Jodi’s Killer says, “I’m sorry”

Sorry is a word that can mean so much when it is sincere.  However, I have my doubts to the sincerity of Justin Thurber’s apology (http://www.kwch.com/global/story.asp?s=9850979) as he left the courtroom today.  Having over two years to feel regret for his actions on January 5, 2007 he waited until he was backed into a corner with no other options to express any remorse for his actions.  This leads me to believe that his sorrow is for himself and the punishment he is yet to receive rather than for his actions towards Jodi. 

Over the last two years Thurber has had many opportunities to express remorse and sorrow over the actions he chose on the day he murdered Jodi, but he chose not to do so.  Not until January 9, 2009 did he realize he had no other options in the case, but to try to secure a plea deal.  It was at this time that he signed the confession discussed in court today.  My opinion is this was only done in an effort to save his life rather than a true realization of the wrong-doing of that day.  His game of power and control is over now.  He has been found guilty of capital murder and the jury has the power to decide his fate.

The defense team made their case around Thurber’s IQ (10 points from mental retardation according to the defense) and his childhood.  At one point defense attorney Ron Evans stated, “You can take a look at Justin Thurber and see there’s something wrong with him.”  I haven’t heard anyone question the fact that something is wrong with Thurber; however, now it is up to the jury to decide if he should face lethal injection. 

The defense also placed Justin Thurber’s family on the stand.  His mother looked at the Sanderholms and stated, “I’m so, so sorry for the loss of your daughter. I can’t imagine what your daughter went through.” She went on to state that she had lost people too and understood their pain. 

There is no one that can understand the pain the Sanderholms must feel.  I mourn for Jodi as well.  I mourn and feel disgust over the fear she must have felt as she walked into the woods in the Kaw Wildlife Area.  However, to me Jodi was a friend.  To the Sanderholms she was a daughter and sister.  That pain is no doubt different. 

The pain you feel when someone you care for is murdered is different than losing someone in other ways.  You know that the person you care about was targeted.  And tortured.  And ultimately killed.  With every phase of the trial – pre-trial hearings, statements of confession, the trial and the penalty phase you go through the five stages of grief all over again.  Details you have heard before hurt as much as the first time you heard them.

I am certain the Thurber family is feeling their own pain throughout this process; however, they still have their son and brother, don’t they.  Even if sentenced to the death penalty they will still have their son and brother for years.  They would say goodbye.  Then he would not be tortured for more than five hours.  He would be given an injection that would cause him to fall to sleep.  A drastic contrast to Jodi’s more than five hours of torture.

As the penalty phase closes, I ask that everyone remember Jodi for the wonderful life she led rather than the death she suffered at Justin Thurber’s hands.

NY Times Article on Stalking

Though Many Are Stalked, Few Report It, Study Finds

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/15/us/15stalk.html?_r=1&partner=rss

(Jodi’s Law is mentioned in this article.)

GUILTY!!!!

Justin Thurber has just been found guilty of capital murder, rape, sodomy and aggravated kidnapping!!!

The penalty phase begins Monday.  I suspect the defense will take a stronger stance at this point.  Thurber chose to not have the defense bring witnesses or offer a closing statement in the trial.  The opening statement was a simple if you find him guilty we ask that you spare his life.  However, he did not spare Jodi’s life…

This is the beginning of the end of a very long road to justice!

Closing Argument

Attorney General Vic Braden began the closing arguments.  Braden stated that Jodi spent her final 5 hours afraid and unsure of her fate.  She had tried to call for help about 4 p.m. that day but the call went unanswered.  Braden stated she then was led down a “trail of death” by Justin Thurber. 

 

Braden reiterated that he has the responsibility to prove guilt in the case.  He then went over the jury instructions one by one.  He mentioned the cell phone records for Jodi and Thurber tracked the whereabouts on January 5, 2007 confirming eye witness testimony.  The shoe prints proved Jodi was at the scene with Thurber.  Braden then states the evidence is as “good as you can get.”

 

Braden then turned to the physical evidence.  He stated the autopsy showed a “repositioning” of the strangulation.  He reminded the jurors that Thurber had told his ex-girlfriend the area would be a good place to get rid of a body and that the river would wash away the evidence.  Braden pointed out to the jury this knowledge in concealing and destroying evidence. 

 

Braden reminded the jury that when Thurber was picked up by his father he was calm and collected indicating no remorse for what had just happened.  Vic Braden states, “The defendant killed Jodi Sanderholm” while pointing to Thurber.  Braden then places a picture taken of Jodi during the autopsy and asks the jury “was that on purpose?”

 

Braden reminded the jury of computer evidence (searches for ‘Cowley Community College’ and ‘Tigerettes’ and states that is proves the action was intentional and pre-meditated.  He further states that Thurber had no injuries therefore; there is no evidence that Jodi provoked or threatened him.  Braden goes on to state, “the young woman was man-handled by the defendant…and it took time to kill her.”  Braden continues, “After he was done strangling her, he gave her one last smack that snapped her head back (lacerating an artery).”

 

Braden reminded the jury of the letter Thurber wrote to a friend six months after Jodi’s murder.  The letter stated “thank you for your help and when I get out I’ll take everyone to Hawaii.”  Braden reiterated, “he thought it over before he killed her.”

 

The prosecution took 35 minutes to present it’s closing argument.  Each side was allowed up to one hour. 

 

The defense chose not to present a closing argument.

 

Prosecution Rests

The state has rested it’s case.

The defense chose to present no evidence or witnesses.

The closing arguments will begin at 1:15p CST today.  Each side gets one hour then the jury will receive the case.

Day 5 of the trial for the murder of Jodi

Prosecutors presented their evidence regarding finding Jodi’s body, as well as, other physical and DNA evidence.  I have chosen to not post this information (although it can be easily found at www.kfdi.com, www.kwch.com, or www.kake.com) .  However, I would like to remind those following this case that Jodi was a great person and left behind many friends and family who cared for her deeply.  Please remember this when discussing the details of this case with friends and coworkers.  

However, based on this evidence the case against Justin  Thurber continues to build in my opinion.  It has been over two years since Jodi was murdered and it is well past time for justice to be served.

The prosecution is expected to rest it’s case on Wednesday.

Day 4 of the Murder of Jodi Trial

DAILY REMINDER: Please remember Jodi for the life she led rather than death she suffered at the hands of a murderer.  While the details sure to be released in the upcoming days will be dramatic, please remember she was a wonderful person who still deserves respect and privacy in death.  It is important for people to understand how horrible this crime was to understand the need for anti-stalking law change, but please do not make the details your office water cooler talk.    

 

Testimony began today with KBI Agent Dave Falletti describing maps of where Jodi’s body was found.

 

Colby Wilson, took the stand next he testified to the fact that he was in Texas at the time of Jodi’s disappearance.  They had dated since she was in the eighth grade and she had two promise rings from Colby when she was murdered.

 

Some of the defendant’s friends testified.  First was Travis Alberding.  There was the sound of a chain rattling as he walked to the witness stand.  He is currently in the Labette County jail on unrelated charges.  He worked with the defendant at a waste company at Strother Field airport.  He stated the defendant and himself were “party buddies.”  Police contacted Alberding on 1/5/2007 to see if he was with Justin.  He was not.  He later spoke to Justin who told him he did not know why the police were looking for him.  Alberding was also contacted by Justin’s dad to about where Justin’s car was.

 

Rick Atteberry of the Kansas Bureau of Investigations took the stand to show the video of him questioning Thurber on 1/7/2007.  As Thurber viewed the video he was relaxed back in his chair with his hands behind his head.  The video showed the Thurber stating he “…knew who Jodi was…” going on to say “…they lived on the same block as me…”  He further stated, “I’ don’t’ hang out with that type of crowd…” 

 

Thurber admitted to driving on the Cowley campus the day Jodi went missing.  He stated he was with friends that day and that near Dexter they had pulled over to “roll a blunt…” then at some point they got stuck “in the sand.”  He stated he fell down a couple of times and got muddy while trying to push the car out of the “sand.”  He stated he then began walking along Highway 166 near Cedarvale when he called his dad for a ride.  After returning home he showered and went to Subway to get his check. 

 

The questioning went back to when he was driving around campus.  The KBI agent told him people had seen him driving Jodi’s car.  During several questions Justin changed his answer.

Further testimony by trackers and ACPD included photos of Jodi’s Tigerette jacket, wallet, ID, shorts and leotard that were recovered form the toilet at Cowley Fishing Lake.  Photos of her car being pulled from the lake were shown.  Additionally, testimony that the passenger seat and floor board carpet was cut out of the car.  These were recovered from the toilet as well. Jodi’s mother positively identified these items for police. 

 

Stacey Michelle tracker with the Ark City Fire Department returned to the stand as the day’s last witness.  He testified that a foot print was found near the area Jodi was found in the Kaw Wildlife Area.  The print matching Thurber’s shoe was found on Monday.  The officers were losing light and had to secure the scene until Tuesday morning.  On Tuesday morning after returning to the area the trackers walked a distance of several dozen yards when Michelle states he notices a brush pile.  “That’s when I noticed Jodi’s fingers sticking up out of the brush pile,” says Michelle. 

 

There will be no court tomorrow.  The testimony will resume on Monday at 9 a.m.

Trial Day 3 Summary

DAILY REMINDER: Please remember Jodi for the life she led rather than death she suffered at the hands of a murderer.  While the details sure to be released in the upcoming days will be dramatic.  Please remember she was a wonderful person who still deserves respect and privacy in death.  It is important for people to understand how horrible this crime was to understand the need for anti-stalking law change, but please do not make the details your office water cooler talk.    

 

Prosecutors continued to build the timeline leading up to Jodi’s disappearance.  Witnesses were called to discuss video footage from Cowley County Community College and the Subway where the defendant worked prior to Jodi’s death. 

 

Jodi’s parents took the stand as well to describe the events of 1/5/2007.  Brian Sanderholm began his testimony describing a “normal day.”  He left for work about 7:30 a.m. and did not see Jodi as she was still in bed.  He later went to lunch with Cindy (Jodi’s mom). 

 

Cindy Sanderholm’s testimony followed.  Cindy described her relationship with Jodi as wonderful and mentioned double dating often with Jodi and her boyfriend. Cindy worked for the couple’s business, Ark City Glass and described the day as “normal” as well.  She spoke with Jodi at 11:51 a.m. (phone records recorded the time).  Jodi stated she was feeling too sweaty to go to lunch and wanted to go home and take a shower before going to a friends’ house.  After lunch (12:40 p.m.) Cindy began calling Jodi and was unable to reach her.  After a few tries she began calling Jodi’s friends and was unable to locate Jodi. 

 

About 4 p.m. Cindy returned home to try to locate Jodi. At the house she found no sign Jodi had entered the house.  The mail was not there, the shower was not wet, and Jodi’s dance clothes were not there.  Cindy stated, “I was a nervous wreck.” Cindy continued to look for her daughter until 6 p.m. when the Sanderholm’s called the police. 

 

The defendant’s family took the stand today as well. His sister confirmed phone records of her calls to him on 1/5/2007.  Afterwards, his mother took the stand and confirmed that he was living at home with her, her husband and daughter at the time of Jodi’s murder.  She further confirmed the calls made that day and the fact that her husband went to pick up the defendant after one of those calls from east of town on Highway 166 about 6 p.m.  She confirmed she laundered the clothes he was wearing that day. 

 

The defendant’s father was next on the stand.  He confirmed picking his son up from Highway 166 that evening and stated he had troubles locating him in the dark.  At the time he picked up his son he asked if they needed to pick up the friends that the defendant had previously stated he was with when the car became stuck.  The defendant told him that the friends had walked the other way and they should return to town to see if they call.  The father’s testimony ended with “there wasn’t anything out of the ordinary that I could tell.”

 

Ark City Police Department officers testified of the investigation the night of 1/5/2007.  Officers went to the Sirloin Stockade to speak with a friend of Jodi’s when they learned the defendant and been seen following Jodi after the dance practice.  The police began looking for Justin Thurber at that time.

 

Additional testimony included:

• A friend of Jodi’s stating she saw Jodi with a man in her car at 12:04 p.m. She tried to call Jodi and did not receive an answer.
• KBI Agent Dave Falletti’s testimony of the cellular phone records of Justin Thurber and Jodi Sanderholm during the time frame of Noon to about 7 p.m.  Phone records show the two cell phones were in the same towers or out of service at the same time.
• Witness testimony from MeLynda Shritter stated the she was in the Kaw Wildlife Area on the day Jodi went missing.  She witnessed a black car (matching Jodi’s) with a man driving it sometime between 3-4 p.m.  She was asked to ID the man driving and pointed to the defendant.  She was shown a police photo line up of six men and identified the defendant.  When asked if she was sure.  She stated, “I am 100% sure.”  Her testimony was confirmed by the account of her aunt who accompanied her that day. 
• A man stating he saw Jodi’s car along Highway 166 on 1/5/2007.  Accompanied by the gas station manager with a receipt to confirm the man was indeed in the area at the time.
• Additional witness placing a man in dark clothing walking along Highway 166 after dark. 
• Subway workers testified that the defendant picked up his paycheck about 7:30 p.m. on 1/5/2007 driving his own car. 
• Testimony of a neighbor of the Sanderholm’s stated she had seen a man several times walking on the dead-end street that the Sanderholm’s lived.  She saw the man the evening of 1/5/2007.  He walked down the adjoining street looking at the Sanderholm’s residence.  Patrol cars were present at the time.  She identified the man as Justin Thurber in the court room. 

New Mexico residents contact your State Senators in support of SB166!

New Mexico’s version of Jodi’s Law will be heard in the Public Affairs Committee on Friday.  Please email the following State Senators with your support of SB166.
 
dede.feldman@nmlegis.gov
vernon@asbillforsenate.com
boitanom@aol.com
maryjane.garcia@nmlegis.gov
eric.griego@nmlegis.gov
munozgeo@gmail.com
cynthia.nava@nmlegis.gov
ggkern@valor.net
 
You don’t have to be extremely specific.  I have included an example below:
 
Subject (Most important to put SB166 and vote YES in subject): Please vote YES for SB166
 
Body: 
Please vote in support of SB166 on Friday.  Statistics show 1 in 4 NM women will be the victim of a stalker sometime in her life.  Stalking is a crime that often increases in intensity and can last for years leaving the victim in constant fear.  Strengthening the current laws will help to provide law enforcement the necessary tool to protect New Mexico’s women. 
 
Thank you in advance for your help in ensuring the passing of SB166!

Trial Day Two

Much of the testimony today helped the prosecution build a time line of the day Jodi was murdered.  The witnesses were comprised of woman stating Thurber stalked them and video evidence of his whereabouts on 1/5/2007. 

In all 20 witnesses took the stand today.  Many were former members of the Tigerette dance team with Jodi and testified that Thurber had followed them in the days preceding Jodi’s murder.   One stated that she began trying to call Jodi at about 12:30 p.m. on 1/5/2007 and went to look for her when she could not reach Jodi.  She stated, “We were getting worried.”  By this time it was after 5 p.m.  The friend was asked by prosecutor Vic Braden how long she looked for Jodi.  Her reply “for about 4 days.” 

Today’s testimony followed testimony from yesterday afternoon from cellular phone experts.  The testimony explained the procedures for mobile calls and the tracking that was done for this case.

After lunch the jury was taken on a tour of the following: Cowley County Community College campus (dance practice), Cowley County Fishing Lake (where Jodi’s car, clothes and mail were found), and the Kaw Wildlife Area (where Jodi’s body was found). 

The trial is not expected to have further testimony today.  Testimony is expected to begin again tomorrow at 9 a.m. CST.

Please remember while discussing this case that Jodi was an incredible person who left behind many friends and family.  While the details of her death may be dramatic and horrible the life she led is what she should be remembered for.