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

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Friday, February 24th:
*Trial continues (Day 8) (@ 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 41) 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). One juror was dismissed (2/22/23) 2 alternates. Pima County Superior Court Judge James Marner presiding.
Trial began on Tuesday, 2/14/23 thru 3/9/23. But Judge Marner believes trial will end earlier than the 9th.
Court hearings from 8/23/19 to 2/8/23 & Jury selection (2/9/23) & Trial Day 1-6 (2/14 to 2/22/23) reference post #617 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...tucson-20-april-2012-arrest-27.464075/page-31
2/23/23 Thursday, Trial Day 7: Clements’ attorney Eric Kessler opened the day by calling Jill Sena to the stand. Sena is a psychotherapist & was a neighbor of the Celis family. The unusual move, the state wasn’t finished with its witnesses yet, was because of a scheduling issue for Sena.
State witnesses: FBI agent Tony Taylor. Taylor helped the Tucson Police Dept. in the search for Isabel. Tucson Police Dept. Detective Jeff Lockwood. Lockwood said investigators looked into Clements’ & Stark’s financial records. Tucson Police Dept. Detective Josh Cheek. He didn’t finish his testimony Thursday & will return Friday.
For more info see post #623 (article) here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...tucson-20-april-2012-arrest-27.464075/page-32
Trial continues on Friday, 2/24/23.
*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.
 
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www.kold.com

DAY 8: Clements didn’t become prime suspect until he led FBI to Isabel Celis’ remains

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

Feb. 24, 2023
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - The second murder trial for convicted child killer Christopher Clements continued Friday, Feb. 24, with more expert testimony.
[.....]
The day started on a lighter note with the judge announcing the jury gave him and the bailiff thank-you cards.

The judge showed both the state and the defense the cards to make sure there were no issues. Neither side took exception to the thoughtful notes from the jury.

Tucson Police Department Det. Josh Cheek returned to the stand and was cross-examined. To read about his testimony on Thursday,
[.....]
The state then called Sy Ray, director of LexisNexis and creator of ZetX. Both offer software to law enforcement and government agencies to help with cell data tracking.
 
Monday, February 27th:
*Trial continues (Day 9) (@ 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 41) 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). One juror was dismissed (2/22/23) 2 alternates. Pima County Superior Court Judge James Marner presiding.
Trial began on Tuesday, 2/14/23 thru 3/9/23. But Judge Marner believes trial will end earlier than the 9th.
Court hearings from 8/23/19 to 2/8/23 & Jury selection (2/9/23) & Trial Day 1-7 (2/14 to 2/23/23) reference post #624 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...tucson-20-april-2012-arrest-27.464075/page-32
2/24/23 Friday, Trial Day 8: State witnesses: Tucson Police Dept. Detective Josh Cheek returned on stand for cross-examination. Sy Ray, director of LexisNexis & creator of Zetx (software for LE & government agencies to help with cell data tracking).
For more info see post #625 (article) here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...tucson-20-april-2012-arrest-27.464075/page-32
Trial continues on Monday, 2/27/23.
*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.
 
Strange - not finding anything for Day 9 of trial. Only coming up with Maribel's day 9 of trial. Guess I shall look later in the day.

Tuesday, February 28th:
*Trial continues (Day 10) (@ 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 41) 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). One juror was dismissed (2/22/23) 2 alternates. Pima County Superior Court Judge James Marner presiding.
Trial began on Tuesday, 2/14/23 thru 3/9/23. But Judge Marner believes trial will end earlier than the 9th.
Court hearings from 8/23/19 to 2/8/23 & Jury selection (2/9/23) & Trial Day 1-8 (2/14 to 2/24/23) reference post #626 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...tucson-20-april-2012-arrest-27.464075/page-32
2/27/23 Monday, Trial Day 9: State witnesses: No info available yet. Trial continues on Tuesday, 2/28/23.
*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.
 
Confused - this is for Day 9, but day 9 was a Monday - and it says Tuesday in the article. Looking for Monday's stuff....

www.kold.com

DAY 9: State rests in Christopher Clements’ second murder trial

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

Mar. 1, 2023
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - The second murder trial for convicted child killer Christopher Clements continued Tuesday, Feb. 28, with more expert testimony.
[.....]

DAY 9: MORE WITNESSES AND STATE RESTS​

Tuesday’s testimony began with Sy Ray, director of LexisNexis and creator of ZetX. Both offer software to law enforcement and government agencies to help with cell data tracking.
[.....]
After lunch, the defense argued for an acquittal on all charges, which was denied by Judge James Marner.

The State rested it’s case and it was the defense’s turn to start calling witnesses.

Closing arguments could start tomorrow.
 
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more charges for Clements... and THIS looks like Day 10 - Tuesday as defense called their witnesses.

tucson.com

Suspect in Celis killing accused of taking sharp pencil into jail

Christopher M. Clements, accused of killing Isabel Celis, 6, has now been charged with promoting prison contraband, a felony, while his murder trial continues.
tucson.com tucson.com

Feb. 28, 2023
The man accused of kidnapping and killing 6-year-old Isabel Celis has now been charged with promoting prison contraband, a felony, while his murder trial continues.

On Feb. 7, days before his trial in Isabel’s death began, Christopher M. Clements was found to have a sharpened pencil “while being confined in a correctional facility or while being lawfully transported or moved incident to correctional facility,” according to court documents. His arraignment was scheduled to take place after trial proceedings Tuesday.
[.....]
Earlier Tuesday, before Clements’ arraignment on the new charge, his attorney, Eric Kessler, called the first defense witness in the murder trial.
He questioned retired Tucson police detective Bill Hanson, who became involved in the investigation two days after Isabel’s disappearance.
[.....]

State rests after calling final witness​

Earlier in the day, Clements’ lawyers continued their questioning of the state’s 25th and final witness, cell phone tracking expert Sy Ray. Ray testified Friday about the location of Clements’ phone before and after Isabel’s disappearance.
[.....]

Judge rules against defense motion​

Clements’ defense team filed a motion Tuesday to dismiss the charges against him, arguing there is no physical evidence tying Clements to Isabel’s disappearance.
[.....]
Superior Court Judge James Marner denied the defense motion, saying he found substantial circumstantial and direct evidence to support the charges against Clements.
The trial is set to resume Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in Pima County Superior Court.
 
Wednesday, March 1st:
*Trial continues (Day 11)-could be VERDICT WATCH! (@ 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 41) 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). One juror was dismissed (2/22/23) 2 alternates. Pima County Superior Court Judge James Marner presiding.
Trial began on Tuesday, 2/14/23 thru 3/9/23. But Judge Marner believes trial will end earlier than the 9th.
Court hearings from 8/23/19 to 2/8/23 & Jury selection (2/9/23) & Trial Day 1-8 (2/14 to 2/24/23) reference post #626 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...tucson-20-april-2012-arrest-27.464075/page-32
2/27/23 Monday, Trial Day 9: State witnesses: No info found. Trial continues on Tuesday, 2/28/23.
2/28/23 Tuesday, Trial Day 10: State witnesses: State witness: Sy Ray, director of LexisNexis & creator of ZetX back on stand. After lunch, the defense argued for an acquittal on all charges, which was denied by Judge James Marner.
The State rested its case & it was the defense’s turn to start calling witnesses.
Defense witness: Retired Tucson police detective Bill Hanson, interviewed Isabel’s father, Sergio Celis.
For more info see posts #628 & 629 (articles) here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...tucson-20-april-2012-arrest-27.464075/page-32
Closing arguments could start tomorrow. Trial continues on Wednesday, 3/1/23.
Clements has now been charged with promoting prison contraband, a felony, while his murder trial continues. On Feb. 7, days before his trial in Isabel’s death began, Clements was found to have a sharpened pencil “while being confined in a correctional facility or while being lawfully transported or moved incident to correctional facility,” according to court documents. His arraignment was scheduled to take place after trial proceedings Tuesday.
*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.
 
Thursday, March 2nd:
*Trial continues (Day 12)-VERDICT WATCH! (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 41) 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). One juror was dismissed (2/22/23) 2 alternates. Pima County Superior Court Judge James Marner presiding.
Trial began on Tuesday, 2/14/23 thru 3/9/23. State rested their case on 2/28/23. Defense started their case on 2/28/23 & ended 3/1/23. Jury received case on 3/1/23, but started deliberations on 3/2/23.
Court hearings from 8/23/19 to 2/8/23 & Jury selection (2/9/23) & Trial Day 1-10 (2/14 to 2/28/23) reference post #630 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...tucson-20-april-2012-arrest-27.464075/page-32
3/1/23 Wednesday, Trial Day 11: To start the day Wednesday, the judge asked Clements if he planned on testifying. Clements said he would not take the stand.
Defense witness: Tucson Police Dept. Detective Dan Barry.
The defense rested its case after Barry’s testimony.
State rebuttal witnesses: Christopher Vaughn, who used to work for the TPD. Sy Ray, director of LexisNexis & creator of ZetX.
Before closing arguments started, the jury was read final instructions & reminded them what premeditation means & that proof must be beyond a reasonable doubt.
Prosecutors delivered their closing argument by reminding jurors of evidence the State says shows Clements is responsible for the kidnapping & murder of Isabel. The defense started its closing arguments by saying the State failed to prove its case. After the state delivered its rebuttal arguments, the case was turned over to the jury.
Clements’ attorney requested his client not have to appear in court when a verdict is read. Kessler said Clements needs to get back to Maricopa County for medical treatment. The judge said he is taking it under advisement & will make a ruling soon.
For more info see post #630 (article) here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...tucson-20-april-2012-arrest-27.464075/page-32
The jury was handed the case just before 5 p.m. Deliberations will continue Thursday, 3/2/23 with jury deliberations.
*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.
AZ - *Christopher Matthew Clements (41) charged (2/28/23) with promoting prison contraband a felony (2/7/23).
 
Friday, March 3rd:
*Trial continues (Day 13)-VERDICT WATCH! (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 41) 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). One juror was dismissed (2/22/23) 2 alternates. Pima County Superior Court Judge James Marner presiding.
Trial began on Tuesday, 2/14/23 thru 3/9/23. State rested their case on 2/28/23. Defense started their case on 2/28/23. Jury deliberations: 3/2/23: 4 ½ hours.
Court hearings from 8/23/19 to 2/8/23 & Jury selection (2/9/23) & Trial Day 1-11 (2/14 to 3/1/23) reference post #631 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...tucson-20-april-2012-arrest-27.464075/page-32
3/2/23 Thursday, Trial Day 12/Jury Deliberations (Day 1): Deliberations started. The jury spent about 4 ½ hours deciding Clements’ fate on Thursday.
For more info see post #632 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...tucson-20-april-2012-arrest-27.464075/page-32
Trial continue on Friday, 3/3/23 with jury deliberations.
*Maribel Victoria Gonzales (13) - Trial started 9/13/22 & ended 9/30/22 with a gulty 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.
*Christopher Matthew Clements (41) charged (2/28/23) with promoting prison contraband a felony (2/7/23).
 
MISTRIAL: Jury reaches no decision in murder case of 6-year-old Isabel

Read the Pima County Attorney's Office's full statement here:

"It is our understanding that the Jury in the Christopher Clements prosecution could not agree upon a verdict today after over two weeks of testimony, and that Judge Marner has declared a mistrial. At this point, a new trial date will be ordered, and a new jury will have to be chosen to decide the matter. Our thoughts tonight are with the Celis and Gonzalez families."
Click to expand...
 
I am very sorry for Isa's family.

Something has been off with this prosecution beginning with what seemed like a blackout from reporters and media coverage. Clements took authorities to her skeletal remains in the desert and they had reasonable doubt. What? o_O
 
Seattle1 said:
I am very sorry for Isa's family.

Something has been off with this prosecution beginning with what seemed like a blackout from reporters and media coverage. Clements took authorities to her skeletal remains in the desert and they had reasonable doubt. What? o_O
Click to expand...
I agree. For some reason I had been getting a bad feeling about this trial. I'm thinking the lack of a verdict might have something to do with how much time had passed before they found Isabel. There was at least a partial DNA match from a pubic hair on Maribel. But she was found only a matter of days after she went missing. Don't get me wrong I do feel CC is guilty of Isabel's murder. And while in my head I know he will never see the light of day. In my heart, I want the verdict on paper that he is the one guilty of Isabel's death JMO
 
This is so infuriating. I'm not sure how much more evidence is needed here but this is the last thing her family needed. And the local media is so quiet here....not much going on at all. It's bizarre. The news was all over this when it happened and now it is so quiet
 
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