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

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Tuesday, January 30th:
*JAA Administrative Hearing (contraband) (@ am PT) – AZ – Isabel Mercedes Celis (6) (missing from home April 21, 2012, Tucson, found in a desert area in Marana, located off of Avra Valley & Trico roads on Mar. 3, 2017, Id’ed Mar. 31, 2017) – *Christopher Matthew Clements (30 @ time of 1st crime/36/now 42) aka Damion James Johnson indicted (9/15/18) & arraigned & charged (9/24/18) with 1 count of 1st degree murder, 1 count of kidnapping a minor under 15 & 14 counts of sexual exploitation of minors. Plead not guilty. $2M cash only bond. DA will not seek DP.
Murder trial for Isabel began on with jury selection on 2/9/23 & a jury was selected. Jury: 9 men & 6 women. Only 12 will actively participate in the trial (other 3 will be alternates). Pima County Superior Court Judge James Marner presiding.
Trial began on Tuesday, 2/14/23 thru 3/3/23. Jury deliberations for a total: ~7 hours. Jury could not come up with a verdict & Judge James Marner declares a mistrial. 11 voted for conviction, one for acquittal.
Trial set to begin on 2/6/24.
Court hearings from 8/23/19 to 6/26/23 reference post #713 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...und-deceased-in-2017-arrest-27.464075/page-36
7/10/23 Update: Next motions hearing on 7/31/23 @ 1:30pm.
*Maribel Victoria Gonzales (13) - Trial started 9/13/22 & ended 9/30/22 with a guilty verdict. Sentenced on 11/14/22 to natural life in prison & 17 years for kidnapping. The kidnapping sentence will be served consecutively with the sentence of natural life.
Trial for Fraud began on 1/30/23 & ended 2/2/23 with a guilty verdict. Sentencing hearing on 1/31/24.
*Christopher Matthew Clements (41/now 42) charged & arraigned (2/28/23) with promoting/possession of prison contraband a felony (2/7/23). Plead not guilty.
Trial began on 12/19/23. Continued on 12/21/23 @ 1:30pm (3 day trial).
Court hearings from 2/4/23 to 11/27/23 reference post #716 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...und-deceased-in-2017-arrest-27.464075/page-36
12/19/23 Tuesday, Trial Day 1: No info yet. Trial continues on 12/20/23.
12/20/23 Wednesday, Trial Day 2: No info yet. Trial continues on 12/21/23.
12/21/23 Update: Next JAA Administrative hearing/non-appearance. James E. Marner presiding on 1/30/24.
 
Last edited:
Niner said:
Tuesday, January 20th:
*JAA Administrative Hearing (contraband) (@ am PT) – AZ – Isabel Mercedes Celis (6) (missing from home April 21, 2012, Tucson, found in a desert area in Marana, located off of Avra Valley & Trico roads on Mar. 3, 2017, Id’ed Mar. 31, 2017) – *Christopher Matthew Clements (30 @ time of 1st crime/36/now 42) aka Damion James Johnson indicted (9/15/18) & arraigned & charged (9/24/18) with 1 count of 1st degree murder, 1 count of kidnapping a minor under 15 & 14 counts of sexual exploitation of minors. Plead not guilty. $2M cash only bond. DA will not seek DP.
Murder trial for Isabel began on with jury selection on 2/9/23 & a jury was selected. Jury: 9 men & 6 women. Only 12 will actively participate in the trial (other 3 will be alternates). Pima County Superior Court Judge James Marner presiding.
Trial began on Tuesday, 2/14/23 thru 3/3/23. Jury deliberations for a total: ~7 hours. Jury could not come up with a verdict & Judge James Marner declares a mistrial. 11 voted for conviction, one for acquittal.
Trial set to begin on 2/6/24.
Court hearings from 8/23/19 to 6/26/23 reference post #713 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...und-deceased-in-2017-arrest-27.464075/page-36
7/10/23 Update: Next motions hearing on 7/31/23 @ 1:30pm.
*Maribel Victoria Gonzales (13) - Trial started 9/13/22 & ended 9/30/22 with a guilty verdict. Sentenced on 11/14/22 to natural life in prison & 17 years for kidnapping. The kidnapping sentence will be served consecutively with the sentence of natural life.
Trial for Fraud began on 1/30/23 & ended 2/2/23 with a guilty verdict. Sentencing hearing on 1/31/24.
*Christopher Matthew Clements (41/now 42) charged & arraigned (2/28/23) with promoting/possession of prison contraband a felony (2/7/23). Plead not guilty.
Trial began on 12/19/23. Continued on 12/21/23 @ 1:30pm (3 day trial).
Court hearings from 2/4/23 to 11/27/23 reference post #716 here:
URL unfurl="false"]MISTRIAL - AZ - Isabel Celis, 6, Tucson, 20 April 2012, found deceased in 2017* *Arrest* #27[/URL]
12/19/23 Tuesday, Trial Day 1: No info yet. Trial continues on 12/20/23.
12/20/23 Wednesday, Trial Day 2: No info yet. Trial continues on 12/21/23.
12/21/23 Update: Next JAA Administrative hearing/non-appearance. James E. Marner presiding on 1/30/24.
Click to expand...
"Trial began on Tuesday, 2/14/23 thru 3/3/23. Jury deliberations for a total: ~7 hours. Jury could not come up with a verdict & Judge James Marner declares a mistrial. 11 voted for conviction, one for acquittal."

How did it end with one person voting acquittal? I hope they figure it out before they try the next case.
 
katydid23 said:
"Trial began on Tuesday, 2/14/23 thru 3/3/23. Jury deliberations for a total: ~7 hours. Jury could not come up with a verdict & Judge James Marner declares a mistrial. 11 voted for conviction, one for acquittal."

How did it end with one person voting acquittal? I hope they figure it out before they try the next case.
Click to expand...

If I remember correctly - I believe the one juror believed the father did it.... :rolleyes:
 
@PayrollNerd - any updates yet re his contraband hearing from yesterday? Also Isabel's murder case? I have his last hearing for the murder charge on 7/31/23. And trial starting 2/6/24 - still good?
TIA! :)
 
Not sure if this article was posted previously. I went back a few pages and didn't see it.

tucson.com

Clements seeks a new trial, venue change

Christopher Clements was convicted Sept. 30 of first-degree murder and kidnapping in the death of 13-year-old Maribel Gonzalez.
tucson.com tucson.com

Court officials also said Clements’ attorneys have filed a motion for a new trial and a motion for judgment of acquittal not withstanding the verdict.

A Nov. 7 hearing is set for both motions.
A judge also will hear testimony Nov. 14 for a possible change of venue for Clements’ other murder trial, scheduled for Feb. 2 involving the death of 6-year-old Isabel Celis.
 
PayrollNerd said:
Not sure if this article was posted previously. I went back a few pages and didn't see it.

tucson.com

Clements seeks a new trial, venue change

Christopher Clements was convicted Sept. 30 of first-degree murder and kidnapping in the death of 13-year-old Maribel Gonzalez.
tucson.com tucson.com

Court officials also said Clements’ attorneys have filed a motion for a new trial and a motion for judgment of acquittal not withstanding the verdict.

A Nov. 7 hearing is set for both motions.
A judge also will hear testimony Nov. 14 for a possible change of venue for Clements’ other murder trial, scheduled for Feb. 2 involving the death of 6-year-old Isabel Celis.
Click to expand...

Here is what I have in my notes for the above:

11/7/22 Update: Pima County Judge James Marner rejected two motions by the attorneys of convicted child killer Clements. Denied a request for a new trial & judgment of acquittal notwithstanding the verdict. Clements will be sentenced at 11 a.m. Monday, 11/14/22. He faces up to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
11/14/22 Update: Clements was sentenced Monday to natural life in prison. Judge Marner also sentenced Clements to 17 years in prison for her kidnapping. That sentence will be served consecutively with the life sentence.
 
Let's HOPE this does start today!

Tuesday, February 6th:
*Trial set to begin (@ 10:30am PT) – AZ – Isabel Mercedes Celis (6) (missing from home April 21, 2012, Tucson, found in a desert area in Marana, located off of Avra Valley & Trico roads on Mar. 3, 2017, Id’ed Mar. 31, 2017) – *Christopher Matthew Clements (30 @ time of 1st crime/36/now 42) aka Damion James Johnson indicted (9/15/18) & arraigned & charged (9/24/18) with 1 count of 1st degree murder, 1 count of kidnapping a minor under 15 & 14 counts of sexual exploitation of minors. Plead not guilty. $2M cash only bond. DA will not seek DP.
Murder trial for Isabel began on with jury selection on 2/9/23 & a jury was selected. Jury: 9 men & 6 women. Only 12 will actively participate in the trial (other 3 will be alternates).
Pima County Superior Court Judge James Marner presiding.
Trial began on Tuesday, 2/14/23 thru 3/3/23. Jury deliberations for a total: ~7 hours. Jury could not come up with a verdict & Judge James Marner declares a mistrial. 11 voted for conviction, one for acquittal.
Trial set to begin on 2/6/24. Trial will be from 2/6/24 thru 3/5/24. Court in session Tuesdays thru Fridays. 2/7/24, 2/8, 2/9, 2/13, 2/14, 2/15, 2/16, 2/21, 2/22, 2/23, 2/28, 2/29, 3/1 & 3/5/24.
Court hearings from 8/23/19 to 12/20/23 reference post #722 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...und-deceased-in-2017-arrest-27.464075/page-37
7/10/23 Update: Next motions hearing on 7/31/23 @ 1:30pm. Next trial set to begin on 2/6/24.
*Maribel Victoria Gonzales (13) - Trial started 9/13/22 & ended 9/30/22 with a guilty verdict. Sentenced on 11/14/22 to natural life in prison & 17 years for kidnapping. The kidnapping sentence will be served consecutively with the sentence of natural life.
Trial for Fraud began on 1/30/23 & ended 2/2/23 with a guilty verdict. Sentencing hearing on 3/27/24.
 
www.kold.com

NEW DETAILS: Opening statements set to begin in Christopher Clements trial

Christopher Clements is already serving life in prison for the kidnapping and death of Maribel Gonzalez.
www.kold.com www.kold.com

Feb. 7, 2023

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - A jury has been seated for the murder trial against Christopher Clements, who is accused in the kidnapping and murder of Isabel Celis.

Opening arguments are scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 7.
[.....]
In the pretrial conference, the judge said the defense can still call two experts who will rebut the accuracy of using cell phones to track Clements’ location as well as an expert witness on whether a window screen was pulled or pushed from Isabel Celis’ window.

The judge will also allow additional photographs submitted by the prosecution.

Judge Marner reminded both the prosecution and defense that while he is admitting the experts and the evidence, the rules of evidence still apply and that either side can raise objections during the trial.
 
Wednesday, February 7th:
*Trial continues (Day 1) (@ 10:30am PT) – AZ – Isabel Mercedes Celis (6) (missing from home April 21, 2012, Tucson, found in a desert area in Marana, located off of Avra Valley & Trico roads on Mar. 3, 2017, Id’ed Mar. 31, 2017) – *Christopher Matthew Clements (30 @ time of 1st crime/36/now 42) aka Damion James Johnson indicted (9/15/18) & arraigned & charged (9/24/18) with 1 count of 1st degree murder, 1 count of kidnapping a minor under 15 & 14 counts of sexual exploitation of minors. Plead not guilty. $2M cash only bond. DA will not seek DP.
Murder trial for Isabel began on with jury selection on 2/9/23 & a jury was selected. Jury: 9 men & 6 women. Only 12 will actively participate in the trial (other 3 will be alternates). Pima County Superior Court Judge James Marner presiding.
Trial began on Tuesday, 2/14/23 thru 3/3/23. Jury deliberations for a total: ~7 hours. Jury could not come up with a verdict & Judge James Marner declares a mistrial. 11 voted for conviction, one for acquittal.
Trial began on 2/6/24. Court in session Tuesdays thru Fridays. 2/7/24, 2/8, 2/9, 2/13, 2/14, 2/15, 2/16, 2/21, 2/22, 2/23, 2/28, 2/29, 3/1 & 3/5/24. Trial will be from 2/6/24 thru 3/5/24.
Court hearings from 8/23/19 to 12/20/23 reference post #730 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...und-deceased-in-2017-arrest-27.464075/page-37
2/6/24 Tuesday, Trial Day 1: A jury has been seated. Opening arguments are scheduled for Wednesday, 2/7/24. In the pretrial conference, the judge said the defense can still call two experts who will rebut the accuracy of using cell phones to track Clements’ location as well as an expert witness on whether a window screen was pulled or pushed from Isabel Celis’ window. The judge will also allow additional photographs submitted by the prosecution. Judge Marner reminded both the prosecution & defense that while he is admitting the experts & the evidence, the rules of evidence still apply & that either side can raise objections during the trial. Trial continues on Wednesday, 2/7/24.
 
Niner said:
www.kold.com

NEW DETAILS: Opening statements set to begin in Christopher Clements trial

Christopher Clements is already serving life in prison for the kidnapping and death of Maribel Gonzalez.
www.kold.com www.kold.com

Feb. 7, 2023

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - A jury has been seated for the murder trial against Christopher Clements, who is accused in the kidnapping and murder of Isabel Celis.

Opening arguments are scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 7.
[.....]
In the pretrial conference, the judge said the defense can still call two experts who will rebut the accuracy of using cell phones to track Clements’ location as well as an expert witness on whether a window screen was pulled or pushed from Isabel Celis’ window.

The judge will also allow additional photographs submitted by the prosecution.

Judge Marner reminded both the prosecution and defense that while he is admitting the experts and the evidence, the rules of evidence still apply and that either side can raise objections during the trial.
Click to expand...
Sounds like the Defense is going to try and point the blame at the father again.

If the window screen was pulled instead of pushed, was it an inside job?

Isn't it going to come down to Clement having told LE WHERE HER BODY WAS BURIED? That's admissible evidence I hope!
 

Interesting details from 1st day of the trial. The father was the first witness on the stand, and was asked if he was her killer. He denied it of course. Poor guy.

Pros said Clements phone was tracked to vicinity of Isabel’s buried body , and they found images of little girls on his web browser. Also, Clements had been to the victim’s home and called their previous to the kidnapping. They also found the words ‘Isabel sexy’ on his web browser.

The defense brought out the writing on Isabel's closet wall which said 'Dad is bad' I don't like dad.'
They also brought video of the detective opening the window and it made a Lous screech sound.
 
katydid23 said:

Interesting details from 1st day of the trial. The father was the first witness on the stand, and was asked if he was her killer. He denied it of course. Poor guy.

Pros said Clements phone was tracked to vicinity of Isabel’s buried body , and they found images of little girls on his web browser. Also, Clements had been to the victim’s home and called their previous to the kidnapping. They also found the words ‘Isabel sexy’ on his web browser.

The defense brought out the writing on Isabel's closet wall which said 'Dad is bad' I don't like dad.'
They also brought video of the detective opening the window and it made a Lous screech sound.
Click to expand...
I was sad that there was no mention of Clements telling LE where her body could be found. Is that not admissible????
 
Thursday, February 8th:
*Trial continues (Day 2) (@ 10:30am PT) – AZ – Isabel Mercedes Celis (6) (missing from home April 21, 2012, Tucson, found in a desert area in Marana, located off of Avra Valley & Trico roads on Mar. 3, 2017, Id’ed Mar. 31, 2017) – *Christopher Matthew Clements (30 @ time of 1st crime/36/now 42) aka Damion James Johnson indicted (9/15/18) & arraigned & charged (9/24/18) with 1 count of 1st degree murder, 1 count of kidnapping a minor under 15 & 14 counts of sexual exploitation of minors. Plead not guilty. $2M cash only bond. DA will not seek DP.
Murder trial for Isabel began on with jury selection on 2/9/23 & a jury was selected. Jury: 9 men & 6 women. Only 12 will actively participate in the trial (other 3 will be alternates). Pima County Superior Court Judge James Marner presiding.
Trial began on Tuesday, 2/14/23 thru 3/3/23. Jury deliberations for a total: ~7 hours. Jury could not come up with a verdict & Judge James Marner declares a mistrial. 11 voted for conviction, one for acquittal.
Trial began on 2/6/24 with jury selection. Done. Trial began on 2/7/24. Court in session Tuesdays thru Fridays. 2/8/24, 2/9, 2/13, 2/14, 2/15, 2/16, 2/21, 2/22, 2/23, 2/28, 2/29, 3/1 & 3/5/24. Trial will be from 2/6/24 thru 3/5/24.
Judge James Marner presiding. Prosecutor Tracy Miller & defense attorney Eric Kessler.
Court hearings from 8/23/19 to 12/20/23 & Jury Selection (2/6/24) reference post #732 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...und-deceased-in-2017-arrest-27.464075/page-37
2/7/24 Tuesday, Trial Day 1: Opening statements by prosecutor Tracy Miller & by defense attorney Eric Kessler.
State witnesses: Sergio Celis, father. Will return on stand for cross exam.
For more info see post #736 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...und-deceased-in-2017-arrest-27.464075/page-37
Trial continues on Thursday, 2/8/24.
 
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