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

[Flowercb]

IMO - 'Multiple Sharp Force Trauma' is extra depraved. Regardless the tool or weapon, it feels like a more hateful and demonstrative way to kill.

We don't know the details of her fatal injuries, so we don't know if the wounds were random, or methodical. Rage-driven, or ritualistic. The differences would be very telling.

Or maybe a sharp object was simply what he had on hand. IDK

MOO - CR readily gave LE her body. He admitted to getting angry and attacking her. I think his description of the abduction sounds plausible, as well (yes, some victim blaming, but maybe he really did go into a rage when she not only rejected him, but found him so alarming she threatened to call for help). Of course SA could have been his motive from the beginning, or it turned into that. Again, we aren't given that information.

In any case, he knows what he's done, and he knows he's in trouble. Lying and then handing over the body are contradicting, however. Maybe he's truly shocked by his own perversion and doesn't want to admit out loud those things he did with such deviance. Or not. We can't see inside his mind, and wouldn't probably want to.

I think he could have done this before, but I also think it could be a first time. I don't have enough details (or knowledge) to make that judgment.

In any case, the cause of death brought my thinking of CR, and this horrible event, to a whole new level.

Note: I'm wondering if the farm house is getting searched because they are looking for the murder weapon (or clothing, electronics, anything else from that night). Is her phone there? Is that why LE asked LC if MT was inside a house at 9:45pm? We may never know.

Perhaps he was angry with a specific woman or women in general.

 

[EaglesSpeical]

I’m asking myself why he led investigators to the body. You know any motivation the guy has is self-serving, what leverage could possibly be used to wring that out of him? Iowa doesn’t have death penalty to bargain with, so what could it be?

Show his trophy if he is a serial killer in the making. They take pride in their work unfortunately. Remember once LE starting talking to him he knew they would realize he was not legal and so he was likely facing deportation anyway. JMO

 

[Inthedetails]

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

Yes, but a lawyer could say CR gave a story to LE to cover for someone else.

I'M NOT SAYING THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED, but merely saying it's what a lawyer might say to put doubt in the jury's mind about the confession.

Again, I'm hoping DNA (and other physical evidence) seals the deal.

jmo

 

[gliving]

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.

Are you generally against concealed carry? Or just joggers?

 

[Hatfield]

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.

Great post.

And I know what you mean as its really hard to drop this case and go on to the next one because of who Mollie was. A great person from all we have learned.

I was brought to tears yesterday when I remembered her boyfriend was likely going to propose to her in a couple short weeks before she was murdered. Darn it and darn the monster.

 

[RavenCC2020]

I think the defense will try to plant doubt that the driver of the car seen on video was actually CR.

*snipped*

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.

Honestly this is my biggest fear. I hope they have as much physical evidence as they possibly can have and that definitely includes DNA. If she hadn't been raped this may be just about impossible due to her being outside in the elements for 34 days. If she had been raped it does not automatically mean there will be testworthy DNA available from her remains. Not to be disrespectful of MT but the day she was found and I did a search for the decomposition process. In the time frame she was outside and considering weather conditions for 34 days, it's very possible that there may be nothing to test with. Below describes where she was in the process and what can be expected. I do personally believe, no not a doctor but an avid gardener, that the cornstalks and leaves put over her would accelerate the decomposition process due to the dampness. It rained the very day after she went missing and assuming she was killed on the 18th...how many other days did it rain. That provides an environment that would be actively inviting various creatures (beyond insects such as birds of prey or larger animals etc) to assist in removing testable areas of her body. Disgusting to imagine but real.

The Stages of the Human Decomposition Process

""Advanced Decay
From around 25 to 50 days after death, the maggots and other insects complete the breaking down of soft tissues, skin and hair, as well as muscles and connective tissue inside the body. Body cohesion breaks down, exposing bones to the environment and possibly allowing them to roll away and scatter. Insect activity begins to die down, as scavengers consume the last remaining nutrients."

 

[EaglesSpeical]

I don't think there is a county in Iowa that isn't somewhat familiar with this case. They had search parties, TV spots, signs all looking for her. I don't think they can move it out of state but that still wouldn't find juror's unfamiliar. I am in Nebraska 3 hours away and heard about it before they caught him.

If they could find a jury for OJ they should be able to in this situation. Same with the Jerry Sandusky case in Pennsylvania where I live. Very highly publicized and obviously "monster" type case and they were able to seat a jury (in another county but in Pa.). Just "having heard of the case" does not automatically disqualify a juror as long as they state they have not formed an opinion on the case and believe they can be impartial.

 

[glamourkitty1922]

Which senior politicians declared Zimmerman guilty when he was arrested?

President Obama said that Martin could be his son. Which is pretty much declaring it wasn't self defense. That didn't influence the jury, so I doubt the
judge will be considering a gag order on the case, which is never popular in a free country like the USA.

 

[Warwick7]

JMO
I agree with others that the police interview with him will be real interesting in how it led to his confession and sharing of where he hid the body.

This is a question as I really dont know for sure but cant LE outright lie to a person they are questioning and isnt that totally legal?

For instance. LE may have promised him he could go free if he just told them where he took the body.

Yes, and in due time a video could be released of their questioning him (as in Jodi Arias). Or, his written statement could be released (as in Casey Anthony). Either would speak volumes.

 

[Karmakazi]

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.

Very true.
About 10 years ago I was a juror on a murder trial, and I think the fact I was so busy with work and did not follow news much was actually a redeeming quality both sides liked in a juror. Along with that, we were asked multiple questions in selection process to be certain we would be fair and impartial, and use only information presented in trial....

 

[CheetosDust]

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.

Awesome post. I think the “aunt and uncle” looked PISSED at the cameras being on them. It was like a stare down!

 

[Chebrock]

Honestly this is my biggest fear. I hope they have as much physical evidence as they possibly can have and that definitely includes DNA. If she hadn't been raped this may be just about impossible due to her being outside in the elements for 34 days. If she had been raped it does not automatically mean there will be testworthy DNA available from her remains. Not to be disrespectful of MT but the day she was found and I did a search for the decomposition process. In the time frame she was outside and considering weather conditions for 34 days, it's very possible that there may be nothing to test with. Below describes where she was in the process and what can be expected. I do personally believe, no not a doctor but an avid gardener, that the cornstalks and leaves put over her would accelerate the decomposition process due to the dampness. It rained the very day after she went missing and assuming she was killed on the 18th...how many other days did it rain. That provides an environment that would be actively inviting various creatures (beyond insects such as birds of prey or larger animals etc) to assist in removing testable areas of her body. Disgusting to imagine but real.

The Stages of the Human Decomposition Process

""Advanced Decay
From around 25 to 50 days after death, the maggots and other insects complete the breaking down of soft tissues, skin and hair, as well as muscles and connective tissue inside the body. Body cohesion breaks down, exposing bones to the environment and possibly allowing them to roll away and scatter. Insect activity begins to die down, as scavengers consume the last remaining nutrients."

The fact that he led them to the body is extremely incriminating.

 

[Warwick7]

Are we allowed to comment on "statement analysis" when it comes to statements CR makes or his uncle?

 

[SharonNeedles]

Are you generally against concealed carry? Or just joggers?

My concern is that Iowa is a “shall issue” state. To get your conceal carry permit you pay $50, sit through a two hour session, then you’re licensed. We had a class here locally where at least three people spoke no English and didn’t understand a word of it. It doesn’t matter, they paid $50 and now they can carry.

 

[SurfCity]

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

Also if he truly didn't remember what had happened why didn't he take her to a hospital or call for help? How did he know she was dead from blood on the side of her head? By hiding the body he knows that he caused her injury/death in my opinion.

 

[TL4S]

I will eat my tinfoil bonnet if LE doesn't look into if CR ever worked at either dairy farms on hwy 63.

Edit: removed names

 

[MyBelle]

What does the law say about senior politicians declaring people guilty at the time of arrest? Is that allowed? This strikes me as something that could completely violate the presumption of innocent until proven guilty.

Yes. But it was abolished in 1965.

This case and the murder of Deputy Burbridge might convince voters to put it back on the ballot. Nebraska did.

 

[Jealoushe]

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.

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

Can you elaborate on your thoughts on this?

I obviously can't do this being Canadian. But I have a friend in the states who does, and also hacks her horse with her gun strapped to her chest. Kind of thought it was a good idea, why do you think otherwise?

 

[CheetosDust]

Good Point.

There could be some liability involved if someone else owned the vehicle which is why Im wondering if it was even insured.

If the farm owned it I suppose they could keep insurance on it and other drivers would be covered under their insurance plan. But I think stipulations on who is covered would require a licensed driver so he was probably not covered unless he has his own insurance.

I was wondering this earlier as far as if it was communal use. It would have possibly had farm implements in it that could have been used in the murder. Unfortunately that also means since the murder the evidence would be contaminated all to hell or scattered to who knows where.

 

[Inthedetails]

Great post.

And I know what you mean as its really hard to drop this case and go on to the next one because of who Mollie was. A great person from all we have learned.

I was brought to tears yesterday when I remembered her boyfriend was likely going to propose to her in a couple short weeks before she was murdered. Darn it and darn the monster.

I've been thinking about him today and actually praying about whoever it is that he meets in the future. He seems like a nice guy with a nice family - I want him to find love again, and it will take a special person who can heal his heart, not feel competitive with Mollie, and just love him.

Now I'm teary-eyed.

jmo