Latest news with #poisoning
CNN
16 hours ago
- CNN
Jurors in the James Craig trial can ask witnesses questions about their testimony. Here's how it works and what they've asked
At the murder trial for James Craig, the Colorado man accused of poisoning and killing his wife, lawyers aren't the only ones asking witnesses questions. Jurors, too, are able to ask witnesses questions about their testimony, thanks to a unique law in Arapahoe County, Colorado. Opening statements in the case were presented in the case on July 15 and the trial is tentatively scheduled to last around three weeks. Craig, a 47-year-old dentist, pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, solicitation to commit murder, solicitation to commit evidence tampering, and solicitation to commit perjury. Prosecutors say he poisoned his wife, Angela Craig, with a mix of arsenic, cyanide and tetrahydrozoline, a medication commonly found in eyedrops. They also accuse him of plotting in jail to kill four other people, including the lead detective investigating his wife's death. Colorado's Arapahoe County is one of several jurisdictions across the country where jurors are explicitly allowed to ask questions during a criminal trial. Since Craig's trial began, jurors have asked witnesses at least a dozen questions, written on pieces of paper and then slipped to the judge to read out loud. Here's more about juror questioning – and what jurors are asking witnesses in Craig's trial. Jurors being able to ask questions 'isn't a brand-new idea,' according to Nadia Banteka, a professor at Florida State University College of Law. 'Historically, jurors played a more active role in fact-finding during early Anglo-American trials,' she told CNN in an email. 'But as the adversarial system evolved in the 19th and 20th centuries, jury questioning largely disappeared.' Judicial reform efforts 'aimed at improving juror comprehension and trial accuracy' helped revive juror questioning in the 1980s and 1990s, according to Banteka. Today, the practice of allowing jurors ask questions is 'growing, but it's far from universal,' she added. Juror questioning isn't a free-for-all, according to Banteka. Instead, it's a 'highly structured and judge-controlled' process. Typically, jurors are instructed to write down their questions after a witness testifies. Then 'the judge reviews those questions privately, usually with input from the attorneys, to determine whether they comply with the rules of evidence,' she said. If a question is deemed appropriate, the judge reads it aloud anonymously to the witness. And jurors can't just ask anything they want. Their questions must be 'relevant, non-prejudicial, and not call for inadmissible evidence,' Banteka told CNN. 'They also should not suggest bias, challenge the witness's credibility directly, or resemble arguments,' she explained. 'Jurors often are told not to discuss their questions with each other and not to speculate if a question isn't asked,' Banteka said. 'The jurors' role is not to take over the investigation, but to clarify what they feel confused about.' The jurors, a majority of whom are women, have generally stayed engaged and observant throughout the first days of Craig's trial. They appeared particularly focused on the testimonies of Caitlin Romero, the former office manager for Craig's dental practice, who says she saw a foil packet of potassium cyanide delivered to his office; Michelle Redfearn, the wife of Craig's long-time dental practice partner and Angela's friend; as well as Craig's daughters. Rose Spychala, one of the nurses who treated Angela Craig at the hospital on March 15 – when she was hospitalized for the third and final time – demonstrated the equipment used while treating her and testified that James Craig took photos of his wife from the hallway. A juror asked whether she had ever seen other families take photos of a patient while receiving emergency medical care. Spychala said no – she hadn't seen it before. After Romero's testimony, jurors asked her several questions, including about Craig's computer, how packages to the office were usually addressed and whether she had her original text chains with Craig. David Lee, who worked on processing the digital evidence from cell phones belonging to Craig and his wife and a computer and DVR, was asked whether it's possible to tell if data had been altered. He said that it is generally possible, although it depends on many variables. Cassie Rodriquez, a customer service representative for Midland Scientific, where the cyanide order was placed, and Angel Amerine, Craig's onetime dental assistant, were also asked to clarify details about their testimony. A majority of states permit jurors to ask questions in some form, especially in civil cases, according to Banteka. The specifics vary by jurisdiction. In some states, jurors are allowed to ask questions only in civil trials – and some, only if the judge and parties agree. Colorado is one of three states that explicitly requires judges to allow jurors to ask questions in both civil and criminal trials, according to The Associated Press. At least six states forbid the practice outright. The conflict comes down to different understandings of the role of the jury, according to Banteka. Jurors who can ask questions tend to be 'more engaged and attentive,' according to Banteka. Asking questions can also help clarify confusing testimony and reduce misunderstandings. 'Judges in states where juror questioning is routine report that trials run smoothly and that jurors ask thoughtful, appropriate questions,' she said. Studies have shown jurors often leave the trial feeling more satisfied with their role and more confident in their verdict, she added. And a juror's questions can offer attorneys a 'rare window' into how the jury is thinking. But in other jurisdictions, there's concern that asking questions can undermine the neutrality of the jury. 'A juror who asks a question may start to form theories about the case too early, which can bias their interpretation of later evidence,' Banteka said. 'Critics also argue it blurs the line between advocate and fact-finder, shifting the trial away from the traditional adversarial model,' she said. Another worry is that a juror's questions 'may inadvertently assist the prosecution in meeting its burden of proof.' If the prosecution fails to present needed testimony, a juror's question might fill in the gap. 'Courts have sometimes cited this risk in barring the practice of juror questions, warning that jurors could become 'mini-prosecutors' despite their best intentions,' Banteka explained. Asking questions can also alter the group dynamic amongst jurors. 'A juror who poses multiple questions may come to dominate deliberations, or others may defer to their perceived authority,' Banteka said. 'Ultimately, it's a balancing act between promoting juror understanding and preserving the formal structure of the trial,' she added. Craig's trial is taking place in the same courtroom where James Holmes was tried for opening fire in an Aurora, Colorado, movie theater, killing 12 people and injuring 70 others. In that trial, jurors were also able to ask questions. Like in the Craig trial, they wrote their questions on paper and passed them to the judge. Jurors asked witnesses more than 100 questions, according to The Associated Press. CNN's Andi Babineau and Eric Levenson contributed to this report.
CNN
16 hours ago
- CNN
Jurors in the James Craig trial can ask witnesses questions about their testimony. Here's how it works and what they've asked
At the murder trial for James Craig, the Colorado man accused of poisoning and killing his wife, lawyers aren't the only ones asking witnesses questions. Jurors, too, are able to ask witnesses questions about their testimony, thanks to a unique law in Arapahoe County, Colorado. Opening statements in the case were presented in the case on July 15 and the trial is tentatively scheduled to last around three weeks. Craig, a 47-year-old dentist, pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, solicitation to commit murder, solicitation to commit evidence tampering, and solicitation to commit perjury. Prosecutors say he poisoned his wife, Angela Craig, with a mix of arsenic, cyanide and tetrahydrozoline, a medication commonly found in eyedrops. They also accuse him of plotting in jail to kill four other people, including the lead detective investigating his wife's death. Colorado's Arapahoe County is one of several jurisdictions across the country where jurors are explicitly allowed to ask questions during a criminal trial. Since Craig's trial began, jurors have asked witnesses at least a dozen questions, written on pieces of paper and then slipped to the judge to read out loud. Here's more about juror questioning – and what jurors are asking witnesses in Craig's trial. Jurors being able to ask questions 'isn't a brand-new idea,' according to Nadia Banteka, a professor at Florida State University College of Law. 'Historically, jurors played a more active role in fact-finding during early Anglo-American trials,' she told CNN in an email. 'But as the adversarial system evolved in the 19th and 20th centuries, jury questioning largely disappeared.' Judicial reform efforts 'aimed at improving juror comprehension and trial accuracy' helped revive juror questioning in the 1980s and 1990s, according to Banteka. Today, the practice of allowing jurors ask questions is 'growing, but it's far from universal,' she added. Juror questioning isn't a free-for-all, according to Banteka. Instead, it's a 'highly structured and judge-controlled' process. Typically, jurors are instructed to write down their questions after a witness testifies. Then 'the judge reviews those questions privately, usually with input from the attorneys, to determine whether they comply with the rules of evidence,' she said. If a question is deemed appropriate, the judge reads it aloud anonymously to the witness. And jurors can't just ask anything they want. Their questions must be 'relevant, non-prejudicial, and not call for inadmissible evidence,' Banteka told CNN. 'They also should not suggest bias, challenge the witness's credibility directly, or resemble arguments,' she explained. 'Jurors often are told not to discuss their questions with each other and not to speculate if a question isn't asked,' Banteka said. 'The jurors' role is not to take over the investigation, but to clarify what they feel confused about.' The jurors, a majority of whom are women, have generally stayed engaged and observant throughout the first days of Craig's trial. They appeared particularly focused on the testimonies of Caitlin Romero, the former office manager for Craig's dental practice, who says she saw a foil packet of potassium cyanide delivered to his office; Michelle Redfearn, the wife of Craig's long-time dental practice partner and Angela's friend; as well as Craig's daughters. Rose Spychala, one of the nurses who treated Angela Craig at the hospital on March 15 – when she was hospitalized for the third and final time – demonstrated the equipment used while treating her and testified that James Craig took photos of his wife from the hallway. A juror asked whether she had ever seen other families take photos of a patient while receiving emergency medical care. Spychala said no – she hadn't seen it before. After Romero's testimony, jurors asked her several questions, including about Craig's computer, how packages to the office were usually addressed and whether she had her original text chains with Craig. David Lee, who worked on processing the digital evidence from cell phones belonging to Craig and his wife and a computer and DVR, was asked whether it's possible to tell if data had been altered. He said that it is generally possible, although it depends on many variables. Cassie Rodriquez, a customer service representative for Midland Scientific, where the cyanide order was placed, and Angel Amerine, Craig's onetime dental assistant, were also asked to clarify details about their testimony. A majority of states permit jurors to ask questions in some form, especially in civil cases, according to Banteka. The specifics vary by jurisdiction. In some states, jurors are allowed to ask questions only in civil trials – and some, only if the judge and parties agree. Colorado is one of three states that explicitly requires judges to allow jurors to ask questions in both civil and criminal trials, according to The Associated Press. At least six states forbid the practice outright. The conflict comes down to different understandings of the role of the jury, according to Banteka. Jurors who can ask questions tend to be 'more engaged and attentive,' according to Banteka. Asking questions can also help clarify confusing testimony and reduce misunderstandings. 'Judges in states where juror questioning is routine report that trials run smoothly and that jurors ask thoughtful, appropriate questions,' she said. Studies have shown jurors often leave the trial feeling more satisfied with their role and more confident in their verdict, she added. And a juror's questions can offer attorneys a 'rare window' into how the jury is thinking. But in other jurisdictions, there's concern that asking questions can undermine the neutrality of the jury. 'A juror who asks a question may start to form theories about the case too early, which can bias their interpretation of later evidence,' Banteka said. 'Critics also argue it blurs the line between advocate and fact-finder, shifting the trial away from the traditional adversarial model,' she said. Another worry is that a juror's questions 'may inadvertently assist the prosecution in meeting its burden of proof.' If the prosecution fails to present needed testimony, a juror's question might fill in the gap. 'Courts have sometimes cited this risk in barring the practice of juror questions, warning that jurors could become 'mini-prosecutors' despite their best intentions,' Banteka explained. Asking questions can also alter the group dynamic amongst jurors. 'A juror who poses multiple questions may come to dominate deliberations, or others may defer to their perceived authority,' Banteka said. 'Ultimately, it's a balancing act between promoting juror understanding and preserving the formal structure of the trial,' she added. Craig's trial is taking place in the same courtroom where James Holmes was tried for opening fire in an Aurora, Colorado, movie theater, killing 12 people and injuring 70 others. In that trial, jurors were also able to ask questions. Like in the Craig trial, they wrote their questions on paper and passed them to the judge. Jurors asked witnesses more than 100 questions, according to The Associated Press. CNN's Andi Babineau and Eric Levenson contributed to this report.
CNN
16 hours ago
- CNN
Jurors in the James Craig trial can ask witnesses questions about their testimony. Here's how it works and what they've asked
At the murder trial for James Craig, the Colorado man accused of poisoning and killing his wife, lawyers aren't the only ones asking witnesses questions. Jurors, too, are able to ask witnesses questions about their testimony, thanks to a unique law in Arapahoe County, Colorado. Opening statements in the case were presented in the case on July 15 and the trial is tentatively scheduled to last around three weeks. Craig, a 47-year-old dentist, pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, solicitation to commit murder, solicitation to commit evidence tampering, and solicitation to commit perjury. Prosecutors say he poisoned his wife, Angela Craig, with a mix of arsenic, cyanide and tetrahydrozoline, a medication commonly found in eyedrops. They also accuse him of plotting in jail to kill four other people, including the lead detective investigating his wife's death. Colorado's Arapahoe County is one of several jurisdictions across the country where jurors are explicitly allowed to ask questions during a criminal trial. Since Craig's trial began, jurors have asked witnesses at least a dozen questions, written on pieces of paper and then slipped to the judge to read out loud. Here's more about juror questioning – and what jurors are asking witnesses in Craig's trial. Jurors being able to ask questions 'isn't a brand-new idea,' according to Nadia Banteka, a professor at Florida State University College of Law. 'Historically, jurors played a more active role in fact-finding during early Anglo-American trials,' she told CNN in an email. 'But as the adversarial system evolved in the 19th and 20th centuries, jury questioning largely disappeared.' Judicial reform efforts 'aimed at improving juror comprehension and trial accuracy' helped revive juror questioning in the 1980s and 1990s, according to Banteka. Today, the practice of allowing jurors ask questions is 'growing, but it's far from universal,' she added. Juror questioning isn't a free-for-all, according to Banteka. Instead, it's a 'highly structured and judge-controlled' process. Typically, jurors are instructed to write down their questions after a witness testifies. Then 'the judge reviews those questions privately, usually with input from the attorneys, to determine whether they comply with the rules of evidence,' she said. If a question is deemed appropriate, the judge reads it aloud anonymously to the witness. And jurors can't just ask anything they want. Their questions must be 'relevant, non-prejudicial, and not call for inadmissible evidence,' Banteka told CNN. 'They also should not suggest bias, challenge the witness's credibility directly, or resemble arguments,' she explained. 'Jurors often are told not to discuss their questions with each other and not to speculate if a question isn't asked,' Banteka said. 'The jurors' role is not to take over the investigation, but to clarify what they feel confused about.' The jurors, a majority of whom are women, have generally stayed engaged and observant throughout the first days of Craig's trial. They appeared particularly focused on the testimonies of Caitlin Romero, the former office manager for Craig's dental practice, who says she saw a foil packet of potassium cyanide delivered to his office; Michelle Redfearn, the wife of Craig's long-time dental practice partner and Angela's friend; as well as Craig's daughters. Rose Spychala, one of the nurses who treated Angela Craig at the hospital on March 15 – when she was hospitalized for the third and final time – demonstrated the equipment used while treating her and testified that James Craig took photos of his wife from the hallway. A juror asked whether she had ever seen other families take photos of a patient while receiving emergency medical care. Spychala said no – she hadn't seen it before. After Romero's testimony, jurors asked her several questions, including about Craig's computer, how packages to the office were usually addressed and whether she had her original text chains with Craig. David Lee, who worked on processing the digital evidence from cell phones belonging to Craig and his wife and a computer and DVR, was asked whether it's possible to tell if data had been altered. He said that it is generally possible, although it depends on many variables. Cassie Rodriquez, a customer service representative for Midland Scientific, where the cyanide order was placed, and Angel Amerine, Craig's onetime dental assistant, were also asked to clarify details about their testimony. A majority of states permit jurors to ask questions in some form, especially in civil cases, according to Banteka. The specifics vary by jurisdiction. In some states, jurors are allowed to ask questions only in civil trials – and some, only if the judge and parties agree. Colorado is one of three states that explicitly requires judges to allow jurors to ask questions in both civil and criminal trials, according to The Associated Press. At least six states forbid the practice outright. The conflict comes down to different understandings of the role of the jury, according to Banteka. Jurors who can ask questions tend to be 'more engaged and attentive,' according to Banteka. Asking questions can also help clarify confusing testimony and reduce misunderstandings. 'Judges in states where juror questioning is routine report that trials run smoothly and that jurors ask thoughtful, appropriate questions,' she said. Studies have shown jurors often leave the trial feeling more satisfied with their role and more confident in their verdict, she added. And a juror's questions can offer attorneys a 'rare window' into how the jury is thinking. But in other jurisdictions, there's concern that asking questions can undermine the neutrality of the jury. 'A juror who asks a question may start to form theories about the case too early, which can bias their interpretation of later evidence,' Banteka said. 'Critics also argue it blurs the line between advocate and fact-finder, shifting the trial away from the traditional adversarial model,' she said. Another worry is that a juror's questions 'may inadvertently assist the prosecution in meeting its burden of proof.' If the prosecution fails to present needed testimony, a juror's question might fill in the gap. 'Courts have sometimes cited this risk in barring the practice of juror questions, warning that jurors could become 'mini-prosecutors' despite their best intentions,' Banteka explained. Asking questions can also alter the group dynamic amongst jurors. 'A juror who poses multiple questions may come to dominate deliberations, or others may defer to their perceived authority,' Banteka said. 'Ultimately, it's a balancing act between promoting juror understanding and preserving the formal structure of the trial,' she added. Craig's trial is taking place in the same courtroom where James Holmes was tried for opening fire in an Aurora, Colorado, movie theater, killing 12 people and injuring 70 others. In that trial, jurors were also able to ask questions. Like in the Craig trial, they wrote their questions on paper and passed them to the judge. Jurors asked witnesses more than 100 questions, according to The Associated Press. CNN's Andi Babineau and Eric Levenson contributed to this report.
Daily Telegraph
a day ago
- General
- Daily Telegraph
Mass bird deaths outside Melbourne shopping hub
A troubling spate of bird deaths at a suburban Melbourne shopping precinct has raised alarm among business operators and prompted urgent action from property managers, as fears grow over the health, safety and reputational risks to the local retail strip. New signage was installed around the Springvale South shopping centre last week, urging the public not to feed wild birds, just days after more than 150 corellas and pigeons were found dead or dying around the precinct. The birds are believed to have been deliberately poisoned, though an official investigation by the Victorian government is still underway. Wildlife authorities have ruled out avian influenza H5N1, and toxicology testing is now being conducted on dozens of bird carcasses collected alongside open bags of bread and seed left near retail entrances and car parks. The incident has sparked concern among business owners, with some questioning whether better waste control and tenancy guidelines might have prevented the chaos. Michelle Phillips, a wildlife rescuer who led the emergency response, welcomed the signage but said more needs to be done – including multilingual warnings – in a region where more than 70 per cent of residents speak a language other than English at home. 'There's definitely no need to feed them,' the South Oakleigh Wildlife Shelter operator told Yahoo News. 'They survive quite happily on a natural diet.' While pigeons are still hanging around, locals are reporting corellas have vanished from the area. Most of the flock are now presumed dead, and Phillips describes it as 'a pretty sad situation'. 'Corellas that used to come to people's yards aren't coming anymore. The ones that survived have moved on,' she said. While well-meaning members of the public may have been leaving seed and bread to feed the birds, experts say this can encourage large congregations of wildlife, leading to droppings, noise complaints, and in worst-case scenarios – like this one – deaths from disease or poisoning. The situation has placed a spotlight on the role of shopping centre owners and commercial landlords in managing public spaces, including outdoor seating areas and shared car parks. On Thursday, more dead birds were discovered in nearby Dandenong, including several pigeons and one corella. The Conservation Regulator is continuing its investigation and is urging members of the public to come forward with any information. 'If you have any knowledge of either incident, please report it on 136 186 or call Crime Stoppers Victoria,' a Conservation Regulator spokesperson said. 'It's illegal and dangerous to poison wildlife, and we're calling on the community to come forward with any information they might have that will help us to track down whoever is responsible.'
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Poisoning prompts urgent plea to Aussies over invasive backyard plant
A poisoning has prompted a plea to Aussies to be aware of the grim truth lurking behind the alluring appearance of a 'pretty' plant often found on roadsides. While it might look like a harmless succulent, mother-of-millions — an invasive weed that escaped from suburban backyards — poses a serious risk to humans, pets, wildlife and livestock. The plant, native to Madagascar, is known for its striking red flowers that emerge every winter, however the blooms have a less than attractive side. The flowers are 'extremely toxic' to cattle, which 'often seek out alternative food sources when seasonal conditions impact pastures', a spokesperson for NSW's Local Land Services (LLS) told Yahoo News. A case of mother-of-millions poisoning in livestock was recently identified by a LLS veterinarian near Gravesend in the state's north west, the spokesperson explained, prompting a warning from the government agency. 'Cattle are the usual victims of poisonings,' the organisation posted online, adding ingesting even a small amount can cause diarrhoea, drooling, loss in appetite and death from heart failure. Livestock poisonings occur more frequently during the cooler months when 'plants are flowering, and frosts and dry weather have reduced palatable feed'. Popular backyard plant causes sudden death in livestock Mother-of-millions is also toxic to pets — especially dogs — and humans, but it's unlikely either would eat enough to become poisoned, according to NSW WeedWise. 'While mother-of-millions poisoning is uncommon, it can cause sudden death in livestock,' the LLS spokesperson told Yahoo. 'Livestock can die quite rapidly depending on the amount ingested and they can continue to die for a number of days after removal from the source. 'Landholders are encouraged to regularly inspect their properties and learn how to identify weeds such as mother-of-millions using NSW WeedWise, and report any new weed incursions to the Local Control Authority.' Invasive mother-of-millions can 'spread rapidly' Mother-of-millions, which was historically planted in gardens due to its ornamental qualities, is a declared weed in Queensland, but it's also considered a problem species in NSW and the Northern Territory, Imogen Ebsworth, the Invasive Species Council's (ISC) engagement director, told Yahoo. 'It spreads rapidly and can quickly take over natural areas if it escapes gardens,' she said. 'Because it's still legally sold and traded in many places, it's slipping under the radar — most Australians don't think of succulents as weeds.' However, experts are taking the plant very seriously. 'It was nominated as a Weed of National Significance, which is reserved for species with the potential to cause major environmental and economic damage,' Ebsworth explained. Following an assessment process, the species was not included. Mother-of-millions remains a weed of potential national significance and is widely distributed in the country's east. It can also be found in Victoria and parts of southern and Western Australia. The plant is frequently introduced to new areas in dumped garden waste and spreads in waterways or flood events. It is commonly found growing on sandy soils and disturbed sites such as roadsides, fence lines, and rubbish tips 🌱 Council's warning as popular plant sprouts up in 'hectic' location Aussies urged to dig up invasive plant that becomes 'very difficult to remove' 🏙️ Aussies told to check their backyards as popular plant 'infests' major city Calls to remove toxic weed from nurseries Ebsworth told Yahoo the ISC would 'love to see mother-of-millions removed from sale across the country'. 'Escaped garden plants are the primary source of new weeds in Australia,' she said, noting three-quarters of all listed weeds started out as ornamentals. She described the status quo as "a regulatory failure". "To date, self-regulation has failed. We are relying on everyday Australians to either have a botany degree or realise they need to research legally sold plants to find out if they are a weed. That's a system designed to fail.' In the meantime, Aussies are encouraged 'to be really careful' and refrain from tossing garden cuttings. 'Don't share or swap it, and if you need to dispose of it, bag it up securely and put it in the bin, not the compost,' Ebsworth you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
