"The video IDs him as the killer, the audio IDs him as the killer, the fibers ID him as the killer, the glass IDs him as the killer, the DNA IDs him as the killer."
Mendocino Assistant DA Paul Sequeira presented a very powerful opening statement this morning. After Judge Timothy Cissna had read the charges, Mr. Sequeira started off with the morning of September 27, 2012, the discovery of the bodies of Suzanne Seemann and injured bodies of Jessica Hunt and Terri Vroman Little detailing events how investigation led to Jason Warren's arrest later that day around 5 p.m.
Mr. Sequeira started his opening remarks, "Dorothy Evelyn Ulrich, 47 years old, married, husband Tim Ulrich Sr, homemaker from Hoopa, three adult children. Suzanne Seemann, married, husband Hank, two children. These Humboldt County women didn't know each other and had no connection in life. In the early morning hours of September 27, they would be horribly connected in death."
Ulrich's mother, family members, Vroman Little and Hunt left the courtroom when audio from surveilance at Ulrich's home was played for the jury. The courtroom was packed with family members and friends, including Seeman's husband, Hank Seemann.
On the audio, you hear silence and then Ulrich's voice, "Oww, Oww. What are you doing?" You hear sounds like a thud. Please stop, Please stop, Jason, stop you are hurting me. What are you doing? Jason, stop, Jason, please, stop, what are you doing? Jason, please, stop it." You hear whacking sounds. "Jason, aah, Jason, I can't do this, oww, " You hear a man's voice say what sounds like be quiet. "Oww the silence."
Hunt was the first witness, Vroman Little the second witness, Mr. Brown briefly cross examined them. The third witness to take the stand before noon was Lalanya Beck, the U. S. postal worker that discovered Hunt's injured body on Mrytle Avenue. In the afternoon session, law enforcement that arrived at the crime scene testified. This included Arcata Police Department's Sgt. Ron Sligh, California Highway Patrol's Lt. Harold Rosenthal and Officer Brent Walker. So far, each witness has corroborated the narrative of Mr. Sequeira's opening statements.
Hearing Hunt and Little testify about their injuries, the fact that they had no recollection of the events of September 27 due to brain injuries and Vroman Little breaking down on the stand as she identified the clothes and gear found scattered at the crime scene from the impact of the KIA that hit the three runners was emotionally devastating.
The devastating human loss of life came through in the answers of Sgt. Sligh,Lt. Rosenthal, and Officer Walker, all experienced officers shaken by what they saw on Myrtle Avenue. They learned the names of the victims later, not at the crime scene.
Sgt. Sligh said Hunt would "come in and out of consciousness," her leg was badly injured. He went over to Vroman Little who was screaming "Oh My God, Oh My God."
"I was worried about Jessica because she was not making a lot of noise so I went back to her," said Sgt. Sligh. "I asked her if she was hit. The only thing she said was yes. Later, I asked Terri Vroman Little if she saw a car. She didn't respond to my questions."
After APD Officer Vince O' Connor arrived and a Deputy Sheriff, Sligh walked and saw another person in the ditch. "It wasn't difficult to see her because you could see her from the roadway. She was wearing a brightly colored top. I called out to her. She didn't respond. I checked her pulse. No signs of breathing. I was thinking I should start CPR." he yelled to Officer O'Connor to help him. "By the time Officer O' Connor got there, I said , she's gone and went back to help those that weren't."
Jason Warren is charged for this jury trial with Count 1 murder of Dorothy Ulrich, with special allegations of killing while lying in wait and infliction of torture; Count 2 murder of Suzanne Seemann, Count 3 attempted murder of Jessica Hunt and Count 4 attempted murder of Terri-Vroman Little.
Mr. Glen Brown did not make an opening statement today and reserved that right for later. His cross examinations of the witnesses were brief, clarifying testimony, nothing of significance.
very well done John!
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