Juror # 6 is a number that is cursed. First, a juror in the convicted molestor Steve Boudreaux's trial caused problems. Then this morning, before jurors heard evidence in the Brandon and Jesse Widmark trial, there was a possible issue of juror misconduct raised by Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees on 2/21. Ms. Andrea Sullivan who represents Jesse Widmark filed a motion for mistrial. Judge Steven Steward ordered transcripts of the voir dire of juror #6. The male juror was questioned this morning.
It turned out to be much ado about nothing. The juror was not replaced. There wasn't a mistrial.
Normally, I would not add information about a juror but this information was in open court and on record and a potential issue for concern.
The juror is on the City of Eureka Community Oversight on Police Practices Board and was a former member of the Humboldt Civil Grand Jury.
Before the transcripts were reviewed, Mr. Rees thought the juror had not revealed that he was on COPP. The juror had been forthcoming in voir dire. After reviewing the transcripts, Mr. Rees withdrew his concerns. The grand jury information came out as the juror was questioned to see whether this would affect his ability to be fair and impartial.
As of 3 p.m. today DOJ expert and senior criminalist Dale Cloutier who has testified in many Humboldt cases, was waiting to testify. He did end up taking the stand later in the day.
2/20 court minutes:
2/21 court minutes:
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