GUILTY MO - Kara Kopetsky, 17 in 2007; Jessica Runions, 21 in 2016; found deceased - *ARREST* #2
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Niner
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@Dre - here's a tweet re cameras
Allen Edmonds
@NorthCassHerald
·
2h
Video and still cameras will be allowed in the courtroom for the Kylr Yust trial beginning this afternoon, Presiding Circuit Judge William Collins ruled this morning following a pre-trial hearing. Testimony will not be streamed live.
I believe cameras are off for the pretrial hearing, but will be on for the trial.
Allen Edmonds
@NorthCassHerald
·
2h
Video and still cameras will be allowed in the courtroom for the Kylr Yust trial beginning this afternoon, Presiding Circuit Judge William Collins ruled this morning following a pre-trial hearing. Testimony will not be streamed live.
I believe cameras are off for the pretrial hearing, but will be on for the trial.
Jewels53
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Andrew Alcock[URL='https://twitter.com/andy_alcock']@andy_alcock[/URL]
This guy here says he will be following the Yust trial.
This guy here says he will be following the Yust trial.
Vail
Justice for Kara & Jessica
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@sheraehoneycutt
4m
Ahead of opening statements, Yust's lawyers laid out possible suspects they believe could be responsible for Kopetsky & Runions murders. One of them is Yust's half brother - Jessup Carter. #YustTrial
[URL='https://t.co/F97HhxGFCL?amp=1']Kylr Yust’s lawyers push to present new defense strategy hours before murder trial scheduled to...
10m[/URL]
The defense made motions to dismiss the case against Yust, the jury, and change the venue hours before court proceedings were set to begin. Judge William Collins denied all of their motions.#YustTrial
7:50 PM · Apr 5, 2021
Judge Collins will hold a motion hearing one evening after court going through all of the evidence and possible testimony to see if it has merit and will be admissible at trial. Much of the alleged evidence will not be allowed during opening statements.
#YustTrial
4m
Ahead of opening statements, Yust's lawyers laid out possible suspects they believe could be responsible for Kopetsky & Runions murders. One of them is Yust's half brother - Jessup Carter. #YustTrial
[URL='https://t.co/F97HhxGFCL?amp=1']Kylr Yust’s lawyers push to present new defense strategy hours before murder trial scheduled to...
10m[/URL]
The defense made motions to dismiss the case against Yust, the jury, and change the venue hours before court proceedings were set to begin. Judge William Collins denied all of their motions.#YustTrial
7:50 PM · Apr 5, 2021
Judge Collins will hold a motion hearing one evening after court going through all of the evidence and possible testimony to see if it has merit and will be admissible at trial. Much of the alleged evidence will not be allowed during opening statements.
#YustTrial
Vail
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What a convenient scapegoat. Blame the meth-cooking half-bro who isn't alive to defend himself. That'll go over well with the jury.
I hope the Pros are allowed to show the jury Kylr's tattoos, especially the 666 and the devil.
I hope the Pros are allowed to show the jury Kylr's tattoos, especially the 666 and the devil.
Vail
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@AndyAlcock2
1m
Jury being brought into the courtroom for the Kylr Yust double murder trial for opening statements. Updates
@41actionnews
9m
Court now reconvening for opening statements in the Kylr Yust double murder trial. Updates
@41actionnews
Allen Edmonds
@NorthCassHerald
19m
Victim families, attorneys and media are seated in a silent courtroom awaiting the arrival of the jury in Cass County’s case against Kylr Yust. Opening statements will be given this afternoon.
Vail
Justice for Kara & Jessica
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Allen Edmonds
@NorthCassHerald
52m
Jury in the Kylr Yurt case is sworn in and seated.
33m
“I strangled the *advertiser censored** out of her and threw her in the *advertiser censored**ing woods.” Kylr Yust, talking about Kara Kopetsky, on an FBI recording, according to an opening statement by Cass County Prosecuting Attorney Ben Butler.
28m
Prosecuting Attorney Ben Butler tells jurors that Kylr Yust’s neck tattoo symbolizes his hands around Kara Kopetsky’s neck.
Andy Alcock
@AndyAlcock2
·
29m
Quick opening statement from the prosecutor in the Kylr Yust double murder trial. State claims Yust in relationship with both young women, strangled both of them and dumped them in the woods. Updates
@41actionnews
26m
Kylr Yust’s attorney said Yust innocent and the case is very complicated. Offered an alibi to Yust’s whereabouts the day Kara Kopetsky went missing.
25m
Media room overflowing with family and friends of victims in Kylr Yust’s double murder trial. And with Yust’s family. Jury is seated in gallery for social distancing. Updates
@41actionnews
6m
Opening arguments complete in the Kylr Yust double murder trial. Testimony begins at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow. Highlights of opening statements
@41actionnews
41 Action News
@41actionnews
·
1m
Day one of the Kylr Yust trial is complete, as prosecutors and the defense offered opening remarks. Testimony starts at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday. https://kshb.com/news/crime/yust-trial/yust-trial-begins-monday-camera-to-be-allowed-in-courtroom…
4m
Judge Collins ends today's session with a reiteration of instructions to the jury, including asking them not to conduct their own research about the case or talk with other people about the case. Trial resumes at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday. #YustTrial
KMBC Matt Flener Summary
3:11 p.m. -- Opening statements have concluded.
2:50 p.m. -- The defense is also focusing on what they call a mismanaged Kopetsky investigation from the start.
2:45 p.m. -- In its opening statement, the defense begins to poke holes at the timeline the prosecutors have outlined in the deaths of both women. The defense is claiming that Yust’s alibi makes it “impossible for him to have killed Kara.” The defense says there is “no time that day” for him to have committed this crime.
2:40 p.m. -- The defense is now giving their opening statement. His defense starts out by saying “Kylr Yust is innocent.”
2:39 p.m. -- Prosecutors say Yust used to hang out at a friend’s house that was “right around the corner” from where both bodies were found.
2:37 p.m. -- Prosecutors say Yust confessed twice to killing Kopetsky and Runions with his bare hands.
2:35 p.m. -- The opening statements have started as the prosecution begins to outline its case against Yust. "Kara and Jessica never knew each other alive," the prosecution said in its opening statement.
2:25 p.m. -- The jury instructions are being read.
2:20 p.m. -- The jury has been seated, the trial is now officially underway, and the opening statements are set to begin.
10:24 a.m. -- Court is now in recess until 1:30 p.m. when opening statements begin before the jury
10:12 a.m. --Judge: Deputy sheriffs will be in rows with family. "I have instructed that any sound. I don't even care if it's a grunt, they're out," Collins said.
On verdict day, jury will be seated in jury box for less than 15 mins, so they will not be in the audience.
10:09 a.m. -- Now one of Kylr Yust's defense attorneys is making a formal objection to having the families of Kara Kopetsky and Jessica Runions inside the courtroom -- just one row away from the jury. "We are already up to 30 people without family being in the courtroom."
9:59 a.m. -- Prosecutors say they have 174 exhibits for trial.
9:51 a.m. -- Another note before the trial begins: Judge William Collins restricted access to case documents on Missouri Case Net before trial. But, once the jury is sequestered and given instructions Collins said he will allow access to case documents again.
9:41 a.m. -- In addition to a broadcast camera to record the trial, Judge William Collins ruled a still camera can also take pictures inside the courtroom.
@NorthCassHerald
52m
Jury in the Kylr Yurt case is sworn in and seated.
33m
“I strangled the *advertiser censored** out of her and threw her in the *advertiser censored**ing woods.” Kylr Yust, talking about Kara Kopetsky, on an FBI recording, according to an opening statement by Cass County Prosecuting Attorney Ben Butler.
28m
Prosecuting Attorney Ben Butler tells jurors that Kylr Yust’s neck tattoo symbolizes his hands around Kara Kopetsky’s neck.
Andy Alcock
@AndyAlcock2
·
29m
Quick opening statement from the prosecutor in the Kylr Yust double murder trial. State claims Yust in relationship with both young women, strangled both of them and dumped them in the woods. Updates
@41actionnews
26m
Kylr Yust’s attorney said Yust innocent and the case is very complicated. Offered an alibi to Yust’s whereabouts the day Kara Kopetsky went missing.
25m
Media room overflowing with family and friends of victims in Kylr Yust’s double murder trial. And with Yust’s family. Jury is seated in gallery for social distancing. Updates
@41actionnews
6m
Opening arguments complete in the Kylr Yust double murder trial. Testimony begins at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow. Highlights of opening statements
@41actionnews
41 Action News
@41actionnews
·
1m
Day one of the Kylr Yust trial is complete, as prosecutors and the defense offered opening remarks. Testimony starts at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday. https://kshb.com/news/crime/yust-trial/yust-trial-begins-monday-camera-to-be-allowed-in-courtroom…
4m
Judge Collins ends today's session with a reiteration of instructions to the jury, including asking them not to conduct their own research about the case or talk with other people about the case. Trial resumes at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday. #YustTrial
KMBC Matt Flener Summary
3:11 p.m. -- Opening statements have concluded.
2:50 p.m. -- The defense is also focusing on what they call a mismanaged Kopetsky investigation from the start.
2:45 p.m. -- In its opening statement, the defense begins to poke holes at the timeline the prosecutors have outlined in the deaths of both women. The defense is claiming that Yust’s alibi makes it “impossible for him to have killed Kara.” The defense says there is “no time that day” for him to have committed this crime.
2:40 p.m. -- The defense is now giving their opening statement. His defense starts out by saying “Kylr Yust is innocent.”
2:39 p.m. -- Prosecutors say Yust used to hang out at a friend’s house that was “right around the corner” from where both bodies were found.
2:37 p.m. -- Prosecutors say Yust confessed twice to killing Kopetsky and Runions with his bare hands.
2:35 p.m. -- The opening statements have started as the prosecution begins to outline its case against Yust. "Kara and Jessica never knew each other alive," the prosecution said in its opening statement.
2:25 p.m. -- The jury instructions are being read.
2:20 p.m. -- The jury has been seated, the trial is now officially underway, and the opening statements are set to begin.
10:24 a.m. -- Court is now in recess until 1:30 p.m. when opening statements begin before the jury
10:12 a.m. --Judge: Deputy sheriffs will be in rows with family. "I have instructed that any sound. I don't even care if it's a grunt, they're out," Collins said.
On verdict day, jury will be seated in jury box for less than 15 mins, so they will not be in the audience.
10:09 a.m. -- Now one of Kylr Yust's defense attorneys is making a formal objection to having the families of Kara Kopetsky and Jessica Runions inside the courtroom -- just one row away from the jury. "We are already up to 30 people without family being in the courtroom."
9:59 a.m. -- Prosecutors say they have 174 exhibits for trial.
9:51 a.m. -- Another note before the trial begins: Judge William Collins restricted access to case documents on Missouri Case Net before trial. But, once the jury is sequestered and given instructions Collins said he will allow access to case documents again.
9:41 a.m. -- In addition to a broadcast camera to record the trial, Judge William Collins ruled a still camera can also take pictures inside the courtroom.
Last edited:
Vail
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Outline - Read & annotate without distractions
Kylr Yust’s lawyers push to present new defense strategy hours before murder trial scheduled to begin
HARRISONVILLE, Mo. — A legal move Monday morning threw more uncertainty into the murder trial of Kylr Yust. He is charged with murdering Kara Kopetsky in April of 2007, and Jessica Runions in September of 2016.
Yust’s attorneys argued they want to present alternative suspects during the hearing. One of those suspects is Yust’s half brother, Jessep Carter. The issue is that Carter took his life in 2018 while in custody at the Jackson County Jail.
The defense argued that even though Carter is dead and can’t be cross examined, they should be able to present evidence that Carter, not Yust, killed both Kopetsky and Runions. The defense said it has witness testimony that Carter routinely drugged, assaulted and possibly murdered women at parties.
Runions disappeared from a party at a Grandview house in September of 2016. Witnesses said she was seen with Yust at that party.
The defense also claims that before killing himself, Carter left a coded message in his cell. They plan to present expert testimony that the message could say “I killed eleven girls.”
The judge in the case plans to hold a hearing at a later time to see what will be admissible at trial. He said the information about Carter cannot be used in opening statements.
The judge also ruled Monday morning that TV cameras will be allowed inside the courtroom during the trial.
Jurors are expected to arrived in Cass County around noon. They are being bussed in from St. Charles in the St. Louis area. Court is scheduled to being with jury instructions at 1:30 p.m. Opening statements are scheduled for 2 p.m.
Kylr Yust’s lawyers push to present new defense strategy hours before murder trial scheduled to begin
HARRISONVILLE, Mo. — A legal move Monday morning threw more uncertainty into the murder trial of Kylr Yust. He is charged with murdering Kara Kopetsky in April of 2007, and Jessica Runions in September of 2016.
Yust’s attorneys argued they want to present alternative suspects during the hearing. One of those suspects is Yust’s half brother, Jessep Carter. The issue is that Carter took his life in 2018 while in custody at the Jackson County Jail.
The defense argued that even though Carter is dead and can’t be cross examined, they should be able to present evidence that Carter, not Yust, killed both Kopetsky and Runions. The defense said it has witness testimony that Carter routinely drugged, assaulted and possibly murdered women at parties.
Runions disappeared from a party at a Grandview house in September of 2016. Witnesses said she was seen with Yust at that party.
The defense also claims that before killing himself, Carter left a coded message in his cell. They plan to present expert testimony that the message could say “I killed eleven girls.”
The judge in the case plans to hold a hearing at a later time to see what will be admissible at trial. He said the information about Carter cannot be used in opening statements.
The judge also ruled Monday morning that TV cameras will be allowed inside the courtroom during the trial.
Jurors are expected to arrived in Cass County around noon. They are being bussed in from St. Charles in the St. Louis area. Court is scheduled to being with jury instructions at 1:30 p.m. Opening statements are scheduled for 2 p.m.
Vail
Justice for Kara & Jessica
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Matt Flener KMBC
@MattFlenerKMBC
Defense tried to plant doubt about witnesses and investigators - and seemed to pin blame for murders on Yust’s half brother Jessep Carter, who died by suicide in jail in 2018. Curious to see how Carter’s involvement plays during trial.
@kmbc
#yusttrial
11m
Kopetsky and Runions family sat next to each other, behind jury, also directly behind Yust.
@kmbc
#yusttrial
13m
Just got out of courtroom. Fascinating opening statements in the #yusttrial. Prosecutors spoke for 5 minutes. Defense 31. Prosecutor Ben Butler used strong, emotional, bold language. Defense Attorney Sharon Turlington tried to plant doubt abt investigation.
@kmbc
Allen Edmonds
@NorthCassHerald
17m
Kara Kopetsky had taken out a protection order against Yust four days before her disappearance after he had beaten and attempted to strangle her; Jessica Runions wanted to leave him before her disappearance, “and you just want to go back to (her long-time boyfriend)”Yust said.
23m
“If I can’t have her, nobody will.” Prosecuting Attorney Ben Butler’s description of Kylr Yust’s mindset before both the murders of Kara Kopetsky and Jessica Runions.
Ben has a very good grasp on Kylr IMO.
@MattFlenerKMBC
Defense tried to plant doubt about witnesses and investigators - and seemed to pin blame for murders on Yust’s half brother Jessep Carter, who died by suicide in jail in 2018. Curious to see how Carter’s involvement plays during trial.
@kmbc
#yusttrial
11m
Kopetsky and Runions family sat next to each other, behind jury, also directly behind Yust.
@kmbc
#yusttrial
13m
Just got out of courtroom. Fascinating opening statements in the #yusttrial. Prosecutors spoke for 5 minutes. Defense 31. Prosecutor Ben Butler used strong, emotional, bold language. Defense Attorney Sharon Turlington tried to plant doubt abt investigation.
@kmbc
Allen Edmonds
@NorthCassHerald
17m
Kara Kopetsky had taken out a protection order against Yust four days before her disappearance after he had beaten and attempted to strangle her; Jessica Runions wanted to leave him before her disappearance, “and you just want to go back to (her long-time boyfriend)”Yust said.
23m
“If I can’t have her, nobody will.” Prosecuting Attorney Ben Butler’s description of Kylr Yust’s mindset before both the murders of Kara Kopetsky and Jessica Runions.
Ben has a very good grasp on Kylr IMO.
Vail
Justice for Kara & Jessica
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Scout87
Justice for Jessica and Kara
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Just wanted to stop in and say thank you to all who have been so diligent in keeping this thread going for Kara and Jessica. I used to post a lot but had to step away from the site for a while as I started a new job and life just got too busy. As the trial begins, however, it's hard to stay away 
This day has been a long time coming. Praying for peace for the girls' families and that justice will prevail as the trial gets underway
This day has been a long time coming. Praying for peace for the girls' families and that justice will prevail as the trial gets underway
Niner
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Tuesday, April 6th:
*Trial continues (Day 2) (@ 8:30am CT) – MO – Kara Elise Kopetsky (17) (last seen at Belton High, May 4, 2007, Belton; found by mushroom hunters in rural Cass County near East 223rd & State Route Y on April 3, 2017) & Jessica S. Runions (21) (missing Sept. 8, 2016, Raymore; her car was found burned near Bannister & Blue River Rds. on Sept. 10, 2016. Found by mushroom hunters in rural Cass County near East 223rd & State Route Y on April 4, 2017) – *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 began 4/5/21. Jury Selection started on 3/29/21 & ended on 3/31/21. Held in Cass County & jurors from St. Charles County. Jurors will be sequestered throughout the trial (expected to last 3 weeks). Jury: 12 jurors & 3 alternates (12 women & 3 men). One alternate was released on 4/5/21.
Court info from 3/1/18 thru 3/11/21 & jury selection (3/31/21) reference post #105 here:
MO - Kara Kopetsky, 17 in 2007; Jessica Runions, 21 in 2016; found deceased - *ARREST* #2
4/5/21 Monday, Day 1 of Trial: Pretrial hearing: One alternate juror was released this morning before the jury left St. Charles for the Kylr Yust trial, leaving three alternates, Judge William Collins will allow cameras in the courtroom. Neither the prosecution or the defense objected. Prior to trial Yust's attorneys argued to allow evidence of other possible suspects in the murders of Kopetsky & Runions. One of them being Yust's own half brother, Jessup Carter. Carter took his own life in the Jackson County Jail in 2018. He was also allegedly involved with the burning of Jessica's car in 2016. The defense argued they should be able to present evidence that Carter may have killed the women. The defense claims when Carter died he left an encoded message in Gematria code, an ancient Hebrew numerology code. They claim the short message eludes to 11 murders by Carter of women over his lifetime. Judge Collins plans to hold a hearing to discuss if this & other evidence will be admissible in the trial. Defense also made motions to dismiss the case, the jury & change the venue. Judge William Collins denied all of their motions. Judge will hold a motion hearing after court going thru all the evidence & possible testimony to see if it has merit & will be admissible at trial. The jury was sworn in & seated & jury instructions read. Opening statements by Cass County prosecuting attorney Ben Butler & by defense attorney Sharon Turlington. Testimony begins at 8:30am on Tuesday, 4/6/21.
*Trial continues (Day 2) (@ 8:30am CT) – MO – Kara Elise Kopetsky (17) (last seen at Belton High, May 4, 2007, Belton; found by mushroom hunters in rural Cass County near East 223rd & State Route Y on April 3, 2017) & Jessica S. Runions (21) (missing Sept. 8, 2016, Raymore; her car was found burned near Bannister & Blue River Rds. on Sept. 10, 2016. Found by mushroom hunters in rural Cass County near East 223rd & State Route Y on April 4, 2017) – *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 began 4/5/21. Jury Selection started on 3/29/21 & ended on 3/31/21. Held in Cass County & jurors from St. Charles County. Jurors will be sequestered throughout the trial (expected to last 3 weeks). Jury: 12 jurors & 3 alternates (12 women & 3 men). One alternate was released on 4/5/21.
Court info from 3/1/18 thru 3/11/21 & jury selection (3/31/21) reference post #105 here:
MO - Kara Kopetsky, 17 in 2007; Jessica Runions, 21 in 2016; found deceased - *ARREST* #2
4/5/21 Monday, Day 1 of Trial: Pretrial hearing: One alternate juror was released this morning before the jury left St. Charles for the Kylr Yust trial, leaving three alternates, Judge William Collins will allow cameras in the courtroom. Neither the prosecution or the defense objected. Prior to trial Yust's attorneys argued to allow evidence of other possible suspects in the murders of Kopetsky & Runions. One of them being Yust's own half brother, Jessup Carter. Carter took his own life in the Jackson County Jail in 2018. He was also allegedly involved with the burning of Jessica's car in 2016. The defense argued they should be able to present evidence that Carter may have killed the women. The defense claims when Carter died he left an encoded message in Gematria code, an ancient Hebrew numerology code. They claim the short message eludes to 11 murders by Carter of women over his lifetime. Judge Collins plans to hold a hearing to discuss if this & other evidence will be admissible in the trial. Defense also made motions to dismiss the case, the jury & change the venue. Judge William Collins denied all of their motions. Judge will hold a motion hearing after court going thru all the evidence & possible testimony to see if it has merit & will be admissible at trial. The jury was sworn in & seated & jury instructions read. Opening statements by Cass County prosecuting attorney Ben Butler & by defense attorney Sharon Turlington. Testimony begins at 8:30am on Tuesday, 4/6/21.
Vail
Justice for Kara & Jessica
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Allen Edmonds
@NorthCassHerald
(notes on the defense opening statements from April 6)
In an opening statement interrupted three times by the prosecution with objections, lead defense attorney Sharon Turlington laid out Yust’s defense...he was nowhere near either victim at the time of their deaths.
Yes, Turlington agreed, Yust had made some incriminating statements on tape, “but there was a lot of media coverage about this, and Kylr was in a death metal band and was a tattoo artist,” she said. “There’s a certain group of people that would think this is cool.”
While Yust’s phone records were not retrieved by police for the time period after Kopetsky’s disappearance, Turlington said he was visiting his grandmother in Carondelet Manor in South Kansas City during the time period authorities believe he got Kara Kopetsky from BHS on 5/4/07.
In fact, the death metal culture was so crude, that Yust had once said he would “commit suicide on stage and make his band mates famous,” Turlington told the jury.
So if not Yust, then who? Turlington said she would make a compelling case for the late half-brother, Jessup Carter (who committed suicide in the Jackson County Jail in 2018).
Matt Flener KMBC
@MattFlenerKMBC
12h
COMING UP TUESDAY: We will begin to hear from witnesses in the case. There are going to be a LOT of witnesses taking the stand over the next few weeks. The trial will happen on Saturdays, too. It is scheduled for three weeks.
@KMBC
will cover it all. #yusttrial
Jurors seemed a bit tired after traveling all morning from St. Charles. The judge gave them instructions not to read or do research about the case. They will remain sequestered in Cass County until the case is over.
Yust never looked at the families of Kara Kopetsky and Jessica Runions on day one -- from what I saw. If he looks at them during trial he will have to look directly through three rows of jurors sitting socially distanced in rows in observation gallery.
@NorthCassHerald
(notes on the defense opening statements from April 6)
In an opening statement interrupted three times by the prosecution with objections, lead defense attorney Sharon Turlington laid out Yust’s defense...he was nowhere near either victim at the time of their deaths.
Yes, Turlington agreed, Yust had made some incriminating statements on tape, “but there was a lot of media coverage about this, and Kylr was in a death metal band and was a tattoo artist,” she said. “There’s a certain group of people that would think this is cool.”
While Yust’s phone records were not retrieved by police for the time period after Kopetsky’s disappearance, Turlington said he was visiting his grandmother in Carondelet Manor in South Kansas City during the time period authorities believe he got Kara Kopetsky from BHS on 5/4/07.
In fact, the death metal culture was so crude, that Yust had once said he would “commit suicide on stage and make his band mates famous,” Turlington told the jury.
So if not Yust, then who? Turlington said she would make a compelling case for the late half-brother, Jessup Carter (who committed suicide in the Jackson County Jail in 2018).
Matt Flener KMBC
@MattFlenerKMBC
12h
COMING UP TUESDAY: We will begin to hear from witnesses in the case. There are going to be a LOT of witnesses taking the stand over the next few weeks. The trial will happen on Saturdays, too. It is scheduled for three weeks.
@KMBC
will cover it all. #yusttrial
Jurors seemed a bit tired after traveling all morning from St. Charles. The judge gave them instructions not to read or do research about the case. They will remain sequestered in Cass County until the case is over.
Yust never looked at the families of Kara Kopetsky and Jessica Runions on day one -- from what I saw. If he looks at them during trial he will have to look directly through three rows of jurors sitting socially distanced in rows in observation gallery.
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Kylr Yust trial: Defense focuses on 'mismanaged investigation' in opening statement
On Monday, prosecutors said it was not far from a house where Yust hung out.
" After he killed Jessica, he went back to this spot, his spot. Yust dumped Jessica's body in the same woods that he said he threw Kara all those years before," prosecutor Ben Butler said.
Defense attorneys in the case tried to plant doubt about the investigation. They also brought up Kylr Yust's half-brother, Jessep Carter, as an alternative suspect in the case. Carter died by suicide in 2018.
Finally, the defense argued that while there are a lot of statements, the evidence is lacking.
"None of them are supported by physical evidence. There's not one hair, one drop of blood in this case connecting Kylr to either of these homicides," said Sharon Turlington, Yust's defense attorney.
Judge William Collins ruled that a camera will be allowed in the courtroom for the trial.
The judge made the decision to drop two counts of abandonment of a corpse charges against Yust. His attorneys also attempted to get the murder charges thrown out, alleging that the police didn't do enough to investigate other suspects in the case.
On Monday, prosecutors said it was not far from a house where Yust hung out.
" After he killed Jessica, he went back to this spot, his spot. Yust dumped Jessica's body in the same woods that he said he threw Kara all those years before," prosecutor Ben Butler said.
Defense attorneys in the case tried to plant doubt about the investigation. They also brought up Kylr Yust's half-brother, Jessep Carter, as an alternative suspect in the case. Carter died by suicide in 2018.
Finally, the defense argued that while there are a lot of statements, the evidence is lacking.
"None of them are supported by physical evidence. There's not one hair, one drop of blood in this case connecting Kylr to either of these homicides," said Sharon Turlington, Yust's defense attorney.
Judge William Collins ruled that a camera will be allowed in the courtroom for the trial.
The judge made the decision to drop two counts of abandonment of a corpse charges against Yust. His attorneys also attempted to get the murder charges thrown out, alleging that the police didn't do enough to investigate other suspects in the case.
Jewels53
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HARRISONVILLE, Mo. — Kylr Yust’s double murder trial began Monday in Cass County, as he faces charges for murdering two young women nearly a decade apart.
Attorneys delivered opening statements with Cass County Prosecuting Attorney Ben Butler saying Yust killed both Kara Kopetsky, 17, and Jessica Runions, 21, with his bare hands, hid their bodies in the woods and confessed to the crimes.
But his attorney Sharon Turlington said it’s a long complicated story. She said those confessions were only said in jest or as a way to impress women.
Murder trial begins for Kylr Yust in Cass County
Attorneys delivered opening statements with Cass County Prosecuting Attorney Ben Butler saying Yust killed both Kara Kopetsky, 17, and Jessica Runions, 21, with his bare hands, hid their bodies in the woods and confessed to the crimes.
But his attorney Sharon Turlington said it’s a long complicated story. She said those confessions were only said in jest or as a way to impress women.
Murder trial begins for Kylr Yust in Cass County
Vail
Justice for Kara & Jessica
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Day 2
Allen Edmonds
@NorthCassHerald
30m
First witness for the prosecution in the Kylr Yust trial: Kara Kopetsky’s mother, Rhonda Beckford.
Matt Flener KMBC <---This is the star when it comes to tweets if you want to follow along on your phone.
@MattFlenerKMBC
22m
YUST TRIAL DAY 2: Kara Kopetsky's mother Rhonda Beckford on the stand. She is testifying about abuse by Kylr Yust before Kara disappeared. She went to sheriff's office to file a restraining order against Yust. Said Kopetsky had a cigarette burn on her.
@KMBC
#yusttrial
5m
Beckford: "A nightmare, when you don’t know where your teenage daughter is, and you don’t know what has happened to them. It’s a nightmare."
5m
Beckford now testifying about the day Kara went missing. She dropped Kara off at school. Took her a textbook, and her work uniform at school that day. She went to work, got home, her husband told her Kara wasn't home. Started calling, but no answer. #yusttrial
9m
"After all the pain and suffering, I am through," Beckford reads a poem written by her daughter about Yust.
9m
Beckford read from the restraining order looking at her daughters handwriting. “I am not sure he will do next because the abuse has gotten worse over time,” she said as she read from the restraining order.
Beckford: “As the mother of a missing child, what we always said was. You get up every day that’s the day you get answers about your missing child. Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months, months turned into years.”
7m
Beckford said on May 4, Yust called. Her husband talked to him. Her husband asked her, "What did you do to Kara?"
Allen Edmonds
@NorthCassHerald
30m
First witness for the prosecution in the Kylr Yust trial: Kara Kopetsky’s mother, Rhonda Beckford.
Matt Flener KMBC <---This is the star when it comes to tweets if you want to follow along on your phone.
@MattFlenerKMBC
22m
YUST TRIAL DAY 2: Kara Kopetsky's mother Rhonda Beckford on the stand. She is testifying about abuse by Kylr Yust before Kara disappeared. She went to sheriff's office to file a restraining order against Yust. Said Kopetsky had a cigarette burn on her.
@KMBC
#yusttrial
5m
Beckford: "A nightmare, when you don’t know where your teenage daughter is, and you don’t know what has happened to them. It’s a nightmare."
5m
Beckford now testifying about the day Kara went missing. She dropped Kara off at school. Took her a textbook, and her work uniform at school that day. She went to work, got home, her husband told her Kara wasn't home. Started calling, but no answer. #yusttrial
9m
"After all the pain and suffering, I am through," Beckford reads a poem written by her daughter about Yust.
9m
Beckford read from the restraining order looking at her daughters handwriting. “I am not sure he will do next because the abuse has gotten worse over time,” she said as she read from the restraining order.
Beckford: “As the mother of a missing child, what we always said was. You get up every day that’s the day you get answers about your missing child. Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months, months turned into years.”
7m
Beckford said on May 4, Yust called. Her husband talked to him. Her husband asked her, "What did you do to Kara?"
Vail
Justice for Kara & Jessica
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@MattFlenerKMBC
Beckford said she tried to get Kopetsky to stop dating or contacting Yust. Beckford said as she was driving Kara to get a restraining order, Yust was texting Kara. Beckford said, "You need to not respond to him."
Beckford's testimony is done as of 9:27 a.m. State now calls Sgt. Bruegge with Belton Police.
2nd Witness Sgt. Mary Bruegge
18m
Sgt. Mary Bruegge with Belton Police now testifying. Talking about responding to a kidnapping on April 28, 2007. Kara said she was working at Popeyes, planned to hang w/friends, at sometime during her shift, her ex-boyfriend, Yust came to her work... cont.
Bruegge: He grabbed her, and put her in the truck she was driving, and locked the door and drove her from Popeyes to Grandview. At that time he drove her back and dropped her off at Dominoes, where she met Kara.
18m
Bruegge: He had given Kara a gift, flowers and a card, he had communicated with her back and forth via text. He asked to spend time with her after work. When she got off work, she was waiting outside for her ride, and he asked her to hang out, she said no.
NOTE: It is hard to hear Yust's defense attorney Matt Vigil's questions. His microphone is cutting in/out.
Here are Kopetsky’s mother Rhonda Beckford and Belton Sgt. Mary Bruegge on the stand this morning.
@kmbc
#yusttrial
Court is in recess for about 10 minutes.
@kmbc
#yusttrial
Allen Edmonds
@NorthCassHerald
34m
The first issue with Belton Police crops up early in cross-examination by defense attorney Matt Vigil. He shows Rhonda Beckford an initial BPD police report that quotes her as saying “Kara is with Kylr and is not being held against her will.” Beckford: “Those are not my words.”
((Rhonda's tired eyes just break my heart all over again.))
Beckford said she tried to get Kopetsky to stop dating or contacting Yust. Beckford said as she was driving Kara to get a restraining order, Yust was texting Kara. Beckford said, "You need to not respond to him."
Beckford's testimony is done as of 9:27 a.m. State now calls Sgt. Bruegge with Belton Police.
2nd Witness Sgt. Mary Bruegge
18m
Sgt. Mary Bruegge with Belton Police now testifying. Talking about responding to a kidnapping on April 28, 2007. Kara said she was working at Popeyes, planned to hang w/friends, at sometime during her shift, her ex-boyfriend, Yust came to her work... cont.
Bruegge: He grabbed her, and put her in the truck she was driving, and locked the door and drove her from Popeyes to Grandview. At that time he drove her back and dropped her off at Dominoes, where she met Kara.
18m
Bruegge: He had given Kara a gift, flowers and a card, he had communicated with her back and forth via text. He asked to spend time with her after work. When she got off work, she was waiting outside for her ride, and he asked her to hang out, she said no.
NOTE: It is hard to hear Yust's defense attorney Matt Vigil's questions. His microphone is cutting in/out.
Here are Kopetsky’s mother Rhonda Beckford and Belton Sgt. Mary Bruegge on the stand this morning.
@kmbc
#yusttrial
Court is in recess for about 10 minutes.
@kmbc
#yusttrial
Allen Edmonds
@NorthCassHerald
34m
The first issue with Belton Police crops up early in cross-examination by defense attorney Matt Vigil. He shows Rhonda Beckford an initial BPD police report that quotes her as saying “Kara is with Kylr and is not being held against her will.” Beckford: “Those are not my words.”
((Rhonda's tired eyes just break my heart all over again.))
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Vail
Justice for Kara & Jessica
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Note: I am going to try to keep all the tweets about each witness together in one post which may mean updates only every 15mins to an hour depending how long they go, so if you want up to the second, I recommend following Matt's twitter.
3rd Witness Jeff Jackson, Kara's friend
Matt Flener KMBC
@MattFlenerKMBC
·
19m
Court now back in session. On the stand now -- Jeff Jackson. Went to Belton High School with Kara Kopetsky. Said he used to skip classes with her. Had a good friendship with her. Jackson also knew Yust through high school.
@kmbc
#yusttrial
18m
"There toward the end, right before she went missing," Jackson said he talked to Kara a lot about her relationship with Yust. Said he saw arguments between Yust and Kopetsky at Belton High School.
10m
"There was few times she showed me bruises on her arms and explained he was abusive and doesn’t know what to do," Jackson said re: his talks with Kara. Jackson: Kara said Yust had dreams of cutting her throat and slitting her wrists. Objection by defense.
8m
"She was telling me that she was really scared, that he's telling. He's held a knife to her, and he's wanting to do this, and wanting...he was saying stuff that he was wanting to hurt her, and I think she was having trouble communicating with me," Jackson said.
6m
Cross/ex: Molly Hastings, Yust's defense attorney. May 4, 2007, Jackson said he saw Kopetsky walk out of the school. "I feel like I remember seeing him waiting there," he said. But, he cannot fully remember.
2m
Yust's defense attorney Molly Hastings now grilling Jackson, bringing up conflicting testimony from deposition to testimony today.
1m
Jackson said his memory has gotten better since his deposition after he has had more time to think.
32s
Hastings was grilling Jackson over whether he actually saw Yust on the day Kopetsky went missing. "There is definitely some fragmented issues with my memory. He says as of today, maybe I might be a little more articulate and clear."
1m
Hastings taking Jackson to task saying he never said in depo. if he saw Yust @ school on May 4, 2007. "I do not have the greatest memory," Jackson said. "I am a cannabis user with short term memory issues." Some groans in overflow room with families.
1m
Hastings: "Thank you your honor, that's all the questions." Jackson: "Cool." Audience in overflow room laughs.
44s
After redirect, Hastings talking to Jackson again. "The entire community seeking a conviction was not present," at deposition Hastings said. "That's the real difference today." Jackson: "There is no difference. I am saying exactly everything I know best."
Allen Edmonds
@NorthCassHerald
13m
High school friend Jim Jackson testifies Kara Kopetsky asked him to skip class to “get high” and he turned her down, hoping to avoid in-school suspension. “Ever since then, anytime anyone asked me to skip, I did it,” Jackson said.
Under cross examination by defense attorney Molly Hastings, Jackson admits that during a previous deposition, he had not testified that he remembered seeing Yust in his red pickup waiting for Kopetsky when she left BHS on May 4, 2007.
3rd Witness Jeff Jackson, Kara's friend
Matt Flener KMBC
@MattFlenerKMBC
·
19m
Court now back in session. On the stand now -- Jeff Jackson. Went to Belton High School with Kara Kopetsky. Said he used to skip classes with her. Had a good friendship with her. Jackson also knew Yust through high school.
@kmbc
#yusttrial
18m
"There toward the end, right before she went missing," Jackson said he talked to Kara a lot about her relationship with Yust. Said he saw arguments between Yust and Kopetsky at Belton High School.
10m
"There was few times she showed me bruises on her arms and explained he was abusive and doesn’t know what to do," Jackson said re: his talks with Kara. Jackson: Kara said Yust had dreams of cutting her throat and slitting her wrists. Objection by defense.
8m
"She was telling me that she was really scared, that he's telling. He's held a knife to her, and he's wanting to do this, and wanting...he was saying stuff that he was wanting to hurt her, and I think she was having trouble communicating with me," Jackson said.
6m
Cross/ex: Molly Hastings, Yust's defense attorney. May 4, 2007, Jackson said he saw Kopetsky walk out of the school. "I feel like I remember seeing him waiting there," he said. But, he cannot fully remember.
2m
Yust's defense attorney Molly Hastings now grilling Jackson, bringing up conflicting testimony from deposition to testimony today.
1m
Jackson said his memory has gotten better since his deposition after he has had more time to think.
32s
Hastings was grilling Jackson over whether he actually saw Yust on the day Kopetsky went missing. "There is definitely some fragmented issues with my memory. He says as of today, maybe I might be a little more articulate and clear."
1m
Hastings taking Jackson to task saying he never said in depo. if he saw Yust @ school on May 4, 2007. "I do not have the greatest memory," Jackson said. "I am a cannabis user with short term memory issues." Some groans in overflow room with families.
1m
Hastings: "Thank you your honor, that's all the questions." Jackson: "Cool." Audience in overflow room laughs.
44s
After redirect, Hastings talking to Jackson again. "The entire community seeking a conviction was not present," at deposition Hastings said. "That's the real difference today." Jackson: "There is no difference. I am saying exactly everything I know best."
Allen Edmonds
@NorthCassHerald
13m
High school friend Jim Jackson testifies Kara Kopetsky asked him to skip class to “get high” and he turned her down, hoping to avoid in-school suspension. “Ever since then, anytime anyone asked me to skip, I did it,” Jackson said.
Under cross examination by defense attorney Molly Hastings, Jackson admits that during a previous deposition, he had not testified that he remembered seeing Yust in his red pickup waiting for Kopetsky when she left BHS on May 4, 2007.
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