PHOTO OF THE WEEK

-- Sean Hiller

THOUGHTS FROM THE SCENE: After arriving at the courthouse in Santa Ana

less than 10 minutes before the verdict for Eric Bechler was read, I took

a deep breath and composed myself. I was thankful I had not missed one of

the biggest stories in our area in years. Bechler’s trial for the murder

of his wife, Pegye, off the coast of Newport Beach caused a sensation.

Once the courtroom doors opened, it was a media frenzy -- every person

for him or her self. It was almost like a circus. The television cameras

encircled friends and family members involved in the trial. It was crazy.

But I got this shot of Linda Bechler, Eric’s mother, being escorted by

Jim Bechler, Eric’s uncle, after the verdict of guilty had been handed

down.