By Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon
SDNY COURTHOUSE, Jan 19 - Sayfullo Saipov is now in a trial that may result in the death penalty for killing eight people with a van along the West Side Highway.
On May 4, 2022 U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Vernon S. Broderick held a conference on the case and Inner City Press live tweet it here and below.
On January 6, 2023 after a long jury selection that Inner City Press covered, some below, Judge Broderick confirmed that the trial would start January 9. And it did.
On January 19, the US did not as they'd projected rest their case. The day ended with a witness who'd been in the school bus that Saipov hit (and who sued NYC for $5 million - surprisingly, Federal Defenders did not cross examine). Live tweeted thread here:
OK - now in death penalty trial of US v. Saipov, arguments about US' "truck speed" expert before jurors are brought in. Federal Defenders want to voir dire him.
Now Saipov is brought in. Judge Broderick: Mr. Saipov, do you intend to testify? Saipov: No. Judge Broderick: You can change your mind at any time, until your lawyers rest your case. Bring in the jury.
Footnote: It's possible Saipov said No, not at this time
Jury entering!
The expert worked at the Rochester Police Department, Special Accident Investigations Unit. His name is Jon Northrup. AUSA Li: When's the last time you test crashed a car? Recently. Expert.
AUSA Li: What is in this photograph? Expert Northrup: The Home Depot truck.
AUSA Li: For this case, did you rent any Home Depot trucks?
Northrup: Yes, twice.
AUSA Li: Where did this truck enter the West Side Highway?
Northrup: Houston Street, Pier 40.
Judge Broderick declares lunch break and tells jurors he hopes they brought umbrellas. Then he tells counsel he has a full calendar tomorrow. So charge conference next week. Inner City Press will stay on the case
Saipov trial day nears 5 pm with witness in Creole, Ms. Charles. AUSA: What is the reason you are not employed? [Note: Marierose Charles sued the City for $5 million. Will Federal Defenders be inquiring on cross examination?]
Nope - Federal Defenders have no cross examination questions for school bus witness Ms. Charles.
Judge Broderick: It's 5:30, jurors, I'll let you go until Monday, do not blog or read social media.
Then: Mr Patton, any defense case? Patton: If so, it won't be long
On Monday, the US will have the medical examiner. Judge Broderick said his legal instruction will be three hours long.
Watch this site
Martin Marro shows wounds, courtesy of Elizabeth Williams
On October 13, 2022 Saipov's Federal Defenders wrote to object to any disqualification of anti death penalty jurors, focusing on Juror 17 who cited his religious opposition to the death penalty. They argue that exclusion would violate the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. Inclusion would guarantee no death penalty imposed.
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