Jul 3, 2014

Bodhi Tree trial to continue next week, possibly mid-July

The second day of defense witness Jacob Swanepol''s testimony resulted, yet again in no definitive conclusions. Two opinions he gave were disproven or had questions raised when Ms. Firpo examined him on cross. This is the second defense witness who has become defensive when his own testimony has been used against him.

One such example was that in Swanepol's own testimony, he admitted to not being a blood spatter expert but a ballistics expert and that he could give his opinion about blood spatter only related to firearms.

Ms. Firpo pointed out yet he was testifying about blood spatter evidence in this case and opinions on other witnesses who are experts in the field.

There were opinions the defense witness gave that actually helped the prosecution, not the defense. Swanepol has testified yesterday that the bullet found on the staircase in Rhett August's apartment could have been transferred there in some other way, and today when Ms. Firpo asked him, if it could be the bullet that went through August's shirt but did not exit the back could have fallen into his shoe, Swanepol said that was possible.

Ms. Firpo used photos to challenge Swanepol's assertions and she aslo used photos and diagrams when it was helpful to make her points.

Judge Reinholtsen said that on Monday he would meet with the attorneys to "streamline the process" to give the jury an idea when they could expect to start deliberations. The jury will reconvene on Tuesday and tell the Judge if they are willing to hear three full days of testimony.


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