IA - Mollie Tibbetts,20, Poweshiek County - MEDIA, MAPS & TIMELINES - NO DISCUSSION

[PommyMommy]

MAY 25, 2021
Defense makes opening statements in Cristhian Bahena Rivera trial (kcci.com)
[...]

Freese stated that the trial is about Tibbetts and Bahena Rivera and that the jury should consider justice for both parties.

“…Your heart should break for Mollie Tibbetts,” she said. “Your heart should break for her family. Mollie Tibbetts deserves justice. Her family deserves justice, but so does Cristhian Bahena Rivera.”

Freese said the defense will call on witnesses in addition to relying on the “failure of the state to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.”

She stated that the jury will learn more about the circumstances surrounding Bahena Rivera’s immigration from Mexico and his work ethic.

Freese also claimed in her opening statement that the idea of “blacking out” during Tibbetts’ death may have been put in Bahena Rivera’s head.

[...]

 

[PommyMommy]

MAY 25, 2021

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Frese says we'll hear about the differences between U.S. and Mexico, where CBR is from. "It's a fraction of what a person can make down there," Frese says of income in Mexico.
8:36 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

"You heard Ms. Romero and I quibble about interrogation vs. interview." Frese says CBR is a "yes man" who volunteered for the police questioning "until it was put in my client's head 'perhaps you blacked out.'"
8:40 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Lots of construction noises in the background today. It's been an issue throughout but I haven't heard it picked up on the mics like this yet.
8:41 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

There's work being done in the courthouse.
8:41 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Frese: "It's our job, our obligation to Mr. Bahena, to bring forth anything that might cast doubt."
8:43 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Defense will call their own DNA expert along with character witnesses for CBR.
8:43 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Defense calls Dr. Michael Spence.
8:46 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

If you followed along in our coverage of the Jerry Burns trial, the convicted killer of #MichelleMartinko, you'll recognize this witness. He was the only defense witness in that case.
8:46 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Dr. Spence is exclusively a DNA consultant.
8:50 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Dr. Spence has testified for Indiana State Police, but says usually he testifies for defense or civil litigation.
8:53 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

He says usually prosecutors have their own DNA labs/experts they work with, which is why he doesn't usually testify for them.
8:54 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Frese points out it wouldn't work for someone from a crime lab to be asked by defense to critique their own work.
8:54 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Dr. Spence says what he does is "tie everything together and make sure the science makes sense."
8:56 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Dr. Spence was contacted in October 2019 to look at this case.
9:01 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

He looked at several lab reports, along with police reports and other documents on the case.
9:03 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Says those reports had "e-grams" on 26 evidentiary items. Dr. Spence says he saw no problems in the analyzation of the evidence in terms of handling, contamination, protocols.
9:05 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

"Sometimes there can be interpretation issues especially with mixtures" on those e-grams, Dr. Spence says. "I saw on various items, just generally speaking, there were mixtures." Says a lot of labs will interpret mixtures of DNA as inconclusive.
9:07 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

"I wouldn't label those as inconclusive."
9:07 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Dr. Spence says if you're looking at the known items of a person, like the defendant, you're not looking for that person's DNA but foreign DNA. Same goes for any victim.
9:08 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Says DNA won't definitively tell you if someone was involved in crime, but can tell you that individual was maybe near the location of the crime.
9:09 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter TwitterNow looking at the trunk liner. Spence now going on his interpretation differences. @KCCINews #BahenaRiveraTrial
9:10 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Talking about the Malibu trunk liner now. Dr. Spence's interpretation of the evidence differs. "There were 17 unaccounted for alleles. The only two individuals we're comparing this to are the only two people that were typed in this case (Tibbetts and CBR.)"
9:11 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Says it appeared to be a female source that wasn't Tibbetts.
9:12 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Spence says there were 17 unaccounted for alleles. Says only CBR and #MollieTibbetts were counted for in state’s testing. Clear indication there was female DNA in there other than Miss Tibbetts. @KCCINews
#bahenariveratrial

9:12 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter for iPhone

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Dr. Spence other areas of presumptive blood had unaccounted for alleles that weren't from Tibbetts or CBR, with one coming from an unknown male.
9:14 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Another area had 14 unaccounted for alleles "it was a little iffy to say male or female."
9:16 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
In other samples, Spence says there were other DNA profiles that weren't from #MollieTibbetts or CBR. Says he agreed with state that some samples were Tibbetts' DNA. @KCCINews #bahenariveratrial
9:14 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

"To summarize, you have no issues with how the procedures were followed right?" Yes. But lab oversimplified various mixtures. @KCCINews
#bahenariveratrial
9:17 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
"You have no issues w/how procedures were followed, steps were followed in analyzing DNA?" "No."
9:17 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

"But when it comes to details of specific interpretations...what is your interpretation?" "I'd say it's typical of a lot of labs that they're going to be written off as uninterpretable or not suitable for comparison."
9:19 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Says an inclusion could be done on those unaccounted for samples.
9:19 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Time for cross. @KCCINews #bahenariveratrial
9:19 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Cross-exam now. Brown: "If you wanted to have any item tested, you'd have to submit it to an outside lab?" Spence: "Yes." Does not have his own lab or own testing.
9:20 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Dr. Spence says he didn't request any independent testing of those items.
9:22 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Brown asks about the blood stain on the trunk seal. Dr. Spence says he "agrees fully" that the stain was #MollieTibbetts blood.
9:25 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Dr. Spence says it was in Scott's report that this was a single source - only Mollie's DNA in that blood. "There's no doubt that was from her, could've been from an injury."
9:28 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Brown: "And that would associate Mollie Tibbetts' presence inside the trunk?" "I think there's potential for that."
9:28 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Dr. Spence says it's logical, reasonable that Mollie was injured inside the trunk.
9:29 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Dr. Spence agrees it's "pertinent" to look at statements made by the driver of the Malibu.
9:30 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Dr. Spence says the presence of unknown female (and male) DNA says there's no way to say if that means that person was in the trunk. It could have transferred off another item put in the trunk.
9:31 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Brown: "Drawing your conclusions about this case beyond DNA you have to look at all the evidence in the case?" Dr. Spence: "Yes, for all the cases I've worked on, you want to look at everything." Says his role in the case is to look at the forensic biology and DNA.
9:33 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Dr. Spence says DNA is "very resistant" to heat, but sunlight, moisture, other factors can dilute DNA. Says Tibbetts' body being in the field for weeks would "have a tendency to degrade DNA to be out in the environment, exposed in that fashion. To remove all DNA, not likely."
9:36 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Brown: "Would you agree that heat, elements degrade DNA?" Spence: DNA is very resistant to heat, but it's not the best for it. Moisture, sunlight also bad.
@KCCINews #bahenariveratrial
9:34 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Re-direct. Frese asking about that single source of blood on the trunk seal.
9:37 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Dr. Spence agrees it was a single source (Mollie's blood). Now onto the fabric liner, he says there appeared to be more than one source on one cutting. Says there appears to be male DNA.
9:39 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

"It wouldn't be useful unless we have another reference sample or more than one reference sample to do comparisons." - Had CBR's buccal swab to compare.
9:39 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Jennifer Frese is pointing out that there weren't buccal swabs from other potential suspects to compare to that unknown DNA.
9:40 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Brown: Would you expect another person's DNA in the trunk of a well-used car? Spence: It wouldn't be a surprise @KCCINews #bahenariveratrial
9:40 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
"It wouldn't be a surprise to find other sources of DNA on various surfaces of a vehicle," Dr. Spence says on re-cross when Brown asks about finding DNA in a "well-used" car.
9:41 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

"It surprises me they didn't do a comparison in this instance they only had two references."
9:42 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Brown: #MollieTibbetts blood is inside the trunk. Dr. Spence: "Apparently, yes." 10 min break here as Dr. Spence is excused.
9:43 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

 

[PommyMommy]

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Alejandra Cervantes is the defense's next witness.
@KCCINews #bahenariveratrial
10:01 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
*Cervantes Valle
10:02 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Defense calls Alejandra Cervantes. Is married to CBR's uncle. Cervantes is speaking through a Spanish interpreter.
10:02 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
She is an aunt-by-marriage.@KCCINews #bahenariveratrial
10:02 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Has been a family spokesperson w/defense team as she speaks some English.
10:02 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Came to U.S. from Mexico after her father got a visa for the family.
10:03 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

That was in 2003 when she was 17. They moved to Marshalltown.
10:04 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Says CBR did not come to U.S. by "lawful means" but she can't really say how he came. Says she doesn't have that type of experience, but knows he walked across the border, crossed w/the help of a coyote.
10:07 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
CBR's parents still live in Mexico, Cervantes Valle says.
@KCCINews #bahenariveratrial
10:09 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Bahena Rivera looking down at times during aunt’s testimony.
@kccinews #BahenaRiveraTrial

10:10 AM · May 25, 2021 from Davenport, IA·Twitter for iPhone

Brown objects to a photo of a 2016 wedding as "improper character evidence" and not relevant. Judge Joel Yates agrees. @kccinews #BahenaRiveraTrial
10:11 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Defense wanted to show a photo of CBR w/some family from 2016, but State objects because of the date and relevance. Judge Yates does not allow it to be published.
10:11 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
CBR is looking around less, looking down more. His head is normally on a swivel, like he's at a tennis match, but now he's looking down.
10:12 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Cervantes says Luis Medina, a brother-in-law, took Bahena Rivera in after he came to Iowa.
10:13 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
CBR has been employed since he came to the United States, his aunt says.
10:14 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
"With the family, he's very funny. He's always playing w/the family," Cervantes says of CBR. "He's very shy. He's quiet," she says of when he's around strangers.
10:15 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Jennifer Frese: How did you find out CBR was involved in police investigation? "I found out once he'd been stopped, asked questions. Routine questions. The second time was when my sister-in-law called and let us know he was at Montezuma Police Dept."
10:17 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Cervantes Valle says CBR is more reserved around those he doesn't know but opens up more. Cervantes Valle says she heard about #MollieTibbetts' disappearance on the news. Was aware CBR sought by law enforcement when she found out he was stopped by LE @kccinews #BahenaRiveraTrial
10:17 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Second time was when sister-in-law called to let her know he was at the (Poweshiek Sheriff's Office). She was concerned about his welfare and went to Montezuma. @kccinews #BahenaRiveraTrial
10:17 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Cervantes and Luis Medina went to see CBR during that police questioning around 8:30 pm (this would be Aug. 20) and says they weren't allowed in.
10:19 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Cervantes had said Montezuma PD but this did occur at the Poweshiek Co. Sheriff's Office.
10:19 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Says she didn't ask officers any questions and they weren't helped.
10:21 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Talking about this date CBR was supposed to have again. Cervantes says she was going to help him get the flowers.
10:22 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Cervantes and CBR had "fairly frequent phone contact." She tried to call/text him the night of Aug. 20 and weren't able to reach him.
10:22 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
She says they were there from 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. She and the other family members were not allowed into the actual waiting room, but in the entryway.
10:20 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
The aunt says they called him when he was in the police station, but they didn't reach him. State has said that he had his phone and we've seen him with his phone in the interview room.
10:24 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Identifies Pamela Romero as the woman who came out to talk to them around 10:30 pm. "I asked her if we needed an attorney for Cristhian. We'd been waiting for several hours."
10:25 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
"I asked her if we needed an attorney for Cristhian," Cervantes Valle says, regarding woman who met them at Sheriff's office (I presume it's Pamela Romero). @kccinews #BahenaRiveraTrial
10:25 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
"I asked her if we needed an attorney for Cristhian," Cervantes Valle says, regarding woman who met them at Sheriff's office (I presume it's Pamela Romero). @kccinews #BahenaRiveraTrial"
10:27 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Objections from State about what Officer Romero told CBR's family. Witness admonished at request of the State "witness should not be speaking about this subject," Judge Yates says. "It was a bad question I asked," Jennifer Frese says.
10:27 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Cervantes says she did not ask to see CBR but did ask how long it would be. Not offered chance to see CBR.
10:28 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
The officer tells her that they don't need an attorney, though that answer was just struck from the record.
10:28 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
"It was close to one in the morning and at that time we decided they weren't going to give us any information so we decided to leave."
10:29 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Cervantes says she talked to family in Mexico and says oldest sibling is normally expected to take care of family. Says CBR's parents in Mexico expected her and her husband to watch out for him. "He was sending money so they could eat and so they could build their house."
10:31 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
That's Cristhian sending money for his family.
10:31 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
CBR is the oldest child in his family. He was taking care of family in Mexico. "He was the one who was sending money so that they could eat and he was the one who was sending money so that they could build their house," the aunt says.
10:32 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Brown cross-examining. "How old was CBR as of July 18, 2018." "I'm not sure, but I think like 20." "So he was an adult?" "Yes."@kccinews #BahenaRiveraTrial
10:32 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Brown now asking about their time at Poweshiek SO HQ. Between 8:30-11:30p did you make or attempt any phone calls or text messages? Yes - called. Did he ever answer the phone? No. @kccinews #BahenaRiveraTrial
10:33 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Brown: Did you know CBR to drive a black Chevy Malibu? Cervantes Valle: I only knew him to have a black car. @kccinews #BahenaRiveraTrial
10:36 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Redirect. J Frese: "During the times you were around (CBR) was he ever violent?" Cervantes Valle: No. not violent JF: "Has he been respectful to your brothers-in-law and your husband"+around children? Cervantes Valle: Oh yes, children love him.
10:37 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Iris Gamboa up next for defense @kccinews #BahenaRiveraTrial
10:38 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Defense calls Iris Gamboa. Lives in CR w/her boyfriend and her daughter, who is CBR's daughter.
10:40 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Gamboa met CBR at a quinceañera in 2013. CBR is the father of her daughter and they lived together at one point. @kccinews #BahenaRiveraTrial
10:41 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Says she met CBR at a quinceañera. They moved in together after she got pregnant.
10:41 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Lived together at Yarrabee Farms from 2016 to 2017.
10:42 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Says after they broke up they were able to co-parent and CBR provided for them.
10:43 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
They both lived at Yarrabee Farms for about a year. Testifies that CBR typically worked 12 hours/day at the farm. Typically worked 12 days on 2 off in a two week period. @kccinews #BahenaRiveraTrial
10:43 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
"He would give me $250 dollars every two weeks."
10:44 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
"He would send money to his parents and was making a house over there for them [...] send money for the house."
10:44 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Gamboa was brought to the U.S. when she was a baby (1 1/2) and is a DACA recipient.
10:46 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Frese: When someone is illegally in the country, do they fear law enforcement? Gamboa: "Yes. They fear they'll be deported."
10:46 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Gamboa says people in the country without legal status are fearful of law enforcement because they may be deported, after saying her father was deported. @kccinews #BahenaRiveraTrial
10:46 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
"Your daughter was 3 when Cristhian Bahena Rivera was arrested, correct?" Gamboa: yes. @kccinews #BahenaRiveraTrial
10:47 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Bart Klaver now asking when photograph of birthday party w/ daughter was taken. Taken in June '18. Klaver objecting. Yates overrules objection.
@kccinews #BahenaRiveraTrial
10:49 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Here is the photo of Cristhian Bahena Rivera, Gamboa, and their daughter.
@KCCINews #BahenaRiveraTrial

10:50 AM · May 25, 2021 from Davenport, IA·Twitter for iPhone

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
"He was a really good father. He was responsible. He always looked after his daughter." Gamboa says. @KCCINews #BahenaRiveraTrial
10:51 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
JF: Has he ever been violent? Gamboa: No. JF: Did he ever express any sort of anger that was excessive outside of normal couples' arguments? Gamboa: No.
@KCCINews #BahenaRiveraTrial
10:52 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Gamboa went to Brooklyn HS. Says she was one of 3 Hispanic students. JF now asking about her cousin, Ulises Felix (sp?) JF: Did Ulises Felix know CBR? Gamboa: Yes. JF: Did Ulises Felix know Dalton Jack? Gamboa: Yes.
10:53 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
JF: Did you know Dalton Jack? Gamboa: Yes. JF: Did you have an opinion on his demeanor? Gamboa: I remember he was pretty racist.
@KCCINews #BahenaRiveraTrial
10:54 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
On cross-examination from Poweshiek County Attorney Bart Klaver, Gamboa says she was familiar with CBR's black Malibu. Says they would text about their daughter throughout the week. @KCCINews #BahenaRiveraTrial
10:56 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitte
Gamboa says prior to his arrest, she had contact with CBR speaking about his law enforcement contact. @KCCINews #BahenaRiveraTrial
10:57 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Gamboa spoke with law enforcement after his arrest and told them she wasn't aware of mental health issues or any periods where he claimed to have blacked out or had memory issues. @KCCINews #BahenaRiveraTrial
10:58 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Lunch recess begins early. Goes til 1. @KCCINews #BahenaRiveraTrial
10:58 AM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

 

[PommyMommy]

MAY 24, 2021
Agent says lack of Spanish skills delayed Iowa investigation (apnews.com)
[...]

Division of Criminal Investigation agent Trent Vileta said he wanted to speak with Cristhian Bahena Rivera after investigators linked him to a car seen on video driving near where Mollie Tibbetts disappeared while running in Brooklyn, Iowa.

But that took four days, in part because investigators knew they needed to question Bahena Rivera and his co-workers in Spanish, and “we didn’t have any Spanish speakers,” Vileta said.

[...]

Vileta said the evidence suggests Tibbetts was abducted on a road outside Brooklyn after 8 p.m., but that he does not know precisely where or when she was killed.

Data from Tibbetts’ cellphone provider shows her phone was moving at a running pace before accelerating to over 60 mph around 8:27 p.m. and eventually slowing down and stopping more than 10 miles away, FBI agent Kevin Horan testified. By 8:53 p.m., her phone went dark.

[...]

Tibbetts suffered up to 12 wounds to her head, neck, chest and other body parts, including one injury that penetrated her skull, he said. An injury to her right hand suggested she was trying to defend herself.

Bahena Rivera remained largely expressionless throughout the day. He watched as the medical examiner discussed several photos showing the wounds to Tibbetts’ body, which had decomposed by the time it was recovered.

[...]

Vileta noted that the “ political environment ” for immigrants living illegally in the U.S. was hostile in 2018, and said he worried that Bahena Rivera or others might flee if they knew they were being sought for questioning. That’s why investigators took DNA samples from Hispanic workers at the farm, so they could be identified if they later disappeared, he said.

[...]

On cross-examination, Vileta recounted looking into Mollie Tibbetts’ boyfriend and other men who came under scrutiny for various reasons before Bahena Rivera came on their radar. That included a reserve deputy who lived on the property adjacent to where Tibbetts’ body was found, Vileta said.

Tipsters told police that the man had a “torture room” in his basement and had previously harmed women and children, Vileta acknowledged. Investigators went to the man’s house, did not find such a room and never formally interviewed him, he said.

[...]

 

[PommyMommy]

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Defense recalls Dalton Jack.
1:17 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
"Did you have a chance to reflect on your testimony?" - Chad Frese Jack: "No."
@KCCINews #BahenaRiveraTrial
1:17 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
CF: "Describe in your own words Mollie Tibbetts." DJ: Happy, bubbly person. CF: Did you know her to have an enemy? DJ: No. CF: How did she treat strangers? DJ: She was nice to strangers.
1:18 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
CF: Can you think of anyone who wanted to do her harm? DJ: No. CF: Would you agree that she always put her best face on, always there to offer a hand? DJ: Yes. @KCCINews #BahenaRiveraTrial
1:19 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Chad Frese: "There's nothing in your testimony here in open court the other day you want to clarify or correct?" Dalton: "No."
1:18 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Dalton: #MollieTibbetts got along with everyone. Frese: "How about strangers?" Dalton: "She was nice to strangers."
1:18 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Frese: "Would you agree she was the type of person who always put the best face on for others?" Dalton: "Absolutely, yes."
1:19 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Frese asks if Tibbetts' would fight back if attacked. Dalton: "Anybody would, yeah."
1:20 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Dalton says she never mentioned someone stopping her while jogging to talk.
1:20 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

"She wouldn't strike up the conversation but yeah, she'd stop and have a conversation."
1:21 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Frese asks if Mollie would immediately get frightened or upset. State objects for speculation.
1:21 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

"In the ten years you knew her, tell me how many times you saw her get provoked?" "I can't speak on those seven years but three years we were together, not very often." Says maybe zero.
1:23 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Lots of objections here. Brown says the questions have asked and answered, Judge disagrees.
1:23 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

"Would you get angry more than Mollie?" "Yeah. [...] She would try to calm me down, that's for sure."
1:24 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
CF: Would you get angry more than Mollie? DJ: Yeah. CF: How would Mollie respond? DJ: She would try to calm me down. CF: That was her nature, right? DJ: Yeah. @KCCINews #BahenaRiveraTrial
1:24 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
"You had nothing to do with Mollie Tibbetts abduction?" Yes. "You had nothing to do w/her death." "No."
1:25 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Dalton says he was planning to propose on the beach during his brother's wedding. Says he "jumped the gun, spilled the beans" to Mollie.
1:25 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

"It was probably under a year" before Mollie's death that he told her of plan. Mollie said yes, he bought a $2,500 ring that he kept at the house.
1:26 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

"You guys talked about breaking up a number of times?" Y. "The most recent time...end of June, one month before?"
1:27 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Denise Hnytka on Twitter
Dalton says he was going to propose to Mollie on the beach during a trip to Mexico for his brother's wedding. Bought a ring already.
@wqad #MollieTibbitts
1:27 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Frese asks the last time Dalton talked to a girl he'd had an affair w/. "She messaged me about coming here to testify. She asked me why she was having to come here, that's about it."
1:28 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Dalton recounts his calls to friends/family/Mollie after he heard she didn't come to work. "Is it possible you called Mollie only one time?" "It's possible, yes."
1:29 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Frese: "Explain to me why you'd call your girlfriend who's missing only one time in the days following her disappearance?" Dalton says he was trying to get others to call, doesn't know why.
1:30 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Going through previous testimony over what he did immediately after #MollieTibbetts' disappearance. Maintains that he called Mollie multiple times. @KCCINews #BahenaRiveraTrial
1:29 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
"If the records showed you only called Mollie 1 time, that would be..accurate?" "Yes" "Explain why you only tried calling 1 time" "I tried to get other people to look for her as well" "She's the love of your life, and you're not blowing up her phone?" @KCCINews #BahenaRiveraTrial
1:30 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Dalton called Mollie "Baby Girl" on his phone. Frese: We'd look for incoming, outgoing calls from Baby Girl.
1:31 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Frese hands phone record for July 15 to July 19 of 2018.
1:32 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
"Tell the jury how many times the name "Baby Girl" shows up on there?" Dalton: "It was highlighted once and checkmarked once."
1:33 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Frese asks about a conversation about Tibbetts being angry with a woman he was cheating with. "You do acknowledge Mollie was angry w/______ in as early as January 2017?" "...I don't..." Dalton says.
1:35 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Frese asks if he recalls conversation w/Mollie that she was glad he deleted this woman off Snapchat. Dalton checking records to refresh recollection.
1:36 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
"Mollie said that to you?" "It's on record for a text, yes."
1:36 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
"Tell the jury how you responded to that comment." "Mollie said she was glad she deleted me off Snapchat because ____ was apparently wearing a skimpy outfit." Says he replied, "She a hoe."
1:37 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Dalton says Mollie took off a promise ring in June of 2017. "Because of the relationship with ______."
1:38 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Dalton says he didn't have a sexual relationship with this woman prior to June 2017. Says it was a "texting relationship."
1:39 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
"Other than the one-time physical relationship with _____ I don't remember any other time."
1:40 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Prosecution is objecting to a number of questions regarding Jack's infidelity. Judge overruling most and allowing them. @KCCINews #BahenaRiveraTrial
1:40 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Dalton admits he had sex with the woman in 2018 before "Mollie went to California."
1:42 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Frese: "So between June of 2017 when Mollie takes the promise ring off [...] and then the following spring when she goes to CA, you and ____ continued to have some sort of relationship?" Dalton "I don't know."
1:43 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Frese: You tried to strike up a new relationship with her in April of 2018? Dalton: Not that I can recall. @KCCINews #BahenaRiveraTrial
1:43 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
Dalton had purchased a promise ring for Mollie, which she took off because he had a relationship with another woman.
1:43 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Defense is asking about specific conversations, snapchats and texts, and when Dalton doesnt know, they are providing the records.
1:45 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Scott Brown with the state is objecting more than I have seen/heard him do throughout the trial.
1:47 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Frese asks about an April 8, 2018 conversation about Mollie asking about the woman screenshotting a Snapchat. "You told Mollie ____ was crazy, correct?" "I don't know." (reading more of the transcript of this convo)
1:48 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

"She screenshot Mollie's story, not mine."
1:50 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Frese: "You told Mollie that she added you and therefore you added her back...you were communicating with her, right?" "From the context of that message, sounds like she was communicating w/me."
1:51 M · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Frese says April 9th, Mollie and this other woman talked.
1:52 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

"You don't recall Mollie confronting you with messages sent to her by ____ of you and her talking?" "I don't recall that, no."
1:53 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
"You didn't just come clean to Mollie and say 'I've been talking to _____,' did you?" Dalton says he probably did not.
1:54 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
We're doing a lot of: Defense: Do you remember this specific thing? Dalton: I don't recall Defense: Here are the records.
1:53 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
So some of this is confusing to me. Wonder how it is for jurors.
1:54 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Now Frese's questioning is going back to interview with DCI Agent Matt George and whether he recalls it. This is the one where he admitted to past infidelity after withholding it. @KCCINews #BahenaRiveraTrial
1:54 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
The defense table is covered with records right now.
1:56 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Now switching to questioning from the other day about Dalton Jack's temper.
@KCCINews #BahenaRiveraTrial
1:59 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Frese now asking about Dalton's tendency toward anger, fighting. "Whoever did this to Mollie, we can agree it was very violent?"
1:59 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy (@ShannonMoudyTV) / Twitter
"At any point before Mollie disappeared, did you ever tell her you realized you were clinically insane?" Objection from State overruled. "I don't remember."
2:00 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Likely going to look over documents again. There's been a lot of this over this testimony: Dalton says he doesn't remember, Frese gives him documents to "refresh recollection."
2:01 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Frese asks about October 2017 when "relationship hit a real bump" when Mollie said she was moving in with friends. Previous plan was to move in together. "You told her you were thinking of breaking up during college." Dalton doesn't recall.
2:03 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter deny the accuracy of the record?" No." / Twitter
"You don't recall telling Mollie you had a temper? [...] You don't recall saying that's what made you dangerous?" Dalton says no. "But the record says that? Do you deny the accuracy of the record?" No.
2:05 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Breaking here for 10 minutes.
2:05 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

 

[PommyMommy]

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Frese asks about Dalton's previous testimony that he said he "wholeheartedly" thinks CBR is guilty. He says he graduated with Iris Gamboa, but didn't know her well.
2:18 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter"Have you ever used derogatory language toward Hispanics?" "Not that I can remember, no."
2:18 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Some objection to a document Frese wants to show Dalton to "refresh recollection" of something he allegedly said about "Mexicans."
2:19 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
July 6, 2018 do you recall texting Mollie indicating to her you were "madder than **** for no reason?"
2:21 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
"Is there anything wrong with your memory, organically?" "I've had multiple concussions." "Is that affecting your memory? Has a doctor diagnosed you with any reason you can't recall things?"
2:23 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Things getting a little testy here between prosecution and defense.
2:24 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Dalton says he knew Ulysses Felix.
2:25 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
CF: "Have you ever told anyone, at any time, on this planet, that you black out when you get angry?" DJ: "I don't recall." CF: "If I showed you a record would that be more accurate than your recollection?" #BahenaRiveraTrial
@KCCINews
2:25 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Agents asked Dalton about a $200 cash withdrawal Mollie made on the night before she disappeared. Frese asking about Mollie buying a mattress.
2:26 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
"You recall you were in Dubuque that night?" "Clear as a bell." "Were you drunk?" "I don't recall." #BahenaRiveraTrial @KCCINews
2:27 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

"You recall telling agents the $200 was for your golf tournament Mollie would've put up the greens fees for?" Dalton doesn't recall.
2:27 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Cross now.
2:27 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Brown asking again about the job in Dubuque.
2:28 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Cross-examination by prosecution, asking Jack about his job with Jasper Construction. Jack says he worked 12 hour days. #BahenaRiveraTrial
@KCCINews
2:27 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Jack says he left for the job (working on a bridge going over the Mississippi to Wisconsin) and drove his truck there the Monday before #MollieTibbetts went missing. #BahenaRiveraTrial @KCCINews
2:28 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Dalton's brother, Blake, is also a construction worker. He was also away on a (different) job when Mollie Tibbetts was dog-sitting. #BahenaRiveraTrial
@KCCINews
2:31 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
"Did you see Mollie prior to leaving for the job on the morning of July 16 of 2018?" "We were sleeping in the same bed, so yes."
2:30 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
"That was the last time you would've been in her presence prior to her death?" Yes.
2:31 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Dalton says it was over two hours to the job site. His supervisor would keep track of his hours, no way to do it on his own.
2:32 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Jack says he went with a co-worker named Luis. #BahenaRiveraTrial
@KCCINews
2:32 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter[URL='https://twitter.com/ShannonMoudyTV/status/1397275095765299205']Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Dalton says (again) he didn't drive back to Brooklyn the 18th.
2:35 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Jack says he worked from 6A to 6P, went back to the motel after the work day ended. Says he was around other members of his crew. "On the evening July 18, 2018, did you drive back to Brooklyn, Iowa" "No." #BahenaRiveraTrial
@KCCINews
2:35 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
On July 19, Jack says there were weather problems (there was a tornado outbreak that hit Bondurant, Marshalltown, Pella that day) -- says he reached out to Mollie Tibbetts that afternoon. #BahenaRiveraTrial @KCCINews
2:35 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
SB: "You were trying to find Mollie, is that right?" DJ: "Yes." SB: That made you worried and you came home? DJ: "Yes." SB: You got let out of work early? DJ: "Yes." #BahenaRiveraTrial @KCCINews
2:37 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App[/URL]

Brown: "At any time, Mr. Jack, prior to Thursday afternoon, did you leave and go back to Brooklyn Iowa" Jack: "No." Brown: Were you ever in the presence of Mollie Tibbetts after Monday? Jack: "No." #BahenaRiveraTrial @KCCINews
2:33 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Dalton says that day he worked 6 am to 6 pm and only came home the following day (Thursday the 19) when he was informed Mollie was missing.
2:37 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
SB: "You discussed a lot w Mr. Frese about this relationship that you had...Mollie was aware of that correct?" DJ: "Yes." SB: The relationship continued and you were still making marriage plans? DJ: "Yes." #BahenaRiveraTrial @KCCINews
2:38 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
SB: "The truck you drove, you allowed police to search?" DJ: "Yes." Testifies he made no effort to alter it or prevent search efforts. #BahenaRiveraTrial
@KCCINews
2:38 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
SB: "Do you own a black Malibu?" DJ: "No." SB: "Do you have access to a black Malibu?" DJ: "No." SB: Do you own or have access to a black Malibu with chrome wheels/etc?\ DJ: "No." #BahenaRiveraTrial @KCCINews
2:40 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
"Did you take officers to that location to find Mollie Tibbetts?" "No." Did you place corn stalks on her body to conceal her? "No." Did you have ANYTHING to do with the murder of #MollieTibbetts? "No." #BahenaRiveraTrial @KCCINews
2:41 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
"Mr. Jack, did you have anything to do with the disappearance or murder of Mollie Tibbetts?" No.
2:41 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Frese asks if Mollie knew that Dalton and the other woman had sex. No.
2:42 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
Court TV just interrupted their feed to tell us that Chad Daybell has been indicted with conspiracy to commit murder.
2:42 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Frese: Was your supervisor drunk that evening? Not that I can recall.
2:43 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Dalton Jack is excused.
2:45 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

We are now in recess until tomorrow at 8:30.
2:46 PM · May 25, 2021·Twitter Web App

 

[PommyMommy]

MAY 25, 2021

DAY 5: Cristhian Bahena Rivera murder trial in death of Mollie Tibbetts

 

[PommyMommy]

MAY 25, 2021
Mollie Tibbetts Murder: Defense Says Cristhian Bahena Rivera Falsely Confessed (lawandcrime.com)
[...]

The defense chose tactically to deliver the 10-minute-long opening statement after the state concluded its case in chief.

[...]

Frese and her co-counsel Chad Frese have long argued that the defendant was “interrogated” by the police after he’d worked a 12-hour shift on an area dairy farm. The 11-hour overnight interrogation, the defense has suggested, produced a coerced confession.

“He wasn’t in an interview; he was in an interrogation,” Frese said. “There’s no dispute on the facts that my client worked twelve hours at a dairy farm scooping poop, cleaning grounds, and then, at the end of his day, he was brought to the Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office.”

The prosecutors and police officers have contended that Bahena Rivera was merely interviewed by police and that he was repeatedly told he was free to leave the police station before 11:30 p.m. the night he was interviewed.

The legal difference between a custodial interrogation and an interview where an individual is free to leave is critical to the analysis of whether the authorities must read a defendant his rights under Miranda v. Arizona (1966), Thompson v. Keohane (1995), and Yarborough v. Alvarado (2004). The reading of those rights serves as a de facto notification that a suspect is being arrested and, more importantly, is facing increasing legal jeopardy, so the police seek to delay the point at which an interview becomes a custodial interrogation in order to keep a defendant talking without thinking he needs to remain silent or hire an attorney.

[...]

“And then they started to confront him with the evidence,” Frese continued. “They confronted him with this videotape. They confronted him with these pictures. And they said, ‘you know, we don’t believe you. We don’t believe that you weren’t there.’ And the confrontation continues until it was put in my client’s head — ‘perhaps you blacked out.’ ...

Law enforcement officers have testified Bahena Rivera told them he blacked out when he confronted Tibbetts while jogging. They say Bahena Rivera admitted confronting Tibbetts because he thought she was “hot.” According to the official account, Bahena Rivera said he blacked out what happened next, which he claimed would happen to him from time to time when he became angry. The next thing the defendant claimed to recall was that Tibbetts’ ear phones were in his car and her body was in his trunk, law enforcement officers testified.

The defense suggested it was law enforcement who fed Bahena Rivera at least part of the story.

[...]

Frese said alternate suspects were “ignored or not looked into” and said it was her “duty” to bring all such evidence to the jury.

She then reminded jurors that they all carried different life experiences into this case but were connected by one legally critical thread: “each one of you has the power to say no” to the state’s charges, she said.

[...]

 

[Seattle1]

Trial for man accused of killing Mollie Tibbetts: Key takeaways from Day 5

May 25, 2021

Lawyers for Cristhian Bahena Rivera, who is charged with murder in the 2018 slaying of University of Iowa student Mollie Tibbetts, began presenting a defense on Tuesday, telling a jury that investigators were under intense pressure to solve the missing person case and alleging the investigators coerced a confession from the Mexican national farmworker.

Defense attorneys, who deferred their opening arguments until after the prosecution rested its case, began by attempting to undermine what prosecutors say is "overwhelming" evidence that the 26-year-old defendant is guilty of first-degree murder.

[..]

Early on in her presentation, Frese tackled the issue of Bahena Rivera's status as an undocumented immigrant, telling the jury he came to the United States seven years ago to seek a better life so he could support his family in Mexico.

[..]

She called Bahena Rivera a "yes man," someone who would readily agree to chores such as cleaning out livestock stables.

Frese called the questioning by investigators of Bahena Rivera a "systematic confrontation," where they warmed up to him by asking about his family, his work and his life in Mexico before confronting him with evidence that his black Chevrolet Malibu was seen in surveillance video circling a neighborhood at the time Tibbetts was spotted jogging in the same location.

The defense attorney noted that after a month of hitting dead ends in the case, the investigators were under an intense amount of pressure "to close the case, to arrest someone for this vicious crime."

"And the confrontation continues until it was put in my client's head: 'Perhaps you blacked out,'" Frese said.

[..]

Romero testified that Bahena Rivera allegedly told her he drove to a cornfield, where he placed Tibbetts' lifeless body face-up, covered her with leaves and left.

[..]

Defense DNA expert testifies
The first witness called for the defense was Michael Spence, a paid expert DNA witness and a former forensic scientist for the Indiana State Police.

Spence testified that while crime scene investigators recovered Tibbetts' DNA and the defendant's DNA from the trunk of Bahena Rivera's car, multiple unaccounted sources of DNA were also found in the trunk.

[..]

Under cross-examination, Spence said he had "no issues" with how the DNA evidence in the case was collected and analyzed, testifying that investigators, in his opinion, appeared to have properly followed their protocols and practices.

[..]

'He was not violent'

Bahena Rivera's aunt, Alejandra Cervantes, testified for the defense that her nephew was sending money back to Mexico to support his parents and siblings there.

[..]

She testified that in the seven years she has known Bahena Rivera since he came to the United States, she never saw him get angry or fight.

[..]

She testified that while they would argue, he was never violent with her.

"He was a really good father," Gamboa testified. "He was responsible, and he would take care of his daughter."

 

[PommyMommy]

MAY 25, 2021
Cristhian Bahena Rivera trial: Day 5 updates, watch live | weareiowa.com

Tuesday, May 25 Fast Facts

• Defense gives opening statement, saying the case “is about a man who immigrated here from Mexico" and his family circumstances. The defense argues this case hinges on an incomplete investigation.
• First Witness: Dr. Michael Spence, a DNA expert who is often called upon for second opinions in criminal cases.
• Second Witness: Alejandra Cervantes, Cristhian Bahena Rivera’s aunt, who says went to the sheriff’s office with her family when they heard her nephew was being questioned.
• Third Witness: Iris Monarrez Gamboa, who once was in a relationship with Cristhian; the two have a daughter. She described him as a good father and good provider.
• Fourth Witness: Anna Young, a fingerprinting specialist who works with the Iowa DCI crime lab. She analyzed items in Cristhian Bahena Rivera’s trunk for latent fingerprints.
• Fifth Witness: Dalton Jack, Mollie Tibbetts’ boyfriend, was questioned about his relationship and future plans with Mollie, as well as another woman he was seeing early on in the couple’s relationship. He testified about text conversations regarding those relationships. Dalton testified on the first day of the trial as well.

[...]

 

[PommyMommy]

MAY 26, 2021

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Defense calls Brandon Bublitz, Iowa DCI field operations.
8:37 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Assisted on #MollieTibbetts investigation starting around July 24th.
8:39 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
Starting with a state investigator who has firearms expertise, though he seems to be just one of the guys called in to help collect swabs at the dairy farm.
8:42 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
July 31st he collected four buccal swabs from dirt at an address in Guernsey. Suspected blood droplets found during preliminary investigation of the property.
8:42 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Bublitz says he it wasn't part of his job to keep track if those were tested by DCI lab. That was job of case agent. "Decaying cattle in close proximity to where those were at."
8:43 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
August 2nd: Assigned to go to 460th Avenue for neighborhood canvas.
8:44 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"I would likely be led to believe it would have to do something with the cattle," Bublitz says of suspected blood drops.
8:44 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Bublitz went to 2410 460th Ave, says he doesn't recall making contact w/anyone there and can't recall who lived there. Says he didn't do follow-up himself, but says Agent Trent Vileta would have assigned that if it was done.
8:46 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
Ah, OK. This investigator saw a person mowing the cemetery who the defense has pointed to as a possible suspect.
8:47 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Nicole Agee on Twitter
On August 2nd, Bublitz was assigned to do neighborhood follow-up and make sure there was no new information. This included the homes of people whose names we've heard before. @KCRG
8:48 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Cross-exam. Scott Brown asks about potential blood found. Bublitz says it was 25-30 ft. from feed lot in a tractor depression, also feet away were decomposing cattle.
8:49 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

 

[PommyMommy]

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Defense calls Agent Matthew George of Iowa DCI.
8:51 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Nicole Agee on Twitter
The defense has called Matthew George, an agent with the DCI. We have heard his name come up several times in other testimony, as the person assigned to follow up on leads in the case - he conducted interviews with Dalton Jack (Mollie's boyfriend). @KCRG
8:52 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Frese has asked both witnesses today if they ever investigated in Dubuque. Not sure about that questioning but Dubuque is where Dalton Jack says he was working when #MollieTibbetts went missing.
8:53 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
This marks the second time that the defense has asked about Dubuque, Iowa. Is he laying ground work to attack Dalton Jack's story again?
8:53 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Frese asking about victimology and the purpose of starting with the "inner circle" of the victim. Agent George says that can provide valuable witnesses or the assailant.
8:56 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Frese: Many times it provides you with the assailant, right? George: Certaintly it would be a fair statement that it does develop persons of interest. #BahenaRiveraTrial @KCCINews
8:56 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Frese is trying to ask if a member of that inner circle can't recall details of a victim's life if that is a red flag. Agent George doesn't get to answer due to objections from State.
8:59 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
Ah, this is the investigator that interviewed Dalton Jack at least a handful of times. This is where we are going.
8:57 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
Whether you like Dalton Jack or not, he has an alibi and this blockbuster cell phone data discussed by some has simply not been presented successfully.
9:00 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Nicole Agee on Twitter
George says depending on the case, he might be interested in collecting DNA from those he's interviewing. @KCRG
9:01 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Frese asking about digital evidence. Wants to know what a "dead zone is." Agent George says that's a period of time where there's no outgoing activity on a phone.
9:04 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Nicole Agee on Twitter
George says a dead zone (as it relates to a digital footprint) as a period of time that there's no activity on a device. He says at times, those dead zones can be important in an investigation. @KCRG
9:05 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
Frese: Have you ever interviewed a non-English speaking Individual? Agent: I can't say anything is coming to mind.
9:06 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Frese asking if Agent George was present at July 25th press conference where Poweshiek County Sheriff cleared Dalton Jack. State objects before question is even complete.
9:09 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Agent George interviewed Dalton.
9:10 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

First interview was July 25th.
9:11 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"Obviously...his demeanor seemed fine. He was talkative, he was concerned, obviously. Didn't seem very emotional, it was just a conversation but he was concerned about his girlfriend."
9:11 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
This investigator interviewed Dalton. His demeanor seemed "fine." He was "very concerned." "Concerned about his girlfriend."
9:11 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Nicole Agee on Twitter
George says he first talked to Dalton Jack on July 25 at the Brooklyn Fire Department. He says Dalton was cooperative, talkative, concerned and didn't seem very emotional. He said it was important to get facts from Dalton. @KCRG
9:12 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Agent George says Dalton told him he was working with a bridge crew in Dubuque area, "he was up there as I recall on the 17th of July and came back July 19th." Frese asks if Dalton said he was working on July 16th. State is objecting to this line of questioning.
9:14 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Agent George also interviewed Dalton Jack on the 27th "to get additional details."
9:16 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Says a re-interview isn't uncommon.
9:16 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Agent George: "On the 27th we learned that Dalton had had a relationship w/another girl and that had not been previously discussed."
9:17 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
OK, so this agent testified that Dalton was in DBQ on the 17th, 18th and 19th. He does not remember if he was there on the 16th. Mollie disappeared on the 18th.
9:15 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
This agent learned that Dalton had cheated on Mollie on July 27. So he asked to reinterview Dalton, wanted to know if Dalton left anything else out.
9:18 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Talking about intv on 27th to explore addl facts. MG says they learned that Jack had had relationship w another girl. CF: Did you deem that a fact you wanted to know? MG: It was something we wanted to discuss. #BahenaRiveraTrial
@KCCINews
9:18 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

CF: Why? MG: We're wanting to get as much info as we can. #BahenaRiveraTrial @KCCINews
9:18 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

CF: How did he characterize relationship? MG: He said in the two weeks prior things were good. Before that she was unhappy about what happened with other girl. CF: On 27th you confronted him with infidelity info? MG: Yes. #BahenaRiveraTrial @KCCINews
9:19 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Continued hearsay objections from Scott Brown over Dalton Jack interview. Frese and Brown now approaching the bench to talk to Judge Joel Yates, who has so far allowed questioning. #BahenaRiveraTrial @KCCINews
9:20 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Yates did sustain this objection. #BahenaRiveraTrial @KCCINews
9:20 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Recess time. #BahenaRiveraTrial @KCCINews
9:21 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

But they are talking outside the presence of the jury. #BahenaRiveraTrial
@KCCINews
9:23 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Recessing for 10 minutes, I believe so defense and State can argue about what Frese can ask Agent George. Prosecution has been objecting to asking about the interview w/Dalton.
9:21 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Yep, making record outside presence of jury.
9:22 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"He told me that some time ago, I don't remember if it was a number of months or years, he had had a sexual relationship w/her I believe one time." Says closer to Mollie's disappearance Dalton admitted this woman and he were in a "sexting" relationship.
9:25 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
This witness is attacking Dalton's lack of memory yesterday about Mollie-him-other woman issue. His memory was clear during this interview and not clear yesterday.
9:28 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

The defense wants to use this testimony to impeach Dalton Jack. The judge is going to rule on this prior to the jury being brought back in.
9:29 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

The judge wasn't wearing his robe during this back and forth, which maybe means nothing, but was interesting to me.
9:30 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

 

[PommyMommy]

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Frese asks Agent George if he was looking for anyone who had a dispute w/#MollieTibbetts. Agent George says he isn't aware of anyone who did. "She seemed very well-liked."
9:41 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
Agent could not find anyone that disliked Mollie Tibbetts. Again, literally no one has offered anything bad or close to bad about Mollie.
9:42 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
Now we are talking about a pool party that Mollie maybe went to the weekend before and a person who maybe saw her there.
9:43 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
"Did you learn Ms. Tibbetts was at a pool party the week before her disappearance?" Agent George says he doesn't really remember. Asks to review report. "It's not that important, sir," Frese says.
9:43 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Scott Brown asking if Agent George helped review Logan Collins' surveillance video. Says he saw the figure going across the screen that's been identified as Tibbetts jogging by.
9:46 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
Ah, this agent is the one who saw the blur that was Mollie Tibbetts running on the security camera. He didn't have much to do with the footage outside of this, but this was a fulcrum in the case.
9:47 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Agent George says he was working this case, doing interviews into late August, early September.
9:47 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Defense calls Jordan Lamb. She's now married.
9:50 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Says she previously dated Dalton Jack. "You're not here out of the goodness of her heart, are you?" Jennifer Frese asks. "No."
9:51 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Says Dalton would text/call every once in a while to ask how she was doing. "He knew I was pregnant." Says he most recently contacted her Monday/Tuesday to talk about trial.
9:51 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"He asked if I'd testify." Jennifer Frese says Lamb was subpoenaed about two weeks ago.
9:52 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
*Jordyn. Married last name is Johnson.
9:53 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Jennifer Frese is now questioning. Seems like she is questioning female witnesses, her husband Chad questions the male ones -- for the most part. "You're not here out of the goodness of your heart, are you?" No, received subpoena. #BahenaRiveraTrial @KCCINews
9:51 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Frese asking about recent contact between Johnson and Jack. "Would it be fair to say you were surprised you got a subpoena?" Yes. You were approached by investigators (after disappearance), right? Yes. #BahenaRiveraTrial
@KCCINews
9:52 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

One of the things they asked is whether Jack had initiated a relationship with you. "Did he ask you to get back in a relationship with you?" "Yes, I think there was one point where he said he would get back in a relationship with me." #BahenaRiveraTrial @KCCINews
9:54 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Johnson says she got a message that he would break up with Mollie if she would get back with him. Johnson says she did not reciprocate. Says she shared messages with Mollie. #BahenaRiveraTrial @KCCINews
9:54 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Frese: Was Mollie kind to you (after this)? Johnson: Yes. No further questions. #BahenaRiveraTrial @KCCINews
9:55 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

 

[PommyMommy]

Testimony of Cristhian Bahena Rivera Begins

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Cristhian Bahena Rivera is now taking the stand. #BahenaRiveraTrial @KCCINews
9:56 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Nicole Agee on Twitter
The defense has called the defendant - Cristhian Bahena Rivera - to the stand.
@KCRG
9:57 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
Wondering if the attorneys are going to address their theory that the blackout was introduced by the investigators during the interview.
9:59 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Jennifer Frese is asking about his two last names. Typical of Hispanic/Latino to have two last names, one father's surname, other mother's maiden name. Says customary last name would be Bahena. #BahenaRiveraTrial @KCCINews
9:59 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Speaking through Spanish interpreter. I've never heard his voice before.
9:59 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Talking about his family in Mexico.
9:59 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Says his father, who worked in the fields in Mexico, got paid 1,500 pesos a week. $75 American per pay period.
10:01 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Also asking about his family background and where he went to school in Mexico. #BahenaRiveraTrial @KCCINews
10:02 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Bahena Rivera grew up poor in Mexico. #BahenaRiveraTrial @KCCINews
10:04 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
The defense has talked a bit about Bahena Rivera's life and why he came to the U.S., mostly so he could make more money for his family.
10:04 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Defense wants to show pics of CBR w/family. State objects due to relevance, Judge overrules.
10:05 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
We are getting a chance to learn more about CBR. His family in Mexico is poor, lived in a one room home.
10:03 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
The jury is now looking at photos from when CBR graduated from school in Mexico, which I believe to be the equivalent of Freshman year here.
10:06 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Cristhian Bahena Rivera (middle) w/cousins at end of school year.

10:06 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter for iPhone

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Only two days off in a two-week period.
10:14 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Gave his real name at first, but when he submitted documents to Yarrabee he gave name John Bud.
10:15 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Sent $700-800 a month to his family in Mexico.
10:16 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Met Iris Gamboa when he was 19. She was still in high school in Brooklyn.
10:17 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
CBR says he was 19 when he met Iris Gamboa, the mother of his child (who testified earlier). Met at a quinceañera. @KCCINews #BahenaRiveraTrial
10:18 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

CBR says he would come across white people in Brooklyn but would mainly socialize with other Hispanic people. Says he hit it off quickly with Iris.
@KCCINews #BahenaRiveraTrial
10:20 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

CBR says Iris became pregnant one month after beginning their relationship and moved in together at a residence at Yarrabee Farms.
@KCCINews #BahenaRiveraTrial
10:20 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"Other than this offense have you ever been in jail or in custody?" "No." "Ever had any law enforcement activity other than...when you were arrested?" "You're here illegally?" "Yes." "Are you careful to avoid contact with law enforcement?" "Yes." @KCCINews #BahenaRiveraTrial
10:22 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Recounts when law enforcement came to Yarrabee Farms and his boss came to get him. "There was probably going to be troubles for me," he says his boss told him.
10:23 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"Did you tell law enforcement the truth that night?" Jennifer Frese asks. "Not all."
10:24 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Admits Mollie was in his trunk.
10:24 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"I had planned to clean out my car because the next day I had planned to go out w/a girl," CBR says of the night of July 18th after he got off work.
10:25 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Was going to uncle's home in Brooklyn to borrow vacuum to do that. Says uncle wasn't home but he did take the vacuum after calling to tell uncle he was doing so.
10:26 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

After exiting the bathroom, says he saw "two people in my living room [...] w/sweaters and their faces covered. Dark clothing."
10:27 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"One of them was bigger and a little fatter and the other was about my stature, burly."
10:27 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Says the bigger one had a gun, smaller one a knife. "I don't know a lot about guns, I can just say it was black. It was a medium size knife, camouflage color."
10:28 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Says he was told not to do anything stupid and everything would be ok. "They were just there whispering and we were there for a long while."
10:29 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

They were never violent w/him, CBR says. He complied, didn't argue.
10:29 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

 

[PommyMommy]

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Says they got into the car (not specific on what car). Says he drove.
10:30 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"They just told me to drive straight," he says. "One of them told the other one something about someone running."
10:30 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"I don't how to speak a lot of English but I understand the basics."
10:31 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Says they drove into town "on what you could say is the back way into town." Doesn't know the name of the road.
10:31 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
When shown a map, he says that road was 385th Ave.
10:32 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Saw "a person jogging." Didn't know that person, never met #MollieTibbetts before but says it was her now that he knows who she is.
10:33 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Says they continued driving "and then they asked me to turn around" when they hit town. They went back on 385th, he says.
10:33 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Says when they drove through town the men "tried to kneel down, crouch down as much as they can in the seats."
10:34 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
The masked men were crouching down in their seats. The directions given by these men is why he was driving past a few different times and ways.
10:35 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
The last time that we met her she was on her way back into town, he says.
10:36 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Says he drove by #MollieTibbetts three or four times.
10:35 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Nicole Agee on Twitter
Bahena Rivera says the last time they saw Mollie on 385th Ave. (the last place Mollie was seen), she was running back toward Brooklyn. He's now pointing on a map where they were. @KCRG
10:39 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
CBR points out where Mollie was running the last time he drove by her.

10:39 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter for iPhone

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Intersection of 385th and 200th St.
10:40 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

10 minute break here.
10:41 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

 

[PommyMommy]

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
CBR says he was told to stop on 385th by the man in the passenger seat (the one with the knife.) That man got out, he says, and "started going forward, towards the town direction."
10:56 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
The masked man in the front seat, the man with the knife, asked him to stop and then he got out of the car. He walked away from the car towards town for 10 to 12 minutes.
10:56 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
Court TV suggests this will be a "Brutal cross."
10:55 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Says that man was gone "10 to 12 minutes."
10:56 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Says the man w/the gun stayed, was kind of whispering in the back. "You could hear a lot of things, but what I could hear him say was 'Come on Jack.'"
10:57 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"Are you telling this jury that Dalton Jack was one of those people?" Jennifer Frese asks. "No." Says he doesn't know who it was.
10:57 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Says the man came back, got in the car, and asked him to keep driving. He was told to stop after "not more than 300 meters."
10:58 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"Stop and hand them my keys."
10:58 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

CBR says he heard the men open the trunk. "I just heard a movement in the car and then that the trunk closed."
10:59 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Says he was then asked to turn around and keep driving toward the gravel road.
11:00 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
"I just remember to be driving fast."
11:00 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"We got to a road that was paved and they asked me to cross that."
11:00 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

CBR says the men told him to pull in front of "a white house."
11:01 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
"We arrived in front of like a white house." Now showing a prior exhibit showing general area where Mollie Tibbetts' body was found. @KCCINews #BahenaRiveraTrial
11:02 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Bahena Rivera says he turned in at the house and then they drove back. Then told to turn at the entrance of the cornfield.
11:04 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"Have you ever been to that location before?" "No." "Did you understand where you were." "Once you pull in, what happens next." "They only asked me to turn the car off -- and they start getting out of the car."
11:04 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

CBR says they took his keys and his phone. "Before they leave one of them tells me not to say anything about what had happened -- that they knew Iris and they knew my daughter -- if I said something they would take care of him."
11:05 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

CBR says they told him to wait a few minutes and then leave. "Obviously I knew there was something in the trunk?" "Why?" "Because previously I had placed where they put something in the trunk?" "Did you look in the trunk?" "Wat did you see?" "A body"
11:06 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
"Was that the body of Mollie Tibbetts?" "Yes." "At that point in time did it look like she was alive?" "At the beginning I saw a little bit of movement but then I saw no movement."
11:07 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"What did you do next?" "I stayed there a couple of minutes thinking what to do?" "I stood there a few minutes and took the body out." Why didn't you call the police? "Because I was scared."
11:08 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Says he didn't call the police "because I was scared."
11:08 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Says he picked up Mollie's body. "It was very heavy," he says. No signs of life.
11:08 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"I picked her up and then I put her in the cornfield." Says he covered her with corn stalks "because I didn't wan to leave her...I didn't want her to be too exposed to the sun." "I left her exactly how she was in the trunk."
11:09 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Says she was wearing all her clothing, "there was only one shoe that was off."
11:10 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Says he had to use his phone to find his way home.
11:10 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Says Mollie Tibbetts' phone, Fitbit, earbuds, his keys and phone were in the trunk. "I left it on the side of the road," he says of Mollie's possessions.
10:11 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
"I knew if I did it in any way I was going to be involved," CBR says of why he didn't tell investigators what happened.
11:12 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
"You didn't tell a soul about this for over a month, is that right?" Yes. "If you were approached, you would have taken this to the grave, is that right?" Yes. "I knew if I (called police) in any way, I was going to be involved."
11:12 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Says he did not call police because he feared harm to his ex-girlfriend and daughter.
11:12 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"Do you know Ulises Felix?" "Yes." "How." Ex-GF cousin. Has been to CBR's home and spent night. "You're not alleging Ulises was in that car, is that right?" "Correct." But Ulises "did spend time with (his) Hispanic group of people"
11:13 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Says Ulises attended Brooklyn school and seemed to have a fair amount of white friends. Now about to go through interrogation.
11:14 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Now on to the August 20th police questioning. CBR says he was told police had evidence that his phone and Mollie's phone were traveling together.
11:17 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"If I helped them, if I told them what they wanted to hear, that they would help me," CBR says of what he thought when he was told by Pamela Romero he could "help himself."
11:18 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Says he didn't intend to tell the truth about what happened. "In my mind, I had my daughter."
11:19 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
"At some point you told them you blacked out, was that your idea?" "No, they said it first." @KCCINews #BahenaRiveraTrial
11:18 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Frese asks why he agreed to take investigators to #MollieTibbetts. "For one, I was already very tired and I wanted to stop. And most importantly they told me to put myself in the family's position and to think about if she was my daughter, what would I have done."
11:21 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"Did they seem to have some idea already of where she was?" Frese asks. "I can't be sure about that."
11:21 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"Did they seem to have some idea already of where she was?" Frese asks. "I can't be sure about that."
11:21 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
CBR describes weight on arrest and in jail. Cross-examination begins now.
@KCCINews #BahenaRiveraTrial
11:23 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Scott Brown: You remember convo with Pamela Romero and wasn't too tired to remember what you talked about right? CBR: Yes.
11:24 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

SB: You were able to understand her questions, no language barrier? CBR: None.
11:25 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"Did you leave with officers at 4:30AM on 8/21/18 -- from the SO?" Yes. "It was your request to go to your residence near Brooklyn?" Yes -- then able to take them to location of Mollie Tibbetts' body? Yes.
11:26 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
CBR says he remained in the car until officers asked him to get out, then went back into the cornfield, saying he took them to the edge of the corn, some distance off the road.
11:27 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"When you were standing on the edge of the corn, you pointed them in the direction of Mollie Tibbetts?" Yes -- officers found her minutes after he did. Says he was taken back to the car.
11:28 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"Do you agree, Mr. Bahena, that you led officers to Mollie Tibbetts, on August 21st of 2018?" "Correct." "You own a black Chevy Malibu." "Yes." "Has a chromed mirror?" "Yes."
11:29 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Nicole Agee on Twitter
Bahena Rivera says he first stayed in the car as investigators looked for the body where he told them it was. Officers later got him out of the car - he was at the edge of the corn. He then told/pointed officers toward Mollie's location. Officers found her minutes later. @KCRG
11:29 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
CBR agrees to features of car. Says he agrees that that's his vehicle on camera "100%."
11:29 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"You never mentioned two other men, is that true?" "Correct." "You told Officer Romero that YOU were angry at Mollie Tibbetts, is that true?" "I think so."
11:30 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

You agreed you saw Mollie Tibbetts and indicated that Mollie Tibbetts became angry at you and threatened to call police. Correct. "You never mentioned two other men to Officer Romero, is that correct?" Yes.
11:31 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"You claim that you went to a cornfield that Mollie Tibbetts' body was placed with two other men?" Yes. "The other two men that were there, did they just walk back?" "They ran towards the road."
11:32 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
SB again: "You drove the 2men in the Malibu in the cornfield...and you're telling us that u drove back to your home alone, and u happened to find your cell phone and the keys in the trunk of the car, and these 2 men just disappeared?" "That's right "
11:34 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
"Did they just walk back?" Brown asks about the men at the cornfield. "They ran towards the road." "They ran towards the road and just disappeared?" "I didn't see where they went."
11:33 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"She was not completely covered," CBR says of Tibbetts body when asked if he covered her so no one would see her.
11:34 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
"You don't know who they are but you remember one of them happened to use the name Jack?" Yes.
11:35 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Brown: "You remember the details as you described them here? But you told the officers, specifically Officer Romero, that you blacked out some of the details of what happened to Mollie Tibbetts." "Correct."
11:36 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"Did they just walk in?" Brown asks of the men at CBR's home. "I wouldn't know what to tell you because I was taking a shower."
11:37 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"I did not see any car outside of my trailer," CBR says when asked how the men got there.
11:37 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
"Why would the two men in your trailer need your help?" Objection - speculation. Judge sustains.
11:38 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

When asked if he was in a safe place at the sheriff's office, CBR says "you could say that." "Like you said I was in a safe place but I didn't know where my daughter was," he says when asked why he didn't tell officers the story.
11:40 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
Hitting home that at the police station during this 11 hour interview and that he could have told them this story. He's hitting that a police station is a "safe place."
11:40 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

He says before the interview he asked if his daughter and her mother were safe. But he did not press them on this issue.
11:41 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
Did he know Dalton Jack? No, not him or his brother Blake. He also did not know Mollie Tibbetts.
11:42 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Now asking about Dep. Kivi initial contact near Malcom on 8/16.
11:42 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

CBR agrees Mollie Tibbetts disappearance came up in that and that he knew where she was located and what had happened to her. (didn't know how)
11:43 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Knew she was dead, but did not tell Dep. Kivi anything, CBR testifies. Testifies that he did not ask for any protection for his daughter or his ex-girlfriend.
11:44 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
"Whenever you confronted Mollie Tibbetts on on 385th..." Brown continues. "No I never did that. [...] I never confronted her."
11:47 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"You told officers she slapped you? [...] that you got angry?" "You could say that." "Well, YOU said it."
11:47 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
State going through what he said during the interview again, which is of course a completely different story.
11:48 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Brief chat with the judge. Now asking about his encounter with Tibbetts and his initial story that he was angry with her. "You told Ofc. Romero that you were angry, isn't that right?" "Yes, if it's in the video I said it." @KCCINews
11:47 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

You told her you were driving alone, earbuds in your lap, with Mollie Tibbetts in the trunk, correct? Yes. Failed to mention anyone in the car, correct? Correct.
11:48 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"(you said) alone took Mollie Tibbetts in to the corn, right?" "Yes." "Mr. Bahena, you stabbed Mollie Tibbetts, isn't that right?" "No." @KCCINews
11:49 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
"You, alone, took Mollie Tibbetts into the corn, is that right?" "Yes." The two you mentioned didn't do that, correct? Correct. @KCCINews
11:50 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"You placed cornstalks on her body, isn't that right?" "Correct." "And you left her there for nearly 5 weeks, correct?" "Correct."
11:51 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

You never mentioned, the two men who were with you, you saw them again? No. "These men who you claim, killed Mollie Tibbetts, ever contacted you (again)?" "No."
11:51 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

You have no idea how they have any connection to you? No. @KCCINews
#BahenaRiveraTrial
11:52 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
"Mr. Bahena, has anyone threatened you since you took Mollie Tibbetts' body into the corn?" "No." "You've had no other contact with these two men..?" "Correct."
11:53 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
"Do you remember being asked by Ms. Romero if you were covering for anyone?" "Yes. [...] At that moment I was really scared."
11:54 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

CBR admits he chose not to tell them about the two men.
11:54 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
"Do you remember being asked by Ms. Romero if you were covering for anyone?" Yes. "And you chose not to do that?" "At that moment I was really scared." "I understand..but you chose not to tell them, correct?" "Correct."
11:54 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
"Did she ask you for more details? [...] You told her 'I brought you here, didn't I?'" "I don't remember, but if it is in the interview it is true." "You also told her 'I did it.'" "The truth? No."
11:56 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

This is in reference to the interview w/Officer Romero at the field.
11:56 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

We're breaking for lunch here. Back at 1:15.
11:57 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

 

[PommyMommy]

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Back w/cross exam of Bahena Rivera.
1:18 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
We're back with cross-examination. Brown taking CBR back to the cornfield. "You claim there were 2 other men with you, while they were there they remained covered, correct?" Yes. @KCCINews #BahenaRiveraTrial
1:19 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
State confirms that he cannot tell them who the men are. They were wearing "Something like stocking caps."
1:20 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Scott Brown asking again about the men at the field. CBR says they didn't hit hit, stab him, says they did point the gun at him at times but "nothing serious."
1:20 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Brown points out if they left CBR with his phone, he could have called or texted someone.
1:21 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Re-direct.
1:22 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Jennifer Frese asks about differences in Spanish translation, says he agrees there are different ways to interpret certain phrases depending on where you're from.
1:23 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
"Bottom line, you agree you lied to investigators that night?" Frese asks. Yes.
1:23 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
CBR says he takes issue with Pamela Romero's testimony that he called #MollieTibbetts "hot." "The word I used was 'good-looking' not 'hot.'"
1:24 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

The Spanish term that was used was guapa. "Pretty," CBR says of what that means.
1:25 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

CBR says the Aug. 20th interrogation did become confrontational.
1:26 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
Defense is pointing out that there were other men in the room/asking questions during the interview/interrogation and now showing a picture of those other men.
1:27 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Defense showing CBR a picture of the interrogation w/Officer Romero when two other male officers were present.
1:27 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
(Time code is our equipment, not on exhibit.)

1:28 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter for iPhone

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
"The man that's sitting on the chair took my hand and told me that I was lying, I was lying."
1:29 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

CBR says the other man said something in English that he doesn't know the word for, but was yelling.
1:29 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Brown: "Do you agree you were the only one who could take police to the body of Mollie Tibbetts?" Yes.
1:30 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Bahena Rivera leaves the stand.
1:30 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

 

[PommyMommy]

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Defense calls Jamie Slife.
1:32 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
A woman is on the stand now who called in to the tip line. She is not an expert, we were not introduced to her CV.
1:33 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Her father is Ron Peksa.
1:33 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Angenette Levy on Twitter
Next defense witness: Jamie Slife. She says she is married and lives in Urbana, Iowa. @LawCrimeNetwork

[URL='https://twitter.com/Angenette5/status/1397622179257327624']1:34 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App[/URL]

"You had concerns that your father lived in the Poweshiek County area," Jennifer Frese asks. Slife says yes, says she called multiple times, including when "it got closer to his area."
1:34 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"It just kept eating at me that I needed to call," Slife says. Called three times.
1:35 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Frese asks why she called. Slife begins to say "my dad sexually abused..." but Scott Brown objects. Sidebar now.
1:35 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Frese asks again. "Why did you make those calls about your father?" "I know the type of man he is. He sexually abused me and my sisters. He also threatened to kill us," a visibly emotional Slife says.
1:37 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Brown objects, says this has nothing to do with the case.
1:37 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Slife continues, says she has DHS records of the abuse.
1:38 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"He would pull guns on us, he would throw knives at us."
1:38 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Brown objects again for relevance. Frese says she only has five more minutes, won't take all day. Judge Yates: "I'm going to overrule but I'm going to hold you to that. Let's get where we're going."
1:39 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Slife says she became more concerned, called sheriff's office directly when the search neared her father's home.
1:40 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
Her father lives "right in that area" where Mollie was found, on the property right next to that scene. She never heard back from the tip line.
1:41 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

On cross, Brown asks about her father's height. "He's 6'7"." Agrees he stands out.
1:41 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Defense calls Luis Medina, uncle of Bahena Rivera. Bahena Rivera lived with him for some time.
1:42 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Medina's wife is CBR's father's sister.
1:43 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Medina is a U.S. citizen who immigrated here when he was 5.
1:44 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Denise Hnytka on Twitter
Louis Medina called next to the stand. CBR lived with him for a time upon his arrival in Iowa. @wqad #MollieTibbetts

1:44 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
He is talking about his journey to America. He is now a citizen. These are "difficult memories," he says.
1:44 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Frese: "Have you ever seen Cristhian Bahena Rivera act aggressively?" "No. [...] He's quiet person, if you knew him he'd be fine. He was kind of funny, he did joke around with people he knew."
1:48 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
He went to the Sheriff's Office the night that CBR was being interviewed.
1:50 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Medina and Alejandra Cervantes, CBR's aunt, went to Poweshiek County Sheriff's Office on Aug. 20 "I asked about Cristhian and they didn't know about it" but says they let him in the waiting area.
1:51 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
"They told me it was going to be like 15 minutes. They came back and asked me questions, it was different people, they asked me questions about him." Says he was told again it would be 15 minutes. This was around 8:15 pm, he says.
1:52 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Says he saw Alejandra, his sister-in-law, after he walked out to check on his son outside.
1:53 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Says her husband was also there.
1:53 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"Seemed like forever," he says of the wait. "We left that night at like 1:30 in the morning." Says he wasn't trying to reach CBR, wasn't trying to speak with him but figure out what was going on.
1:54 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

On cross, Brown has Medina confirm he had his cellphone but never tried to call CBR.
1:56 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Defense rests.
1:56 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Recessing until tomorrow at 8:30.
1:57 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Shannon Moudy on Twitter
Just heard from our pool reporter that we're not done for the day. She says back in 30-45 minutes for jury instructions.
2:16 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

More from pool reporter: Only two or so jurors are consistently taking notes. "One young female juror made herself comfortable in the gallery pew – legs propped up, elbow up with her head resting on her hand, frequently biting her nails and/or looking at her nails."
2:19 PM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

 

[PommyMommy]

MAY 26, 2021
Mollie Tibbetts' murder suspect takes the stand and blames mystery men for slaying (nbcnews.com)
[...]

Bahena Rivera said two armed men who were wearing black and had their faces covered by stocking caps showed up at his trailer after he finished showering that evening. The men directed him to get in his car and drive, and they passed Tibbetts as she ran several times before directing him to stop, he said.

Bahena Rivera, 26, said a man with a knife got out of the car and walked down the rural road. The man was gone for about 10 minutes as the second man in the back seat of the car grew nervous, saying, “Come on, Jack,” he claimed.

[...]

Bahena Rivera said the men loaded something into his trunk, directed him to drive several miles to a rural area, to turn off the car, wait a few minutes and leave. They said they knew his ex-girlfriend and young daughter, and that they would harm them if he ever told anyone what happened, he said.

Bahena Rivera said the men took off on foot down the road and he never saw them again. He said he opened the trunk a few minutes later and found Tibbetts' body, which he said was heavy as he carried it to the cornfield.

He said he covered her body with corn stalks because “I didn't want her to be too exposed to the sun," and that he then left and never planned to discuss what had happened again. Bahena Rivera said he left Tibbetts' phone, Fitbit and earbuds on the side of the road.

[...]

 

[PommyMommy]

MAY 26, 2021

DAY 6: Cristhian Bahena Rivera murder trial in death of Mollie Tibbetts