Viewer - Cara Rintala Trial: Live updates from Day 5 of courtroom proceedings

Cara Rintala Trial: Live updates from Da...

Wednesday February 20, 2013

9:11

9:10 a.m. Fred Contrada signing on to cover the murder trial of Cara Rintala.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 9:11

9:14

9:12 a.m. The judge and attorneys have been at sidebar since the courtroom opened. We can't hear what they are saying. The room is packed. There are media and lawyers here. There might be members of both the victim's and defendant's families.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 9:14

9:17

9:15 a.m. They appear to be talking at sidebar to a juror. The court went through four days of jury pools to get 12 jurors and 4 alternates.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 9:17

9:22

9:17 a.m. Judge Mary Lou Rup is telling people that seating is limited in the courtroom and the court will do its best to accommodate everyone. She emphasized that this is a formal setting. There should be no talking or emotional responses to testimony. Family of Annamarie and Cara Rintala will have priority regarding seats. No cell phones or eletronic devices, no picture-taking, except for the media.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 9:22

9:25

9:23 a.m. The jury has entered. There are 12 men and 4 women.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 9:25

9:28

9:24 a.m. Judge Rup is going over standard questions she asks juries every day at the start of a trial: Did you read or discuss anything concerning the case? Anything you want to share with me? The assistant clerk then swore in the jury and read the murder indictment. Rintala, she said, has pleaded not guilty. If she is guilty, you are to say so. If she is not guilty you are to say so and no more.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 9:28

9:32

9:27 a.m. Rup laid out the trial: opening statements, the hearing of evidence (opening statements, she noted, are not evidence), closing statements (also not evidence). You will make your decision based on what happens in between opening and closings. You and you alone are they judges of the evidence in this case. She will give them detailed instructions about the law after the case is closed. They should not discuss the case before all the evidence has been presented.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 9:32

9:35

9:31 a.m. Rup continued... No casual conversations or any conversations with anyone while the case is in progress. Evidence, she explained, will consist of two things: evidence presented by witnesses and exhibits (such as photos). If videotapes are shown, you will be able to review them during deliberations.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 9:35

9:39

9:35 a.m. Rup explained the rules about objections during questioning and cross-examination. If the judge allows an objection about something a witness says, the jury must disregard what was said, even if they have heard it. This is not always the easiest thing to do.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 9:39

9:40

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

are both sets of parents for both Annamarie Cochrane and Cara Rintala in the courtroom today?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 9:40 Guest

9:41

9:39 a.m. I have not had the chance to scan the courtroom. Most of the people are behind me. I know what Annamarie\'s parents look like. I do not know Cara Rintala\'s family by sight.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 9:41

9:44

9:43 a.m. Rup: It\'s up to each juror to judge the credibility of witnesses.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 9:44

9:45

9:44 a.m. Rup is informing the juror that there will be what they call of "view" of the crime scene, maybe next Monday. This will be at the house in Granby where Cara and Annamarie Rintala lived with their daughter and where the incident took place. Please don't drive around there on your own, Rup said.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 9:45

9:46

9:45 a.m. Rup: Don\'t do your own research or detective work. Don\'t go on line to check people or events or things out. Don\'t read or listen to what the media is reporting.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 9:46

9:51

9:50 a.m. This will not be like "CSI' or "Law and Order" or shows of that type, Rup said.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 9:51

9:56

9:55 a.m. Rup: Don\'t chit-chat with or eavesdrop on anyone you recognize in this courtroom outside the courtroom. Don\'t be offended if someone here does not greet or appear to recognize you on the outside.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 9:56

10:00

9:58 a.m. Sitting on a jury calls into play all the life skills we employ every day. How you size someone up. What weight you give to what they say. How much you believe them or do not believe them. What actions or reactions seem reasonable or logical to you in the context of a story.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 10:00

10:02

10:00 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays will be full days in court, Rup said, 9:a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The court has other matters to attend to, which is why they leave time on Tues. and Thurs. afternoons. These are mostly brief matters such as arraignments, pleas, probation violation hearings and scheduling for other trials.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 10:02

10:06

10:04 a.m. Rup explained the presumption of innocence. In theory, the defendant could not testify or call any witnesses and put it on the prosecution to prove she is guilty. This is seldom done, however.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 10:06

10:09

10:06 a.m. Rup explained the legal elements of murder in the first degree (murder with premeditation or extreme atrocity or cruelty). It would be up to the jurors to decide between first and second degree murder if they deem Rintala guilty. Murder One carries a sentence of life in prison without possibility of parole. There is the possibility of parole in second degree murder.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 10:09

10:13

10:12 a.m. Much of what Rup is telling the jurt is boilerplate court stuff. However, both sides get to weigh in on how she will explain specific aspects of the case and how they should put them in context.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 10:13

10:17

10:13 a.m. First Assistant Northwestern District Attorney Steven Gagne is giving his opening statements. The Rintalas were married for 2 1/2 turbulent years. 3 times the Granby PD had to get involved, twice as a result of 911 calls by Cara. By March, 2010 they were $95K in debt. Their marriage ended on March 29, 2010. Not with divorce or separation but with murder. In the basement of their own home on a cold cement floor. With Annamarie's body in a pool of fresh paint and blood. The person who ended that marriage is right here: Cara Lee Rintala. She ended it with her own two hands.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 10:17

10:22

10:17 a.m. Gagne: Sept. 27, 2008, Cara and Annamaria both showed up at Granby PD. Cara charged with assault and battery and arrested. Cara said she was \"bamboozled\" by Annamarie. May 12, 2009, first 911 call from 18 Barton St. was an abandoned call. Dispatcher called back, heard screaming in background. Another hangup. Dispatcher calls again, hears female voice saying \"Just leave!!\" Police go the scene and the women say baby pulled the phone off hook and accidentally dialed 911. Cara called police a few weeks later, advise the women to go to court for restraining orders against her other. When they do, Cara admits she placed the first 911 call, the same day she filed for divorce from Annamarie. Second call same day Annamarie served divorce papers v. Cara. Cara tells judge she has reached \"all I can take.\" Summer of 2009, Annamarie moves out to Hadley, goes back to Granby to get some things. Annamaries\'s mom calls and Cara tells her to \"come get you --- daughter out of this house.\"

Wednesday February 20, 2013 10:22

10:25

10:22 a.m. Gagne: They visit Nancy Kaufman in Feb. 2010 in Florida. Kaufman, Annamarie\'s aunt, will testify about the arguments she heard. $1,100 a month due in auto loans. Annamarie opened a credit card under Cara\'s name and racked up $25K, says Cara, that Annamarie stole money out of Cara\'s retirement fund, that Annamarie emptied the baby\'s piggy bank.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 10:25

10:28

10:24 a.m. Gagne: Both women worked as paramedics, took home about $70k a year combined. Evening before the incident, Annamarie goes to work, leaves Cara home with baby, learn a friend of Cara has shown up with a six-pack. Annamarie not pleased, texts Cara to call her. \"You don\'t respect me. I hate the relationship we have. I\'m going to leave.\" Annamarie works till 8 a.m. the next morning, picks up donuts, goes home. Cara gets call in for 3 hours of OT that morning, comes home.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 10:28

10:31

10:27 a.m. Gagne: About 7 p.m. that night neighbor calls Granby police to report Cara knocked on his door and handed him the baby and said \"Call 911. Ann\'s in the basement.\" Police respond. Go down to basement. See Cara sitting on the cement floor \"with Annamarie\'s cold, stiff as a board body laid across her lap.\" A pool of fresh wet paint spilled on the floor and on the body. \"I can\' believe she\'s dead,\" says Cara. Cara tells police \"We were fighting all last night.\" Police remove Cara from under the body and sit her at kitchen table upstairs.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 10:31

10:33

10:30 a.m. Gagne: Paramedics respond. This cold is long since deceased, ice cold to the touch, so stiff police could not bend her arm. Upstairs Cara continues talking about how they were fighting, says she last saw Annamarie at 3 p.m. A critical time, says Gagne. Cara asks to go to bathroom to wash up. Paramedic says OK. Paramedic notices Cara\'s nose starts to bleed.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 10:33

10:37

10:32 a.m. Gagne: Cara wants to go into bedroom and gets Annamarie\'s cell phone. Police say no. Cara says \"I know I\'m the number one suspect.\" She goes to Granby PD for interview with state police. Jury will hear that interview. Gagne says Cara talks about debts, fighting, where she was that day. She went on errands, to Holyoke Mall, came home with the baby, noticed the side door in garage was open. Brianna, 2 1/2, says \"Mama\'s in the basement,\" according to Cara. Cara looks downstairs, see\'s Ann\'s foot, according to her story. \"This trained paramedic packs up kid, dog, exits the house\" and goes to neighbor\'s.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 10:37

11:06

From the newsroom: We're dealing with a power supply problem; live updates should resume shortly.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 11:06

11:19

11:18 a.m. Defense attorney David Hoose is giving his opening statement. Hoose described Cara as a responsible woman who loved Annamarie. I don\'t know who killed Annamarie Rintala, Hoose said. He, (referring to prosecutor Gagne), doesn\'t know either.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 11:19

11:21

11:19 a.m. Hoose is telling the jury that Gagne must prove his case beyond a reasonable doubt. 18 month investigation, Hoose noted. "This supposedly bloody rag which is supposedly big piece of evidence." They knew about that right away, Hoose said. Why did it takwe them 19 months?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 11:21

11:24

11:21 a.m. Hoose is saying that much of the evidence Gagne shared in his opening was known to prosecutors and police right away. Why did it take them so long to charge Rintala? he asked. Hoose promised to question prosecution witnesses hard. He is suggested that the prosecution did not promptly chekc the alibi of other people.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 11:24

11:25

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

we missed the rest of the DA's opening statement

Wednesday February 20, 2013 11:25 Guest

11:26

11:24 a.m. Hoose is saying the prosecution must convince the juror that Rintala is so cold blooded that she not only killed her wife but cleaned up the scene and took the baby out for the afternoon on errands, then came back and covered herself with her wife's blood and paint "because that was the best way to get away with it."

Wednesday February 20, 2013 11:26

11:26

@Guest: We had a hiccup with the power supply, so the live updates were down for several minutes. We will try to catch up with the rest of Gagne's opening statement during a break. (From Greg Saulmon in the newsroom.)

Wednesday February 20, 2013 11:26

11:27

11:25 a.m. "You're going to hear all the dirty laundry from this marriage," Hoose said. Hoose said it was always Cara who called 911. Why? Because she handles things responsibly.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 11:27

11:28

11:27 a.m. Hoose told the jury it will hear that all the cross-complaints were dismissed. He said the two "got read the riot act" by a district court judge. "They learned their lesson and there was never another 911 call."

Wednesday February 20, 2013 11:28

11:30

11:29 a.m. Hoose said that even while they were separated they were in touch with each other. They ultimately decided they loved each other, he said. In Nov., Cara asked Annamarie to move back in with her. Went to church and counseling together. "There were still problems, but they had learned how to deal with their problems."

Wednesday February 20, 2013 11:30

11:31

11:30 a.m. Hoose said they jury is going to hear there was genuine love and caring between the wives.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 11:31

11:34

11:31 a.m. Hoose said the prosecution falsely presumed the time of death, that the time of death is hard to pin-point. He urged the jury to listen carefully to testimony about how the medical examiner determined the time of death.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 11:34

11:36

11:34 a.m. Hoose said there is no mystery to the gap in calls on the cell phones of the two woman, that Annamarie might hyave turned hers off to get some sleep.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 11:36

11:38

11:35 a.m. Hoose said the prosecution also falsely presumed Cara killed her wife because she was financially irresponsible. Cara paid her bills on time every month and was not in default, Hoose said.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 11:38

11:40

11:37 a.m. Hoose told the jury that the wives kept their finances separate and that Cara was doing well financially at the time of the incident. He mentioned that "loan" Annamarie took out from Cara, said Annamarie was paying Cara off for it. When Annamarie died, Hoose said, Rintala became responsible for the loan.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 11:40

11:43

11:40 a.m. Hoose said Rintala had 5 payments left on her car loan. Annamarie had a $40K mini-van. After Annamarie died, Cara sold the van and paid off the note at her own expense, Hoose said.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 11:43

11:44

11:42 a.m. Hoose scoffed at the notion that debt was a motive for Cara to kill Annamarie.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 11:44

11:45

11:43 a.m. Hoose said a witness the jury will hear was "smitten" with Annamarie to the extent that he would give her money at any time.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 11:45

11:47

11"45 a.m. Hoose mentioned Carla Daniele, a "girlfriend" of Annamarie who helped her get set up "and basically gave her carte blanche" to the tune of $10K on her credit card.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 11:47

11:48

11:46 a.m. Hopefully, said Hoose, none of us will ever come home to find our loved dead on the basement floor. He said Rintala cooperated with the investigation.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 11:48

11:50

11:47 a.m. Hoose noted that Rintala went next door and asked the neighbor to dail 911. "Then she sat down in this hour of grief and talked to Lt. Whitney for 2 hours and 40 minutes."

Wednesday February 20, 2013 11:50

11:51

11:49 a.m. Hoose said state troopers will "nit pick" her every word "to support their belief it was Cara who murdered her wife."

Wednesday February 20, 2013 11:51

11:53

11:51 a.m. Hoose told the jury that, at the end of the day, the evidence doesn't "add up to much of anything." He said the crime scene was compromised by Rintala cradling her wife's body. He said there was "some pretty sloppy police work" at the crime scene.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 11:53

11:55

11:53 a.m. Hoose urged the jury to pay special attention to the text messages they will see in evidence. Who is behaving responsibly? he asked. Who is behaving "nutso"?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 11:55

11:57

11:54 a.m. Hoose said Annamarie promsied to kiss Mark Oleksan, a witness, if he stood in line for her at a store, that she didn't complain to him about her woes with Cara.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 11:57

11:58

11:56 a.m. Hoose downplayed the drops of blood from Rintala found on various objects. He said Rintala had no mark on her body she could have bled from.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 11:58

11:59

11:58 a.m. You are going to conclude, Hoose said, that there was a violent struggle in the basement. He noted that Annamarie was significantly larger than Cara, that she weighed about 200 pounds.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 11:59

12:01

11:59 a.m. Hoose disputed other evidence the prosecution will present, the rag found at McDonalds, for example.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:01

12:02

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

when you refer to Rintala, are you referring to the defendant, or the deceased?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:02 Guest

12:03

12:01 p.m. At the end of this case, Hoose said, you will reach the conclusion that the scientific investigation had nothing to do with this crime scene.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:03

12:04

12:02 p.m. You can't prove the truth of something if it's simply not true, Hoose said. "A puff of wind blows it all away." He ended his opening.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:04

12:05

12:04 p.m. Sorry for the gap. We had an electronic proble.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:05

12:06

12:05 p.m. Prosecution calls Roy Dupuis as its first witness. He lives next door to the house in Granby where the Rintalas lived. He lives at 20 Barton St., Granby.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:06

12:08

12:06 p.m. Dupuis identified his neighbor on Barton Street as Rintala, who is sitting in court. Rintala wept pretty hard into a tissue following Gagne's opening remarks.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:08

12:10

12:08 p.m. Gagne showed Dupuis a photo of Annamarie, which was then offered into evidence. The courtroom can see it on a screen. She has curly black hair and a wide smile in the photo.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:10

12:12

12:09 p.m. Dupuis said the houses are about 150 feet apart. The jury sees a photo of the two houses on Barton.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:12

12:14

12:12 p.m. The jury is looking at various photos of the Rintala home, a ranch house with a garage and an open connector.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:14

12:16

12:14 p.m. The couple had two dogs, Dupuis said. He would dog sit for one, a lab.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:16

12:18

12:16 p.m. When I refer to Rintala, I am referring to the defendant. Since they had the same last name, I will try to use "Cara" and "Annamarie" to distinguish them.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:18

12:21

12:18 p.m. Gagne is asking Dupuis detailed questions about dog care and what one can and cannot see from the two houses.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:21

12:23

12:21 p.m. Dupuis described the relationship as "neighbors." They did not have each other over for dinner, for example. Brianna was 4 days old when Cara and Annamarie adopted her, Dupuis said.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:23

12:23

12:22 p.m. Dupuis said Cara once mentioned things were "rocky" between her and her wife and that they were going to "split."

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:23

12:25

12:23 p.m. On March 29, Dupuis said, he went to work, came home 2-2:30 p.m. He installs floor covering.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:25

12:27

12:25 p.m. Dupuis noticed nothing unusual about the Rintala home when he came home.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:27

12:28

12:27 p.m. Dupuis and his wife watch "Wheel of Fortune" at 7 p.m.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:28

12:30

12:27 p.m. At 7:15 or so, there was knocking at his door and window, Dupuis said. He went upstairs to see who it was. It was Cara. She had Brianna, looked very upset. She told him to call 911, handed him the baby. "Anne's in the basement," she said.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:30

12:31

12:30 p.m. Cara had the dog, Dupuis said. There was no other conversation.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:31

12:35

12:31 p.m. Dupuis called 911. Gagne played a recording for the witness and the jury. Dupuis tells the dispatcher he had "no idea" what the problem is, says he doesn't know if it's a "domestic" problem. The cruiser is en route, the dispatcher says.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:35

12:38

12:35 p.m. Dupuis said state troppers came to his house later that evening. They wanted to talk to Brianna, he said.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:38

12:41

12:38 p.m. The Dupuis have grandkids and are well equipped for baby sitting, he said. He said Cara sold the house in July or August of 2010. There was a yard sale.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:41

12:41

12:40 p.m. Gagne has asked what kinds of items were at the tag sale. Hoose objected. They are meeting with the judge at sidebar.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:41

12:43

12:41 p.m. The judge is letting Gagne ask the questions. Dupuis said he saw small items and appliances. Gagne ended his questioning. Now it's Hoose's turn.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:43

12:44

12:42 p.m. Hoose is asking about Rintala's visit on March 29.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:44

12:48

12:44 p.m. Their house and yard were well-kept, Dupuis said. He said Cara came over a few weeks before when the two wives were going on a cruise. She would leave instructions and medicine for caring for the dog. Dupuis would go over to their house every day while they were away and check the sump pump and various other things.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:48

12:51

12:48 p.m. Dupuis previously said he saw Annamarie and Cara on the Saturday before she was killed but didn't remember this when Hoose asked. Hoose refreshed his memory with a document.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:51

12:53

12:51 p.m. Dupuis and his wife had been invited to the Rintala house for birthday parties.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:53

12:55

12:52 p.m. Dupuis had been the victim of an assault previously and bought a handgun, he said. Annamarie and Cara brought over brownies. As she was walking out, Annamarie said-- Gagne objects.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:55

12:56

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

going back to "cara had the dog", are we to think that cara took the time to put her dog on a leash when she went to dupuis' or did the dog follow her out of the house?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:56 Guest

12:56

12:54 p.m. The dog just followed her, Dupuis said.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:56

12:57

12:56 p.m. The other dog had died.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:57

12:58

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

I thought earlier someone stated that they had two dogs, but why only go to house with one dog?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:58 Guest

12:59

12:58 p.m. They are breaking for lunch. We'll have to see what Rup ruled on the objection. Back at 2 p.m.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 12:59

2:07

2:02 p.m. Back in court, waiting for the jury. During the electronics gap, Gagne, in his openingt statement, described how Cara Rintala went to a McDonalds during the time between Annamarie's death and the 7 p.m. 911 call. Surveillance cameras there saw her get out of her truck and gather some rags. The managher, on the next day, found a bag wtth some rags in it, one of whch had blood matching Annamarie's DNA. Also seen was something resembling a white laundry basket in the back ot the truck. The basket was not in Rintala's truck later but was found in the back seat of Annamarie's van. The basket had Cara's blood on it.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:07

2:09

2:06 p.m. Hoose resumes his cross-examination. Roy Dupuis, who livves next door to the Rintala house in Granby, is on the stand. Gagne is cross-examining Dupuis, who said everything in the Rintala house, to his eyes, was neat and clean. Dupuis stepped down.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:09

2:11

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

can we hear the rest of the prosicuters opening statement?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:11 Guest

2:11

2:09 p.m. Granby police officer Gary Poehler called to the stand. Gagne is questioning him.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:11

2:11

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

How much experience does Steven Gagne have? Any concerns he is overmatched by Atty. Hoss?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:11 Guest

2:12

2:11 p.m. Gagne was with the Bristol County DA's office before he came here. He is an accomplished prosecutor.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:12

2:15

2:12 p.m. Poehler is explaining the system by which 911 calls are answered by police in Granby.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:15

2:15

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

I'm curious, does Cara get put into a holding cell during lunch?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:15 Guest

2:15

2:14 p.m. I'm not sure where Rintala goes during lunch. I do not believe she is free to leave the premisis. I will find out.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:15

2:17

2:15 p.m. Poehler was on duty when the call came in about the Rintala residence shortly after 7 p.m. on March 29, 2010. It took him a couple of minutes to respond to 18 Barton St.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:17

2:19

2:17 p.m. Poehler said he knew the house. He pointed out Rintala in court.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:19

2:23

2:20 p.m. Poehler said he announced himself as police, heard noise coming from downstairs after he opened the door to the Rintala house, yelling, he said.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:23

2:24

2:22 p.m. Poehler said he entered the house, went down to the basement, saw someone who appeared tro be lying on the floor.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:24

2:25

2:23 p.m. Poehler is describing the layout of the house with photos from Gagne being entered into evidence.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:25

2:25

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

What is Cara's demeanor thought ppl being questioned?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:25 Guest

2:26

2:24 p.m. I can't see Rintala clearly. She was distraught after Gagnbe's opening but has appeared to be collected since.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:26

2:27

2:25 p.m. Gagne is showing the jury a photo viewing the basement stairs from the top.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:27

2:30

2:27 p.m. Poehler saw a female lying on the floor in a pool of wet paint. It appeared to be pink, he said. He also saw a reddish substance he believed to be blood. Cara Rintala was also in the basement, he said, sitting on the floor with Annamarie in her lap.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:30

2:32

2:30 p.m. Officer Poehler testified that Rintala was hysterically repeating, "She's dead. I can't believe she's dead."

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:32

2:36

2:31 p.m. Officer Poehler knew that Rintala was a firefighter/paramedic in Ludlow. Granby police Sgt. Mark Smith then arrived, Poehler said. Poehler told Cara he had to check Annamarie's pulse. He felt her carotid artery. Her body, he said, was extremely cold and very stiff.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:36

2:38

2:35 p.m. Poehler concluded that Annamaire was dead and beyond saving. He told this to Rintala. She said she came home and found her like that, said they'd been arguing, Poehler said.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:38

2:39

2:38 p.m. Judge Rup has asked to see the attorneys at sidebar.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:39

2:39

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Where is their daughter?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:39 Guest

2:39

2:38 p.m. I believe Brianna is with Rintala's family, but such information is private.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:39

2:40

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

What about Annamarie's parents. Hearing this for the first time must be diffcult...

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:40 Guest

2:40

2:39 p.m. Of course it is very difficult for parentsw to hear such testimony. They are sitting behgind me and I can't see their reaction.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:40

2:42

2:40 p.m. Poehler said Rintala told him she could not get up from under Annamarie's body. The officers rolled Annamarie off Rintala.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:42

2:43

2:41 p.m. Poehler said Annamarie's body moved as a piece when they moved it because it was stiff. Cara slid herself out from under. Her shoes fell off in the process. They were slip-ons, he said.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:43

2:44

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

what time will court be letting out?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:44 Guest

2:44

2:43 p.m. Court is scheduled to go until 4:30 p.m. today.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:44

2:44

Housekeeping note from the newsroom at The Republican:

Fred will do his best to answer reader questions, but his top priority is to report what's happening in open court. We'll do our best to make a note of unanswered questions and pursue them as time allows; if you don't see your question / comment pop up, it's probably because Fred is furiously taking notes.

Having done this type of court coverage myself, I can say that it's extremely difficult to keep up with everything that's happening and being said. So, hats off to Fred for all he's doing today.

- Greg Saulmon / The Republican

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:44

2:46

[Comment From ReneeRenee: ]

Job well done Fred thus far.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:46 Renee

2:47

2:44 p.m. Cara's feet went through a pool of Annamarie's blood, Poehler said, as she slid out from under Annamarie. Police escorted Cara upstairs and asked her not to touch anything.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:47

2:47

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Has it been determined who if anyone is in court today for the defendant??

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:47 Guest

2:48

2:46 p.m. There are people who might be Rintala's family sitting on the defendant's side of the room. I can't positively identify them. The common practice is for the victrim's people to sit on the right, facing the judge, and the defendant's people on the left.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:48

2:48

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Is the photo the actual crime scene?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:48 Guest

2:48

2:48 p.m. The crime scene is the basement of the house.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:48

2:48

[Comment From guessguess: ]

do you know if Caal will take the stand

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:48 guess

2:49

2:48 p.m. I don't know if Rintala will take the stand. If the defendant testifies, he or she is usually the last witness called. It is rare for a defendant to testify.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:49

2:51

2:48 p.m. The jury is looking at a crime scene photo of Annamarie's body in the basement. Poehler is pointing out the wet paint on her body and the floor.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:51

2:51

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

What happened for the Judge to call side bar

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:51 Guest

2:52

2:50 p.m. We don't know what the sidebar was about. We can't hear it.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:52

2:53

2:51 p.m. A closer view of Annamarie's body. You can see the paint bucket and Cara's shoes.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:53

2:54

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Thank you so much for doing this for those of us that can not be there in person!!!!

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:54 Guest

2:55

2:52 p.m. A third crime scene photo. Annamarie's arms are pointed up, bent at the elbows, her legs splayed.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:55

2:57

2:55 p.m. A fourth photo is a close-up. Poehler pointed out his own footprints in the paint.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:57

2:59

2:57 p.m. Poehler testified he sat down with Cara upstairs. Hoose has asked to approach the bench.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:59

2:59

[Comment From Guest2Guest2: ]

Can Annamaries family see these photos as well?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:59 Guest2

2:59

2:58 p.m. Yes.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:59

2:59

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

GREAT JOB FRED THANKS FOR KEEPING US UP TO DATE.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 2:59 Guest

3:01

2:59 p.m. Rup told the jury they may be hearing what Rintala told Poehler. She reminded them that they can't consider her statements as evidence but only determine if she actually said them willingly.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:01

3:02

[Comment From Guest2Guest2: ]

Can they choose to step out while these photos are being shown?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:02 Guest2

3:02

3:01 p.m. Yes, but there might not be much warning.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:02

3:04

3:02 p.m. Rup is laying out the context in which Rintala's statements should be considered at great length. Most likely the defense had input about this.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:04

3:07

3:03 p.m. Poehler said he was sitting about 3 feet from Rintala, that she was visibly upset but understood he was having a conversation with her. According to Poehler, Rintala said she came home, found the door open, saw the basement light waqs one, chekced the bedroom to see if Annamarie was there. Rintala returned to the kitchen, where Brianna told her "Mommy is in the baswement," Poehler said.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:07

3:08

3:06 p.m. Poehler said Cara told him Brianna was at the top of the stairs to the basement. Cara then saw Annamarie lying on the floor. Cara told Poehler she took Brianna and the dog next door to the neighbor's house.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:08

3:12

3:08 p.m. Poehler said Rintala said she then returned, went into the basement and rolled Annamarie's body onto her legs. She told Poehler she and Annamrie had an argument the night before over Cara having a friend to the house. They argued via text, he said. A Granby fire department paramedic then arrived, Poehler said.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:12

3:14

3:12 p.m. Poehler asked Cara when she last saw Annamarie alive. She said about 3 p.m., when she spoke to Annamarie in the bedroom. Cara said she was taking the baby out so Annamarie could sleep.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:14

3:18

3:14 p.m. Poehler testified that the paramedic, Gene Os, sat down next to Cara. Poehler heard Os ask Cara if she was okay. She said yes, but Annamarie is dead. Rintala told Os Annamarie had asthma.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:18

3:20

3:17 p.m. Granby paramedic Michael Pandora now arrived, Poehler said. He went to the bottom of the stairs, looked at the scene and told Poehler he was all set. When Poehler came back upstairs with Pandora, Os and Rintala were no longer in the kitchen but in the bathroom, he said.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:20

3:21

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Everything that is placed as evidence is it kept up in the courtroom for the duration of the trial?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:21 Guest

3:21

3:20 p.m. Yes.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:21

3:23

3:21 p.m. Gagne shows jury photos of the bathroom in the Rintala house.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:23

3:25

3:23 p.m. Poehler testified that Rintala wanted to get Annamarie's cell phone and went into the bedroom. He asked her to go back into the kitchen and not touch anything. She said "I understand I am the number one suspect," he said.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:25

3:29

3:28 p.m. Attorney Hoose has asked to be heard at sidebar.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:29

3:29

3:25 p.m Poehler testified Rintala told him she got macaroni and cheese for Brianna at Burger King. She asked to make some phone calls.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:29

3:32

3:30 p.m. Poehlersaid he heard Cara tell her mother over the phone not to be "analytical." Cara then called Annamarie's mother and told her she was dead, he said.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:32

3:34

3:32 p.m. Poehler testified that state police trooper Jamie Magarian then arrived on the scene. Magarian is with a detective unit attached to the Northwestern DA's office.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:34

3:38

3:34 p.m. Other police arrived, Poehler said. Poehler made small talk with Rintala about having children, etc. He said she appeared "very relaxed." He later saw Cara at the Granby police station but did not question her. Gagne went back to the close-up photo from the ccrime scene. Poehler said state police took his boots in regard to the prints at the crime scene.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:38

3:39

3:38 p.m. Poehler said he was not involved with the case after that night.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:39

3:39

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Who gave birth to the daughter - Cara or Annamarie?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:39 Guest

3:40

3:39 p.m. Brianna was described as being adopted by the couple.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:40

3:41

3:40 p.m. Gagne finished his direct questioning. Hoose is cross-examining.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:41

3:49

3:40 p.m. Hoose asked Poehler if he could hear someone crying when he arrived at the Rintala house. He said yes. Hoose asked questions about police and other responders coming in and out of the house. Is it fair to say the crime scene was compromised by the traffic, he asked. Gagne objected to the term "compromised." Hoose rephrased his question, or went off on a parallel track about the coming and going, asking about people tracking blood and paint throughout the house.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:49

3:51

3:49 p.m. Hoose referred to the crime scene close-up of boot prints. "You can't tell from looking at that picture how many footprints are there, is that correct?" he asked.Poehler said yes.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:51

3:53

3:51 p.m. Poehler told Hoose he's had "minimal" training in death scene investigation. Hoose called into question Poehler's conclusions drawn from Annamarie's temperature and rigor mortis.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:53

3:57

3:52 p.m. Poehler acknowledged to Hoose that Rintala was completely cooperative during the time he was at the house. He acknowledged that he wrote his report 6-8 hours after talking with Cara.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:57

4:01

3:57 p.m. Hoose asked Poehler about Cara's stated concerns for Brianna, who was 2 at the time, and about her call to Annamarie's parents. He asked about Cara's "number one suspect" statement. He ended his cross.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 4:01

4:03

4:01 p.m. Gagne, on redirect, showed Poehler one of the crime scene photos in relation to the size of Annamarie and Rintala's statements about not being able to get out from under her body.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 4:03

4:04

4:02 p.m. Rup is recessing for the day. The trial will resume on Thursday at 9 a.m. It will go till 1 p.m.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 4:04

4:15

[Comment From ValerieValerie: ]

Great coverage today thank you!

Wednesday February 20, 2013 4:15 Valerie

4:16

Thanks to everyone for reading. We'll have live coverage of the Rintala trial when it resumes on Thursday.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 4:16

4:23