So it's the day after the guilty verdict comes in for the mother who prayed over her dying daughter rather than getting her medical treatment. The family has said even knowing what they know now, they would do the same thing again. How nice. There was just some more news coverage that I have to share, simply because if I don't I'm gonna be pissy all night.
The mother - Leilani - released a statement to her stepfather, who read it on camera. It went on about how God is helping her to get through and the family is staying strong and not letting the decision made yesterday change their attitude, etc. If it were anything else, I would say good for them. It's great for people to turn to God to help them get through difficult times. I did after a family death last summer. It actually helped. Anyway, the news reporter then went on to remind everyone that the family is going to launch an investigation into the DA's office about mishandling of the case. This time, however, they also said that the JUDGE is going to be investigated as well!!!! I can't believe this! On what grounds?
Ok, so I didn't take advantage of the fact that it was open court and I could have sat in on some of this - in 2 hour increments, unless I parked across the street in the Mall's parking and paid for however long I was there. The security was upped and they were patrolling the parking lots to actually make sure people obeyed the 2 hour limit. But, I didn't go and sit in court. So I can't say I was there to see any inappropriate actions by the judge. However, I have been in his courtroom before, under different circumstances. I can say he's not exactly the most pleasant person, but he's not going to blatantly disregard the law and ethical guidelines with such a high profile case! To do something like that is like career suicide. Like I said in my previous blog on the topic, I think the way jury selection went, they were very thorough in selection and did things they don't normally do, and took extra time in seeing the jury was impartial. But again, just my two cents since I wasn't there.
And lastly, the news reporter shared that they interviewed community members to get their thoughts on the verdict. So they shared two people's opinions. Both people supported the family, and not the verdict. One of the women said she didn't think she'd get through raising her children without prayer. Well, um...yeah! How else do you get through teen years without committing a crime? Besides, there's a difference between prayer and prayer as a form of getting rid of a physical illness, or thinking prayer will bring your dead child back to life. I know I'm biased, and I know there has been a TON of negative media on this....but wouldn't it be more fair to show public opinion on BOTH sides? I mean, unless there were people sharing their support of the verdict and condemnation of the family but they did so in a way that couldn't be shared on tv. If you know what I mean ;)
I still have to wonder about how all of this....the investigations the family is promising, and the media attention from her trial and verdict.....will affect her husband's trial. One thing I'm sure of is that there will be many long, drawn out appeals, on her part, if not her husbands. Kind of like their daughter's death. Ironic, eh?
death
