Opinion ID: 1314558
Heading Depth: 5
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Hearing Outside of the Jury

Text: When Ruiz first arrived to testify at trial on the afternoon of June 6, 1990, she informed the district attorney that she had modified her story regarding Amanda's death. A hearing was then held in the presence of counsel, but outside the presence of the jury. Ruiz appeared to be under the influence of a foreign substance, and testified at the hearing that she had taken approximately six sleeping pills a little after noon in an effort to commit suicide, apparently prior to testifying. Ruiz further testified that she now remembered diving into the bed in which the children were sleeping before Ortiz arrived at 9 p.m. She was not sure whether she hit either one of the children. She did not remember either child crying during this incident. Ruiz said that she thought Amanda was hurt before defendant arrived. In response to the question, Liz, do you think you are the one that hurt Amanda? she responded Yes. Ruiz stated that she felt responsible for Amanda's death because Amanda was tired when she picked her up, and Ruiz did not remember part of what happened. She stated that she did not remember hitting Amanda other than jumping on the bed. Ruiz testified that she noticed Johnnie had been smacked hard the next morning. This colloquy followed: Who do you think is responsible for that? I think I am. Why do you think that? Because I assumed this happened the same time Amanda was hurt. Why do you assume that? I just do. Ruiz suggested that maybe Johnnie had always said that she did not hit him because it was too dark in the room and he could not see.