In criminal sentencing, courts consider both aggravating and mitigating factors to determine appropriate punishment. Mitigating factors such as a defendant's age at the time of the crime, lack of prior criminal history, intellectual disabilities, and positive personal characteristics (like being a devoted father) can significantly influence sentencing decisions, potentially leading to more lenient outcomes such as life sentences instead of the death penalty.
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Isaiah Chance Defense Speaks Out : Julio Foolio Penalty Phase Day 2Added:
[bell] Hi everybody. Before we get into the playback, make sure you subscribe to our channel, Street Elements Global Media.
Follow us on all platforms. This is a playback of penalty phase day two in the Julio Fulio murder trial where all uh defendants have been found guilty. First degree murder, facing some serious charges here, life or death. And now the jury uh the defense has to well now the state and the defense has to persuade the jury um you know with their directions of what they want for these boys. So let's get into Mr. Isaiah Chance.
All right. So let's go ahead and bring in our jury.
All right.
Okay, very good. Welcome back members of the jury. Everyone have a seat. And M.
Mickelstein, do you have an announcement?
>> I do.
>> Okay. Very good. All right. Mr. Petritus, as to defendant Isaiah Chance, do you wish to call a witness at this time?
>> Oh, that's right. You did. So, go ahead and uh give your opening. Thank you for reminding me.
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>> Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I appreciate your time.
a lot more decisions and we're going to ask many ways that decision is to look at Isaiah Chance his whole life not just the worst moments of his life from the beginning when he was a child and the man he was and is still becoming. Florida law and US constitution permit would never require the imposition of the death penalty.
The law strongly favors life. Strongly favors life because our society has always placed a high value on life. It strongly favors life because despite the fact that if you find the aggravators outweigh the mitigators, if your conscience tells you you do not want to seek the death penalty, do not have to vote for it. The law strongly favors life because it permits the jury to show mercy. The state has stated they're going to want two aggravators for Mr. chance that he was in a criminal gang and that the murder was committed in a cold calculated premeditated fashion.
You have already found that Mr. Chance was in a criminal gang and the state has indicated correctly there is a difference between premeditated and cold calculated premeditated. We're not going to in our presentation of the evidence argue about the difference. We trust you'll make the proper decision on that.
We're here because we believe that when you see the complete view of Isaiah Chance as a person that those mitigators will outweigh the aggravators.
Here are some of the mitigating circumstances we're going to present.
The lack of any significant history, criminal history of Mr. Chance is the fact that he was not an actual shooter in this offense. His age at the time of the crime, he was 21.
You'll hear from our expert Dr. Tracy Hardig on this. The fact that he was borderline intellectually disabled or is borderline intellectually disabled. All the other other developmental issues.
Fact that he loves his children of which he has three. He's a good father. He's a good son.
All the witnesses from his upbringing, his mother, his father, stepfather, grandmother, godmother, the loving relationship with his friends and family before and during his incarceration.
Isaiah Chance grew up in Jacksonville.
He was not raised in chaos. His parents were divorced, but they both stayed in his life. You're going to hear about godmother who was with him from when he before he took his first step. She was there when he was when his mother pregnant with him. He was surrounded by people who loved him and he loved them back.
You're going to hear from Nan. He served as a father figure from Isaiah from when he was around seven. Tell you he loved Isaiah like a son and he still does.
They'll tell you that when he had structure, when he had discipline, moved in the right direction every time.
Miss Wade, a family friend, will tell you he was curious, quiet, and deeply interested in building a future.
Isaiah was born premature. All of his mother, Victoria's children, came early, and he was no exception. And as he grew, it became clear some things were harder for him. He struggled in school not because he didn't try, but because his brain processed the world differently.
School had concerns and he needed more help than other students did. You'll hear this from Dr. Tracy Hardik. His IQ was recently tested. It was 71. This places Mr. Chance in the range that clinicians called borderline intellectual functioning. This is not an excuse. This is a fact. And it's a fact you are entitled to weigh.
Everyone who knows Isaiah will describe him the same way. Curious, quiet, gentle. A kid who wanted to be liked. A kid who wanted to fit in. A kid when had structure and guidance. He could thrive.
When he didn't, he struggled. He was not a person barely towards this moment his whole life. He was not a burden to the people around him. He was a presence. He went to his little sister's trackmates, helped her train because he wanted to be around her. He attended church. He sat with Mr. Nicks talked about purpose and faith. He made people laugh. He had what some people consider a dry, quiet sense of humor. He was funny. He was warm. He helped around the house. He helped other people. He reached out to other people for advice.
These are not the acts of a person without value. The state will stand before you and argue that Mr. Chance should die for what happened in this case. They will focus on the offense, and that is their right to do so. We're asking you to focus on Isaiah's life.
You're going to hear from family members and friends who will tell you about his life. You're going to hear, excuse me, we ask you to consider that a person can do something unforgivable and still not be beyond the reach of mercy.
The law and his wisdom created this face precisely for that reason. Isaiah Chance is not the worst thing he has ever done.
And by the end of those witnesses, we hope you will know Isaiah Chance and then I will talk to you again at the end of this case and I will ask you to choose life. Thank you.
>> Okay. Very good. Mr. Petrus, who's going to be your first witness?
>> Nan.
>> Okay. Nick Shaw Nick.
>> I'm about to reveal a snoring fix that most women over 40 don't know. This is what your throat looks like when you're snoring. You want to take that from this to this.
>> Ready to go, Madam Cler.
I do.
>> Okay. And councils, um, if you could just please introduce yourself to the jury real quick before we get going.
>> Yes, your honor. Good morning, everyone.
My name is Ethan Moten and I am part of Mr. Chance's defense team.
>> Thank you. You may proceed.
>> Thank you, your honor. Good morning.
>> Morning.
>> Can you please state your name and spell it for the court reporter?
>> Dr. Nishan Nicks. N A H S H O N.
N I C Ks.
>> And um Dr. Nicks, where do you live?
>> Jacksonville, Florida.
>> What do you do for a living? I work with at risk youth uh through my afterchool and summer program uh that's a nonprofit uh geared towards building leadership and character through mentoring and martial arts.
>> And um were you ever involved in politics?
>> Yes. Uh I ran for public office uh with a grassroots campaign.
Um >> and how long ago is that? three years.
Three years ago.
>> How do you know Mr. Isaiah Chance?
>> Uh I met him uh roughly when he was uh six years old. Uh uh him and his mother and I uh have a child together. Um uh we were involved for roughly around seven years.
And uh during that time uh I was able uh to hopefully leave some positive impact and impressions upon him and his siblings.
>> Um how would you describe the role you played in his life?
Um, I do not uh claim to be uh his father. Uh, but I hope to be a father figure.
>> And um, how long were you actively in his life in that role?
>> I would say roughly around seven years.
>> Do you love him?
>> Uh, I do love him. Uh, I loved him then and I love him now.
>> Does he know that?
>> He better know it.
>> Can you describe uh Isaiah Chance to the jury just as a person um as a kid? What was he like?
Uh Isaiah uh growing up amongst a a predominantly female household, uh uh him and I would have times to kind of like uh talk and chat. Um I even worked with him uh pertaining to academics.
Um I I introduced him to some martial arts.
Uh at that time I was still competing and fighting in the cage. Uh but uh I mean as a kid I mean he was a typical young boy. Um uh I will say that Isaiah had some learning challenges, speech impediments.
Uh he stuttered.
So if you listen to him talk, you had to lean in, you know, give him some patience.
Uh if he didn't pronounce right, say it again.
I mean uh I mean he typical kid. I mean I mean he he he I mean he loved noodles.
Uh uh could eat uh uh we'll go on family trips. Uh I'm originally from New York.
And I mean he spent time uh with my grandmothers, my mother. Uh uh my family, my siblings.
Uh uh he was loved. I believe he had a lot of positive influences.
>> So would you say he enjoyed family activities?
>> Yes. Yes, I would say he he enjoyed family activities.
>> Did he have a sense of humor?
>> Yes. Uh he did have a sense of humor.
Um, >> it takes 90 seconds for this NASA engineered AC cool down your room. It's smaller than a toaster.
>> And uh, like I said, I mean, he could eat. I mean, that was, like I said, if we were breaking bread, he he was he he was at the table. And uh and I and uh I will say that he was also uh raised in the church uh when I was in his life. I know uh just about every Sunday he was in a worship service uh or with me in church.
>> Um did you see any indications of drug or alcohol use during the years that you knew him?
>> No, I did not.
Did he ever show any interest in gangs?
>> No, he did not. And I I would like to add one thing that did stand out to me.
Uh when Isaiah was roughly 10 or 11, uh we were riding in the car together and uh he did mention that one day he would like to be a pastor uh uh uh like a prophet uh to be able to speak uh truth and life to people.
>> So would you say he was active in the church?
>> Yes.
So you mentioned um previously that you were very involved in Isaiah's life.
What about his schooling during those formative years? How did that go? Uh uh like I said uh during um uh his uh youth uh as with any child uh if there was a disciplinary action per se uh uh I did not have a problem uh with chastisement.
Uh I believe the Bible says spirit of rod spoil the child. And not saying that it's always about physical harm as far as a consequence with the rod, but even the lectures that come with it to let you know that you're reinforcement reinforcing positive uh positive reinforcement.
Um, when you knew him, did the school that he was in ever raise concerns about his learning abilities?
>> I believe one time they mentioned something about um he could qualify for extra help and uh extra tutoring if he would get on medicine. and uh his mother and I agreed that uh if he needed some extra help, then I'd be willing to give him some extra help, per se, but we didn't think that medicine uh would help him in that regard.
>> Um did you see progress uh with Isaiah Chance when structure and consistency was in place with >> Yes. Yes. uh a a ton of uh improvements, positive gain gains. Um uh I mean he did graduate with a high school diploma. Uh and I'm very proud of that.
>> Do you know what schools um Mr. Chance attended?
>> Yes.
>> Can you tell us about the schools? Uh while I was uh most present in his life, he attended Changing Lives Christian Academy, uh I would pick him and his siblings up every day and I would debrief with them every day in the car. I want to know how your day went, what subject stood out to you, what did you learn, uh what was interesting to you. Um I mean I like I said so I I actually enjoyed that time of uh debriefing with his siblings and and himself to just hear how the days went you know to get a good picture of what do you enjoy what subjects you enjoy uh things of that nature.
Um, after your relationship with his mom terminated, did Isaiah stay in touch with you?
[sighs] I can rephrase the question.
>> I I understood the question.
>> Uh um uh there was a time uh that I was very active in Isaiah's life. uh his father had uh told me he respected and appreciated my involvement in his son's life.
But pertaining to discipline, he asked me to step back.
Uh with stepping back, it circumvented my position as a father figure to where my involvement was very limited.
Uh however, Isaiah did reach out to me um uh a few years back about becoming a merchant seaman.
Uh I was elated to hear of the aspiration and I told him anything I can do to help. So I did write him a favorable letter of recommendation. Was he appreciative of that?
>> Yes.
>> Um, Mr. Nicks, you work every day with atrisisk youth uh through your nonprofit.
Um, have you you've dedicated your life to that work? Is that correct? My entire adult life has been working in some of our most socially, economically disadvantaged communities uh within the city of Jacksonville to give every child uh fighting chance at success and um as well as dignity and determination.
That's really nice. What What brought you to um that point that you decided to act in this report?
>> Um [sighs] >> have you seen the average auto insurance rate in Florida? It's crazy. I don't know how anyone >> growing up, my biological father was incarcerated in Attica, uh, one of the largest state prisons in New York. My mom, uh, the most beautiful woman I've ever seen in my life, uh, struggled with substance abuse.
And I know what it's like to feel as if you are hopeless.
and by the grace of God, phenomenal teachers, uh phenomenal individuals that can see a little black boy and see uh potential leader, you know, in in our society and teaching them how to read. Um teaching them how to speak for themselves. uh teaching them about respect uh and understanding that uh that God is real and um and it's it's very important to me to be able to what I would say prefix instead of suffix which is if we could get it right in the beginning, we wouldn't have to clean it up in the end and training our youth uh through a curriculum that we wrote out called SEAL team in honor of the Navy Seals, which stands for social, emotional, and academic leadership through mentoring and martial arts.
to where we close the door on influence influences that could lead to counterproductive behaviors.
>> I see. And Dr. Nex, I didn't ask you before, what do you have a PhD?
>> Yes.
>> Can you tell me what it's in, please?
Uh, I graduated from the New York Theological Seminary and uh, I did all of my case studies in zip codes 32206, 32218, uh, 3209, 3218, and I surveyed children to be able to build out.
>> Yeah, I'm going to sustain the objection.
Okay. Um, Dr. Nick, I believe you have a statement that you would like to >> Yes.
>> First and foremost, I want to extend my deepest condolences.
Okay, I'm going to sustain the objection.
>> Thank you, Dr. Nick. I the witness.
>> Yes.
Mr. Nicks, you were um involved heavily involved in Isaiah Chance's life growing up for about seven years. Is that true, sir?
>> Yes.
>> And even though you were you said you were not his father, he had a father. Is that correct?
>> Um so I'm sorry. I I'm I'm very uh ignorant to this process. I thought I was allowed to read a statement.
>> Yeah. No. So, yeah. Okay. Uh, I have the jury step out. Okay.
Okay, very good. Everyone have a seat.
Um, so just so you know, Dr. Nicks, um, the state objecting to the letter. I haven't seen the letter and I don't know what the content contents are. Um, but it appears that you were going to make statement about society and other things. That's not what this is about.
Your testimony here today is just to tell this jury what you know about Mr. chance about his uh redeeming characteristics um and that you care for him and you will continue to care for him and things along those lines. It's not here to make uh political or philosophical statements. So, the state has objected and um the defense actually agreed that a large part of it was improper for this phase of the proceedings and I've sustained it. So, we don't need to revisit it.
>> Caesar Milan, turn your dog into a super aager. Sardines, >> nine.
>> Bone broth, >> 10.
>> Raw eggs blended with the shells, >> nine.
>> Tumeric, >> uh, seven, if you can get your dog to eat it.
>> Cucumbers, >> eight.
>> Woolberries, >> nine.
>> Avocad rule. So, now you just need to answer the questions that are asked. Okay.
>> Copy. Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am.
>> Sure. Um, I am going to ask you a question though, just out the presence of the jury because I'm curious. Um, you've involve been involved with the youth in Jacksonville for it sounds like a long time. Correct.
>> Yes, ma'am.
>> Um I had no idea the gang violence was so bad. And so um just I'm just curious succinctly if you can if you have any idea why is it so particularly bad in Jacksonville versus other areas in the state of Florida. Just curious.
I surveyed over a hundred youth who had no idea what the other person was answering.
>> As far as what >> your question, the number one concern for our youth and our urban communities is homicide and suicide.
>> Right.
Well, because I heard one of the witnesses described that um I think it was Robert Howard testified that um the people that are in the gangs in Jacksonville consider themselves the little Chicago, which I think would be distressing for any member of the community when it comes to gang violence. You certainly don't want your community to be the little Chicago. So, I'm just I'm just curious if there is something going on in Jacksonville in particular that has made this scourge really blossom.
>> Uh there's also a big uh self-fulfilling prophecy component that they look at it as entertainment. I see >> until it becomes reality, >> right? And unfortunately unfortunately the glamorization and attention uh hijacks the pleasure sensors to where endorphins, dopamine, cytoinent is almost like a high that you're constantly chasing but it's leading to counterproductive behaviors.
>> Yeah. And those drill rap videos, I think to your self-fulfilling prophecy, the more clicks you get, the more violent, the more outrageous the conduct, the more clips and clicks and it becomes lucrative, right?
>> Yes. Yes, Sean.
>> Yeah. Okay. Okay. Very good. Um, let's go and bring our jury back in.
Okay.
All right.
We're waiting. I do commend you for your work. I commend you for um rising above your circumstances.
>> Thank you.
Oops.
You guys can have a seat. We're just waiting to get Reggie to get the jurors lined up. He'll let us know when they're walking in.
All right.
All >> in judge.
>> Okay. Very good. Everyone have a seat and you may continue. Miss Doy.
>> Thank you, your honor.
>> Mr. Nicks, I know that you considered yourself a father figure to Isaiah Chance. Isn't that true, sir?
>> Yes. And during that seven years that you were with his mother, you were a parental figure to him. Isn't that true, sir?
>> Yes.
>> You took a strong interest in him and his development.
Is that correct?
>> Yes.
>> And you have already mentioned and testified that he did have some learning challenges, I think, was your words.
>> Yes. And sir, you um believe that he may have had some hyperactivity when you were with him while he was growing up.
>> I I would like to repeat what I said then now, which is I had no documentation that could prove uh the hyperactivity.
Uh but based on my interactions, yes.
>> Right. You told me that he didn't have a diagnosis, but based on your own observations of what you observed of him, you expressed your own concern. Is that correct?
>> Correct.
>> And you've already testified at some point that you were you and his mother were left with a choice of medicating him to get him assist or paid tutoring through the school or not giving him medication and you yourself taught him.
Is that correct? You became his tutor >> working with him. Yes, ma'am.
>> And you said when he did that in a very structured environment, you saw great progress.
>> Yes.
>> So, he was very intelligent. You just had to work with him in a structured environment. Is that true, sir?
>> Yeah. With with accountability. Yes.
Yes.
>> Yes. And you were there for him. You provided him with that support when you were in his life.
>> Yes.
And you had a positive, loving, supportive relationship with him as a father figure during that time period.
>> Yes.
>> He had a loving relationship with his mother as well.
>> I agree.
>> And back when even though you somewhat took a step back based on what his father requested you to do, you still would take phone calls from him. Is that correct?
Yes.
>> And you've told us about this one time where he contacted you and he wanted to let you know about his aspirations to be a merchant marine. Is that correct?
>> Correct.
>> And he seemed very excited about that.
>> Yes.
>> And you were again supportive with him during that time period.
>> Supportive with him or for him?
>> For him, sir.
>> I was Yes, I was very supportive for him. Yes. You would provide him with advice if asked about.
>> I provided him with the letter of recommendation which is documented.
>> Okay. And so you continued to support him even though you were no longer as active in his life. Is that correct, sir?
>> In the areas that I could be supportive.
>> And when you were in his life, you took him on trips.
>> Yes.
>> Went to church with him.
>> He went to church with me. Yes.
introduced him to your family.
>> Yes.
>> He had good relationships with the people in your family.
>> Yes.
>> I have nothing further.
>> Y'all have your business is crushing it, but unless they've got the right help desk software.
>> Oh man, the tickets just And sir, just going back again with the um amount of time that you spent with him when you were in that role as his father figure. You said that you would pick him up from school. Is that correct?
>> Correct.
>> You spent a lot of time talking to him during those rides with him.
>> Yes.
>> He would tell you about his day.
I would probe all the children to see how the day went uh instead of getting one word answers. Yes.
>> Like a good father would. Isn't that true, sir?
>> Yes.
>> Trying to get involved in the details of his daily life. That is something that you did on a daily basis with him. Isn't that true, sir?
>> Yes.
>> And he would share those details with you. Isn't that true, sir?
>> Yes. Okay.
Nothing further, your honor.
>> Okay. Redirect.
>> Okay. May this witness be excused?
>> Yes, your honor.
>> Thank you, Dr. Nick. Best of luck to you.
All right. Um, and do you have the witnesses on Zoom you want to get to before we break for lunch?
>> Sure. Sure.
>> All right. And the next witnesses.
>> Okay. Elizabeth Jordan.
Good morning.
>> Hello.
>> Kim sees for the record, your honor. On behalf of Mr. Chance.
>> Okay.
>> Your honor, Miss Jordan's requesting that she not appear on video if that is >> Yes. I ask the media not to um broadcast the identity of this next witness.
about.
>> Hello.
>> All right, you may proceed, Miss Cece.
>> Good morning, Miss Shorton. Yes. Could you state your full name to the jury and spell your first and last name?
>> My name is Elizabeth Jordan. E L I Z A B E T H. My last name is Jordan. J O R D A N.
>> Miss Jordan, how are you related to Isaiah Chance?
>> I am Isaiah Nana, his grandmother.
And Victoria Gray >> is my daughter.
>> His mother is your daughter.
>> Yes.
>> Okay.
Have you known Isaiah Chance since he was born? Since he was a baby.
>> Oh, yes. But he was in his mother's womb.
>> And where do you live, ma'am?
>> I live in Jacksonville, Florida.
>> Okay. So, you have been around him and known him his entire life?
>> Yes.
>> What was your relationship like with your grandson? Can you describe it to the jury?
>> I am Nana. My husband is no longer with us. He's papa.
So, we've been in his life since he was a baby. Um, sweet child.
>> Describe what he was like as a little boy.
>> Quiet, calm, sweet, never gave us an ounce of trouble. Um he was with us quite a while quite a much um to our house as younger and as older. Um we've never had a problem um discipline part. We never had to raise a belt. We just couldn't say something stern.
>> Was he compliant for you and for your husband? His >> his grandfather.
>> Yes.
>> Okay. Were you a handson grandmother where you would cuddle and put him on your lap?
>> If he had a chance, he'd come sit in my lap now. Okay.
>> Um, all his life, I've done that with all our children. Um, they have the opportunity to sit in our lap, lay their head on our shoulder, and just be them.
>> When he was a little boy, did he have any problems in school, learning disabilities that you observed? Yes, it was. Isil didn't talk for a couple of years, maybe to about four or five.
>> So, we knew that there were some speech impeditive problems.
>> So, he wasn't verbal for the first few years of his life all the way up to age four >> about four.
>> We're the number nine Kia dealer in the country and coming for number one.
Here's what that means for you. We're training every day, >> working hard to earn your business on every between three to five that area. Yes.
>> Okay. Much later than your other grandchildren developed skills.
>> All right. And did he have a speech impediment?
>> Yes.
>> Describe what it was to the jury. What did he suffer from? um he would want to express himself and he would stutter a lot and you just had to be patient and sit with him and then let him say what he needed to say at that time.
>> Do you think as a young child that affected his ability to express himself and communicate with others?
>> Yes, sometime it had. Yes. Did it affect his abilities in school to learn and to excel like the other children?
>> He had some problems uh of learning and we got him speech um therapy and tutors as >> do you recall what age he received speech therapy >> from the age if I'm not mistaken between three three to four and up to a certain age. Yes.
>> And was that helpful to him?
Yeah, cuz he turned around one day and said, "Nana."
>> Okay.
>> What sort of student was he in school?
>> Discipline. Um, quiet, calm.
>> Did you and your husband ever get involved in school activities like PTA meetings and things such as that?
>> We didn't do all PTA meetings, but we attend um certain curriculum that they had.
Did you ever observe him as a child having a temper or being mean to the other grandchildren in your home?
>> No. He's going to hang that head and just brush it off.
>> Did you take your grandchildren, including Isaiah, to church?
>> Oh, yeah. He was raised in church.
>> Okay.
>> And are you a minister of sorts?
>> Yes, I am.
>> Okay.
And so it was would be the norm in your household if the grandchildren were there, the grandchildren went to church on Sunday.
>> They didn't miss when they were with me.
>> Okay.
And did he go willingly and participate in church?
>> Yes, he was a part of the children ministry. He did well.
>> Did he do that all the way up through adulthood?
As long as he was with me, he went. Um, you can't live in my house and not go to church.
>> Would you also uh take Isaiah and other grandchildren on vacations? Family vacations?
>> Yes, we did a lot of family vacation.
Um, as I stated when we did Walt Disney World, Bush Garden, Six Flags, Texas, every summer we would take them, all the grandkids all for about three weeks and spend that time with them.
>> And would he participate with the other kids and with yourself and with his grandfather?
>> Yes, he did.
Now tell me about your husband. Did there come a time that your husband became ill?
>> Yeah.
>> When was that?
>> Um in 20 >> 2020.
>> Yes.
>> And what was originally his diagnosis?
>> He was diagnosis with kidney failure.
>> Okay. Is that something that when you first got the diagnosis, did you share that with your family?
>> No, we didn't.
>> You kept it a secret?
>> Yes, we did.
>> Between yourself and your husband?
>> Yes.
>> And what sort of treatment did he receive initially?
>> Initially, he did the dialysis at Mayo Clinic. And um he wanted me to do it at home. He wanted he said, "I I trust you.
I want you to do it because I know you want to make sure I'm good." So I went to school for it, learned it within six months and started doing it, administrating um the diialysis from the house.
>> Did there come a time during his illness that you felt the need to share it with your family, including Isaiah?
>> Yes.
>> When was that?
>> Um it was in um 21.
>> Okay. when my husband felt like he needed to have a heart-to-heart talk with me and he wanted the kids to know that he was dealing with this and um he actually died in 2022 and um I was in St. Vincent by myself and the Lord told me not to pull the cord and uh I called my girls and said they said dad is gone and they said mom I said no the Lord said don't pull the cord give him seven days and we believe in miracles and within seven days my husband woke up with his right mind his right spirit and I began to tell Isa and the kids and they just bubbled at that time but the my husband told me the Lord send them back to make sure that his children were okay.
>> He was worried about his grandson about his children in particular.
>> So he lived one year from the date that he woke up.
>> And once Isaiah learned of his grandfather's illness, was he helpful to you and to his grandfather?
>> Yeah. My husband called him and said, "I want to go to Atlanta for treatment. I need you to come. I need you to come with me and grandma, with Nana, drive the truck, um, help us move there. I was reluctant from going, but um, he had already set up temporary housing. My husband did it all. And Isael didn't give a negative. He said, "I'm going, Papa.
Tell me when you're ready."
>> How many grandchildren do you have?
>> Oh my god. A total of 24. And your husband wanted Isaiah there.
>> Oh yeah, he helped name Isaiah.
>> Okay.
>> And when he called upon him and said, "Drop everything and come to Atlanta with grandma." Nana.
>> Nana.
>> And what did he call his grandfather?
>> Papa.
>> Papa.
[music] >> [music] >> Memorial Day sale furniture.
>> Did he drop everything and go with you?
>> The next day he got in the trunk and he said, "Popy, I drive." And uh my husband friend drove the U-Haul and Isaiah drove the truck and I drove the other car and we proceeded to go to Georgia.
>> And how old would he have been then when Isaiah did that? He was still a teenager.
>> Absolutely.
>> Okay.
>> So he dropped everything.
>> He went with Nana and Papa to Atlanta.
What sort of care did he assist in with your husband? Did he have to aid you?
>> Oh yeah, he helped me. Um >> what did he do >> when papa couldn't get up? He helped. He would help me pick him up, put him in the chair, help me um get everything ready. Um because everything has to be sterilized. You can't have anything in that area that has been tampered or tinkled with. So Isel was a proper helping me get everything administrative so that I can give him the diialysis.
>> Was his popup a big man?
270 pounds.
>> Okay. And what size were you back then?
>> About 110.
>> Okay. And was that something you would have been able to do by yourself to lift him to move him from chair to chair?
>> I did at first, but you know, as you get older, your strength get a little bit.
So Sean, I believe he looked at saying that I needed help.
And we could have got it from the other kids, but he didn't want to burther them. He wanted this ated Isaiah.
>> Okay. And did Isaiah ever turn him down?
Did he ever complain about providing the care for his grandfather, providing care for you, for stopping his life to go to Atlanta with you? No, he um he wanted to tell me his dreams and he said he wanted to talk with Papa to see what we think.
So that was an opportunity for him to spend the time going back and forth with us to say what he wanted to do.
>> Going through that experience in Atlanta, did it draw you closer to Isaiah?
>> I've always been close to my grandchildren. Um, they know that. Um, so it wasn't a specific time. It was just obedience on that part. And sadly there came a time that the illness progressed with your husband and he passed. When was that?
>> Um it didn't progress.
Certain things happened.
>> Okay.
>> And he transitioned in 2023.
>> Okay.
>> The uh tell me about the funeral and how your grandson stepped up at the funeral.
With that in mind, um we are close-knit family and um there are four original sons and then there are uh multiple grandsons. So the older sons and grandsons decided to represent their papa by r wearing these black uniforms with red writing in the back.
>> So they had shirts made tribute to their grandfather. black pants with black shirts and then the red writing and they indicated the service as unity and oneness in 2023 >> and Isaiah participated in that.
>> Oh yeah, he's the oldest grandson. Yeah.
>> And they acted as polebearers for their grandfather.
>> Yes. They took him out of the carriage.
They took him out of the carriage.
>> They put him in the church. They took him from the church. put him back in the carriage.
>> In all the years that you have known Isaiah, have you ever known him to be violent with anyone?
>> Not at all.
Have you continued your relationship with him since he's been in jail?
>> Oh yeah. I'm gonna give him that word.
Psalms 91. He that dwell in the secret place of the most high should abide in the shadow of the almighty. He will be your refuge and your fortress in the time of trouble. Does he accept your scripture when you give that to him on the >> give it to him when he talks to him and whatever he needs if he needs money on his books I'm there I'll put it on his books >> what's the one thing you want this jury to remember about Isaiah >> relationship Isaiah came from Isaiah 43 to 18.
It's not by chance. His name is Isaiah because the scripture says in that God told Isaiah, I'm going to give you another chance to get things right. So, I don't think things just happen. I think that things are allowed because God is trying to wake up his people.
So with that, Isel has always been a humble, sweet, kind child raising up.
If you don't know what's wrong, know where [music] to go. Veg, the better, kinder ER for pets.
I can't say anything horrible because he's never been nothing but that. Was he is he a good grandson to you and to your husband?
>> Oh yes. He's respectful. Even now when I say something and he's been where he's at, he'll say, "Nana, I love you, you know, but I want to just say something to mama right now." I said, "Okay." He's never been disrespectful or anything.
>> If I could have a moment, your honor.
>> Yes.
Okay. Cross just briefly.
>> Miss Jordan, it sounds like you had a wonderful relationship with your grandson. Is that correct?
>> With all my grandchildren. That is correct. And specifically with Isaiah Chance, your grandson, you and your husband while he was alive, um had a strong loving relationship. Is that true, ma'am?
>> Yes. With all with all of them.
>> With all of them.
>> Yes.
>> And you had wonderful family trips during the summer.
>> We all did. Yes.
>> And you would do that every summer with all your grandchildren, including Isaiah Chance.
>> That is correct.
And I know that you have told us about some of his um issues growing up like he required speech therapy.
>> That is correct.
>> And you said after he got speech therapy, he did develop. Is that correct? He was able to speak and he didn't have any issues after that.
>> He still studies some. He still stutters and he still spoke calm and he will hesitate before he finish his sent sentences. And throughout school, if he needed any sort of support or issues, you would see to it that he got that. Is that correct? That he would get tutors.
>> Well, it all of us did. This was not just one man team with Nana and Papa.
This was a collective force.
>> He had a village.
>> He had a village as said. That is correct.
>> And I didn't mean to inter interrupt you, ma'am. He had a lot of people in his corner trying to support him and give him whatever he needed growing up.
Is that true, ma'am?
>> To some certain extent, as much as we can do, we're not living in the same household, but when he was with us, he did.
>> And in fact, I thought you said you had described him when he um was going through some of that learning that you said he could be very disciplined, quiet, and calm. Is that what you said?
>> That is correct.
>> Yes. And so when he put in the effort, certainly he was able to progress >> around me. I've never had a problem. He was always quiet, always calm, and always disciplined >> and always respectful. Is that >> always respectful around me and that's all of them is because the way we raised him.
>> And you said that he was raised in the church. Is that correct?
>> He was in the church by me, by his parents, um his mother and uh and pastor Nan, Dr. Nan spoke also because he was a part of his life by that time >> and certainly at the very heart of church. He knew and was taught right from wrong. Isn't that true, ma'am?
>> Well, the scripture says we all do.
>> He without sin cast the first stone. So, we all know what's right from wrong. But do we make those decision all the time?
No.
>> But he was raised to know right from wrong. Isn't that true, ma'am?
>> He was raised to know what the Ten Commandments says and what to do. That's correct.
>> Thank you. I have nothing for redirect.
>> Your honor.
>> Okay. May this be excused?
>> Yes, your honor.
>> Okay. Thank you, ma'am. You're free to go.
Absolutely. Okay. Uh and you want to go ahead and do the Zoom witnesses. Okay. I know they've been waiting a while. So, >> all right. Who's going to be up first?
>> Okay. Thank you for doing that for me.
>> And so, who you going to call first?
>> I'll call and judge you would like his identity.
>> Okay. Uh, the next witness also does not want their identity broadcast. Okay.
>> All right.
>> Sorry.
>> Hello, sir.
Can you hear me?
>> Podium's not connected yet.
>> Oh, sorry.
>> Right.
>> Hi, Miss Ray. Can you hear me?
Yes, ma'am. I can hear you.
>> Okay. Very good. All right. Uh, raise your right hand. The clerk is going to swear you in.
>> Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony you're about to give in this cause will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. South?
>> Yes, ma'am.
>> Thank you.
>> Okay. You may proceed, Mr. Petrus.
>> Thank you.
Can you state your name for the jury?
Isaiah James.
>> And you are Isaiah Chance Jr.'s uh father, correct?
>> Yes, sir.
>> Can you tell the the jury a little bit about yourself? What do you do for work?
>> Um, I'm a building engineer. I um >> move your career forward at St. Thomas University.
Earn a degree that turns your passion into your [music] profession. Forged in faith, fueled.
>> Work on different buildings, you know, dealing with generators, uh, fire pumps, um, just the whole out outd of the building.
>> How did you get into that line of work?
Um I started off with uh um remodeling houses when I got in the military and you know just went from learning you know different aspects and remodeling the houses construction period went from there to doing hotel maintenance.
[clears throat] >> And what uh branch of the military?
>> Uh the Marine Corps.
>> How long did you serve?
about three three and a half years.
>> Let's talk about your son. Were you present in Isaiah's life when he was growing up?
>> Yes, sir.
>> Um, can you describe your relationship with your son?
>> Um, me and my son had a good relationship, you know. Um, we was always, you know, checking in on each other, closing with each other.
Um, everybody described me and my son, you know, personality has been the likes, but we had like, you know, good relationship with each other.
>> Did Isaiah call you frequently?
>> Yes, sir. He always called me, you know, check in on his parts.
>> And how did you end every phone call with Isaiah or how do you end every phone call with you?
>> Well, when Isaiah every time Isaiah hang up the phone with you, It's the only thing made me happy is like he always say I love you no matter what.
>> When you when he was growing up, did you spend hands-on time with him? Not just uh watching him from a distance, but working with him, helping him with things.
>> Yes, sir. Uh like I said, I was in remodeling houses and fixing up houses, doing rehab, full rehab. So certain some of the houses that I used to get, I bring them on with me. You know, we'll work beside each other. I teach them how to do certain things, you know, as I have uh learned myself.
>> So [clears throat] you did you feel like you were teaching him a trade?
>> Yeah, most definitely.
>> And how would you describe um Isaiah as a person, his character?
>> My son, he was very, you know, he was very quiet. You know, we He's a protective, you know, a protective, he had protective behavior toward his family, you know, he was very kind and generous. Um, he always tried to comfort people. You know what I'm saying? People get upset. So, [snorts] you know, I like his uh his attitude.
Like I say, very quiet and and and and you know, just full with, you know, love from the inside.
>> [clears throat] >> Did you raise him in church or in faith?
>> Um, when he first started off going to church, he was going to church with his mom. You know, they were doing their thing there. And then you know when they was grow when they grew up and he was actually you know coming around me a little bit more I would introduce him into like uh uh Islam or whatnot you know take him to the malls let him you know see a different um you know a different aspect of religions.
[clears throat] >> I want to talk about his time in school.
Did you notice anything regarding his time in school? the way he learned, the way he had issues possibly in school.
>> That was I think that was one of his his childhood hardships with, you know, grasping um you know, school education at that time. You know, you know, that work was a little bit frustrated for him. So, you know, he used to be, you know, a little bit, you know, slow to catching on with work. And, you know, I'd be there to help him out sometimes. I, you know, let him know that, hey man, even a daddy slow with some of this stuff that we I used to try to learn back then, help him study, you know.
>> So, you told him a little bit like father like son, >> right? Definitely.
>> What did you do with him to help him during this this time?
>> Um, I always stayed close, you know, range with his, you know, his his education, you know, with him how he think, you know what I'm saying? like uh just making sure that you know he's u on point with you know learning things you know whatever you know type of it can be it can be in whatever subject you know just making sure I was there to help >> before this incident um did you know Isaiah to ever be in trouble with the law?
>> No sir.
Is there anything else you'd like this jury to know about Isaiah before we're done here?
>> Here's the pen that erases scratches instantly. Look, no cut, no Photoshop.
We let the liquid flow into the tip of the pen. Then simply apply it and the polymer in the liquid, >> you know. Um, you know, just the regular. That's my baby. I love him.
That's my son. That's my first son. Um, I believe that he still has value and I believe we can save this one.
>> Thank you, Mr. Chance.
>> Okay. Thank you. Any questions?
>> No questions, Judge.
>> Okay. Um, thank you so much, uh, Mr. Chance. Um, your testimony is now concluded, so you can log off from Zoom.
>> All right. Thank you.
>> Okay. Thank you. All right. And, um, you've got one more witness. Yes, Miss Wade should let her in.
>> Wade, are you present?
She's been waiting a while. So, hello, Miss Wade.
>> Hi. Okay, very good. Yeah, sorry it's been a long wait. I apologize for that this morning, but we're ready to get going. So, if you would please raise your right hand to be sworn.
>> Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony you're about to give in this cause will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth FBI?
>> Yes.
>> Thank you. [clears throat] >> Good afternoon, Miss Wade. How are you doing?
>> I'm doing well, thank you.
>> Can you please state your name for the jury?
>> Nanda Wade.
>> Can you just tell us what what city do you live in and what do you do for a living?
I live in Jacksonville, Florida, and I am a hotel manager at Florida.
>> How do you know Isaiah Chance?
>> I know Isaiah. I came to know Isaiah through a brief relationship with his father and after the relationship that ended, I remained in close contact with his Isaiah, his siblings, his mother, the family, all family friend.
>> Do you know approximately when that relationship began with his father?
2018.
>> And have you remained at least somewhat close to Isaiah Chance ever since the >> Yes.
>> Yes.
>> Would you what would you describe your relationship as with Mr. Chance?
>> Uh I would say I look at him as as another son, but my role in his life is more so like a mentor. Mentorship.
>> How did how did that work? How that what did that look like?
Uh so Isaia and his siblings would come over with me uh to my house for a weekend. Um I visit with the family quite often at their home. Um if there were any birthday parties, you know, age related or with folks a close to age as they are his siblings and I would take them along with me. Um we did lots of things together. We taught his older sister how to drive together. Uh you know, lots of family outings, extracurricular activities with his siblings. So we were pretty close.
>> Did you ever watch your dog?
>> Yes, he actually Yes. So on a number of occasions, I asked Isaiah to babysit or dogsit for me or housesit due to like travel for work. He was really responsible, so I felt comfortable with leaving him responsibilities.
>> So he would stay in your home alone at that time?
>> Yes. For I think like a weekend.
>> And did you and you trusted him to do that? Yes.
>> Did you ever ever have any issues during that those times?
>> No, I never had an issue with Isaiah and no behavioral issues. Um, never even see him get upset.
But yes, I felt very comfortable with him taking care of my home while I was away.
>> And how would you describe Isaiah as a person?
He's um he's very reserved, sort of on the quiet side. Um but but also insightful. I would say >> quiet can mean different things to different people. What do you mean by that regarding Isaiah?
>> Quiet in terms of you know not not really attention seeking um very observant. So he once he warmed up to a situation though was you know in a new environment he be all about it.
I was kind of surprised for a young teenager to be so willing to kind of jump out into new experiences the way that he was. He wasn't very shy.
>> Did he ever tell you about plans for his future?
>> Yes, we talked a lot about um what he would want to do, you know, as after he became an adult. I came into his life when he was about 16 at the time. So those conversations became a little more serious over time as you know he was getting close to being an adult. Um he mentioned well we actually talked a lot about the different types of careers available because he wasn't really sure you know what he was good at just yet but he landed he had a big interest on on becoming a merchant seen.
>> Can you tell Oh sorry go ahead. I was going to say that was uh that was one of the careers that he kind of he took the additional steps to pursue. He was starting to obtain some documentation that were necessary. Um myself, him, his mother, we were discussing with him where he should go to school, those sorts of things. Do >> you know why he wanted that field in particular?
>> Well, from what I understood, um he wanted to do something that was a little purpose, you know, that had some purpose to it. Um he also wanted to travel. uh he hadn't been outside of Jacksonville too frequently. I know he's took a you know few trips but not not frequently.
So he really wanted to see the world um and definitely something that would be able to provide for his his just his children.
>> So you're aware obviously that he has children. Correct.
>> Yes. Yes. Uh Isaiah became a father when he was pretty young 18 18 almost 19 years old. Um, I was very impressed with how hands-on he was. Um, always calling and asking questions. Am I doing this right? Can I do this? Should I, you know, should I give give the baby this?
Um, asking me, you know, how to cut his fingernails so he wouldn't scratch his little face. That sort of thing. He was very, very hands-on. Um, he actually he's he was pretty much his child's main caretaker while his while the child's mother was working. So was very impressed with how he kind of stepped into that role. We were all really excited that he had picked a career that would help support his family.
>> Do you plan to stay in contact with Isaiah while he's in prison?
>> Absolutely, 100%. I totally understand that the uh support, you know, once incarcerated is just as important as the support, you know, outside. Um, I do plan to keep in contact with him, continue to mentor him, continue to guide him in any way that I can.
>> And lastly, is there anything else you want this jury to know before [music] city furniture designed for love.
I'll let you go.
>> I would just like the jury to know that Isaiah is a father. Um again, that is something that is new to him, but it is very important to him.
um he's made we've had plenty of conversations, very intimate conversations about how important it is for him to be in his children's lives in any capacity that he can be. So, I understand what's at stake here, I guess you could say. And I really would like the jury to know that um you know, removing Isaiah from his his children's lives would be devastating to not only the children, but his family, all of us.
He's a dedicated father and he needs to be there for his children.
>> Thank you. No further questions.
>> Very good. Cross.
>> No, no questions. Judge.
>> Okay. Uh, thank you, Miss Wade. Your testimony is now concluded and I again apologize for the wait and you can log off the Zoom.
>> Thank you.
>> Okay. Thank you. Um, are we anticipating any other Zoom witnesses today?
>> Okay. And then, Miss Timmy, you're gonna be up next. Do you have any Zoom witnesses today?
>> Okay. All right, then. I'm going to close out the Zoom and um we will take our lunch recess. So, it's 12:30. If you all could be back here at 1:45 and we will continue on. Thank you.
>> All right.
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