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Glad to have you on board. I thought you might’ve been one of Ken Curtis‘s old buddies.
GUILTY AL - J.B. Beasley & Tracie Hawlett, both 17, murdered, Ozark, 31 July 1999 *ARREST in 2019* #5
- Thread starter bessie
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Glad to have you on board. I thought you might’ve been one of Ken Curtis‘s old buddies.
A month ago I commented that McCraney posed as a Good Samaritan who would show the girls the way back to the main highway. The defense opening statement more or less confirms it.
Tracey4AU
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WTVY DOTHAN Edited to add: this reads chronologically from the bottom up.
13 minutes ago
1:56 p.m. 4/19/23
Tracie’s step-father recounted the moments when Ozark police officers told him that both girls were dead. He “broke down” at the news.
13 minutes ago
1:53p.m. 4/19/23
Mr. Roberts claimed that he went out looking for the girls on August 1, 1999. He said he scanned parking lots and roads for the car.
13 minutes ago
1:51 p.m. 4/19/23
Mr. Roberts said that Tracie and JB left their home around 10 p.m. on July 31, 1999. JB was supposed to spend the night with Tracie that night and attend church the next morning with the family.
14 minutes ago
1:47p.m. 4/19/23
Mr. Roberts confirmed that Tracie had a curfew of 11:30 p.m.
14 minutes ago
1:42 p.m. 4/19/23
The prosecutors called Mike Roberts, Tracie’s step-father to the stand.
13 minutes ago
1:56 p.m. 4/19/23
Tracie’s step-father recounted the moments when Ozark police officers told him that both girls were dead. He “broke down” at the news.
- Share
13 minutes ago
1:53p.m. 4/19/23
Mr. Roberts claimed that he went out looking for the girls on August 1, 1999. He said he scanned parking lots and roads for the car.
- Share
13 minutes ago
1:51 p.m. 4/19/23
Mr. Roberts said that Tracie and JB left their home around 10 p.m. on July 31, 1999. JB was supposed to spend the night with Tracie that night and attend church the next morning with the family.
- Share
14 minutes ago
1:47p.m. 4/19/23
Mr. Roberts confirmed that Tracie had a curfew of 11:30 p.m.
- Share
14 minutes ago
1:42 p.m. 4/19/23
The prosecutors called Mike Roberts, Tracie’s step-father to the stand.
Tracey4AU
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WTVY DOTHAN
(Read from bottom up)
2:28 Scarborough brought up the fact that Hurst claimed Tracie said they were to go to several parties that night and that Tracie did not want to go. Not because she didn’t want to go to the parties, according to Hurst but because she was tired after a long week.
2:25 Hurst testified that Tracie and JB had plans to attend a party that night. He said he walked Tracie past JB’s car and to her own car as they left J.C. Penney’s that night.
2:23 He said that she knew her because they both worked in the men’s department at JC Penney’s together. He said he did not JB before July 31 when she came into the store to talk to Tracie.
an hour ago
2:20 The defense did not question Mrs. Simpson and the state called Andrew Hurst, a co-worker of Tracie Hawlett to the stand.
2:19 Ethan Massey asked when the last time Mrs. Simpson saw JB. She responded that she had seen her the night before and asked her to go to the beach with her and her husband. JB declined, saying that she was going to celebrate her birthday.
an hour ago
2:17p.m 4/19/23
Mrs. Simpson explained her relationship with JB. She knew JB as a dance student, and employee, and a good friend.
an hour ago
2:14p.m. 4/19/23
Patti Rutland Simpson, JB’s former dance teacher is called to the stand by the prosecution.
an hour ago
2:12p.m. 4/19/23
Scarborough returned to the fact that Tracie called the private line, meaning the phone in Tracie’s bedroom.
an hour ago
2:09p.m. 4/19/23
JB and Tracie were meant to go to a party near Headland. Scarborough asked if Mr. Roberts had any concerns about Tracie hanging out with JB. He shook his head ‘no’ despite only having met JB in person on July 30, 1999.
2:07p.m. 4/19/23
Tracie called her private line rather than the home line when she called her parents the night of the murders.
2:03p.m. 4/19/23
Mr. Roberts said that his wife Carol started calling hospitals at about 5:30 a.m. August 1, 1999.
an hour ago
2:01 p.m. 4/19/23
Scarborough confirmed that Mr. Roberts saw JB twice the night she died. Once when she came by their house to get something out of Tracie’s room and again when her and Tracie came home after Tracie’s shift at J.C. Penney’s.
an hour ago
1:57p.m. 4/19/23
Defense attorney Andrew Scarborough began cross examination. He asked if Tracie’s curfew was extended the night of the murders. Mr. Roberts recalled the phone call Tracie’s mother received from her telling her family that they had gotten lost.
(Read from bottom up)
2:28 Scarborough brought up the fact that Hurst claimed Tracie said they were to go to several parties that night and that Tracie did not want to go. Not because she didn’t want to go to the parties, according to Hurst but because she was tired after a long week.
2:25 Hurst testified that Tracie and JB had plans to attend a party that night. He said he walked Tracie past JB’s car and to her own car as they left J.C. Penney’s that night.
2:23 He said that she knew her because they both worked in the men’s department at JC Penney’s together. He said he did not JB before July 31 when she came into the store to talk to Tracie.
an hour ago
2:20 The defense did not question Mrs. Simpson and the state called Andrew Hurst, a co-worker of Tracie Hawlett to the stand.
2:19 Ethan Massey asked when the last time Mrs. Simpson saw JB. She responded that she had seen her the night before and asked her to go to the beach with her and her husband. JB declined, saying that she was going to celebrate her birthday.
- Share
an hour ago
2:17p.m 4/19/23
Mrs. Simpson explained her relationship with JB. She knew JB as a dance student, and employee, and a good friend.
- Share
an hour ago
2:14p.m. 4/19/23
Patti Rutland Simpson, JB’s former dance teacher is called to the stand by the prosecution.
an hour ago
2:12p.m. 4/19/23
Scarborough returned to the fact that Tracie called the private line, meaning the phone in Tracie’s bedroom.
- Share
an hour ago
2:09p.m. 4/19/23
JB and Tracie were meant to go to a party near Headland. Scarborough asked if Mr. Roberts had any concerns about Tracie hanging out with JB. He shook his head ‘no’ despite only having met JB in person on July 30, 1999.
- Share
2:07p.m. 4/19/23
Tracie called her private line rather than the home line when she called her parents the night of the murders.
2:03p.m. 4/19/23
Mr. Roberts said that his wife Carol started calling hospitals at about 5:30 a.m. August 1, 1999.
- Share
an hour ago
2:01 p.m. 4/19/23
Scarborough confirmed that Mr. Roberts saw JB twice the night she died. Once when she came by their house to get something out of Tracie’s room and again when her and Tracie came home after Tracie’s shift at J.C. Penney’s.
- Share
an hour ago
1:57p.m. 4/19/23
Defense attorney Andrew Scarborough began cross examination. He asked if Tracie’s curfew was extended the night of the murders. Mr. Roberts recalled the phone call Tracie’s mother received from her telling her family that they had gotten lost.
Tracey4AU
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WTVY DOTHAN
**I was able to do this one to read as normal - top to bottom chronologically**
a minute ago
2:30 Wade Williams, a friend of Tracie, was called to the stand by prosecution
2:34 Williams said that JB and Tracie called him from Headland while he was at a field party.
2:38 Defense attorney David Harrison questioned WIlliams He asked if Williams was intending to meet Tracie and JB that night. He said that he was, they were going to meet the girls on their way home.
2:41 Williams said that Tracie was supposed to meet him at 11:30 but he and his friend went to his house. They then went to Shooters, a nightclub.
2:44 Williams called Tracie’s private line several times that night to ensure she was okay since she never met up with him. Harrison also noted that Williams’ mother got a phone call from a girl around 1:56 p.m. He was not sure if that was Tracie or not.
2:45 The prosecution called Carol Roberts, Tracie’s mother, to the stand. She recounted the night the girls were murdered. She said that she heard Tracie’s phone ringing. Her youngest son answered and brought her the phone. On the phone call, Tracie said they never made it to the party, saying the wound up in Ozark. The girls got directions from two women and said that they would be home soon. She also asked if JB could spend the night and go to church with them in the morning.
2:50 Tracie asked if they could stop by the party and say hi to the boys they were going to meet and extending her curfew. Mrs. Roberts said that she could stop for about 5 minutes and then she needed to be home. She testified that she didn’t let Tracie extend her curfew.
2:53 Mrs. Roberts explained that she called Flowers Hospital in search of her daughter.
2:56 She recalled the moments she found out what had happened to Tracie
2:59 Scarborough questioned Mrs. Roberts. He asked if she had known that JB and Tracie had planned to hang out July 31. She said she did not know until she had gotten off of work. The girls had been together the night before. Mrs. Roberts said that Tracie usually worked from 1p.m. t0 9 p.m. and came home to change out of her dress clothes.
3:00 Scarborough asked how long the phone call Mrs. Roberts had gotten from her daughter was. She testified that it was only about 5 minutes. She heard only one other person in the background of the call: JB as Tracie asked her for more change.
3:02 Mrs. Roberts explained that Tracie probably called her private line in the hope that her mother would answer over her step-dad.
3:05 Mrs. Roberts said she was aware that a party was taking place out in the country and the Tracie and JB were going to go for a short time.
3:07 Tracie’s mother testified that she had known JB for a couple of months before the murders. She had no concerns with Tracie hanging out with her and said that she was a sweet girl.
3:10 Scarborough brought up a statement that Mrs. Roberts had made to an investigator that she had been concerned about Tracie spending time with JB. Mrs. Roberts testified that she does not remember saying that. She said she would not have let Tracie go if she was concerned about her hanging out with JB.
3:16p.m. 4/19/23
Scarborough returned to the morning after the murders. Tracie’s mother said that she called Flower’s Hospital before her husband went out to look for the girls. After he returned home, they called the police. Scarborough asked if she called John White, Dothan Police Chief and she said she did not.
3:18p.m. 4/19/23
Judge Filmore called for a break.
**I was able to do this one to read as normal - top to bottom chronologically**
a minute ago
2:30 Wade Williams, a friend of Tracie, was called to the stand by prosecution
2:34 Williams said that JB and Tracie called him from Headland while he was at a field party.
2:38 Defense attorney David Harrison questioned WIlliams He asked if Williams was intending to meet Tracie and JB that night. He said that he was, they were going to meet the girls on their way home.
2:41 Williams said that Tracie was supposed to meet him at 11:30 but he and his friend went to his house. They then went to Shooters, a nightclub.
2:44 Williams called Tracie’s private line several times that night to ensure she was okay since she never met up with him. Harrison also noted that Williams’ mother got a phone call from a girl around 1:56 p.m. He was not sure if that was Tracie or not.
2:45 The prosecution called Carol Roberts, Tracie’s mother, to the stand. She recounted the night the girls were murdered. She said that she heard Tracie’s phone ringing. Her youngest son answered and brought her the phone. On the phone call, Tracie said they never made it to the party, saying the wound up in Ozark. The girls got directions from two women and said that they would be home soon. She also asked if JB could spend the night and go to church with them in the morning.
2:50 Tracie asked if they could stop by the party and say hi to the boys they were going to meet and extending her curfew. Mrs. Roberts said that she could stop for about 5 minutes and then she needed to be home. She testified that she didn’t let Tracie extend her curfew.
2:53 Mrs. Roberts explained that she called Flowers Hospital in search of her daughter.
2:56 She recalled the moments she found out what had happened to Tracie
2:59 Scarborough questioned Mrs. Roberts. He asked if she had known that JB and Tracie had planned to hang out July 31. She said she did not know until she had gotten off of work. The girls had been together the night before. Mrs. Roberts said that Tracie usually worked from 1p.m. t0 9 p.m. and came home to change out of her dress clothes.
3:00 Scarborough asked how long the phone call Mrs. Roberts had gotten from her daughter was. She testified that it was only about 5 minutes. She heard only one other person in the background of the call: JB as Tracie asked her for more change.
3:02 Mrs. Roberts explained that Tracie probably called her private line in the hope that her mother would answer over her step-dad.
3:05 Mrs. Roberts said she was aware that a party was taking place out in the country and the Tracie and JB were going to go for a short time.
3:07 Tracie’s mother testified that she had known JB for a couple of months before the murders. She had no concerns with Tracie hanging out with her and said that she was a sweet girl.
3:10 Scarborough brought up a statement that Mrs. Roberts had made to an investigator that she had been concerned about Tracie spending time with JB. Mrs. Roberts testified that she does not remember saying that. She said she would not have let Tracie go if she was concerned about her hanging out with JB.
3:16p.m. 4/19/23
Scarborough returned to the morning after the murders. Tracie’s mother said that she called Flower’s Hospital before her husband went out to look for the girls. After he returned home, they called the police. Scarborough asked if she called John White, Dothan Police Chief and she said she did not.
3:18p.m. 4/19/23
Judge Filmore called for a break.
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Here’s what’s happening at the McCraney trial
The much anticipated trial begins with opening arguments Wednesday
3:42 The prosecution called Mariel Clark to the stand. She is one of the women who gave directions to Jb and Tracie on July 31, 1999. She was headed to the Big Little store in Ozark around 11:30 p.m. She testified that her and her mother were in the car together. One car was already at the store when she arrived.
3:46 Attorney General Steve Marshall had Clark point to the exact location of where their car was parked on a screen with a photo of the Big Little Store.
3:48 Clark said that she went up to the front door of the store but it was locked. She testified that JB approached her and asked for directions on how to get back to Dothan. Clark recalled that JB said that the two girls were lost.
3:50 Clark said that they were coming from a party in Headland and were trying to get home to make curfew. Clark explained that the girls went over to the payphone after their conversation.
3:51 Marshall asked if they had mud on their clothing to which Clark responded no, their clothes appeared clean when she saw them at the gas station that night. Clark left the store before the girls.
3:53 Scarborough began cross examination. He asked her what she had done in preparation for today. Clark said that she reviewed the statement she made back in 1999. She said that the girls had on jeans and some sort of halter tops and platform shoes.
3:58 The prosecution called Marilyn Clark, the mother of Mariel Clark to the stand. She said that she had been working around her house and went to get a drink after 11:00 p.m. on July 31, 1999.
4:02 Marshall followed a similar line of questioning to that of Mariel Clark. Marilyn Clark testified that her daughter got out of the car to get soft drinks but found the store locked. She said that she saw a girl approach her daughter and overheard them asking for directions. Her daughter gave the initial directions but, Marilyn Clark explained, she gave the girls landmarks to follow.
4:06 Scarborough asked Marilyn Clark about the directions she gave to JB and Tracie. She clarified that the directions she gave were to HWY 231. Clark testified that she waited until she was able to hear that the girls connected with someone on the phone before they left.
4:09 Scarborough questioned Marilyn Clark about undergoing hypnosis following the statement she gave to police. She confirmed that and her daughter underwent hypnosis but that she was unaware of her statement changing after hypnosis. She had not been hypnotized since.
4:12 Court has concluded for the day. Witness testimony will continue tomorrow morning.
formerreporterdhn
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Juror arrested, disqualified in McCraney Murder Trial
DALE COUNTY, Ala (WDHN)– Dale County Sheriff Mason Bynum has confirmed a juror in the murder trial of Coley McCraney who failed to appear in court Wednesday morning was arrested on a separate…
www.wdhn.com
Juror that caused the delay this morning has been arrested and dismissed from jury duty due to a failure to appear warrant in Houston County.
No matter which direction this goes, are we already looking at a possible mistrial? Seems like every obstacle possible is being thrown in the way of this trial.
Blacklist
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Since it so early in the trial, anything is possible. This is a perfect example of the alternate juror contingency. So, we will see. Totally up to Judge Philmore. Personally, I sort of doubt it.Juror arrested, disqualified in McCraney Murder Trial
DALE COUNTY, Ala (WDHN)– Dale County Sheriff Mason Bynum has confirmed a juror in the murder trial of Coley McCraney who failed to appear in court Wednesday morning was arrested on a separate…
Juror that caused the delay this morning has been arrested and dismissed from jury duty due to a failure to appear warrant in Houston County.
No matter which direction this goes, are we already looking at a possible mistrial? Seems like every obstacle possible is being thrown in the way of this trial.
Last edited:
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Thursday, April 20th:
*Trial continues (Day 2) (@ 9am CT) – AL – J.B. Hilton Green Beasley (17) & Tracie Jean Hawlett (17) (reported missing July 31, 1999, Ozark & found August 2, 1999 in trunk of car) - *Coley Lewis McCraney (25 @ time of crime/45/now 49) arrested (3/15/19), charged (3/16/19) & indicted (6/6/19) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder, 2 counts of 1st degree murder while in the act of murdering two or more persons & 1 count of 1st degree rape (Beasley). Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Denied bond request 11/15/22. DA will seek DP.
Parabon Nanolabs GEDMatch DNA.
Trial began on 4/17/23 with jury selection & ended on 4/18/23. 12 jurors & 2 alternates. (7 men & 7 women/2 men alternates). Juror dismissed (4/19/23). 12 jurors & 1 alternate.
Trial began with opening statements began on 4/19/23.
Court information from 4/3/19 thru 4/13/23 & Jury Selection Day 1-2 (4/17-4/18/23) reference post #732 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...17-ozark-31-july-1999-5-arrest.465871/page-37
4/19/23 Wednesday, Trial Day 1: Opening statements by Attorney David Harrison, representing McCraney & Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, representing the State.
A juror did not show up this morning because they are at work, cutting grass in Opp, AL. Deputies went to juror's job to bring him in for jury duty.
State witnesses: Mike Roberts, Tracie’s step-father. Patti Rutland Simpson, JB’s former dance teacher. Andrew Hurst, a co-worker of Tracie. Wade Williams, a friend of Tracie. Carol Roberts, Tracie’s mother. Mariel Clark. She is one of the women who gave directions to JB & Tracie on July 31, 1999. Marilyn Clark, the mother of Mariel.
for more info see post #739 (article) here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ed-ozark-31-july-1999-5-arrest.465871/page-37
Juror that caused the delay this morning has been arrested & dismissed from jury duty due to a failure to appear warrant in Houston County.
Trial continues on Thursday, 4/20/23.
*Trial continues (Day 2) (@ 9am CT) – AL – J.B. Hilton Green Beasley (17) & Tracie Jean Hawlett (17) (reported missing July 31, 1999, Ozark & found August 2, 1999 in trunk of car) - *Coley Lewis McCraney (25 @ time of crime/45/now 49) arrested (3/15/19), charged (3/16/19) & indicted (6/6/19) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder, 2 counts of 1st degree murder while in the act of murdering two or more persons & 1 count of 1st degree rape (Beasley). Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Denied bond request 11/15/22. DA will seek DP.
Parabon Nanolabs GEDMatch DNA.
Trial began on 4/17/23 with jury selection & ended on 4/18/23. 12 jurors & 2 alternates. (7 men & 7 women/2 men alternates). Juror dismissed (4/19/23). 12 jurors & 1 alternate.
Trial began with opening statements began on 4/19/23.
Court information from 4/3/19 thru 4/13/23 & Jury Selection Day 1-2 (4/17-4/18/23) reference post #732 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...17-ozark-31-july-1999-5-arrest.465871/page-37
4/19/23 Wednesday, Trial Day 1: Opening statements by Attorney David Harrison, representing McCraney & Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, representing the State.
A juror did not show up this morning because they are at work, cutting grass in Opp, AL. Deputies went to juror's job to bring him in for jury duty.
State witnesses: Mike Roberts, Tracie’s step-father. Patti Rutland Simpson, JB’s former dance teacher. Andrew Hurst, a co-worker of Tracie. Wade Williams, a friend of Tracie. Carol Roberts, Tracie’s mother. Mariel Clark. She is one of the women who gave directions to JB & Tracie on July 31, 1999. Marilyn Clark, the mother of Mariel.
for more info see post #739 (article) here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ed-ozark-31-july-1999-5-arrest.465871/page-37
Juror that caused the delay this morning has been arrested & dismissed from jury duty due to a failure to appear warrant in Houston County.
Trial continues on Thursday, 4/20/23.
Tracey4AU
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Good morning, y'all! Just checked WTVY for an update so far this morning.
WTVY DOTHAN
Witness: Bobby Blankenship
9:10 a.m. Bobby Blankenship, retired Ozark police officer, is called to the stand by the prosecution.
9:13 a.m. He testified that he found the Mazda 929 at around 9 a.m. on August 1, 1999. Dale County Assistant District Attorney Emmett Massey presented a crime scene photo of the vehicle. Blankenship said that they used a baton to break the car window and found identification belonging to JB Beasley.
9:15 a.m. He said that they notified Dothan police after finding the ID of JB.
9:16 a.m. Defense Attorney David Harrison began cross examination. Harrison questioned Blankenship about the patrol that took place the morning of August 1. Blankenship stated that the police department did not leave any officers on the scene. The Ozark Police Department was notified by the Dothan Police Department that the car was not stolen and that they were looking for two teens.
9:21 a.m. Blankenship stated that the opened the car at around 10:30 a.m. and found a purse and JB’s identification in between the seats of the car.
9:22 a.m. Harrison claimed that, due to the stated nightly patrol done by the Ozark Police Department, the car was not there prior to 9:02 a.m. on Herring Avenue, but was not there before that time.
9:23 a.m. Blankenship stated that he sat in the driver’s side of the Mazda 929.
9:26 a.m. Harrison alleged that the crime scene was not preserved as Blankenship said he did not have a list of who came in and out of the scene.
9:29 a.m. Harrison asked Blankenship if he knew what time the bodies were discovered. He stated that he did not because he was not on the scene at the time.
9:30 a.m. Harrison questioned Blankenship about the hypnosis of witnesses in the case. Blankenship stated that he had heard about witnesses being hypnotized. He testified that he did not order it nor had he himself been hypnotized.
Witness: Alton Miller, retired Dothan police officer
9:33 a.m. He testified that in 1999 when the murders happened he was a juvenile officer. He spoke to the victim’s families the morning they were killed, but before the bodies were found.
9:36 He traveled to the crime scene in Ozark.
9:37 Ozark police officer arrived shortly after Miller did and they canvassed the neighborhood. “There were red flags.” Miller said he observed dried blood and the car appeared to have been driven on a dirt road.
9:40 He located the release and opened the trunk and he eased trunk early and he saw jeans then realized the bodies were in there. The officer with him because emotional and had to be calmed. Crime tape was put around the scene. This was about 10:30.
9:43 He testified JB appeared to be in a fetal position. He and others went to another location that could have been the crime scene that turned out to be unrelated. He told then Dothan Police Chief John White to go with him to notify the parents.
9:45 Prosecutor Emmett Massey passes witness to defense attorney David Harrison
9:46 Miller said when he arrived at crime scene no officers were there.
9:50 He said if Ozark secured crime scene, which Blankenship testified happened, Miller said it would have been after him.
9:53 Harrison asks about crime scene contamination and Miller admits that if scene is contaminated it could reveal inaccurate information.
9:55 Miller believes there had been someone in the back seat.
9:56 He indicates that if gloves are not worn evidence could be compromised, apparently in reference to Blankenship removing wallet from car without wearing them which happened before it had been determined to be a crime scene.
9:59 Miller said he did not know how many people were on the scene before he left early afternoon.
10:00 Miller testimony has ended
Witness: Marc Crews, retired lab director with the Department of Forensic Sciences, Dothan Laboratory
10:02 a.m. In 1999, he worked with the Department of Forensic Science at the Dothan Laboratory. He stated his credentials and the types of education and training that he has received.
10:07 a.m. Crews testified that he worked the crime scene as a member of the Violent Crime Unit. He stated that he had people helping him on the scene. They searched the area with metal detectors. Photographs of were taken of the scene and they called a member of the Montgomery Lab to come view the scene.
10: 11 a.m. The prosecution presented ballistic evidence that was given to the Forensics team back in 1999. Crews explained the evidence, reading the case and item numbers, how the envelopes are sealed and tagged. He went on examining the envelopes, opened them one by one, and pulled the projectiles out to show the jury. One of the envelopes contained a cartridge casing.
10:17 a.m. Crews testified that the casing was found on the jeans of one of the victims.
10:19 a.m. Crews stated that his team was told that gunshots were heard near the scene. He walked through other evidence he examined at the scene, including blood, “red-brown stains” found in the car, and clothes in the back of the vehicle.
10:23 a.m. Judge Filmore called for a break.
WTVY DOTHAN
Witness: Bobby Blankenship
9:10 a.m. Bobby Blankenship, retired Ozark police officer, is called to the stand by the prosecution.
9:13 a.m. He testified that he found the Mazda 929 at around 9 a.m. on August 1, 1999. Dale County Assistant District Attorney Emmett Massey presented a crime scene photo of the vehicle. Blankenship said that they used a baton to break the car window and found identification belonging to JB Beasley.
9:15 a.m. He said that they notified Dothan police after finding the ID of JB.
9:16 a.m. Defense Attorney David Harrison began cross examination. Harrison questioned Blankenship about the patrol that took place the morning of August 1. Blankenship stated that the police department did not leave any officers on the scene. The Ozark Police Department was notified by the Dothan Police Department that the car was not stolen and that they were looking for two teens.
9:21 a.m. Blankenship stated that the opened the car at around 10:30 a.m. and found a purse and JB’s identification in between the seats of the car.
9:22 a.m. Harrison claimed that, due to the stated nightly patrol done by the Ozark Police Department, the car was not there prior to 9:02 a.m. on Herring Avenue, but was not there before that time.
9:23 a.m. Blankenship stated that he sat in the driver’s side of the Mazda 929.
9:26 a.m. Harrison alleged that the crime scene was not preserved as Blankenship said he did not have a list of who came in and out of the scene.
9:29 a.m. Harrison asked Blankenship if he knew what time the bodies were discovered. He stated that he did not because he was not on the scene at the time.
9:30 a.m. Harrison questioned Blankenship about the hypnosis of witnesses in the case. Blankenship stated that he had heard about witnesses being hypnotized. He testified that he did not order it nor had he himself been hypnotized.
Witness: Alton Miller, retired Dothan police officer
9:33 a.m. He testified that in 1999 when the murders happened he was a juvenile officer. He spoke to the victim’s families the morning they were killed, but before the bodies were found.
9:36 He traveled to the crime scene in Ozark.
9:37 Ozark police officer arrived shortly after Miller did and they canvassed the neighborhood. “There were red flags.” Miller said he observed dried blood and the car appeared to have been driven on a dirt road.
9:40 He located the release and opened the trunk and he eased trunk early and he saw jeans then realized the bodies were in there. The officer with him because emotional and had to be calmed. Crime tape was put around the scene. This was about 10:30.
9:43 He testified JB appeared to be in a fetal position. He and others went to another location that could have been the crime scene that turned out to be unrelated. He told then Dothan Police Chief John White to go with him to notify the parents.
9:45 Prosecutor Emmett Massey passes witness to defense attorney David Harrison
9:46 Miller said when he arrived at crime scene no officers were there.
9:50 He said if Ozark secured crime scene, which Blankenship testified happened, Miller said it would have been after him.
9:53 Harrison asks about crime scene contamination and Miller admits that if scene is contaminated it could reveal inaccurate information.
9:55 Miller believes there had been someone in the back seat.
9:56 He indicates that if gloves are not worn evidence could be compromised, apparently in reference to Blankenship removing wallet from car without wearing them which happened before it had been determined to be a crime scene.
9:59 Miller said he did not know how many people were on the scene before he left early afternoon.
10:00 Miller testimony has ended
Witness: Marc Crews, retired lab director with the Department of Forensic Sciences, Dothan Laboratory
10:02 a.m. In 1999, he worked with the Department of Forensic Science at the Dothan Laboratory. He stated his credentials and the types of education and training that he has received.
10:07 a.m. Crews testified that he worked the crime scene as a member of the Violent Crime Unit. He stated that he had people helping him on the scene. They searched the area with metal detectors. Photographs of were taken of the scene and they called a member of the Montgomery Lab to come view the scene.
10: 11 a.m. The prosecution presented ballistic evidence that was given to the Forensics team back in 1999. Crews explained the evidence, reading the case and item numbers, how the envelopes are sealed and tagged. He went on examining the envelopes, opened them one by one, and pulled the projectiles out to show the jury. One of the envelopes contained a cartridge casing.
10:17 a.m. Crews testified that the casing was found on the jeans of one of the victims.
10:19 a.m. Crews stated that his team was told that gunshots were heard near the scene. He walked through other evidence he examined at the scene, including blood, “red-brown stains” found in the car, and clothes in the back of the vehicle.
10:23 a.m. Judge Filmore called for a break.
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Tracey4AU
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Next update from WTVY DOTHAN
Witness: Marc Crews (cross examination)
10:50 a.m. Harrison began cross examination. He asked Crews what time he arrived on scene to which Crews said around 6 p.m. August 1,1999. Crews stated that a log is usually kept of who has been inside a crime scene. Harrison emphasized the importance of preserving the crime scene. Harrison provided the report that Crews made of people who were at the crime scene.
10:55: Crews read from that report. He stated, both in the report and for the court, that sketches and photographs had been made of the crime scene by members of the Ozark Police Department, ABI, and the Dothan Police Department. Harrison presents a computer generated diagram of the crime scene. Crews stated that these are made from all of the available information gathered at the scene.
10:58 a.m. Harrison pointed out that the report made by the forensic expert included that the Mazda 929 was a two-door vehicle rather than a four-door. Crews claimed he does not know where the person got that information or if the computer program made a mistake.
11:00 a.m. 1314 HWY 123 N Ozark is presented by Crews as the secondary scene. He stated that it was a residential area.
11:03 a.m. Harrison pointed out that a document in the case file had an address on Pleasant Spring Dr. which was not classified as a crime scene. Crews stated that it was part of the investigative materials and that on the page where that address appears has a generated picture of the Herring Avenue scene.
11:06 a.m. Crews read from his report that the back of the car was located 141.1 feet from James Street at the intersection of James and Herring. He testified that the documents are a collaborative effort.
11:08 a.m. Harrison asked if Crews has any first hand evidence that Coley McCraney killed JB and Tracie. Crews testified that he did not. Harrison followed up by asking if Crews found any first hand evidence that McCraney raped JB or Tracie. “I did not.”
11:10 a.m. Harrison pointed out that the mistakes in the report of the car doors and the address were hand written and not a “typo.”
Witness: Marc Crews (cross examination)
10:50 a.m. Harrison began cross examination. He asked Crews what time he arrived on scene to which Crews said around 6 p.m. August 1,1999. Crews stated that a log is usually kept of who has been inside a crime scene. Harrison emphasized the importance of preserving the crime scene. Harrison provided the report that Crews made of people who were at the crime scene.
10:55: Crews read from that report. He stated, both in the report and for the court, that sketches and photographs had been made of the crime scene by members of the Ozark Police Department, ABI, and the Dothan Police Department. Harrison presents a computer generated diagram of the crime scene. Crews stated that these are made from all of the available information gathered at the scene.
10:58 a.m. Harrison pointed out that the report made by the forensic expert included that the Mazda 929 was a two-door vehicle rather than a four-door. Crews claimed he does not know where the person got that information or if the computer program made a mistake.
11:00 a.m. 1314 HWY 123 N Ozark is presented by Crews as the secondary scene. He stated that it was a residential area.
11:03 a.m. Harrison pointed out that a document in the case file had an address on Pleasant Spring Dr. which was not classified as a crime scene. Crews stated that it was part of the investigative materials and that on the page where that address appears has a generated picture of the Herring Avenue scene.
11:06 a.m. Crews read from his report that the back of the car was located 141.1 feet from James Street at the intersection of James and Herring. He testified that the documents are a collaborative effort.
11:08 a.m. Harrison asked if Crews has any first hand evidence that Coley McCraney killed JB and Tracie. Crews testified that he did not. Harrison followed up by asking if Crews found any first hand evidence that McCraney raped JB or Tracie. “I did not.”
11:10 a.m. Harrison pointed out that the mistakes in the report of the car doors and the address were hand written and not a “typo.”
Mert
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Yes, my thanks to LR1, Niner (for this thread & many) & Blacklist for the updates and info. There are several others posting on this thread recently that I have enjoyed reading their thoughts and contributions. I am happy to be able to keep up here.
Tracey4AU
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Source: WTVY DOTHAN
Witness: Gregory Wanger, retired forensic pathologist
11:12 a.m. The families of JB Beasley and Tracie Hawlett stepped out of the courtroom
11:13 a.m. The prosecution called Gregory Wanger to the stand. He walked the jury through what forensic pathology is and his education.
11:15 a.m. Wanger testified that he was on call on August 1, 1999. He was paged to come to the scene in Ozark. He detailed that there was a single vehicle and two deceased individuals in the trunk of the car.
11:17 a.m. Wanger said he did an initial examination of the bodies. The prosecution presented a photo of the car with the bodies of Tracie Hawlett and JB Beasley. One of the images showed the shell casing that was found on the jeans of one of the girls.
11:27 a.m. Wanger testified that he performed the autopsies on August 2, 1999. He explained that an autopsy begins with an external examination followed by an internal examination. Wanger said that, after the autopsy, he determined that Tracie died from an “intermediate gun shot wound to the head.” A summary of what was found during the autopsy was presented. Wanger stated that the entry wound was in the temple area. He explained the route of the bullet. Wanger said that they also found “powder stippling” on the back of her hand, indicating that the distance from the weapon to skin was around 2 feet.
11:34 a.m. He said that the powder was mostly on the wound. Wanger testified that her hand was not outstretched but close to her head when the gun was fired.
11:38 a.m. A photo of Tracie’s hand with the powder stippling was shown to the jury. Wanger approached the monitor to better explain how the power would have ended up on her hand in the particular pattern. He said that he lifted a print of the pattern during autopsy. A pictures of the left hand, that did not have powder on it, was also shown as a comparison.
11:42 a.m. A photo of Tracie Hawlett’s face and head was shown to the jury. They also presented a picture of her shoes which had mud and a bit of blood on them.
11:45 a.m. Wanger said that he did the autopsy at 9 a.m. on August 2, 1999. A photo of Tracie on the autopsy table was presented to the jury. He pointed to the cleaned wound in order to show the entrance and exit wound. Wanger provided gruesome testimony about how the bullet travelled through the body.
11:50 a.m. Wanger detailed what Tracie was wearing the night she died. She had slips of paper with names and phone numbers on them with her. “The clothes were dried and bagged.” Wanger testified that there was a toxicology report on Tracie. He explained the tiny amount of alcohol that was found was due to the production of alcohol during decomposition. There was no other drugs or alcohol present in her system.
11:58 a.m. Wanger said that the autopsy of Tracie took him 2 hours.
11:59 p.m. Judge Filmore called for lunch. Wagner will continue at 1:30 p.m.
Witness: Gregory Wanger, retired forensic pathologist
11:12 a.m. The families of JB Beasley and Tracie Hawlett stepped out of the courtroom
11:13 a.m. The prosecution called Gregory Wanger to the stand. He walked the jury through what forensic pathology is and his education.
11:15 a.m. Wanger testified that he was on call on August 1, 1999. He was paged to come to the scene in Ozark. He detailed that there was a single vehicle and two deceased individuals in the trunk of the car.
11:17 a.m. Wanger said he did an initial examination of the bodies. The prosecution presented a photo of the car with the bodies of Tracie Hawlett and JB Beasley. One of the images showed the shell casing that was found on the jeans of one of the girls.
11:27 a.m. Wanger testified that he performed the autopsies on August 2, 1999. He explained that an autopsy begins with an external examination followed by an internal examination. Wanger said that, after the autopsy, he determined that Tracie died from an “intermediate gun shot wound to the head.” A summary of what was found during the autopsy was presented. Wanger stated that the entry wound was in the temple area. He explained the route of the bullet. Wanger said that they also found “powder stippling” on the back of her hand, indicating that the distance from the weapon to skin was around 2 feet.
11:34 a.m. He said that the powder was mostly on the wound. Wanger testified that her hand was not outstretched but close to her head when the gun was fired.
11:38 a.m. A photo of Tracie’s hand with the powder stippling was shown to the jury. Wanger approached the monitor to better explain how the power would have ended up on her hand in the particular pattern. He said that he lifted a print of the pattern during autopsy. A pictures of the left hand, that did not have powder on it, was also shown as a comparison.
11:42 a.m. A photo of Tracie Hawlett’s face and head was shown to the jury. They also presented a picture of her shoes which had mud and a bit of blood on them.
11:45 a.m. Wanger said that he did the autopsy at 9 a.m. on August 2, 1999. A photo of Tracie on the autopsy table was presented to the jury. He pointed to the cleaned wound in order to show the entrance and exit wound. Wanger provided gruesome testimony about how the bullet travelled through the body.
11:50 a.m. Wanger detailed what Tracie was wearing the night she died. She had slips of paper with names and phone numbers on them with her. “The clothes were dried and bagged.” Wanger testified that there was a toxicology report on Tracie. He explained the tiny amount of alcohol that was found was due to the production of alcohol during decomposition. There was no other drugs or alcohol present in her system.
11:58 a.m. Wanger said that the autopsy of Tracie took him 2 hours.
11:59 p.m. Judge Filmore called for lunch. Wagner will continue at 1:30 p.m.
Tracey4AU
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Source: WTVY DOTHAN
Witness: Gregory Wanger
1:40 p.m. Court resumed and Wagner began walking through the autopsy of JB. He testified that she had “an intermediate range gunshot wound to the face.” Photos of JB’s body during autopsy were presented to the jury. He pointed out the gunshot wound and the “powder stippling” that was also present on Tracie’s body. He was unable to determine exactly where her hand was like he was for Tracie. Wagner described the trajectory of the bullet, pointing out the entry and exit wound. He said she “died immediately” due to a brainstem injury.
1:48 p.m. A photo was shown of JB’s jeans where mud could be seen the lower parts of her pants and shoes. Another photo was shown, a close up of JB’s hand to show the powder pattern.
1:51 p.m. “She was killed instantly,” Wanger testified. He told the jury what JB was wearing at the time of her death. The sweater and undergarments that JB wore were transferred to anther lab for examination.
1:54 p.m. Wagner put on gloves and was presented several envelopes containing items of clothing that Ms. Beasley was wearing the night of the murder. He testified that the clothing was in the same condition as they were in 1999 except for the small pieces of fabric removed by forensics for testing.
2:00 p.m. Wagner held up the top that Ms. Beasley was wearing to the jury, pointing out the blood stains. He then showed them the underwear, pointing out that material has been removed for testing. A bra was presented next, indicating where bits of cloth had been removed.
2:04 p.m. Assistant Attorney General Jimmie Thomas presented Wagner with the sexual assault test kit that was used on JB. Wagner: “You can have consensual or non-consensual intercourse. Both can produce or not produce injuries. There were no injuries in this case.”
2:09 p.m. The summary findings during the autopsy was shown to the jury while Wanger read from his report. No bullet was recovered in the body during autopsy, according to Wanger.
2:17 p.m. “Rigor mortis had reached it’s peak and already to stared to go away,” Wagner said as he explained bodily changes that happen after death. He said that there is no way to give an exact time of death, especially given the heat of the day the girls were found.
2:22 p.m. No alcohol or drugs were found in Ms. Beasley’s system, Wanger explained again that a small amount of alcohol will be present in the blood as a product of decomposition.
2:25 p.m. Defense Attorney David Harrison began cross examination. Wanger said that he could not determine whether or not sex was consensual through the autopsy. “The evidence you’ve given to the jury today is what happened and not who done it,” Harrison said.
2:29 p.m. Harrison said that even though McCraney’s DNA was found in Ms. Beasley, Wagner could not testify that McCraney committed these crimes. “Not with my examination alone,” Wagner responded.
Witness: Gregory Wanger
1:40 p.m. Court resumed and Wagner began walking through the autopsy of JB. He testified that she had “an intermediate range gunshot wound to the face.” Photos of JB’s body during autopsy were presented to the jury. He pointed out the gunshot wound and the “powder stippling” that was also present on Tracie’s body. He was unable to determine exactly where her hand was like he was for Tracie. Wagner described the trajectory of the bullet, pointing out the entry and exit wound. He said she “died immediately” due to a brainstem injury.
1:48 p.m. A photo was shown of JB’s jeans where mud could be seen the lower parts of her pants and shoes. Another photo was shown, a close up of JB’s hand to show the powder pattern.
1:51 p.m. “She was killed instantly,” Wanger testified. He told the jury what JB was wearing at the time of her death. The sweater and undergarments that JB wore were transferred to anther lab for examination.
1:54 p.m. Wagner put on gloves and was presented several envelopes containing items of clothing that Ms. Beasley was wearing the night of the murder. He testified that the clothing was in the same condition as they were in 1999 except for the small pieces of fabric removed by forensics for testing.
2:00 p.m. Wagner held up the top that Ms. Beasley was wearing to the jury, pointing out the blood stains. He then showed them the underwear, pointing out that material has been removed for testing. A bra was presented next, indicating where bits of cloth had been removed.
2:04 p.m. Assistant Attorney General Jimmie Thomas presented Wagner with the sexual assault test kit that was used on JB. Wagner: “You can have consensual or non-consensual intercourse. Both can produce or not produce injuries. There were no injuries in this case.”
2:09 p.m. The summary findings during the autopsy was shown to the jury while Wanger read from his report. No bullet was recovered in the body during autopsy, according to Wanger.
2:17 p.m. “Rigor mortis had reached it’s peak and already to stared to go away,” Wagner said as he explained bodily changes that happen after death. He said that there is no way to give an exact time of death, especially given the heat of the day the girls were found.
2:22 p.m. No alcohol or drugs were found in Ms. Beasley’s system, Wanger explained again that a small amount of alcohol will be present in the blood as a product of decomposition.
2:25 p.m. Defense Attorney David Harrison began cross examination. Wanger said that he could not determine whether or not sex was consensual through the autopsy. “The evidence you’ve given to the jury today is what happened and not who done it,” Harrison said.
2:29 p.m. Harrison said that even though McCraney’s DNA was found in Ms. Beasley, Wagner could not testify that McCraney committed these crimes. “Not with my examination alone,” Wagner responded.
Tracey4AU
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Source: WTVY DOTHAN
Witness: Katherine Richert, forensic scientist
2:36 Prosecutors qualified the witness as an expert
2:38 She recounted receiving a phone call from Ozark police on August 1, 1999 asking for assistance with a murder scene and she arrived about 6:30 p.m.
2:43 She described microscopic ballistics examinations
2:48 She testified about going to a second scene along Alabama Highway 123 to see if there was evidence there.
2:55 Richert read from her report, stating that the bullets were fired from the same gun
3:02 She described the location of shell casings in proximity to the victims inside the car’s trunk
3:03 Ms. Richert said that Ms. Beasley was shot first and Ms. Hawlett afterwards.
3:05 Witnesses was passed to David Harrison and he is questioning the validity of paperwork
3:10 “It is easy to make a mistake, isn’t it,?” Harrison asked. Richert said yes.
3:12: Judge Filmore called for a break.
Witness: Katherine Richert, forensic scientist
2:36 Prosecutors qualified the witness as an expert
2:38 She recounted receiving a phone call from Ozark police on August 1, 1999 asking for assistance with a murder scene and she arrived about 6:30 p.m.
2:43 She described microscopic ballistics examinations
2:48 She testified about going to a second scene along Alabama Highway 123 to see if there was evidence there.
2:55 Richert read from her report, stating that the bullets were fired from the same gun
3:02 She described the location of shell casings in proximity to the victims inside the car’s trunk
3:03 Ms. Richert said that Ms. Beasley was shot first and Ms. Hawlett afterwards.
3:05 Witnesses was passed to David Harrison and he is questioning the validity of paperwork
3:10 “It is easy to make a mistake, isn’t it,?” Harrison asked. Richert said yes.
3:12: Judge Filmore called for a break.
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Investigator who found murdered teens recounts fateful day, jury shown disturbing crime scene photos
DALE COUNTY, Ala (WDHN) — During the fourth day of the Coley McCraney Murder trial, the jury heard from the first person to find the bodies of JB Beasley and Tracie Hawlett, who were shot to …
www.wdhn.com