All 3 character witnesses who took the stand today insist that Megan Martzen is a person of good character. One of them has a law enforcement background and says he trusts Martzen with his own child.
Character witnesses took the stand Friday expressing their opinion on the defendant. " The defendant can put on people that have known you in the past and try to present a picture to jury that you would never do anything like this," CBS47 Legal Analyst, Carl Faller said.
First to testify was James Boldt a police officer with Clovis Police Department, also Megan Martzen's landlord. He stated that Martzen used to babysit his 7 year old daughter.
When asked how Megan Martzen's was around children he stated: "She was patient, caring and gentle."
With his law enforcement background, Boldt was asked if he ever looked for red flags in behavior, he answered yes, but never saw any warning about Martzen.
Attorney, Carl Faller says having a strong witness evidence is vital. " That's a wonderful witness to have. Not only has someone have personal experience with the defendant but someone with law enforcement background."
Diane Widaman a children's pastor also took the stand.She was asked to describe Martzen's interaction with children in which she replied: "I found her pretty amazing, the kids loved her."
Attorney Faller says positive character evidence is good, but can sometimes be a double edged sword.
"Those traits in character that defense talked about can now be put in by prosecution," said Faller.
The judge says closing arguments will most likely take place Thursday. Once that happens, the case is in the jury's hands.
