Just watched the entire Prosecution opening statement from start to finish for a second time. BRAVO. And don't worry: the Defense's attempts to quiet you FAILED. In fact, I was taught at Harvard Law School NEVER to interrupt an Opening Statement (Prosecutor OR Defense) unless absolutely LEGALLY necessary, because it makes you appear AFRAID. WELL DONE, Madame Prosecutor. You rocked! 🥳
@Russell Jordan She's a Rock Star prosecutor!!! If Defence thinks she went on too long, they're lucky Kelly Seiglar didn't have this case. They'd of been deliberating right after the Opening!!! She's a Rock Star big time!!!
@@Joseph-fw6xxNo it was Ahmaudd last attempt to defend himself, as he was exhausted by this time and could not escape these guys. And instead of him getting shot in the back of try to outrun bullets, he made this last fight or flight defense. Sadly it didnt work. Glad to see 3 dangerous racist hilbillies jailed for life.
@@teresawicks-kq3bq well lets be more positive. She might be doing a bit better. And she can be very proud of her son. And in his way Amnaud managed to get 3 dangerous rotten racists off the streets forever.
I listen to the trial podcast trial every day. Linda used common sense and spoke respectfully to the jury. Ms. Hogue spoke down to the jury. The defense did a horrible job.
Same here. Whenever I have a bad day i watch this trial to remind myself that it could be worse. At least im not one of these 3 idiots serving life in prison. Their federal trial went just as bad for them.
They stopped him and approached him with guns, he ran away and the second time they got out to speak with him, with guns pointed at him, they killed him in cold blood!
@@Kitty-lq5jd he didn’t steal anything, there are other videos that show other people coming and going in that house. My husband & I were building a house a few years ago and people were always coming thru to look and we as well would go to look at other homes being built…. if you have seen a video of him stealing please share . they were anti black and they ran this young man down and killed him , just like the klan did years ago except with this father and son they forgot to put their hoods on
This young man was jogging. I’ve looked thru houses being built. Ahmaud had as much right to run as any citizen. They saw a black man they took the law in their own hands they made a choice to take guns and run him down. Hum Is this history repeating itself in Good Ole Boy Georgia. Yeah I’ve lived in Georgia not by choice I was stationed there Death penalty is what is deserved.
This lady is one of the best I've ever heard. I also feel for Aubrey's mother, she let out a wail when the video was shown. I wish I could give her a hug. But this woman is making sure the jury understands and the look on the men's faces...it's like, "We're screwed."
@crazieanimefan1 I totally agree. She's fantastic. I graduated from Harvard Law School and I would have loved it had she been a classmate. She is engaging, relatable, clear, convincing, and I am sure that the jury is hanging on her every word. Travis, in particular, is racist (which makes perfect sense since the apple never falls far from the tree) and as for "Roddy," he is JUST as bad. I wish Larry English had simply put up a fence and a "no trespassing" sign: INSTEAD OF gossiping with his nosy and RACIST neighbors. I wonder if Larry feels badly now? Or is he is racist too? Makes me want to vomit.
@@daliakuwait I 100% agree. I heard a rumor once that Aubrey was just either resting at the property or getting some water there and admiring the electrical work done. Either way, the man would still be alive today had Larry just put up such as you said. Travis and Daddy Dearest remind me of white supremicists or KKK with the beards and just the blank stares. When the mama cried, not one of them looked to see where the sound came from. They're so full of hate and think they're in the right and just this lady's opening statement, she proved Dad to be a liar quick!
@@crazieanimefan1 ABSOLUTELY. I could not have stated this better than you just did. Sickening. These guys must be found guilty. If not, then I will question the motives and intelligence of the jury. Let's hope for justice, yes? 🙏
@@daliakuwait Damn right. Justice for that poor boy and his family. If they don't get it...I fear it could be like the LA Riots or worse. I pray that they see these bastards for who they truly are and let the world know we won't put up with that here.
I cannot even fathom how Ahmaud felt as he was chased down and cornered by these bloodthirsty urban hillbillies. Hugs to the Arbery family ❤ Rest in beautiful peace, Ahmaud 🙏⚘
They were operating out of anger, hate and pride and not out of true concern. The fact they have zero remorse for killing him is chilling. What a horrific thing to do to someone.
That 911 call...the caller states "...he's running down the street.." and she asks, " what's he doing wrong?" EXACTLY!! Mrs. Arberys heartbreak is overwhelming 💔 😢
My heart broke for this family. They have tried to tarnish him by saying he was a thief. So how many calls to the cops to complain yeah these good ole boys are flat predators. They remind me of what it was like in the 50s the 60 s so this is just that same face of racism bigotry. Enough I hope all three get the death penalty
@@marylawson5906 my husband and I were saying EXACTLY the same thing as I was reading your comment 😳 reminds me of Emmit Till and the horrific fear that child experienced 😢 BARBARIC men!! How about poor Mrs Arbery having to sit while video after video replay play her sons murder...I can't even imagine the devastating effects she suffering 😢
You can dress en up, buy you cant take them to town. Putting lipstick on pigs. No offense to pigs, they are intelligent animals. These defendants are just idiots.
@@annmoore8696 I didn’t know how methodical they were. That made the whole situation even more disgusting. They really hunted him down. Prosecution left out in the opening statements that all the other people that came in and out but they only were concerned about AA. Because that makes it even more criminally disgusting
What a sorry excuse for a lawyer you must be if you believe this prosecuting attorney is anything more than an emotionally driven woke hack more interested in twisting statements out of context to score social justice points than actually enforcing the laws of the state of Georgia she is charged with upholding. Ahmaud Arbary has a long history of criminal behavior, much of it documented on video and his criminal record testifies to the fact that he was hardly an innocent victim set upon through no fault of his own.
@Russell Jordan I've been watching his trial everyday and I'm the first to admit i was WAY OFF on my initial assumption about his actions that night...the state clearly has no case imo!! I'm curious though...why do you think he's a "hero"?
The fact she said she could've talked for 3 more hours is crazy. I feel like she said everything important here so it's horrifying to know how much more evidence there really is. Lock them all up and throw away the key
Fight or flight. When running away wasn't working and confronted with a two guys with guns the fight of his life was on and he die as a result. Eye for eye these guys should get the death penalty!
I guess they think wear those thick glasses is gonna make them look innocent because they weren't wearing when murdered the guy. They could see quite well
@@corissaholbrook4017 I see what you mean now! It IS insulting for the defense to change the appearance of their clients purposely to change their look in order to make them appear innocent. Thank goodness the jurors will (hopefully) pay attention to the videos and their mugshots. You can take the hillbilly out of his normal way of dressing, but he's still a racist hillbilly and nothing can change that. Look at his demeanor, even. Not an ounce of remorse.
In fairness, I'm long sighted. I can see a bus coming a mile away but my eyes struggle when looking at a computer or reading for a long time so I don't need glasses outside.
Total ol school profiling...ugh Just 3 men hunted a person that had nothing to do with them ......sad beyond it ..so sorry to family ...😥 no excuse for this type of crime in today's world....🤬
Arbury got exactly what he deserved. Who the hell did he think he was entering someone's unfinished home on private property sneaking around looking for something to steal. He got exactly what he bargained for and what he deserved I say good riddance to the thief and free the McMichael's now.
The William dude looks like he bout to cry thinking about how he is most likely getting locked up for life. They're not so tough without their guns huh smh
A Very Wise Man and he should know that even though these guys didn't mind their own business, they Will Live a Long Life, but it'll be in PRISON (At least they're LIVING) Can't say the same for Amaud!!
@@TheresaLennon-z3c Nobody in prison is living:), good try though at being blatantly ignorant and rude. If your definition of life is simply existing on Earth, I can only imagine the poor quality of life you are experiencing right now.
If there such thing as a “GOOD LAWYER “ ...the Prosecutor is IT . HER OPENING STATEMENT IS AWESOME. TO SAY THE LEAST. She’s definitely holding the room. In Awe Stunning. Articulated. Well DONE. .
Prosecutor Linda she did a fantastic job in her opening statement in defense of the murder of Ahmad 👍 thank you prosecutor Linda wish there were more of you 🙏
If anyone was undecided on whether they thought Roddie Bryan was as involved, here is your proof. Compelling proof of his compliance just in the opening statement. All 3 of them are going down and rightfully so.
@@suzyvp8968 What do you mean lol? Everything lawyers say in a court of law is evidence. My point is that everything she said in the opening statement will be discussed in depth at some point so we know Roddys downfall is imminent.
@@virtualxella no, there is a jury instruction in every courtroom in every stare that’s says explicitly “What Lawyers Say Is Not Evidence.” Look, I think the McMichaels should go down for murder and Bryan as an accessory to murder- but let’s follow the constitution , please? Let the evidence be presented and the chips fall where they may.
@@suzyvp8968 If that's the case please explain to me why lawyers say to the judge 'id like to submit peoples number 28192 into evidence' when presenting evidence? lol
That’s why she was amazing as a prosecutor. She explained in detail to the jurors in simple words and not judicial jargon. The way she showed it on the screen everything that happened and the meaning of each charges and the requirements you have to meet and from the beginning she destroyed any defense attorney theories that not even met self defense or citizen arrest. She really did her homework. To listen to it again after I watched live before and I knew then she was doing a good job but I think it was more than excellent. That county is blessed to have her working for the attorney general.
I've watched these so many times. What I noticed lately is Linda and her team exude righteousness. They are honorable, humble, honest, good people. Most of the murderer's team look like scheisters and crooks and ambulance chasers at best. So, it worked in the prosecution's favor and they got favorable rulings. There wasn't any crooked southern banana court law imposed. It was all on board, straight shooting law. The defendant's were done from the get-go. They had nothing. In Cold Blood in plain view and recorded.
The only way you could talk to them, or the judge for that matter, was in simple terms. Look at the citizens arrest statute--neither of them could correctly analyse a two sentence statute, but they all loved the judge's sermon.
@@picometer472 in addition them alleging citizen arrest was so ridiculous and if you don’t do it by the statute but you have to explain it to the jurors in simple words.
@@ivanvillamil2764 Linda communicated effectively using simple language, respecting the jury as peers. In contrast, Laura Hogue consistently patronized the jury. Hogue was an example of pure cringe.
Ahmaud was minding his business...the mcmichaels and bryan should have did the same. When has it become a crime to jogg? Ahmaud didn't have to stop and talk to those men...they were the aggressors, they decided to take up arms and pursue Ahmaud and now they cry self defense.
Ahmad Aubrey was looking for something to steal. Wake up and smell the coffee brewing he had no business being in that neighborhood and he was the culprit of the other thefts, don't kid yourself. He got what he deserved.
@@Kitty-lq5jd last i checked this is America he had every right to be in that neighborhood. The rest of that bs you wrote is ASSumptions. An you know what those make you look like
@@Kitty-lq5jd lol hes never stolen anything from that neighborhood and they have no evidence saying or proving he did. you wake up, its idiotic assumptions like yours that led to this mans death
Greg Mister control almighty, tongue everlasting was quiet as a mouse during the trial too chicken to take the stand like a man. Now Trapped like a Rat in prison until...
@@realmom9288 RIGHT! Now he's the one "Trapped like a Rat" of his own doing AND he's also the cause of ruining his son's life! All based on assumptions & speculation fueled by Bigotry!
What does the NRA teach: you are responsible for your own firearms; store them responsibly. Storing a firearm in a vehicle overnight is very very irresponsible. There is no excuse for storing a firearm unsafely where it can be taken away from you. People who act like this with their firearms are very poor gun owners.
USA is so f+++d up tbh, especially regarding gun crime, no wonder us here in Europe, couldn't care less nowadays what happens there (especially since Trump), feeling is they can screw up their own lives these days, we got plenty of serious issues here to overcome (Covid, etc), watching the trial as I love watching the legal arguments in trials, and also justice for Ahmaud..
@@Leann68. Trumpeters are still whining over The fact the fact Donny lost big time. His lil ego got hurt and by the way he doesn’t give one rats ass about America. He paranoid he’s a lil Adolfo Trump I’m sure he pretends he still the President I mean he still wants to be so he can steal and screw our country up more. However America is Bigger and Better because we Defeated him fair and square it was Donny who was caught. So Leann He formed a group of terrorist and attacked our capital. Now as far as Europe goes Yes loved Germany traveled a bit beautiful. This is but a glitch America is a wonderful place
This is 2024 and i continue to watch this trial over and over. Cant help but wonder what is going on inside Greg McMichael's head as he continues to watch his son Travis. Probably has a lot of guilt that he has taught his son such hate and now facing a long prison sentence.
How did he teach his son hate? There were breakins in the neighborhood, the son got a gun stolen from his car. They were sick of it. His father I'm sure, not used to new policing techniques with cameras everywhere, felt untouchable. And figured they could chase down anyone breaking into houses without consequences. What they didn't know is the days of the good Samaritan are over. Gone are the days when cops or regular citizens are allowed to stop people from stealing from them, assaulting them, victimized them, etc.
@squigglyline2813 yes Travis had his gun stolen but I guess you didn't hear him testify in his own defense that Ahmaud didn't steal his gun . He said he saw the neighbors home video . Guess what no Ahmaud on them . Why not because he didn't do it. They have a picture of the man who stole from the neighbors car. Guess what it wasn't Ahmaud it was a white male . One lady told the Facebook group of the person who stole her stuff. Not Ahmaud. And the best thing ever the Homeowner Larry English told them and Officer Rash on February 11 Ahmaud NEVER STOLE ANYTHING FROM HIS PROPERTY.
7 місяців тому+1
@geraldineallen8060 nobody stole travis's gun,that was lie.
Travis keep saying someone stole his gun in January. Then he said it might have been a possibility that it was Ahmaud. But he admitted that he looked at the neighbors camera and Ahmaud was not on it. So he had to admitted it definitely wasn't Ahmaud
@@teresawicks-kq3bq l know but thats been over a year. Will he be there for the rest of his days.? I dont think hes sick unless hes freaking out mentally. Too bad..
@@picometer472 oh your so right three white men chasing a young Black man with a shot gun a 357 revolver and two pick up trucks for five minutes, but the prosecutor is making assumptions about what's on Ahmud Audrey's mind. Maybe your not that intelligent or maybe you believe that the Mcmichael's and their camera man Roddy Bryan had the right to kill Ahmud Aubrey for entering that neighborhood that the Mcmichael's were renting in, because they weren't even home owners in that community. That's not an assumption that's a fact.
Agreed. The Rittenhouse case Prosecutor is terrible. Just completely subpar. In all fairness, however? This case IS objectively easier to decide and determine than the Rittenhouse trial. This one? All THREE defendants will be found guilty of malice murder or (more likely) felony murder. With Kyle Rittenhouse, considering how outstanding his defense attorneys are, he MIGHT get away with a "not guilty" on the murder and manslaughter charges (based on self-defense). He was 17 at the time, the Prosecutor is awful, he COULD have been in fear for his life or imminent harm/bodily injury (at the time that he fired his gun) because by THEN he WAS ARGUABLY BEING attacked by the protesters (who had mistakenly and SO unfortunately believed that Kyle had fired his gun BEFORE-- which in reality he had NOT). DID Kyle BELONG in Kenosha at the age of 17 with an AR-15 type rifle/shotgun? Looking for trouble? (Of course not! He will be found guilty of crossing state lines with a firearm and carrying a firearm while underage). But, did he know what he was getting himself into? I dislike EVERYTHING about Kyle Rittenhouse and I am almost 100% sure that his parents are racist and ignorant people. However, DID Kyle INTEND TO KILL that night? OR did he STUPIDLY and with the immaturity that is unfortunately TYPICAL of MOST 14 to 17 year olds in the USA, merely get in WAY over his head? And, as a result of his LUDICROUS decision to GO TO the Protests in Kenosha that day (WHERE were his PARENTS??) did he ULTIMATELY NEED to fire his ILLEGAL firearm (based on his age!) because by the TIME that he WAS being chased by the Victims (b/c THEY INACCURATELY believed that Kyle had fired shots just minutes before in an attempt to harm others), nothing short of SOMEONE dying was an inevitability? Seriously, I would be so grateful if all of you would share your opinion on this issue. 🙏
@@daliakuwait Rittenhouse never crossed state lines with the firearm. Please, stop saying that. Did you not watch his friend on the stand, plain as day say “I bought the gun, it stayed at my dads house in Wisconsin”?
@@pommiebears Kyle was underage and not legally entitled to be in possession of a gun, period. Secondly, he crossed state lines with intent to retrieve the firearm from his friend specifically to engage in vigilantism. Lastly, even had he been 18, he would not have been registered to carry a gun in Wisconsin.
May the Lord and Lady Bless this poor mother, please give her the power to set through the trail of those who killed her son. As one mother to another my heart goes out to her and her family🌹
They should get a medal for doing what the stupid cops couldn't do, stopping a thief. He got exactly what he bargained for and what he deserved.. end of story!
I just got to say, why the hell didn't Mr. English put a "no trespassing" sign up! He's got a completely open construction site, a dock, and liability, but can't afford a "no trespassing" sign?
@@AprilAnnShintaniKua Arbery was being sought by the police for burglary. He was seen by the neighbors who called the police, and the police were searching the neighborhood for him.
nah. They thought they might be dead. That's why they brought guns. Greg thought the mystery guy was a gunman and a thief, and when the smoke cleared, he was right.
I was wondering the same thing whatever he was writing it is not going to help him behind the concrete jungle for life. JAIL. His lawyer pretty much said he is illiterate. A uneducated mechanic so he was probally just scribbling. These racist dudes all three of them are Sad sick Animals.
@@tracywestbrook7552uh to be modern day mechanic takes a lot more education then you’ll ever have. Care to explain to me how to rebuild an 8 speed automatic ?
Calm down bubba, Roddy's lawyer said it trying to get Roddy some sympathy, it didn't work. Lawyer looked more illiterate and ignorant saying it 😂@@Bag0fRats
Ahmad Aubrey should be on trial, he was nothing but a thief and he got stopped. By some good old boys just looking out for their own which is something the cops did not and cannot do. I say good riddance to the thief he was looking around and wandering around and getting ready to leave because he couldn't find anything to steal. Let's get real we all know what really happened. A black man snooping around in the neighborhood he had no business being in, in an unfinished home that had video surveillance and when he couldn't find anything worth stealing he got ready to leave and someone spotted him.. good thing too. I say good riddance to the thief and free the McMichael's now.
@@susandurrant6357 to be fair, it is a common mistake. I see it fairly often on social media, that said - I’m sure it hasn’t stopped OP from obtaining gainful employment and leading a normal life.
I hope they play the replay of him calling him A "N" as many times as they showed GF being murdered.... And it's about time they started editing what they show. It's beyond triggering , even if it happened a year ago and my blood boils Everytime I see the 3.......
But Mr. English could've simply put a "Do not trespass" sign instead of keeping calling the police and talking to his neighbors and sharing videos of Mr. Arbery... I mean many other people -not only Mr. Arbery- were entering that under construction house maybe out of curiosity, and I understand the owner didn't want them to, so why not put a sign saying "do not trespass" for God sake? A man was murdered for no reason whatsoever... This is upsetting.
Exactly. Why didn't the neighbors hold Mr. English accountable for the hazardous situation at the construction site he left unattended? If the property had so many valuables, he should have put up a chain-link fence to secure it. Common sense was lacking at The Shores.
I binge watch this everyday. My heart is so over filled with love for the brother Ahmad! He was a soldier who fought those Clansmen off with everything he had. He should go down in history for his bravery and warrior spirit. You are a martyr, my brother.
Its just for trial, to make it seem he isnt really involved but hes just there to take notes of the trial. Make him seem interested. Along with the glasses, which he never wears glasses normally, sucking in his lips, trying to look dumb and stupid and innocent. But if you see the body cam video at the incident, hes very engaged, very communicative, way different from the way hes presenting himself at trial now, mr Bryan. 🤮🤮
@@picometer472 You got me on that one. But seriously, why would you leave a boat of valuables at an empty construction site? (rhetorical). Isn't it fascinating how the people in Shores were worried about intruders, but still left their purses, guns, and electronics in their unlocked vehicles. The enigma of this tragedy continues to puzzle me.
1:27:18 Lmfao... Yep buddy, you're screwed! And that's their entire defence, in tatters!!! Couldn't be happening to three better, oops, I mean BIGGER racist!!! Brilliant!!!
Well if you believe it was a SUCCESSFUL opening statement, then "long-winded" is not the correct adjective. Perhaps "effective" is the adjective you were seeking!
This lady should have been the prosecuter in the George Zimmerman case. George would have setting in jail today. Same case different year. George made parking lot decisions
I am sickened by yet another arrogant racist gunning down another young innocent black kid for living his life while they can't mind their own damn business. I have walked into homes being built without anyone questioning my motives. Yes, I was a real estate agent but people in the neighborhood didn't know that or who I was. I wonder if the family members of the victim would rather have the bastards just plead guilty and take responsibility and not have them relive the horrible injustice they bestowed on their son and family members.
In a situation where one commits homicide, most folks be read their rights, cuffed, and placed in the back of a police car. However, in the case of the McMichael's, they were able to drive away without their car being impounded or searched. Additionally, it's surprising that they were allowed to use their cell phones to call the D.A. and chat on the scene. Astounding on many levels.
@@trillfate4479Do you think the trial will go to court soon? I haven't heard anything. Hopefully, it has taken a long time because they are compiling a good case and uncovering all the corruption.
@@Natalie_TrueCrime- the three men were found guilty, the McMichael’s were found guilty and sentenced to life without parole. Roddie Bryant was found guilty and sentenced to life with the possibility of parole.
"Roddie the idiot" took the most notes out of everyone there. He'll have tons to read in prison for the next 30 years. On another note, why did Ahmaud keep snooping around that property day or night?
He probably did it at night so these “CRIMINALS” wouldn’t violate his rights but no matter how hard you try you can’t stop a “CRIMINAL” especially when they come in a group!!!
He was not the only one. The couple that was seen on video went in there a few times as well as others & kids. Why didn't the McMichaels approach anyone else.
Because i believe he was going to take classes to become an electrician, and was interested in the building process. Like many people are and others have been looking in that specific property too. Maybe he wandered around dreaming of opening a house like that one day himself. Myself i was doing something similar recently at a house that was being built, and suddenly it hit me: im doing the same as Arbery did that day, except he is dead now. 😪😪🤬
Its not even their own property like mind your own business and you wouldn't be in this situation...like Kyle Rittenhouse...mind your own business and stay at home.
They just rented, didnt even own their own property, Travis had to go live with mom and daddy again, they were barely getting by financially. Its just one whole failing family, with no purpose in life, no life, and played Fake cop and being vigilantes to at least feel a bit important, acting like being neighbourhood police. Very happy that these 3 dangerous racists are in jail for life.
It's troubling to think of all the lives he impacted in a negative way while serving as the ‘lead investigator’ for District Attorney Jackie Johnson. One can only wonder about the approaches he took in conducting his investigations.
Can we all compare these GUILTY, RACIST DEFENDANTS to the Rittenhouse case for a minute? I would welcome your opinions. Here, the Prosecutor is indeed phenomenal. In the Rittenhouse trial, I am actually wondering if the Prosecutor passed the Bar Exam just a few months ago: he is just completely subpar. In fairness, however (regarding these two trials, their potential differences, and the LEVELS of potential racism and hatred-- and stupidity too--involved), let us reflect. This case is objectively easier to decide and to determine than the Rittenhouse trial. I would say on this trial (so far) that all 3 defendants are indeed GUILTY ON ALL OR MOST COUNTS IN THIS CASE. All THREE defendants seem guilty of either malice murder or (more likely) felony murder. With Kyle Rittenhouse, however, considering how outstanding his defense attorneys are, he MIGHT get away with a "not guilty" on the murder and manslaughter charges (based on self-defense). He was 17 at the time, the Prosecutor is awful, he COULD have been in fear for his life or imminent harm/bodily injury (at the time that he fired his gun) because by THEN he WAS ARGUABLY BEING attacked by the protesters (who had mistakenly and SO unfortunately believed that Kyle had fired his gun BEFORE-- which in reality he had NOT). DID Kyle BELONG in Kenosha at the age of 17 with an AR-15 type rifle/shotgun? Looking for trouble? (Of course not! He will be found guilty of crossing state lines with a firearm and carrying a firearm while underage). But, did he know what he was getting himself into? I dislike EVERYTHING about Kyle Rittenhouse and I am almost 100% sure that his parents are racist and ignorant people. However, DID Kyle INTEND TO KILL that night? OR did he STUPIDLY and with the immaturity that is unfortunately TYPICAL of MOST 14 to 17 year olds in the USA, merely get in WAY over his head? And, as a result of his LUDICROUS decision to GO TO the Protests in Kenosha that day (WHERE were his PARENTS??) did he ULTIMATELY NEED to fire his ILLEGAL firearm (based on his age!) because by the TIME that he WAS being chased by the Victims (b/c THEY INACCURATELY believed that Kyle had fired shots just minutes before in an attempt to harm others), nothing short of SOMEONE dying was an inevitability? Seriously, I would be so grateful if all of you would share your opinion on this issue. 🙏
I agree 100% w/everything you said. From my perspective, the cases are entirely different. Rittenhouse’s primary culpability was his childish (ideological) decision to take his AR-15 to that neighborhood & “defend” the properties & businesses from the “evil BLM protesters”. (Who we’re in fact largely young people, who didn’t belong to any group or organization) And when he actually used his firearm, he arguably felt threatened. So although I wish he would have been convicted on a lesser charge, I can’t truly blame the jury. His defense team was phenomenal & the prosecutor was dreadful. Night & day difference between this case. Where the defendants were absolutely the aggressors & deserved to be found guilty on all charges. 2 of the defense attnys on this case are actually seasoned & talented defense attnys. Mr. Ponytail lawyer & his lawyer wife are pitiful. They’re experienced for sure but failed to learn lesson #1, the importance of likability & it’s impact on how jurors inevitably view your client. That said, the defense attnys have been swimming upstream from day 1 in this case. They were outmatched by evidence & this incredible prosecutor. I’ve watched her closely during the 18 months leading up to trial, throughout all of the pretrial hearings. She knows the case backward & forward. But even more impressively, the case law & foundation to back her arguments. Such a pleasure to watch a DA w/this level of skill.
@@maryb6672 I agree with you completely, Mary! Great analysis above. Out of curiosity, any thoughts on the Thomas Edgecomb trial and the jury's verdict of "reckless homicide"? Also, what do you think of the fact that in Wisconsin, reckless homicide carries the same sentence as second degree intentional murder? (i.e. up to 60 years in prison?) My opinion is that Thomas lied on tmrw stand about a few things. And the widow of the victim lied about (or misremembered) a few things on tje stand. Had I been on the jury, I would have disregarded the widow's testimony completely. That said, I too would have found the Defendant guilty of reckless homicide. I think he lied on the stand about the following: 1. If --as THOMAS EDGECOMB HIMSELF STATED!--the gun went off by accident (I think even his own defense attorney was shocked when his client said that btw! B/c by saying that, Edgecomb completely UNDID his OWN claim of self-defense) or then for this reason alone, I would have found him guilty of reckless homicide b/c an accident is not self-defense and if it WAS an accident, then it was extremely reckless (given his firearms training and weapons training--he should have been capable of making sure the weapon did NOT accidentally discharge!) His actions WERE therefore reckless. Also, I don't believe doe one second that the defendant saw "something in the immigration lawyer's hand" and that he therefore felt "threatened" of imminent bodily harm or death. He might have thought he was going to be in a fist fight, but he KNEW he HAD the gun in his OWN person IF ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY whereas he could see the victim was in a "boxer's stance." SO there was no need to shoot the victim in the face. 2) The defendant lied about why he hot rid of the gun. He lied about why he put his bike in the basement AFTER tmrw shooting, he lied about it requiring more than 6 months to find a lawyer and turn himself in (he would have never turned himself in had he not been caught), and he could not have been more annoying on the witness stand in terms of NOT answering the prosecutor's questions, having a VERY selective memory, and constantly asking for the questions to be repeated. He was lying. Had I been a juror, it would have been very difficult for me to believe much of anything that he said. And lastly, regarding the defendant: 3) I actually don't believe that he or his bike were hit by the car, and I don't believe an IMMIGRATION lawyer so beloved by his clients and married to a woman of color who also had a son of color would have called the defendant a "N-word." No, the defendant added that detail to make the jury have sympathy for him. I DO believe the lawyer SWORE at him! He certainly didn't say "what the heck?" like the grieving widow said lol! He probably used very strong swear words! And he WANTED to FIGHT the defendant--NOT "resolve conflict by talking to him" as the widow claimed! But I do NOT believe that he threw the N-word around. No, this was just pure road rage (classic) and unfortunately the immigration lawyer didn't know (could not have known) that the defendant was locked and loaded. And let's not forget tha the defendant has violence in his PAST (even though the jury did not get to hear about that-- rightfully as it would have been more prejudicial than probative) AND let's not forget that the defendant PUNCHED this guy in the face just because he SWORE at him! There is ZERO evidence that tje defendant was hit by the car! Perhaps it was a close call, but this was simply all a matter of EGO and road RAGE. A SENSELESS death! That said, it was not second degree or first degree murder. At that point I don't even think the defendant as thinking at all (other than getting away) at the time he pulled the trigger. He felt cornered and he reacted. It WAS reckless homicide and I think the jury got that RIGHT. BUT, I find it strikingly bizarre that a reckless homicide should be treated similarly to a second degree INTENTIONAL homicide in terms of sentencing! And the JUDGE in this case? He ran a very tight ship is his courtroom and was pretty rude to everyone throughout the entire trial. I just wonder if (with all of the aggravating factors present) he WILL end up sentencing Edgecomb to maybe 40 years in prison (as opposed to something like 20). Thoughts, Mary? 😊
She did a great presentation, otherwise, she just did her job. If so many of the people in prison had not been Jackie'd, prisons wouldn't be overflowing, and other attorneys could show their greatness. I have personally seen appointed lawyers, speaking with prosecutors, when bosses tell them to get rid of piled up cases. What can poor people do about it..... accept a plea, where the lesser plea is really higher than it should be.
exactly...i mean how hard is it to hire a techie who knows what theyre doing and get a decent pc/laptop. no excuse you cant even play a video clip in a case like this...
Just watched the entire Prosecution opening statement from start to finish for a second time. BRAVO. And don't worry: the Defense's attempts to quiet you FAILED. In fact, I was taught at Harvard Law School NEVER to interrupt an Opening Statement (Prosecutor OR Defense) unless absolutely LEGALLY necessary, because it makes you appear AFRAID. WELL DONE, Madame Prosecutor. You rocked! 🥳
Right winged traitors are upset from your comment, but too ignorant to form a decent comeback.
@Russell Jordan
She's a Rock Star prosecutor!!!
If Defence thinks she went on too long, they're lucky Kelly Seiglar didn't have this case. They'd of been deliberating right after the Opening!!! She's a Rock Star big time!!!
Yale Law School taught me to never trust anyone who claims to be from Harvard Law School.
. yes I agree u can be anything u want by typing a few words on the computer
@@elcheapo9444😂😂😂
Assumptions and racism…
EXACTLY. Hitting the nail on the head.
@MM-bz5ps- You nailed it!
I can not stop watching this trail Ms Wanda. I hope that you are doing well.
The more I watch I see now that Arbery caused his death by grabbing the shotgun
@@Joseph-fw6xxNo it was Ahmaudd last attempt to defend himself, as he was exhausted by this time and could not escape these guys. And instead of him getting shot in the back of try to outrun bullets, he made this last fight or flight defense.
Sadly it didnt work.
Glad to see 3 dangerous racist hilbillies jailed for life.
I'm sure she's not doing well. But it's good you're (I) hope she's doing well😊
@@teresawicks-kq3bq well lets be more positive. She might be doing a bit better. And she can be very proud of her son. And in his way Amnaud managed to get 3 dangerous rotten racists off the streets forever.
@@teresawicks-kq3bq is there a problem with my comment?
Even Up to this date, I love watching this whole trial over and over AGAIN. The Outcome was GREAT 👍👍
Same here. After Chris Watts this is the one that captivated me.
It is a amazing case I've watched many times because it's hard to believe anybody could be so stupid as these hillbillies
I listen to the trial podcast trial every day. Linda used common sense and spoke respectfully to the jury. Ms. Hogue spoke down to the jury. The defense did a horrible job.
Same here. Whenever I have a bad day i watch this trial to remind myself that it could be worse.
At least im not one of these 3 idiots serving life in prison. Their federal trial went just as bad for them.
Me too ✋️
Someone gets out of a truck with a gun there is going to be a fight . Self defense yes Ahmaud was defending himself.
more like running like hell, but ok, I'll play, some people aren't me.
They stopped him and approached him with guns, he ran away and the second time they got out to speak with him, with guns pointed at him, they killed him in cold blood!
@@Kitty-lq5jd he didn’t steal anything, there are other videos that show other people coming and going in that house. My husband & I were building a house a few years ago and people were always coming thru to look and we as well would go to look at other homes being built…. if you have seen a video of him stealing please share . they were anti black and they ran this young man down and killed him , just like the klan did years ago except with this father and son they forgot to put their hoods on
@@Kitty-lq5jd the fact is, we don't know because two maniacs took his life. So don't act like you know anything. Baseless infantile mentality.
This young man was jogging. I’ve looked thru houses being built. Ahmaud had as much right to run as any citizen. They saw a black man they took the law in their own hands they made a choice to take guns and run him down. Hum Is this history repeating itself in Good Ole Boy Georgia. Yeah I’ve lived in Georgia not by choice I was stationed there Death penalty is what is deserved.
This lady is one of the best I've ever heard. I also feel for Aubrey's mother, she let out a wail when the video was shown. I wish I could give her a hug. But this woman is making sure the jury understands and the look on the men's faces...it's like, "We're screwed."
@crazieanimefan1 I totally agree. She's fantastic. I graduated from Harvard Law School and I would have loved it had she been a classmate. She is engaging, relatable, clear, convincing, and I am sure that the jury is hanging on her every word. Travis, in particular, is racist (which makes perfect sense since the apple never falls far from the tree) and as for "Roddy," he is JUST as bad. I wish Larry English had simply put up a fence and a "no trespassing" sign: INSTEAD OF gossiping with his nosy and RACIST neighbors. I wonder if Larry feels badly now? Or is he is racist too? Makes me want to vomit.
@@daliakuwait I 100% agree. I heard a rumor once that Aubrey was just either resting at the property or getting some water there and admiring the electrical work done. Either way, the man would still be alive today had Larry just put up such as you said. Travis and Daddy Dearest remind me of white supremicists or KKK with the beards and just the blank stares. When the mama cried, not one of them looked to see where the sound came from. They're so full of hate and think they're in the right and just this lady's opening statement, she proved Dad to be a liar quick!
@@crazieanimefan1 ABSOLUTELY. I could not have stated this better than you just did. Sickening. These guys must be found guilty. If not, then I will question the motives and intelligence of the jury. Let's hope for justice, yes? 🙏
@@daliakuwait Damn right. Justice for that poor boy and his family. If they don't get it...I fear it could be like the LA Riots or worse. I pray that they see these bastards for who they truly are and let the world know we won't put up with that here.
I agree with you 100%. They were chasing Aubrey down like he was a runway slave and those three racists were doing master's hanging. So sad.😪
These men are sick.
Very messed up
Their Good old boy hate is what put them right were they are ! 😔😔😔😔
You mean white supremacy
And their false sense of superiority.
Well that's what RACISM is all about!
I cannot even fathom how Ahmaud felt as he was chased down and cornered by these bloodthirsty urban hillbillies. Hugs to the Arbery family ❤ Rest in beautiful peace, Ahmaud 🙏⚘
He got exactly what he bargained for and pretty much deserved for sneaking around on private property looking for something to steal.
@@Kitty-lq5jd Nazi Germany wants its racism and hatred back.
I agree. So 😥 😔 😟 sad
May they live next door to you
Exactly where was that corner?
They were operating out of anger, hate and pride and not out of true concern.
The fact they have zero remorse for killing him is chilling. What a horrific thing to do to someone.
You said that 💯🗣 thank you
That 911 call...the caller states "...he's running down the street.." and she asks, " what's he doing wrong?"
EXACTLY!! Mrs. Arberys heartbreak is overwhelming 💔 😢
My heart broke for this family. They have tried to tarnish him by saying he was a thief. So how many calls to the cops to complain yeah these good ole boys are flat predators. They remind me of what it was like in the 50s the 60 s so this is just that same face of racism bigotry. Enough I hope all three get the death penalty
@@marylawson5906 my husband and I were saying EXACTLY the same thing as I was reading your comment 😳 reminds me of Emmit Till and the horrific fear that child experienced 😢 BARBARIC men!!
How about poor Mrs Arbery having to sit while video after video replay play her sons murder...I can't even imagine the devastating effects she suffering 😢
@@marylawson5906 It is so heartbreaking. I agree they need to pay.
Aubrey was not harming the McMichael"s in any shape or form they approach him
*Arbery *approached
@@January. Never happened! And Ahmaud Arbery stopped the truck and pulled Travis out, too.
Where did you see that he pulled no one out and they chased him
@@rebeccamontes4585 Sarcasm was the point. @January wants to blame Ahmaud for being the aggressor then I will give him another sarcastic remark.
@@alfredindy8058 I think January, is actually, "the grammar police"! Lol
Absolutely disgusting. They can clean up all they want, you can still see the devil in their eyes. Shameful
Rip
You can dress en up, buy you cant take them to town. Putting lipstick on pigs. No offense to pigs, they are intelligent animals. These defendants are just idiots.
I was going to say the same thing! Make Over All you want, still They are All Evil
@@annmoore8696 I didn’t know how methodical they were. That made the whole situation even more disgusting. They really hunted him down.
Prosecution left out in the opening statements that all the other people that came in and out but they only were concerned about AA. Because that makes it even more criminally disgusting
Absolutely insane how racism gives cowards the rationale to do what they want on black bodies and try to get away with it
Brilliant prosecution opening statement. I am a lawyer myself. This Prosecutor is phenomenal.
I totally agree I wish there was more prosecutors like her in defense of black men 👍
Have you caught any of the Kyle Rittenhouse trial? The defense is wiping the floor w the states witnesses imho.
What a sorry excuse for a lawyer you must be if you believe this prosecuting attorney is anything more than an emotionally driven woke hack more interested in twisting statements out of context to score social justice points than actually enforcing the laws of the state of Georgia she is charged with upholding. Ahmaud Arbary has a long history of criminal behavior, much of it documented on video and his criminal record testifies to the fact that he was hardly an innocent victim set upon through no fault of his own.
Are you a trial lawyer? I’m not being snotty, merely curious. 😊
@Russell Jordan I've been watching his trial everyday and I'm the first to admit i was WAY OFF on my initial assumption about his actions that night...the state clearly has no case imo!! I'm curious though...why do you think he's a "hero"?
The fact she said she could've talked for 3 more hours is crazy. I feel like she said everything important here so it's horrifying to know how much more evidence there really is. Lock them all up and throw away the key
Yes, don't even bother with the defense at this point. End of story.
evidence does not come in quantity--it comes in quality.
Fight or flight. When running away wasn't working and confronted with a two guys with guns the fight of his life was on and he die as a result. Eye for eye these guys should get the death penalty!
The McMichaels should get a medal for stopping a worthless no good rotten thief.
@@Kitty-lq5jd pretty sure you have to be prejudiced this is so plainly wrong
@@Kitty-lq5jd What did he steal? Where did he have “stolen property”? In his pocket?! GTFOH!
Ci Ha. I’m not a prejudiced person. Those three killers got what they deserved
@Kitty-lq5jd Well, they got life without😂. IF THIS WAS YOUR SON, UNCLE BROTHER OR COUSIN WOULD YOU FEEL THE SAME WAY? I DON'T THINK YOU WOULD.
I guess they think wear those thick glasses is gonna make them look innocent because they weren't wearing when murdered the guy. They could see quite well
It's so insulting to people who really can't see and need glasses.
@@corissaholbrook4017 I see what you mean now! It IS insulting for the defense to change the appearance of their clients purposely to change their look in order to make them appear innocent. Thank goodness the jurors will (hopefully) pay attention to the videos and their mugshots. You can take the hillbilly out of his normal way of dressing, but he's still a racist hillbilly and nothing can change that. Look at his demeanor, even. Not an ounce of remorse.
They do put glasses on defendants on purpose.
I agree. They want them look as innocent as possible. Clean cut, nice, and sweet God loving and God fearing
In fairness, I'm long sighted. I can see a bus coming a mile away but my eyes struggle when looking at a computer or reading for a long time so I don't need glasses outside.
Total ol school profiling...ugh
Just 3 men hunted a person that had nothing to do with them ......sad beyond it ..so sorry to family ...😥 no excuse for this type of crime in today's world....🤬
Arbury got exactly what he deserved. Who the hell did he think he was entering someone's unfinished home on private property sneaking around looking for something to steal. He got exactly what he bargained for and what he deserved I say good riddance to the thief and free the McMichael's now.
The truth is somewhere in the middle. As always !
@@Kitty-lq5jd hey clown obviously the jury didn't think so🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣and they will never be free,👿
@@Kitty-lq5jd bet you are sad now
@@Kitty-lq5jd I know you're being sarcastic. If not, then you're totally demented.
Some people should just mind their own business 🤔RIP Maude 🙏God has this one 🙏
The look on their faces tells all. They were wrong and now they are going to pay!
The William dude looks like he bout to cry thinking about how he is most likely getting locked up for life. They're not so tough without their guns huh smh
Your ignorarnce on full display
A wise man once told me to mind my own business and IL live a long time🤣
A Very Wise Man and he should know that even though these guys didn't mind their own business, they Will Live a Long Life, but it'll be in PRISON
(At least they're LIVING) Can't say the same for Amaud!!
@@TheresaLennon-z3cwhere they'll be miserable 4the rest of their lives😊
@@TheresaLennon-z3c Nobody in prison is living:), good try though at being blatantly ignorant and rude. If your definition of life is simply existing on Earth, I can only imagine the poor quality of life you are experiencing right now.
A wiser man told me not to repeatedly enter people's houses in the middle of the night
If there such thing as a “GOOD LAWYER “ ...the Prosecutor is IT . HER OPENING STATEMENT IS AWESOME. TO SAY THE LEAST. She’s definitely holding the room. In Awe Stunning. Articulated. Well DONE. .
The 3 defense lawyers look cooked😂😂😂😂
Prosecutor Linda she did a fantastic job in her opening statement in defense of the murder of Ahmad 👍 thank you prosecutor Linda wish there were more of you 🙏
She definitely did her presentation alone was A1 to how she describe “drive way decision” that’s what’s key in this trial!! They going down
@@VonBanG I'm praying that justice prevails Ahmad 👍
You should definitely vote for her when she runs for judge
If anyone was undecided on whether they thought Roddie Bryan was as involved, here is your proof. Compelling proof of his compliance just in the opening statement. All 3 of them are going down and rightfully so.
Sorry, what lawyers say is not evidence. And as no evidence has been admitted yet….🤷♀️
@@suzyvp8968 What do you mean lol? Everything lawyers say in a court of law is evidence. My point is that everything she said in the opening statement will be discussed in depth at some point so we know Roddys downfall is imminent.
@@virtualxella no, there is a jury instruction in every courtroom in every stare that’s says explicitly “What Lawyers Say Is Not Evidence.” Look, I think the McMichaels should go down for murder and Bryan as an accessory to murder- but let’s follow the constitution , please? Let the evidence be presented and the chips fall where they may.
@@suzyvp8968 If that's the case please explain to me why lawyers say to the judge 'id like to submit peoples number 28192 into evidence' when presenting evidence? lol
@@virtualxella an opening statement is what they intend to prove during trial . It is not evidence .
That’s why she was amazing as a prosecutor. She explained in detail to the jurors in simple words and not judicial jargon. The way she showed it on the screen everything that happened and the meaning of each charges and the requirements you have to meet and from the beginning she destroyed any defense attorney theories that not even met self defense or citizen arrest. She really did her homework. To listen to it again after I watched live before and I knew then she was doing a good job but I think it was more than excellent. That county is blessed to have her working for the attorney general.
I've watched these so many times. What I noticed lately is Linda and her team exude righteousness. They are honorable, humble, honest, good people. Most of the murderer's team look like scheisters and crooks and ambulance chasers at best. So, it worked in the prosecution's favor and they got favorable rulings. There wasn't any crooked southern banana court law imposed. It was all on board, straight shooting law. The defendant's were done from the get-go. They had nothing. In Cold Blood in plain view and recorded.
The only way you could talk to them, or the judge for that matter, was in simple terms. Look at the citizens arrest statute--neither of them could correctly analyse a two sentence statute, but they all loved the judge's sermon.
@@picometer472 in addition them alleging citizen arrest was so ridiculous and if you don’t do it by the statute but you have to explain it to the jurors in simple words.
@@ivanvillamil2764 What you wrote has no logic
@@ivanvillamil2764 Linda communicated effectively using simple language, respecting the jury as peers. In contrast, Laura Hogue consistently patronized the jury. Hogue was an example of pure cringe.
Ahmaud was minding his business...the mcmichaels and bryan should have did the same.
When has it become a crime to jogg? Ahmaud didn't have to stop and talk to those men...they were the aggressors, they decided to take up arms and pursue Ahmaud and now they cry self defense.
Ahmad Aubrey was looking for something to steal. Wake up and smell the coffee brewing he had no business being in that neighborhood and he was the culprit of the other thefts, don't kid yourself. He got what he deserved.
💯💯💯💯
@@Kitty-lq5jd last i checked this is America he had every right to be in that neighborhood. The rest of that bs you wrote is ASSumptions. An you know what those make you look like
Just like Kyle....Here's a tip...don't carry guns.
@@Kitty-lq5jd lol hes never stolen anything from that neighborhood and they have no evidence saying or proving he did. you wake up, its idiotic assumptions like yours that led to this mans death
It's the hate in them. 😈
You can really see the concern in Gregs
face its almost like he knows his fate is
doomed
Greg Mister control almighty, tongue everlasting was quiet as a mouse during the trial too chicken to take the stand like a man. Now Trapped like a Rat in prison until...
Of Course, being a Former Law Enforcement person. He knows they Screwed up in So Many Ways. And now it's hit his mind, NO PRIVILEGES!!
@@realmom9288 RIGHT! Now he's the one "Trapped like a Rat" of his own doing AND he's also the cause of ruining his son's life! All based on assumptions & speculation fueled by Bigotry!
Wonderful Linda Dunikowski! Masterful prosecutor throughout the entire trial!
What does the NRA teach: you are responsible for your own firearms; store them responsibly. Storing a firearm in a vehicle overnight is very very irresponsible. There is no excuse for storing a firearm unsafely where it can be taken away from you.
People who act like this with their firearms are very poor gun owners.
No they are white supremacists
No they are white supremacists
I want to hug this wonderful woman like she's my mom
Why is there even a trial here. The man was chased and killed, and there were THREE murderers. 🤷🏼♀️ The whole world saw it happening.
Because it's America
Hence, the trial.
Because they didn't take a plea. Wonder what their offer was....
@@AliceA333
No plea deals no bail
@@brucesmith1544 they almost always offer a plea. It isn't always desirable, but you can always plead guilty.
I had no idea they chased him and tried to hit him for so long. He must have been terrified
Exactly! 😅😢
He wanted to kill those white guys so badly he was willing to risk his life to do it. He had done this twice before
They'd just KILLED a man, yet the race soldiers let all three of them RETURN home... SMGDH
Jr looks awful nervous.
Doesn't he just! Lmao!
They all look look nervous, especially Roaddie
USA is so f+++d up tbh, especially regarding gun crime, no wonder us here in Europe, couldn't care less nowadays what happens there (especially since Trump), feeling is they can screw up their own lives these days, we got plenty of serious issues here to overcome (Covid, etc), watching the trial as I love watching the legal arguments in trials, and also justice for Ahmaud..
Damn right. That's why I am SO HAPPY that I still have my British passport!
The leftist democrats communist party destroyed us .. you’re nobody to talk , I wouldn’t go to Europe for free.
@@Leann68 and @Clappersbsn well, Leann, there's no cure for Stupid, unfortunately.
So happy i’m Born and living in Europe.
@@Leann68. Trumpeters are still whining over The fact the fact Donny lost big time. His lil ego got hurt and by the way he doesn’t give one rats ass about America. He paranoid he’s a lil Adolfo Trump I’m sure he pretends he still the President I mean he still wants to be so he can steal and screw our country up more. However America is Bigger and Better because we Defeated him fair and square it was Donny who was caught. So Leann He formed a group of terrorist and attacked our capital. Now as far as Europe goes Yes loved Germany traveled a bit beautiful. This is but a glitch America is a wonderful place
I love love this DA she is Awesome
H
Very smart sharp
Easy to
Listen to effective
This is not a TV show--this is a trial
Lord just hold his mother in your loving arms it's so painful for her to see this
His Father also. He said it was hard to sit in court & see his sons killers.
Roddie is writing a goodbye letter to his wife
😂😂😂
She's his girlfriend 😂
😂😂😂
💯
I bet Roddie's fiancée left him a dramatic goodbye note since she won't be "Satlla Shores" wife.
Linda Dunikoski is a great wonderful prosecutor ❣️
Yes she is.
Let's hope she runs for the "judge's" bench in the next local election.
@@madmarx1983 She was hoping you would be hoping. The judge was pandering to people like you too--he's up for election.
@@picometer472 I hope he wins.
@@madmarx1983 You mean Arbery? He lost.
This is 2024 and i continue to watch this trial over and over. Cant help but wonder what is going on inside Greg McMichael's head as he continues to watch his son Travis. Probably has a lot of guilt that he has taught his son such hate and now facing a long prison sentence.
How did he teach his son hate? There were breakins in the neighborhood, the son got a gun stolen from his car. They were sick of it. His father I'm sure, not used to new policing techniques with cameras everywhere, felt untouchable. And figured they could chase down anyone breaking into houses without consequences. What they didn't know is the days of the good Samaritan are over. Gone are the days when cops or regular citizens are allowed to stop people from stealing from them, assaulting them, victimized them, etc.
@squigglyline2813 yes Travis had his gun stolen but I guess you didn't hear him testify in his own defense that Ahmaud didn't steal his gun . He said he saw the neighbors home video . Guess what no Ahmaud on them . Why not because he didn't do it. They have a picture of the man who stole from the neighbors car. Guess what it wasn't Ahmaud it was a white male . One lady told the Facebook group of the person who stole her stuff. Not Ahmaud. And the best thing ever the Homeowner Larry English told them and Officer Rash on February 11 Ahmaud NEVER STOLE ANYTHING FROM HIS PROPERTY.
@geraldineallen8060 nobody stole travis's gun,that was lie.
Travis keep saying someone stole his gun in January. Then he said it might have been a possibility that it was Ahmaud. But he admitted that he looked at the neighbors camera and Ahmaud was not on it. So he had to admitted it definitely wasn't Ahmaud
@@squigglyline2813pack of lies Satan.
Very great seasoned prosecutor!
The defense objected from the rip and begged for a mistrial over and over. SMDH. Pathetic! Linda Dunikoski did an awesome job!!!!
This is one of the most engaging openings I’ve ever listened too. Give them guys the death penalty! They were wrong
They need to feel the experience of prison. Pappy McMurderer might have encounters with men he arrested. It should scare the bajudus outta him😮
@@realmom9288Pappy Mcmurderer is in a medical prison 😊
@@teresawicks-kq3bq l know but thats been over a year. Will he be there for the rest of his days.? I dont think hes sick unless hes freaking out mentally. Too bad..
The father wanted him arrested because he was a black man running thru his neighborhood
That’s a felony in his neighborhood
sure. nothing else was going on right?
Right @@picometer472
@@picometer472what was going on at that time. What crime was he committing
Then I guess Travis didn't use all that training his lawyer is talking about
Brilliant prosecutor no drama, just the facts.
Assumptions are not facts. She assumed she knew what was in Arbery's mind
@@picometer472 oh your so right three white men chasing a young Black man with a shot gun a 357 revolver and two pick up trucks for five minutes, but the prosecutor is making assumptions about what's on Ahmud Audrey's mind.
Maybe your not that intelligent or maybe you believe that the Mcmichael's and their camera man Roddy Bryan had the right to kill Ahmud Aubrey for entering that neighborhood that the Mcmichael's were renting in, because they weren't even home owners in that community.
That's not an assumption that's a fact.
She kicked there asses she's a great prosecutor didn't need looks or charisma just the truth...❤❤❤
Can this lady moonlight on the Rittenhouse case at the same time cos that prosecutor is poor.
I know right she makes those chumps look like amateurs.
Agreed. The Rittenhouse case Prosecutor is terrible. Just completely subpar. In all fairness, however? This case IS objectively easier to decide and determine than the Rittenhouse trial. This one? All THREE defendants will be found guilty of malice murder or (more likely) felony murder. With Kyle Rittenhouse, considering how outstanding his defense attorneys are, he MIGHT get away with a "not guilty" on the murder and manslaughter charges (based on self-defense). He was 17 at the time, the Prosecutor is awful, he COULD have been in fear for his life or imminent harm/bodily injury (at the time that he fired his gun) because by THEN he WAS ARGUABLY BEING attacked by the protesters (who had mistakenly and SO unfortunately believed that Kyle had fired his gun BEFORE-- which in reality he had NOT).
DID Kyle BELONG in Kenosha at the age of 17 with an AR-15 type rifle/shotgun? Looking for trouble? (Of course not! He will be found guilty of crossing state lines with a firearm and carrying a firearm while underage). But, did he know what he was getting himself into? I dislike EVERYTHING about Kyle Rittenhouse and I am almost 100% sure that his parents are racist and ignorant people. However, DID Kyle INTEND TO KILL that night? OR did he STUPIDLY and with the immaturity that is unfortunately TYPICAL of MOST 14 to 17 year olds in the USA, merely get in WAY over his head? And, as a result of his LUDICROUS decision to GO TO the Protests in Kenosha that day (WHERE were his PARENTS??) did he ULTIMATELY NEED to fire his ILLEGAL firearm (based on his age!) because by the TIME that he WAS being chased by the Victims (b/c THEY INACCURATELY believed that Kyle had fired shots just minutes before in an attempt to harm others), nothing short of SOMEONE dying was an inevitability? Seriously, I would be so grateful if all of you would share your opinion on this issue. 🙏
@@daliakuwait Rittenhouse never crossed state lines with the firearm. Please, stop saying that. Did you not watch his friend on the stand, plain as day say “I bought the gun, it stayed at my dads house in Wisconsin”?
@@pommiebears Kyle was underage and not legally entitled to be in possession of a gun, period. Secondly, he crossed state lines with intent to retrieve the firearm from his friend specifically to engage in vigilantism. Lastly, even had he been 18, he would not have been registered to carry a gun in Wisconsin.
May the Lord and Lady Bless this poor mother, please give her the power to set through the trail of those who killed her son. As one mother to another my heart goes out to her and her family🌹
👍💯
His Father said it was very hard to sit in court & see his son killers.
Fortunately she had the foresight to take out insurance on him.
IT WAS Then! They knew they were Finished
This prosecutor is amazing !!! She is killing it !!!
They hunted him. He was running and unarmed. They should get life in jail, the end.
They should get a medal for doing what the stupid cops couldn't do, stopping a thief. He got exactly what he bargained for and what he deserved.. end of story!
💯💯💯
@@Kitty-lq5jd 🤡 they’ll get there medals in prison
@@Kitty-lq5jdWell, the mcmichaels did get a medal😂now their someone's girlfriend 4life without parole 😂😂😂 demons
He was armed with a shotgun
They went hunting for a human being!
Just like cops do
No trail put THEM IN JAIL FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES👊👊👊👊👊👊👊💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
I just got to say, why the hell didn't Mr. English put a "no trespassing" sign up! He's got a completely open construction site, a dock, and liability, but can't afford a "no trespassing" sign?
The burglary statute does not require a no trespassing sign
@@picometer472there was no burglary committed at this site by Ahmaud. Irrelevant
@@AprilAnnShintaniKua Arbery was being sought by the police for burglary. He was seen by the neighbors who called the police, and the police were searching the neighborhood for him.
@ no proof at all.
LWOP❤️🙌🏽
@@picometer472no he was not. Liar.
Do you think they thought they would probably be spending the rest of their lives in prison on this day.
HELL NAW* They f'd around and found out though😜
nah. They thought they might be dead. That's why they brought guns. Greg thought the mystery guy was a gunman and a thief, and when the smoke cleared, he was right.
She needs to be a law professor
What is Roddy writing all the time? “ I wish I never got that forking cell phone.”
I was wondering the same thing whatever he was writing it is not going to help him behind the concrete jungle for life. JAIL. His lawyer pretty much said he is illiterate. A uneducated mechanic so he was probally just scribbling. These racist dudes all three of them are Sad sick Animals.
He's writing:
Dont drop the soap
Dont drop the soap
Dont drop the soap.... 😅😅
@@tracywestbrook7552uh to be modern day mechanic takes a lot more education then you’ll ever have.
Care to explain to me how to rebuild an 8 speed automatic ?
I wish I never left my porch😂😂
Calm down bubba, Roddy's lawyer said it trying to get Roddy some sympathy, it didn't work. Lawyer looked more illiterate and ignorant saying it 😂@@Bag0fRats
The defense's opening statement sounds more like Ahmaud is on trial and not the mcmichaels or bryan.
Defense tried to claim pointing a shotgun is deesclating, that shits insane lmao
Of course they are it’s their only tactic but the prosecution is going to rip that apart !!
Ahmad Aubrey should be on trial, he was nothing but a thief and he got stopped. By some good old boys just looking out for their own which is something the cops did not and cannot do. I say good riddance to the thief he was looking around and wandering around and getting ready to leave because he couldn't find anything to steal. Let's get real we all know what really happened. A black man snooping around in the neighborhood he had no business being in, in an unfinished home that had video surveillance and when he couldn't find anything worth stealing he got ready to leave and someone spotted him.. good thing too. I say good riddance to the thief and free the McMichael's now.
@@Kitty-lq5jd I hope you are your family never ever had to deal with this kinda tragedy you’re very disgusting 🤮
@@Kitty-lq5jd revelations 13:9😉
i was mesmerized i love her , even her stance was like she knows there fukked
They're
@@susandurrant6357 big true
@@susandurrant6357 people make mistakes don't be a spelling Nazi.
@@badmonkey2222 Do you think spelling is important?
@@susandurrant6357 to be fair, it is a common mistake. I see it fairly often on social media, that said - I’m sure it hasn’t stopped OP from obtaining gainful employment and leading a normal life.
I hope they play the replay of him calling him A "N" as many times as they showed GF being murdered.... And it's about time they started editing what they show.
It's beyond triggering , even if it happened a year ago and my blood boils Everytime I see the 3.......
When did he say that
They were just calling a spade a spade LOL LOL LMBO...😂🤣
You are a lost Soul, you must have been raised by the Non human
@@Kitty-lq5jd isaiah 14:21
@@Kitty-lq5jd a spade is blk,Aubrey was brown,dum woman don't even know her colors smh
Driveway Assumptions..
But Mr. English could've simply put a "Do not trespass" sign instead of keeping calling the police and talking to his neighbors and sharing videos of Mr. Arbery... I mean many other people -not only Mr. Arbery- were entering that under construction house maybe out of curiosity, and I understand the owner didn't want them to, so why not put a sign saying "do not trespass" for God sake? A man was murdered for no reason whatsoever... This is upsetting.
Exactly. Why didn't the neighbors hold Mr. English accountable for the hazardous situation at the construction site he left unattended? If the property had so many valuables, he should have put up a chain-link fence to secure it. Common sense was lacking at The Shores.
I binge watch this everyday. My heart is so over filled with love for the brother Ahmad! He was a soldier who fought those Clansmen off with everything he had. He should go down in history for his bravery and warrior spirit. You are a martyr, my brother.
They are waaay too stupid, and even the clan wouldn't let them within a hundred of their members.
Good thing he got caught at the high school
The prison diet always does wonders, it seems.
The good old boys thought they would get off by their peers.
Why are they taking notes, like they need to?
Lol good question I guess to look like they are engaged in what she’s saying
Its just for trial, to make it seem he isnt really involved but hes just there to take notes of the trial. Make him seem interested. Along with the glasses, which he never wears glasses normally, sucking in his lips, trying to look dumb and stupid and innocent.
But if you see the body cam video at the incident, hes very engaged, very communicative, way different from the way hes presenting himself at trial now, mr Bryan. 🤮🤮
Arbery was probably a very good note taker
THEIR GUILT IS WRITTEN ALL OVER THEIR PETRIFIED FACES
🤣
Roddie Bryan looked like he was about to collapse any minute OR had severe constipation!
Why buy cameras, and still don't post a sign in the yard?
Why buy cameras but not a recorder?
Why leave a boat of valuable electronics at an empty construction site? Foolish folks at “The Shores”.
@@Natalie_TrueCrime Foolishness is not a crime. Burglary is a crime.
@@picometer472 You got me on that one. But seriously, why would you leave a boat of valuables at an empty construction site? (rhetorical). Isn't it fascinating how the people in Shores were worried about intruders, but still left their purses, guns, and electronics in their unlocked vehicles. The enigma of this tragedy continues to puzzle me.
@@Natalie_TrueCrime There are many places in this country where people are not plagued by crime. It's not necessary to lock your car
1:27:18 Lmfao... Yep buddy, you're screwed! And that's their entire defence, in tatters!!! Couldn't be happening to three better, oops, I mean BIGGER racist!!! Brilliant!!!
😂😂😂😂
@@hurricanewave212 HOW FUNNY!
If that young man had a gun, why didn't he take cover and protect himself? Because he had no gun.
Arbery knew the train was coming
The irony of this whole thing is that if the father and son were still cops they would’ve gone Scott free.
Man oh man that was a long winded opening . All three will be going to prison for a VERY long time . I guarantee it .
I do hope you’re right!
They belong no where else.
Well if you believe it was a SUCCESSFUL opening statement, then "long-winded" is not the correct adjective. Perhaps "effective" is the adjective you were seeking!
Those three will be making a movie and be tagged heroes for taking down a worthless thief.
Hope so 💯💯💯💯
This lady should have been the prosecuter in the George Zimmerman case. George would have setting in jail today. Same case different year. George made parking lot decisions
Shes not playing.
I am sickened by yet another arrogant racist gunning down another young innocent black kid for living his life while they can't mind their own damn business. I have walked into homes being built without anyone questioning my motives. Yes, I was a real estate agent but people in the neighborhood didn't know that or who I was. I wonder if the family members of the victim would rather have the bastards just plead guilty and take responsibility and not have them relive the horrible injustice they bestowed on their son and family members.
Guilty on all accounts all three of them
My question is why it took so long to arrest them?
The DA Jackie Johnson is a white supremacist buddy of one of the shooters. She has since been indicted and is going on trial soon
In a situation where one commits homicide, most folks be read their rights, cuffed, and placed in the back of a police car. However, in the case of the McMichael's, they were able to drive away without their car being impounded or searched. Additionally, it's surprising that they were allowed to use their cell phones to call the D.A. and chat on the scene. Astounding on many levels.
@@trillfate4479Do you think the trial will go to court soon? I haven't heard anything. Hopefully, it has taken a long time because they are compiling a good case and uncovering all the corruption.
@@Natalie_TrueCrime- the three men were found guilty, the McMichael’s were found guilty and sentenced to life without parole. Roddie Bryant was found guilty and sentenced to life with the possibility of parole.
Wow this was a great trial !!!! And the state attorney hit it on the noggin “ Great work “
Yes premeditated it were, against all colors other than their own. I call them evil, all three of them.😈
Isaiah 59:5-9 KJV. Those men were so quick to run/drive to shed innocent blood.
How did Arbery achieve sainthood?
3 of those guys faces look so glum just see how they realize how wrong they were now facing life in prison.
Sure, and when I hear people like you talk, I get glum too.
She did her job... Hell here these 3 come... This is disgusting to even be witnessing Justice needs to be served for Ahmaud Arbery!
Jaysus sort your IT out...you how how long to prepare for this day 🤦♀️ Great opening statement though 👏
Guilty.
"Roddie the idiot" took the most notes out of everyone there. He'll have tons to read in prison for the next 30 years. On another note, why did Ahmaud keep snooping around that property day or night?
He probably did it at night so these “CRIMINALS” wouldn’t violate his rights but no matter how hard you try you can’t stop a “CRIMINAL” especially when they come in a group!!!
He was not the only one. The couple that was seen on video went in there a few times as well as others & kids. Why didn't the McMichaels approach anyone else.
He was writing goodbye letters to friends and family
It was a open unsecured construction site anyone could come and go as they please. There was no trespassing signs posted.
Because i believe he was going to take classes to become an electrician, and was interested in the building process. Like many people are and others have been looking in that specific property too. Maybe he wandered around dreaming of opening a house like that one day himself.
Myself i was doing something similar recently at a house that was being built, and suddenly it hit me: im doing the same as Arbery did that day, except he is dead now. 😪😪🤬
Makes my blood boil.
These murderers hunted him down. He was another human being!! 😢
Arbery was a Sunday school teacher, he he loved animals
Its not even their own property like mind your own business and you wouldn't be in this situation...like Kyle Rittenhouse...mind your own business and stay at home.
They just rented, didnt even own their own property, Travis had to go live with mom and daddy again, they were barely getting by financially. Its just one whole failing family, with no purpose in life, no life, and played Fake cop and being vigilantes to at least feel a bit important, acting like being neighbourhood police.
Very happy that these 3 dangerous racists are in jail for life.
Maybe Arbery ignored that advice?
This evil old man sent his son to life in prison
Yes, I just said this to someone else on this thread. Taught his son to hate and it landed them both in prison for life.
Thank god for the video because without it they all would've gotten away with his murder because they all would say he threatened them with a weapon 😢
Guilty Guilty Guilty. Moving On...
9X3=27 Guiltys
Case closed 🔥
Greg messed up lots of people life with that one decision.,
It's troubling to think of all the lives he impacted in a negative way while serving as the ‘lead investigator’ for District Attorney Jackie Johnson. One can only wonder about the approaches he took in conducting his investigations.
@@Natalie_TrueCrimewith suspected credentials for 9 years
Can we all compare these GUILTY, RACIST DEFENDANTS to the Rittenhouse case for a minute? I would welcome your opinions. Here, the Prosecutor is indeed phenomenal. In the Rittenhouse trial, I am actually wondering if the Prosecutor passed the Bar Exam just a few months ago: he is just completely subpar.
In fairness, however (regarding these two trials, their potential differences, and the LEVELS of potential racism and hatred-- and stupidity too--involved), let us reflect.
This case is objectively easier to decide and to determine than the Rittenhouse trial. I would say on this trial (so far) that all 3 defendants are indeed GUILTY ON ALL OR MOST COUNTS IN THIS CASE. All THREE defendants seem guilty of either malice murder or (more likely) felony murder.
With Kyle Rittenhouse, however, considering how outstanding his defense attorneys are, he MIGHT get away with a "not guilty" on the murder and manslaughter charges (based on self-defense). He was 17 at the time, the Prosecutor is awful, he COULD have been in fear for his life or imminent harm/bodily injury (at the time that he fired his gun) because by THEN he WAS ARGUABLY BEING attacked by the protesters (who had mistakenly and SO unfortunately believed that Kyle had fired his gun BEFORE-- which in reality he had NOT).
DID Kyle BELONG in Kenosha at the age of 17 with an AR-15 type rifle/shotgun? Looking for trouble? (Of course not! He will be found guilty of crossing state lines with a firearm and carrying a firearm while underage). But, did he know what he was getting himself into? I dislike EVERYTHING about Kyle Rittenhouse and I am almost 100% sure that his parents are racist and ignorant people. However, DID Kyle INTEND TO KILL that night? OR did he STUPIDLY and with the immaturity that is unfortunately TYPICAL of MOST 14 to 17 year olds in the USA, merely get in WAY over his head? And, as a result of his LUDICROUS decision to GO TO the Protests in Kenosha that day (WHERE were his PARENTS??) did he ULTIMATELY NEED to fire his ILLEGAL firearm (based on his age!) because by the TIME that he WAS being chased by the Victims (b/c THEY INACCURATELY believed that Kyle had fired shots just minutes before in an attempt to harm others), nothing short of SOMEONE dying was an inevitability? Seriously, I would be so grateful if all of you would share your opinion on this issue. 🙏
I agree 100% w/everything you said. From my perspective, the cases are entirely different. Rittenhouse’s primary culpability was his childish (ideological) decision to take his AR-15 to that neighborhood & “defend” the properties & businesses from the “evil BLM protesters”. (Who we’re in fact largely young people, who didn’t belong to any group or organization) And when he actually used his firearm, he arguably felt threatened. So although I wish he would have been convicted on a lesser charge, I can’t truly blame the jury. His defense team was phenomenal & the prosecutor was dreadful. Night & day difference between this case. Where the defendants were absolutely the aggressors & deserved to be found guilty on all charges. 2 of the defense attnys on this case are actually seasoned & talented defense attnys. Mr. Ponytail lawyer & his lawyer wife are pitiful. They’re experienced for sure but failed to learn lesson #1, the importance of likability & it’s impact on how jurors inevitably view your client. That said, the defense attnys have been swimming upstream from day 1 in this case. They were outmatched by evidence & this incredible prosecutor. I’ve watched her closely during the 18 months leading up to trial, throughout all of the pretrial hearings. She knows the case backward & forward. But even more impressively, the case law & foundation to back her arguments. Such a pleasure to watch a DA w/this level of skill.
@@maryb6672 I agree with you completely, Mary! Great analysis above. Out of curiosity, any thoughts on the Thomas Edgecomb trial and the jury's verdict of "reckless homicide"? Also, what do you think of the fact that in Wisconsin, reckless homicide carries the same sentence as second degree intentional murder? (i.e. up to 60 years in prison?)
My opinion is that Thomas lied on tmrw stand about a few things. And the widow of the victim lied about (or misremembered) a few things on tje stand. Had I been on the jury, I would have disregarded the widow's testimony completely. That said, I too would have found the Defendant guilty of reckless homicide. I think he lied on the stand about the following:
1. If --as THOMAS EDGECOMB HIMSELF STATED!--the gun went off by accident (I think even his own defense attorney was shocked when his client said that btw! B/c by saying that, Edgecomb completely UNDID his OWN claim of self-defense) or then for this reason alone, I would have found him guilty of reckless homicide b/c an accident is not self-defense and if it WAS an accident, then it was extremely reckless (given his firearms training and weapons training--he should have been capable of making sure the weapon did NOT accidentally discharge!) His actions WERE therefore reckless. Also, I don't believe doe one second that the defendant saw "something in the immigration lawyer's hand" and that he therefore felt "threatened" of imminent bodily harm or death. He might have thought he was going to be in a fist fight, but he KNEW he HAD the gun in his OWN person IF ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY whereas he could see the victim was in a "boxer's stance." SO there was no need to shoot the victim in the face.
2) The defendant lied about why he hot rid of the gun. He lied about why he put his bike in the basement AFTER tmrw shooting, he lied about it requiring more than 6 months to find a lawyer and turn himself in (he would have never turned himself in had he not been caught), and he could not have been more annoying on the witness stand in terms of NOT answering the prosecutor's questions, having a VERY selective memory, and constantly asking for the questions to be repeated. He was lying. Had I been a juror, it would have been very difficult for me to believe much of anything that he said. And lastly, regarding the defendant:
3) I actually don't believe that he or his bike were hit by the car, and I don't believe an IMMIGRATION lawyer so beloved by his clients and married to a woman of color who also had a son of color would have called the defendant a "N-word." No, the defendant added that detail to make the jury have sympathy for him. I DO believe the lawyer SWORE at him! He certainly didn't say "what the heck?" like the grieving widow said lol! He probably used very strong swear words! And he WANTED to FIGHT the defendant--NOT "resolve conflict by talking to him" as the widow claimed! But I do NOT believe that he threw the N-word around. No, this was just pure road rage (classic) and unfortunately the immigration lawyer didn't know (could not have known) that the defendant was locked and loaded.
And let's not forget tha the defendant has violence in his PAST (even though the jury did not get to hear about that-- rightfully as it would have been more prejudicial than probative) AND let's not forget that the defendant PUNCHED this guy in the face just because he SWORE at him! There is ZERO evidence that tje defendant was hit by the car! Perhaps it was a close call, but this was simply all a matter of EGO and road RAGE.
A SENSELESS death!
That said, it was not second degree or first degree murder. At that point I don't even think the defendant as thinking at all (other than getting away) at the time he pulled the trigger. He felt cornered and he reacted. It WAS reckless homicide and I think the jury got that RIGHT.
BUT, I find it strikingly bizarre that a reckless homicide should be treated similarly to a second degree INTENTIONAL homicide in terms of sentencing! And the JUDGE in this case? He ran a very tight ship is his courtroom and was pretty rude to everyone throughout the entire trial. I just wonder if (with all of the aggravating factors present) he WILL end up sentencing Edgecomb to maybe 40 years in prison (as opposed to something like 20).
Thoughts, Mary?
😊
Rittenhouse had a gun pointed at him. Travis had a guy taking his shotgun to kill him.
I wish this lady was prosecuting the Potter case too !. 👏🏻👏🏻
The judge, in that case Regina Chu, would have still given her 2 yrs😢
Harry Potter is on trial??!
The cameraman could do better
id trade for cctv
She did a great presentation, otherwise, she just did her job. If so many of the people in prison had not been Jackie'd, prisons wouldn't be overflowing, and other attorneys could show their greatness. I have personally seen appointed lawyers, speaking with prosecutors, when bosses tell them to get rid of piled up cases. What can poor people do about it..... accept a plea, where the lesser plea is really higher than it should be.
Wasting Tax Payers Money that’s why they are there
Seriously just put them away for life we all know they’re guilty
EXACTLY because we ALL know they're guilty
Do they need a decent pc? The amount this case costs, one can be purchased for a fraction of the cost.
exactly...i mean how hard is it to hire a techie who knows what theyre doing and get a decent pc/laptop. no excuse you cant even play a video clip in a case like this...
@@deedeemerry1295 Right, I'm like why is her video so choppy. She should've took care of this before the opening statement.