1
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<i> [dramatic music]</i>

2
00:00:04,338 --> 00:00:10,141
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

3
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- Hi, everyone, I'm dan abrams,
and this is "courtcam."

4
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- You ready to take your plea?

5
00:00:14,415 --> 00:00:16,348
[group shouting]

6
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- [bleep] you!

7
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- I'm killing all you
[bleep] bleep]!

8
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- I hope you die in prison
as well.

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<i> ♪ ♪</i>

10
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- We start things off
in racine, wisconsin,

11
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Where convicted felon,
sean riker, is in court

12
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For a pre-sentencing hearing.

13
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- You're gonna sentence me
to life?

14
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Don't give a [bleep]!

15
00:00:41,175 --> 00:00:43,508
<i> - Riker was recently</i>
<i> found guilty of 16 crimes</i>

16
00:00:43,577 --> 00:00:45,177
<i> Against his family,</i>

17
00:00:45,245 --> 00:00:47,846
<i> Including sexual assault</i>
<i> and physical abuse of a child</i>

18
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<i> As well as</i>
<i> reckless endangerment.</i>

19
00:00:51,118 --> 00:00:53,986
<i> He's already served 12 years</i>
<i> in a federal prison</i>

20
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<i> For detonating</i>
<i> several pipe bombs in utah.</i>

21
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<i> After his release, he moved</i>
<i> his family to wisconsin,</i>

22
00:01:01,195 --> 00:01:03,795
<i> Where his abusive behavior</i>
<i> included strangulation,</i>

23
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<i> Beatings,</i>
<i> and pointing a shotgun</i>

24
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<i> At his wife and children.</i>

25
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<i> It was his wife who eventually</i>
<i> reported him to police.</i>

26
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<i> ♪ ♪</i>

27
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<i> Today he's in court to waive</i>
<i> his constitutional right</i>

28
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<i> To appear at his sentencing.</i>

29
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<i> And he's got company:</i>

30
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<i> A heavily armed security team.</i>

31
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<i> He's in shackles</i>
<i> and a spit mask</i>

32
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<i> Because he's already escaped</i>
<i> once from wisconsin jail</i>

33
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<i> And has not been cooperative</i>
<i> with court security.</i>

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<i> ♪ ♪</i>

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<i> Once inside,</i>
<i> the spit mask may be on,</i>

36
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<i> But the gloves are off</i>
<i> as riker wastes no time</i>

37
00:01:37,964 --> 00:01:39,998
<i> Going right after</i>
<i> judge wayne marik.</i>

38
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- Fine, you got me looking
like a [bleep] clown!

39
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Here we go!

40
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- [hums]

41
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[bleep] you!

42
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[louder]
[bleep] you!

43
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[bleep] you!

44
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<i> ♪ ♪</i>

45
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<i> - When verbal abuse doesn't</i>
<i> get a rise out of the judge,</i>

46
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<i> Riker ups the ante</i>
<i> with full-blown threats.</i>

47
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- I'm killing
all you [bleep], wayne.

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I got your [bleep] address,
wayne marik.

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I got your
home [bleep] address.

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I got the [bleep] address.

51
00:02:26,547 --> 00:02:29,814
I got [bleep] address.

52
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And I'm having you all
[bleep] killed.

53
00:02:32,286 --> 00:02:33,751
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

54
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<i> - The people</i>
<i> he's referring to</i>

55
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<i> Are members</i>
<i> of the prosecution team.</i>

56
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- There ain't nothing
you're gonna do about either.

57
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You know why?

58
00:02:41,695 --> 00:02:43,761
'cause this is a [bleep] state

59
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That doesn't have
the death penalty.

60
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You're gonna
sentence me to life?

61
00:02:47,568 --> 00:02:48,567
Don't give a [bleep].

62
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Don't give a [bleep].
I'm getting mine, you [bleep].

63
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<i> ♪ ♪</i>

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<i> - Not satisfied</i>
<i> with berating the judge,</i>

65
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<i> Riker sends his wrath in the</i>
<i> direction of the prosecutor.</i>

66
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- What the [bleep] do you want?

67
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- Later!

68
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<i> - As per his request,</i>

69
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<i> Riker didn't appear</i>
<i> at his own sentencing,</i>

70
00:03:21,335 --> 00:03:25,003
<i> Which would have really given</i>
<i> him something to scream about.</i>

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<i> He was sentenced to 200 years</i>
<i> in a state prison.</i>

72
00:03:27,675 --> 00:03:29,408
<i> Riker appealed the sentence,</i>

73
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<i> But it was denied.</i>

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<i> ♪ ♪</i>

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<i> Next, we head back</i>
<i> to the archives,</i>

76
00:03:36,683 --> 00:03:39,351
<i> To jacksonville, florida.</i>

77
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<i> It's 1997,</i>

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00:03:41,088 --> 00:03:44,823
<i> And the defendant is</i>
<i> jason "psycho" stephens.</i>

79
00:03:44,891 --> 00:03:48,026
<i> And, yes,</i>
<i> his nickname is psycho.</i>

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00:03:48,094 --> 00:03:49,628
<i> He's been charged</i>
<i> with first-degree murder,</i>

81
00:03:49,697 --> 00:03:52,564
<i> Kidnapping, and armed robbery.</i>

82
00:03:52,633 --> 00:03:53,898
<i> Just over a month earlier,</i>

83
00:03:53,968 --> 00:03:56,034
<i> Stephens and at least</i>
<i> three accomplices</i>

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00:03:56,102 --> 00:03:57,969
<i> Allegedly entered the home</i>
<i> of robert sparrow</i>

85
00:03:58,038 --> 00:04:02,173
<i> And took cash and marijuana</i>
<i> from the family.</i>

86
00:04:02,243 --> 00:04:07,112
<i> Stephens also took sparrow's</i>
<i> three-year-old son, robert.</i>

87
00:04:07,181 --> 00:04:09,915
<i> Later that afternoon,</i>
<i> he allegedly ditched the car,</i>

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00:04:09,983 --> 00:04:12,517
<i> Leaving little robert</i>
<i> locked inside</i>

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00:04:12,586 --> 00:04:14,919
<i> During an 80-degree day.</i>

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<i> Robert was found dead</i>
<i> later that night.</i>

91
00:04:17,391 --> 00:04:20,058
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

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<i> - Police captured stephens,</i>
<i> and he was charged</i>

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<i> With first-degree murder</i>
<i> and a number of other crimes.</i>

94
00:04:25,732 --> 00:04:26,998
<i> The prosecution argued that</i>

95
00:04:27,067 --> 00:04:28,600
<i> Stephens strangled the child</i>
<i> before fleeing,</i>

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00:04:28,669 --> 00:04:29,735
<i> While the defendant claimed</i>

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<i> He left the boy</i>
<i> in the car, alive.</i>

98
00:04:33,006 --> 00:04:37,075
<i> He pled not guilty</i>
<i> to the murder charge.</i>

99
00:04:37,277 --> 00:04:39,478
<i> Today, stephens is making</i>
<i> his first court appearance</i>

100
00:04:39,680 --> 00:04:40,946
<i> Before a gallery packed</i>

101
00:04:41,148 --> 00:04:43,749
<i> With devastated family members</i>
<i> of the victim.</i>

102
00:04:43,951 --> 00:04:45,616
<i> As stephens signed</i>
<i> some paperwork,</i>

103
00:04:45,686 --> 00:04:48,287
<i> One man sees an opportunity.</i>

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00:04:48,489 --> 00:04:50,989
[all shouting]

105
00:04:59,632 --> 00:05:02,301
- Get out there right now!

106
00:05:02,503 --> 00:05:03,902
[all shouting]

107
00:05:04,104 --> 00:05:07,305
<i> - That's robert sparrow,</i>
<i> the victim's father.</i>

108
00:05:07,374 --> 00:05:08,840
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

109
00:05:09,042 --> 00:05:10,976
<i> Apparently, sparrow</i>
<i> had become enraged</i>

110
00:05:11,178 --> 00:05:13,311
<i> By stephens' casual demeanor</i>
<i> since his arrest.</i>

111
00:05:13,380 --> 00:05:16,248
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

112
00:05:16,316 --> 00:05:18,317
<i> Joining sparrow in the attack</i>
<i> is the victim's godfather,</i>

113
00:05:18,519 --> 00:05:21,319
<i> Lorenzo houston.</i>

114
00:05:21,388 --> 00:05:23,988
[all shouting]

115
00:05:24,058 --> 00:05:26,325
<i> Bailiffs charge in</i>
<i> and quickly remove both men</i>

116
00:05:26,527 --> 00:05:28,526
<i> From the scene.</i>

117
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- Get out there right now!

118
00:05:30,463 --> 00:05:33,264
[all shouting]

119
00:05:33,333 --> 00:05:35,867
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

120
00:05:35,936 --> 00:05:38,136
<i> - Meanwhile,</i>
<i> tempers continue to flare</i>

121
00:05:38,204 --> 00:05:41,339
<i> Between stephens and</i>
<i> family members of the victim.</i>

122
00:05:41,408 --> 00:05:44,209
[all shouting]

123
00:05:44,411 --> 00:05:45,877
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

124
00:05:45,946 --> 00:05:47,879
<i> For their surprise attack</i>
<i> on stephens,</i>

125
00:05:47,947 --> 00:05:50,615
<i> Both sparrow and houston</i>
<i> are arrested</i>

126
00:05:50,684 --> 00:05:51,949
<i> And charged with battery.</i>

127
00:05:52,018 --> 00:05:54,619
<i> Sparrow was released</i>
<i> on his own recognizance</i>

128
00:05:54,688 --> 00:05:55,887
<i> And apologized to the court.</i>

129
00:05:55,956 --> 00:05:59,891
<i> Charges against houston</i>
<i> were also dropped.</i>

130
00:05:59,959 --> 00:06:01,760
<i> As for stephens,</i>
<i> his case goes to trial,</i>

131
00:06:01,829 --> 00:06:03,762
<i> And after</i>
<i> hearing the evidence,</i>

132
00:06:03,830 --> 00:06:06,898
<i> The jury returns</i>
<i> with a verdict.</i>

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- We find the defendant
guilty of murder--

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Murder in the first degree.

135
00:06:11,305 --> 00:06:14,172
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

136
00:06:14,240 --> 00:06:16,975
<i> - He was also found guilty</i>
<i> of burglary and kidnapping</i>

137
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<i> And sentenced to death</i>
<i> by the electric chair.</i>

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00:06:19,313 --> 00:06:21,179
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

139
00:06:21,381 --> 00:06:24,916
<i> Stephens would later appeal</i>
<i> the ruling, but it was denied.</i>

140
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<i> He currently sits</i>
<i> on florida's death row.</i>

141
00:06:27,387 --> 00:06:27,986
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

142
00:06:32,993 --> 00:06:35,527
<i> - Next, we head</i>
<i> to clark county, washington</i>

143
00:06:35,595 --> 00:06:37,195
<i> For a bond hearing.</i>

144
00:06:37,397 --> 00:06:38,129
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

145
00:06:38,198 --> 00:06:39,931
<i> The defendant is</i>
<i> christopher aleo.</i>

146
00:06:40,000 --> 00:06:41,866
<i> He's charged</i>
<i> with second-degree child abuse</i>

147
00:06:41,935 --> 00:06:45,136
<i> And fourth-degree</i>
<i> domestic violence.</i>

148
00:06:45,205 --> 00:06:47,939
<i> The defendant allegedly</i>
<i> grabbed his 12-year-old son</i>

149
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<i> By the neck</i>
<i> until he couldn't breathe</i>

150
00:06:51,077 --> 00:06:54,946
<i> And repeatedly hit him</i>
<i> with a closed fist.</i>

151
00:06:55,148 --> 00:06:56,814
<i> The boy's grandmother</i>
<i> witnessed the incident,</i>

152
00:06:56,883 --> 00:06:58,750
<i> And when she tried</i>
<i> to intervene,</i>

153
00:06:58,818 --> 00:07:01,553
<i> Aleo allegedly</i>
<i> threw a playpen,</i>

154
00:07:01,621 --> 00:07:02,220
<i> Hitting her in the face.</i>

155
00:07:02,289 --> 00:07:05,023
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

156
00:07:05,092 --> 00:07:07,826
<i> Aleo is no stranger</i>
<i> to the courtroom or prison.</i>

157
00:07:07,895 --> 00:07:10,495
<i> Having recently served</i>
<i> a five-year term</i>

158
00:07:10,564 --> 00:07:12,097
<i> For vehicular homicide.</i>

159
00:07:12,165 --> 00:07:15,433
<i> In that case, an intoxicated</i>
<i> aleo crashed his car</i>

160
00:07:15,502 --> 00:07:16,834
<i> Into a light pole,</i>

161
00:07:16,903 --> 00:07:18,236
<i> Killing his friend,</i>
<i> veronica martin.</i>

162
00:07:18,305 --> 00:07:19,437
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

163
00:07:19,506 --> 00:07:20,905
<i> Now back in court,</i>

164
00:07:20,974 --> 00:07:24,910
<i> Aleo stands</i>
<i> before judge john fairgrief.</i>

165
00:07:24,978 --> 00:07:27,645
<i> When the judge announces</i>
<i> bail at $50,000,</i>

166
00:07:27,714 --> 00:07:30,515
<i> Aleo's hit with the reality,</i>

167
00:07:30,584 --> 00:07:31,649
<i> He's going back to jail.</i>

168
00:07:31,718 --> 00:07:34,986
- [breathing heavily]
[bleep].

169
00:07:44,731 --> 00:07:46,464
<i> - Sensing aleo's</i>
<i> increasing rage,</i>

170
00:07:46,533 --> 00:07:47,999
<i> A deputy steps in.</i>

171
00:07:59,680 --> 00:08:01,613
- The [bleep]?
Don't punk me!

172
00:08:01,682 --> 00:08:03,948
- Get the [bleep] off me, man!

173
00:08:04,017 --> 00:08:06,951
<i> - It takes two officers</i>
<i> to restrain aleo,</i>

174
00:08:07,020 --> 00:08:08,987
<i> Who receives some advice</i>
<i> from a female friend.</i>

175
00:08:29,109 --> 00:08:31,242
<i> - Once in custody,</i>
<i> officers take no chances,</i>

176
00:08:31,311 --> 00:08:35,246
<i> Shackling aleo in a wheelchair</i>
<i> as they bring him to jail.</i>

177
00:08:35,315 --> 00:08:37,048
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

178
00:08:37,250 --> 00:08:39,985
<i> On his way out, he has</i>
<i> a few words for the cameras.</i>

179
00:08:47,860 --> 00:08:49,060
<i> - Aleo eventually</i>
<i> pleaded guilty</i>

180
00:08:49,129 --> 00:08:52,263
<i> And was sentenced to 30 months</i>
<i> in a state prison.</i>

181
00:08:52,332 --> 00:08:55,934
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

182
00:08:56,003 --> 00:08:57,936
<i> - All right,</i>
<i> please raise your right hand.</i>

183
00:08:58,005 --> 00:08:59,537
Do you swear to tell the truth,
the whole truth,

184
00:08:59,606 --> 00:09:00,805
And nothing but the truth?

185
00:09:00,874 --> 00:09:02,874
<i> - Next, we go</i>
<i> to tampa, florida</i>

186
00:09:02,943 --> 00:09:05,210
<i> For the case</i>
<i> against louis angel lopez.</i>

187
00:09:05,412 --> 00:09:07,012
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

188
00:09:07,080 --> 00:09:09,080
<i> He was charged with burglary</i>
<i> and grand theft</i>

189
00:09:09,149 --> 00:09:12,216
<i> After allegedly breaking</i>
<i> into a home to steal a tv.</i>

190
00:09:12,286 --> 00:09:13,952
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

191
00:09:14,020 --> 00:09:15,820
<i> The case was originally</i>
<i> headed for trial,</i>

192
00:09:15,889 --> 00:09:18,222
<i> But lopez agreed</i>
<i> to accept a plea deal.</i>

193
00:09:18,292 --> 00:09:20,025
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

194
00:09:20,227 --> 00:09:22,827
<i> Instead of a possible prison</i>
<i> term of 15 to 20 years,</i>

195
00:09:22,896 --> 00:09:24,629
<i> He's agreed</i>
<i> to a maximum sentence</i>

196
00:09:24,698 --> 00:09:27,966
<i> Of five years, plus probation.</i>

197
00:09:28,034 --> 00:09:30,569
<i> The presiding judge</i>
<i> is michael williams.</i>

198
00:09:30,771 --> 00:09:33,504
- Mr. Lopez, how are we doing?

199
00:09:33,573 --> 00:09:34,573
- I'm doing good, sir.

200
00:09:34,775 --> 00:09:37,775
- You ready to take your plea?

201
00:09:37,844 --> 00:09:39,777
- Yes, sir.
I am ready to take it.

202
00:09:39,846 --> 00:09:40,579
I don't wanna
make this any worse.

203
00:09:40,781 --> 00:09:42,847
I'm ready to get it over with

204
00:09:42,916 --> 00:09:44,782
So I can go ahead
and start a new life.

205
00:09:44,851 --> 00:09:47,518
Yeah, I got people
that love me, so...

206
00:09:47,587 --> 00:09:48,853
- As part of your plea,

207
00:09:49,056 --> 00:09:50,655
If you don't turn yourself in
by 5:00 p.M.,

208
00:09:50,724 --> 00:09:54,592
Your guilty plea
is gonna stand,

209
00:09:54,661 --> 00:09:56,461
But not the plea agreement.

210
00:09:56,663 --> 00:09:58,329
Do you understand that?

211
00:09:58,398 --> 00:10:00,798
- Yes, sir.

212
00:10:00,867 --> 00:10:01,800
<i> - Things seem to be</i>
<i> moving smoothly</i>

213
00:10:02,002 --> 00:10:05,069
<i> As the judge goes over</i>
<i> a few questions.</i>

214
00:10:05,138 --> 00:10:07,538
- Did anybody threaten or
coerce you to enter this plea

215
00:10:07,607 --> 00:10:09,074
Or promise you anything

216
00:10:09,142 --> 00:10:11,209
Other than what's contained
in the plea agreement?

217
00:10:11,278 --> 00:10:12,944
- No.

218
00:10:13,012 --> 00:10:14,879
- Are you under the influence
of any drugs

219
00:10:15,082 --> 00:10:16,814
Or alcohol or medication
that would prevent you

220
00:10:16,883 --> 00:10:19,484
From understanding
today's proceedings?

221
00:10:19,553 --> 00:10:20,751
- [wearily]
mm-mm-mm.

222
00:10:20,820 --> 00:10:22,687
I mean, I smokes
a little marijuana,

223
00:10:22,755 --> 00:10:25,890
But I understand the procedure.

224
00:10:25,959 --> 00:10:28,426
<i> - Not exactly</i>
<i> what a judge wants to hear</i>

225
00:10:28,495 --> 00:10:29,694
<i> From a defendant.</i>

226
00:10:29,896 --> 00:10:32,630
- When was the last time
you smoked?

227
00:10:32,699 --> 00:10:35,767
- Maybe, like, 30 minutes ago.

228
00:10:35,835 --> 00:10:37,235
<i> - [sarcastically]</i>
<i> wonderful!</i>

229
00:10:37,304 --> 00:10:39,704
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

230
00:10:39,906 --> 00:10:42,240
- But, I mean,
I can take the plea.

231
00:10:42,442 --> 00:10:44,042
I'm not...

232
00:10:44,110 --> 00:10:47,012
I'm not--I'm in the right
state of mind to take--

233
00:10:49,582 --> 00:10:50,648
<i> - Though frustrated,</i>

234
00:10:50,717 --> 00:10:52,583
<i> Judge williams remains calm</i>

235
00:10:52,653 --> 00:10:55,920
<i> And poses another question.</i>

236
00:10:55,989 --> 00:10:58,522
- Is it possible for you
not to smoke 30 minutes

237
00:10:58,591 --> 00:11:00,792
Before you take a plea?

238
00:11:00,994 --> 00:11:03,328
- No, I was just nervous
that I'm going in,

239
00:11:03,530 --> 00:11:05,396
So, I was just...

240
00:11:05,465 --> 00:11:07,865
You know, smoking.

241
00:11:07,934 --> 00:11:10,668
<i> - The defendant</i>
<i> may be feeling mellow,</i>

242
00:11:10,737 --> 00:11:13,138
<i> But the judge is anything but.</i>

243
00:11:13,206 --> 00:11:16,407
- I'm about ready to reject
your plea and go to trial,

244
00:11:16,476 --> 00:11:17,809
Just so you know.

245
00:11:17,877 --> 00:11:20,344
You can roll the dice
with a jury.

246
00:11:20,414 --> 00:11:22,080
<i> - Buzzkill!</i>

247
00:11:22,148 --> 00:11:24,548
- How do you think it looks
to an appellate court

248
00:11:24,617 --> 00:11:25,683
That you smoked marijuana

249
00:11:25,752 --> 00:11:28,552
30 minutes
before taking your plea?

250
00:11:28,621 --> 00:11:30,488
- [sadly] bad.
- Yeah.

251
00:11:30,557 --> 00:11:33,024
<i> That's the legal term.</i>

252
00:11:33,093 --> 00:11:35,293
<i> - It looks like lopez</i>
<i> could be losing his deal.</i>

253
00:11:35,361 --> 00:11:36,494
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

254
00:11:36,562 --> 00:11:37,829
<i> But of all people,</i>

255
00:11:37,897 --> 00:11:40,498
<i> The prosecutor,</i>
<i> nathaniel mendoza,</i>

256
00:11:40,566 --> 00:11:41,966
<i> Suggests a remedy.</i>

257
00:11:42,035 --> 00:11:44,102
- Your honor, I don't know
if you'd be comfortable,

258
00:11:44,170 --> 00:11:47,905
But I know that nhtsa states
that marijuana can impair

259
00:11:47,974 --> 00:11:49,974
Driving performance
for up to three hours.

260
00:11:50,043 --> 00:11:51,376
I don't know if that would mean
that he'd be okay

261
00:11:51,578 --> 00:11:53,578
By this afternoon,

262
00:11:53,647 --> 00:11:55,780
If his head would be clear.

263
00:11:55,849 --> 00:11:57,715
[laughter]
that's all I got for you.

264
00:11:57,784 --> 00:12:00,251
- You may be right,
mr. Mendoza.

265
00:12:00,320 --> 00:12:01,786
All right.

266
00:12:01,855 --> 00:12:03,921
<i> - Instead,</i>
<i> lopez catches a break,</i>

267
00:12:03,990 --> 00:12:07,725
<i> And the judge allows him</i>
<i> a second hearing,</i>

268
00:12:07,794 --> 00:12:10,862
<i> But with one</i>
<i> minor stipulation.</i>

269
00:12:11,064 --> 00:12:12,130
- All right, I need you
to show up for court

270
00:12:12,198 --> 00:12:15,399
And not smoke marijuana
right before you get on zoom.

271
00:12:15,468 --> 00:12:17,401
You understand?

272
00:12:17,470 --> 00:12:19,270
- Yeah. Yes, sir.

273
00:12:19,339 --> 00:12:21,806
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

274
00:12:21,875 --> 00:12:23,941
<i> - Lopez eventually</i>
<i> appeared sober</i>

275
00:12:24,010 --> 00:12:27,078
<i> And accepted the plea deal</i>
<i> he was offered,</i>

276
00:12:27,147 --> 00:12:29,214
<i> Five years in prison,</i>
<i> plus three years' probation.</i>

277
00:12:29,282 --> 00:12:33,217
<i> He was also required to pay</i>
<i> a restitution fee of $300.</i>

278
00:12:33,286 --> 00:12:34,285
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

279
00:12:34,354 --> 00:12:35,620
- [coughing]

280
00:12:35,689 --> 00:12:37,989
- It's not good for your lungs.

281
00:12:45,832 --> 00:12:47,498
-- This isn't about
being very skinny.

282
00:12:47,567 --> 00:12:49,233
This is about being dead.

283
00:12:49,302 --> 00:12:51,903
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

284
00:12:51,972 --> 00:12:53,838
<i> - Next we head</i>
<i> to kent county, michigan,</i>

285
00:12:53,907 --> 00:12:56,708
<i> Where the defendants</i>
<i> are seth welch</i>

286
00:12:56,776 --> 00:12:57,508
<i> And his wife, tatiana fusari.</i>

287
00:12:57,577 --> 00:12:58,910
<i> The couple are charged</i>

288
00:12:59,112 --> 00:13:02,313
<i> With the murder</i>
<i> of their 10-month-old baby.</i>

289
00:13:02,381 --> 00:13:04,048
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

290
00:13:04,117 --> 00:13:05,783
<i> The parents found mary</i>
<i> in her crib at 10:00 a.M.,</i>

291
00:13:05,852 --> 00:13:08,586
<i> Unresponsive</i>
<i> and not breathing.</i>

292
00:13:08,655 --> 00:13:10,855
<i> She'd been out for 19 hours</i>

293
00:13:10,923 --> 00:13:13,858
<i> Before they decided</i>
<i> to check on her.</i>

294
00:13:14,060 --> 00:13:16,660
<i> Tatiana attempted cpr,</i>
<i> but it was no use.</i>

295
00:13:16,729 --> 00:13:18,530
<i> Instead of calling paramedics,</i>

296
00:13:18,732 --> 00:13:20,932
<i> Seth called his attorney.</i>

297
00:13:21,134 --> 00:13:25,136
<i> He also went online to try...</i>
<i> Selling a goat?</i>

298
00:13:25,204 --> 00:13:30,008
<i> It was 90 minutes later</i>
<i> when he finally called 911.</i>

299
00:13:58,371 --> 00:13:59,837
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

300
00:13:59,906 --> 00:14:01,773
<i> - An autopsy revealed</i>
<i> that mary died</i>

301
00:14:01,975 --> 00:14:04,642
<i> From dehydration</i>
<i> and malnourishment,</i>

302
00:14:04,711 --> 00:14:05,843
<i> And at the time of her death,</i>

303
00:14:05,912 --> 00:14:09,981
<i> The 10-month-old</i>
<i> weighed just 8 pounds.</i>

304
00:14:10,049 --> 00:14:13,117
<i> The infant was underweight</i>
<i> for some time,</i>

305
00:14:13,186 --> 00:14:14,986
<i> But the couple refused</i>
<i> to take mary to a pediatrician</i>

306
00:14:15,188 --> 00:14:17,989
<i> Because they didn't trust</i>
<i> the medical profession.</i>

307
00:14:18,057 --> 00:14:21,258
<i> And it went against</i>
<i> their religious beliefs.</i>

308
00:14:21,327 --> 00:14:23,861
<i> Here's one of the many videos</i>
<i> welch posted on the internet,</i>

309
00:14:23,930 --> 00:14:26,864
<i> Sharing his beliefs</i>
<i> and theories.</i>

310
00:14:26,933 --> 00:14:28,599
- I'm not opposed
to medicine or doctors.

311
00:14:28,668 --> 00:14:30,601
I'm opposed to bad medicine

312
00:14:30,670 --> 00:14:32,736
And doctors that are just--

313
00:14:32,805 --> 00:14:34,739
Well, they're not
really doctors.

314
00:14:34,941 --> 00:14:35,673
They're priests
of the medical call.

315
00:14:35,875 --> 00:14:37,942
You know,
they have a certificate

316
00:14:38,011 --> 00:14:40,744
From some training camp
somewhere that says,

317
00:14:40,813 --> 00:14:42,881
You know,
they got this test score,

318
00:14:43,083 --> 00:14:45,883
But that doesn't mean
that they know, like,

319
00:14:45,952 --> 00:14:48,286
About the human body
and stuff like that.

320
00:14:48,354 --> 00:14:50,021
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

321
00:14:50,089 --> 00:14:51,756
<i> - The couple were both charged</i>
<i> in mary's death,</i>

322
00:14:51,825 --> 00:14:54,158
<i> And at this</i>
<i> preliminary hearing,</i>

323
00:14:54,227 --> 00:14:57,094
<i> They learned the potential</i>
<i> consequences of their actions.</i>

324
00:14:57,163 --> 00:15:00,965
- You're both charged with
what they call felony murder.

325
00:15:01,034 --> 00:15:04,768
While in the perpetration
or attempted perpetration

326
00:15:04,837 --> 00:15:07,037
Of child abuse
in the first degree,

327
00:15:07,106 --> 00:15:10,975
They're alleging that
you murdered one mary welch.

328
00:15:11,044 --> 00:15:14,512
That is a charge called
a homicide felony murder.

329
00:15:14,714 --> 00:15:17,248
It is life without parole.

330
00:15:17,317 --> 00:15:18,917
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

331
00:15:19,119 --> 00:15:21,919
The second offense
that you're both charged with

332
00:15:21,988 --> 00:15:24,254
Is called child abuse
in the first degree.

333
00:15:24,324 --> 00:15:26,591
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

334
00:15:26,659 --> 00:15:29,193
It is life without parole.

335
00:15:29,396 --> 00:15:30,794
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

336
00:15:30,863 --> 00:15:31,996
<i> - Both defendants</i>
<i> appear stunned</i>

337
00:15:32,198 --> 00:15:35,866
<i> By the severe potential</i>
<i> penalties they could face.</i>

338
00:15:35,935 --> 00:15:38,670
<i> Later at their</i>
<i> probable cause hearing,</i>

339
00:15:38,872 --> 00:15:41,872
<i> Seth's cold and callous</i>
<i> 911 call</i>

340
00:15:41,941 --> 00:15:44,008
<i> Was played</i>
<i> for judge sarah smolenski.</i>

341
00:15:57,157 --> 00:15:59,824
<i> - Welch's attorney argued</i>
<i> that while her clients</i>

342
00:15:59,893 --> 00:16:01,559
<i> May be responsible</i>
<i> for mary's death,</i>

343
00:16:01,627 --> 00:16:03,828
<i> It was not intentional.</i>

344
00:16:03,897 --> 00:16:06,698
- The child was skinny,
but not sickly.

345
00:16:06,900 --> 00:16:08,899
They were breastfeeding
the child.

346
00:16:08,969 --> 00:16:13,571
These two young people
are not nutritionists,

347
00:16:13,639 --> 00:16:16,107
They're not dietitians.

348
00:16:16,175 --> 00:16:18,643
<i> - But the judge ruled there</i>
<i> was enough evidence</i>

349
00:16:18,711 --> 00:16:20,111
<i> To send the case to trial.</i>

350
00:16:20,179 --> 00:16:22,447
- This baby did not die
because of one missed meal.

351
00:16:22,649 --> 00:16:24,782
This is weeks and weeks.

352
00:16:24,850 --> 00:16:28,453
This isn't about
being very skinny.

353
00:16:28,655 --> 00:16:30,188
This is about being dead.

354
00:16:30,390 --> 00:16:32,790
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

355
00:16:32,859 --> 00:16:35,193
<i> - Welch pursued</i>
<i> an insanity defense,</i>

356
00:16:35,261 --> 00:16:38,930
<i> But it took the jury only</i>
<i> one hour to reach a verdict.</i>

357
00:16:38,998 --> 00:16:41,732
- On the count of felony murder
count one,

358
00:16:41,801 --> 00:16:46,404
Guilty of felony murder,
as charged.

359
00:16:46,472 --> 00:16:47,938
And count two,

360
00:16:48,007 --> 00:16:52,743
Guilty of first-degree
child abuse, as charged.

361
00:16:52,812 --> 00:16:55,279
Was this,
and is this your verdict?

362
00:16:55,348 --> 00:16:57,949
All: Yes.

363
00:16:58,151 --> 00:16:59,617
<i> - Seth welch was sentenced</i>
<i> to life in prison</i>

364
00:16:59,685 --> 00:17:02,286
<i> With no chance of parole.</i>

365
00:17:02,354 --> 00:17:03,487
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

366
00:17:03,556 --> 00:17:04,756
<i> As for tatiana fusari,</i>

367
00:17:04,958 --> 00:17:07,558
<i> She initially pleaded</i>
<i> no contest,</i>

368
00:17:07,760 --> 00:17:09,894
<i> But then withdrew the plea.</i>

369
00:17:09,962 --> 00:17:12,496
<i> She's sitting in jail,</i>
<i> awaiting trial,</i>

370
00:17:12,565 --> 00:17:13,898
<i> But if found guilty,</i>

371
00:17:13,966 --> 00:17:15,633
<i> She could also receive</i>
<i> life in prison</i>

372
00:17:15,701 --> 00:17:17,234
<i> With no chance of parole.</i>

373
00:17:17,303 --> 00:17:18,002
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

374
00:17:23,042 --> 00:17:24,575
- I would ask the court
to give me enough time

375
00:17:24,643 --> 00:17:28,512
To finish my...Argument

376
00:17:28,581 --> 00:17:30,047
And not to cut me off.

377
00:17:30,116 --> 00:17:31,782
<i> - That's former brigham</i>
<i> young university professor</i>

378
00:17:31,851 --> 00:17:34,518
<i> Tom lowery</i>
<i> in a district courtroom</i>

379
00:17:34,587 --> 00:17:36,787
<i> In salt lake city, utah.</i>

380
00:17:36,856 --> 00:17:37,988
<i> He's representing himself</i>
<i> today</i>

381
00:17:38,057 --> 00:17:41,125
<i> In a suit against</i>
<i> his former employer, byu,</i>

382
00:17:41,194 --> 00:17:44,395
<i> Claiming that the university</i>
<i> wrongfully terminated him</i>

383
00:17:44,597 --> 00:17:45,863
<i> And slandered him,</i>

384
00:17:46,065 --> 00:17:49,200
<i> Causing his stress-induced</i>
<i> mental illness.</i>

385
00:17:49,402 --> 00:17:50,267
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

386
00:17:50,336 --> 00:17:52,203
<i> The university claims</i>
<i> lowery was let go</i>

387
00:17:52,272 --> 00:17:56,073
<i> When a part-time vocational</i>
<i> program he was leading failed.</i>

388
00:17:56,142 --> 00:17:59,677
<i> Byu countered with a motion</i>
<i> to dismiss the lawsuit,</i>

389
00:17:59,745 --> 00:18:03,014
<i> But lowery won't be ignored.</i>

390
00:18:04,818 --> 00:18:07,618
...Renders this case
closely analogous

391
00:18:07,687 --> 00:18:09,487
To the complaint in my hands,

392
00:18:09,689 --> 00:18:11,989
Which is [bleep] [bleep]--

393
00:18:13,626 --> 00:18:15,092
- All right.
That's enough.

394
00:18:15,161 --> 00:18:18,095
- I am almost finished,
and please don't interrupt me!

395
00:18:18,164 --> 00:18:21,432
- I'm gonna--take this man
into custody and cool him off.

396
00:18:21,500 --> 00:18:23,634
- I'm cooled off.

397
00:18:23,836 --> 00:18:24,435
- Put your hands
behind your back.

398
00:18:24,637 --> 00:18:27,771
- I deserve to be heard!

399
00:18:27,840 --> 00:18:29,907
I deserve to be heard,
your honor!

400
00:18:30,109 --> 00:18:33,444
And you are violating my access
to due process

401
00:18:33,513 --> 00:18:34,779
At this very moment!

402
00:18:34,847 --> 00:18:36,781
And this better be
on the record!

403
00:18:36,849 --> 00:18:39,583
- It's on--
- I am not violent.

404
00:18:39,652 --> 00:18:41,051
But this--
[taser zapping]

405
00:18:41,121 --> 00:18:43,320
- And, boy, we're gonna take
you into the holding cell.

406
00:18:43,389 --> 00:18:46,190
- [screaming]

407
00:18:46,392 --> 00:18:48,259
Ah! No!

408
00:18:48,327 --> 00:18:49,259
Stop!

409
00:18:49,328 --> 00:18:50,862
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

410
00:18:51,064 --> 00:18:53,397
- Take this man into custody
and cool him off.

411
00:18:53,466 --> 00:18:55,866
- I'm cooled off.

412
00:18:55,935 --> 00:18:56,601
<i> - Lowery's behavior,</i>
<i> however, suggests</i>

413
00:18:56,803 --> 00:18:59,937
<i> He's anything but cooled off.</i>

414
00:19:00,139 --> 00:19:03,741
<i> And judge anthony quinn</i>
<i> sends in the deputies.</i>

415
00:19:03,810 --> 00:19:05,676
- And this better be
on the record.

416
00:19:05,878 --> 00:19:07,612
- It's on--
- I am not violent.

417
00:19:07,680 --> 00:19:09,279
But this--
- and boy...

418
00:19:09,348 --> 00:19:10,814
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

419
00:19:10,884 --> 00:19:12,083
<i> - Before he can</i>
<i> finish his sentence,</i>

420
00:19:12,285 --> 00:19:16,954
<i> A deputy with a handheld taser</i>
<i> shocks him in the back.</i>

421
00:19:17,022 --> 00:19:18,355
- We're gonna take you
into the holding cell.

422
00:19:18,424 --> 00:19:22,293
- [screaming]

423
00:19:22,361 --> 00:19:23,494
Ah! No!

424
00:19:23,563 --> 00:19:25,896
Stop!
- Your honor!

425
00:19:25,965 --> 00:19:27,698
- Put your hands on your belly!
- I am!

426
00:19:27,767 --> 00:19:29,567
- Put 'em on your belly!
- I am!

427
00:19:29,769 --> 00:19:30,701
Stop!
- Okay! Do not move!

428
00:19:30,769 --> 00:19:32,636
- [screaming]
- do not move!

429
00:19:32,705 --> 00:19:33,704
Put 'em down!
Do not move!

430
00:19:33,773 --> 00:19:34,905
- Put your hands
behind your head.

431
00:19:34,974 --> 00:19:36,840
- Your hands behind your back!
- Yes, sir!

432
00:19:36,910 --> 00:19:39,844
- Don't move again!
- Oh, god! It hurts!

433
00:19:40,046 --> 00:19:41,912
- End of story, buddy.
You're out of here.

434
00:19:41,981 --> 00:19:43,447
You do this again,
you're gonna get more.

435
00:19:43,516 --> 00:19:44,982
You understand me?

436
00:19:45,051 --> 00:19:47,718
<i> - Lowery is eventually</i>
<i> helped up from the floor</i>

437
00:19:47,920 --> 00:19:49,187
<i> And dragged out</i>
<i> of the courtroom.</i>

438
00:19:49,389 --> 00:19:51,522
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

439
00:19:51,590 --> 00:19:53,191
- We'll be in recess.

440
00:19:53,393 --> 00:19:55,993
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

441
00:19:56,195 --> 00:19:58,462
<i> - Lowery's lawsuit against</i>
<i> brigham young university</i>

442
00:19:58,531 --> 00:20:00,064
<i> Was later dismissed.</i>

443
00:20:00,132 --> 00:20:02,466
<i> He would later go on</i>
<i> to file a federal lawsuit</i>

444
00:20:02,535 --> 00:20:04,068
<i> Against judge quinn,</i>

445
00:20:04,137 --> 00:20:07,070
<i> The utah 3rd district court,</i>
<i> and the state of utah</i>

446
00:20:07,139 --> 00:20:09,940
<i> For what he claimed were</i>
<i> discriminatory proceedings</i>

447
00:20:10,009 --> 00:20:13,611
<i> Under the americans</i>
<i> with disabilities act.</i>

448
00:20:13,813 --> 00:20:16,280
<i> That suit was also dismissed.</i>

449
00:20:16,349 --> 00:20:17,881
<i> ♪ ♪</i>

450
00:20:17,950 --> 00:20:19,817
That's it for this edition
of "courtcam."

451
00:20:19,885 --> 00:20:22,219
I'm dan abrams.
Thanks for watching.

452
00:20:22,288 --> 00:20:26,991
<i> ♪ ♪</i>