Like many people this past week, I heard the verdict in the Casey Anthony trial. I did not follow the trial closely so I really don’t know what evidence was presented. I do know that I have read much of the evidence was circumstantial.
With my sister’s murder trial postponed for the 7th time recently, I’ve thought a lot about that “not guilty” verdict. I shudder to think when the trial finally does happen, that those two words be spoken. I’ve been told by the prosecutor that he has no doubt in his mind that the right man is accused. However, he went on to say, “It’s not what you know, it’s what you can prove in court.” Basically, he is saying it’s what you can prove to a 12 member jury.
I have also learned that the 12 people picked for the jury may not be like you and I. Some people want to be picked for jury duty because to them, $12 a day is a lot of money. Others want to be picked because they have nothing else to do. Still others are picked against their will; they really don’t want to be there at all. I have been told by others who have been through a murder trial for their loved one what I can expect. It’s frightening to me.
First, I have to trust that the prosecutor, whom I don’t know all that well, will present solid evidence. Then I have to trust that 12 people, whom I don’t know at all, will understand and process that information into a guilty verdict. And we can’t forget the “beyond a reasonable doubt” doctrine. There were no witnesses to my sister’s murder. That scares me, worries me.
Many of my close friends tell me not to worry about the trial. “They’ll nail that guy.” Will they? I know they all mean well. I know they are all trying to ease my mind. However, I don’t think anyone can truly understand the thoughts and fears I have unless they too have traveled this road. And I hope no one ever has to travel this road.
I hold onto hope. I hope the prosecutor does beyond his best. I hope the jury listens intently to all the facts. I hope for the ‘guilty’ verdict. Hope, never give up hope.
Shirley Wiles-Dickinson 2011
