If convicted, he will automatically be sent to prison for life without parole. But on cross-examination, the students helped the defense paint another picture of Brazill, that of a jovial student full of laughter and mischief who showed no earlier signs of violence, especially on that fateful day. His lawyers hope to convince the jury that the shooting was an accident and that Brazill is guilty of a lesser crime, such as manslaughter or second-degree murder. Such an outcome could depend on the effectiveness of Brazill's former classmates. As they speak, jurors will weigh not only their words, but also how they are spoken.
Some kids are real believable.
Some kids are incredible from the time they hit the stand. Just like adults. While memories may fade a bit and credibility vary, it appeared from Wednesday's testimony that the trauma of the experience has ebbed little from the time of the shooting. Both Rosales and Vonae Ware, another subject of Brazill's affection, became so emotional they had to ask for breaks. But Palm Beach Circuit Judge Richard Wennet denied their motion to blur the young witnesses' faces in televised coverage and to withhold their names from the media.