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Outaw trial
In the past 3 days I have sat through 21 hours of the trial Byron Outlaw.
It was my first official trial story I was responsible for covering, and the charge Outlaw was sentenced and found guilty of was murder.
It was an emotional rollercoaster. For a second I though he was guilty, for a second I knew he was innocent and for the majority of the other times I didn't know what to think.
I listened to about 16 witness, cops and criminals, tell their side of the story and how it would impact the jury's decision.
I sat there and watched Ervin Flint Jr.'s grandmother gasp as the pictures of her dead grandson were put on the overhead for the jury to see.
Flint is the young man Outlaw was found guilty of murdering.
I heard Outlaw's mom and step dad completely upset with the entire situation. From the beginning of the trial to the end, Outlaw's step dad was there.
My heart goes out to him. My heart goes out to everyone involved with that trial. From the judge down to the jury, to the family members involved, I can only try to imagine what they were going through.
I'm sure for the judge it must be pretty routine, but telling a man he is sentenced to life in prison can't be the easiest job in the world.
During the jury's deliberation, when they were trying to come to a guilty verdict, I prayed. I really didn't know what else to do. I asked for forgiveness for anyone who needed it. I prayed for all the hearts in the room, including Outlaw.
Outlaw has two, little twin daughters. I definitely prayed for them. Outlaw won't be eligible for parole until he is 55-years old.
Posted by Clayton Hein at 10:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
