2010.10.08 - MISTY's St. Johns Co. FELONY SENTENCING @1:30PM (secret witness?)

[kant]

Well if Tommy didn't do anything to Haleigh, why would Lindsay leave him and take the kids? she has not been seen or heard from since? protective custody? battered womens shelter? just looks to me like she got out of there fast and did not visit her husband anymore after the visit we saw on TV... gone!

bbm

Wow.

I think plenty of women have various motives for leaving their spouses that have nothing to do with the idea of the husband harming or kidnapping a child.

moo

 

[Bathbuddys]

bbm

Wow.

I think plenty of women have various motives for leaving their spouses that have nothing to do with the idea of the husband harming or kidnapping a child.

moo

yes but she was showing up for him with the kids until she found out he had lied to her? she had his support til this time in jail?

 

[Lanie]

Well if Tommy didn't do anything to Haleigh, why would Lindsay leave him and take the kids? she has not been seen or heard from since? protective custody? battered womens shelter? just looks to me like she got out of there fast and did not visit her husband anymore after the visit we saw on TV... gone!

I've wondered if maybe there was more than a normal sibling relationship between Tommy and Misty. So that could be a reason.

But, I also wonder if there were problems going on between Lindsy and Tommy before all this. Lindsy was working hard to make a better life for her family, going to nursing school, working out, having some difficulties with her kids being around her in-laws, and maybe Tommy's drug use and illegal activities got to be too much for her. I can see her making the ultimatum for him to tell the truth, and him then failing the LDT being the last straw for her.

 

[kant]

I've wondered if maybe there was more than a normal sibling relationship between Tommy and Misty. So that could be a reason.

But, I also wonder if there were problems going on between Lindsy and Tommy before all this. Lindsy was working hard to make a better life for her family, going to nursing school, working out, having some difficulties with her kids being around her in-laws, and maybe Tommy's drug use and illegal activities got to be too much for her. I can see her making the ultimatum for him to tell the truth, and him then failing the LDT being the last straw for her.

I can see a last straw scenario too - whatever the last straw in particular was for her, IDK. Sometimes people want to be able to look back and feel like the did their best before they finally leave a marriage even if some thing or things had been brewing for awhile.

moo

 

[LaLaw2000]

I had my calendar marked for the sentencing on October 19!

I have no idea what is going on, but I do hope it is good. The prosecution on the drug case could not need more time because Misty was caught on video doing the deeds. The defense has known all this time that October 19 was sentencing day in Putnam County. I can see a delay for a change of lawyers for Misty, but then that would have been notated on the court docket I would think, and besides that, the prosecution asked for the delay. So, what is left for me to think is that Misty is telling the prosecution something about who really was the leader of the little drug dealing group or something pertaining to Haleigh.

I will never forget TN asking Ronald in a low voice on jailhouse tape, "Do you think she will talk?" Well, maybe Misty is finally seeing how futile it is to protect anyone else when she will bear the brunt of more than twice (or more) the years in prison than the others got.

Hope. Hope is what we have and I am never giving that up! Spare no one, Misty! Not even yourself, your family, TN, GGS, and most of all. Ronald! Tell it all!

 

[bessie]

Well if Tommy didn't do anything to Haleigh, why would Lindsay leave him and take the kids? she has not been seen or heard from since? protective custody? battered womens shelter? just looks to me like she got out of there fast and did not visit her husband anymore after the visit we saw on TV... gone!

I've wondered if maybe there was more than a normal sibling relationship between Tommy and Misty. So that could be a reason.

But, I also wonder if there were problems going on between Lindsy and Tommy before all this. Lindsy was working hard to make a better life for her family, going to nursing school, working out, having some difficulties with her kids being around her in-laws, and maybe Tommy's drug use and illegal activities got to be too much for her. I can see her making the ultimatum for him to tell the truth, and him then failing the LDT being the last straw for her.

We also know from phone conversations with Tommy and his parents that Lindsy cut off communication with Tommy and his family after LE convinced her Tommy was helped dispose of the body. Their argument was that he wouldn't have been able to lead them where the body was if he hadn't been there.

Seems LE was pulling out all the stops to get answers, and they hit Tommy where they knew it would hurt most. It's an acceptable tactic, but worthless if it elicits bogus information. Tommy is likely to say anything if you push him hard enough.

Unless, the one they were pressuring for information was Lindsy, herself. She seemed pretty willing to turn over the gun she said Tommy had taken in that burglary of the neighbor's house, oh, and the scrubbing pads, too. I don't know, but it should be noted that when Lindsy left Tommy and broke with his family, she already had found herself another man, according to the Croslins and numerous party photos that popped up on the internet.

 

[bessie]

I had my calendar marked for the sentencing on October 19!

I have no idea what is going on, but I do hope it is good. The prosecution on the drug case could not need more time because Misty was caught on video doing the deeds. The defense has known all this time that October 19 was sentencing day in Putnam County. I can see a delay for a change of lawyers for Misty, but then that would have been notated on the court docket I would think, and besides that, the prosecution asked for the delay. So, what is left for me to think is that Misty is telling the prosecution something about who really was the leader of the little drug dealing group or something pertaining to Haleigh.

I will never forget TN asking Ronald in a low voice on jailhouse tape, "Do you think she will talk?" Well, maybe Misty is finally seeing how futile it is to protect anyone else when she will bear the brunt of more than twice (or more) the years in prison than the others got.

Hope. Hope is what we have and I am never giving that up! Spare no one, Misty! Not even yourself, your family, TN, GGS, and most of all. Ronald! Tell it all!

I don't know, either, but three months is a pretty significant delay. I'm trying not to be overly optimistic, but I agree there is new reason to hope.

 

[mysticrose]

Well I am hopeful with this pushback for court, that Misty has had a "come to jesus moment" and maybe some revelation to where our little Haleigh is.....

 

[dodie20]

I've wondered if maybe there was more than a normal sibling relationship between Tommy and Misty. So that could be a reason.

But, I also wonder if there were problems going on between Lindsy and Tommy before all this. Lindsy was working hard to make a better life for her family, going to nursing school, working out, having some difficulties with her kids being around her in-laws, and maybe Tommy's drug use and illegal activities got to be too much for her. I can see her making the ultimatum for him to tell the truth, and him then failing the LDT being the last straw for her.

There came a point, when IMO, it became make or break for Tommy. & he broke... & Lindsey divorced him. I think she knows a lot about what went on that day & night, but not who murdered Haleigh. It seems that she was bending over backwards, to give Tommy the benefit of the doubt...even going so far as to alibi him, & throw his boots out. But I don't think she made the conscious decision to cover for a murderer...more like clearing up a few loose end. I think Lindsey was used to cleaning up his messes. When Tommy was on the phone with Flo, Lindsey was on another line, & she asked if Tommy was THE ONE. So, by this time, (right before the Joe story hit), she had her suspicions & was moving away from her self imposed denial, & this was, IMO, her last ditch effort, to save her marraige. When she went to court, on his behalf, I think her emotions ruled her head. She was still trying to save him, but I think it might've been because she was scared for him. & I can understand that. She was used to taking care of him, & this time, she had 'failed' him. But as she distances herself from the whole mess, I think she'll realize that only Tommy is responsible for saving himself. I hope LE is staying in touch with her, because I do believe she's a wealth of information, & can play a big part in putting the puzzle pieces together.

 

[Kat]

Nothing of value to add to the thread.

Very interesting.

Very very interesting.

Can't wait to see what this is all about JMHO.

 

[LiveLaughLuv]

Maybe, just maybe, when Misty was sentenced to 25 years last week, she finally realized that she was in deep doo-doo. This was no longer a game, and Misty couldn't do any more girlish giggling and blow it off as if it were no big deal. Hopefully, she confided in someone that she was not going to take the rap for something that she didn't do and received guidance in rectifying this unpleasant situation. I don't believe that Misty hurt HaLeigh, but I feel certain that she knows who did. Time to do the right thing, Misty, for yourself but mostly for HaLeigh. jmo

ITA, BDE..I think realization hit!

She should also know even if she wasn't directly responsible for HaLeighs' demise but knew/saw/heard, she is just as resposible and knows this is a murder charge...LWOP or DP, if they can find HaLeigh...either way, she's doing heavy time.

I truly hope she gave something of substance to the SA that will bring HaLeigh home. I'm torn on her getting lesser time with anything pertaining to HaLeigh. She's had over 20 months to bring HaLeigh home and now wants to play lets make a deal ? Maybe it would depend on what happened and how/why. If the St. John's River story was true, I'd give her no attention at all..She'd get NO deal, if it were me..JMHO

Where is HaLeigh???

 

[dodie20]

I've wondered if maybe there was more than a normal sibling relationship between Tommy and Misty. So that could be a reason.

But, I also wonder if there were problems going on between Lindsy and Tommy before all this. Lindsy was working hard to make a better life for her family, going to nursing school, working out, having some difficulties with her kids being around her in-laws, and maybe Tommy's drug use and illegal activities got to be too much for her. I can see her making the ultimatum for him to tell the truth, and him then failing the LDT being the last straw for her.

At 1 point, & I don't remember the exact quote, Lindsey called Tommy's & Misty's relationship incestuous. It barely got a reaction from him. She then IMO, gave him an ultimatum...stop covering for Misty or I'm outta here. It's my belief that he would've virtually sold his soul to the devil, to get out of jail, & if he COULD stop covering for Misty, he would have. But he didn't. His answer was the Joe did it story. & it's MOO, that Misty went along with that story, in a half-hearted effort, to give her brother a chance. I think part of Misty's problem has been with LE's attitude towards her. They can't stand her, have been unrelentingly hard on her, & have kept her in the hotseat. It's my belief that Ron & the Cummings, (for reasons of their own), & Tommy, & her own parents, (for their reasons), have played this attitude to the hilt...made it an us against the cops thing. Well, Misty being so young, & not liking the hotseat, went along with her family, of course. a big united family front. But now, her whole family is in a shambles. Ron's in prison, she herself is looking at 25 years min., Tommy's in for 15, her parents are in & out of jail, with absolutely no prospects, the Cummings have turned on her...so, with all of that outside garbage obliterated, who's left to fight the fight with? Misty, for all practical purposes, is alone. It's just her & her conscience. & it's going to be interesting to see how she wrestles with right & wrong. Will she try to hang on to all she's ever known, or will she tell the truth?

 

[LiveLaughLuv]

At 1 point, & I don't remember the exact quote, Lindsey called Tommy's & Misty's relationship incestuous. It barely got a reaction from him. She then IMO, gave him an ultimatum...stop covering for Misty or I'm outta here. It's my belief that he would've virtually sold his soul to the devil, to get out of jail, & if he COULD stop covering for Misty, he would have. But he didn't. His answer was the Joe did it story. & it's MOO, that Misty went along with that story, in a half-hearted effort, to give her brother a chance. I think part of Misty's problem has been with LE's attitude towards her. They can't stand her, have been unrelentingly hard on her, & have kept her in the hotseat. It's my belief that Ron & the Cummings, (for reasons of their own), & Tommy, & her own parents, (for their reasons), have played this attitude to the hilt...made it an us against the cops thing. Well, Misty being so young, & not liking the hotseat, went along with her family, of course. a big united family front. But now, her whole family is in a shambles. Ron's in prison, she herself is looking at 25 years min., Tommy's in for 15, her parents are in & out of jail, with absolutely no prospects, the Cummings have turned on her...so, with all of that outside garbage obliterated, who's left to fight the fight with? Misty, for all practical purposes, is alone. It's just her & her conscience. & it's going to be interesting to see how she wrestles with right & wrong. Will she try to hang on to all she's ever known, or will she tell the truth?

BBM..Your entire post is spot on, ITA..

My bold...I don't believe TomC knew what the word incestuous meant! It appeared to go right over his head. LOL...I just can't stand them all for not doing right by HaLeigh..none have my respect..JMHO

Where is HaLeigh??

 

[Emma Peel]

Just a thought I had yesterday, but didn't have time to post...

I'm thinking that perhaps the "legal strategy" and "representation" Misty experienced at her previous sentencing hearing seemed off (okay, even weak and/or less-than-enthusiastic) to those of us observing/critiquing because whatever was in the works as far as Misty's "talking to interrogators" had just happened. Mr. Fields & Misty may had a lot more on their legal plate (future charges, pleading, deals) than the St. John sentencing at that time. The St. John Judge took her time and listened - and I think she had a reason to do that ... she expects to see Misty again - perhaps - when/if Misty's various deals are arranged for cooperating with the Haleigh investigation.

Last week I posted that perhaps that hearing seemed odd to us, but perhaps that was because Mr. Fields knew more about how he wanted to play Misty's strategy given what might be going on in the background - stuff we don't know about. I thought then that he could be sandbagging her defense for the bigger (Haleigh's death) case.

So as Tommy languishes in jail and doesn't return to prison ... and as Misty's sentencing is delayed by MONTHS, I think we can assume there's a reason for this and it's related to the Haleigh investigation and various activity going on with investigators. Maybe even some searching going on. Some very very specific searching...

I wish I was there to hang out around Magnolia (Lisa & Hank Sr.'s old place) and watch. It would also be interesting to see who else was hanging out around Magnolia to watch....

JMHO as I ponder it all ... hoping for the best ... keeping fingers crossed for LE ...

 

[azwriter]

Well if Tommy didn't do anything to Haleigh, why would Lindsay leave him and take the kids? she has not been seen or heard from since? protective custody? battered womens shelter? just looks to me like she got out of there fast and did not visit her husband anymore after the visit we saw on TV... gone!

Bathbuddys, I have no way of knowing what is in Lindsay's head and heart. So, I would have to guess as to her motives to divorce Tommy and leave him. He's going to be in jail a long time, and when he's released he has a large fine to pay. Maybe she's one of those women who does not want to wait for a man with that kind of future. I know I would have to think long and hard if I were young and in that situation with my husband.

She may have taken into consideration what is best for her children and her own welfare and decided to find another lifestyle.

As for not being heard from or seen, Lindsay may be laying low so as to not be lumped in with the Croslin family.

Or, maybe it could be she knows too much about what happened to Haleigh and for self-preservation she's staying far away as possible.
Like I said, it's all guess on my part.

 

[oceanblueeyes]

I read an article where the State Attorney's office announced the delay. I don't think it's for pedicures, other cases, or other things. If a motion had been filed, the State would have said so. They just announced it. To me they agreed due to something that has been in discussion. Besides Tommy's still there. If he moves I will think differently. Ron got 15 due to a plea deal. He talked. Now it's their turn. JMO

Well I hope you are right but just because the DA announced it doesn't mean much to me. He may have just been the one to notify the press.

Imo, the DA wouldn't necessarily state the reason. All the press needed to know is there would be no court on the 19th concerning MC.

I don't think it is because Misty has all of a sudden had a come to Jesus moment and is finally telling the truth but I would love to be wrong.

IMO

 

[dodie20]

Well if Tommy didn't do anything to Haleigh, why would Lindsay leave him and take the kids? she has not been seen or heard from since? protective custody? battered womens shelter? just looks to me like she got out of there fast and did not visit her husband anymore after the visit we saw on TV... gone!

Most of the time, it takes a lot less than murder, to cause couples to divorce. I don't think Lindsey left him because he's a murderer, (I don't think she knows), but I do think her suspicions, (& her family's), played a part. When Tommy was arrested for theft, (I think), Lindsey gave an interview about Haleigh. But even though the interview was about Haleigh, & Tommy being questioned about Haleigh, Lindsey threw in there, that she wished her husband was home with her. & then again, in an early jail tape, she told Tommy, in a very quivery voice, that she needed him home, so he could take care of her. or some such nonsense. So, I think Lindsey thinks she needs a man around, & isn't willing to wait. I wouldn't be surprised if she picked another man, just like Tommy...although that would be impossible, but you get my point. I see stupid girls go for the same type over & over. I guess they get addicted to the high points, & all of the drama.

 

[dodie20]

Well I hope you are right but just because the DA announced it doesn't mean much to me. He may have just been the one to notify the press.

Imo, the DA wouldn't necessarily state the reason. All the press needed to know is there would be no court on the 19th concerning MC.

I don't think it is because Misty has all of a sudden had a come to Jesus moment and is finally telling the truth but I would love to be wrong.

IMO

It wouldn't have to be a Jesus moment...maybe a moment of self preservation & clarity. Even Misty, could surely read the writing on her future's wall.

 

[bessie]

Well I am confused why some are so sure it means Misty is talking. The delay could be for various reasons. Judge is in the middle of trying another case or the DA. Or her defense attorney may have filed a motion for more time to prepare his argument.

IMO

The docket doesn't reflect a motion to continue, and if one was filed it should be there. There are no entries after 09/02/10 when the case was reset to yesterday. Whatever the reason for the delay, it was a last minute issue. We'll have to wait and see once the docket updates.

 

[bessie]

Just a thought I had yesterday, but didn't have time to post...

I'm thinking that perhaps the "legal strategy" and "representation" Misty experienced at her previous sentencing hearing seemed off (okay, even weak and/or less-than-enthusiastic) to those of us observing/critiquing because whatever was in the works as far as Misty's "talking to interrogators" had just happened. Mr. Fields & Misty may had a lot more on their legal plate (future charges, pleading, deals) than the St. John sentencing at that time. The St. John Judge took her time and listened - and I think she had a reason to do that ... she expects to see Misty again - perhaps - when/if Misty's various deals are arranged for cooperating with the Haleigh investigation.

Last week I posted that perhaps that hearing seemed odd to us, but perhaps that was because Mr. Fields knew more about how he wanted to play Misty's strategy given what might be going on in the background - stuff we don't know about. I thought then that he could be sandbagging her defense for the bigger (Haleigh's death) case.

So as Tommy languishes in jail and doesn't return to prison ... and as Misty's sentencing is delayed by MONTHS, I think we can assume there's a reason for this and it's related to the Haleigh investigation and various activity going on with investigators. Maybe even some searching going on. Some very very specific searching...

I wish I was there to hang out around Magnolia (Lisa & Hank Sr.'s old place) and watch. It would also be interesting to see who else was hanging out around Magnolia to watch....

JMHO as I ponder it all ... hoping for the best ... keeping fingers crossed for LE ...

Wait, Emma, didn't you hear? Werter said Tommy hasn't gone back to prison 'cause he can't catch a ride. :crazy:

I agreed with you last week, and after yesterday's events, I'm more inclined to agree that something is cooking in Haleigh's case.

It's possible that as the St. Johns County sentencing date loomed over her, Misty grew talkative at the last minute, but it was too late to bargain. So why didn't Fields ask for more time? Whatever his defense strategy was for Putnam County, he still had an obligation to do his best for her in St. Johns. I think he knew that it wouldn't make a difference because Berger wasn't going to be influenced by developments in Putnam County. Misty's high profile case was a chance for her to do a little grandstanding and send a message to her constituents that she was doing her job. And Misty's obstinance made it easier for her to do that.

What's done is done, but it's not over yet. Until I hear otherwise, I'm holding onto hope for a resolution in the coming months.