using many excuses in order to spend time with me. John tried to disparage Todd's reputation. Todd's personality was so calm and laid back - he would have never turned to violence for a solution. It's hard to accidentally kill someone. It's hard to kill someone (period). John had been watching the house. During the trial, John admitted that he was obsessed with me. John had a location in mind for the shooting, and had a car waiting for a quick get away. It makes me absolutely sick. I can't believe that I dated and trusted someone capable of this, but I'll save those thoughts for another blog.
We were all hopeful that justice would be served, and tried not to go crazy worrying about it. I know that in the weeks leading up to the trial I did feel pretty peaceful about things, and knew that everything would be okay. That was a comfort that the Holy Ghost gave to me.
I still believe in absolute truth. I believe in a God who is all-knowing. Regardless of what evidence is available, He can confirm the truth of all things.
0 comments:
Post a Comment