I like that show, haven't seen this one yet though. Funny thing is when new evidence comes into play the DA's office will rarely admit they made a mistake. Even in the most obvious of cases they will stubbornly hold on to a jury's decision despite new technology, new witnesses and so on that would dramatically alter a verdict. I'll watch this online later tonight, thanks for the heads up.
I watched the intial program and was also suprised by the verdict. The jurors gave reasons that made no sense. It was a real eye opener for me.
A couple points that might explain the outcome.
1)The victim was a local sports reporter who was murdered in the newspaper's parking lot so the media was 24-7 on this story. The media was relentless and it could of contributed to the public mood that someone, anyone needed to held accountable.
2) The victim, Kent Heitholt seemed to be a great guy. One example was he would leave milk out for all the stray cats in the newspapers neighborhood. Real down to earth type of person.
Combine those things with the fact he was a true innocent victim walking to his car after he got off work and the community wanted to
punish someone.
I can't figure out anything else to explain his conviction. This was like the OJ jury in reverse.
A couple points that might explain the outcome.
1)The victim was a local sports reporter who was murdered in the newspaper's parking lot so the media was 24-7 on this story. The media was relentless and it could of contributed to the public mood that someone, anyone needed to held accountable.
2) The victim, Kent Heitholt seemed to be a great guy. One example was he would leave milk out for all the stray cats in the newspapers neighborhood. Real down to earth type of person.
Combine those things with the fact he was a true innocent victim walking to his car after he got off work and the community wanted to
punish someone.
I can't figure out anything else to explain his conviction. This was like the OJ jury in reverse.
I remember watching this a couple years ago and being unsure about the verdict, but figured they probably did it. I'm sure I don't know as much about the case as you though, Illini.
Hopefully they can win an appeal and at least get a new trial, it sounds very shady.
Also, are they replying the 48 hours episode that came out a few years ago, or did they do a new piece on this case?
Hopefully they can win an appeal and at least get a new trial, it sounds very shady.
Also, are they replying the 48 hours episode that came out a few years ago, or did they do a new piece on this case?
I served in a jury this past summer and that's when I realized that the whole thing is a joke. From the lawyers who are only interested in beating the other side to the jurors who just want to go home as soon as possible. Nobody in the whole process is interested in real justice. The whole thing is a joke.
for those that missed it...you can always watch online all the 48 hours shows here..newest ones are always up on sunday morning..but you cam also see all the older ones in order too...i am up top page 5 on my watching...
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/48hours/?tag=hdr;cnav
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/48hours/?tag=hdr;cnav
