Juror Number 8 is having a hard time staying awake.
He's been seen several times doing a head bob on Friday and today, and often has his eye closed.
His apparent inattentiveness has come to the attention of Judge Robert C. Noonan who informed attorneys during a break -- with the jury out of the courtroom -- that he felt he should talk with the juror.
Defense Attorney Paul Cambria said he was concerned about singling out just one juror, even when not in front of the other jurors. He asked Noonan just to instruct the jury to pay better attention and ask for more frequent breaks if needed. He said he didn't think it should be assumed Juror 8 is falling asleep.
Noonan said he's seen the head bobs.
As the juror was being summoned to the courtroom, District Attorney Lawrence Friedman asked that the conversation with the juror be held in the judge's chambers. Noonan agreed to an on-the-record conversation with the juror, in his chambers.
When the jurors re-entered the courtroom, Juror 8 was still on the panel.
When the jurors came back, Noonan reminded them that while not everything that goes on during the trial is "the most scintillating," it is important they pay attention, and they should ask for breaks when needed so they can maintain their attention during testimony.
I think juror number 7 and 9
I think juror number 7 and 9 need to apply the elbow technique !
Call me nuts, but if I was
Call me nuts, but if I was going to be asked to make a decision whether or not to send a man to prison for murder, I'd be sure to pay attention...
Grounds for appeal? Only if
Grounds for appeal? Only if he is convicted. The coverage of this trial has been supurb. I see a Major Motion Picture starring Howard Owens. Of course, you know I see and hear a lot of things, in my mind. Keep it up for Batavia, "The Community of Opportunity" and "Boost Buffalo, It's good for you." Really Howard, I'm impressed. Billie too, really good stuff.