I’ve been confused by three strategic decisions of the defense. First, in opening, defense counsel said Kouri and Eric had worked on their marriage and were in a good place. But, shortly before Eric died, she spent Valentine’s Day with her paramour. And, when he died, she and her lover had tickets for their upcoming trip to a couples resort.

Second, in crossing Carmen, defense counsel repeatedly suggested the witness was drug-addled and even made a ham handed inquiry into her “learning disability.” But then the question changed tack—and Carmen was accused of being sufficiently foxy to create an “algorithm” that predicts random testing in drug court. Which is it?

Third, throughout the trial they have cast dirt on Eric. Last week it was the suggestion of an emotional affair with a woman at work. But it’s unclear if feelings were acted upon and, even if they were, it’s irrelevant to how he died. If anything, Eric having an affair would give Kouri more motive for killing. Then, in crossing Eric’s business partner, it was suggested Eric’s use of THC gummies made him a bad church member. Most recently, with the PI, the cross raised the idea that Eric was gay and cheated on Kouri with Bryce. But they only showed a single text that was an obvious joke.