The Mock Trial case for Colorado high schools came out on Monday, Nov. 2. The case, written by the Colorado Bar Association, is a criminal case with a charge of first degree murder, to the excitement of many Mock Trial members.
“We expected that the case would be a civil case, and were pleasantly surprised that it was a first degree murder. It’s a great way to finish our senior season,” said Imma Honkanen, 12.
The case is The People of the State of Colorado v. Tory Clark, Defendant. Tory Clark, portrayed by Kathryne Kelly, 12, on varsity and Lilli Hansen, 11, on junior varsity, is accused of murdering Jerrek Reese during their senior year of high school in 1999. The other defense witnesses consist of Dr. Reilley Rastello, an Endorsed Expert portrayed by Christopher Bumpus, 11, on varsity and both Kyle Reeves, 12, and Noah Durrance, 9, on junior varsity, and Juss Howard, portrayed by Jose Benavides, 12, on varsity and Jake Keenan, 10, on junior varsity. The varsity defense attorneys are Cameron Mirhossaini, 12, Madelaine Lester, 12, and Samuel Ahoor, 12. The junior varsity attorneys are Dominic McCarron, 10, Sierra Meisner, 9, Andrew Wills, 9, and Justin Ott, 9.
The prosecution, on the other hand, is made up of Roanan Keldin, Sojo Jalowsky and Investigations Bureau Chief Jaydee Marlin of the Pueblo Police Department. Keldin is portrayed by Morgan Wessells, 12, on varsity and both Sadie Hedemark, 9, and Zoe Sikon, 10, on junior varsity, Jalowsky is portrayed by Adrianna Hariss, 11, on varsity and Madelynne Miles, 9, on junior varsity and Marlin portrayed by Emma Longwell, 12, on varsity and Holly McKibben, 11, on junior varsity. Prosecution’s varsity attorneys are Imma Honkanen, 12, Abigail Bean, 11, and Rachel Wilsey, 11. Their junior varsity attorneys are Lauren Keller, 10, Isabelle Wilson, 9, Layla Roebke, 9, and BaileyRose Berryhill, 9.
The body and car of Reese went missing one day after school in 1999, and after investigation, the case went cold. About 16 years later, Howard stumbled across the car in Fountain Creek. Clark, the original suspect of the case, is called in by the police and charged with Reese’s murder.
“After finding out the case, I’m so excited to get started on it. I’m really looking forward to this season because I know we’ll do well,” said Cameron Mirhossaini, 12.
For the next four months, the mock trial teams will be preparing this 48 page case, not including the 11 exhibits, for up to six hours a week until the Regional Tournament on February 5 and 6 at the El Paso Judicial Building. The team hopes to once again progress to the championship round on February 9 at the Pioneer’s Museum and then the State Tournament on March 25 and 26 in Pueblo, Colorado.