pretty sure that matters. if someone voluntarily stops taking their meds with the knowledge they will be unstable that makes them responsible for the things they do while unstable.
Ed Thomas' Killer, Mark Becker Trial
- Thread starter Cybyassociation
- Start date
pretty sure that matters. if someone voluntarily stops taking their meds with the knowledge they will be unstable that makes them responsible for the things they do while unstable.
That video is on the KCRG website (creepy) Today's stuff has been interesting (Becker says the devil is a woman but yet shot Thomas, very strange) I really think his meth and drug use has been a bigger factor for what he's done than him being "insane"
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No doubt. That stuff is so wicked, I don't why people are dumb enough to take it.:no:
He wasn't on meth at the time of the killing. The more I read/hear of this the more I think he could possibly criminally insane.
One of the biggest crimes in this case is him being released from Covenent psych ward the day before the shooting.
He's not insane... he just acts well. ANYONE can act insane if they want to get away with something... this is so stupid. Throw him in a cell and throw away the key.
I can understand how drugs could make you go insane, but you still made the choice to take them...I agree, he is obviously mentally ill, but not insane. Lock him away for life. Not only what he did to Ed, and his family, but to see those poor young ladies have to break down in tears reliving that....just horrific.
Defense rests today. One incredibly credible expert witness and one that had the potential to make an impact, but IMO dropped the ball on the cross. The State started rebuttal witnesses to attempt to disprove the defenses witnesses. Their first witness was originally supposed to be a defense witness but would not put him on stand since he strongly disagreed with the defenses insanity plea. He has a ton of credibility and has worked with a lot more patients than either of the defenses witnesses. I would expect closing statements tomorrow and also for the jury to begin deliberations.
I am not a believer in "Innocent by reason of Insanity". With all the witnesses, testimony and evidence, he is guilty of murder. He should be "Guilty by reason of Insanity". Then the courts could have a different sentencing for an Insane murderer versus a sane murder. The evidence is indisputable. He is guilty of murder.
That's actually what he would be found if he's not found flat out guilty. He would be guilty by means of insanity. Either way, he will be locked up for a long, long time. I think even if he's found guilty by means of insanity, he will spend life out of society. My understanding is that he would be put in a prison for the mentally ill or something along those lines. So he would be locked away, but just with more help. Kinda like Shutter Island.
- Mar 27, 2006
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Is there such a legal term as "Innocent by reason of Insanity?" I always thought it was "Not Guilty by reason of insanity." In my mind, there is a big difference between being found not guilty and being found innocent. Maybe there's no difference. Any lawyers want to clear this up?
The live blogger that sits in every day has to repeat herself almost daily that he will be found guilty no matter what. He does have an opportunity to be let out in the far far far away future if he regains his sanity. But I'm pretty sure it's up to the judge or jury to determine whether or not he has the opportunity to be up for any sort of release ever.
- Mar 27, 2006
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- 33,768
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I think you also really have to take into account the demographics of the Jury. I believe the youngest person was a 46 year old. Most of the jurors are "old school" and I really dont see them as having any sympathy for Becker. Also, they are from a very religious and very conservative area in Iowa. This is a big reason why the defense wanted the trial moved. Even if the jury finds him insane, I dont see them giving him anything less than life.
Today, both sides are presenting closing arguments and the jury deliberations will begin.
LIVE COVERAGE: Mark Becker Closing Arguments, 9 A.M. | KCRG-TV9 | Cedar Rapids, Iowa News, Sports, and Weather | Local News
LIVE COVERAGE: Mark Becker Closing Arguments, 9 A.M. | KCRG-TV9 | Cedar Rapids, Iowa News, Sports, and Weather | Local News
