In Session: Sidebar  « Back to Blog Main
July 31, 2008

Man accused of killing ex-lover's husband

Posted: 02:40 PM ET

NEW YORK - I know you get tired of hearing me say it. Sean Fitzpatrick is presumed innocent. But in case after case, we convict defendants like this one, based on facts fed to us by police and prosecution, before the case even begins.

It's easier to presume guilt. To blame someone, anyone, when innocent people die. Besides a good witch-hunt is as good for the ratings as it is for a prosecutor come election time. But the loser is the Sixth Amendment. The right to a fair trial. Because how many of us called to sit on a criminal jury can honestly say we have no presumption of guilt - no assumption that the guy sitting next to those defense attorneys must have done something wrong or he wouldn't be sitting there at all.

If you think you can presume innocence, well then good for you. Because most of us can not. And that's why I say it over and over again. And that's why we're going to cover this case like we cover all the others on Best Defense, with the presumption of innocence firmly in tact. And that's the Last Word.

–Jami Floyd, In Session anchor

Filed under: Uncategorized


Share this on:
Janet   July 31st, 2008 5:03 pm ET

How do we play back trials for the day?

Gene Wallacker   July 31st, 2008 5:14 pm ET

I think the guy did kill ex-lover's husband. The evidence is all there! Sad to say, but he needs to be locked up in prison for LIFE!!!

Miriam   August 1st, 2008 1:07 am ET

Well it sounds like either side should not be able to make an opening statement. They need to just start calling witnesses so the jury can decide what the case is about and make a verdict.

Nick Castagnola   August 1st, 2008 8:13 am ET

I can presume innocence. I don't think this guy did it and I have only heard a little of it. There have been only a couple cases ever that I thought the defendant was guilty-I would say 2 or 3 cases that come to mind, otherwise, if I were on a jury, I would vote NOT GUILTY. I am a juror who would have to be convinced beyond just about any reasonable doubt to convict. I was on Spector's side, I'm on OJ's side now, I agreed with the acquittal of the officer involved in the toilet paper prank, I don't think they had enough to convict Scott Peterson.

I do agree with Neil Entwistle. That man was guilty. OJ I think was guilty the first time, but guess they didn't prove that one. It just depends on the case and the facts. I am very hard to convince. More people should be like me-although more people would walk and more prosecutors would be pulling their hair out.

Nick   August 1st, 2008 8:24 am ET

My heart is with you, Sean. I firmly believe that you did not do this heinous crime. Those dumb prosecutors are just looking to pad their statistics. We all know it is they who should be on trial for malicious prosecution. I don't understand how this case even got an indictment. Should you be found GUILTY, it will be a travesty of justice. Godspeed to you and I hope, after your acquittal, you can piece your life back together.

Sheri   August 1st, 2008 10:04 am ET

Hi Jami,
One thiing I learnt by this inoccent unitl proven Guilty it is not TRUE, If a person is arrest in any STATE of the UNITED STATES, they are GUILTY until they PROVE they are innocent. And they are not granted a speedy trial. they have to wait for months and sometimes years. What is wrong with our process? .
People seem to want to make other people suffer, epecially the POLICE, they like to BLOW UP situations to make them sound worse then what they are. The police believe they are ABOVE THE LAW and they can do what ever they want. They harass people for no reason. I Know in my soul I can keep an open mind and not be influenced by personal feelings if ever was on a jury.

ange   August 2nd, 2008 1:59 pm ET

GUILTY!
Just look at the victums fathers face, It speaks volumes. He knows this snake, and he knows he did it. "If looks could kill"
I believe he did it, he looks like a little weasel. Beware the ego of the little man.

Janice Coker   August 7th, 2008 11:00 am ET

I think Sean is "innocent" and the wrong person is sitting on trial, I believe Michelle did it or had something to do with it. She is putting on a "bad acting show" today at the trial, all the facial expressions of being upset, pretending to cry (yet no tears), no wedding ring on her finger, yet she is a grieving widow, she called Sean before, during and after the murder, "I will not leave my husband, but I will lead you on to believe that we have a future together" she is in love with Sean, she is not upset for her husbands death, she is upset that the man she loves is on trial.

michele   August 8th, 2008 5:59 pm ET

C'mon, Its not that hard to figure out. People need to get real.2+2=Guilty

viv   August 12th, 2008 7:11 pm ET

I think he was framed. Set up..whatever. I have a theory about what might have happened but it will take to long to write it all on here, then again I have to see more of the trial and listen to his tesitmony.

tracie   August 14th, 2008 10:21 am ET

to me, it looks like he was framed!.....i will have to really watch this trial fully to give u more of my opinion, but for now, it looks to me like he was framed!

Rick Lasnier   August 14th, 2008 12:01 pm ET

I just started watching this case on TRU TV today. I understand individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty however, in today's society it seems like the opposite occurs. Maybe this is a result from some of the TV shows currently aired. Regardless, if it supposed to be innocent until proven guilty and it's not, I can see how it will constantly be an upward battle for the defense. Lastly, has anyone ever taken into account many people in prison could be there because they have been falsely accused....

larry   August 20th, 2008 11:56 am ET

I think we heard his confession to the murders. It is interesting how he answered the question about if he sent the note. His answer was "I did it", not I sent it. His emotions I believe had him thinking about pulling the trigger, not being as upset as he showed, about sending a note to try & throw the police off.

kym   August 25th, 2008 12:52 pm ET

I think they should have tired to get some evidence of that truck needing gas from Feedom to Mass. I'm sure who ever drove it would have had to stop for gas. Does the gas station have a video of him or someone gassing up at there station ?????

lucy   August 27th, 2008 8:34 am ET

Thank you Jami Floyd,
I watch your show regularly and I have a whole new appreciation for the justice system. You have helped me to better understand our constitution and in particular the sixth amendment.
In many of these trials I really don't like the defendant but I think each time that this person has a right to a fair trial and is presumed innocent until proven quilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Americans are blessed to live in this country with such a system. I wish our schools would do a better job teaching our children in the early/adolescent years about our constitution.

Patricia Hunt   August 27th, 2008 11:16 am ET

I have heard that the family members were in court everyday. Can anyone tell me if there were any family members in court for Sean Fitzpatrick?

Leave Your Comment


 

Comments are moderated by CNN, in accordance with the CNN Comment Policy, and may not appear on this blog until they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting. Also, due to the volume of comments we receive, not all comments will be posted.


subscribe RSS Icon
About this blog

Sidebar takes you behind the scenes of the day's legal headlines with breaking news and in-depth analysis from In Session's anchors and correspondents.

Contact us
  • Questions or comments? E-mail
In Session Team
Jean Casarez
Correspondent
Jean Casarez
Beth Karas
Correspondent
Beth Karas
Mike Brooks
Law Enforcement Analyst
Mike Brooks
Midwin Charles
Legal Contributor
Midwin Charles
Sunny Hostin
Legal Contributor
Sunny Hostin
Powered by WordPress.com VIP