It"s sad that all Linda Cruz wanted was to be a mom. She had much love and she sadly got 2 children that were more than she could handle. She tried to get Nicholas help in every way. The only blessing for her was to not live to see the child she adored to do such a terrible thing.
I do not agree that all she wanted was to be a mom She wanted an image personality, which she felt having babies could create. She lied pathologically about being the birth mother, she was not consistent with therapies, she kept her problems secret downplayed NC's bizarre bxs until it was late in the game and she goes with him to help him buy the AR 15 This lady had so many problems and she clung to NC He was her emotional prisoner before she became his
say it again prosecution trampled him and it was amazing to see...people are being sensitive without realizing that court proceedings are meant to be theatrical
@OG Sky Watch Lawyers are often surprised when experienced trial attorneys are NOT angry during cross. It’s part of the strategy. You may not like it, but it is a VERY effective strategy when a witness needs to be discredited.
@@SaintlySinner81 My husband is in the army he uses that weapon and he said they have to use proffesional earphones to block that level of noise out. Simple earbuds and music won't do.
I find it so terribly sad that nobody came to moms funeral. This family was so isolated. To be that overwhelmed with troubled boys and no husband and be trying to stay afloat. Did they not have ANY extended family? Good lord. We don’t know how much people are suffering behind closed doors. I’m praying for everyone involved and hope the families of the 17 innocent people who lost their lives have some relief from the agony they must be in 😞
In my experience mother's with children who have behavior problems don't get a lot of invitations to social events. She may have started with friends and family but they began to put distance between her and them because how stressful it is to be around kids with such troubling behavior. Not making excuses for friends and family it's just kinda what happens. It happened to me with a child who has autism and yes it is definitely isolating and hard on parents mental health. Because she was older I imagine her own parents had already passed. I give this family a lot of credit they are unusual.
As a sociopath and shooter with a stunted mental growth, he doesn’t have much of a mental image of himself and is not very introspective. In addition he never knew much about his past or childhood and didn’t know so many people were interested or involved in his direct care, because his mother would even split the medication between him and Zachary. He never knew there was any specialized consideration going into his growing up, so you’d imagine that he is incredibly fascinated by this.
31:38 - (Audio Begins) Courts discussing unrelated case. 32:19 - Prior to Jury Entrance, State presents an agreed 'Motion in limine' regarding the witness testimony of Paul Gold. 34:19 - Prior to Jury Entrance, Witness Paul Gold is instructed not to make mention of any diagnosis or allegations. 41:55 - Witness, Paul Gold, (Neighbors of NC) Direct Exam by Defense Attorney, Casey Secor. 1:36:39 - State Attorney, Jeff Marcus cross examines witness, Paul Gold. 2:07:51 - (cont.) State Attorney, Jeff Marcus cross examines witness, Paul Gold. 2:41:46 - State Attorney, Jeff Marcus plays audio recording of (phone conversation between NC and Paul Gold) to the courts. 2:47:15 - Defense Attorney, Casey Secor - redirect examines witness, Paul Gold. 2:54:07 - Witness, Sgt. James Snell, BCSO - Direct Exam, Assistant Public Defender, Nawal Bashimam. 3:08:34 - (cont.) Witness, Sgt. James Snell, Direct Exam, Assistant Public Defender, Nawal Bashimam. 3:15:05 - Witness, Dep. Gary Michalosky, BCSO, Direct Exam, Assistant Public Defender, Nawal Bashimam 3:44:15 - Asst. State Attorney, Nicole Chiappone cross examines witness, Dep. Gary Michalosky 3:51:55 - Assistant Public Defender, Nawal Bashimam redirect exam, witness, Dep. Gary Michalosky 3:53:38 - Court in recess until the following day @ 9:00 AM EST
How is anyone here upset with the prosecution team? I’m seeing so many comments regarding Gold on the stand. The defense team brought Gold here to testify in defense for Nikolas Cruz. His motives are disgusting. We are at a trial where NC brutally murdered 17 people and Gold is behind the scenes talking about movie producers. Did you not see the victims families body language change the second Gold said he thinks “some good should come out of this” in regards to a movie based off NC? What am I missing here? The prosecution team did an amazing job during cross. The state made everyone think of the victims and not NC.
I believe the good coming from this he is talking about is people seeing how this happens. It's easy to just say people are evil and want revenge in the form of death. What really needs to happen is to see and understand how someone gets to this point. Where did society fail them and where did they fail. How can we stop another child from getting to this point and having more victims. These shootings are happening far too often to look at this in the perspective of "I don't wanna hear anything about him because he's not the victim". We have to be able to put our anger aside and actually learn from this. Based on a lot of the comments, we are not very good at it.
A lot of people in the live chat were commenting on the cops weight while he was testifying. I would say to them that he could quite possibly put the weight on during his job as some of them see and hear some very disturbing things that people do while working as a cop. Another thing i believe that he would run rings around alot of the haters. Also some cops are very skilled in other areas of there job rather than running after crooks.
It's ridiculous how some people assume that people need to be lectured about how to speak in court instead of asking them first about their educational background but this man made it very clear he not only went to school for psychology but also went to med school. wow...Smh
The reason he was "admonished" was because he attempted to diagnose Cruz at a deposition..& no matter his education,he wasn't his treating therapist nor psychiatrist
I feel so sorry for the adoptive mother as she can’t stand up for herself. It’s horrible how they keep depicting her as an unable to cope, alcoholic! It’s horrible.
I believe this is the first witness I've heard describe Lynda Cruz as anything more than an occasional social drinker. I do think she was unable to cope with those boys. She had expected everything to be wonderful and perfect with her two children. She denied any suggestions about nc needing help for years, and then her husband up and dies on her. She wasn't able to cope.
The man who was Ms. Duchamp's husband, gives me feelings that he's dishonest. A self serving individual that would throw a child under a bus to save his image or behind. Gives me predatory vibes.
@@missvegasable I got the same idea and was even thinking of him being afraid of maybe that crazy woman kidnapping his child again. I mean otherwise you would not forgive such a thing.
Unpopular opinion again but the lawyers don’t have to be rude to any of the witnesses. They answer questions then the attorneys say they aren’t answering. Almost like they are drawing them in with the questioning so the witness purposely argues back . I do feel sorry for the jurors who have to make that decision. Me personally I couldn’t play a part in indirectly taking someone’s life .
The redhead lawyer uses a similar tactic as well with the witnesses by making them repeat their answer or saying she didn't hear them when they are already flustered or overwhelmed. Clearly a way to riled them up further.
of course you couldn't because your not on the jury and you obviously don't take school mass shootings seriously! your just like these wack republican pun-dents! who think its okay for these mass killers to shoot up schools and then yell mental illness after all the carnage
Well according to all these witnesses I believe this kid is not capable of being “fixed”. He had all sorts of therapists and what not , he had a network of people around him . Clearly he can’t be controlled or trusted
Very true. Which means he has serious mental health issues, unfixable. The trial is not about letting him ever walk free again.. This trial is only deciding if he should get a life sentence *or* death penalty ~ one or the other. So he won't be walking free, ever. That said, his mental health issues play a big part in his conviction.
@@amandashook5092 yeah, actually how was he able to buy a gun when he was known by le etc. To have so many mental health incidents and receiving treatment? I swear red flag laws for mental health were in place before....
im not even involved and all this testimony is giving me a stomach ache. the parents must be tortured. sadly no matter what they decide these cases get hung up in court appeals for years. they linger and cause more pain. what a mess. I pray for peace for all the people touched by this including NC. the world can be such a dark place. it is a heartbreaking case. if these states are going to have the death penalty the criminals should be able to choose death if they want it. NC has said he wants to die.
I’ll give the prosecution credit, the first witness Paul Gold was highly discredited. You might wanna make sure that your answers provided in a previous deposition match the answers you give in court or else you’re going to struggle. Every discrepancy will be brought to attention and this will bring doubt into the jurors’ minds as far as the credibility of his testimony, the validity of his statements, and what is true and what isn’t… Jurors will start to question “What else is he not being forthcoming about?” One omission or forgetful moment is understandable given how long ago all of this happened, but Gold had too many of these instances to remain credible imo.
@@nenej12 Wow, this is what I was feeling. He wants a lot of props for whatever he does; that being said, people who do things from the heart don't look for an applause for it. And that contribution to the group helping trafficked women has not a thing to do with this case or the situation at hand!
@@patriciafoster3347 it was amazing! I don’t see how people are getting all emotional when the killer already plead guilty! This is what they would have been doing had it been a full trial
I don’t understand why the prosecutor is so hostile to this witness. We can all agree that what he did was horrific, and this guy is just telling his recollection which is up to 10 years in the past, it’s going to be a little shaky🙄
True. However, his deposition was not 10yrs ago. More like 2yrs ago. It's one thing to forget small things that is normal but this is another level that is closer to lying IMO
@@TennesseeYaya I think many of the things were quite irrelevant so it might’ve happened that he has just answered something as it has not been that important.
Gold guy? Because he is lying constantly. He manipulates both the defense and the state team, he has ulterior motives, taking advantage of the horrible situation, and deliberately making statements instead of answering questions... Do you need more reasons?
As a mother of 2 autistic sons , one who has violent tendencies, my heart goes to the victims as well as to the shooter. This is exactly every autistic mom's fear; that after we are no longer here, nobody will be able to do our jobs of keeping the sanity of these kids. She did everything under the son to find adequate services for this kid. There is nothing that she could had done above and beyond what she had already done. How do you fix a child that was always broken? People says the internet and video games turns kids bad, but I am going to tell you that it is not always true. I am watching attentively to see what our system does. There are literally, millions of autistic kids in our country and lots of them are entering adulthood.... My heart is shattered because in all testimonies, I feel as if they were speaking about my youngest...He is only 7, but he will grow bigger and stronger....God give us all the wisdom to care for these kiddos.
As the mother of grown twin sons..one with Autism the other high functioning on the spectrum...I feel for you. But your 7 yr old might be fine later on. I advise not letting your son play violent video games...or even competitive games. I had to stop playing Uno with my son. I was told early on to try & direct them to positive things. I was told my son would be violent & never tell me he loved me. He is the most loving, compassionate man today. He has his moments just like we all do..but he's my hero ..both of them are. I know you probably don't want to hear advice..I didn't either. Wishing you the best ...and I know you are probably exhausted. It's a fight everyday to get the help that is needed. I was blessed with some awesome teachers in our lives.
I am not autistic , but I am Bipolar one, traits of schizophrenia , CPTSD, and major anxiety disorder. And when I was hearing The defense witness over and over about everything and I just stoped bc it was like they where describing me. I am sorry to hear about your sons. And you are strong and don’t forget that. It’s hard being someone like me. And it’s very hard on the person who looks after people like me and your amazing sons. You are a hero in my eyes!
YES. And that drives me insane. He is a self proclaimed mass murderer, yet Is allowed to sit, free of restraints, chat, draw, pass notes, sipping on his drink, being treated like a king. Nobody else in that courtroom does those things?!
He was so interested in the Apple watch of the lawyer next to him while the Deputy was on the stand. She was trying to get it out of his view by put her hand down, behind her back, and he was really trying to see it. She seemed bothered by him
Yes noticed that too. Probably because he was seeing his movie industry friend in court today. He was probably giving him a good look to see who can be cast to play him 🙄 That testimony and phone call was disgusting. The guy sounded creepy.
I’m getting really sick of the prosecutors treating the witnesses like crap. Arguing with them, yelling at them, making a fool of them, and being extremely rude towards them. That cross examination lawyer for Mr Gold was incredibly rude and his behavior towards the witness was completely disgusting and uncalled for.
Everybody has an opinion and one is as important and valid as the other… it’s just mine that the prosecution did an excellent job gathering and presenting their evidence, and I didn’t notice them being mean or cruel to anyone. I do think some members of the defense team were frustrated and may have taken out their frustrations (don’t see how they could help not doing it; after all they are only human too) on the judge. Personally I think she (the judge) did an excellent job maintaining civility and trying to bring a sense of normalcy in a courtroom with its share of “very eccentric people” inside it.
I'd like to see Roxanne Deschamps on the stand, if only to hear whether she can pronounce her (French/Huguenot) name correctly as no-one else appears able to do it.
To everyone complaining about the aggression towards the witnesses… This is literally their job. This is what they went to school for. This is what they’re getting paid to do. This is what’s going to land them a win in this trial. They aren’t there to be nice to the witnesses, they are there to show the jury when these witnesses are not credible. Which they’ve proven many times by doing this tactic. It just goes to show how little everybody knows about court and knows about prosecution. For example it’s very evident this Paul gold guy just wants Cruz to get off and is lying through his teeth. Someone killed 17 children… and you expect them NOT to be aggressive? Grow up.
@@the_zule There is a way to do it tactfully. That one female prosecutor is just rude and condescending. If you wanna see a strong, assertive, female badass prosecutor, check out the one in the Chris McNabb and Cortney Bell case. She was amazing. I wish I knew her name.
prosecution did an amazing job today! people are being biased, sensitive and a bit emotional, this is a capital murder case! WHICH MEANS EXPECT FOR THE THEATRICS TO BE TURNED UP A BIT! THIS IS NOT YOUR EVERYDAY MURDER CASE!
Actually they really aren’t. They are extremely rude especially to witnesses. The jury isn’t going to like that. Prosecution is hurting their case by behaving the way they have been.
@@kymitchell777 no they are not lmao they poking great holes for the jury to see in the testimony! This is what lawyer’s go to school for and get paid to do! The foundation of law is SPEECH & DEBATE! This isn’t pbs kids lol like TF Also the defense doesn’t have a case many of there witnesses have already been caught in lies lmao
Exactly. The trolls come to comment end of day….siding with the defense and their many bogus witnesses. Fake doctors. Biased neighbors. Highly paid pharmacist consultant. Many have proven to be completely untrustworthy. Fortunately live chat shows that most people are still sane and understand the state has every right to be firm with these witnesses
What is with all the aggression from the Prosecution side, the case has already been made, let's get this case over the family's have been through enough.
Spot on! The prosecution is clearlyJust bullying I am still listening to this and have no clue why the prosecution is being so demonstrative to this man!
About the "how is that your business?" Question from mr Marcus I think that is obvious. A child was at his home so he was responsible for that child, ofc he was going to talk to the mother about him being distressed. If any of my children becomes ill or if any incident occures while at a play date I expect the parents of that child to fill me in. Maybe not come up with a diagnosis but I expect them to care.
The prosecution's unnecessary aggression towards witnesses called by the defense is going to be a turn off for jurors. The majority of those testifying were forced to by subpoena. This is the last place they want to be. And then to be attacked and yelled at by prosecutors is disgusting behavior. Look at what we're talking about! We're talking about their behaviors and nothing related to their questioning and arguments! That's exactly what these jurors are going to be remember!
Also shows them as savages seeking for blood and revenge, like why going so hard in a case you won without even starting it? They have EVERYTHING for making this case a death penalty case, why being so agressive to the defense. I think the fact we have a trial is to understand what happened, why it happened so new laws can be done to prevent things like this from happening. But apparently, they only seek death penalty out of revenge or some sort of witch hunt. Its disgusting
I thought this yesterday too. I kept rewinding trying to see if the witness was intentionally/unintentionally rude or hostile and they weren’t. It’s a turn off for us too...
I've thought about this ever since the defense has been up. I understand what they're trying to do but at the same time it's giving mental illness a stigma, and blaming everyone else but the person. We've come a long way in reference to mental illnesses. We have a long way to go, but what he did was no excuse. None.
Right!! The defense is raising these issues not as an excuse, but rather to give the jury reasons why to sentence him to life in prison instead of death. The lead defense attorney made that VERY clear during her opening arguments. She said they (the defense team) are not making excuses for the crimes. She wants the jury and the world to see how messed up his brain was, starting from having a mom that did lots of drugs while he was in the womb. She’s asking for mercy for him (life, not death) because of of such issues.
@@shadxcruz yes I agree, this man, that was a teenager when this happened and since he was a very sm,child has had mental problems. We now mostly understand and at times can help,with these problems or can find placement for this individual. But at the times he was going through this there was very little knowledge of mental health issues in children, I am so sorry for the family's that this has touched. But I believe he should not be put todeath,I think permanently place him in an Institution,where he should have been a long time ago.
First of all, terrible terrible and sympathy to all the families. But this is truly a case of we are only as strong as our weakest link. We need to care for all these kids who fall through the floor boards as it comes back to bite us 10 fold.
Someone please wrap this case up cause I’m exhausted from watching this bickering from lawyers to witnesses it’s gone on way to long in my opinion 😮😮😮😮😮
This is all going to come down to how the jurors feel about the death penalty. With that said, I am so put off with the way the judge and the prosecutors treat witnesses. And its not just today’s witness. They have been nasty and disrespectful to several of them. Screaming at them, badgering them, claiming they are not answering questions when they are giving clear, precise answers. It’s gross to watch.
I agree. I couldn't believe the tone of voice she used with the neighbor when the prosecutor asked her to tell the neighbor to answer the question. It's really disappointing to see witnesses treated this way.
@@ownyourshit101 Then clearly you haven’t been watching. Nobody is condoning the murder of 17 people. The judge has yelled at several of the witnesses to stop talking when they clearly don’t even know what’s going on. The redhead screamed at the blonde headed woman with 6 kids several times asking her what business it was of hers about telling the boys as teenagers they were adopted and then you have the male prosecutor from today yelling at the witness asking him what business it was of his whether she fed her kids or not or if he needed mental help. We get it. Everyone is mad and devastated over the shooting but you don’t need to harass witnesses that are there to give information. Weirdo.
I have watched enough of this trial now to come to the decision that the prosecution had no chance of winning even before the case began. I read that 11 jurors decided on the death penalty while 1 vote was for life. Of course they need a unanimous 12 jury decision in order for a sentence of death. From all I've heard I strongly believe that any juror who voted against the death penalty, especially when all other 11 jurors voted for death, would have to be a "juror on a mission." Whether they had a personal reason for voting the way they did that they hid during jury selection or whatever.....no one with a normal mind, with all the the evidence provided by the state, would hold out against the death penalty knowing that they alone were deciding the defendant's fate.
i thought that too! so 1 of the jurors was "very pregnant and could go into labor any day" the judge said, right before she read the final jury instructions,. i think NC lawyer was trying to sway her during the whole trial.. manipulative mf'ers huh? but idk if she was the original holdout or not. initially it was 11 to 1 ; final vote was 9 to 3
Lee Allison has only produced one low budget film. The title of the film is "Eruption." It was released in 1997. He never worked with Tom Cruise or any other major Hollywood star.
I hate trying to avoid responsibility for Cruz's deeds by presenting his poor childhood. I know many traumatized in childhood, but none of them murdered people to become famous. This trial has become a media circus, instead of doing justice to the victims and their loved ones.
Couldn’t agree more. I also know many people with far worse childhoods.. people who had virtually no help compared to what this scum of a human had.. and they never went into a school and killed innocent children and teachers. It’s really a shame that the jury will just give him life. What’s even more of a shame is if they do somehow give him the death penalty it’ll drag on for years! Put a few in his stomach and let him bleed out.. nice and cheap for the taxpayers
He would have eventually purchased one himself, but I cannot fathom what convinced Lynda Cruz to purchase her deeply disturbed, emotionally unbalanced child a semi-auto rifle. She seems to have had her own issues with reality.
@@jacedjohnson3541 ok and, they're still speaking out loud. Are their mouths muted and the jury's ears plugged. It's almost like if they go up to the bench they may be heard by the jury or the witness on the stand
Ms McNeill, do your damned job. The victims have been in their graves for 4+ years and you haven’t taken time to listen to and document your client’s jailhouse phone calls?
Why isn't this judge going full days? At this rate the case will not be over until Christmas. And coming from someone who has served on a jury before its possible for the state to be firm and not attack dogs. Its a terrible look. Its pretty bad when you can tell even the judge is annoyed with the red head.
The judge has her own concept of time. On Wednesday court started late because one of the defence team's children started school. When I started school I was taken to the classroom and left there.
This is the sentencing hearing. It's already been established he is guilty as mass murder. He still gets to be uncuffed while he draws violent photos? Holding a pen inches from people's necks.
@@paulsnith9979 That’s the thing though, this is not a hearing. This is the Penalty phase of a trial before a jury. The defendant cannot be made to appear in any way that would negatively influence the jurors.
THIS IS GREAT STUFF, AS YOU ALL KNOW IVE BEEN FOLLOWING AND WATCHING THIS WHOLE TRIAL FOR MONTHS NOW, AND I JUST CANT GET ENOUGH OF IT, THIS WITNESS THE NEIGHBOR IS TRULY A GREAT GUY THE WAY HE DESCRIBES THINGS IS TRULY SPECTACULAR, IM GONNA BE WATCHING THE WHOLE THING
You should go to the court house to proclaim your greatness in person, not in the comments among us peasants (where we clearly can’t begin to comprehend what a blessing it is to be graced with your presence). You are a king, act as such.
@@julieuhha unfortunately im not in the USA, but if i was you can bet your bottom dollar i would be there to listen to some of these witnesses taking the stand, especially his neighbour that testified a few days ago, that guy was a hoot
Does anyone know the names of some of these lawyers? Like the redhead on the prosecution’s side? Or the guy that sits next to her on the right who’s always whispering and laughing while looking at witnesses? The one with brown hair and glasses?
I'm surprised NC declined the movie deal. He wanted fame and notoriety from the shooting, but now declines to be in a movie. Is it possible he has rethought anything these past 4 years or feels different? Or is it self preservation of some kind? I was surprised by that.
I don’t understand what he was lying about, he just look like he didn’t remember a bunch of crap, and if you ask me what happened 10 years ago I would be the exact same way. And I don’t even understand why the prosecution once so hard, he made him look like a criminal when the guy was just a neighbor who observed some odd behavior which clearly existed
@@myopinionmatters yeah not only that it was also his body language. Within the first minute I could see he was dodgy. Check the eyes. Dead giveaway, amongst other things.
You have to remember these defense witnesses haven't seen him in a long time so probably want to check him out. Then they check the jury out. Everyone watches court cases on TV so probably comparing fake from real. His eyes did shift around a lot but he didn't want anyone to notice ... they should know, they're on camera.
@@nickie7874 yeah that’s a possibility too however he has spoken to that monster about a movie. And ghosted his brother and mother (was it?) for an iPad. 🥴 this guy is weird.
Paul Gold is CEO of Sport Surfaces, Inc. They are in the business of resurfacing tennis courts in Southern Florida. There is nothing on record pertaining to Gold owning a film production company.
Didn't like the way that state cross examined the neighbor. Super aggressive. What business is it of a neighbor if a kid doesn't have enough food? It SHOULD be ANY neighbor's business however if they didn't have enough food that would make me question if that was a "good" mom. Why didn't she seek public assistance?
The whole "did you think it was your business" line of questioning bothers me. Aren't we told "if we see something, say something?" Don't we criticize people for NOT being more proactive when when they become aware of a potential threat to public safety? Can't have it both ways. Either we are our neighbor's "keeper", or we aren't.
Knew Paul gold very briefly while Roxanne Deschamp was living in Lake Worth. I was friends with Roxanne's daughter Vanessa. Neither Cruz brothers ever came to the Lake Worth home 100%. Roxanne lived as a single mother in Lake Worth, Paul was almost never there. This was during one of the rough patches mentioned in testimony. She was pregnant with Tyler at the time right before they moved to Wellington *not west palm beach* the house they bought was a dump no way 12 and 14 year old could help with yard work. Paul Gold painted this image of Roxanne Deschamps in the media that she took advantage of the Cruz Brothers. Roxanne's home was were all the neighborhood kids would go mostly because she was very kind, she wouldn't really care what we got into pot wise but we never would hang out and smoke there because we respected her too much. I can't see her taking advantage of the the Cruz brothers but 100% could see Paul taking advantage of Cruz
a neighbor and boyfriend of the woman who started monopolizing Lynda Cruz's life which caused the other friend for a very long time causing that friendship to disolve
It means the lawyer is supposed to be concise with objections and say "objection, leading!" or hearsay or assuming facts not in evidence or whatever the objection is to, rather than a speaking objection where the lawyer tries to explain their objection in their own words like saying "objection, he's trying to lead the witness to say blah blah blah...". Speaking objections are usually just the lawyer trying to sneak in something they want the jury to hear. Basically, they aren't supposed to explain the objection specifically, only the category of the objection, so as not to influence the jury's opinion about whatever is being objected to. They can clarify the objection further if the judge asks them to.
Attorneys need to state the legal grounds for their objection. To the point, based on rule of law. Speaking objections go beyond what’s necessary. Some attorneys use speaking objections to coach a witness to say something particular.
There are a lot of young people who grow up in less than ideal situations. There are a lot of young people who suffer from some sort of mental illness or learning disorder. Only a few commit crimes. Cruz was most certainly able to control his emotions and behavior. He was able to plan his massacre at MSD. Our focus and our sympathy belongs with the victims. Cruz and his family were offered and received so much help in their lives and still chose poorly at every turn. Time for him to pay for these murders. Today's testimony from Gold exposed a potential movie and we now know that Zachary Cruz is contemplating a reality show. Some people are just plain evil.
I've watched a few trials and the prosecution here is especially loud and obnoxious. They also get away with alot. The defense gets told not to make any spoken objections meanwhile the prosecution is calling out objections left and right. Both sides should be able to see or hear exhibits and the judge ruled that the defense couldn't hear the jail call. The prosecution barks at the defense witnesses and it's likely putting the jurors off. I thought the neighbour was a good witness. He kept his cool unlike the prosecuting attorney. If their goal is to sway the jury they aren't going to do it that way. None of their team are very likable. The neighbour spoke of how violent Nikolas was which is what the prosecution has been hammering into the jury's heads. Why discredit him? He was a good witness for both sides. The prosecuting attorney looked like a fool accusing the neighbour of not minding his own business because he cared that the kids had food.
The judge seems biased towards the state. Some of the defence witnesses have been impressive: the pharmacy doc, the school counsellor and Motorcycle Man. Gold was a slimy witness. He should have kept his answers brief and to the point.
Caught an interesting moment... 3:35:34 Nik was looking at the woman on the right's paper and did not need his glasses. She realizes he isn't wearing them and urgently tells him to put them back on. Trying to portray him as someone he isn't by making him wear these atrocious nerdy glasses. Weak.
@@44ARISEandSHINE44 He'd never used glasses before, as far as I'm aware. He just magically needed them and the nerdy clothes when he was in front of the jury.
@@44ARISEandSHINE44 It's interesting to theorize about how a defense team structures their case, especially a high profile one like this. If you don't think that defense teams are very meticulous about how they want their client to be portrayed, then you're delusional. Any good defense attorney would see how incredibly important their client's appearance in court is and how influential it is in the jury's perception of them. Lol
I don’t understand how people next to him sitting there are not afraid? is he being under a different medication that prohibits him from having these outbursts now? How is he able mentally to stand to hear all these things about him and stay calm? I am sorry for the parents victims and for him and what he as a human had to endure.
The prosecution's focus on the large house, the pool, the affluent neighborhood, bothers me. Apparently, Lynda's husband had borrowed extensively against that house and left her with a lot of debt. I do wish she had sold that house and moved to a more modest, affordable location so that she WOULD have had the resources to maintain steady, professional therapy and treatment for both of those boys. A nice house in an affluent neighborhood does not make life perfect.
The Prosecution was awesome...Mr. Gold seems extremely shady. Also who does he keep looking at in the court room? I wouldn't trust that dude with my dog. It "seems" that his ex felt the need to hide from him....
@@cpb0589 different strokes I guess.. I think the redhead is straight and to the point. No need for rainbows and butterflies.. especially in this case.
@@peteb2523 She asks questions then starts to talk over the witnesses as they are answering. How many times has the stenographer said “I can’t understand two people talking at the same time. Pretty unprofessional if you ask me.
It’s a very very big case and they need lots of people Also, his mother died and left him a large life insurance policy that I believed paid for the lawyers Over $400,000 I believe was his estate
So much noise shuffling papers and moving around it's very annoying and distracting. While this smug b**** sits there with that smirky grin playing out in his head and fantasizing what he would like to do but can't do. And the defense is making it worse for themselves by having these witness say what you're saying. Something is wrong with this picture.
This judge is a new judge and has never had to deal with a capital murder case. In interviews she even expressed how overwhelming it is and she is really not the right for this case. Most likely the appeal will overturn her ruling due to her in experience .
Her “inexperience” may be in sitting on the bench in an extremely high profile case; however, it’s her knowledge of the law that counts. The jury is there to decide LWOP or death sentence, not guilt or innocence.
It"s sad that all Linda Cruz wanted was to be a mom. She had much love and she sadly got 2 children that were more than she could handle. She tried to get Nicholas help in every way. The only blessing for her was to not live to see the child she adored to do such a terrible thing.
I wouldn't say in every way.
I do not agree that all she wanted was to be a mom She wanted an image personality, which she felt having babies could create. She lied pathologically about being the birth mother, she was not consistent with therapies, she kept her problems secret downplayed NC's bizarre bxs until it was late in the game and she goes with him to help him buy the AR 15 This lady had so many problems and she clung to NC He was her emotional prisoner before she became his
Does anyone know how his Mom died? Yes, I agree. All she wanted was to be able to provide all the love she'd had in her ❤️
@@cathyrafuse3373 She had pneumonia.
@Boston Gal It was in her obituary pneumonia
Prosecution destroyed this money hungry witness
say it again prosecution trampled him and it was amazing to see...people are being sensitive without realizing that court proceedings are meant to be theatrical
I thought they were a little too hard on him.
And it was fun to watch the prosecution do it so well.👍
@OG Sky Watch Lawyers are often surprised when experienced trial attorneys are NOT angry during cross. It’s part of the strategy. You may not like it, but it is a VERY effective strategy when a witness needs to be discredited.
Sure he didn’t want to make money 🤦🏼♀️
But the noise from him shooting was fine. He didn't freak out from that noise. 😒
I always wonder if he played music during the shooting, the way James Holmes played house music in headphones while he shot up that theatre. 🎧🎶
@@SaintlySinner81 My husband is in the army he uses that weapon and he said they have to use proffesional earphones to block that level of noise out. Simple earbuds and music won't do.
Personal opinion- I think he probably further traumatized himself when he did what he did.
He was listnening to punched up kicks. But I can't imagine that he did not hear anything.
@ EK. L During the shooting? How do you know that?
I find it so terribly sad that nobody came to moms funeral. This family was so isolated. To be that overwhelmed with troubled boys and no husband and be trying to stay afloat. Did they not have ANY extended family? Good lord. We don’t know how much people are suffering behind closed doors. I’m praying for everyone involved and hope the families of the 17 innocent people who lost their lives have some relief from the agony they must be in 😞
You're right, so sad 🙏😭
So sad. I actually cried. 🙏
@@missvegasable So true too bad she didn't think of it before buying those kids and she knew about the alcohol and drugs.
In my experience mother's with children who have behavior problems don't get a lot of invitations to social events. She may have started with friends and family but they began to put distance between her and them because how stressful it is to be around kids with such troubling behavior. Not making excuses for friends and family it's just kinda what happens. It happened to me with a child who has autism and yes it is definitely isolating and hard on parents mental health. Because she was older I imagine her own parents had already passed. I give this family a lot of credit they are unusual.
She shunned them. Plenty in Ny state
Now he sits up and watches, he never gave the families that consideration 🙈
he is likely hearing their perspective of him for the first time. i dont think he was that self aware during all these relationships.
As a sociopath and shooter with a stunted mental growth, he doesn’t have much of a mental image of himself and is not very introspective. In addition he never knew much about his past or childhood and didn’t know so many people were interested or involved in his direct care, because his mother would even split the medication between him and Zachary. He never knew there was any specialized consideration going into his growing up, so you’d imagine that he is incredibly fascinated by this.
What type of meds is he on? He is very child like with his lawyers
I can’t get over how much he sounds like Adam Sandler
Witness: “I didn’t say that.”
*Prosecution plays phone call.*
Witness: 👁 👄 👁
FACTS IT WAS DIVINE WHAT THE STATE DID
@@nenej12 what minute is this? I cant find it
@@mariafernandagutierrez3197 he enters the courtroom around 36 minutes, direct examination is first then the state does cross examination.
And it was word for word
@@mariafernandagutierrez3197I think it starts around 2:41:43
31:38 - (Audio Begins) Courts discussing unrelated case.
32:19 - Prior to Jury Entrance, State presents an agreed 'Motion in limine' regarding the witness testimony of Paul Gold.
34:19 - Prior to Jury Entrance, Witness Paul Gold is instructed not to make mention of any diagnosis or allegations.
41:55 - Witness, Paul Gold, (Neighbors of NC) Direct Exam by Defense Attorney, Casey Secor.
1:36:39 - State Attorney, Jeff Marcus cross examines witness, Paul Gold.
2:07:51 - (cont.) State Attorney, Jeff Marcus cross examines witness, Paul Gold.
2:41:46 - State Attorney, Jeff Marcus plays audio recording of (phone conversation between NC and Paul Gold) to the courts.
2:47:15 - Defense Attorney, Casey Secor - redirect examines witness, Paul Gold.
2:54:07 - Witness, Sgt. James Snell, BCSO - Direct Exam, Assistant Public Defender, Nawal Bashimam.
3:08:34 - (cont.) Witness, Sgt. James Snell, Direct Exam, Assistant Public Defender, Nawal Bashimam.
3:15:05 - Witness, Dep. Gary Michalosky, BCSO, Direct Exam, Assistant Public Defender, Nawal Bashimam
3:44:15 - Asst. State Attorney, Nicole Chiappone cross examines witness, Dep. Gary Michalosky
3:51:55 - Assistant Public Defender, Nawal Bashimam redirect exam, witness, Dep. Gary Michalosky
3:53:38 - Court in recess until the following day @ 9:00 AM EST
Thank you once again.
@@mariannsimms5644 You’re welcome.
You’re amazing! Thankyou so much for putting the time stamps on every stream, we appreciate it :)
How is anyone here upset with the prosecution team? I’m seeing so many comments regarding Gold on the stand. The defense team brought Gold here to testify in defense for Nikolas Cruz. His motives are disgusting. We are at a trial where NC brutally murdered 17 people and Gold is behind the scenes talking about movie producers. Did you not see the victims families body language change the second Gold said he thinks “some good should come out of this” in regards to a movie based off NC? What am I missing here? The prosecution team did an amazing job during cross. The state made everyone think of the victims and not NC.
Agree! 💯
I believe the good coming from this he is talking about is people seeing how this happens. It's easy to just say people are evil and want revenge in the form of death. What really needs to happen is to see and understand how someone gets to this point. Where did society fail them and where did they fail. How can we stop another child from getting to this point and having more victims.
These shootings are happening far too often to look at this in the perspective of "I don't wanna hear anything about him because he's not the victim". We have to be able to put our anger aside and actually learn from this. Based on a lot of the comments, we are not very good at it.
A lot of people in the live chat were commenting on the cops weight while he was testifying. I would say to them that he could quite possibly put the weight on during his job as some of them see and hear some very disturbing things that people do while working as a cop. Another thing i believe that he would run rings around alot of the haters. Also some cops are very skilled in other areas of there job rather than running after crooks.
That's really *low* to talk about his weight! People should be ashamed.
Totally agree, a case of never judge a book by its cover
I can't imagine being dressed like that with that weight and running around chasing people who can't behave like proper humanbeings. Props to him.
He also has a vest on under his shirt. That makes you look heavy.
The live chat is a bed of ignorance and best ignored.
It's ridiculous how some people assume that people need to be lectured about how to speak in court instead of asking them first about their educational background but this man made it very clear he not only went to school for psychology but also went to med school. wow...Smh
The reason he was "admonished" was because he attempted to diagnose Cruz at a deposition..& no matter his education,he wasn't his treating therapist nor psychiatrist
This guy is so phoney. Sick of hearing from him. Glad prosecutor got to the bottom of his BS
Totally he’s in on something I don’t know he’s he might be in on this documentary that’s going to be made
Good seems genuine what’s wrong with him?
Pls what's BS?
What a no nonsense judge!!
When someone tells you who they truly are believe them. he says he’s a demon.
I'm Christian and I believe he's possessed by many demons.
I feel so sorry for the adoptive mother as she can’t stand up for herself. It’s horrible how they keep depicting her as an unable to cope, alcoholic! It’s horrible.
I believe this is the first witness I've heard describe Lynda Cruz as anything more than an occasional social drinker. I do think she was unable to cope with those boys. She had expected everything to be wonderful and perfect with her two children. She denied any suggestions about nc needing help for years, and then her husband up and dies on her. She wasn't able to cope.
The man who was Ms. Duchamp's husband, gives me feelings that he's dishonest. A self serving individual that would throw a child under a bus to save his image or behind. Gives me predatory vibes.
@@missvegasable I got the same idea and was even thinking of him being afraid of maybe that crazy woman kidnapping his child again. I mean otherwise you would not forgive such a thing.
Unpopular opinion again but the lawyers don’t have to be rude to any of the witnesses. They answer questions then the attorneys say they aren’t answering. Almost like they are drawing them in with the questioning so the witness purposely argues back . I do feel sorry for the jurors who have to make that decision. Me personally I couldn’t play a part in indirectly taking someone’s life .
The redhead lawyer uses a similar tactic as well with the witnesses by making them repeat their answer or saying she didn't hear them when they are already flustered or overwhelmed. Clearly a way to riled them up further.
I could....let him walk the green mile
Not unpopular to me.
of course you couldn't because your not on the jury and you obviously don't take school mass shootings seriously! your just like these wack republican pun-dents! who think its okay for these mass killers to shoot up schools and then yell mental illness after all the carnage
He’s doing his job and the witness was changing his responses or providing unnecessary opinions
Well according to all these witnesses I believe this kid is not capable of being “fixed”. He had all sorts of therapists and what not , he had a network of people around him . Clearly he can’t be controlled or trusted
I agree Audra, also he should not have been able to buy a firearm. But hey, That's just my opinion.
Very true. Which means he has serious mental health issues, unfixable. The trial is not about letting him ever walk free again.. This trial is only deciding if he should get a life sentence *or* death penalty ~ one or the other. So he won't be walking free, ever. That said, his mental health issues play a big part in his conviction.
EXACTLY!!!
@@amandashook5092 yeah, actually how was he able to buy a gun when he was known by le etc. To have so many mental health incidents and receiving treatment? I swear red flag laws for mental health were in place before....
Execution will fix him.
im not even involved and all this testimony is giving me a stomach ache. the parents must be tortured. sadly no matter what they decide these cases get hung up in court appeals for years. they linger and cause more pain. what a mess. I pray for peace for all the people touched by this including NC. the world can be such a dark place. it is a heartbreaking case. if these states are going to have the death penalty the criminals should be able to choose death if they want it. NC has said he wants to die.
There wouldnt be any possible appeal regardless of what the outcome had been
No, it was stated early on before this oenalty phase he waived his right to appeal
I’ll give the prosecution credit, the first witness Paul Gold was highly discredited. You might wanna make sure that your answers provided in a previous deposition match the answers you give in court or else you’re going to struggle. Every discrepancy will be brought to attention and this will bring doubt into the jurors’ minds as far as the credibility of his testimony, the validity of his statements, and what is true and what isn’t… Jurors will start to question “What else is he not being forthcoming about?” One omission or forgetful moment is understandable given how long ago all of this happened, but Gold had too many of these instances to remain credible imo.
He tried to display himself as an angel witness…when in reality this is a game and come up for him!
@@nenej12 It was fun to watch prosecutor destroy him.
Good points, agreed!
@@nenej12 Wow, this is what I was feeling. He wants a lot of props for whatever he does; that being said, people who do things from the heart don't look for an applause for it. And that contribution to the group helping trafficked women has not a thing to do with this case or the situation at hand!
@@patriciafoster3347 it was amazing! I don’t see how people are getting all emotional when the killer already plead guilty! This is what they would have been doing had it been a full trial
I don’t understand why the prosecutor is so hostile to this witness. We can all agree that what he did was horrific, and this guy is just telling his recollection which is up to 10 years in the past, it’s going to be a little shaky🙄
True. However, his deposition was not 10yrs ago. More like 2yrs ago. It's one thing to forget small things that is normal but this is another level that is closer to lying IMO
Some of his deposition was in Jan of this year. I think Mr Gold “forgot” a lot of things. Like how to tell the truth?
@@TennesseeYaya I think many of the things were quite irrelevant so it might’ve happened that he has just answered something as it has not been that important.
Gold guy? Because he is lying constantly. He manipulates both the defense and the state team, he has ulterior motives, taking advantage of the horrible situation, and deliberately making statements instead of answering questions... Do you need more reasons?
Yes thank you for putting the pictures of those amazing people instead of that killer
How much longer are they going to drag this out.
As a mother of 2 autistic sons , one who has violent tendencies, my heart goes to the victims as well as to the shooter. This is exactly every autistic mom's fear; that after we are no longer here, nobody will be able to do our jobs of keeping the sanity of these kids. She did everything under the son to find adequate services for this kid. There is nothing that she could had done above and beyond what she had already done. How do you fix a child that was always broken? People says the internet and video games turns kids bad, but I am going to tell you that it is not always true. I am watching attentively to see what our system does. There are literally, millions of autistic kids in our country and lots of them are entering adulthood.... My heart is shattered because in all testimonies, I feel as if they were speaking about my youngest...He is only 7, but he will grow bigger and stronger....God give us all the wisdom to care for these kiddos.
As the mother of grown twin sons..one with Autism the other high functioning on the spectrum...I feel for you. But your 7 yr old might be fine later on. I advise not letting your son play violent video games...or even competitive games. I had to stop playing Uno with my son. I was told early on to try & direct them to positive things. I was told my son would be violent & never tell me he loved me. He is the most loving, compassionate man today. He has his moments just like we all do..but he's my hero ..both of them are. I know you probably don't want to hear advice..I didn't either. Wishing you the best ...and I know you are probably exhausted. It's a fight everyday to get the help that is needed. I was blessed with some awesome teachers in our lives.
@@laatl67 I do appreciate advice. Anything I can do to help my son
I am not autistic , but I am Bipolar one, traits of schizophrenia , CPTSD, and major anxiety disorder. And when I was hearing The defense witness over and over about everything and I just stoped bc it was like they where describing me.
I am sorry to hear about your sons. And you are strong and don’t forget that. It’s hard being someone like me. And it’s very hard on the person who looks after people like me and your amazing sons. You are a hero in my eyes!
They need a new court reporter. She has told every witness multiple times to speak up because she can’t hear them.
This judge is the next Judge Judy 😄 She don't play around. 👏👏
The prosecution being so unlikeable does not help the case for the death penalty
i enjoyed them today THEY LIT HIS NEIGHBOR UP, ENJOYED THE THEATRICS ALL OF IT
Really? Which is more unlikeable to you- Nikolas, the mass murder or the state?
It’s not about being liked. It’s about cross examining the witness when they aren’t credible. The jury knows this.
@@lisadee9279 it’s so cute how you keep commenting the same thing over and over again when you have no idea what you’re talking about 🥰
@@kymitchell777 someone’s mad 😣
Is anyone else curious what Nicholas whispers to the lawyers that sit on side of him? or is it just me.
YES. I try to lip read, but I’m unsuccessful.
I’d like to know, too.
YES. And that drives me insane. He is a self proclaimed mass murderer, yet Is allowed to sit, free of restraints, chat, draw, pass notes, sipping on his drink, being treated like a king. Nobody else in that courtroom does those things?!
He was so interested in the Apple watch of the lawyer next to him while the Deputy was on the stand. She was trying to get it out of his view by put her hand down, behind her back, and he was really trying to see it. She seemed bothered by him
Yes!!!
Hes not wearing his thick glasses 2day. I've always felt like he was wearing those so he couldn't see the damage and destruction hes caused.
Contacts and his Starbucks go well together
Southern Chick, I noticed that too. Also made eye contact w witness and others more frequently.
@@lindalamb7512 He loves it…. HE is the center of attention. That was his goal. To be a famous school shooter.
Yes noticed that too. Probably because he was seeing his movie industry friend in court today. He was probably giving him a good look to see who can be cast to play him 🙄 That testimony and phone call was disgusting. The guy sounded creepy.
I’m getting really sick of the prosecutors treating the witnesses like crap. Arguing with them, yelling at them, making a fool of them, and being extremely rude towards them. That cross examination lawyer for Mr Gold was incredibly rude and his behavior towards the witness was completely disgusting and uncalled for.
And the judge is so biased. I am not surprised that the defense team is annoyed by her.
Everybody has an opinion and one is as important and valid as the other… it’s just mine that the prosecution did an excellent job gathering and presenting their evidence, and I didn’t notice them being mean or cruel to anyone. I do think some members of the defense team were frustrated and may have taken out their frustrations (don’t see how they could help not doing it; after all they are only human too) on the judge. Personally I think she (the judge) did an excellent job maintaining civility and trying to bring a sense of normalcy in a courtroom with its share of “very eccentric people” inside it.
I'd like to see Roxanne Deschamps on the stand, if only to hear whether she can pronounce her (French/Huguenot) name correctly as no-one else appears able to do it.
To everyone complaining about the aggression towards the witnesses… This is literally their job. This is what they went to school for. This is what they’re getting paid to do. This is what’s going to land them a win in this trial. They aren’t there to be nice to the witnesses, they are there to show the jury when these witnesses are not credible. Which they’ve proven many times by doing this tactic. It just goes to show how little everybody knows about court and knows about prosecution. For example it’s very evident this Paul gold guy just wants Cruz to get off and is lying through his teeth. Someone killed 17 children… and you expect them NOT to be aggressive? Grow up.
It is an adversarial system. BOTH sides are DUTY BOUND to be ZEALOUS in their pursuit. No nicey nicey…
Absolutely!!
@@the_zule There is a way to do it tactfully. That one female prosecutor is just rude and condescending. If you wanna see a strong, assertive, female badass prosecutor, check out the one in the Chris McNabb and Cortney Bell case. She was amazing. I wish I knew her name.
You can be zealous and direct without being rude.
Are you actually delusional enough to think that anybody with an ounce of brain matter believes there’s a possibility that Cruz will “get off”?
This judge overrules everything the defense says and sustains everything the state objects…. Unbelievable.
I've really noticed that, it's terrible
They called the prosecute M.S. an 'institution'
he destroyed my life because that's what he helps to turn the Broward county Court system into.
I feel like the State knows Way more about this Gold guy. He is kinda Shifty
I agree. He's a slimeball who wants to portray himself as a caring, benevolent neighbor.
What does NC keep writing?????
prosecution did an amazing job today! people are being biased, sensitive and a bit emotional, this is a capital murder case! WHICH MEANS EXPECT FOR THE THEATRICS TO BE TURNED UP A BIT! THIS IS NOT YOUR EVERYDAY MURDER CASE!
Actually they really aren’t. They are extremely rude especially to witnesses. The jury isn’t going to like that. Prosecution is hurting their case by behaving the way they have been.
@@kymitchell777 no they are not lmao they poking great holes for the jury to see in the testimony! This is what lawyer’s go to school for and get paid to do! The foundation of law is SPEECH & DEBATE! This isn’t pbs kids lol like TF Also the defense doesn’t have a case many of there witnesses have already been caught in lies lmao
I agree.. seems like a bunch of snowflakes in the comments basically supporting this scumbag!
Exactly. The trolls come to comment end of day….siding with the defense and their many bogus witnesses. Fake doctors. Biased neighbors. Highly paid pharmacist consultant.
Many have proven to be completely untrustworthy.
Fortunately live chat shows that most people are still sane and understand the state has every right to be firm with these witnesses
@OG Sky Watch just like nikolas did to those beautiful kids? I’m guessing he called there bluff by murdering them? How pathetic
When is the verdict already???
It’s very sad n bad everything that happen to mr cruz but that doesn’t excuse his behavior and actions
What is with all the aggression from the Prosecution side, the case has already been made, let's get this case over the family's have been through enough.
Spot on! The prosecution is clearlyJust bullying I am still listening to this and have no clue why the prosecution is being so demonstrative to this man!
About the "how is that your business?" Question from mr Marcus I think that is obvious. A child was at his home so he was responsible for that child, ofc he was going to talk to the mother about him being distressed. If any of my children becomes ill or if any incident occures while at a play date I expect the parents of that child to fill me in. Maybe not come up with a diagnosis but I expect them to care.
I was also wondering the same question and Mr. Marcus shouting at him. It was really bothering as he was not a criminal or anything.
The state needs to tone down the badgering. 😵💫
I have looked for “badgering.” I haven’t seen it.
I don’t see anything so bad with the neighbor Gold and the cross examination
I think he’s doing a very good job and making excellent points
Put him in treatment forever
The prosecution's unnecessary aggression towards witnesses called by the defense is going to be a turn off for jurors. The majority of those testifying were forced to by subpoena. This is the last place they want to be. And then to be attacked and yelled at by prosecutors is disgusting behavior. Look at what we're talking about! We're talking about their behaviors and nothing related to their questioning and arguments! That's exactly what these jurors are going to be remember!
Also shows them as savages seeking for blood and revenge, like why going so hard in a case you won without even starting it? They have EVERYTHING for making this case a death penalty case, why being so agressive to the defense. I think the fact we have a trial is to understand what happened, why it happened so new laws can be done to prevent things like this from happening. But apparently, they only seek death penalty out of revenge or some sort of witch hunt. Its disgusting
I thought this yesterday too. I kept rewinding trying to see if the witness was intentionally/unintentionally rude or hostile and they weren’t. It’s a turn off for us too...
you guys are being biased and emotional this is a capital murder case! the state us going to go in thats what they are paid to do
I’m pretty sure they are going to remember the gruesome photos of the children who were dismembered by bullets….
I agree, she is overly curt and condescending. Probably as a tactic, but yes a turnoff likely.
I've thought about this ever since the defense has been up. I understand what they're trying to do but at the same time it's giving mental illness a stigma, and blaming everyone else but the person.
We've come a long way in reference to mental illnesses. We have a long way to go, but what he did was no excuse. None.
Right!! The defense is raising these issues not as an excuse, but rather to give the jury reasons why to sentence him to life in prison instead of death. The lead defense attorney made that VERY clear during her opening arguments. She said they (the defense team) are not making excuses for the crimes. She wants the jury and the world to see how messed up his brain was, starting from having a mom that did lots of drugs while he was in the womb. She’s asking for mercy for him (life, not death) because of of such issues.
But the issue is, is he himself not suffering, now, so much, to want to end his life?
@@shadxcruz yes I agree, this man, that was a teenager when this happened and since he was a very sm,child has had mental problems. We now mostly understand and at times can help,with these problems or can find placement for this individual. But at the times he was going through this there was very little knowledge of mental health issues in children, I am so sorry for the family's that this has touched. But I believe he should not be put todeath,I think permanently place him in an Institution,where he should have been a long time ago.
There is excuse for it, if it even happened.
@@shadxcruz Mercy would've been aborting him. Too late now.
When is trial coming back on?
Man! This witness was great today! Cross examination had me on the edge of my seat! Great job for the state today!
First of all, terrible terrible and sympathy to all the families. But this is truly a case of we are only as strong as our weakest link. We need to care for all these kids who fall through the floor boards as it comes back to bite us 10 fold.
I don't think this judge is ready. IMHO I think the court needs a more experienced Judge. This is highly intense.
She is narcissistic. Not assertive. Almost hysterical.
Someone please wrap this case up cause I’m exhausted from watching this bickering from lawyers to witnesses it’s gone on way to long in my opinion 😮😮😮😮😮
This is all going to come down to how the jurors feel about the death penalty. With that said, I am so put off with the way the judge and the prosecutors treat witnesses. And its not just today’s witness. They have been nasty and disrespectful to several of them. Screaming at them, badgering them, claiming they are not answering questions when they are giving clear, precise answers. It’s gross to watch.
You are biased. This is how cross examination goes.
I agree. I couldn't believe the tone of voice she used with the neighbor when the prosecutor asked her to tell the neighbor to answer the question. It's really disappointing to see witnesses treated this way.
Yes, I commented yesterday about the red head, and how the gentleman prosecutor is so polite. Today I eat crow about him too. He had me fooled 🤪😬
can't say I've heard any screaming in the court room??? besides the audio of kids being murdered. weirdo.
@@ownyourshit101 Then clearly you haven’t been watching. Nobody is condoning the murder of 17 people. The judge has yelled at several of the witnesses to stop talking when they clearly don’t even know what’s going on. The redhead screamed at the blonde headed woman with 6 kids several times asking her what business it was of hers about telling the boys as teenagers they were adopted and then you have the male prosecutor from today yelling at the witness asking him what business it was of his whether she fed her kids or not or if he needed mental help. We get it. Everyone is mad and devastated over the shooting but you don’t need to harass witnesses that are there to give information. Weirdo.
underground railroad is a real group that saves ALOT of lives!
Lynnda Cruz isn’t here to defend herself. Unbelievable. This guy is such a narcissist, making a fool out of the fool he is. Omg well
Needed a Chuckle.
That was one heated day at court! The guy sure was sounding like a business man taking advantage of vulnerable adult!
L look
I have watched enough of this trial now to come to the decision that the prosecution had no chance of winning even before the case began.
I read that 11 jurors decided on the death penalty while 1 vote was for life.
Of course they need a unanimous 12 jury decision in order for a sentence of death.
From all I've heard I strongly believe that any juror who voted against the death penalty, especially when all other 11 jurors voted for death, would have to be a "juror on a mission."
Whether they had a personal reason for voting the way they did that they hid during jury selection or whatever.....no one with a normal mind, with all the the evidence provided by the state, would hold out against the death penalty knowing that they alone were deciding the defendant's fate.
i thought that too! so 1 of the jurors was "very pregnant and could go into labor any day" the judge said, right before she read the final jury instructions,. i think NC lawyer was trying to sway her during the whole trial.. manipulative mf'ers huh? but idk if she was the original holdout or not. initially it was 11 to 1 ; final vote was 9 to 3
Lee Allison has only produced one low budget film. The title of the film is "Eruption." It was released in 1997. He never worked with Tom Cruise or any other major Hollywood star.
I hate trying to avoid responsibility for Cruz's deeds by presenting his poor childhood. I know many traumatized in childhood, but none of them murdered people to become famous. This trial has become a media circus, instead of doing justice to the victims and their loved ones.
Couldn’t agree more. I also know many people with far worse childhoods.. people who had virtually no help compared to what this scum of a human had.. and they never went into a school and killed innocent children and teachers. It’s really a shame that the jury will just give him life. What’s even more of a shame is if they do somehow give him the death penalty it’ll drag on for years! Put a few in his stomach and let him bleed out.. nice and cheap for the taxpayers
He would have eventually purchased one himself, but I cannot fathom what convinced Lynda Cruz to purchase her deeply disturbed, emotionally unbalanced child a semi-auto rifle. She seems to have had her own issues with reality.
The neighbor gold did a very nice thing by telling NC that they had the wrong date on the paper!!
Like the prosecuting attorney said, he didn't talk to Linda no more, but contacted ol boy boy a movie
He sure seems to know alot and why was he involved so much?
How are these sidebars so private with them speaking into the mics spread out across the courtroom in front of the jury
They mute the mics. There’s a switch on the bench I think
@@jacedjohnson3541 ok and, they're still speaking out loud. Are their mouths muted and the jury's ears plugged. It's almost like if they go up to the bench they may be heard by the jury or the witness on the stand
Ms McNeill, do your damned job. The victims have been in their graves for 4+ years and you haven’t taken time to listen to and document your client’s jailhouse phone calls?
She actually does read the transcripts of the conversations and synopsis everyone else does. I believe she feigns ignorance.
@@caffienevaccine Bless you, you are a nicer person than I am for giving her the benefit of the doubt. I cannot stand her.
HOW IS IT OK FOR THIS da to talk over a witness but nobody else?
Why isn't this judge going full days? At this rate the case will not be over until Christmas. And coming from someone who has served on a jury before its possible for the state to be firm and not attack dogs. Its a terrible look. Its pretty bad when you can tell even the judge is annoyed with the red head.
The judge has her own concept of time. On Wednesday court started late because one of the defence team's children started school. When I started school I was taken to the classroom and left there.
This trial seems like it has been going on forever……
So, what time does the trial start tomorrow?
9:00 AM EST
this guy is my fav witness so far, he's nuts, lying left and right and never answering the actual questions.
Me too but I don’t see him actually really lying !!
Like maybe exaggerate the truth to like sound cool but I like him too
He trying to make his movies
I wish the killer was somewhat restrained. Leaving him on the loose is not smart.
Law prohibits the shackling of a defendant during trial. Same reason he's wearing civilian clothing.
It’s weird I came across your comment bc I swear at one point watching I thought same to myself!
This is the sentencing hearing. It's already been established he is guilty as mass murder. He still gets to be uncuffed while he draws violent photos? Holding a pen inches from people's necks.
@@paulsnith9979 That’s the thing though, this is not a hearing. This is the Penalty phase of a trial before a jury. The defendant cannot be made to appear in any way that would negatively influence the jurors.
Thanks. Appreciate the info.
THIS IS GREAT STUFF, AS YOU ALL KNOW IVE BEEN FOLLOWING AND WATCHING THIS WHOLE TRIAL FOR MONTHS NOW, AND I JUST CANT GET ENOUGH OF IT, THIS WITNESS THE NEIGHBOR IS TRULY A GREAT GUY THE WAY HE DESCRIBES THINGS IS TRULY SPECTACULAR, IM GONNA BE WATCHING THE WHOLE THING
As we know ? Who tf cares how long you been watching
@@nabehajudeh3040 im better than all of you here put together anyway, lol
@@petejames1326 ok buddy go to bed now ...
You should go to the court house to proclaim your greatness in person, not in the comments among us peasants (where we clearly can’t begin to comprehend what a blessing it is to be graced with your presence). You are a king, act as such.
@@julieuhha unfortunately im not in the USA, but if i was you can bet your bottom dollar i would be there to listen to some of these witnesses taking the stand, especially his neighbour that testified a few days ago, that guy was a hoot
You tell O’Neil Judge. Good for you
Does anyone know the names of some of these lawyers? Like the redhead on the prosecution’s side? Or the guy that sits next to her on the right who’s always whispering and laughing while looking at witnesses? The one with brown hair and glasses?
Assistant state attorney name is Nicole Chiappone. I’m not a fan!
The only whispering I’ve seen are on defense!
@@CourtLeighAnne I AM a huge fan! She’s very smart, organized, knowledgeable… all these witnesses should have told the truth in the depositions!!
I'm surprised NC declined the movie deal. He wanted fame and notoriety from the shooting, but now declines to be in a movie. Is it possible he has rethought anything these past 4 years or feels different? Or is it self preservation of some kind? I was surprised by that.
" .. your archenemy Lynda Cruz!"
Leading
Who is the lady with the red shirt that's always with NC?
The first witness is terrible at lying lol you can’t hide body language
He got busted.
I don’t understand what he was lying about, he just look like he didn’t remember a bunch of crap, and if you ask me what happened 10 years ago I would be the exact same way. And I don’t even understand why the prosecution once so hard, he made him look like a criminal when the guy was just a neighbor who observed some odd behavior which clearly existed
@@myopinionmatters yeah not only that it was also his body language. Within the first minute I could see he was dodgy. Check the eyes. Dead giveaway, amongst other things.
You have to remember these defense witnesses haven't seen him in a long time so probably want to check him out. Then they check the jury out. Everyone watches court cases on TV so probably comparing fake from real.
His eyes did shift around a lot but he didn't want anyone to notice ... they should know, they're on camera.
@@nickie7874 yeah that’s a possibility too however he has spoken to that monster about a movie. And ghosted his brother and mother (was it?) for an iPad. 🥴 this guy is weird.
I can't play with my x-box so I will throw a 2 year old fit. Got ya 🤪
Paul Gold is CEO of Sport Surfaces, Inc. They are in the business of resurfacing tennis courts in Southern Florida. There is nothing on record pertaining to Gold owning a film production company.
Another lie perhaps….
Didn't like the way that state cross examined the neighbor. Super aggressive. What business is it of a neighbor if a kid doesn't have enough food? It SHOULD be ANY neighbor's business however if they didn't have enough food that would make me question if that was a "good" mom. Why didn't she seek public assistance?
It's the way how prosecutors are.
Is there a guy on trial for lying about this one or was he lying about a different one?
I’d personally be scared to sit next to him. He could kill someone there so fast if he wanted. 2018 barely passed.
I keep thinking the same thing. I don’t understand why he’s not shackled
The part where the prosecutor cross examined Mr. Gold on whether if it was his business about seeing the lack of food was done in very bad taste.
I’m not at all saying that in Cruz defense, btw.
That was pretty strange and hard to watch that shouting.
The whole "did you think it was your business" line of questioning bothers me. Aren't we told "if we see something, say something?" Don't we criticize people for NOT being more proactive when when they become aware of a potential threat to public safety? Can't have it both ways. Either we are our neighbor's "keeper", or we aren't.
Knew Paul gold very briefly while Roxanne Deschamp was living in Lake Worth. I was friends with Roxanne's daughter Vanessa. Neither Cruz brothers ever came to the Lake Worth home 100%. Roxanne lived as a single mother in Lake Worth, Paul was almost never there. This was during one of the rough patches mentioned in testimony. She was pregnant with Tyler at the time right before they moved to Wellington *not west palm beach* the house they bought was a dump no way 12 and 14 year old could help with yard work. Paul Gold painted this image of Roxanne Deschamps in the media that she took advantage of the Cruz Brothers. Roxanne's home was were all the neighborhood kids would go mostly because she was very kind, she wouldn't really care what we got into pot wise but we never would hang out and smoke there because we respected her too much. I can't see her taking advantage of the the Cruz brothers but 100% could see Paul taking advantage of Cruz
And the jail call proved that was his intention!
Interesting.
This sleezball played right into Cruz plan to be famous. That phone call makes my skin crawl!!!!
And he could remember things from years ago but not last January!
56Ace
Who was that Gold guy? What the heck was that all about?
Paul Gold was the neighbor who lived across the street from the Cruz family
a neighbor and boyfriend of the woman who started monopolizing Lynda Cruz's life which caused the other friend for a very long time causing that friendship to disolve
@@mritzs5142 Holy Moly. I’m so glad prosecutor destroyed him.
@@patriciafoster3347 a giant d-bag.. that’s who he is. no kid gloves for this lying sack of 💩
Badgering the witness with a very bad memory!
What's the purpose of "no speaking objections." As the judge said during the first witness ?
Your supposed to say objections and give your grounds for it! She is staying on top of them!
Because the witness can’t answer the question until the judge rules on the objection.
It means the lawyer is supposed to be concise with objections and say "objection, leading!" or hearsay or assuming facts not in evidence or whatever the objection is to, rather than a speaking objection where the lawyer tries to explain their objection in their own words like saying "objection, he's trying to lead the witness to say blah blah blah...".
Speaking objections are usually just the lawyer trying to sneak in something they want the jury to hear. Basically, they aren't supposed to explain the objection specifically, only the category of the objection, so as not to influence the jury's opinion about whatever is being objected to. They can clarify the objection further if the judge asks them to.
Attorneys need to state the legal grounds for their objection. To the point, based on rule of law. Speaking objections go beyond what’s necessary. Some attorneys use speaking objections to coach a witness to say something particular.
There are a lot of young people who grow up in less than ideal situations. There are a lot of young people who suffer from some sort of mental illness or learning disorder. Only a few commit crimes. Cruz was most certainly able to control his emotions and behavior. He was able to plan his massacre at MSD. Our focus and our sympathy belongs with the victims. Cruz and his family were offered and received so much help in their lives and still chose poorly at every turn. Time for him to pay for these murders.
Today's testimony from Gold exposed a potential movie and we now know that Zachary Cruz is contemplating a reality show. Some people are just plain evil.
I've watched a few trials and the prosecution here is especially loud and obnoxious. They also get away with alot. The defense gets told not to make any spoken objections meanwhile the prosecution is calling out objections left and right. Both sides should be able to see or hear exhibits and the judge ruled that the defense couldn't hear the jail call.
The prosecution barks at the defense witnesses and it's likely putting the jurors off. I thought the neighbour was a good witness. He kept his cool unlike the prosecuting attorney. If their goal is to sway the jury they aren't going to do it that way. None of their team are very likable.
The neighbour spoke of how violent Nikolas was which is what the prosecution has been hammering into the jury's heads. Why discredit him? He was a good witness for both sides. The prosecuting attorney looked like a fool accusing the neighbour of not minding his own business because he cared that the kids had food.
The judge seems biased towards the state. Some of the defence witnesses have been impressive: the pharmacy doc, the school counsellor and Motorcycle Man. Gold was a slimy witness. He should have kept his answers brief and to the point.
Caught an interesting moment... 3:35:34 Nik was looking at the woman on the right's paper and did not need his glasses. She realizes he isn't wearing them and urgently tells him to put them back on. Trying to portray him as someone he isn't by making him wear these atrocious nerdy glasses. Weak.
@@44ARISEandSHINE44 He'd never used glasses before, as far as I'm aware. He just magically needed them and the nerdy clothes when he was in front of the jury.
@@lilliestyles7741 or maybe he never had the opportunity to go to an optometrist
@@44ARISEandSHINE44 It's interesting to theorize about how a defense team structures their case, especially a high profile one like this. If you don't think that defense teams are very meticulous about how they want their client to be portrayed, then you're delusional. Any good defense attorney would see how incredibly important their client's appearance in court is and how influential it is in the jury's perception of them. Lol
@@lilliestyles7741 ive seen videos and photos of him before the shooting wearing glasses
I don’t understand how people next to him sitting there are not afraid?
is he being under a different medication that prohibits him from having these outbursts now? How is he able mentally to stand to hear all these things about him and stay calm? I am sorry for the parents victims and for him and what he as a human had to endure.
I’m almost certain they have defended more violent people than NC. His act was the act of a coward in comparison to many other brutal crimes.
He is on heavy medication now
Why be afraid they’re 3 Sheriffs Deputies behind him at ALL TIMES
I think some of it is clearly a act, & this is what he wanted
“a struggling mother who didn’t have much money”
IN THAT NEIGHBORHOOD?!
The prosecution's focus on the large house, the pool, the affluent neighborhood, bothers me. Apparently, Lynda's husband had borrowed extensively against that house and left her with a lot of debt. I do wish she had sold that house and moved to a more modest, affordable location so that she WOULD have had the resources to maintain steady, professional therapy and treatment for both of those boys. A nice house in an affluent neighborhood does not make life perfect.
“There you go” lol judge to defense
The Prosecution was awesome...Mr. Gold seems extremely shady. Also who does he keep looking at in the court room? I wouldn't trust that dude with my dog. It "seems" that his ex felt the need to hide from him....
Prosecutor guy with brown hair and glasses who I usually like kinda gave me the same aggressive vibes today that the redhead does.
I can’t with ginger she is too aggressive
@@cpb0589 what are they supposed to be soft, nice and happy go lucky ? Lmao
Us redheads typically are
@@cpb0589 different strokes I guess.. I think the redhead is straight and to the point. No need for rainbows and butterflies.. especially in this case.
@@peteb2523
She asks questions then starts to talk over the witnesses as they are answering. How many times has the stenographer said “I can’t understand two people talking at the same time. Pretty unprofessional if you ask me.
How does he have such a huge defence team??
It’s a very very big case and they need lots of people
Also, his mother died and left him a large life insurance policy that I believed paid for the lawyers
Over $400,000 I believe was his estate
Why did no one come to her funeral ?
Wow.2:29.00 This guy needs to be in the cell with the defendant!
The witness is a jerk. He had an agenda. The sneak
So much noise shuffling papers and moving around it's very annoying and distracting. While this smug b**** sits there with that smirky grin playing out in his head and fantasizing what he would like to do but can't do. And the defense is making it worse for themselves by having these witness say what you're saying. Something is wrong with this picture.
His son disappeared for three months?
Exactly!! Maybe sent to live with Roxanne's family or something? I wonder what happened there too.
With the mother. I think he was having a hard time getting in touch with her.
This judge is a new judge and has never had to deal with a capital murder case. In interviews she even expressed how overwhelming it is and she is really not the right for this case. Most likely the appeal will overturn her ruling due to her in experience .
Experience of judge isn't a ground for appeal, defense would have to show a reversible error in law.
@@ryanfraser167 She is crap though.
@@geoffpoole483 matter of opinion; I think shes run a chaotic trial more or less as anyone could, so many things have gotten in the way.
Her “inexperience” may be in sitting on the bench in an extremely high profile case; however, it’s her knowledge of the law that counts. The jury is there to decide LWOP or death sentence, not guilt or innocence.