1.Inquiry Into Report Concerning Juror Laura Barber
49 lines(Individual voir dire of Juror Laura Barber.)
THE COURT: In a trial like this, whenever the Court gets any information, the Court is obligated to follow it up and that's what we're doing this morning.
LAURA BARBER: Okay.
THE COURT: There was a report that was received yesterday, that was passed on to me yesterday, involving a citizen providing information about a juror. And that's what I'm going to be talking to you about.
LAURA BARBER: Okay.
THE COURT: The incident happened at the -- or reported was at the Manitowoc Eagle's Club on Friday, March 2nd, which would be the Friday before this past Friday.
LAURA BARBER: All right.
THE COURT: For a fish fry, I think, in the evening. First, were you there?
LAURA BARBER: Yes, I was.
THE COURT: Okay. Can you tell me who you were there with?
LAURA BARBER: My mother and my husband.
THE COURT: Okay. And do you know about what time you were there, like from when until when, say approximately?
LAURA BARBER: I'm going to guess 5:30 to 9.
THE COURT: Okay. During the time that you were there, would you have said anything to anyone that would have given them the impression that you are a juror in this case?
LAURA BARBER: No, I didn't. A lot of them, that I belong to the auxiliary with, knew I was on, but they -- they don't question me about things.
THE COURT: Okay.
LAURA BARBER: They do know I am a juror and they make comments like, I wouldn't want to be in your shoes.
THE COURT: Okay.
LAURA BARBER: And I just shrug my shoulders and say, I can't say anything.
THE COURT: Okay. Was anything said to you or was there any mention that you heard from anyone at the Eagle's Club that evening involving the guilt or innocence of the defendant in this case?
LAURA BARBER: I have to think about that. I don't recall anybody saying something to me because I -- I have my own opinions. I don't want to listen to anybody else. And no matter what they say, I don't listen to them.
THE COURT: Okay. Did you discuss the case at the Eagle's Club with anyone that evening?
LAURA BARBER: No, I didn't.
THE COURT: Did you give any opinions or say anything about your feelings about the case so far?
LAURA BARBER: No. And that's -- I just refuse to, because I don't -- I don't want somebody telling me what to think.
THE COURT: Okay. Can you think of anything that was said or that happened that night that -- that would have led a citizen to report something?
LAURA BARBER: Honestly, I don't. We go for fish. I have a couple old fashions. We sit upstairs in the bar afterward for a couple hours. And I don't -- I don't make it a known thing that this is what I'm doing.
THE COURT: Okay. You are saying, though, that there are other -- there were other people there who may have known you were a juror.
LAURA BARBER: Right.
THE COURT: And may have said something?
LAURA BARBER: Exactly. I don't know who they were.
THE COURT: Okay.
LAURA BARBER: They talk amongst themselves. I really don't listen. I have made it a point that I don't want to have any influence.
THE COURT: Okay.
LAURA BARBER: However, you want to take that, that's fine, but I don't -- I don't want somebody telling me how to think. And I have always been that way.
THE COURT: Okay. Thank you. I'm going to have you step outside with the sheriff.
LAURA BARBER: Sure.
THE COURT: Counsel, anything else that you would like asked?
MR. STRANG: I think I caught this, but we were clear that it was the Manitowoc Eagle's Club?
MR. BUTING: Yes.
MR. STRANG: I thought so, but.
THE COURT: Otherwise we'll retreat to chambers.
MR. FALLON: Did you want to ask her point blank the question, it's been pointed out this comment was attributed to someone meeting your description. That's the only question left, if you think you circumstantially have to.
MR. KRATZ: Does she know this woman? But then you out the reporter.
THE COURT: I don't think the woman claimed that she knew the juror.
MR. KRATZ: I think we can do this in chambers.
THE COURT: All right. Let's go off the record at this time.
(Individual voir dire concluded.)
(Jury not present.)