CA - Aarabella McCormack, 11, Murdered, 2 Siblings Abused and Tortured by Adoptive Caregivers, San Diego, Nov 2022

[Niner]

Tuesday, December 20th:
*Bail Bond Motions Hearing (@ 1:30pm PT) - CA - Aarabella McCormack (11) tortured & abuse & died & 2 sisters (6 & 7) abused & tortured, August 30, 2022, San Diego) – *Leticia Diane McCormack (49) adopted “mother” indicted (11/4/22), arrested (11/7/22) & charged (11/8/22) with 1 count of murder, 3 counts of torture & 3 counts of willful child cruelty in connection with the death of Arabelle & the abuse of her other children. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
*CA -Aarabella McCormack (11) & 2 sisters (6 & 7) – only for: *Adella Juanita Tom (70/now 71) McCormack's mother arrested (11/7/22) & charged (11/8/22) with 3 counts of torture & 3 counts of willful child cruelty. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
*CA - Aarabella McCormack (11) & 2 sisters (6 & &) - *Stanley Tom (75) McCormack's father arrested (11/7/22) & charged (11/8/22) with 1 count of murder, 3 counts of torture & 3 count of willful child cruelty. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
The three girls moved in the McCormack residence in 2017 as foster children & were adopted 2 years later. The three suspects allegedly abused & tortured McCormack’s three daughters for about five & a half years, leading up to Aarabella’s death in late August, 2022.
Case & Court info from 8/30/22 thru 11/15/22 reference post #20 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ured-by-adoptive-caregivers-san-diego.644196/
11/16/22 Update: On Wednesday, the three defendants, who were arrested last week & pleaded not guilty, appeared before an El Cajon judge for a hearing regarding their custodial status. McCormack & Adella Tom will revisit their bail during a 11/29/22 hearing, while Stanley Tom waived his right to a bail hearing. Should the defendants argue for bail to be set, prosecutors would be expected to argue why they should remain in custody without bail & possibly disclose details regarding the allegations against the trio. If convicted, McCormack & her father face a maximum sentence of 25 years to life, plus two life terms behind bars, while Adella Tom faces a maximum of two life terms in prison. For McCormack & Adella felony bond review hearing was rescheduled on 11/29/22 & Stanley’s preliminary exam readiness hearing was rescheduled on 1/18/23 & preliminary exam on 3/1/23.
11/29/22 Update: All scheduled for preliminary exam readiness hearing on 1/18/23. 12/16/22 Update: Adella: Bail Bond motion hearing on 12/20/22 @ 1:30pm was added.

 

[Niner]

Well I am NOT finding ANY current articles about Adella's bond review hearing & the court site just shows me the next hearing dates. Does not have individual court stuff.
I would think the Judge denied her bond/bail - as he did the first time.

If someone local find anything - please post!


Docket updates:

Defendant: Leticia Diane McCormack Defense Counsel: Gregory Garrison
Court No. CE414848 Date: 01/18/2023 Time: 08:30 AM Judge
Event: Preliminary Exam Readiness

Location:
San Diego Superior Court, East County Division, East County Regional Center, Dept. 2


Defendant: Adella Juanita Tom Defense Counsel: Randy Wagner
Court No. CE414848 Date: 01/18/2023 Time: 08:30 AM Judge
Event: Preliminary Exam Readiness

Location:
San Diego Superior Court, East County Division, East County Regional Center, Dept. 2


Defendant: Stanley Tom Defense Counsel: Shervin Samimi
Court No. CE414848 Date: 01/18/2023 Time: 08:30 AM Judge
Event: Preliminary Exam Readiness

Location:
San Diego Superior Court, East County Division, East County Regional Center, Dept. 2


link: Case Information, Search - San Diego County District Attorney

 

[Niner]

Ah - got an alert!

New Details About Grandmom's Alleged Involvement in San Diego Child Abuse Death Case

A San Diego County judge again denied a request for bond from one of the three suspects facing charges in the child abuse death of an 11-year-old adopted girl. It’s the second time in less than a month Judge Kathleen Lewis shot down efforts from Adella Tom’s public defender to get her released...

www.nbcsandiego.com

Dec. 21, 2022
A San Diego County judge again denied a request for bond from one of the three suspects facing charges in the child abuse death of an 11-year-old adopted girl. It’s the second time in less than a month Judge Kathleen Lewis shot down efforts from Adella Tom’s public defender to get her released until she faces trial.
[.....]
Prosecutors revealed why for the first time in court Wednesday. Deputy District Attorney Meredith Pro says Adella Tom fell ill during the final few weeks of Aarabella’s life when the little girl’s health was declining rapidly. Because of that illness, Pro says Adella Tom wasn’t present during those fateful days.


However, Pro says Adella Tom was instrumental in the abuse the children suffered for at least three years, calling the 70-year-old the “rule enforcer.” And while Tom may not have been present in the final weeks of Aarabella’s life, Pro pointed out Aarabella’s abuse spanned several years. Pro says Aarabella weighed less than her weight at age 5, was covered in bruises, and had at least 15 separate bone fractures. Pro says her two younger sisters survived but were hospitalized for three weeks for malnourishment.


Public Defender Randy Wagner described Adella Tom’s role as a ‘babysitter.’ But Pro says the evidence doesn’t align with that assessment.
[.....]
Wagner argued that Adella Tom should be released on $100,000 bond under house arrest in Lucerne Valley, which is in San Bernardino County. Wagner offered GPS tracking.


Pro raised concerns over the ability of the court system to monitor her that far away.
[.....]
Judge Lewis agreed with the DA’s office and also suggested that an out-of-county bond increased the likelihood that Adella Tom would go on the run. Lewis also said the severity of the charges, which could impose three life sentences, was an additional factor in her decision to deny bail.


And the next hearing is a preliminary exam readiness hearing on 1/18/23 for ALL of them!

 

[Curious Me]

Ah - got an alert!

New Details About Grandmom's Alleged Involvement in San Diego Child Abuse Death Case

A San Diego County judge again denied a request for bond from one of the three suspects facing charges in the child abuse death of an 11-year-old adopted girl. It’s the second time in less than a month Judge Kathleen Lewis shot down efforts from Adella Tom’s public defender to get her released...

www.nbcsandiego.com

Dec. 21, 2022
A San Diego County judge again denied a request for bond from one of the three suspects facing charges in the child abuse death of an 11-year-old adopted girl. It’s the second time in less than a month Judge Kathleen Lewis shot down efforts from Adella Tom’s public defender to get her released until she faces trial.
[.....]
Prosecutors revealed why for the first time in court Wednesday. Deputy District Attorney Meredith Pro says Adella Tom fell ill during the final few weeks of Aarabella’s life when the little girl’s health was declining rapidly. Because of that illness, Pro says Adella Tom wasn’t present during those fateful days.
However, Pro says Adella Tom was instrumental in the abuse the children suffered for at least three years, calling the 70-year-old the “rule enforcer.” And while Tom may not have been present in the final weeks of Aarabella’s life, Pro pointed out Aarabella’s abuse spanned several years. Pro says Aarabella weighed less than her weight at age 5, was covered in bruises, and had at least 15 separate bone fractures. Pro says her two younger sisters survived but were hospitalized for three weeks for malnourishment.
Public Defender Randy Wagner described Adella Tom’s role as a ‘babysitter.’ But Pro says the evidence doesn’t align with that assessment.
[.....]
Wagner argued that Adella Tom should be released on $100,000 bond under house arrest in Lucerne Valley, which is in San Bernardino County. Wagner offered GPS tracking.
Pro raised concerns over the ability of the court system to monitor her that far away.
[.....]
Judge Lewis agreed with the DA’s office and also suggested that an out-of-county bond increased the likelihood that Adella Tom would go on the run. Lewis also said the severity of the charges, which could impose three life sentences, was an additional factor in her decision to deny bail.

And the next hearing is a preliminary exam readiness hearing on 1/18/23 for ALL of them!

12/25/22-- Aarabella deserved to be all bright-eyed and excited to open her presents under the tree today. Instead, her life was a tragic short one. She was only a little girl trying her best, and she had to contend with four people all wanting to punish and discipline her on a daily basis. She was hungry all the time, she had broken bones... that is called torture. This from people who actively sought to adopt her and her siblings. For what purpose? There has got to be Justice for Aarabella.

Thank You @Niner for getting that update that Adella Tom, the adoptive grandmother, the main babysitter and "rule enforcer" was denied bail. ​

 

[cvaldez1975]

MOO, I don't know, was he passively following along? JMO, I wonder if there was "something more" he was doing to that little girl that he knew would come down on him. The others have no qualms going to court, but not the husband.

Brian McCormack was a Border Patrol Officer. He would've definitely lost his job. I wonder, like you, about how assertive he was within that household. Nobody stopped Arabella from being treated that way. Was there more going on? Was it grooming, teaching her to not speak of what was going on in that household?

He didn't hesitate to kill himself right in front of LE. I figure he was contributing his income to that household, and wonder how Leticia could afford working as a volunteer, not paid by the church. MOO, why did he kill himself right off? I wonder if there was something more that he knew would come out.

UPDATED: 15:58 EST, 11 November 2022

PICTURED: Church elder and her husband accused murdering daughter

Leticia McCormack, 49, and her husband Brian, a border patrol agent, were accused of murdering 11-year-old Aarabella McCormack, one of their three adopted daughters.

www.dailymail.co.uk

Neighbors tell CBS 8 that Leticia, a church elder, was struggling with the girls and constantly complained that they had 'temper tantrums.'

On August 30, they were called to the home amid reports that a child was choking at 2am.

They rushed Aarabella to the hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

She was severely malnourished and covered in bruises.

After deputies arrived at the home, they contacted the girl's adoptive father, Brian McCormack, who drove over and shot himself in front of them, the sheriff's department said.
​

View attachment 387655
Brian, a CBP agent, was also due to be charged but he killed himself in front of police when they arrived at his home to arrest him (this) week in San Diego.
View attachment 387657

thats a really good point.

idk how she was volunteering. i assume DHS get a premium for working high cost areas and he prob worked OT. Most LE w younger kids do this so wife stays at home. and my friend works for ATF and got a premium for working in the Bay Area.

 

[cvaldez1975]

Oh, wow. Interesting.

they are prevalent in the south but they are scattered throughout.

 

[cvaldez1975]

This photo aggravates me a lot not just for the obvious reason of how disgustingly depraved these so called humans are but because they are Auxiallry Volunteer Officers. So what were they looking for more victims? The husband of this woman commits suicide when he's cornered! So what kill oneself but don't tell LE what he knows. Unless there's a reason why he doesn't want to say anything because perhaps he's culpable? Anyways my anger is also directed at another aspect of this horrible case its that these people are operating in cohesion. The father's wife is 49 years old? Okay, so that means obviously she's not the adoptive mother's biological parent as the adoptive mother is 49 years old also. So lets get this straight the step mother her husband met each other and knew one another's inclinations. His daughter the adoptive mother of these poor children knew her father and step mother's inclinations and likings whatever else, then the adoptive mother's husband who killed himself also knew these people's disgusting thinking. Like I've said before like people will flock together. This a perfect example of what I mean. Yet these things are overlooked and when something twisted words came out of these four's mouths people ignored what they said and let them just say it again no questions asked about demented comments. I think we have failed these children for sure as a society! Demented comments could be anything that may be morally repulsive taken as perhaps a joke or something like that. MOO.

i think that was bad reporting. Adella Tom is 70.

 

[DFWNF]

The first thing I saw was her arm. How did nobody else notice it? I'm presuming she was going somewhere special seeing her dressed up. Her legs were probably just as thin. MOO.

I wondered what those big gloves were hiding. Jmo.

 

[cvaldez1975]

I wondered what those big gloves were hiding. Jmo.

i bet the dress was longer too. hide the thin, bruised legs.

 

[cvaldez1975]

i wish we could call her by her other name like cincere and classic. hit different when a poor kid has the name of adoptive parents who abused them to death.

 

[Niner]

Wednesday, January 18th:
*Preliminary Exam Readiness Hearing for all (@ 8:3apm PT) - CA - Aarabella McCormack (11) tortured & abuse & died & 2 sisters (6 & 7) abused & tortured, August 30, 2022, San Diego) – *Leticia Diane McCormack (49) adopted “mother” indicted (11/4/22), arrested (11/7/22) & charged (11/8/22) with 1 count of murder, 3 counts of torture & 3 counts of willful child cruelty in connection with the death of Arabelle & the abuse of her other children. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
*CA -Aarabella McCormack (11) & 2 sisters (6 & 7) – *Adella Juanita Tom (70/now 71) McCormack's mother arrested (11/7/22) & charged (11/8/22) with 3 counts of torture & 3 counts of willful child cruelty. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Bond denied (12/20/22).
*CA - Aarabella McCormack (11) & 2 sisters (6 & &) - *Stanley Tom (75) McCormack's father arrested (11/7/22) & charged (11/8/22) with 1 count of murder, 3 counts of torture & 3 count of willful child cruelty. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
The three girls moved in the McCormack residence in 2017 as foster children & were adopted 2 years later. The three suspects allegedly abused & tortured McCormack’s three daughters for about five & a half years, leading up to Aarabella’s death in late August, 2022.
Case & Court info from 8/30/22 thru 11/29/22 reference post #61 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...y-adoptive-caregivers-san-diego.644196/page-4
12/16/22 Update: Adella: Bail Bond motion hearing on 12/20/22 @ 1:30pm was added. All scheduled for preliminary exam readiness hearing on 1/18/23.
12/20/22 Update: A San Diego County Judge Kathleen Lewis denied bail for Adella Tom. Tom’s public defender to get her released until she faces trial. Prosecutors revealed why for the first time in court Wednesday. Deputy District Attorney Meredith Pro says Adella Tom fell ill during the final few weeks of Aarabella’s life when the little girl’s health was declining rapidly. Because of that illness, Pro says Adella Tom wasn’t present during those fateful days. However, Pro says Adella Tom was instrumental in the abuse the children suffered for at least three years, calling the 70-year-old the “rule enforcer.” And while Tom may not have been present in the final weeks of Aarabella’s life, Pro pointed out Aarabella’s abuse spanned several years. Pro says Aarabella weighed less than her weight at age 5, was covered in bruises, and had at least 15 separate bone fractures. Pro says her two younger sisters survived but were hospitalized for three weeks for malnourishment. Public Defender Randy Wagner described Adella Tom’s role as a ‘babysitter.’ But Pro says the evidence doesn’t align with that assessment. Judge Lewis agreed with the DA’s office and also suggested that an out-of-county bond increased the likelihood that Adella Tom would go on the run. Lewis also said the severity of the charges, which could impose three life sentences, was an additional factor in her decision to deny bail. No info on bond hearing for Adella. Next for all is preliminary exam readiness hearing on 1/18/23.

 

[Niner]

Got this for my alerts on this case:

THE FOLLOWING EVENT(S) HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM CASE CE414848:

The event "Preliminary Exam" scheduled for Mar 1 2023 8:40AM at the San Diego Superior Court, East County Division, East County Regional Center in department 11 has been Vacated.

THE FOLLOWING EVENT(S) HAVE BEEN ADDED FOR CASE CE414848:

Preliminary Exam scheduled for May 23 2023 8:40AM at the San Diego Superior Court, East County Division, East County Regional Center in Department 11.

 

[Niner]

Defendant: Leticia Diane McCormack Defense Counsel: Gregory Garrison
Court No. CE414848
Date: 05/23/2023 Time: 08:40 AM

Event: Preliminary Exam
Location:
San Diego Superior Court, East County Division, East County Regional Center, Dept. 11


Defendant: Adella Juanita Tom Defense Counsel: Randy Wagner
Court No. CE414848
Date: 05/23/2023
Time: 08:40 AM

Event: Preliminary Exam
Location:
San Diego Superior Court, East County Division, East County Regional Center, Dept. 11


Defendant: Stanley Tom Defense Counsel: Shervin Samimi
Court No. CE414848
Date: 05/23/2023
Time: 08:40 AM

Event: Preliminary Exam
Location:
San Diego Superior Court, East County Division, East County Regional Center, Dept. 11


link: Case Information, Search - San Diego County District Attorney

 

[Niner]

THE FOLLOWING EVENT(S) HAVE BEEN ADDED FOR CASE CE414848:

Preliminary Exam scheduled for May 28 2023 8:40AM at the San Diego Superior Court, East County Division, East County Regional Center in Department 11.

this is from my email so no link. NOT too sure about this new date since it falls on a Sunday - ??


from the court site - it still shows 5/23. So I will check it at the end of week.


Defendant: Leticia Diane McCormack Defense Counsel: Gregory Garrison
Court No. CE414848
Date Time Event
05/23/2023 08:40 AM Preliminary Exam

Location: San Diego Superior Court, East County Division, East County Regional Center, Dept. 11


Defendant: Adella Juanita Tom Defense Counsel: Randy Wagner
Court No. CE414848
Date Time Event
05/23/2023 08:40 AM Preliminary Exam

Location: San Diego Superior Court, East County Division, East County Regional Center, Dept. 11


Defendant: Stanley Tom Defense Counsel: Shervin Samimi
Court No. CE414848
Date Time Event
05/23/2023 08:40 AM Preliminary Exam

Location: San Diego Superior Court, East County Division, East County Regional Center, Dept. 11


link: Case Information, Search - San Diego County District Attorney

 

[Niner]

the above ^^ - the 5/23/23 court date is the correct one.

and received email on a change.

HE FOLLOWING EVENT(S) HAVE BEEN ADDED FOR CASE CE414848:

Felony Bail Review scheduled for Mar 6 2023 1:30PM at the San Diego Superior Court, East County Division, East County Regional Center in Department 3.


and it looks like it is only for Adella - still trying to get bail... the other 2 still on 5/23/23.


Defendant: Adella Juanita Tom Defense Counsel: Randy Wagner
Court No. CE414848
Date: 03/06/2023
Time: 01:30 PM

Event: Felony Bail Review
Location:
San Diego Superior Court, East County Division, East County Regional Center, Dept. 3

link: Case Information, Search - San Diego County District Attorney

 

[Niner]

Monday, March 6th:
*Felony Bail Review Hearing (@ 1:30pm PT) - *CA -Aarabella McCormack (11) & 2 sisters (6 & 7) – *Adella Juanita Tom (70/now 71) McCormack's mother arrested (11/7/22) & charged (11/8/22) with 3 counts of torture & 3 counts of willful child cruelty. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Bond denied (12/20/22).
Case & Court info from 8/30/22 thru 12/16/22 reference post #71 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...y-adoptive-caregivers-san-diego.644196/page-4
12/20/22 Update: A San Diego County Judge Kathleen Lewis denied bail for Adella Tom. Tom’s public defender to get her released until she faces trial. Prosecutors revealed why for the first time in court Wednesday. Deputy District Attorney Meredith Pro says Adella Tom fell ill during the final few weeks of Aarabella’s life when the little girl’s health was declining rapidly. Because of that illness, Pro says Adella Tom wasn’t present during those fateful days. However, Pro says Adella Tom was instrumental in the abuse the children suffered for at least three years, calling the 70-year-old the “rule enforcer.” And while Tom may not have been present in the final weeks of Aarabella’s life, Pro pointed out Aarabella’s abuse spanned several years. Pro says Aarabella weighed less than her weight at age 5, was covered in bruises, and had at least 15 separate bone fractures. Pro says her two younger sisters survived but were hospitalized for three weeks for malnourishment. Public Defender Randy Wagner described Adella Tom’s role as a ‘babysitter.’ But Pro says the evidence doesn’t align with that assessment. Judge Lewis agreed with the DA’s office and also suggested that an out-of-county bond increased the likelihood that Adella Tom would go on the run. Lewis also said the severity of the charges, which could impose three life sentences, was an additional factor in her decision to deny bail. No info on bond hearing for Adella. Next for all is preliminary exam readiness hearing on 1/18/23.
1/18/23 Update: Preliminary exam hearing set for all on 3/1/23 has been rescheduled on 5/23/23. 2/1/23 Update: Court rescheduled preliminary exam hearing for all on 5/23/23. 3/2/23 Update: For Adella only: Bail review hearing on 3/6/23.
*Leticia Diane McCormack (49) adopted “mother” – Preliminary exam hearing on 5/23/23.
*Stanley Tom (75) McCormack's father – Preliminary exam hearing on 5/23/23.

 

[Niner]

Well - as usual - not coming up with any info on Adella's bond hearing yesterday.... hopefully it was denied!

@Curious Me - I see you are on this thread - anything coming up locally for you? TIA!

 

[Curious Me]

Well - as usual - not coming up with any info on Adella's bond hearing yesterday.... hopefully it was denied!

@Curious Me - I see you are on this thread - anything coming up locally for you? TIA!

Published March 6, 2023 (MOO, short video where she doesn't look that sickly)

Grandmother and Alleged "Ring Leader" of Child Abuse Case Granted Bail

An adoptive grandmother accused of three counts of child abuse and three counts of torture has been granted bail set at $100,000.

www.nbcsandiego.com

San Diego County Superior Court Judge Kathleen Lewis set bail at $100,000 for 70-year-old Adella Tom

An adoptive grandmother accused of three counts of child abuse and three counts of torture has been granted bail set at $100,000.

[...]

In an El Cajon courtroom Monday afternoon, Judge Kathleen Lewis said she granted Tom bail based on her age, lack of a car or ability to drive, lack of specialized medical care in jail, and her agreement to use a private GPS monitoring system. Tom will live with friends in San Bernardino County.

Deputy District Attorney Meredith Pro argued against granting Tom bail at all, saying the two surviving children are terrified Tom will try to find them if she is let out. Pro also expressed serious concerns about local law enforcement's ability to supervise Tom at a home address more than three hours from San Diego.

[...]

Tom cannot leave the San Bernardino home other than to see her doctor/specialist and pick up medical and other necessary supplies. She is also not allowed to reach out to the victims or to the codefendants (her husband and daughter), and she agreed to a 4th amendment waiver.​

 

[Niner]

Thanks a bunch @Curious Me ! Much appreciated. Wonder why this article didn't come up for me....

 

[Curious Me]

Thanks a bunch @Curious Me ! Much appreciated. Wonder why this article didn't come up for me....

Grandmother and Alleged ‘Ring Leader' of Spring Valley Child Abuse Case Granted Bail

At a previous hearing, prosecutors called 70-year-old Adella Tom the “ring leader” of the family accused of abusing three adopted girls in Spring Valley. The oldest child, 11-year-old Aarabella McCormack, died last August. At the time of her death, she weighed 48 pounds. Prosecutors said her bones protruded from her body, which was covered in bruises and had at least 15 still-healing bone fractures.​

Watch News Video here:

MSN