Judge Paul Sommer

There are two entities of which I'm aware that know the answer to that question. One is the good Lord above, and the other one is the defendant, Raynella Leith.

There are two entities of which I'm aware that know the answer to that question. One is the good Lord above, and the other one is the defendant, Raynella Leith.

This is a decision never to be taken lightly and I assure you that this court takes this responsibility very seriously. As a senior judge, most every case that I try is somewhat controversial. Now, in this case, it's kind of simple. If it was a homicide, did the evidence show that Raynella Leath committed the homicide? Ladies and gentlemen of the jury.

This is a decision never to be taken lightly and I assure you that this court takes this responsibility very seriously. As a senior judge, most every case that I try is somewhat controversial. Now, in this case, it's kind of simple. If it was a homicide, did the evidence show that Raynella Leath committed the homicide? Ladies and gentlemen of the jury.

I personally have studied every shred of evidence or testimony just like you have.

I personally have studied every shred of evidence or testimony just like you have.

God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Let the record reflect that all the jurors are in the box and all parties are present.

Let the record reflect that all the jurors are in the box and all parties are present.

As you look at it right now, it's going clockwise. Yes, Your Honor.

As you look at it right now, it's going clockwise. Yes, Your Honor.

Let the record reflect that all parties are present in the courtroom, including the defendant.

Let the record reflect that all parties are present in the courtroom, including the defendant.

In short, the state has failed to meet their burden. The defendant's motion for judgment of acquittal is granted. The defendant, Raynella Leath, is not guilty. The case against Raynella Leath is dismissed.

In short, the state has failed to meet their burden. The defendant's motion for judgment of acquittal is granted. The defendant, Raynella Leath, is not guilty. The case against Raynella Leath is dismissed.

Strictly based on the evidence that I heard on both sides, but particularly on the state side, if I'd have been the district attorney general, I would not have brought the case to trial.

Strictly based on the evidence that I heard on both sides, but particularly on the state side, if I'd have been the district attorney general, I would not have brought the case to trial.

Yes.

Yes.