What the jury doesn't know in James Alex Fields murder case in Charlottesville: With the jury out of the room, after the prosecution made its case, the defense made a motion to strike most of the indictments, saying the prosecution hadn't proven...
wtop.com/virginia/2018/…
wtop.com/virginia/2018/…
...1st degree murder or malicious wounding. The judge denied the motion, saying the evidence DID show intent: "I'm not sure what else his intent could have been," Judge Richard Moore said. Also, Moore said Fields could have left scene, even though he said he felt threatened...
"His explanation that he felt threatened is contrary to the evidence of the case," according to the judge. So, the judge denied the defense motion to toss the indictments. But remember, it doesn't ultimately matter if the judge is convinced -- it's up to the jury...
The defense has 7 or 8 witnesses to put on today, the judge expected one tomorrow, and then the jury would begin deliberating, likely by Friday. -30-
Testifying for the defense, Virginia State Police crash reconstructionist said James Alex Fields's car was going 28 mph when he crashed into pedestrians, and 23 mph when it hit a stopped Toyota Camry. That Camry lunged forward at 17 mph. Fields' airbag did not deploy.
Defense witness Hayden Calhoun attended the Unite the Right rally with his girlfriend. After it was dispersed, they met Fields, who offered them a lift back to their car. He described Fields as calm and tired. Fields asked if they wanted to get a bite to eat, but they passed.
A few days later, when he learned Fields was the suspect in the crash, he called the FBI.
CORRECTION: Testifying for the defense, Virginia State Police crash reconstructionist said James Alex Fields's car was going 28 mph on 4th, BEFORE he crashed into pedestrians, and 23 mph when it hit a stopped Toyota Camry. He couldn't tell speed AT impact.
