Naveed Haq Trial

Naveed Haq Trial

Jewish Federation Shooting--Live coverage should start Monday, April 21--Go to Video links and click on CNN.com

Seattle Washington-Opening statements

Jurors have to decide whether Naveed Haq burst into the Belltown offices of the Jewish Federation on July 28, 2006, and shot six women, killing employee Pamela Waechter, facts even his attorneys don't dispute. But they also will weigh more critical questions of whether Haq — a Muslim with a history of mental illness who police say spouted anti-Semitic statements during the rampage — initiated the shooting out of sheer hate or in a manic state of insanity.

Haq, faces 15 charges, including aggravated murder, five counts of attempted murder and malicious harassment, a hate crime.

"The defendant, Naveed Haq, was on a mission," Deputy Prosecutor Erin Ehlert said. "... To go into that location and make a statement, both physically and verbally -- to go in, shoot people, take hostages and get on CNN."

Haq is accused of ranting about Jews, U.S. troops in Iraq and the situation in the Middle East, where Israel had been engaged in increasing violence with Hezbollah forces in Lebanon.

Ehlert told jurors Haq acted deliberately when he walked from office to office at the federation, shooting each woman he saw, and that he later told a detective he "came here today to do this."

Pamela Waechter, the federation's 58-year-old annual campaign director, was killed. Prosecutors say Haq shot her in the chest, chased her to a stairway and shot her again in the head.

Defense attorney John Carpenter told jurors Haq's horrific acts "were born not from a darkened heart, but a diseased mind."

He said Haq believed "God had sanctioned his actions" that day; that's why it was so easy for him to drive to Seattle, why Burkum was there to let him in -- and even why his aim was so accurate.

Carpenter said Haq heard voices and actually believed that after he shot one woman, he heard her "broadcast" to him a one-word response: "awesome."

"Mr. Haq believed what he was doing was actually going to reverse the course of two wars," Carpenter said. "This is insanity."

Haq had been taken off mood-stabilizing lithium a year before the shootings and prescribed two other medications, prompting him to become impulsive and angry, the lawyer said.

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A young 16 year old girl, Kelsey Burkum, was the first to testify about her experience two years before.

Kelly had locked herself in a bathroom after hearing the comotion and screams outside the door.

"Hi, I'm at the Jewish Federation ... and there's a man with a gun here," she said, her voice shaking. "... I heard screams after I heard the shots. I don't know if anyone got hurt."

"He pulled a gun out from behind his briefcase and told me to open the door," she testified, her voice soft but steady. "... I didn't really think about leaving or running. It just didn't seem like a very smart thing to do."

"I don't know if he's still here or not," she told the operator. She stayed on the line until Haq finally surrendered -- and until an officer found her and led her out of the building by the hand.

Burkum, who has spoken publicly about the attack, only later found out that her aunt was among the wounded.

Read more of Monday's testimony below.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/358980_jewishfed15.html

Read More of Tuesday's testimony below.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004352740_webhaq16m.html

Thursday's testimony...

Two years of painful memories erupted Thursday in the murder trial of Naveed Haq - the man charged with murder and attempted murder for the July 2006 shooting at the Jewish Federation Center in Seattle.

Christina Rexroad had been shot and nearly died twice from her wounds that day.

Thursday, she faced Haq to relive those terrible moments.

Details.... http://www.komotv.com/news/17867884.html

Resources and more reading...

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003160605_shooting29m1.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004354681_haq17m.html
http://www.danielpipes.org/blog/643

UPDATES

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06/04/08

Mistrial Declared

Naveed Haq trial is a do-over

A mistrial was declared in the Naveed Haq shooting trial. The jury was deadlocked over whether Haq was insane or not, when he took a hostage at the Jewish Federation and entered the building shooting 6 women and killing one.

Wednesday was day eight of deliberations, but the past three days raised speculation that a mistrial was coming. On Monday and Tuesday, jurors asked Judge Paris Kallas questions indicating they were deadlocked on the charges. Both times, the judge ordered the jury to continue deliberating.

If he had been found insane, the 32-year-old Tri-Cities man would have been sent to a mental hospital. If convicted as charged he would have been sent to prison for life

Read details...

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004457829_webhaqside04m.html

http://www.king5.com/topstories/stories/NW_060408WAB_naveed_haq_trial_TP.5ebd4620.html

06/02/08

Insane or not insane

Naveed Haq jury troubled by instructions

Monday was the sixth day of jury deliberations for the Haq insanity trial. The jury sent out word that they need "further instruction on the definition and criteria for insanity".

The jury wanted "knowing right from wrong" defined, asking the court if they should consider anything beyond knowledge that the act was against the law. They were also stuck on the alternate criteria.

Jurors wanted to know whether they could have more information on the definitions given by a mental health expert who testified for prosecutors. He said nature "is what you do" and quality means "how well you do it."

Superior Court Judge Paris Kallas consulted with King County prosecutors and Haq's attorneys, then decided to tell the jury that it has all the instructions it would be getting.

Read story details...

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/365476_jewishfed03.html

05/28/08

Jurors Question Judge

No Verdict Yet in Naveed Haq Trial

Jurors in the Naveed Haq trial had two questions for Judge Paris Kallas today, interuppting their deliberations.

Jurors asked, if, in the event they failed to reach a unanimous verdict on count one, aggravated first-degree murder or, alternately, second-degree murder, should they move on to count two, which is the first of five counts of attempted murder.

Jurors also asked Kallas whether they could consider the 15 counts against Haq in any order they chose. The judge said they could, telling them simply to continue their deliberations in the order they see fit.

"Given the length of the trial, the complexity of the issues, it would be too early to poll them," said Kallas, referring to the juror questioning undertaken after a jury announces it has either reached an impasse or arrived at a verdict.

Read story details by Natalie Singer....
Seattle Times

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004443239_webhaq28m.html

05/27/08

Guilty or Insane?

Naveed Haq jury still deliberating

The jury started it's deliberations for the Naveed Haq trial on May 21. It seems like the jury is taking a long time, but it was, of course, interrupted for the three day holiday week-end.

The jury will decide whether he is sane or insane for the Jewish Federation shootings, almost, two years ago. Will Haq serve the rest of his life in prison, or will he be institutionalized? (NLH)

05/21/08

Naveed Haq's fate goes to jury

The defense and prosecution have rested their case. The judge read jury instructions to the jury.

The jury will have to decide whether Haq was "Sane" or "Insane" at the time of the Jewish Federation shootings.

Haq faces in total 20 charges for his murderous spree: one count of aggravated first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder, one count of first-degree kidnapping, one count of unlawful imprisonment, six counts of first-degree burglary and six counts of malicious harassment.

We will now be on Jury watch! (NLH)

05/20/08

Dr. Wheeler Says Haq Was Legally Sane

The prosecution has to prove to a jury that Naveed Haq knew the nature and quality of actions, demonstrated premeditation, showed intent, and knew right from wrong.

Haq demonstrated defensiveness during his forensic examination with Dr. Wheeler. He would track what was said and correct the doctor if he made a mistake.

He consistently denied making plans for his political activeness. One moment he talked about the plans he made for the crime, the next moment he denied he planned it.

This coincided with other actions. Haq disclosed that he planned to be taking hostages. He didn't know about security at the Federation, so he had guns in case I needed them. He wanted publicity and he said was ready to die by cop.

Haq was being self-protective about whether he planned the event or not, by saying he didn't know what he was doing, but the doctor read transcripts that showed he had planned the crime..

Haq understood the consequences of shooting someone. He had acknowledged he was aware the potential seriousness of the consequences, but then would get defensive and say he didn't know what he was doing, then he would go on to explain what he was thinking and planning.

Dr. Wheeler said that patients decide how do they want to present themselves before forensic examination. Part of the task is to make an opinion on the reliability and validity of what they say.

Wheeler did an analysis about what Haq told him concerning God telling him to do a mission. He looked for the reliability of his statement by looking for motives that controlled his behavior.

There had only been 1 time that Haq had mentioned that it was God who's voice he heard told him to do the deed. That was during an interview with Dr. Missett, well after the crime.

There had never been a time, during the entirety of his illness, that Haq had mentioned to anyone that the voice of God telling him to do anything.

Dr. Wheeler said that in 2006 Haq was mad at the world. Anger was the driving force of pent up behavior, according to Haq's statements. He was getting in trouble by fighting. He said he would break down crying and was lonely, broke and in debt, and had family problems.

Attacking the Jewish Federation was kind of an escape along with a suicide attempt.

Haq had been studying the events going on in the middle east. He wanted ideas to show off his political activism, but, during those statements, he never said he heard a voice telling him what to do. He thought, "maybe I should do a mission." He told the doctor that the idea just popped into his mind. He chose between APAC and the Jewish Federation, in Seattle. Seattle was the closest.

On other occasions, in the past, Haq had shared with the doctors that he had heard other voices, like aliens.

Again, Wheeler said Haq did this crime because he was suicidal, according to Haq.

Haq said he didn't have any rage against Jews, and he just had pent up energy. He kept saying "I" and didn't ever bring up the subject of a Deity.

The doctor said it was Haq's personal mission, not a plan that was told to him by God. "No hint that there was a voice from outside that was commanding him or influencing him," Wheeler said.

Wheeler testified about Haq's planning on route to the Jewish Federation.

"I was ready to die that day." Haq said.

"How did you plan to die?" asked Wheeler.

"I would point my gun at a police officer, wave it, and he would shoot me," Haq replied. "Other than that my mind was blank."

Wheeler pointed out that Haq didn't talk about hallucinations or God during that time. Haq only talked about his anger and rage. Haq said he wanted publicity for what he was about to do.

Once the 911 call was made, his fear of death came back. (NLH)

Watching Haq's demeanor in court, his mouth was slightly opened as he stared at the doctor who was testifying about him being sane. He looked surprised at how the doctor made his determinations about his mental condition at the time of the crime.

It's my opinion, that he knew what he was doing and was doing it selfishly, not insanely. And, now that it's over, he's smart enough to try and use the insane excuse by telling the doctors what he THOUGHT would prove it. He's been lying...IMO

05/19/08

Prosecution rebuttal

Expert Testimony-Dr. Dunner

Dr. Dunner testified about the fact that Haq purchased guns about 3 weeks earlier and bought hallow point bullets, which were made to do more damage. He testified that Haq stopped and practiced shooting the guns and knew not to take the shot gun to Seattle, as he couldn't conceal it.

He testified that when stopped by cops on the freeway he was acting normal and then when Haq entered the Jewish Federation it was done by force.

Wheeler testified that during the 911 call Haq knew what he was doing and not showing evidence of manic behavior. He was compliant and surrendered peacefully, which was unusual for a manic to do.

He testified that the deed planned out. Haq woke up on time, not in the middle of the night with the thought taking on this plan.

He testified to the fact that Haq said he thought someone else was pulling the trigger during the shootings, and that this meant that Haq knew it was wrong for himself to pull the trigger.

Haq chose the place he was going to attack from the Internet, and memorized the address and directions.

Haq lied to his therapist and parents, so no one would stop him.

Because of these facts, Dr. Dunner concluded that Haq knew right from wrong, and wasn't legally insane according to the legal definition.

Dr. Dunner concluded that Haq was not manic or psychotic at the time of the incident. Even if he were manic, he was still able to plan this, and knew it was wrong to carry guns. The actions Haq took showed he knew right from wrong and the quality of his acts.

Expert Testimony-Dr. Wheeler

An expert forensic psychologist, Dr. Wheeler, took the stand after lunch on Monday. He explained to the jury the thousands of records and interviews he reviewed in preparation for his testimony today.

Before the interview started, Dr. Wheeler warned Haq that he had been retained by the prosecutor's office and the information was not confidential or privileged. The interviews were video taped. Wheeler repeated these warnings each time he interviewed Haq. Dr. Missett and lawyers were present at the times of the interview. He was later given a 538 page transcript of the interviews.

Dr. Wheeler made a 49 page report of his analysis of Haq.

The doctor had prepared a PowerPoint presentation to show to the jury.

As he was doing this, an announcement came over the loud speaker, that there was a building emergency and the basement and certain floors were to be evacuated. The jury was excused to the jury room. Their floor, evidently, was not being affected by the emergency.

The jury came back into the court room several minutes later, and testimony continued with Dr. Wheelers PowerPoint presentation.

Dr. Wheeler went over the definitions of intent, premeditation, nature and quality of actions, that he used to evaluate whether Haq was able to do these acts or not, including if Haq was able to determine right from wrong.

Dr. Wheeler testified that a person can have all of the mental problems, and diagnosis, such as psychosis, mania, or depression, and still perceive the nature and quality of their acts.

Wheeler determined that Haq's thinking was organized in sequence and pattern to establish a goal, and he could follow directions.

His conclusion was that his diagnosis is schizo-affective disorder, bipolar type.

Haq was not manic during the shootings, or the week before the shootings, in Dr. Wheeler's opinion, to a degree of psychological certainty.

It was Dr. Wheelers opinion that he was able to determine right from wrong at the time of the shootings.

It was his opinion that Haq was able to understand the nature and quality of his actions at the time of the shootings.

He also opined that Haq had the capacity to form intent at the time of the shootings.

And he determined that Haq had the capacity to premeditate at the time of the shootings.

The Judge wants to get the case to the jury by the end of this week. (NLH)

05/14/08

Defense Rests

Attorneys for Naveed Haq rested their case Wednesday after presenting evidence that the mentally ill man was criminally insane when he shot six women, killing one of them, at the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle.

Haq's lawyers relied heavily on the testimony of psychiatrist James Missett, who told jurors that Haq described beliefs that something was controlling his trigger finger and that God approved of his "mission" that July 2006 day.

Read resource details by Tracy Johnson...

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/363126_jewishfed15.html

http://www.jta.org/cgi-bin/iowa/breaking/108549.html

05/14/08

Defense Rests

Read resource details by Tracy Johnson...

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/363126_jewishfed15.html

http://www.jta.org/cgi-bin/iowa/breaking/108549.html

05/13/08

Prosecution Cross

Dr. John Missett has been testifying in behalf of the defense, for several days now. Missett went over the 911 call and statements he made later from the shootings. He testified that there's an absence of hatred from Naveed Haq and that he had the inability to focus.

This afternoon the judge heard arguments outside the jury's presence. They discussed whether or not Dr. Missett's testimony opened any doors that could incriminate Haq. Any doors that had been opened will be let into questioning.

Dr. Missett opened the door to the fact that Haq stopped to test fire his weapons before arriving at the Jewish Federation. That testimony will be let in.

Dr. Missett acknowledges that Naveed Haq is a substantial threat to the community. He does not think Haq is curable. He believes he should be detained in a secure state mental hospital.

The prosecution cross examined Dr. Missett.

Dr. Missett charges $400/hr with approximately 200 hours involved in this case at this time.

Dr. Missett only tape records defendant or plaintiff testimony depending on whether he's requested to by the defense or prosecution. He did not tape Haq's interviews.

He agrees that a person with a severe mental illness could intend and plan their actions. Just being psychotic or manic does not necessarily mean a person is insane.

He agrees that there were certain things that Haq did that implied he knew what he was doing.

Prosecution asked,"Do you believe that another psychologist could believe that Haq was NOT insane at the time of the incident?" Missett said,"Yes."

Dr. Missett agreed that Haq was aware he had a gun in his hand and that he knew if he pulled the trigger he could fire the gun.

During Haq's interviews, Haq said he "intended" to do many things, including having the intent to enter the Jewish Federation. He intended to use the guns so people would follow his demands. He intended to hold Dayna Klein hostage and hold a gun to her head. He intended to shoot at Pamela Waechter.

He liked Dr. Wheeler, his opposing medical expert and thought highly of his methodology.

Prosecution handed Missett 33 pages of notes, that Missett wrote during one of his first interviews with Haq.

Haq had told Dr. Missett that his dad treated him like a teenager, and that his mom said he's not a man.

Haq also told the doctor that he believed that he had teachers who treated him poorly. One teacher locked him in the closet once a week. Another teacher laughed at him. His fourth grade teacher treated him badly, as well, according to Haq.

Haq had gone to college and acquired a 3.8 GPA and at another school a 4.0 GPA.

The first person to diagnose Haq with bi-polar was himself. He told the doctor, during his forensic interview, that he heard voices, when he was in school, that told him to do violent things and kill people, but he resisted. Dr. Missett felt Haq had a very high level of consistency in what Haq told him and other doctors through the years.

The defense called for a sidebar. The prosecution was able to continue his line of questioning.

Haq had told his parents about his mental problems when he was 20. He moved 16 times since 1994 to get away from his parents.

"Jail is now better than those years. I'm away from my parents," Haq told Missett.

Haq said that his mom didn't understand that sleeping was secondary to his disease. He didn't feel his mother understood his disease.

At age 27, Haq's parents arranged a marriage for him. It was broken off. That caused a point of contention and embarrassment for his parents and him.

Haq said that 2002-2004 where the best years of his life. working, going to school all of his friends left in 2004. He then moved to Seattle to work and get away from his parents. He felt he was being treated like a child at home.

Haq ran out of money early 2006 and was living on welfare, food stamps and credit cards.

The prosecution reviewed 9 pages of notes that Dr. Missett hadn't provide the state or the defense with until yesterday. These notes were discovered just a few days prior. These were of an interview he had with Haq about the events the week prior to the shootings following and just after the shootings. The notes weren't provided to Dr. Wheeler, either, until yesterday.

The jury was let go for the day.

The judge put on the record the side-bar discussion they had earlier about the testimony Haq gave concerning the treatment. The defense wanted to know the relevance of the questions. The prosecution was insinuating that maybe Haq had been suffering from a persecution complex.

They recessed for the day.(NLH)

05/12/08

Good Job Naveed

Dr. James Missett was to continue testimony this morning. It hasn't been on CNN's live feed all morning. According to TruTv's In Session, Court has taken recess so that the good doctor can transcribe 8 pages of notes, he had taken during his interviews with Naveed Haq, and have them typed.

(Is there a special class that doctors take so that no-one can read their handwriting?)

Court was in session in late afternoon. Dr. Missett said Haq told him that he had heard alien voices as he was around other people who were putting thought in his head telepathically.

Haq said God helped him choose the Jewish Federation. He said that it was his belief that his trigger finger was being moved because once he started he couldn't stop. He felt that God told him that a woman was about to jump him so he shot Pamela Waechter.

Haq said he only expected to take hostages, but not to shoot them. He wanted to be on CNN so that he could stop the war.

He felt that once he was inside the Federation his focus and alertness was increasing. He felt that God had total control over his actions. Then he said it was all a haze and that he was glowing.

Haq heard a voice say "Good job Naveed."

Observing Naveed Haq's demeanor, he seems fascinated by the testimony that Dr. Missett is giving of his own medical condition.

The prosecution will, eventually, be cross-examining Dr. Missett. On re-direct examination the prosecution is expected to bring in two medical experts of their own. (NLH)

05/08/08

Thursday's Testimony

Dr. Robert Julien, psycho-pharmacologist, took the stand this morning, to give testimony out of order. His specialty is pharmaceutical drugs.

Julien went over the various drugs Naveed Haq used over the years and their effects while he was taking them. He also discussed the effects Haq may have gone through when he, either, didn't take his medications or when the doctors changed his medications.

It's being alleged that if Haq hadn't been taken off of Lithium, because of developing tremors, the shootings would never have occurred.

Dr. Missett returned to the stand this afternoon. He continued his testimony concerning his expertise on Haq's mental condition. He's also said that Haq said he was hearing voices.

His opinion was that Naveed Haq didn't know the difference between right and wrong at the time of the incident.

Prosecutors are expected to call their own mental health experts next week to testify about Haq's state of mind during the July 2006 rampage.

There is no court on Friday. (NLH)

05/07/08

Wednesday's Testimony

Dr. James Missett, forensic psychiatrist, was still on the stand, Wednesday, educating the jury (including juror thirteen) about every mental disorder known to man-kind. I wonder if the jury is feeling like I am? Beth Karas, TruTV, said Dr. Missett is only through 3 of 21 pages of notes, so far...Yikes! IMO )

I will post any links I come across...

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004397725_apwajewishfederationshooting.html?syndication=rss

05/06/08

Tuesday's update

A juror member was replaced by an alternate due to illness, Tuesday morning.

Mian Haq, the defendant's father, continued his testimony describing more of Haq's unusual behavior over the years and up to the shootings in 2006.

Next an expert witness for the defense, Dr. James Missett, MD, PHD, psychiatrist took the stand.

Dr. Missett went over a large volume of reports, transcripts, interviews, phone calls and more, in order to make his evaluation of Naveed Haq. He interviewed Haq four separate times, with the last being 6 month's ago.

Dr. Missett's conclusion was that Mr. Haq is suffering now and over the past 10 years with bi-polar one with psychotic features and a secondary diagnosis of schizo-affective disorder.

He went on to say that Haq's capacity to premeditate was impaired from moderate to severe. His opinion was Haq was legally insane at the time of shootings.

His opinion was that Naveed Haq didn't know the difference between right and wrong at the time of the incident.

Dr. Missett spent the afternoon explaining to the jury what the different mental illness terms meant, and how they effected Haq.

He is expected to continue his testimony through most of Wednesday. (NLH)

05/05/08

Monday's Testimony

Mian Haq, Naveed Haq's father, testified Monday morning, that his son made a request the evening before the rampage; “I want to be admitted voluntarily,” Mian Haq asked why he said that, what is wrong, and Naveed replied,. “I am going to have a relapse.”

Dr. Daniel Dye, one of Haq's previous doctors, said the drug lithium is “the cornerstone for treatment of the whole bipolar spectrum.” “If you take the lithium away,” said the doctor, “then things will start to unravel very quickly.” Haq had been taken off the lithium months before the shootings.

Dr. Dye also said that Haq had been hearing voices, at one point during his illness.

Monday's testimony resource...

http://insession.blogs.cnn.com/category/jewish-center-shooting/

05/01/08

Thursday's Testimony

Testimony began, this morning, with Dr. Bruce Bennett, a Psychiatrist, MD, who treated Naveed Haq, starting in 2006. The nature of his work was strictly clinical.

Dr. Bennett described his observations while treating Haq and, also, diagnosed him with schizo-affective disorder.

Because Haq was suffering anger issues, Dr. Bennett increased his prescription of depakote, which was to help with the problem.

After the morning break the defense Naveed Haq's mother resumed testimony on cross examination from the prosecution.

Mrs. Haq became very emotional, during testimony, and said he is a victim of the circumstances and doesn't believe he was capable of doing all of this. She thought she knew everything about her son. The prosecution said "but you didn't did you? and she replied," I had no idea."

Hasan Haq, Naveed Haq's younger brother, by six years, was the next to testify.

Hasan recalled his life with Naveed as they grew up. He said Naveed was very studious and helpful with his own homework, in the early years.

After he came home in 1998, Hasan testified that he first noticed his brother's change in his mental issues. He continued his testimony saying that Haq became increasingly erratic in his behavior. He would start and stop projects, ideas, endeavors and jobs, constantly.

He testified that Naveed felt the Islam religion was preventing him from living a normal life. He hated his name as it sounded too Arabic, so he wanted to be called "Nick". He also testified that his brother would try to change his looks to be more accepted, wearing platform shoes, a goatee, working out at a gym, and a toupee, and withing a few weeks would drop the idea those changes and move on to others.

Hasan said his brother had a great way of turning people off. He struggled socially. He became paranoid, thinking people were showing displeasure with him even at a glance from a stranger.

Naveed became so erratic, in his mental state, that Hasan became frustrated to to the point of avoiding his brother.

On cross examination Hasan Haq said he only had two conversations with Naveed between 2005 and 2006. These conversations were not about guns or weapons.

The next to testify was Mr. Eric Neilsen, a cost engineer. He met Haq through mutual friends in spring of 2003. In early 2004 he became a landlord for Haq, by renting him a spare room in his house. It didn't work out too well. He said he was disturbed by Haq's behavior. He said he took long showers and long distant calls to Pakistan. He was also using his computer to look up porn. Haq moved out after 3 months.

In 2005 they were both unemployed and they decided to start a mail order business. Haq would get excited about a project and then soon after he would lose interest. Neilsen felt Haq was unstable because this.

After a couple of months Neilsen realized doing a business venture with Haq wasn't going to work.

When asked if, after the 2 years of friendship, Neilsen felt that he ever thought Haq was seriously mentally ill, and Neilsen said,"Not Really."

The next witness for the defense was Brian Knox, who works at a craft store in N.C.

He met Haq through a mutual friend, in 2004. They developed a friendship and socialized. He testified that Haq was quick to change his mind and would get grandiose and angry. He testified that Haq would over react if someone would accidentally bump into him in a crowded setting, thinking they did it on purpose.

Knox testified that near the end of 2005 Haq's anger outbursts intensified.

Knox moved to N.C., in May of 2006, and had no further contact with Haq.

Naveed's father was called to the stand by the defense. He told the same type of stories and his wife had earlier.

04/30/08

Haq's Mother Testifies

They started court Wednesday, by playing the 911 tape where Naveed Haq took the phone over from Dayna Klein, and talked to the dispatcher. He acknowledged that he had shot Dayna in the arm. He also said he didn't care if he was killed. He made irrational demands about getting out of Iraq, wanting to talk to CNN, and then abruptly said he was giving himself up.

Dayna Klein called 911, again. She asked for ambulances and described where she was. She said she had been held hostage for 20 minutes. She told the dispatcher that she was worried for her unborn baby. As she spoke to the dispatcher, she heard noised coming from the hall. She asked the dispatcher if she should call out. She sounded terrified as she screamed "I'm down the hall, somebody help us!" They came and the call ended.

The prosecution rested and the defense began their case.

Next, Nahida Haq's mother, tearfully, took the stand. She described her move from Pakistan, many years ago. She's of the Islamic faith and is Muslim. Naveed didn't follow the Islamic faith intently.

She described her son as a very good child as he grew up. He was an honor student in school, with a 3.8 GPA. He got scholarships from several schools and made the Dean's list at one of the colleges. He obtained a degree in biology in New York, and then went on to UPENN for a six year dental program, which he left after 2 years.

She said that the second year of college he had trouble focusing on his studies as he had a lot of mental problems.

He was home for 5 months, and couldn't hold down a job because of firings. He went back to school, but was let go because he wasn't keeping up with his studies.

They took a brief break to allow a jail guard, Jacob Gollihugh, testify about his interactions with Haq. He testified that most of the time Haq was like a model inmate, but he did lose his temper once in September of 2006, when he didn't receive a towel, during a shower, and had to be subdued with pepper spray. Other than that one instance the officer said Haq behaved normally.

When Mrs.Haq returned to the stand, she testified to a time where Naveed spent 10 days in a Richland hospital after his doctor recommended that he seek medical attention with symptoms of pacing, staring in one place, and repeating the same things over and over.

He quit practicing the Islamic faith and started reading the Bible. He wasn't into reading the Koran.

He continued his education at Columbia Basin College, in the Tri-Cities, and he got a degree from WSU in electrical engineering, in 2004.

In June of 2006, just a month before the shootings, Haq told his mother that he wanted to move to China to teach English.

Mrs. Haq testified that she hid a shot-gun and a handgun from Naveed, in her bedroom closet in 2001. She took it from him because it was not safe for him to have the gun because of his mental problem. She said he asked for the gun back a couple of times, but she told him that they put it in the safety deposit box, and when he persisted they told him they had given the guns to the police.

She also testified that her son wanted to have a gun collection.

When they asked her about Naveed's opinions on the 911 terrorist attacks, and other terrorism, she said he disliked the terrorist groups, what they did, and their thinking about women.

Next the defense showed her a document that Naveed wrote Monday, 21st of July, just a week before the shootings at the Jewish Federation. She recognized it as his resume, and that he wanted to be called "Nick".

Then the defense showed her another document called Sources of Muslim Anger, that she did not recognize. It was apparently a print out from a search done on a computer they owned.

Then I lost my live-trial feed. (NLH)

04/29/08

Tuesday's hearing and trial

The jury was excused, yesterday, until this afternoon, so the court could have an evidentiary hearing this morning. The court was deciding what statements and reports could come into the trial.

The defense is trying keep some of the 911 calls from being let into the trial. They argued over whether some of the calls were considered "excited utterances" or not. The defense says the calls have nothing to do with the charges Haq is facing. The judge ruled that the 911 calls are admissible.

Without the presence of the jury, Dr. Wheeler, psychological expert, testified before the court, about his examination and evaluation of Naveed Haq's mental stability.

Some of Dr. Wheeler's opinion was made from the interrogation interviews, the police gave, right after Haq's arrest. Haq had asked for a lawyer, but interrogation was continued because the police were concerned that there might be other terrorists at work, and immediate action may be needed. However, because Haq's rights weren't adhered to, the interrogation statements were suppressed.

After stating other case laws and and further factors, the judge said that she would let a broad amount of the interrogation to be used, until she felt that the interrogation became involuntary, meaning that Haq asked for a lawyer several times near the end of the interrogation.

It appears that Dr. Wheeler will be able to testify about statements, made by Haq, that caused him to evaluate and diagnose his condition at the time of the event. They will have further hearings on that subject once they find out what statements were made that helped the doctor to reach his findings.

Testimony about factual statements or confessions that would incriminate Haq, as he's invoked his 5th amendment rights, will not be allowed in. However, Dr. Wheeler will be able to testify about his expert opinion regarding the medical evaluation.

The prosecution took the afternoon to go over other evidence that had been collected from Haq's apartment in Kennewick, WA., including the shot-gun and box that was left, the empty knife box, the lap-top computer, and a gun case for a ruger pistol.

Also found was a business card and resume, which detailed his education, which was quite extensive.

They showed the clothing that Pamela Waechter, wore on the day she was killed, and the jury viewed where the holes were located.

The detective continued testimony with defense cross

Two guns were located at the parents location, in Pasco. Haq's mother pointed them out to the FBI. The parents intended to keep the guns hidden from Naveed Haq, as the 9 MM was his.

The defense went over documents, that were collected, that indicated that Haq was in financial distress several month's before the shootings. He also pointed out many transactions made to other areas around the US. (???)

Next the prosecution played the 911 tapes that were made during Haq's invasion of the Jewish Federation building. Alana Kennedy made the first call. You can hear screaming and gun shots, as the phone call was directed to the medical team. The call ended when the police arrived to assist.

The next call was from Carol Goldman who described the shooting as it happened. There were several people on the line. She said she had been shot in the leg. She also described the shooter having a hostage. She described herself hidden from the shooter, under her desk, and being on the second floor. As she stayed on the phone, she continued to give information about what was going on around her. 911 told her to put pressure on her wound. 911 informed her that they were on the phone with the shooter. A few minutes later they informed her that they had one person in custody. They told her to stay on the line until officers arrived.

The police came and the call was over.

The jury was dismissed.

The prosecution will be playing two more 911 calls, in the morning, and then they expect to rest their case. (NLH)

04/28/08

Monday's Testimony

Naveed Haq perked up and paid attention as his attorneys began to present his insanity defense to the jury today.

The prosecution has not rested but the defense had called a witness out of order. This was done because Washington has some sort of legal venue where the judge could have the opportunity to give verdict to this trial prior to taking it to the jury.

Doctor, Alexandra McLean, went over the details of Haq's mental condition over the two years that he was on many medications, while in her care.

She testified that Haq said he had attempted suicide several times. Over the course of several months, his medications were changed according to the effect they were having on Haq. He was doing better after taking zyprexa and depakote. She diagnosed that his mental illness was fairly severe.

She also testified that Haq thought he could read peoples minds.

The last time the Doctor saw him was January 18, 2000. He seemed he was doing fine. He moved to Washington to be with his family. She saw him once a month for 2 years.

Prosecution Cross

Haq was in Dental School at the time he was in McLean's care. She pointed out he was treating dental patients.

She testified that Haq was paranoid, impulsive and highly functional. He had self esteem issues.

January of 2000 he left dental school as he said he wasn't very good at it, and clumsy with his hands. He said he was forced into dental school by his parents.

A diagnosis can change day to day and is made by what the patient says and by what the doctor observes. Dr. McLean noted that he wasn't a pleasant person and that he got picked on a lot.

Detective, Timothy Luckie, was called back to the stand, and went over the Internet Explorer history of Haq's machine by defense. He listed a number of Google searches that were done referencing Jews. He researched a site about the future of the Middle East. He also searched CNN about a trial on Terror.

He had, also researched Bi-polar disorder and some of the other disorders he had been diagnosed with.

Besides surfing multitudes of porn sites, he also did searches on Global Warming and other environmental agencies. Haq also did searches on various religions, including Mormon.

Detective Luckie testified, in the afternoon, about other documents found on one of the computers Haq had access to. Many more Jewish sites were noted, and then Haq went on to more porn sites.

A police sergeant, in the SWAT unit, for the Seattle police department, Mark Worstman, was the next witness for the prosecution. He talked about the training SWAT teams go through.

Worstman described the scene as chaotic. He saw a police officer come out with Haq. They gathered information and then went into the building. He continued telling about his search of the building and who and what they found.. (Necessary testimony, but.....Yawn)

After their afternoon break, a detective took the stand and told his version of events from his point of view.

The detective testified that Haq had 2 residences in S. Eastern Washington. One residence was in Pasco and one was in Kennewick. His parents lived at the Pasco address. He, and fellow officers, searched the premises taking photographs.

They then went to the Kennewick apartment, which was almost empty, and took photographs. Other detectives were assigned to collect any evidence.

Procecution showed pictures, the detective took, of a box for a remington shot gun, the gun itself, and packaging for a knife. They then showed a picture of a box for a computer, and the lap top computer. The box for the Ruger pistol was found and photographed.

Trial will not be in session until tomorrow afternoon, April 29. (NLH)

Schizo-affective disorder definition...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schizoaffective_disorder

04/24/08

Wednesday's Testimony

The trial of Naveed Haq continued, today, with more testimony from Seattle police detective Don Ledbetter, from the CSI unit. He continued to go over the physical evidence they found at the crime scene. He showed and explained the type of weapons Haq had with him when he entered the building and shot six people.

Haq had said, during his interrogation, he didn't plan to shoot people, when he went to the Jewish Federation building, but went to just "shoot up the place." The state pointed out that Haq was such a bad shot that he missed the building and hit only people.. (my interpretation!)

The rest of the afternoon was taken up with police officers testifying about their observations, actions and the duties they performed on that fateful day.

Both the prosecution and defense concede that Haq shot the victims, so the interesting part of this trial will be how the defense will try to show Haq was insane at the time of the shootings and murder. (NLH)

04/21/08

Victim Sobs Through Testimony

One of Haq's innocent victims testified to the horror she experienced, when he came in shooting at the Jewish Federation building.

She was doing business as usual that day when she heard popping noises outsinde of her office. She peeked her head out the door expecting to see her friends playing around, but what she saw was a man holding a gun.

"He had a gun raised ... he shot me at his first opportunity," she testified.

"By some miracle I was able to get my arm up in front my abdomen. I felt the bullet go into my arm. I slid down the wall and crumpled. There was a tremendous amount of blood," the seventeen week pregnant woman, said. She was shot in the arm.

Klein sobbed through much of her testimony, today, as she recalled Haq telling her that if anyone called 911 he would kill them. Even so, she courageously reached up and pulled down phone and called 911.

As she spoke with an operator, Haq appeared again in her doorway and told her "because you were too [expletive] stupid to listen, you are my hostage now."

Several police officers testified to what happened, the day in question, and what actions they took to handle the situation.

Resource...me and...

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004363419_webhaq21m.html