
Jan 11, 2007 5:02 pm US/Pacific
Text Messages In Mario Garcia Sentencing
(CBS)
This text message conversation was sent via Blackberry from the Placer County Superior Courthouse from CBS13 reporter Bridget Cannata during the Mario Garcia sentencing hearing.
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Bridget: We just entered the courtroom. Mario Garcia is wearing an orange jumpsuit and has grown a beard. His wife and two sons are here as is Christie Wilson's family.
Bridget: Wilson's sister Stacy is addressing the court... She is talking about the close bond they had.
CBS13: Is the jury or the judge hearing it?
Bridget: Judge
Bridget: I am sitting directly behind Garcia's wife and sons.
Bridget: Wilson's stepsister is talking now.
Bridget: Dennis Wilson, Christie's father is talking now. He is choking up as he tries to read the speech he prepared.
Bridget: Debbie Boyd, Christie's mom, is talking now.
CBS13: Do you expect more people to speak after Debbie Boyd?
Bridget: Maybe just her stepfather.
Bridget: Her stepfather, Pat Boyd, is talking now. He is the final speaker on the prosecution's side.
CBS13: Do you know how many witnesses the defense will call?
Bridget: No
CBS13: Also will Garcia's family testify on his behalf?
Bridget: Garcia is talking! He is crying and thanking his lawyers for standing by him. Telling his family and friends he loves them.
Bridget: He is talking about all that he has lost... Job, house, all he and his wife have built. Garcia's wife is crying.
CBS13: We are on air live. Please give us play-by-play details.
Bridget: Garcia says he does not have a bad bone in his body.
Bridget: Garcia says he is innocent and has been wrongly convicted. He says he never killed Wilson or caused her any harm.
Bridget: Garcia says he has asked his attorneys to file an appeal... He says he was not given a fair trial.
Bridget: He says he is hopeful Wilson
Bridget: She is in the back of the room and I cannot see her very well. Garcia just ended by saying "God Bless and thank you." Defense Attorney Ron Peters is talking now.
Bridget: Ron Peters is addressing Garcia's family...He says Garcia did the best he could do for his family. The judget is now talking to the court.
CBS13: Did Wendy Ward make a statement?
Bridget: No. She is here but did not speak.
Bridget: Sentence is 59 to life.
CBS13: How did the courtoom react?
Bridget: Time served--455 days.
Bridget: It's pretty quiet in the courtoom. We are now leaving.
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