Maxwell testimony continues tonight

Trial very unusual for Palermo

By Tyler King, NCC News

PALERMO, Fulton County -- When the Maxwell child endangerment trial continues tonight at 7 p.m., Erin Maxwell's stepmother Lynn Maxwell will continue her questioning by defense lawyer Salvatore Lanza. She will then be cross examined by Assistant District Attorney Mark Moody.

Rumblings around the court area, which doubles as the Palermo Town Hall, were that Lanza will then call her husband, co-defendant Lindsey Maxwell. This cannot be confirmed, however, on account of a gag order which prevents the lawyers and other key parties from talking to the media.

Night trial due to part-time Judge

Some have wondered why a trial of such significance is taking place exclusively at night. The explanation for this is a simple one; the presiding judge, Town Justice Robert Wood, has a day job. This is a part-time job for him, and indeed this is only one of the many ways in which this trial is out of the ordinary for the small town of Palermo.

Courtroom hastily assembled

Those who see the makeshift courtroom in the Town Hall will not balk at the use of the word "makeshift." It is the room in which the town board usually meets. Folding chairs and folding tables have been set up for the prosecution and defence, with paper placards to identify Moody and Vanza. These features make very clear that Palermo does not see trials like these often.

Moody rested the prosecution's case last night and Vanza then began his defence, briefly calling Palermo's dog control officer to testify that he did not know of laws restricting cats and birds in a household. He then called his client, Lynn Maxwell, whose testimony will continue tonight at 7.