Steven Jones "NAU Shooter" Trial Day 7 Part 3 Directed Verdict Hearing

TL;DR

Defense argues lack of premeditation in shootings; requests directed verdicts; court denies motion.

Transcript

by a true voluntary activity shown that at the time both mr. Prado and mr. Syntex were wounded this is the next second round of the second cluster of shots was injured there were people hoping in testimony yesterday that he was in a headlock at the time was a chaotic scene that I would submit to the court that based on the circumstances surrounding... Read More

Key Insights

• 🖤 Lack of substantial evidence for premeditation in the shootings of Mr. Prado and Mr. Syntax.
• 📁 Court denies defense's motion for directed verdicts due to differing inferences from evidence.
• ⚾ Possibility of considering a lesser included offense of disorderly conduct with a weapon based on evidence.
• 💄 Legal precedent in State v. West influences the court's decision-making process.
• 🪡 Need for objective evaluation of direct and circumstantial evidence in legal proceedings.
• 🌠 Defense arguments centered around the absence of intent and premeditation in the shootings.
• 💄 Court emphasizes the importance of reasonable doubt in making decisions on directed verdicts.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the defense's argument regarding premeditation in the shootings?

The defense argues that there is no substantial evidence to demonstrate premeditation in the shootings of Mr. Prado and Mr. Syntax. They request directed verdicts based on lack of evidence.

Q: How does the court respond to the defense's motion for directed verdicts?

The court denies the motion for directed verdicts, stating that reasonable minds could differ on the inferences drawn from the evidence presented, therefore requiring the case to be submitted to the jury.

Q: What alternative charge does the court suggest considering based on the evidence?

The court suggests entertaining a lesser included offense of disorderly conduct with a weapon to the aggravated assault charges, based on the evidence presented so far.

Q: What legal precedent does the court refer to in making its decision?

The court refers to State v. West, a decision issued by the state Supreme Court, which outlines the criteria for denying a motion for acquittal based on substantial evidence.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Defense argues lack of substantial evidence for premeditation in shootings of Mr. Prado and Mr. Syntax.

• Court considers Rule 20 motion for directed verdicts based on evidence presented.

• Court denies motion citing reasonable doubt in inferences from evidence.