[Wylie's Mom]

I've watched almost all of it, and it's utterly fascinating in terms of human behavior and perception.

The bottom line is that she admitted to murdering him, and it was a brutal, horrendous murder. So given that, she is guilty of killing someone. Whether or not it is premeditated is really what's on trial here, bc that determines Murder 1 and the death penalty. I really haven't seen any real proof, yet, that it's premeditated; at this point in the trial - I'd have reasonable doubt on that point.

I don't like the way the media is portraying this case at all. Even the 'expert' psychologists and psychiatrists are saying things that don't come off as 'expert' at all. Jodi very clearly has mental health issues, has identity problems (meaning, she doesn't really have a firm one, she adapts it to others), is very submissive to men (while also being passive aggressive), is a compulsive liar, has narcissistic tendencies, and for sure has borderline personality disorder. On that same note though (and this may not be popular), she very clearly has some sort of major trauma in her past - it's so obviously plain as day. And I don't say that bc of what she *did*. I say that bc of her demeanor at any given time - whether on the stand, in past interviews, taped phone calls or whatnot. She is so tragically stuffed down inside herself, is shut down (almost no affect at all, at times), and is unable to be/seem authentically her own self - rather she seems to be *acting* as a 'self'. She actually IS the perfect type of person who would be in an abusive relationship. I'm NOT saying Travis did abuse her, bc I don't know that for a fact...I'm just saying that her demeanor and her history of "fusing" with men is the perfect storm for a very one-sided relationship that could also attract abusers.

I do think Travis led a dual life, though - and we never can predict what that does to a person's stability. He presented one person to his friends, family, and colleagues (chaste, followed Mormon dictates, ethical) and another person behind closed doors. It's always important to remember that we never, ever really know what truly goes on in people's intimate relationships. And again, I'm not saying he absolutely was abusive - but I think it's possible. I've heard recorded things he said to her, text messages, emails that do seem quite emotionally abusive. The claims of physical abuse...I'm not nearly as inclined to believe those at all; it just doesn't have that feel. It's very clear that he was very ashamed of Jodi on many levels, and that is terribly sad for both of them. Shame is a very powerful feeling, is extremely destructive - and it's sad to think it was a part of the equation when it's such a useless emotion. Leading this dual existence shows that Travis was also quite vulnerable to being dishonest and inauthentic and unethical (unethical only bc he pretended to follow his church's doctrine so avidly, when he truly did not; he also did not seek guidance when he broke these doctrines he committed to).

Whether or not he 'snapped' for some reason on that tragic day, I don't know. I think it's possible for anyone to snap. If he snapped, and she defended herself - that's something I can understand. What I don't understand is how one could claim self defense when the person was shot in the head and stabbed TWENTY NINE times. Twenty nine stabs is not self defense...that's raging, maniacal violence. Self defense to me, using this situation, would be the defender creating a wound in the attacker that would then allow the defender a chance to run, get out, and call the police later. Self defense is a very real thing...so if it truly *was* self defense, why wouldn't she call the police and report it after? Historically, abuse victims who are forced to defend themselves in an extremely violent way, always call the police after the incident. So, that's a big red flag for me.

I will say this - she is really something to see on that stand. Practically unflappable. Calm, collected, in control, poised. While the prosecutor, in my opinion, is doing one of the worst jobs I've EVER seen in my life. He looks very bad, foolish, immature, mean, degrading, impatient, rude, disrespectful, and totally ALL OVER THE PLACE. There is hardly any cohesion to what he's presenting and he's getting all mucked up in the minutiae - making his goal/case/strategy completely confusing, disorienting, and downright annoying. He needs to calm himself down, stop acting like he can't control his emotions, and start calmly focusing on presenting a good strategy that is EASY to follow. He is just a hot mess. He clearly thinks (and wants us to know) that Jodi is 1000% guilty and that he cannot stand the sight of her - okay, we GET IT already; but bullying her endlessly is doing his case NO favors, while doing the defense case wonders. He's shooting himself in the foot.

Holy crap I wrote a novel! See? It's a fascinating case that really makes your brain weigh a lot of info.