Drew Peterson trial updates:

10:10 a.m. Onlooker swears at Peterson, booted
Cincinnati restaurateur and ardent Drew Peterson hater Jeff Ruby was kicked out of the courthouse during a break after he was seen mouthing an expletive to the defendant.

Will County Sherrif's Department spokesman Ken Kaupas said Ruby was seated in the gallery when he locked eyes with Peterson and mouthed the words, "(expletive) you."

Peterson told his attorneys, and the act was also witnessed by a sheriff's department official.

Ruby was immediately escorted out of the courthouse and is barred from returning, Kaupas said.

Updates at link
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/loca ... 9779.story

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

In Session
Judge Burmila is back on the bench. “The transcript of July 18 has been provided to the Court… it’s exactly as I remembered; I was advised by the State that the defendant told her to lie to the police. And now this morning, I am informed by the State that that is not the case… so with that as our starting point, where are we with the request from the State that I evaluate Rev. Schori’s testimony in light of what I was told previously.” Prosecutor Griffin responds: “This was referred to over and over again before Judge White and Your Honor as ‘the lie request’…” Judge: “Where are we at, then? I’ve made a ruling that he cannot say she said this was going to be the perfect crime… you know, and you have known, that the lynchpin is inadmissible. So what is it you’re asking me to do this morning?” Griffin: “I guess we’re just asking the Court to reconsider…” Judge:“You’re asking me to admit a statement she made to Rev. Schori that she fulfilled the defendant’s wish?” Griffin:“Yes, without getting into the actual statement that she made to the police.”

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

In Session
Brodsky responds to the State’s argument. “I think the major problem is that statement, whatever it may be, from Stacy Peterson is not in evidence. I guess what the State’s asking to do is talk about something without having the statement before the jury…in any event, as you said, the statement here is very specific…that she uttered the word ‘lie’ isn’t really very clear. If the portion of the statement they can get in doesn’t make sense, we can’t make up a fictional statement to make sense. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t; that’s their problem, I guess.” Greenberg joins the defense argument: “There’s no such statement before the jury…there has to be some predicate for the statement, and I don’t know what the basis would be for Stacy saying, ‘I lied to the police’…I don’t know what the basis would be for that statement.” Judge: “Unfortunately, we’re at another instance where the State has made one representation one day, another the second day, and a third when the witness is about to hit the stand…however, I don’t think that I have to revisit my ruling. The statement as to the perfect crime is privileged, and it’s inadmissible . . . I understand the defense objection, but the statement that she did carry out his wishes is going to be admissible.”

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

In Session
At one time, Stacy became more upset. “She withdrew, and I recall her holding her leg up… she silently cried; she had tears streaming down her cheeks.” “Did she indicate she had something to tell you about the night Kathleen Savio died?” “She did… she told me that one night she and Drew went to bed at the same time, and they both went to sleep. She woke up in the middle of the night, and noticed that Drew was not in the bed with her… she looked around the house, hoping to find him; she did not find him in the house. She attempted to contact him by phone and was unsuccessful in doing that.” “What did she do after that?” “After that, it was some time later, in the early morning hours… she saw him standing near the washer and dryer, dressed in all black, carrying a bag. She said that he removed his clothing, and then took the contents of the bag and put all of that into the washing machine.” “Did he walk away at that point?” “He did. She walked to washing machine, and looked inside. And she saw women’s clothing that was not hers.” “Did she shortly thereafter have a conversation with Drew Peterson?” “She did. He told her that soon the police would be wanting to sit down to interview her, and he told her what to say to the police.” “How long did it take for him to tell her what to say?” “It took hours.” “Did she tell you what she said to the police?’ “She said that she lied on Drew’s behalf to the police.” As Stacy told him this story “she continued to cry. She was very scared.”

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

State ends questioning Schori. Lopez begins cross.

Schori: "I did all of my counseling out in public, usually at a coffee shop.

Schori: "I did that because I never wanted to have any question of impropriety on my part.

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

In Session
The sidebar ends. The direct examination of this witness has ended, and attorney Joe Lopez begins his cross. “You told the grand jury that you had heard rumors about what had happened to Miss Savio, remember that?” “I do.” “You had kind of an idea of what she was talking about?” “Just a very faint idea… I’d heard a little bit at the church.” “When she mentioned this, you were also thinking about things people had previous told you, trying to connect them?” “No, not really.” The witness says that the West Brook Church had about 1200 members. “You had an office at that church?” “I had a cubicle.” “You didn’t ask Stacy to meet you at that church?” “That is right.” “And you studied this ministry, for this counseling ministry?” “I did.” “Did any book suggest to you that you should use Starbucks instead of Dunkin’ Donuts for a counseling session?” “I don’t really understand.” “Are you telling us you do marriage counseling in public places?’ “Absolutely . . . I think what I do I do very well.” “While she was telling you this, was she carrying in her latte at the same time?” “She was crying.” “You’re telling us you decided to meet her in a public place?” “I always met in public.” “Is that what you learned in school?” “There are many ways to do counseling; there’s not just one way.” “You previously told the grand jury that she burst out into tears?” “I didn’t say she burst out in to tears…I don’t recall exactly what I said.”

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

In Session
The sidebar ends. “Sir, when you went to this Starbucks, you didn’t know what she was going to tell you?” “That’s right.” “Why didn’t’ you meet at the church, in a private setting, to discuss private issues with people?” “I didn’t believe it had to be done the way you suggest . . . she was not embarrassed.” “How do you know that?” “I believe she was not embarrassed.” “You don’t even know if she was telling the truth?’ “I believe she was telling the truth.” “Did you keep a log of when you met her?” “No, I did not.” “Did you take any notes?” “I never take notes at counseling sessions.” “I’m not asking you about other people you’ve embarrassed, I’m asking you about this session. Did you take notes?’ “No.” “Drew wasn’t present?” “That’s right.” “You never suggested she go to a shelter?” “No.” “You didn’t call her the next day to see if she was OK?” “Correct.” “You didn’t talk to Drew about it?” “That’s correct.” “You didn’t tell anybody about it?” “That’s correct.” “In fact, you were sitting on a grand jury?” “That’s correct.” “Did you speak to somebody in August?” “No.” “September?” “No.” “You didn’t speak to anybody until October?” “That is correct.”

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

In Session
“After she made this statement, you didn’t offer any further counseling to her?” “I did not meet with her again.” “You let her leave this meeting without giving her any advice?” “I did not tell her what to do; that is correct.” “She also told you that Drew told her that he killed his own men when he was in the Army?” “That is correct.” “This was outside, on the patio?” “Right . . . there were people outside.” “It was a fairly busy Starbucks?” “Yes.”

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

In Session
“Now, you testified at the grand jury on March 27, 2008?” “I’m not sure of the date.” “But you remember testifying at the grand jury?” “I do.” Lopez then reads from the grand jury transcript. “You said she burst into tears?’ “I don’t recall saying she burst into tears, but I remember tears.” “Did you offer a Kleenex to her, or a napkin from Starbucks?” “I don’t recall.” “After you left that meeting, you didn’t go to her house at any time?” With that question, the judge asks that the jurors be removed from the courtroom.

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

In Session
Schori says he met Stacy in public “for reasons of integrity.” He justifies not telling anyone about what she told him because “I believed that I should do what she wanted me to do.” “She said, ‘I live with a murderer’?” “Yes.” “And you let her go back there? You didn’t stop her?” “It’s not my job to stop people.” “You told the jury that Stacy told you she lived with a murderer?” “Those were not her words, but yes.” “So it was your understanding that Stacy lived with someone who committed a murder?” “Right.” “Of a wife?” “Right.” “And you let her go right back there?” “I didn’t stop her.” “Because you didn’t believe her!” “Not true.”

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

In Session
“After receiving this powerful information that she lived with a murderer, you did nothing to stop her?” “I did not stop her from going home.” “You didn’t reach out to the Savio family, did you?” “I did not.” “You didn’t send them an anonymous letter with this information?” “I did not.” “You don’t know what day Kathy was pronounced dead, do you?” “I do not.” “And you weren’t present when Stacy was interviewed by the police?” “That’s correct.” “You don’t know what she told the police, right?’ “That’s correct.”

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

In Session
“When Mr. Glasgow was asking you about you not telling anybody, do you remember that?” “I do.” “Did you appear on a radio show...” Objection/Sustained. That ends the testimony of Rev. Schori, and he is excused from the stand. The judge excuses the jurors for the lunch recess.

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

InSession
It appears that everyone is now heading into the courtroom.
Judge Burmila is back on the bench. “Are we ready for the jury?” Brodsky: “My understanding is that the State wants to call investigator David Margliano. His testimony would be about his search of the defendant’s home, and items he found in an envelope, including
tickets to the Shedd Aquarium from Feb. 29, 2004 . . . both Your Honor and Judge White had both ruled that since the defendant is not asserting an alibi defense, no evidence of a false alibi could be introduced. This is no more than a back door way to suggest that the defendant was trying to set up an alibi . . . it also goes to the defendant’s right to remain silent. It’s irrelevant and immaterial . . . it would only ask these people here to speculate as to why he would do it. Perhaps he’s a compulsive record keeper . . . I don’t see how or why this witness should be allowed to testify.” Prosecutor Connor responds: “It did not appear from the other items in this file cabinet that he was a compulsive record keeper . . . these are items of physical evidence, maintained by the defendant for three years, even after the coroner’s office had determined this was an accident . . .” Judge: “I’m with you, except on two points. What is the compulsion for the defendant to give this evidence to the state police?” Connor: “It’s not a legal compulsion; it’s a common sense compulsion.” Judge: “We’re going to have to revisit this one . . . I understand what you’re saying.” Connor: “Our argument is that he had to keep those documents for use at a later time.”

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

In Session
Connor continues: “The nature of these particular documents . . . were all unfolded, unwrinkled . . . the unique nature of this is something we believe the jury should be allowed to consider.” Brodsky: “Consider for what? They want the jury to speculate . . . we have not asserted an alibi defense; our defense is and always has been that this was an accident . . . there’s nothing here, no inference other than gross speculation.” Judge: “The jury has heard testimony that the defendant’s intent to have his wife killed would be masked by his being elsewhere . . . in this instance, the State says the witness will link the death to these specific items, because there’s a newspaper article. I think that because the witness testified that the defendant hoped to create a true alibi for himself, I think it does not touch upon his right to remain silent, and is something the jury could take into account . . . so this evidence is admissible.”

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

Drew Peterson trial updates:

2:30 p.m. Glasgow apologizes for language
Will County's State's Attorney James Glasgow apologized for using some slightly colorful language while making an argument before Judge Edward Burmila.

Prosecutors want to present testimony about a red "alibi folder" authorities found in Peterson's home three years after Savio's death with unwrinkled cash receipts from the day she died.

"This is a man he’s got a cash receipt... there's not a nick, not a fold, not a tear. I’ve never been able to do that and I’d like to challenge any man who could," Glasgow said.

He then noted that Peterson even had a cash receipt for a purchase at the Shedd Aquarium.

"Who the hell would keep that?" Glasgow said.

"Mr. Glasgow, please don’t say that," Burmila said.

"I am very wrong to have done that," Glasgow replied. "I seriously apologize. That will not happen again."

Defense attorneys say the receipts are irrelevant because prosecutors believe the murder took place earlier in the day.

Burmila hasn't yet ruled.

3:20 p.m. Prosecution might rest its case Friday
Prosecutors said they will be in a position to rest their case Friday morning.

Assistant State's Attorney John Connor made the announcement to Judge Edward Burmila after the judge said he would not allow a state's attorney investigator to testify about a red "alibi folder" found in Peterson's home three years after Savio's death. The folder contained receipts from the Shedd Aquarium from the weekend that prosecutors say Savio died.

Burmila said he may revisit the ruling later.

Connor said the state did not have any more witnesses to call today. Both sides may still argue motions this afternoon.

Updates at link
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/loca ... 9779.story

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

Pastor Schori's evidence is the best evidence that the prosecution have presented. (IMO)
At least it is powerful if the jury accept it.
It remains to be seen if the Defence can counter this when they present their case, and closing summation.

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

TRIAL DAY 16 (8-24-12)

STATE OF IL. VS. DREW PETERSON


Trial Day Starts in Joliet Il. - Friday, August 24, 2012 9:00AM CT

Days will be ....MONDAY through Friday, every week until it goes to jury!!!

There will be no camera's in courtroom unfortunately so we will have to rely on twitter for information as to what is going on in courtroom & also Updates from several outlets.

TRIAL UPDATES: Chicago Tribune Breaking News
(Link to Daily Update Story)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/loca ... g&lpos=Sub

LIVESTREAMING FOR TRU TV
http://superusvox.com/index.php/specialty/trutv
or
http://livetvcafe.net/video/7Y78YR9H9DKB/Tru-TV

WGN TV - Drew Peterson trial (links to daily blogs)
http://www.wgntv.com/news/drewpeterson/

5 nbcchicago - Peterson Trial Live Blog
http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/dr ... 60506.html

InSession on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/InSession




TWITTER LINKS:

IN SESSIONS.
http://twitter.com/InSession

Joseph Hosey (reporter)
Joseph Hosey@ShorewdILPatch
http://twitter.com/ShorewdILPatch

Tweets for Drew Peterson case
https://twitter.com/#!/search/drew%20...+peterson+case

Jon Seidel
Jon Seidel@SeidelContent
https://twitter.com/seidelcontent

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

From, Chigago Tribune:

Prosecutors expect to finish putting on their case Friday. Defense attorneys will ask the judge to find that prosecutors have failed to present enough evidence to support their two-count murder indictment against Peterson.

If they are successful, the judge would dismiss the case before the defense calls any witnesses. Such motions are typically routine, but in this case, they are expected to include several hours of arguments.

Burmila, who has seriously considered granting mistrials three times because of prosecutor errors in the case, granted a rare directed verdict in October 2011. He found that prosecutors hadn't proved Tiffany Startz was guilty of battery or reckless conduct when her party-game punch killed a man.
...snip...
Defense attorneys were vague Thursday about what kind of case they may present to jurors, saying only that they would call a pathologist to testify.

They would not say whether Peterson would take the stand.

"You'll have to wait and see," Lopez said.

...more at link
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/loca ... &track=rss

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light