GUILTY CA - Denise Lampe, 19, stabbed to death, Daly City, 1976 *ARREST in 2018*

[Niner]

Suspect in 1976 Daly City killing ordered to stand trial
DNA used to ‘positively tie’ Leon Seymour to slaying of Denise Lampe outside Serramonte Center

November 20, 2018

"DALY CITY — A man suspected of killing a 19-year-old woman outside a Daly City mall in 1976 has been ordered to stand trial.

Friday, following a three-day preliminary hearing, San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Richard DuBois held 72-year-old Leon Melvin Seymour to answer for Denise Lampe’s murder.

Lampe was found stabbed to death inside her 1964 Ford Mustang at the Serramonte Center. Her murder was among five in 1976 that went unsolved until investigators re-examined DNA evidence a few years ago....

Seymour is scheduled to make his next court appearance via teleconference Dec. 14. He remains in custody at the hospital and is being held on $10 million bail, prosecutors said...."

Suspect in 1976 Daly City killing ordered to stand trial

Her murder was first thought to be committed by the "Gypsy Hill Murders" Rodney Halbower. DNA matched Leon.
In September, 2018 Halbower was found guilty & is serving 2 life sentences for the murders of 17-year-old Paula Baxter and 18-year-old Veronica Cascio.

 

[Niner]

Thought I'd bring this over from court site. Did not realize this case has been going on for so long already.

Disposition Events

11/08/2017 Plea

Judicial Officer
Etezadi, Susan I.
001
PC187(a)-FEL-Murder
Not Guilty
001
PC12022-ENH-Special Allegation - use of deadly weapon
Deny
001
PC1203(e)(2)-ENH-Special Allegation - Attempt Or Use Of Deadly Weapon
Deny
001
PC1203(e)(3)-ENH-Special Allegation-Gbi/Torture
Deny
001
PC1203(e)(4)-PR-Special Allegation-Two Prior Offenses-Eligibility For Probation
Deny


11/15/2018 Disposition

Judicial Officer
DuBois, Richard H.
001
PC187(a)-FEL-Murder
Held to Answer
001
PC12022-ENH-Special Allegation - use of deadly weapon
Found True
001
PC1203(e)(2)-ENH-Special Allegation - Attempt Or Use Of Deadly Weapon
Found True
001
PC1203(e)(3)-ENH-Special Allegation-Gbi/Torture
Found True
001
PC1203(e)(4)-PR-Special Allegation-Two Prior Offenses-Eligibility For Probation
Found True



Events and Hearings

06/09/2017 Efiling - Initial

06/13/2017 New Filed Case
06/13/2017 Warrant issued
06/13/2017 Order to seal police report pursuant to PC 964 / local rule
Comment: 9.8 filed
06/13/2017 Declaration in support of Criminal Complaint filed
06/13/2017 Police Report ordered sealed per PC 964

10/11/2017 To Set
Judicial Officer: Etezadi, Susan I.
Hearing Time: 9:00 AM
Result: Held -
Comment: Arraignment
10/11/2017 Warrant to remain outstanding.

11/08/2017 Arraignment
Judicial Officer: Etezadi, Susan I.
Hearing Time: 9:00 AM
Result: Held -
Parties Present
Defendant: SEYMOUR, LEON MELVIN

11/08/2017 Arraignment waived on complaint
11/08/2017 Time waiver for preliminary hearing.
Comment: Defendant personally waived time for 10 court days and 60 calendar days for the preliminary hearing.
11/08/2017 Defendant waives the right to a hearing for probable cause
Comment: for the arrest.

11/08/2017 Bail set at
Comment: $10,000,000. (ten million dollars)

11/08/2017 Court orders warrant recalled
11/08/2017 CLETS Recall Printout
11/08/2017 Warrant Recalled

01/12/2018 To Set
Judicial Officer: Etezadi, Susan I.
Hearing Time: 9:00 AM
Result: Held -
Parties Present
Defendant: SEYMOUR, LEON MELVIN
01/12/2018 Defense attorney appeared for attorney of record.
Comment:
Attorney Present: J. Carr On behalf of attorney: P. Demeester
01/12/2018 Time continues to be waived.
01/12/2018 Waiver of personal presence filed
01/12/2018 Order
Comment: Order for the Disclosure of Information Based on an Ex Parte Request with Accompanying Declaration

01/30/2018 To Set
Judicial Officer: Etezadi, Susan I.
Hearing Time: 9:00 AM
Result: Held -
Comment: Preliminary Hearing
01/30/2018 Waiver of personal appearance
01/30/2018 Time continues to be waived.

06/01/2018 Motion To Continue filed
Comment: Motion to continue Preliminary Hearing currently set for 6/13/18

06/07/2018 Motion to Continue
Judicial Officer: Karesh, Jonathan E.
Hearing Time: 9:00 AM
Result: Held
06/07/2018 Waiver of personal appearance
06/07/2018 Time waiver for preliminary hearing.
Comment: Defendant personally waived time for 10 court days and 60 calendar days for the preliminary hearing.
06/07/2018 Motion to Examine Source of Bail Under PC1275 filed

06/13/2018 Preliminary Hearing
Judicial Officer: Mallach, Barbara J.
Hearing Time: 9:00 AM
Cancel Reason: Vacated
Comment: Time estimate: 2 days

08/15/2018 Motion To Continue filed

08/17/2018 Motion to Continue
Judicial Officer: Swope, V. Raymond
Hearing Time: 9:00 AM
Result: Held
08/17/2018 Waiver of personal appearance
08/17/2018 Time continues to be waived.
08/17/2018 Motion granted.
Comment: Moving party: Defense Motion title: To Continue Prelim Hearing
08/17/2018 Defendant ordered to return.

09/19/2018 Preliminary Hearing
Judicial Officer: Davis, III, Leland
Hearing Time: 9:00 AM
Cancel Reason: Vacated

09/27/2018 Motion To Continue filed

10/01/2018 Motion to Continue
Judicial Officer: DuBois, Richard H.
Hearing Time: 9:00 AM
Result: Held
10/01/2018 Waiver of personal appearance
10/01/2018 Motion granted.
Comment: Moving party: Defense Motion title:Motion to continue

10/31/2018 Preliminary Hearing
Judicial Officer: Ayoob, Donald J.
Hearing Time: 9:00 AM
Cancel Reason: Vacated
Comment: Time Estimate: 2 Days

11/06/2018 Order
Comment: Order for the Provision of Video and Audio Link During Preliminary Examinaton on November 13-14-15, 2018

11/13/2018 Preliminary Hearing
Judicial Officer: DuBois, Richard H.
Hearing Time: 09:00 AM
Result: Commenced
Parties Present:
Defendant: SEYMOUR, LEON MELVIN
11/13/2018 The following witnesses ordered to return:
Comment: John Ward and Jim Ball

11/14/2018 Continued Preliminary Hearing
Judicial Officer: DuBois, Richard H.
Hearing Time: 09:00 AM
Result: Held
Parties Present:
Defendant: SEYMOUR, LEON MELVIN

11/15/2018 Continued Preliminary Hearing
Judicial Officer: DuBois, Richard H.
Hearing Time: 09:00 AM
Result: Held
Parties Present:
Defendant: SEYMOUR, LEON MELVIN
11/15/2018 Held to Answer
11/15/2018 Case Transferred to Superior Court
11/15/2018 Time waived by defendant/counsel for:
Comment: Felony Arraignment
11/15/2018 Exhibit List

12/14/2018 Arraignment on Information
Judicial Officer: Crim PJ, -
Hearing Time: 10:00 AM
Comment: Defendant is in Coalinga State Hospital. Arraignment will be from hospital by Video/Television appearance with Mr. DeMeester at 10 a.m.



link: Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo

 

[Niner]

Friday, Dec. 14th:
*Arraignment Hearing (@ 10am PT) – CA – Denis Lampe (19) (April 1, 1976, Daly City) – *Leon Melvin Seymour (72/30 @ time of crime) charged (11/16/18) with 1st degree murder with use of deadly weapon, 1 count of attempt or use of deadly weapon, 1 count of torture & 1 count to 2 prior offenses (enhancement). Plead not guilty. $10M bond.
Is being housed at Coalinga State Hospital as a sexually violent predator for other kidnappings & sexually assaults going back decades. DNA match.
11/16/18: Had a 3-day preliminary hearing, Judge bounds case over to trial. Next hearing on 12/14.

 

[Niner]

12/14/2018 Arraignment on Information
Judicial Officer: Garratt, Stephanie
Hearing Time: 10:00 AM
Result: Held

Comment: Defendant is in Coalinga State Hospital. Arraignment will be from hospital by video/television appearance with Mr. DeMeester at 10 am.

Parties Present:
Defendant: SEYMOUR, LEON MELVIN

12/14/2018 Reason defendant not present:
Comment: Defendant present by video in Coalinga

12/14/2018 Private Defender Appointed

12/14/2018 Arraignment waived on Information

12/14/2018 Time waived for trial.

12/14/2018 Defendant ordered to return.

12/14/2018 No bail allowed


04/15/2019 Pretrial Conference
Judicial Officer: Garratt, Stephanie
Hearing Time: 1:30 PM


07/22/2019 Jury Trial
Judicial Officer: Crim PJ, -
Hearing Time: 8:30 AM



link: Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo

 

[Niner]

Monday, April 15th:
*Pretrial Conference Hearing (@ 1:30pm PT) – CA – Denis Lampe (19) (April 1, 1976, Daly City) – *Leon Melvin Seymour (72/30 @ time of crime) charged (11/16/18) & arraigned (12/18/18) with 1st degree murder with use of deadly weapon, 1 count of attempt or use of deadly weapon, 1 count of torture & 1 count to 2 prior offenses (enhancement). Plead not guilty. $10M bond. No bail (12/14/18).
Is being housed at Coalinga State Hospital as a sexually violent predator for other kidnappings & sexually assaults going back decades.
DNA match.
11/16/18: Had a 3-day preliminary hearing, Judge bounds case over to trial. Next hearing on 12/14.
12/14/18 Update: Arraignment waived. Time waived to trial. Next Pretrial hearing on 4/15, trial starts 7/22/19.

 

[Niner]

04/15/2019 Pretrial Conference
Judicial Officer: Finigan, Jeffrey R.
Hearing Time: 1:30 PM
Result: Held
Parties Present: Defendant
Attorney: DEMEESTER, PAUL F.

04/15/2019 Waiver of personal appearance

04/15/2019 Jury Trial Confirmed

04/15/2019 Offer recited on the record

04/15/2019 Previous dates remain as set

04/15/2019 Defendant ordered to return.

07/22/2019 Jury Trial
Judicial Officer: Finigan, Jeffrey R.
Hearing Time: 8:30 AM

link: Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo


I'll keep any eye out on this just in case he has a hearing before the trial date.

 

[Niner]

Sorry - have not kept up with my oldie cases - and going thru them today... update on this one - missed a court date and looks like they asked for a continuance for his trial that was supposed to start 7/22. Here's what has happened since I had an update.

04/15/2019 Pretrial Conference
Judicial Officer: Finigan, Jeffrey R.
Hearing Time" 1:30 PM
Result: Held
Parties Present:
Defendant
Attorney: DEMEESTER, PAUL F.

04/15/2019 Waiver of personal appearance

04/15/2019 Jury Trial Confirmed

04/15/2019 Offer recited on the record

04/15/2019 Previous dates remain as set

04/15/2019 Defendant ordered to return.

06/07/2019 Motion to Continue Trial
Comment: Notice of motion and motion to continue July 22nd Jury Trial

06/13/2019 Motion to Continue Trial Date
Judicial Officer: Finigan, Jeffrey R.
Hearing Time: 8:30 AM
Result: Held
Parties Present:
Defendant
Attorney: DEMEESTER, PAUL F.

06/13/2019 Waiver of personal appearance

06/13/2019 Motion granted.
Comment: Moving party: People Motion title: To continue

06/13/2019 Previous dates remain as set

07/22/2019 To Set Trial Date
Judicial Officer: Finigan, Jeffrey R.
Hearing Time: 8:30 AM

link: Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo

 

[Niner]

Monday, July 22nd:
*Hearing to Set Trial Date (@ 8:30am PT) – CA – Denis Lampe (19) (April 1, 1976, Daly City) – *Leon Melvin Seymour (72/30 @ time of crime) charged (11/16/18) & arraigned (12/18/18) with 1st degree murder with use of deadly weapon, 1 count of attempt or use of deadly weapon, 1 count of torture & 1 count to 2 prior offenses (enhancement). Plead not guilty. $10M bond. No bail (12/14/18).
Is being housed at Coalinga State Hospital as a sexually violent predator for other kidnappings & sexually assaults going back decades. DNA match.
Trial was set to begin 7/22, continued.
11/16/18: Had a 3-day preliminary hearing, Judge bounds case over to trial. Next hearing on 12/14.
12/14/18 Update: Arraignment waived. Time waived to trial. Next Pretrial hearing on 4/15, trial starts 7/22/19.
4/15/19 Update: Hearing held, confirm trial date for 7/22. 6/13/19 Update: Motion for continuance granted. Instead of trial on 7/22 will be hearing to set trial date.

 

[Niner]

Oops - kind of slacked on this one... from court site:

07/22/2019 To Set
Judicial Officer: Finigan, Jeffrey R.
Hearing Time: 8:30 AM
Result: Held
Parties Present:
Defendant
Attorney: DEMEESTER, PAUL F.

07/22/2019 Waiver of personal appearance

12/18/2019 Motion to Continue Trial
Comment: Notice of People's Motion for Continuance

12/20/2019 Motion to Continue Trial Date
Judicial Officer: Finigan, Jeffrey R.
Hearing Time: 8:30 AM
Result: Held
Parties Present:
Defendant Attorney: DEMEESTER, PAUL F.

12/20/2019 Reason defendant not present:
Comment: IN STATE HOSPITAL

12/20/2019 Motion granted.
Comment: Moving party: PEOPLE Motion title:CONTINUE TRIAL DATE

12/20/2019 Defendant ordered to return.

01/06/2020 Jury Trial
Hearing Time: 8:30 AM
Cancel Reason: Vacated

03/02/2020 Jury Trial
Hearing Time: 8:30 AM


link: Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo

 

[Niner]

Nothing new in the court site... keeping an eye on it!

 

[Niner]

Updates on docket:

01/06/2020 Jury Trial
Judicial Officer: Greenberg, Susan
Hearing Time: 8:30 AM
Cancel Reason: Vacated

01/28/2020 Order
Comment: Assigning case to Dept. 13 for all purposes

02/04/2020 Order
Comment: For the provision of video & audio link during jury trial commencing on march 2, 2020 and order for Mr. Seymour to wear civilian clothing

02/19/2020 Stipulation
Comment: RE defense DNA testing of evidence

02/21/2020 Order
Comment: Order to Release Jury Instructions on People v. Rodney Halbower (SF395491)

03/02/2020 Jury Trial
Judicial Officer: Novak, Lisa A.
Hearing Time: 09:00 AM


link: Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo

 

[Niner]

Monday, March 2nd:
*Trial set to begin (@ 9am PT) – CA – Denis Lampe (19) (April 1, 1976, Daly City) – *Leon Melvin Seymour (30 @ time of crime/72/now 73) charged (11/16/18) & arraigned (12/18/18) with 1st degree murder with use of deadly weapon, 1 count of attempt or use of deadly weapon, 1 count of torture & 1 count to 2 prior offenses (enhancement). Plead not guilty. $10M bond. No bond (12/14/18).
Is being housed at Coalinga State Hospital as a sexually violent predator for other kidnappings & sexually assaults going back decades. DNA match.
Trial set to begin on 3/2/20

 

[Niner]

Tuesday, March 3rd:
*Trial continues (Day 2) (@ 9:30am PT) – CA – Denise Lampe (19) (April 1, 1976, Daly City) – *Leon Melvin Seymour (30 @ time of crime/72/now 73) charged (11/16/18) & arraigned (12/18/18) with 1st degree murder with use of deadly weapon, 1 count of attempt or use of deadly weapon, 1 count of torture & 1 count to 2 prior offenses (enhancement). Plead not guilty. $10M bond. No bond (12/14/18).
Is being housed at Coalinga State Hospital as a sexually violent predator for other kidnappings & sexually assaults going back decades. DNA match.
Trial began on 3/2/20
3/2/20 Monday Day 1: Jury selection started. Motion in Limine filed. No info available. Trial continues to 3/3.

 

[Niner]

Wednesday, March 4th:
*Trial continues (Day 3) (@ 9:30am PT) – CA – Denise Lampe (19) (April 1, 1976, Daly City) – *Leon Melvin Seymour (30 @ time of crime/72/now 73) charged (11/16/18) & arraigned (12/18/18) with 1st degree murder with use of deadly weapon, 1 count of attempt or use of deadly weapon, 1 count of torture & 1 count to 2 prior offenses (enhancement). Plead not guilty. $10M bond. No bond (12/14/18).
Is being housed at Coalinga State Hospital as a sexually violent predator for other kidnappings & sexually assaults going back decades.
DNA match.
Trial began on 3/2/20
3/2/20 Monday Day 1: Jury selection started. Motion in Limine filed. No info available. Trial continues to 3/3.
3/3/20 Tuesday Day 2: No information available. Trial continues on 3/4.

 

[Niner]

Thursday, March 5th:
*Trial continues with Jury Selection (Day 4) (@ 8:30am PT) – CA – Denise Lampe (19) (April 1, 1976, Daly City) – *Leon Melvin Seymour (30 @ time of crime/72/now 73) charged (11/16/18) & arraigned (12/18/18) with 1st degree murder with use of deadly weapon, 1 count of attempt or use of deadly weapon, 1 count of torture & 1 count to 2 prior offenses (enhancement). Plead not guilty. $10M bond. No bond (12/14/18).
Is being housed at Coalinga State Hospital as a sexually violent predator for other kidnappings & sexually assaults going back decades.
DNA match.
Trial began on 3/2/20 with jury selection.
3/2/20 Monday Day 1: Jury selection started. Motion in Limine filed. Jury selection continues to 3/3.
3/3/20 Tuesday Day 2: Jury selection continues. Jury selection continues on 3/4.
3/4/20 Wednesday Day 3: Defendant not in court. Jury selection continues. Jury selection continues on 3/5.

 

[Niner]

Looks like this court will also be dark on Fridays....

03/05/2020 Continued Jury Trial
Judicial Officer: Novak, Lisa A.
Hearing Time: 8:30 AM
Comment: DAY 4 - JURY SELECTION QUESTIONNAIRES

03/09/2020 Continued Jury Trial
Judicial Officer: Novak, Lisa A.
Hearing Time: 09:00 AM
Comment: DAY 5 - JURY SELECTION

link: Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo

 

[Niner]

Monday, March 9th:
*Trial continues with Jury Selection (Day 5) (@ 9:30am PT) – CA – Denise Lampe (19) (April 1, 1976, Daly City) – *Leon Melvin Seymour (30 @ time of crime/72/now 73) charged (11/16/18) & arraigned (12/18/18) with 1st degree murder with use of deadly weapon, 1 count of attempt or use of deadly weapon, 1 count of torture & 1 count to 2 prior offenses (enhancement). Plead not guilty. $10M bond. No bond (12/14/18).
Is being housed at Coalinga State Hospital as a sexually violent predator for other kidnappings & sexually assaults going back decades.
DNA match.
Trial began on 3/2/20. Court dark on Fridays.
3/2/20 Monday Day 1: Jury selection started. Motion in Limine filed. Jury selection continues to 3/3.
3/3/20 Tuesday Day 2: Jury selection continues. Jury selection continues on 3/4.
3/4/20 Wednesday Day 3: Defendant not in court. Jury selection continues. Jury selection continues on 3/5.
3/5/20 Thursday Day 4: Jury selection continues. Jury selection continues on Monday, 3/9. Court dark on Fridays.

 

[Niner]

03/09/2020 Continued Jury Trial
Judicial Officer: Novak, Lisa A.
Hearing Time: 09:00 AM
Result: Held
Comment: DAY 4 - CONTINUED JURY SELECTION
Parties Present:
Defendant
Attorney: DEMEESTER, PAUL F.

03/10/2020 Jury Trial
Judicial Officer: Novak, Lisa A.
Hearing Time: 09:00 AM
Comment: Day 5

link: Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo

 

[Niner]

Tuesday, March 10th:
*Trial continues (Day 5) (@ 9:30am PT) – CA – Denise Lampe (19) (April 1, 1976, Daly City) – *Leon Melvin Seymour (30 @ time of crime/72/now 73) charged (11/16/18) & arraigned (12/18/18) with 1st degree murder with use of deadly weapon, 1 count of attempt or use of deadly weapon, 1 count of torture & 1 count to 2 prior offenses (enhancement). Plead not guilty. $10M bond. No bond (12/14/18).
Is being housed at Coalinga State Hospital as a sexually violent predator for other kidnappings & sexually assaults going back decades.
DNA match.
Trial began on 3/2/20. Court dark on Fridays.
3/2/20 Monday Day 1: Jury selection started. Motion in Limine filed. Jury selection continues to 3/3. 3/3/20 Tuesday Day 2: Jury selection continues. Jury selection continues on 3/4. 3/4/20 Wednesday: Defendant not in court. No Jury selection today. Jury selection continues on 3/5. 3/5/20 Thursday Day 3: Jury selection continues. Jury selection continues on Monday, 3/9. Court dark on Fridays.
3/9/20 Monday Day 4: Jury selection continued. Trial continues on 3/10.

 

[Niner]

03/10/2020 Jury Trial
Judicial Officer: Novak, Lisa A.
Hearing Time: 09:00 AM
Result: Held
Comment: Day 5
Parties Present:
Defendant: SEYMOUR, LEON MELVIN
Attorney: DEMEESTER, PAUL F.

03/10/2020 Motion
Comment: People's Motions to Exclude All Witnesses on Proposed Witness List

03/11/2020 Continued Jury Trial
Judicial Officer: Novak, Lisa A.
Hearing Time: 09:00 AM


link: Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo