To the Editor:
In support of family and friends, I sat through the Severance trial and came away with impressions that go beyond what has been reported.
Local media conveyed a sense that the case against the defendant was less strong than the reality. Eyewitness accounts, unique automobile features, singularly rare ballistics, and disturbed writings may seem highly circumstantial to some, but most of us would conclude, as did the jury, that the summation of proof of Mr. Severance's guilt well exceeded the rule of "reasonable doubt."
Still, the defense team tried to confound the jury with its own interpretation of events. They failed to prevail because of the inordinate talent of the prosecution team and the excellent work of the police and FBI. It is, however, the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney that deserves special recognition. The prosecutorial team comprised the following members:
David Lord, senior assistant commonwealth's attorney from Alexandria, presented much of the case for the prosecution. He was unyielding in his pursuit of relevant facts, and his closing arguments were extremely effective.
Marc Birnbaum, assistant attorney general from Fairfax County, exhibited special skill in questioning witnesses and analyzing evidence.
James Entas, assistant attorney general from Norfolk, was able to disarm witnesses with a folksy, down-home demeanor that helped balance the cool deportment of his colleagues.
Bryan Porter, commonwealth's attorney for Alexandria and captain of this team, was stalwart in keeping the prosecution on message and exploiting each flaw in the defense. His passionate closing rebuttal effectively explained the imperative of keeping Mr. Severance confined to prison for the rest of his life.
Alexandrians can be proud that we were represented by this gold-star team of young lawyers who demonstrated skill, wisdom, and compassion in prosecuting a case that meant so much to our community and brought justice to the Dunning, Kirby, and Lodato families.
Lyn Gubser
Alexandria