MISTRIAL AZ - Isabel Celis, 6, Tucson, 20 April 2012, found deceased in 2017* *Arrest* #27

[imstilla.grandma]

Judge Deborah Bernini granted a defense request to separate the two murder cases.

Christopher Clements attorneys say he should have a separate trial in each death because he may want to testify in his own defense in the Celis case---but if the cases are combined, prosecutors would be free to ask him questions on the Gonzalez murder.

Prosecutors say the cases are linked because Clements led investigators to Celis remains in a remote part of Avra Valley where Maribel Gonzalez remains were found too.

Investigators say there’s a possible match for Clements DNA on Maribel Gonzalez remains.
Tucson child murders: Two trials likely

 

[PayrollNerd]

For both:

Case Documents
Filing Date Description Docket Date Filing Party
11/19/2020 005 - ME: Hearing - Party (001) 11/19/2020

11/17/2020 023 - ME: Order Entered By Court - Party (001) 11/17/2020

11/16/2020 RES - Response - Party (001) 11/17/2020
NOTE: STATE’S RESPONSE TO DEFENDANT’S REQUEST TO ESTABLISH BURDEN FOR EVIDENTIARY HEARING ON MOTION TO SUPPRESS

11/16/2020 STP - Stipulation - Party (001) 11/17/2020
NOTE: JOINT STIPULATIONS FOR EVIDENTIARY HEARING ON DEFENDANT’S MOTION TO SUPPRESS

11/16/2020 023 - ME: Order Entered By Court - Party (001) 11/16/2020

11/10/2020 SUA - Subpoena And Affidavit Of Service - Party (001) 11/12/2020


Hearings:
11/19/2020 13:30 Evidentiary Hearing

11/23/2020 13:30 Evidentiary Hearing

11/24/2020 13:30 Evidentiary Hearing

11/30/2020 13:30 Evidentiary Hearing

1/11/2021 13:30 Evidentiary Hearing

2/16/2021 8:30 Pre-Trial Conference

2/23/2021 8:00 Trial

link: Criminal Court Case Information - Case History

I clicked on this link and here is a snip from the bottom of the Case Calendar for the Fraudulent Schemes/Artifices.

Case Calendar
Date Time Event
1/11/2021 13:30 Evidentiary Hearing
2/16/2021 8:30 Pre-Trial Conference
2/16/2021 8:30 Pre-Trial Conference
2/16/2021 13:30 Evidentiary Hearing
2/22/2021 13:30 Evidentiary Hearing
2/23/2021 8:00 Trial
2/23/2021 8:00 Trial


Criminal Court Case Information - Case History

 

[Niner]

@PayrollNerd - unfortunately, I have all that info as I can access Maricopa County - I can't access the Pima County site - re the murder. Case #2018-3978-001

If you could look that one up? TIA!

 

[PayrollNerd]

This was all I could do - snip the screen. Microsoft forced an upgrade to Office and wiped out my product key, won't accept my Microsoft log in and now I cannot use my Office products (Word, Excel, etc)

Arizona Superior Court in Pima County - Online Court Calendar

 

[Niner]

Thanks @PayrollNerd

Monday, January 11th:
*Status Hearing (re Murder) (@ 1:30pm PT) – AZ – Isabel Mercedes Celis (6) (April 21, 2012, Tucson, found Mar. 3, 2017, Id’ed Mar. 31, 2017) & Maribel Victoria Gonzales (13) (June 4, 2014, Tucson, found June 6, 2014, id’ed June 20, 2014) – *Christopher Matthew Clements (36/now 38) aka Damion James Johnson indicted (9/15/18) & charged & arraigned (9/24/18) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder, 2 counts of kidnapping a minor under 15, 2 counts of 2nd degree burglary, 1 count of theft by controlling stolen property, 1 count of trafficking in stolen property & 14 counts of sexual exploitation of minors. Plead not guilty. $2M cash only bond. DA will seek DP.
Murder trial to begin on 7/27/21 with jury selection. Trial will be on Tuesdays thru Fridays (thru 9/29/21).
Trial (for Burglary/fraud) begins on 2/23/21. (for both).
Court hearings for Isabel Celis from 9/15/18 to 10/12/20 reference post #180 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Isabel Mercedes Celis, 6, Tucson, 20 April 2012 *Arrest* #27
Court hearings for Maribel Gonzales from 9/15/18 to 10/12/20 reference post #90 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Maribel Gonzales, 13, Tucson, 3 June 2014 *Arrest*
10/13/20 Update: Murder: Next Motions hearing on 10/26/20. 10/26/20 Update: Trial has been continued from original date of 2/23/21 to 7/27/21 thru 8/5/20. Status conference on 7/27/21 @ 10:15am & trial will start at 10:30am with jury selection.
1/6/21 Update: Judge Deborah Bernini granted a defense request to separate the two murder cases. Clements' attorneys say he should have a separate trial in each death because he may want to testify in his own defense in the Celis case---but if the cases are combined, prosecutors would be free to ask him questions on the Gonzalez murder. Prosecutors say the cases are linked because Clements led investigators to Celis remains in a remote part of Avra Valley where Maribel Gonzalez remains were found too. Investigators say there’s a possible match for Clements' DNA on Maribel remains. Status conference hearing on 1/11/21.
Co-Defendant on Maricopa County case:
*Melissa Stark (29 @ time of crime/now 33) – Fraud/Burglary case – Next Evidentiary hearing on 1/11/21. Trial to begin on 2/23/21.

 

[Niner]

Clements & Stark:

Fraud:

Docket:
Case Documents
Filing Date Description Docket Date Filing Party
1/12/2021 003 - ME: Hearing Reset - Party (001) 1/12/2021


Hearings:
2/16/2021 8:30 Pre-Trial Conference
2/16/2021 13:30 Evidentiary Hearing

2/22/2021 13:30 Evidentiary Hearing

2/23/2021 8:00 Trial

link: Criminal Court Case Information - Case History

 

[Niner]

Any news on separate trials from the hearing on 1/11 or am I too early?

@PayrollNerd - wondering if there might be an update in the court site? Pima County.

TIA!

 

[PayrollNerd]

This was all I could do - snip the screen. Microsoft forced an upgrade to Office and wiped out my product key, won't accept my Microsoft log in and now I cannot use my Office products (Word, Excel, etc)

Arizona Superior Court in Pima County - Online Court Calendar

I was able to get my Office reinstalled - what a mess. I downloaded the calendar and included a clip of the first few entries.

Case: CR20183978
Defendant:CLEMENTS, CHRISTOPHER

 

[Seattle1]

I was able to get my Office reinstalled - what a mess. I downloaded the calendar and included a clip of the first few entries.

Case: CR20183978
Defendant:CLEMENTS, CHRISTOPHER
View attachment 279316

Hooray-- and thank you for all of your court updates!

 

[Seattle1]

View attachment 278958
Judge Deborah Bernini granted a defense request to separate the two murder cases.

Christopher Clements attorneys say he should have a separate trial in each death because he may want to testify in his own defense in the Celis case---but if the cases are combined, prosecutors would be free to ask him questions on the Gonzalez murder.

Prosecutors say the cases are linked because Clements led investigators to Celis remains in a remote part of Avra Valley where Maribel Gonzalez remains were found too.

Investigators say there’s a possible match for Clements DNA on Maribel Gonzalez remains.
Tucson child murders: Two trials likely

This really is a catch 22, isn't it?...

MG's remains were located earlier with DNA evidence available whereas recovering fragments of Issa took years. Is there any question that CC negotiated his way on yet another case by providing the location of Issa?

I have mixed feelings about this (separate trials) because I also want vindication for Issa's parents. MOO

 

[Seattle1]

I recall the defense motion for separate the trials filed last October 2020. I don't see any information on the Judge's decision reported Jan 4, 2021 (link below) but do we have copies of the DA's argument contesting the defense motion? I think the DA has to file a motion for Judge reconsideration on the decision within 10 days... MOO

Tucson child murders: Two trials likely

 

[PayrollNerd]

I recall the defense motion for separate the trials filed last October 2020. I don't see any information on the Judge's decision reported Jan 4, 2021 (link below) but do we have copies of the DA's argument contesting the defense motion? I think the DA has to file a motion for Judge reconsideration on the decision within 10 days... MOO

Tucson child murders: Two trials likely

I poked around on the website to find documents to download but I couldn't find a link unfortunately.

 

[Seattle1]

I poked around on the website to find documents to download but I couldn't find a link unfortunately.

I also looked, and thank you @PayrollNerd for also checking.

One of the most difficult aspects of this case (for me) is how we can clearly see that a defendant has more opportunities than that of the victim and/or the victim's family. And CC is quite a master of "the system." I pray his luck has run out.

Never should his face been the last these two girls saw.

 

[Niner]

Thanks for the updates @PayrollNerd & @Seattle1 !

 

[Niner]

for Clements & Stark:
Update on Docket for Fraud:

Docket:
Case Documents
Filing Date Description Docket Date Filing Party
2/11/2021 598 - ME: Continuance Past last Day - Party (001) 2/11/2021

2/11/2021 598 - ME: Continuance Past last Day - Party (002) 2/11/2021

2/1/2021 NOT - Notice - Party (002) 2/1/2021
NOTE: Notice of Joining Co-Defendants Motion to Continue

2/1/2021 MCO - Motion To Continue - Party (001) 2/2/2021
NOTE: MOTION TO CONTINUE TRIAL

Docket for Burglary:
Case Documents
Filing Date Description Docket Date Filing Party
2/12/2021 023 - ME: Order Entered By Court - Party (001) 2/12/2021

2/11/2021 598 - ME: Continuance Past last Day - Party (001) 2/11/2021

2/11/2021 598 - ME: Continuance Past last Day - Party (002) 2/11/2021

2/5/2021 ALT - Appeals Letter Of Transmittal - Party (001) 2/8/2021

2/5/2021 CAO - Court Of Appeals Order - Party (001) 2/8/2021
NOTE: ORDER DECLINING SPECIAL ACTION JURISDICTION

2/1/2021 NOT - Notice - Party (002) 2/1/2021
NOTE: Notice of Joining Co-Defendants Motion to Continue

1/28/2021 MCO - Motion To Continue - Party (001) 1/28/2021
NOTE: Motion to Continue Trial

Hearings:
2/16/2021 8:30 Pre-Trial Conference
2/16/2021 13:30 Evidentiary Hearing

2/17/2021 13:30 Evidentiary Hearing

2/18/2021 13:30 Evidentiary Hearing

2/22/2021 13:30 Evidentiary Hearing

2/23/2021 8:00 Trial - Cancelled

5/25/2021 8:30 Pre-Trial Conference

6/8/2021 11:00 Trial


link: Criminal Court Case Information - Case History

 

[Seattle1]

@Niner -- do you recall Stark's status -- is she still incarcerated or out on bond? Thanks!

 

[Niner]

@Niner -- do you recall Stark's status -- is she still incarcerated or out on bond? Thanks!

Well - it is NOT the greatest of court sites. Doesn't really say anywhere on there that she is out on bond. I found these entries - which "might" mean she is out.

7/30/2019 MOT - Motion - Party (002) 7/31/2019
NOTE: MOTION TO MODIFY CONDITIONS OF RELEASE FOR TRAVEL
7/29/2019 AFS - Affidavit Of Service - Party (001)

6/28/2018 MOT - Motion - Party (002) 6/29/2018
NOTE: MOTION TO MODIFY CONDITIONS OF RELEASE - TO TRAVEL OUT OF STATE

2/23/2018 ROS – Release Order Supervised Release - Party (002) 2/26/2018
NOTE: Release Order

 

[Seattle1]

Well - it is NOT the greatest of court sites. Doesn't really say anywhere on there that she is out on bond. I found these entries - which "might" mean she is out.

7/30/2019 MOT - Motion - Party (002) 7/31/2019
NOTE: MOTION TO MODIFY CONDITIONS OF RELEASE FOR TRAVEL
7/29/2019 AFS - Affidavit Of Service - Party (001)

6/28/2018 MOT - Motion - Party (002) 6/29/2018
NOTE: MOTION TO MODIFY CONDITIONS OF RELEASE - TO TRAVEL OUT OF STATE

2/23/2018 ROS – Release Order Supervised Release - Party (002) 2/26/2018
NOTE: Release Order

Thanks, @Niner. I just wanted to confirm whether or not we might end up reading that she was "sentenced to time served."

 

[Niner]

Tuesday, February 16th:
*Pretrial Hearing (@ 8:30am PT) & Evidentiary Hearings (re Fraud & Burglary/Theft) for both (@ 1:30pm PT) – AZ – Isabel Mercedes Celis (6) (April 21, 2012, Tucson, found Mar. 3, 2017, Id’ed Mar. 31, 2017) & Maribel Victoria Gonzales (13) (June 4, 2014, Tucson, found June 6, 2014, id’ed June 20, 2014) – *Christopher Matthew Clements (36/now 39) aka Damion James Johnson indicted (9/15/18) & arraigned (9/24/18) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder, 2 counts of kidnapping a minor under 15, 2 counts of 2nd degree burglary, 1 count of theft by controlling stolen property, 1 count of trafficking in stolen property & 14 counts of sexual exploitation of minors. Plead not guilty. $2M cash only bond. DA will seek DP.
Fraud & Burglary trial was set to begin on 2/23/21 continued to 6/8/21. Murder trial set to begin on 7/27/21 thru 9/29/21.
Court hearings for Isabel Celis from 8/23/19 to 11/19/20 reference post #196 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Isabel Mercedes Celis, 6, Tucson, 20 April 2012 *Arrest* #27
Court hearings for Maribel Gonzales from 8/23/19 to 11/19/20 reference post #96 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Maribel Gonzales, 13, Tucson, 3 June 2014 *Arrest*
11/23/20 Update: Evidentiary hearing continues on 11/24/20. 11/24/20 Update: Next evidentiary hearing on 11/30/20. 11/30/20 Update: Next evidentiary hearing on 1/11/21. Pretrial & evidentiary hearing on 2/16/21 & evidentiary hearing on 2/22/21.
1/11/21 Update: Hearing was reset. Next pretrial hearing @ 8:30am & evidentiary hearing @ 1:30pm on 2/16/21.
1/28/21: Motion to continue trial. 2/1/21: Notion of joining co-defendants' Motion to Continue. 2/5/21: Court of Appeals Order: Declining special action jurisdiction. 2/11/21: Motion to continue trial-granted. Trial has been rescheduled to 5/8/21. Next pretrial hearing on 2/16 @ 8:30am & evidentiary hearings on 2/16/21, 2/17, 2/18 & 2/22 all @ 1:30pm. Pretrial conference hearing on 5/25/21.
Co-Defendant on Maricopa County case:
*Melissa Stark (29 @ time of crime/now 32) charged (10/28/17), indicted (10/4/17 & 11/10/18) & arraigned (11/13/17 & 2/1/18) with 2nd degree fraud, 2 counts of 2nd degree burglary & 1 count of 3rd degree theft. Plead not guilty.
Trial was set to begin on 2/23/21 continued to 6/8/21.
Court hearings for Isabel Celis from 8/23/19 to 11/19/20 reference post #196 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Isabel Mercedes Celis, 6, Tucson, 20 April 2012 *Arrest* #27
Court hearings for Maribel Gonzales from 8/23/19 to 11/19/20 reference post #96 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Maribel Gonzales, 13, Tucson, 3 June 2014 *Arrest*
11/23/20 Update: Evidentiary hearing continues on 11/24/20. 11/24/20 Update: Next evidentiary hearing on 11/30/20. 11/30/20 Update: Next evidentiary hearing on 1/11/21. Pretrial & evidentiary hearing on 2/16/21 & evidentiary hearing on 2/22/21.
1/11/21 Update: Hearing was reset. Next pretrial hearing @ 8:30am & evidentiary hearing @ 1:30pm on 2/16/21. 1/28/21: Motion to continue trial. 2/1/21: Notion of joining co-defendants' Motion to Continue. 2/5/21: Court of Appeals Order: Declining special action jurisdiction. 2/11/21: Motion to continue trial-granted. Trial has been rescheduled to 5/8/21. Next pretrial hearing on 2/16 @ 8:30am & evidentiary hearings on 2/16/21, 2/17, 2/18 & 2/22 all @ 1:30pm. Pretrial conference hearing on 5/25/21.

 

[katydid23]

Thanks again Niners, for all your hard work.
So tomorrow through Thursday, 1st 3 days of pretrial hearings, evidentiary hearings, etc etc ...


Next pretrial hearing on 2/16 @ 8:30am & evidentiary hearings on 2/16/21, 2/17, 2/18 & 2/22 all @ 1:30pm. Pretrial conference hearing on 5/25/21.