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Courtroom Questions From Wesson Jury

Associated Press via ABC, USA
June 3, 2005
abclocal.go.com

ReligionNewsBlog.com • Sunday June 5, 2005

Jurors is the Marcus Wesson trial requested information from the judge on Friday and an important ruling was made on whether Wesson’s family will be in the courtroom when the verdicts are read.

The jury has been deliberating since late Thursday. They came back Friday afternoon and told the judge they wanted to re-read testimony from one of Wesson’s nieces.

Marcus Wesson also made a request not to be in the courtroom when the verdicts are read and Wesson’s family members have been told they can’t be present when the jury reaches a decision.

The jurors appeared casually dressed and energetic as they requested a full day of testimony be read back. And, if Marcus Wesson had his way, he wouldn’t be around for any of it.

It was Sofina Solario’s fourth day on the stand, her testimony gripping as she described how Marcus Wesson began sexually abusing her at 12 years old, telling her he was preparing her for marriage.

She also told jurors how controlling her uncle was and that her relationship with Wesson soured when she revealed she was romantically involved with a co-worker.

Sofina testified that Wesson was so upset that he stabbed her in the chest.

Wesson remains in the Fresno County Jail, where he would like to stay until after the verdict. He asked not to be present during the jury’s deliberations and when the verdict is read. The judge ruled he must be present.

His wife, Elizabeth, and his children who testified will not be allowed inside the courtroom. Neither will Sofina Solario or Ruby Ortiz, who started the child custody dispute that ended with the fatal shooting of Wesson’s nine children.

The family members are considered witnesses, and if Wesson is found guilty they could be asked to testify in the penalty phase.

The jury also asked the judge for guidance when considering two sex charges involving Sofina Solario. The judge politely referred them to the jury instructions.