IA - Mollie Tibbetts, 20, Poweshiek County, 19 Jul 2018 *Arrest* #37

[MyBelle]

I think the defense will try to plant doubt that the driver of the car seen on video was actually CR. Maybe it was someone else who has access to that car. Maybe CR confessed to protect someone else and his "blocking out" really means that he doesn't know the details of how she died because he wasn't there. Or maybe CR was present at the time, but wasn't the one who actually killed her. If DNA shows a SA by him, he can say he assaulted her, but didn't stab her but someone else did. He wouldn't necessarily have to name that other person - all they need to do is plant reasonable doubt.

I think there is room for a defense to be built. Whether it's true and/or believable is up to the jury.

FWIW, I think he's the perp from what we know, so please don't take this post as a defense of him. I'm pointing out possible ideas the lawyer might use. I am placing hope on lots and lots of DNA and other physical evidence that proves beyond reasonable doubt this is the perp.

JMOpinion.

CR admitted he was driving the car and he removed her body from the trunk. He admitted he became enraged. That is enough to convict him whether he had a co-conspirator or not. We'll know that if there is other DNA on her

 

[Karmakazi]

I'm guessing "incised" is like biting. Not only is tissue penetrated, but it is also crushed. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Incised: Like a sugical incision. Think “slashes”, like slitting a throat/abdomen/wrist/etc

 

[MassGuy]

JMO
Correct And for the trials I have watched where certain things were stated in the courtroom that the jurors should not have heard then the judge simply instructs the jury to disregard it and not use it in any deliberations.

I dont think they will have any problem finding and seating a jury. Some people dont watch TV at all. I know its hard to believe but there are plenty that dont watch any TV or like to read the newspaper.

You’re right. There’s a shocking number of people who simply don’t keep up with current events. I find it shocking, because I have a couple dozen news apps on my phone, and I’m getting updates every few minutes.

 

[Justice101]

I think the defense will try to plant doubt that the driver of the car seen on video was actually CR. Maybe it was someone else who has access to that car. Maybe CR confessed to protect someone else and his "blocking out" really means that he doesn't know the details of how she died because he wasn't there. Or maybe CR was present at the time, but wasn't the one who actually killed her. If DNA shows a SA by him, he can say he assaulted her, but didn't stab her but someone else did. He wouldn't necessarily have to name that other person - all they need to do is plant reasonable doubt.

I think there is room for a defense to be built. Whether it's true and/or believable is up to the jury.

FWIW, I think he's the perp from what we know, so please don't take this post as a defense of him. I'm pointing out possible ideas the lawyer might use. I am placing hope on lots and lots of DNA and other physical evidence that proves beyond reasonable doubt this is the perp.

JMOpinion.

The good thing is that most of these far flung defenses seldom work. They will have PLENTY of evidence to either convict or get him for plea agreement to spare the family the horrible details.

 

[SharonNeedles]

I have to respectfully disagree with you there. I replied to a post regarding a holster that can be worn while jogging for my daughter to keep her safer as we are rural also. Communities whose citizens are LEGALLY armed are not making said communities any unsafer as a matter of fact statistics bear out that gun free zones are LESS safe and more likely to experience shootings by people who are not law abiding legally licensed armed individuals. Most bad guys don't venture into areas where it's known people are armed.

Your comment implies that if people legally attain firearms they are going to be shooting willy nilly innocent people or each other and the death toll is going to mount. I believe this to be a completely inaccurate presumption. My husband and I are both licensed conceal carry. He shoots several times a week and is an avid shooter. I on the other hand have never shot nor held a loaded gun and am in fact deathly afraid of them. If the day comes I feel the need to shoot one I will go to the club and learn how to properly shoot and practice until I get it right. My daughter has already been told that she will need to shoot with her dad until he feels confident that she is capable of safely handling, carrying and shooting said weapon before she is allowed to leave the house with it. Most legal owners in fact do this as no one wants to shoot themselves by mistake or someone who happens to be near us. I know I will feel much calmer having my daughter go out fully capable of protecting herself from any CR who might cross her path.

You are misinterpretting my concerns. I myself am quite heavily armed, extensively trained and quite proficient with firearms. I wouldn’t consider strapping while jogging and I wouldn’t encourage my wife or daughters to do so either. And I’d prefer if you’re going jogging with guns you do so on the other side of town.

 

[Justice101]

I wonder , Did Iowa ever have the Death Penalty?

 

[SharonNeedles]

20 meters isnt that far.



He lived alone and others lived in the house I believe.



Would love to see this, since the employer already said he was a reliable employee. Kind of hard to claim insanity then.



Why are you FFSing me. I wasn't suggesting that, I was advising someone who wanted to carry and run, how she could. Relax.

Not FFSing you my friend, FFSing the idea of joggers with guns.

 

[MassGuy]

I wonder , Did Iowa ever have the Death Penalty?

Yes. But it was abolished in 1965.

 

[Inthedetails]

I had a hunch that the perp would be young. We're not really sure how old CR is (might be 24 or older), but he's not middle-aged. I couldn't really pinpoint why I thought the perp would young, but gave it some thought today.

Mollie is the all-American girl. She cute, outgoing, popular, wholesome, great physical shape. She's very appealing - we all see that. While I don't doubt an older perp would find her attractive, I think an older perp would stay away from her because he would know she's not the type of girl who can go missing easily - there would be an all-out effort to find her and find the perp. I think an older perp would go for someone who appeared to be on the margins. He would look for someone more vulnerable to exploit, someone who would make the crime easier to get away with.

A young perp, though, is just going on pure impulse in the moment without thinking. He sees the attractive, popular young woman and that's who he wants to soil. He doesn't want a "marginal" victim, but to bring down the best. It's an accomplishment to hurt someone as respected as Mollie, in a young perp's mind.

Of course there are exceptions, but this is my thought process as I examine my gut reaction to the case.

I welcome your thoughts - does this theory hold water...or is this all wet? The reason I'm even thinking this through is to hone "profiling" skills for a future WS case.

Chime in!

jmo

 

[sloane7777]

Thanks. I should have taken myself out of the wording in my post, & written "If you..... is one consideration." Oh well. I'm sure others can relate to my concern. Thank you for your reply, lol.

I totally get it my hubby has lots of very locked up guns except the one he keeps on him , unfortunately as bad as I want one to keep me safe, I have too many lets say issues , rage out of the blue is one of them , so as someone with rage disorder (usually at myself) at least I have enough sense to know a gun is out of the question for me ,however I don't feel like killing myself with mace , so that's the best idea with me ....besides I just dare someone to try to grab me when I'm "not myself"

 

[feralwriter]

I wonder if the interrogation (for lack of better word) footage will ever be made public; same with the homeowner's tape given to police. It might take a long time, if ever.

I will say, moo moo moo, that the Aunt & Uncle, or whoever those folks were who sat to the right (screen-view) of CR's exgf & child (court appearance) definitely knew the jig was up. Just my take on their expressions. I think they know he did this heinous act.

And CR came across stone-cold, a psychopath. I imagine even being in a big room with someone like that would raise the hair up the back of my neck & I'd get cold all over.

I can't stop thinking about MT. I think of her the second I awaken, & the last thing at night. Just a helpless feeling for her & her family & DJ. My 82 year old mother is just as horrified. I'm going to try to figure out some concrete way to channel these feelings, but being here with you all the past 5 weeks has been, oddly, sort of healing. Some excellent, kind, smart folks I've met here. Thank you all.

 

[andreww]

Isn't this why everyone uses Alleged ... ?

Is it alleged if the guy confesses? In my opinion its not, he's guilty. What he's guilty of is the only thing to be decided.

 

[Al Hoffman]

So what will the defense be for this guy since he confessed? Obviously the lawyer is trying to paint a new picture of CR. Thoughts?

Go after the Miranda, and void that. Attorney said as much in his interview. After that, all the really incriminating stuff is "fruit of the poisoned tree" and not admissible. Though, I think that the State would still have enough to make a case. Backstop are the Feds who could bring their own list of charges.

 

[MassGuy]

Is it alleged if the guy confesses? In my opinion its not, he's guilty. What he's guilty of is the only thing to be decided.

It’s still alleged until he’s convicted. But yeah, he’s guilty as hell.

 

[Leney]

Possible Federal Firearms violations by a Mexican National to be filed in the future ?

The employers stated that they employed approximately 10 employees, of which a few were considered full-time.
This leaves the possibility that at least some could be individuals that moved around from place to place, and would open the door to other potential possibilities.

 

[MsJosie]

JMO
Correct And for the trials I have watched where certain things were stated in the courtroom that the jurors should not have heard then the judge simply instructs the jury to disregard it and not use it in any deliberations.

I dont think they will have any problem finding and seating a jury. Some people dont watch TV at all. I know its hard to believe but there are plenty that dont watch any TV or like to read the newspaper.

Great to see you here Hatfield. Your input is always fair and informative....imo.

 

[MassGuy]

Go after the Miranda, and void that. Attorney said as much in his interview. After that, all the really incriminating stuff is "fruit of the poisoned tree" and not admissible. Though, I think that the State would still have enough to make a case. Backstop are the Feds who could bring their own list of charges.

That’s the beauty of having a potential Federal case. You can have “two bites of the apple,” in some circumstances. They won’t need it though.

 

[EaglesSpeical]

There has to be something.... you cant just up and leave without notifying at least SOMEONE.

time card? Probably paid hourly.

 

[Al Hoffman]

Ffs, joggers running around packing heat is not going to make the community safer.

You get rid of predators one at a time.

 

[CheetosDust]

That's my thought, too, but the Pilot Truck Stop had to have the same thing, and it wasn't on the map. It was located close to the eastern dots. The answer is obviously in the information we weren't privy to. MOO

OR, did CR head south on V21 or some other route and ended up at the truck stop, therefore MT leaving a digital signal. From there he went south on V18 to 430 then east again, where the far southern digital signal was left at 430 and V21. Maybe heading straight on V21 only looked like the logical route to me. Maybe he wasn't sure where to take her at first. Hmm.

I have wonder about the route he took her too. It’s possible he even drove past his own house on his way to the cornfield. I hope he went or came back next to the Pilot or did something really stupid and actually stopped at the Pilot.