Cindy Sommer IS FREE/Charges Dropped

[kanzz]

excerpt:
"Sommers’ new lawyer, Allen Bloom, told In Session he will be seeking a delay after recently being informed that the government has found untested tissue samples from Todd Sommer in its lab. The government has sent the tissue, preserved in paraffin more than five years ago, for testing."


Not sure how much of the article I am permitted to post here, so:

http://insession.blogs.cnn.com/
(search for "New evidence found in Cynthia Sommer case")

[Pia]

Tests results back on "found tissues"...there was never any arsenic. Tests were negative..Todd her cousin is on his way to pick her up now..

[kanzz]

WooooooHoooooo!!!

[Pia]

For everyone who "just knew" that Cindy murdered Todd can you now believe that those first tests were wrong?

[mollybrown]

GREAT news :basic44::hifive::s1gyahoo:

[Cat]

I didn't follow the trial, but I saw her on Larry King, and I believed her. I am very happy for her. There will be sour apples who still don't believe it though.

[Pia]

Cat, you are probably right. I only hope that Todd's family can someday realize what these people did to ALL of them and know that Cindy did not kill their son.

[packy]

Wow! That's some news. Surely there will be no opposition.

[Pia]

No opposition....

"Prosecutors in San Diego say they are dropping all charges against a woman accused of killing her Marine husband after new tests showed no traces of poison.

The San Diego County District Attorney's office asked a Superior Court judge Thursday to dismiss murder charges against Cynthia Sommer."


http://http://www.cbs8.com/stories/story.125143.html

[Bernie]

Tests results back on "found tissues"...there was never any arsenic. Tests were negative..Todd her cousin is on his way to pick her up now..

Thats GREAT I always believed in her innocence...........:howdy:

[packy]

No opposition....

"Prosecutors in San Diego say they are dropping all charges against a woman accused of killing her Marine husband after new tests showed no traces of poison.

The San Diego County District Attorney's office asked a Superior Court judge Thursday to dismiss murder charges against Cynthia Sommer."


http://http://www.cbs8.com/stories/story.125143.html

Great news!

[RayStar]

YES I am so HAPPY. Come home Cyndi.:yes2:

[SaberGal]

Oh how WONDERFUL!!!!! I hope this will really make the G's in this case stop and think about what they said about her and what her penalty should be. She was innocent but yet she was still convicted based on no real evidence - wonder if LG will be issuing an apology anytime soon? I won't hold my breath for that one....

Not only am I happy she is free, but the fact that she was exonerated is so much better than just a "Not Guilty" verdict. This is so wonderful!!!! :s1gyahoo:

[TigressPen]

I, too, and very thrilled with this news. So good to hear she was vindicated. And the DNA testing appears to have done just that.

[mollybrown]

Here are the current news links

http://www.cynthiasommerdefense.com/

[justwins]

5:05 p.m. April 17, 2008



Union-Tribune
Cynthia Sommer
SAN DIEGO – Murder charges against Cynthia Sommer are in the process of being dropped after District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis filed a motion Thursday in Superior Court to dismiss the case, according to a statement from her office.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20080417-1705-bn17sommer.html

[hisgirl_2455]

The local news is about to interview her, she is standing outside the jail right now. Will keep you posted. I am so stoked I almost cried!!! Finally, justice. I so hope she sues the chit out of the city of San Diego.

[gramvof14]

Well I am happy for her I didn't follow her case but I read up on it and I thought they were convicting her on her actions and not evidence. So glad they found the evidence that freed her.:basic45::zm10:

[SaberGal]

The local news is about to interview her, she is standing outside the jail right now. Will keep you posted. I am so stoked I almost cried!!! Finally, justice. I so hope she sues the chit out of the city of San Diego.

hisgirl, has she spoken yet? Can you give a summary for those of us unable to watch it? TIA!

[kanzz]

hisgirl, has she spoken yet? Can you give a summary for those of us unable to watch it? TIA!

She just left the jail a few minutes ago.

Good videos here:
http://cbs8.com/

Be sure to watch Defense Attorney Allen Bloom!

Also, I'm trying to keep her home page updated with links to news articles:
http://www.FreeCynthia.com

[chambord]

5:05 p.m. April 17, 2008



Union-Tribune
Cynthia Sommer
SAN DIEGO – Murder charges against Cynthia Sommer are in the process of being dropped after District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis filed a motion Thursday in Superior Court to dismiss the case, according to a statement from her office.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20080417-1705-bn17sommer.html

Really? Anyone catch the news conferance?

[justwins]

http://www.cbs8.com/

[chambord]

http://www.cbs8.com/

Wow!!! Thanks so much!! Amazing. So suprised as I had heard earlier today they had found new evidence to test. That was quick.

[hisgirl_2455]

hisgirl, has she spoken yet? Can you give a summary for those of us unable to watch it? TIA!

They said they would air it at 11:00!!!! I was so disappointed!!! checking the link from kanzz, if I know more I will so let you all know!!

[SaberGal]

Wow!!! Thanks so much!! Amazing. So suprised as I had heard earlier today they had found new evidence to test. That was quick.

Very quick. I would like to know....

A) How long ago the samples were "found"

B) How long it took the pros to let the defense know they had "found" the samples and were testing the them

C) How long they have had the results

[SaberGal]

She just left the jail a few minutes ago.

Good videos here:
http://cbs8.com/

Be sure to watch Defense Attorney Allen Bloom!

Also, I'm trying to keep her home page updated with links to news articles:
http://www.FreeCynthia.com

LOVE the interview with Bloom!! Excellent stuff....thanks so much!!

[Pia]

LOVE the interview with Bloom!! Excellent stuff....thanks so much!!

I would say he is a little bit angry, wouldn't you? :)
Great interview.

[Pia]

Any news of Ms. Gunn? So far I haven't seen or heard a thing from her.

[SaberGal]

Any news of Ms. Gunn? So far I haven't seen or heard a thing from her.

I don't think she has the guts to "man-up", show her face and make an apology that Cyndi and her family deserve....and she owes one to Todd's family too! You know she has GOT to be fuming right now....Bloom called them out on all their dirty tricks and exposed who really deserves to be sitting in jail, IMO. Malicious prosecution is a huge problem in this country and there is more than just a couple "Nifong's" in the system. Hopefully, with examples like "Duke" and Cyndi's cases, the public is becoming more aware of the problem and will begin to hold authorities to the same rule of law that the authorities apply to all of us.

Sorry if I am coming off a bit harsh tonight....I get really peeved when I think about innocent people sitting in jail and flat out pi$$ed when it is because people who are supposed to uphold the law put them there maliciously and unethically.

Tonight I'm celebrating Cyndi's freedom...so back to being in a good mood!!!

:s1gyahoo:

[spunkylubbock]

Very quick. I would like to know....

A) How long ago the samples were "found"

B) How long it took the pros to let the defense know they had "found" the samples and were testing the them

C) How long they have had the results

I'd like answers to your question too. :confused: How in the world could the DA's office screw up so badly? :confused:

[spunkylubbock]

I don't think she has the guts to "man-up", show her face and make an apology that Cyndi and her family deserve....and she owes one to Todd's family too! You know she has GOT to be fuming right now....Bloom called them out on all their dirty tricks and exposed who really deserves to be sitting in jail, IMO. Malicious prosecution is a huge problem in this country and there is more than just a couple "Nifong's" in the system. Hopefully, with examples like "Duke" and Cyndi's cases, the public is becoming more aware of the problem and will begin to hold authorities to the same rule of law that the authorities apply to all of us.

Sorry if I am coming off a bit harsh tonight....I get really peeved when I think about innocent people sitting in jail and flat out pi$$ed when it is because people who are supposed to uphold the law put them there maliciously and unethically.

Tonight I'm celebrating Cyndi's freedom...so back to being in a good mood!!!

:s1gyahoo:

Cindy's trial was the first I caught when I was getting into trial watching last year. I didn't see all of the trial but I remember being dumbfounded when she was found guilty. I figured that there must have been some strong prosecution evidence that I missed because I didn't see enough to convict her.

The main testimony I remember from her trial was the testimony of Poklis. Although he was quirky, he convinced me that there was a problem with the tissue samples showing arsenic. Then the prosecution couldn't say when Todd was poisoned, where Cindy got the poison, how she gave it to him, & so on.

I'm usually on the G side in most cases that come to trial but this is one was a slam dunk BARD in my mind. Hooray for Cindy! I hope she is able to pick up the pieces of her shattered life and get back to raising her children.

[Try2Win]

For everyone who "just knew" that Cindy murdered Todd can you now believe that those first tests were wrong?

:zm10:

[packy]

Very quick. I would like to know....

A) How long ago the samples were "found"

B) How long it took the pros to let the defense know they had "found" the samples and were testing the them

C) How long they have had the results

Good questions and hope we have some answers.

[Try2Win]

I don't think she has the guts to "man-up", show her face and make an apology that Cyndi and her family deserve....and she owes one to Todd's family too! You know she has GOT to be fuming right now....Bloom called them out on all their dirty tricks and exposed who really deserves to be sitting in jail, IMO. Malicious prosecution is a huge problem in this country and there is more than just a couple "Nifong's" in the system. Hopefully, with examples like "Duke" and Cyndi's cases, the public is becoming more aware of the problem and will begin to hold authorities to the same rule of law that the authorities apply to all of us.

Sorry if I am coming off a bit harsh tonight....I get really peeved when I think about innocent people sitting in jail and flat out pi$$ed when it is because people who are supposed to uphold the law put them there maliciously and unethically.

Tonight I'm celebrating Cyndi's freedom...so back to being in a good mood!!!

:s1gyahoo:

I hope to see a civil suit against those labs.

And I hope Todd's family can embrace Cindy now.

I wonder how that jury who voted guilty are now feeling????


ok matt lauer just said that when cindy was asked if she would be filing a civil suit, she said "no comment".

[Try2Win]

I am so happy for Cindy's mom. She was a realtor in the Plymouth, Michigan area last I heard. I wonder if Cindy will come home to Michigan?

[Try2Win]

I am not sure if they will have an interview with Cindy, but they did say they are going to discuss the charges being dropped. Right now they are talking about the polygamy hearings in TX.

ok they are now talking about her recent story

[Try2Win]

I sure hope they have an interview with Cindy today on In Session. I have some errands to run but can catch the show today from 9 am - 10 am and then later after noon, so I hope I don't miss her if they have her on today.

[Try2Win]

http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/04/18/marine.widow.ap/index.html

SAN DIEGO, California (AP) -- A woman once convicted of killing her Marine husband with arsenic to pay for breast implants was cleared Thursday after new tests showed no traces of poison.

Prosecutors who were preparing for Cynthia Sommer's second trial found that previously untested samples of Marine Sgt. Todd Sommer's tissue showed no arsenic. Earlier tests of his liver, presented at the woman's first trial, found levels 1,020 times above normal.

A recently retained government expert speculated that the earlier samples were contaminated, prosecutors wrote in a motion filed in San Diego, California, Superior Court. The expert said he found the initial results "very puzzling" and "physiologically improbable."

San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis told reporters there was no proof of contamination but offered no other explanation. She said she didn't know how the tissue might have been contaminated.

"We had an expert who said it was arsenic and no reason to doubt that evidence," Dumanis said. "The bottom line was, 'Was there arsenic in Mr. Sommer causing his death?' Our results showed that there was."

Sommer was released from jail Thursday night after two years and four months' incarceration in suburban Santee, California. She smiled as she walked toward her attorney's Jaguar.

"Hi, honey. I love you," she told her daughter on her cell phone. "I can't wait to see you. I miss you."

Sommer was granted a new trial after her conviction in January 2007 on first-degree murder. A judge ruled in November that she had received ineffective representation from her former attorney.

At her trial, prosecutors argued that Sommer used her husband's life insurance to pay for breast implants and pursue a more luxurious lifestyle.

Her attorney, Allen Bloom, said he felt the evidence was contaminated. "We've said that all along," he told reporters outside the courthouse.

Bloom accused the district attorney of "gross negligence."

"The next time she decides to charge someone with murder in the first degree maybe she should call someone first," Bloom said.

Her former attorney, Robert Udell, said he "never expected this ending."

"Just like I said from day one, it made no sense," Udell said. "It goes to show you there are innocent people in prison."

Superior Court Judge Peter Deddeh ruled last year that Udell erred by allowing prosecutors to introduce evidence about Sommer's partying immediately after her husband's death.

The former attorney has admitted to tactical errors, including failing to call witnesses to adequately rebut prosecutors' theories about the source of the arsenic.

Sommer had faced a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole if the judge had denied a retrial.

Todd Sommer, 23, was in top condition when he collapsed and died Feb. 18, 2002, at the couple's home on the Marine Corps' Miramar base in San Diego. The couple married in 1999.

[Pia]

Wow!!! Thanks so much!! Amazing. So suprised as I had heard earlier today they had found new evidence to test. That was quick.

From what I understand the DA's office has had the tissues. Not sure how long but long enough to have them sent off before they informed the defense.
If I am not mistaken, Mr. Bloom was only informed of this on Wednesday or sometime this week.

[sciencegirl]

:shock: OMG!!!

[LiveLaughLuv]

Very happy to hear this.

When I watched that trial I was sure they would find her innocent. Nothing tied her to her husbands death. She was convicted on her morality alone. They felt she didn't act like a greiving widow, her breat implants, her wet t-shirt contests and casual sex with men.

Prosecutorial misconduct runs rampant in this nation and I do hope there are some fallback for that DA. It is never okay to break the law in the name of upholding the law.

This woman lost 2+years of her life, she lost time with her children and faced life in prison for something she didn't do. All the prosecutors want is to have someone pay for a crime, doesn't matter if they are innocent, someone has to pay. Well, now I think the tables are turned and these prosecutors need to pay Cindy for her time lost...

[TigressPen]

Cindy's trial was the first I caught when I was getting into trial watching last year. I didn't see all of the trial but I remember being dumbfounded when she was found guilty. I figured that there must have been some strong prosecution evidence that I missed because I didn't see enough to convict her.

The main testimony I remember from her trial was the testimony of Poklis. Although he was quirky, he convinced me that there was a problem with the tissue samples showing arsenic. Then the prosecution couldn't say when Todd was poisoned, where Cindy got the poison, how she gave it to him, & so on.

I'm usually on the G side in most cases that come to trial but this is one was a slam dunk BARD in my mind. Hooray for Cindy! I hope she is able to pick up the pieces of her shattered life and get back to raising her children.



It was simply bad forsenics. I felt that during the trial too. The levels of arsenic testified too just didn't fit the picture State was putting forth.

[Topaz]

What a nightmare for HER....

And now it is over finally..... WHEW!:basic44:

I never believed she was guilty!

[johnielee333]

YES she's free !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOHOO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[RayStar]

What a nightmare for HER....

And now it is over finally..... WHEW!:basic44:

I never believed she was guilty!
Hi, I wondering if you had heard the good news. Did you see her SMILE?

Good things can happen.

[chambord]

Jamie Floyd is interviewing Cynthia now. She looks radient. Can't say I blame her.

[Cornblossom]

Oh how WONDERFUL!!!!! I hope this will really make the G's in this case stop and think about what they said about her and what her penalty should be. She was innocent but yet she was still convicted based on no real evidence - wonder if LG will be issuing an apology anytime soon? I won't hold my breath for that one....

Not only am I happy she is free, but the fact that she was exonerated is so much better than just a "Not Guilty" verdict. This is so wonderful!!!! :s1gyahoo:

As I saw the evidense...it was my opinion she was guilty and I said if any evidense was ever found to exonerate her-I'd be all for setting her free-well-they did and I am! It was a trial...I didn't lose sleep over it one way or another. And I will NOT apologize for my opinion!

[sciencegirl]

Jamie Floyd is interviewing Cynthia now. She looks radient. Can't say I blame her.

Thanks chambord - I was just able to see it. Good timining on my part reading your post.

[andersson33]

Jamie Floyd is interviewing Cynthia now. She looks radient. Can't say I blame her.

She does; she looks wonderful.

And I'm thrilled with this news-- surprised, but very very happy for her.

:)

[chambord]

Thanks chambord - I was just able to see it. Good timining on my part reading your post.


Glad to help> you are one of my *must read* posters. I was one who didn't particular care for her, judgemental, I know. I certainly now wish her the very best for the future. I hope its a bright one for what she has been through.

[sciencegirl]

Glad to help> you are one of my *must read* posters. I was one who didn't particular care for her, judgemental, I know. I certainly now wish her the very best for the future. I hope its a bright one for what she has been through.

Thanks chambord. Given the same evidence; I would find her guilty again. I'm glad she is out of jail. I don't care for her either; and I sure hope she takes a parenting class. If she thought it was hard when she was married; it's going to be harder now; with at least one child; who barely remembers her as mom. A single mother with four kids...she's going to need help.

[Try2Win]

As I saw the evidense...it was my opinion she was guilty and I said if any evidense was ever found to exonerate her-I'd be all for setting her free-well-they did and I am! It was a trial...I didn't lose sleep over it one way or another. And I will NOT apologize for my opinion!

I don't loose sleep over verdicts either. And you never have to apologise to me for your opinions, as long as you never expect me to apologise for mine.

:22wink:

[Cornblossom]

Thanks chambord. Given the same evidence; I would find her guilty again. I'm glad she is out of jail. I don't care for her either; and I sure hope she takes a parenting class. If she thought it was hard when she was married; it's going to be harder now; with at least one child; who barely remembers her as mom. A single mother with four kids...she's going to need help.
Well...I'm glad she's out of prison beings there is evidence that proves it...BUT.....if I was just freed from prison you can bet my happy ass wouldn't be talking to Jami Floyd......I'd be with my kids and family....or entered into a wet T-shirt contest LMAO:kidding-01:

[sciencegirl]

Well...I'm glad she's out of prison beings there is evidence that proves it...BUT.....if I was just freed from prison you can bet my happy ass wouldn't be talking to Jami Floyd......I'd be with my kids and family....or entered into a wet T-shirt contest LMAO:kidding-01:

Yeah me too. I heard her say she had not talked to her boys yet because it was late last night when she got out; and her boys were in school now. I would have called my boys first thing this morning and told them to take the day off of school and celebrate. Tell their caretaker to go get cake and ice cream for them and let them play all day; and tell mommy was coming home.

[Cat]

Cat, you are probably right. I only hope that Todd's family can someday realize what these people did to ALL of them and know that Cindy did not kill their son.

I hope that, too, Pia. I am happy that justice was finally served.

[Tracian]

some people just don't have proper upbringing i don't reckon LMAO I thought of you this morning.......when I felt the earth shake I remembered what you said about shaking your butt LMaO


That is what I get for trying out that new exercise trampoline...:0doh:

[TigressPen]

That is what I get for trying out that new exercise trampoline...:0doh:



:67302:

[spunkylubbock]

Jack Ford is interviewing Cindy now.

[spunkylubbock]

She appears not to understand how her behavior after Todd's death made many people suspicious of her.

[sciencegirl]

Jack Ford is interviewing Cindy now.

Boy!!! She's sure making the rounds. She was on Jami's show for about an hour. Sure seems she still needs some attention in her life. What a shame and what a way to spend your first day out of prison.

[sciencegirl]

She appears not to understand how her behavior after Todd's death made many people suspicious of her.

I think Cindy will see the judicial system again in her lifetime.

[Cornblossom]

Boy!!! She's sure making the rounds. She was on Jami's show for about an hour. Sure seems she still needs some attention in her life. What a shame and what a way to spend your first day out of prison.
I agree........I'm going to go home kiss my kids,eat REAL food,touch the grass,make a snow angel.........kiss my kids,get them out of bed if I have to,out of school,I am NOT going to talk to jami Floyd or jack Ford.

[sciencegirl]

They are interviewing Bob Udell right now. He says the jury convicted her based on her behavior after Todd died and the jury believed she was guilty from opening statements. Bob Udell MUST remember; he was the one who opened the door for the prior acts of Cindy; when he put on witnesses to say she was a church-going woman. He can't only point the finger at himself. Her prior acts would have been totally unknown had he not opened the door.

[Cornblossom]

They are interviewing Bob Udell right now. He says the jury convicted her based on her behavior after Todd died and the jury believed she was guilty from opening statements. Bob Udell MUST remember; he was the one who opened the door for the prior acts of Cindy; when he put on witnesses to say she was a church-going woman. He can't only point the finger at himself. Her prior acts would have been totally unknown had he not opened the door.Bob Udell takes cases and when he loses HE cries his clients had ineffective council...he did it in the nathaniel brazil case too.

[sciencegirl]

Bob Udell takes cases and when he loses HE cries his clients had ineffective council...he did it in the nathaniel brazil case too.

He claimed ineffective council in the Brazil case also? OMG!!! I didn't realize that. That man looks like a drunk and a homeless person. I heard he made himself a stiff drink after hearing Cindy was released. :grin:

[Cornblossom]

The new lawyer said HE made the pros test or give them the tissue....the DA just said the defense didn't want the tissue tested..THEY had the tissue tested!

[Cornblossom]

He claimed ineffective council in the Brazil case also? OMG!!! I didn't realize that. That man looks like a drunk and a homeless person. I heard he made himself a stiff drink after hearing Cindy was released. :grin:
I'm betting he's made himself quite a few stiff ones LMAO

[SaberGal]

As I saw the evidense...it was my opinion she was guilty and I said if any evidense was ever found to exonerate her-I'd be all for setting her free-well-they did and I am! It was a trial...I didn't lose sleep over it one way or another. And I will NOT apologize for my opinion!

Hi Cornblossom. I certainly wouldn't expect or ask anyone to apologize for their opinion. But I do hope that this case makes people stop and think really hard about how easy it was for an innocent person to be convicted - and for a crime that never even occurred. I mean, that's what makes this case just unreal - she was arrested, charged, and convicted for a crime that never even occurred!! Allen Bloom is right - no one should say that the system worked in this case. A miscarriage of justice occurred thanks to the prosecution and was only righted thanks to the efforts of Cyndi's defense.

I for one have to admit that I do lose sleep over the fact that there are innocent people in jail. Wrongful convictions happen and they happen more often than the public is aware. And once someone is convicted, it is like moving mountains to prove their innocence.

Still grinning from ear to ear about Cyndi's news!!! :s1gyahoo:

[Cornblossom]

Hi Cornblossom. I certainly wouldn't expect or ask anyone to apologize for their opinion. But I do hope that this case makes people stop and think really hard about how easy it was for an innocent person to be convicted - and for a crime that never even occurred. I mean, that's what makes this case just unreal - she was arrested, charged, and convicted for a crime that never even occurred!! Allen Bloom is right - no one should say that the system worked in this case. A miscarriage of justice occurred thanks to the prosecution and was only righted thanks to the efforts of Cyndi's defense.

I for one have to admit that I do lose sleep over the fact that there are innocent people in jail. Wrongful convictions happen and they happen more often than the public is aware. And once someone is convicted, it is like moving mountains to prove their innocence.

Still grinning from ear to ear about Cyndi's news!!! :s1gyahoo:I know innocent people can and do get convicted...but the evidence given proves them guilty to 12 people. And not just this case proves it. the DA just told a different story than the defense told earlier...so it's still a they said/them said thing. Don't forget...before a prosecuter can prosecute...a JUDGE has to say there's enough evidense. Just Pray for her second husband if she should remarry! IMO I probably lose more sleep knowing there's murders,child molesters,rapists walking free.

[SaberGal]

I know innocent people can and do get convicted...but the evidence given proves them guilty to 12 people. And not just this case proves it. the DA just told a different story than the defense told earlier...so it's still a they said/them said thing. Don't forget...before a prosecuter can prosecute...a JUDGE has to say there's enough evidense. Just Pray for her second husband if she should remarry! IMO

I would never expect the prosecution to ever admit that they royally screwed up - of course, they are going to present themselves in the best light possible. But the fact remains that there was no arsenic and no murder but they managed to convict an innocent person for a crime that didn't occur. And we aren't talking petty theft here...we are talking HOMICIDE!

Yes, innocent people are convicted which means we need to reconsider what is acceptable "evidence." We also need to take a look at the possibility that in some of these cases, LE/Pros "help" their case by manipulating evidence because that happens alot too. I'm sure I am sounding pretty radical to you but I believe it is better that a guilty person go free than an innocent person spend one day in jail. And I believe that the accused is innocent until proven otherwise. I do not believe that every person is guilty simply because they were arrested and charged. I do not believe that where there's smoke, there must be fire. I do not believe that just because someone is a prosecutor or a cop, and yes, even a judge, that they are somehow above reproach and only interested in the truth. But that's perhaps a topic for another thread.

I am curious about your last remark though - pray for her second husband if she should ever remarry? Are you implying that you still doubt her innocence?

[Cornblossom]

I would never expect the prosecution to ever admit that they royally screwed up - of course, they are going to present themselves in the best light possible. But the fact remains that there was no arsenic and no murder but they managed to convict an innocent person for a crime that didn't occur. And we aren't talking petty theft here...we are talking HOMICIDE!

Yes, innocent people are convicted which means we need to reconsider what is acceptable "evidence." We also need to take a look at the possibility that in some of these cases, LE/Pros "help" their case by manipulating evidence because that happens alot too. I'm sure I am sounding pretty radical to you but I believe it is better that a guilty person go free than an innocent person spend one day in jail. And I believe that the accused is innocent until proven otherwise. I do not believe that every person is guilty simply because they were arrested and charged. I do not believe that where there's smoke, there must be fire. I do not believe that just because someone is a prosecutor or a cop, and yes, even a judge, that they are somehow above reproach and only interested in the truth. But that's perhaps a topic for another thread.

I am curious about your last remark though - pray for her second husband if she should ever remarry? Are you implying that you still doubt her innocence?
no...you don't sound "radical". LMAO It was proven to 12 people that Sommers was guilty.....yet you believed her innocent..so your statement "I believe that the accused is innocent until proven otherwise" isn't exactly true. Which is just a right not law. I don't think I implied anything when I stated her second husband would need prayers.

[chambord]

So what did kill Todd? Just asking.

[Try2Win]

Yeah me too. I heard her say she had not talked to her boys yet because it was late last night when she got out; and her boys were in school now. I would have called my boys first thing this morning and told them to take the day off of school and celebrate. Tell their caretaker to go get cake and ice cream for them and let them play all day; and tell mommy was coming home.

I think her kids are in a different state, so I give her some slack. I am almost sure her daughter is with her mom in Plymouth, Michigan. Let's just hope she went to a private school and not Plymouth-Canton school were JP Orlewicz attended.

I think her boys are with uncles and not sure what state they are in, could also be Michigan.

I don't care if she wants to go get her hair done and a manicure. It is her life and we need to stop judging her actions NOW!!!

JMO

[Cornblossom]

So what did kill Todd? Just asking.
probably the cardiac arrhythmia.

[Try2Win]

I didn't lose sleep over the verdict either but I did feel her case wasn't proven. The forsenics didn't add up IMO. But, I accept jurors decisions, even if I am shocked. Sometimes, I am angry with jurors but I just say, wait for appeals (or next trial if it's a hung case) ... I'd never say, I told you so to anyone. And if anyone did, it was extremely rude.

ITA

[Cornblossom]

I think her kids are in a different state, so I give her some slack. I am almost sure her daughter is with her mom in Plymouth, Michigan. Let's just hope she went to a private school and not Plymouth-Canton school were JP Orlewicz attended.

I think her boys are with uncles and not sure what state they are in, could also be Michigan.

I don't care if she wants to go get her hair done and a manicure. It is her life and we need to stop judging her actions NOW!!!

JMO
then I guess it's time we also stop judging the actions of the peoples whose trials we watch?

[Try2Win]

Boy!!! She's sure making the rounds. She was on Jami's show for about an hour. Sure seems she still needs some attention in her life. What a shame and what a way to spend your first day out of prison.

Please give her an effing break for God's sake :rolleye0001:

[Try2Win]

I think Cindy will see the judicial system again in her lifetime.

I HOPE SHE SUES EVERYONE SHE CAN.....

[Try2Win]

They are interviewing Bob Udell right now. He says the jury convicted her based on her behavior after Todd died and the jury believed she was guilty from opening statements. Bob Udell MUST remember; he was the one who opened the door for the prior acts of Cindy; when he put on witnesses to say she was a church-going woman. He can't only point the finger at himself. Her prior acts would have been totally unknown had he not opened the door.

He publicly admitted his mistakes. :22wink:

[Try2Win]

I know innocent people can and do get convicted...but the evidence given proves them guilty to 12 people. And not just this case proves it. the DA just told a different story than the defense told earlier...so it's still a they said/them said thing. Don't forget...before a prosecuter can prosecute...a JUDGE has to say there's enough evidense. Just Pray for her second husband if she should remarry! IMO I probably lose more sleep knowing there's murders,child molesters,rapists walking free.

false evidence here in this case!!!

[Cornblossom]

I HOPE SHE SUES EVERYONE SHE CAN.....no need to yell..Sciencegirl is entitled to her opinion the same as you are.

[Try2Win]

So what did kill Todd? Just asking.

heart attack

it happens to young people EVERYDAY.

[Try2Win]

then I guess it's time we also stop judging the actions of the peoples whose trials we watch?

yes, but that would never happen and I am guilty of this.

[Try2Win]

no need to yell..Sciencegirl is entitled to her opinion the same as you are.

you see, i don't see all caps as yelling, but if you do, so be it.

[Cornblossom]

false evidence here in this case!!!Udell should have proven it was false evidence..that's part of his job.

[Cornblossom]

you see, i don't see all caps as yelling, but if you do, so be it.
well...that's the universal meaning of it on the Net. have a nice day..I'm through discussing if all you're going to do is yell and 'so be it".

[Try2Win]

Udell should have proven it was false evidence..that's part of his job.

yes i suppose, but the terrible handle of the chain of custody of samples was enough for me to see reasonable doubt. especially in the type of lab they brought the samples too.

jmo

[Try2Win]

well...that's the universal meaning of it on the Net. have a nice day..I'm through discussing if all you're going to do is yell and 'so be it".

CAPS to me is just an expression of importance. I don't know how to do bold.

goodbye and take a deep breath.

[sciencegirl]

I would never expect the prosecution to ever admit that they royally screwed up - of course, they are going to present themselves in the best light possible. But the fact remains that there was no arsenic and no murder but they managed to convict an innocent person for a crime that didn't occur. And we aren't talking petty theft here...we are talking HOMICIDE!

Yes, innocent people are convicted which means we need to reconsider what is acceptable "evidence." We also need to take a look at the possibility that in some of these cases, LE/Pros "help" their case by manipulating evidence because that happens alot too. I'm sure I am sounding pretty radical to you but I believe it is better that a guilty person go free than an innocent person spend one day in jail. And I believe that the accused is innocent until proven otherwise. I do not believe that every person is guilty simply because they were arrested and charged. I do not believe that where there's smoke, there must be fire. I do not believe that just because someone is a prosecutor or a cop, and yes, even a judge, that they are somehow above reproach and only interested in the truth. But that's perhaps a topic for another thread.

I am curious about your last remark though - pray for her second husband if she should ever remarry? Are you implying that you still doubt her innocence?

This is one thing people forget about the justice system. The Defense has the right to everything the Prosecution has. Everything. That includes blood, liver and tissue samples. The crime laboratory ALWAYS saves enough of the sample received if the Defense wants it. Unfortunately, Udell; didn't bother to ask for the samples and have them tested by someone of his choosing. Had he done so; he would have learned before Cindy went to trial that there was a discrepancy. The prosecution had arsenic in their samples; the defense did not. And, some will say; well there wasn't money for the defense to test the samples. Yes, there was. Cindy had received a hefty life insurance payout. So, let's not blame the Prosecution and let's not blame the jurors. Shame on the defense for not getting the samples tested themselves.

[Try2Win]

This is one thing people forget about the justice system. The Defense has the right to everything the Prosecution has. Everything. That includes blood, liver and tissue samples. The crime laboratory ALWAYS saves enough of the sample received if the Defense wants it. Unfortunately, Udell; didn't bother to ask for the samples and have them tested by someone of his choosing. Had he done so; he would have learned before Cindy went to trial that there was a discrepancy. The prosecution had arsenic in their samples; the defense did not. And, some will say; well there wasn't money for the defense to test the samples. Yes, there was. Cindy had received a hefty life insurance payout. So, let's not blame the Prosecution and let's not blame the jurors. Shame on the defense for not getting the samples tested themselves.


And this is why she got a NEW TRIAL. and i am not yelling. :girl_haha:

[chambord]

heart attack

it happens to young people EVERYDAY.


Was there a medical history ever presented? I've forgotten. I'm not questioning the latest events, I just want to know what killed a young twenties yr old male who was fit enough to serve in the armed forces to suddenly pass away naturally. Just my curious nature.

[Try2Win]

Was there a medical history ever presented? I've forgotten. I'm not questioning the latest events, I just want to know what killed a young twenties yr old male who was fit enough to serve in the armed forces to suddenly pass away naturally. Just my curious nature.

he was sick days before his heart attack. other than that, i am not sure what medical evidence they had.

professional, college and high school football players are fit to play football and pass physicals, but we have heard of them dying of heart attacks.

[sciencegirl]

I think her kids are in a different state, so I give her some slack. I am almost sure her daughter is with her mom in Plymouth, Michigan. Let's just hope she went to a private school and not Plymouth-Canton school were JP Orlewicz attended.

I think her boys are with uncles and not sure what state they are in, could also be Michigan.

I don't care if she wants to go get her hair done and a manicure. It is her life and we need to stop judging her actions NOW!!!

JMO


I'm not judging her. I merely stated what "I" would do if it were me and I had four kids. And, yes, I sure as heck would have gotten my hair done and a manicure if my kids couldn't be with me on my first day out. I'm just saying; I sure as heck wouldn't have spent it on television all darn day.

[Try2Win]

I'm not judging her. I merely stated what "I" would do if it were me and I had four kids. And, yes, I sure as heck would have gotten my hair done and a manicure if my kids couldn't be with me on my first day out. I'm just saying; I sure as heck wouldn't have spent it on television all darn day.

maybe she felt she wanted her 15 minutes or whatever considering that court tv covered her trial. she had recently recorded interviews with beth karas before she was released (not knowing she was going to be set free). i respect that she gave them some face time. i would rather see her than not and the timing was perfect. IMO

[sciencegirl]

And this is why she got a NEW TRIAL. and i am not yelling. :girl_haha:

Yup. Ineffective assistance of counsel. Udell fell on his sword. Udell is also the one who opened the door for all the bad stuff on Cindy to come in as evidence. The judge had initially said it could not come in. But Udell opened the door. Many of us said during this trial; that Cindy was getting ineffective assistance of counsel. He was an idiot. But, you still have the fact that evidence was presented with deadly levels of arsenic in Todd's body. 12 jurors believed the Toxicologist who presented the arsenic levels. Their conclusion...Guilty.

[sciencegirl]

maybe she felt she wanted her 15 minutes or whatever considering that court tv covered her trial. she had recently recorded interviews with beth karas before she was released (not knowing she was going to be set free). i respect that she gave them some face time. i would rather see her than not and the timing was perfect. IMO

That's the difference between Cindy and me. I WOULD NOT have wanted my 15 minutes.

Cindy can spend all day tomorrow on tv for all I care. It does not effect my life. I'm glad that she is out of jail. I wish her the best.

[sciencegirl]

Was there a medical history ever presented? I've forgotten. I'm not questioning the latest events, I just want to know what killed a young twenties yr old male who was fit enough to serve in the armed forces to suddenly pass away naturally. Just my curious nature.

I think it was a heart arrythimia. But, after the events of the last 24 hours; I am even more curious as to how such a healthy young man dropped dead after having flu like symptons for a week.

[Try2Win]

That's the difference between Cindy and me. I WOULD NOT have wanted my 15 minutes.

Cindy can spend all day tomorrow on tv for all I care. It does not effect my life. I'm glad that she is out of jail. I wish her the best.

I will enjoy ANY and ALL interviews that she gives. jmo

[Cornblossom]

That's the difference between Cindy and me. I WOULD NOT have wanted my 15 minutes.

Cindy can spend all day tomorrow on tv for all I care. It does not effect my life. I'm glad that she is out of jail. I wish her the best.
there was more evidense in the Sommers trial proving guilt than there was in the Melanie McGuire case....maybe she'll get a new trial too?

[sciencegirl]

there was more evidense in the Sommers trial proving guilt than there was in the Melanie McGuire case....maybe she'll get a new trial too?

Now that you mention it; there was. MM was totally a circumstantial case. Oh; I hope she gets a new trial too. :girl_haha:

[SaberGal]

no...you don't sound "radical". LMAO It was proven to 12 people that Sommers was guilty.....yet you believed her innocent..so your statement "I believe that the accused is innocent until proven otherwise" isn't exactly true. Which is just a right not law. I don't think I implied anything when I stated her second husband would need prayers.

Yes, I do believe that the accused is innocent until proven otherwise. Just because 12 people on a jury say that they believe someone is guilty doesn't prove anything to me - it's the evidence I look at and, as I see it, there was never any REAL evidence in this case.
The prosecution in this case successfully created the crime and locked away an innocent person - and all 12 people on the jury were wrong. The jury doesn't always "get it right" as evidenced by all the people freed by Innocence Project and other people and organizations that fight for the wrongfully convicted. No, just because 12 people say that someone is guilty doesn't make me believe that a person is guilty. Does it bother you at all that the prosecution successfully convicted someone of murder when there was no homicide?

I'm glad you weren't implying anything in your statement about praying for her hypothetical second husband because it kinda came across like you were suggesting that Cyndi might harm him.

And one last comment on your statement about the presumption of innocence being "just a right not law" - I find that mentality to be more that just a little frightening since I believe our rights, as a supposed "free society," are more important than law. And once we [as a society] are so flippant at dismissing other people's rights simply because they have been accused of a crime, we might as well start kissing our own rights goodbye.

JMO

[SaberGal]

I will enjoy ANY and ALL interviews that she gives. jmo

:zm10:

If I were her, I'd put my face in front of every camera possible to tell my story. People need to hear how it is possible for an innocent person to be convicted for a crime that never occurred. And, IMO, Cyndi is being alot more gracious than I could ever be in this situation.


And...where the heck is LG?? :71526:

[Topaz]

That this rush to judgment and poor trial were overturned, and now
the "evidence" has been found to be "not there".

I saw Cynthia Sommer on TV today, at noon. (lucky to be home in fact)
I thought she did very well. And I got the feeling that her attorney is NOT finished with this case. She was very very remote with her comments.

I do not begrudge her any TV time. I think she has a huge international fan base, who were concerned for her and this situation. And she alluded to perhaps working in the future to help others who are convicted and really innocent.

Personally I hope she explores civil legal recourse in this unjustified prosecution.
She could then have an income to raise her children, and also increase awareness of prosecutorial misconduct. After all the system failed her ...now I think she could use the same system for vindication. And from what I gathered from the anger of Mr. Alan Bloom, this situation is NOT OVER.
Alan Bloom has proof that the State did not retest other samples that were available when the questionable testing of the first round came back. To me that is pretty good evidence of misconduct.

[SaberGal]

That this rush to judgment and poor trial were overturned, and now
the "evidence" has been found to be "not there".

I saw Cynthia Sommer on TV today, at noon. (lucky to be home in fact)
I thought she did very well. And I got the feeling that her attorney is NOT finished with this case. She was very very remote with her comments.

I do not begrudge her any TV time. I think she has a huge international fan base, who were concerned for her and this situation. And she alluded to perhaps working in the future to help others who are convicted and really innocent.

Personally I hope she explores civil legal recourse in this unjustified prosecution.
She could then have an income to raise her children, and also increase awareness of prosecutorial misconduct. After all the system failed her ...now I think she could use the same system for vindication. And from what I gathered from the anger of Mr. Alan Bloom, this situation is NOT OVER.
Alan Bloom has proof that the State did not retest other samples that were available when the questionable testing of the first round came back. To me that is pretty good evidence of misconduct.

I would love for her to pursue some sort of legal recourse. I truly believe she got "Nifonged" and I think she is entitled to compensation for it.

Your post sums up exactly how I feel about this case....prosecutorial misconduct is a huge problem and very dangerous because it's done behind closed doors and out of public view.

[Cornblossom]

Yes, I do believe that the accused is innocent until proven otherwise. Just because 12 people on a jury say that they believe someone is guilty doesn't prove anything to me - it's the evidence I look at and, as I see it, there was never any REAL evidence in this case.
The prosecution in this case successfully created the crime and locked away an innocent person - and all 12 people on the jury were wrong. The jury doesn't always "get it right" as evidenced by all the people freed by Innocence Project and other people and organizations that fight for the wrongfully convicted. No, just because 12 people say that someone is guilty doesn't make me believe that a person is guilty. Does it bother you at all that the prosecution successfully convicted someone of murder when there was no homicide?

I'm glad you weren't implying anything in your statement about praying for her hypothetical second husband because it kinda came across like you were suggesting that Cyndi might harm him.

And one last comment on your statement about the presumption of innocence being "just a right not law" - I find that mentality to be more that just a little frightening since I believe our rights, as a supposed "free society," are more important than law. And once we [as a society] are so flippant at dismissing other people's rights simply because they have been accused of a crime, we might as well start kissing our own rights goodbye.

JMOnow dear,let's not start discussing mentality. When it states in the constitution I have to presume someone innocent....I will. Aren't you flippantly dismissing my right to an opinion?

[kanzz]

Boy!!! She's sure making the rounds. She was on Jami's show for about an hour. Sure seems she still needs some attention in her life. What a shame and what a way to spend your first day out of prison.

Actually, the newsfolk went to SD to interview her - she wasn't having to make the rounds at all. She took the first available flight out to go be with some of her family and will be joined with the rest just as soon as possible.

This case has garnered much public attention. Cindy, her cousin Todd, and Allen Bloom have had a very full day with interviews, but I think for the most part the public expected nothing less from them. I'm very glad they spent the day in this productive manner.

[kanzz]

This is one thing people forget about the justice system. The Defense has the right to everything the Prosecution has. Everything. That includes blood, liver and tissue samples. The crime laboratory ALWAYS saves enough of the sample received if the Defense wants it. Unfortunately, Udell; didn't bother to ask for the samples and have them tested by someone of his choosing. Had he done so; he would have learned before Cindy went to trial that there was a discrepancy. The prosecution had arsenic in their samples; the defense did not. And, some will say; well there wasn't money for the defense to test the samples. Yes, there was. Cindy had received a hefty life insurance payout. So, let's not blame the Prosecution and let's not blame the jurors. Shame on the defense for not getting the samples tested themselves.


But, why didn't anyone come forth with these samples when Allen Bloom's motion to obtain them was granted about a year ago?

[SaberGal]

now dear,let's not start discussing mentality. When it states in the constitution I have to presume someone innocent....I will. Aren't you flippantly dismissing my right to an opinion?

Not at all, Cornblossom. I absolutely respect your right to your opinions. I was just commenting on what you posted and expressing my opinion of it. And I still find what you posted (that presumption of innocence is "just a right not law) scary. Sorry if that offends you. :z0tdntknw:

Happy Friday everyone!

[Cornblossom]

Not at all, Cornblossom. I absolutely respect your right to your opinions. I was just commenting on what you posted and expressing my opinion of it. And I still find what you posted (that presumption of innocence is "just a right not law) scary. Sorry if that offends you. :z0tdntknw:

Happy Friday everyone!
Sorry if it scares you,but it's the truth,I don't have to presume anyone innocent. Have a nice week end.

[BillE]

Hi Cornblossom. I certainly wouldn't expect or ask anyone to apologize for their opinion. But I do hope that this case makes people stop and think really hard about how easy it was for an innocent person to be convicted - and for a crime that never even occurred. I mean, that's what makes this case just unreal - she was arrested, charged, and convicted for a crime that never even occurred!! Allen Bloom is right - no one should say that the system worked in this case. A miscarriage of justice occurred thanks to the prosecution and was only righted thanks to the efforts of Cyndi's defense.

I for one have to admit that I do lose sleep over the fact that there are innocent people in jail. Wrongful convictions happen and they happen more often than the public is aware. And once someone is convicted, it is like moving mountains to prove their innocence.

Still grinning from ear to ear about Cyndi's news!!! :s1gyahoo:

Sabergal,

I am just now reviewing the pages of remarks. I just wanted you to know I agree with what you have stated above.

May Cindy find her peace now...

Bill

[BillE]

Udell should have proven it was false evidence..that's part of his job.

I thought the burden of proof fell to the prosecution. The defense is not burdened to prove the defendant innocent, although it is nice when they can. For me, I did not feel the prosecution proved their evidence during the trial.

Bill

[hisgirl_2455]

Not at all, Cornblossom. I absolutely respect your right to your opinions. I was just commenting on what you posted and expressing my opinion of it. And I still find what you posted (that presumption of innocence is "just a right not law) scary. Sorry if that offends you. :z0tdntknw:

Happy Friday everyone!

I agree with you saber, and actually it is the law as well as a right that is supposed to be afforded all in this country. Not only is it a right and the law afforded to all, it is what I or any citizen should expect if ever accused. Unfortunately in this case CS rights were ignored as well as the rule of law. Happy, happy Friday to all in light of the outcome of this case.

PS, I am reading comments on news sights that some are saying "she got away with boobs and murder", why can't some get it that the fact that he was not "murdered" at all, was proven and the DA dropped their charges because of that FACT, perplexing and, again, scary. Some of these people get jury summons just because they have a Driver's License. Scary.

[hisgirl_2455]

I thought the burden of proof fell to the prosecution. The defense is not burdened to prove the defendant innocent, although it is nice when they can. For me, I did not feel the prosecution proved their evidence during the trial.

Bill

That is presicely why so many were shocked at the initial verdict.

[SaberGal]

Sorry if it scares you,but it's the truth,I don't have to presume anyone innocent. Have a nice week end.

Wow....I sincerely hope that if you (or anyone you know) are ever wrongfully accused of a crime...any crime...that you will enjoy the presumption of innocence from your peers. I would give it to you. And I also really hope that you never serve on a jury.

I'm going to have a wonderful weekend - hope you do too!

[Cornblossom]

I agree with you saber, and actually it is the law as well as a right that is supposed to be afforded all in this country. Not only is it a right and the law afforded to all, it is what I or any citizen should expect if ever accused. Unfortunately in this case CS rights were ignored as well as the rule of law. Happy, happy Friday to all in light of the outcome of this case.

PS, I am reading comments on news sights that some are saying "she got away with boobs and murder", why can't some get it that the fact that he was not "murdered" at all, was proven and the DA dropped their charges because of that FACT, perplexing and, again, scary. Some of these people get jury summons just because they have a Driver's License. Scary.No where is it mentioned in the Constitution that a person has to be presumed innocent...it only applies to judges and juries..not people on message boards..read the Constitution.

[Cornblossom]

Wow....I sincerely hope that if you (or anyone you know) are ever wrongfully accused of a crime...any crime...that you will enjoy the presumption of innocence from your peers. I would give it to you. And I also really hope that you never serve on a jury.

I'm going to have a wonderful weekend - hope you do too!
well I have served on a jury a couple of times...and I did presume the person innocent...but I don't have to here on a message board,on the street,if I'm a spectator in a triel...just if I'm a juror or a judge.

[Cornblossom]

I thought the burden of proof fell to the prosecution. The defense is not burdened to prove the defendant innocent, although it is nice when they can. For me, I did not feel the prosecution proved their evidence during the trial.

BillUdell had the right to test all tissue in that trial,it was my understanding...he didn't.
As I have stated over and over...I'm glad she's free...from the evidense presented at time of trial in my opinion she was guilty. Good night and sweet dreams......I have letters to write and send to my Congressmen,Senators etc for some rights I feel some folks should have but don't..ironic isn't it?

[SaberGal]

well I have served on a jury a couple of times...and I did presume the person innocent...but I don't have to here on a message board,on the street,if I'm a spectator in a triel...just if I'm a juror or a judge.

Pardon my skepticism that someone can so easily presume someone is guilty on the street but is able to change hats so quickly and presume them innocent in the jury box. Just doesn't jive with me....I think the prosecution must love jurors like yourself.

JMO

[PatC]

I was really wishing yesterday I could get over here and read what you guys were saying/thinking and post myself, but I never made it so here's my 2¢s worth.

I'm one of those who thought she should never have been found guilty to begin with. This is a trial I DID watch and I just was not convinced that the DAs case had been proven.

As for her present hubby.... I don't think he's in any danger, but I do think he needs his head examined for marrying her. One thing the trial DID prove to me is that she's a Grade A, certifiable "Flake".

:girl_haha:

[SaberGal]

I thought the burden of proof fell to the prosecution. The defense is not burdened to prove the defendant innocent, although it is nice when they can. For me, I did not feel the prosecution proved their evidence during the trial.

Bill

Absolutely correct, IMO! :zm10:

Time to get this weekend started!!! :s1gyahoo:

[Shotzie]

did she remarry? I hadn't heard that..hope he sleeps with one eye open.

[Pauli]

I'm going to step in with a little reminder to everyone.. please remember we are not like the other place and don't tolerate posters being rude and insulting each other here.



I guess I need to put this in larger type and bold it.. so it will be read.

[Cornblossom]

I was really wishing yesterday I could get over here and read what you guys were saying/thinking and post myself, but I never made it so here's my 2¢s worth.

I'm one of those who thought she should never have been found guilty to begin with. This is a trial I DID watch and I just was not convinced that the DAs case had been proven.

As for her present hubby.... I don't think he's in any danger, but I do think he needs his head examined for marrying her. One thing the trial DID prove to me is that she's a Grade A, certifiable "Flake".

:girl_haha:
When did she get remarried? :0012:

[SaberGal]

I'm going to step in with a little reminder to everyone.. please remember we are not like the other place and don't tolerate posters being rude and insulting each other here.



I guess I need to put this in larger type and bold it.. so it will be read.

I apologize to you, Harlett, and anyone who may have found any of my posts rude or insulting.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! :0012:

[Pauli]

No need to apologize.. I stepped in with my post as a reminder so things did not head in that direction. I hope you have a good weekend also..

[Cornblossom]

I write my Congressmen,Senators,because I believe in same sex marriages......I'm married to a man...but believe people have the same rights as I do....how about that for a quick hat change?

[annalyzer]

Pardon my skepticism that someone can so easily presume someone is guilty on the street but is able to change hats so quickly and presume them innocent in the jury box. Just doesn't jive with me....I think the prosecution must love jurors like yourself.

JMO


It jives with me.

[SaberGal]

I write my Congressmen,Senators,because I believe in same sex marriages......I'm married to a man...but believe people have the same rights as I do....how about that for a quick hat change?

I think that's wonderful, Cornblossom. Good for you!

[Cornblossom]

I think that's wonderful, Cornblossom. Good for you!I also know how a courtroom works and can think a person innocent until proven guilty inside one but on a message board think guilty....it can be done......in fact it's done every day.

[SaberGal]

I also know how a courtroom works and can think a person innocent until proven guilty inside one but on a message board think guilty....it can be done......in fact it's done every day.

I'm not sure what your point is in trying to keep this going. I respectfully disagree with you. Can we just leave it at that?

[Try2Win]

I thought the burden of proof fell to the prosecution. The defense is not burdened to prove the defendant innocent, although it is nice when they can. For me, I did not feel the prosecution proved their evidence during the trial.

Bill

Hi Bill and welcome to the boards :love0085:

[Try2Win]

I write my Congressmen,Senators,because I believe in same sex marriages......I'm married to a man...but believe people have the same rights as I do....how about that for a quick hat change?


happy happy joy joy :basic44:

[Try2Win]

I was really wishing yesterday I could get over here and read what you guys were saying/thinking and post myself, but I never made it so here's my 2¢s worth.

I'm one of those who thought she should never have been found guilty to begin with. This is a trial I DID watch and I just was not convinced that the DAs case had been proven.

As for her present hubby.... I don't think he's in any danger, but I do think he needs his head examined for marrying her. One thing the trial DID prove to me is that she's a Grade A, certifiable "Flake".

:girl_haha:

when did she get remarried? link please...

[TigressPen]

I'm not judging her. I merely stated what "I" would do if it were me and I had four kids. And, yes, I sure as heck would have gotten my hair done and a manicure if my kids couldn't be with me on my first day out. I'm just saying; I sure as heck wouldn't have spent it on television all darn day.



I actually approve of her doing the talk shows. This case will die out and the shows would have no interest in her story. And, I do hope she is compensated for time served too. I've forgotten the exact timeline of the facts in this case, but didn't Todd go see a doctor a few days before he passed? Obviously they missed something. If they chalked it up as a viral infection, stomach flu like virus type thing.

[Cornblossom]

I actually approve of her doing the talk shows. This case will die out and the shows would have no interest in her story. And, I do hope she is compensated for time served too. I've forgotten the exact timeline of the facts in this case, but didn't Todd go see a doctor a few days before he passed? Obviously they missed something. If they chalked it up as a viral infection, stomach flu like virus type thing.I would think next week would be more appropriate time instead of the very day she got out.....the first day should be with family,friends and doing things you missed...but that's me...she's different. Beings she was falsely imprisoned,,I would also hope that she'd help the falsely accused....like y'all did her......give back what she was given.:0012:

[packy]

No one listened to her in all this time. Do we really know what we'd do or not do if we were in her position.

[spunkylubbock]

I actually approve of her doing the talk shows. This case will die out and the shows would have no interest in her story. And, I do hope she is compensated for time served too. I've forgotten the exact timeline of the facts in this case, but didn't Todd go see a doctor a few days before he passed? Obviously they missed something. If they chalked it up as a viral infection, stomach flu like virus type thing.

I agree that the day after her release was the correct time to do the interviews. With the 24/7 media mentality, this was the best time to get her story out. She may have preferred to see her children; we don't know.

[Try2Win]

I actually approve of her doing the talk shows. This case will die out and the shows would have no interest in her story. And, I do hope she is compensated for time served too. I've forgotten the exact timeline of the facts in this case, but didn't Todd go see a doctor a few days before he passed? Obviously they missed something. If they chalked it up as a viral infection, stomach flu like virus type thing.


ITA

[Try2Win]

I agree that the day after her release was the correct time to do the interviews. With the 24/7 media mentality, this was the best time to get her story out. She may have preferred to see her children; we don't know.

ITA

[Cornblossom]

No one listened to her in all this time. Do we really know what we'd do or not do if we were in her position.no,but aren't we allowed to hope we'd know and state it as our opinion it is what we'd do?

[Pauli]

no,but aren't we allowed to hope we'd know and state it as our opinion it is what we'd do?

I don't recall anyone ever saying you couldn't state your opinions.. I think that's all packy was doing also. :0009:

[kanzz]

I was really wishing yesterday I could get over here and read what you guys were saying/thinking and post myself, but I never made it so here's my 2¢s worth.

I'm one of those who thought she should never have been found guilty to begin with. This is a trial I DID watch and I just was not convinced that the DAs case had been proven.

As for her present hubby.... I don't think he's in any danger, but I do think he needs his head examined for marrying her. One thing the trial DID prove to me is that she's a Grade A, certifiable "Flake".

:girl_haha:

Cindy hasn't remarried since Todd died. I might be pretty flaky, too, if my husband died - and then I was arrested for a murder that never happened.

[kanzz]

I would think next week would be more appropriate time instead of the very day she got out.....the first day should be with family,friends and doing things you missed...but that's me...she's different. Beings she was falsely imprisoned,,I would also hope that she'd help the falsely accused....like y'all did her......give back what she was given.:0012:

She was jailed in SoCal, in the SD area... she has no family there. Her cousin and best friend met her there. She spent the night with them in SD and took the first available flight to meet up with her mother and dd. So - she made good use of the time in between. As she's said in some of her interviews, she would very much like to work to help others who have been falsely accused.

[Cornblossom]

She was jailed in SoCal, in the SD area... she has no family there. Her cousin and best friend met her there. She spent the night with them in SD and took the first available flight to meet up with her mother and dd. So - she made good use of the time in between. As she's said in some of her interviews, she would very much like to work to help others who have been falsely accused.
I'm happy for her,now I'm done with this topic as I feel it's pretty one sided. I hope she does help others as I would have gladly helped her had I thought her innocent at the time. I am happy people on both boards stood by her and fought for her freedom as I have fought for causes I truly believe in. You all can be proud!

[Topaz]

Why people begrudge her some TV interviews?

She explained the delay in getting together with her younger children.

CourtTV (TruTV) was instrumental, if I am not mistaken, in getting her
quality representation to appeal her verdict and overturn it, before sentencing.
So having an "exclusive" interview time, while CS awaits her family's arrival, doesn't bother me one bit.

I did not see one Talking Head or CTV person who agreed with this verdict which was totally irresponsible and was prosecutorially out of line. I cannot see one reason that Cindy should NOT give some air time to TruTV.

[Try2Win]

Why people begrudge her some TV interviews?

She explained the delay in getting together with her younger children.

CourtTV (TruTV) was instrumental, if I am not mistaken, in getting her
quality representation to appeal her verdict and overturn it, before sentencing.
So having an "exclusive" interview time, while CS awaits her family's arrival, doesn't bother me one bit.

I did not see one Talking Head or CTV person who agreed with this verdict which was totally irresponsible and was prosecutorially out of line. I cannot see one reason that Cindy should NOT give some air time to TruTV.

ITA

[lyndawitha"y]

:basic44:yes i suppose, but the terrible handle of the chain of custody of samples was enough for me to see reasonable doubt. especially in the type of lab they brought the samples too.

jmo

It was not only the lab..as I don't think they did anything wrong..it was how the specimen's were preserved, chain of custody prior to even going to the lab..which in the end proved to be the error..tissue stored or placed into Formaldehyde to preserve is great..unless you test for drugs or chemicals. Formaldehyde has Arsenic as part of it's components..so any tissue tested for that would be positive!..No wonder the scientific community questioned the levels and results given the rest of the reports!

I and many others with medical scientic knowledge saw that evidence for whahicit was....INACCURATE thus not credible!..Cardiac event due to electrolye imbalance (low Potassium likely)..caused dysrhythmia which eventually caused his death. If he had been older, this would have happened alot soon given his symptomology (Food Poisoning)..At anyrate..the DA's off had full knowledge of these discrepancies ( levels not reconciling with the rest of his medical results0.. along with ignoring the warnings by those experts that testified for the Defense..The DA is totally reponsible for the unjustified conviction..let alone the charges to begin with!

I WAS ANGRY AT THE VERDICT, BUT RELIEVED UDELL STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE TO HELP CYNTHIA GET EXONERATED!

[spunkylubbock]

:basic44:

It was not only the lab..as I don't think they did anything wrong..it was how the specimen's were preserved, chain of custody prior to even going to the lab..which in the end proved to be the error..tissue stored or placed into Formaldehyde to preserve is great..unless you test for drugs or chemicals. Formaldehyde has Arsenic as part of it's components..so any tissue tested for that would be positive!..No wonder the scientific community questioned the levels and results given the rest of the reports!

I and many others with medical scientic knowledge saw that evidence for whahicit was....INACCURATE thus not credible!..Cardiac event due to electrolye imbalance (low Potassium likely)..caused dysrhythmia which eventually caused his death. If he had been older, this would have happened alot soon given his symptomology (Food Poisoning)..At anyrate..the DA's off had full knowledge of these discrepancies ( levels not reconciling with the rest of his medical results0.. along with ignoring the warnings by those experts that testified for the Defense..The DA is totally reponsible for the unjustified conviction..let alone the charges to begin with!

I WAS ANGRY AT THE VERDICT, BUT RELIEVED UDELL STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE TO HELP CYNTHIA GET EXONERATED!

Thanks for the info Lynda. I didn't see all of the trial but Dr. Poklis testimony convinced me something was amiss with the tissue samples. I was especially concerned when he testified (not in the presence of the jury) that he had been contacted by the prosecution and they didn't choose to call him as their witness. As far as I know Dr. Poklis' reputation hasn't been clouded by dubious testimony for big bucks as have the reputations of some other famous forensic witnesses.

[Pia]

The new lawyer said HE made the pros test or give them the tissue....the DA just said the defense didn't want the tissue tested..THEY had the tissue tested!

When the defense asked for the second set of tissues they were told that they had been destroyed in Feb 2006. If y’all remember there was a big uproar over this with the supporters when we heard that they destroyed them AFTER Cindy’s arrest but before trial. Why would they do that with a trial pending?

If the DA said that the defense did not want them tested then she is a liar. The request for those have been in motions since Bloom took over the case. Possibly even before. I am still looking for the motions.

[lyndawitha"y]

When the defense asked for the second set of tissues they were told that they had been destroyed in Feb 2006. If y’all remember there was a big uproar over this with the supporters when we heard that they destroyed them AFTER Cindy’s arrest but before trial. Why would they do that with a trial pending?

If the DA said that the defense did not want them tested then she is a liar. The request for those have been in motions since Bloom took over the case. Possibly even before. I am still looking for the motions.


I am in tota; agreement, as when I heard that prosecuter being interviewed post dropping the charges and heard her make that assertion..I flipped out as
I remember clearly that even Udell requested other samples to should be tested..and post conviction the assertions that there were no other specimens to be tested..thanks to pressure, the untainted samples surfaced..and no one will ever convinve me that the state did not know of their existence..This point only brings into question the actual integrety of the DA's office.

I really admire ( for alll her lack of savy), that Cynthia at least is showing restraint during HER interviews and not outwardly slamming the DA's office..however gently pointing fingers at the system....and I too believe that out of her experience she will prove to be that lighning bolt to get attention to issues like this..Deplorable..and one really can not blame some of the posters who just don't believe any case against anybody.. But then again, I look at the evidence and testimony..and only bookmark the emotional spin put on things.

Spin is put out their by both sides, however, for those that watch, listen and have knowledge of certain assertion...makes it all clear however, I wait to hear
all evidence in order to make a personal descision..which is what I hope all juror do!..but in this case they did not listen to anything but the emotional insinuations and innaccurate
science...and it boggles my mind the JUDGE did not give a directed verdict..He too should have known better~~:(

[Cornblossom]

When the defense asked for the second set of tissues they were told that they had been destroyed in Feb 2006. If y’all remember there was a big uproar over this with the supporters when we heard that they destroyed them AFTER Cindy’s arrest but before trial. Why would they do that with a trial pending?

If the DA said that the defense did not want them tested then she is a liar. The request for those have been in motions since Bloom took over the case. Possibly even before. I am still looking for the motions.it's nice of you to look for it,but you don't have to,I'm not interested in this topic any more.:0012:

[PatC]

when did she get remarried? link please...

I'll have to search. I thought I heard in one of the hearings that she got married again down in Florida. Maybe I'm mistaken. I'll see if I can find something.

[Try2Win]

I'll have to search. I thought I heard in one of the hearings that she got married again down in Florida. Maybe I'm mistaken. I'll see if I can find something.

thanks :grin:

[PatC]

:basic44:

It was not only the lab..as I don't think they did anything wrong..it was how the specimen's were preserved, chain of custody prior to even going to the lab..which in the end proved to be the error..tissue stored or placed into Formaldehyde to preserve is great..unless you test for drugs or chemicals. Formaldehyde has Arsenic as part of it's components..so any tissue tested for that would be positive!..No wonder the scientific community questioned the levels and results given the rest of the reports!

I and many others with medical scientic knowledge saw that evidence for whahicit was....INACCURATE thus not credible!..Cardiac event due to electrolye imbalance (low Potassium likely)..caused dysrhythmia which eventually caused his death. If he had been older, this would have happened alot soon given his symptomology (Food Poisoning)..At anyrate..the DA's off had full knowledge of these discrepancies ( levels not reconciling with the rest of his medical results0.. along with ignoring the warnings by those experts that testified for the Defense..The DA is totally reponsible for the unjustified conviction..let alone the charges to begin with!

I WAS ANGRY AT THE VERDICT, BUT RELIEVED UDELL STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE TO HELP CYNTHIA GET EXONERATED!

I seem to recall a poster during the trial who sounded very knowledgeable about the chemistry aspects who tried very hard to explain the problems with the protocols used. Was that you? I'm not savy enough to have recalled any of the details, but I know s/he convinced me!

I agree about Udell. I saw him in an interview where he was talking about what he knew he'd done wrong in the trial and he really seemed so contrite. I think I read somewhere he almost stopped practicing because of this case.... or did he finally quit?

I know he said that he was willing to surrender his license if that's what it took to make it clear that there was ineffective representation.

[kanzz]

When the defense asked for the second set of tissues they were told that they had been destroyed in Feb 2006. If y’all remember there was a big uproar over this with the supporters when we heard that they destroyed them AFTER Cindy’s arrest but before trial. Why would they do that with a trial pending?

If the DA said that the defense did not want them tested then she is a liar. The request for those have been in motions since Bloom took over the case. Possibly even before. I am still looking for the motions.

Here ya go:

Go to Cindy's home page, left sidebar, under Supporting Documents.

:)

http://www.FreeCynthia.com

[kanzz]

I'll have to search. I thought I heard in one of the hearings that she got married again down in Florida. Maybe I'm mistaken. I'll see if I can find something.

No, Cindy has not remarried.

[Pia]

Here ya go:

Go to Cindy's home page, left sidebar, under Supporting Documents.

:)

http://www.FreeCynthia.com


Thanks Kanzz. You always know where to look. :-)

One thing Mr. Bloom said and I have no reason to doubt that this is factual was that these tissue samples were about a mile from the courthouse and one phone call away. From the way I understood it; one phone call asking for someone to look for them is all it took to find them. Maybe I am being too optimistic about how crime labs/ investigations work but couldn't that one phone call have been made 2 1/2 years ago? One year ago????

[PatC]

I'll have to search. I thought I heard in one of the hearings that she got married again down in Florida. Maybe I'm mistaken. I'll see if I can find something.


I guess I was wrong. Chalk it up to another "Senior Moment" in my memory. I was thinking that when she was arrested in Palm Beach Florida she had gotten married but the only reference I can find says
"Sommer was arrested in Palm Beach County, Fla., in November 2005. At the time, she was living with a new boyfriend."


CLICK HERE (http://www.courttv.com/trials/sommer/113007_ctv.html)

I guess my brain's recall translated "living with" to "Married to". Sorry.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g258/PatC_pics/smilies/image0141414.gif

[kanzz]

Thanks Kanzz. You always know where to look. :-)

One thing Mr. Bloom said and I have no reason to doubt that this is factual was that these tissue samples were about a mile from the courthouse and one phone call away. From the way I understood it; one phone call asking for someone to look for them is all it took to find them. Maybe I am being too optimistic about how crime labs/ investigations work but couldn't that one phone call have been made 2 1/2 years ago? One year ago????

except that I need to correct myself here - they are the Discovery docs. (You'd think I'd know what I have on that site, wouldn't ya? LOL)

I just don't understand why or how they can say the specimens were destroyed in 06, but now they have gobs of them.

:waitasec:

[kanzz]

I guess I was wrong. Chalk it up to another "Senior Moment" in my memory. I was thinking that when she was arrested in Palm Beach Florida she had gotten married but the only reference I can find says
"Sommer was arrested in Palm Beach County, Fla., in November 2005. At the time, she was living with a new boyfriend."


CLICK HERE (http://www.courttv.com/trials/sommer/113007_ctv.html)

I guess my brain's recall translated "living with" to "Married to". Sorry.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g258/PatC_pics/smilies/image0141414.gif
No need to apologize... it's an understandable mistake.

[RayStar]

Lyndawitha"y your post #159 is a good one. I forgot the judge could have ended this nightmare for CS. I guess he wanted the proof presented to rule out any possiblity of guilt. Probably for the best.

Pia, I look forward to reading the motion if you can locate it/them. However, don't spend alot of time looking. Some of know this to be true anyway.

I still don't know if CS made it home here in MI yet or if she has left CA.

:basic45: SO HAPPY FOR CYNDI AND HER FAMILY:basic45:

WOW you guys responded very quickly. PatC welcome to the senior club. I'm glad I can say I'm in it. LOL

[kanzz]

Lyndawitha"y your post #159 is a good one. I forgot the judge could have ended this nightmare for CS. I guess he wanted the proof presented to rule out any possiblity of guilt. Probably for the best.

Pia, I look forward to reading the motion if you can locate it/them. However, don't spend alot of time looking. Some of know this to be true anyway.

I still don't know if CS made it home here in MI yet or if she has left CA.

:basic45: SO HAPPY FOR CYNDI AND HER FAMILY:basic45:


Motion here in the Left sidebar:
http://www.freecynthia.com/

See:
Notice of and Request for Discovery
Support of Request for Discovery

[lyndawitha"y]

:rolleye0001:I seem to recall a poster during the trial who sounded very knowledgeable about the chemistry aspects who tried very hard to explain the problems with the protocols used. Was that you? I'm not savy enough to have recalled any of the details, but I know s/he convinced me!

I agree about Udell. I saw him in an interview where he was talking about what he knew he'd done wrong in the trial and he really seemed so contrite. I think I read somewhere he almost stopped practicing because of this case.... or did he finally quit?

I know he said that he was willing to surrender his license if that's what it took to make it clear that there was ineffective representation.

Actually there were a number of us posting about that stuf..but there was one in particular that quoted sites and stats..(not me)..but in short As far as I was concerned, Todd did not die of Arsenic..so just waited for anything else to indicate Cynthia could have murdered her husband..Nothing...Nodda..Zilch..So that is why when a guilty verdict came in I was shocked..and understood that she was convicted entirely on post death activities..and predjudicial spin..So wrong..so wrong!

If any one of us was ever charged for anything..I am sure what we did, said or who we saw, talked to or dealt with can be brought into question... and possibly brought into evidence of guilty behavior!! Really scarry stuff!




:eyebrow1qb::eyebrow1qb::eyebrow1qb::eyebrow1qb::e yebrow1qb:

[RayStar]

Motion here in the Left sidebar:
http://www.freecynthia.com/

See:
Notice of and Request for Discovery
Support of Request for Discovery

Got it thanks.

[lyndawitha"y]

Lyndawitha"y your post #159 is a good one. I forgot the judge could have ended this nightmare for CS. I guess he wanted the proof presented to rule out any possiblity of guilt. Probably for the best.

Pia, I look forward to reading the motion if you can locate it/them. However, don't spend alot of time looking. Some of know this to be true anyway.

I still don't know if CS made it home here in MI yet or if she has left CA.

:basic45: SO HAPPY FOR CYNDI AND HER FAMILY:basic45:

WOW you guys responded very quickly. PatC welcome to the senior club. I'm glad I can say I'm in it. LOL

That Judge is suppose to be aware of the facts of the case...so it behooved him to give a directed verdict post defense case..i am sure udell requested that...didn't catch that directly though..The judge should never leave lay people to make a discision based on conflicting evidence and knowing full well the depth of prejudical information that was brought into evidence..Lay people sometimes just can not get past spin, innuendo and speculative behavior post death..and expect the conflicting medical, forensic evidence to make sense to them...


I truly hope that in future that when picking a jury, that they at least attempt to seat some knowledgeable people who can and will understand truth from fiction when medical information comes into evidence...It's always been a bug in my behind..

[RayStar]

Thanks Lynda. Hey 60 minutes has a good segment on now. LOL

[kanzz]

Thanks Lynda. Hey 60 minutes has a good segment on now. LOL

Shoot! I missed it!

[RayStar]

Shoot! I missed it!Sorry O/T it's about diabetes and stomach bypass. I was making fun of myself.

[kanzz]

Sorry O/T it's about diabetes and stomach bypass. I was making fun of myself.

Ohhhh... I see. LOL

[SaberGal]

I just don't understand why or how they can say the specimens were destroyed in 06, but now they have gobs of them.

:waitasec:

:eyebrow1qb: Mighty suspicious, IMO.

Sounds to me like the State was not seeking the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth in this matter, but rather trying to manufacture/manipulate evidence to fit their salacious theory. And they now have the gall to try and convince the public that the system "worked" for Cyndi? Am I living in the twilight zone?

[kindee]

This is rocking news. I am so glad this wrong has been righted.

[RayStar]

CS is on the Today show now.

[Pauli]

Just a reminder to everyone.... when or if you have a problem with a person on another board please leave it at that board and don't bring the problems over here... or you may find yourself in a time out.

Also, no posts or pmz from other boards are to be copy/pasted here. Something like that can get this board in trouble.. posts from another board are also copyrighted, once a post is made it becomes the propety of said board.... and you need written permission to re-post.

Thanks

[kanzz]

Just a reminder to everyone.... when or if you have a problem with a person on another board please leave it at that board and don't bring the problems over here... or you may find yourself in a time out.

Also, no posts or pmz from other boards are to be copy/pasted here. Something like that can get this board in trouble.. posts from another board are also copyrighted, once a post is made it becomes the propety of said board.... and you need written permission to re-post.

Thanks


I think I pasted one or two of my own posts from elsewhere onto this board last night... but don't see them now... although I really could be wrong about that.

[Pauli]

That's different if you are posting your own post, that would be the same as re-writing it here. You just can't post someone else's posts from another board without written permission.

[TigressPen]

Court Considers Blocking New Charges Against Sommer

POSTED: 11:23 am PDT May 30, 2008
UPDATED: 11:56 am PDT May 30, 2008


SAN DIEGO -- A San Diego judge said he will hear a widow's request that the court block prosecutors from refiling murder charges against her in the death of her Marine husband.

Cynthia Sommer spent more than two years in jail on charges that she poisoned the 23-year-old sergeant with arsenic and used his life insurance for breast-enlargement surgery.

The 34-year-old was cleared of all charges in April after new tests showed no trace of arsenic in her husband's preserved tissues.

Prosecutors said they don't want to rule out future charges if new evidence is found.

At Friday's hearing, Superior Court Judge John S. Einhorn found Sommer has the right to ask for her case to be dismissed with prejudice and set a July 18 hearing.

http://www.10news.com/news/16437786/detail.html

[SaberGal]

Court Considers Blocking New Charges Against Sommer

POSTED: 11:23 am PDT May 30, 2008
UPDATED: 11:56 am PDT May 30, 2008


SAN DIEGO -- A San Diego judge said he will hear a widow's request that the court block prosecutors from refiling murder charges against her in the death of her Marine husband.

Cynthia Sommer spent more than two years in jail on charges that she poisoned the 23-year-old sergeant with arsenic and used his life insurance for breast-enlargement surgery.

The 34-year-old was cleared of all charges in April after new tests showed no trace of arsenic in her husband's preserved tissues.

Prosecutors said they don't want to rule out future charges if new evidence is found.

At Friday's hearing, Superior Court Judge John S. Einhorn found Sommer has the right to ask for her case to be dismissed with prejudice and set a July 18 hearing.

http://www.10news.com/news/16437786/detail.html

I don't understand their refusal to let her go on with her life. No poison means the states entire theory goes out the window...he died tragically, but he wasn't murdered. Sounds like someone in the DA's office has a vendetta.

JMO

[TigressPen]

I don't understand their refusal to let her go on with her life. No poison means the states entire theory goes out the window...he died tragically, but he wasn't murdered. Sounds like someone in the DA's office has a vendetta.

JMO



Sheer stubborness to admit they were wrong!! Where in heaven's name would new evidence come from. So I don't see the purpose of not agreeing to drop it all together. Cynthia needs to live her life fear free of being pulled from her children again. IMO

[hisgirl_2455]

Sheer stubborness to admit they were wrong!! Where in heaven's name would new evidence come from. So I don't see the purpose of not agreeing to drop it all together. Cynthia needs to live her life fear free of being pulled from her children again. IMO

The DA will have to show resonable cause of murder I do believe for this not to be dismissed "with prejudice". I can't wait to see what they think they have showing a murder. I bet the DA will drop this issue and allow it to be dismissed with prejudice as should rightfully be done. Give it up already Bonnie/Laura.:groan:

My emotions have run the gammet on this trial...here are a few illustrations in no particular order

:shock: :madranting94dp: :0doh: :basic44: :confused: :45024: :waitasec:

[hisgirl_2455]

The DA will have to show resonable cause of murder I do believe for this not to be dismissed "with prejudice". I can't wait to see what they think they have showing a murder. I bet the DA will drop this issue and allow it to be dismissed with prejudice as should rightfully be done. Give it up already Bonnie/Laura.:groan:

My emotions have run the gammet on this trial...here are a few illustrations in no particular order

:shock: :madranting94dp: :0doh: :basic44: :confused: :45024: :waitasec:

Oh and there was :duh: :innocent0001: :6u8ky2o: :71541:

[kanzz]

Judge Retains Power to Dismiss Sommer Case With Prejudice
http://snipurl.com/2bmxi

A judge ruled Friday he still has authority to dismiss the case, with or without prejudice, against a woman accused of poisoning her Marine husband, which could prevent the charges from being filed again.

Judge John Einhorn rejected a prosecution argument the court ceded it's jurisdiction when the case against Cynthia Sommer was dismissed "without prejudice" last month. "Without prejudice" means the prosecution has the option of refiling murder charges at a later time. "With prejudice" would mean the case could never refiled.

The judge has set a July 18 hearing to decide whether the dismissal should be with or without prejudice.

Prosecutors argued in court documents that once the judge dismissed the charges, his legal jurisdiction in the case ended. Only the judge or the prosecution can dismiss charges.

Einhorn, however, agreed with the defense that at the same time he dropped the charges against Sommer, he also set the July 18 hearing for further review.

The 34-year-old defendant was convicted of first-degree murder in connection with the February 2002 death of her husband, Todd Sommer, but last year a judge granted her a new trial.

On April 17, the District Attorney's Office asked for a dismissal of the murder charges against Cynthia Sommer, who was alleged to have given the 23- year-old man a fatal dose of arsenic so she could collect $250,000 in life insurance.

Doctors at Balboa Naval Hospital originally determined the victim died of a heart attack, but a military lab tested his tissue and found unusually high levels of arsenic in his liver and kidneys.

As Cynthia Sommer was set for a retrial, the District Attorney's Office requested the charges against the mother of four be dismissed, saying tests on additional tissue samples from the victim showed no arsenic.

An expert said the previous test results were "physiologically improbable" and that contamination was possible.

During her trial, Judge Peter Deddeh originally excluded evidence Sommer had sex with several Marines and participated in a wet T-shirt and thong contest in Tijuana after her husband's death, but allowed it in after the defendant's mother testified Sommer behaved like a grieving widow in the days after Todd Sommer died.

Sommer testified she paid $5,400 for breast implants in the days after Todd Sommer died, but said she and her husband had talked about her doing it.