We’re waiting for a verdict.
Danny and Bijou arrived at the usual time, but they remained in the hallway as a handful of the journalists who have been here for the entire trial went into the courtroom.
Judge Olmedo brought out some leftover Halloween candy for us, and said we were welcome to stay as long as we want.
It's initially just five of us. The others tell me they're "pre-writing" their stories for when the verdict comes, marshalling the backstory, etc.
We hear the jury buzzer 40 minutes in. Deputy Contreras goes in, and when he comes out tells us the jury wants to see the exhibits. "No questions," he says, indicating the jury is not asking anything yet.
But then, after 1 hour and 13 minutes, there's another buzz. This time, the jury does have a question for the court, and the attorneys are summoned.
SARTORIAL SPLENDOR ALERT: Defense attorney Philip Cohen is looking fresh in a dark olive suit, pea green shirt, brown tie with green circles, green socks with white polka dots, and tan shoes.
The Underground Bunker is grateful to our fellow journalists who helped in putting together this report.
Judge Olmedo: The jury's question is that they are requesting the "degree of guilty" chart from the defense and copies of the police reports.
She reads out what response she plans to give the jury: The attorneys' closing arguments are not evidence, and any demonstrative charts not previously entered are not evidence. Requested charts and police reports will not be provided. (The response is longer, but that's the gist.)
Cohen registers an objection, saying that part of her response is redundant, but Mueller likes her version and she sticks with it.
The attorneys are then excused and they and the Masterson group leave the courtroom.
Naturally, the journalists are discussing what the question from the jury means. About the only consensus among them is that it suggests we will get a verdict today.
We go back to waiting.
Another buzz from the jury at 11:20 am. Deputy Contreras goes in. When he comes out, he's not saying anything this time.
At 11:45, they jury indicates they want to break for lunch. They file out of the courtroom. Deputy Contreras tells us they will resume at 1:15 pm.
Thank you for reading today’s story here at Substack. For the full picture of what’s happening today in the world of Scientology, please join the conversation at tonyortega.org, where we’ve been reporting daily on David Miscavige’s cabal since 2012. There you’ll find additional stories, and our popular regular daily features:
Source Code: Actual things founder L. Ron Hubbard said on this date in history
Avast, Ye Mateys: Snapshots from Scientology’s years at sea
Overheard in the Freezone: Indie Hubbardism, one thought at a time
Past is Prologue: From this week in history at alt.religion.scientology
Random Howdy: Your daily dose of the Captain
Here’s the link for today’s post at tonyortega.org
And whatever you do, subscribe to this Substack so you get our breaking stories and daily features right to your email inbox every morning…
Before the verdict comes in and you get inundated with messages, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for ALL of your hard work and efforts during this crazy trial. You made us all feel like we were right there with you in the courtroom. We felt your passions and frustrations. You worked so very hard keeping us informed with your daily emails and videos. You have been fair and professional while being compassionate and caring. We're going to miss you saying "Underground Bunker" from the court house (and one bar) and look forward to reading future postings and your wonderful podcasts about Scientology.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!
This is voyeurism in a way all of us watching this develop - but honestly, I believe these victims and I certainly believe they were mentally coerced by Scientology to shut up. That is criminal and if they experienced that abuse then justice really needs to be served. These women were violated and abused. Pretty abhorrent.