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August 21, 2008

Fitzpatrick maintains he's innocent as defense begins

Posted: 09:24 AM ET

WOBURN, Massachusetts–Defendant Sean Fitzpatrick is being cross-examined by prosecutors as he begins a second day on the witness stand. He's hoping to convince the jurors that he is not the person who brutally shot Michael Zammitti, Jr. and Chester Roberts on March 13, 2006.

After three weeks of the prosecution’s case, on Wednesday the defense began its case and Fitzpatrick finally stepped up to the plate. Prosecutors believe that Fitzpatrick murdered Zammitti because he was in love with Zammitti’s wife, Michele. Roberts, they contend, was killed simply because he stumbled across the shooting, a classic case of a victim in the wrong place at the wrong time.

But on the stand, Fitzpatrick insisted that he was an innocent man. “Did you shoot Chester Roberts and Michael Zammitti?” “I did not. I had nothing to do with these homicides. No way.” Fitzpatrick has pleaded not guilty to the double murders.

Closing arguments are expected later today. Stay tuned to In Session for the latest developments in this case.

–In Session staff

Filed under: Trials


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Debi   August 21st, 2008 9:31 am ET

NOT GUILTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That ADA is the worse Prosecutor I have EVER seen!
Michele is the worse actor I EVER seen!!

Lindsey Laven   August 21st, 2008 9:37 am ET

alright, for the past week i have been waking up to the same trial on T.V. "man accused of killing ex-Lovers husband". i cant say whether he did it or not, but i do know that the prosecuter is asking him questions NO HUMAN IS GOING TO REMEMBER TWO YEARS AGO!. like seriously the Fitzpatrick remembers standing in his garage when he got the phone call, but then the prosecuter thinks that he should of seen the man in the truck that drove by. the prosectuer got a map out and tried using a map showing his neighborhood, and was pretty much saying any person who is out side in there garage in the EARLY in the morning would see somone drive by there house. YOU CANT USE THAT AGAINST HIM! ARE YOU SERIOUS? ITS NOT LIKE HE WAS STANDING OUTSIDE IN HIS GARAGE STARRING AT THE STREET FOREVER what would be the point in that? he obviously was doing somthing if he was out there to begine with so why is it use aganst him that he didnt see the truck thats pathedic. every morning i hear the most ridiculous proscuters points! u cant wrongfully accuse a man i think they need to think of that more, just cuz he wanted his ex lovers husband out of the picture doesnt mean he wanted him dead or that HE WAS goona kill him. i have had pleny of woman i wanted out if my ex lovers picture does that mean im a murderer? i think the prosecter needs better arguments, cuz this is pathedic. he's innocint i think.

Shannon   August 21st, 2008 9:39 am ET

NO EVIDENCE! NOT GUILTY!
If the Zimmitti's and the family of Chester Roberts want justice; they had better start looking in the right place! Try the Central Artery Project (the 'Big Dig' – the largest construction project in the WORLD) and the subcontractors that have a problem with Allstate Concrete Service! Believe me – the police and the DA's office won't go there – too many dirty politics and too much dirty money – I believe everyone knows that! Fitzpatrick is the easiest target and a way the police could say they did their job quickly. LET'S NOT SEND AN INNOCENT MAN TO JAIL FOR THE REST OF HIS LIFE BECAUSE HE MAKES A GREAT SCAPEGOAT!!!!

Renee   August 21st, 2008 10:17 am ET

I think the two of them are involved in the murder! If Michele really didn't want to see Sean anymore, why did she need to MEET with him again, to tell him. She also made several calls to him. Not the behavior of someone that has decided to stay with hubby! I think when Michele was on the stand, she was nothing more then an actress!

cheryl lira   August 21st, 2008 10:19 am ET

I believe he was really targeted by police, and yes he sent the letter but we all have to know when your scared you do things are are stupid even though it was't right. there is not enough to convict him of these awful crimes, after all you're innocent until proven guilty

Kathy   August 21st, 2008 10:19 am ET

I do not think he is doing any justice for his case. He does not answer the questions directly. He seems to have to give an excuse before he even answers. His demeanor is strange, almost arrogant. I really do not believe the things he is saying.

debbie in worcester   August 21st, 2008 10:22 am ET

this case is really hard for me to decide whether he's guilty or innocent. He seems to have been honest about all questions asked and has an answer for everything. Has anyone questioned his wife and where she was during the murders? It just seems they focused on him and it surely could also be a business deal gone wrong.

Miriam   August 21st, 2008 10:32 am ET

Lisa Bloom is right when she talks that this is Sean is acting like this is some sort of soap opera. This guy is a terrible actor. This guy has no character or morals. He has sex with whoever will be smoozed by him. He's cunning, malicious, and calculating. He needs to be off the street and out of the neighborhoods of lonely unsuspecting women, wives, daughters and probably grandmothers. He has the perfect low paying job w/benefits!!!!!! Michele is wearing the guilt well, her children's father is dead because of her actions. She hangs her head in guilt, victim mentality. Poor me Poor me Poor me......She had this mindset when she got married. My husband works to support me and he neglects me! Instead of appreciating the fact that it takes money to support a family and you HAVE to work to earn a living. They had a lifestyle to required a lot of income, which translates work lots of hours to earn the amount to support the enjoyments of life. She must have been a princess who was entitled to all she wanted.

Ellen   August 21st, 2008 10:40 am ET

I am starting to believe he is innocent.

Trish Kelly   August 21st, 2008 10:42 am ET

No one has really focused on the murder scene. It was messy. There was no trace found in Fred Martin's truck. If the perpetrator used Fred Martin's truck, he would have had to be in a space suit to avoid leaving something - soil from the area, gunshot residue, trace blood. Are we to believe that Mr. Fitzpatrick had this planned so well that none of this evidence was left behind - including on him - and in a small window of time got rid of a shotgun, cleaned himself up, put Fred's truck back, got coffee and began a conversation with Gert?
He's not that good - And what's with Michelle? She wants to be the center of attention - she's involved someway

Tasha   August 21st, 2008 11:18 am ET

Gulity. I think the defendant is a con man. His demeanor on the stand was a murderer trying his best to act innocent. Too many coincidences. Common sense is all the jury needs to convict this man of double murder.

GAIL   August 21st, 2008 11:32 am ET

SEAN FITZPATRICK IS NOT GUILTY...The evidence presented does not convict him...It was a good idea for the defense to put him on the stand...he was an excellent witness (of course...it didn't hurt that the prosecution was horrific in his cross-examination...he was not professional and did not handle himself properly...what happened to the Yes / No questioning??? At any rate...If I were on the jury...I would have to vote NOT GUILTY... I hope he can resume his life and find some happiness.

Shannon   August 21st, 2008 11:37 am ET

NO EVIDENCE!!! NOT GUILTY!!!!
The prosecution should have had Fitzpatrick's defense attorney do the investigation in this case. At least he was on the right track. There's no question the police did not do their work here! They just targeted this poor guy because he was an easy target! This so called affair vs. Allstate Concrete Service money dispute???? Fitzpatrick an easy way out for the cops! As a resident of MA – I can attest to this for sure. ABOLUTELY NO DOUBT IN MY MIND!!!!

Marilyn Morris   August 21st, 2008 11:53 am ET

I think Fitzpatrick is guilty as sin!!! The Defense attorney certainly made a lot of long stretches to try and refute the evidence. He is about as goofy as Fitzpatrick. It seems that they would have been better off to just plead guilty, without a trial, in the first place!

Kim   August 21st, 2008 12:10 pm ET

Just curious – and this may have been asked….

Gert testified she knew what time it was because she was checking the game time on her computer. Do we know if she consistantly updated her time zone (she was in Eastern Time zone)? For some reason, she doesn’t look like the type of person who would know how to do something like that manually. I’m not trying to be biased because of her age. I know personally that even though I set my computers to update Eastern Time automatically, it doesn’t always happen. I end up having to change it myself. And I may not even notice that the time is wrong until I’m late for an appointment or something important.

Daylight Savings did not occur until the first Sunday of April in 2006. What if she never changed her computer’s internal clock in the Fall? What if her computer itself caused a “glitch” to the time and reverted back (it can happen). If Gert’s time was incorrect on her computer, and it was really 9:15, not 10:15 as she thought – well, that would back up Sean’s alibi. I know I’m probably grasping, but it could cause the jury to doubt the time. Just thought I’d throw that out there.

Lillian Angelillo   August 21st, 2008 12:17 pm ET

Don't confuse confidence with arrogence. When you are not being deceitful you can be confident. "Innocence needs no excuse" and Sean Fitzpatrick wasn't making any excuses even for the unsavory affair..

Jean   August 21st, 2008 12:23 pm ET

IF YOU DID NOT DO IT, YOU DO NOT NEED TO DO THINGS TO DEFLECT SUSPICION. THE POLICE WILL INVESTIGATE AND WHEN THEY DETERMINE YOU ARE NOT A SUSPECT YOU WILL BE LEFT ALONE SO HIS THING ABOUT THE LETTER DOES NOT MAKE SENSE AND HONESTLY HAS HE ACTUALLY ANSWERED ANY QUESTIONS?

Kathy Jackson   August 21st, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Well I was mistaken in my earlier assessment of the prosecutors performance. I think, in hindsight now that I've seen the closing, that it was brilliant to allow Fitzpatrick to keep talking all he wanted. Now all those "explanations" are coming back to validate his guilt, compared to all the other witnesses that have no reason to be lying.

Maine   August 21st, 2008 12:41 pm ET

I bet this guy wishes he never met that slut! She is involved in this alot more then everyone thinks!
She is the reason MICHAEL ZAMMITTI IS DEAD!
I hope Sean walks out tonight and moves far away from that ugly hag!

Laura   August 21st, 2008 12:50 pm ET

I find one other piece of evidence interesting although I could have missed something as I'm sure Gioia would have picked up on it. Why is the prosecution alleging that Sean used a wire hanger to open the door to Fred's truck if they found DNA on the key? Obviously he had the key in order to drive the truck, why would he need to use the hanger to open the door? Does the key not open the door? One key usually opens all locks on Ford trucks I thought.

I do feel for the Zammitti parents, and at one point thought I understood Michelle's grief. But now I am wondering about her. I don't know that I would believe she had anything to do with the murders, but she does seem like a high maintenance, attention greedy woman. In the midst of having lost her husband (whom she supposedly still cared about) and dealing with her lover's possible involvement in his murder, how the heck does she sort out her mind enough to get involved with yet another man within a year of all this? I'm sorry, but she's a fruit loop.

I don't know whether I believe that Sean is truly innocent, but I do believe that the defense has done enough to prove reasonable doubt. And after yesterday's cross by the DA, I don't care too much for him anymore. I'm anxious to hear the outcome.

Mass.   August 21st, 2008 12:54 pm ET

Well Michele... I hope you enjoyed all the drama and 15 mins of fame you got with this affair.
Too bad your poor husband had to pay for it!
You should be ashamed of yourself!
Whether ot not Sean did this, I don't think he did,
but you are now known to the world as the cheating slut that you are!
Oh and by the way.. you're acting as if youre the sad widow.. SUCKS!
I feel for the next poor man (probably men, by now) in your life.
No idea what any man would see in you anyways.

Lori   August 21st, 2008 12:58 pm ET

I believe that Michele Zammitti is the person who is guilty in this murder trial. Sean Fitzpatrick is her escape goat. She can't even look up, she is playing a dramatic role of poor me. She is the reason this murder took place. Sean Fitzpatrick's crime was to fall for a devious woman. Sean is NOT GUILTY!!

June   August 21st, 2008 12:59 pm ET

I really think Sean is innocent. His demeanor doesn't match that of a guilty man.

Paula   August 21st, 2008 12:59 pm ET

I do believe he is guilty (there are too many coincidences) but unfortunately, the prosecution did not present a solid case. I did not get to watch the whole trial, but I wonder if they stated how far away they thought the shooter was and if the shooter would have blood spatter on them. I think not having any blood evidence in the truck is the most puzzling issue (people have been known to wear overalls or protective clothing in the commission of crimes). Too bad the Concrete Company's video camera's were not in working order.

Mindy in Colorado   August 21st, 2008 1:01 pm ET

He appears to be guilty. I would vote guilty. His demeanor, his answers, his involvement with this family. He is very strange indeed.

dan   August 21st, 2008 1:01 pm ET

yeah, he's guilty!

Gary A. Williams   August 21st, 2008 1:05 pm ET

This case should be the poster child case of reasonable doubt.

HELEN HUTSON   August 21st, 2008 1:07 pm ET

Who is to say the widow did not have an affair with someone else and staged this murder and framed the defendant? It could happen!!

christina   August 21st, 2008 1:07 pm ET

He is SO CREEPY! I am amazed at how many people are actually buying his crap. I guess they are the same kind of people who end up as victims of sickos like him.

George   August 21st, 2008 1:19 pm ET

I think the Father is as croocked as they come and the killer wanted him! Sean is the poor scape goat!
He could even had paid off the cops, who knows!
Michele on the other hand is nothing but a (skanky) drama queen.
If I was her mother in law, I sure wouldnt be sitting next to her!

Barbara R   August 21st, 2008 1:21 pm ET

Although I feel that Fitzpatrick probably committed the crimes, the Prosecution's poor presentation of "facts", including "too many coincidences" does not without a reasonable doubt place Fitzpatrick at the crime scene. What about these coincidences: nobody saw anyone enter or depart Allstate Concrete at a time of day when many employees are coming to work, nobody saw the Martin truck depart or return to Martin's home that day, there are no tire prints at the crime scene that match Martin's truck, there is no concrete forensic evidence linking Fitzpatrick to the crime scene, none of the items stolen from the neighborhood burglaries were located in Fitzpatrick's home or anywhere else, etc., etc. etc. It will be a miscarriage of justice if this prosecutiion is supported on such a weak case.

Sue   August 21st, 2008 1:22 pm ET

If the truck was not "hotwired" by Fitzpatrick, then he had to have the keys. How did he get the keys to the truck.

Steven Greisman   August 21st, 2008 1:23 pm ET

Did anyone notice that when he went to the post office, he had the clerk fill out the address on the pre-paid envelope? No handwriting, and what's more no DNA from licking the stamp!

Hey if he's found not guilty, the prosecution should try him for making terrorist threats to the Zammitti family! After all, he admitted that on the stand!

REBECCA AVILES   August 21st, 2008 1:24 pm ET

IF THE TRUCK HAS A STANDARD TRANSMISSION AND THEY WERE HAVING DIFFICULTY GOING UP THE RAMP THE TRUCK COULD HAVE STALLED WHICH WOULD EXPLAINED THE DNA ON THE KEYS.

Linda   August 21st, 2008 1:25 pm ET

I have been watching for past week. Have been sitting on the fence as far as Sean F. Innocence. However recalling testimony and listening to both closing arguments Defense states that neighbors , Micelle , friends are lieing. I think its a far stretch to say that all of these people are recollecting wrong but Sean himself testifies as to being imbedded in his mind like 911 but then under cross be unable to sure. My conclusion now is he is guilty.

melissa miller   August 21st, 2008 1:29 pm ET

Where is the gunshot residue?
How would he have cleaned up from head to toe "before" entering the truck to drive home?

Claire   August 21st, 2008 1:31 pm ET

I don't think "creepy" even covers it. His demeanor is just downright off.

Ange   August 21st, 2008 1:31 pm ET

He is a liar, a narcissist , as is with many murderers. He drives a big red truck with licensce plate "Oh to be Me" everything is about him. When a narcissist wants something out of his way he will stop at nothing. We have seen this in the past. O.J. , Scott Peterson
et al. All trails lead to Fitzpatrick. That letter he sent shows his lack of compassion toward family, he had to draw attention away from himself.
He only admitted to that evidence because that had his palm print on it. Guilty!

Pat m.   August 21st, 2008 1:36 pm ET

I would find him not guilty but not because he is innocent but I don't think prosacussion proved its case nothing abiout blood clothes,gun residue, and not following up on other suspects ie nephew

John   August 21st, 2008 1:37 pm ET

Who cares what people think of Fitpatrick's testimony? The evidence is so weak, I can't believe this case made it to trial.
I have doubt about every single point in this case. Not Guilty.

Shelley .H   August 21st, 2008 1:39 pm ET

My gut feeling is telling me that Michelle Zammitti knows alot more then she is letting on. I have had this feeling ever since she has taken the stand. Michelle is playing the poor sad widow now and her fake tears are not cutting it my bit for me. I have been watching this trail from the start and there is something sneaky about Michelle she is hiding something. If I was her mother-in-law I would be telling her to sit as far away from me as she possibly could. She is the one that fueled this fire now that poor woman's son is dead.

Dennis   August 21st, 2008 1:39 pm ET

What about that fresh cement anything in there like a shotgun or maybe some stolen unrecovered items from the neighborhood.

Suzanne   August 21st, 2008 1:43 pm ET

I think Michele Zammitti bares some responsibility in all this. Her statement to Fiztpatrick with respect to their affair: "The only opportunity for us to be together would be if something happened to Michael" is disturbing on a number of levels. As if to say that the demise of her husband would present an "opportunity" for her and FItzpatrick to be together. Yes her grief and remorse is apparent, but too little, too late in my opinion.

Barbara   August 21st, 2008 1:44 pm ET

Fitzpatrick's defense attorney is one of the best I have ever seen–he is compassionate, meticulously organized and clearly posits the best arguments that support a "not guilty" verdict. There is no bravado in his presentation as is the case with the prosecutor who most often roundly shouts "facts" that are most often speculative–as a non-attorney, I could have made a much more convincing case with both hands tied behind my back!

Jean   August 21st, 2008 1:49 pm ET

So while she should be mothering her children or tending to the home she made with the man who was out working hard so she could HAVE that home she spent all that time on the phone with her boyfriend? At 7:45am she is on the phone for 45 minutes but she says that the day of the murders she was coming out of the shower at 8:30 – 9:00 getting ready to take her kids to school? Something does not add up here and she needs to go to the chiropractor if she STILL cannot hold her head up.

Monica   August 21st, 2008 1:51 pm ET

Not Guilty!!!! I believe they should have checked into ALL of the suspects names, he was singled out....If I were on that jury...there Would be Lots of Doubt!!!

There is JUST NOT ENOUGH EVIDENCE!!!

Lourie   August 21st, 2008 1:54 pm ET

When Sean was being cross examined... he was asked if he sent the threatening letter because he didn't want the victim's parents to think he was the one who killed their son.

His response was, "Well.. at that point.. they had already thought... I was told that people were pointing fingers... they were in corners talking about me... so at that point... they already KNEW."

He said they KNEW he was the killer. Not that they mistakenly thought it. Not that they believed it. Not that they assumed it... but they KNEW it. They can't KNOW something that isn't TRUE.

The prosecutor should have been all over that. How much is that guy getting paid?

Kem   August 21st, 2008 1:54 pm ET

This man is so passive aggressive and arrogant, everyone is an idiot but him,so he thinks. He is guilty>

Doug OQuinn   August 21st, 2008 1:54 pm ET

This man is as guilty as sin, if he don't get convicted this is as far noth as I will ever go.

Rob in Delaware   August 21st, 2008 1:55 pm ET

We watch too much CSI..,, unless there was some blood eveidence he's not guilty ??
The man was having the affair, drove the truck to the crime scene , faked a letter to throw the police off, had the ammo but hid the gun and displayed an arrogant,pompous attitude throughout..
please, find him innocent so he can commit it "again" down the road..

Vennessaa   August 21st, 2008 1:59 pm ET

After reading the comments here i have come to the point that the poeple who think that sean is guilty come to that conclusion because of his attitude on the stand! He's calm and not nervous big deal. If my life was on the line I would do anything to prove my innocence because you only get one chance, and i dont think you can prove that while you're shaking and misrable. Comeon people ,a shot gun was used to commit the murders,dont you think if sean comitted the murders he would have at least transfered somethig from the scene to the truck?It's common sense. Why is there no gun powder found?And the time line is really tight. Why is there no more PHYSICAL evidence? I think if he was so clever to commit these murders and not leave one single PHYSICAL evidence, he wouldnt have sent that note. Poor guy was trying to stop the poiting fingers. And as far as Michelle goes, why on earth would you call Sean the very NEXT day after the murders and talk to him for 45 minutes?I'm sick of her face ,looking at the floor all the time. She didnt look up when she was testifying. I think the defense lawyer should raise up all these point so the jury can see that the prosecution doesn't have that much of a case against this guy.

Larry   August 21st, 2008 2:03 pm ET

Did the police look at his "sidewalk" that he was laying. That the shotgun might be buried underneath it? Since Mr. Fitzpatrick said that's what he was doing on his time off.

Sue A. Qualls. PhD   August 21st, 2008 2:05 pm ET

One aspect of Sean Fitzpatrick's testimony that was unaddressed for clarification. He testified he drove a white panel van on occasion. Was that panel van ever located and/or examined for evidence of DNA? If not, could that be a missing link?

Sue, OK

peg sunny, florida   August 21st, 2008 2:06 pm ET

I Wouldn't Wish This JURY DUTY
on Anyone.........even Sean Fitzpatrick.

He's a lone psycho,
She's a ***MAN ip u later***,
It's small town politics,
No direct evidence...

Something was missing in the evidence.

WMVet   August 21st, 2008 2:08 pm ET

This guy must just be the perfect criminal to have just casually driven to kill a guy where he left no fingerprints, no DNA, had no gunshot residue, left no clothing, hair or fibers, etc. Then where is the evidence for this kind of crime? Where are the clothes, the blood spatter, the gunshot casings, the boots, the other items expected to be found. I just cannot see this guy being that smart...Is he a sociopath if he . AND look at the wife; she is hiding something. Watch how she hangs her head during some aspects of his testimony. She didn't have real tears for the witness stand... I think she had it done or it was organized crime.
This is either just the stupidest criminal of all time or he is so blankety smart and cunning, that if he is guilty, he should never get out of jail.
I sure hope they say not guilty because the evidence at this point is not "beyond a reasonable doubt. How can there just be no evidence?

Codge   August 21st, 2008 2:18 pm ET

As far as DNA being on the keys to the truck. If in the process of working with the boat and the trailor, the truck stalled, the keys would have been used to restart the truck – leaving DNA. But, as bloody as the scene was, no blood on Fitzpatrick, no footprints,no nothing – no real evidence.

collen   August 21st, 2008 2:18 pm ET

SEAN not guilty............. Michele knows who killed him.....or hired someone to do the job .....that just my opinion..I have listen to enough
court T.V. Thanks

Paul   August 21st, 2008 2:22 pm ET

I have a major problem with the lack of physical evidence both on him and in the truck he supposedly used regarding the shotgun shooting of 2 people. I have seen a human shot by a shotgun at close range (and this was close range because the shell wadding cup was in the body) and it is a mess! There was blood, pieces of flesh, pieces of bone 10 to 12 feet in all directions. This guy would have been covered head to toe with splatter and it would have transfered to the truck. I seriously doubt that after shooting 2 people he would have taken the time to change clothes and clean up then drive away. I would have been in that truck and gone as quick as possible.

Jim Christopher   August 21st, 2008 2:25 pm ET

Do you really need the truck to register on the turn pick or just the transponder?

robin bressler   August 21st, 2008 2:28 pm ET

I'm surprised at everyone's opinion of Michele Zammitti. Yes she was involved in an affair, but I keep remembering her testimony about going out to dinner with her husband and others, and how he told her and everone else he was embarrassed to be seen with her in a jacket she was wearing. That's cold and cruel. Michele Zammitti wanted attention from Sean Fitzpatrick, nothing else.

Stacie   August 21st, 2008 2:28 pm ET

There is no doubt in my mind this man is guilty as sin. He cannot even answer questions w/out stuttering or beating around the bush. Yes or no answers work just fine. People get "scared" if they are being investigated???? If you're innocent you don't need to get the cops off your back, you cooperate.

This man is the furthest thing from a smooth criminal. Wake up call Sean...if you had anything to offer Michelle besides attention, maybe she would have left her husband for you.

clare harding   August 21st, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Something is not quite right with the wife. She sits there everyday acting as if she was crying but no tears. Is he innocent I don't know, but I'am sure she is.

fools   August 21st, 2008 2:41 pm ET

A thief would never take ammo. Ammo is cheap, it's also heavy and bulky. Not a good thing if you need a fast getaway

mphw   August 21st, 2008 2:43 pm ET

Those who can't see that this guy is lying are not very good judges of character or body language. His demeanor during direct was so casual, almost cheerful. He talks and talks but there are facts that cannot be disputed. Martin’s truck was in the vicinity – as proven by transponder records – yet no one has come forth to give any explanation of why the truck would be there – who would be driving it? Is it reasonable to assume that someone other than Sean, stole the truck, took it to MA and then returned it at the exact times the murder was happening? Who would steal a truck and return it – take it for a joy ride at those exact times?!! Unless the defense has found someone who says they borrowed the truck and drove to MA - but where is that person? There are no coincidences – even without the DNA – this is so obvious. I agree with the person who said that if you can’t see what this guy is – I think he’s a narcissistic sociopath – you could become the victim of one. I believe Sean thought he could have an instant family and much better income than he is capable of earning with Michael Zammitti out of the way. He knew where to get a gun easily (from the Zammittis), he knew Fred Martin was out of town and his truck was available, he knew where the keys were, he knew to take the truck when the vacation residents were not around, he knew when Michael Z would be at work. The only thing he didn’t consider was the transponder being recorded – he tried to pay manually to avert that, but it didn’t work. Means, motive, opportunity – you can’t deny the facts.

Sher Castiglione   August 21st, 2008 2:49 pm ET

I would have liked to see Fitzpatrick convince me by his looks and actions that he is not guilty. He seems to be a very helpful and kind person. Why would a person send a note card to the family of the victim? I have reservations.

SC
Chesterfield, MI

Jean Chastain   August 21st, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Prosecution did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt! Not guilty!!

Deb   August 21st, 2008 3:02 pm ET

How long after Sean gets out do ya think it'll be before Michele's calling him again???
I say THAT DAY!!!!!!

scr   August 21st, 2008 3:02 pm ET

i feel he`s inocent..but i am left with unanswered questions..Maybe we should have explained his Ralph`s truck as far as the dock...I was a witness once and smiled after every answer..it as just a tick for me, but he is doing wonderful as far as trying to deend himself.....

signed just cause

pete   August 21st, 2008 3:06 pm ET

michelle had the hole thing put together played sean because of his love for her and know if he is let go the state is going to be knocking at her door because she put all the blame at his door

Martha   August 21st, 2008 3:10 pm ET

The LoveTriangle is the "motive" for murder. The reward for committing murder is prosecution of a double homcide and a possible life sentance.

Sorry Mr Prosecutor I don't buy it.

sharon   August 21st, 2008 3:27 pm ET

Pete, Let's hope so. I would love to see her prosecuted, however, if the DA hasn't done it by know then they won't unless some new evidence comes to light. She'll live out her life with her children and in the home and security Mike provided –with her new boyfriend (not Sean). Mike and Chester will get no justice...

Jean   August 21st, 2008 3:46 pm ET

IF HE IS CONVICTED I WOULD BE VERY VERY CURIOUS TO SEE IF THE "WIDOW" GIVES A VICTIM IMPACT STATEMENT BECAUSE I THINK, NEXT TO THE CHILDREN OF A VICTIM, THE HUSBAND OR WIFE SUFFERS THE BIGGEST LOSS AND WOULD ALSO BE CURIOUS TO KNOW IF SHE IS A PARTY TO THE WRONGFUL DEATH SUIT THE FAMILY FILED? AND WHO BURNED DOWN SEAN'S HOUSE? I COULD SEE THE DAD DOING THAT BECAUSE HE HAS A TEMPER AND I AM SURE HE IS MAD MAD MAD ABOUT THIS LITTLE SNIP KILLING HIS ONLY SON.

fools   August 21st, 2008 3:57 pm ET

I think the DA, Michele and Zammitti Sr. should be arrested for perjury. Not Guilty!!

Sharon   August 21st, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Just the lack of pretty much any forensics in the truck would be enough for me to vote not guilty. How exactly does someone kill 2 people with any firearm point blank, let alone a shotgun, and not transfer something into the vehicle they are being accused of driving from the scene? If in the jury room I would be open to arguements on voting guilty, but that one thing would be a major hurdle to get me over to the guilty side. As for the transponder, are we to believe that glitches NEVER happen? I have dealt far too much with computers to know that glitches happen all the time. Ask those peole that almost drove off a cliff while relying on their GPS. Would I vote innocent-no. But I would vote not guilty, yes, too much reasonable doubt.

Fefe   August 21st, 2008 4:07 pm ET

He's a scapegoat. NoT Guilty!

christine   August 21st, 2008 4:14 pm ET

you are all so quick to judge michelle and how she is dealing with this. you have no idea what her life was like or how she was treated in her marriage. she is an incredibly strong woman and an amazing mother. do you really think her in laws would be standing by her side if she weren't being honest. it seems so easy for all of you to judge sitting in front of your computers. learn the facts before making such offensive comments.

christine   August 21st, 2008 4:20 pm ET

micheles husband was murdered and michele was and still is taking responsibility for her actions as far as the affair goes. she is distraught for her in laws, and more importantly for her children. give her a break and stop commenting on a situation you know very little about. she will live with this sadness the rest of her life. she certainly doesn't need all of you to remind her.

s.ann   August 21st, 2008 4:24 pm ET

Michelle, and Zammitti Sr. = GUILTY!!!

karen leete   August 21st, 2008 4:33 pm ET

I believe that cruel letter he sent speaks for itself! Even if he was trying to devert the investigation away from himself, how could he subject the Zamitti family to more grief? He is a cruel and heartless man and will do anything, no matter how stupid, to make people believe his innosence. Most people would be outraged if they were accused of two murders they did not commit!!!

irene   August 21st, 2008 4:34 pm ET

hey MARTHA, he didn't think he would get caught. Using your logic, nobody would ever commit murder

Raymond Sullivan   August 21st, 2008 4:41 pm ET

This was a Pre-Meditated Murder, it was planned, scrutenized, debugged and rehearsed. therefore there is going to be very little evidence. Sort of like a Columbo episode. This would have been my opening statement to the Jury. We are fortunate to have as much as we have. This guy was cute but he did leave evidence. He did not leave a witness though.

Debbie Ghiringhelli   August 21st, 2008 4:44 pm ET

After watching Fitzpatrick on the stand–the DNA on the steering wheel is the most damning. Because his prints were the most pronounced.....and the letter...........Guilty!!!

Miriam   August 21st, 2008 4:56 pm ET

Moral of this story is – DO NOT HAVE AN AFFAIR! Wouldn't you think? Cause if something happens to the spouse you will be the suspect and rightly so. If you are single do not fool with married people in any emotional/physical way – run for your life!!!!!!!! Murder seems to be cheaper than a divorce. How many cases are there on here that have a spouse killing another spouse instead of just leaving and getting a divorce. Some people must think they will not get caught.....Oh wait! No thought process was going on when you get involved in an affair. He is guilty! She is guilty!

Pat   August 21st, 2008 4:57 pm ET

The DA did a great job, except
he didn't ask one Question:
Who would have stolen the truck
driven through the toll booths
to MA on the exact day and time
of the murders, then returned the truck back to the exact spot, in
the neighbor's yard ?:

Julie   August 21st, 2008 5:05 pm ET

I think the one thing it could come down to is that transponder. If it was him, he should have thought of that.. taken it out of the truck before he went. I do think that if the jury does it's job correctly though, they will have to find him not guilty because there is definitely reasonable doubt. The DNA on the steering wheel explanation sounds feasible to me, and I just don't see how he could have gotten to that crime scene, done that damage and left that amount of mess, and they didn't find traces of anything in that truck. No blood from either victim, no fibers or hair or blood that went flying and must have landed on the shooter's clothes. No shoe print or tire matches. Nothing at all found in his home. How in the word would he have made it through without any of that showing up in the truck or in his home? It seems impossible. Yet, seems there could have been other enemies, someone smart enough to grab a transponder out of a neighbor's truck and take it up in there in with them in order to frame this easy target. That would explain the hanger, the tires not matching, foot prints not matching, the whole deal. In the end, there is definitely reasonable doubt in this case.

Paul Lennon   August 21st, 2008 5:10 pm ET

Reasonable doubt for sure. This case has far too many intangibles. Someone's lying/covering up.

joan   August 21st, 2008 5:22 pm ET

okay what if Michelle drove the missing white box truck and sean drove the Martin van meet her at allstate and sean did it for her and they switched cars till he cleaned up and switched back because she states the kids went to school at 9am who goes to school that late

Emily   August 21st, 2008 5:23 pm ET

After listening in today, I really believe that this was an organized crime arranged by the couple and they hired someone to commit the crime. I think if he is found innocent they will end up being together again. What do they have to lose now, everyone in the family now knows the most intimate details of their affair.

Todd   August 21st, 2008 5:32 pm ET

The perfect murder has finally been brought to us by TRU TV.

This guy is probably guilty, but will probably get away with it. Just the right blend of explainable evidence and lack of evidence will get him off.
If the defense were to say the DNA was planted by the police I would believe it.

Ari   August 21st, 2008 5:32 pm ET

Guilty or Inocent? He is the only one who knows. Prosecutor has not proven his case. There is a lot of unanswer question.

BJ   August 21st, 2008 5:39 pm ET

Who cares about some lust/love act between two people. Folks there are two people dead, if anyone had been paying attention, the DA does his job, the defense does his job and at the end of it all there is still two people DEAD ! Who cares who loved who or who licked who. Put two and two together and you get four, easy. If you think think he is not guilty you like Sean or you hate Michele.
Who else, are you kidding me, swing low sweet chariot !

Dixie Hereford   August 21st, 2008 5:41 pm ET

Sean Fitzpatrick is innocent. Each piece of evidence the prosecution has, in my opinion, is not enough to convict him because they cannot put him at the crime scene. Business deal gone bad. Poor Sean got somewhat framed and I hope that the jury finds him NOT GUILTY!!!!!!!!!!!

julie   August 21st, 2008 5:43 pm ET

GUILTY - The neighbor's truck didn't drive itself to and from Massachusetts that day. No one can explain why Fitzpatrick's DNA is primary on the steering wheel. If Fitzpatrick is not guilty, then Neil Entwhistle was robbed. Wait - maybe he had a vacation home in Freedom, NH.

s.ann   August 21st, 2008 5:45 pm ET

The procsecution has not proven his case. He is not very good at speaking....whether Sean did it or not.....the proof is not there.

Ari   August 21st, 2008 5:51 pm ET

unanswered questions, dna only on the steering wheel and no other evidence in the truck. Why did he need a wire to open the door if his dna was on the keys? I think there is a lot more in this case that the police left out, they didn't investigate all the possibilities ones they found out about the affair and foucused their attention on Sean, they gave up on checking other leads they had.

Sami   August 21st, 2008 6:07 pm ET

Fitzpatrick's demeanor sucks, but his demeanor does not equal evidence. There is no evidence. Period. It's actually kind of frightening that a trial can actually commence with so little to go on.

David   August 21st, 2008 6:36 pm ET

NOT GUILTY, there's no way they proved beyond a reasonable doubt. Besides, she's not that hot that someone would kill for her...

crystal   August 21st, 2008 6:38 pm ET

He gets girlfriends all the time so it doesn't seem he needs to beg or will have a problem hooking up again. I don't think he would have gone as far as murder since he falls casually and often and has undoubtedly been cut out of a relationaship before. He would not have gone to a place where another person was, either He probably would have murdered the husband at home when he was alone if he were the killer.

Momma   August 21st, 2008 6:39 pm ET

The creating of the note, that he admitted, was called a "cruel" act by his own defense attorney. This shows his character and the fact that he was trying to deceive. His creepiness and trying too hard to be smooth on the stand did him in for me. That along with the DNA facts make him GUILTY. The doubts are not reasonable in my opinion, but rather a stretch.

FranK   August 21st, 2008 7:08 pm ET

not guility based on evadance presented
the must of been a magic truck you just tell it go foward and back

Alice Knotts   August 21st, 2008 7:15 pm ET

I haven't followed very much of the trial and am not sure whether Sean is guilty or not, but it's something about Michelle that doesn't set horses with me.

Mary   August 21st, 2008 7:35 pm ET

I didn't remember that Michael Sr. had gotten a phone call at his home the morning of March 13th. If he had not received the phone call, he, too would have probably been shot. I think he was probably a target.

If Sean does walk out of jail, where will he go? His house was burned down under suspicious circumstances. What will happen there? They assume arson. Are there connections that the family has that could have arranged for this fire? They are, after all, very angry. So many questions left unanswered.

Mary   August 21st, 2008 7:45 pm ET

Why was Michelle so afraid in her own home following the murders? I heard she left her home and went to FLA with family because she was so afraid? If she really thought that Sean did this what was she afraid of? Certainly now Sean. Maybe she believed there was some kind of organized crime involved. She must have wondered what her husband was really involved in that could result in his murder.

betsy-houtx   August 21st, 2008 8:09 pm ET

I believe the jury will convict Fitzpatrick based on the phone records and the letter he wrote. GUILTY!!!

Katy   August 21st, 2008 8:19 pm ET

Oh, he did it. That said, the prosecution should be ashamed of the way they mishandled the defendant on the stand. Why was he allowed to run his own show? They had a golden opportunity and blew it badly. I just hope the jury is smart enough to give his testimony the weight it deserved.

marvin   August 21st, 2008 8:33 pm ET

I had blieved for most of the trial Mr.Fitzpatrick was not guilty.I still feel the State did not do a great job proving Mr Fitzpatrick is "GUILTY".IT seems to me that Mr.Fitzpatrick is taking this whole "DOUBLE MURDER "thing too lightly.He is too calm for me.Even if he is "INNOCENT" this is serious.Sure there is "Reasonable DOUBTS",now I have my doubts about him.

marvin
n.o.la.

Janet in California   August 21st, 2008 9:12 pm ET

It appears that Mass police are blaming him for the only 3 burglaries in his area as well as the two murders. There is no doubt they think they've fingered the killer and they are doing everything they can to wrap Fitzpatrick in a nice tight package.

Unfortunately, whether he did it or not. There is not enough evidence to convict. NOT GUILTY

Nancy   August 21st, 2008 9:25 pm ET

I think he is innocent. There would have been DNA on the shift stick if he had been driving it for awhile. Also no blood or gunshot residue inside the truck. Also he must have known the police would suspect him after talking to the victims mother and others that knew of the affair. How stupid would he have to be to even think about it?

L   August 21st, 2008 10:17 pm ET

it is weird to me the things left out of this case. his house burning down two times in six years. fishy. also the fact that michele was introducing him as her boyfriend at the wakefield schools a month after mike was killed.

dee   August 21st, 2008 11:42 pm ET

Sean has admitted to lying, having the affair, and sending the crazy letter to the victim's family. Sleeping with Gert's daughter. And drinking too much. A real piece of work. But the forensics proved nothing, and Sean doesnt seem bright enough to pull it off without any trace evidence in such a short period of time. If I were on the jury, I would have to vote innocent, as the DA did not prove murder beyond a reasonable doubt.

Dave Cal   August 21st, 2008 11:59 pm ET

If Fitzpatrick sent the threatening letter to the Zammitti parents for the reason that he didn't want them to think of him as a murderer and not to mislead the police, it is the cruelest display of disrespect I have ever seen. Fitzpatrick lied and denied sending the letter in the same fashion that he has proclaimed his innocence in the murders. When he knew that they had his DNA on the envelope, he sang like a bird and made up another fantastic story as to his reasoning. He is a liar, a con man and a double murderer. He also thought that his neighbors were senile and would support his alibi. Life in prison is too good for him.

robbie   August 22nd, 2008 12:08 am ET

i have watched the behaviour of michelle very closely after seeing all the blogs regarding her. after watching the replays of her i am convinced that she has "something" to do with this double murder. i can't say for sure if i believe sean didn't do it however....people seem to think he is cocky and arrogant. well, i think if any one of us were on trial for a murder we know we didn't do but was the only suspect, we wouldn't know quite how to act on the stand either. the few things that convince me there is reasonable doubt are: he testified on his own behalf and to me if he thought he had something to hide his lawyers would have not let him do it. another thing is they say that the gun pellets were spewed all over and it wasnt a professional hit, but didn't sean know how to shoot a rifle??? he also admitted to writting the letter which would be stupid unless he just wanted to be truthful. they had no proof it was him, he just admitted it. to me that shows that the guy just wanted to be as honest as possible so he wouldn't screw up during the trial, because if u tell a lie, you will forever be trying to dance around it and create more lies which he hasn't done. my vote is that the prosecuter has NOT proven without a reasonable doubt, that sean is guilty.
they need to find this man innocent and then start focusing on michelle. she has the phoniest cry and emotion of anyone i've ever seen (including OJ Simpson).

canada   August 22nd, 2008 1:01 am ET

i don't think there's enough evidence to commit sean on these charges. the prosecutor didn't do a good job but then again, how do you do a good job when you go to court with no evidence?????? yes there are circumstances that don't look good but who better to know all the ins and outs of seans behaviours, emotions, daily routines, than MICHELLE? hmmmmm can u spell "set up"? but in the meantime i am gonna dig a little deeper into this "big dig" situation. maybe it was a hit? but i still believe if it was a hit, it was by michelle.

Nancy   August 22nd, 2008 1:38 am ET

Sean Fitzpatrick could be innocent ? I think the wife had something to do with it. She wants the good life, 2 homes, $$$$.

I dont understand how the inlaws can sit next to her. If I was her mother-in-law, the heck with her. I would be there for the grandchildren, but who says they have to have Michele in their lives after their son was killed?

Bigzy   August 22nd, 2008 1:56 am ET

My best friend was his friend he didn't remember where he was that day where he went for coffee sent that note to mr. zammitti he is guilty saying close your company or more family will be killed HELLO WAKE UP

C. Aho   August 22nd, 2008 2:45 am ET

I cannot believe that no attorney asked the neighbors if they noticed that the green pickup was gone. As nosy as all of them seemed to be, about what was going on in the neighborhood, I cannot believe that the pickup could be gone for more than 2 hours and no one noticed it, especially since the owner was gone for the season. Also, since the second victim WAS shot at close range, Fitzpatrick would have had to been full of his blood. When did he have time to change clothes and clean up, and also wouldn't the pickup be full of blood? Please, Please, Please answer my questions,. They are driving me crazy when ever I watch the trial. How far is it between the two towns?

Kim   August 22nd, 2008 8:53 am ET

FYI – word is Michelle has already sold their house. I'll bet as soon as this trial is over, she hops on out of town laughing all the way to the bank. Who would've thought she could pull off the perfect crime??

scr   August 22nd, 2008 9:46 am ET

I myself have clocks all over my house, but to remember a time I got up is next to impossible...and you`re talking 2 years earlier for this man...no wonder he doesn`t remember..and god forbid i ever get blamed for a crime, because i would be in the same boat as him...does the prosecuter ever remember what time he gets up each day....I think not!!

Nancy   August 22nd, 2008 9:59 am ET

I think he is not guilty!! There is no DNA on the gear shift, no blood in the Martin truck or gun powder residue. Where would he have cleaned up before getting back in the truck? I do not think there is anyone who doesn't know that if a husband or wife is murdered the first thing they look for is an affair. The victims mother knew of the affair as well as many others in his circle of friends. To murder this man and a co-worker would be stupid and although I think Fitzpatrick came off as alittle shady on the stand I don't think he is stupid.

CHARLES   August 22nd, 2008 10:22 am ET

I THANK HE DID IT.BUT I DON'T THANK THE PROSECUTION CLOSED THE CASE.THERE IS TO MANY LOOSE ENDS.CHARLES FROM BALTIMORE MD.

Truth   August 22nd, 2008 10:25 am ET

Why couldn't this be one of the many Bookies or loan sharks that Zammitti owes money to wanting his pay back? His dad should know!! None of this came up in the trial funny how things get changed when you need to save some dead mans character. I just hope the judical system works?

ruthie   August 22nd, 2008 10:33 am ET

Has'nt anyone noticed that Michele Zammitti keeps dabbing her eyes with what appears to be a huge rag but not one tear has fallen. In my opinion she is a very real suspect and is up to her non teary eyes in this! She wanted to be rid of her husband

loretta marsh   August 22nd, 2008 11:23 am ET

has everyone forgotten that when the father took the stand he said they did it when he first found the boddies. who is they, who did he mean right at that time?

Laureen, CA   August 22nd, 2008 11:56 am ET

Laurie,

I caught the "they already knew" thing also and the second I heard it I thought "WOW, was that a slip of the tongue or what!!!!! An innocent person would never say they KNEW about something that wasn't true. I also don't believe in coincidences, the DNA, the Martin truck and the green truck pulling into Allstate Concrete, the 16 guage missing from the home across the street from him, the affair with the wife, etc, etc. One coincidence maybe, but everything added together, no way!!! GUILTY!!!!

By the way Jean, the house burned down before the affair ever began, not sure how long before, but before!!

dave   August 22nd, 2008 12:10 pm ET

I mite of heard wrong but wasn't his father going to be at the office that day , if so he went to kill two people not him sombody else wanted two dead ???? why is the fater not sitting with the mother. do they know somthing they don't want out. dose the toll pass always stay with the truck . very bad on the police agin ,
dave from tenn

christine   August 22nd, 2008 1:49 pm ET

you are all so quick to judge michelle and how she is dealing with this. you have no idea what her life was like or how she was treated in her marriage. she is an incredibly strong woman and an amazing mother. do you really think her in laws would be standing by her side if she were a part of this. it seems so easy for all of you to judge sitting in front of your computers. learn the facts before making such offensive comments.
micheles husband was murdered and michele was and still is taking responsibility for her actions as far as the affair goes. she is distraught for her in laws, and more importantly for her children. give her a break and stop commenting on a situation you know very little about. she will live with this sadness the rest of her life. she certainly doesn’t need all of you to remind her.

lollie weiss   August 22nd, 2008 2:59 pm ET

I think they should ask michelle what she knows about
the killings, she is the one who wanted her man out of
the picture. she too is guilty in my opinion.

Nancy   August 22nd, 2008 4:46 pm ET

I must have missed a few things introduced in the trial. When was the shotgun stolen from the Zamittis home? Why would Sean use the fathers shotgun to kill Michael, Jr.? Also, I think that was a good point that others have made that I didn't catch earlier. If Sean already had the key for the Martin truck why would he need a coat hanger to get access to the vehicle? NOT GUILTY!!!

Shelley .H   August 22nd, 2008 4:59 pm ET

I am amazed at Christine's comments about how everyone should leave poor Michelle alone because she is distraught and grieving for her dead husband. She must be a close personal friend of Michelle to know that she is a strong woman and amazing mother. Michelle is such an amazing mother that she would leave her three children with whomever and go off and have her affair with Sean. Who was she thinking about when she was doing that, oh let me think...HERSELF.
Lets not forget Scott Peterson's in-laws also thought he didn't have nothing to do with it and were sticking by him until all the evidence started fitting together. As for Michelle being so strong why doesn't she hold her head up like a real woman would and face the music, her neck must be awful sore from sitting in that court room all day with her head down. The fact is Michelle Zammitti knows more about this then she will ever say. Don't be surprised Christine if you see Michelle back on court tv.
P.S. Still waiting for the real tears.

lauren   August 22nd, 2008 5:04 pm ET

not quilty....no blood, no one sees him in a small town, he would stand out going to the house and taking the a neighbors truck. The guy is strange but, he doesn't seem stupid enough to take that risk. Look At the cousin again.

Nancy   August 22nd, 2008 6:45 pm ET

Does anyone know how far it was from seans home to the cement company? Was Gert or anyone living in that gated community asked if they noticed the Martin truck missing on Mar. 13th? Gert said that Seans usually was not parked outside and on the 13th it was, so when she took her friend to pick up her car wouldn't she notice the Martin truck gone at 9am. Maybe I have the timeline wrong?

Walter   August 23rd, 2008 5:39 pm ET

I don't think the prosecution has enough for a conviction. If I were on the jury, my question would be this: How much am I willing to take as coincidence? I would vote for GUILTY, and not lose any sleep over it. Not any one thing makes me say that, just the little details that make me believe that he is capable of the crime and he did in fact carry it out.

mocoh   August 24th, 2008 11:20 am ET

I think He i NOT GUILTY. whoever commited these murders had it well planned out to not leave any evidence...if the murderer was that smart he would know that he SHOULD NOT send a ransom note to the family..that was stupid on seans part but I dont think it is the actions of the murderer who killed the 2 victims because it was just plain stupid, and whoever is guilty of the crime seemed to know what to do not to get caught

final arbiter   August 24th, 2008 11:21 am ET

Not Guility b/c defense attorney MUCH more skillful than Mr. Prosecutor.

Mr. Defense Attorney did not need to continually SHOUT exculpatory evidence for purposes of positing reasonable doubt, but Mr. Prosecutor "fog horn style of presenting his closing argument belied the overall lack of evidence in case in chief to rebut presumption of reasonable doubt.

At that point, my friends, I was convinced that even Mr. Prosecutor knew he fell short in "nailing" those (3) aspects of reasonable doubt that Mr. Defense Attorney lobbed his way. Without addressing those three aspects in a compelling and articulable manner based on evidence adduced at trial, it was Mr. Prosecutor and the lack of evidence that will allow the jury to safely acquit.

Ronda   August 25th, 2008 12:58 am ET

If Fitzpatrick's DNA in the truck is the best the state has then they are in trouble. If he drove the truck, his fingerprint would have had to be on the gearshift also, but it wasn't. He couldn't drive the truck without first putting it in gear.

Where was the cheating widow? Has anyone confirmed her alibi? According to the defense's closing the only time Michele mentioned that she had told Fitzpatrick that the only way she could be with him is if something happened to her husband was when she took the stand. Why would she say something like that to this man? No, we can be together if I leave my husband, how do you tell someone that something has to happen to your husband before you can be with your lover?

Where is the proof this man was the one driving the truck when the toll pass was being used? How did Fitzpatrick get the key to the neighbors truck? The State made a big issue about wires being cut to disable the alarm, if the man had the key to the truck why would he have to cut the wires to get in the truck.

How did Fitzpatrick know that the husband was going to be at the office that day and time? WHERE WAS MICHELLE? We can be together only if something happens to my husband, sounds like woman that wanted something to happen to her husband.

Heather   August 25th, 2008 1:00 pm ET

He is guilty.
There are lots of things about Sean that are not shred in the court because it's not part of this case. However if the full profile of Sean was actually shared to the jury, they would have been able to make the guilty choice on the first day with no more than an hour break.
He is not a victim.

sharon   August 26th, 2008 10:06 am ET

There is so much speculation about this case – the jury may or may not find Sean guilty and whether he did it or not - Mike and Chester are never truly going to get Justice because more people or a person were involved.

Michelle made that comment knowing Sean would act on it, she knew about his history with other relationships. She used him to get rid of her husband then she cooperated with the police and DA's office and made herself out to be squeeky clean then gave Sean up so that she could get rid of him.

She looks pathetic, no makeup, hair pulled back, crying.... I'm not buying it. I bet she cleans up well and as the grieving widow she is trying to portray, she certainly has no problem getting herself another new boyfriend so soon after her husband was murdered and her ex-lover was indicted. She not only duped Sean but she duped the police too. I hope you are all proud of yourselves.

I am saddened that this woman is going to walk amongst us freely, raise her family. Where is Mike and Chesters justice, they are not able to see their children or families anymore. They are not able to go boating in the summer or snowmobile in the winter. They are not able to smile.

dobbie   August 27th, 2008 10:31 am ET

I may have a shadow of a doubt but no reasonable doubt that he is guilty. The truck window was broken and he knew the keys were in it. The shot gun was stolen right across the street from him. The truck didn't drive itself to Mass. and back. and the timeline on the tolltag fits. He had motive spurred on by the other adultress. DNA was on the truck steering wheel. Plus he's not a very good actor on the stand. Guilty, no doubt.

Labamba   August 27th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

What's wrong with not finding him guilty for lack of evidence?
And where's that missing gun and eye witness?
Where's any blood evidence in the truck?
A bunch of phone records and Gerdy's testimony isn't enough.
Personally, I think he's guilty. I think Michelle knows exactly what happened. But she's sitting next to her mother-in-law during the trial which I fiind baffleing.
The prosecuting needs to DIG out more physical evidence for the next trial or a mistrial will happen again. The prosecution needs to find a more aggressive prosecuting attorney to make S.F. sweat on the stand.

Shelley .H   August 27th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

I totally agree with Sharon.This woman is going to walk free. Pathetic doesn' t even start to describe Michelle Zammitti. That woman is so distraught about her dead husband, that she talked to the man for 45 minutes that supposely shot her husband in cold blood in the face with a shotgun...give me a break...Michelle Zammitti is EVIL.

Billie W.   September 2nd, 2008 12:11 pm ET

I do not understand why Michelle Zamitti was not charged with anything. In my opinion, IF Sean Fitzpatrick did shoot Michael Zammitti, she certainly put the idea in his head. Her comment on the stand, "I told Sean we couldn't be together unless something were to happen to Michael". would certainly add fuel to any fire he was already feeling.
I think Sean still loves Michelle. You could see it on his face while he testified.
I could see no love or really any feeling on Michelle Zammitti's face while she testified or when she was shown during Sean's testimony. I think Sean was used-period. If he shot Michael, it was because that is what Michelle Zammitti wanted him to do-whether she came right out and said it or not. She disgusts me!
I feel sorry for Sean, Michael's family and the children for having a mother like Michelle.

howard spermus   September 18th, 2009 4:04 pm ET

i think michelle hired someone to do it. sounds like a professional hit. shot in the head, and no witnesses.
she would get rid of hubby and dump a lover at the same time then get all the money from the estate.
start a new life moving out of town.

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