GUILTY WA - Sarah Yarborough, 16, found deceased, Federal Way, 14 Dec 1991 *DNA arrest in 2019*

DNA Solves
DNA Solves
DNA Solves
First Day of trial, August 17, 2023

Dated April 17, 2023


....
It was an emotionally packed courtroom of Yarborough’s high school friends, with some traveling from out of state to be there in support of family and friends scheduled to testify on the first day of the trial.

Prosecutors painted a picture in minute detail of that day when Yarborough was waiting outside her school to go to a drill team competition when she was later found in some brush near the school. She’d been strangled with her nylons. Loved ones in the gallery could be heard getting emotional as prosecutors described the scene of the murder.

“Sarah Yarborough fought for her life that morning where she was sexually assaulted, where she was strangled, and where she was killed,” King Co. Prosecutor Celia Lee said.
[.....]
On the first day of testimony, the jury heard from Yarborough’s mother and friends about the day Sarah was murdered all those years ago.

More than 30 years after her daughter Sarah’s murder, Laura Yarborough testified about the last day of her daughter’s life and the moment her family learned Sarah had been murdered.
[.....]
“I drove by the high school on my way home,” Sarah’s friend, Shannon Grant, testified, “There was police caution tape up.”
[.....]
As the years went on, the original detectives on the case have retired and passed away. Others who were involved in the case have since moved away. One of the officers who initially responded to the scene in 1991 also testified Monday.
[.....]
Nicholas’ defense attorney meanwhile aimed to poke holes in the state’s case, painting a picture of detectives desperate to solve a cold case, turning to what they deemed unreliable methods.

“As days turned into weeks turned into months, turned into years, they did start getting desperate,” Defense Attorney David Montes said, “They used technology that is not only unproven but just wacky.”
[.....]
One juror was excused Monday morning after they were mistakenly sitting in the courtroom before the trial started, possibly overhearing some outside conversation about the case from others in the courtroom. The jury is now down to three alternates.
 
Unfortunately this is the only article I found for Day 2, and of course I have no access -


Wondering anyone reading here could give me a 10% synopsis on this - mainly WHO the witnesses were.

TIA if you can help me! :)
 
Wednesday, April 19th:
*Trial continues (Day 3) (@ 8:30am PT) – WA – Sarah Yarborough (16) (Dec. 14, 1991, Federal Way near Seattle) - *Patrick Leon Nicholas (27 @ time of crime/55/now 58) arrested (10/2/19), charged (10/3/19) & arraigned (10/17/19) with 1st degree murder with sexual motivation & 2nd degree rape. Plead not guilty. $5M bond.
DNA from 2 cigarette butts matched DNA from crime scene.
Trial began on 3/29/23 with jury selection but was cancelled.
Trial began on 4/17/23 with jury selection. 12 jurors & 4 alternates. 4/17/23: One juror excused. Now 12 jurors & 3 alternates.
Opening statements began on 4/17/23 (the trial date was changed 10 times). Judge Wiggs presiding.

Court info from 10/3/19 thru 3/28/23 & Jury Selection Day 1 (3/29/23) & thru 4/14/23 reference post #180 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-14-dec-1991-dna-arrest-in-2019.159660/page-9

4/17/23 Monday, Jury Selection Day 1/Trial Day 1: Jury selected - 12 jurors 4 alternates.
Opening statements by prosecutor Celia Lee & Defense Attorney David Montes.
State witnesses: Laura Yarborough, Sarah’s mother. Shannon Grant, Sarah’s friend. Police officer-no name given in article.
One juror was excused Monday morning after they were mistakenly sitting in the courtroom before the trial started, possibly overhearing some outside conversation about the case from others in the courtroom. The jury is now down to three alternates.
For more info see post #181 (article) here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-14-dec-1991-dna-arrest-in-2019.159660/page-9

4/18/23 Tuesday, Jury Selection Day 2: Opening No info available. Trial continues on Thursday,
4/19/23
 
Oops - too late to change my mistake.... last line should read Trial continues on Wednesday, 4/19/23.... getting ahead of myself! :rolleyes:

Maybe it is too many trials this week!!!
 
Well - I am striking out on finding an article I can access to see what happened yesterday. The only one covering this is at this link - which of course I can not access.... EU rules & all! :rolleyes:

So - if someone reading here could give a 10% synopsis on this - with who the witnesses were, etc. - I thank you in advance!! :)

Washington Crime Lab Analyst talks about finding DNA underneath Sarah Yarborough's fingernails


and if there is anything for Tuesday, 4/18 - I could use some info on that!
 
Oh - and the court site has nothing new...

Thursday, April 20th:
*Trial continues (Day 4) (@ 8:30am PT) – WA – Sarah Yarborough (16) (Dec. 14, 1991, Federal Way near Seattle) - *Patrick Leon Nicholas (27 @ time of crime/55/now 58) arrested (10/2/19), charged (10/3/19) & arraigned (10/17/19) with 1st degree murder with sexual motivation & 2nd degree rape. Plead not guilty. $5M bond.
DNA from 2 cigarette butts matched DNA from crime scene.
Trial began on 4/17/23 & ended 4/17/23 with jury selection. 12 jurors & 4 alternates. 4/17/23: One juror excused. Now 12 jurors & 3 alternates.
Trial began on 4/17/23. (the trial date was change 10 times). Judge Wiggs presiding.

Court info from 10/3/19 thru 3/28/23 & Jury Selection Day 1 (3/29/23) & thru 4/14/23 & Trial day 1 (4/17/23) reference post #183 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...14-dec-1991-dna-arrest-in-2019.159660/page-10

4/18/23 Tuesday, Trial Day 2: No info available yet. Trial continues on Wednesday, 4/19/23.
4/19/23 Wednesday, Trial Day 3: No info available yet. Trial continues on Thursday, 4/20/23.
 
Unfortunately this is the only article I found for Day 2, and of course I have no access -


Wondering anyone reading here could give me a 10% synopsis on this - mainly WHO the witnesses were.

TIA if you can help me! :)


They found DNA in fingernail clippings taken from Yarborough’s body. Later:

Detectives used familial DNA and collected Nicholas' discarded cigarettes which led to a match, according to prosecutors.

[...]

Washington State Crime Lab Analyst Jodi Sass testified about finding a suspect’s DNA under Sarah’s fingernails. The defense also questioned Sass about the reliability of genealogy testing. She said she wasn’t very familiar with that type of test.

A detective who originally worked the case also testified about finding Sarah’s cheer uniform and recovering the curlers that were in her hair when she was killed from the scene of the crime.

[...] Major John Mattsen [and] Retired Detective Michal Hatch also responded to the murder scene.

[...]

Police photos from that day show the crime scene and Sarah's white car. Hatch said he thought it was possible that the suspect’s DNA could be under her fingernails.

[...]

On Tuesday the defense questioned the methods detectives originally used to investigate the case.

Defense Attorney David Montes asked if polygraphs were used to clear suspects, [and] also questioned Hatch about the possibility that one detective used hypnosis in the investigation.
 
Well all the articles are on KING5, which I can not access.

@scapa - can I bother you to see if you can find Day 3 (4/19) & Day 4 (4/20) info?

TIA if you can! :)
 
Friday, April 21st:
*Trial continues (Day 5) (@ 8:30am PT) – WA – Sarah Yarborough (16) (Dec. 14, 1991, Federal Way near Seattle) - *Patrick Leon Nicholas (27 @ time of crime/55/now 58) arrested (10/2/19), charged (10/3/19) & arraigned (10/17/19) with 1st degree murder with sexual motivation & 2nd degree rape. Plead not guilty. $5M bond.
DNA from 2 cigarette butts matched DNA from crime scene.
Trial began on 4/17/23 & ended 4/17/23 with jury selection. 12 jurors & 4 alternates. 4/17/23: One juror excused. Now 12 jurors & 3 alternates.
Trial began on 4/17/23. (the trial date was change 10 times). Judge Wiggs presiding.

Court info from 10/3/19 thru 3/28/23 & Jury Selection Day 1 (3/29/23) & thru 4/14/23 & Trial day 1 (4/17/23) reference post #183 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...14-dec-1991-dna-arrest-in-2019.159660/page-10

4/18/23 Tuesday, Trial Day 2: State witnesses: Washington State Crime Lab Analyst Jodi Sass. Major John Mattsen. Retired Detective Michal Hatch. For more info see post #187 [pg 10.] Trial continues on Wednesday, 4/19/23.
4/19/23 Wednesday, Trial Day 3: No info available yet. Trial continues on Thursday, 4/20/23.
4/20/23 Thursday, Trial Day 4: No info available yet. Trial continues on Friday, 4/21/23.
 
Well - no luck finding ANYTHING for the last 3 days - starting with Wednesday thru Friday...

@scapa - how about you - any luck? TIA if you do find something! :)
 
Monday, April 24th:
*Trial continues (Day 6) (@ 8:30am PT) – WA – Sarah Yarborough (16) (Dec. 14, 1991, Federal Way near Seattle) - *Patrick Leon Nicholas (27 @ time of crime/55/now 58) arrested (10/2/19), charged (10/3/19) & arraigned (10/17/19) with 1st degree murder with sexual motivation & 2nd degree rape. Plead not guilty. $5M bond.
DNA from 2 cigarette butts matched DNA from crime scene.
Trial began on 4/17/23 & ended 4/17/23 with jury selection. 12 jurors & 4 alternates. 4/17/23: One juror excused. Now 12 jurors & 3 alternates.
Trial began on 4/17/23. (the trial date was change 10 times). Judge Wiggs presiding.

Court info from 10/3/19 thru 3/28/23 & Jury Selection Day 1 (3/29/23) & thru 4/14/23 & Trial day 1-2 (4/17-4/18/23) reference post #190 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...14-dec-1991-dna-arrest-in-2019.159660/page-10

4/19/23 Update: Order for expert services (#128 & 129). Seal confidential reports cover sheet (#130). Order sealing document (#131).
4/19/23 Wednesday, Trial Day 3: No info available yet. Trial continues on Thursday, 4/20/23.
4/20/23 Thursday, Trial Day 4: No info available yet. Trial continues on Friday, 4/21/23.
4/21/23 Friday, Trial Day 5: No info available yet. Trial continues on Monday, 4/24/23.
 
Still finding nothing new in articles...

Docket update though.

Documents List:

Sub # Date Filed Document Name Additional Information
130 04/19/2023 MM - Memorandum DEFENCE COUNSEL MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF EXPERT SERVICES FUNDING DATED 04/18//23 SEALED PER SUB 131 20

131 04/19/2023 ORSD - Order Sealing Document SUB 130 - DEFENCE COUNSEL MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF EXPERT SERVICES FUNDING DATED 04/18//23


link: https://dja-prd-ecexap1.kingcounty.gov/?q=node/405/2747013/FV-Public-Case-Events-Portal
 
Tuesday, April 25th:
*Trial continues (Day 7) (@ 8:30am PT) – WA – Sarah Yarborough (16) (Dec. 14, 1991, Federal Way near Seattle) - *Patrick Leon Nicholas (27 @ time of crime/55/now 58) arrested (10/2/19), charged (10/3/19) & arraigned (10/17/19) with 1st degree murder with sexual motivation & 2nd degree rape. Plead not guilty. $5M bond.
DNA from 2 cigarette butts matched DNA from crime scene.
Trial began on 4/17/23 & ended 4/17/23 with jury selection. 12 jurors & 4 alternates. 4/17/23: One juror excused. Now 12 jurors & 3 alternates.
Trial began on 4/17/23. (the trial date was change 10 times). Judge Wiggs presiding.

Court info from 10/3/19 thru 3/28/23 & Jury Selection Day 1 (3/29/23) & thru 4/14/23 & Trial day 1-5 (4/17-4/21/23) reference post #193 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...14-dec-1991-dna-arrest-in-2019.159660/page-10

4/18/23: (#130): Defense counsel memo in support of expert services funding sealed. Order (#131): Defense counsel memo in in support of expert services-sealed.
4/24/23 Monday, Trial Day 6: No info available yet. Trial continues on Tuesday, 4/25/23.
 
Well... I guess I shall continue posting this - no updates in the court site & finding NO articles on this case... I shall post thru Friday & then hold off posting it until I find something....


Wednesday, April 26th:
*Trial continues (Day 8) (@ 8:30am PT) – WA – Sarah Yarborough (16) (Dec. 14, 1991, Federal Way near Seattle) - *Patrick Leon Nicholas (27 @ time of crime/55/now 58) arrested (10/2/19), charged (10/3/19) & arraigned (10/17/19) with 1st degree murder with sexual motivation & 2nd degree rape. Plead not guilty. $5M bond.
DNA from 2 cigarette butts matched DNA from crime scene.
Trial began on 4/17/23 & ended 4/17/23 with jury selection. 12 jurors & 4 alternates. 4/17/23: One juror excused. Now 12 jurors & 3 alternates.
Trial began on 4/17/23. (the trial date was change 10 times). Judge Wiggs presiding.

Court info from 10/3/19 thru 3/28/23 & Jury Selection Day 1 (3/29/23) & thru 4/14/23 & Trial day 1-5 (4/17-4/21/23) reference post #193 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...14-dec-1991-dna-arrest-in-2019.159660/page-10

4/24/23 Monday, Trial Day 6: No info available yet. Trial continues on Tuesday, 4/25/23.
4/25/23 Tuesday, Trial day 7: No info available yet. Trial continues on Wednesday, 4/26/23.
 
Thursday, April 27th:
*Trial continues (Day 9) (@ 8:30am PT) – WA – Sarah Yarborough (16) (Dec. 14, 1991, Federal Way near Seattle) - *Patrick Leon Nicholas (27 @ time of crime/55/now 58) arrested (10/2/19), charged (10/3/19) & arraigned (10/17/19) with 1st degree murder with sexual motivation & 2nd degree rape. Plead not guilty. $5M bond.
DNA from 2 cigarette butts matched DNA from crime scene.
Trial began on 4/17/23 & ended 4/17/23 with jury selection. 12 jurors & 4 alternates. 4/17/23: One juror excused. Now 12 jurors & 3 alternates.
Trial began on 4/17/23. (the trial date was change 10 times). Judge Wiggs presiding.

Court info from 10/3/19 thru 3/28/23 & Jury Selection Day 1 (3/29/23) & thru 4/14/23 & Trial day 1-5 (4/17-4/21/23) reference post #193 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...14-dec-1991-dna-arrest-in-2019.159660/page-10

4/24/23 Monday, Trial Day 6: No info available yet. Trial continues on Tuesday, 4/25/23.
4/25/23 Tuesday, Trial Day 7: No info available yet. Trial continues on Wednesday, 4/26/23. 4/25/23: (#132) Plaintiff's proposed instructions with citations.
4/26/23 Wednesday, Trial Day 8: No info available. Trial continues on Thursday, 4/27/23.
 

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