Jackson Free Press

The trial's opening statements happened early this afternoon—but the judge forgot to turn the audio switch on, so only the people in the courtroom could hear it, and then only faintly. That means that the MPB and Court TV audiences didn't hear the statements, nor did the reporters in the media room. Tje "operator error" was, as the cameramen were calling it, because the judge had the switch turned toward the red light, which actually meant "off," which seems a bit backward, and I could frankly see why he'd make the mistake. Hopefully, tomorrow the tech stuff will be in better order. Meantime, I'm looking for a transcript of the opening statements.

So it was a bit of an exclusive for the media actually in the courtroom. Natalie was in there and will post a summary of the comments later today. Reporters tell me that the gist of it was that the defense does not plan to deny that Killen was a member of the Klan, or perhaps even that he knew about the plan to pull over the men. The plan seems to be to argue that just because Killen might have known about the plan does not mean that he planned the murders. And he wasn't on the scene, which isn't in dispute. Under state law, he didn't have to be there to be guilty of the murders—but the prosecution will need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he helped plan them. The defense will do everything possible to raise that doubt. It seems the primary testimony to that effect are the FBI confessions of James Jordan and Delmar Dennis, both deceased, but which is supposed to be read into the record.

To everyone's surprise, the judge recessed the court after the opening statements until 8 a.m. Friday. The defense attorney then submitted a motion to keep the confessions out of court, and the judge dressed him down for not submitting it sooner. He said, though, that he would take it up first thing Friday.

The final pool of jurors — I understand that about 25 percent are black, and none are Choctaws — were sent home to get their toothbrushes and such.

Now we're back in the media room. Everyone's favorite white supremacist, Richard Barrett, came through a bit ago, handing out copies of his latest manifesto, which he updated just for the occasion. I introduced myself (we'd only talked by phone), and he heartily shook my hand. (I've mentioned that he likes the JFP, and thinks we're "fair.") Today, he laughed and said that all write-ups are good write-ups. Then one of the reporters I know from Jackson told me I should go wash my hand.

Also, our friend from Creative Loafing, John Sugg, is blogging a couple tables away right now. Be sure to check out his blog. And Patsy and Matt are blogging across the room. The blogosphere is definitely present in Neshoba County this week.