GUILTY CA - Christina Williams, 13, Seaside, 12 June 1998 *arrest*

[Niner]

Tuesday, March 17th:
*Bench Trial continues (Day 7) (@ 9am PT) - CA – Christina Marie Williams (13) (June 12, 1998, Seaside; found Jan. 12, 1999 near Imjim Rd.) – *Charles Holifield (37 @ time of crime/56/now 58) arrested (4/17/17), charged (5/10/17), arraigned (1/16/18) & indicted (2/23/18) with 1st degree murder, special allegations of kidnapping & lewd acts on children. Plead not guilty.
DNA match
Bench Trial began on 3/2/20. Trial expected to last a month.
Also suspect in Jennifer Morris murder. Holifield is serving a third-strike sentence of 25 years to life in prison for the attempted kidnapping of a 23-year-old woman. Also was convicted of sexually assaulting or raping two teenage girls, and he was suspected of raping a third, between 1979 and 1983. All the attacks took place on Fort Ord.
Trial info from (Day 1-3 3/2/20 to 3/5/20) reference post #92 here:
CA - CA - Christina Williams, 13, Seaside, 12 June 1998
3/6/20 Friday Day 4: No info available. Trial continues on Monday, 3/9.
3/9/20 Monday Day 5: State witnesses: Forensic anthropologist (who worked the autopsy-no name given). Eric Halsing (Senior criminologist who specializes in forensic DNA analysis at the State Dept. of Justice’s Jan Bashinski Laboratory in Richmond). Dr. Alison Galloway (retired UC Santa Cruz anthropology professor, performed autopsy). The prosecution rested their case. Trial will resume of 3/16.
3/16/20 Monday Day 6: No info available. Trial continues on 3/17.

 

[Niner]

Dang.... I've reached my limit of looking for free - anyone - can you give a 10% synopsis on this article, please? Especially who the defense witnesses are - and if there are any dates in there? TIA!

Defense team starts to present case at Charles Holifield murder trial – Monterey Herald

 

[Niner]

Wednesday, March 18th:
*Bench Trial continues (Day 8) (@ 8:30am PT) - CA – Christina Marie Williams (13) (June 12, 1998, Seaside; found Jan. 12, 1999 near Imjim Rd.) – *Charles Holifield (37 @ time of crime/56/now 58) arrested (4/17/17), charged (5/10/17), arraigned (1/16/18) & indicted (2/23/18) with 1st degree murder, special allegations of kidnapping & lewd acts on children. Plead not guilty.
DNA match
Bench Trial began on 3/2/20. Trial expected to last a month.
Also suspect in Jennifer Morris murder. Holifield is serving a third-strike sentence of 25 years to life in prison for the attempted kidnapping of a 23-year-old woman. Also was convicted of sexually assaulting or raping two teenage girls, and he was suspected of raping a third, between 1979 and 1983. All the attacks took place on Fort Ord.
Trial info from (Day 1-3 3/2/20 to 3/5/20) reference post #92 here:
CA - CA - Christina Williams, 13, Seaside, 12 June 1998
3/6/20 Friday Day 4: No info available. Trial continues on Monday, 3/9.
3/9/20 Monday Day 5: State witnesses: Forensic anthropologist (who worked the autopsy-no name given). Eric Halsing (Senior criminologist who specializes in forensic DNA analysis at the State Dept. of Justice’s Jan Bashinski Laboratory in Richmond). Dr. Alison Galloway (retired UC Santa Cruz anthropology professor, performed autopsy). The prosecution rested their case. Trial will resume of 3/16.
3/16/20 Monday Day 6: Monterey County Public Defender Michael Belter did opening statements for the defense. Defense witnesses: Stacey Murray (via video from Ohio; saw vehicle at Ft. Ord & 2 men in car). Jennifer Parris (via video from Alabama; also saw vehicle at Ft. Ord & 2 men in car w/Christina). Trial continues on 3/17.
3/17/20 Tuesday Day 7: Defense witnesses: Noelani Burleson (victim of attempted kidnapping in Petaluma in 11/98 similar car that was seen in Ft. Ord). Donna Ann Dulo (saw Christina's dog wandering around). Lisa Johnson (former girlfriend). Trial continues on 3/18.

 

[Niner]

Here's an article about Monday, 3 16:

Defense team starts to present case at Charles Holifield murder trial – Monterey Herald

and one about Tuesday, 3/17:

Charles Holifield’s ex-wife testifies in Christina Williams murder trial – Monterey Herald

 

[Suglo]

Wednesday, March 18th:
*Bench Trial continues (Day 8) (@ 8:30am PT) - CA – Christina Marie Williams (13) (June 12, 1998, Seaside; found Jan. 12, 1999 near Imjim Rd.) – *Charles Holifield (37 @ time of crime/56/now 58) arrested (4/17/17), charged (5/10/17), arraigned (1/16/18) & indicted (2/23/18) with 1st degree murder, special allegations of kidnapping & lewd acts on children. Plead not guilty.
DNA match
Bench Trial began on 3/2/20. Trial expected to last a month.
Also suspect in Jennifer Morris murder. Holifield is serving a third-strike sentence of 25 years to life in prison for the attempted kidnapping of a 23-year-old woman. Also was convicted of sexually assaulting or raping two teenage girls, and he was suspected of raping a third, between 1979 and 1983. All the attacks took place on Fort Ord.
Trial info from (Day 1-3 3/2/20 to 3/5/20) reference post #92 here:
CA - CA - Christina Williams, 13, Seaside, 12 June 1998
3/6/20 Friday Day 4: No info available. Trial continues on Monday, 3/9.
3/9/20 Monday Day 5: State witnesses: Forensic anthropologist (who worked the autopsy-no name given). Eric Halsing (Senior criminologist who specializes in forensic DNA analysis at the State Dept. of Justice’s Jan Bashinski Laboratory in Richmond). Dr. Alison Galloway (retired UC Santa Cruz anthropology professor, performed autopsy). The prosecution rested their case. Trial will resume of 3/16.
3/16/20 Monday Day 6: Monterey County Public Defender Michael Belter did opening statements for the defense. Defense witnesses: Stacey Murray (via video from Ohio; saw vehicle at Ft. Ord & 2 men in car). Jennifer Parris (via video from Alabama; also saw vehicle at Ft. Ord & 2 men in car w/Christina). Trial continues on 3/17.
3/17/20 Tuesday Day 7: Defense witnesses: Noelani Burleson (victim of attempted kidnapping in Petaluma in 11/98 similar car that was seen in Ft. Ord). Donna Ann Dulo (saw Christina's dog wandering around). Lisa Johnson (former girlfriend). Trial continues on 3/18.

@Niner Court docket says trial today at 9:00 am.

 

[Niner]

Okay - thanks!

 

[Niner]

Thursday, March 19th:
*Bench Trial continues (Day 9) (@ 9:30am PT) - CA – Christina Marie Williams (13) (June 12, 1998, Seaside; found Jan. 12, 1999 near Imjim Rd.) – *Charles Holifield (37 @ time of crime/56/now 58) arrested (4/17/17), charged (5/10/17), arraigned (1/16/18) & indicted (2/23/18) with 1st degree murder, special allegations of kidnapping & lewd acts on children. Plead not guilty.
DNA match
Bench Trial began on 3/2/20. Trial expected to last a month.
Also suspect in Jennifer Morris murder. Holifield is serving a third-strike sentence of 25 years to life in prison for the attempted kidnapping of a 23-year-old woman. Also was convicted of sexually assaulting or raping two teenage girls, and he was suspected of raping a third, between 1979 and 1983. All the attacks took place on Fort Ord.
Trial info from (Day 1-3 3/2/20 to 3/5/20) reference post #92 here:
CA - CA - Christina Williams, 13, Seaside, 12 June 1998
3/6/20 Friday Day 4: No info available. Trial continues on Monday, 3/9.
3/9/20 Monday Day 5: State witnesses: Forensic anthropologist (who worked the autopsy-no name given). Eric Halsing (Senior criminologist who specializes in forensic DNA analysis at the State Dept. of Justice’s Jan Bashinski Laboratory in Richmond). Dr. Alison Galloway (retired UC Santa Cruz anthropology professor, performed autopsy). The prosecution rested their case. Trial will resume of 3/16.
3/16/20 Monday Day 6: Monterey County Public Defender Michael Belter did opening statements for the defense. Defense witnesses: Stacey Murray (via video from Ohio; saw vehicle at Ft. Ord & 2 men in car). Jennifer Parris (via video from Alabama; also saw vehicle at Ft. Ord & 2 men in car w/Christina). Trial continues on 3/17.
3/17/20 Tuesday Day 7: Defense witnesses: Noelani Burleson (victim of attempted kidnapping in Petaluma in 11/98 similar car that was seen in Ft. Ord). Donna Ann Dulo (saw Christina's dog wandering around). Lisa Johnson (former girlfriend). Trial continues on 3/18.
3/18/20 Wednesday Day 8: No info available yet. Trial continues on 3/19.

 

[Niner]

Monterey County Superior Court announces closures in response to COVID-19 – Monterey Herald

March 18, 2020

Officials at the court have been in contact with officials at the Monterey County Health Department tracking the state of the novel coronavirus pandemic, with the first cases in Monterey County reported Tuesday.

Ruhl said the Charles Holifield murder trial is the only other matter still taking place at the court, noting it is a court trial with a judge making the verdict rather than a jury. According to Public Defender Michael Belter, who is acting as Holifield’s lead attorney, the defense called a number of witnesses Wednesday involved in the search and rescue efforts during the months of June and July in 1998 following Christina Willams’ disappearance.

“We will be back in session on Thursday starting at 9:30 am and expect to conclude on Friday morning,” Belter said in an email. “The prosecution may call rebuttal witnesses. Closing statements may be late Friday or Monday.”

According to Ruhl, the only other ongoing matter Wednesday was a court hearing regarding allegations Dr. Steven Keith Mangar overprescribed opioids. Mangar waived his right to a jury trial and the court trial was continued until May.

 

[Niner]

Not getting any "new" reports on what's happening in court....

Friday, March 20th:
*Bench Trial continues (Day 10) (@ 9:30am PT) - CA – Christina Marie Williams (13) (June 12, 1998, Seaside; found Jan. 12, 1999 near Imjim Rd.) – *Charles Holifield (37 @ time of crime/56/now 58) arrested (4/17/17), charged (5/10/17), arraigned (1/16/18) & indicted (2/23/18) with 1st degree murder, special allegations of kidnapping & lewd acts on children. Plead not guilty.
DNA match
Bench Trial began on 3/2/20. Trial expected to last a month.
Also suspect in Jennifer Morris murder. Holifield is serving a third-strike sentence of 25 years to life in prison for the attempted kidnapping of a 23-year-old woman. Also was convicted of sexually assaulting or raping two teenage girls, and he was suspected of raping a third, between 1979 and 1983. All the attacks took place on Fort Ord.
Trial info from (Day 1-7: 3/2/20 to 3/17/20) reference post #107 here:
CA - CA - Christina Williams, 13, Seaside, 12 June 1998
3/18/20 Wednesday Day 8: No info available yet. Defense called witness involved in the search & rescue efforts to find Christina. Back in session on 3/19. The prosecution may call rebuttal witnesses. Closing statements may be late Friday or Monday.
3/19/20 Thursday Day 9: No info available. Trial continues on 3/20.

 

[Suglo]

Not getting any "new" reports on what's happening in court....

Friday, March 20th:
*Bench Trial continues (Day 10) (@ 9:30am PT) - CA – Christina Marie Williams (13) (June 12, 1998, Seaside; found Jan. 12, 1999 near Imjim Rd.) – *Charles Holifield (37 @ time of crime/56/now 58) arrested (4/17/17), charged (5/10/17), arraigned (1/16/18) & indicted (2/23/18) with 1st degree murder, special allegations of kidnapping & lewd acts on children. Plead not guilty.
DNA match
Bench Trial began on 3/2/20. Trial expected to last a month.
Also suspect in Jennifer Morris murder. Holifield is serving a third-strike sentence of 25 years to life in prison for the attempted kidnapping of a 23-year-old woman. Also was convicted of sexually assaulting or raping two teenage girls, and he was suspected of raping a third, between 1979 and 1983. All the attacks took place on Fort Ord.
Trial info from (Day 1-7: 3/2/20 to 3/17/20) reference post #107 here:
CA - CA - Christina Williams, 13, Seaside, 12 June 1998
3/18/20 Wednesday Day 8: No info available yet. Defense called witness involved in the search & rescue efforts to find Christina. Back in session on 3/19. The prosecution may call rebuttal witnesses. Closing statements may be late Friday or Monday.
3/19/20 Thursday Day 9: No info available. Trial continues on 3/20.

@Niner The last trial hearing date on calendar was yesterday 3/20 and the docket says “Conviction certified by the clerk of the court.” It also says “sentencing held” and remanded to state prison.

 

[Suglo]

Judge Pamela Butler on Friday found Charles Holifield guilty of kidnapping, raping and killing Christina Williams, more than 21 years after the 13-year-old disappeared while walking her dog in a military neighborhood in Seaside.

“The defendant will spend the rest of his life in prison with no relief,” Butler said to the courtroom after sentencing Holifield to life in prison without the possibility of parole. She said the evidence showed the death of the girl was clearly a homicide and “the DNA evidence is overwhelmingly convincing and persuasive.”

Judge finds Charles Holifield guilty in the 1998 murder of Christina Williams – Monterey Herald

 

[Niner]

Thanks @Suglo for ALL your help on this case!

JUSTICE for Christina!

 

[Suglo]

Thanks @Suglo for ALL your help on this case!

JUSTICE for Christina!

View attachment 239562

You’re so welcome! I’m so happy that her family finally got justice.

 

[:+:MrTT:+:]

I have waited a long time for this. RIP Christina

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Murder of schoolgirl Christina Williams by Charles Holifield investigated by Paula Zahn on ID

 

[CRIMEADDICTed123]

SALINAS — Judge Pamela Butler on Friday found Charles Holifield guilty of kidnapping, raping and killing Christina Williams, more than 21 years after the 13-year-old disappeared while walking her dog in a military neighborhood in Seaside.

“The defendant will spend the rest of his life in prison with no relief,” Butler said to the courtroom after sentencing Holifield to life in prison without the possibility of parole. She said the evidence showed the death of the girl was clearly a homicide and “the DNA evidence is overwhelmingly convincing and persuasive.”

<modsnip for copyright>

Judge finds Charles Holifield guilty in the 1998 murder of Christina Williams

SALINAS — Judge Pamela Butler on Friday found Charles Holifield guilty of kidnapping, raping and killing Christina Williams, more than 21 years after the 13-year-old disappeared while walking…

www.montereyherald.com

Tags: Newsletter
Author
Tom Wright | Reporter/Editor
Tom Wright covers crime and breaking news in Monterey County.