Verdict
42 linesJUDGE EVERETT: Before the jurors are brought in and the verdict is published, I want to make sure everyone understands whatever the verdict will be in the case. I do not want there to be any gesturing or anyone making any movements you either agree or disagree with the verdict, we are going to respect what the jury's decision is, and we are not going to subject them to any displays of emotion, whether it be from the gallery or the parties.
JUDGE EVERETT: If anyone believes they are not capable of following this instruction, I'd ask you to step outside at this time.
JUDGE EVERETT: Mrs. Adelson, also as well. Once the verdict is read, again, I'm going to advise you, do not have any displays of emotion as best you can. You are in control of yourself. Do your understand?
JUDGE EVERETT: Having reviewed the verdict form, it is in its proper order. At this time I will publish the verdict.
JUDGE EVERETT: We the jury find as follows: as to count one of the indictment, first-degree murder, the defendant is guilty of first-degree murder.
JUDGE EVERETT: Mrs. Adelson, control yourself.
JUDGE EVERETT: Count two: we the jury find as follows as to count two of the indictment, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder — the defendant is guilty of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder.
JUDGE EVERETT: Count three: we the jury find as follows as to count three of the indictment, solicitation to commit first-degree murder — the defendant is guilty of solicitation to commit first-degree murder.
JUDGE EVERETT: And it is signed and dated by the foreperson.
JUDGE EVERETT: One moment. Members of the jury, the bailiff will escort you to the jury room.
JUDGE EVERETT: Mrs. Adelson, while this was not the outcome I'm sure that you desired, there will not be any further outbursts in front of the jury. If you cannot control yourself, I am going to have to determine if you'll be removed from the remainder of this process.
JUDGE EVERETT: Do you understand what I'm saying to you?
DONNA ADELSON: Yes.
JUDGE EVERETT: Do you need a moment to collect yourself?
DONNA ADELSON: Yes.
JUDGE EVERETT: Before the jurors are brought back in, we will take a brief two-minute break. Please give her tissues if she needs them.
MS. CAPPLEMAN: Judge, I'm forwarding statements of impact to defense and Your Honor.
JUDGE EVERETT: When the jurors are brought back into the room, does the defense wish to have the jurors polled before they are discharged?
MR. ZELMAN: Yes, Your Honor.
JUDGE EVERETT: Very well.
JUDGE EVERETT: Is the defense asking for a pre-sentence report on counts two and three? As to count one, the penalty is statutory and essentially there is no modification for it.
MR. ZELMAN: Yes, Your Honor.
JUDGE EVERETT: Very well, pre-sentence investigation and report is ordered by the court as to counts two and three. As to count one, is there any reason why we cannot proceed to sentencing on this matter?
MR. ZELMAN: We would request an opportunity to ensure that our client is okay before we proceed to sentencing.
MR. ZELMAN: To my understanding, that if Charlie Adelson wasn't sentenced right away, we're asking for the same course.
JUDGE EVERETT: Very well.
JUDGE EVERETT: The court then will set a separate sentencing date.
JUDGE EVERETT: Could you please identify yourself for the record?
RUTH MARKEL: Yes, my name is Ruth Markel.
MS. CAPPLEMAN: Sorry. I'm worried you're going to trip. Okay, I already did.
RUTH MARKEL: My name is Ruth Markel.
JUDGE EVERETT: You may make your impact statement, ma'am.
RUTH MARKEL: Thank you, Judge Everett. To the Honorable Judge Everett, my name is Ruth Markel. I am the mother of the late Dan Markel. I stand before you today to express the profound sadness and grief that Dan's family and I have endured since his tragic murder.
RUTH MARKEL: We have lost a treasure.
RUTH MARKEL: My son Dan's life was cut tragically short at 41 years old. For 11 years, we have been forced to a life filled with unimaginable pain and heartbreak.
RUTH MARKEL: Dan's father, Phil, and his sister, Shelly, share in this unending sorrow.
RUTH MARKEL: Dan was a devoted father, brother, and son.
RUTH MARKEL: Dan's life was marked by his devotion to family, education, and community.
RUTH MARKEL: He was a loving, caring, and inspiring person.
RUTH MARKEL: His academic journey included studying politics and philosophy at Harvard University, earning a master's degree later in political theory from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Emmanuel College in Cambridge, and later going back to Harvard to get a law degree.
RUTH MARKEL: Dan was a prolific scholar, and did start, co-founded, the Influential Profs blog.
RUTH MARKEL: His energy, drive, and social—