Most people are familiar with what led to the arrest of Brandon and Jesse Widmark. I had exclusive coverage on my blog. People have seen the video and footage released by the Humboldt County Sherriff's office.
No other media was in court this morning and no one was there before lunch. The defendants rejected an offer made by the People earlier this week.
There were two very important rulings. One before Judge Steven Steward gave some pre jury instructions to the jury of five women and seven men and alternate jurors consisting of three men and two women. Another ruling before the People's first witness, Brittany Nunes.
Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees wanted to play a 6 minute video that was released by HCSO and narrated by Humboldt Sherriff William Honsal. Ms. Rebecca Linkous who represents Brandon Widmark objected and filed a motion. There was argument by both attorneys and the summary is Mr. Rees prevailed. This video is footage the media, the public has already seen. The jurors were questioned extensively about media coverage on this case. I agree with what Judge Steven Steward and Mr. Rees said this morning.
Mr. Rees presented his opening. Ms. Andrea Sullivan who represents Jesse Widmark is reserving her opening statement until the defense case starts. Ms. Linkous gave her opening statement.
Ms. Linkous: "I don't object to the visuals and diagrams. I object to statements by the Sheriff and his opinion on the case. He is not a witness so we cannot cross examine him. This adds bias which cannot be cured by anything I say. The Sheriff says these are the people referring to Brandon and Jesse.
Ms. Sullivan told Judge Steward, "I am not expressing an opinion." Ms. Sulivan did not object or file any motion against Mr. Rees' opening statement and the use of the video.
Mr. Rees: "An opening statement is what we expect evidence to show. I expect all of what the Sheriff says to come out in the evidence. The six minute video is succinct. Ms. Linkous does not get to choose for me how I express my opening statement. I would assert the two people were at the scene. I would assert the officers were cleared of all wrongdoing. Ms. Linkous does not disagree. She disagrees with the method."
Nunes is testifying now. Her testimony was allowed but depending on what happens in the next few hours and her credibility as a witness, it may shed light on Brandon Widmark's motive, what led to the events by both brothers and their arrest. I could barely hear her as she had her head down, was mumbling and very soft spoken.
If you do not read my blog regularly, I suggest you go back and read prior coverage, especially the recent posts on this trial. This lead case for the Widmark brothers is being tried before another case.
This is a 6 week trial. What I cover will vary day to day with customized updates first to donors, subscribers and advertisers in person or via email by request. The courtroom is open to the public who are free to attend and watch the trial.
While the jury has to listen to all the evidence, I am not reporting basics that the public knows or sitting in court for hours while technicalities like identifying photos are covered.
I am updating and will continue to update with more as time allows but here are a couple of remarks from this morning's arguments. It is extremely busy for weeks with multiple court cases and multiple all day trials but also other news and regular readers know the challenges I have mentioned about covering local courts. Advertisers, donors, subscribers will get customized one on one updates in person or via request first.
Previous posts:
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/02/the-jury-panel-in-widmark-case-is-one.html?m=1
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/02/individual-jurors-being-questioned-in.html?m=1
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2024/12/people-seeking-life-sentences-for.html?m=1
This post has links to all previous coverage on the Widmark brother case from the incident, arrest up to the current trial including exclusive coverage.
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