Jerry Sandusky Guilty: Your Thoughts on the Verdict?
Jerry Sandusky will probably spend the rest of his life in prison. Do you agree with the verdict? Vote in our poll.
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Disgraced ex-Penn State football coach Jerry Sandusky was declared guilty on 45 of 48 counts of child sex abuse Friday night, resulting in a likely de facto life sentence for the 68-year-old.
The guilty verdicts, including 25 felony counts, could add up to 442 years in prison.
Sandusky, dressed in a brown sports coat, was immediately taken into custody and led from the courthouse in handcuffs.
The jury—which included many people with close ties to Penn State University—deliberated for only 20 hours, making a guilty verdict seem like a foregone conclusion.
The two-week trial featured damning testimony against Sandusky, who was accused of performing anal and oral sex on boys as young as 8 years old. Even Sandusky’s adopted son, Matt, said his father abused him as well, though his accusations weren't part of the trial.
Despite the lack of physical evidence and the time that had elapsed since the commission of the crimes, Sandusky's attorneys were unable to discredit the eight accusers. They declined to put their client on the stand.
“I feel, like many others, that the rapidity which with this jury has reached [a verdict] makes it all but certain it should be a guilty verdict,” Michael Boni, attorney for “Victim No. 1” told CNN’s Piers Morgan minutes before the decision was announced.
Even Sandusky’s own legal team didn’t expect an acquittal. Earlier Friday, Sandusky’s attorney Joseph Amendola said he would “probably die of a heart attack” if the ex-coach was found not guilty.
Tell us: Did the jury reach the right verdict? Vote in the poll; sound off in the comments.
Louis Willett
1:51 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
We can still hear the railroad train coming down the track. The Judge did not allow the whole truth on both sides to be expressed therefore there will always be questions unanswered.
NDE
9:32 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
I hope the guys in prison do to him what he did to those poor kids.
Antione Williams
9:40 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
I hope he get stuck in general population so he can shower with bubba or big carl and really findout what happens when you mess with little kids.
Cheryl Parks-Weidley
9:42 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
An officer,under oath admitted testimony from prior questioned witnesses was in left in interview rooms as the next witness and a lawyer came in. He admitted to "encouraging" the witnesses to expand their stories with comments that seemed very leading. The defense has admitted they tried to quit because they felt ill prepared due a rapid track to triall- not seen as usual in Pa.. They requested mistrials over certain legal points. They intend to appeal.
So, it doesn't seem to be over and won't be for a long time.
Certainly no one should abuse children in any way-ever,. But no should have less than a fair trial. Nor should anyone be able to accuse a person of child molestation and not be subjected to a rigorous examination as to their veracity, mental stability and possible motives.
NDE
11:26 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
I shouldn't say, but I will, I would hope some kind of charge happens for his wife as well. To not hear a child screaming in her basement! But I hope that living with the fact that their OWN adopted son was also raped, and she possibly ignored his cries for help as well... will be enough mental torture for her punishment.
Margaret
12:34 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
I hope and pray for Sandusky's salvation When he is in jail I hope he repents
I hope his wife repents.
Barbara Hill
1:27 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
He got what he deserved. But I do believe the higher ups and Mike Mc Creary(SP?) should be held accountable as well for allowing this to go on for so long and not doing something about it. They should all be punished as well. Covering up a crime and/or sticking your head in the sand should not go unpunished. They make me as sick to my stomach as Sandusky does.
NDE
3:46 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Margaret, as much as I appreciate your calling up to the higher judgement and asking for Both the Sandusky's to repent.... That is not going to heal the victims, the children that he hurt in indescribable ways that they have to live with on a daily basis. As well as their next partner in life that has to deal with the nightmares, complete withdrawal, etc.
Barbara Hill
6:30 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
I wish Sandusky's wife had to take a poly.And maybe she did. Who knows. They are all guilty and I know that this will never end for the victims. Hopefully, each victim will find peace within with the loving support of their family and friends. Can you imagine if this was you and your precious family. Absolutely no COMPASSION for Sandusky or his family, Penn State officials, coach's , Paterno, or anyone who didn't come forth with the truth like a freight train. And yes, Margaret, he needs to repent. But, that will not change my opinion of him. Most people only "repent" when they get "caught". And this &*()%#@ liar doesn't appear to know the truth from his lies.
He deserves what he got. What if was your kid.