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American Morning

Jurors Trying to Decide Whether Westerfield Should Die

Aired September 04, 2002 - 09:03   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

PAULA ZAHN, CNN ANCHOR: After his conviction for killing Danielle Van Dam, jurors are trying to decide whether convicted murderer David Westerfield should die, or spend his life in prison.
Frank Buckley is standing by. He is following the case and has a little preview for us.

Good morning, Frank.

FRANK BUCKLEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Paula.

We are expecting jurors to begin deliberating today in the Westerfield case. First however, this morning, we're expecting to hear from a couple of witnesses, the final witnesses for the defense, in fact, the daughter and son of David Westerfield.

Yesterday, a series of family members, friends and a former coworkers testified on David Westerfield's behalf about the David Westerfield they say they know, a suburban middle class design engineer who helped to plan birthday parties, whose work on medical products has helped to save lives, in short, someone they say was a good neighbor and a good friend.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KATHLEEN MILLER, WESTERFIELD'S FRIEND: He has always been there for us, because I have two sons. And David was one of those people that -- when we moved there, my children were teenagers, 14 and 16, I think. And so, you know, it's those years when you are going through with the kids, high school, college, that David took a great interest in my own children, that sitting down and discussing their goals, their dreams, what they wanted to do with their careers.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BUCKLEY: And defense attorney Steven Feldman expected to argue to jurors that David Westerfield is not the worst of the worst, and his life is worth saving. Prosecutors will say he should get the death penalty -- Paula.

ZAHN: And, Frank, what continues to be the pulse of the community there as jury weighs in on this decision?

BUCKLEY: Well, as you know, this has been on television. They actually cover this trial here locally on live television every day. Steven Feldman mentioned in his opening statement that he is concerned that the jurors will cave to public pressure. There is a sense, of course, that -- well, we now know that Westerfield is guilty of the crimes. These jurors have said he is guilty, and obviously, some people want the death penalty, but we're going to wait to see what the jurors come back with.

ZAHN: All right, Frank Buckley, thanks so much. Appreciate it.

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