My take so far:
The prosecution has presented just what was expected, a ton of circumstantial evidence. Several things "look bad" for Denise, especially the letter to Brian. But at the end of the day, there are possible explanations that sow reasonable doubt as to her involvement in a murder plot.
Not overly impressed with the defense, however, they have not presented their case yet. We'll see "where they go" today. Its clear they are trying to poke holes in Brian's story and have done a decent job with their cross examinations. I'm anxious to see who all they call.
Right now, I could see convictions on some or all charges or complete acquittal.
The biggest problem so far is there are a few discrepancies which may be nothing, but may give doubt. These include:
- Brian says Kathy was parking car at Floyds, Angela says she wasn't there.
- Brian gave two locations as to where he washed his truck down.
- Brian testified that the body was in or behind a dog kennel, but didn't mention that to the investigator.
- Brian seemed to "revise" his description of his proximity to Mike when he shot him between the deposition and the stand.
These could be minor, or they could lead one or more jurors to conclude there is at least reasonable doubt.
I think the defense is using the "bump" incident and other investigative techniques employed to show that LE was willing to be deceptive and untruthful in an attempt to create doubt in the jury's mind that the State conducted a legitimate investigation and didn't just take the word of a murderer and essentially "set her up".
All in all, I still lean towards acquittal on murder and conspiracy. I'm 80% on murder, probably 60% on conspiracy. I think AATF is the easiest for the jury to accept and it has the highest probability for conviction. Hope I'm wrong.
