Trials & Sentencings for July, 2024

[Niner]

For the week of Monday, July 1st thru Friday, July 5th:

Monday, July 1st:
*Trial set to begin (Federal case) (@ am ET) – FL – *Tony Lee J. “TJ” Wiggins, Jr. (26/now 30) aka John L. Wiggins Federal indictment (June, 2023) & a superseding indictment filed (Oct. 2023) & charged (10/2023) with 2 counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The indictment said Wiggins "did knowingly possess, in & affecting foreign commerce, a firearm, that is, a Norinco model Mak90 rifle." In Citrus County jail awaiting the federal trial.
Federal trial set to begin on 7/1/24. Judge Philip R> Lammens presiding.
Murder trial was set to begin on 7/22/24 for jury selection & continued due to Federal trial starting first. No further dates.
Murder crime & court info from 7/22/20 thru 12/7/23 reference post #96 here:
[URL='https://www.websleuths.com/fo...-frostproof-17-july-2020-3.682061/page-5[/url]
4/26/24 Update: At Friday's hearing, Wiggns' attorney, Bjorn Brunvand, said his client was currently being held in the Citrus County Jail awaiting the federal trial. Federal court records show an indictment against Wiggins in 6/23/23 on one count of possession of ammunition by a felon. Until Wiggins’ next court appearance in Bartow, he is set for a trial in federal court on 7/1/24. The federal case was filed on 6/21/23 in the U.S. Middle District Court in Tampa, records show. On 7/21/23, in a detention order, federal marshals took Wiggins from state custody into federal custody. According to Chief Assistant State Attorney Jacob Orr, the state will be prepared for trial once the federal trial is over.

*Trial continues (Day 5) (@ 9am MT) - CO - Bethany Maclaren (70) wife & Ruth Jennifer Maclaren (35) daughter found after 911 call by Maclaren in living room with substantial injuries & no signs of life, Mar. 25, 2023 Englewood. *Reginald Livingstone Maclaren (81/now 83) arrested (3/25/23) & charged (4/3/23) & arraigned (1/23/24) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder willful/family/ weapon, tampering with evidence & false reporter. Held without bond. Bond set (7/19/23) at $2M Cash or Surety. Confessed to detectives. Plead not guilty.
Trial began on 6/21/24 with jury selection & ended on 6/24/24). Trial began on 6/25/24. (Trial thru 7/2/24)
District Judge Michelle Amico presiding. Chief Deputy DA Jacob Adkins & Senior Deputy DA Corrie Caler. Defense attorneys Regina Fountain & Anddrea Kremer.
Case info from 3/20/23 thru 6/20/24 & Jury Selection Day 1-2 (6/21-6/24) & Trial Day 1 (6/25/24) reference post #43 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...d-arapahoe-county-25-march-2023.672086/page-3
6/26/24 Wednesday, Trial Day 2: State witnesses: No info available yet. Trial continues on Thursday, 6/27/24.
6/27/24 Thursday, Trial Day 3: No info available. Trial continues on Friday, 6/28/24.
6/28/24 Friday, Trial Day 4: No info available. Trial continues on Monday, 7/1/24.

*Trial continues (Day 35) (@ 9am PT) – CA – Blaze Bernstein (19) (Jan. 2, 2018, Lake Forest; found Jan. 9, 2018; he was stabbed 19 times in his neck; 14 times on the left, 5 on the right & 1 stab wound in his left knee) – *Samuel Lincoln Woodward (20/now 26) arrested (1/15/18) & charged (1/17/18) & arraigned (11/9/18) with 1 count of felony murder with a hate crime enhancement for killing someone because of their sexual orientation & sentencing enhancement-personal use of a knife. Plead not guilty (again on 11/9/18). $5M bail, bail revoked (11/9/18). In custody of the Theo Lacy jail.
Trial began on 4/9/24. Court DARK on most Fridays.
Judge Kimberly K. Menninger presiding. Prosecutor DA Todd Spitzer & Senior Deputy DA Jennifer Walker; Defense attorney assistant public defender Kenneth S. Morrison (from the Orange County Public Defender’s Office).
State rested their case (I think) on 5/7/24. Defense began on 5/8/24.
Court hearings from 2/2/18 thru 2/29/24 & Jury Selection Days 1-14 (3/6 thru 4/4/24) & Trial Day 1-33 (4/9-6/27/24) reference post #425 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ake-forest-2-jan-2018-8-arrest.618349/page-22
6/28/24 Friday, Trial Day 34: No info available. Defense COULD have rested. Trial continues on Monday, 7/1/24.


Friday, July 5th:
*Trial continues (Day 26) (@ 9am CET) – Germany/Portugal - Hazel Behan (20 @ time/now 40) (in her home, June 16, 2004, Praia de Rocha on the Algarve coast, 10 miles from Praia de Luz, Portimao, Portugal) - *Christian Stefan Brückner (Bruekner) (27 @ time of 1st crime (2004)/45/now 47) charged (Oct. 11, 2022) with sexual assault (suspect held a knife & brutally raped her. The accused then tied & gagged the woman to a table & raped her again. He then whipped the victim on the back with a whip he had brought with him & finally forcibly performed oral sex with the victim. The accused filmed large parts of the events with a video camera he had brought with him). Braunschweig Regional District Court
Germany/Portugal – *Charged (Oct. 11, 2022) & arrest warrant reinstated 11/18/22 - a 14 year old teenager (unknown victim) (on tape: assaulted/hit the naked girl with a whip. Said to have brutally forced the girl to have oral sex. The accused also videotaped this act). Took place between Dec. 28, 2000 to April 8, 2006 on the Praia da Luz, Algarve coast, Portugal.
Germany/Portugal - *Charged (Oct. 11, 2022) & arrest warrant reinstated 11/18/22 - an elderly woman 70-80 yrs old (unknown victim) a Tour Rep (tied up & raped the victim in her holiday apt. He then hit the victim several times with a whip. The accused is said to have recorded the entire event with a video camera). Took place around the same time (between Dec. 28, 2000 to April 8, 2006) on the Praia de Luz, Algarve coast, Portugal.
Germany/Portugal – *Charged (Oct. 11, 2022) & arrest warrant reinstated 11/18/22 - 10 year old German girl (Joana E.) (wearing only shoes & otherwise naked. He grabbed the child's wrist & began to perform masturbation movements on his naked penis). On Salema (Zalema) beach, near Praia de Luz, Portugal, April 7, 2007).
Germany/Portugal – *Charged (Oct. 11, 2022) & arrest warrant reinstated 11/18/22 – Ines VP (11 year old Portuguese girl) (pulled down his trousers & underpants & made masturbation movements on his naked penis in order to sexually arouse himself, until the frightened girl ran to her father for help. The suspect was arrested on the spot by the Portuguese police). Exposed himself in playpark, São Bartolomeu de Messines, June 11, 2017).
Trial began on February 16, 2024. (And continued on Feb. 23rd, Mar. 1st & 14th, Apr. 2nd, 10th, 12th, 17th, 19th, 24th & 26th, May 2nd, 15th, 166th, 17th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 28th, 29th & June 4th & 5th & 28th).
Next Trial dates: July 5, August 5, 15, 16, Sept. 5, 26, 27, Oct. 2, 7, 8, 21 & Oct. 22, 2024. (Expected to last up to 8 months, it was 3 months).
Presiding Judge Dr. Engemann. Lead Prosecutor Ute Lindermann. Defense attorneys Dr. Friedrich Fülscher, Philipp Marquort, Dennis Bock & Atilla Aykac.
Brueckner is currently serving a 7 year sentence for the 2005 rape on a pensioner; was sentenced in 2019. Release in 2026.
For Summary of events in trial so far – see post #329, page 17, thread #4.
Case info & charges & Brueckner info from June 1, 2020 thru Jan. 18, 2024 & Trial Day 1-24 (Feb. 16 thru June 6) reference post #389 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...imes-praia-de-rocha-portugal-4.714269/page-20
June 28, 2024 Friday, Day 25: The Braunschweig Regional Court did not want to comment in advance on the possible content of the evidence program on Friday. However, it is likely to be a short day of trial because the trial is scheduled to begin at 12pm & the Braunschweig courthouse usually closes at around 1pm on Fridays. An ophthalmologist is expected as a witness. The defense had requested an appropriate opinion to clarify whether a perpetrator could only be recognized by the eyes. In the case of an Irish woman who was raped in Portugal in 2004, the person concerned had reported as a witness of „ piercing blue eyes “. „ His eyes, I think this man is the attacker “, she told the court. The defense simply considers recognition based on the blue eye color to be impossible.
For more info see posts #395 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...imes-praia-de-rocha-portugal-4.714269/page-20
Trial continues on Friday, July 5, 2024.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Wednesday, July 3rd:
*Trial continues (Day 37)/VERDICT REACHED! (@ 9am PT) – CA – Blaze Bernstein (19) (Jan. 2, 2018, Lake Forest; found Jan. 9, 2018; he was stabbed 19 times in his neck; 14 times on the left, 5 on the right & 1 stab wound in his left knee) – *Samuel Lincoln Woodward (20/now 26) arrested (1/15/18) & charged (1/17/18) & arraigned (11/9/18) with 1 count of felony murder with a hate crime enhancement for killing someone because of their sexual orientation & sentencing enhancement-personal use of a knife. Plead not guilty (again on 11/9/18). $5M bail, bail revoked (11/9/18). In custody of the Theo Lacy jail.
Trial began on 4/9/24. Court DARK on Fridays.
Judge Kimberly K. Menninger presiding. Prosecutor DA Todd Spitzer & Senior Deputy DA Jennifer Walker; Defense attorney assistant public defender Kenneth S. Morrison (from the Orange County Public Defender’s Office).
State rested their case (I think) on 5/7/24. Defense began on 5/8/24 & ended on 6/27/24. Closing arguments started 6/28/24 & 7/1/24 with prosecutors & defense closing on 7/1 & 7/2/24 & rebuttal by State.
Jury started deliberations (Day 1) on 7/2/24 @ ~2:30pm to 5pm (?). Total deliberations: 2 1/2 hours. 7/3/24 (day 2): ~8am to ~12pm. Total deliberations: ~4 hours. TOTAL Deliberations: 6 ½ hours. Found guilty of 1st degree murder & enhancements.
Court hearings from 2/2/18 thru 2/29/24 & Jury Selection Days 1-14 (3/6 thru 4/4/24) & Trial Day 1-36 (4/9-7/2/24) & Verdict Watch Day 1-2 (7/2 & 7/3/24) reference post #443 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ake-forest-2-jan-2018-8-arrest.618349/page-23
7/3/24 Wednesday, Trial Day 37/Verdict Watch Day 2: Jury started deliberating about 8am & ended about 12noon. Woodward was found guilty of 1st degree murder with special allegations that the killing was motivated by hate & that it was committed using a weapon. Sentencing [& Firearms Relinquishment] hearing has been scheduled for 10/25/24 @ 9am. He faces life without the possibility of parole.
For more info see post #446 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ake-forest-2-jan-2018-8-arrest.618349/page-23

 

[Jo in Calif]

Jurors found Samuel Woodward, 26, guilty in the stabbing death of 19-year-old Blaze Bernstein, whose body was left in a shallow grave at Borrego park in Lake Forest. The victim had been repeatedly stabbed in the face and neck.


There were audible cheers in the courtroom when the hate crime decision was announced. The judge asked for quiet before the clerk continued reading the jury's verdict.


Bernstein's mother said she is relieved following the hate crime murder conviction. Jeanne Pepper Berstein spoke Wednesday outside the Santa Ana courtroom where Woodward was convicted. She thanked people for their support and said the family will need time to process the outcome of the murder trial.


"This is a great relief that justice was served and this despicable human who murdered our son will no longer be a threat to the public," she said, adding that the family will now "live our lives knowing that this murderer will no longer be able to hurt any other people."


There were no indications of any visible reaction from Woodward when the verdict was read. He sat facing forward, his face obscured by his long, hair.

Orange County man convicted of hate crime murder in killing of gay ex-classmate Blaze Bernstein

An Orange County man was convicted of first-degree murder Wednesday in the stabbing death of a gay former high school classmate in 2018.

www.nbclosangeles.com

 

[Niner]

For the week of Monday, July 8th thru Friday, July 12th:

Monday, July 8th:
*Change of Plea Hearing (@ 11am PT) - OR – Dennis W. Day (76) (former original Disney Mouseketeer, Phoenix, missing July 15, 2018, found April 4, 2019, ID’ed Jun 6, 2019) - *Daniel James Burda (36/now 41) arrested & charged (7/5/19) & arraigned (7/17/19) with 2nd degree manslaughter, 2nd degree criminal negligent homicide, 2nd degree abuse of a corpse, 1st degree criminal mistreatment, 7 counts of aggravated identity theft, fraudulent use of credit card & 2nd degree theft. Plead not guilty. $150K Bond. Released on 7/15/20. But wound up back behind bars after he was convicted of 3rd degree robbery in Jackson County & imprisoned at the Columbia River Correctional Institution on Feb. 9, 2021. Jackson County
Was handyman for Day. Day’s car found 200 miles away on Oregon coast on 7/26/19. Day’s partner Caswell died in Sept., 2019.
Trial was set to begin on 1/22/24 continued on 7/15/24 was cancelled due to change of plea.
Judge Kelly Ravassipour. Prosecutor Deputy DA Michael McClelland Cohen. Lead attorney Christine Kantas Herbert & court appointed Justina E. Lara.
Court info from 7/5/19 thru 1/18/24 reference post #413 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...jackson-co-15-july-2018-arrest.408040/page-21
1/22/24 Update: Motion for trial continuance-granted. Trial now set to begin on 7/15/24.
6/10/24 Docket update: Substitution of Attorney. 6/11/24: Appearance with presiding Judge Benjamin M. Bloom. Result Held. Assigned to Judge Ravassipour. Parties Present: Plaintiff: State of Oregon, Deputy DA Michael McClelland Cohen. Release Conditions: Security $50K, no conditions. Order - Custody by Judge Bloom. Bail $50K. 6/12/24 Docket update: Media Request for KDRV 12 (Behind KOBI 5) Approved by Judge Ravassipour on 6/12/24. Request for attendance of out of state witness. 6/14/24 Docket update: Citation of Judge Laura Cromwell requesting for attendance of out of state witness. Petition for certificate to secure attendance of out-of-state witness. Request for attendance of out-of-state witness. Certificate of Judge Laura Cromwell requesting attendance of out-of-state witness.
7/5/24 Docket update: Petition-No Contest Plea. Trial date of 7/15/24 has been cancelled IF defendant pleas. Case assigned to Judge Kelly W. Ravassipour on 7/8/24 at 11am for a change of plea hearing.
*Wanda Diane Garcia (57/now 62) – 6/1/22: Plead guilty. Disposition: Unauthorized use of a vehicle-convicted & theft in the first degree-dismissed. Probation supervised duration 18 months. Failure to appear for warrant.
*Lori Ann Declusin – Pretrial hearing on 8/6/19 Jackson County: Failed to appear warrant issued. Next arraignment hearing Douglas County on 8/29/19. Failed to appear. Next Jackson County hearing on 9/17/19: Failed to appear-FTA warrant issued. 9/30/19: Jackson County: Failed to appear-Warrant out. 11/1/19 Update: Douglas County: Indictment & arrest warrant filed. She is wanted as a witness in Burda’s trial, according to filings by the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office. 11/5/19: $10K warrant out for her arrest.
For more info thru 1/17/21 update see post #382 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...jackson-co-15-july-2018-arrest.408040/page-20


Tuesday, July 9th:
*Plea Hearing (@ 1:30pm CT) - WI - J.D.N. 15 year old boy locked in his bedroom for long periods of time & not being fed & falsely imprisoned, Dec. 26, 2023 in Clover. *Brianne Faye Nicoletti (34/now 35), aka Brianne Faye Hyde “adopted mom” arrested (12/26/23), charged (1/23/24) & arraigned (1/30/24) with 2 counts of child abuse-intentionally cause great bodily harm, 1st degree recklessly endangering safety, 2 counts of neglecting a child, causing mental harm to child, child abuse-intentionally causing harm & 4 counts of false imprisonment. Bond $2500K; posted Cash bond on 12/26/23. Plead not guilty. Bayfield County
Judge John P. Anderson presiding. DA Lawton. Defense attorney public defender Kenneth W. Ryder III.
Case & court info from 12/26/23 thru 5/15/24 reference post #15 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-him-falsely-imprisoning-him-dec-2023.703325/
6/12/24: Confidential Crime Victim Information. Letters/correspondence. Letter to Judge from Jody Heffner, VWC re: victim rights. Status conference hearing on 6/18/24 @ 11am.
6/18/24 Update: No info on hearing. Next plea hearing on 7/9/24 @ 1:30pm.

*Sentencing Hearing (@ 1:30pm MT) - NM - Pronoy Bhattacharya (7) (Hit & run on Dec. 12, 2021, River of Lights display, Albuquerque & seriously injured Pronoy father Aditya Bhattacharya) - Sergio Alfred Almanza (27/now 30) warrant served for his arrest (12/13/21), surrendered (1/31/22) charged & arraigned (2/14/22) with homicide by vehicle (driving while under the influence or homicide by vehicle (reckless driving), great bodily harm by vehicle (driving while under the influence) or homicide by vehicle (reckless driving), knowingly leaving the scene of an accident (great bodily harm or death), 2 counts of tampering with evidence & driving an off-highway motor vehicle on a paved street or highway. Plead not guilty. No bond. Albuquerque County
Trial began on 8/21/23 & ended 8/30/23). 12 Jurors & 4 alternates. Judge Brett Loveless presiding.
State & defense rested their cases on 8/29/23. Jury deliberations: 8/30/23 from 12 Noon to 5pm (?) - ~5 hours. 8/31/23 from 8:30am to 4pm = ~7 ½ hours. Total deliberations: ~12 ½ hours.
Info on hit & run & court info from 2/4/22 to 8/16/23 & Trial Days 1-9 (8/21 to 8/30/23) & Jury Deliberations Day 1 (8/30/23) reference post #48 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ver-albuquerque-dec-2021-arrest.607490/page-3
8/31/23 Thursday, Trial Day 9: The jury continues deliberations. The jury has reached a verdict in the trial of Sergio Almanza. The jury has found Almanza guilty on all counts. A sentencing hearing to be set on 7/9/24 @ 1:30pm.
For more info see post #49 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/...ver-albuquerque-dec-2021-arrest.607490/page-3
11/27/23 Update: Motion to continue sentencing hearing. Joint Notice of non-availability. Order: Continuing sentencing hearing. No further dates available.
12/1/23 Update: Notice of sentencing hearing on 4/17/24 @ 1:30pm. 12/9/23 Docket update: State's motion to continue sentencing. 12/20/23: Order-sentencing setting continued on 7/9/24 @ 1:30pm. 1/12/24: Jury Sworn.


Wednesday, July 10th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ am MT) - CO - Bethany Maclaren (70) wife & Ruth Jennifer Maclaren (35) daughter found after 911 call by Maclaren in living room with substantial injuries & no signs of life, Mar. 25, 2023 Englewood. *Reginald Livingstone Maclaren (81/now 83) arrested (3/25/23) & charged (4/3/23) & arraigned (1/23/24) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder willful/family/ weapon, tampering with evidence & false reporter. Held without bond. Bond set (7/19/23) at $2M Cash or Surety. Confessed to detectives. Plead not guilty. Arapahone County
Trial began on 6/21/24 with jury selection & ended on 6/24/24). Trial began on 6/25/24 & ended 6/28/24 with a guilty verdict.
District Judge Michelle Amico presiding. Chief Deputy DA Jacob Adkins & Senior Deputy DA Corrie Caler. Defense attorneys Regina Fountain & Anddrea Kremer.
Case info from 3/20/23 thru 6/20/24 & Jury Selection Day 1-2 (6/21-6/24) & Trial Day 1-3 (6/25-27/24) reference post #47 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...d-arapahoe-county-25-march-2023.672086/page-3
6/28/24 Friday, Trial Day 4: Maclaren was found guilty of 1st degree murder, tampering with a deceased body & false reporting in the 2023 deaths of his wife & daughter in Arapahoe County District Court on Friday. His sentencing is set for 7/10/24.
For more info see post #48 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...d-arapahoe-county-25-march-2023.672086/page-3

 

[Niner]

Update!

Monday, July 8th:
*Change of Plea Hearing (@ 11am PT) - OR – Dennis W. Day (76) (former original Disney Mouseketeer, Phoenix, missing July 15, 2018, found April 4, 2019, ID’ed Jun 6, 2019) - *Daniel James Burda (36/now 41) arrested & charged (7/5/19) & arraigned (7/17/19) with 2nd degree manslaughter, 2nd degree criminal negligent homicide, 2nd degree abuse of a corpse, 1st degree criminal mistreatment, 7 counts of aggravated identity theft, fraudulent use of credit card & 2nd degree theft. Plead not guilty. $150K Bond. Released on 7/15/20. But wound up back behind bars after he was convicted of 3rd degree robbery in Jackson County & imprisoned at the Columbia River Correctional Institution on Feb. 9, 2021. Jackson County
Was handyman for Day. Day’s car found 200 miles away on Oregon coast on 7/26/19. Day’s partner Caswell died in Sept., 2019.
Trial was set to begin on 1/22/24 continued on 7/15/24 was cancelled due to change of plea.
Judge Kelly Ravassipour. Prosecutor Deputy DA Michael McClelland Cohen. Lead attorney Christine Kantas Herbert & court appointed Justina E. Lara.
Court info from 7/5/19 thru 6/14/24 reference post #444 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-jackson-co-15-july-2018-arrest.408040/page-3
7/5/24 Docket update: Petition-No Contest Plea. Trial date of 7/15/24 has been cancelled IF defendant pleas. Case assigned to Judge Kelly W. Ravassipour on 7/8/24 at 11am for a change of plea hearing.
7/8/24 Update: On Monday Burda changed his plea to "no contest" on two counts. Criminally negligent homicide & abuse of a corpse in the second degree. A "no contest" plea carries the same penalties as a guilty plea without admitting fault. The Judge sentenced Burda to just over 4 years (50 months) in State prison. The Judge said Burda will also receive credit for time served, followed by 3 years of post-prison supervision.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Tuesday, July 9th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 1:30pm MT) - NM - Pronoy Bhattacharya (7) (Hit & run on Dec. 12, 2021, River of Lights display, Albuquerque & seriously injured Pronoy father Aditya Bhattacharya) - Sergio Alfred Almanza (27/now 30) warrant served for his arrest (12/13/21), surrendered (1/31/22) charged & arraigned (2/14/22) with homicide by vehicle (driving while under the influence or homicide by vehicle (reckless driving), great bodily harm by vehicle (driving while under the influence) or homicide by vehicle (reckless driving), knowingly leaving the scene of an accident (great bodily harm or death), 2 counts of tampering with evidence & driving an off-highway motor vehicle on a paved street or highway. Plead not guilty. No bond. Albuquerque County
Trial began on 8/21/23 & ended 8/30/23). 12 Jurors & 4 alternates.
Judge Brett Loveless presiding. Prosecutors R John Duran & Greer E. Staley. Defense attorneys Ahmad Aased, Brittany J. Schaffer, Richard J. Moran & Amy M. Willias.
State & defense rested their cases on 8/29/23. Jury deliberations: 8/30/23 from 12 Noon to 5pm (?) - ~5 hours. 8/31/23 from 8:30am to 4pm = ~7 ½ hours. Total deliberations: ~12 ½ hours. Almanza found guilty of all charges.
Info on hit & run & court info from 2/4/22 to 8/16/23 & Trial Days 1-9 (8/21 to 8/31/23) & Jury Deliberations Day 1-2 (8/30-8/31/23) & thru 12/9/23 reference post #54 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ver-albuquerque-dec-2021-arrest.607490/page-3
12/20/23 Docket update: Order-sentencing setting continued on 7/9/24 @ 1:30pm. 1/12/24: Jury Sworn.
7/9/24 Update: District Court Judge Brett Loveless handed down a sentence of 27 years with 2 years suspended [for time served] in prison for Almanza on Tuesday.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Wednesday, July 10th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am MT) - CO - Bethany Maclaren (70) wife & Ruth Jennifer Maclaren (35) daughter found after 911 call by Maclaren in living room with substantial injuries & no signs of life, Mar. 25, 2023 Englewood. *Reginald Livingstone Maclaren (81/now 83) arrested (3/25/23) & charged (4/3/23) & arraigned (1/23/24) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder willful/family/ weapon, tampering with evidence & false reporter. Held without bond. Bond set (7/19/23) at $2M Cash or Surety. Confessed to detectives. Plead not guilty. Arapahone County
Trial began on 6/21/24 with jury selection & ended on 6/24/24). Trial began on 6/25/24 & ended 6/28/24 with a guilty verdict.
District Judge Michelle Amico presiding. Chief Deputy DA Jacob Adkins & Senior Deputy DA Corrie Caler. Defense attorneys Regina Fountain & Anddrea Kremer.
Case info from 3/20/23 thru 6/20/24 & Jury Selection Day 1-2 (6/21-6/24) & Trial Day 1-4 (6/25-28/24) reference post #50 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...d-arapahoe-county-25-march-2023.672086/page-3
7/10/24 Update: Maclaren was sentenced to life in prison without parole for both counts of first-degree murder, 12 years in the DOC for both counts of tampering with a deceased body & 120 days in jail for false reporting, the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office said Wednesday. The judge ruled the sentences would run consecutively.

 

[Niner]

This case is finally finished...

Thursday, July 11th:
*Trial continues (Day 3)-VERDICT REACHED! (@ 9am PT) – OR – Kenneth Lee Griffin (53) (last seen Feb. 1, 2020 & reported missing on Feb. 2, 2020, Portland, found May 19, 2020 in Lovrien’s shed) - *Christopher Charles Lovrien (51 @ time of crime/52 now 57) indicted (4/30/20), re-indicted (3/10/21), charged (3/10/21) & arraigned (3/11/21) with 2nd degree murder, 1st degree abuse of a corpse & 6 counts of being a felon in possession of firearms. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Multonmah County
Griffin Trial began on 4/8/24 & ended on 4/15/24 with a guilty verdict of 2nd degree murder & 1st degree abuse of a corpse. Sentenced (4/26/24) to life in prison.
Judge Christopher Ramras presiding. Dep. DA Kirsten M. Snowden, Margaret Burgess & Mackenzie M. Ludwig. Defense attorney Keith Goody & co-counsel Andy Simrin (they were appointed on 4/15/24).
Dribin Trial was set to begin on 1/29/24 continued on 2/5/24 & was cancelled. Lovrien plead guilty to 1st degree manslaughter & was sentenced to 20 years & no chance of parole on 1/12/24.
Trial began [for firearms possession] on 7/9/24 & ended on 7/11/24. Found guilty. Sentenced to 2 ½ years in prison.
Judge Jenna Plank presiding.
Dribin: Court info from 5/5/20 thru 2/8/24 & Griffin: Court info from 3/16/21 thru 2/8/24 & Griffin: Court info from 3/16/21 thru 3/29/24 & Trial Days 1-5 (4/8-4/12/24) & thru 7/8/24 & Trial Day 1-2/Jury Selection Day 1-2 (7/9-10/24) reference post #955 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...pher-charles-lovrien-sentenced.153627/page-48
7/11/24 Thursday, Trial Day 3: Was found guilty on the 6 counts of being a felon in possession of firearms. Sentenced to 2 ½ years. Will spend the next 47 plus years in prison.
Lovrien has been moved out of Multnomah County Jail to a facility called Coffee Creek Correctional Facility for 30 days. So he's finally in the prison system. and for the gun charges, he got another 2 1/2 years added on to his sentence, so he should be behind bars for 47 years unless he dies first.

 

[Niner]

For the week of Monday, July 15th thru Friday, July 19th:

Monday, July 15th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 2:30pm MT) – CO - 29 day old baby boy with three broken ribs, right humerus fractured in two places, left fractured femur, "Buckle" fractures of the right & left tibia (bone bends but are not fully broken), black eye, bruises to chin, cheek, elbow & inside of mouth & significant traumatic brain injury on Sept. 20, 2017 & died on Dec., 2023 in Aurora. *Eddie Meyers () indicted & charged (May, 2023) with 1st degree murder & child abuse resulting in death. Arapahoe County
Trial was set to begin on 2/27/24 continued on 6/18/24 & cancelled due to Guilty plea.
Case info from 9/20/17 thru 11/3/23 reference post #36 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...day-old-son-aurora-20-sept-2017.684040/page-2
12/19/23 Update: Motions hearing was reset on 1/31/24 @ 9am. 1/31/24 Update: Motion for trial continuance-granted. Next pretrial readiness hearing on 6/7/24 & trial is now set to begin on 6/14/24 thru 6/29/24.
6/2/24 Update: Looks like Meyers plead guilty – sentencing hearing on 7/15/24 @ 2:30pm.
*Taja Shannon - "mom" had arraignment hearing on 1/22/24 & plead guilty. Sentencing hearing on 4/29/24. No idea what her sentence was.


Tuesday, July 16th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 8:30am MT) - CO – Aviyana Montoya (23 mos.) (died Jan. 2, 2022 from fentanyl (10 times the amount necessary to kill an intolerant adult user), Brighton) - *Nicole Danielle Casias (30/now 32) arrested & charged (3/30/22) & arraigned (11/8/23) with child abuse resulting in death & [distribution of a controlled substance (Sched I or II)-dismissed on 11/5/22]. $100K bond. Plead not guilty. Adams County
Trial was set to begin on 7/12/24 was cancelled with a guilty plea (5/16/24).
Court info from 3/30/22 thru 2/9/24 reference post #94 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...an-22-parents-arrested-mar-2022.617484/page-5
5/10/24 Update: Next disposition hearing on 5/16/24 @ 8:30am.
5/16/24 Update: Casias plead guilty to charges. Sentencing hearing on 7/16/24 @ 8:30am.
*Alonzo Ray Montoya (31/now 33) – Trial ended on 1/22/24 with a guilty verdict. Sentenced 4/4/24 to 40 years in prison.

*Sentencing Hearing (@ 8:30am PT) – CA – Noah McIntosh (8) (last seen about Feb. 24, 2019, died about Mar. 3 or 4, reported missing Mar. 12, 2019, Corona; not found yet) – *Jillian Marie Godfrey (36/now 42) “mother” arrested (3/13/19), charged (3/15/19) & arraigned (4/15/19) with felony willful child cruelty (endangerment). Plead not guilty. $500K bond. Riverside County
Godfrey says 3/2/19 is the last time she saw Noah. 11 yr. old daughter in CPS custody.
Godfrey plead guilty (12/19/19) & was released from custody (10/15/20) on own recognizance. Will be sentenced on 7/16/24.
Court info from 3/15/19 thru 7/19/23 reference post #225 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ents-arrested-godfrey-guilty-2.547463/page-12
5/3/24 Docket update: Requests for continuance pursuant to PC1050 filed. Sentencing hearing is now on 5/23/24 @ 8:30am. 5/23/24 Update: Sentencing hearing is reset on 7/16/24 @ 8:30am.
*Bryce Daniel McIntosh (32/now 37) “father” – Trial readiness Hearing on 8/9/23.


Friday, July 19th:
*Sentencing Hearing (Higuera) (@ 1:30pm ADT) - AZ - Boy, 21 mos. was taken to CVS pharmacy, but not moving or breathing when brought to a CVS Pharmacy (at 75th Ave & Bethany Home Rd) on Feb. 8, 2024 in Glendale. *Francisco Javier Felix-Higuera (22) “stepfather” arrested (2/9/24), indicted (2/20/24), charged & arraigned (2/28/24) with 1st degree murder & 2nd degree child abuse with intent. Bond $1.5M Cash only. Plead not guilty. Maricopa County
*Maria Isabel Machado-Perez (19) “mom” arrested (2/9/24), indicted (2/20/24), charged & arraigned (2/28/24) 1st degree murder during crime & 2nd degree child about with intent. Bond $500K Cash only. Plead not guilty. Maricopa County
Trial set to begin on 1/7/25 for Machado-Perez.
Prosecutor Christopher Sammons. Defense attorney Jeffrey Kirchler for Higuera & Greg Parzych for Perez.
Higuera plead guilty (7/8/24) & agreed to a plea deal. Sentencing on 7/19/24.
Case & Court info from 2/8/24 thru 5/78/24 reference post #33 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ime-glendale-8-feb-2024-arrests.704183/page-2
5/20/24 Update: Next complex/capital case hearing on 7/8/24 @ 8:30am. 5/17/24 Docket update: Both: Release receipt for official court files/transcripts/exhibits. Motion for Temporary removal of court files/transcripts/exhibits. Order for temporary removal. 5/21/24 Return receipt for Official court files/transcripts/exhibits. 5/22/24: Conference reset/continued. 5/29/24: Stipulation to extend notice deadline. 5/31/24: New deadline for State to file notice of intent to seek the death penalty is 8/28/24 & defense shall provide the State any proposed mitigation evidence relevant to the State's decision to seek the DP by 7/25/24. 6/3/24 Docket update: Order signed.
6/24/24 Docket update: Higuera: Plea agreement. Hearing set. 6/26/24: Plea agreement/Change of plea. Higuera plead guilty & sentencing on 7/19/24 @ 1:30pm.
7/8/24 Update: Machado-Perez: Next Complex/Capital case hearing on 8/26/24 @ 8:30am, pretrial conference hearing on 10/14/24 @ 8:30am & pretrial conference hearing on 12/16/24 @ 8:30am. Trial will begin on 1/7/25 @ 9am.