# My sister's murderer will not be charged **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [December 12, 2015, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sisters-murderer-will-not-be-charged/740278 "2015-12-12T23:16:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![BigBlue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/278dde/32.png) [@BigBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigBlue)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2015, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sisters-murderer-will-not-be-charged/740278/41 "2015-12-14T01:18:57Z")
> [@Banquet\_Bear](#): > > …can both the pro-BigT and the anti-BigT and the pro-Monty and the anti-Monty posters please just give it a rest and bugger off? No ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2015, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sisters-murderer-will-not-be-charged/740278/42 "2015-12-14T02:05:08Z")
> [@Monty](#): > > BigT. > > I wasn’t lecturing **Frank**. The response was to BigT. Oh, well carry on then. Sorry 'bout that. (I also wasn’t aware a mental illness was a bar to serving on a jury. At least, not one like **BigT** ’s. Stupidity, on the other hand…) And once again, please accept my condolences, **Frank**. ---
**Author:** ![Enola\_Gay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/3ab097/32.png) [@Enola\_Gay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Gay)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2015, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sisters-murderer-will-not-be-charged/740278/43 "2015-12-14T02:43:49Z")
IMO justice can never be fully served in a murder trial since your sister can never be returned to life. But it must feel absolutely horrible to get no justice whatsoever. I am so sorry. But as you acknowledged there is no statute of limitations for murder, so you can hold on to hope that the witnesses may have a change of heart or other evidence may surface to nab the killer. Your attitude is remarkable under the circumstances. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2015, 6:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sisters-murderer-will-not-be-charged/740278/44 "2015-12-14T06:48:49Z")
1. Why, yes, it is stupid to offer to fix a jury. And that’s exactly what BigT posted. Did he or she mean to say that? Evidently not, given his or her follow-on post. 2. Those of you calling me names for the way I read BigT’s posts are conveniently ignoring the fact that **Frank** also read that post the very same way. 3. Of course, my condolences go out to **Frank** for his loss. 4. One may continue to hope that the judicial system will manage to work in this case. I am curious, though, if the police department considers the case closed. (As in: the cops are fully convinced of who did it, how, when, and why. I think they are going by what **Frank** has shared so far.) 5. I’m looking forward to that sock account that appeared all of a sudden in Post #36 being banned. 6. This is it for me in this thread. If that sock puppet wants, he or she can start a different pit thread. ---
**Author:** ![Urbanredneck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ea5d25/32.png) [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2015, 11:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sisters-murderer-will-not-be-charged/740278/45 "2015-12-14T11:15:23Z")
> [@dada2fish](#): > > I was on the jury of a murder trial several years ago. Apparently, someone owed a drug debt and the kingpin sent a couple of his minions to shoot up a house. Four people were in the house. the person who owed the drug debt escaped unharmed as did another person. Two others were shot, one fatally and the other through the head & eye leaving her disabled. > > At trial, 3 defendants: Kingpin and 2 shooters. Only one eyewitness saw the house get shot up. During the initial interview with the police, this witness gave a very detailed story. He saw the faces, the getaway car, types of guns used. Knew the 2 shooters were working for Mr. Kingpin…etc. Basically enough to easily get a conviction. > > During the trial, Mr. Sole Eyewitness walks into court and sits on the stand. The 3 defendants gave him the most evil stare downs I’ve ever seen. Mr. EyeWitness looked terrified. > > The prosecutors asks if he recalls seeing the shooting on such and such night…etc. > Mr. EyeWitness says, “Nope! I didn’t see NOTHING!!” > Prosecutor waves papers in the air and says, “I have your signature and statement here saying you DID see this shooting.” > Eyewitness says, “I LIED!” > > After a few more futile attempts, the prosecutor dismisses him from the bench. > > He was the only witness. As the jury, we had no choice but to find them not guilty. The judge agreed. It turns out the shooters were already doing long prison terms, but Mr. Kingpin got to go home. > > I could barely look at the victim and their families in the stands. It’s been 20-something years and i still remember the names of everyone, the details and it still bugs me we had to let him go even though my gut and other circumstantial testimony/ evidence made me feel Mr. Kingpin was guilty. > > I don’t know if Mr. Eyewitness was ever held in contempt. But I’m pretty sure his life was at stake if he testified. > > I’m very sorry on the loss of your sister… This is why I wonder why everyone has to be in the same courtroom? The eyewitness might have had more backbone if he wasnt staring at the accused. I know they allow children to give testimony away from their accused. Why not adults? ---
**Author:** ![Ranchoth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranchoth/32/1066_2.png) [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2015, 11:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sisters-murderer-will-not-be-charged/740278/46 "2015-12-14T11:53:21Z")
> [@Urbanredneck](#): > > I know they allow children to give testimony away from their accused. Why not adults? To preserve the inherent [sanctity](https://books.google.com/books?id=U4nCcWRH2qoC&pg=PA135&lpg=PA135&dq=gris-gris+of+judgement&source=bl&ots=TXKzGlvtwR&sig=5O5BRGFcCpaeweJkV3cdzJzuyes&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjwtvOgpNvJAhUU_GMKHX8GCDcQ6AEIHTAA#v=onepage&q=%22gris-gris%20of%20judgement%22&f=false) and majesté of the impartial trial, one presumes. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2015, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sisters-murderer-will-not-be-charged/740278/47 "2015-12-14T13:37:49Z")
> [@Urbanredneck](#): > > I know they allow children to give testimony away from their accused. Why not adults? The [Confrontation Clause](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confrontation_Clause) in the 6th Amendment. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2015, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sisters-murderer-will-not-be-charged/740278/48 "2015-12-14T17:08:27Z")
> [@Monty](#): > > 1. One may continue to hope that the judicial system will manage to work in this case. I am curious, though, if the police department considers the case closed. (As in: the cops are fully convinced of who did it, how, when, and why. I think they are going by what **Frank** has shared so far.) Without an arrest a murder case is never considered solved or closed. We have several murder cases that we are pretty sure of the killer but there is not enough evidence. Circumstances surrounding the cases are such that there will never be a resolution. The cases remain open. ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2015, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sisters-murderer-will-not-be-charged/740278/49 "2015-12-14T17:24:11Z")
Sorry to hear about your sister and the circumstances Frank. > [@Banquet\_Bear](#): > > …can both the pro-BigT and the anti-BigT and the pro-Monty and the anti-Monty posters please just give it a rest and bugger off? …and you can go fuck a cactus. …what the fuck is with these ellipses …starting off every fucking post? …do you even know what the fuck ellipses are? …cause you look like a fucking retard …starting every fucking post this way. …fucking seriously. …it’s looks about as retarded as that Wendall Wagner bullshit. …who is so smart he can’t figure out how to click a fucking button. …jesus fuck. …go make out with Donald Trump. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2015, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sisters-murderer-will-not-be-charged/740278/50 "2015-12-14T17:55:58Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > I DID NOT SAY ANYTHING ABOUT FIXING A JURY. You _are_ still handling that speeding ticket for me though, right? ---
**Author:** ![Banquet\_Bear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/banquet_bear/32/373_2.png) [@Banquet\_Bear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banquet_Bear)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2015, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sisters-murderer-will-not-be-charged/740278/51 "2015-12-14T20:06:59Z")
> [@Drunky\_Smurf](#): > > …and you can go fuck a cactus. > > …what the fuck is with these ellipses > > …starting off every fucking post? > > …do you even know what the fuck ellipses are? > > …cause you look like a fucking retard > > …starting every fucking post this way. > > …fucking seriously. > > …it’s looks about as retarded as that Wendall Wagner bullshit. > > …who is so smart he can’t figure out how to click a fucking button. > > …jesus fuck. > > …go make out with Donald Trump. …I’ve only been doing it since I started on the internet back in 1999. But after 16 years it is nice of you to finally notice. Thanks for your opinion. ---
**Author:** ![BigBlue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/278dde/32.png) [@BigBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigBlue)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2015, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sisters-murderer-will-not-be-charged/740278/52 "2015-12-15T01:36:08Z")
> [@Monty](#): > > 1. This is it for me in this thread. If that sock puppet wants, he or she can start a different pit thread. [OK, well you asked for it.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=778237) ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2015, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sisters-murderer-will-not-be-charged/740278/53 "2015-12-15T03:59:07Z")
> [@BigBlue](#): > > [OK, well you asked for it.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=778237) Excellent job of attracting attention to your socking failure, you brainless troll. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2015, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sisters-murderer-will-not-be-charged/740278/54 "2015-12-15T15:33:00Z")
> [@BigBlue](#): > > [OK, well you asked for it.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=778237) What a fucking asshole. Buh-bye! ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2015, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sisters-murderer-will-not-be-charged/740278/55 "2015-12-15T16:00:05Z")
> [@Urbanredneck](#): > > This is why I wonder why everyone has to be in the same courtroom? The eyewitness might have had more backbone if he wasnt staring at the accused. > > I know they allow children to give testimony away from their accused. Why not adults? Seeing the stuff that people post anonymously on the internet should demonstrate the problem with that. It’s true that some witnesses who are offering valid testimony might be discouraged by having to face the person they’re accusing. But it’s more likely that there would be a lot more false accusations if witnesses could avoid facing their victims. On balance (correctly in my opinion) our legal system is biased in favor of defendants. ---
**Author:** ![clairobscur](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/839c29/32.png) [@clairobscur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clairobscur)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2015, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sisters-murderer-will-not-be-charged/740278/56 "2015-12-15T16:02:28Z")
I don’t want to appear unsensitive, but I always have been puzzled by the insistence the family of a victim typically has to see an accused convicted. Many, many times I’ve seen the victim’s relatives terribly upset that an accused was acquited. Even when there were clear doubts wrt to the guilt, and the acquital seemed justified. Of course, the relatives want revenge, but on the other hand they wouldn’t want a guy to be wrongly convicted while the actual murderer gets away with it. But, almost without fail, they seem 100% convinced that whoever is standing trial is the culprit. I’m a bit mystified by this phenomenon. It seems to me that when there are doubts, it should eat at these people “what if this guy actually isn’t the right one, and my son’s murderer is laughing watching TV reports on the trial?”. From my point of view, it seems like they want closure at any cost, hence want to believe that whoever is charged with/sentenced for the crime is guilty. Could the OP shed some light about this? What makes him so sure this guy is actually the murderer? Does he sometimes think that he might not be and that the actual criminal might be somewhere out there living a peaceful life, unsuspected? Does it bother him? ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2015, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sisters-murderer-will-not-be-charged/740278/57 "2015-12-15T16:05:35Z")
Holy shit, dude. I missed the original thread so this is the first I’m hearing about it. Bit late, but I’m sorry for your loss and what you’re going through now. ---
**Author:** ![bucketybuck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/898d66/32.png) [@bucketybuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bucketybuck)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2015, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sisters-murderer-will-not-be-charged/740278/58 "2015-12-15T16:08:34Z")
> [@Banquet\_Bear](#): > > …I’ve only been doing it since I started on the internet back in 1999. But after 16 years it is nice of you to finally notice. Thanks for your opinion. He’s right though. It does appear to be very silly. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sisters-murderer-will-not-be-charged/740278.md?page=2)