O/T Janna Rivera's dad was arrested on Thursday and charged with one count of murder and one count of neglect of a dependent resulting in death. Janna's body hasn't been found but the probable cause doc paints a grim picture. Hopefully it'll be enough to go forward.
And Delano Wilson's dad's trial starts in September - Delano's body hasn't been found either.
In Lonzie's case it seems that there's a lot of circumstantial evidence piling up and we've only seen a couple of the "cards" in JSO's hand. I think they'll have a strong case by the time murder charges are filed.
Yes, they will have a strong case before murder charges are filed, just be prepared to wait if necessary. I am not familiar with the other cases you mentioned, but Jacksonville prosecutors will not go forth without a body unless the other evidence is very very strong. They will wait, which is wise.
A good example is Bonnie Haim. 23 years ago her husband told police they had a fight and she left. Her car was found at the airport, her purse in a dumpster near the airport. Her three year old son told police he witnessed his father shoot his mother and run her over with the car, and dispose of the gun in a nearby creek. Dirt from Mike Haims shoes was analyzed and matched a fresh tennis shoe impression of the floor of Bonnie's car.
Enough to prosecute? No, the three year old would be subject to cross examination. No body to counteract his defense that she left of her own accord, which was buffered by "sightings" of Bonnie. So they waited.
When he was five the child rode across a bridge, and told his new family that was where Mike threw the gun. Police found a gun in that creek just like one Mike used to have. But no body, no bullet to match the gun. Not enough, So they waited.
Over they years they have stayed in touch with the son, and documented his recollections as they developed. They have kept a close watch on Mike as well as a suspected accomplice who may have helped him move the car and body. They have documented many conversations with others where potentially incriminating evidence was discussed. Not enough, so they waited.
Her skull was found in December and identified last week. It was found in HIS backyard. That is what they were waiting for. Now the prosecution moves forward. It will be an interesting trial, 23 years of bits and pieces of circumstantial evidence. He will be convicted.
If they had prosecuted swiftly, he would very likely have been aquitted.
(And for those who will ask, of course his backyard was searched, many times. It is apparent that he moved the remains)