Hans Reiser says he's finally getting the chance to present the defense he wishes jurors in the criminal trial had heard.
Reiser, who is serving as his own attorney as he fights a wrongful death lawsuit filed by his children in civil court, testified before jurors for several hours today.
But his children's attorney says Reiser's not helping his case.
"Mr Reiser. I think the more he talks drives home our point. Which is this is a man who cares only about himself," said Attorney Arturo Gonzalez.
Reiser acknowledged he never would have led authorities to the body of his wife Nina Reiser had he not been found guilty of murder and offered a lighter sentence in exchange.
"Mr Reiser admitted today had he not been convicted of murder he would have never said anything about where his wife was and she would still be there in the Oakland Hills," said Gonzalez.
Reiser, who tended to ramble, drew gasps from the courtroom when he reprimanded the attorney for asking if he wrapped his wife's body in garbage bags.
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"Let's say plastic bags out of respect for the deceased," snapped Reiser.
Gonzalez grilled the computer scientist, forcing him to admit his kids suffered, wondering what had happened to their mom. He showed the court a sketch Reiser's young son drew of what he saw the night his mom disappeared.
"This little boy saw his dad carrying his mom in a bag down the stairs the night she disappeared and he remembered that and he'll unfortunately remember that the rest of his life," said Gonzalez
Reiser then called himself as a witness again, explaining his defense in his own words. Reiser suggests he killed his wife to protect the children. He told jurors Nina Reiser made up ailments the kids didn't have.
But in a stunning admission he also said she never physically hurt the kids.
"(If)she never did anything to harm the children, then explain to me Mr. Reiser, why you decided to choke her to death and bury her in the Oakland Hills," said Gonzalez.
"He's not a lawyer but even as somebody representing himself, I'd give him a D- at best," Gonzales added.
Reiser will be back on the witness stands tomorrow.
