Life of Wry

Today was a dramatic day in the courtroom. The young man who stabbed two Davis residents to death, and tried to kill a third, blurted out an apology for what he’d done and proclaimed that he was guilty. This caught his lawyer by surprise (and, well, everyone in the courtroom). The judge said something about the defendant’s Fifth Amendment rights and his lawyer asked for some time to counsel his client, and off they went to a private room.

This happened during what was to have been a fairly brief court procedure having to do with his competence to stand trial. The lawyers were going to haggle a little about whether or not to accept the findings of a court-appointed psychiatrist. And then everyone expected a few more procedural steps would occur over the course of a few weeks, followed by a jury trial to resolve the issue of competence. If and when he’s found competent, a criminal trial will happen to establish guilt. (I’m learning a lot about these things.)

Honestly, the outburst was heartbreaking. He wasn’t supposed to say anything. He is one lost, troubled and deeply damaged 21-year old. He absolutely brutally killed two people — randomly, senselessly (this of course is alleged at this point). He absolutely profoundly and forever altered the lives of the victims’ families and friends. And he is clearly not in his right mind. Who knows what prompted the week-long killing spree. The whole story is tragic and just so unfathomable.

And there sat his family, wondering what in god’s name happened to their son, brother, who until two days before killing David was a student at UCD. They seem confused and overwhelmed and helpless to right the ship. There, too, was the family of the 20-year old victim — also a UCD student — angry, grieving, still in shock, all wearing t-shirts bearing his image. And Maria and me, sitting there for David.

It was a courtroom full of frayed nerves and raw emotion all around.

We’re at the beginning of what I expect will be a long process, ending how.. I’m not quite sure.

After dates were set for the next procedural steps, we (victim families/friends) gathered with the assistant DA and a victims’ liaison who answered questions and explained all kinds of things. It’s an interesting process.. again, learning a lot. Maria and I then made our way to the building’s exit, where we found a lot of media waiting. I answered questions last time following the arraignment (it was too fresh and emotional for Maria then), Maria did it this time. She was eloquent and thoughtful. And she spoke of compassion toward everyone involved. As David would have wanted.