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Burlington Jury Deliberates in High-Profile Murder Trial
BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – A Burlington jury commenced deliberations on Thursday in the murder trial of Joseph Ferlazzo, accused of intentionally shooting his wife, Emily, during a vacation in 2021. Emily’s family, present throughout the trial, expressed their desire for closure and justice. "This is such a horrific trauma to me and my family," remarked Adrienne Bass, Emily’s mother.
In her closing argument, Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George emphasized that Emily was the sole victim in this tragedy. She argued that Ferlazzo’s actions were deliberate and unprovoked, countering his claims of self-defense. “The state submits that Emily and only Emily is the one who didn’t deserve this,” she asserted, insisting that Ferlazzo had not mentioned self-defense during his initial police statements.
Over five days, prosecutors portrayed Ferlazzo as a dangerous individual, citing his own admission of killing his wife. They argued that his narrative of self-defense, which included claims of Emily wielding a gun, lacked credibility. Ferlazzo testified on Wednesday, stating he had limited recollection of the incident and suggesting he had been attacked by Emily in the past—a claim that went unsupported by other witnesses.
Bass stated that while nothing could bring her daughter back, a conviction would protect potential future victims. “To know that nobody else will be in her position… that would be enough for me,” she said.
The jury was instructed to return Friday after requesting to review portions of Ferlazzo’s testimony. Should they not convict him of first-degree murder, they have been advised to consider lesser charges, including second-degree murder or voluntary manslaughter.
The outcome will determine justice for Emily and her grieving family, who seek an end to their suffering.
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