Huguely-Love murder trial resumes Saturday: Day 9
(CBS) CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - When the case against George Huguely started on February 8, the judge promised the jury it would take two weeks and they would have the case by Friday (yesterday). It didn't happen.
Because one of Huguely's lawyers was ill, his murder trial for the death of ex-girlfriend Yeardley Love was delayed for two days. To make up for lost time, the judge has ordered everyone back to court to resume the proceedings on Saturday at 9 a.m. This is the first time I've covered a trial that's in session on a Saturday.
The court days this week have been long with some sessions ending at 7:30pm. But despite the long days the jury is engaged; it's clear to me they are riveted by the testimony. It's an impressive group of jurors - seven men and seven women - smart and attentive. One of the panel is a physician.
The media frenzy is in full swing. 17 television cameras are parked in front of the court house every day to get a shot of the Huguely and Love families. A dozen satellite trucks line downtown Charlottesville side streets near the courthouse. I expect the media contingent will continue to grow when the jury begins deliberations.
George Huguely looks much younger than his 24 years. With a short prep-style haircut, he looks more like a teenage schoolboy than the athletic lacrosse player we've seen up until now. It appears he's lost at least 50 pounds since he was arrested in May 2010.
The family support for both sides is impressive. The defendant's family is in court every day listening to the testimony. As many as 15 cousins, aunts, and uncles arrive early to get a seat.
Yeardley Love's family and former lacrosse teammates sit on the opposite side of the courtroom.
Friday I stayed after court was adjourned to listen to attorneys on both sides and the judge hammer out the language for jury instructions. It was a fascinating exchange, bearing high stakes. The language in the instructions on each of the six charges is so complex, the entire case may well hinge on it..
The judge hopes to get the case to the jury late Saturday night. If not, they'll have to wait until at least Wednesday. Sunday, Monday (President's Day) and Tuesday (a grand jury day), the case would be in recess.
This story was reported by CBS News producer Marice Spencer, who is covering the case in Charlottesville, Va.
Complete coverage of the Yeardley Love case on Crimesider
