2.Defense Rests
25 linesJUDGE EVERETT: Attorneys can approach again a brief minute.
(Sidebar conference was had on the stenographic record as follows:)
JUDGE EVERETT: Is the Defense going to call any additional witnesses at this point?
MR. RASHBAUM: No.
JUDGE EVERETT: Very well.
Do you have any additional motions to raise at this point?
MS. MEYERS: Just renewing the previous motions, Your Honor.
JUDGE EVERETT: Very well.
As to any renewed motion for JOA, the Court is going to rest on its prior ruling in evaluating the evidence.
Does the State have a rebuttal case that it is going to present?
MS. CAPPLEMAN: No, sir.
JUDGE EVERETT: Very well.
Then both parties will be able to rest in front of the jurors before we go to lunch break. I guess we'll just give them an extended break so we can go ahead and deal with the charge conference.
Also -- well, we'll get to that when we don't have them here. All right.
MS. CAPPLEMAN: We're closing Monday regardless?
JUDGE EVERETT: Closing Monday.
MS. CAPPLEMAN: Couldn't we just send the jury home early for the weekend?
JUDGE EVERETT: We could unless there's anything else you believe we can accomplish with them.
MS. CAPPLEMAN: I don't think so. I think we can just get our jury instructions done and be ready on Monday.
MR. RASHBAUM: TI don't think so, Judge. There's only one request I'll make.
JUDGE EVERETT: Go ahead.
MR. RASHBAUM: Which I know you give every time. But given it's a long weekend and there's a lot of publicity on this case, I would emphasize as strongly as you can emphasize it. And I don't -- you don't want to do this again.
JUDGE EVERETT: Right. No. Agreed.
(Sidebar conference was concluded.)
JUDGE EVERETT: Members of the jury, I have news that's going to make you terribly sad.
Well, before I give that, Mr. Rashbaum, do you have any other witnesses you intend to call?
MR. RASHBAUM: No, Judge. We rest.
JUDGE EVERETT: Does the State plan to call a rebuttal case at this time?
MS. CAPPLEMAN: No, Your Honor.
JUDGE EVERETT: With both parties having rested their cases, I am going to release you for the afternoon to return on Monday. And I -- I know. Shocked faces.
with that, once again, I'm going to give you the same instruction. Do not discuss the case with each other or anyone else. Do not watch any news coverage. Do not find out any information concerning this matter.
Again, this is going to be extremely important in reaching the end of this case. This instruction is being given to you for a very specific reason of not causing a mistrial by taking in information that did not take place in this courtroom. I know everyone before has agreed to abide by this and also related that you understood this instruction, but the reason I keep repeating it is because it's that important.
Have a good weekend. we will see you Monday morning for closing arguments. Please report at 8:30.
(The jury exited the courtroom.)