GUILTY CA - Oakland, Nia Wilson stabbed to death on BART, sister injured, 22 Jul 2018 *Arrest*

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This article is for the 1/6/20 hearing he had.

Oakland: Alleged BART stabber enters plea

January 8, 2020 at 11:54 am | UPDATED: January 9, 2020 at 4:35 am

OAKLAND — The man accused of killing 18-year-old Nia Wilson was back in court Wednesday morning to enter a formal plea of not guilty by reason of insanity.

Although John Lee Cowell, 29, had already entered the plea in November via his attorney Christina Moore, as a formality, Cowell had to personally say the words himself on Wednesday. Cowell is accused of killing Wilson and the attempted murder of her sister Letifah Wilson on July 22, 2018, at the MacArthur BART station. The death caused a national reaction that it was a race-fueled hate crime; however, Cowell has not been charged with a hate crime.
[.....]
On Wednesday, Judge Cramer also told Cowell that a separate psychiatrist will be evaluating him on Friday at Santa Rita Jail; Cramer asked that Cowell cooperate with the physician in that exam. Cowell recently refused to meet with a female doctor.

The doctor to evaluate him on Friday, UC Davis psychiatrist Dr. Jason Roof, will in essence determine if there is enough evidence to ask for a full competency hearing for Cowell. But if he finds Cowell competent, the trial continues as planned. Cowell’s defense attorney, Moore, recently again expressed doubt about Cowell’s competency to defend himself in a trial.
[.....]
Judge Cramer will receive the doctor’s report on Jan. 15, the same day jury selection is expected to begin. Another competency hearing, in which more doctors would be appointed to evaluate Cowell, could further delay the start of evidence in the jury trial.
 
Wednesday, January 15th:
*Jury Selection begins (@ 9am PT) – CA – Nia Wilson (18) (July 22, 2018, MacArthur BART Station, Oakland; her sister Letifah (26) was injured) – *John Lee Cowell (27) arrested (7/23/18) & charged (7/25/18) with murder & attempted murder with special allegations of using a deadly weapon on each charge. Plead not guilty by reason of insanity. No bond. DA will not seek DP.
Trial is set to begin on 1/15/20 with jury selection. Trial starts on 2/10/20.
Court hearings from 7/25/18 thru 12/20/19 reference post #51 here:
CA - Oakland, Nia Wilson stabbed to death on BART, sister injured, 22 Jul 2018 *Arrest*
12/23/19 Update: Judge Cowell said on Monday that there are indications that a transient man is malingering to avoid standing trial on a murder charge. Judge James Cramer said he needs more time to study legal issues surrounding the mental competency of Cowell and won’t issue a ruling on the matter until Tuesday (12/24/19). Cramer has three options: ordering Cowell to stand trial on Jan. 6 as scheduled, finding that he’s mentally incompetent to stand trial and suspending the criminal proceedings against him, or appointing another psychiatrist to examine him to determine his current competency. Next motion hearing on 1/6/20.
12/31/19 Update: Defense files motion for change of venue. Will be heard at motions hearing on 1/6/20. 1/6/20: Motion for change of venue will be heard on 1/13. Jury selection will begin on 1/15/20.
1/13/10 Update: No word on change of venue. Next jury selection on 1/15, with trial to start on 2/10/20.
 
Judge rules Nia Wilson murder trial will remain in Alameda County

Updated: Jan. 14, 2020 4:18 p.m.

An Alameda County jury will decide the fate of the man accused in the 2018 killing of 18-year-old Nia Wilson after a judge on Tuesday ruled against a defense bid to move the trial elsewhere.

In denying the motion to change venues, Judge Allan Hymer cited his 50 years of criminal law experience in the county as a testament that the community produces fair jurors.
[.....]
“The publicity in this case emanates beyond Alameda County,” Hymer said. “To that extent, a change in venue would accomplish nothing.”
[.....]
Proceedings in the case are on an accelerated schedule, after Cowell in November refused to waive his right to a speedy trial. Jury selection is scheduled to begin Wednesday.
 
Going to count on locals - or anyone else that can access the Alameda County court site. Case #s: #18-CR-012613, #18-CR-016431 & #262135 TIA!


Thursday, January 16th:
*Jury Selection continues (Day 2) (@ 9am PT) – CA – Nia Wilson (18) (July 22, 2018, MacArthur BART Station, Oakland; her sister Letifah (26) was injured) – *John Lee Cowell (27) arrested (7/23/18) & charged (7/25/18) with murder & attempted murder with special allegations of using a deadly weapon on each charge. Plead not guilty by reason of insanity. No bond. DA will not seek DP.
Trial is set to begin on 1/15/20 with jury selection. Trial starts on 2/10/20.
Court hearings from 7/25/18 thru 1/13/20 reference post #62 here:
CA - Oakland, Nia Wilson stabbed to death on BART, sister injured, 22 Jul 2018 *Arrest*
1/14/20 Update: Judge denies motion for change of venue.
1/15/20 Day 1 of Jury Selection: No info as of yet available. Jury selection continues (??) on 1/16.
 
Friday, January 17th:
*Jury Selection continues (Day 3) (@ 9am PT) – CA – Nia Wilson (18) (July 22, 2018, MacArthur BART Station, Oakland; her sister Letifah (26) was injured) – *John Lee Cowell (27) arrested (7/23/18) & charged (7/25/18) with murder & attempted murder with special allegations of using a deadly weapon on each charge. Plead not guilty by reason of insanity. No bond. DA will not seek DP.
Trial began on 1/15/20 with jury selection. Trial starts on 2/10/20.
Court hearings from 7/25/18 thru 1/13/20 reference post #62 here:
CA - Oakland, Nia Wilson stabbed to death on BART, sister injured, 22 Jul 2018 *Arrest*
1/14/20 Update: Judge denies motion for change of venue.
1/15/20 Day 1 of Jury Selection: No info as of yet available. Jury selection continues (??) on 1/16.
1/16/20 Day 2 of Jury Selection: No info as of yet available. Jury selection continues (??) on 1/17.
 
Not too sure IF this jury selection is still ongoing - but will post just in case it is.

Tuesday, January 21st:
*Jury Trial continues (Day 4) (@ 9am PT) – CA – Nia Wilson (18) (July 22, 2018, MacArthur BART Station, Oakland; her sister Letifah (26) was injured) – *John Lee Cowell (27) arrested (7/23/18) & charged (7/25/18) with murder & attempted murder with special allegations of using a deadly weapon on each charge. Plead not guilty by reason of insanity. No bond. DA will not seek DP.
Trial began on 1/15/20 with jury selection. Trial starts on 2/10/20.
Court hearings from 7/25/18 thru 1/13/20 reference post #62 here:
CA - Oakland, Nia Wilson stabbed to death on BART, sister injured, 22 Jul 2018 *Arrest*
1/14/20 Update: Judge denies motion for change of venue.
1/15/20 Day 1 of Jury Selection: No info as of yet available. Jury selection continues (??) on 1/16.
1/16/20 Day 2 of Jury Selection: No info as of yet available. Jury selection continues (??) on 1/17.
1/17/20 Day 3 of Jury Selection: No info available yet. Jury selection continues on 1/21.
 
Wednesday, January 22nd:
*Jury Trial continues with Jury Selection (Day 5) (@ 9am PT) – CA – Nia Wilson (18) (July 22, 2018, MacArthur BART Station, Oakland; her sister Letifah (26) was injured) – *John Lee Cowell (27) arrested (7/23/18) & charged (7/25/18) with murder & attempted murder with special allegations of using a deadly weapon on each charge. Plead not guilty by reason of insanity. No bond. DA will not seek DP.
Trial began on 1/15/20 with jury selection. Trial starts on 2/5/20 with opening statements.
Court hearings from 7/25/18 thru 1/13/20 reference post #62 here:
CA - Oakland, Nia Wilson stabbed to death on BART, sister injured, 22 Jul 2018 *Arrest*
1/14/20 Update: Judge denies motion for change of venue.
1/15/20 Day 1 of Jury Selection: First set of potential jurors, a panel of 110, to be questioned in the selection process for the trial. Jury selection continues Thursday. Opening statements are expected Feb. 5. Jury selection continues on 1/16.
1/16/20 Day 2 of Jury Selection: No info as of yet available. Jury selection continues (??) on 1/17.
1/17/20 Day 3 of Jury Selection: No info available yet. Jury selection continues on 1/21.
1/21/20 Day 4 of Jury Selection: No info available. Jury selection continues on 1/22.
 
Thursday, January 23rd:
*Jury Trial continues with Jury Selection (Day 6) (@ 9am PT) – CA – Nia Wilson (18) (July 22, 2018, MacArthur BART Station, Oakland; her sister Letifah (26) was injured) – *John Lee Cowell (27) arrested (7/23/18) & charged (7/25/18) with murder & attempted murder with special allegations of using a deadly weapon on each charge. Plead not guilty by reason of insanity. No bond. DA will not seek DP.
Trial began on 1/15/20 with jury selection. Trial starts on 2/5/20 with opening statements.
Court hearings from 7/25/18 thru 1/13/20 reference post #62 here:
CA - Oakland, Nia Wilson stabbed to death on BART, sister injured, 22 Jul 2018 *Arrest*
1/14/20 Update: Judge denies motion for change of venue.
1/15/20 Day 1 of Jury Selection: First set of potential jurors, a panel of 110, to be questioned in the selection process for the trial. Jury selection continues Thursday. Opening statements are expected Feb. 5. Jury selection continues on 1/16.
1/16/20 Day 2 of Jury Selection: No info as of yet available. Jury selection continues (??) on 1/17.
1/17/20 Day 3 of Jury Selection: No info available yet. Jury selection continues on 1/21.
1/21/20 Day 4 of Jury Selection: No info available. Jury selection continues on 1/22.
1/22/20 Day 5 of Jury Selection: No info available. Jury selection continues on 1/23.


@tnith - anything "new" on the court site regarding jury selection or not? TIA!
 
Friday, January 24th:
*Jury Trial continues (Day 7) (@ 9am PT) – CA – Nia Wilson (18) (July 22, 2018, MacArthur BART Station, Oakland; her sister Letifah (26) was injured) – *John Lee Cowell (27) arrested (7/23/18) & charged (7/25/18) with murder & attempted murder with special allegations of using a deadly weapon on each charge. Plead not guilty by reason of insanity. No bond. DA will not seek DP.
Trial began on 1/15/20 with jury selection. Trial starts on 2/5/20 with opening statements.
Court hearings from 7/25/18 thru 1/13/20 reference post #62 here:
CA - Oakland, Nia Wilson stabbed to death on BART, sister injured, 22 Jul 2018 *Arrest*
1/14/20 Update: Judge denies motion for change of venue.
1/15/20 Day 1 of Jury Selection: First set of potential jurors, a panel of 110, to be questioned in the selection process for the trial. Jury selection continues Thursday. Opening statements are expected Feb. 5. Jury selection continues on 1/16.
1/16/20 Day 2 of Jury Selection: No info as of yet available. Jury selection continues (??) on 1/17.
1/17/20 Day 3 of Jury Selection: No info available yet. Jury selection continues on 1/21.
1/21/20 Day 4 of Jury Selection: No info available. Jury selection continues on 1/22.
1/22/20 Day 5 of Jury Selection: No info available. Jury selection continues on 1/23.
1/23/20 Day 6 of Jury Selection: No info available. Jury selection continues on 1/24.


This is the last time I'm going to post this until I find out "what" is going on with this case....
 
I asked on a Facebook page if jury selection is complete. I couldn't find any recent articles....
 
@tnith - can you access Alameda County court site? TIA! :)
 
A trial is beginning for a parolee charged with stabbing an 18-year-old woman to death on a California subway platform and wounding her sister, an attack that drew national attention.

Opening statements are expected to begin Wednesday in the trial against John Lee Cowell, 29, a transient with a history of violence accused of the July 2018 slaying of Nia Wilson and the attempted murder of her 26-year-old sister, Letifah Wilson.
Click to expand...
Trial to begin in stabbing death on San Francisco-area train
 
Wednesday, February 5th:
*Jury Trial set to begin (@ 9am PT) – CA – Nia Wilson (18) (July 22, 2018, MacArthur BART Station, Oakland; her sister Letifah (26) was injured) – *John Lee Cowell (27) arrested (7/23/18) & charged (7/25/18) with murder & attempted murder with special allegations of using a deadly weapon on each charge. Plead not guilty by reason of insanity. No bond. DA will not seek DP.
Trial began on 1/15/20 with jury selection. Trial starts on 2/5/20 with opening statements.
Court hearings from 7/25/18 thru 1/13/20 reference post #62 here:
CA - Oakland, Nia Wilson stabbed to death on BART, sister injured, 22 Jul 2018 *Arrest*
1/14/20 Update: Judge denies motion for change of venue.
1/15/20 Day 1 of Jury Selection: First set of potential jurors, a panel of 110, to be questioned in the selection process for the trial. Jury was selection Tuesday afternoon. Opening statements are expected Feb. 5. 1/31/20: Defense files another motion for change of venue-denied.
 
Thursday, February 6th:
*Jury Trial continues (Day 2) (@ 9am PT) – CA – Nia Wilson (18) (July 22, 2018, MacArthur BART Station, Oakland; her sister Letifah (26) was injured) – *John Lee Cowell (27) arrested (7/23/18) & charged (7/25/18) with murder & attempted murder with special allegations of using a deadly weapon on each charge. Plead not guilty by reason of insanity. No bond. DA will not seek DP.
Trial began on 1/15/20 with jury selection. Trial starts on 2/5/20 with opening statements.
Court hearings from 7/25/18 thru 1/13/20 reference post #62 here:
CA - Oakland, Nia Wilson stabbed to death on BART, sister injured, 22 Jul 2018 *Arrest*
1/14/20 Update: Judge denies motion for change of venue.
1/15/20 Day 1 of Jury Selection: First set of potential jurors, a panel of 110, to be questioned in the selection process for the trial. Jury was selection Tuesday afternoon. Opening statements are expected Feb. 5. 1/31/20: Defense files another motion for change of venue-denied.
2/5/20 Day 1: Opening statements. No other info available. Trial continues on 2/6.
 
Friday, February 7th:
*Jury Trial continues (Day 3) (@ 9am PT) – CA – Nia Wilson (18) (July 22, 2018, MacArthur BART Station, Oakland; her sister Letifah (26) was injured) – *John Lee Cowell (27) arrested (7/23/18) & charged (7/25/18) with murder & attempted murder with special allegations of using a deadly weapon on each charge. Plead not guilty by reason of insanity. No bond. DA will not seek DP.
Trial began on 1/15/20 with jury selection. Trial starts on 2/5/20 with opening statements.
Court hearings from 7/25/18 thru 1/13/20 reference post #62 here:
CA - Oakland, Nia Wilson stabbed to death on BART, sister injured, 22 Jul 2018 *Arrest*
1/14/20 Update: Judge denies motion for change of venue.
1/15/20 Day 1 of Jury Selection: First set of potential jurors, a panel of 110, to be questioned in the selection process for the trial. Jury was selection Tuesday afternoon. Opening statements are expected Feb. 5. 1/31/20: Defense files another motion for change of venue-denied.
2/5/20 Day 1: No info available. Trial continues on 2/6.
2/6/20 Day 2: No info available. Trial continues to 2/7.
 
so - anyone following this case??

If so - can you access the Alameda County court site. Case #s: #18-CR-012613, #18-CR-016431 & #262135 TIA! :)

@KayElJay - any news articles on this case? TIA!
 
Monday, February 10th:
*Jury Trial continues (Day 4) (@ 9am PT) – CA – Nia Wilson (18) (July 22, 2018, MacArthur BART Station, Oakland; her sister Letifah (26) was injured) – *John Lee Cowell (27/now 28) arrested (7/23/18) & charged (7/25/18) with murder & attempted murder with special allegations of using a deadly weapon on each charge. Plead not guilty by reason of insanity. No bond. DA will not seek DP.
Trial began on 1/15/20 with jury selection. Trial starts on 2/5/20 with opening statements.
Court hearings from 7/25/18 thru 1/13/20 reference post #62 here:
CA - Oakland, Nia Wilson stabbed to death on BART, sister injured, 22 Jul 2018 *Arrest*
1/14/20 Update: Judge denies motion for change of venue.
1/15/20 Day 1 of Jury Selection: First set of potential jurors, a panel of 110, to be questioned in the selection process for the trial. Jury was selection Tuesday afternoon. Opening statements are expected Feb. 5. 1/31/20: Defense files another motion for change of venue-denied.
2/5/20 Day 1: Opening Statements. No other info available. Trial continues on 2/6.
2/6/20 Day 2: No info available. Trial continues to 2/7.
2/7/20 Day 3: No info available. Trial continues to 2/10.

 
Tuesday, February 11th:
*Jury Trial continues (Day 5) (@ 9am PT) – CA – Nia Wilson (18) (July 22, 2018, MacArthur BART Station, Oakland; her sister Letifah (26) was injured) – *John Lee Cowell (27/now 28) arrested (7/23/18) & charged (7/25/18) with murder & attempted murder with special allegations of using a deadly weapon on each charge. Plead not guilty by reason of insanity. No bond. DA will not seek DP.
Trial began on 1/15/20 with jury selection. Trial started on 2/5/20 with opening statements.
Court hearings from 7/25/18 thru 1/13/20 reference post #62 here:
CA - Oakland, Nia Wilson stabbed to death on BART, sister injured, 22 Jul 2018 *Arrest*
1/14/20 Update: Judge denies motion for change of venue.
1/15/20 Day 1 of Jury Selection: First set of potential jurors, a panel of 110, to be questioned in the selection process for the trial. Jury was selection Tuesday afternoon. Opening statements are expected Feb. 5. 1/31/20: Defense files another motion for change of venue-denied.
2/5/20 Day 1: Opening statements. No other info available. Trial continues on 2/6.
2/6/20 Day 2: No info available. Trial continues to 2/7.
2/7/20 Day 3: No info available. Trial continues to 2/10.
2/10/20 Day 4: No info available. Trial continues to 2/11.
 
John Lee Cowell Outburst Disrupts Opening Statements In Nia Wilson BART Murder Trial

February 5, 2020 at 4:30 pm
....Wednesday started with an outburst by the defendant during opening statements. Cowell was removed from the courtroom following his outburst during the prosecution’s opening remarks. The judge first admonished Cowell for speaking out to defend himself, telling Cowell to keep quiet and ultimately having Cowell removed when he continued. He was initially allowed to return following the morning break, but Cowell was not in the courtroom during the afternoon session.
[.....]
[Jurors viewed graphic surveillance video of the murder during the prosecution’s opening statements which showed a man police identified as Cowell come up behind the victims and stab them in the back of the neck.
[.....]
Defense attorney Christina Moore did opening statements.

Nia Wilson's Family In Tears As Former BART Officer Describes Attempt To Save Her Life

February 6, 2020 at 12:48 pm
OAKLAND (KPIX 5) — A former BART police officer testified Thursday how he unsuccessfully tried to save the life of 18-year-old Nia Wilson after she was stabbed on the platform of the MacArthur BART station in Oakland in 2018.
[.....]
Cowell was not in court on Thursday, the day after he interrupted opening arguments with an outburst at the beginning of the trial and was removed by the judge.

more at both links.
 
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