User blog:UnderAPineapple/Hamilton: Justice Waits (Episode 1, Part 3)

This is the third part of the four-part first episode of my ongoing project, Hamilton, in which you will hear about realistic fictional crime cases, each presented by one of eight hosts. This first episode was entitled, Hamilton: Justice Waits. If you haven't seen the first two parts yet, I recommend you going to Part 1 and reading from there. If you have seen the first two parts yet, you'll remember that Robert Woods is a man accused of shooting to death 45-year old Sheriff's Deputy, David Michael Moore, back in August 2007, but he maintains his innocence. Part 3 of this episode, will reflect on the murder trial that took place, and the important details surrounding that trial.



Story
Susan Summers (to Somer): When you saw your dad get arrested, in front of your eyes, what were your thoughts, going through your mind that day?

Somer Woods (to Susan): I was in shock. It was a huge change from the day before when I all happy and ready to go to school, and then going back to school the next day, crying my eyes out became my father is incarcerated.

"anarchy"

- Somer Woods, now 18 years old, never had a doubt in her mind - she says that her father, is completely innocent.

Somer Woods (to Susan): My dad had nothing to do with this crime, he had no idea that this murder occurred until he was arrested, and most importantly, he does not deserve to be executed because of this.

"anarchy"

- On August 31, 2007, Robert Woods was arrested, charged with capital murder, and held without bail. Texas prosecutor, Ryan Patrick, handled the case against him.

Ryan Patrick (to Susan): Bob Woods is as guilty as sin, and don't you ever forget about it.

Susan Summers (to Ryan): What do you say to the naysayers who, believe that he might be, in fact, innocent?

Ryan Patrck (to Susan): I would tell them to look at the facts and not what the defendant is spewing in a last-ditch effort to save his life.

"anarchy"

- Due to legal technicalities, the case would go quiet for another two years. But in August 2009, Robert Woods finally got his day in court.

Court Clerk: All rise.

(everybody stands up as the presiding judge walks into the courtroom)

"anarchy"

- Representing Robert, was seasoned attorney, Steve Twain.

Steve Twain (to Susan): When I represented Robert, I believe we had enough evidence to secure an acquittal. We knew all of the prosecution's, and I quote, "talking points", and we had evidence to prove that every single one of those talking points, were just complete nonsense.

"anarchy"

- Also at the trial, was crime reporter and Texas Tribune writer, Ann Holloway, who has been following the case, since Day 1.

Susan Summers (to Ann): What attracted you to this case?

Ann Holloway (to Susan): A number of reasons. First off, cop cases always intrigue me, whether it's a cop who is on trial for murder, or a cop who gets killed and someone's on trial. Second, this case is very complicated to prove beyond a reasonable doubt. One one hand, there's all this supposed "physical evidence" that directs Robert Woods allegedly to the crime scene, as well as testimony from Jesse Jackson, who claims he saw Robert Woods shoot the officer. However, there is no circumstantial or motivating evidence to back any of it up, and it makes it hard to believe that Robert Woods, a family man, a military vet, and an all-around good citizen, would be capable of shooting a police officer in cold blood.

"anarchy"

- On the first day of trial, Prosecutor Patrick brought up the damning evidence that was issued by Jesse Jackson - that he, Joseph Nichols, and Aaron Jones, saw Robert shoot Officer Moore in his car.

Ryan Patrick (in court): Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, today will be an extraordinary day for all of you, because you’re about to hear the words of two men, who adamantly claim that they saw Mr. Robert Woods, the defendant, kill the victim, David Michael Moore. You are going to hear consistent stories by these witnesses, and they are going to prove to you, the jury – that Robert Woods is not the wholesome man and father the defense will paint him out to be, but in fact, a cold-hearted cop killer.

"anarchy"

- Joseph Nichols will not testify in court. That's because back in December 2008, he died in an unrelated police shootout in Lubbock, Texas. However, both Aaron Jones and Jesse Jackson, made it to court. Because Aaron was a minor at the time of trial, we decided not to show his face in court. When testifying, both men told the jury, exactly what they said before.

Jesse Jackson (to Ryan): He and I would to coke (cocaine) almost every single day. It was more of a stress reliever to him, and I was in it.

Ryan Patrick (to Jesse): And on the afternoon of August 30, you stated to police that you and Mr. Joes saw the defendant, without hesitation, shoot the victim?

Jesse Jackson (nodding his head): Yes sir, I did.

(fast forward)

Aaron Jones (to Ryan): I knew Bobby Woods through Jess (Jesse Jackson), and we was pretty close. We was both addicts, and there wasn't a doubt in my mind, that he had to be on something when he was there.

Ryan Patrick (to Aaron): Sir, are you implying that the defendant was addicted to illegal substances at the time of the murder?

Aaron Jones (to Ryan): Yes I am, sir.

Ryan Patrick (looking at the jury): No further questions, your honor.

"anarchy"

- Robert Woods says that the testimony is absurd, and was visibly irritated in the courtroom.

Robert Woods (to Susan): Watching those two guys, one of whom I don’t even know, testify against me, and accusing me of being a drug addict, being a murderer, being a criminal, I just wanted to throw them against the wall and bash their heads through it.

Susan Summers (to Robert): You’re saying they framed you?

Robert Woods (nodding his head): Absolutely ma’am. First off, I had no reason to kill Mr. Moore, because I never knew who he was. I never had any criminal record, and I can safely say that I’m a hell of a lot more trustworthy than both of those witnesses, combined.

"anarchy"

- Steve Twain, when cross-examining Jesse Jackson, appeared to be loaded with ammunition.

Steve Twain (to Jesse): You’re known throughout Rockwall as a bit of a bad boy, correct?

Jesse Jackson (laughing): I guess you can say that, yes.

Steve Twain (to Jesse): What do they call you on the streets?

Jesse Jackson (to Steve): I’ve been called “Jess”, “Godfather”, “Big Papi”, a lot of names. I’m not gonna lie, I know the streets pretty well, I can’t lie about that.

Steve Twain (to Jesse): Interesting, I wonder if you’ve ever been called “chomo” before.

(music intensifies)

"anarchy"

- Chomo – it’s slang for child molester. Remember when Jesse was convicted of sexually assaulting his niece? That ammunition, versus the blank criminal record of Robert Woods, Steve says, will work to his advantage.

Steve Twain (to Susan): I was confident that bringing up Jesse's part, would put thought and doubt into the jury's minds, that Jesse is not as trustworthy as he tries to be.

"anarchy"

- But that chance, would be cut really quick.l

Ryan Patrick (raising his voice in court): Objection due to irrelevancy.

Ryan Patrick (to Susan): The reason I objected Mr. Twain's question, was because I thought it was irrelevant.

Susan Summers (to Ryan): Why irrelevant?

Ryan Patrick (to Susan): Because it was irrelevant to ask him about his own endeavors; it means nothing to his case. Mr. Jackson is not on trial right now, Mr. Woods is.

"anarchy"

- And in a surprising decision, the judge agreed with the objection, which mean no questions from the defense about the criminal past of the prosecution's star witness.

Steve Twain (to Susan): It was a devastating blow to us, because we really wanted to prove that this guy, this sex offender, isn’t a credible witness. We’re starting back at square one.

Susan Summers (to Robert): What were your thoughts whenever the judge didn’t allow the question of Jesse’s criminal past?

Robert Woods (to Susan): I wasn’t surprised. Ryan Patrick is a very cunning person, he loves to demean other people, and he’ll do anything to win a conviction, even if it means taking the life of an innocent person.

Susan Summers (to Ryan): Robert Woods calls you a liar, and he says that you’re willing to take the lives of anyone, to win.

Ryan Patrick (smiling): Well, at least I’m not a cop killer, am I?

"quote"

- Next up, the prosecution used the evidence of a 2000 Chevy Silverado that was being driven by the killer. Prosecutor Patrick states that Robert Woods’ car, was a Silverado, it had the same color, and it was indeed, a Chevy. Despite this evidence, Twain is willing to make a stunning accusation against the man who testified against Robert, even if it meant another objection.

Steve Twain (to Susan): I’ve been working in the court of law for 35 years as a defense attorney, and a lot of times, I get objections by the prosecutors, because I’m exposing evidence that the prosecutor doesn’t want the jury to see. I don’t give a damn in these capital cases, and I make sure I can get whatever dirt I have to make sure my client isn’t locked up for something he didn’t do, like Robert Woods.

Susan Summers (to Robert): So tell me how you know Jesse Jackson. Did you have any idea who he was before he was accusing you of murder?

Robert Woods (nodding his head): Yes I did. I knew Jesse because of an incident that happened a few months prior.

"anarchy"

- Robert says that although this story might sound unbelievable, it completely exonerates him from any wrongdoing.

Robert Woods (to Susan): I’m willing to bet it was late April, early May, sometime around then. I pull up to work, and Immediately, I see shattered glass, so I’m thinking someone’s robbing me. I get my handgun out, because I know that somebody’s probably gonna try and kill me if I don’t have it, and I slowly walk into the office to where this guy’s at.

"anarchy"

- It was then, Robert said, that he entered the office, and fired two warning shots, to get Jesse’s attention. Jesse complied, but ended up running immediately after seeing Robert. He then took off, but not before catching the license plate number of Robert Woods’ car, which was according to Robert, the same looking car that Jesse owned.

Susan Summers (to Robert): What did he end up getting away with?

Robert Woods (to Susan): Well murder, for one (laughing).

(Susan laughs)

Robert Woods (to Susan): And in terms of the robbery, almost everything. $300 that I saved up for the weekend, gone. My computer was gone, my business cards were gone. My dumb ass even left a username and password on the table, which I’m willing to bet he wrote down. My computer and all of my business cards contain personal information – my home address, my phone number, and my official military photo.

"anarchy"

- Robert also says that the Silverado that he owned, is the same type of car as Jesse Jackson’s, and says that the idea of both cars being the same, was purely a coincidence.

Robert Woods (to Susan): Chevy is a very popular brand for automobiles. I had my car since 2004, and I know a lot of people, vets especially who like to drive their Chevy or own a Chevy. The prosecution failed to mention that Jesse Jackson also had a Chevy. Why didn’t they begin questioning him?

"anarchy"

- The answer, according to Robert, was very simple.

Robert Woods (to Susan): Pride.

Susan Summers (to Robert): What do you mean pride?

Robert Woods (to Susan): The Rockwall County Police Department lost one of their own, unfortunately. And they did not want to have the case go unsolved or cold. They wanted to arrest a guy for the death of this officer, and I was the fall guy, because Jesse came forward and lied to them to point me as the killer.

Susan Summers (to Robert): I have to ask this, as my boss requires me to ask this question to all defendants. Did you kill David Moore?

Robert Woods (shaking his head): No. I was framed, and I was lied to. Jesse Jackson used me as a pawn, so he could get away with murder.

"anarchy"

- Robert says he knows he is an innocent man, but says he worried that the jury would convict him anyways, so he took a very, very risky move. He wanted to take the stand at his capital murder trial.

Susan Summers (to Steve): When did you first find out that your client was interested in testifying?

Steve Twain (to Susan): Almost immediately after his family hired me. (pauses) Working as an attorney, I’ve defended clients that, I know, they’re guilty. I would never in a million years have anyone I thought was a killer, testify in court. But I believe Robert Woods is not a killer, and if he wants to take the stand, to tell the truth, the truth cannot hurt you.

"anarchy"

- So on August 24, Robert Woods took the stand. When confronted about Jesse Jackson, he told the same story he told me in prison – that his office was robbed, and that he had lost many valuable items, that would allow Jesse to get access to know who he was. Because Jesse was never arrested or convicted of this, Robert was allowed to bring this up to the jury. The prosecutor, was not buying it.

Ryan Patrick (to Susan): So you tell me that this stranger ends up burglarizing a place, gets all your information, and four months later, ends up shooting a guy, and using you as the person who takes the fall? You expect me to believe that?

Susan Summers (to Ryan): It sounds like to you, you believe that it is more realistic that a man who seemingly had it all, that man being Robert Woods, was just this closeted drug addict. Am I correct in assuming that?

Ryan Patrick (to Susan): I would prefer that neither scenario was the truth, but I would believe that over what Robert told the jury.

(fast forward)

"anarchy"

- Robert testified for three days, being asked questions by the defense, and then the prosecution. Throughout that time, Robert continued to deny his involvement in the murders, and did point out that it was possible that Jesse Jackson, could’ve been involved in killing David Moore.

Robert Woods (to Susan): Jesse Jackson was the first person to go to authorities about anything related to the murder. Jesse Jackson told authorities that he was at the scene of the murder, and told them that he was there when he saw David get shot. Considering his criminal past, along with his history of violence, why are we automatically excluding him as a suspect?

Susan Summers (to Robert): Do you believe Jesse killed Officer Moore?

Robert Woods (to Susan): All I know is one thing, and that’s that I didn’t kill the officer.

"anarchy"

- The decision on whether Robert killed Officer Moore, would be in the hands of the jury. On August 31, both sides rested their case, and the jury – five women and seven men – began deliberating. It would take another six days before they reached a unanimous verdict.

Court Clerk: All rise.

Judge Allan Reid: (walking to sit down in his seat) You may be seated. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I'm going to assume you're reached a verdict?

Juror #1 (female): Yes we have, your honor.

Judge Allan Reid: Will the defendant please rise?

"anarchy"

- Robert Woods was about to learn whether he would be released as a free man, or be a convicted murderer.

Juror #1 (female): We the jury, in the above entitled action, find the defendant, Robert Woods, guilty on the charge of capital murder in the case of David Michael Moore.

"anarchy"

- Guilty – Robert looked at the jury, stunned. Also shocked at the verdict, was his attorney, Steve Twain.

Steve Twain (to Susan): How the hell does someone come up with such a decision like that, when there is no proof of him even being at the crime scene?

Susan Summers (to Robert): When the jury returned, and they said, you were guilty. You were surprised at what was going on in the courtroom.

'''Robert Woods (to Susan): I was shocked, I was appalled, this case reeked of reasonable doubt. If they believed a convicted child molester and drug dealer, over me, and decided that I deserved to die in prison, I seriously want to know what’s wrong with them.

"anarchy"

- But if Robert Woods thought being convicted was the worst of his problems, he didn't know what he was facing next. The jury returned for sentencing one week later, and took less than 24 hours to decide Robert Woods' sentence. On September 13, 2009, the day that David Moore would've turned 48 years old, Robert Woods, was sentenced, to death.

News Reporter (female): A man who was convicted of murdering a Rockwall County Sheriff's Deputy was sentenced to die by lethal injection just this afternoon. 27-year old Robert Woods was found guilty of shooting David Michael Moore six times, and the twelve jurors unanimously agreed - he should get the death penalty. Judge Allan Reid, agreed with the jury's decision, and handed down the ultimate punishment.

Ryan Patrick (to Susan): Robert Woods is exactly where he belongs. He has spent almost a decade on Texas' death row, and he's ran out of all of his appeals. I think it will be a good day for society when November 29 comes along.

"anarchy"

- When we return, a group of people fighting to save Robert Woods' life, against a group of people wanting to end it.

Somer Woods (in a public protest outside the Polunsky Unit): We will fight for Robert Woods, and we will never stop fighting, until he is released from this prison, a free man.

Robert Woods (to Susan): I'm afraid that our fight is going to fall on deaf ears, but I can’t ever lose hope. I have my daughter, who is leading this fight, and I have a group of attorneys destined to keep me alive. I have to count on them or else my life is going to be over.

(commercial break)

Polls and Comments
Given the evidence presented at the trial, would you, if you were a juror, convict Robert Woods? Yes No

If you voted to convict Robert Woods, what would you've voted his sentence to be? Death Life without parole Life WITH parole Other

Be sure to comment down below of your thoughts on this episode so far, I really enjoy it, and I do want to see who's reading these blogs. I hope you have a good day! :)