Trial is serious, especially allegations of this nature. However, the observers, litigants, lawyers, judge, + jurors are all human. There were surprises, inadvertent mistakes, subtle nuances + funny moments. FINAL POINTS: ⚖️⬇️
FINAL ARGUMENTS - SUTTER MISSILES
Mark Sutter went attack-mode on the Detective for his “awful investigation” (his words), even refusing to call him detective anymore.
It was electric; even more so because the Detective was sitting 15 FEET FROM HIM during closing arguments in full uniform. Sutter knew he was there and still launched missile after missile his direction.
Jun 13, 2024 • 4 tweets • 1 min read
MORE GRENADES BY TSJ ATTORNEY:
“How about the dollar sign emojis” (i.e., 🤑). He propositions a financial angel here.
“There are alot of emojis to use. They could have used praying hands, scales of justice, smiley face, sad face….but instead the group text chose $ signs.”
TSJ Attorney: There are no eyewitnesses, not even the alleged victim herself. He address sensitivity to Sexual Assault. Discusses his own family and daughters. How people react to being touched is different.
Says so many options she could have done. Yell, kick him in the balls, ask bouncer for help, call a parent. Instead, checks athletic rosters.
“A complete and utter assumption with no evidence.”
Jun 13, 2024 • 5 tweets • 2 min read
FIREWORKS - CLOSING TSJ:
Mark Sutter, TSJ’s attorney + owner of Sutter Law, just UNLEASHED on the State of Kansas DA’s office + the “awful” investigation to even file this case.
“This is not about Air Jordan’s or free stuff. This is about someone’s life. This is not a trial. It’s a travesty.” More ⬇️
Two things:
Simple science shows TSJ is not guilty of this crime
Zero attempts to have a real investigation
“An indigent could never have the resources to fight this case + you should be concerned as citizens of this county.”
It raised an objection which was sustained.
Jun 11, 2024 • 5 tweets • 2 min read
INTENSE: Officer Leitner testifying. Seems qualified with plenty of experience but the defense attacked his investigation. He was Lead detective on case. 1st task was to interview alleged victim and friend. Also spoke with KU bball players. Went through mountains of cell data.
Leitner discussed internet searches conducted after incident by alleged victim re: KU athletes, IL athletes. Found TSJ and she “knew it was him.” Leitner zeroed in on TSJ and did not consider any other witnesses is what the defense brought out. Jury took many notes during this.
Jun 11, 2024 • 4 tweets • 1 min read
Defense (TSJ) Opening Statement: MN gave multiple statements to police. MN statements mostly consistent but not consistent with overall investigation. Alleged victim never used the word ‘scared’ or ‘terrified’ until preliminary hearing 8 months after incident occurred.
The defense opening hammered the police investigation in this case. No one from the Jayhawk Cafe was interviewed by detectives. Did not interview any of the KU basketball players until months after the probable cause affidavit as basis for Complaint filed on December 5, 2023. No effort to talk to any ILL players/staff to discuss what happened. No one witnessed anything according to defense.
Jun 11, 2024 • 4 tweets • 1 min read
DA Opening Statement:
The theme: Eye contact, led to a wave, which led to her body being violated. The Opening Statement was less than 15 min. State admits there is no video of the incident + DNA does not point to TSJ. Their evidence: the alleged victim knows it was him.
The first witness of the case is the alleged victim (M.N.; now 19 years old). M.N. admitted she had a fake ID to get into the bar but does not like to drink. Going over logistics of the night + what unfolded prior to the incident. About 40 people in attendance.
Jun 10, 2024 • 6 tweets • 2 min read
TSJ Jury: 15 total selected. 8 males/7 females. Only 12 make final cut, 3 are alternates. Alternates unknown until jury deliberates. Oldest male is approx. late 50s, youngest female 20s. There are 13 Caucasians, 1 Philippine, + 1 African-American on the jury. More on juries ⬇️
Every jurisdiction across America operates jury selection differently. It’s the beauty of state laws + within the judge’s discretion. Kansas was unique as nearly 115 people were crammed into the courtroom. Each side could strike 15 which is a ton. Others were struck for cause.
May 16, 2024 • 6 tweets • 2 min read
BIZARRE (TSJ): New evidence that a different suspect — who committed a similar sexual act two weeks prior in the same bar — was present at the Jayhawk Cafe, in the room on the same night, and in the vicinity around the time the alleged incident occurred with TSJ ⬇️
Sizable development unfolding. Attorneys for TSJ filed a motion to compel other police reports of a different suspect who allegedly committed a similar act two weeks prior to another female. That same suspect was present in the bar + in the same room the night TSJ was there (2)
Jan 12, 2024 • 5 tweets • 3 min read
JUST IN: University of Illinois filed a response late last night to the memorandum in support of the temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction filed on behalf of Terrence Shannon Jr. The federal hearing is set for today at 1:30 p.m. in the Central District. Roads across Central Illinois are treacherous so perhaps the hearing is over Zoom. A summary of Illinois’ response:
The substance of the response claims the trip to Lawrence, Kansas was entirely personal in nature between “roommates” and had nothing to do with the university or as the memorandum in support of TSJ stated, the purpose of the trip had nothing to do with “… a University education program or activity.” Certainly a point of contention between the parties on the actual purpose of the trip.
Recall TSJ argued the trip was under the umbrella of the University, thus invoking Title IX privileges. A graduate student at the direction of the coaches did provide transportation.
Jan 12, 2024 • 8 tweets • 4 min read
The biggest game of the year for the Illini is tomorrow in U.S. Central District Court. Terrence Shannon Jr’s legal team filed a 109-page memorandum on 01/10/24 in support of his Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction. To summarize, see the 🧵 below:
The case was removed to Federal Court by the Univ. of Illinois (out of state court in Champaign Co.). The suit claims the criminal charges will not be tried in Douglas County (KS) until well after the season is over + after the NBA Draft on June 27, 2024 which will cause irreparable harm to TSJ.
The above dates are indeed true. A potential criminal trial date in Kansas could be as early as the fall of 2024 or even stretch into late 2025. TSJ will be long gone by then to the NBA if allowed to play.
Of note, TSJ has a terrific legal team which features U of I alum, Mark Goldenberg, who represented then Assistant Coach Jimmy Collins + Richard Nagy during 1990 NCAA investigation with Deon Thomas and LaPhonso Ellis. TSJ’s lawyers are in good standing and well respected by the Illinois athletic administration.
