Valadez Trial Moved
The latest from Brenda Valadez:
- First of all, SCC, thank you for all of your posts regarding the trial and for keeping everyone up to date. Secondly, I did hear from an officer that a Sgt informed him that he had to cover up before walking into the court room. That was the first I heard of it and I never heard it come directly from the judge and nobody from the states attorney's office that is working with my family ever mentioned anything like that to us. So I honestly do not know where it came from. After seeing the "tactics" of the defense attorney, I am just going to assume that the reason is so that in the future, this defense attorney doesn't play dirty and want a mistrial stating that the jury were "intimidated" by the officers (as ridiculous as that may sound to us). Even my family and I have to be careful while we are in there. Of course, nobody can tell us NOT to cry or have any emotion, but if we feel that we are going to break down, we are asked to leave the court room and that is also so that the defense doesn't say that we "tainted" the jury or distracted the jury, etc.
At this time, we just want everything to go smoothly and not give the defense any opportunity to declare a mistrial or use anything against us. I do feel horrible because I was the one that asked if all officers could please show up in their uniforms! I hope you now understand! And I don't believe that any officer was not allowed inside the court room.
On the first day, once all the benches were taken up, people were allowed to stand against the wall. That was the only day people were allowed to stand. If an officer or any person is not allowed in it's because there are no seats available. As soon as somebody walks out, the next person waiting in the hallway is allowed to come into the court room. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused but I am grateful for all who wait patiently in the hallway. Last but certainty not least, I want to thank everyone who has been attending. I know that with work, school, children, etc it is difficult but thanks to the ones that show up, even if for a couple of minutes.
Mr Wortham has attended every single day and he is there first thing in the morning and walks out in the evening with us! It truly means the world to us considering we know what this man has gone through! Mrs. Flisk and her daughter have also attended. Unfortunately, I cannot mention every single name as there have been so many people there from the Superintendent, FOP members and countless officers, but please know that we are so grateful for each and every one of you and your support. YOU truly give us the strength to walk into that court room every day and be in the same room as the defendant! And for those who cannot attend, please do not worry about it, as all we ask for are prayers! THANK YOU!!
Brenda Valadez-
Please note that there has been a court room change. Beginning tomorrow we will be in court room 400. We were asked to be there at 1030 so I'd say it will start at 1100. If all goes as planned, the state will rest on Tuesday.
Labels: officer down
posted by SCC at 12:07 AM
24 Comments:
You are a true hero Brenda!!!!!!!!!!!!
If memory serves me, room 400 has a much smaller seating area than 606 and is separated by a glass partition. Same room they held the Jeff fort trials.
They think they own us.
Keep your eyes on the goal.
God bless Brenda.
Thank u, Ms. Valadez.
I wish you and your family all the best.
I wish this guy could get the death penalty.
Room 400 is just as big as 606.
Courtroom 400 is where movies get filmed when they are in Chicago....like The Fugitive.
No, 400 is at least as big. It's not one of the fishbowls. It's the ceremonial courtroom with the ornate ceiling.
His attorney (Carrol) was a CPD homicide dick. What do you expect from and ex cop who is representing a cop killer.
Stay strong everyone.
I don't know the procedure is but if the jury is not sequestered maybe the Sheriffs could escort the jurors to their vehicles. I keep thinking that they could be approached, followed, threatened, bribed or who knows what.
And can someone who is actually there give a good description of what intimidation tactics this mopes gang might be using. What are they wearing or signaling.
Years ago there was a Spanish gang trial, and some gang bangers showed up with sweaters each with a large letter. They stood in a row and spelled out "C-H-O-T-A" which is Spanish for stool pidgeon.
If there is a court room sketch artist there from the news media clue them in on that. OR, if there is someone from a police family there who has that talent and can do that and submit it to a TV news station it might be worth something.
No photos in the courtroom of course, but what about outside or discretely in the hallways.
Stay safe, a picture is worth a thousand words.
How about that scumbag defense lawyer making all those wild lies about the police. The Tribune stated that he is ex CPD Anyone know this piece of shit who will do and say anything for money.
Prayers to you and your family Brenda...the strength of your family is an inspiration to all and I hope this trial ends quickly and will a proper verdict.
God Bless you Brenda along with your entire family, I knowit is difficult to keep your thoughts straight and to take time to write to us is outstanding and thank you for sharing your brother with us.
"If memory serves me, room 400 has a much smaller seating area than 606 and is separated by a glass partition. Same room they held the Jeff fort trials.
9/26/2011 03:07:00 AM
Last time I was in 400-- for the trial of that former officer who beat up the bartender--The glass partitions are gone, but the seating area is smaller.
What a class act. My family's prayers are with you and yours Brenda. God bless Alex, a true hero.
This County is full of Judicial Thieves!
I don't know the procedure is but if the jury is not sequestered maybe the Sheriffs could escort the jurors to their vehicles. I keep thinking that they could be approached, followed, threatened, bribed or who knows what.
Jurors in this trial are being transported to and from their cars by Sheriffs Deputies. No one will get to this jury unless it happens outside of court hours and off court grounds. Jurors have been instructed to notify deputies if they have been approached by anyone at anytime. In order for someone to be charged for Communicating with jurors, the juror/s must feel a threat or that their feeling of being an impartial juror is no longer with them. If that happens then the Sheriffs will lock that person/s up. Its a state charge as well as probably a contempt of court by the judge, then straight to CCDOC without a bond hearing or anything. Im pretty sure the Sheriffs know what they are doing, the have had plenty of huge trails in that building. I wouldnt be worried about it.
Is the defense attorney the same Paul Carrol that taught detective class at the academy?
Brenda PLEASE do not feel bad at all!!! We hurt for you and your family & for our other fallen Brothers. You are a hero in my eyes & I know in many other eyes as well. Thank You to Mr. Wortham & Mrs. Flisk and daughter. Our hearts will always ache for you. God Bless you & RIP to my Brothers.
What a world we live in when the good guys have to worry about acting human because the bad guys may be offended by it.
Brenda it is obvious you and your family are class acts, raised with morals, values and honor. To put others before yourself is something that is sorely missing in this world, God bless you and your family.
John Paul Carrol the defense attorney has a web site where he proudly states that he was a Chicago Police Homicide Detective. Maybe he would like to shed some light as to how he treated "Blacks" during his murder investigations. Did he mistreat or set up people like he said happened in this "P.O.S" case. Playing the race card with is a sad thing to do to another Police Officer who died In The Line Of Duty. Have u no self respect. This could have been u, unless u hid inside your whole career. I do not have any respect for u. How would u feel it that happened to your son that on the job, or your other son thats a States Attorney. Money is the root of all evil, and Mr Carroll you have proven that you will say anything for money. I hope Mr. S. Gaston greets you at the gates of hell.
His son John Carroll is a states attorney and his other son is a copper that used to be in the TRU unit and also recently ran for alderman on the north side....
So how do you like that!!!! The asshole attorney could have declined the case, wtf he used to be the police.
"Last time I was in 400-- for the trial of that former officer who beat up the bartender--The glass partitions are gone, but the seating area is smaller."
Disregard. My mistake. I was thinking of 404. 400 is every bit as big as 606.
UPDATE! The state rested today after showing the video tape confession. The defense had 5 of his possible 15 witnesses on the stand today so we are hoping that closing arguments will be tomorrow! Court will resume at 0930 hrs in room 400. The judge DID address the courtroom today and stated that any officers attending tomorrow please cover up their uniform. Nobody will be allowed to stand and seats are on a first come first serve basis. Once again, thanks to all who have been attending, and hope you can make it tomorrow. Please keep those prayers coming!! Thank you. Brenda-
I went to the trial today. Full house with people waiting to get in. Classic line to the defense attorney after he asked the detective a question "or am I confused"? Dectective "you're confused, Mr. Carroll.". I though both his and the state's attorney testimony kicked Gaston's ass.
It's hard for me to comprehend how a man who wore the uniform of the CPD could defend a POS who killed an officer. Is greed that powerful?
"What profit a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his immortal soul?" But, Carroll, for Gaston?
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