Newspaper reporters and television reporters from all across southwest Florida were positioned in a section closed off just for the media. Court TV had been given permission by Judge Stowers to broadcast live coverage of the trial. James explained to them that the Polly Klaas case had been instrumental in bringing these types of cases to national prominence. Kate was mortified, to say the least. Seated directly behind Alex and James, Kate didn’t dare turn around to view the people gathered in the courtroom. Somewhere, Debbie and Don were seated. She hadn’t spotted them when she entered the courtroom. She was afraid of what she’d do if she saw them. This had all happened so fast. James was true to his word and had done a thorough investigation of the case. Alex had been examined by a psychiatrist. James had interviewed Sara and was more convinced than ever of Alex’s innocence. “The child has major issues,” he’d told them, but refused to say anything more. Jury selection had been a breeze, according to James.
