MS - Alexandria "Ally" Kostial, 21, Ole Miss student, found dead, Harmontown, 20 July 2019 *ARREST*

[Sunshinyday]

If it was normal than all murder trial case files would be sealed and they are not. Several of the ones I am following here on WS which are also in the media are not sealed. i.e. Savannah Spurlock murder.
I don’t think we’ll get a press conference but I do wish they would at least release who filed the motion to seal and the reason the seal was granted which often does happen like in the Senator Colllins murder case the DA filed the motion and it was as granted because she is high profile. JMO

Sealed because it’s going to be presented to grand jury..

 

[Seattle1]

It's the strangest case. Lots of rumors (some already proven false) and at the same time a sense of secrecy. I suppose rumors are what happens when things are kept secret.

I have never seen anything quite like it.

jmo

Aw... and as we both know, different state jurisdictions do not provide that all public interest in cases is treated equal!

It would be good (for us) if a special session for the grand jury allowed -- the earlier the better.

I say this because the grand jury scheduled to hear this matter convenes for the last time this year at end of August!

I also don't see preliminary hearing and/or probable cause (where authorities outline their case) scheduled anytime soon.

In other words, buckle up folks -- we're in for a long ride.

Peace and light to to Ally's family and friends as they prepare to put their loved one to rest this weekend.

#JusticeforAlly

 

[Seattle1]

Kendall Downing‏Verified account @kendall_downing
SEALED: Staff at Lafayette Co courthouse tell me #brandontheesfeld casefile has been sealed by judge in #allykostial murder @WMCActionNews5

11:07 AM - 26 Jul 2019 pst

ETA: It's a done deal -- and unknown if motion was opposed. MOO

 

[Seattle1]

Kendall Downing‏Verified account @kendall_downing
IN MEMORY OF ALLY: multiple sorority houses at Ole Miss now have black ribbons tied on columns to pay respects to #allykostial @WMCActionNews5

11:18 AM - 26 Jul 2019 pst

ETA: recognizing this is summer break -- love the support for their sister...

 

[JBMDC]

Sealed because it’s going to be presented to grand jury..

But does Lafayette County do that always, often, seldom, or never?

 

[Colorado303]

The grand jury is more than a month away. Sealing case so early also means no warrants, arrest affidavit, autopsy, etc. released to public. MOO

Why is this even going before a grand jury? In Colorado a grand jury is used only if the DA needs confirmation there is enough evidence to prosocute (ex: one was used to determine whether to prosecute John and Patsy Ramsey). Is it different in Mississippi?

 

[Mentalheadslap2018]

Father of slain Ole Miss student shares old photo and a message on day of vigil
snipped
Keith Kostial posted a photo of his daughter as a little girl on Facebook Thursday, writing that "This is one of my all-time favorite pics."

He also posted a message of thanks on Facebook for the comforting words the family has received since her death.

"We are speechless from the amount of love and support that has been expressed and wish we could respond to each and every one of you,'' he wrote. "We thank you for all your prayers, blessings and kind words."

Police arrested fellow University of Mississippi student BT, 22, on Monday morning at a Memphis gas station 80 miles away and charged him with murder. AK was found on July 20 with eight gunshot wounds, sources close to the investigation told NBC affiliate WLBT.

What a sweet picture. RIP darling girl, I am so sorry this happened to you.

 

[Colorado303]

Friday, July 19

• Kostial's "Introduction to Retail" summer school course had a test on Friday. She finished the exam before 1:15 p.m., the instructor said.
• Surveillance video showed Kostial in the Oxford Square the night (Friday, July 19) before authorities found her body about 30 miles from Oxford. Kostial was seen wearing a blue dress [shorts] and white jacket [blouse] and giving someone a hug around 11:52 p.m.
• According to the Oxford Eagle, Kostial exited Funkys Pizza & Daiquiri Bar. Once she left, Kostial stopped at the corner for several minutes before heading to Rooster’s Blue House, a popular place on the Oxford Square at Ole Miss.
• Kostial appeared to be waiting outside Roosters until an Uber minivan pulled up. She got in the van but it did not immediately take off. After roughly 30 seconds, the van pulled off, heading west on Jackson Avenue.

Saturday, July 20

• L R, Kostial’s roommate, said she arrived home around midnight to her apartment at the Retreat at Oxford, the Oxford Eagle reported. A roommate also said she was not sure when Kostial left the room again.
• Some media outlets reported other surveillance footage from early Saturday morning shows her at a convenience store near Harmontown. She was reportedly shown with a man who appears to be Theesfeld.
• Kostial's body was found at 10:23 a.m. Saturday by a Lafayette County Sheriff's Department deputy patrolling Buford’s Ridge in Harmontown, located in the northern portion of Lafayette County and 30 minutes away from Oxford.

Sunday, July 21

• Lafayette County Sheriff's Department confirmed in a statement the death and the identity of Kostial at 1:43 Sunday afternoon.
• The last Twitter activity from Brandon Theesfeld was Sunday, the day after Kostial's body was discovered. All of the tweets were retweets.
• A P, a student and close friend of Kostial, made a post on her Facebook page, saying her friend was the "most genuine and uplifting person" she ever knew

Monday, July 22

• Deputies from the Lafayette County Sheriff's Department and Memphis Police Department arrest Theesfeld around 9:30 a.m. Monday.
• Theesfeld’s cellphone and credit card led police to a gas station in South Memphis, where he was arrested. Surveillance photos from the gas station showed Theesfeld wearing an Ole Miss T-shirt as he entered the gas station on Monday, FOX 13 in Memphis reported.
• Theesfeld was booked into the Lafayette County Detention Center at 3:45 p.m.
• Lafayette County Coroner Rocky Kennedy said Monday that Kostial's body was sent to the state crime lab in Pearl for an autopsy. He declined to provide further details.

Tuesday, July 23

• Around 8:00 Tuesday morning, Theesfeld's name, "hold" was written under the charge line in the jail docket. The word, however, was crossed out and written above it in bold letters was the word "murder," according to the Oxford Eagle.
• The LCSD and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations confirmed a statement at 11:08 Tuesday morning that Theesfeld was charged with the murder of Kostial.
• Theesfeld and his attorney Swayze Alford went before a circuit court judge Andrew Howorth for an initial appearance.
• Theesfeld was suspended from the university after his arrest.
• A friend of Kostial tweeted that her relationship with Theesfeld was a troubled one

Wednesday, July 24

• On social media, friends created a hashtag, #JusticeforAlly, while describing Kostial and the impact she had on the people and community around her.
• LCSD said no bond hearing was scheduled for Theesfeld.
• As of Wednesday afternoon, Theesfeld’s Twitter account was deactivated.
• Daniel Theesfeld, the father of Brandon, hired attorneys Steve and Tony Farese. Attorneys said Theesfeld plans to enter a not guilty plea.

Thursday, July 25

• A preliminary autopsy determined Kostial died from multiple gunshot wounds and ruled her death a homicide, according to the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department.
• Friends and family gathered in St. Louis at 8 p.m. for a vigil for Kostial. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that nearly 100 people gathered Thursday outside Lindbergh High School where they passed around a microphone to share memories of Kostial. Friend Casey Hendrickson described Kostial as "always smiling, laughing and happy."
• Services for Kostial were planned for Friday at Concordia Kirkwood Lutheran Church in St. Louis. A public funeral service follows on Saturday at 10 a.m.
• Rex Ravita, Ole Miss student, said Theesfeld had 'no respect for women, according to FOX News.
• Surveillance video was released showing Kostial in the Square in Oxford on the night before her body was found.

Timeline: Details surrounding death of Ole Miss student Ally Kostial

https://www.oxfordeagle.com/2019/07/25/timeline-events-surrounding-the-death-of-ally-kostial/

What happened to Ally Kostial? Timeline of events begins to emerge

ETA: Discrepancy with clothes AK last seen wearing; edit names to initials by me for privacy.

Excellent Summary! Thank you!

 

[Destini]

Why is this even going before a grand jury? In Colorado a grand jury is used only if the DA needs confirmation there is enough evidence to prosocute (ex: one was used to determine whether to prosecute John and Patsy Ramsey). Is it different in Mississippi?

Thank you, I have the same question. Did the blood on his clothing match hers? Were the bullets confirmed to come from his gun? If so, why the grand jury??

 

[Inthedetails]

Friday, July 19

• Kostial's "Introduction to Retail" summer school course had a test on Friday. She finished the exam before 1:15 p.m., the instructor said.
• Surveillance video showed Kostial in the Oxford Square the night (Friday, July 19) before authorities found her body about 30 miles from Oxford. Kostial was seen wearing a blue dress [shorts] and white jacket [blouse] and giving someone a hug around 11:52 p.m.
• According to the Oxford Eagle, Kostial exited Funkys Pizza & Daiquiri Bar. Once she left, Kostial stopped at the corner for several minutes before heading to Rooster’s Blue House, a popular place on the Oxford Square at Ole Miss.
• Kostial appeared to be waiting outside Roosters until an Uber minivan pulled up. She got in the van but it did not immediately take off. After roughly 30 seconds, the van pulled off, heading west on Jackson Avenue.

Saturday, July 20

• L R, Kostial’s roommate, said she arrived home around midnight to her apartment at the Retreat at Oxford, the Oxford Eagle reported. A roommate also said she was not sure when Kostial left the room again.
• Some media outlets reported other surveillance footage from early Saturday morning shows her at a convenience store near Harmontown. She was reportedly shown with a man who appears to be Theesfeld.
• Kostial's body was found at 10:23 a.m. Saturday by a Lafayette County Sheriff's Department deputy patrolling Buford’s Ridge in Harmontown, located in the northern portion of Lafayette County and 30 minutes away from Oxford.

Sunday, July 21

• Lafayette County Sheriff's Department confirmed in a statement the death and the identity of Kostial at 1:43 Sunday afternoon.
• The last Twitter activity from Brandon Theesfeld was Sunday, the day after Kostial's body was discovered. All of the tweets were retweets.
• A P, a student and close friend of Kostial, made a post on her Facebook page, saying her friend was the "most genuine and uplifting person" she ever knew

Monday, July 22

• Deputies from the Lafayette County Sheriff's Department and Memphis Police Department arrest Theesfeld around 9:30 a.m. Monday.
• Theesfeld’s cellphone and credit card led police to a gas station in South Memphis, where he was arrested. Surveillance photos from the gas station showed Theesfeld wearing an Ole Miss T-shirt as he entered the gas station on Monday, FOX 13 in Memphis reported.
• Theesfeld was booked into the Lafayette County Detention Center at 3:45 p.m.
• Lafayette County Coroner Rocky Kennedy said Monday that Kostial's body was sent to the state crime lab in Pearl for an autopsy. He declined to provide further details.

Tuesday, July 23

• Around 8:00 Tuesday morning, Theesfeld's name, "hold" was written under the charge line in the jail docket. The word, however, was crossed out and written above it in bold letters was the word "murder," according to the Oxford Eagle.
• The LCSD and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations confirmed a statement at 11:08 Tuesday morning that Theesfeld was charged with the murder of Kostial.
• Theesfeld and his attorney Swayze Alford went before a circuit court judge Andrew Howorth for an initial appearance.
• Theesfeld was suspended from the university after his arrest.
• A friend of Kostial tweeted that her relationship with Theesfeld was a troubled one

Wednesday, July 24

• On social media, friends created a hashtag, #JusticeforAlly, while describing Kostial and the impact she had on the people and community around her.
• LCSD said no bond hearing was scheduled for Theesfeld.
• As of Wednesday afternoon, Theesfeld’s Twitter account was deactivated.
• Daniel Theesfeld, the father of Brandon, hired attorneys Steve and Tony Farese. Attorneys said Theesfeld plans to enter a not guilty plea.

Thursday, July 25

• A preliminary autopsy determined Kostial died from multiple gunshot wounds and ruled her death a homicide, according to the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department.
• Friends and family gathered in St. Louis at 8 p.m. for a vigil for Kostial. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that nearly 100 people gathered Thursday outside Lindbergh High School where they passed around a microphone to share memories of Kostial. Friend Casey Hendrickson described Kostial as "always smiling, laughing and happy."
• Services for Kostial were planned for Friday at Concordia Kirkwood Lutheran Church in St. Louis. A public funeral service follows on Saturday at 10 a.m.
• Rex Ravita, Ole Miss student, said Theesfeld had 'no respect for women, according to FOX News.
• Surveillance video was released showing Kostial in the Square in Oxford on the night before her body was found.

Timeline: Details surrounding death of Ole Miss student Ally Kostial

https://www.oxfordeagle.com/2019/07/25/timeline-events-surrounding-the-death-of-ally-kostial/

What happened to Ally Kostial? Timeline of events begins to emerge

ETA: Discrepancy with clothes AK last seen wearing; edit names to initials by me for privacy.

A+ work. You go to the top of the class.

jmo

 

[Whiteorchids]

Timeline: Details surrounding death of Ole Miss student Ally Kostial
(go to link for timeline)...

Oxford police said Theesfeld has a background with the department, but nothing involving violence. There have been two past recorded interactions with him. He was arrested in 2017 for public drunkenness. Another time he called the police to request a welfare check on someone else. No arrests or calls for help from Ally Kostial were received, police said.

Theesfeld attorney Tony Farese said Friday information about the case is being disseminated in the public, but they don't try a case in the media."Mr. Theesfeld maintains his innocence," he said.

“You can’t try a case in the public,” Farese said. “We follow the rules.”

He said attorneys have met with Theesfeld and are preparing their defense. “We have contacted witnesses, law enforcement and the district attorney’s office.”

Theesfeld has not had a preliminary hearing for authorities to outline their case — that will be up to his defense to request or waive one. District Attorney Ben Creekmore said he expects to take the case before a grand jury by the end of August. bbm

Media outlets are saying his Dad is putting together a dream team the best money can buy. Ugh I guess they will throw out anything they think will stick.

 

[Seattle1]

RE. Case sealed:

Kendall Downing‏Verified account @kendall_downing
That means these docs are the only publicly available ones we will get from the clerk’s office. Unless the DA or defense attorneys give us docs. @WMCActionNews5

11:11 AM - 26 Jul 2019 pst

 

[justiceforwomen27]

Kendall Downing‏Verified account @kendall_downing
IN MEMORY OF ALLY: multiple sorority houses at Ole Miss now have black ribbons tied on columns to pay respects to #allykostial @WMCActionNews5

11:18 AM - 26 Jul 2019 pst

ETA: recognizing this is summer break -- love the support for their sister...

Love seeing my sorority in there <3 we have a very supportive community.

 

[Seattle1]

Why is this even going before a grand jury? In Colorado a grand jury is used only if the DA needs confirmation there is enough evidence to prosocute (ex: one was used to determine whether to prosecute John and Patsy Ramsey). Is it different in Mississippi?

Thank you, I have the same question. Did the blood on his clothing match hers? Were the bullets confirmed to come from his gun? If so, why the grand jury??

Similar to KY (Spurlock), I believe Mississippi may be another state where indictment by grand jury provides for the Circuit Court to take jurisdiction, as the proper court for arraignment and trial.

Probably more to it -- my assumption only.

 

[Chemaster3224]

This will be a tough conviction regardless of the evidence. His attorney SF is a legend around here and he is known to work miracles. Plus, this is his turf so review his cases ...

The above is a understatement to say the least. Don’t assume anything regarding the outcome.

Read up on Mary Winkler who shot and killed her preacher husband. She was represented by SF. Plus, this is only the tip of the iceberg.

 

[Mentalheadslap2018]

This will be a tough conviction regardless of the evidence. His attorney SF is a legend around here and he is known to work miracles. Plus, this is his turf so review his cases ...

The above is a understatement to say the least. Don’t assume anything regarding the outcome.

Read up on Mary Winkler who shot and killed her preacher husband. She was represented by SF.

Curious - is it your sense that it will be tough due to his representation, or is there something in the detail publicly known you feel is problematic, both, or? TIA.

 

[JBMDC]

This will be a tough conviction regardless of the evidence. His attorney SF is a legend around here and he is known to work miracles. Plus, this is his turf so review his cases ...

The above is a understatement to say the least. Don’t assume anything regarding the outcome.

Read up on Mary Winkler who shot and killed her preacher husband. She was represented by SF.

Well, he’s not going to be able to make a self defense or abuse claim here. Any attempt to blame the victim is almost guaranteed to backfire.

 

[Chemaster3224]

Curious - is it your sense that it will be tough due to his representation, or is there something in the detail publicly known you feel is problematic, both, or? TIA.

His attorney and team alone. As mentioned, regardless of strong evidence!

 

[Chemaster3224]

Well, he’s not going to be able to make a self defense or abuse claim here. Any attempt to blame the victim is almost guaranteed to backfire.

Respectfully, you haven’t reviewed SF cases and their outcomes and this is his turf. I’m just saying be prepared for any outcome regardless of evidence.

 

[Gardenista]

Respectfully, you haven’t reviewed SF cases and their outcomes and this is his turf. I’m just saying be prepared for any outcome regardless on evidence.

Can you please provide a link to all of their cases and the results? I'd like to review them.