To Jurors from a Juror

Dear jurors,

I served with you during Dean Jacobs’ trial, as an alternate. I spent the same hours in session as you did, and heard the same words. I left the courtroom last Friday, at the conclusion of my service, with the absolute knowledge that reasonable doubt had clearly been established regarding the allegations against Dean. I never even considered that you might reach a different verdict.

I had seen a huge mass of evidence and testimony that could have been interpreted in many ways. Actually, in my opinion, the arguments were convincing far beyond reasonable doubt. But even by applying just that least standard of measurement, I could not possibly know with abiding conviction that the prosecution’s representations about what took place on the night of Miguel’s murder were true.

We as randomly selected jurors had no prior knowledge of legal procedure as it would apply to this case. We were in an uncomfortable foreign environment. We tried to do what we were directed to do. We meant well. We are not bad people. But I’m haunted by the unmistakable probability that a consideration of reasonable doubt was NOT applied when the deliberations took place. It breaks my heart that I was not part of the deliberation team.

I have no personal or political agenda, beyond being deeply disturbed that the judge’s instructions were not carried out and justice was not served. Based on the anonymous comments that have been published here, it seems that others of you share my concern. Please look to your hearts, and contact the Jacobs family about your deliberation experience. It might set the wheels in motion for the declaration of a mistrial, and give Dean’s case another opportunity to be heard and decided.

If you are not comfortable about discussing this with them, request that they put you in touch with me. Just send an email to the address that can be found using the ‘Contact Information’ link in the upper left part of this page. Your name will not appear publicly here at any time unless you choose so, and you will not be facing any consequence other than peace of mind.

Respectfully,
Jeanne