BBM, I don't think the metal ratchet parts were removed according to this testimonyDid he remove the ratchet, and only used the tie down strap? Was the rachet found in the grave too?
I always thought it was to transport. I think he loaded Joey's wrapped body last, and put his body wrapped like a rug on top of the other 3 victims underneath.
Tia
Imo
(quote)
We recovered
that. Red straps, like a tie-down strap that was faded.
Q What do you mean by a tie-down strap?
A If you ever transport something in a truck, you usually
tie it down with a ratchet strap.
Q So, a ratcheting-type tie-down strap, as opposed to just
a piece of rope that you would tie something down with?
A Correct. It appeared to be faded at the time. And there
was a female extension cord socket. It was white in color.
Q Just the socket part, or more of the extension cord
itself?
A It appeared if it had been cut off of an extension cord,
just the female socket part.
State of California VS Charles Ray Merritt: Part One - Transcript of Charles Merritt Preliminary