I studied this code nightly for months, especially after watching the video for the first time in November (2022). Section 2903.02 of the Ohio revised code is murder, which means...
(A) No person shall purposely cause the death of another or the unlawful termination of another's pregnancy.
(B) No person shall cause the death of another as a proximate result of the offender's committing or attempting to commit an offense of violence that is a felony of the first or second degree and that is not a violation of section 2903.03 or 2903.04 of the Revised Code.
John was indicted on two counts of murder and one count of felonious assault. I am NOT an attorney or criminal justice professional, other than doing extensive research I literally know ZERO about laws. I can't argue something I know nothing about, but I do have questions.
How do you charge someone with two counts of murder when only one individual was shot? It can be explained to me a million times and i'll never fully understand it. I also don't understand how someone can be indicted for three charges but the week of trial the prosecution can add additional charges? Like how does that work, whats the point of the indictment? So because the courts (or whoever) don't think the original charge is going to stick they have the authority to add additional charges, just to get their "win"? Someone make it make sense!
2903.05 Negligent Homicide: (A) No person shall negligently cause the death of another or the unlawful termination of another's pregnancy by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance as defined in section 2923.11 of the Revised Code.
2903.03 Voluntary Manslaughter: (A) No person, while under the influence of sudden passion or in a sudden fit of rage, either of which is brought on by serious provocation occasioned by the victim that is reasonably sufficient to incite the person into using deadly force, shall knowingly cause the death of another or the unlawful termination of another's pregnancy.
(B) No person, with a sexual motivation, shall violate division (A) of this section.
Call me crazy, it won't be the first time. Do I think John is guilty of murder, or voluntary manslaughter? Absolutely NOT! There is absolutely NO WAY this man fired his weapon "under sudden passion or a fit of rage". This man literally fired after taking (I counted) 13 blows to the head by two individuals with two different weapons, and 2 stomps to the body, and 1 kick-back to the face.
Have you ever bumped your head on the table, or a door? You feel kind of woozy, discombobulated? Imagine 13 punches to the side of the head, back of the head, and face with WEAPONS!!! Weapons that were intended to make a normal PUNCH more intense, more powerful. John also said "I was punched one time", because that's all he remembered before every thing went "black".
I encourage you to look up local news articles about shootings/killings in our area. How many of them had intent, how many of them admitted to it, and how many were caught red handed? Now look up those individuals, I guarantee their sentence wasn't 18-life.
A man dressed in shorts and a tee-shirt, wearing flip flops had the INTENT to committ murder? I'm angry all over again. I will never fully understand our judicial system. Some one in MCC wanted to make a name for themselves, but it wasn't a credible one. Any one who has to lie, cheat, manipulate, and hide evidence to build their case isn't someone I'd want defending my loved one at trial.
I know this post is everywhere, I haven't quite mastered the "chronicles" yet. When I have nights like tonight of feeling angry, bitter, guilty, hurt, I can't help but to bring up every thing that makes me feel this way. Ehh.
I don't know how many of you have ever had to sit on a jury. I, was fortunate enough to get out of it TWICE due to anxiety (thank gosh). However, now more than ever do I want to be selected so I can see and understand what goes on in that "back" room. Until then I wanted to educate those of you who have, or will sit on a jury. Ask questions! If something doesn't seem right or feel right, go with your gut! If you ask questions and NO ONE is giving you an answer, do NOT come up with a verdict! If someone is pressuring you into a CERTAIN verdict, please for the love of God stand your ground!
So often are jurors midguided and reach a verdict without the knowledge of the jury instructions. Sitting at trial and listening to the Judge read 30 pages of OJI had me lost after the first sentence. Granted the jurors were able to bring them back with them while deliberating, but if you don't know what a certain "rule" or "law" is, always speak up and ask. If you are unsure about any thing from the OJI don't just side with the majority of jurors.
I can't even keep up with my thoughts tonight, so i'll end it with one of my favorites.....
Isaiah 41:10: I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Fear can overtake us, but God is all-powerful and will offer us all the strength we need. Take this Bible verse about strength into account when you face tough times.
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