Timeline: April 2024 trial begins; ends July 1, 2024, in a mistrial due to a hung jury.
Key highlights:
Witness testimony, heated exchanges, and the strength of defense’s conspiracy claims.
Impacts of investigator Michael Proctor’s misconduct revelations, which emerged around that time.
Prosecutor – Hank Brennan
Defense – Alan Jackson, David Yannetti, Elizabeth Little, Robert Alessi and Victoria Brophey George
Restart timeline: Jury selection begins April 1, 2025; trial features expanded teams and strategies.
Key differences:
Personnel changes: Trooper Michael Proctor was fired before the second trial.
Legal strategies: A special prosecutor, Hank Brennan (noted for representing Whitey Bulger), led prosecution; defense added Robert Alessi, Victoria George, and even involved a juror from the first trial.
Trial additions: New witnesses and experts — dog-bite specialists, accident reconstruction, weather analysts.
Testimony & courtroom drama: Controversial exhibits, such as the sweatshirt holes, led Judge Cannone to instruct the jury to disregard certain testimony, though evidence was still admitted.
Evidence:
Blood samples taken from the crime scene in red solo cups.