Trials set to begin in February, 2020

[Niner]

Can you believe we are in February already?? January seems to just whiz by!

Here are the trials & sentencings happening for the week of Monday, February 3rd thru Friday, February 7th

Monday, February 3rd:
*Trial set to begin (@ 9am PT) – WA – Hartley Anderson (5) (Nov. 2, 2018, Vancouver) - *Ryan Mason Burge (37) (BF of mom) arrested (11/2/18), charged (11/9/18) & arraigned (12/4/18) with 1st & 2nd degree murder. Plead not guilty. $5M bond, reduced (2/14/19) to $1.5M. Clark County Case# 18-1-02965-06
Jury trial set for 2/3/20. (Should be 1 week trial).

*Trial set to begin for both (@ 9am ET) – VA – Baby girl (4 mos) (Aug. 23, 2018; found in motel room) – *Cherie Danielle Sullivan (31) “mom” arrested (8/23/18), charged (8/27/18) & arraigned (12/11/18) with felony murder, 2 counts of child abuse/neglect & 1 count of child abuse/neglect-injury. Plead not guilty. No bond. *Spotsylvania Circuit #CR18001974, 975 & 976/murder #CR18002075
*James Edward Cressel (31) (BF) arrested (11/30/18), indicted (11/19/18) & arraigned (12/11/18) with felony murder, 2 counts of child abuse/neglect & 1 count of child abuse/neglect-injury. Plead not guilty. No bond. $10K bond granted (10/15/19) Spotsylvania Circuit #CR18001966, 967 & 968/murder #CR18002056
Trial set to begin on 2/3/20 & 2/4/20 for both

*Judicial Call of the Trial (@ 1:30pm ET) - PA – Nichole Pumphrey (31), her daughter, Ameriah Emery (10) & Lawrence Cannon (31) possibly BF (Oct. 16, 2018, New Castle) – *Steven Procopio (19) arrested & charged (10/17/18) with 3 counts of criminal homicide, 3 counts of criminal conspiracy, attempted murder & gun offense. Plead not guilty. Bail denied. Lawrence County
Trial set to begin on 2/3/20.
Court info from 7/8/19 thru 10/7/19 reference post #133 here:
PA - Three bodies found in New Castle Home, 16 Oct 2018 *Arrests*
1/9/20 Update: Next Judicial Call of the Trial on 2/3, and Omnibus Pretrial motions hearing on 4/1/20.
ALSO:
*Trial set to begin (@ 1:30pm ET) - PA – Nichole Pumphrey (31), her daughter, Ameriah Emery (10) & Lawrence Cannon (31) possibly BF (Oct. 16, 2018, New Castle) – *Anthony Lavon “Mook” Cooper, Jr. (19) arrested (10/29/18), charged (10/19/18) & arraigned (11/13/18) with 3 counts of criminal homicide, 3 counts of criminal conspiracy, 1 count of attempted murder & 1 count of carrying firearms without a license. Plead not guilty. Bail denied.
Trial set to begin on 2/3/20.
*Jody Lynn Hammer - 4/1/19: All charges are dismissed

*Trial is set begin (@ 1:30pm ET) - PA - Bryce Kenneth Tompkins (45) (last seen alive Oct. 31, 1988, reported missing Nov. 26, 1988, New Castle; Dec. 26, 1988 found in Hickory Township in the Neshannock Creek in Lawrence County) - *Regis Andrew Brown (59) arrested, charged (Oct. 18, 2018) & arraigned (5/28/19) with criminal homicide, 2 counts of aggravated assault & intimidation of a witness. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Lawrence County #MJ-53304-CR-0000309-2018
During an interview with officials this year, Brown confessed to Tompkins’ murder, saying Tompkins had witnessed one of the burglaries.
Plead guilty (Mar. 2018) & sentenced (Oct. 2018) & is serving a life sentence (w/o parole) for the 1st degree murder & 3rd murder in the deaths of his wife, Michelle Brown (53) & his step daughter Tammy Greenawalt (35) in Erie County.
Strong suspect in eight homicides in northwestern Pennsylvania dating from 1986 to 2016.
Trial set to begin on 2/3/20.

*Trial continues (murder charges) (Day 14) (@ 9am MT) - CO - Makayla Victoria Roberts (10) & Hannah Elizabeth Rosaline Marshall (8) (June, 2017, Norwood; found Sept. 8, 2017) – for *Madani "Ama" Ceus (37) (from Haiti) charged with 2 counts of 1st degree murder, criminally negligent homicide & 2 counts felony child abuse causing death, no bond. Plead not guilty.
Trial began on 1/13/20. Trial moved from San Miguel County to Gunnison County & will run to 2/7/20. 9 women & 5 men ranging in age from 20s to 60s or 70s with 2 alternates.
Trial info from 1/13/20 (Day 1) thru 1/29/20 (Day 11) reference post #265 here:
CO - Makayla Roberts, 10, & Hannah Marshall, 8, slain, Norwood, June 2017 *Arrests*
7/26/19 Update: Next re child Pretrial conference hearing on 3/13/20. Termination of Parental Rights hearing on 4/28 thru 5/1/20.
1/30/20 Day 12: State witnesses: Colorado Bureau of Investigation Agent John Zamora. Excerpts of a video of Ceus’ intake interview, conducted shortly after she was taken into custody in Sept. 2017. Trial continues on 1/31.
1/31/20 Day 13: The prosecution rested its case on Friday morning. In a mid-trial motion, Ceus’s defense team asked Judge Yoder to acquit Ceus on the grounds of lack of sufficient evidence that she was guilty of killing the two girls. Yoder denied the motion. The defense began calling witnesses on Friday afternoon. No info available yet on witnesses. The trial is expected to conclude next week. Trial continues on 2/3.
*Ika Eden – Found incompetent to stand trial. Next Status hearing on 3/13/20.
*Ashford Nathaniel Archer aka Nathan Yah aka Nathanyah Nitchitu (50) – found guilty & sentenced to 24 years in prison.
*Nashika Leonie Bramble (36) – Jury verdict guilty of 2 counts of 1st degree murder. Sentenced to two consecutive life in prison without parole.
*Frederick "Alec" A. Blair – Plead guilty. Sentenced to 12 years in prison.

*Death Penalty Phase begins (@ 10am ET) – FL – Voncile Smith (77), Richard Thomas Smith (49) & John William Smith (47) (July 28, 2015, Pensacola) - *Donald Wayne Hartung, Sr. (63 in 2015; now 69) arrested & charged (10/27/15) with 3 counts of premeditated 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA will seek DP.
Info on case & trial info from 1/21/20 (Day 1) thru 1/29/20 (Day 7) reference post #168 here:
FL - Voncile Smith, 77, & two sons brutally murdered, Pensacola, 28 July 2015 *Arrest*
Trial began on 1/21/20 & ended on 1/29/20 with a guilty on all charges. Jurors deliberated for 4 hours.
2/3/20 Update: Death penalty phase starts today.

Tuesday, February 4th:
*Trial set to begin (@ 8:30am CT) – IN – Curtis Gilbert Collman III (8) (June 21, 2018, Jackson County; dies of meth overdose (180 times the lethal does, thought it was cereal) – *Curtis Gilbert Collman II (41) “father” arrested (6/21/18) & charged (6/26/18) with neglect of a dependent causing death, pointing a firearm, possession of meth, intimidation & theft. Also charged with failure to maintain his sexual registration status. Stems from a 2006 conviction of a Class D felony of sexual misconduct with a minor. $51,510 cash only bail. Jackson Circuit Court #3601-1806-F1-000004
Refused to call 911 & threatened others who tried to call. Faces 20-40 years in prison.
Trial set to begin on 2/4/20.

Friday, February 7th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am ET) - ME – Marissa Kennedy (10) (Feb. 25, 2018, Stockton Springs. Suffered months of abuse (Oct. ‘1-Feb. ’18) - *Sharon Carrillo (33) “mom” arrested (2/26/18), charged (2/28/18) & arraigned (4/2/18) with depraved indifference murder. Plead not guilty. $500K bond.
Julio & Sharon's marriage was annulled on Friday, Dec 20, due to him already being married to a woman in KY when he married Sharon.
Trial began on 12/6/19. Jury selection begins on 12/5. Trial expected to go to 12/18/19.
The judge ruled that Sharon is competent to stand trial.
Trial info from 12/4/19 to 12/17/19 (Day 1-8) reference post #289 here:
GUILTY - ME - Marissa Kennedy, 10, Stockton Springs, killed by mother & stepfather, 25 Feb 2018
12/18/19 Day 9: Justice Murray is instructing the jury on their duties before they go into deliberation. Jury started deliberations at 9:40am ET. At about 12:30pm jurors had a couple of questions & asked for lunch. Verdict reached at ~3:15pm (deliberation time: 6 hours). Verdict: guilty of murder. Sentencing scheduled on 2/7/20.
*Julio Carrillo (51) step-dad - plead guilty at “open plea” hearing on 7/22/19. DA will be asking for life. 8/28/19: sentenced to 55 years in prison.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Monday, February 3rd:
*Death Penalty Phase begins-delayed (@ 10am ET) – FL – Voncile Smith (77), Richard Thomas Smith (49) & John William Smith (47) (July 28, 2015, Pensacola) - *Donald Wayne Hartung, Sr. (63 in 2015; now 69) arrested & charged (10/27/15) with 3 counts of premeditated 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA will seek DP.
Info on case & trial info from 1/21/20 (Day 1) thru 1/29/20 (Day 7) reference post #168 here:
FL - Voncile Smith, 77, & two sons brutally murdered, Pensacola, 28 July 2015 *Arrest*
Trial began on 1/21/20 & ended on 1/29/20 with a guilty on all charges. Jurors deliberated for 4 hours.
2/3/20 Update: Death penalty phase starts today.
2/1/20: Penalty phase has been delayed due to availability of witnesses. Will now start on Thursday, 2/6.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Tuesday, February 4th:
*Trial set to begin-Continued! (@ 8:30am CT) – IN – Curtis Gilbert Collman III (8) (June 21, 2018, Jackson County; dies of meth overdose (180 times the lethal does, thought it was cereal) – *Curtis Gilbert Collman II (41) “father” arrested (6/21/18) & charged (6/26/18) with neglect of a dependent causing death, pointing a firearm, possession of meth, intimidation & theft. Also charged with failure to maintain his sexual registration status. Stems from a 2006 conviction of a Class D felony of sexual misconduct with a minor. $51,510 cash only bail.
Refused to call 911 & threatened others who tried to call. Faces 20-40 years in prison.
Trial was set to begin on 2/4/20 moved to 6/8/20.
1/21/20: Order on Hearing. State appears. Defendant appears in custody and by counsel, Alan L. Marshall. Hearing held.The States Motion to Amend the Information to add the habitual enhancement is accepted by the Court. No objection from the Defense. The Court now allows Alan L. Marshall to withdraw as counsel of record for the Defendant. The Court now reset's this for Jury Trial on June 8, 2020, at 8:30 a.m. No next court date is set yet.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Monday, January 3rd:
*Judicial Call of the Trial-Continued! (@ 1:30pm ET) - PA – Nichole Pumphrey (31), her daughter, Ameriah Emery (10) & Lawrence Cannon (31) possibly BF (Oct. 16, 2018, New Castle) – *Steven Procopio (19) arrested & charged (10/17/18) with 3 counts of criminal homicide, 3 counts of criminal conspiracy, attempted murder & gun offense. Plead not guilty. Bail denied. Trial was set to begin on 2/3/20 has moved to 4/6/20.
Court info from 7/8/19 thru 10/7/19 reference post #133 here:
PA - Three bodies found in New Castle Home, 16 Oct 2018 *Arrests*
1/9/20 Update: Next Judicial Call of the Trial on 2/3, and Omnibus Pretrial motions hearing on 4/1/20.
1/10/20 Update: Trial has been continued to 4/6/20. Next Omnibus pretrial motion shearing on 4/1/20.

 

[Niner]

Update!

*Trial set to begin-Continued! (@ 1:30pm ET) - PA – Nichole Pumphrey (31), her daughter, Ameriah Emery (10) & Lawrence Cannon (31) possibly BF (Oct. 16, 2018, New Castle) – *Anthony Lavon “Mook” Cooper, Jr. (19) arrested (10/29/18), charged (10/19/18) & arraigned (11/13/18) with 3 counts of criminal homicide, 3 counts of criminal conspiracy, 1 count of attempted murder & 1 count of carrying firearms without a license. Plead not guilty. Bail denied.
Trial was set to begin on 2/3/20 continued to 3/9/20.
2/3/20 Update: Motion for trial continuance-granted. Trial now scheduled to begin on 3/9/20.
*Steven Procopio (19) – Next Omnibus hearing on 4/1/20. Trial set to begin on 4/6/20.
*Jody Lynn Hammer - 4/1/19: All charges are dismissed

 

[Niner]

Update!

Tuesday, February 4th:
*Bench Trial continues (Day 2)-Verdict for both (@ 9am ET) – VA – Baby girl (4 mos) (Aug. 23, 2018; found in motel room) – *Cherie Danielle Sullivan (31/now 32) “mom” arrested (8/23/18), charged (8/27/18) & arraigned (12/11/18) with felony murder, 2 counts of child abuse/neglect & 1 count of child abuse/neglect-injury. Plead not guilty. No bond.
*James Edward Cressel (31/now 32) (BF) arrested (11/30/18), indicted (11/19/18) & arraigned (12/11/18) with felony murder, 2 counts of child abuse/neglect & 1 count of child abuse/neglect-injury. Plead not guilty. No bond. $10K bond granted (10/15/19).
Bench Trial began on 2/3/20 & 2/4/20 for both
1/31/20 Update: Jury trial has been withdrawn instead it will be a bench trial.
2/3/20 Day 1 of Bench trial: No info yet. Trial continues on 2/4.
2/4/20 Day 2 of Bench trial: Judge found insufficient evidence. Williams: All charges-Dismissed. Cressel: All chargeds dismissed.

 

[Niner]

Trials & sentencing for the week from Monday February 10th thru Friday, February 14th:

Monday, February 10th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 1:30pm ET) – FL – Dr. Teresa Sievers (46) (June, 2015, Bonita Springs) – *Curtis Wayne Wright, Jr. (41/now 46) arrested (10/14/15) & charged (10/20/15) & indicted (5/5/16) with 2nd degree premeditated murder. Plead not guilty. No bond.
Took plea deal (2/26/16) plead guilty to 2nd degree murder; 25 years, waives all rights to appeal. Sentencing 7/15/19.
6/25/19 Update: Order Granting Stipulated Motion for Continuance Filed. Sentencing rescheduled for 12/2/19.
11/29/19 Update: Sentencing on 12/2 has been moved to 2/10/20.
*Mark D. Sievers (50) – Trial started 11/12/19 & ended 12/4/19 with a GUILTY verdict on both counts. Penalty phase started 12/10 and the jurors recommended the death penalty. 1/3/20: Sentenced to death. Motion for new trial-denied.
*Jimmy Ray Rodgers (28) – Found guilty. 12/12/19: Sentenced to life without parole.

*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am ET) - FL - Myles Hill (3) (Aug. 7, 2017, Orlando) - Deborah Denise St. Charles (51/now 53) (Day care driver) - charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child; not an approved driver for day care center. Plead not guilty. Bail @ $30,000. Bail was reduced to $2500. Released on bond.
Trial was set for 3/25/19, moved to June 3, 2019, moved to 8/12/19 & moved to 9/16/19 & moved to 10/28/19.
10/25/19 Update: Plead no contest to manslaughter by culpable negligence, which is a 2nd degree felony. Sentencing scheduled on 1/7/20.
1/7/20 Update: Judge John E. Jordan recused himself from the case, reassigned to Judge Renee Route. Sentencing rescheduled for 2/10.

*Sentencing Hearing (@ 8:30am ET) – OH – Brantley Santiago (3 yrs) (April, 2018, Orwell) – only for *Beverly J. Santiago (35/now 37) “mom” indicted (11/28/18), charged (12/4/18) & arraigned (12/6/18) with 1 count involuntary manslaughter & 1 count of endangering children. Plead not guilty. $25K cash or surety bond.
Trial was set to begin on 2/10/20.
1/23/20 Update: Santiago took a plea deal & plead no contest Thursday to one count of endangering children, court records state. A charge of involuntary manslaughter was dismissed in her case. Sentencing on 2/10/20.
*Valorie D. Olah – Trial set to begin on 6/8-6/11/20.
*Samantha M. Olah – Trial set to begin on 7/13/20.

*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am ET) - ME – Marissa Kennedy (10) (Feb. 25, 2018, Stockton Springs. Suffered months of abuse (Oct. ‘1-Feb. ’18) - *Sharon Carrillo (33/now 34) “mom” arrested (2/26/18), charged (2/28/18) & arraigned (4/2/18) with depraved indifference murder. Plead not guilty. $500K bond.
Julio & Sharon's marriage was annulled on Friday, Dec 20, due to him already being married to a woman in KY when he married Sharon.
Trial began on 12/6/19. Jury selection begins on 12/5. Trial expected to go to 12/18/19.
The judge ruled that Sharon is competent to stand trial.
Trial info from 12/4/19 to 12/17/19 (Day 1-8) reference post #289 here:
GUILTY - ME - Marissa Kennedy, 10, Stockton Springs, killed by mother & stepfather, 25 Feb 2018
12/18/19 Day 9: Justice Murray is instructing the jury on their duties before they go into deliberation. Jury started deliberations at 9:40am ET. At about 12:30pm jurors had a couple of questions & asked for lunch. Verdict reached at ~3:15pm (deliberation time: 6 hours). Verdict: guilty of murder. Sentencing scheduled on 2/7/20. 2/7/20: Court was closed due to inclement weather. Sentencing “might” be on Monday, 2/10.
*Julio Carrillo (51) step-dad - plead guilty at “open plea” hearing on 7/22/19. DA will be asking for life. 8/28/19: sentenced to 55 years in prison.

*Trial set to begin (@ 9am CT) – IA – Michelle Marie Martinko (18) (Dec. 19, 1979, Cedar Rapids, found Dec. 20, 1979 at Cedar Rapids Mall inside her family’s car) - *Jerry Lynn Burns (64/25 @ time of crime) arrested & charged (12/19/18) & arraigned (1/25/19) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. $5M Cash bond.
DNA Parabon Nanolabs DNA Phenotyping SnapShot/GEDMatch
Trial set to start on 2/10/20 with jury selection. Trial has been moved from Linn County to Scott County.
2/7/20 Update: On Thursday, a judge ruled prosecutors can use a straw police obtained in Jerry Burns's trial. Police say they obtained the DNA from a drinking straw that Burns left behind at a Manchester restaurant. Investigators say the DNA links Burns to the crime scene. While the straw is allowed, a judge earlier this week ruled that Burns's internet search history for *advertiser censored* should not be allowed in the trial. The familial genetic material will also be allowed in the trial. Trial begins on Monday, 2/10.

*Trial set to begin (@ 9am ET) - TN – Baby boy (16 mos.) (Nov. 10, 2018, Lawrenceburg; raped by father, suffered 2 broken femurs or fractured hips, had several surgeries, will suffer damage that will last his life) – only for *Simon Dean Porter (33/now 34) accused (11/14/18), arrested (11/18/18) & arraigned (4/1/18) for aggravated rape of a child. $1M bond.
Was arrested in Scottsboro, Ala & extradited to Tenn. Confessed to raping his son.
Trial set to begin 2/10/20.
*Danielle Faith Bowen (22/now 23) “mom” – trial set for 3/20/20.

*Trial set to begin (Murder case) (@ 9am CT) – IL – Holly Cassano (22) (Nov. 2, 2009, Mahomet) – *Michael F.A. Henslick (30/now 31) arrested (8/29/18) originally for violation of a no-contact order & arraigned & charged (8/29/18) on 3 counts intentional 1st degree murder & 1 count of murder. Plead not guilty. $10M bond.
*Charged (5/18/18) with possession of control substance & criminal damage to property, domestic battery & contact violation.
DNA testing by Parabon Nanolabs.
Trial set to begin 2/10/20 with jury selection for murder charge. Trial should last 1 week.
Possession & domestic battery case: pretrial hearing on 3/10/20.

*Trial set to begin (@ 8:30am CT) – IN – Paisley Olivia Hudson (23 mos.) (July 28, 2018, Madison County) – for *Ryan Ramirez (29/now 30) (BF) arrested (7/28/18) & charged (8/2/18) with felony 1 murder & felony 3 neglect of independent causing serious injuries (3 yr. old). Plead not guilty. $100K cash only bond.
Trial set to begin on 2/10/20 thru 2/20/20 with jury selection on 2/10.
*Kayla N. Hudson (25) “mom” 3/5/19: Plead guilty to 1st degree neglect of a dependent causing death & 3rd degree neglect of dependent causing serious injuries (3 yr. old). 4/16/19: Sentenced to 40 years in prison. 10/29/19: Appeal denied.

*Trial set to begin (@ 9am CT) - TX - Hazana Anderson (2) (beaten by BF & Mom Oct. 19, 2018, reported missing Oct. 28, 2018 in Gabbard Park in College Station, found Oct. 31, 2018 in Texas City) – for *TiAundra Kae Christon (21/now 22) “mom” arrested & charged (10/28/18) & indicted (11/24/18) with tampering or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair human corpse. Plead not guilty. $500K bond was reduced to $200K (11/12/19).
Trial set to begin on 2/10/20.
1/24/20 Update: Defendant filed motion: Defendant's election for jury to set punishment in the event defendant is found guilty. And trial was moved to 2/10/20.
*Kenny D’Shawn Hewett (32) (BF) – Took plea deal, plead guilty. Sentenced to 20 years in prison.

*Trial set to begin (@ 9am PT) – CA – Elizabeth Sullivan (31) (reported missing Oct. 14, 2014, San Diego; found Oct. 4, 2016 in San Diego Bay) – *Matthew Scott Sullivan (34/29 @ time of crime) “husband” arrested (1/31/18 in Wyoming, Delaware, extradited 2/9/18), charged & arraigned (3/4/19) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. $2M bond.
Trial was set to begin on 10/22/19-continued to 2/10/20 with jury selection, trial starts 2/18/20. Will turn 35 during trial.

*Jury Trial continues (Day 4) (@ 9am PT) – CA – Nia Wilson (18) (July 22, 2018, MacArthur BART Station, Oakland; her sister Letifah (26) was injured) – *John Lee Cowell (27/now 28) arrested (7/23/18) & charged (7/25/18) with murder & attempted murder with special allegations of using a deadly weapon on each charge. Plead not guilty by reason of insanity. No bond. DA will not seek DP.
Trial began on 1/15/20 with jury selection. Trial starts on 2/5/20 with opening statements.
Court hearings from 7/25/18 thru 1/13/20 reference post #62 here:
CA - Oakland, Nia Wilson stabbed to death on BART, sister injured, 22 Jul 2018 *Arrest*
1/14/20 Update: Judge denies motion for change of venue.
1/15/20 Day 1 of Jury Selection: First set of potential jurors, a panel of 110, to be questioned in the selection process for the trial. Jury was selection Tuesday afternoon. Opening statements are expected Feb. 5. 1/31/20: Defense files another motion for change of venue-denied.
2/5/20 Day 1: No info available. Trial continues on 2/6.
2/6/20 Day 2: No info available. Trial continues to 2/7.
2/7/20 Day 3: No info available. Trial continues to 2/10.

*Trial continues (Day 5) (@ 9am PT) – WA – Hartley Anderson (5) (Nov. 2, 2018, Vancouver) - *Ryan Mason Burge (37/now 38) (BF of mom) arrested (11/2/18), charged (11/9/18) & arraigned (12/4/18) with 1st & 2nd degree murder. Plead not guilty. $5M bond, reduced (2/14/19) to $1.5M.
Jury trial began on 2/3/20. (Should be 1 week trial).
2/3/20 Day 1: Jury selection.
2/4/20 Day 2: Jury selected. Opening statements done by DA. After the prosecution’s opening statement, Alsept moved for the dismissal of the first-degree murder charge. She argued there’s no evidence of premeditation. Smith countered that Burge only had to reflect for “more than a moment in time” about what he was doing, to satisfy premeditation — an issue for the jury to decide. The defense’s motion was denied. Opening statements by defense done. Trial continues on 2/5.
2/5/20 Day 3: No info available yet. Trial continues on 2/6.
2/6/20 Day 4: No info available yet. Trial continues to 2/7.
2/7/20 Day 5: No info available yet. Trial continues to 2/10.

*Trial continues (Day 6) (@ 1:30pm ET) - PA - Bryce Kenneth Tompkins (45) (last seen alive Oct. 31, 1988, reported missing Nov. 26, 1988, New Castle; Dec. 26, 1988 found in Hickory Township in the Neshannock Creek in Lawrence County) - *Regis Andrew Brown (59/now 60) arrested, charged (Oct. 18, 2018) & arraigned (5/28/19) with criminal homicide, 2 counts of aggravated assault & intimidation of a witness. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
During an interview with officials this year, Brown confessed to Tompkins’ murder, saying Tompkins had witnessed one of the burglaries.
Plead guilty (Mar. 2018) & sentenced (Oct. 2018) & is serving a life sentence (w/o parole) for the 1st degree murder & 3rd murder in the deaths of his wife, Michelle Brown (53) & his step daughter Tammy Greenawalt (35) in Erie County.
Strong suspect in eight homicides in northwestern Pennsylvania dating from 1986 to 2016.
Trial began on 2/3/20.
2/3/20 Day 1: Jury selection? Trial continues on 2/4.
2/4/20 Day 2: No info available. Trial continues on 2/5.
2/5/20 Day 3: No info available. Trial continues on 2/6.
2/6/20 Day 4: No info available. Trial continues on 2/7.
2/7/20 Day 5: No info available. Trial continues on 2/10.


Continued in next post...

 

[Niner]

Tuesday, February 11th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ am ET) – NY – Christopher Grover (30) (Sept. 28, 2017, Poughkeepsie, shot in head) - *Nicole “Nikki” Addimando (28/now 30) arrested (9/28/17) charged (10/2/17), indicted (6/27/18) & arraigned (7/2/18) with 2nd degree murder, 1st degree & 2nd degree manslaughter & 2nd degree criminal possession of a weapon. Plead not guilty. $300K cash or $600K bond.
Trial started 3/18/19. 12 jurors are 8 women & 4 men; the 6 alternates are 2 women & 4 men. Trial ended on 4/12/19: Found guilty of 2nd degree murder & 2nd degree criminal possession of a handgun, the most severe charges she could have been convicted of. Original sentencing date was 5/20/19, now scheduled for 12/13/19 pending motion for new sentencing.
For 2nd degree murder: maximum sentence of 25-years-to-life in prison; 2nd degree criminal possession of a weapon, a charge punishable by 3 ½ years- to 15-years in prison.
Court hearings, jury selection & trial (Days 1-14; 3/18/19-4/4/19) & thru 11/27/19 reference post #201 here:
GUILTY - NY - Christopher Grover, 30, shot to death, Poughkeepsie, 28 Sept 2017 *Arrest*
12/9/19 Update: Dutchess County Judge Edward McLoughlin will determine whether Addimando qualifies to be sentenced under the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act, which would allow for a drastically reduced sentence, on Feb. 5. From there, Addimando's sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 11. Addimando faces a maximum sentence of 25-years-to-life in prison, but that range could be reduced to 5-to-15 years depending on the outcome of the proceedings.
2/5/20 Update: Judge Edward McLoughlin said could have left the home that night or numerous times previously without pulling the trigger. As such, McLoughlin decided Addimando should not be sentenced under the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act. Sentencing scheduled for 2/11/20.

*Trial set to begin or Sentencing Hearing (@ 8:45am CT) – in MI/TX – Michael Lee Swearingin (32) & Jenna Kay Scott (28) (Jan. 4, 2019, Temple; found in Clearview, OK 1/9/19) – for *Ginell Marie McDonough (Army Staff Sgt.) (37/now 38) (Mark’s wife) arrested (1/11/19) & charged (2/19/19) for harboring a fugitive & charged with obstruction of justice. $75K bond reduced to $10K, released on bond with GPS monitor.
Maxwell also was hiding out in McDonough’s Michigan home, according to law enforcement officials. McDonough hasn’t been charged yet with a crime in Texas, and she was released from the Michigan jail after her bond was decreased from $75K to $10K.
Trial set to begin on 2/11/20.
1/30/20 Update: Plead guilty. Could be sentencing date.
*Maya Renee Maxwell – Pretrial hearing on 12/13/19, which was cancelled with no scheduled date thru 2/14/20.
*Cedric Joseph Marks – Murder charges: Pretrial hearing on 2/27/20.

*Trial set to begin (@ 9am PT) – CA – Susan Berman (55) (Dec. 24, 2000, Beverly Hills) – *Robert Alan Durst (75/57 @ time of crime) arrested (3/14/15) extradited (11/1/16 from Indiana prison to Calif.) & charged with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. $4M Bond.
Was serving a 7 year federal prison term for illegal possession of a revolver at the time of his New Orleans’ arrest.
Trial is set to begin on 2/11/20.

 

[Niner]

Updates:

Thursday, Feb. 13th:
*Trial Continues (Day 4)-VERDICT! (ONLY for Porter) (@ 9am ET) - TN – Baby boy (16 mos.) (Nov. 10, 2018, Lawrenceburg; raped by father, suffered 2 broken femurs or fractured hips, had several surgeries, will suffer damage that will last his life) – only for *Simon Dean Porter (33) accused (11/14/18), arrested (11/18/18) & arraigned (4/1/18) for aggravated rape of a child & aggravated child abuse/neglect/endangerment. Plea deal offered. $1M bond.
Was arrested in Scottsboro, Ala & extradited to Tenn. Confessed to raping his son.
Trial began on 2/10/20.
2/10/20 Monday Day 1: Jury selection? No info actually available. Trial continues to 2/11.
2/11/20 Tuesday Day 2: No info available. Trial continues on 2/12.
2/12/20 Wednesday Day 3: Jury finds Porter guilty. Sentencing on 4/3.
*Danielle Faith Bowen (22) “mom” – Trial set to begin on 3/20/20.

*Trial continues (Day 10)-Verdict Reached! (@ 9am PT) – WA – Hartley Anderson (5) (Nov. 2, 2018, Vancouver) - *Ryan Mason Burge (37/now 38) (BF of mom) arrested (11/2/18), charged (11/9/18) & arraigned (12/4/18) with 1st & 2nd degree murder. Plead not guilty. $5M bond, reduced (2/14/19) to $1.5M.
Jury trial began on 2/3/20. (Should be 1 week trial).
Trial info from 2/3/20 thru 2/10/20 reference post #31 here:
WA - Hartley Anderson, 5, murdered by mother's boyfriend, Vancouver, 2 Nov 2018
2/11/20 Tuesday Day 7: No info available. Trial continues to 2/12.
2/12/20 Wednesday Day 8: Closing arguments by Senior Deputy Prosecutor James Smith & Defense attorney Michele Michalek. Jury will start deliberations tomorrow 2/13.
2/13/20 Thursday Day 9: Jury set for deliberations. A Clark County Superior Court jury found Burge guilty of second-degree murder. Jurors were undecided on a charge of first-degree murder but found Burge was guilty of a lesser included charge of manslaughter. The second-degree murder charge was the second count against Burge. The jury also determined that Burge was guilty of several factors that made his crime particularly egregious, including that Hartley was vulnerable & he betrayed a position of trust. His sentencing was set for March 11.

 

[Niner]

Trials & sentencings for the week of Monday, February 17th thru Friday, February 21st:

Not sure IF this is happening on Monday since it is President's Day, but that's what was said on twitter:

Monday, February 17th:
*Trial continues (Day 6) (@ 9am CT) – IA – Michelle Marie Martinko (18) (Dec. 19, 1979, Cedar Rapids, found Dec. 20, 1979 at Cedar Rapids Mall inside her family’s car) - *Jerry Lynn Burns (64/25 @ time of crime) arrested & charged (12/19/18) & arraigned (1/25/19) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. $5M Cash bond.
DNA Parabon Nanolabs DNA Phenotyping SnapShot/GEDMatch
Trial began on 2/10/20 with jury selection. Trial has been moved from Linn County to Scott County. Jury: 9 women & 6 men. (3 alternates)
Trial info from 2/7/20 thru 2/13/20 reference post #165 here:
IA - Michelle Martinko, 18, stabbed to death, Cedar Rapids, 19 Dec 1979 *Arrest*
2/14/20 Friday Day 5: State witnesses: Michael Peterson (retired criminalist with Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation). Dean Chiafos (CRPD officer, investigator from 1993-2003. Trained on how to handle evidence). Ron Johnson (Cedar Rapids police crime scene investigator). Marcia Morton (retired DCI lab evidence technician). Mark Fischer (retired from CRPD as investigator). Cheryl Shipman (retired DCI evidence technician 1979-2010). Doug Larison (retired CRPD officer & investigator 1983-2016). Linda Sawer (of Ames, a retired DCI criminalist - DNA section). Sawer isn't excused but she is released for the day. She will continue testimony Monday. The judge is calling it a day. The trial will continue 9 a.m. Monday, 2/17.

Tuesday, February 18th:
*Trial continues (Day 2) (@ 10am PT) – CA – Susan Berman (55) (Dec. 24, 2000, Beverly Hills) – *Robert Alan Durst (75/57 @ time of crime) arrested (3/14/15) extradited (11/1/16 from Indiana prison to Calif.) & charged with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. $4M Bond.
Was serving a 7 year federal prison term for illegal possession of a revolver at the time of his New Orleans’ arrest.
Trial began on 2/11/20 with jury selection (Trial expected to last 5 months).
2/11/20 Tuesday Day 1: Jury selection starts. Trial for jury selection continues to 2/18. Court closed on 2/12 for Lincoln’s Birthday. Also closed on Monday, 2/17 for President’s Day.

*Jury Trial continues (Day 8) (@ 9am PT) – CA – Nia Wilson (18) (July 22, 2018, MacArthur BART Station, Oakland; her sister Letifah (26) was injured) – *John Lee Cowell (27/now 28) arrested (7/23/18) & charged (7/25/18) with murder & attempted murder with special allegations of using a deadly weapon on each charge. Plead not guilty by reason of insanity. No bond. DA will not seek DP.
Trial began on 1/15/20 with jury selection. Trial started on 2/5/20 with opening statements.
Court hearings & trial info from 7/25/18 thru 2/10/20 reference post #82 here:
CA - Oakland, Nia Wilson stabbed to death on BART, sister injured, 22 Jul 2018 *Arrest*
2/11/20 Tuesday Day 5: No info available. Trial continues on 2/12.
2/12/20 Wednesday Day 6: State rested case. Defense witness: John Cowell. No other info available. Trial continues on 2/13.
2/13/20 Thursday Day 7: Cowell refused to enter the Alameda County courtroom for more than an hour until being ordered inside by Judge Allan Hymer. Defense witness: John Cowell. Prosecutor Butch Ford attempted to show Cowell video of the July 22, 2018, attack at BART’s MacArthur Station. Cowell refused to answer Ford’s questions-lasted roughly 15 minutes on the witness stand Thursday in his second day of testimony. Cowell then was escorted out of the courtroom by two deputies. Saundra Ferriera (Cowell’s aunt). Jeremy Coles (forensic psychologist, who reviewed Cowell’s voluminous mental health history, but Cowell refused to meet with him). Trial resumes on Tuesday, 2/18.

*Trial continues (Day 5) (@ 8:30am CT) – IN – Paisley Olivia Hudson (23 mos.) (July 28, 2018, Madison County) – for *Ryan Ramirez (29/now 30) (BF) arrested (7/28/18) & charged (8/2/18) with felony 1 murder & felony 3 neglect of independent causing serious injuries (3 yr. old). Plead not guilty. $100K cash only bond. DA seeking life without parole.
Trial set to begin on 2/10/20 thru 2/20/20 with jury selection on 2/10.
Jury selection for the trial began Monday 2/10, but testimony is not planned to begin until Wednesday, due to regularly scheduled criminal court proceedings on Tuesday. The courthouse will be closed on Presidents Day, Feb. 17.
2/10/20 Monday Day 1: Jury selection. Jurors were selected in the Ramirez murder trial in Madison Circuit Court 4, but proceedings are not scheduled to resume until Wednesday, 2/12.
2/12/20 Wednesday Day 2: Jurors also watched the last video taken of the little girl before her death, after Judge David A. Happe ruled it was important for them to see. Judge made the decision before opening statements. Opening statements: by deputy prosecutor Peter Beyel & by Defense attorney Nathan Vining. States witness: Kayla Hudson, Paisley’s mother. Anderson Police Detective Larry Crenshaw. Jurors watched the surveillance video.
2/13/20 Thursday Day 3: State witness: Anderson Police Detective Larry Crenshaw. DA then showed a second video of Ramirez leaving the residence. Testimony in the trial is scheduled to resume at 9 a.m. Friday, 2/14. No other info available on other witnesses.
2/14/20 Friday Day 4: Dr. Shannon Thompson (from Riley Children’s Hospital). Dr. Jimmie Smith, (forensic pathologist from West Virginia, performed autopsy). State rests their case. Proceedings are scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, 2/18, when the defense will have an opportunity to present evidence before final arguments are made and the jury deliberations can begin.
*Kayla N. Hudson (25) “mom” 3/5/19: Plead guilty to 1st degree neglect of a dependent causing death & 3rd degree neglect of dependent causing serious injuries (3 yr. old). 4/16/19: Sentenced to 40 years in prison. 10/29/19: Appeal denied.

*Trial continues (Day 6) (@ 9am PT) – CA – Elizabeth Sullivan (31) (reported missing Oct. 14, 2014, San Diego; found Oct. 4, 2016 in San Diego Bay) – *Matthew Scott Sullivan (36/29 @ time of crime) “husband” arrested (1/31/18 in Wyoming, Delaware, extradited 2/9/18), charged & arraigned (3/4/19) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. $2M bond.
Trial began on 2/10/20 with jury selection, trial starts 2/18/20. Will turn 35 years old during trial (on 2/16).
2/10/20 Monday Day 1: Jury selection. No other info available. Jury selection continues on 2/11.
2/11/20 Tuesday Day 2: No info available. Jury selection continues to 2/12.
2/12/20 Wednesday Day 3: Court “might” have been closed for Lincoln’s birthday. No info available. Jury selection continues to 2/13.
2/13/20 Thursday Day 4: Jury selection continues?? No info available. Jury selection continues on 2/14.
2/14/20 Friday Day 5: Going to “assume” jury has been selected. Trial starts on Tuesday, 2/18.

Wednesday, February 19th:
*Sentencing Hearing (Murder charge) (@ 9am PT) – NV – Daniel Theriot (3) (Sept. 2, 2018, Las Vegas, found Sept. 3, 2018) – for *Cassie Renee Smith (20) “mom” arrested (9/3/18) & charged (9/5/18) with 2nd degree murder & 1 count of child abuse or neglect (2 yr. bro). $100K bond.
Both confessed to hiding Daniel’s body. 2 year old removed from home.
Court hearing from 9/4/18 thru 9/6/19 reference post #294 here:
GUILTY - NV - Daniel Theriot, 3, Sunset Park, Las Vegas, 2 Sep 2018 *ARRESTS*
9/19/19: Smith: Abuse charge on 11/20, murder charge bound over for trial. Next Arraignment hearing for murder charges on 11/13. 11/13/19: Smith: Murder: Media’s request for cameras-granted. Arraignment hearing continued on 12/3.
11/20/19 Update: Abuse charge: continued for status check on dismissal per negotiations on 12/20. 11/26/19 Update: Murder: Guilty plea entered. Sentencing on 1/30/20.
12/20/19 Update: Abuse charge: Abuse charges were dismissed. 1/30/20: Sentencing has been reset for 2/19/20.
*Joshua Lee Oxford (40) BF - plead guilty to 2nd degree murder & child abuse or neglect. 11/13/19: Sentenced to 16 to 45 years in prison.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Wednesday, February 19th:
*Trial continues (Day 6)-Verdict Reached! (@ 8:30am CT) – IN – Paisley Olivia Hudson (23 mos.) (July 28, 2018, Madison County) – for *Ryan Ramirez (29/now 30) (BF) arrested (7/28/18) & charged (8/2/18) with felony 1 murder & felony 3 neglect of independent causing serious injuries (3 yr. old). Plead not guilty. $100K cash only bond. Madison County #48C04-1808-MR-001964
Trial set to begin on 2/10/20 thru 2/20/20 with jury selection on 2/10.
DA seeking life without parole.
Jury selection for the trial began Monday 2/10, but testimony is not planned to begin until Wednesday, due to regularly scheduled criminal court proceedings on Tuesday. The courthouse will be closed on Presidents Day, Feb. 17.
Trial info from 2/10/20 thru 2/14/20 reference post #75 here:
GUILTY - IN - Paisley Olivia Hudson, 23 months, death by homicide, Madison County, 28 Jul 2018
2/18/20 Tuesday Day 5: Jury deliberated and found Ramirez guilty on both counts. Sentencing on 2/19.
2/19/20 Wednesday Day 6: A jury took about 10 minutes to decide Ramirez should serve life in prison without parole.
*Kayla N. Hudson (25) “mom” 3/5/19: Plead guilty to 1st degree neglect of a dependent causing death & 3rd degree neglect of dependent causing serious injuries (3 yr. old). 4/16/19: Sentenced to 40 years in prison. 10/29/19: Appeal denied.

 

[Niner]

Update:

Wednesday, February 19th:
*Sentencing Hearing (Murder charge) (@ 9am PT) – NV – Daniel Theriot (3) (Sept. 2, 2018, Las Vegas, found Sept. 3, 2018) – for *Cassie Renee Smith (20/now 21) “mom” arrested (9/3/18) & charged (9/5/18) with 2nd degree murder & 1 count of child abuse or neglect (2 yr. bro). $100K bond.
Both confessed to hiding Daniel’s body. 2 year old removed from home.
Court hearing from 9/4/18 thru 9/6/19 reference post #294 here:
GUILTY - NV - Daniel Theriot, 3, Sunset Park, Las Vegas, 2 Sep 2018 *ARRESTS*
9/19/19: Smith: Abuse charge on 11/20, murder charge bound over for trial. Next Arraignment hearing for murder charges on 11/13. 11/13/19: Smith: Murder: Media’s request for cameras-granted. Arraignment hearing continued on 12/3.
11/20/19 Update: Abuse charge: continued for status check on dismissal per negotiations on 12/20. 11/26/19 Update: Murder: Guilty plea entered. Sentencing on 1/30/20.
12/20/19 Update: Abuse charge: Abuse charges were dismissed. 1/30/20: Sentencing has been reset for 2/19/20.
2/19/20 Update: Judge sentenced Smith to 14 to 45 years in prison.
*Joshua Lee Oxford (40) BF - plead guilty to 2nd degree murder & child abuse or neglect. 11/13/19: Sentenced to 16 to 45 years in prison.

 

[Niner]

Update:

Friday, February 21st:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am ET) - ME – Marissa Kennedy (10) (Feb. 25, 2018, Stockton Springs. Suffered months of abuse (Oct. ‘1-Feb. ’18) - *Sharon Carrillo now Kennedy (33/now 34) “mom” arrested (2/26/18), charged (2/28/18) & arraigned (4/2/18) with depraved indifference murder. Plead not guilty. $500K bond.
Julio & Sharon's marriage was annulled on Friday, Dec 20, due to him already being married to a woman in KY when he married Sharon.
Trial began on 12/6/19. Jury selection began on 12/5. Trial expected to go to 12/18/19.
The judge ruled that Sharon is competent to stand trial.
Trial info from 12/4/19 to 12/17/19 (Day 1-8) reference post #289 here:
GUILTY - ME - Marissa Kennedy, 10, Stockton Springs, killed by mother & stepfather, 25 Feb 2018
12/18/19 Day 9: Justice Murray is instructing the jury on their duties before they go into deliberation. Jury started deliberations at 9:40am ET. At about 12:30pm jurors had a couple of questions & asked for lunch. Verdict reached at ~3:15pm (deliberation time: 6 hours). Verdict: guilty of murder. Sentencing scheduled on 2/7/20. 2/7/20: Court was closed due to inclement weather. Sentencing on Friday, 2/21.
2/21/20 Update: Assistant Attorney General Leane Zainea has asked for a minimum life sentence. Relatives are pleading for a lesser sentence due to her intellectual disability, claiming she has the mind of a 12 year old. Defense Attorney Laura Shaw is asking for a sentence of 25-32 years in prison. Sharon will not be addressing the court. Superior Court Justice Robert Murray sentenced her to 48 years in prison.
*Julio Carrillo (51) step-dad - plead guilty at “open plea” hearing on 7/22/19. DA will be asking for life. 8/28/19: sentenced to 55 years in prison.

 

[Niner]

and here we are - the last week of February!!?? Where did it go??!

Okay -
Sentences & trial for the week of Monday, Feb. 24th thru Friday, Feb. 28th:

Monday, Feb. 24th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am ET) – VA – Megan Lorraine Metzger (19) (July 17, 2018, Appomattox County; found July 22, 2018) – for *Robert Patrick Keating (25/now 26) arrested (7/21/18), charged (7/23/18) & indicted (11/19/18) with accessory after the fact of a homicide, conspiring accessory after a homicide, concealing or compounding a felony, conspiracy of concealing/compounding, obstruction of justice, larceny of a firearm, possession of Sched I/II controlled substance, possession of controlled paraphernalia & possession of Sched IV controlled substance. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial was to start on 4/3/19.
3/22/19 Update: Keating pleaded guilty on Friday (3/22) to 6 charges, including accessory after the fact of homicide, possessing a firearm as a felon, receiving stolen property and two counts of conspiracy. In exchange for Keating’s guilty pleas, prosecutor Jeff Adams reduced one charge & agreed not to file any more charges against Keating in connection with the slaying of Metzger. Keating has also agreed to testify in cases involving another co-defendant if necessary. He will be sentenced Aug. 6.
8/6/19 Update: Since Newton’s trial has been delayed sentencing has been delayed until 2/24/20.
For *Keelyn Rose Codynah (23/now 24) arrested (7/21/18), charged (7/23/18), indicted (11/19/18) & arraigned (1/29/19) with 1 count of accessory to murder, conceal or compound a felony, conspired to conceal/compound, concealing a dead body, conspiring to conceal a dead body. Conspiring to defile a dead body, defilement of a dead body & conspiring accessory after a homicide. Held without bond.
1/29/18 Update: Plead guilty to 7 charges: accessory after fact of a homicide, conceal or compound a felony, conspired to conceal/compound, concealing a dead body, conspiring to conceal a dead body, conspiring to defile a dead body, defilement of a dead body & conspiring accessory after a homicide. Sentencing scheduled for 5/9.
5/9/19 Update: Sentencing continued to 8/6. 8/6/19: Since Newton’s trial has been delayed sentencing has been delayed until 2/24/20.
For *Juan Benavidez II (19/now 20) arrested & charged (7/20/18) & arraigned (10/9/18) with felony count of arson of a vehicle. Charged & indicted (12/17/19) with 1 count 1st degree murder (accessory to murder after the fact), conceal or compound a felony, defilement of a dead body, concealing a dead body & grand larceny (Auto theft). Held without bond.
1/29/19 Update: Plead guilty (no contest) to accessory after a homicide, conceal or compound a felony, defilement of a dead body, concealing a dead body & grand larceny: auto theft. Sentencing is scheduled for 5/9.
1/29/19: Still facing arson and other charges in Westmoreland. Status hearing on 5/17 continued to 7/26 & continued to 10/25.
5/9/19 Update: Sentencing continued to 8/6.
8/6/19 Update: Since Newton’s trial has been delayed sentencing has been delayed until 2/24/20. 10/25/19: Arson charges have status hearing on 4/24/20.
*David Weston Newton (20) – 1/3/20: Plead guilty to a plea deal. As part of a plea agreement accepted by Judge William Glover, Newton was sentenced to life in prison with all but 40 years suspended. Eight other felony charges were dropped as part of the deal.

*Trial set to begin for all (Sanders case) (@ 8:30am CT) - IN – Javon Blackwell (42), his sons Javon, Jr. (12) & Jayzon (11) (Dec. 30, 2018, Marion) – *Lemere Joseph Jones (29/now 30) arrested & charged (1/28/19) with 3 counts of murder, conspiracy to commit armed robbery & armed robbery in connection with 3 deaths. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
*Charged with robbery & possession of firearm at Family Dollar store on 12/23/18.
*Maurtreyviaum “Troy” Sanders (19) (Nov. 6, 2018, Marion) – For *Lemere Joseph Jones (29) charged (1/29/19) with murder, conspiracy to commit armed robbery & armed robbery in connection with a death. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial set to begin 3/9/20-Blackwell / Trial set to begin 3/16/20-Robbery / Trial set to begin 2/24/20-Sanders
1/23/20 Update: Sanders: trial starts 2/24/20. Robbery: trial starts 3/16/20 @ 1pm. Blackwell: trial starts 3/9/20 @ 1pm.
For *Demetrius Jemere Jackson (25/now 26) charged (1/29/19) with murder, conspiracy to commit armed robbery & armed robbery in connection with a death. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial set to begin 3/23/20-Blackwell / Trial set to begin 2/24/20-Sanders
9/19/19 Update: Sanders: trial starts 2/24/20. Blackwell: trial starts 3/23/20.
For *Brittany Diann Drake (29/now 30) arrested & charged (1/28/19) with conspiracy to commit armed robbery in connection with the 1 death. Plead not guilty. $30K Surety bond. Out on bond (1/28/19).
Trial starts on 2/24/20-Sanders

*Trial set to begin (@ 9am ET) – FL – Deborah Dalzell (47) (Mar. 28, 1999, Sarasota) – *Luke Edward Fleming (20 @ time of crime/39/now 40) arrested & charged (9/17/18) & arraigned (10/19/18) with 2nd degree murder (1st degree felony), sexual assault with weapon & sexual battery with great bodily harm (Life felony). Plead not guilty. $1.2M bond. DA will not seek DP.
New DNA testing: to determine ancestry & physical traits. Parabon Nanolabs “SnapShot”/GEDMatch.
Trial set to begin 2/24/20.

*Trial continues (Day 2) (@ 9am PT) – CA – Elizabeth Sullivan (31) (reported missing Oct. 14, 2014, San Diego; found Oct. 4, 2016 in San Diego Bay) – *Matthew Scott Sullivan (29 @ time of crime/33/now 35) “husband” arrested (1/31/18 in Wyoming, Delaware, extradited 2/9/18), charged & arraigned (3/4/19) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. $2M bond.
Trial began on 2/18/20 with jury selection, trial started on 2/21/20.
Jury Selection from 2/10/20 thru 2/14/20 reference post #299 here:
Found Deceased - CA - Elizabeth Sullivan, 31, San Diego, 13 Oct 2014 *Arrest*
2/18/20 Tuesday Day 1 of Jury Selection: Jury selection. Jury selection continues on 2/19.
2/19/20 Wednesday Day 2: Jury selection continues on 2/20.
2/20/20 Thursday Day 3: Jury selected. Trial begins on 2/21 with opening statements.
2/21/20 Friday Day 1 of Trial: Opening statements by Deputy District Attorney Jill Lindberg & by Defense attorney Marcus DeBose. State witnesses: Mr. Witts (or Bricks) (Elizabeth’s father). Calandra Harris (Elizabeth's best friend). Trial continues on 2/24.

*Trial begins (Day 3 of Jury Selection) (@ 10am PT) – CA – Susan Berman (55) (Dec. 24, 2000, Beverly Hills) – *Robert Alan Durst (57 @ time of crime/75/now 78) arrested (3/14/15) extradited (11/1/16 from Indiana prison to Calif.) & charged with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. $4M Bond.
Was serving a 7 year federal prison term for illegal possession of a revolver at the time of his New Orleans’ arrest.
Trial began on 2/11/20 with pretrial motions & jury selection started on 2/19. (Trial expected to last 5 months).
2/11/20 Tuesday: No info, but no jury selection until 2/19. Had pretrial motions (Motions in Limine) hearing. No court until next pretrial motions hearing on 2/18. 2/18/20: No information on motions. Trial begins on 2/19.
2/19/20 Wednesday Day 1 of Jury Selection. Continues to 2/20.
2/20/20 Thursday Day 2 of Jury Selection. Continues on 2/21.
2/21/20 Friday, Day 3 of Jury Selection. Continues on Monday, 2/24.

*Jury Trial continues (Day 11-"might" be closing arguments) (@ 9am PT) – CA – Nia Wilson (18) (July 22, 2018, MacArthur BART Station, Oakland; her sister Letifah (26) was injured) – *John Lee Cowell (27/now 28) arrested (7/23/18) & charged (7/25/18) with murder & attempted murder with special allegations of using a deadly weapon on each charge. Plead not guilty by reason of insanity. No bond. DA will not seek DP.
Trial began on 1/15/20 with jury selection. Trial started on 2/5/20 with opening statements.
Court hearings & trial info from 7/25/18 thru 2/13/20 reference post #90 here:
CA - Oakland, Nia Wilson stabbed to death on BART, sister injured, 22 Jul 2018 *Arrest*
2/18/20 Tuesday Day 7: Judge warned Cowell if he did not retake the stand his testimony will be thrown out. Cowell stayed in guarded room refusing to enter courtroom. Defense witnesses: Dr. Jonathan Patberg (from Costa Mesa Medical Center). No other info available yet. Trial continues on 2/19.
2/19/20 Wednesday Day 8: Cowell spent another day in guarded room refusing to enter courtroom. No other info available yet. Trial continues on 2/20.
2/20/20 Thursday Day 9: Cowell spent another day Thursday sitting in a guarded room of the Oakland courthouse, refusing to enter the courtroom where his murder trial was underway. Defense witnesses: Georgina Agnitsch (friend of Cowell's). No other info available yet. Trial continues on 2/21.
2/21/20: No info available yet. Trial continues on Monday, 2/24.

*Trial continues (Day 9)-Closing Arguments (@ 9am CT) – IA – Michelle Marie Martinko (18) (Dec. 19, 1979, Cedar Rapids, found Dec. 20, 1979 at Cedar Rapids Mall inside her family’s car) - *Jerry Lynn Burns (25 @ time of crime/64/now 65) arrested & charged (12/19/18) & arraigned (1/25/19) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. $5M Cash bond.
DNA Parabon Nanolabs DNA Phenotyping SnapShot/GEDMatch
Trial began on 2/10/20 with jury selection. Actual start of trial was 2/12/20. Trial has been moved from Linn County to Scott County. Jury: 9 women & 6 men. (3 alternates; 2/19/20: now 2 alternates, 1 juror got sick & was replaced).
Jury selection & trial info from 2/7/20 thru 2/19/20 reference post #188 here:
IA - Michelle Martinko, 18, stabbed to death, Cedar Rapids, 19 Dec 1979 *Arrest*
2/20/20 Thursday Day 7: Defense witness: Michael Spence (owner of Spence Forensic Resources in Las Cruces, N.M., has degrees in molecular biology and molecular genetics). Jury is excused for lunch. Spies is going to rest. He is asking Burns to say on the record that he doesn't want to testify. Burns says he doesn't. Defense rested their case. The prosecution likely will have a rebuttal witness Friday. Closing arguments may start Monday. Trial continues on 2/21.
2/21/20 Friday Day 8: State rebuttal witness: Paul Bush (criminalist supervisor with DCI crime lab; Has been with crime lab for 38 years. Supervisor for 10 years. 10 years as technical leader & also was a crime scene investigator). Spies has an objection to bring up outside the jury. The jury is excused. Spies is objecting to Maybanks saying Burns DNA is blood. He said it's not a proper characterization of the evidence. The jury has already heard the statement. He is moving for a mistrial. Maybanks: The only test done on area shows it's blood. Defense can argue that. The evidence is blood. None of the state's witnesses said it wasn't. Spence was allowed to share his theory about transfer of DNA. Bush can make an opinion on this and he can be cross-examined. This isn't any shocking revelation. The prosecution has always said it's blood. Defense has known this. The prosecution is rebutting the defense's witness. Spies is arguing that it's not Burns' blood. Prosecution is making a conclusion that it's blood and witnesses didn't say that. Admonishing the jury to disregard that statement isn't enough. Judge Hoover: She is overruling Spies motion for mistrial. It is up to the jury to make the determination if it was Burns' blood. None of the experts could rule out it was saliva, sweat or another bodily fluid. Jury is back.Judge Hoover to jurors: Disregard the prosecution's statement that Burns' blood was on the evidence. None of experts could say that it came from blood. It up to the jury to make that determination. No sir rebuttal from defense. Judge is letting jurors go until 9 a.m. Monday 2/24 for closing arguments. The lawyers and judge will work on jury instructions this afternoon. Jury is gone. Spies renews his motion for acquittal. Maybanks: State renews resistance to acquittal. Judge Hoover: She overrules motion for acquittal.


continued on next post....

 

[Niner]

Tuesday, Feb. 25th:
*Sentencing Hearing (all charges) (@ 2pm ET) - OH - Shannon Elizabeth Graves (28) (Missing Feb. 2017, Youngstown; found in freezer July 2017) – For *Michelle Lee Ihlenfeld (27/now 28) arrested (8/30/18) & indicted (9/1/18) with 2 counts of intimidation of crime victim/witness (between 8/13 & 8/15 of 2018), 1 count of obstruction of justice, & 1 count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. Plead not guilty. $300K bond.
*Indicted (6/13/19), charged & arraigned (6/25/19) with aggravated trafficking in drugs. Plead not guilty. No bond.
Trial was set for 6/3/19, moved to 8/19/19 for drugs which was continued with no date.
5/31/19 Update: Defense files motion for continuance-granted. Next hearing on 6/18. 6/18/19: Hearing continued to 7/18.
6/26/19 Update: Arraignment on charges of 3 counts of aggravated trafficking in drugs. Plead not guilty. Transferred to another judge. Next “Notes for the Court” hearing on 7/11, trial scheduled for 8/19. 7/11/19: Pretrial hearing on 7/23 re drugs.
7/18/19 Update: Tampering hearing was cancelled. Next pretrial hearing on 8/6. 7/23/19: Drugs: Next pretrial hearing on 8/6. 8/6/19: Both cases have been closed. Trial is continued. Stay or Appeal. Next “Notes to Court” hearing on 2/3/20.
1/17/20 Update: Hearing on 2/3/20 is cancelled. Ihlenfeld plead guilty to charges in connection with the beating death & dismemberment of Shannon almost three years ago in a plea deal. She’s the latest defendant to enter a plea in the case. Sentencing on 2/25/20. She will spend an additional 6 months in jail.
Andrew A. Herrmann (27) – Plea hearing on all charges on 2/27/20.
*Arturo Novoa (31) – Plead guilty. 6/14/19: Sentenced to 48 years to life in prison.
*Katrina L. Layton (36) – Plead guilty. 1/29/20: Sentenced to 18 years in prison.

*Trial set to begin (@ am UK) – UK – Lindsay Birbeck (47) (from Huncoat; last seen ~ 2:30pm on Aug. 12, 2019 & walking towards Accrington on Burnley Road @ 4:06pm on CCTV; found Aug. 24, 2019 in the area of Accrington Cemetery on Burnley Road) - *16 year old boy arrested (8/27/19) on suspicion of murder & on charged (8/31/19) with murder. Plead not guilty. Remanded to custody.
Trial set to begin on 2/25/20 & run for 2 weeks at the Preston Crown Court.
8/29/19 Update: Lancashire Constabulary has confirmed today (August 29) that his custody period has been extended. 8/31/19: August 31st charged a teenage boy with the murder; due to appear before Blackburn Magistrates’ Court on Monday Sept. 2.
9/2/19 Update: The boy was remanded in secure accommodation until he appears at Preston Crown Court tomorrow (9/3/19). 9/3/19: His next appearance will be on December 13 when he will be asked to enter a plea.
12/13/19 Update: Denies killing Birbeck. Entered a plea of not guilty. Mrs. Justice Amanda Yip will be the presiding judge. Trial date is set for 2/25/20 & will last about 2 weeks.

*Trial set to begin (re 2018 sexual assault case) (@ am MT) - UT – MacKenzie “Kenzie” Lueck (23) (June 17, 2019, Salt Lake City, reported missing June 20, 2019, found June 26, 2019 charred female human tissue & bone, part of her scalp with hair, burned cell phone & personal belongings (clothing) burned & buried in his Salt Lake City backyard; body found July 3, 2019 in Logan Canyon (about 85 miles north of Salt Lake City).) - *Ayoola Adisa Ajayi aka “Joy” & “AJ” (31) arrested & charged (6/28/19) & formally charged (7/10/19) with criminal homicide 1st degree felony aggravated murder, 1st degree aggravated kidnapping, 2nd degree desecration of a body & 3rd degree obstruction of justice. No plea entered yet. Held without bond.
Court hearings from 6/30/19 thru 7/29/19 reference post #645 here:
UT - MacKenzie "Kenzie" Lueck, 23, Salt Lake City, 17 June 2019 #19 *ARREST*
8/26/19 Update on scheduling conference hearing – next hearing on 10/7. 10/7/19 Update: The judge scheduled a two-day preliminary hearing for March 11–12, 2020. Evidence will be presented at the preliminary hearing to see if the case will advance to trial.
*Charged (8/13/19) with 19 counts of 2nd degree possessing child *advertiser censored* (sexual exploitation of a minor).
8/13/19 Update: An additional 19 charges were filed Tuesday of possessing child *advertiser censored*. The images are mostly of children between the ages of 4 and 8 years old, the charges state.
8/23/19 Update: Preliminary hearing on 9/9. 9/9/19 Update: Next preliminary hearing on 10/21. 10/21/19: A preliminary hearing in that case has been set for later in March. No update as of 2/22.
*Charged (8/20/19) with 1st degree felony aggravated kidnapping & 3 counts of 2nd degree felony forcible sexual abuse. Plead not guilty. (2018 sex assault).
Trial set to begin on Feb. 25 (a 2-day trial).
Court info from 8/20/19 thru 10/21/19 reference post #834 here:
UT - MacKenzie "Kenzie" Lueck, 23, Salt Lake City, 17 June 2019 #19 *ARREST*
11/20/19 Update: Third District Judge Vernice Trease sided with prosecutors & the woman’s attorney Wednesday, finding Utah’s victim rights law protects the woman from being forced to take the stand at a remaining portion of a preliminary hearing next week (11/27).
11/27/19 Update: Judge Vernice Trease said she will rule Dec. 20 on whether prosecutors have met their burden of probable cause to support the kidnapping charge. In the meantime, she scheduled a two-day jury trial to begin in February on three counts of forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony.
12/20/19 Update: Third District Judge Vernice Trease ruled Friday the evidence against Ayoola Adisa Ajayi meets the standard of probable cause in each of four criminal charges. Hearing set for late January. A 2-day trial set for Feb. 25, 2020.

*Trial set to begin (@ am MT) – ID – Lyryk Altom (20 mos) (Oct. 8, 2017, Twin Falls-taken to hospital & died Oct. 14, 2017) – for *Joshua Eric Molina (33/now 35) (BF) arrested & charged (March/2017) & arraigned (5/30/18) on 1st degree murder & 1 count felony injury to a child. Plead not guilty.
Trial set to begin on 2/25/20 for Molina only.
Court info from 10/9/18 thru 2/7/20 reference post #85 here:
ID - Lyryk Altom, 20 mos, died of blunt force trauma from mother & bf, Twin Falls, Oct 2017
2/10/20 Update: The pretrial conference was held. Eight subpoenas have been issued. An Order to Transport was issued to bring Amanda Dunlap to the trial. The trial is still on for 2/25/20.
*Amanda Jean Dunlap (23) “mom” – Next Status conference hearing on 3/17/20.

Thursday, Feb. 27th:
*Jury Selection begins (@ 1:30pm ET) – GA – newborn found in freezer (born ~ 6/7-11; found 6/26/18) – *Carol June Sautter-Williams (45/now 46) arrested & charged (6/25/18), indicted (1/10/20) & arraigned (2/16/20) with felony concealing a death (felony) & making a false statement (felony). Plead not guilty. No bail. Judge grants bond @ $30K.
Trial set to begin on 3/2/20 (thru 3/9/20).
1/10/20 Update: Grand Jury indicts Sautter on concealing a death & making a false statement. Arraignment hearing on 2/6/20. 2/6/20: Plead not guilty. Jury selection starts 2/27/20 and trial starts 3/2 thru 3/9.

Friday, Feb. 28th:
*Sentencing Hearing (for Caden) (@ 8:30am MT) – CO – Caden McWilliams (Pankey) (7) (Dec. 23, 2018, Denver; reported missing the week of 12/21, found in storage unit encased in concrete; LE believe he has been in there since May 24, 2018-official date of death by coroner) – for *Leland Pankey (39) arrested & charged (5/30/19) with 1st degree murder, child abuse leading to death & tampering with a deceased body. Held without bond.
5/30/19 Update: Arrested & charged with Caden’s death. Next Status hearing on 6/27 on Case #CR9761. For both cases hearing on 9/11 @ 8:30am (case #CR9761) for Status conference hearing & @ on 9/13 (case #CR20011-Caden) for Preliminary hearing.
6/27/19: Next Status Conference hearing (#CR9761) & Preliminary hearing (#CR20011) on 9/13 both cases. 9/13/19: Next preliminary hearing & arraignment for both cases on 11/14. 11/14/19: Arraignment (#CR20011) & status hearing (#CR9761) continued to 1/9/20.
1/9/20 Update: Pankey plead guilty Thursday to child abuse resulting in death and tampering with a deceased body in the death of Caden McWilliams. But prosecutors dropped a murder charge against him. His wife also previously pleaded guilty in the boy’s death. Pankey faces between 17 and 72 years in prison. Next (#CR20011) sentencing hearing on 2/28 & status hearing (#CR9761) on 2/28. 2/23/20: Case #CR9761 was dismissed.
*Elisha A. McWilliams-Pankey (43) – Plead guilty to 1 count of child abuse resulting in death. Status hearing on 4/3/20, will be sentenced after Leland Pankey’s trial.

 

[Niner]

Updates!

Monday, February 24th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am ET) – VA – Megan Lorraine Metzger (19) (July 17, 2018, Appomattox County; found July 22, 2018) – for *Robert Patrick Keating (25/now 26) arrested (7/21/18), charged (7/23/18) & indicted (11/19/18) with accessory after the fact of a homicide, conspiring accessory after a homicide, concealing or compounding a felony, conspiracy of concealing/compounding, obstruction of justice, larceny of a firearm, possession of Sched I/II controlled substance, possession of controlled paraphernalia & possession of Sched IV controlled substance. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial was to start on 4/3/19.
3/22/19 Update: Keating pleaded guilty on Friday (3/22) to 6 charges, including accessory after the fact of homicide, possessing a firearm as a felon, receiving stolen property and two counts of conspiracy. In exchange for Keating’s guilty pleas, prosecutor Jeff Adams reduced one charge & agreed not to file any more charges against Keating in connection with the slaying of Metzger. Keating has also agreed to testify in cases involving another co-defendant if necessary. He will be sentenced Aug. 6.
8/6/19 Update: Since Newton’s trial has been delayed sentencing has been delayed until 2/24/20.
2/24/20 Update: Sentenced to 21 years in prison.
For *Keelyn Rose Codynah (23/now 24) arrested (7/21/18), charged (7/23/18), indicted (11/19/18) & arraigned (1/29/19) with 1 count of accessory to murder, conceal or compound a felony, conspired to conceal/compound, concealing a dead body, conspiring to conceal a dead body. Conspiring to defile a dead body, defilement of a dead body & conspiring accessory after a homicide. Held without bond.
1/29/18 Update: Plead guilty to 7 charges: accessory after fact of a homicide, conceal or compound a felony, conspired to conceal/compound, concealing a dead body, conspiring to conceal a dead body, conspiring to defile a dead body, defilement of a dead body & conspiring accessory after a homicide. Sentencing scheduled for 5/9.
5/9/19 Update: Sentencing continued to 8/6. 8/6/19: Since Newton’s trial has been delayed sentencing has been delayed until 2/24/20.
2/24/20 Update: Sentenced to 16 years in prison.
For *Juan Benavidez II (19/now 20) arrested & charged (7/20/18) & arraigned (10/9/18) with felony count of arson of a vehicle. Charged & indicted (12/17/19) with 1 count 1st degree murder (accessory to murder after the fact), conceal or compound a felony, defilement of a dead body, concealing a dead body & grand larceny (Auto theft). Held without bond.
1/29/19 Update: Plead guilty (no contest) to accessory after a homicide, conceal or compound a felony, defilement of a dead body, concealing a dead body & grand larceny: auto theft. Sentencing is scheduled for 5/9.
1/29/19: Still facing arson and other charges in Westmoreland. Status hearing on 5/17 continued to 7/26 & continued to 10/25.
5/9/19 Update: Sentencing continued to 8/6. 8/6/19: Since Newton’s trial has been delayed sentencing has been delayed until 2/24/20. 10/25/19: Arson charges have status hearing on 4/24/20.
2/24/20 Update: Sentenced to 13 years in prison.
*David Weston Newton (20) – 1/3/20: Plead guilty to a plea deal. As part of a plea agreement accepted by Judge William Glover, Newton was sentenced to life in prison with all but 40 years suspended. Eight other felony charges were dropped as part of the deal.

*Trial continues (Day 9)-Verdict Reached! (@ 9am CT) – IA – Michelle Marie Martinko (18) (Dec. 19, 1979, Cedar Rapids, found Dec. 20, 1979 at Cedar Rapids Mall inside her family’s car) - *Jerry Lynn Burns (25 @ time of crime/64/now 65) arrested & charged (12/19/18) & arraigned (1/25/19) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. $5M Cash bond.
DNA Parabon Nanolabs DNA Phenotyping SnapShot/GEDMatch
Trial began on 2/10/20 with jury selection. Actual start of trial was 2/12/20. Trial has been moved from Linn County to Scott County. Jury: 9 women & 6 men. (3 alternates; 2/19/20: now 2 alternates, 1 juror got sick & was replaced).
Jury selection & trial (Days 1 thru 8) info from 2/7/20 thru 2/21/20 reference post #193 here:
GUILTY - IA - Michelle Martinko, 18, stabbed to death, Cedar Rapids, 19 Dec 1979 *Arrest*
2/24/20 Monday Day 9: Judge Fae Hoover read jury instructions. The jury can consider the lesser charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter & involuntary manslaughter. Closing arguments: by First Assistant Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks. (Maybanks played portion of his interview in 12/19/18). Defense attorney Leon Spies (Spies also played a portion of the interview). Maybanks rebuttal arguments. The judge read some final instructions to the jury. Judge Hoover will now excuse two alternates who will not be deliberating. Two women are excused. This leaves 7 women and five men. The jury went out at 1:07 p.m. The jury has lunch waiting for them. Jurors deliberated for about two hours. The jury found him guilty of first-degree murder. Judge is polling the jurors. Burns will be held without bond. Sentencing will be in 6 weeks. Approximately week of March 30th.

 

[Niner]

Update!

*Sentencing Hearing (all charges) (@ 2pm ET) - OH - Shannon Elizabeth Graves (28) (Missing Feb. 2017, Youngstown; found in freezer July 2017) – For *Michelle Lee Ihlenfeld (27/now 28) arrested (8/30/18) & indicted (9/1/18) with 2 counts of intimidation of crime victim/witness (between 8/13 & 8/15 of 2018), 1 count of obstruction of justice, & 1 count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. Plead not guilty. $300K bond.
*Indicted (6/13/19), charged & arraigned (6/25/19) with aggravated trafficking in drugs. Plead not guilty. No bond.
Trial was set for 6/3/19, moved to 8/19/19 for drugs which was continued with no date.
5/31/19 Update: Defense files motion for continuance-granted. Next hearing on 6/18. 6/18/19: Hearing continued to 7/18.
6/26/19 Update: Arraignment on charges of 3 counts of aggravated trafficking in drugs. Plead not guilty. Transferred to another judge. Next “Notes for the Court” hearing on 7/11, trial scheduled for 8/19. 7/11/19: Pretrial hearing on 7/23 re drugs.
7/18/19 Update: Tampering hearing was cancelled. Next pretrial hearing on 8/6. 7/23/19: Drugs: Next pretrial hearing on 8/6. 8/6/19: Both cases have been closed. Trial is continued. Stay or Appeal. Next “Notes to Court” hearing on 2/3/20.
1/17/20 Update: Hearing on 2/3/20 is cancelled. Ihlenfeld plead guilty to charges in connection with the beating death & dismemberment of Shannon almost three years ago in a plea deal. She’s the latest defendant to enter a plea in the case. Sentencing on 2/25/20. She will spend an additional 6 months in jail.
2/25/20 Update: After spending nearly two years in jail since her arrest, Judge Anthony Donofrio ordered her to serve another six months in the county jail, followed by a six-month counseling program for substance abuse.
*Andrew A. Herrmann (27) – Plea hearing on all charges on 2/27/20. *Arturo Novoa (31) – Plead guilty. 6/14/19: Sentenced to 48 years to life in prison.
*Katrina L. Layton (36) – Plead guilty. 1/29/20: Sentenced to 18 years in prison.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Friday, February 28th:
*Sentencing Hearing (for Caden) (@ 8:30am MT) – CO – Caden McWilliams (Pankey) (7) (Dec. 23, 2018, Denver; reported missing the week of 12/21, found in storage unit encased in concrete; LE believe he has been in there since May 24, 2018-official date of death by coroner) – for *Leland Pankey (39/now 40) arrested & charged (5/30/19) with 1st degree murder, child abuse leading to death & tampering with a deceased body. Held without bond.
5/30/19 Update: Arrested & charged with Caden’s death. Next Status hearing on 6/27 on Case #CR9761. For both cases hearing on 9/11 @ 8:30am (case #CR9761) for Status conference hearing & @ on 9/13 (case #CR20011) for Preliminary hearing.
6/27/19: Next Status Conference hearing (#CR9761) & Preliminary hearing (#CR20011) on 9/13 both cases. 9/13/19: Next preliminary hearing & arraignment for both cases on 11/14. 11/14/19: Arraignment (#CR20011) & status hearing (#CR9761) continued to 1/9/20.
1/9/20 Update: Pankey plead guilty Thursday to child abuse resulting in death and tampering with a deceased body in the death of Caden McWilliams. But prosecutors dropped a murder charge against him. His wife also previously pleaded guilty in the boy’s death. Pankey faces between 17 and 72 years in prison. Next (#CR20011) sentencing hearing on 2/28 & status hearing (#CR9761) on 2/28. 2/22/20: Case #CR9761 was dismissed.
2/28/20 Update: Sentenced to 72 years in prison. 48 years for the child abuse charge and 24 years for tampering.
*Elisha A. McWilliams-Pankey (43/now 44) – Plead guilty to 1 count of child abuse resulting in death. Status hearing on 4/3/20, will be sentenced after Leland Pankey’s trial. Sentencing hearing changed to 4/1/20.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Friday, February 27th
*Sentencing Hearing (@ am ET) - NC – Sara Ellis (29) (July 24, 2018, Canton) – *Derek Shawn Pendergraft (21) arrested (7/26/18) & charged (7/26/18) & indicted (Federal charges) (12/5/18) with 2 counts 1st degree aggravated murder & 2 counts of aggravated sexual abuse. Held without bail. DA might seek DP.
12/5/18 Update: A federal grand jury has returned a criminal bill of indictment raising charges against man accused of killing a coworker at Pisgah Inn over the summer. Pendergraft now faces federal charges of one count of first-degree murder & two counts of aggravated sexual abuse. Was initially charged with one count of second-degree murder, a lesser charge than he now faces. Preliminary hearing set for 12/7.
12/7/18 Update: Plea agreement has been reached. Next Plea hearing on 8/21. 8/21/19: Plea hearing moved to 8/26.
8/26/19 Update: Pendergraft’s plea agreement where he plead guilty, which the Court has accepted, provides that the defendant will receive a sentence of life in prison without any possibility of parole for his crimes. Pendergraft remains in federal custody. A sentencing date has not been set.
2/27/20 Update: Sentenced to 3 life terms in prison without the possibility of parole.