This week, two jurors ask to be excused, citing stress around punishment and the responsibilities in deciding the future of Elizabeth Holmes. A young woman, with unusual ties to this case, gives her perspective as a trial observer, and a veteran Silicon Valley investor puts the Theranos saga in larger context. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Previously on the dropout, Theranos former lab director spoke of his grave concerns about the company's practices and technology.
So you go to Elizabeth's office and what did you say to her?
We really need to perform proficiency because it's been almost a year, so we're in violation.
In court, he testified about his warnings to a nervous Elizabeth not to go forward with a Walgreens launch before he says the technology was ready.
The question will be, did she have enough information so that her representations can be deemed to be fraudulent and with an intent to defraud?
This week, the heated cross examination concludes, and we hear from a veteran Silicon Valley investor who puts the Theranos debacle in larger context.
From ABC audio, this is the dropout Elizabeth Holmes on trial episode eight, crime and punishment in a trial filled with unexpected disruptions, this week proved no different.
This time it came from the jury pool when juror number four, a woman whod originally disclosed that English was her second language, came forward with some troubling news.
The juror informed the court shed been having anxiety about the issue of punishment.
Specifically, juror number four said her religion, buddhism, preached love, forgiveness and compassion.
The notion she could be responsible for Elizabeth Holmes spending years in prison was almost too much to bear.
I would be so sad if Elizabeth would have to be in there for a long, long time, and then I am out here, juror number four said.
She said she feared her vote would impact Elizabeths future, something she couldnt square with her religious beliefs.
Judge Davila reminded Jurofour it was not for the jury to set the terms of punishment, only to make a determination of guilt.
But Jurofour said the decision weighed too heavily.
I would think about it all the time, every day in my life, she said, and would feel like it's my fault and feel guilty for that.
Judge Davila thanked juror number four for her candor, and after she left the courtroom, he turned to the attorneys to get their assessment.
Prosecutor Jeffrey Schenck asked the judge to excuse her.
These are sincerely held beliefs that are causing a significant amount of stress and anxiety, he said.
Defense attorney Kevin Downey didn't directly request an excusal, but also said he wouldn't stand in the way of it.