Jury recommends Brothers should receive the death penalty - The People vs. Vincent Brothers - BrothersTrial's Blog - Bakersfield.com

May 29, 2007 at 10:05 AM : Like he's EVER...

Like he's EVER going to be put to death! Get real people, our judicial system stinks! He will out live ALL OF US with appleals! He is never going to die for this crime...he'll die of old age first! The Death Sentence is a mere formality.

May 29, 2007 at 10:05 AM : You said it...

You said it 10:32....The death penalty is a joke! This man will be able to further his education...have great medical and dental...never work a day in his life again....oh & let's forget he's done paying taxes! All while waitng to die...........of old age!

May 29, 2007 at 10:05 AM : Considering the number...

Considering the number of innocent people who are on death row and have been executed in this country, it's a damned good thing the process is dragged out.

http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/article.php?did=412&scid=6

http://members.tripod.com/RobtShepherd/innocent.html

May 29, 2007 at 10:05 AM : If there were no death...

If there were no death penalty, convicted murderers would begin serving their sentences immediately.

May 29, 2007 at 10:05 AM : You Might As Well Give...

You Might As Well Give Him Life Without The Possibilty Of Parole , Because He Will Never Be Executed In His Life Time.. This System Is To Friggin Liberal.. If Someone Is Convicted Of Murder And Death Is The Penalty,Execute Him Sooner Than Later!!

May 29, 2007 at 10:05 AM : And apologize for any...

And apologize for any mistakes to his headstone. But your alternative suggestion in your first sentence is what I'm suggesting.

May 29, 2007 at 10:05 AM : Wesley Crawford really...

Wesley Crawford really helped the cause calling it a racial verdict. Uh.....what about the victims?????

Why do blacks put up with guys like that as speakers for their cause????

I will be interested, however, in finding out why the one black juror was dismissed. Based on what I know, the guy is guilty as sin, but I have a feeling that the appeal will rely heavily on that dismissal.

I would not be surprised if the death sentence is overthrown. That's okay with me, it'll cost a lot less to house him than put him to death and kid killers get respect from NO prison factions.

May 29, 2007 at 10:05 AM : AMEN TO...

AMEN TO SOONER THAN LATER!! YET-- SADLY ENOUGH BROTHERS WILL MORE THAN LIKELY OUTLIVE US ALL...

AND LEST WE NOT FORGET AS WELL THAT LETHAL INJECTION IS TOO "HUMANE" FOR THE CRIMES THAT WERE COMMITTED.. I'M SURE THAT THE "HARPER" FAMILY DIDN'T JUST "DRIFT OFF" INTO DEATH..

May 29, 2007 at 11:05 AM : I guess annoy with the...

I guess annoy with the large bold font feels a need to shout down everyone that doesn't agree with him. Mr. Brothers will get the due process our system allows for ALL death penalty cases.

May 29, 2007 at 11:05 AM : Dusty, sometimes...

Dusty, sometimes choice of font is inversely proportional to penis size. For others, it's inversely proportional to IQ.

May 29, 2007 at 11:05 AM : Good point Random..too...

Good point Random..too bad the ones that need to realize it won't.

May 29, 2007 at 11:05 AM : Well I better start...

Well I better start using the smaller font because my (you know what) is pretty big. See what I'm saying?

(you know what) = my I.Q.

May 29, 2007 at 11:05 AM : to antiextremism,...

to antiextremism, Wesley Crawford is doing nothing but annoying everybody. This was not a racial verdict! Was Wesley the prosecuter of this trial? I don't think so. Was Wesley at every hearing to completlly understand the case? He wasn't there the days I attended. What is his excuse for reason the only black juror was released? Simply because Michael Bush didn't like him? No. It was because the juror talked to other jurors about the case in which you are not allowed to do. Wesley Crawford is a joke.

May 29, 2007 at 11:05 AM : "LETHAL...

"LETHAL INJECTION IS TOO "HUMANE" "

Spoken like a true christian gospel singer!

May 29, 2007 at 11:05 AM : YEP-- A TRUE...

YEP-- A TRUE BELIEVER!!! AND PROUD OF IT---

May 29, 2007 at 11:05 AM : I love your Christian...

I love your Christian compassion ladysandee. Jesus would be proud. NOT!

May 29, 2007 at 11:05 AM : Well....Ed Jagels has...

Well....Ed Jagels has reassured his next re-election. I believe that Brothers is Guilty as sin, and he is getting his due. But I must admit that during the course of the trial that i was worried that Jagels' office had botched another one. Brothers will get his sentence carried out, eventually, yeah it may be 20 years before it happens, perhaps we'll get lucky and he'll have an "accident" while in custody, maybe have him detained for a while at the downtown receiving facility? (lol) anyway my heart goes out to the Harper family, may the souls of your departed ones rest in peace. Vincent Brothers.....may you die a horrible death as your family did at your hand!!!

May 29, 2007 at 11:05 AM : "Brothers...

"Brothers will get his sentence carried out, eventually,"

Yeah, thats what they said about Bruce Sons and we all know how that turned out. Another case will be overturned and Jagels will continue to run this county.

May 29, 2007 at 11:05 AM : MY COMPASSION IS FOR...

MY COMPASSION IS FOR THE 5 PEOPLE WHO ARE IN THEIR GRAVES AND THEIR FAMILY WHO STILL GRIEVE.

MY COMPASSON IS FOR THE 3 INNOCENT CHILDREN WHO WILL NEVER HAVE A CHANCE TO GROW UP.

JESUS TAUGHT US TO LOVE THE SINNER NOT THE SIN ( MURDER )...

May 29, 2007 at 11:05 AM : So that gives you an...

So that gives you an excuse to NOT be humane? Hippocrite.

May 29, 2007 at 11:05 AM : HOW...

HOW "HUMANE" WERE THE DEATHS OF THESE 5 PEOPLE??

GO BACK AND READ YOUR BIBLE--IF YOU OWN ONE.....

May 29, 2007 at 11:05 AM : anon 10:45 ...

anon 10:45

Are you suggesting life in prision- According to the second link you posted in your blog there are 3,517 people on death row right now. The figures from 1973, from your first link, says 124 of these cases successfully appealed or overturned. That averages to about four successful appeals a year. Not exactly stellar numbers based on the numbers on death row of 3,517 about 3.5 percent will win appeals. 96.5 percent won't.

No system is perfect and we do need a zero percent error ratio. However some of the reasons given in your links have been false confessions and faulty eye-witnesses along with misconduct on the part of law enforcement. There will always be errors and I must admit, I'd hate to be sitting on death row, knowing I am one of those errors.

The truth is Brother's sentence is a life sentence because of the organizations like the one you provided links to. Scott Peterson is still around on death row and even has several web sites for his supporters: http://www.ccadp.org/scottpeterson.htm

I'm sure Brothers will have many years to communicate with his supporters. But in all honesty- I think it was as solid a circumstantial case against Brothers as possible. His lies on the stand and Troy also did not help.

May 29, 2007 at 11:05 AM : All Ed Jeagels...

All Ed Jeagels requires to be re-elected in this town is have someone confirm that he has a pulse. So many death penalty advocates, so little evidence for the conviction. I know I would be very reluctant to vote for death in light of no hard evidence putting Vincent Brothers at the scene of the crime. Today China announced they will execute a former top official convicted of accepting bribes while running their government's Health & Drug department. Who will be number three?

May 29, 2007 at 11:05 AM : The red bold font...

The red bold font person must be one heck of an attention whore.

May 29, 2007 at 11:05 AM : "LETHAL...

"LETHAL INJECTION IS TOO "HUMANE""

Again read your own words. Not very Christian. Yes, you must grieve for the victims. I find it very sad that you can rejoice in the death of ANY human being. I pity you.

May 29, 2007 at 11:05 AM : Well I guess this is...

Well I guess this is where the "Christian" front will use the whole "eye for an eye" argument...

The deaths were so horrible. Why create more hate from hate? Is there any real vindication in that or does it just satisfy the sadist in us(you)?

May 29, 2007 at 11:05 AM : "HOW...

"HOW "HUMANE" WERE THE DEATHS OF THESE 5 PEOPLE??

GO BACK AND READ YOUR BIBLE--IF YOU OWN ONE....."

Nice! Thanks for answering my question. That says it all. In your world two wrongs make a right.

May 29, 2007 at 11:05 AM : Yes jfrancis; there...

Yes jfrancis; there are all sorts of ways to justify things with the bible; even when contradictions arise.

May 29, 2007 at 11:05 AM : LadySandee clearly...

LadySandee clearly needs to go back and read HER bible (IF SHE HAS ONE). Way to spread the love of Christ. Forgivness is key to Christianity, or did she miss that in her bible study?

Vincent Brothers committed a sin and will pay the price for it, both here on earth and in the afterlife. Let's just leave it at that, lest you be judged yourself, LadySandee.

May 29, 2007 at 11:05 AM : Here's a link and...

Here's a link and quote from COurt Tv News Dec. 2004. Some of you may like the quote.

http://www.courttv.com/trials/peterson/121404_execution_ap.html

In California, the chances are greater that a condemned inmate will die in prison than be executed by lethal injection.

California is home to the nation's most clogged death row, housing 641 condemned men and women, but the state has executed just 10 inmates since it resumed capital punishment in 1978. In that same period, 38 death row inmates have died of other causes: Three were killed by other prisoners, a dozen committed suicide, and the rest died of natural causes.

"This problem of the backlog seems to be insurmountable right now," said Edward Jagels, Kern County's district attorney.

Stephen Wayne Anderson was the last California prisoner to be put to death, after languishing on death row for more than 20 years. He was executed in January 2002 for the 1980 murder of an 81-year-old woman.

May 29, 2007 at 11:05 AM : She isn't much of...

She isn't much of a lady if she is screeching in bold red font about killing someone.

May 29, 2007 at 12:05 PM : "The red bold...

"The red bold font person must be one heck of an attention whore."

Yes anny,

Isn't red the color of..........Satan?

May 29, 2007 at 12:05 PM : Why, I do believe your...

Why, I do believe your right anonymous!

May 29, 2007 at 12:05 PM : A FAVORITE...

A FAVORITE COLOR--RED---

SIGNIFIES THE BLOOD JESUS SHED FOR ME...

ARE THERE "RULES" ON WHAT COLORS AND FONTS WE USE HERE? :-)

May 29, 2007 at 12:05 PM : Not for attention...

Not for attention whores like yourself. Its considered rude to type in caps and bold font. Usually only the wingnuts do that, and you just might qualify.

May 29, 2007 at 12:05 PM : It's also the...

It's also the favored color of........I better not invoke Godwins Law.

May 29, 2007 at 12:05 PM : Alright kiddies, Lets...

Alright kiddies,

Lets get off the name calling and focus on the death penalty that is the topic this part of the trial.

May 29, 2007 at 12:05 PM : Oh my gosh, anon,...

Oh my gosh, anon, please..do not invoke Godwin's law..most wouldn't know it if they were slapped upside the head with it.

May 29, 2007 at 12:05 PM : Ok...Death Penalty =...

Ok...Death Penalty = WRONG

Enough said.

spam code: oheal

May 29, 2007 at 12:05 PM : That's right...

That's right dusty. Not very many bright ones on this particular blog.

May 29, 2007 at 12:05 PM : The evidence was so...

The evidence was so circumstantial, I figured the jury might give him life in prison. But I was wrong.

May 29, 2007 at 12:05 PM : Hmmmmmmmmm A rule here...

Hmmmmmmmmm A rule here on posting comments is no personal attacks...maybe you best know someone before you name call eh??

And as I said earlier--the focus IS on the topic-----

May 29, 2007 at 12:05 PM : WWJE. Who...

WWJE. Who Would Jesus Execute?

May 29, 2007 at 12:05 PM : "The evidence...

"The evidence was so circumstantial, I figured the jury might give him life in prison. But I was wrong"

Me too. Sorry to burst the bubbles of all the blood thirsty neo-cons on this blog, but this case will be overturned. At the very least the sentence will be commuted. Someone else already mentioned it but if Sons can get off Brothers will be out in no time at all.

May 29, 2007 at 12:05 PM : Are they selling those...

Are they selling those bracelets down at courthouse? Perhaps some folks on this blog might want to buy one.

May 29, 2007 at 12:05 PM : Good point random. Hey...

Good point random. Hey sandee let's make executions public. We could hold them at your church on Sunday's right after the sermon. It could be a family affair.

May 29, 2007 at 12:05 PM : What is the great...

What is the great surprise, this is Bakersfield justice where the courts have never met a Black man that did not need conviction. I love the loud ranting of ladysandee, the last time I heard a screamer in bed was under better circumstances but they are always exciting either way.
But what the hell, no sense in mulling this one over, it is not the first lynching of a Black man in Bakersfield and it will not be the last, I have faith Kern justice in the system. And yes he will be killed by the State and there is no comparison to Son's, Sons was white, Sons was very white, as for that other white guy who killed an old man in Rosedale a few years ago, well, he too is plying gold with Robert Blake now.
I love to hear those wonderful white folk who like ladysandee love to shout their Christianity and thump their Bible to the tune of the death march, geez she must be an ex-marine groupie, love of death does not come that easy to most. Shhhhhhhh, another Black has bit the dust!!

May 29, 2007 at 12:05 PM : anony 12:12, They...

anony 12:12,

They weren't selling any bracelets but they were passing out pendants:

May 29, 2007 at 12:05 PM : Hmmmm...it looks like...

Hmmmm...it looks like sandee ducked out. Hopefully she went to church to pray for forgiveness for her impure thoughts.

May 29, 2007 at 12:05 PM : We can only hope anon.

We can only hope anon.

May 29, 2007 at 12:05 PM : I don't know why...

I don't know why anyone is surprised. After all the jury found him guilty of this horrendous crime. That being the case how could they not impose the death penalty. It has nothing to do with black, white or Bakersfield justice as a few want to spout. A jury sat for a very long time and listened to all the evidence presented and they determined that he is guilty. The community should commend them for their service and for what I am certain was a very gut wrenching decision.

May 29, 2007 at 12:05 PM : I guess the rule of...

I guess the rule of not personally attacking each other has just flown right out the window in this forum. Unfortunate too, these forums represent the community as a whole and to see the tempers and language above don't reveal us in the best light.

My thoughts are that even though he may live a long life behind bars, he still doesn't get the freedoms we take for granted. He'll never sit in a Borders reading a magazine, have dinner and drinks with friends at Tahoe Joe's, play hookie from work to see a movie with his buddies... most importantly, be with a woman again (which is obviously a big deal for him seeing his torrid affairs). So, while he will continue to live for what may be a long time... his only love will be from Tony the 300 lb guy in a dress and Sharpie marker mascara... and his only entertainment will be in from of a TV covered in Plexiglas. The only good thing he has is knowing how he will probably die.

May 29, 2007 at 12:05 PM : Lady Sandee...

Lady Sandee didn't duck out--I don't argue with idiots who resort to name calling...

We all have opinions about this case-- the BOTTOM line is--of those who KNOW the truth-5 are dead--so that leaves 2, Vincent Brothers and God Almighty.........I'll put Vincent in Gods hands.....

May 29, 2007 at 12:05 PM : A jury decided...

A jury decided Tuesday that Vincent Brothers should receive the death penalty for killing his three children, his wife and his mother in law.

AS Marv Alpert would say, Yes! Now big decision for homie Vince: gas or the chems. Go for the pentathol sleepy time, Vince man.

May 29, 2007 at 12:05 PM : I don't care what...

I don't care what happens to him. This trial never interested me at all, I never read anything about him, not even this blog. I am only posting this on behalf of others that feel the same way I do.

May 29, 2007 at 12:05 PM : Last time I checked...

Last time I checked 'idiot' is namecalling. So it's the pot calling the kettle black, right?

May 29, 2007 at 12:05 PM : Appeal, Overturned,...

Appeal, Overturned, New Trial, Change of Venue, Acquittal. It's possible. Then what will Kern County bloggers have to talk about? Something else will pop up by then, I'm sure. And what was it that one of the jurors said...It was something that the prosecutor said that convinced her of his guilt. I thought his guilt was to be determined by the evidence, not prosecutor's statements or arguments. Damn, they didn't even review all of the evidence, not in 15 hours or less and there was 2 months of testimony. This jury went with the prosecution because she proved he lied; the prosecution lied also, so how much credibility did they have. It will all be sorted out at appellate court. He will get a new trial; the prosecution made absolutely sure of that.

May 29, 2007 at 12:05 PM : So right--My applology...

So right--My applology for the name calling............I forgot for a minute that I no longer live in Bakersfield and resorted to that "level"----

May 29, 2007 at 12:05 PM : So, you believe that...

So, you believe that Jesus would be FOR the death penalty Sandee?

May 29, 2007 at 12:05 PM : In response to...

In response to anonymous 12:47 PM comment "And what was it that one of the jurors said...It was something that the prosecutor said that convinced her of his guilt. I thought his guilt was to be determined by the evidence, not prosecutor's statements or arguments."

I think you need to read the comments by the juror again.

"Juror No. 407 said something the prosecutor said in her closing argument helped her reach a verdict on the death penalty."

She did not say it helped her reach a verdict of guilty. That verdict was reached before the comments from the prosecutor which the juror was referring to. There is nothing wrong or inappropriate with considering comments from the prosecutor or defense attorney in determing a sentence.

May 29, 2007 at 12:05 PM : The track record of...

The track record of the DA's office here in Bako isn't the best. A retrial isn't completely out of the picture yet.

May 29, 2007 at 01:05 PM : I will keep that...

I will keep that opinion about Jesus to myself--I know what Jesus did in the "market place" --( re/ money changers )

He also said "vengence is mine"---as someone said eariler, whatever happens here on earth, if this penality is carried out or not, Vincent ( along with ALL us humans on the earth ) have to answer to HIM ( GOD )

May 29, 2007 at 01:05 PM : I am familiar with the...

I am familiar with the money changers incident as well. Yes, Vincent will have to meet his Maker. That's assuming there is a 'Maker'. But I will take your word for it just for the sake of argument.

May 29, 2007 at 01:05 PM : Note how one of the...

Note how one of the regular BC comrades, Random Factor (and acknowledged atheist), has no problem invoking Jee-suss when it comes to opposing the death penalty (or furthering his own agenda) . Haven't you said repeatedly that Jee-sus never existed, or at least he was merely mortal, raht , RF? From Darwin to teary-eyed liberal whenever necessary. Do you oppose the death sentence awarded to Scottie Peterson as well, RF (with hardly the evidence used to convict Brothers): he's not quite the PC-leftist hero that VB has become, of course.

May 29, 2007 at 01:05 PM : One can use the bible...

One can use the bible to justify anything (death penalty, slavery, Capitalism, etc.)

May 29, 2007 at 01:05 PM : Exactly. Instead of...

Exactly. Instead of relying on Scripture (tho' perhaps some recall that Old Testament chestnut "an eye for an eye"), rational citizens might take a vote on whether murderers (especially mass murderers like Brothers) should hang or not. Aye! The ayes have it. Now expedite the process.

May 29, 2007 at 01:05 PM : I will keep that...

I will keep that opinion about Jesus to myself--I know what Jesus did in the "market place"

So, you have no opinion. Why are you here?

May 29, 2007 at 01:05 PM : I forgot for a minute...

I forgot for a minute that I no longer live in Bakersfield and resorted to that "level"----

Did you read that. She just "dissed" bakers. Yes sandee all of those neo-cons are on a certain "level"

May 29, 2007 at 01:05 PM : Jesus never said...

Jesus never said "Vengeance is mine." That was Paul. ('Course, he got a *LOT* of stuff wrong...)

Why not invoke Jee-zus, Pere? I'm a Christian atheist. It's just some of his followers I can't stomach.

May 29, 2007 at 01:05 PM : Note how one of the...

Note how one of the regular BC comrades, Random Factor (and acknowledged atheist), has no problem invoking Jee-suss when it comes to opposing the death penalty (or furthering his own agenda) .

Boy did you miss the point of the random's post. Not surprising. Boy that skull is pretty fuzzy. What are you smoking?

May 29, 2007 at 01:05 PM : It's...

It's just some of his followers I can't stomach.

Jesus save us... from your followers.

May 29, 2007 at 02:05 PM : NO, you missed the...

NO, you missed the point, Anny: RF yawped "what would Jesus do"? Scroll up a few dozen posts, if you have the GUI skills for that. Sort of a moot point anyways, since this is a secular society, and not based on Scripture (tho' it's not consistent anyway). The point is that the anti-death penalty people will whine for months about Brothers (or a Tookie), but few liberals said anything about the railroading of Scott Peterson (and people associated with the case admit there was little or no hard evidence connecting him to Laci's death) . Scott Peterson was on the national hysteria news, 24/7 for a few months; Vince Brothers--whose crime was quite more heinous than that of Peterson's (if SP did it at all) ---barely made it out of Kern .

May 29, 2007 at 02:05 PM : Ahh your all...

Ahh your all forgetting the good time Vincent is going to have in prison when the other inmates find out he killed his 3 children.

May 29, 2007 at 02:05 PM : At least quote me...

At least quote me correctly, bozo.

May 29, 2007 at 02:05 PM : Shrug. ...

Shrug. Peterson was white, as were his victims, and therefore more visible to the national entertainment media. I don't think *HE* should've been sentenced to death either.

May 29, 2007 at 02:05 PM : A jury sat for a very...

A jury sat for a very long time and listened to all the evidence presented and they determined that he is guilty, you mean the White jury after one of the white jurors was not going to get his way, so he ratted true or not he ratted, he deserves a T-Shirt. What a bunch of Christians in denial, it was not Bakersfield Justice? Get a clue, this guy was in death row before he went to court the first day, it was a slam dunk, a no brainer, open and shut case the moment Ms Hatchet got the case. Brothers never had a chance, even with a Michael Jackson make over this guy was toast as soon as he was on the judge, jury, and DA's radar. I know that most of Bakersfield white polulation is joyous and Green will probably receive more flowers than a rock star, but the only thing this proved, was the mentality of white Bakersfield on the minority community, but than that is and has never been a secret.

May 29, 2007 at 02:05 PM : You've been...

You've been reported, Random Red Factor. You're the clown: atheist-socialist one post; quoting Screepture the next. Or perhaps you're just schizophrenic: a reading of your emotional rants seems to suggest as much.

May 29, 2007 at 02:05 PM : Vincent didn't do...

Vincent didn't do this- I went through college with him and have known him in a professional capacity since. He was ALWAYS the voice of reason and calm. Personally, I believe Ernestine Harper who was a "street corner" advocate angered some gang members with her aggressive stance on the gang problems, especially in that part of town. I believe she got too close and she and her family paid the ultimate price. I personally hope someone figures this out before an innocent man is put to death.

May 29, 2007 at 02:05 PM : Petersen would not...

Petersen would not have ever been convicted in Kern County, and that is a fact. Unless they gave him an all Black jury, fat chance!

May 29, 2007 at 02:05 PM : Hum, currently death...

Hum, currently death by injection is being looked at to see if it is humane. If not then life in prison w/o parole. I believe a small simple room, no tv, no radio, no gym workouts...just lots and lots of junk food and high carb food.

May 29, 2007 at 02:05 PM : NO, it's pretty...

NO, it's pretty obvious Brothers was lying about being back east; and that was PROVEN, via numerous pieces of evidence. Guilty, 187. Sentence: Death.

May 29, 2007 at 02:05 PM : "You've...

"You've been reported, Random Red Factor. You're the clown: atheist-socialist one post; quoting Screepture the next. Or perhaps you're just schizophrenic: a reading of your emotional rants seems to suggest as much. "

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! You are scarring me. LOL!

May 29, 2007 at 02:05 PM : GOSH--&n...

GOSH-- If this wasn't sooooooo sad it would be hilarious--reading all these "comments"--it's so clear that most of the posters do NOT read the rules-Good ol "Bakersfield-ee-nns" --( type o's are on purpose -BTW )

As far as WHY am I here?? Well--because I have an interest in this case since I lived in Bakersfield when it happened and it's my right--doesn't mean I have to state ALL my opinions and views...

Sooooooo if you will excuse me-- I think I'll go out and enjoy my own little corner of this world.. NOT in Bakersfield--

NO OFFENSE lol.

May 29, 2007 at 02:05 PM : Perezcincocho, easy...

Perezcincocho, easy amigo, you have already been accepted, cool! God is on your side , don't you feel that thorn, it is he, the great one who has chosen you to be.......whatever you imagine that you are. You are as much of a myth in your own mind as GOD.

May 29, 2007 at 02:05 PM : Yes go back to your...

Yes go back to your corner.

May 29, 2007 at 02:05 PM : Who cares what the sob...

Who cares what the sob sisters spam in: some of us will be eating popcorn when the sodium pentathol hits this perps' veins. Buh Bye, Vincey.

May 29, 2007 at 02:05 PM : Pop corn, no,no,...

Pop corn, no,no, burritos, salsa, menudo, pop corn is for wimps not macho man like us. And Yes you and ladysandee can do the honors, but don't forget to say three hail Marys and two our fathers before you give him the needle, otherwise he might not suffer, and as Christians we cannot have that. Shhhhhhhhhh State assassins at work

May 29, 2007 at 02:05 PM : Well I'm not...

Well I'm not religious: just like to see scumbags get what they deserve. But if we had our druthers, it'd be via some rope and a big oak, and like, say, tomorrow. Sell t-shirts, maybe some beer and eats, live entertainment. ;)

May 29, 2007 at 02:05 PM : Wasn't Jesus...

Wasn't Jesus killed because of capital punishment? What in Heaven and Earth makes anyone think he supported the death penalty?

May 29, 2007 at 02:05 PM : WILL DO...

WILL DO "ANON"---

WITH YOUR COMMENTS-- IT DOESN'T SURPRISE ME THAT YOU EVER SO "BRAVELY"--- "HIDE" BEHIND THAT "NAME"--LOL

May 29, 2007 at 02:05 PM : Un arbol y un lasso,...

Un arbol y un lasso, great suggestion cincocho, and don't be modest you are the epitome of a good Christian, hang 'em high than forgive them is the Christian way and the Alabama Klan way....and the Bakersfield way!!

May 29, 2007 at 02:05 PM : LOL. Some of you...

LOL. Some of you people crack me up. I can only say this for what I think, I was not there. I was not at the murder, I was not at the trial, I don't know if he did it or not. That is why I belong to a society where we elect a jury of his peers and they look at the evidence and decide. I don't think it matters if the jurors were black or white (well except the one black juror did have a point, it was lose lose for him, or so he thought).

Those of you who think he is innocent because you know him are fools. All mankind if capable of this. I worked in prison and anyone is capable of anything. You might not want to believe he is capable, but you are being naive. I just couldn't help but laugh at the quote in the paper about the guy who said, "No black father would do this." What bull crap. Black, white, Asian, African, European, they are all capable of doing this.

Then you get the crowd who wants to attack the death penalty by attacking the Bible. More stupidity. As one poster pointed out, this is a secular society. Secular society says let him die, then he dies. Don't try and change the subject by pretending to know what Jesus wants other people to do concerning the death penalty. If you are a Christian read your Bible, seek God's will, and be confident in your walk. I respect you if you are a Christian against the death penalty or a Christian for the death penalty as long as you are doing what you think is right. When it comes down to it what this secular world wants out of this means nothing to me and my walk.

Bottom line, he was convicted of murder. As has been pointed out, what other options according to law are there for a guy who kills two adults and three children in pre-meditated murder?

This case is not about race or religion. It is about law and justice.

May 29, 2007 at 02:05 PM : "HIDE&quo...

"HIDE" BEHIND THAT "NAME"--LOL

Ladysandee is just another name for anonymous. I'll post my information right after you do. Same to ya!

May 29, 2007 at 02:05 PM : Can you say that a bit...

Can you say that a bit louder, I did not hear it screamer, god I love screamers, they are hot!!

May 29, 2007 at 02:05 PM : RE: Rie I am not...

RE: Rie

I am not saying you are wrong but.............. It is possible to know someone and really never know them or what they are really capable of. I do respect your loyalty to a friend. I don't know if he committed the crime or not. I do know that a jury thought he was guilty. They also thought and it seems to have been proven that he was lying on the witness stand. It would also seem from the evidence that he was leading a life full of lies. I know that does not make him a killer. If I were his friend though it would make me wonder. Why all the deception? I would really have to question whether I really knew this person or not.

May 29, 2007 at 02:05 PM : Do you anny?...

Do you anny? You'll enjoy Brothers' screams then when the State terminates his existence here on Earth.

May 29, 2007 at 02:05 PM : I can hear them now,...

I can hear them now, but they don't excite me as much as ladysandee's, those are scream of pleasure, oh you are so macho senor Perez, and exciting.

May 29, 2007 at 02:05 PM : You'll enjoy...

You'll enjoy Brothers' screams then when the State terminates his existence here on Earth.

I'll bet you said that about bruce sons.

May 29, 2007 at 02:05 PM : It's done,...

It's done, it's over.....enough already!!!!

May 29, 2007 at 02:05 PM : Naw. I'm not in...

Naw. I'm not in Kern and don't know much about the Sons case--and that was quite different; could have been self-defense. But the evidence clearly demonstrated that Brothers was lying about being back East. Not about race: Brothers lied, big time. Vincey was in Bakers all the time. And thus killed the people. Guilty, 187. Sentence : Death.

May 29, 2007 at 03:05 PM : Roselady, there's...

Roselady, there's the inevitable overturn-on-appeal. It's not over.

May 29, 2007 at 03:05 PM : Actually you...

Actually you don't know much about anything, mi cholito tapado.

May 29, 2007 at 03:05 PM : I'm not in Kern...

I'm not in Kern and don't know much about the Sons case

Oh, ok....so you are NOT all knowing?

May 29, 2007 at 03:05 PM : It's over enough...

It's over enough that, until appeal starts, all this squawking and yipping and yelling can stop.

May 29, 2007 at 03:05 PM : Randomfactor, Nothing...

Randomfactor, Nothing is "inevitable" don't act so naive. First off appeals take time to file and then they have to be accepted and heard. Even if it is accepted and heard it does not mean that the original verdict will be overturned. One thing is for sure, this case is going to be around for a long time.

May 29, 2007 at 03:05 PM : You think they'll...

You think they'll kill him by mistake before the appeal gets filed? Sure it's my opinion, as is the opinion that the Brothers investigation was botched and what should've been an airtight case wasn't, and what should've been an airtight prosecution wasn't. The appeal is inevitable, the overturn (IMHO) very likely, the retrial if appealed a lead-pipe cinch. This is Kern County.

May 29, 2007 at 03:05 PM : nobody ever listens to...

nobody ever listens to me......

May 29, 2007 at 03:05 PM : As for "prison...

As for "prison justice":

Aren't death row inmates isolated so that no one can hurt them?

May 29, 2007 at 03:05 PM : random, He'll do...

random,

He'll do better in a re-trial: He learned to not take the stand, and he probably won't tell the same lie about the accident. I wonder about his brother, Troy. I wonder if he'll still be missing by that time.

May 29, 2007 at 03:05 PM : The sentence is...

The sentence is an appropriate one.

It's unfortunate that some use such a tragedy to yell their racism. If the jury had voted not guilty, or life, the same people would yell their racism by claiming that the jury had discounted the value of the victims because they were Black.

It's a no win situation with such folks.

May 29, 2007 at 03:05 PM : How wrong you are!

How wrong you are!

May 29, 2007 at 03:05 PM : he probably won't...

he probably won't tell the same lie about the accident

That's right: Brothers will stick to his other Big Lie: that he's innocent.

Buh bye, perp

May 29, 2007 at 03:05 PM : I went golfing this...

I went golfing this morning, so I didn't see the verdict until this afternoon. I wrote a blog entry yesterday saying it would happen today. That was a no brainer. And after the transcript was released today regarding the dismissed juror, I see my post just after it happened was correct. I have good sources.

I just watched the video of Vincent's mother and family, along with Wesley Crawford outside the courthouse this morning. Unbelievable. I recall back in the mid-80's when I sent Wesley to prison for possessing crack cocaine. But his last name was Clawford then. Before he became Wesley Mohamaad, and now Crawford.

And I predicted a few weeks ago that Ed Jagels will not complete his term in office, and Lisa Green will be his replacement until the next election is held. Mark my words.

Good job Lisa, and rot in HELL Vincent!!

May 29, 2007 at 03:05 PM : that isnt true about...

that isnt true about the last execution in CA being in 2002. Didnt they just recently put to death the founder of the Crips (you know the guy that was nominated for a peace prize). Oh, I think his name was Stanley or something.

May 29, 2007 at 04:05 PM : So this morning...

So this morning Vincent had his leg chains on only one leg, and 3 makeshift handcuff keys hidden in his 'fro? To bad he would not have gotten loose and bolted out the door. If that would have been the case, the headlines for today would have read, "Convicted murderer shot and killed fleeing courthouse after being sentenced to death". That would have been cool!!!

May 29, 2007 at 04:05 PM : Stanley Williams (the...

Stanley Williams (the founder of the Crips, and nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize) was put to death via lethal injection Dec. 2005.

May 29, 2007 at 04:05 PM : Rie,...

Rie,
   My guess is you did not follow the evidence.
   At a minimum, the testimony was Vincent was not in Ohio for three critical days even according to his own testimony, and the only person in his family who he claimed to be with was Troy, who came to court, but fled in disobedience to a subpoena.
   So Vincent is either very rude not to tell the family he was staying with where he was going, or he had a good reason for not telling them. The jury found the latter.
   Plus the bugs on the rental car that showed he went out west.
   Plus lots more.
   Stay tuned. This case and what happened in it will be more interesting in coming weeks.
   But I understand the need to support your friend. I encourage you to do that. He needs friends now.

Sorry, I didn't realize I was signed on as BrothersTrial. This is Steve E. Swenson making these comments

May 29, 2007 at 04:05 PM : OH MY GOD, what am I...

OH MY GOD, what am I going to blog about now that this trial is over? "sigh".....

May 29, 2007 at 04:05 PM : brotherstrial, nice...

brotherstrial,

nice unbiased reporting on your part (~*heavy sarcasm*~)

May 29, 2007 at 04:05 PM : Or you didn't-...

Or you didn't- they have already determined that the car he was in would not have made it here, or would surely have been stopped during the busy holiday time for excessive speed-and as for the bugs and other evidence, there were just as many "expert witnesses" to discount as there were to convict. If youve followed Ernestine Harper at all you know she been involved forever in advocating steps to curb gang violence--an admirable advocation to be sure- but a dangerous one. I do see that he was found to be "faulty" in some of the things he said, but Im wondering how many of us- after what he went through would have been clear headed and concise- He was a wonderful administrator, whom his students loved- he was always the one to "stop the violence"- I'll say it again- its going to come out that he did not do this- I just hope for some our sakes it doesnt come to late- he'll be fine regardless-

May 29, 2007 at 05:05 PM : I was not surprised by...

I was not surprised by the two Klan women jurors who made the video after the trial's end. It was obvious from these bible thumping Ridgecrest babes that they emphasized Morality, not evidence as in arriving to their guilty verdict.
They convicted Brothers of immorality not murder, but than we all knew that.Brothers was convicted of womanizing and being a less efficient liar than Green, but as to actual murder evidence, not needed this is a black man, they are White women and this is Kern County. Life as it should be, the Black juror should never have removed the forewoman's hood.

May 29, 2007 at 05:05 PM : Worse than any...

Worse than any supposed "klan" jurors are the crips who would defend a mass murderer.

buh bye Vincey.

May 29, 2007 at 05:05 PM : Anon at 5:05, you are...

Anon at 5:05, you are so pathetic. If there had been a video of Vincent killing his family, you would have accussed "whitey" of morphing him into the pic. I REALLY despise people like you. So, so, ignorant!!!!

May 29, 2007 at 05:05 PM : If, if if, that is...

If, if if, that is what this case was all about! Thanks

May 29, 2007 at 05:05 PM : 5:05, it looks like...

5:05, it looks like you have an agenda. He is innocent because he is black. Black is innocent because black was treated horribly in the past.

May 29, 2007 at 05:05 PM : In Brothers testified...

In Brothers testified about Child Support: posted Monday April 30, 2007 at 02:17p.m.; Is there a mistake in the 1st sentence? Wasn't "Saturday" July 5? When was this testimony given? What was the answer to the last question? This Heading says that Brothers said he took a cellular phone with him to Elizabeth City, North Carolina. He said he had the wrong charges and it was not taking the adequate charge. He realized he got the wrong charge when he returned to Bakersfield on Friday with Curtis Floyd. (Didn't he leave for Elizabeth City, North Carolina on the 8th of July 2003)? In: Brothers discussed crash in Ohio - posted Tuesday April 24, 2007 at 03:41 p.m. (In April archives), after Vincent Brothers left the house on Sunday July 6, 2003, he saw the rental car in front of Melvin Brother's house. He called the wrong # first calling the principal. The battery on his cell phone, he had the wrong charger so it wouldn't charge up all the way. In this heading, he said he went window shopping and got pizza, went to Dayton, Ohio where his brother told him there were housing tracks. (Same day bicycle incident occurred). He had said in his testimony, Brothers continues his testimony - posted Tuesday 04-24-07 at 02:59 p.m. (In the last sentence) "The rental car was there, he thought Melvin would take it. In this heading, he said he got up at 5:00 a.m. (which would have been Saturday, July 5, 2003 and wanted to go to a basketball game in Indiana. He cleaned up and left Melvin's house. It was just getting light outside. That morning he saw Troy, he was getting ready to get in the rental car. Troy asked him where he was going and asked if he could go along. In the heading: Brothers testified about Child Support. - posted Monday April 30, 2007 at 02:17 p.m. It says Brother said he left between 8 & 8:30 on Sunday to go to Chicago. He said it was more than 5 hours. He had to stop for gas more than once on his way through indiana, Missouri, and St. Louis. Again, when was this testimony given? The contents of this heading are unclear, seem to be misleading, inaccurate as far as Saturday's date. Was this an actual testimony or a summary of his testimony?

May 29, 2007 at 05:05 PM : Actually no, he is...

Actually no, he is guilty, the Klan has spoken and In Kern, that is law!!
But of course we all knew that, he is Black.

May 29, 2007 at 05:05 PM : No, he is...

No, he is "light skindid"....not even close to black.

May 29, 2007 at 05:05 PM : He is darker than you...

He is darker than you or any of the Klan gals on the jury, if you are from the South, don't take a genetic test sweetie.

May 29, 2007 at 05:05 PM : Ah Bakers crips will...

Ah Bakers crips will defend homie Vince whether he was guilty of mass murder or not. Guilty: 187. Sentence: Death

May 29, 2007 at 05:05 PM : Well, there's a...

Well, there's a point of interest. He has blue eyes, I believe. His race is, then, undoubtedly mixed. Perhaps if we accept that his white genes did the killing, those who scream racist can accept the evidence. Which of his races planned his failed escape?

May 29, 2007 at 05:05 PM : Hi: I’m a...

Hi:

I’m a first time poster here, found this by accident and being a long time resident of message boards and Bakersfield, thought I’d drop in my 2 cents worth in just for kicks.

The most tragic thing that I see generated here is the hatred and judgment, produced and passed by normally good Christian people. The same as by any other high profile murder case, bombing, etc.

If one is to look to the bible for answers, Jesus himself said “Judge, as you would like to be judged” basically because one never knows what brought a man or woman to do what he or she does.

Going back a few years I remember a man, a mass murderer, named Gary Gilmore. This man ruthlessly killed a whole grip of people and was by his own request sentenced to death by a firing squad. 8:00 am, January 17, 1977, volunteers manned the firing squad and I remember at the time I too made comment “ask me, I’ll do it”

Later I read that Gary’s mother, a very Christian lady, claimed that when Gary was a baby she had once called a priest or minister for the child because she saw demons hovering above his crib.

What a thought

Now lets look to the bible. Somewhere in those pages is the story of Job. To make things kind of simple, he was kind of a regular guy, a bit well to do. Respected in his community. Family, kids, friends, sheep, cows, whatever.

Now it seems like God said something like “My servant Job, kool kind of guy, I like him” Ok it’s not a direct quote but it gets the point across. Anyway, the evil one approached God and said to Him “Ya, Kool Guy, That’s cause you give him every thing there stinken is. Mess him around a bit and I bet he’ll curse you.”

Catch the drift.

God: “Kool Christians I have here, Forgiving, sharing, nice to one another, they say hi”

Satin: “Forgiving, I bet if they had a guy that killed a grip of people in there midst they wouldn’t be so forgiving and Nice Wouldn’t say hi either. Wait until they disagree.”

Good morning Gary, You’ve just been born.

Not saying that that’s the way it is or was, but maybe it’s the way it could have been. I just can’t call it.

Now what’s this about judge, as you would like to be judged.
And maybe the most merciful thing for Gary was to send him back to his maker after a life of torment.

Yours,

Lets call me Chuck

I don't like anonymous

May 29, 2007 at 05:05 PM : I doubt that they will...

I doubt that they will defend him, they know that he was fairly convicted and in fact they know that the Klan momma from Ridgecrest was fair, she knows Black people, after all one cleaned her pool in Ridgecrest a few years ago. No they wouldn't dare defend him, they know he is toast and if they don't want to be the other piece of toast, they can't be ID ed, and that in Bakersfield fatal whether they commit any crime or not, and they will recive a white jury.

May 29, 2007 at 05:05 PM : I believe Justice was...

I believe Justice was served! But unfortunatly he wont be executed. he will die of old age before that is done! its too bad his wife and children and mother inlaw couldnt of died of old age

May 29, 2007 at 05:05 PM : Rie, As a...

Rie,

As a "friend" of Brothers you didn't pay real close attention to the case. Both pros. and defense calculations showed Brothers could have made the whole trip at an average of 70 mph and still have something like 14 hours to sleep and whatever. It was a brand new car basically. I'm sure the car's manufacturer will say the car can run from Ohio to California and back . There is no car on the market that could not make the trip. Get real. Stop believing in fantasies. On the trip the issue was the time of death. If they were not killed on Sunday then the time Brothers would have to drive is much faster to get back to Ohio. The defense had a lot of "experts." One said he could not rule out robbery even thought there was money on a table and nothing was taken. The jury weighted that fact against the possibility of a "staged" robbery and dismissed the defense's expert. Several defense experts were dismissed by the jury though apparently not by you.

IMHO they got the right person. Brothers put up no real defense and just spun his wheels. People complain about the amount of time the jury took to make its decision, but I think they took too long. You know, during the trial, the only people who said they saw Brothers during the time of the murders were the witnesses in Bakersfield. He didn't produce one person to confirm his alibi. Not even his own brother or the frat brother he said he met. And of course theres the accident in Ohio. Brother's defense was a joke. He's where he belongs- on death row.

May 29, 2007 at 05:05 PM : Welcome to...

Welcome to Christianity's la la land where hypocrisy reigns and there is not a hanging we would like to skip.

May 29, 2007 at 05:05 PM : That jury was selected...

That jury was selected by two sides.

May 29, 2007 at 05:05 PM : Wrong, three sides and...

Wrong, three sides and the judge, the third side, made sure he culled reasonable doubt, you can't trust Black jurors you know.

May 29, 2007 at 06:05 PM : I think that huge chip...

I think that huge chip on your shoulder is obstructing your view.

May 29, 2007 at 06:05 PM : No, no cowboy that cow...

No, no cowboy that cow chip on your shoulder has you in a trance, but than the is common, right Ridgecrest, buddy.

May 29, 2007 at 06:05 PM : That was a silly...

That was a silly answer. It has nothing to do with anything. You made up a scenerio about who I am just so you could make bigoted claims about me. Silly fellow. None of it's true; but it made you feel big and in charge and as though you could "answer" me.

May 29, 2007 at 06:05 PM : Well ta ta, later my...

Well ta ta, later my good neighbor is having fun with his torch cross. we need it for the Brothers conviction celebration. See you all there, you here?

May 29, 2007 at 06:05 PM : Rie You...

Rie

You say he was a wonderful administrator but you ignore tha fact that he was a terrible father and husband. His own daughter, his only surviving child hates him. His surviving ex-wife said he closed both her eyes with his punches. He slept with a lot of his subordiantes and even some of his superiors. Am I missing the part where this is a wonderful guy.

Now all that doesn't make him a murderer- the facts of the case make him a murderer. But these facts hardly make him a wonderful guy. Could it be he had a professional image and a personal life that involved two very different Vincent Brothers? You saw what he wanted you to see- be glad you never saw the side his wives saw. Remember, Joannie told her best friend Vincent was "crazy" and she feared for her life. I bet she knew her husband a little better than you did and she didn't say he was "wonderful."

May 29, 2007 at 06:05 PM : Though the justice...

Though the justice system has seemed to work out for the best where Vincent Brothers is concerned. That doesn't mean that the 'justice system' doesn't need fixing itself. For though it takes an extremely wicked and evil man to do what Vincent Brothers has now been convicted of, (with the cold-blooded killing of three innocent and helpless children, their mother and grandmother) It takes an equally wicked and evil justice system to have to debate whether a crime so heinous as this is deserving of the death penalty or not. Was the justice system fair and did it work for the best? Yes...THIS TIME...however as the old addage goes..."Even a broken clock is right twice a day"

- Kenneth Hernandez, Bakersfield

May 29, 2007 at 07:05 PM : Though the justice...

Though the justice system has seemed to work out for the best where Vincent Brothers is concerned, that doesn't mean that the 'justice system' doesn't need fixing itself. For though it takes an extremely wicked and evil man to do what Vincent Brothers has now been convicted of, (with the cold-blooded killing of three innocent and helpless children, their mother and grandmother) It takes an equally wicked and evil justice system to have to debate whether a crime so heinous as this is deserving of the death penalty or not. Was the justice system fair and did it work for the best? Yes...THIS TIME...however as the old addage goes..."Even a broken clock is right twice a day!" To quote well-known Pastor and public speaker Bob Enyart out of Denver Colorado, "It used to be a Justice System, now it's just a system"!

Kenny Hernandez - Bakersfield, Ca.

May 29, 2007 at 07:05 PM : Though the justice...

Kenny Hernandez - Bakersfield, Ca.

May 29, 2007 at 07:05 PM : HE IS A DEAD MAN...

HE IS A DEAD MAN ALREADY - CONS HATE KID KILLERS. THIS PIECE OF CRAP WILL DIE AT THE HANDS OF SOME OTHER TWISTED INMATE.

May 29, 2007 at 07:05 PM : You posters who...

You posters who believe this verdict is racist and not based on evidence have your heads in the sand.

Jurors in this case and others in this county take their oath very seriously. I have covered courts for more than 25 years here and I have yet to see a case where jurors rendered a guilty verdict which was not supported by the evidence.

What I have seen are jurors who vote not guilty for invalid reasons, usually on 11-1 votes.

Furthermore, jurors identify with defendants who have solid work backgrounds such as Brothers. It takes compelling evidence to render a verdict jurors know will seriously harm someone who was a productive citizen.

The posters who make these assertions -- all anonymous on this blog -- are ignorant , have no facts to back up their assertions and don't have the fortitude to put a name with their beliefs.

So knock it off. You are betraying your own prejudices, not those of anyone else.

May 29, 2007 at 08:05 PM : Well said...

Well said Steve. One of the most frustrating things of this entire case was the people who throw the "race card", and forget the fact 5 innocent people, race regardless, were murdered.

May 29, 2007 at 08:05 PM : This is out of control...

This is out of control and should be monitored far better. A whole lot of anonymous swagger - way out of line. Who wouldn't duck out after being called so many names by such ignoramosis (so shoot for not being able to spell.) Ladysandee had an opinion. An opinion, btw, that outside of this blog is shared by nearly 80% of Californian respondants. If that bothers you so much there are 39 other Counties you could move to anytime. The fact that you haven't been able to make enough of yourselves to afford to live where you'd seemingly prefer, doesn't mean we have to be glad to have you here.

May 29, 2007 at 08:05 PM : Anon 5:57 What kind of...

Anon 5:57 What kind of garbage are you spouting. The judged removed a juror for inappropriate behaviour. You are so out of line to suggest that it was anything else. Read the transcript.

May 29, 2007 at 09:05 PM : beliefs, Steve... :)...

beliefs, Steve... :)

Aside from the typo, I agree with what you wrote (which is not always the case).

Justice was served. People have a right to their opinions, regardless of what anyone else thinks about them, but they ought to be able to defend those opinions and not be too sensitive if they're going to be posting them here. That's just my two cents.

By the way, regarding the anonymous comments, some of us have legitimate reasons for not disclosing our identities. Safety happens to be one of them. Have you people noticed the psychotic ramblings of some on these blogs?!!! Hello!! Sometimes I wonder if 3B patients are contributing.

May 29, 2007 at 09:05 PM : "there are 39...

"there are 39 other Counties you could move to anytime."

Boy there is definitely an intelligence deficiency in this county. Hmmm.....39 counties? Try again.

May 29, 2007 at 09:05 PM : Steve ,you must not...

Steve ,you must not have been around for "the molestation" cases.juries base their opinions on what is presented to them,and some bias must sneak in:look at all these posts.Good lord.Anyway the court has spoken,in death penalty cases is not an appeal a granted? I just pray we got the right guy.Now go find who knifed my friend in The mountains(not you Steve the law)..her family ,her two sons and her friends would like some answers.Her mother went to the police and they said even if you knew who did it,the case is closed,they claim no evidence.She was stabbed gang style in less than 10 min.,I know her ,our motto was "Tell them to look under my finger nails~The s.o.b.'s skin will be there" The door was gang graffiti-ed after her death.She was at her "friends" house a know dealer~he said at the funeral "she was braver than you know",he and his roommate got away scott free~and they found drugs.So I hope you'll forgive me if I am a tad warry about justice in this county~regardless of color.I still think a lifetime of having to wake up and revisit your crime is way worse than "getting the needle".In death penalty case's I think caution is warranted:better a free old man that is released after being proved innocent than a dead man being found innocent.how do you get back from that?

May 29, 2007 at 10:05 PM : I agree with you, too,...

I agree with you, too, Steve.

I also think all the jurors, including the one who was dismissed, are courageous people. For a variety of reasons I don't know that I could have sat on that jury. Not the least of those reasons would be because of the potential of being called names by anonymous cowards who would throw out racial accusations without knowing a thing about me.

These jurors gave up months of their lives to hear testimony and see evidence of a very gruesome and emotional nature. They had restrictions put on their daily routines to not converse about this subject with anyone (how many of us have talked to friends or spouses about the case?), nor were they to view or read any news accounts of the case (a pretty difficult thing to do if you want to watch any news at all or pick up the newspaper).

I said I thought the dismissed juror was also brave. I feel that way because he revealed the conflict he was experiencing while there was still time to do something about it. He could have just kept his mouth shut and let the case result in a hung jury, causing the county thousands and thousands of dollars to retry the case and putting witnesses and family members through drawn out agony. As Steve pointed out, there have been jurors in the past who have done just such a thing -- they've let their personal agendas override their duties as jurors. When that happens, justice definitely is not served.

May 29, 2007 at 10:05 PM : Steve, 25 years would...

Steve, 25 years would put you here about 1982, right? What year was the "Satanic Abuse Task Force" created? '85ish? Hmmm.....

May 29, 2007 at 10:05 PM : Well colornine I...

Well colornine I don't necessarily hold the dismissed juror in as high a regard as you do. As I see it he did not make any revelation in the interest of saving the county anything. According to the transcripts from the hearing he clearly was disrupting the entire process. I am not versed on the law regarding such matters but personally I think that he should be held accountable and made to answer to the legal system.

May 29, 2007 at 10:05 PM : I read you post...

I read you post Swenson and that was very white of you, yes you have covered many trial so you are well aware that once Black suspect is arrested, the only question is regular or extra crispy and this trail was not different. And since you are such an exert on Kern justice tell us was the last man sentenced to death in Kern Black, who was the judge, and was the composition of the jury similar?
If in your opinion those who disagree with the Klan jury have their head in the sand, you have your head in your asset base. But what the hell, it really does not matter if justice was done, Kern justice was done, and that is what matters.
As for the other jurors, they do not need to expose themselves the Klavern appointed mommas will speak for them in the usual fashion we have become accustomed to here in white man's paradise. As for you and the Californian, congratulations, you can take as much credit for the travesty as the Jury and the judge, you had him convicted before the bodies were cool and you made no bones bout it in opinion and articles on the case.
Oh and since you are such an expert go back to the Jagels molestation cases, how odd that all the white defendants were exonerated and the Black man the Rev Will Thomas exoneration was not eve considered. You are just as racist as the rest Swenson but that OK, you are a Californian family member.

May 29, 2007 at 10:05 PM : Oh and for the guy who...

Oh and for the guy who say the Judge was not out of line in guaranteeing a conviction by removing the black juror, he sys read the transcript, what a laugh, the transcript is just another "white" paper to justify his actions, but he is the judge and has the power to do whatever his little heart wants to do, and Bush has a history of doing just that with impunity, get clue Sherlock Tracy.

May 29, 2007 at 10:05 PM : Anon 10:40 I just...

Anon 10:40 I just wonder how many of these jurors you actually know? How in the world can any semi intelligent person believe that the prosecution was able to stack an entire jury with what you refer to as the Klan. What evidence do you have to support such allegations? Your agenda seems to be to incite racial unrest.

May 29, 2007 at 11:05 PM : and your agenda...

and your agenda appears to be to carry out the usual white wash that Kern not only expects but demands. As with was done with Brothers all you had to do was to look at him to see that he was guilty some said, well with the jurors who came forward all you had to do was see them and hear their excuse for voting with their Bible instead of their head to surmise a Klan mentality.

May 29, 2007 at 11:05 PM : Why are...

Why are you blaming the judge for remarks that a juror made. If you really believe that the dismissal of the only black juror guaranteed a wrongful conviction then your anger should be with the juror whose behavior caused the action.

May 29, 2007 at 11:05 PM : I am not blaming the...

I am not blaming the judge, it was after all as a Kern County Judge to see that the Blackman was convicted and he did his job and well. He was only following th popular views of the community including yours and he did not disappoint you, did he? The juror had no choice, he knew that in Bush;s court he was only window dressing and that his fellow white jurors at some point would trump up some charge to save the judges bacon.The black juror knew the deck was stacked, the only thing he did not know, is when it would happen, but than Blacks are stupid, right?

May 29, 2007 at 11:05 PM : Don't kid...

Don't kid yourself, Bush knows the drill and he doesn't disappoint, look up his recored with Black defendants vs White.

May 29, 2007 at 11:05 PM : The judge did not...

The judge did not convict anyone the jury did. The defense had every opportunity to dispute all the evidence. Of course it is difficult to overcome your client taking the stand and getting caught lying. That alone probably had more to do with sealing a conviction than anything else. As for the black juror, you must know him pretty well otherwise you wouldn't be able to tell us what he knew.

May 30, 2007 at 12:05 AM : Anon at 10:40, 10:45,...

Anon at 10:40, 10:45, 11:00, 11:15, are you a 6 year old typing these posts? Those are some way stupid posts, as far as grammar and proper English. Do you work for CalTrans?

May 30, 2007 at 12:05 AM : Gardina and Bryan...

Gardina and Bryan proved they could not find their way out of a room full of doors. Vincent was doomed the minute he was assigned these two incompetent goofs. And look at the lame defense investigators they used. (Wallace and Mosley). Sala, Torres, or Humphreys would have lost this trial. But they would have at least "looked" like they knew what they were doing.

May 30, 2007 at 12:05 AM : To anonymous posted on...

To anonymous posted on May 29, 2007 at 10:40 PM :

I got some information for you from a very reliable and knowledgeable source within the criminal justice community. In a nutshell, of the 30 people (all men, btw) convicted of murder and sentenced to death by Kern County juries since the death penalty was reinstated:

17 are white

1 is white/hispanic

7 are hispanic

5 are black

As a percentage of the local population, whites and blacks are both overrepresented in the number of defendents sentenced to death, and hispanics and other minorities are underrepresented. If you want details, you'll have to wait. It's late, and I'm going to bed.

May 30, 2007 at 05:05 AM : ColorNine...that...

ColorNine...that won't stop this "victim" from complaining. He/She has to have someone to blame, and we can see whom he has chosen.

May 30, 2007 at 06:05 AM : Sagefever,...

Sagefever,
   I was here during the molestation cases in the 1980s. Jurors in those cases returned verdicts based on the evidence presented to them. Some of those cases were overturned on grounds other than whether the evidence was sufficient to convict.

   Some cases never made it to trial because the district attorney's office knew it could not proceed on how the alleged victims had been rendered unbelievable by their treatment in the system. (Half of the original McCuan defendants never went to or got past the prelim stage). Charges against a black defendant in one of those cases (the Rev. Will Thomas) were reduced to a no jail plea bargain. (It is true another black defendant, Leroy Stowe, was convicted and that conviction was later overturned.)

These posts are based on racial issues. The molestation cases were predominently against white people and they involved a whole lot of other circumstances, including investigations that were corrupted by counselors and child advocates who went to a Satanic seminar. The children were questioned so much they became unreliable. No charges were filed against dozens of suspects who were named in the investigative reports.

I'm not sure who your friend is. I will be happy to look up the circumstances of the case. E-mail me at sswenson@bakersfield.com

I will respond later to the last death penalty case.

May 30, 2007 at 08:05 AM : Folks; let's face...

Folks; let's face it. We're going to be stuck with Ed in office simply because NO ONE in this town has the nads to run against him. T'would be very interesting to see if bigmouth Crawford doesn't take and run for it.
-CQ

May 30, 2007 at 08:05 AM : The only thing...

The only thing Crawford wants to run is his mouth.

And that's a full time job for him.

May 30, 2007 at 08:05 AM : To Anonymous 10:40...

To Anonymous 10:40 p.m.

   Last death penalty case was against Larry Kusuth Hazlett, who is now 59 years old, convicted of murdering 20-year-old Tana Woolley in her Rosamond apartment at the complex where both lived in 1978. He is black.

   A DNA match of his semen in her room was a critical piece of evidence in the case. He had denied ever being in her room.

   Four other women testified in the trial Hazlett raped them.

   One juror said he wanted a reason not to give Hazlett the death penalty, but there was none provided to overcome the prosecution evidence on the brutality of the crime and the pattern Hazlett showed.

   The prosecutor was Ed Jagels. The judge was Michael Bush. I don't know the makeup of the jury; didn't seem to be an issue in our coverage.

    This is how criminals get the death penalty. They commit despicable crimes against innocent people.

   Of the now 26 people sentenced to death in Kern County,five are black, five are Hispanic and 16 are white.

May 30, 2007 at 09:05 AM : Now that you have dug...

Now that you have dug what benefits you posit on tell us what the composition o these juries was? When was the last white person sentenced to death? You can cite stats over twenty years when whites held a tremendous advantage in numbers , however in recent times when your numbers have diminished , you seem to get a free pass, or is it that you have stopped committing crimes?
Was Hazlett Black, was they judge Bush, and what was the makeup of the jury were the questions, you answered what you want your groupies to hear, but that is normal.
As a white man I can understand why you are an apologist for Kern Justice but what the hell maybe you just hit yourself on the head with one of your golf clubs one too many times. If you are so smart don;t you publish the Bush record Minority vs White, even you would be surprised, nah you are part of the system and would find an excuse.

May 30, 2007 at 09:05 AM : LadySandee- I am all...

LadySandee- I am all for the death penalty, but out of curiosity, if "JESUS TAUGHT US TO LOVE THE SINNER NOT THE SIN (MURDER)" how can you justify killing someone jesus taught you to love? Shouldn't you want him to live out his days repenting and accepting jesus into his heart so his eternal soul will be forgiven by the "one true judge?"

Unfortunately I was not a juror, so I did not get to see the evidence and I was not there during the murder, therefore I cannot say if I think him guilty or not or deserving of the death penalty.

May 30, 2007 at 09:05 AM : LadySandee- ...

LadySandee- If "JESUS TAUGHT US TO LOVE THE SINNER NOT THE SIN (MURDER)" then how can you justify killing someone that jesus taught you to love? I'd figure you'd want him to live out the rest of his days repenting and accepting Jesus into his heart to save his eternal soul from the "one true judge?" Guess not. I suppose it will always be a great mystery to me how the religious chose which situations to appply their "rules" and which to change the interpretation for.

Unfortunately, I was not present during the murder, nor was I a juror or privy to the evidence, so I have no idea if he is guilty or deserves the death penalty (which I am for).

May 30, 2007 at 09:05 AM : Funny- a whole lot of...

Funny- a whole lot of people are brave enough to give their opinion....but not brave enough to even post a screen name. It totally invalidates whatever they say.

May 30, 2007 at 09:05 AM : Rie is just another...

Rie is just another name for anonymous.

May 30, 2007 at 09:05 AM : It doesn't...

It doesn't invalidate what we say as anon blogs. You just happen to disagree with what is being said because you are pro Brothers and the facts we present don't fit your fantasy.

The way I see it, what difference does it make what I call myself on these blogs. Call me Mark if it makes you feel better. Is your real name Rie? Is that a real photo of you? So who's more honest a phony name and picture or an anonymous post?.

P.S. If that is your real photo can you kick me your phone number?

May 30, 2007 at 09:05 AM : To all who have been...

To all who have been freaking out over Lady Sandee's comments,
Cut her some slack.. Geez.

Have none of you (again, ONLY speaking to those ranting over her comments) spoken out of emotion and not clarified things in your mind BEFORE speaking (especially while being attacked)?

Now, having said that, in regard to the latest comments posted at 9:20am 5/30/07, Vincent Brothers won't be executed tomorrow. He will have plenty of time to repent and come to Christ IF that is what he wants to do. It's not like he won't have time. Let's just bring things back to reality, shall we?

And can we please get off Lady Sandee's back now? I wonder... would we be so bold to jump her case if she were Lady Sandee, the Muslim? I doubt it.

One more thing..This is for Mr. or Ms. Anon. 9:20am:

If we're going to speak in Biblical terms now, let's have a look at Romans 13:1-5, shall we?
"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has extablished. The authorities that exist have been established by God. (2) Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. (3) For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. (4) For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an angel of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. (5) Therefore it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience."

Vincent Brothers had authorities (via the school system and others, ie parents, etc.) praising him while he was a vice principal (some STILL did praise him even after his conviction), but now that his sins have found him out, he is being punished by another section of the system of authorities (the judicial system). He should be afraid, for they do not bear the sword in vain. I think his alleged attempt to escape proves his is afraid.

This isn't another bloodthirsty Christian gleefully watching as a man gets sentenced to death, but one who quietly rejoices that JUSTICE and TRUTH still matter in our society. I honest hope, as Eddie Harper and the rest of the living Harper family hopes that Vincent Brothers WILL truly repent of his sins and come to faith in Jesus Christ-the One and only God-Man who came to Earth to pay the penalty once and for all for all mankind's sins so that we could live for eternity with Him.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." I Corinthians 13:4-8 (first part of 8 only)

May 30, 2007 at 10:05 AM : Hey look honey someone...

Hey look honey someone posted some biblical mumbo jumbo.

May 30, 2007 at 10:05 AM : One step closer to a...

One step closer to a warm place he belongs in, "Hell"

May 30, 2007 at 10:05 AM : Esdras, Check your...

Esdras,
Check your Bible (if you own one, if not, borrow one), because, we ALL belong there:

..."for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"...

Romans 3:23

And..

"For the wages of sin is death,"

Thankfully, there's MORE:

.."but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Romans 6:23 (split up a bit there...)

So you see, unless you're sinless (HA!), you (like me, too) deserved death (hell, separation from God), just like Vincent Brothers.
(God doesn't rate sin. There are no categories, so whether you've told a lie or murdered 5 family members, sin is sin and worthy of death: total separation from God.)

Thankfully, God made a way for all of us to come to him for forgiveness: His Son, Jesus. That's the good news! :)

Round up the kids. There's more mumbo jumbo! Yahoo!!!

May 30, 2007 at 10:05 AM : Steve ~that is what i...

Steve ~that is what i said~the base their opinion on what is presented~no argument there.I worked with the Grandmother in the McCuan case,she was a nice woman,unfortunately she did go to trial~her life was ruined.I worked with her at a hospital,if you think you've heard ridiculous slander on these blogs,she was tried and fried by some staff~and I agree with you on that also,black vs black crime is hardly racist,but I also understand how many of these folks actually know someone of another race let alone interact with them or have any empathy..I know I would hold that job very seriously ~remember my blog?Some posts here are the things that scare me,granted those things that are said here, would not be uttered in a jury room~but if they are in a persons mind...Again I hope justice is served..I vote for life behind bars.I will email you with the info~Thanks Steve,the poor Mom is beside herself.She is a strong Christian but..well you can imagine.

May 30, 2007 at 10:05 AM : Brothers gives a...

Brothers gives a day-by-day account. - posted Tuesday April 24, 2007 at 02:49 p.m., (In April Archives) . Vincent Brothers testifies on Friday July 4, he woke up at about 6:30 a.m. or 7:00 a.m. He spoke with his Mother & sister & neice about 9:00 a.m. He called for his wife on the Cellular telephone. On Friday he had his cellular telephone. He kept the phone with him that weekend. That afternoon, he placed a call on his cellular telephone to his wife. She was fussing with Marquis because he had taken the cordless phone & had put it inside of a shoe. Joanie said she would more than likely be going out of town to visit relatives. In: Brothers Discusses Crash in Ohio. - posted Tuesday April 24, 2007 at 03:41 p.m. After Vincent Brothers left the house on July 6, 2003, (same day of bicycle incident), he saw the rental car in front of Melvin Brother's house. He called the wrong # first calling the principal. He called home to P Street, but nobody would answer.

May 30, 2007 at 10:05 AM : "the poor Mom is...

"the poor Mom is beside herself"

I know the answers to these questions already but I will just present the questions. Where is Brother's father? Did he know his father? Did Brothers have a role model in the home showing him how to be a father? Was he ever a father, (or a husband) to any family he started? Brothers was one of nine children in his household-How many of those children have found themselves on the wrong side of the law?- I won't go further but for the people who claim to "know" someone do you really know their history- where they are from. This is a sad story all around.

May 30, 2007 at 10:05 AM : Oh youwhooo~ that...

Oh youwhooo~ that statement was about another case not the Brothers trial..try to read and retain,,,

May 30, 2007 at 10:05 AM : my bad

my bad

May 30, 2007 at 11:05 AM : Thx to all who have...

Thx to all who have "defended" my comments-

To Timec--no I am not ashamed to call myself a Christian-nor am I a hypocrite. I can't help but wonder if it were YOUR family members laying 6 ft underground, would you not want justice?? My being a Christian has nothing to do with my feelings on the Death penality, and I'm sure I don't stand alone. IF ( and I say IF ) that is wrong in Gods eyes--well I'm not perfect BUT forgiven. I sin and fall short everyday and will do so as long as I am in the flesh.

It seems to me that so many of the comments on this case have turned into personal attacks instead of the the "subject".

Re/ The Victims.....

May 30, 2007 at 11:05 AM : Does justice equal...

Does justice equal killing (executing) someone else for those that are already dead? I lost my uncle at the hands of another man (a couple blocks from the Harper Murders, actually) but I think jail time and forgiveness will do. I guess the whole idea of how we define justice is open to interpretation.

May 30, 2007 at 11:05 AM : A...

A "PS"

I was looking at the Poll results for "Should Brothers get death penalty"...

So far 562 said yes-109 said no- and 61 said not sure....I would be curious to know how many of the YES votes are us "Hypocrite Christains".......??????????????????

May 30, 2007 at 11:05 AM : ...so more yes votes...

...so more yes votes confirms your religious beliefs and values?

May 30, 2007 at 11:05 AM : LadySandee, I would...

LadySandee, I would guess that *MOST* of the "yes" votes are from hypocrite Christians. It's the nature of the (organized) religion.

May 30, 2007 at 11:05 AM : And I would have to...

And I would have to say that Random is invoking Jesus just to demonstrate that most Christians hardly follow Christ's teachings. That should be pretty obvious. When you purport to be a Christian, you must make sure that the only quote you give is actually by Him, and not by his less forgiving Father. Although I do think Jehovah has mellowed with time, that usually happens after you have a kid. Unless you're a sociopath like Vincent Brothers.

May 30, 2007 at 11:05 AM : To jfrancais--I am...

To jfrancais--I am sorry about your uncle..and yes defining justice is open to interpretation. We are many people with different opinions and interpretations. When innocent childern are killed , it , ( in my simple opinion ) is much more a horrendous act. NOT that any murder isn't horrendous in itself. And I'll be honest--if I lost a child so viciously.. well...being human who knows (?)...And if that statement makes me a hypocrite--so be it..

May 30, 2007 at 11:05 AM : Random- Are you...

Random-

Are you saying that popular opinion as well as faith play a part in organized religion?

May 30, 2007 at 11:05 AM : I'm saying that...

I'm saying that far too few Christians have the guts to follow His example. Organized Christianity has largely reduced "morality" to "what goes where in sex."

May 30, 2007 at 11:05 AM : Well Random-- I hate...

Well Random-- I hate to disappoint you BUT I am NOT in an "organized religion"........

I am but a sinner SAVED by the grace and Mercy of God.

May 30, 2007 at 12:05 PM : To anonymous- er one...

To anonymous- er one of you...yep, real picture and real name...actually maRIE but thats just silly stuff. I will never believe he could do this- and if you knew him, you wouldnt either-He was and is a calm, rational...but definitely human person. I hope this whole thing gets worked out.Now...I've said my piece and counted to 3...over and out on this topic.As for the phone number? sure...it's 833-975

May 30, 2007 at 12:05 PM : The term...

The term "bring to justice" in Webster's dictionary states, "to cause (a wrongdoer) to be tried in court and duly punished". That's the justice I was referring to.

Certain crimes in the state of California carry a death penalty if one is convicted of committing them. Vincent Brothers has been convicted of 5 of them. In the opinion of 12 jurors, he deserves that sentence. It's not just one person's opinion and it's not as if they just decided on a whim that he should get this. He EARNED it. Nobody put him in that position. He got there by himself.

Regarding your uncle, I am sorry for your loss.. I can't begin to know what you and your family have gone through.

Perhaps what we all think of "justice" is open for interpretation. Here's the deal, though, in California at least, the interpretation is left for the courts to decide and one of our courts decided that death would be the proper justice for Vincent Brothers' crimes.

I still believe that there are simply some crimes that mandate that we not allow such a person to continue to live on this planet after what they've committed against another human being-much less five human beings. Although prison is by no means a playground, there are far too many benefits to prisoners when compared to their deceased victims:

They breathe. Their victims don't.
They can laugh. Their victims can't.
They can have visitors. Their victims' families can never see their loved ones again (apart from pictures and videos) this side of Heaven.
They may marry and possibly have children again (even while behind bars!). Their victims can't.
They get their meals, healthcare, education, etc. paid for by the government. Their victims' families PAY for all of this through their taxes.

The list goes on.. This kind of justice (life without parole) just doesn't seem very "just" to the victims' families when you look at it this way, does it?

Any way one looks at this situation, it is terribly unfortunate. That's why we have laws against murder. It's obviously NOT good. It's destructive and its ramifications are immense. I mean, even Vincent Brothers' family (the part still living) is suffering because of this. He chose very poorly to say the least. His actions have destroyed two families; both his own.

One can only pray that he will take a long, hard look at himself and realize his desperate need for Jesus.

May 30, 2007 at 12:05 PM : Very well put...

Very well put anon---------

May 30, 2007 at 12:05 PM : Point well taken. That...

Point well taken. That is a different perspective that I must admit I did not totally take into account. It's also true that the courts have made a decision and as citizens we must honor it. I have the impression that the family of the victims are not really in favor of this whole Death penalty thing, however.

May 30, 2007 at 12:05 PM : In Kern for a Black...

In Kern for a Black man Reasonable doubt = Kill the black b.......!

May 30, 2007 at 12:05 PM : jfrancais, When...

jfrancais,

When you say the family of the victims are not really in favor of this whole death penalty thing, are you referring to Joanie's friend, Michele's comments yesterday on the news, or did you hear from Eddie Harper?

I'm just asking out of curiosity, because I saw her (Michele's) comments stating that she was hoping for life without parole, etc., but so far, I haven't seen Eddie Harper speak against the death penalty sentencing unless I missed something, which could be the case.

(This is Anon. from 12:02pm.)

When I figure out a decent screen name, I'll make myself "official". Until then, it's "Anon. ____pm. or ___am." It's the best I can do at this point.

May 30, 2007 at 12:05 PM : Why is the NAACP...

Why is the NAACP taking the side of Brothers? One would expect the NAACP to share outrage that the lives of three innocent children have been snuffed out. Rather than condemning the system and rallying to support a child-killer they should be standing side by side with the Harper family. I guess it's more conducive to profits to paint Brothers as the victim of a racist prosecutor and jury when it's completely belied by the facts. A racist prosecutor does not work so passionately hard to secure justice for a murdered black family, and a racist jury doesn't sentence someone to death for killing black people. Those so quick to paint the Kern system as racist do damage to their cause when they somehow ignore that the victims were black. I'm not saying that anyone pro-Brothers condones the murders but in their quest to make a martyr of Brothers they have shown a complete and total disregard for the real victims in this case, the Harper family. The people blindly supporting Brothers and so casually dismissing the real pain of Eddie Harper and so forth by insisting that the guilty verdicts should be overturned, well, I find that incomprehensible.

May 30, 2007 at 12:05 PM : "Why is the...

"Why is the NAACP taking the side of Brothers? " just to balance the case, or should the KKK have all the say. After all they had 12 reps on the jury.

May 30, 2007 at 12:05 PM : Anon, I was saying...

Anon,

I was saying that in response to the idea that the death penalty gives the family some type of vindication. I was also refering to the few snippets of Michelle Baptiste and the other friend. I didn't hear or read anything from Eddie Harper favoring (or not favoring) the death penalty. The impression I get is that they (Harpers) are grounded in their faith and are praying for Brothers to get his soul right and repent for his wrongdoings.

May 30, 2007 at 12:05 PM : Anon. 12:12pm.,...

Anon. 12:12pm.,

Are you the guy who was walking with Vincent Brothers' mother and family on the news yesterday? You know, the one shooting his mouth off and making a fool of himself? If not, are you related? Your comments rival the idiocies of his.

Grow up and start making some sense.. please.
Stop with all the, "this is Kern.. kill the black... "

I grew up in Kern, dated a black person, had black friends and I'm not black. I'm what you'd consider to be the enemy, yet I don't have a problem with people of other colors. I see the beauty in diversity. Apparently, you don't.

You're too blinded by your own bigotry.

May 30, 2007 at 12:05 PM : anonymous...

anonymous on May 30, 2007 at 12:47 PM, I am sorry if the truth hurts, but live with it!

Oh and thanks for sharing the personal history, it clear up the perspective....just an honest Bakersfield good ole boy!!

May 30, 2007 at 12:05 PM : If the jurors are...

If the jurors are racist, what does that make Eddie Harper for believing Brothers guilty?

May 30, 2007 at 12:05 PM : anon 12:12, Get over...

anon 12:12, Get over it the jury determined there was no reasonable doubt. That is why they convicted him. Now that he has been convicted thay are saying kill the killer.

And Rie or Marie or whoever it really does not matter. I know you think you know this man. But I have to ask. How well did you really know him? Did you know about all his personal problems? Did you know about his past indiscretions? How familiar were you with his children? Did you know that his wife was afraid of him? The list goes on and on. I know it has been said here before but how well do any of us really know someone. We only know what they show us. No one wants to show the world their ugly side. Things happen that can trigger a person to do things that no one ever thought they would do. People snap every day and sometimes they do things that are totally out character and irrational. I also read your gang killing theory. I am certain that theory was considered and looked into during the initial investigation. This killing just does seem to be gang style.

May 30, 2007 at 12:05 PM : jfracais, Yes, I,...

jfracais,

Yes, I, too, heard Michele (sp?) Baptiste speaking. I have also heard Eddie Harper and one of Joanie's sisters speaking out about hoping that Vincent would repent.

I haven't heard anything else about the Harpers being against the death penalty for him, however.

I'm sure they honestly do want him to come to repentance, as any true believer in Christ would. I think it's an amazing testimony to what the power of God can do in one's heart when it's totally surrendered to Him. Put in their shoes, I don't know that I'd be able to do it.

It reminds me of the Amish community that reached out to the family of the man who shot several of the school children in their community that one terrible day in the school house. Remember that? Those Amish people, no matter what anyone might think of them, showed an amazing amount of grace toward that man's family and especially toward his wife after he'd committed such atrocities to their children. Grant it, she had NOTHING to do with her husband's crime, but it must've been exceedingly difficult for the families to face their children's killer's wife and look into her children's faces, knowing their father took the lives of their children and/or mamed them.

To me, Eddie Harper and his family are doing the same thing to Vincent Brothers. It's a beautiful picture of the grace and mercy of God at work in people's lives. I only pray that Vincent takes a hold of the life preserver that the Harpers have tossed out to him. It truly is his last hope: Jesus.

Anon. but not for long...

May 30, 2007 at 01:05 PM : I am over it, but you...

I am over it, but you keep bringing up! Kern justice has been done, the judge has assured a conviction by doing his part and the Klan is celebrating, so what is the problem? You are satisfied, the Klan is satisfied, the D.A. keeps their record of never letting a Black man get justice, you should be elated, not complaining.

May 30, 2007 at 01:05 PM : Eddie Harper, what...

Eddie Harper, what does it make him? Irrelevant, of course. At some point he might want to return to Bakersfield, he is just buying insurance, wouldn't you?

May 30, 2007 at 01:05 PM : Anon. 1:02pm....

Anon. 1:02pm.

We're only complaining about bigots like you, not the outcome of the trial.

Do you need reading glasses? Or is it just the giant chip on your shoulder getting in the way of your view?

Why don't you take a Valium and go have a nap?...
We could all use a break from shoveling all the crap you're dishing out.

May 30, 2007 at 01:05 PM : Anon 1:02 ...

Anon 1:02

I'm black and I'm celebrating that justice was done for the Harper family. I know you just say things to make people angry- that's your thing- probably gets you the only "ATTENTION" you're getting now that Brothers is locked away. (and I know you know what I mean).

May 30, 2007 at 01:05 PM : Anon. 1:31pm.,...

Anon. 1:31pm.,

AMEN and amen..

May 30, 2007 at 01:05 PM : I believe Kern County...

I believe Kern County has convicted another innocent man following a well established pattern that is recognized throughout the state. From the newspaper accounts, it appears that all the D.A. may have done is prove that is was possible for Mr. Brothers to be in Bakersfield on the day of the murders- this is a far cry from proving beyond a reasonable doubt that he committed the murders. Having driven from Ohio to California and back on a couple of occasions, I don't believe it is physically possible to make that round-trip drive in a little over 3 days and, oh yeah, fit a mass murder of your family in the middle of the trip. But even if you assume that it is, this doesn't prove Mr. Brothers committed the murders.

What I believe happened is that the D.A., following its usual pattern, developed a theory and then found facts to attempt to prove it, rather than the other way around and to the exclusion of any other possibilities. There was simply no substantial evidence to prove that Mr. Brothers committed the crimes. Although he may have lied about things that happened in Ohio, the D.A.'s argument that an innocent man would not lie doesn't hold water. I would venture to say that most innocent men would lie if they felt they were going to be convicted of a crime they did not commit.

What happened is that the jury required Mr. Brothers to prove his innocence and when they did not believe his alibi, they convicted him. The evidence to establish his guilt of the crime was simply not there. However, once they convicted him, the D.A.'s argument in support of the Death Penalty was very strong unless you consider a lingering doubt which most juries who have convicted a defendant are not willing to do and assuming you are willing to impose the death penalty. I predict that this conviction will someday be overturned assuming Mr. Brothers lives long enough but the real killer(s) will never be brought to justice. Happy everybody?

May 30, 2007 at 01:05 PM : Wow Johnulman, you are...

Wow Johnulman, you are smart. I closely followed the entire trial, but your silly little post convinced me I was wrong. I bet if the 12 jurors who convicted him read your post, they will want to change their decision...

May 30, 2007 at 01:05 PM : johnulman3,...

johnulman3,

"Happy everybody?"

Hardly.
Take a look around you. There's more to this case than JUST "poor, innocent Vincent Brothers". Let's not forget Ernestine, Joanie, Lindsay, Marques and Marshall...

I, for one, don't agree with your theory. However right or wrong you or I may be, the man's been convicted and we've been over that on this (and other) blog (s) for days now. Where've you been?

Your venturing to say that "most innocent men would lie if they felt they were going to be convicted of a crime they did not commit" is simply theory and I'd venture to say a faulty one at that. But then again, I could be wrong.

Call me crazy, but I think if one didn't do the crime, one shouldn't have to do the time and there wouldn't be a mountain of evidence, be it circumstantial or otherwise in opposition to one either-which was the case against Mr. Brothers.

Like I said, we've been over this.. It's so old it's starting to stink. Let's move on. He's been convicted. We're discussing his sentencing now. All you well wishers hoping he'll miraculously be freed can keep hoping, but spare us the ridiculous theories, please.

It's highly unlikely that the "real killers" are out there somewhere. It's more likely than not that the real killer is sitting in Lerdo right now trying to score some more paper clips or ink pens to wriggle his way out of his shackles to go meet up with his brother, Troy. Let's keep it real, shall we?

May 30, 2007 at 02:05 PM : Johnulman ...

Johnulman

Let's see. If you are right and Brothers came back to california but did not murder his family- just what did he come to California for. Let's see he left his credit card in Ohio and told his brother to use it- maybe to set up an alibi. Come on- we've all gone through the facts of the case. There was an extra 5000 miles on the car and witnesses saw Brothers outside the Harper's home. Add that to the fact that he has no alibi and lied about an accident and what do you have.

I guess you need a picture of Brothers standing over the dead bodies. Mr. Brothers can answer any lingring questions you have.

May 30, 2007 at 03:05 PM : I've been...

I've been thinking about this bigot who keeps screetching about the "clan."

I don't think this person is black at all. I think it's some horrible person who happens to have a different amount melanin in his skin--who just wants to make black people look stupid.

May 30, 2007 at 04:05 PM : I am so sick of...

I am so sick of hearing that Brothers was convicted because he was black and the Klan did it etc etc etc. I am not thinking of the fact that either the victims or the guilty were black. What I see is that a MAN was convicted of killing his family. Skin color has nothing to do with the killing. I see 3 children cheated out of their lives. I see a mother and grandmother cheated out of watching these children grow up an graduate school, get a job, get married and have children. I see a man that will spend what is left of his life going over and over the facts of why he did it and hopefully regretting it and asking the family for forgiveness and making peace with whoever he believes as his supreme being.

Why can't all you people that are screaming racist BS think about these things instead of just repeating the same old bull over and over again and not even bothering to use different words. These people are all humans not poor blacks and racist klan whites.

And yes I am glad he got the death penalty as a mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother I am afraid of what i would do to a person that killed my family and got away with it. And no I do not ask what Jesus thinks of me as I am not Christian. I am of one of the many many other religions that makes up this world.

And by the way I will use my own name. Hi my name is Dee

May 30, 2007 at 04:05 PM : I agree, Brothers is...

I agree, Brothers is not Black, he is faking it just to get convicted, he has a death wish. Yeah, race had nothing to do with the conviction, Judge Bush had an option on a conviction insurance and he exercised his option just like Kern has always done, he is a hero.
And not these are not all poor Blacks and Klan whites, just some of them are so why condemn them all? I am sick of hearing all those who say he did not get a fair trail, who are they God? He did get a fair trail or as fair as it gets for Blacks in Kern so stop whining.

And by the way I will use my real name. Hi, my name is Saddam Hussein

May 30, 2007 at 05:05 PM : anon 4:45 you are so...

anon 4:45

you are so funny that the government is looking for you. ooops i made a mistake that is 3B not the government.

May 30, 2007 at 05:05 PM : Anon @ 4:45, we know...

Anon @ 4:45, we know your real name. Why don't you use your RedKernHero name much anymore? You are getting senile old man.

May 30, 2007 at 05:05 PM : Anon. 4:45pm., I...

Anon. 4:45pm.,

I see the Valium's worn off..dang it! I was hoping it'd last longer.

The village called... it wants its resident idiot back. (That'd be you.)

3B's on line 2..

And Saddam's been dead for a little while now, STUPID! Get a clue, really.

May 30, 2007 at 05:05 PM : Hey, go easy on...

Hey, go easy on Panfilio Fuentes. He is just a tired old Caltrans worker, who can't get his letters to the editor published anymore, because he is such a bigot, and just rambles.

May 30, 2007 at 06:05 PM : hello people he will...

hello people he will die in prison of old age before he dies of the death penalty! black or white! whats color got to do with it?? WHEATHER YOUR BLACK , WHITE, MEXICAN, INDIAN, you do the crime you deserve the time wheather it be death or time. he deserves death! what he did was very brutal. imagine him killing his baby?? omg he deserves what he gets. and i believe he deserves death! and eye for an eye? right? color has nothing to do with it!!

May 30, 2007 at 08:05 PM : Brothers took 3 trips...

Brothers took 3 trips to Ohio; April 1003, July 2003 and September 2003. Heading: posted on Tuesday, April 17, 2007 at 09:20 a.m., Prosecutror has concerns about a witness, Madera Dowell's Mother, Fredericka. Madera Dowell said she witnessed a crash with Vincent Brothers in Ohio around the time of the killings The defense believes Adkins will be able to establish when the crash happened. The Prosecutor said she has never received discovery about the date of the crash and the date is in great dispute. The judge said Gardina cannot ask the mother what date the incident happened because it was turned over to the prosecutor late. Gardina said he wants the case dismissed because he believed the prosecutor has been able to find the ambulance the defense believes responded to the crash & has not turned it over. The Prosecutor said this is completely untrue. The boy who Brothers got into a crash with was never located or identified and no ambulance records corroborate this. There is no paper trail from this supposed accident, the prosecutor said.

May 30, 2007 at 08:05 PM : anon 8:18, Do you have...

anon 8:18, Do you have a point?

May 30, 2007 at 09:05 PM : /" I'm...

/" I'm black and I'm celebrating that justice was done for the Harper family" we are all Black here,in fact we whatever color we want to be.
If you be Black, let me gear you rap, or dance all Blacks do that right? That is what I hear about them in Bakersfield, and it helps if you Hoop.
I don't get it, the guy is totally framed and gift wrapped, Kern mean justice has been served, the Judge has cashed in his go to throw out the Black got jail policy, and you are still complaining. You should be celebration and burning crosses in your best white, but instead you are wasting your time complaining that not all agree with you, geez, get a life.
Of course this Brothers will get death by one hand or another, but the judge and jury have already put out the contract,and the only question is who will get awarded the contract. If there is any justice the contract will go to a skin head, maybe one of your relatives, but no matter mean justice has been done and another brother bites the dust courtesy of you outstanding Kern Kl...people, rejoice Christian God is on your side.

Saddam Hussein is dead? cool!

May 30, 2007 at 09:05 PM : This guy Panfilo must...

This guy Panfilo must be one hell of a man, his has received credit on four different blog posts this week, he must really have something to say and people willing to listen.

May 30, 2007 at 09:05 PM : Off the main topic but...

Off the main topic but on the secondary topic which is...

As clever as pan/red/neo thinks he is, I honestly believe at least half the anny posts are his. I also believe he posts, then refutes or insults his own posts just to stir the pot. Pay attention to the pattern. The man is nuttier than a fruitcake.

May 30, 2007 at 09:05 PM : Thank you lady Nancy,...

Thank you lady Nancy, I assume you found your shopping cart! Alls well that ends well. But don't you think you give your admirer too much credit?

May 30, 2007 at 09:05 PM : Again..you make no...

Again..you make no sense. But I'm sorta getting used to it.

May 30, 2007 at 09:05 PM : One has to be...

One has to be overwhelmed with your kindness, and your confused mind, But I forgive you for being Reaganesque.

May 30, 2007 at 10:05 PM : Anon at 9:03.... That...

Anon at 9:03.... That is classic Panfoolio.

May 30, 2007 at 10:05 PM : You should print it...

You should print it and sell it on Ebay along with your soul......wait...you sold that already.

May 30, 2007 at 10:05 PM : Anon. 9:03pm.,...

Anon. 9:03pm.,

Stop smokin', Man.... I think your brain's on fire! (And don't try to make up some crap about the "Klan" on this one. If you're burning, it's your own fault for tokin' it up!)

Take another Valium and don't call us in the morning, please.

Seriously, what school did you go to? I don't think a single word of yours made any kind of sense. What happened to good ol' punctuation put in its proper place?

One more thing, we're not complaining about the verdict or the decision regarding the death penalty, but about idiots like you who keep trying to bring up racial "arguments" that don't even make sense.

Get the clue, Blue!

May 30, 2007 at 10:05 PM : I'm out man, but...

I'm out man, but if I can get some of your Oxycontin, it is cool, you can get more from your connection Rush. Oh and I went to the same school you did, remember, you left is the sixth grade to escape the draft.
And No you are not complaining, you are whining,there is difference, well maybe not in Bakersfield. You know I should listen to genius know it all's like you I suppose. You say there was no racial component to this trail ans I suspect that as you guys must have trouble seeing the facts through those little hole in your hoods. Ah but the light from those crosses probably helps.

Blue? Is that the color of your heroes uniform? That is cool, So be cool fool.

May 31, 2007 at 01:05 AM : anon 10:59...

anon 10:59

If being crazy was crime, you'd be on death row.

May 31, 2007 at 08:05 AM : Anon. 10:59pm.,...

Anon. 10:59pm.,

"Rev." Crawford, is that you? No, wait... Jesse?

Oh, yeah, I forgot. You're Vince and I'm Lisa. Now I remember.

You're such an idiot.

When you get a realistic opinion on things, do let us know. Until then, keep your "Klan" and "hood" crap to yourself.

I didn't see anyone with hoods on in the courtroom (or anywhere else for that matter) and so far no burning crosses; just 5 dead, beautiful, black people at the hands of Vincent Brothers, who happens to be a black man.

Let's keep it real.

May 31, 2007 at 08:05 AM : Amazing insight anon...

Amazing insight anon about Eddie Harper. Harper believes Brothers is innocent but rather than scream and shout about wanting real justice for his family he chooses to go along with the masses because he wants to return to Bakersfield. Absolute rubbish. Eddie Harper is clearly an educated man with deep religious beliefs who also happens to be a black man who like other people believes justice was served. That sir negates your belief that only whities believe Brothers is guilty.

May 31, 2007 at 10:05 AM : No, I am...

No, I am Lisa Greener in drag. Does it bother that those holes on your hood are too small, do they color your vision? Smart people these jurors, hide your hoods in your bag, they cant be detected by medal detectors, No burning crosses, I guess the party in your back yard was private, hmmmmm. You are such a genius, I would never call you and idiot, I never overrate the opposition. See how easy focus is lost on the actions of the judge jury, prosecutor and the judge, but I guess name calling makes you feel superior and justifies your prejudices, I fully understand, Bunky

"That sir negates your belief that only whities believe Brothers is guilty. " none dare call that denial, Oh well. Dream on McDuff
Like the Judge, Eddie values insurance, and some day he may want to exercises his option, coming back to Bakersfield, you can never be too careful. I sure don't blame him do you?

May 31, 2007 at 10:05 AM : Would someone PLEASE...

Would someone PLEASE interpret what Anon at 10:36 just tried to say?

May 31, 2007 at 11:05 AM : johnulman3,...

johnulman3,
   You are indeed a passionate advocate for the defense bar and I respect you for that.

   But you know as well as I do that guilt or innocence is based on the entire record in a trial. And in this trial Brothers helped seal his own fate not only by his lies, but by not acting as any other person in the world. When you visit your relatives in Ohio and you go to Chicago or Indianna, you mention that to them. Just like you would mention that "I'm going to the store or out to play golf." He didn't tell anyone in his family where he was going except Troy, who, of course, skipped on his subpoena.

   That kind of common sense evidence can be considered along with the ability to make the 4,600-mile round trip in the time alloted. It can be done at 65 mph. I personally have made such a trip at that speed and I didn't have the adrenalin boost of killing my family to help keep me going.

   The bug evidence and the people who saw him in Bakersfield at the time of the murders adds to the compelling evidence. He couldn't prove he was anywhere else. He's checking out a school in Illinois but doesn't talk to anyone. That just doesn't make sense.

     And I'm thinking the jury deduced from his sex life that he was a little wrapped up in himself. It's all about Vincent, and it makes such an unconscionable crime plausible.

     I have faith that jurors conscientiously weighed the evidence in this case. I believe it is insulting to 12 citizens to accuse them of finding an innocent man guilty. They all seemed like responsible citizens who tried to do their job to the best they could.

     Beyond a reasonable doubt is a difficult standard. It was certainly met in this case.

P.S. If my family was killed, the first call I would make is to the Bakersfield Police Department. He never made that call.

May 31, 2007 at 03:05 PM : Anon. 10:42am., I...

Anon. 10:42am.,

I wish I could, but I don't speak jacka**.

Perhaps we could contact the "Rev." Crawford and he could do the job for us. (Unless it IS the "Rev." making these posts.)

May 31, 2007 at 03:05 PM : I understand...

I understand your anger Lisa, but calling names and makinkg false accusation are for the court room.And you don't give yourself enough credit , you are very fluent in Jacka**, is that your native language? English only please!

Ed

May 31, 2007 at 03:05 PM : Okay, even though...

Okay, even though I'm recently retired, I'm gonna see if I can get a part time job at the Californian. I won't ask for any pay, just the privilege of being the "blog police", so I can delete the stupid comments, like anon at 3:41. Whata you say Steve, can you hook me up?

May 31, 2007 at 03:05 PM : My gut tells me he is...

My gut tells me he is guilty and I really, really do want to believe he is guilty, although I have some questions. I think what makes this case controversial, from my perspective anyways, is this prosecution team’s long history of wrongful convictions.

May 31, 2007 at 03:05 PM : I am sure I speak for...

I am sure I speak for many people here Canuck, but I really don't care what your gut is telling you! Besides, the jury voted on evidence, not a "gut feeling". Geez.

May 31, 2007 at 04:05 PM : I would ask that...

I would ask that readers and commenters on this thread please read this post about community behavior issues on Bakersfield.com.

May 31, 2007 at 08:05 PM : Sorry post at 11:01,...

Sorry post at 11:01, but I think you're wrong. How much of the evidence do you think the jury actually looked at? There were a lot of twists and turns in this and a lot of confusion. Do you think most of the jury made their decisions from what they remembered or actual documents in the case? Do you think the jury went over all of the documented testimonies. Were tapes of the testimonies provided? It appears as if a lot of the neccessary documents in this case were missing or not allowed. For a decision like this, I think everything needs to be looked at.

Jun 1, 2007 at 05:06 AM : We use juries instead...

We use juries instead of computers because juries use common sense. They are able to connect the dots in ways computers cannot.

Jun 1, 2007 at 06:06 AM : This is still...

This is still amazing. You people called for no trial on the blogs but to let a jury decide guilt or innocence. Now that THAT has happened...you're STILL griping. Apparently what you really meant is you'd be happy as long as the jury voted the way YOU thought they should. The jury HAS ruled and you're still trying the case on the blog.

Jun 1, 2007 at 08:06 AM : Timec, ...

Timec,
Nothing in my post addressed race. You brought that up.
You're right. The burden of proof is on Lisa. But when Vincent takes the stand and claims to be somewhere else, his testimony is evaluated on whether it is true. A test is whether it can be corroborated. It couldn't. That helped Lisa prove her case.
   I have some personal experience with a family tragedy. My daughter was a victim of a crime. We first heard about it in a call from the police. We went to the police station while our daughter was there. And then we went to the hospital with her. And I was in constant contact with the police about the investigation.
    That's not a racial issue. That's a human issue.
   In Vincent's situation, calling the police would have been his way of finding out what happened. Unless, of course, he already knew.

P.S. I am sorry your son was shot. I know as a parent of a child who was a victim of a crime that is a terrible and heart wrenching event.

Jun 1, 2007 at 08:06 AM : One side is...

One side is discussing this with logic and reason while the other is using emotions and insults.

You can't have an honest debate when you are pitted against liars or fools.

Jun 1, 2007 at 09:06 AM : My experience...

My experience with police was similar to that of Timec's. The idea of calling the police also seems secondary to the fact that a loved one has been lost or is in danger. I can think of a multitude of other people (friends, minister, family, etc) I would call before the police. I guess it's great if the police are keeping you abreast of the investigation but that has not been my experience. I guess if you are guilty, one more than likely wouldn't call the police but an innocent person doesn't call the police automatically either.

Jun 1, 2007 at 02:06 PM : timec, You...

timec,

You have shown your true colors. Anyone who disagrees with you is "racist." I guess Mr. Harper is a racist by your standards I am a also racist. I'm black- just take my word for it. I believe it's dumb to go to court and believe the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt is on the prosecutor alone. Anyways, she proved Brothers was in the car and the car was in california by bug evidence and mileage. It is up to the defense to create reasonable doubt in her facts. Part of creating reasonable doubt would be a solid alibi. It's not as if one side crosses their hands and says "go ahead prove me guilty." People who can, pay a lot of money on defense to - prove their innoncence.

Green met the burden of proof. the defense failed to create a reasonable doubt. Brothers accident story didn't help. As did Troy, as did his lack of an alibi. Now if I'm a tad bit racist for thinking that- you're a tad bit irrational and falling on race and insults to make the point you can't make with reason. Too bad for you. Youre too dumb a brother for me to converse with.

As far as calling the police. If you are on the east coast and your family is killed on the west coast, How could you get accurate an account of the crime without the police. Who else has been to the crime scene drawing evidence? Were there any survivors- this was a multiple murder. Not like the crimes you guys are comparing it to. I'd want to know if any of my kids survived. How were they killed? Who else can tell me that but the police. I'd call my pastor but he'd suggest I call the police for accurate details as would anyone else in a multiple murder.

P.S. can Brothers change his story on appeal. that would be kind of stupid- like you just get so many tries until you get it right. I'm wondering if his testimony in this trial can be brought up in appeal. An appeal cannot be a wholly "new trail" because that means looking up witnesses who have moved on with their lives and talking about something that happened six or more years ago. I believe his testimony is on record and should be used again and again and again. My sympathies are with the children who were murdered in this case and not with the perp just because he was black.

Jun 1, 2007 at 02:06 PM : This was one trial...

This was one trial where no one had to wait for the verdict, it was plain from Californian stories that Brothers had been elected guilty . My guess is that judge Bush reads the news and his path was set, and he did not disappoint. As for the jury apparently there are not enough objective jurors in Bakersfield, so for insurance they went to Ridgecrest, Taft and Rosamond for a jury of Brothers peers.

Jun 1, 2007 at 03:06 PM : Wordpeeps, I was on...

Wordpeeps,

I was on East Coast Time (Indiana) when I found out about my uncle. What are your other suggestions for "proper police crime vindication protocol"?

Jun 1, 2007 at 04:06 PM : No part of the prcess...

No part of the prcess was BS. It is your view of the process that is BS.

Name one defendent who just "sat back" and let the prosecution prove their case. That's just not realistic. Brother had an obligation to create reasonable doubt, he had an obligation to tell his story, just as in every murder case in the country. Name one case where the defendent sat back? Of course you can't because you're not making real sense.

The fact is Brothers had an obligation to create doubt by telling his story or having others tell his story. If his story don't fit- only the most nullified jury can aquit.

If your family is killed and the prosecution has evidence that points to you, yes, you need an alibi. Or not. But if you ever want to breathe free air again, you might want to have one. If my defense lawyer told the jury the "remember the burden of proof is on the prosecution" as many times as VB's did, I would have choked him right there in the court room. That's like saying we have nothing for you to believe in but we believe you can't believe the prosecution. Well, how's that working out for VB?

In any case, you need a defense and not a slogan. Here's another bit of reality. People say innocent until proven guilty. If so, where was brothers for the two years leading up to the gulty verdict. Right. He was locked up for two years even before he was "proven" guilty. So technically he was innocent but he was not free. But that's the case for every murder suspect.

Slogans are jokes. A case is weighted on both sides of the argument by any jury. When the trial is over, it's convenient to attact the prosecution but also look at the defense to see why the jury voted as they did. They weigh both sides and lying defendents don't help the situation. This was a fair trial and the outcome was the only outcome it could have been.

I don't live in kern County or california- and I'm glad i don't. I didn't know Brothers but I know people who did know him. What does any other case or any other situation have to do with the facts in this case? HOw long are we going to carry our baggage with us everywhere we go? I'm not saying there's no prejudice in the world but the same "evil" Kern county took in Brothers as a substitute teacher and helped him rise to the level of assistant principal. He partied and killed his family. Now, you people suggest the whole county is racist and no black can get a break. He had a break-he squandered it- That's what the evidence shows.

I followed the case. No evidence was presented on Kern County being backwards and racist during the trial. Brothers defense did not present that as part of their evidence so where does it come from and where does it belong? You guys deserve to have Brothers in your community- If he promised to live out his days in Kern County, I'd vote to set him free.

Jun 1, 2007 at 04:06 PM : JFrancis,...

JFrancis,

That's your uncle. Not your father and certainly not your children. If my nephew died from across the country I would be sad and make plans to visit the family. If my three children died, I'm on the next plane home. HOw can you compare your uncle to to losing a wife, mother-in-law and three children, including a newborn in one shot. If my family were murdered, I'd hound the cops to make an arrest- even if they thought it was me. I'd be real busy looking for the killer of my family nad praying I'd find them first- not sitting around talking about the burden of proof.

Jun 1, 2007 at 04:06 PM : Ok so now it has to be...

Ok so now it has to be my parent or my child to feel the ugrency of calling the police right away? Interesting. Well I was on the first plane home but you got me on that one. Hopefully I don't lose one of those people in my life that way. I'm still pretty sure I would not call the police first of all. I can compare them because they are all family members that died unexpectedly(ironically, in the same neighborhood). I don't see how one can be valued over the other.

What if your not very close to your child or father?

Jun 1, 2007 at 04:06 PM : I think hounding the...

I think hounding the cops to make an arrest for the sake of making one is counterproductive to justice, don't you think? That can create a scenario where one is wrongly convicted to appease family members of the victim.

Jun 1, 2007 at 04:06 PM : You are very...

You are very aggressive, most people are not that aggressive. If a tragedy happens in my family and they have, I try to find a way there, but, time is not important as long as you get there. As for hounding the police, that may work in Cokomo, but in Bakersfield if you are as aggressive as you are and Black, you are the prime suspect.

Jun 1, 2007 at 04:06 PM : JFrancis, Do you have...

JFrancis,

Do you have children? Find me a "mentally healthy" parent who values their uncle over their children. Being a parent is different than being a nephew. As A parent I provide every need for my child. If he struggles in school, Damn, I have to get off my butt and help him. If he needs clothes- it's on me. If her's treated unfairly- I'm the first line of defense. C'mom you must know that. How young are you anyways?

JUst look at Brother's mother- she's here and talking to the media. her voice is important. He may have uncles here but have you heard from any of them? Parent and child is one relationship- everything else is everything else.

If my uncle was murdered, I'd sit through the trial. If my child were harmed, all the security in the world couldn't save the defendent.

Anon 4:48- If you live in Bakersfield, you shouldn't make fun of any other place on earth.

Jun 1, 2007 at 05:06 PM : timec If...

timec

If you focus on all the facts of the case- We're not talking about a day in the park with the kids, Yea, you can miss a few hours from a day, but we're talking about three days during a trip to Ohio and during that time his family was murdered and the only people who testified they saw him were people in bakersfield. Of course, they were all lying or drunk. He had an alibi, don't forget, , he was with Troy- Funny I don't remember Troy's testimony- do you? Add to that the fact that there is mileage on the car, every single driver of that car came in to testify, local people saw him at the time of the murder, he had DNA on the glove in the house, the medical examiner is a doctor- he gives the time of death. The coroner has an associate's degree and never looked at the contents of the victims stomach and we know where they ate last. Of course there's Brother's very elaborate lie in court which showed his skills as a true fabricator, which the judge said shows consciousness of guilt.

What changed? The new baby. He didn't want the first two or the wife and his first trip was during the pregnancy. He couldn't get in the house because the garage door lock was changed so he had to try again later six weeks after the baby was born. Six weeks.

It's really a waste of time at this point- Timec, if you don't get the picture, you probably never will. Good luck the "Free Vinnie Brothers" campaign. Like I said. Just keep him in Kern.

Just remember a true racist is a person who allows skin color to blind them to everything else usually while mouthing off hatered of other groups of people.

Don't focus onthe "black" juror.Focus onthe fact that one juror told the other jurors he could not be impartial and that juror was dismissed. He just happened to be black

Jun 1, 2007 at 05:06 PM : Been watching from the...

Been watching from the east coast. I went to collage with VB and was a friend. This is hard to believe! If he did this he should pay the ultimate price. Not pulling the race card, but!!!!! What happened with the juror? My heart goes out to the family who will never know life again. However, let the process take its course. VB should have the right to appeal. This is America.

Jun 1, 2007 at 06:06 PM : WP, I have three...

WP,

I have three boys and yes I would be devestated to lose them. That being said, you can't minimalize the loss of a loved one, in this case my uncle. It hurt and it hurt bad. Maybe if it was my child I would hurt more but I have no experience to gauge that. I know it hurts to lose someone close and I know calling the police was not the first thing to come to mind. I called friends and family. I called the police a few weeks later but I was on the first flight to Bakersfield (actually LAX) due to the gravity of the situation. I am sure that neices, nephews, brothers and all other family members were hurt deeply by the murders.

BTW, I'm 29 years 'young'

Jun 1, 2007 at 06:06 PM : fair enough But there...

fair enough

But there are those of us who have also followed the trial and we disagree with you. the guilty man was convicted. Justice is being served.

Jun 1, 2007 at 06:06 PM : wordpeeps on Jun 1,...

wordpeeps on Jun 1, 2007 at 04:36 ...thank you for making good sense.

Jun 1, 2007 at 07:06 PM : ...as opposed to bad...

...as opposed to bad sense?

Jun 2, 2007 at 03:06 AM : timec you may have...

timec you may have some valid points however you said "the only black juror was kicked off" as if it was not justified. The fact is that he brought that on himself. If you want to place blame then place it where it belongs and that would be squarely on that jurors shoulders. EastCoast11 you also brought up the question about what happened with the juror? Again his actions caused him to be dismissed and rightfully so. Now the question is what should happen to him for tainting the entire process?Back to you timec, no if your family is killed you are not guilty because you don't have a solid alibi. Now if you claim to have an alibi and are caught lying about it which is what happened in this case then you become very suspicious. The rest of the evidence, even if it is circumstantial, starts to stack up and becomes much more meaningful.

Jun 2, 2007 at 11:06 AM : Brothers did tell his...

Brothers did tell his story. Who called for no trial on the blogs? Look at the testimony posted (04-24-07 at 03:41 p.m. In summary, he said, on the way to Melvyn's house after leaving Dayton Ohio, which was on Sunday July 6, 2003, he couldn't find the street. He stopped at a store (on Hague and Steele), where two other people said they saw a black man in a blue Dodge Neon crash into a boy on a bike. (This statement, "where two other people said they saw a black man in a blue Dodge Neon crash into a boy on a bike, " created a question). Was the statement his own words? Did this statement mean there were two people at the store at the time he arrived that said they saw a black man in a blue Dodge Neon crash into a boy onTa a bike; which would not have been correct because the actual driver of the car that initially crashed into the boy on the bike was tamba Lebbie, who was driving a 1994 green Mercury Sable according to the Heading posted Friday May 4, 2007 at 02:03 p.m. or does the statement, "where two other people said they saw a black man in a blue Dodge Neon crash into a boy on a bike" mean it was a statement added in the Heading as a reminder of the witness' testimony that they saw a man in a blue Dodge neon crash int o a boy on a bike? was tthis testimony recorded? However, Brothers testified according to the Heading posted 04-24-07 at 03:41 p.m. that a little boy came running with his bicycle and when he came down the street. he tripped off the curb and his bike kept going....Mr. Adkins came running over and Brother told him what happened.... he went down the street to look for Whitshire. he came back up the street and saw a bunch of people outside and the girl ....pointing at him. He didn't want them to think he fled the scene, so he got out of his car and apologized to the boy's mother. Brothers asked the ambulance driver what she was suppose to do. The ambulance driver said he would talk to the mother and the mother said she didn't want the boy taken to the hospital. Brothers said he walked over to the ambulance driver after everything calmed down. The girl followed her to the ambulance and the ambulance driver gave him directions. Brothers waited for the ambulance driver to leave. In the Heading: Columbus detective testifies about crash records. - posted Tues. may 1, 2007 at 10:51 a.m. The Prosecutor calls to the witness stand Columbus Police Detective, Wyane Buck. On July 12, 2003, he visited Melvin Brother's house. he helped talk with his wife Tammy Brothers on the front porch of the residence. .........He ran a query in november with the Columbus Police Computers for any crashes for July 6, 2003 at the place where Vincent Brothers said he got into a crash in Ohio.( He ran a query in November, (of what year?). ...........He initially used the word "accident in the query. He said there were not "accidents" at the site. He went with detectives to interview Madera Dowell, and Brian Adkins, two people who say they saw the crash. He also looked for Ambulance records. He could find none. Buck was asked last week to bring a certified copy of records that no ambulance records were dispatced. Buck did further querries of the computers to find a crash . He said this was a much broader search. (What happened with the certified copy of the records that no ambulance was dispatched? In the Heading: Prosecution accuses defense of hiding evidence. - posted on Tuesday May 1, 2007 at 09:33 a.m. The Prosecutor withdraws her offer to make a stipulation about Stan Mosely's testimony. the Prosecutor gives Gardina evidence from the Columbus Police Department about a computer generated report about a 911 call with regards to a crash with a little boy. No police report was generated. It reveals the name of the child in the crash. The Prosecutor has proof that defense investigator Wayne Wallace had a copy of that. He filled out a form to get a copy and he picked up the records. Gardina admits he had record and did not give it to Green because he did not rely on it. Green said, "It was sheer dumb luck that she found the report. The investigators querried the computors for such a crash and found nothing. Columbus Detective buck was scheduled to come out 2 days ago. There were no records of a dispatched ambulance. Charlie Brown asked for certified copies of the ambulance dispatch. Buck brought in the query and asked them to run a different word than accident and instead asked for any records around the address, Green said. Buck said he found the document and flew out Thursday night. Wallace also asked for the 911 call but those were destroyed, 2003. Wallace got the reports in May 2006.

Jun 2, 2007 at 05:06 PM : So many here are so...

So many here are so biased and closed minded. Steve is probably one of the more level headed people who posts here. And what he says is not racist one bit, in my opinion. If he is, then I am, and I'm not! Sometimes the truth is difficult for some people to accept.

Jun 2, 2007 at 06:06 PM : timec, you...

timec, you can't be so closed minded so as not to see the difference between a juror who prepares a timeline at home and a juror who states that he is voting not guilty because of race without regard to the evidence?

The juror that was booted was a racist. pure and simple. he was willing to disregard the evidence solely because of the color of the defendant's skin.

I suspect that you would not be so protective of a defendant with a lighter skin color.

It is you who considers race above evidence; not the jurors who heard the case.

Jun 2, 2007 at 09:06 PM : Ok Timec I have to...

Ok Timec I have to comment now. I do not believe the juror had not formed an opinion. But then again I know him and have heard him make very similar comments as what the other juror reported to the judge. You are free to form your own opinion. All I can tell you is I am basing mine on first hand knowledge. The judge got it right.

Jun 3, 2007 at 11:06 AM : I haven't been...

I haven't been reading these blogs for very long; but it's been an education.

I really had no idea that people were still this bigoted. Call me naive if you wish...or maybe I just am blessed with friends and associates who are exceptional...but I don't hear ANY of this kind of hatred in my world.

The racial bigotry of some in here is disappointing.

Jun 3, 2007 at 12:06 PM : Timec, I am not...

Timec,

I am not certain of the exact instructions given to this jury. On the juries I have served on the instructions have been not to discuss or conduct your own investigation. That does not preclude one from being able to review their notes at home or develop a time line based on notes. As a matter of fact notes are permitted and should be taken by jurors especially in such a complex case. Juries during deliberation can discuss their notes amongst each other. It would not be a violation for a jury to develop and use a timeline if they feel it helps them to reach a verdict. Of course this would have to be based solely on the evidence presented during the trial. Now had the juror gone out and gathered their own evidence and developed a timeline based on that or other evidence that was not presented during the trial it would be in violation. Now as to the dismissed juror. Not only was it reported to the judge that he had made statements that regardless of the evidence or even his own opinion he intended to vote a certain way. True he did tell the judge he had not formed an opinion. I am not sure whether he had formed an opinion was really the issue. The issue seems to be that he was prepared to vote a certain way regardless. Beyond that he had actually spoken to at least one witness in the case. Again I don't know what these jurors were told but on every jury I have been on the Judge has always been very clear about having conversations with witnesses or even potential witnesses. As it turned out the juror really did not leave the Judge with any option but to remove him. For all I know that is what this juror wanted.

Jun 6, 2007 at 11:06 AM : 41 lies. Lies #5...

41 lies. Lies #5 & #6 posted Wedns. May 9. 2007 at 9:48 a.m. Lies #11 & 12 posted on wedns. May 9, 2007 at 10:25 a.m.; Lies #13 through 38 posted on Wedns. May 9, 2007 at 10;58 a.m.; Lie #41 posted on Wedns. May 9, 2007 at 11:20 a.m.; What happened to lies #'s 22, 27, 31, 32, 36, 37, 39 and 40?

Jun 7, 2007 at 08:06 AM : Timec 06-06-07 at...

Timec 06-06-07 at 3:31 p.m. See these posts in the May 2007 archives.