ABOUT THE TRIAL
John Salvi's double murder trial begins Febuary 5, 1996. The trial is expected
to take four to six weeks, including jury selection. If convicted of first
degree murder, Salvi will receive a life sentence without possibility of parole.
If found not guilty by reason of insanity, he will be confined to a psychiatric
facility until he is found to be no longer mentally ill.
Location: Norfolk County Superior Court, Dedham, Massachusetts. In
1921, the Sacco and Vanzetti trial took place in this courthouse.
Presiding judge: The Honorable Barbara Dortch-Okara who earlier
ruled John Salvi was competent to stand trial.
Witnesses: There are 190 potential witnesses--130 for the prosecution
and 60 for the defense. Among the witnesses will be four to eight psychologists,
psychiatrists and mental health experts testifying about Salvi's mental state.
Salvi's parents will be called as defense witnesses to back up the insanity
claim. The witnesses also will include at least fifteen people who have
identified Salvi as the shooter.
Jury: Judge Dortch-Okara will question prospective jurors concerning
their attitudes on abortion. She is requiring that prospective jurors provide
her and the lawyers with detailed information such as any affiliation with
religious and social organizations.
Jurors will not be sequestered while evidence is presented but will be
sequestered for the deliberation.
Press: Television cameras are excluded. There will be a courtroom
pool photographer. The prosecution is requesting that the judge impose a gag
order on the attorneys.
Attorneys for the Defense: J.W. Carney, Jr. and Janice Bassil. In
arguing for not guilty by reason of insanity, the defense plans to present a
history and understanding of John Salvi from birth to present.
Attorneys for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: John P. Kivlan,
First Assistant District Attorney and Marianne C. Hinkle, Assistant District
Attorney
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