Good afternoon. Liveblog I: Day 8 the Chauvin Murder Trial is here. The trial will resume at @ 1:15 CDT, 2:15 EDT, 12:15 MDT, and 11:15 PDT
This morning involved the continued direct examination of expert witness Sgt. Stiger of the LAPD. Some have asked why this guy? Isn’t there an in-state expert who could do the same thing? Pretty much in-state LEOs already did expert testimony regarding the Mpl. and MPD policy and use of force training even though not certified as experts. Some have pointed out that LAPD doesn’t have a great reputation — for me, all the more reason to listen to a cop from a department which thrived on excessive use of force. Sgt. Stiger was very clear on reasonable use of force and force in this case was not reasonable . Opinions vary which is what will be happening in the jury room I suspect. Differing takes also adds to the interesting parts of the comment section.
On cross, Nelson was all over the place, lost his train of thought, never got back to Stiger’s report, was sloppy introducing exhibits and got nothing other than Stiger correcting/disagreeing with him multiple times.
Second witness is Special Agent Reyerson who is in the excessive force investigation unit. Lots of bona fide time — he was back and forth among state, corporate, and federal work. Worked for the DEA in the task force against cartels. In his 3rd year Doctorate Program, I believe in Education. He has gone through testimony already provided about being called to City Hall to interview the cops, what he has reviewed, what he found — new evidence re: two $20 bills in an envelope in the trunk of the squad car. Then sidebar, then lunch. Drama!!
Thanks to all who have been commenting and we are lucky to have some seasoned attorneys who practice different areas of criminal law — an area I know nothing about. I practiced Administrative Law and Appellate Procedure re: enviro issues for the most part. My one case that involved a criminal element I encouraged the client to hire a criminal attorney — he got one of the best who was extremely kind and generous with me.
Now, the two twenties are afoot! I just binge watched Sherlock.
Just to break the awful tension of this trial, I found this comment by zebz monkey re: Nelson’s cross examination style to be spot on perfect and darkly hilarious:
Expert in law enforcement: it’s a duck. Expert in force training: it’s a duck. Expert in police policy: it’s a duck. Eye witnesses: duck, duck, duck. Expert in medicine: dead duck. Nelson: sometimes it’s really hard to tell a duck from a cobra.