Final Arguments this Week in Komisarjevsky Trial

Both the defense and prosection rested Tuesday and final arguments are expected this Friday in the sentencing phase of Joshua Komisarjevsky's trial. He has already been found guilty of all counts, including three charges of murder.

According to CNN:

Closing statements are scheduled for Friday and jurors will begin deliberations next week, prosecutor Michael Dearington said. They will decide whether Komisarjevsky will spend the rest of his life in prison or be executed.

Daughter Testifies Despite Komisarjevsky's Objection Update at 8:35 p.m. on Nov. 23

The taped testimony of the nine-year-old daughter of Joshua Komisarjevsky was shown in court on Wednesday. The girl described how her father used to play with her, but her father told the courtroom he didn't want the video shown.

According to ABC News, Komisarjevsky read the following prepared statement in an effort to not have the video played to jurors:

"Among many other considerations, I have carefully come to the overwhelming opinion that I am not at all comfortable putting my daughter in a position wherein she may feel that she has to explain or justify herself to anyone who perceives her statements to somehow help one of the most hated people in America," Komisarjevsky said.

"She's 9 years old. Had this interview been her decision to make, and she was old enough to understand that decision, that would be one thing. However, that is not the case in this situation. The decision has been made for her," he said.

Komisarjevsky Felt Suicidal After Murders Update at 4:40 p.m. on Nov. 22

After the shocking home invasion that left three people dead, convicted murderer Joshua Komisarjevsky felt suicidal for what he did.

According to the Associated Press:

Dr. Richard Dudley Jr. testified that Joshua Komisarjevsky (koh-mih-sar-JEV'-skee) told him the situation became increasingly out of control but he didn't know what to do.

"He explained that the victims certainly didn't have to die," Dudley said. "He talked about how bad he felt about that. And he talked about how at the end of it all how suicidal he was."

Daughter's Testimony to be Shown Wednesday Update at 5:15 p.m. on Nov. 21

After much debate about whether or not Joshua Komisarjevsky's nine-year-old daughter should testify, it was announced today that her taped interview will be shown this Wednesday.

According to NBC Connecticut:

Raymond Hassett, an attorney for the state-appointed guardian for Komisarjevsky's daughter, said the hour-long tape will be shown in court in on Wednesday and he hopes the girl remains "unaffected by the whole situation."

Update at 6:05 p.m. on Nov. 17

The video of Joshua Komisarjevsky's nine-year-old daughter testifying will be played in court, but with a number of conditions and restrictions.

According to the Associated Press:

[Judge Jon] C. Blue said he would only allow jurors, lawyers and reporters to see the video. It's not clear when the video, which doesn't exist yet, will be shown.

Under Blue's order, the video will be played in open court, but only the jury will be able to see it. The audience would be able only to listen to it. Credentialed members of the media will be allowed to watch the video at some later point when court is not in session, possibly on the same day the jury sees it.

As Worker, Komisarjevsky was ‘Trustworthy’ Update at 6:20 p.m. on Nov. 16

Prior to murdering members of the Petit family in 2007, Joshua Komisarjevsky lived in a halfway home after being released from prison. Jaclyn Osden, his case manager, testified on Wednesday about his stay in the home – and his work as a roofer.

According to the Hartford Courant:  

Osden testified that Komisarjevsky's 21 urine tests and 21 Breathalyzer tests were all negative for drugs and alcohol.

A report Osden wrote described Komisarjevsky as a "superb employee who was not only hardworking but trustworthy enough to be in charge of his own crew."

Komisarjevsky's Religious Upbringing Detailed in Court. Update at 5:50 p.m. on Nov. 15

The strict religious upbringing of Joshua Komisarjevsky was the focus of the courtroom on Tuesday.

Julie Ingersoll, a professor of religious studies at the University of North Florida, was quoted by the Associated Press for the testimony she gave jurors.

Komisarjevsky at the time called it “the darkness” and believed it was part of him, Ingersoll testified, but he later came to believe it was just a panic attack.

Ingersoll said the family believes that mental illness is really just “irresponsibility” and a spiritual problem that can’t be treated by psychiatrists or psychologists, whom they believe are among outsiders who can’t be trusted.

Update at 4:15 p.m. on Nov. 14

It appears likely that Joshua Komisarjevsky’s 9-year-old daughter will testify to jurors deciding whether the murderer should get the death penalty. 

According to the Hartford Courant, a recorded video would be shown to jurors rather than having the girl appear in the courtroom.

Sources said the girl would be "spoken to," probably next week, and that it was unlikely that she would be questioned by attorneys in the case.

The attorney for the girl's guardian, Raymond Hassett, said he would file a motion later Monday to close the courtroom to the public when the jury gets to see the video.

For a complete recap of both the guilt and penalty phases of the trial, .