GUILTY MO - Kara Kopetsky, 17 in 2007; Jessica Runions, 21 in 2016; found deceased - *ARREST* #2

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Thanks a bunch @Jewels53 !
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https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/court-filings-kylr-yusts-attorneys-to-rely-on-alibi-defense

His defense team on Thursday filed a motion to dismiss the abandonment of a corpse counts, stating in court documents that, "forcing Yust to report to the authorities the bodies of the victims he allegedly murdered would be a flagrant violation of his constitutional protection against self-incrimination.”

Yeah I mean, expecting a murderer to not abandon the corpses is just, like, soo stupid, duhhh.
 
Tuesday, February 16th:
*Case Status Review Hearing (via WebEx) (@ 9am CT) – MO – Kara Elise Kopetsky (17) (May 4, 2007, Belton) & Jessica S. Runions (21) (Sept. 8, 2016, Lee’s Summit) – *Kylr Charles Yust (18 in 2007/29/now 30) indicted (3/1/18) & arraigned (6/18/18) on 2 counts of 1st degree & 2 counts of abandonment of a corpse. Plead not guilty. $1M cash only bond; originally charged with felony arson for burning Jessica’s car was dismissed on 10/5/17.
Trial set to begin 4/5/21 with Jury Selection starting on 3/29/21 thru 4/1/21. Held in Cass County & jurors from St. Charles County.
Court info from 3/1/18 thru 12/21/20 reference post #58 here:
MO - Kara Kopetsky, 17 - 2007; Jessica Runions, 21 - 2016; found deceased - *ARREST* #2

1/4/21 Update: Case called via Webex Video Conferencing. State appears by Prosecutor Ben Butler & Assistant Prosecutor Julie Tolle. Defendant appears in person & by Public Defender Sharon Turlington, Matt Vigil & Molly Hastings. Case review held. Cause continued to 2/1/21 at 9am via webex.
2/1/21 Update: Yust's defense team on Thursday (1/28/21) filed a motion to dismiss the abandonment of a corpse counts, stating in court documents that, "forcing Yust to report to the authorities the bodies of the victims he allegedly murdered would be a flagrant violation of his constitutional protection against self-incrimination.” Cass County Judge William Collins has not ruled on the motion. Defense cites cell records as evidence. During Monday’s case review hearing, prosecutors updated the court regarding police reports requested by the defense that involve alleged illegal tracking of Yust by a Kansas City, Missouri, police detective. The defense alleged the detective tracked Yust with an electronic device that was obtained without a warrant. The defense also alleged the detective generated reports of the alleged surveillance. Prosecutor Julie Tolle said KCPD found no reports that addressed the tracking device. Prosecutors, however, did provide emails to the defense in which the device was discussed. The potential length of the trial also was discussed during Monday’s hearing, along with the complexities of bussing & housing hundreds of potential jurors from the St. Louis area during a pandemic. Jury selection is set to begin March 29. A final decision also has not been made as to whether the trial would be streamed over the internet or if the public would be able to attend in-person. Due to the pandemic, social distancing requirements would need to be maintained within the courtroom. The next case status hearing is set for 2/16/21 & motions hearing on 3/4/21 both via webex.
 
@Jewels53 - might be a bit early to ask - but wondering if 3/4 for motions hearings is still there as next hearing?

TIA!
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17CA-CR00957-01 - ST V KYLR CHARLES YUST

02/16/2021 Case Review Held
Case called via Webex Video Conferenicing. State appears by Prosecutor, Ben Butler and Assistant Prosecutor, Julie Tolle. Defendant appears in person and by Public Defender, Sharon Turlington, Matt Vigil, and Molly Hastings. Motion for Change of Judge filed. Court request that the Supreme Court assign a Judge to hear the Motion for Change of Judge. Record made. Cause already set for March 4 and 5 for Motion hearings at 9:00 am in person. WBC/tc
Scheduled For: 02/16/2021; 9:00 AM ; WILLIAM B COLLINS; Cass

02/14/2021 Note to Clerk eFiling
Filed By: MATT WAYNE VIGIL
Motion for Change of Judge
Motion for Change of Judge and Change of Venue for Cause; Exhibits Part 1; Exhibits Part 2; Exhibits Part 3; Electronic Filing Certificate of Service.
Filed By: MATT WAYNE VIGIL
On Behalf Of: KYLR CHARLES YUST

THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021
Judge/Commissioner Time Day Setting Event
WILLIAM B COLLINS 9:00 AM 1 OF 1 Motion Hearing
Event Text: in person Location: DIVISION I COURTROOM Cass
Address: Cass County Justice Center 2501 West Mechanic HARRISONVILLE MO

FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021
Judge/Commissioner Time Day Setting Event
WILLIAM B COLLINS 9:00 AM 1 OF 1 Motion Hearing
Event Text: in person Location: DIVISION I COURTROOM Cass
Address: Cass County Justice Center 2501 West Mechanic HARRISONVILLE MO

@Niner
I go by the Cass County Jail all the time when I go to my sons in Missouri.
 
Thank you @Jewels53 ! :)

Next time you pass the Cass County jail - wave to Yost! Hope he is moved to the prison soon!!
 
https://www.kshb.com/news/crime/kyl...-change-of-judge-ahead-of-double-murder-trial

The defense filed the motion on Friday, saying they received an anonymous letter that alleged Judge William Collins has ties to one of the victim's families.


During a status hearing on Tuesday, Collins denied the allegations but said to be "completely fair," he will ask the Missouri Supreme Court to appoint a senior judge to hear the motion.

Collins also said that he had "no idea" why someone would make those allegations and said he wanted it "on the record" that he never attended any rallies or events related to the murders of Kara Kopetsky and Jessica Runions.
 
Thursday, March 4th:
*Motions Hearing (via WebEx) (@ 9am CT) – MO – Kara Elise Kopetsky (17) (May 4, 2007, Belton) & Jessica S. Runions (21) (Sept. 8, 2016, Lee’s Summit) – *Kylr Charles Yust (18 in 2007/29/now 32) indicted (3/1/18) & arraigned (6/18/18) on 2 counts of 1st degree & 2 counts of abandonment of a corpse. Plead not guilty. $1M cash only bond; originally charged with felony arson for burning Jessica’s car was dismissed on 10/5/17.
Trial set to begin 4/5/21 with Jury Selection starting on 3/29/21 thru 4/1/21. Held in Cass County & jurors from St. Charles County.
Court info from 3/1/18 thru 12/21/20 reference post #58 here:
MO - Kara Kopetsky, 17 - 2007; Jessica Runions, 21 - 2016; found deceased - *ARREST* #2

1/4/21 Update: Case called via Webex Video Conferencing. State appears by Prosecutor Ben Butler & Assistant Prosecutor Julie Tolle. Defendant appears in person & by Public Defender Sharon Turlington, Matt Vigil & Molly Hastings. Case review held. Cause continued to 2/1/21 at 9am via webex.
2/1/21 Update: Yust's defense team on Thursday (1/28/21) filed a motion to dismiss the abandonment of a corpse counts, stating in court documents that, "forcing Yust to report to the authorities the bodies of the victims he allegedly murdered would be a flagrant violation of his constitutional protection against self-incrimination.” Cass County Judge William Collins has not ruled on the motion. Defense cites cell records as evidence. During Monday’s case review hearing, prosecutors updated the court regarding police reports requested by the defense that involve alleged illegal tracking of Yust by a Kansas City, Missouri, police detective. The defense alleged the detective tracked Yust with an electronic device that was obtained without a warrant. The defense also alleged the detective generated reports of the alleged surveillance. Prosecutor Julie Tolle said KCPD found no reports that addressed the tracking device. Prosecutors, however, did provide emails to the defense in which the device was discussed. The potential length of the trial also was discussed during Monday’s hearing, along with the complexities of bussing & housing hundreds of potential jurors from the St. Louis area during a pandemic. Jury selection is set to begin March 29. A final decision also has not been made as to whether the trial would be streamed over the internet or if the public would be able to attend in-person. Due to the pandemic, social distancing requirements would need to be maintained within the courtroom. The next case status hearing is set for 2/16/21 & motions hearing on 3/4/21 both via webex.

2/16/21 Update: Case called via Webex Video Conferencing. State appears by Prosecutor Ben Butler & Assistant Prosecutor Julie Tolle. Defendant appears in person & by Public Defender Sharon Turlington, Matt Vigil & Molly Hastings. Motion for Change of Judge filed on 2/12/21. The defense filed the motion on Friday, saying they received an anonymous letter that alleged Judge William Collins has ties to one of the victim's families. During a status hearing on Tuesday (2/16/21), Collins denied the allegations but said to be "completely fair," he will ask the Missouri Supreme Court to appoint a senior judge to hear the motion. Record made. Also change of venue filed. Cause already set for March 4 & 5 for Motion hearings at 9:00am in person.
 
CASS COUNTY, Mo. — A judge has granted a motion by the prosecutor in Kylr Yust’s court proceedings to drop charges related to abandoning two bodies.

Prosecutor Ben Butler asked to drop two counts of abandoning a corpse, a felony, which Judge William Collins granted in proceedings today, March 4. Butler would have had to prove that Yust abandoned, disposed, deserted or left two bodies without notifying law enforcement.

Kylr Yust prosecutor drops charges related to abandoning bodies | FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports

@Niner
 
Friday, March 5th:
*Motions Hearing (via WebEx) (@ 9am CT) – MO – Kara Elise Kopetsky (17) (May 4, 2007, Belton) & Jessica S. Runions (21) (Sept. 8, 2016, Lee’s Summit) – *Kylr Charles Yust (18 in 2007/29/now 32) indicted (3/1/18) & arraigned (6/18/18) on 2 counts of 1st degree & 2 counts of abandonment of a corpse. Plead not guilty. $1M cash only bond. Originally charged with felony arson for burning Jessica’s car was dismissed on 10/5/17. Charges of 2 counts of abandonment of a corpse-dismissed on 3/4/21).
Trial set to begin 4/5/21 with Jury Selection starting on 3/29/21 thru 4/1/21. Held in Cass County & jurors from St. Charles County.
Court info from 3/1/18 thru 2/1/21 reference post #68 here:
MO - Kara Kopetsky, 17 - 2007; Jessica Runions, 21 - 2016; found deceased - *ARREST* #2

2/16/21 Update: Case called via Webex Video Conferencing. State appears by Prosecutor Ben Butler & Assistant Prosecutor Julie Tolle. Defendant appears in person & by Public Defender Sharon Turlington, Matt Vigil & Molly Hastings. Motion for Change of Judge filed on 2/12/21. The defense filed the motion on Friday, saying they received an anonymous letter that alleged Judge William Collins has ties to one of the victim's families. During a status hearing on Tuesday (2/16/21), Collins denied the allegations but said to be "completely fair," he will ask the Missouri Supreme Court to appoint a senior judge to hear the motion. Record made. Also change of venue filed. Cause already set for March 4 & 5 for Motion hearings at 9:00am in person.
3/4/21 Update: Yust’s defense team had filed a motion for a change of judge after they say they received an anonymous letter alleging connections between Judge William Collins and the victims’ families. Collins denied the claims but did ask the state’s high court to appoint a senior judge to hear the motion. There will be no change in judge for Yust’s trial, another judge appointed by the Missouri Supreme Court ruled Wednesday morning. Judge Brandon Baker from Henry County said the defense didn't show enough evidence for a new judge to preside over the case. Judge Baker also ruled Wednesday that defense counsel Collins needs to make a decision on whether or not the case will be moved to St. Charles County. Prosecutor Ben Butler asked to drop 2 counts of abandoning a corpse, a felony, which Judge William Collins granted in proceedings today, March 4. Next motions hearing on 3/5/21. Defendant to appear in person.
 
17CA-CR00957-01 - ST V KYLR CHARLES YUST

THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2021
Judge/Commissioner Time Day Setting Event
WILLIAM B COLLINS 9:00 AM 1 OF 1 Jury Trial
Event Text: Location: DIVISION I COURTROOM Cass
Address: Cass County Justice Center 2501 West Mechanic HARRISONVILLE MO

WILLIAM B COLLINS 9:00 AM 1 OF 1 Motion Hearing
Event Text: Location: DIVISION I COURTROOM Cass
Address: Cass County Justice Center 2501 West Mechanic HARRISONVILLE MO

Case.net: - Event Information

@Niner I am confused by the Trial Date.
 
@Jewels53 - must be a mistake! I have trial starting 3/29 with jury selection. It does say "Motion Hearing" - so I'll go with that - 3/11 as a motions hearing.

WILLIAM B COLLINS 9:00 AM 1 OF 1 Motion Hearing

Thanks! :)
 
@Jewels53 - must be a mistake! I have trial starting 3/29 with jury selection. It does say "Motion Hearing" - so I'll go with that - 3/11 as a motions hearing.

WILLIAM B COLLINS 9:00 AM 1 OF 1 Motion Hearing

Thanks! :)
That makes more sense.
 
Thursday, March 11th:
*Motions Hearing (via WebEx) (@ 9am CT) – MO – Kara Elise Kopetsky (17) (May 4, 2007, Belton) & Jessica S. Runions (21) (Sept. 8, 2016, Lee’s Summit) – *Kylr Charles Yust (18 in 2007/29/now 32) indicted (3/1/18) & arraigned (6/18/18) on 2 counts of 1st degree & 2 counts of abandonment of a corpse. Plead not guilty. $1M cash only bond. Originally charged with felony arson for burning Jessica’s car was dismissed on 10/5/17. Charges of 2 counts of abandonment of a corpse-dismissed on 3/4/21).
Trial set to begin 4/5/21 with Jury Selection starting on 3/29/21 thru 4/1/21. Held in Cass County & jurors from St. Charles County.
Court info from 3/1/18 thru 2/16/21 reference post #71 here:
MO - Kara Kopetsky, 17 in 2007; Jessica Runions, 21 in 2016; found deceased - *ARREST* #2

3/4/21 Update: Yust’s defense team had filed a motion for a change of judge after they say they received an anonymous letter alleging connections between Judge William Collins and the victims’ families. Collins denied the claims but did ask the state’s high court to appoint a senior judge to hear the motion. There will be no change in judge for Yust’s trial, another judge appointed by the Missouri Supreme Court ruled Wednesday morning. Judge Brandon Baker from Henry County said the defense didn't show enough evidence for a new judge to preside over the case. Judge Baker also ruled Wednesday that defense counsel Collins needs to make a decision on whether or not the case will be moved to St. Charles County. Prosecutor Ben Butler asked to drop 2 counts of abandoning a corpse, a felony, which Judge William Collins granted in proceedings today, March 4. Next motions hearing on 3/5/21. Defendant to appear in person.
3/5/21 Update: Next motions hearing on 3/11/21.
 
@Jewels53 - too early to ask for next court date? And take your time! :)

TIA!
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@Niner there in no case for Kylr on Case net Missouri right now. I don't know what happened. I will check again later.
 
I just googled his case - and quite surprised I got an article on yesterday's hearing!!

https://www.kshb.com/news/crime/yus...ecording-of-kylr-yust-ahead-of-jury-selection

March 11, 2021
HARRISONVILLE, Mo. — The judge presiding over the Kylr Yust trial ruled Thursday that testimony and a wiretap from an ex-girlfriend of Yust can be heard during the trial.

Attorneys representing Yust had filed a motion to keep the testimony and wiretap out of the trial, alleging it was coerced.

According to prosecutors in 2008, Yust allegedly confessed to his-then girlfriend Katelyn Farris to killing Kara Kopetsky who went missing the previous year.
[.....]
Also on Thursday, attorneys agreed to interview potential jurors in groups of 60 to 80 people at a time.

Questionnaires are already out to prospective jurors, with jury selection slated to start March 29 in St. Charles County, outside of St. Louis.

Jurors will be brought to Cass County and sequestered throughout the trial, which is expected to last three weeks.

Opening statements are set to begin April 5.
 

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