In regards to some of our reporting on Hillary’s defense team, and one of its benefactors, Sarah Johnson, we want you to know this:
Oral “Nick” Hillary was a soccer player at St. Lawrence University, then a coach. His SLU soccer teammates started a fund in aid of his defense. Sarah Johnson, a SLU trustee and friend of Nick, contributed to that fund.
St. Lawrence holds North Country Public Radio’s broadcast license. Sarah Johnson is an ex-officio member of NCPR’s advisory board, and a donor to this station.
NCPR maintains a strict firewall between news/editorial operations and fundraising.
In episode 17 of Day By Day: The Nick Hillary Trial podcast, David Sommerstein, Lauren Rosenthal, and Brit Hanson look into reactions to Hillary's not guilty verdict, including takes from legal experts about the prosecution's insistence that Hillary is the killer.
You can review this case from the very beginning. Here is all of our coverage in an organized form that makes the most sense.
If you're listening to this podcast episode on our website, you may want to subscribe. Episodes will automatically appear on your computer or smartphone. You can sign up in iTunes here, or paste this link into any podcast app.
To learn more about subscribing to podcasts, check out our explainer in the right-hand column here.
If you have questions about the case or the trial, or feedback about the show, we'd love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected]. We'll also be live-tweeting during the trial. Follow us on Twitter — @ncpr
After five years, Oral “Nick” Hillary is no longer a murder suspect. Judge Felix Catena ruled last week that Hillary is not guilty of killing his ex-girlfriend’s 12-year-old son in Potsdam. The family of victim Garrett...
After five years, Oral “Nick” Hillary is no longer a murder suspect. Judge Felix Catena ruled last week that Hillary is not guilty of killing his ex-girlfriend’s 12-year-old son in Potsdam. The family of victim Garrett Phillips was devastated by that decision.
So were the prosecutors who tried to convict Hillary. Within hours of hearing the verdict, St. Lawrence County District Attorney Mary Rain and co-prosecutor William Fitzpatrick both told the press they believe Hillary is the true killer. Legal experts said that's an understandable reaction, but it's toeing the line of ethical behavior for a DA.
Former Clarkson University soccer coach Oral "Nicholas" Hillary was found not guilty Wednesday of murdering 12-year-old Garrett Phillips in Potsdam in 2011. "The criminal justice system worked here," said defense attorney Norm Siegel...
Former Clarkson University soccer coach Oral "Nicholas" Hillary was found not guilty Wednesday of murdering 12-year-old Garrett Phillips in Potsdam in 2011. "The criminal justice system worked here," said defense attorney Norm Siegel outside the courthouse, after repeating, as he had throughout the trial, that the prosecution offered no physical evidence or eyewitnesses connecting Hillary to the crime scene.
But St. Lawrence county district attorney Mary Rain remained steadfast in her belief that Hillary is the killer. "Just because he's not guilty doesn't mean he's innocent," Rain told the press Wednesday after the verdict.
There was a heavy police presence inside and outside the St. Lawrence County courthouse leading up to the not guilty ruling on Wednesday morning. Photo: Brit Hanson/North Country Public Radio
In episode 16 of Day By Day: The Nick Hillary Trial podcast, David Sommerstein, Brit Hanson, and Lauren Rosenthal talk about the verdict, the reaction from both sides and from Garrett Phillips' family.
You can review this case from the very beginning. Here is all of our coverage in an organized form that makes the most sense.
If you're listening to this podcast episode on our website, you may want to subscribe. Episodes will automatically appear on your computer or smartphone. You can sign up in iTunes here, or paste this link into any podcast app.
To learn more about subscribing to podcasts, check out our explainer in the right-hand column here.
If you have questions about the case or the trial, or feedback about the show, we'd love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected]. We've also been live-tweeting during the trial. Look back here: @ncpr
Oral "Nick" Hillary's left the St. Lawrence County courthouse with defense attorney Norman Siegel after he was found not guilty in the murder of twelve-year-old Garrett Phillips on Wednesday. Photo: Brit Hanson/North Country Public Radio
In a Canton courtroom packed to capacity with family, community members and press this morning, Judge Felix Catena delivered a verdict of not guilty in the trial of Oral "Nick" Hillary for the 2011 murder of Potsdam 12 year-old Garrett Phillips....
In a Canton courtroom packed to capacity with family, community members and press this morning, Judge Felix Catena delivered a verdict of not guilty in the trial of Oral "Nick" Hillary for the 2011 murder of Potsdam 12 year-old Garrett Phillips.
Oral “Nick” Hillary breaks out in tears after he was found not guilty of the murder of Garrett Phillips Wednesday at the St. Lawrence County Courthouse in Canton. Photo: Jason Hunter/Watertown Daily Times
In episode 15 of Day By Day: The Nick Hillary Trial podcast, Lauren Rosenthal profiles the three out-of-town lawyers: Earl Ward and Norm Siegel for the defense, and William Fitzpatrick for the prosecution. The verdict is expected Wednesday at 10am.
Also, as we wait for Judge Catena's verdict, you can still catch up on the trial from beginning to end. Here is all of our coverage in an organized form that makes the most sense.
If you're listening to this podcast episode on our website, you may want to subscribe. Episodes will automatically appear on your computer or smartphone. You can sign up in iTunes here, or paste this link into any podcast app.
If you have questions about the case or the trial, or feedback about the show, we'd love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected]. We'll also be live-tweeting during the trial. Follow us on Twitter — @ncpr
Last week, lawyers made their final arguments in the murder trial of Nick Hillary. Hillary is the former soccer coach accused of strangling 12-year-old Garrett Phillips in Potsdam nearly five years ago. This Wednesday morning, at 10 am, Judge Felix Catena...
Last week, lawyers made their final arguments in the murder trial of Nick Hillary. Hillary is the former soccer coach accused of strangling 12-year-old Garrett Phillips in Potsdam nearly five years ago. This Wednesday morning, at 10 am, Judge Felix Catena will hand down a verdict.
However, there are still lots of loose ends. Last week, we put out a call to find out what questions you have. It turns out, you had plenty. In fact, more than 40. It’s clear the public’s been following closely.
Click here for answers to a few of the most asked questions.
In episode 14 of Day By Day: The Nick Hillary Trial podcast, David Sommerstein, Lauren Rosenthal, and Brit Hanson try to answer some of your questions about DNA and fingerprints, the person in the window, and who's actually prosecuting this case.
Also, as we wait for Judge Catena's verdict, now is a perfect time to catch up on the trial from beginning to end. Here is all of our coverage in an organized form that makes the most sense.
If you're listening to this podcast episode on our website, you may want to subscribe. Episodes will automatically appear on your computer or smartphone. You can sign up in iTunes here, or paste this link into any podcast app.
To learn more about subscribing to podcasts, check out our explainer in the right-hand column here.
If you have questions about the case or the trial, or feedback about the show, we'd love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected]. We'll also be live-tweeting during the trial. Follow us on Twitter — @ncpr
Weekend Listening: catch up on the Day-By-Day: Nick Hillary Trial podcast
The trial of former soccer coach Oral “Nick” Hillary began on September 6 in Canton, New York. Hillary is accused of strangling 12-year-old Garrett Phillips to death nearly five years ago, in a case that’s grabbed national headlines. A verdict is expected next week.
North Country Public Radio has been following the case from the start. This podcast is your guide to what’s happening in the courtroom each day.
We’ve got a list of all the episodes (so far) listed below in case you missed one, or are just starting to follow along.
You can listen right here on this page, or you can get the episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device or computer. To do that, hop over to iTunes to subscribe, or paste this link into any podcast app.
Episode 1: Jury selection, explained (9/3/16) | LISTEN HERE
Brit Hanson explains how the jury selection process will go next week, and whether media coverage has poisoned the jury pool.
Episode 2: How did we get here? (9/6/16) | LISTEN HERE
The trial finally starts. But first, David Sommerstein and Martha Foley take a look back at what happened after a young boy named Garrett Phillips was killed in Potsdam and what’s driving national interest in this case.
Episode 3: DNA, a controversial petition & the length of the trial (9/6/16) | LISTEN HERE
It’s the first day of proceedings in the courtroom. David Sommerstein and Brit Hanson discuss the ongoing debate over DNA evidence, a petition the defense considers a sign of bias among potential jurors, and the attorneys’ estimates of how long the trial will take.
Episode 4: 10 in 1 (day) (9/7/16) | LISTEN HERE
It’s the first day of jury selection. Ten jurors were selected and sworn in - eight women, two men. David Sommerstein, Lauren Rosenthal, and Brit Hanson talk about how the attorneys framed “a reasonable doubt”, the role circumstantial evidence may play, and the introduction of race and prejudice as issues in the trial.
Episode 5: Judge and jury (9/8/16) | LISTEN HERE
The defense requests a bench trial. We discuss Nick Hillary’s decision to waive his constitutional right to a trial by 12 jurors and instead request a trial by judge alone. We also review the news that Judge Catena will not reconsider his decision to bar a high-tech DNA analysis from being used as evidence in trial.
Bonus Episode: Unedited opening statements (9/12/16) | LISTEN HERE
Listen to unedited versions of the opening statements in the trial. The prosecution opener begins at the top; the defense at 57:30. NOTE: they have not been edited at all, and contain some silences and off-mic sound when video evidence was displayed on a screen.
Episode 6: Openers (9/12/16) | LISTEN HERE
David Sommerstein, Lauren Rosenthal, and Brit Hanson review what happened in the first day of testimony. Lawyers on both sides gave their opening statements, and Tandy Collins, the mother of the victim, testified for almost two hours.
Episode 7: Near mistrial (9/13/16) | LISTEN HERE
David Sommerstein, Brit Hanson, and Lauren Rosenthal discuss an extraordinary day in court. The defense asks for dismissal after discovering a potentially key piece of evidence the prosecution did not provide, as obligated under law. And then the trial continued.
Episode 8: What the neighbors heard (9/14/16) | LISTEN HERE
The defense asks for a mistrial again. Neighbors testify what they saw and heard during the 30 minutes Garrett Phillips is believed to have died. And a witness saw someone looking out of the apartment window. David Sommerstein and Brit Hanson discuss the day in court.
Episode 9: Who is Felix Catena? (9/16/16) | LISTEN HERE
Lauren Rosenthal profiles the man who is serving as judge and jury for Nick Hillary: Judge Felix Catena of Amsterdam, NY. Spoiler — pretty much everyone really likes him.
Episode 10: Can you recall? (9/19/16) | LISTEN HERE
David Sommerstein, Lauren Rosenthal, and Brit Hanson go over lots of important testimony Monday — the first patrolman at the scene, the state forensics investigator, and another ex-boyfriend of Garrett’s mother, deputy county sheriff, John Jones.
Episode 11: Two versions (9/20/16) | LISTEN HERE
David Sommerstein and Lauren Rosenthal discuss Tuesday’s testimony through the lens of the very different kinds of cases the two sides are making, and the way they’re making those cases. Also, the prosecution rests its case, and the defense calls for dismissal again.
Episode 12: Last defense (9/21/16) | LISTEN HERE
David Sommerstein, Brit Hanson, and Lauren Rosenthal cover the final day of testimony. Hillary’s daughter faces tough questioning from the prosecution, investigators come under a microscope, and we hear from Nick Hillary’s friends.
Bonus Episode: Unedited closing statements | LISTEN HERE
In this bonus episode of Day By Day: The Nick Hillary Trial podcast, we offer unedited audio of the closing arguments delivered Thursday in court. Earl Ward gives the summation for the defense; William Fitzpatrick offers the closing statements for the prosecution. NOTE: there may be quiet parts and silence during parts of this audio.
Episode 13: Closings | LISTEN HERE
David Sommerstein, Lauren Rosenthal, and Brit Hanson discuss the closing arguments in the trial. Judge Felix Catena, serving as judge and jury, said he will issue a verdict next Wednesday or Thursday.
Bonus Mini-episode: Your questions? | LISTEN HERE
As we wait for a verdict in Nick Hillary’s murder trial, what are your lingering questions? Email - [email protected] - or tweet at us the stuff that’s been sticking in your mind. We’ll try to answer them next week.
As we wait for a verdict in Nick Hillary's murder trial, what are your lingering questions? Email - [email protected] - or tweet at us the stuff that's been sticking in your mind. We'll try to answer them next week.
Also, as we wait for Judge Catena's verdict, now is a perfect time to catch up on the trial from beginning to end. Here is all of our coverage in an organized form that makes the most sense.
If you're listening to this podcast episode on our website, you may want to subscribe. Episodes will automatically appear on your computer or smartphone. You can sign up in iTunes here, or paste this link into any podcast app. To learn more about subscribing to podcasts, check out our explainer in the right-hand column here.
Thursday, September 22, 2016: Defense attorney Earl Ward answers questions at a press conference after closing arguments in the #HillaryTrial on Thursday. A verdict is expected next week.
Photo: Brit Hanson/North Country Public Radio
Day-by-Day: The Nick Hillary Trial @hillarytrial - Tumblr Blog | Tumgag
