Bodhi Tree Jury Trial first day; opening arguments compelling

With his locks shaved, dressed in black slacks, Bodhi Tree walked with his attorneys into Courtroom 4. Light day on the 2nd floor, the hallway is not as packed.

Only Times Standard, Channel 3, myself and the jurors sitting at a distance as we wait to enter the courtroom.

Trial started a couple minutes ago, a few minutes late. 6 family members and supporters of the victims are in the courtroom. Judge is giving pre- trial instructions to the jury.

Other attorneys and members of the public came in at different times during the morning and approximately 20 people were in the audience .

Elan Firpo, who is prosecuting the case , in her opening argument set the scene for the jury for both shootings, introduced highlights of witnesses testimony and involvement and explained the prosecution theory and evidence.

The prosecution theory paints a sexually aggressive man;, angry when his advances are rebuffed by women; angry at their boyfriends and friends who protect them; a man who doesn't fit in and someone who shot 3 people unexpectedly in the dark.

At one point when Ms Firpo quoted what Mr. Tree allegedly said to a witness, "I got 2 more" after he allegedly shot Christina and Sunshine, Christina's mom looked over at Bodhi Tree. She was calm and peaceful this morning and sat stoically through the proceedings. You can tell where Christian got her good disposition.

The Defense presented their opening after the morning break. Heidi Holmquist's basic assertion, which she mentioned at least 5 times, is that the prosecution is basing their case on the testimony of a known unreliable heroin addict.

Both the prosecution and defense made powerful opening arguments with Ms. Firpo and Ms. Holmquist's styles being very different.