Trials set to begin in JANUARY, 2020

[Niner]

Hello all!

Here are trials & sentencings happening for the week of Monday, January 6th thru Friday, January 10th:

Monday, January 6th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am PT) – CA – Omar Medina (38) (Sept. 30, 2017, Chula Vista Marina; reported missing Oct. 2, 2017, found Oct. 12, 2017 in 55 gal. drum in San Diego Bay) – for *Timothy John Cook (52) arrested (12/13/17) & charged (1/5/18) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. No bond. Faces up to 87 years to life.
Trial started on 10/22/19. Jury of 10 men, two women plus five alternate jurors.
12/5/19: Found guilty of 2nd degree murder. Sentencing on 1/6/20. Faces a prison term of 15 years to life in prison.
*Derrick Jefferson Spurgeon (38) – 12/5/19: Jurors deadlocked on verdict (10-2) Status hearing was on 12/19/19. No update as of 1/2/20.

*Bench Trial set to begin for both (@ am ET) – MI – Ashley Regina-Maria Young (31) (last seen Nov. 29, 2018, Oshtemo Township, Kalamazoo County, found Dec. 2, 2018) – *Barbara Louise Chance (63) & *James Howard Chance (76) (Jared’s parents) charged (12/10/18), arrested (12/11/18) & arraigned (12/12/18) with accessory after the fact of a felony & perjury. Both plead not guilty. $25K bond. (released on 12/12/18). Bound over from Kent County to Grand Rapids Circuit Court.
Bench trial set for 10/14/19, moved to 1/6/20.
*Jared James Chance (29) – Trial was 9/9/19 & found guilty. Sentenced to 100 to 200 years.

*Trial set to begin (@ 9am CT) – TX – Antonio & Dawn Armstrong (both 42) (July 29, 2016, Houston) – Antonio “A.J.” Armstrong, Jr. (18/16 @ time of crime) arrested (7/29/16), charged (8/1/16) & arraigned (7/26/17) with capital murder. Plead not guilty. $200K bond. Out on bond.
First Trial on 4/26/19 ended in a mistrial (8:guilty/4:not guilty).
Re-trial set to begin on 1/6/20.

*Trial set to begin (@ 9am ET) - FL - Tahirih "Tara" Lua D'Angelo (39) (Mar. 20, 2017, Riverview) - *Joshua Leon Carmona (18) (son) indicted (3/21/17) on 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial set to begin on 1/6 thru 1/10/20.

*Trial set to 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.
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 was set to begin on 12/9/19 moved to 1/6/20.
10/10/19: Motion for Funds. Motion Granted; Cost Of Services Approved By The Court Shall Not Exceed $2,500.00). Trial continued to 11/4.
11/19/19 Update: Defense motion for trial continuance-granted. Trial on 11/4/19 moved to 12/9/19.
12/9/19 Update: Defense motion for trial continuance-granted. Trial on 12/9/19 moved to 1/6/20.

*Trial set to begin for both (@ 8:30m ET) – OH – Dylan Groves (2 to 4 mos.) (Found in bottom of 30’ well, Otway, recovered June, 12, 2019; believed to have died in March, 2019) – *Daniel A. Groves (41) arrested (6/10/19), charged (5/20/19), indicted (6/11/19) & arraigned (6/12/19) with aggravated murder, murder, 1st degree kidnapping/abduction, 3rd degree endangering children, 3rd degree tampering with evidence, 4th degree interference with custody, 5th degree gross abuse of a corpse, 4 counts of 2nd degree felonious assault, 4 counts of 4th degree receiving stolen property, & 2 counts of 5th degree receiving stolen property. Plead not guilty. No bond.
*Jessica Groves (40) arrested (6/10/19), charged (5/20/19), indicted & arraigned (6/12/19) with aggravated murder, murder, 1st degree kidnapping/abduction, 3rd degree endangering children, 3rd degree tampering with evidence,4th degree interference with custody, 5th degree gross abuse of a corpse, 4 counts of 2nd degree felonious assault, 5 counts of 4th degree receiving stolen property & 1 count of 5th degree receiving stolen property. Plead not guilty (changed plea (9/24/19) from not guilty by reason of insanity). $110K bond.
Trial set to begin on 1/6/20. Jury selection starts on 1/6/20 & trial is scheduled for 5 days.

*Trial set to begin (@ 9:30am) – FL – Kameela Russell (41) (May 15, 2019, last see in driveway of Aunt’s house, found 5/25/19 in Snake Creek canal) - *Ernest Joseph Roberts (39) arrested (6/14/19), charged (6/13/19), indicted (7/17/19) & arraigned (7/18/19) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. No bond. DP Case.
Trial was set to begin on 10/15/19-continued to 1/6/20.

 

[Niner]

Hello all!

Here are trials & sentencings happening for the week of Monday, January 6th thru Friday, January 10th:

Monday, January 6th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am PT) – CA – Omar Medina (38) (Sept. 30, 2017, Chula Vista Marina; reported missing Oct. 2, 2017, found Oct. 12, 2017 in 55 gal. drum in San Diego Bay) – for *Timothy John Cook (52) arrested (12/13/17) & charged (1/5/18) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. No bond. Faces up to 87 years to life.
Trial started on 10/22/19. Jury of 10 men, two women plus five alternate jurors.
12/5/19: Found guilty of 2nd degree murder. Sentencing on 1/6/20. Faces a prison term of 15 years to life in prison.
*Derrick Jefferson Spurgeon (38) – 12/5/19: Jurors deadlocked on verdict (10-2) Status hearing was on 12/19/19. No update as of 1/2/20.

*Bench Trial set to begin for both (@ am ET) – MI – Ashley Regina-Maria Young (31) (last seen Nov. 29, 2018, Oshtemo Township, Kalamazoo County, found Dec. 2, 2018) – *Barbara Louise Chance (63) & *James Howard Chance (76) (Jared’s parents) charged (12/10/18), arrested (12/11/18) & arraigned (12/12/18) with accessory after the fact of a felony & perjury. Both plead not guilty. $25K bond. (released on 12/12/18). Bound over from Kent County to Grand Rapids Circuit Court.
Bench trial set for 10/14/19, moved to 1/6/20.
*Jared James Chance (29) – Trial was 9/9/19 & found guilty. Sentenced to 100 to 200 years.

*Trial set to begin (@ 9am CT) – TX – Antonio & Dawn Armstrong (both 42) (July 29, 2016, Houston) – Antonio “A.J.” Armstrong, Jr. (18/16 @ time of crime) arrested (7/29/16), charged (8/1/16) & arraigned (7/26/17) with capital murder. Plead not guilty. $200K bond. Out on bond.
First Trial on 4/26/19 ended in a mistrial (8:guilty/4:not guilty).
Re-trial set to begin on 1/6/20.

*Trial set to begin (@ 9am ET) - FL - Tahirih "Tara" Lua D'Angelo (39) (Mar. 20, 2017, Riverview) - *Joshua Leon Carmona (18) (son) indicted (3/21/17) on 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial set to begin on 1/6 thru 1/10/20.

*Trial set to 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.
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 was set to begin on 12/9/19 moved to 1/6/20.
10/10/19: Motion for Funds. Motion Granted; Cost Of Services Approved By The Court Shall Not Exceed $2,500.00). Trial continued to 11/4.
11/19/19 Update: Defense motion for trial continuance-granted. Trial on 11/4/19 moved to 12/9/19.
12/9/19 Update: Defense motion for trial continuance-granted. Trial on 12/9/19 moved to 1/6/20.

*Trial set to begin for both (@ 8:30m ET) – OH – Dylan Groves (2 to 4 mos.) (Found in bottom of 30’ well, Otway, recovered June, 12, 2019; believed to have died in March, 2019) – *Daniel A. Groves (41) arrested (6/10/19), charged (5/20/19), indicted (6/11/19) & arraigned (6/12/19) with aggravated murder, murder, 1st degree kidnapping/abduction, 3rd degree endangering children, 3rd degree tampering with evidence, 4th degree interference with custody, 5th degree gross abuse of a corpse, 4 counts of 2nd degree felonious assault, 4 counts of 4th degree receiving stolen property, & 2 counts of 5th degree receiving stolen property. Plead not guilty. No bond.
*Jessica Groves (40) arrested (6/10/19), charged (5/20/19), indicted & arraigned (6/12/19) with aggravated murder, murder, 1st degree kidnapping/abduction, 3rd degree endangering children, 3rd degree tampering with evidence,4th degree interference with custody, 5th degree gross abuse of a corpse, 4 counts of 2nd degree felonious assault, 5 counts of 4th degree receiving stolen property & 1 count of 5th degree receiving stolen property. Plead not guilty (changed plea (9/24/19) from not guilty by reason of insanity). $110K bond.
Trial set to begin on 1/6/20. Jury selection starts on 1/6/20 & trial is scheduled for 5 days.

*Trial set to begin (@ 9:30am) – FL – Kameela Russell (41) (May 15, 2019, last see in driveway of Aunt’s house, found 5/25/19 in Snake Creek canal) - *Ernest Joseph Roberts (39) arrested (6/14/19), charged (6/13/19), indicted (7/17/19) & arraigned (7/18/19) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. No bond. DP Case.
Trial was set to begin on 10/15/19-continued to 1/6/20.

 

[Niner]

Tuesday, January 7th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am ET) - FL - Myles Hill (3) (Aug. 7, 2017, Orlando) - Deborah Denise St. Charles (51) (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.

*Sentencing Hearing (@ 10:30am ET) – IN – Breana Rouhselang (17) & unborn baby (6 mos pregnant) (Dec. 9, 2018, Mishawaka) - *Aaron Romeo Trejo (16) arrested (12/9/18), charged (12/10/18 as an adult) & arraigned (12/11/18) with murder & Feticide def. knowingly or intentionally terminates human pregnancy with intent. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Confessed to killing. Got angry because she didn’t tell him she was pregnant with his child & too late for an abortion.
Trial was set to begin 9/9/19-vacated.
12/11/18 Arraignment: Plead not guilty, held without bond. Initial hearing set for 12/19/18. Omnibus hearing on 2/13/19.
12/19/18 Update: Next Status hearing on 1/28/19 & Omnibus hearing on 2/13.
1/28/19 Update: Pretrial hearing set for 5/20, trial is scheduled for 6/10/19. 2/13 hearing moved to 2/15, additional discovery filed. 5/14/19: Defense files motion for continuance.
5/20/19 Update: Motion for continuance granted. Trial has been moved from 6/10 to 9/9/19. Next hearing on 8/12. 8/12/19: Trial for 9/9/19 has been cancelled/vacated. Next status hearing on 9/24. 9/24/19: Another status conference was requested for Trejo. That hearing has been set for Oct. 30.
10/30/19 Update: Plead guilty as part of a plea agreement during a hearing on October 30, records show. He pleaded guilty to charges of murder and feticide. Sentence scheduled for 1/7/20.

*Sentencing Hearing (@ ET) – NY – Girl (11) (gave birth in Nov. 2018, Town of Niskayuna) – *Robert F. Cronin (33) arrested & charged (1/14/19) & arraigned (2/6/19 & 4/3/19) with 1st degree rape (felony predator sexual assault against a child younger than 13), 1st degree perjury (felony) & misdemeanor child endangerment. Plead not guilty on all charges. No bond.
Cronin (engaged & has 5 children) claims the girl became pregnant when she came into contact with an article of clothing he had used while masturbating on. Felony complaint says it happened between Feb. & March, 2018, she gave birth Nov., 2018.
2/6/19 Update: Had Arraignment hearing. Plead not guilty.
4/3/19 Update: Article said arraignment hearing was held & indicted with one count each of predatory sexual assault against a child, a high-level felony, first-degree perjury, a felony, and misdemeanor child endangerment. Plead not guilty to new charge of 1st degree perjury.
6/16/19 Update: Next hearing on 1/7/20.
8/16/19 Update: Plead guilty to 1st degree rape & 1st degree perjury. As part of his plea agreement, Cronin waived his right to appeal the conviction and the sentence he received. Will serve 24 years in prison. Will be sentenced in October. 10/31/19: Sentencing rescheduled for 1/7/20.

Thursday, January 9th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 8:30am ET) – FL – Dr. Teresa Ann Grace Sievers (46) (June 29, 2015, Bonita Springs) – for *Mark D. Sievers (50) arrested & charged (2/26/16) & indicted (5/4/16) with 1st degree premeditated murder & conspiracy to commit 1st degree premeditated murder. Plead not guilty. No bond. DA will seek DP.
Trial began on 11/12/19 with jury selection, opening statements started on 11/20. Trial expected to last 5 weeks. Jury: 9 women & 3 men, with 2 alternates (1 is a man). Trial ended on 12/4/19 with closing arguments & jury started deliberations. Deliberations took about 4 hours 10 minutes – GUILTY of 1st degree premeditated murder & conspiracy to commit 1st degree premeditated murder. 12/10/19: Jury took less than 3 hours to reach a verdict in the penalty phase – recommended a death penalty sentence.
12/10/19 Update: A Spencer Hearing is an opportunity for attorneys to present additional evidence to the judge before a sentence is entered. The judge will make a final decision on Sievers' sentence at this hearing. Spencer hearing is scheduled for Jan. 9th. 12/13/19 Update: Spencer hearing has been moved to 1/3/20. Spencer hearing is an opportunity to convince the trial judge to override the recommendation of Death put forth by the jury. And sentencing is scheduled for 1/9/20.
*Jimmy Ray Rodgers (28) – Trial 10/23/19: Jury found Rodgers guilty of second degree murder, not guilty of conspiracy, guilty of trespassing. Sentenced on 12/12. Motion for new trial-denied. 12/12/19: Sentenced to life without parole.
*Curtis Wayne Wright, Jr. (41) 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; serving 25 years, waives all rights to appeal. Will testify at trials. Sentencing on 12/2 has been continued to 2/10/20.

Friday, January 10th:
*Trial set to begin (@ 8:30am PT) - CA - Kris Anderson (57) (June 11, 2016, Santa Monica) - *Theo Andrew Krah (28 @ time of crime/31, Navy SEAL) indicted & arrested (6/13/16) & arraigned (10/21/16) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. $2M bail. (victim is WS JaimeSomers' friend).
Trial set to begin on 1/10/20.

 

[Niner]

Monday, January 6th:
*Trial was set to begin-CANCELLED! (@ 9am CT) – TX – Antonio & Dawn Armstrong (both 42) (July 29, 2016, Houston) – Antonio “A.J.” Armstrong, Jr. (18/16 @ time of crime) arrested (7/29/16), charged (8/1/16) & arraigned (7/26/17) with capital murder. Plead not guilty. $200K bond. Out on bond.
First Trial on 4/26/19 ended in a mistrial (8:guilty/4:not guilty).
Re-trial was set to begin on 1/6/20-cancelled-pushed back 4 to 6 weeks (no specific date yet 1/4/20)

 

[Niner]

Update:

Monday, January 6th:
*Trial set to begin for both (@ am ET) – MI – Ashley Regina-Maria Young (31) (last seen Nov. 29, 2018, Oshtemo Township, Kalamazoo County, found Dec. 2, 2018) – *Barbara Louise Chance (63) & *James Howard Chance (76) (Jared’s parents) charged (12/10/18), arrested (12/11/18) & arraigned (12/12/18) with accessory after the fact of a felony & perjury. Both plead not guilty. $25K bond. (released on 12/12/18). Bound over from Kent County to Grand Rapids Circuit Court
Trial began on 1/6/20 for only James with jury selection.
1/6/20 Day 1: Barbara Chance plead no contest to charges of accessory after the fact to a felony & perjury the morning of Jan. 6, as her husband James, watching from the courtroom gallery, prepared to go to trial for the same charges. She will be sentenced on Feb. 19. The judge said based upon his evaluation, Barbara’s maximum sentence would be one year in the county jail, unless new information comes to light during the pre-sentence investigation that affects the evaluation. She has a ‘clean prior criminal history per Judge. James' trial started with jury selection Monday.
*Jared James Chance (29) – Trial was 9/9/19 & found guilty. Sentenced to 100 to 200 years.

 

[Niner]

Update:

Friday, January 3rd:
*Spencer Hearing & Sentencing (@ 8:30am ET) – FL – Dr. Teresa Ann Grace Sievers (46) (June 29, 2015, Bonita Springs) – for *Mark D. Sievers (50) arrested & charged (2/26/16) & indicted (5/4/16) with 1st degree premeditated murder & conspiracy to commit 1st degree premeditated murder. Plead not guilty. No bond. DA will seek DP.
Trial began on 11/12/19 with jury selection, opening statements started on 11/20. Trial expected to last 5 weeks. Jury: 9 women & 3 men, with 2 alternates (1 is a man). Trial ended on 12/4/19 with closing arguments & jury started deliberations. Deliberations took about 4 hours 10 minutes – GUILTY of 1st degree premeditated murder & conspiracy to commit 1st degree premeditated murder. 12/10/19: Jury took less than 3 hours to reach a verdict in the penalty phase – recommended a death penalty sentence.
12/10/19 Update: A Spencer Hearing is an opportunity for attorneys to present additional evidence to the judge before a sentence is entered. The judge will make a final decision on Sievers' sentence at this hearing. Spencer hearing is scheduled for Jan. 9th. 12/13/19 Update: Spencer hearing has been moved to 1/3/20. Spencer hearing is an opportunity to convince the trial judge to override the recommendation of Death put forth by the jury. And sentencing is scheduled for 1/9/20.
1/3/20 Update: State is asking Teresa's mother now if she's in favor of the death penalty for Sievers. Mary Ann Groves told ASA Ross that the sentencing is up to the court. She did not request the death penalty directly, nor did she oppose it. Defense presents exhibits. (1) being Sievers having no issues in custody thus far and (2) a post card from the Sievers's daughter, stating she hopes that they don't "kill you" in regards to her father's sentence. Defense moves in a statement from Dr. Petrites & his wife and the judge accepts it. It's unclear what the statement said, as it wasn't addressed in open court. State introduces a letter from the daughters. The judge warns that it becomes public record, and the state says they'd like it sealed. The state doesn't want it to be a public document. The judge determined that with Marcy's Law he can seal it. Sievers maintains his innocence. He says he cannot feel remorse for a crime he didn't commit, but calls himself forever heartbroken. He says, "God knows the truth. Judge Bruce Kyle just committed that he intends to render a sentence today. Defense is making final arguments now in the case to fight for the life of Sievers. Judge agrees with jury as to the aggrevator. 2 mitigating factors: 1. no criminal record; 2. good family man, charity work etc., his children do not want the DP. Doesn't agree MS's participation was minimal. Judge Kyle announced that he will uphold the jury's recommendation of the death sentence.
*Jimmy Ray Rodgers (28) – Trial 10/23/19: Jury found Rodgers guilty of second degree murder, not guilty of conspiracy, guilty of trespassing. Sentenced on 12/12. Motion for new trial-denied. 12/12/19: Sentenced to life without parole.
*Curtis Wayne Wright, Jr. (41) 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; serving 25 years, waives all rights to appeal. Will testify at trials. Sentencing on 12/2 has been continued to 2/10/20.

 

[Niner]

Update:

*Trial was set to begin-Continued!(@ 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.
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 was set to begin on 12/9/19 moved to 1/6/20 & continued to 2/3/20.
10/10/19: Motion for Funds. Motion Granted; Cost Of Services Approved By The Court Shall Not Exceed $2,500.00). Trial continued to 11/4.
11/19/19 Update: Defense motion for trial continuance-granted. Trial on 11/4/19 moved to 12/9/19.
12/9/19 Update: Defense motion for trial continuance-granted. Trial on 12/9/19 moved to 1/6/20.
1/6/20 Update: Motion to continue trial on 1/6/20 is granted. Trial is continued 2/3/20.

 

[Niner]

Update:

Monday, January 6th:
*Trial was set to begin-Continued! (@ 9:30am) – FL – Kameela Russell (41) (May 15, 2019, last see in driveway of Aunt’s house, found 5/25/19 in Snake Creek canal) - *Ernest Joseph Roberts (39) arrested (6/14/19), charged (6/13/19), indicted (7/17/19) & arraigned (7/18/19) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. No bond. DP Case.
Trial was set to begin on 1/6/20 moved to 3/2/20.
1/6/20 Update: Motion for trial continuance-granted. Trial will begin on 3/2/20.

 

[Niner]

Update:

Monday, January 6th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am PT) – CA – Omar Medina (38) (Sept. 30, 2017, Chula Vista Marina; reported missing Oct. 2, 2017, found Oct. 12, 2017 in 55 gal. drum in San Diego Bay) – for *Timothy John Cook (52) arrested (12/13/17) & charged (1/5/18) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. No bond. Faces up to 87 years to life.
Trial started on 10/22/19 (for Case #SC29718) Jury of 10 men, two women plus five alternate jurors. 12/5/19: Found guilty of 2nd degree murder. Sentencing on 1/6/20. Faces a prison term of 15 years to life in prison.
1/6/20 Update: Cook was sentenced to 56 years in prison.
*Derrick Jefferson Spurgeon (38) – 12/5/19: Jurors deadlocked on verdict (10-2). Status hearing on 12/19/19. No update thru 1/8/20 on court site.

 

[Niner]

some updates!

Tuesday, January 7th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 10:30am ET) – IN – Breana Rouhselang (17) & unborn baby (6 mos pregnant) (Dec. 9, 2018, Mishawaka) - *Aaron Romeo Trejo (16) arrested (12/9/18), charged (12/10/18 as an adult) & arraigned (12/11/18) with murder & Feticide def. knowingly or intentionally terminates human pregnancy with intent. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Confessed to killing. Got angry because she didn’t tell him she was pregnant with his child & too late for an abortion.
Trial was set to begin 9/9/19-vacated.
12/11/18 Arraignment: Plead not guilty, held without bond. Initial hearing set for 12/19/18. Omnibus hearing on 2/13/19.
12/19/18 Update: Next Status hearing on 1/28/19 & Omnibus hearing on 2/13.
1/28/19 Update: Pretrial hearing set for 5/20, trial is scheduled for 6/10/19. 2/13 hearing moved to 2/15, additional discovery filed. 5/14/19: Defense files motion for continuance.
5/20/19 Update: Motion for continuance granted. Trial has been moved from 6/10 to 9/9/19. Next hearing on 8/12. 8/12/19: Trial for 9/9/19 has been cancelled/vacated. Next status hearing on 9/24. 9/24/19: Another status conference was requested for Trejo. That hearing has been set for Oct. 30.
10/30/19 Update: Plead guilty as part of a plea agreement during a hearing on October 30, records show. He pleaded guilty to charges of murder and feticide. Sentence scheduled for 1/7/20.
1/7/20 Update: Judge sentenced Trejo to 55 years for murder and 10 years for feticide.

Thursday, January 9th:
*Trial continues (Day 4)-VERDICT! (@ 9am ET) - FL - Tahirih "Tara" Lua D'Angelo (39) (Mar. 20, 2017, Riverview) - *Joshua Leon Carmona (18) (son) indicted (3/21/17) on 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial began on 1/6 thru 1/10/20. Jury: 9 men & 3 women.
1/6/20 Day 1: Jury has been selected. Trial continues on 1/7/20.
1/7/20 Day 2: Opening statements by both sides. State witnesses: Josh Hofer (friend of Carmona). Robert D’Angelo (Carmona's step-grandfather). No other info available yet. Jury will have to decide whether it was murder or manslaughter. Trial continues on 1/8.
1/8/20 Day 3: No info available. Trial continues on 1/9.
1/9/20 Day 4: Closing arguments. Jury gets case. Jurors took a little more than an hour Thursday to found Joshua Carmona guilty of first-degree murder. Hillsborough Circuit Judge Christopher Sabella imposed the mandatory life sentence immediately after the verdict.

Tuesday, January 7th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ ET) – NY – Girl (11) (gave birth in Nov. 2018, Town of Niskayuna) – *Robert F. Cronin (33) arrested & charged (1/14/19) & arraigned (2/6/19 & 4/3/19) with 1st degree rape (felony predator sexual assault against a child younger than 13), 1st degree perjury (felony) & misdemeanor child endangerment. Plead not guilty on all charges. No bond.
Cronin (engaged & has 5 children) claims the girl became pregnant when she came into contact with an article of clothing he had used while masturbating on. Felony complaint says it happened between Feb. & March, 2018, she gave birth Nov., 2018.
2/6/19 Update: Had Arraignment hearing. Plead not guilty.
4/3/19 Update: Article said arraignment hearing was held & indicted with one count each of predatory sexual assault against a child, a high-level felony, first-degree perjury, a felony, and misdemeanor child endangerment. Plead not guilty to new charge of 1st degree perjury. No further dates available.
6/16/19 Update: Next hearing on 1/7/20.
8/16/19 Update: Plead guilty to 1st degree rape & 1st degree perjury. As part of his plea agreement, Cronin waived his right to appeal the conviction and the sentence he received. Will serve 24 years in prison. Will be sentenced in October. 10/31/19: Sentencing rescheduled for 1/7/20.
1/7/20 Update: Cronin was ordered to serve 24 years in prison for first-degree rape followed by 20 years post-release supervision & was sentenced to another 2 1/3 to 7 years in prison for lying about the incident in a prior court appearance. Judge Kathleen Hogan imposed the sentenced in Schenectady County Court. The sentences will run consecutively. There is an order of protection for the victim for 52 years.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Friday, January 10th:
*Trial continues (Day 5) for both-VERDICT REACHED! (@ 8:30am ET) – OH – Dylan Groves (2 to 4 mos.) (Found in bottom of 30’ well, Otway, recovered June, 12, 2019; died on Mar. 28, 2019 per testimony of Daniel) – *Daniel A. Groves (41) arrested (6/10/19), charged (5/20/19), indicted (6/11/19) & arraigned (6/12/19) with aggravated murder, murder, 1st degree kidnapping/abduction, 3rd degree endangering children, 3rd degree tampering with evidence, 4th degree interference with custody, 5th degree gross abuse of a corpse, 4 counts of 2nd degree felonious assault, 4 counts of 4th degree receiving stolen property, & 2 counts of 5th degree receiving stolen property. Plead not guilty. No bond. *Jessica Groves (40) arrested (6/10/19), charged (5/20/19), indicted & arraigned (6/12/19) with aggravated murder, murder, 1st degree kidnapping/abduction, 3rd degree endangering children, 3rd degree tampering with evidence, 4th degree interference with custody, 5th degree gross abuse of a corpse, 4 counts of 2nd degree felonious assault, 5 counts of 4th degree receiving stolen property & 1 count of 5th degree receiving stolen property. Plead not guilty (changed plea (9/24/19) from not guilty by reason of insanity). $110K bond.
Trial began on 1/6/20. Jury selection starts on 1/6/20 & trial is scheduled for 5 days. Jurors: 7 women & 5 men plus 4 alternates (3 women & 1 man).
Trial info from 1/6/20 (Day 1) thru 1/9/20 (Day 4) reference post #150 here:
GUILTY - OH - Dylan Groves, 4 months, found dead in bottom of well, Otway, June 2019 *parents arrested*
1/10/20 Day 5: The judge asked Jessica Groves this morning if she was still going to testify. She said she IS going to testify. Daniel Groves WILL also testify. Both defendants are going to take the stand. Defense witness: Jessica Groves. Admits to killing Dylan, but unintentionally. FIREWORKS - Jessica & the prosecutor are screaming at each other. Jessica to prosecutor: YOU HAVE DEVOURED MY FAMILY! Judge sends jury out & calls for a break. The judge said if Jessica can't compose herself & finish cross-examination all of her testimony will be tossed. Everyone kicked out of the courtroom except for the defense team at the moment. Court back in session. Jessica keeps saying over & over again it was an accident won't say "how" it happened. Jessica's defense rests. Defense witness: Daniel Groves. Daniel's defense rests. Jury sent out. No rebuttal case from the state. Lunch break. Prosecutors done with closing arguments. Defense attorneys closing arguments done. Judge has finished reading the jury instructions. The alternates are free to go but are not discharged in case they are needed. VERDICT WATCH: The jury is now deliberating (@ 2:45pm ET). Verdict reached (at ~ 5:15pm ET – 2 ½ hours of deliberations). Daniel GUILTY on all counts, including MURDER, but NOT guilty of Aggravated Murder. Daniel sentenced: 15 years to life, 10 years, 36 mo, 36 mo, 12 mo, 8 years, 8 years = 47 years to life. Daniel is eligible for parole at age 89. Jessica GUILTY on all counts. Jessica sentenced: LWOP, 10 years, 36 mo, 36 mo, 12 mo, 8 years, 8 years = LWOP + 32 years. During the sentencing the judge said he found Jessica & Daniel showed no genuine remorse.

 

[Niner]

For the week of Monday, January 13th thru Friday, January 17th:

Monday, January 10th:
*Trial set to begin (re No. Idaho Comm. Civil lawsuit) (@ 9am MT) - ID – Larry Dean Isenberg (68) (Feb. 13, 2018, Coeur d’Alene; found Mar. 1, 2018) – *Laurcene “Lori” Barnes Isenberg (64) charged & arraigned (10/29/18) with murder.
10/29/18 Arraigned for murder. Lori said he fell out of boat & drowned while trying to fix boat motor. He was found with lethal levels benadryl in his system, no evidence of drowning or having a heart attack. LE-Warrant issued for evidence for crimes including murder, delay in reporting a death with intent to prevent discovery of manner of death, grand theft & criminal conspiracy. Nothing updated as of 12/25/19.
*Federal gov’t charged (10/25/18) & arraigned (3/26/19) with 3 counts of felony wire fraud & 1 count of Fed. Program theft of grant funds ($579K) from the U.S. Dept of Housing & Urban Dev. Plead not guilty.
Each count is punishable by up to 20 years in prison & $250K fines. Fed. Program Theft is punishable by 10 years in prison & $250K fines.
12/15/19: Arraignment hearing for Federal charges on 3/26/19
*No. Idaho Community Services Corp. sued (4/5/18) Laurcene & Larry’s estate. Trial set to begin 1/13/20- should run for 4 days.
*Arrested (2/26/18) & charged (2/27/18) with 1 count of Grand theft & 40 counts of forgery. Embezzling $500K from non-profit employer. Released from jail on $75K bond. Failed to show up at 2nd arraignment hearing (5/25/18) & remains missing. Judge issued a $500K bench warrant for her arrest. Re-arrested (7/25/18).
1/29/19: Plead guilty to embezzlement charges & sentenced (4/30/19) to 5 years in prison, 3 years supervised release, plus fines. The judge issued a sentence of 60 months on each count, but ordered those sentences to run concurrently.
Court hearings from 7/26/18 to 1/21/19 reference post #39 here:
Found Deceased - ID - Larry Isenberg, 68, Coeur d'Alene, 13 Feb 2018

*Trial set to begin (@ 8:30am ET) – OH – Brantley Santiago (3 yrs) (April, 2018, Orwell) – for *Samantha M. Olah (26) indicted (11/28/18), charged (12/4/18) & arraigned (12/6/18) with 2 counts of murder, 2 counts of involuntary manslaughter, 1 count of felonious assault, 1 count of 2nd degree endangerment of children & 1 count of 3rd degree endangering children. Plead not guilty. $100K cash or surety bond. Bond reduced (12/14/18) to $25K. Out on bond.
Trial starts 1/13/20
*Valoria D. Olah (57) indicted (11/28/18), charged (12/4/18) & arraigned (12/6/18) with 2 counts of capital murder, 2 counts of involuntary manslaughter, 1 count of felonious assault, 1 count of 2nd degree endangerment of children & 1 count of 3rd degree endangering children. Plead not guilty. $100K cash or surety bond.
Trial set to begin on 6/8 thru 6/11/20
*Beverly J. Santiago (35) “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.
Final Pretrial hearing on 1/23/20. Trial set for 2/10/20.

*Trial set to begin (murder charges) (@ 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 set to begin 1/13/20. Trial moved from San Miguel County to Gunnison County & will run to 2/7/20.
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.
*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 life in prison without parole.
*Frederick "Alec" A. Blair – Plead guilty. Sentenced to 12 years in prison.

*Trial set to begin (@ 9am CT) – OH – DelVante Johnson (19), Toshaun Banks (21) & DeVaughn Gibson (23) (Dec. 31, 2018, Cleveland) - *Tevin Biles-Thomas (24) arrested (9/11/19), indicted (8/28/19), charged (8/29/19) & arraigned (9/13/19) with 6 counts of murder, 3 counts of voluntary manslaughter, 5 counts of felonious assault & 1 count of perjury. Plead not guilty. $1M Cash/Surety bond. Bond modified (12/18/19) to $100K. Posted bond (12/19/19)
Trial set to begin on 1/13/20.

*Trial continues (Day 6)-VERDICT WATCH! (Day 2) (@ am ET) – MI – Ashley Regina-Maria Young (31) (last seen Nov. 29, 2018, Oshtemo Township, Kalamazoo County, found Dec. 2, 2018) – for *James Howard Chance (76) (Jared’s father) charged (12/10/18), arrested (12/11/18) & arraigned (12/12/18) with accessory after the fact of a felony & 2 counts of perjury. Plead not guilty. $25K bond. (released on 12/12/18). Bound over from Kent County to Grand Rapids Circuit Court
Trial began on 1/6/20 for only James with jury selection. Jurors: 7 women / 5 men.
Trial info from 1/6/20 (Day 1) thru 1/9/20 (Day 4) reference post #165 here:
Found Deceased - MI - Ashley Young, 32, Kalamazoo, 29 Nov 2018 *arrest*
1/10/29 Day 5 Trial/Day 1 of deliberations: The jury spent about 4 ½ hours deliberating the case on Friday; they told the judge Friday afternoon they were not able to reach a verdict on the 3 charges: accessory after the fact to a mutilation & 2 counts of perjury during an investigative subpoena. Deliberations will resume at 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 13.
*Barbara Chance (63) - Plead no contest to accessory after the fact to a felony & perjury; sentencing on 2/19/20.
*Jared James Chance (29) – Trial was 9/9/19 & found guilty. Sentenced to 100 to 200 years.

Tuesday, January 11th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9:30am ET) – MI – Danielle Marzejka (18) & Seren Bryan (19) (missing Aug. 24, 2018, Clinton Township; found Aug. 26, 2018 in shed) – *Robert Leo Marzejka (24) (bro) arrested & charged (8/29/18) & arraigned (9/10/18) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty-insanity defense. No bond.
Trial started on 11/13/19 & ended 11/22/19 with guilty of all charges. Jury: 6 women & 6 men, with 2 alternates.
Court info from 11/13/19 to 11/21/19 (Day 1-4) reference post #68 here:
MI - Danielle Marzejka, 18 & Seren Bryan, 19, Homicide, in shed, Clinton Township, 26 Aug 2018
11/22/19 Day 5: State witness: Anthony Duncan, an officer with the Toledo Police Dept. State rested. Defense witnesses: Debra Scotella (Robert’s aunt). Christine Macklem (Robert's cousin). Defense rested. Closing arguments done. Jury deliberated from 2:55pm to 3:33pm – verdict: Guilty of all charges. Sentencing scheduled for 12/17/19. 11/25/19 Update: Sentencing has been rescheduled on 1/14/20.

 

[Niner]

Friday, January 17th:
*Sentencing & Motions Hearing (@ 9:30am PT) - CA - McStay Family: Joseph (40), Summer (43), Gianni (4) & Joey Jr (3) (Feb. 4, 2010, Fallbrook; found Nov. 11, 2013) - *Charles "Chase" Ray Merritt aka Charles Ray Mandel aka Charles Ray Morritt aka Chase Meredith aka Chase Jarvis (57/now 62) arrested (11/5/14) & indicted (11/7/14) of 4 counts of murder with special circumstance. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DP case.
Trial started 1/7/19. Dark on all Fridays. Jurors started with 8 women & 4 men; now have 9 women & 3 men (alternates started with 4 men & 2 women-alternates left 1 men & 1 woman). Took about 22 hours of deliberations for guilty verdict on all 4 counts of 1st degree murder with special circumstance. Verdict: LWOP for Joey, Death for Summer, Gianni & Joey, Jr.
Trial Days (1-63: 1/7/19 thru 6/7/19) & Verdict (6/10/19) & Penalty Phase (Day 1-5: 6/11/19 thru 6/21/19) and court info thru 9/27/19 reference post #212 here:
GUILTY - Chase Merritt charged w/murder of McStay Family POST TRIAL THOUGHTS
11/1/19 Update: McGee was allowed to withdraw and it is solely on Maline now. Also the sentencing date has been changed to Jan. 17, 2020 from the Dec. 13, 2019 date. 12/20/19: Motions hearing held. 12/30/19: Defense’ motion for continuance-denied. There are also several motions that will be heard first & one of them is the defense Motion for a Sentencing Reduction.

*Sentencing Hearing (@ 10:30am CT) – IL – Prof. Susan Brill De Ramirez (63) & Antonio Ramirez Barron (63) (Oct. 24, 2018-last seen, Princeville; found Oct. 30, 2018) – for *Jose Guadalupe Ramirez (21) (son) arrested & charged (10/29/18), indicted (11/5/18) & arraigned (11/15/18) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. $3M bond.
Confessed to killing his parents.
Bench trial started on 11/15/19 and ended on 11/20/19 with a guilty verdict by Judge.
Bench trial from 11/18/19 thru 11/20/19 (Day 1-3) reference post # 57 here:
Found Deceased - IL - Prof. Susan Brill De Ramirez, 63 & Antonio Ramirez Barron, 63, Princeville, Oct 2018 *Arrests
11/20/19 Sentencing on 1/17/20.
*Matthew James Roberts (21) – 11/25/19 Update: Plead guilty by mentally ill to 1 count of 1st degree murder. Judge sentenced him to 60 years in prison.

 

[Niner]

Monday, January 13th:
*Trial continues (Day 6)-VERDICT REACHED! (Day 2) (@ 8am ET) – MI – Ashley Regina-Maria Young (31) (last seen Nov. 29, 2018, Oshtemo Township, Kalamazoo County, found Dec. 2, 2018) – for *James Howard Chance (76) (Jared’s father) charged (12/10/18), arrested (12/11/18) & arraigned (12/12/18) with accessory after the fact of a felony & 2 counts of perjury. Plead not guilty. $25K bond. (released on 12/12/18). Bound over from Kent County to Grand Rapids Circuit Court.
Trial began on 1/6/20 for only James with jury selection. Jurors: 7 women / 5 men. Total deliberations (Day1-2) 11 hrs 15 mins.
Trial info from 1/6/20 (Day 1) thru 1/9/20 (Day 4) reference post #165 here:
VERDICT WATCH - MI - Ashley Young, 32, dismembered, Kalamazoo, 29 Nov 2018 *arrests*
1/10/29 Day 5 Trial/Day 1 of deliberations: The jury spent about 4 ½ hours deliberating the case on Friday; they told the judge Friday afternoon they were not able to reach a verdict on the 3 charges: accessory after the fact to a mutilation & 2 counts of perjury during an investigative subpoena. Deliberations will resume at 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 13.
1/13/20 Day 6 Trial/Day 2 of deliberations: @ ~2:45pm The jury is unable to reach a verdict on any of the charges. Judge will ask them if continued deliberations will make a difference. Jury foreperson in James Chance says the have a verdict on one of three counts. But not the others. Judge Denenfeld sends them back to continue working. Some jurors look very unhappy. (Time: 2:55pm ET). @ ~2:45pm The jury is unable to reach a verdict on any of the charges. Judge will ask them if continued deliberations will make a difference. Jury foreperson in James Chance says the have a verdict on one of three counts. But not the others. Judge Denenfeld sends them back to continue working. Some jurors look very unhappy. Deliberations today: 6 hours & 45 mins. Chance was found guilty of accessory after the fact in the dismemberment of the woman his son killed in 2018. In addition, a jury acquitted Chance of one count of perjury & was deadlocked on a second count of perjury. Kent County Judge Paul Denenfeld declared a mistrial on that second count of perjury, which means Chance could be tried again for it. Chance is expected to be ordered to serve up to six months in jail for the accessory charge. The perjury charge could have sent him to prison for the rest of his life. He will remain free on bond pending his sentencing on March 11.
*Barbara Chance (63) - Plead no contest to accessory after the fact to a felony & perjury; sentencing on 2/19/20.
*Jared James Chance (29) – Trial was 9/9/19 & found guilty. Sentenced to 100 to 200 years.

 

[Niner]

Monday, January 13th:
*Trial set to begin-CONTINUED! (@ 8:30am ET) – OH – Brantley Santiago (3 yrs) (April, 2018, Orwell) – for *Samantha M. Olah (26) indicted (11/28/18), charged (12/4/18) & arraigned (12/6/18) with 2 counts of murder, 2 counts of involuntary manslaughter, 1 count of felonious assault, 1 count of 2nd degree endangerment of children & 1 count of 3rd degree endangering children. Plead not guilty. $100K cash or surety bond. Bond reduced (12/14/18) to $25K. Out on bond.
Trial was to start on 1/13/20
1/13/20 Update: Trial has been continued to 7/13/20.
*Valorie D. Olah (57) indicted (11/28/18), charged (12/4/18) & arraigned (12/6/18) with 2 counts of capital murder, 2 counts of involuntary manslaughter, 1 count of felonious assault, 1 count of 2nd degree endangerment of children & 1 count of 3rd degree endangering children. Plead not guilty. $100K cash or surety bond.
Trial set to begin on 6/8 thru 6/11/20
*Beverly J. Santiago (35) “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.
Final Pretrial hearing on 1/23/20. Trial set for 2/10/20.

 

[Niner]

Update:

Friday, January 10th:
*Trial set to begin-CONTINUED! (@ 8:30am PT) - CA - Kris Anderson (57) (June 11, 2016, Santa Monica) - *Theo Andrew Krah (28 @ time of crime/31, Navy SEAL) indicted & arrested (6/13/16) & arraigned (10/21/16) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. $2M bail. (victim is WS JaimeSomers' friend).
Trial set to begin on 1/10/20.
1/10/20 Update: Trial moved to 1/17/20.

 

[Niner]

Update:

Monday, January 13th:
*Trial set to begin-CONTINUED! (@ 9am CT) – OH – DelVante Johnson (19), Toshaun Banks (21) & DeVaughn Gibson (23) (Dec. 31, 2018, Cleveland) - *Tevin Biles-Thomas (24) arrested (9/11/19), indicted (8/28/19), charged (8/29/19) & arraigned (9/13/19) with 6 counts of murder, 3 counts of voluntary manslaughter, 5 counts of felonious assault & 1 count of perjury. Plead not guilty. $1M Cash/Surety bond. Bond modified (12/18/19) to $100K. Posted bond (12/19/19).
Trial was set to begin on 1/13/20.
1/13/20 Update: Trial has been continued, no date given. Next hearing on 1/22/20.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Thursday, January 16th:
*Preliminary Hearing (@ 9:30am ET) - SC – Stephen Delvalle Clayton (64) (July 21, 2018, Rock Hill) – *Lana Sue Clayton (52) arrested (8/31/18), charged (9/5/18) & indicted (1/17/19) with murder & unlawful malicious tampering with food.
Clayton confessed to police that she poisoned her husband’s drinks with the eye drops over 3 days. Eye drop bottles were found at the home. Clayton faces a minimum of 30 years in prison if convicted of murder. Murder in South Carolina carries up to life in prison. Because of the alleged poison, she could face the death penalty. Clayton could end up with more than one public defender if prosecutors seek the death penalty. Any person in South Carolina who faces a capital trial is entitled to two lawyers, state law shows.
10/3/18 Update: Appointed a Public Defender by Judge. Brady Motion filed. Next hearing on 1/16/20. On Thursday, Clayton could ask for bail, or the lawyers could make motions in the pending case. Or, she could plead guilty to the charges or reduced charges if there have been plea negotiations.
1/16/20 Update: Clayton plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter. Murder convictions in South Carolina can include a death sentence. She avoided the death penalty by agreeing to a guilty plea on a lesser charge of manslaughter. And has been sentenced to 25 years in prison.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Friday, January 17th:
*Sentencing & Post Judgement Motions Hearing (@ 8:30am PT) - CA - McStay Family: Joseph (40), Summer (43), Gianni (4) & Joey, Jr. (3) (Feb. 4, 2010, Fallbrook; found Nov. 11, 2013) - *Charles "Chase" Ray Merritt aka Charles Ray Mandel aka Charles Ray Morritt aka Chase Meredith aka Chase Jarvis (57/now 62) arrested (11/5/14) & indicted (11/7/14) of 4 counts of murder with special circumstance. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DP case.
Trial started 1/7/19. Dark on all Fridays. Jurors started with 8 women & 4 men; now have 9 women & 3 men (alternates started with 4 men & 2 women-alternates left 1 men & 1 woman). Took about 22 hours of deliberations for guilty verdict on all 4 counts of 1st degree murder with special circumstance. Verdict: LWOP for Joey, Death for Summer, Gianni & Joey, Jr.
Trial Days (1-63: 1/7/19 thru 6/7/19) & Verdict (6/10/19) & Penalty Phase (Day 1-5: 6/11/19 thru 6/21/19) and court info thru 9/27/19 reference post #212 here:
GUILTY - Chase Merritt charged w/murder of McStay Family POST TRIAL THOUGHTS
11/1/19 Update: McGee was allowed to withdraw and it is solely on Maline now. Also the sentencing date has been changed to Jan. 17, 2020 from the Dec. 13, 2019 date. 12/20/19: Motions hearing held. 12/30/19: Defense’ motion for continuance-denied. There are also several motions that will be heard first & one of them is the defense Motion for a Sentencing Reduction.
1/14/20: Order on Media request to permit coverage filed by Law & Crime network & Motion picture video-Gina Watson.
1/17/20 Update: Judge Michael Smith said there will be hearings on post-verdict motions & then possibly sentencing. Motions were filed by defense today at 9:15 a.m. Maline filed a motion seeking a new trial based on insufficient evidence, the cell phone evidence & prosecutorial misconduct. Judge is asking attorney McGee to leave he courtroom saying he could be called as a witness today. Merritt's former attorney James McGee was subpoenaed to here today. Judge talking about motions filed: one alleges insufficiency of evidence. Second relates to newly discovered evidence or evidence that one now claims should have been put on but was not by Mr. McGee. Maline explaining that he & McGee divided labors with McGee paying attention to technical issues, cell towers, DNA, etc. Maline handled financial stuff. Maline wants to put his cell phone expert on the stand. Smith initially said no. Smith said he will review the expert’s report and a slideshow. At recess. Court is back in session. Merritt’s Attorney still making arguments for new trial based on cellphone data that was never introduced. We still have to hear rebuttal from the prosecutor. Sentencing not likely to happen until after lunch break. Merritt fires Maline. The judge held an emergency Marsden hearing---where he meets with Merritt & Maline & hears the reasons for the firing of the attorney. Judge denies Merritt’s request to fire his attorney, Rajan Maline. Maline starts arguing timeline on Feb. 4th. The judge needs to tell Maline to give it a rest now, this is sentencing. Prosecutor: "His sister even testified that he had not been in the high desert for 5 years". Now McGee up as witness. Questioned by Maline & then DA Imes. Judge on Ineffectiveness of Counsel---the claim being made by defense that McGee failed to meet the standard of effectiveness is on them to prove. They have failed to do so. The judge also said the remaining arguments by defense, that McGee failed to understand or argue about the calls & the issues with the Azimuth, were FALSE. Judge is airing Merritt's dirty laundry. Detail by detail, every lie, every stolen check, every deleted transaction, every call unanswered, every call never made to the McStays, every attempt to discontinue Intuit, every unfinished fountain, every attempt to cover up thefts, every business complaint, every body buried. Judge Smith denies motion for retrial. Patrick McStay gives his victim impact statement. Court is adjourned until Tuesday, 1/21 morning 8:30am PT. At that time more family members will give victim impact statements.

 

[Niner]

Here's what will be happening this coming week - Tuesday, January 21st thru Friday, January 24th:

Tuesday, January 21st:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 8:30am PT) - CA - McStay Family: Joseph (40), Summer (43), Gianni (4) & Joey, Jr. (3) (Feb. 4, 2010, Fallbrook; found Nov. 11, 2013) - *Charles "Chase" Ray Merritt aka Charles Ray Mandel aka Charles Ray Morritt aka Chase Meredith aka Chase Jarvis (57/now 62) arrested (11/5/14) & indicted (11/7/14) of 4 counts of murder with special circumstance. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DP case.
Trial started 1/7/19 and ended 6/7/19. Jurors started with 8 women & 4 men; now have 9 women & 3 men (alternates started with 4 men & 2 women-alternates left 1 men & 1 woman). Took about 22 hours of deliberations for guilty verdict on all 4 counts of 1st degree murder with special circumstance. Verdict: LWOP for Joey, Death for Summer, Gianni & Joey, Jr.
Trial Days (1-63: 1/7/19 thru 6/7/19) & Verdict (6/10/19) & Penalty Phase (Day 1-5: 6/11/19 thru 6/21/19) and court info thru 9/27/19 & Sentencing/Post Judgement Motions hearing on 1/17/20 reference post #620 here:
GUILTY - Chase Merritt charged w/murder of McStay Family POST TRIAL THOUGHTS
1/17/20 Update: Court is adjourned until Tuesday, 1/21 morning 8:30am PT. At that time more family members will give victim impact statements and Merritt will be sentenced (hopefully!).

*Trial set to begin - (@ 9am ET) – FL - Christine Franke (25) (Oct. 21, 2001, Orlando, shot in head) - *Benjamin Lee Holmes, Jr. (38/21 @ time of crime) arrested (11/2/18), charged (11/21/18) & arraigned (12/10/18) with 2nd degree murder with a firearm & robbery with a firearm. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Parabon NanoLabs Snapshot DNA Phenotyping & GEDMatch
Trial set to begin on 1/21/20. (will last 2 weeks)

*Trial set to begin (@ 8am CT) – TX – Bryson Edwards (3) (Jan. 12, 2019, Dallas, stabbed by father; mom injured, fled apt. with 7 year old girl) - *Brandon Demone Edwards (35) arrested (1/12/19) & arraigned (1/28/19) on capital murder of a person under 10 yrs old & aggravated assault with a weapon. Plead not guilty. $1M bond (murder) $750K bond (assault). Out on bond.
Trial set to begin on 1/21/20.

*Trial set to begin (@ 8:30am CT) - TX – Christian Welborn (2 mos.) (Dec. 21, 2018, Samson Park, Fort Worth; beaten by father) - *Joseph Matthew Welborn (26) arrested & charged (12/21/18) with capital murder. Plead not guilty. No bond. Christian had 2 complex skull fractures & maybe a 3rd. 3 other children in state custody (boys 7, 6 & 2); 4 yr old did not live there. Tried to blame the 4 year old.
Trial set to begin on 1/21/20.

*Trial continues (Day 2) (@ 8:30am PT) - CA - Kris Anderson (57) (June 11, 2016, Santa Monica) - *Theo Andrew Krah (28 @ time of crime/31, Navy SEAL) indicted & arrested (6/13/16) & arraigned (10/21/16) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. $2M bail. (victim is WS JaimeSomers' friend).
Trial began on 1/17/20. (Moved from 1/10/20).
1/17/20 Day 1: Jury selection (?). Trial continues to 1/21.

*Trial continues (Day 3) – (@ am ET) - VA – Larkin Carter Carr (4) (Nov. 12, 2018, Norfolk, died of blunt force trauma to the abdomen and had between 80 to 90 bruises on his body ) – for *Hank L. Smith, Jr. (40) “father” arrested (5/19/19), charged (5/3/19) & arraigned (1/2/20) with 1 count of felony child abuse. Charged (12/18/19) & arraigned (1/2/20) with 1 count of felony homicide. Held without bond. Bond changed (1/15/20) to $25K. Was out on bond before homicide charges were filed.
Trial began on 1/16/20.
1/2/20 Update: Smith was officially charged at his arraignment. Bond review hearing on 1/6/20. Trial set to begin on 1/16/20. Bond hearing moved to 1/15/20.
1/15/20 Update: Judge granted conditional bond of $25K & Smith must live with his mother & have no contact with his surviving son or other individuals under the age of 18.
1/16/20 Day 1: No info available yet. Could be jury selection. Trial continues on 1/17.
1/17/20 Day 2: No info available yet. Trial continues on 1/21.
*Catherine Louise Seals (35) – Plead guilty to felony homicide & child abuse/neglect. Pre-Sentencing report hearing on 1/31/20.
*Robert Bolsinger-Hartshorn (14) – Review Hearing (re competency) & plea hearing on 1/22/20.

*Jury Selection 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) 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 2/10/20.
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: No info as of yet available. Jury selection continues (??) on 1/16.
1/16/20 Day 2 of Jury Selection: No info as of yet available. Jury selection continues (??) on 1/17.
1/17/20 Day 3 of Jury Selection: No info available yet. Jury selection continues on 1/21.

*Trial continues (murder charges) (Day 6) (@ 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.
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.
1/13/20 Day 1: 600 jurors were initially summoned for jury duty at Ceus’ trial. After various postponements, disqualifications and excusals had been processed, 154 jurors were required to report on Monday. Both Blair and Bramble are expected to testify as a witnesses for the prosecution at Ceus’ trial. Trial is expected to last four weeks and possibly five depending on the defense. Jury selection continues on 1/14.
1/14/20 Day 2: Jury selection continues (??). Trial continues on 1/15.
1/15/20 Day 3: Maybe jury selection – no info available yet. Trial continues on 1/16.
1/16/20 Day 4: No info available as of yet. Trial continues on 1/17.
1/17/20 Day 5: No info available as of yet. Trial continues on 1/21.
*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.

*Trial continues (Day 6) (Murder Charges) (@ ET) – LA – Levi Cole Ellerbe (6 mos.) (July 17, 2018, Natchitoches; died July 18, 2018; kidnapped & burned to death) – for *Hanna Nicole Barker (22) “mom” arrested (7/25/18), charged (7/28/18) & indicted (8/9/18) with principle to first-degree murder, meaning “actual perpetrator of the crime” & 1 count of criminal conspiracy. Indicted (11/8/18) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA will seek DP.
Trial began on 1/13/20.
1/13/20 Day 1: Jury selection. No info available. Trial continues on 1/14.
1/14/20 Day 2: No info available. Trial continues to 1/15.
1/15/20 Day 3: No info available. Trial continues to 1/16.
1/16/20 Day 4: No info available. Trial continues to 1/17.
1/17/20 Day 5: No info available. Trial continues to 1/21.
*Felicia Marie-Nicole Smith – Trial set to being in March, 2020 (no specific date as of 1/16/20).

Wednesday, January 22nd:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am ET) - KY - Baby (3 mos) (Nov. 9, 2018, Bowling Green) – only for *Virginia Rae Keabler (20) & *Nicholas Jewell Nichols (22), (the parents of the child) and *Roger Dale Ramsey (59) & *Ronda Rae Keabler (50) (lived in the loft) were arrested & charged (11/9/18) & arraigned (1/1/19 & 1/28/19) with Possession of a Controlled Substance (Meth), Buy/Possess Drug Paraphernalia, & Criminal Abuse of a Child under the age of 12.
Charged with drug & criminal abuse charges after a report that a 3-month-old baby was being kept in a shed/loft. Loft did not have water & was being heated with gas & electric heaters. The citation says the baby was sleeping in a laundry hamper with a pillow. The sheriff's deputy also saw three meth pipes. Baby was taken into protective custody & taken to the hospital to be checked out.
1/1/19 Update: Arraignment hearing for all, except Ronda Keabler on 1/28/19.
1/28/19 Update: Arraignment hearing for Ronda Keabler; rest have pretrial conference hearing on 3/4.
3/4/19 Update: Next pretrial hearing for all on 5/13.
5/13/19 Update: Next pretrial hearings: for V. Keabler & Nichols on 6/10; for R. Keabler & Ramsey on 6/17-R. Keabler & Ramsey plead guilty.
6/10/19 Update: Next pretrial conference hearing for V. Keabler & Nichols on 8/12. 6/17/19 Update: Ramsey sentencing on 8/19 & R. Keabler sentencing on 8/20.
10/14/19 Update: For Nicholas sentencing on 11/5. For Virginia Keabler: next pretrial conference hearing on 11/12. Ramsey review hearing on 12/16, Ronda Keabler no info since 8/20 sentencing. No info on Nicholas or Ronda’s sentencings as of 1/16/20.
11/12/19 Update: Virginia Keabler: Next sentencing hearing on 1/22/20. Nicholas: Review hearing on 4/13/20. Ramsey: Review hearing on 12/16/19.