The Verdict

The verdict came after more than thirteen hours of deliberation by the nine-woman, three-man jury. The jurors had listened to 76 witnesses and reviewed over 1,200 exhibits during the course of the seven-week trial. When it was announced by the judge that the jury had finally come to its verdict Melanie McGuire burst into tears. Followers of the case said this was the first sign of any emotion from the defendant. Commentators on the Court TV network jokingly referred to her as an “Ice Queen” because she was so cold and emotionless throughout the entire trial. Perhaps if she had expressed her feelings to the jury, even if she still chose not to testify, they may have been more likely to acquit. During deliberation the jury asked to view footage from a parking lot surveillance camera that was evidence in the case. The jury also requested to view emails that were sent between Melanie McGuire and her friend from nursing school James Finn. There was also wire-tapped conversations between these two as well that were submitted into evidence. The emails, however, were much more incriminating than their verbal discussions. Then on Tuesday, April 23, 2007, after four days of deliberation, Melanie McGuire was found guilty on four of the eight counts brought against her. She was charged with first-degree murder, desecrating human remains, unlawful possession of a firearm, and perjury. Her bond was immediately revoked once she was found guilty. Actually, it was her patients from the fertility clinic that all chipped in money to cover the cost of bail. Her parents took out a second mortgage on their home to help cover court costs. There were many people that had faith in her innocence but they were all sadly mistaken. Her sentencing is scheduled for July 13, 2007 but the defense plans on appealing the case. Perhaps the saddest part of this tragic story is that by Melanie McGuire murdering her husband their two sons are left without any parents to raise them.