12:04 PM: Jurors continue following the video deposition of Larry English, and security videos he made of his 220 Satilla property. They’re also hearing the 911 calls he made.
State asks English, as a general contractor, is it a normal thing to have people in and out of construction sites? He says yes--frequently during the day. Could be random people coming by, checking out how something’s coming along, or even a potential buyer who wanted to view the quality of a contractor’s work.
More videos, referenced in the State’s opening statement, are played of Arbery visits to English’s property. In none of the videos does Arbery take anything. We note that English earlier mentioned to 911 that he’d called Ofc. Rash, who’d told him he wasn’t going to do anything that night, so to just call this in.
More videos referenced in State opening stmnt of #AhmaudArbery visits to English’s property. In none of the videos does Arbery take anything. Note English earlier mentioned calling Ofc Rash who’d told him he wasn’t going to do anything that night so to just call this in @wsbradio pic.twitter.com/dJnA8iXkHp
— Veronica Waters (@MissVWaters) November 11, 2021
11:15 AM: Back from recess. We hear English’s 911 call about the couple trespassing on his property on November 17, 2019. He tells the dispatcher that the man appears to have a large tool bag and he suspects they might be coming to steal electronics. English also lets 911 know that about a week and a half earlier, he’d become aware that some of his things had been stolen and maybe these were the people who took it--a Yeti cooler in the back of his boat, other items--a handheld mic, some fishing gear. He doesn’t know if these are the people who stole the stuff, he tells prosecutor Paul Camarillo.
Back from recess. Larry English calls 911 about this couple on his property 11.17.2019. “Suspects… In the garage area with a large tool bag. I think they might be trying to steal electronics… He went around to the back” #AhmaudArbery @wsbradio pic.twitter.com/C7l3SaXZs2
— Veronica Waters (@MissVWaters) November 11, 2021
10:21 AM: On October 25, 2019, English called 911 to report a “colored guy” trespassing around his house.
Security video from Larry English’s property October 25, 2019. #AhmaudArbery @wsbradio pic.twitter.com/HKoAbT5jSI
— Veronica Waters (@MissVWaters) November 11, 2021
There is also video of a white couple trespassing on November 17, 2019. English called 911 on them, too.
It’s hard for me to hear some of this audio, but jurors have transcripts of the 911 calls to help them. Here is a Larry English security video from November 17, 2019 of a white couple on whom he also called 911. Looks like the man has a bag. #AhmaudArbery @wsbradio pic.twitter.com/8CN4NvNURw
— Veronica Waters (@MissVWaters) November 11, 2021
9:45 AM: Larry English, owner of that under-construction house Ahmaud Arbery walked through, recorded his deposition on 9.24.2021. English is a contractor and says he always dreamed of having a house on the water. Medical setbacks delayed its completion.
English is testifying via video because he has a serious heart condition and is in need of a transplant. He filed a motion with the court ahead of the trial to ensure he would not be forced to come testify in person, as the heart condition, paired with the risks of COVID-19 and the travel and potential crowds, are too dangerous for him.
The deposition is about four hours long. The State says Glynn County Policeman Rash is expected to testify later.
During the daytime, English testifies, his remotely-operated security cameras would see kids come onto his property and take plywood to build their bike ramps. He’d gotten the cameras because of concerns about the children playing around his dock.
Larry English says kids would come on his property and get plywood, build bike ramps. Didn't alarm him, as "I was glad to see kids doing something instead of computer games." Scrap wood was cheap; he didn't alert anyone. A guy walked his dog nearby. #AhmaudArbery @wsbradio pic.twitter.com/omtT1DWY2T
— Veronica Waters (@MissVWaters) November 11, 2021
Leigh McMichael, Greg’s wife and Travis’s mother, is in court today. The gentleman in a suit next to her is an investigator retained by counsel for both McMichaels.
Judge Walmsley walks in. The jury did not send any notes about needing to be anywhere today. Walmsley, noting how quiet the rest of the courthouse is, talks about having a “great deal of respect” for veterans. He takes a moment to recognize veterans who have served and made sacrifices. Says that normally they would be closed, but because of the case, he felt they needed to move forward.
Larry English via deposition will be today’s witness. The judge will let the jury know that testimony will be presented via deposition and should be considered like any other testimony
All defense attorneys agree that the testimony can come in this way, Kevin Gough agrees as well but says he has another matter he wants to discuss later.
Seven transcripts for the 911 calls will be given into court before the audio is played. They will be tendered into evidence but not given to the jury until after they hear the 911
Housekeeping issue. Hogue says it’s hard to see the witness because of the judge’s nameplate, Laura Hogue makes a joke that the nameplate can go on the defense table
Kevin Gough renews objection on proceeding on a federal holiday is unconstitutional. Says it’s a violation of the juror’s right whether or not they object to it. “We maintain that it is illegal,” Gough says this is not a judicial day where the court cannot compel a juror to serve. Judge says “I’ve addressed that, we are here.” Special Agent Seacrest’s testimony will be heard today. The state expects 2:30 pm end of English’s depo then going to Officer Rash afterward, they do not expect to get past Officer Rash. Kevin argues about Officer Seacrest’s testimony based on voluntariness. Kevin says he did not file a motion on the issue. Dunikoski cuts him off. She says that he has not followed up on this motion, there was a hearing and he “abandoned it, knowingly and intelligently” and she asks that the court should ignore this “strategy.” Kevin cites several cases that he wants the judge to bear in mind.
Wanda Cooper Jones walks into the court.
Kevin is arguing that the statement by Kevin may not truly be voluntary. That there may have been third-party threats, that the GBI may have “fanned the flames” in that the GBI aided and abetted the media storm against Gough. Gough makes a Brady argument (evidence of exculpatory evidence) that if the prosecutor has any information that the GBI fanned the flames of this case as to pressure Bryan to make statements to Seacrest.
Polygraph results. Relates to the statements by Seacrest. That Seacrest knew Bryan passed a polygraph. If the State brings up that there was a change in Bryan’s statements that may be explained by the fact he took and passed a polygraph test. Gough wants the court to understand this background because the state may open the door to issues.
Walmsley looks to the state to respond. Judge says “I’m not sure if there is a motion here.”
Polygraph results don’t come in, in the state of Georgia unless both parties agree and the State does not agree. Dunikoski says there is no concrete evidence that the GBI did anything to fan flames, and is unsure of what flames he is referring to. Says this isn’t a legal argument. Gough was there during all of the interviews with Bryan. Gough was in contact with Seacrest before and after the interviews. “This appears to be a very empty motion. I don’t even know what he is motioning for”
Leigh McMichael is in court today. The gentleman in a suit next to her is an investigator retained by counsel for both McMichaels.
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