10.Verdict, Jury Polling, and Entry of Judgment

THE COURT: We're here now to receive the verdicts from this jury. Before the Court receives and reads the verdicts, I want to remind all those present that this is a court of law. The Court recognizes the emotional nature of this case and its importance to all parties involved. However, vocal outbursts or displays of emotion will not be tolerated. Any violation will result in removal from the courtroom.

Uh, ladies and gentlemen, have you chosen a foreperson?

THE COURT: I ask that the foreperson hand to the jury bailiff these verdicts.

As to Count 1, we, the jury, find the

defendant, Brendan R. Dassey, guilty of first degree intentional homicide, as party to a crime, on October 31, 2005, contrary to Sections 940.01 (1) (a), 939.50 (3) (a), 939.05 Wisconsin Statutes. Dated this 25th day of April, 2007, and signed by the foreperson.

As to Count 2, we, the jury, find the defendant, Brendan R. Dassey, guilty of mutilating a corpse, as party to a crime, on October 31, 2005, contrary to Sections 940.11 (1), 939.50 (3) (f), 939.05 Wisconsin statutes. Dated this 25th day of April, 2007, and signed by the foreperson of the jury.

As to Count 3, we, the jury, find the defendant, Brendan R. Dassey, guilty of second degree sexual assault, as party to a crime, on October 31, 2005, contrary to Sections 940.225 (2) (a), 939.50 (3) (c), 939.05 Wisconsin Statutes. Dated this 25th day of April, 2007.

I'm going to poll the jury at this juncture. I ask that, uh, any audio that is . currently being run in the courtroom be muted or turned off.

And I'm going to start, uh, in chair No. 2, and ask, uh, Mr. Hughes, were these your

verdicts as read -- read by the Court and are these still now your verdicts in this case?

THE COURT: The polling has, uh, been

com -- completed. Members of the jury, uh, on behalf of Manitowoc County, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude and appreciation for your service in this case. I recognize, particularly in this case, that personal sacrifice in terms of time and restrictions on your normal activities have been required by this trial. That sacrifice is a necessary part of the price we pay for the judicial system every citizen enjoys. You, as jurors, act as the collective conscience of the community in making these decisions. Again, I thank you.

Before discharging you, I have one final instruction.

Now, that your service in this case is completed, some of you may have questions about the confidentiality of the proceedings. Many jurors ask if they are at liberty to discuss the case with anyone after receiving the verdicts. Because your role in the case is over, you are free to discuss it with any person you choose. However, you should know that you do not have to discuss the case with anyone or answer any questions about it from anyone other than the Court. If you do decide to discuss the case with anyone, I would suggest you treat any discussion with a degree of solemnity such that whatever you do say, you would be willing to say in the presence of your fellow jurors or under oath here in open court in the presence of the parties. Also, always keep in mind if you do decide to discuss the case, that your fellow jurors fully and freely stated their opinions with the understanding they were being expressed in confidence. Please respect the privacy of the views of your fellow jurors.

If any member or members of the jury wish to discuss the case this evening with representatives of the media, arrange -- arrangements can be made to permit you to do so before you leave. Uh, if you wish to do so, let the bailiff know that that is your desire.

Should anyone, whether from the media or otherwise, persist in attempting to question you over your objection, you should contact this Court.

Finally, should any of you have any questions for the Court before leaving this evening, please let the bailiff know before you leave the jury room.

Again, thank you. You are now excused and discharged.

THE COURT: The Court will, based on these verdicts, enter judgment of guilty, uh, as reflected in the verdicts of this jury.

Uh, are we prepared at this point to set a sentencing date?