I've finally had some time to sit and really read through billandrews' timeline.
Well done, sir. Thank you for this.
In reading all of the exchanges in sequence, combined with the other evidence and testimony presented ... I'm confident in saying that, were I on the jury, I'd be satisfied in my decision to hand down M1 convictions to both parties.
The messages show, to me, that there was knowledge by MS of what was going to happen ... and the holes in texts can easily be explained away by them being in the same place at the same time and speaking/acting together in person. I'm confident that they were together based on the cell pings.
It just seems so ... stupid. I think DM is a person of at least average intelligence, and for him to make so many of the blatantly stupid "mistakes" he made baffles me. Not the least of which is the fact that he'd have known the last few/frequent calls/contact LB had were to him, and would be traced to him -- but to then document via photos the things that he did ... he's just really, really stupid.
Most laypeople know that if someone goes missing, the 1st person they look to is the spouse/partner, followed by a good look at their last/frequent contacts. How did he overlook this as a "criminal mastermind?" Is that why we have the introduction of the Lucas Bate phone post-LB/pre-TB?
And don't get me started on the letters -- crafting a story about the death/disappearance of LB before even being charged? Come on, now.
Perhaps he was diluted in his self-perceived intelligence because he surrounded himself with so many people who were, arguably, less intelligent than he. By comparison, he was a genius. Made to feel even more superior because the people he kept in his circle depended on him for the basic necessities of life, sex, or a paycheque.
I don't think he'll truly feel the magnitude of his fall from demented grace until the conclusion of all 3 trials and he's spent a few more years in lockup and realizes he's got absolutely nowhere to go and no other cards in his hand.
Assumptive, of course, that he is capable of feeling any of those feelings at all.
I don't anticipate any sort of self-reflective reflection; rather, a delusional life in prison where he wraps himself in education and writes nonsensical "brainstorming" memoirs.
As for the MS-rehabilitation discussion ... I'm not so sure.
With some clarity away from the drugs and lifestyle he was leading as a freeloading degenerate ... could he turn the corner?
Maybe.
But let's not forget he was a willing participant in 2 (IMO) murders, of his own volition.
He talked tirelessly of getting a job and making something of himself, but he never did. The alternative was too easy.
I'd be happy to see them both live out their days, without parole, in prison.
I do still find myself wondering how much CN knew.
A lot of communication has her seemingly in the know ... but there's not enough evidence presented for me to commit to my feelings toward her involvement.
And perhaps rightfully so, for she's not on trial here.
I am looking forward to the release of the information that the jury didn't see, and perhaps seeing more of the letters presented in WM's trial for a better look at the bigger picture.
Crown stated something about the implausibility of coincidence in their closing address that stuck with me and has been what I've been using as a measure of reason to review all the evidence with.
It's a sad reality, but both accused are responsible for this heinous, senseless tragedy and deserve no less than M1 convictions.
