The trial of an 18-year-old Bellevue woman charged with the September 2003 murders of her parents entered its final days Thursday in a Boise courtroom.
Now in its sixth week, the double murder trial of Sarah M. Johnson, 18, of Bellevue, opened Feb. 1 with jury selection in 4th District Court at the Ada County Courthouse. The trial was moved to Boise early in January when 5th District Judge Barry Wood ruled it was impractical to attempt to panel a non-biased jury in Blaine County where the crimes were committed. Johnson is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the shooting deaths of her parents, Alan Johnson, 46, and Diane Johnson, 52. If convicted, she faces life in prison.
Defense attorneys, who are attempting to absolve Johnson of the charges, finished making their case Wednesday morning. Prosecuting attorneys finished calling rebuttal witnesses Wednesday afternoon.
Thursday morning, Wood issued initial instructions to the 18 Ada County residents who have attended the proceedings as jurors. Beginning Monday, the jurors will be sequestered, meaning they will not be permitted to return home, until they reach a verdict in the case. They will spend their days deliberating at the courthouse. They will spend their nights at a hotel under strict rules imposed by Judge Wood and agreed to by attorneys and the Ada County jury commissioner.
All 18 jurors will be sequestered, even though six of them are serving as alternates.
According to Wood, the rules are that no computers, cell phones or telephone calls will be permitted during the period of the deliberations and sequestration. All incoming telephone calls will go to the bailiff, and the judge will screen emergency calls. There will be no shopping trips and no business visits.
Jurors may not watch television or listen to radio, but special permission may be obtained to view some sporting events. A set of pre-approved DVD movies has been set aside, but the jury must view movies as a group.
The judge must approve any books jurors read. No alcohol will be allowed.
Wood said closing arguments have been scheduled in the case for Monday in order to avoid having the jury sequestered this weekend. He also acknowledged to jurors that he understands the last six weeks may have been difficult.
"We understand we have taken a whole bunch of your time," he said. "I just can't thank you enough. We're getting there. Just follow the rules..."
When the jury reaches a verdict, the court will adhere to Judge Wood's "15 minute rule." That means attorneys will be telephoned and will have 15 minutes to return to the courtroom.
"If you're not here, we're going to proceed in your absence," Wood said.
Sarah M. Johnson
