The trial of Algonquin Police Department Sgt. Wade Merritt started this morning in Judge Gordon Graham's court. Almost all of the court time today was devoted to testimony of the testimony of Jackie Gappa, Wade's wife.
It was clear to me from the outset that this is a case that never should have reached court. There was no testimony from her that a crime had occurred. The prosecuting attorney was having a really hard time trying to get her to say otherwise.
She was very clear in her statements that no physical contact had occurred, so how does the State's Attorney continue to go forward with charges like Domestic Battery - Physical Contact and Domestic Battery - Bodily Harm? Her testimony today explained her initial 9-1-1 call and her first statements to sheriff's deputies who responded.
While the deputies were still at the house, she told them that Wade had not hit her and that she did not want him arrested. WHILE THEY WERE STILL AT THE HOUSE. Yet, she further testified, Sheriff's Lt. Carlson said to her, "That's what all battered women say."
Subsequently, she went to the State's Attorney's office twice and phoned 4-5 times, attempting to retract her initial statement to the first deputies to arrive at their home on March 4.
Jackie Gappa does not appear to be a wimpy, cowardly woman. She was clear in her statements today. At times it seemed like the prosecuting attorney from the State's Attorney's office was questioning a defendant, not his own witness. He seemed to be trying very hard to get her to say what HE wanted her to say, not to say clearly what was to be HER testimony.
The care for and affection between Merritt and Gappa was clear. The emotionally-charged events of that evening seem to have been just that - emotions.
It's good that this is in court right now. Tomorrow will be Day 2 and hopefully the conclusion of the trail. Will Judge Graham rule tomorrow?
The Algonquin Police Department is trying to fire Sgt. Merritt, and the Algonquin Police Commission will conduct a termination hearing on June 17, 6:00PM at the Algonquin Village Hall, 2200 Harnish Drive. If its Police Commission had a member in the court today, he would know that this case should have a Not Guilty outcome and that the Police Commission should not support any termination of Sgt. Merritt.
You never know who is interested…
3 months ago
1 comment:
The problem with this whole thing is that MCSD was involved. Sgt. Merritt must have pissed off Lt. Carlson or the arresting deputy needed to get his stats up. You know Carlson didn't make the arrest! It could be another example of a deputy just doing what he is told to do not what is right. If you're not one of the good old boys it's arrest first ask questions later. I wonder how many domestic incidents have happened with deputies and their wives or girlfriends that we never hear about. I also wonder what the Northwest Herald will write if Merritt is aquitted. Probably nothing. That's why I get my local news here.
Post a Comment