Dr. Vincent Di Maio, Expert Witness, Part III of III
Dr. Vincent Di Maio, Expert Witness, Part III of III
By Monette Benoit,
All Rights Reserved.
Part I began: Dr. Vincent Di Maio recently testified as a forensic pathologist for the defense in the State of Florida vs. George Zimmerman. He is consistently described “as a legend.” Watching Dr. Di Maio on CNN’s live coverage, he detailed his background, and his work as Chief Medical Examiner, M.E., for Bexar County, Texas.
For the court reporter, he said, “It is spelled B-e-x-a-r and pronounced ‘bear’ ” …
Dr. Di Maio is recognized in San Antonio for his forensic work as our M.E., his testimony in court, for teaching at UTSA, and for his many professional and personal contributions…
Part II began: Technology then was color photographs on art easels; a school teacher’s pointer was used by attorneys.
During a prolonged off-the-record discussion, Dr. Di Maio leaned over to speak to me.
He paused, and said, “It’s nice to work with you, Miss Reporter. You can call me Vinnie.”
I blinked hard. He repeated his words, “Please. Call me Vinnie when you can.” Solemnly, I watched the judge. I did not respond or react.
It was a day that continued to stun me…
Walking to lunch, the judge and I walked ahead of my parents. They followed behind us on the narrow sidewalk. Suddenly, my father reached forward to speak to the judge, touching him on the left shoulder.
The judge quickly reached for his shoulder with his right hand, and perhaps, raised his voice, “Monette, tell your father never touch a criminal judge from behind on the shoulder!” I watched the bailiffs that followed moving quickly and knew the left shoulder held a firearm, due to multiple threats. Again, I hung my head (as I explained to Dad, on the sidewalk, why he could not touch this man).
Part III of III
Bailiffs then sat at a table near us while we ate specially prepared food brought to the table by the owner of the Mexican cafe. I spoke little during lunch, listening, watching, watching, listening.
We enjoyed lunch; promptly returned to court. The jury re-entered precisely on schedule. Immediately, and with purpose, Dr. Di Maio entered with quick strides, testimony resumed.
That day, Dr. Di Maio testified for the first of multiple trials wherein I reported his testimony.
Leaving the stand for the murder trial, he leaned over, and extended his right hand. I froze. He leaned further to shake my hand. Dr. Di Maio remained standing, hand extended, while in the witness box. I looked to the judge before I moved.
As I reached up to Dr. Di Maio, knowing the jury, with alternates, was inches to my right, he softly said, “Remember, it’s Vinnie.”
I blinked hard, said, “Yes, sir.” He exited the witness box and the courtroom, again with purposeful-stride.
Whenever I saw Dr. Di Maio, in court or in restaurants, he would approach me, extend his hand, “Hello! How are you? It’s Vinnie. You remember, right?”
I continued to be stunned each time, always replying, “Yes, sir.” I never could bring myself to call him Vinnie in public.
As years passed, and he remembered me, very softly I called him Dr. Vinnie.
I will always remember the graciousness at which he worked to ensure that the record was always preserved.
He was zippy; he clearly knew his facts and details.
Dr. Di Maio methodically spelled words for the court reporter when he thought I might not be familiar with the word, acronym, term, or phrase.
When I watched Dr. Vincent Di Maio enter the Florida courtroom, I smiled when he gave San Antonio “a plug as the seventh largest city in the U.S. …” and spelled multiple terms for the reporter, televised live on CNN.
This gentleman will always be remembered by people who have read his books and his professional articles, listened to his lectures and to his expert testimony.
I am honored to have worked with Dr. Vincent Di Maio and will always remember him, too.
I will always know that Dr. Di Maio, expert witness, is truly on Team Court Reporter as he consistently has ensured reporters preserve his words, events, records, and history. Indeed. Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Di Maio.
Part I of III is posted October 5, 2013, www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Part II of III is posted October 15, 2013, www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Part III of III is posted October 30, 2013, www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Monette, Court Reporting Whisperer, may be reached: Monette@ARTCS.com and Monette@CRRbooks.com
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, Paralegal
Tutor, Motivational Management & Empowerment Coach,
Multiple Title Author of Books & Test Prep for the Court Reporting, CART, & Captioning Industry
Realtime Court Reporter, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
All American RealTime/Captioning Services, Inc.: www.ARTCS.com
Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs: www.CRRbooks.com
Blog: Monette’s Musings, www.monettebenoit.com
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About Monette Benoit:
As a 25+ year court reporter, CART provider, author of NCRA test prep material, and an instructor, public speaker, Monette Benoit has taught multiple theories, academics, all speed classes, and the 225 homeroom within NCRA-approved schools and a community college. She understands the challenges many adults now face in our industry and schooling.
Monette Benoit has worked with thousands of professionals, court reporters, CART providers, captioners, students, and instructors. She has also helped create new court reporting training programs, worked with federal grants, and assisted instructors in developing curriculum for both in-class and at-home students.
Her one-on-one tutoring, private coaching, has greatly assisted thousands of students, novice and experienced professionals to privately reach the next level.
Monette’s Musings is a blog containing information for busy professionals, students, and individuals who are fearless and seek to create their success each day.