Comments on: Tampa murder trial now live on In Session

By: R. Leach

R. Leach — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:49:01 +0000

Our country and justice system is seemingly continue to deteriorate.
Prosecution did NOT prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
I pray that perhaps the growth of technology in our future will be able to
clamp this case down one way or the other. The park in which Tomlinson died was occupied by law breaking teens/adults on a regular basis. Rosa ran OUT of the cover of darkness and foliage to ask for help. he could have just as easily used that canopy of cover to
escape from preying eyes.. and have left his flashlight OFF..
DNA ( partial) profile.. couldnt' rule him out but couldn't rule him IN either. 1 out of every 12 hispanics having that profile and 1 out of every 5 African Americans. Freedom and justice are precious.. and this case has been fueled by emotion; while understandable does obstruct the ideal outcome of justice and impartial judgements being made. The neighbors were ready to hang Rosa minutes after this
crime was discovered.. the trial lasted a week, deliberations 5 hours over a two day time span. I pray the jurors can sleep at night.. for if I myself had been a juror I couldn't convict this young man based on what was presented during trial. I was shocked that the outcome wasn't a hung jury. IN closing this comment I will add.. that I saw Tomlinson's father on TV in a brief interview after the verdict.
This man has prayed to god for "justice".. understandably, but the CORRECT criminal and rightful justice is of the utmost importance.
This young man ( Rosa ) seemed intimidated by the courtroom, nervous.. uncomfortable.. and this is the demeanor of a man who can KILL another human being? I hope the jurors were correct. But from this NON juror.. this case was NOT proven to me beyond a reasonable doubt. In either case, there is much pain and many victims and a young boy who's lost his life. I pray for these people that they find some form of comfort and purpose... now that this case has a ruling.

By: Bree Horowitz

Bree Horowitz — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 21:28:01 +0000

It is too much of a coinsidence with the keys. He is guilty as sin! Religious does not mean rightious!! There were some pent up feelings hidden deep within this youth pastor. I hope Ron and Stephen get their justice!!! Bree from Florida

By: T. Porter

T. Porter — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:10:07 +0000

When I first read about this case, I was convinced that Rosa couldn't have done this. After doing more research and in doing so realizing I had gotten many details mixed up, I'm really starting to wonder if he really did do this. I'm a Christian myself and don't want to believe that one of our own could actually do this, but the more evidence I read and watch in this case, the more I'm starting to think he really did do it.
My heart goes out to both the victims family and the family of the accused. I pray that justice is done.

By: Cheryl Grampa

Cheryl Grampa — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:18:50 +0000

All scenarios point to Joshua as the murderer–
Could it be possible that the victim was killed, Rosa fled, then realized he left his keys (evidence), got gloves, and went back to the scene to retrieve the keys when the flashiights started shining–
This could be how the 21 year old came up with his story about jogging and losing keys.

By: Dana Huy

Dana Huy — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:59:35 +0000

I have been covering the trial for Joshua Rosa accused of intentionally murdering Stephen Tomlinson. I have not heard the motive of why Joshua Rosa committed the murder. Can someone please identify Rosa's motive for the crime?

Did I miss something?

Your response is appreciated.

DDH – Kansas

By: susan sellers

susan sellers — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:07:15 +0000

I do not believe the state has proven it's case against Joshua Rosa...
I think more then one person killed Steven Tomlinson....
They should have checked out the other young men that were at the park that night..
It's very clear to me that their was more then one person who commited this crime.

By: RJS

RJS — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:15:06 +0000

Remember friends, like politicians, District Attorneys will say or do anything for a conviction.

RJS

By: maxine solomon

maxine solomon — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:12:21 +0000

when you use nail clippers finger nail clippings often go flying. It would have been difficult to catch all of the pieces in this uncontrolled environment. Were any nail clippings found at scene ?

By: (stevie,aunt)

(stevie,aunt) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 02:01:58 +0000

During jury slection my family was hounded by some of the church members where he was a youth minister. I was brought to tears many times by their actions. They were laughing and joking around during this time of slecting juriors for this horrible murder of my 13 yr nephew. I was affarid to go back because of under breath comments and chilling stares thru the whole time right up to leaving the court house. The officers were great and ask who it was and told us he would take care of it and was very conforting for our family and did the best he could and I thank him for this. We are all sick from the action of the other side.We are the victims.(STEVEN)
we will never have steven or his wife or children or his achivments because his life was taking way to young.Steven was a wonderful little boy who loved everyone and everyone loved him as much,Allways with that big grin from ear to ear what a wonderful smile to see,even when life was though for any of us one thing ou could allways count on was his cheerful wonderful life. We the family and friends and people whom had the pleasure to know or stevie will keep him alive in our hearts. Love you stevie aunt cookie

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:12:18 +0000

Don't be fooled by Josh's innocent look. He has come into the courtroom, looked at the Tomlinson family, and laughed. Does that really sound like an innocent person? I think not. He has shown no emotions whatsoever over this case, and he doesn't act like an innocent person trying to redeem himself.