"Justice for Jessie" as closing arguments offer fireworks

I left early enough to push through the snow and get to the Stark County Courthouse for closing arguments this morning. As drama goes, this morning didn't disappoint.

Both sides cut right to the chase.

Prosecutor Dennis Barr mocked Cutts' tearful testimony yesterday. He told jurors that "Bobby Cutts said he would do anything to bring back Jessie and Chloe. (Looking over to Cutts) Really Bobby? Really?"

Cutts didn't react from his seat, but the words were certainly a verbal dagger.

Barr went on to slice and dice additional verbal slams ... including telling jurors that while Cutts accepted responsibility and apologized, "what else is he going to do? He's trying to save his life."

Defense attorneys layed out a common theme that Blake still needs to see his father someday, even from behind bars. They also urged jurors not to kill Blake's father when his mother is already dead.

Their secondary argument weighed on the idea that Bobby's total life of 30 years should be used to judge his character and not the 10 days in June when he committed these crimes.

Judge Charles Brown delivered about 30 minutes of instructions before letting jurors begin to deliberate around 10:05 a.m. The alternate jurors have been released from the proceedings now.

The gallery includes family members from both sides, but it's not as crowded as the verdict 10 days ago.

The most emotional moment of the morning came after nearly everyone had left the courtroom. Ned Davis, Jessie's father, engaged in a long hug with Bobby's mother. Both cried. From the looks on their faces, no words were needed.