U.S. District Judge Edward Lodge has ruled that evidence of previous, unadjudicated child murders can be presented to show Joseph Duncan’s future dangerousness. It doesn’t just show he’s a danger to children, the judge said. “The evidence … in this case is highly relevant in that it corroborates the government’s argument that it shows a pattern of violence throughout Mr. Duncan’s adult life,” Lodge said. Duncan’s “choice of weapons” has included anything at hand with which he could administer “blunt force,” the judge said, and that could occur in a prison setting. He noted that Duncan said he was on a rampage against society. “Mr. Duncan’s own words show that he calculates and plans for his opportunities to get even,” the judge said.

Duncan objected, saying one of the judge’s statements was “inaccurate.” “I’ve never said that I am on a vendetta,” Duncan declared. “I was, but I’m no longer – I just wanted that clarified.” Judge Lodge said, “Objection is noted,” and the jury was brought back in.

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