From my personal recollection of today's hearing:
Old Business:
The report by defense expert Dr. Lewis promised since last December is still outstanding!
Judge Werner spent much time discussing a timeline he drafted of the prior hearings, evaluations, and when the NGRI plea entered and he's baffled at the delays by the defense experts.
DA Allen suggested a conference call by the Court and attorneys to Dr. Lewis because they have no confidence in her word, and respect that the defense is only repeating the promises made to the defense.
Judge Werner cited case law where experts must adhere to the court's order for deadlines imposed by the court for information! Court confirmed the Defense is not waiting on any labs, etc. from the Prosecution, and nobody including the Judge understands Dr. Lewis's disrespect of the Court.
Defense is requesting an MRI.
The Court notes doctors previously canceled the request/order for an MRI a year ago and now they are requesting an MRI a year later?? The judge questioned why this was not done a year ago and whether MRI is even necessary. For example, if LS had any damage at the time of the incident that is detectable on MRI, it should have been detectable a year ago when MRI was first requested.
DA Allen confirms the State's experts Doctors Torres and Gray will testify towards the end of the trial and does not want the trial delayed.
DA Allen asked for a hard deadline for the eval report by Dr. Lewis on Friday, 4/17.
JURY Selection:
The Court denied the request for extended voir dire.
Court edited question #23 re. clarified NGRI defense on the juror questionnaire.
75 jurors will be screened at a time.
Each side will have 16 strikes.
Due to courtroom capacity during jury selection, only the following seats are available: 2 media, 2 security, and 2 family members for each prosecution and defense but there is no room for any advocates.
Only audio available during jury selection via Webinar.
TRIAL:
All attorneys must provide an inventory of their electronics to the Clerk prior to trial.
All computers in the courtroom by the prosecution and defense will be tethered during the duration of the trial. Each side must use privacy screens.
First come first serve for seats during trial.
Video/Audio available via the court Webinar:
Per the Court, this stream is not to be recorded, rebroadcasted, or redistributed.
Opening statements are limited to one hour for each.
LS confirmed she does NOT want to dress out for jury selection or for trial (she wants to wear her jail jumpsuit).
MOO