WI v. Theodore Edgecomb Trial - Defense Opening Statement

Theodore Malcolm Edgecomb, 31. Black. Charged with first-degree reckless homicide, with a modifier of use of a dangerous weapon. He also charged with felony bail jumping, and misdemeanor bail jumping.
victim: Jason Cleereman, 54. Milwaukee immigration attorney and activist. White. Shot in the left eyebrow.
According to victim Jason Cleereman’s wife, she was driving her husband westbound in Milwaukee on Sept 22, 2020, Edgecomb rode his bike eastbound in her lane (wrong direction), and she had to swerve out of the way to miss him. The victim then yelled “what the heck!” out the window. Edgecomb then pulled over at a red light next to the victim’s window and asked if he was talking to him and he said yes. Edgecomb then punched Cleereman causing him to bleed and fled. The punch from Edgecomb is captured on video, this has not been released to the public yet, but the judge ruled it will come into trial.
The couple then drove after Edgecomb, Jason Cleereman exited the car at an intersection and approached Edgecomb, his wife says she yelled to him about Edgecomb having a gun, but he didn’t react and Edgecomb shot him, and then looked like he would shoot her too, but fled with his bicycle. The victim died of his injuries and was found lying facedown on a staircase. This was also captured on CCTV footage (we have the footage).
His attorneys say Cleereman’s car almost hit him on his bike, that Jason rolled down his window (passenger side) and yelled a racial slur at him, they claim Cleereman was drunk. They say his toxicology level indicated he was legally drunk. (We do not have the autopsy report). The defense then says the Cleermans followed Egdecomb on his bike with their car (on video), Jason got out and went toward Edgecomb. They say he shot in self-defense. There is mention of Cleereman having a folded pocket knife in his pocket but no mention of if Edgecomb saw/knew this. Defense announced after seeing self-defense expert, John Black, testified on behalf of KYLE RITTENHOUSE, they will call him as a witness in this trial, “Theodore Edgecomb deserves the same right that Kyle Rittenhouse got.
#TheodoreEdgecomb #JasonCleereman\
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[@anamuntean3276]

I didn’t know daddy’s bring 9 MM guns to daddy daughter date night!

[@katet3327]

Baby we gonna have sushi, dessert and a lesson in how to shoot an 9mm.. I can’t wait daddy!!

[@corrynthiaiam9205]

Don't we have the right to bear arms as Americans? Or is it only "certain types" of individuals do you prefer to have a handgun?

[@Eyerusalem_]

We were spoiled by the judge in chandler’ trial.

[@jnnlis]

It is received 👨🏼‍🦱

[@kkheflin3]

He was one of the best I have seen.

[@JennAyBaybAyy]

I agree, the Judge in the Halderson trial was awesome!!!! I love how he handled his courtroom!

[@bowlingbbabe]

He's an actor so yes, he's very good

[@BmoreHotti20]

I definitely was! He was so patient sweet 😩

[@shellymoreton9814]

Slimy move going after the victim's wife.

[@jnnlis]

If your husband has been shot execution style in front of you, you’ll likely be in shock. I don’t even get his point here. Not rendering aid or calling 911 is a pretty standard shock response.

[@sacorrawhite5342]

No it’s not! If she was trying to conceal something… trying to get rid of evidence… she’s just as guilty for tampering …. she’s not even distraught laying on her husbands body crying like most wives would do!

[@novascotiaskater1868]

Sorry but if my husband was shot in the face I would mange to call 911…calling 911 is the immediate reaction for anyone in a serious injury situation….I’ve never heard anyone in any case, any dateline, any 20/20, any podcast…anything true crime related say that someone was in such shock they couldn’t call 911….I think she knew they were drunk and shouldn’t have been driving and maybe that they had had some part in this incident so she was not wanting to call 911 knowing cos would be there….that’s just my opinion tho.

[@LoLo-wh6le]

Good thing your opinion is based off what YOU THINK you would do.

[@dustinlenzo444]

This judge don't mess around. Haven't seen such a serious judge like this in awhile. All business, no playing around in his court room lol

[@kgreene460]

I like him! He sounds a little harsh, but I think that's just his WI accent.

[@brittanyanne936]

@@kgreene460 Really? After watching the Chandler Halderson trial, he seems like a cranky old man. And at times it looks as if he is daydreaming about retirement lol.

[@kkheflin3]

@@brittanyanne936 I agree. He looks bored to tears.

[@pumibel1720]

@@brittanyanne936 Judge Hyland has spoiled us all for any subsequent recorded trials imo.

[@novascotiaskater1868]

Lol….I heard him say “ Defense “ at the very beginning and thought yikes…serious guy! Very different from the Judge in the Chandler Halderson case who was absolutely fantastic and kind and courteous and still maintaining control and seriousness of the trial.

[@MasterCedar]

He should never have tried to "blame" the widow.

[@Pagewithpurpose]

She tampered with evidence, and didn't render aid to her husband 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@ProvocativePixels]

@@Pagewithpurpose she aint on trial. The dude who murdered someone is and he going to prison for the rest of his pathetic life.

[@Pagewithpurpose]

@@ProvocativePixels obviously she isn't on trial. However, her actions after the fact are details and evidence the jurors need to know

[@Pagewithpurpose]

@@BannedHistory she tampered with evidence and left the scene. Why wouldnt that be disclosed to the jurors??

[@kennethtran4706]

@@Pagewithpurposea bullet to head kinda hard to render aid

[@jjsmama401]

Tell me he didn’t just say “the defense is gonna be straight shooters”

[@markthomas3730]

The victims wife is NOT on Trial...Edgecomb is on trial. Don't let the Defense distract you and mis-direct you.

[@barstad-9591]

This is a self-defense case, the actions of both Cleeremans are highly relevant. If you watched the Kyle Rittenhouse trial, it’s easier to put the actions of the Cleeremans into context.

[@brittanyanne936]

@@BannedHistory Good point. Their actions are relevant but I don’t see how the wife crying or not crying is..

[@makeupqueen130]

@@BannedHistory good point! I don't have a doubt Mr. Edgecomb was in fear for his life the question is like you said he initiated it.

[@63076topher]

@@makeupqueen130 Why was he in fear he was illegally in possession of a firearm

[@Magangane1234]

The dude is imitating Johnnie Cochran opening statement in the OJ Simpson trial word for word! WTF?? 😳😳😳

[@teresathayn5170]

Good memory!! Jeez!

[@rscbmr1023]

Trying WAY too hard

[@zsazsabear9643]

His shoes are squeaky...

[@parati1309]

It's shockingly close isn't it? Embarrassing.

[@abby4027]

Wait….really???

[@parati1309]

The defense is plagiarizing so much of Johnnie Cochran's opening remarks from the OJ Simpson trial.

[@AaronKraftCreative]

If it doesn't fit, you must aquit. If it doesn't fit, you must aquit. If it doesn't fit, you must aquit.

[@katet3327]

It’s a great rhyme, can’t deny that!

[@jnnlis]

He definitely has a Cochran style. Good eye.

[@Beachbucket]

THE EVIDENCE IS GOING TO SHOW....Ronnie Oneal

[@bernadettefox6838]

Okay! Like wtaf was this guy thinking this is pretty wild.

[@argoneonoble]

This is the first I've heard of this case so it will be interesting to watch this trial and truly have no preconceived notions of who is at guilt.

[@jennifermachinsky8657]

Same

[@novascotiaskater1868]

Me too! For once I can be like a juror…will be very interesting

[@stefanheyns3711]

Didn't take me long to get to a conclusion though...

[@shamina1908]

Me too.

[@MyThoughtzExactly]

Me too and it's strange...I didn't see any coverage about this case.

[@natalielawyerchick]

This is a textbook, excellent example of a proper defense opening. So well done!

[@dennissinkovics8379]

Oh yeah it was very well done until he started victim blaming and even if the wife is a evil witch she’s not on trial and everyone reacts differently in stressful situations and maybe she thought he was instantly dead I mean he was shot in the head that’s probably 9-10 times death we all know that. He may have already turned off some of these jurors with the victim blaming but we’ll see if he can back up these claims. I definitely think he gave a powerful opening but man he’s running on some shaky ground.

[@ellemjay]

He stole it from Johnnie Cochran.

[@ellafacebooktruecrimecases3644]

Totally amazing.

[@mitchellmaytorena1137]

@@dennissinkovics8379 That’s literally his job. He is Edgecob’s attorney. They’re obviously going for self defense.

[@KyleInOklahoma]

*_That didnt age well Natalie._* 😂👨‍⚖⚖ *_P.S. I love your channel._* 💙🙏💙

[@najla6857]

While I wait from the ruling on the Chandler case in Wisconsin, I think I found a new case to follow in the mean time. Gonna look this case up

[@GreenEyedJade]

I’m all over this case. It’s extremely interesting!

[@ifonlyunu994]

Guilty all charges.

[@abby4027]

I was thinking the same. I saw some coverage on Law &Crime Daily but I’m still confused as to what happened.

[@teresathayn5170]

@@abby4027 I googled it! Great stuff!!

[@iMatti00]

Yeah, the Chandler case wasn’t that interesting to me because it was so open and shut. A lot of what he did to kill the parents was interesting, but the ins and outs of all the other witnesses weren’t that interesting. But I think this one is gonna be a really good trial. But according to the judge is going to be really quick, I don’t know if that’s good or bad.

[@lauramassi1957]

It's a pleasure to represent Mr. Edgecomb? Why? He was nothing but trouble from the beginning. He shot a man point blank after already punching the victim in the face. What is there to defend here? A man is dead and a woman is a widow. Why? Because Mr. Edgecomb decided to act out that night. I hope he is found guilty just like he is.

[@kismutt1]

Theadore is GUILTY. He shot an unarmed man execution style!

[@publicknowledge4262]

As did Rittenhouse, in the same state. This will be interesting, for sure.

[@raoul3719]

@@publicknowledge4262 Rittenhouse was found not guilty on all charges.

[@kismutt1]

@@publicknowledge4262 Kyle Rittenhouse had a gun pointed right to his head! It was CLEARLY on video. Did you even watch the Rittenhouse trial you fool!!

[@CharlieDexter99]

@@publicknowledge4262 you are still buying that? There are multiple videos you can watch to see the gun pointed at him. Stop lying to people and to yourself.

[@AaronKraftCreative]

Oh, here we go...compare and contrast to Rittenhouse. You can't compare to Rittenhouse unless the media spends and entire year spreading complete lies about the the basic facts of the case and smearing the defendant's character to the point that the average person on the street has a totally false biased against the defendant before the trial ever begins. Then you would need video from several angles of the defendant running away from the victim and the victim chasing him and grabbing his firearm. Then you can compare.

[@robmullin1128]

I am reading a lot of comments about the defense attorney not doing a good job in his opening,I think opposite,it was a great opening! And if he is a public defender he is doing better then any public defender I have watched on this channel.

[@mandystone3005]

the only negative was that he read most of his opening statement because that takes away his engagement with the jury, just like a teacher reading his prepared lesson losing the class's attention.

[@kett912]

I disagree, him blaming the widow was completely unnecessary and unprofessional and is gonna do nothing but spoil the jury's view of the defense.

[@DOLfirst]

@@kett912 but ...he did plant in my mind, at least, that the widow tampered with the scene. Did the victim brandish a knife? Did the defendant act in self defense? They pursued him. They took the law into their own hands instead of calling police after the punch. I think the defense opening was effective.

[@Pagewithpurpose]

@@DOLfirst I agree

[@kett912]

@@DOLfirst I agree that that part was well done, and I am watching this trial with an open mind, however I still feel that blaming her for not doing cpr and the fact that he plagiarized the OJ Simpson opening means this statement is far from proficient.

[@youngnreel]

Prime example don’t follow nobody

[@IzzyMariel]

He's gonna lose with these attorneys. Terrible.

[@iMatti00]

I’m interested to know why you think that. I thought this attorney did a good job, but that doesn’t mean I’m right or anything. I will tell you I was shocked at how much information this attorney gave me that I didn’t already know though. But honestly, that’s not saying much because I haven’t really followed the media reports. I basically just look at the trials and legal analysis for a lot of these cases.

[@IzzyMariel]

​@@iMatti00 the badgering of eyewitnesses is over the top. Especially since they know eyewitness testimony is notoriously sketchy. Also, basically lying and saying witnesses said something they didn't say, not to mention the defense investigator telling a witness they were with the PD. I won't be surprised if she made herself a witness and she is forced to take the stand. And this judge is so strict, she might find herself charged with a felony. They may have a great case, but they are going to lose it if they don't straighten up.

[@brendapcmt]

Ho humm... knew nothing about this case when I turned on the opening statements but couldn’t believe it when I heard the defense atty go after the wife for not rendering medical aid to the victim 🤨 ... I wonder if defense attorney will be in the squeaky shoes tomorrow 🤔... adds to the drama 🤓

[@misslariss7476]

The squeaking sound has got to stop omggg

[@53j3]

You ring the police you do not take the law into your own hands. No excuse for shooting someone.

[@SoulforSale]

Especially if you started the fight

[@jnnlis]

Same could be said for the victim though

[@stevengallant6363]

Since when does calling someone a nasty word justify violence? When I was 7 my mother taught me: "sticks and stones will break your bones but names will never HURT you"...

[@CharlieDexter99]

You do realize the world we live in now right? There are people out there that get hurt if you call them a he and it’s a male but they want to be called “unicorn”🙄🙄

[@stevengallant6363]

@@CharlieDexter99 I understand the world we are living in... the defense lawyer was coming off like Theodore had a legal right to provoke Jason with violence for calling him a name

[@audreymai2773]

@@stevengallant6363 I agree. That lawyer has the same mentality as the defendant.

[@Rejoice01]

@@stevengallant6363 He did not...he said he shouldn't have hit him.

[@stevengallant6363]

@@Rejoice01 he did but he went about it in a Sly way he wanted the jury to read between the lines

[@purpleice7277]

Why does he have to come off yelling????

[@davidsmiths5471]

He's a personal injury attorney, sounds like another trying for 15 minutes of fame!!

[@stevengallant6363]

These lawyers are slick... they remind me of the man in the trench coat coming around to see if you wanted to buy a watch in the 80s... I hope the jurors see through this BS

[@aboveall9521]

problem is they are not slick....so what does that say about you

[@pumibel1720]

LMAO, the trench coat watch salesman meme needs to make a comeback. Nostalgia!

[@stevengallant6363]

@@aboveall9521 I don't know? That I'm all out of watches!

[@angelapyle7301]

@@stevengallant6363 “All out of watches “😂😂😂😂😂😂❣️

[@lisamarie4452]

is this cousin vinny? what is with the squeaky shoes? it is so funny.

[@sarahglenn298]

He's walking over the plastic stripping that covers wires on the carpet.

[@katet3327]

The two what? I’m sorry your honor, the two youthhhssss.

[@cynthiameyer3255]

That all still doesn't justify the shooting. IMO

[@jnnlis]

Perhaps not but he has to present a defense and he does so. His job.

[@upanddowntwice1]

The second that he honestly tried to accuse the widow of some wrongdoing in this case was the second I knew the man was guilty. There is simply no reason to do this if the evidence shows your client is innocent. Slandering someone who watched their husband get shot in the head because she didn't react in the "right" way isn't a good look.

[@barstad-9591]

This judge seems especially gruff after the Halderson judge’s demeanor.

[@kkheflin3]

Agreed. I loved the Halderson judge. I didn't like the Rittenhouse judge.

[@thegreatbambino3358]

Talks a lot about the wife not giving first aid. Turns out Mr. Edgecomb didn't either...

[@jnnlis]

@Tonette Lewis I think he’s laying foundation for the fact that she was more focused on retrieving the wallet and possibly tampering with the scene (which plants a seed that she may have moved the knife back to his pocket, for example).

[@chrisgarrett5942]

How can Theodore Edgecomb be in illegal possession of a firearm, but claim self-defense? Edgecomb was the aggressor, he initiated the confrontation by violently assaulting Jason Cleereman, then Edgecomb fled and once confronted by Cleeremanm, Edgecomb fatally shot Cleereman. Edgecomb is GUILTY.

[@omadjourney]

They chased him down in a car, what was he supposed to do...get of the bike and slow dance with the man.

[@iForgottToWipe]

@@omadjourney I mean he stopped at the stairs and waited for the guy to walk up to shoot him in the head, why didn't he just walk down the stairs like he did after he killed him?

[@joeyh9116]

@@iForgottToWipe He doesn't have a duty to retreat. We learned that in the Rittenhouse case. I think the state overcharged with the 1st Degree Murder charge. It is hard to show "intent" if you are being chased by someone who just hit you with their car.

[@iForgottToWipe]

@@joeyh9116 is there any evidence that the wife hit him with the car? we also learned from the Rittenhouse trial that you can only claim self defense if you don't provoke it, and punching the victim before he confronts you is provoking.

[@63076topher]

@@joeyh9116 And he has no right to carry a gun because he lost that when convicted of a felony.

[@debbierutledge8556]

He went looking for trouble when he took that gun with him when he knew he wasn’t supposed to have possession of a gun.

[@Rejoice01]

So did Kyle Rittenhouse and he got off. :)

[@Boo-jk3ii]

​@@Rejoice01 Slight problem there Kyle could legally posses the gun :D It seems that Theodore Malcolm Edgecomb couldn't since he had pending domestic violence and drunken driving charges. Not to mention the little fact that he punched the person he shot and killed earlier before the shooting without being attacked, thus making him the aggressor. The facts in this case aren't even close to the Rittenhouse case. Although its cute that you'll try to now push back against the same argument that you most likely were making about Kyle without knowing any of the facts.

[@debbierutledge8556]

If he was having Daddy/Daughter night, he didn’t need to bring a gun

[@kkheflin3]

Does EVERYONE in Wisconsin walk around the streets carrying guns? Seems so lately.

[@timookello3822]

@@debbierutledge8556 America is fooked*

[@thekaerichtexas]

He said he was getting ready for daddy daughter date night, but where was his daughter???? He was the only one on the bike, that's kinda curious.

[@katet3327]

Yea, makes it seem like he’s a wholesome man, just riding around getting sushi and dessert, ohhh a gun.. but ehh don’t think about that part.

[@cbragg923]

Two high profile cases so close to home. I’m sure there are a ton of us Wisconsinites watching! 🧀

[@gojobuddy]

How does he know this woman was even trained in CPR?

[@Alina-ci3fb]

Great opening statement by the defense. I’m indifferent about this case so I’m excited to hear from the witnesses.

[@stevengallant6363]

Horrible opening statement

[@Alina-ci3fb]

@@stevengallant6363 how so Steven?

[@stevengallant6363]

@@Alina-ci3fb 90% of the defense's opening statement was irrelevant to this trial

[@Alina-ci3fb]

@@stevengallant6363 while I agree that some of it was irrelevant it definitely wasn’t 90% irrelevant

[@stevengallant6363]

@@Alina-ci3fb okay maybe 75%

[@michaelcoffman6873]

Defense: “yeah he murdered him in cold blood, but what about MLK day!?!?”

[@TheMoron126]

lmao

[@leechenn8075]

Think before you approach anyone who just slapped you upside your head. There are consequences.

[@angiejorah]

Daddy had to bike to pick up "daddy daughter dinner" because he doesn't have a drivers license. Brought an illegal gun because????

[@cland49lsu1]

Where is the N word......Where is it...........13:40....Knew it lol. I highly doubt that was ever said, he will need to take the stand for this.

[@jane54ish]

Hahahahaha ! those squeaky shoes...or is a floorboard !

[@1962pjh]

He has an impressively large....shoe size.

[@tashiaredd3421]

It’s a chair

[@xlilimariex]

It’s clearly the plastic cover on top of all the cords on the floor by the mic stand

[@connieheitz8982]

@@xlilimariex yep I was going to say that myself but you beat me to it lol

[@teresathayn5170]

I don't know but it's hilarious!

[@sanfranciscobay]

Google "when can I use deadly force in self defense." The Defendant is not entitled to self defense because he punched Mr Clearman first.

[@Chicharrera.]

Your honour, I had to defend myself against the victim of my attack😳 I'm clearly innocent of any wrong doing. He was drunk and high and calling me names so I had no other option but to punch him in the face then f@&k off outta there for my own safety. In fact, I was so scared for my life over a guy without any known weapons on him that I shot him and then ran for my life and hid myself for months......Oh yes, I am clearly the victim here sir. Even the wife is at fault. He died because she didn't love him enough to render him any first aid or call 911. It's both their faults I am in this predicament. I was only out on a daddy-daughter night getting sushi as requedted and carrying a prohibited firearm. I am obviously of superior status and authority in this situation. He called me the "n" word. The "effen" "n" word. I just had to teach him a lesson in deportment so I punched him. It's not my fault that the victim decided to retaliate against me. I will not be treated that way by no one, no sir. Find me not guilty, pretty please 😭

[@63076topher]

Your honor i know I can't possessa gun but he said Get the f**k out of the way.

[@aShotByFred]

I'm getting my popcorn ready for this one

[@childrenslivesmatter3073]

Why would you chase someone that's on a bicycle and you're in a car? Only reason I can see is violence.

[@argoneonoble]

To find out who they are so you can press charges for assault.

[@katet3327]

Yea, but stay at a distance and call the cops.

[@Vehernandez1983]

I think I would too, I wouldn’t want them to get away with it. Then again, it’s hard to say unless you are in that particular situation.

[@diznyland6214]

Where can I watch the full live streams of this trial??

[@autoyota]

If this lawyer can prove all he's claimed, it seems there was some evidence tampering and prosecution / investigative misconduct.

[@SoulforSale]

He can't

[@autoyota]

@@SoulforSale wow you are amazing. Are you a psychic? Maybe you should offer your services to the DA and save the state from the expense of a trial?

[@ellemjay]

That's a big if.

[@iForgottToWipe]

@@autoyota the wife just confirmed he never had his knife out so what was Edgecomb fearing? Being confronted by someone you just assaulted shouldnt make you fear for your life

[@Bsquaredplus2]

@@iForgottToWipe that's what I'm saying, how did he fear for his life when he literally punched the guy in the face 24 seconds prior.

[@cking3443]

Love the fact I’m going to be able to actually hear this trial……but the defence attorneys squeaky gold shoes are a little annoying

[@deborahol]

Is it his shoes? I thought it was the floor but either way, yeh it's going to be grating on me too.

[@bernadettefox6838]

I cannot be the only one who is noticing this guy is almost word for word repeating Johnnie Cochran's opening statement from his defense of OJ Simpson. Like it is actually uncanny and a little unsettling.

[@jasminesmith9300]

Defense attorney is horrible. He seems unprepared and hostile at every turn.

[@kathyharris7031]

That defense lawyer may as well pack his S..t up and go because that judge doesn't like him at All!!!

[@teresathayn5170]

Was Edgecomb really struck by their car?? I read the details and that's never mentioned! Maybe they're trying the Rittenhouse defense, lol! You're his attorney! WHY didn't you get the Casablanca video?!? Maybe if your client hadn't hid for 6 months you could have gotten it!

[@JohnnieWalkerDread]

What defense is that?

[@teresathayn5170]

@@JohnnieWalkerDread Shoot first. Ask questions later.

[@iMatti00]

QUESTION: can anybody see the comment I’m writing right now?

[@JohnnieWalkerDread]

@@iMatti00 Yep

[@JohnnieWalkerDread]

@@teresathayn5170 Kyle didn't shoot first. He ran.

[@Kamri1215]

I didn’t get what the point was in saying his wife didn’t administer CPR, etc. Does that condone the fact that the defendant shot him, or was he trying to imply the wife planned it ?

[@p.sherman3158]

Instant dislike for that defense attorney. “Do you see my hand ?”

[@maureentopper3741]

I don't think he meant to say that the jury was the "consciousness: of the community. I think the word he was looking for was "conscience." Good opening argument, but going after the victim's widow is never a good look.

[@jnnlis]

@Tonette Lewis trying to deflect from your client’s culpability is the job of a defense attorney 😒

[@novascotiaskater1868]

He actually got several words wrong but I think he was caught up in being dynamic and powerful and kind of nervous a little…

[@peaceandlove7824]

The wife pretends to be a victim, when she could avoid the whole situation. If he was not violent, why was he going to confront the guy who just punched him, I don’t understand. As I woman, I would have left, and said no, you are not going “to talk” to him, we are going home right now. Nevertheless, she follow the biker 🚴‍♀️ and took her husband, “the love of my life”, to confront a guy they had a confrontation already, or you want to say that the guy punched him out of the blue? Stop lying and tell the truth!

[@iForgottToWipe]

If someone assaulted you, would you attempt to identify them?

[@nii4901]

@@iForgottToWipe he was assaulted first they hit him with a car, I’m not on either side just reminding you

[@xmxh9596]

None of that matters when the guy instantly pulls a gun and shoots him in the fact.

[@iForgottToWipe]

@@nii4901 the wife testified today she never hit him with the car.

[@iForgottToWipe]

@@nii4901 there's also no video evidence of that alleged assault like there is the punch video

[@raoul3719]

The defense attorney has to stop buying his shoes at "Pimps R Us"

[@stevengallant6363]

I'm surprised he's not opening up his jacket asking the jurors if they want to buy a watch... :-)

[@ChanellMarie0419]

So he’s not dressed nice? The shoes 👞 are squeaking, but he’s dressed well. Didn’t know pimps dress like him though 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@stevengallant6363]

@@ChanellMarie0419 the defense lawyer just comes off too slick and kind of sleazy... I'm going to go out on a limb and say ghetto fabulous

[@shellos8]

Defense attorney is a showboater. So dramatic.

[@snowblo1]

Maybe you're low key attracted to him.

[@GreenEyedJade]

He is dramatic but I think he’s definitely intelligent enough to be acting that way for a certain purpose.

[@tamerajohnson5587]

No more than any other lawyer, prosecution or defense.

[@IzzyMariel]

@@GreenEyedJade watch more of the trial and you'll change your mind.

[@Alina-ci3fb]

All lawyers are dramatic. They’re storytellers

[@junedecarlo3604]

Attacking the wife is just a deflection of the guilty Edgecomb. Justice prevails. The judge did a fine job he’s not supposed to entertain you. Listen and rule his courtroom as instructed.

[@rayberczik7251]

I think after edgecomb suckered punched cleereman in his car and took off, cleereman should have called the police and he would still be alive. But hindsight 20/20. It's gonna be interesting to see how the jury votes on this case.

[@jillfeatherman5523]

Wow…just wow. The “evidence” doesn’t show anything he’s talking about. He’s literally trying to blame the victim and then say that there’s some big government scheme to cover it up. OMG…I’m dying laughing listening to him after first watching the trial up until Friday and then now catching up with opening statements.

[@jnnlis]

How do you know what evidence will show? He hasn’t even presented his case yet. I keep an open mind with these cases. You sound silly saying what he will and won’t show at this point. If he doesn’t, then you’d have a point.

[@marksaunders4149]

The victim was 60 pounds heavier but that didn’t stop the accused punching him in the face ….

[@cland49lsu1]

This dude is gonna get railroaded for taking this to trial. I can't wait for the cross-examination of the wife, literally claiming that she must have not loved him for not instantly trying to render aid. Pretty sad strategy. I would also say that in this opening statement, the Defense just happily opened the door to character evidence. I can image that Edgecomb (who was out on bond) will fair well against a tax-paying attorney.....Wooks gonna wook. Lawyer could have probably talked a little more sense in him. Got smoked on that motion hearing, now we talking about a "victim."

[@stevengallant6363]

Exactly these defense lawyers are way too slick and coming in way too hot... in my opinion most of his opening statement was irrelevant to the trial

[@kgreene460]

The case is brought to trial by the state of Wisconsin hence the case name: WI vs. Edgecomb. The state of Wisconsin is pressing these charges and the state called this case to trial, get it?

[@GM-iq9bu]

This man is guilty period. He instigated the problem and now he wants to claim self defense and he ran away. If you did it in self defense why run? He punched a man in the face and what he thought that would be the end of it. Put him in jail and throw away the key.

[@commoncauseofwomen-african4441]

Interesting case, this can go either way

[@stevengallant6363]

If this jury has any sense they will see through the Slick lawyers and find Theodore guilty Beyond any reasonable doubt

[@christoph8616]

Either way? Sure It can go either way in relation to how trials work, but what thus far has given you such a belief that gives you such a silly belief?

[@KJMitchell]

This is a terrible opening statement.

[@gwang-mu9251]

Will he get justice or social justice?

[@stevengallant6363]

I think Theodore will get convicted because his defense lawyers are way over the top... They're coming in way too hot

[@jnnlis]

@@stevengallant6363 too showy. I don’t like this style.

[@sealedplays]

i think he might get off. he has a good case but just needs to be able to prove it well needs the cameras & everything to align with his truths

[@stevengallant6363]

@@sealedplays yeah innocent people don't call 911, go on the run for 6 months and then give a fake name to law enforcement when caught... this defense lawyers opening statement was 90% irrelevant

[@stevengallant6363]

@@jnnlis yep... all Sizzle no steak

[@Bsquaredplus2]

Self-defense isn't a valid excuse considering Edgecomb was the aggressor from the beginning.

[@Xyz46786]

Ugh that gold is so tacky

[@marygoodwin858]

Innocent until proven guilty!

[@kkheflin3]

I actually thought the defense opening statement was much better than the prosecution. We do have to remember the victim is not on trial but extenuating circumstances will be interesting to see. What is going on in Wisconsin these days? Rittenhouse, Halderson and now Edgecomb? I live in Florida and we usually have the big cases here..(think Casey Anthony and Trayvon Martin) but Wisconsin? I don't get what all the unrest is recently up north. We are the ones down here who usually look like idiots. lol

[@JennAyBaybAyy]

Same thing I wondered..... what's going on in WI? Defense did do a good job in his opening statement.

[@Jaymes400]

Seriously?? blaming the victims wife??? that defense is disgusting, and is clutching at whatever disgusting defense might help his case

[@kkheflin3]

@@Jaymes400 That is almost always what defense attorneys do. They have to poke holes in the prosecution's case in order to create "reasonable doubt" in the minds of the jurors and offer an alternative "scenario" for the crime. Very common practice and not at all unusual.

[@Beachbucket]

"THE EVIDENCE IS GOING TO SHOW" -(yelling) Ronnie O'Neal

[@heycesa]

Never heard of this case.....Okay Defense, I'm listening ... Good opening!

[@junedecarlo3604]

If he was smart, he should have kept riding his bike. Instead of his lawyer says not the best way to handle it. Guilty with a gun and used it! Justice served. GUILTY!

[@ethanboyd7843]

"Do you see THE! video of my client murderin', or just A! video of my client murderin'?" "C'mon guys, remember the hand thing I did?".

[@GeMiniTheQueen]

Oooo, this is the case where the man got out the truck and chased him on his bike oooooooooooo. Come through defense, please

[@Bravoyara]

Ooh can’t wait until the wife takes the stand.

[@teresathayn5170]

Me neither!!!

[@Pat6670]

Worst defense attorney ever. His client is guilty. Lol!!!

[@alybrekhus7182]

Very good defense attorney!!! 👏

[@Xyz46786]

Lmao

[@CTID]

The worst...

[@ellemjay]

Supposedly he got a lot of his opening statement from Johnny Cochran's opening in the OJ trial.

[@sylerbo]

What's good about him? That he's Mr Hollywood or that he lies thru his teeth??!

[@anothernewaccount1657]

Oh wow, this comment did NOT age well!

[@georgvonclausewitz2024]

he ran away, that's enough for a guilty verdict

[@chrismeier3805]

So many things wrong with this: "It's an honor and a privilege what we call our opening statement." lol...pretty sure everybody calls it that my man. Gold shoes! Oohhh...blame the victims...never a good choice. He's not over the legal limit if he's not driving. "Tooken" Comparing the punch incident to a sporting event? Ridiculous Saying "Members of the jury" for dramatic effect WAY too many times. I'll be curious to see how he handles the case but I bet his man goes down.

[@TheMundusvultdecipi]

When he brought up Hockey I cringed. 60 pounds heavier but didn't deter him to punch the guy in the face.

[@popcornjoe3752]

Already going there. When does Sharpton show up

[@raoul3719]

Fake Rev Sharpton is on speed dial.

[@LoLo-wh6le]

My jaw dropped when he began putting blame on the wife… like seriously? He came in this suit to play “gas lighting” games. SMH

[@ErikS-]

The story about the wife contacting the homicide department and removing something from the crime scene sounds possible. But what will the evidence be for that? He argues the police is corrupt, but a corrupted police will off course always deny what really happened.

[@laidbackmedia]

Apparently we are gonna learn. LoL

[@katet3327]

I’m like ok,, I can’t wait to be educated.

[@bowlingbbabe]

Wtf blaming the widow SHE WAS PROBABLY IN SHOCK

[@purpleice7277]

Delighted?? 😒

[@jnnlis]

Poor word choice

[@HotCarl73]

Sticks and stones may break my bones but words are justification for murder.

[@ErikS-]

The defense lawyer seems to have some good arguments. But he really should calm down. His tone of voice, shouting and rapid talking will reflect negatively on the jury. His 30,000 USD Gold rolex with matching tie may also reflect negatively on the jury. This lawyer is really too eager and should think more on how he will be looked at by jury members...

[@novascotiaskater1868]

Actually most juries will respond positively because they see confidence, straight forward facts and most importantly they will remember this ….

[@sylerbo]

Erik S....Exactly!

[@bowlingbbabe]

Defense attorney: mlk was murdered so let this man who committed murder go just bc he blatt

[@pdub1694]

The victim or his wife is not on trail wtf are you doing Defense??

[@syme1984]

Get another lawyer man!

[@KOOLGREENS]

I think the original hit should have been considered a hit and run.

[@klee4d]

The layout of this courtroom is very strange!

[@novascotiaskater1868]

Agreed…I would hate having to directly face the jury like that….I’ve only seen that in the Casey Anthony trial, the defense team asked to be directly facing the jury so they could see Casey Anthony the whole time….

[@sammoore7840]

If I was a juror the defense would have lost me at 8:30 when they started blaming the wife. No idea why they thought that tactic would work here.

[@kekipark77]

if what the defense is claiming is true, he's right, the media absolutely did not show the whole picture. i have a feeling this is gonna become a case about bad cops... i hope not.

[@davidsmiths5471]

What I get out of this missing video? Is the part missing between the punch and to the turn on the stop lights?

[@katet3327]

Welcome to the “dark side”. Bro.. not a good comparison.

[@nazn345]

Not the wife trying to hide the knife this case is interesting the defence need work on delivery but his open wun for me so far

[@63076topher]

What witness says anything about her hiding a knife and I don't mean Mr. Edgecomb in his testimony as he will lie to get away with murder

[@ruthjocaccivajjio274]

This defense Atty is like Johnny Cochran. He knows all the buzz words to inflame even if not true…..the n word, the choice of words he uses, against the govt and the wife etc. He is all performance. Hope this jury has better sense.

[@gabrielapetunia1871]

Here we go with the bias.

[@katet3327]

5 kids.. special relationship with each kid?? How many Baby mamas?

[@joyceyagoda4207]

Have never even heard the story at all! The media could not have spoken about it! What is your pleasure! Never heard the preview!!! Sorry!!

[@zanpsimer7685]

Oooh the defense attorney can defend me anytime. Makes me want to do crimes. 😍

[@qiaray1123]

@Zan Psimer Your comment had me dead, makes you wanna do crimes. Lmaoooo 😭🤣😭

[@TheDayTripDiva]

😂😂😂