For anyone who was wondering why I did not post anything about Neil Entwistle’s hearing that was supposed to be on Friday, the reason is that I have not seen anything about the hearing in any news media – on the Internet, on TV, or in newspapers! I have no idea why, but I’m guessing it was postponed for some reason. Each of his hearings has been shown live by either CBS or Court TV, and there have always been several Internet articles, so I find it highly unlikely that the hearing took place and received no media coverage. Even if it was postponed, I would expect to see at least one article telling me that it was postponed. I guess the news media just need to get their priorities straight!
Convicted murderer Justin Barber has given an interview from jail to Jean Casarez, a reporter for CNN and Court TV. He was the focus of tonight’s Nancy Grace episode – you can read a transcript of it here. I can’t believe Nancy decided to hold the judge in contempt for sentencing Justin to life in prison instead of death. The jury voted in favor of death by just an 8 to 4 majority, so although the judge did overrule their recommendation, I think Nancy’s “ruling” was a bit excessive.
Also, while you’re at the CNN web site, go to Nancy Grace’s home page and vote in the nifty new poll, which happens to be about Scott Peterson!
Neil Entwistle’s mother Yvonne spoke to the Guardian this week, proclaiming her belief in her son’s innocence:
“Our Neil is innocent, totally 100 per cent innocent. Every second of every minute of every hour of every day, we think of Neil, Rachel and little Lillian. And if it wasn’t for family and friends, especially friends who are remarkable people, we would not be able to face each day.”
Read the full story at Worksop Today.
Edit: Although the Boston Globe is reporting that Neil’s next hearing is Friday January 26th, the above article says the hearing will be Tuesday the 23rd. I’m not sure who’s right, so I will be watching for him on Tuesday just in case.
Scott Peterson’s appeals will most likely begin around 2011! Although it seems like a long time to wait, this is actually relatively soon for appeals to begin for a death-row inmate in California. It usually takes a judge about four years to appoint an appeals lawyer, but because Scott and his family have already hired two high-profile attorneys (who also represented the Menendez brothers), he has cut in the line a bit. Until 2011, court officers will examine and officially certify all the documents from Peterson’s trial. See the Modesto Bee for the full story.
Also, some of the jurors in the Peterson case were on Greta Van Susteren Monday to promote their new book, We The Jury. Unfortunately, I didn’t know about it ahead of time, and missed it. But you can read a transcript and see some interesting excerpts from it here and here.
