IN - Grandfather charged in cruise ship death of toddler Chloe Wiegand #2

[Aydrianna523]

I don't believe a word he says. The story has changed and evolved since it first happened, and that interview was awful to watch. He couldn't even look the interviewer in the eye. The he started the fake crying at the end of it, kind of like the parents' interview a WEEK(!) after the "accident". He's full of bovine excrement, IMHOO.

They say the ledge wasn’t on the window. It was in front of it, a foot or so away. So it wasn’t as if he was lying about knowing if the window was there while actually seating her on the window ledge.

And I don’t believe the planned murder theories.

However, what’s hard to understand is how he didn’t feel a lot of air coming from that space. It’s a ship and many people pointed out how the air would be rushing through any opening.

He reportedly refused a breathalyzer. I believe the man was under the influence and maybe as a result didn’t think the window was there.

That would amount to criminal negligence. Could be reckless depending on the jurisdiction.

I read this post and said to myself, "Maybe I'll change my mind". Then I looked to see who wrote it. I remember your posts from the Frazee case. I guess what I'm seeing now is that he wouldn't take a breathalyzer. Now THAT doesn't sound real good.
But I'm still a believer in the windows being closed. Wasn't that a child's play area? There's people drinking, vision problems, distractions, medications that could affect alertness, arthritis, human error, too many variables. And you don't necessarily have to be old to have that stuff, although it doesnt help any.
I remember the worst thing I ever did. I had a baby in a car seat coming out of the doctor's office. I vaguely remember setting down something. I must have let go of my toddler's hand. She took off running down an enclosed corridor towards the car lane. Freaked me out. I couldn't catch her. Fortunately, no cars coming.
But something needs to change in safety on cruises imo... too many accidents. Of course, I consider myself 'The Safety Director' of my family.
Opinion subject to change.

 

[oviedo]

They say the ledge wasn’t on the window. It was in front of it, a foot or so away. So it wasn’t as if he was lying about knowing if the window was there while actually seating her on the window ledge.

And I don’t believe the planned murder theories.

However, what’s hard to understand is how he didn’t feel a lot of air coming from that space. It’s a ship and many people pointed out how the air would be rushing through any opening.

He reportedly refused a breathalyzer. I believe the man was under the influence and maybe as a result didn’t think the window was there.

That would amount to criminal negligence. Could be reckless depending on the jurisdiction.

I forgot to say thanks for being here @gitana1 for Chloe - it sometimes feels it’s all about defending the person responsible for her death IMO

 

[LietKynes]

Does anyone know who or what exactly paid for the funeral expenses? And was there or wasn't there a sizable insurance policy on Chloe? IMOO these could be important facts...

Saving this. ^^^

Just because the whole incident stinks.
Not going to label this an "accident".
We don't know that it was.

 

[gitana1]

Ive been on many RCCL cruises and you are correct there just is no mistaking the strong breeze blowing through open windows - I’m going in 3 weeks (not on freedom but deck 11 is similar) - and will do some measuring - I wish the video would be released but they charged him so I believe it shows him leaning out the window first then lifting her up so that destroys the theory that he thought there was a window
JMO

For whatever it’s worth that’s not been reported. His lawyer says nothing in the video is inconsistent with him thinking there was a window there. So no peering out. I believe that’s probably true. Even though defense counsel often lie in high profile cases.

But I have a feeling that statement is true.

Here’s the thing- they sued right away, he refused an alcohol test and they went on the offensive. That likely bothered the authorities.

In cases where a child dies and a question as to whether to charge a parent or grandparent with negligence or worse hangs in the balance, and there’s no evidence that they’re otherwise negligent, contrition seems to be a deciding factor in not charging.

But how can he refuse to take a breathalyzer (per the parents’ advice), and then they sue? Wth?

 

[gitana1]

Is there a way to find out if he had been drinking?

His failure to take the test tells me he was. But someone mentioned that on cruises people have accounts and you can see the alcohol they purchase.

 

[Midwestmom2019]

Ive been on many RCCL cruises and you are correct there just is no mistaking the strong breeze blowing through open windows - I’m going in 3 weeks (not on freedom but deck 11 is similar) - and will do some measuring - I wish the video would be released but they charged him so I believe it shows him leaning out the window first then lifting her up so that destroys the theory that he thought there was a window
JMO

Point is there is no window ledge to sit on when window closed. Bc the window rides on the tracking. Same like your house. Window closed can’t sit on sill. On ship no sill even! Window open in your house or ship, enough to sit on and even dangle your feet over it.
Measure your house windows.
He stood her up on the rail. About a foot away from the visible tracks to the window so he sits her there so he doesn’t have to balance her on rail. But can just hold her while she sits on the window tracks.
Exact measurements would put this entire fiasco about not knowing window open to rest.

 

[Midwestmom2019]

For whatever it’s worth that’s not been reported. His lawyer says nothing in the video is inconsistent with him thinking there was a window there. So no peering out. I believe that’s probably true. Even though defense counsel often lie in high profile cases.

But I have a feeling that statement is true.

Here’s the thing- they sued right away, he refused an alcohol test and they went on the offensive. That likely bothered the authorities.

In cases where a child dies and a question as to whether to charge a parent or grandparent with negligence or worse hangs in the balance, and there’s no evidence that they’re otherwise negligent, contrition seems to be a deciding factor in not charging.

But how can he refuse to take a breathalyzer (per the parents’ advice), and then they sue? Wth?

Think defense said nothing inconsistent with what my client told me. Would have to go back if post available. I just remember he wasn’t very convincing the way he said it.

 

[SaguaroSpirit]

I forgot to say thanks for being here @gitana1 for Chloe - it sometimes feels it’s all about defending the person responsible for her death IMO

I second that! @gitana1 knows what's up.

 

[Midwestmom2019]

There is a paper trail for all shipboard purchases, so if SA had drink/s, there's a record of it. I'm sure LE had this information right away. There will also be a record of purchases made by other family members, so LE knows if the parents or grandparents had also consumed any alcohol onboard.

And brought some to SA.

 

[Midwestmom2019]

They say the ledge wasn’t on the window. It was in front of it, a foot or so away. So it wasn’t as if he was lying about knowing if the window was there while actually seating her on the window ledge.

And I don’t believe the planned murder theories.

However, what’s hard to understand is how he didn’t feel a lot of air coming from that space. It’s a ship and many people pointed out how the air would be rushing through any opening.

He reportedly refused a breathalyzer. I believe the man was under the influence and maybe as a result didn’t think the window was there.

That would amount to criminal negligence. Could be reckless depending on the jurisdiction.

Ledge is the window. Railing is several inches away from window, like a bannister. Just so I’m not confusing anyone.

 

[gitana1]

I read this post and said to myself, "Maybe I'll change my mind". Then I looked to see who wrote it. I remember your posts from the Frazee case. I guess what I'm seeing now is that he wouldn't take a breathalyzer. Now THAT doesn't sound real good.
But I'm still a believer in the windows being closed. Wasn't that a child's play area? There's people drinking, vision problems, distractions, medications that could affect alertness, arthritis, human error, too many variables. And you don't necessarily have to be old to have that stuff, although it doesnt help any.
I remember the worst thing I ever did. I had a baby in a car seat coming out of the doctor's office. I vaguely remember setting down something. I must have let go of my toddler's hand. She took off running down an enclosed corridor towards the car lane. Freaked me out. I couldnt catch her. Fortunately, no cars coming.
But something needs to change in safety on cruises imo... too many accidents. Of course, I consider myself 'The Safety Director' of my family.
Opinion subject to change.

I agree with you to some degree. It was near an area where children go. It was high though.

And the thing is, no business can make their establishment accident proof. Ships have rails all around them that lead directly to the ocean. If they were liable to keep all accidents from occurring, then we might as well halt all cruises.

At some point responsibility totally shifts to the person.

I gave grandpa the benefit of the doubt until I heard he refused a breathalyzer. And then they sued? These are litigious people. There’s no personal accountability. I think that’s what really riles the authorities.

Look, I believe everyone has had a moment of negligence (not neglect- two different things) with their kids. Most of us more than one. People are human. No one is perfect. So with many things I think “There but for the grace if God go I”.

But when there’s a lack of any accountability and we try to shift the blame, there’s a problem.

We are responsible for the kids in our care. Ships are risky places. So if you’re going to take your babies, don’t drink. Keep an eye on them. Keep them close or in a secure play area with trained staff.

 

[oviedo]

There is separation between the play area and where the windows are

 

[oviedo]

At 1:22 mark in video - honestly I cannot see how any person viewing this video can believe anything he says
iMO

 

[gitana1]

Think defense said nothing inconsistent with what my client told me. Would have to go back if post available. I just remember he wasn’t very convincing the way he said it.

Ok. Here’s what the media reports is on the video:

“The video, which did not include audio, shows Chloe wearing a white hat, her swimsuit and swim shoes, running across the pool area with her granddad a few feet behind, ABC reported.

They walk over to a wall of windows, where Anello appears to look over the railing, through an open window. He picks Chloe up and stands her up on the railing — and they appear to lean over to peer out over the port.

He then sits Chloe on the railing and they lean over again before she disappears from the frame when she falls 115 feet to her death. Moments later, Anello drops to the floor.

Family attorney Michael Winkleman said Anello repeatedly screamed that he thought the window was closed.”
https://www.google.com/amp/s/nypost...dfather-thought-window-was-closed-lawyer/amp/

If the rail was as close to the window as @BetteDavisEyes ? posted then he indeed leaned out through the open window. If he still thought it was closed he was wasted.

Reckless homicide would seem appropriate if he actually put his head out where the window would be.

And the video appears to show him leaning forward, then putting her on the rail standing up and leaning forward, then backing up and sitting her on the rail, then leaning forward again. So not fast.

 

[gitana1]

Ledge is the window. Railing is several inches away from window, like a bannister. Just so I’m not confusing anyone.

Yes. I’m the one confusing everyone! Looks like he had her on the rail. Not the ledge.

 

[gitana1]

At 1:22 mark in video - honestly I cannot see how any person viewing this video can believe anything he says
iMO

Now that shows nothing below. Seems like it leads to the outside of the ship? Is that the exact window? Who took this?

 

[LietKynes]

At 1:22 mark in video - honestly I cannot see how any person viewing this video can believe anything he says
iMO

Looks like the lawyer (MW) and S.A. have a problem telling the truth.
Why do that if a lie looks better and makes S.A. appear as if he's sorry and grieving ?

He did not come across well in the "crying" video.
As if he is gauging the cameraman and the reporter's reactions. ("Did I 'cry' loudly enough ? Are they buying what I'm selling ?" ; Etc.)
Imo.

 

[SaguaroSpirit]

There is a paper trail for all shipboard purchases, so if SA had drink/s, there's a record of it. I'm sure LE had this information right away. There will also be a record of purchases made by other family members, so LE knows if the parents or grandparents had also consumed any alcohol onboard.

My DH was wondering if he could have sneaked some alcohol on board in his luggage or something?

 

[Kakidoll]

I think it's wrong to charge the grandfather. To me, anyways, it's clear it was an accident.
You could easily get distracted with what's going on in a cruise ship, or even just talking to someone nearby... and not even realize the danger. And if you don't have super good eyesight. Perfect storm.
They're (LE) are charging him just so they (the cruise ship) doesn't have to pay out imo.

Yes, an accident it may have been. And if family hadn't gone immediately to sue the cruise lines and taken responsibility for it BEING an accident due to Grandpa, there probably would be no charges. But their first thought was BLAMING someone else for his mistake. WRONG thing to do, now its blowing up in his face. Too many lies came out of their mouths in the beginning. And mom and dad should have found out the facts before trying to make money from Royal.

 

[Kakidoll]

My DH was wondering if he could have sneaked some alcohol on board in his luggage or something?

You can buy anyone a drink on a cruise line. It goes on YOUR sign and sail account and you can hand it to whomever. So just because he didn't buy one, doesn't mean someone didn't give him one. And yes, people do still smuggle stuff on.