Josh Duggar News: None of the 3 Witnesses Called by the Defense Are Duggar Family Members
Duggar family fans and critics continue to follow the latest Josh Duggar news. Josh Duggar was arrested in April 2021 on suspicion of downloading child sexual abuse material. While he may have had the opportunity to take a plea deal, it appears he did not. Thus, he will likely head to trial. And recent reports reveal the three witnesses who Josh’s defense called out — and none of them are other Duggar family members.
The defense says numerous people had access to the computer where illegal material was allegedly downloaded
Recent Josh Duggar news notes Josh’s defense claims others could’ve possibly had access to his computer at Wholesale Motorcars, the place where someone allegedly downloaded the child sexual abuse content. But prosecutors shut down this idea. In a court document, they called it “wishful speculation” that anyone else aside from Josh would use his computer to download the content.
“At trial, the Government anticipates that the defendant will attempt to introduce evidence suggesting that other individuals had access to the HP desktop computer at issue and therefore could have committed the offenses charged in the indictment,” the document notes. “Any such evidence is nothing more than wishful speculation based on bare suspicion, which is inadmissible under the legal precedent cited herein.”
Josh Duggar news: Prosecutors want to call on these 3 witnesses, and none of them are Duggar family members
So, who are the three witnesses? The court document notes the three witnesses are people by the name of William Mize, Joshua Williams, and Randall Berry. The documents also note there’s zero evidence to support the idea that any of these three people committed a crime. Additionally, there’s evidence showing they were not at the location of the computer when the downloads took place.
“It is not sufficient for a defendant merely to offer up unsupported speculation that another person may have done the crime,” the document notes. “Such speculative blaming intensifies the grave risk of jury confusion ….”
While some Duggar family followers thought Josh’s siblings or parents may count as witnesses, it seems the rest of the family won’t get involved. “I’d imagine family members would be too risky because they would have direct knowledge of [Josh’s alleged] abuse, and it could take a bad turn for [Josh] once they’re under oath,” a Reddit user noted.
In the court documents above, the prosecutors note the three witnesses have nothing to do with the case. Prosecutors said the defense claiming the witnesses could’ve downloaded the material “was based on nothing more than rank speculation.” Prosecutors then requested the “Court exclude third-party guilt evidence” moving forward.
Do the Duggars speak to Josh Duggar at this point?
With all the current Josh Duggar news, do the Duggars speak to Josh at this time?
It’s unclear where the other Duggar family members stand. A few of his siblings, like Jinger Duggar and Jill Duggar, spoke out after the initial arrest, but they’ve remained mum since then. Additional reports note the family isn’t as close as they once were. An insider shared the details with People.
“They aren’t as close as they once were because of all of Josh’s legal drama,” the source shared. “It’s creating a lot of stress on them ….” The source added most of the family “is acting like nothing has happened,” though.
With this in mind, we imagine they’re keeping their distance from Josh. As for Josh Duggar’s wife, Anna Duggar, reports suggest she may have given birth. But none of the Duggars have posted about the baby yet. This could also indicate they haven’t seen the child and also hope to keep a distance from Anna until the trial ends.
Josh Duggar’s trial is currently set for Nov. 30, 2021.
How to get help: If you or someone you know has been sexually abused, text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 for free and confidential support.
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