GUILTY Wesley Hadsell guilty after retrial on murdering adopted stepdaughter, A.J. Hadsell #3

[Sillybilly]

After previous mistrial, new murder trial to start for Wesley Hadsell; accused of murdering stepdaughter in 2015

by: Brian Reese, Kiahnna Patterson, Kayla Gaskins
Posted: Jan 19, 2022 / 08:16 AM EST / Updated: Jan 19, 2022 / 09:47 PM EST

FRANKLIN, Va. (WAVY) — A new trial began Wednesday for Wesley Hadsell, the man accused of killing his stepdaughter, Anjelica “AJ” Hadsell.

Jury selection began Wednesday. Opening arguments in the case are expected to begin in the case on Monday.

[...]

This will be the second attempt at a trial for Hadsell. The first murder trial was in 2020, but a judge granted a mistrial after just two and a half days, citing issues with Hadsell’s criminal history and ties to the Aryan Brotherhood, a violent white supremacy prison gang categorized as a gang and domestic terrorist organization by the Department of Justice.

[...]

Media thread *NO DISCUSSION*

Thread #1 Thread #2

 

[Sillybilly]

Jury selected Monday in Wesley Hadsell murder trial in Southampton County

by: Kiahnna Patterson, Kayla Gaskins
Posted: Feb 24, 2020 / 09:14 AM EST / Updated: Jan 19, 2022 / 05:22 PM EST


SOUTHAMPTON COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) — The jury was selected Monday for the murder trial of Wesley Hadsell, the man accused of killing his stepdaughter 18-year-old AJ Hadsell in 2015.

[...]

The trial continues Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. with opening statements and is scheduled to last two full weeks.

[...]

 

[Hoosgirl]

Finally! Here's hoping to long delayed justice for AJ.

 

[Bethan]

Finally! Here's hoping to long delayed justice for AJ.

Absolutely!

 

[sallye818]

Ridiculous how long this has taken, and all because he's a CAREER CRIMINAL.

 

[Lilibet]

They’re using the “blame the victim” defense. So AJ committed suicide partially buried and under a piece of plywood? Seriously?

The prosecution does not have to prove motive, although it would be helpful if evidence is sparse…but it’s not.
https://www.wavy.com/news/local-new...statements-victims-mother-and-sister-testify/
Hadsell murder trial day 2: Attorneys’ opening statements, victim’s mother and sister testify | WAVY.com

During the commonwealth’s opening statements, prosecutors gave an overview of the evidence they’ll present at trial. Prosecutors acknowledged proving “why” Hadsell killed his stepdaughter will be difficult, but said the evidence presented will prove he is guilty.

The defense’s opening statements went next, giving some insight into what their strategy will be during the trial. They said they’re going to show a different side of AJ than the one the prosecution is painting. Hadsell’s lawyers showed glimpses of evidence AJ was possibility suicidal when she disappeared, reading out loud entries from her journal to show she was upset over a relationship. They also showed text messages where she told her boyfriend she was on antidepressants.

 

[Hoosgirl]

Exactly. And Wes' van just happened to be there at that house in a completely unrelated coincidence (eyeroll).

 

[Lilibet]

Exactly. And Wes' van just happened to be there at that house in a completely unrelated coincidence (eyeroll).

Throw everything at the wall (jury) and see if it sticks!

 

[Vail]

Looking forward to hearing the evidence in this case. I have high expectations for all the time they've had to prepare.

 

[katydid23]

I wonder if anyone is going to live stream this trial?

 

[Ontario Mom]

I wonder if anyone is going to live stream this trial?

I sure hope so, but it sure seems like folks have lost interest in AJ's case. Not at all the same level of media attention as compared to years gone by but I think that's the biggest issue is that it has been so many years.
Ugh.

The wheels of justice in this case have been moving terribly slow, but I hope justice is finally coming with this trial.

 

[MsMarple]

Hard to believe AJ disappeared on March 2 2015! So many years. Hopefully the trial will finally bring justice to this beautiful young woman who was taken and killed by a monster so long ago. RIP sweetheart.

Photo from Significant info. still rare in search for AJ

 

[Hoosgirl]

I'm adding a content warning here before you click, this article had some graphic details about the scene where they discovered AJ's body:

Jury seated in murder trial of Wesley Hadsell | 13newsnow.com

 

[Hoosgirl]

During Monday’s opening statements, the Commonwealth said her Wesley Hadsell killed AJ and the evidence will prove it. Prosecutors painted AJ as a good girl, a go-getter, a college student with plans for the future.

The defense took the opportunity to point out other theories of what may have happened to AJ and who could have killed her in an attempt to show reasonable doubt to the jury.

Hadsell maintains his innocence on all charges, but the defense took another interesting tactic during their opening.

Defense Attorney James Ellenson acknowledged the jury may find Hadsell guilty of concealment of a body but said there’s no evidence for the murder charges.

Opening statements, first witness testimony: murder trial underway for Wesley Hadsell | WAVY.com

 

[MsMarple]

I'm adding a content warning here before you click, this article had some graphic details about the scene where they discovered AJ's body:

Jury seated in murder trial of Wesley Hadsell | 13newsnow.com

Thanks @Hoosgirl! Some non-graphic excerpts from the article:

According to the prosecution, when he went back to work, his boss questioned him, and Hadsell said he had to meet AJ at a gas station to give her money. The prosecution got the video surveillance from that gas station and said they found that to be a lie.

The prosecution said Wesley planted several pieces of evidence, including AJ’s cell phone on the side of a road. He told investigators he received tips about the items and went and searched for them.

Attorney James Ellenson, who is representing Hadsell, told jurors there’s no direct evidence his client murdered AJ. He said there are several different possibilities of how she could have died, even saying it could have been an accident.

He explained to jurors about the charges and said they are independent charges. He said Wesley adopted AJ in 2015.

Ellenson told jurors Wesley got kicked out of his home because he went through his wife’s devices and found she was having an affair.

He also said AJ suffered from a head injury and Dr. Ralph Northam, Virginia’s former governor, prescribed her medicine that could cause suicidal thoughts. He said during a CHKD interview with AJ’s younger sister, the sister told the experts AJ may have committed suicide.
​

Also the prosecution said Wesley bought heroin and cocaine from a drug dealer the morning AJ disappeared. Remember the story Wes spun about meeting AJ at the gas station? He said "Then she departed my presence" when describing the (never happened) meeting. Ugh, so creepy. And more:

After opening statements, the Commonwealth called their first witness, Sergeant David Benjamin from the Norfolk Police Department.

Benjamin explained to the jury how police found AJ’s body by following the GPS history from the Garmin in Hadsell’s work van.
...
Defense Attorney James Ellenson called Sgt Benjamin a liar at one point during questioning about a search of AJ’s dorm room.

Testimony will continue with the Commonwealth’s next witness Tuesday morning.​

Opening statements, first witness testimony: murder trial underway for Wesley Hadsell | WAVY.com

 

[katydid23]

During Monday’s opening statements, the Commonwealth said her Wesley Hadsell killed AJ and the evidence will prove it. Prosecutors painted AJ as a good girl, a go-getter, a college student with plans for the future.

The defense took the opportunity to point out other theories of what may have happened to AJ and who could have killed her in an attempt to show reasonable doubt to the jury.

Hadsell maintains his innocence on all charges, but the defense took another interesting tactic during their opening.

Defense Attorney James Ellenson acknowledged the jury may find Hadsell guilty of concealment of a body but said there’s no evidence for the murder charges.

Opening statements, first witness testimony: murder trial underway for Wesley Hadsell | WAVY.com

I HAAATE it when defense attorneys say that: 'just because he buried the body does not mean he killed her.'

WHO buries a body when they have no involvement in the death? Wouldn't you call 911 if you come across a dead body?

 

[katydid23]

Is anyone filming this trial? Is it on YouTube or crime and law or anywhere????

 

[Hoosgirl]

Is anyone filming this trial? Is it on YouTube or crime and law or anywhere????

Haven't seen it anywhere. Couldn't find any live tweeters either. Really sad that the trial isn't getting more coverage.

 

[mickey2942]

Throw everything at the wall (jury) and see if it sticks!

Yes. It looks like the defense is going in about 10 different directions here.
1. AJ committed suicide
2. Haskell has a brain injury
3. Haskell buried her, but didn't kill her

Seriously? What does the "brain injury" have anything to do with AJ's suicidal thoughts? So, it muddys up the entire premise.

Just as well the defense is a hot mess. I am glad that there isn't a coherent defense strategy here.

 

[MsMarple]

Ali Weatherton 13News Now
@13AliWeatherton
DAY 4: The first person to testify today in the trial against Wesley Hadsell was Assistant Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Wendy Gunther. She performed the autopsy on AJ Hadsell in 2015. MORE: [URL='https://twitter.com/hashtag/13NewsNow?src=hashtag_click']#13NewsNow[/URL]

[URL='https://twitter.com/13AliWeatherton']@13AliWeatherton[/URL]
3h
Court is now in recess for a lunch break. Attorneys for the Commonwealth hope to have two to three more people testify today. #13NewsNow

[URL='https://twitter.com/13AliWeatherton']Ali Weatherton 13News Now[URL='https://twitter.com/13AliWeatherton'][/URL][/URL]
3h
@13AliWeatherton
Dr. Gunther says AJ died from acute heroin poisoning and she had triple the amount of lethal heroin in her body. She also said AJ had several bruises on her body — including on her jaw, chest and around her eyes