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Updated: 4:05 AM Jun 2, 2010
Video: Biela Apologizes, Brianna's Family Speaks
James Biela says he’s sorry.
Posted: 11:39 AM Jun 1, 2010Reporter: Martin Griffith AP Email Address: news@kolotv.com |
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James Biela gave a short but emotional statement Tuesday to jurors who will decide whether he gets the death penalty for the murder of a college coed and the sexual assault of two others near the University of Nevada, Reno.
"First off, I'm sorry. This is very difficult for me," Biela said while standing at the defense table. "I just wanted to say I'm sorry that this incident has destroyed several families.
"I regret that no matter what you decide is my fate that I will never be able to see my son grow up and be a father to him."
Biela said he was sorry if he failed his son, but he wanted him to know, "this might not be the time or place, but I love you. That's it. I don't know what else to say. I'm sorry."
Before he spoke, Biela was asked by Washoe County District Judge
Robert Perry if he understood he would be subjected to cross-examination by prosecutors if he denied his guilt or disputed the facts of his case.
"Yes," Biela replied.
The judge said Biela had a right to address the jury on limited subjects without being sworn in and subjected to cross-examination. Biela chose to limit the scope of his statement.
The same jury that will decide Biela's penalty convicted him last week of the murder of 19-year-old Brianna Denison and the sexual assault of two other women.
Perry said he expects the jury to begin deliberations on the sentence later Tuesday. Denison's mother was expected to address the jury before then.
Prosecutors said the 28-year-old pipe fitter from Sparks deserves to be executed. His public defenders said he should be sentenced to prison with no chance for parole.
The sexual assaults began in the fall of 2007 around the UNR campus just north of the downtown casino district and culminated in Denison's strangulation in January 2008.
Detectives said it was the work of a serial rapist who stalked petite women and had a fetish for thong underwear.
Jurors also heard Thursday morning from Biela's sister Kristi Jackson, who testified how Biela's abusive father terrorized the family.
"We pretty much spent our whole childhood afraid of the men in our lives," she said, adding that her brother was a good father to his son.
Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Latest Comments
rape 3 woman and kill 1 dont worry tax payers gonna pay to feed him for the next umpteen years death penalty and make it snappy nobody wants to see his face and nobody would miss person with such evil as him anyways
I just want to say that James Biela hurt alot of families including his own, Thank the good Lord that he wont beable to participate in his son's upbrining, Thankfully that child will not have the mindset or upbrining of a monster, and I pray that innocent boy lives a normal life. I also pray for The Denison Family for this is the closure that has been long overdue.
I want everyone to remember HOW this piece of work got caught...his girlfriend being smart. BRAVO TO HER! Obviously most of us would feel this is a no brainer but it must have been difficult for her at the same time. It was because of HER strength, bravery and her loyalty to her son and to life itself that this monster was brought to justice. She is more than a great mother and a great human being, she's a brave strong woman. Bless that little boy. He will be ok with a mom like her. She will protect him and definitely look out for his best interests. In the meantime, God bless Bri's family. Help them endure the pain they will feel for the remainder of their days until they meet again. And frankly, as for him...he's nothing. zero. ziltch. nada. And I hope he feels every drop of that lethal injection when the day comes.
