MODEL COPY:
OPENING STATEMENT TO THE JURY BY THE PROSECUTION
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF THE JURY: “We, the Prosecution, stand before you today
representing the people of the State in a criminal matter against the defendant, Mr. Bud Weiser. We
are here prepared to prove that the defendant is guilty of contributing to the delinquent actions of a
young sixteen year old girl, Patti Collins, and that her death was the final incident and the direct
result of a series of reckless, negligent, and intentional actions on the part of the accused. We believe
that Patti Collins would be alive today if the defendant would have acted in a reasonable and prudent
manner that is expected of any adult in our society today. In bringing these charges, we are prepared
to prove the following:
(1) That the death of Patti Collins, a 16 year old girl, took place during the early morning
hours of December 24th, 2007, and that her death was due to respiratory failure while
being exposed to extreme cold—and while heavily under the influence of illegal intoxicants.
(2) That the defendant was host to a party in his home where illegal intoxicants, alcoholic
beverages and drugs, including marijuana, were consumed. These intoxicants were
allowed, provided and served in unusually amounts to all in attendance, including minors,
and to Patti Collins, in particular, by the defendant himself.
(3) That various witnesses for this State will testify that the defendant was seen serving
intoxicating beverages to Patti Collins, in addition to others, and did encourage her in
these illegal actions in what we believe to be a gross, negligent and reckless manner.
(4) That the defendant was culpably negligent in that he failed to provide proper and
reasonable supervision to the young guests in his home. We believe that he not only
allowed, but recklessly encouraged the illegal use of intoxicating beverages and drugs while
minors where present in his home.
(5) That Patti Collins, a minor, became intoxicated while in the home of the defendant, and
continued her association with him, and with other friends, at the Village Lanes Family
Fun Center—remaining in an intoxicated condition—up to the moment of her death. We
contend that the defendant failed to reasonably supervise, safeguard or control the actions
of this intoxicated child while at the bowling ally, and her tragic death occurred.
As we present the facts of this case to you, it may at first appear to be a large, complex puzzle—with
various pieces of information scattered among several of the witnesses—and without real solution.
But, I assure you, that when you have heard and seen all of the testimony and evidence, a picture will
emerge from this puzzle. It will then become clear to you that the defendant did, feloniously, and in a
reckless manner, with gross negligence, cause the death of this young child, Patti Collins. At the
conclusion of this trial, we are confident that you will find the defendant guilty of the charges for
which he is accused. Thank you.”