LAWRENCEVILLE, Va. — After Eman Moss provided in gruesome detail how he claims he helped Tiffany Moss conceal the death of his daughter, Emani Moss, the jurors will prepare to hear from the medical examiner on day three of the trial.
Tiffany Moss is accused of starving the 10-year-old to death. The stepmom didn't speak or cross examine her husband on day two of the trial. As the trial proceeds Friday morning, jurors can expect to hear from the lead investigator and the medical examiner.
The lead investigator will break down the crime scene and the interviews of Tiffany Moss and her husband.
But, criminal defense attorney Jackie Patterson, who isn’t affiliated with this case, said the medical examiner’s testimony will provide more context about Emani's death.
"The medical examiner’s testimony in a death case in the most important in a murder trial," explained Patterson. "They’ll determine how long she had been dead before the body was burned, rigor mortis, all of those things to make sure the state can prove this was an actual murder."
The two other things to look for in this trial is Tiffany Moss’ former defense attorneys filing a motion to reappoint them as her attorney. She’s acting as her own attorney right now.
But Patterson said allowing her old attorneys to represent her in the middle of the trial could reverse any possible conviction, so a judge isn’t likely to let that happen.
Speaking of reversing a conviction, the judge allowed the court to recognize Tiffany Moss is taking notes, even though she’s not cross examining witnesses.
Patterson explained that’s important if she’s convicted and there’s an appeal.
"By her taking notes, the Supreme Court will be able to say that she actively participated in her trial. And if she didn’t actively participate in her trial, that could be grounds for a reversal of her conviction."
The defendant was offered the same plea deal as her husband, life in prison without parole, but she declined it.
The trial resumes at 9 a.m. Friday.
Emani Moss
ALSO READ |