GUILTY CA - Erin Corwin, 19, pregnant, Twentynine Palms, 28 June 2014 - #10

[scorekeeper]

I'm just kind of discombobulated......grrr! My dad died on the 6th and my brain doesn't know what to do with that, it's complicated, thought I could keep myself busy hanging on WS, but I'm slowly realizing I'm having a hard time communicating when my brain just wants to shut down, bleck! :gaah:

Think I'll just put myself on "Read Only" mode! :floorlaugh:
Eh, it'll get better........:truce:

:hug: so sorry for your loss, Bernina

 

[stayhomemommy]

Agree wholeheartedly, la2cabo. I have been thinking all along that CL is very similar to Scott Peterson in what he did and the kind of sociopathic monsters they seem to be (murdering the woman they got pregnant because they had other women they wanted to be with and she was in the way). I have even referred to CL being like Scott Peterson in some of my posts.

But your post made me realize the potential difference in them I hadn't thought of before -- whereas Scott likely killed his wife at home when he had an opportunity and then went to hideous extremes to try to hide his crime and get rid of her body, CL likely was plotting and pretending affection the entire time he was with Erin (hours) before killing her, and truly took things to another level of heinous behavior. IIRC, NL even referred to the Peterson case when discussing with IM (re pregnant woman missing, no body/no case), but in both cases LE DID find the body, thank goodness.

BBM. I hate to admit how many times this has gone through my head. Did he do that? Did he pretend the whole time, till they arrived at the location? It's so awful.

And on a similar note: does the "lying in wait" charge simply mean premeditation, or does it go beyond that? I have never been quite clear on that. Thanks!

 

[Twistinginthewind]

BBM. I hate to admit how many times this has gone through my head. Did he do that? Did he pretend the whole time, till they arrived at the location? It's so awful.

And on a similar note: does the "lying in wait" charge simply mean premeditation, or does it go beyond that? I have never been quite clear on that. Thanks!

Here is a link to CA legal definition of "lying in wait"

http://www.lectlaw.com/def2/m060.htm

MURDER BY LYING IN WAIT
To constitute murder by lying in wait there must be an intentional infliction upon the person killed of bodily harm involving a high degree of probability that it will result in death and which shows a wanton disregard for human life. The concept of lying in wait does not relieve the prosecution from the burden of proving that the defendant harbored malice aforethought . . .Lying in wait is a waiting and watching for an opportune time to act, together with a concealment by ambush or some other secret design to take the other person by surprise. The lying in wait need not continue for any particular period of time provided that its duration is such as to show a state of mind equivalent to premeditation or deliberation.According to California criminal law, the phrase "lying in wait" describes both a special circumstance and a theory of first degree murder. The factual situation necessary to sustain a jury's finding of lying in wait as a special circumstance is: " `an intentional murder, committed under circumstances which include (1) a concealment of purpose, (2) a substantial period of watching and waiting for an opportune time to act, and (3) immediately thereafter, a surprise attack on an unsuspecting victim from a position of advantage[.]' "

 

[Twistinginthewind]

Here is a link to CA legal definition of "lying in wait"

http://www.lectlaw.com/def2/m060.htm

MURDER BY LYING IN WAIT
To constitute murder by lying in wait there must be an intentional infliction upon the person killed of bodily harm involving a high degree of probability that it will result in death and which shows a wanton disregard for human life. The concept of lying in wait does not relieve the prosecution from the burden of proving that the defendant harbored malice aforethought . . .Lying in wait is a waiting and watching for an opportune time to act, together with a concealment by ambush or some other secret design to take the other person by surprise. The lying in wait need not continue for any particular period of time provided that its duration is such as to show a state of mind equivalent to premeditation or deliberation.According to California criminal law, the phrase "lying in wait" describes both a special circumstance and a theory of first degree murder. The factual situation necessary to sustain a jury's finding of lying in wait as a special circumstance is: " `an intentional murder, committed under circumstances which include (1) a concealment of purpose, (2) a substantial period of watching and waiting for an opportune time to act, and (3) immediately thereafter, a surprise attack on an unsuspecting victim from a position of advantage[.]' "

So, items (1) through (3) at the end of the quote are a little different than simple premeditation, IMO, because in addition to it being premeditated, they're also concealing their purpose, spending a substantial period of time watching and waiting, and surprising the unsuspecting victim from a point of advantage. Somewhat subtle difference on the face of it, but 3 additional aspects beyond premeditation it seems.

 

[rose222]

Agree wholeheartedly, la2cabo. I have been thinking all along that CL is very similar to Scott Peterson in what he did and the kind of sociopathic monsters they seem to be (murdering the woman they got pregnant because they had other women they wanted to be with and she was in the way). I have even referred to CL being like Scott Peterson in some of my posts.

But your post made me realize the potential difference in them I hadn't thought of before -- whereas Scott likely killed his wife at home when he had an opportunity and then went to hideous extremes to try to hide his crime and get rid of her body, CL likely was plotting and pretending affection the entire time he was with Erin (hours) before killing her, and truly took things to another level of heinous behavior. IIRC, NL even referred to the Peterson case when discussing with IM (re pregnant woman missing, no body/no case), but in both cases LE DID find the body, thank goodness.

BBM. I hate to admit how many times this has gone through my head. Did he do that? Did he pretend the whole time, till they arrived at the location? It's so awful.

And on a similar note: does the "lying in wait" charge simply mean premeditation, or does it go beyond that? I have never been quite clear on that. Thanks!

It really takes a special person to do what this Chris guy is suspected of doing. Poor Erin. I bet she woke up that morning thinking about what a wonderful day it would be...maybe she dressed real nice that day, she must have imagined a romantic drive, just the two of them...perhaps she was thinking of baby names and such...and all the while Chris had already decided that Erin would not be with him on the drive back to 29 Palms.

Coming back to Nicole I don't understand the need to mention Scott Peterson while her husband is --if not arrested-- at least the number one suspect in a case. Why Scott Peterson? Which innocent person draws comparisons to a case where the victim was a pregnant woman who was murdered because the man did not want to deal with the responsibilities that come with being a parent. Not to mention that Scott Peterson was found guilty. Truly a bizarre sort of connection to make at that point. At any point. Imagine that you are the innocent wife and that your innocent husband is suspected of murdering a girl. Would you even think about the Scott Peterson case? Would you think about how people get away with murder? How the inability to find the remains of victims makes convictions less likely? If you do think about cases then you'd think about ones where innocent people have been wrongly convicted or at least suspected of crimes. The strangest statements really.

If I were in her shoes I'd be too much in shock and too many tears would be rolling down my cheek all day and all night long to even think about such things.

 

[shadetree44]

Ok............here's something just to make you laugh:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10203041094540040

Horse rescues just put a bur under my rear. I have yet to run across one that was truly about rescuing and not about money, so there you have my bias.

Someone told me many years ago, "If you can't understand what caused the situation, Follow the $$$$!" Enough said.

Sorry guys, for some reason it double posted!! Probably my bad.

 

[stayhomemommy]

Here is a link to CA legal definition of "lying in wait"

http://www.lectlaw.com/def2/m060.htm

MURDER BY LYING IN WAIT
To constitute murder by lying in wait there must be an intentional infliction upon the person killed of bodily harm involving a high degree of probability that it will result in death and which shows a wanton disregard for human life. The concept of lying in wait does not relieve the prosecution from the burden of proving that the defendant harbored malice aforethought . . .Lying in wait is a waiting and watching for an opportune time to act, together with a concealment by ambush or some other secret design to take the other person by surprise. The lying in wait need not continue for any particular period of time provided that its duration is such as to show a state of mind equivalent to premeditation or deliberation.According to California criminal law, the phrase "lying in wait" describes both a special circumstance and a theory of first degree murder. The factual situation necessary to sustain a jury's finding of lying in wait as a special circumstance is: " `an intentional murder, committed under circumstances which include (1) a concealment of purpose, (2) a substantial period of watching and waiting for an opportune time to act, and (3) immediately thereafter, a surprise attack on an unsuspecting victim from a position of advantage[.]' "

Much obliged, Twistinginthewind!

 

[Mrs. Gladden]

It is further alleged as to count(s) 1 that the murder of Erin Corwin was committed by defendant(s) Christopher Brandon Lee and that the defendant(s) intentionally killed the victim by means of lying in wait, within the meaning of Penal Code Section 190.2(a)(15).

bbm.....

You know, when I first read the Felony Complaint against CL, I didn't even notice this. It may be common legal terminology, but in this case, it really says a lot.

 

[cluciano63]

BBM. I hate to admit how many times this has gone through my head. Did he do that? Did he pretend the whole time, till they arrived at the location? It's so awful.

And on a similar note: does the "lying in wait" charge simply mean premeditation, or does it go beyond that? I have never been quite clear on that. Thanks!

Watching the series "Snapped" being with a spouse while planning their murder and even acting "normal" is what the show is all about...not so surprising to me.

 

[Twistinginthewind]

It is further alleged as to count(s) 1 that the murder of Erin Corwin was committed by defendant(s) Christopher Brandon Lee and that the defendant(s) intentionally killed the victim by means of lying in wait, within the meaning of Penal Code Section 190.2(a)(15).

bbm.....

You know, when I first read the Felony Complaint against CL, I didn't even notice this. It may be common legal terminology, but in this case, it really says a lot.

Thanks, Mrs. Gladden for the exact reference to the penal code, which also says that the "lying in wait" charge is one of the "special circumstances" under which the DEATH PENALTY applies!!! :

http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/cacode/PEN/3/1/8/1/s190.2

 

[Twistinginthewind]

Watching the series "Snapped" being with a spouse while planning their murder and even acting "normal" is what the show is all about...not so surprising to me.

Thanks, cluciano63 -- I don't know how to insert the great emoticons dancing and jumping up and down and going "GAAH!!" that other WSers do, cuz I'm not that saavy, but if I did, it would be a disgusted, disbelieving, gaah-ing little guy (that this kind of behavior in our culture is fodder for reality shows!!) geez....

 

[Mrs. Gladden]

Thanks, Mrs. Gladden for the exact reference to the penal code, which also says that the "lying in wait" charge is one of the "special circumstances" under which the DEATH PENALTY applies!!! :

http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/cacode/PEN/3/1/8/1/s190.2

Here is the link to the Felony Complaint: http://www.sbcountyda.org/Portals/8/PressReleases/2014/Christopher Brandon Lee.pdf

 

[rose222]

This concept of 'Lying in wait' is explained on this website. Just scroll down for the information. It also includes some examples:

"Example: Todd has been hired to kill Clara. He knows she gets home from work late at night. So he waits outside her apartment building for her to return, hiding at the side of the building. When Clara comes home, Todd attacks her while she is looking for her keys and kills her. This is a classic instance of murder by lying in wait.

Example: Mike and Ricky are angry at their friend Angela because of a romantic dispute. They make plans to kill her. Ricky asks Angela to go shopping with him. On the way to the mall, they stop and pick up Mike, who gets in the back seat of Ricky's car. Ricky drives the car to a remote part of town, and then Mike strangles Angela with a belt from behind.
This is also special circumstances murder by lying in wait, even though Mike did not hide from Angela and she was aware of his presence...because Mike and Ricky concealed their purpose from Angela and then surprised her."

http://www.shouselaw.com/special-circumstances-murder-california.html#2.9

 

[Coquette]

[modsnip]
I personally do not support the closing of the mines in the High Desert due to one tragic and extremely rare event. As someone who owns property in Joshua Tree, I know first hand how depleted our county resources are and there is no money to spare - period. There are far more abandoned homes throughout the area than caves and mines and they have became a hazard to far too many of us. Some turn into crystal meth labs, some are taken over by squatters and others are used as party houses. When a property owner petitions to have one of the unsafe abandoned houses torn down we are told the county is bankrupt and they simply don't have the funds to do it. I know this first hand. So, until this pressing issue that puts so many of us at risk is addressed, there should (and will not be) money available (and it would cost millions ) to close up any mines. Bad things happen. Sadly, they can happen anywhere. I truly appreciate those who loved Erin wanting to do something to ease their pain that seems both tangible and pro-active. Perhaps closing this one mine could accomplish that. In my opinion it should end there when it comes to this petition. I say this as someone who has invested in this community and who also feels great compassion and empathy for those who lost their lovely Erin.

 

[rose222]

And a little more:

"The factual situation necessary to sustain a jury's finding of lying in wait as a special circumstance is: " `an intentional murder, committed under circumstances which include (1) a concealment of purpose, (2) a substantial period of watching and waiting for an opportune time to act, and (3) immediately thereafter, a surprise attack on an unsuspecting victim from a position of advantage."

http://www.lectlaw.com/def2/m060.htm

 

[rose222]

Last example! I thought this was an interesting one.

"For example, Dan comes home to find his wife in bed with Victor. Three days later, Dan waits behind a tree near Victor's front door. When Victor comes out of the house, Dan shoots and kills him."

http://criminal.findlaw.com/criminal-charges/first-degree-murder-overview.html

 

[Twistinginthewind]

[modsnip]
I personally do not support the closing of the mines in the High Desert due to one tragic and extremely rare event. As someone who owns property in Joshua Tree, I know first hand how depleted our county resources are and there is no money to spare - period. There are far more abandoned homes throughout the area than caves and mines and they have became a hazard to far too many of us. Some turn into crystal meth labs, some are taken over by squatters and others are used as party houses. When a property owner petitions to have one of the unsafe abandoned houses torn down we are told the county is bankrupt and they simply don't have the funds to do it. I know this first hand. So, until this pressing issue that puts so many of us at risk is addressed, there should (and will not be) money available (and it would cost millions ) to close up any mines. Bad things happen. Sadly, they can happen anywhere. I truly appreciate those who loved Erin wanting to do something to ease their pain that seems both tangible and pro-active. Perhaps closing this one mine could accomplish that. In my opinion it should end there when it comes to this petition. I say this as someone who has invested in this community and who also feels great compassion and empathy for those who lost their lovely Erin.

Understandably there aren't at this time enough funds or support to close and seal properly all the abandoned mines, and much appreciated for the local perspective. Just hopeful that a new day and age have arrived through global awareness and throngs of people having a voice (e.g., through so many people giving their support through social media and other means) that in this instance, pressure on the mine owners/authorities to do something about closing the the mines up if they are not in active use would happen [modsnip]

 

[amm]

I'm just kind of discombobulated......grrr! My dad died on the 6th and my brain doesn't know what to do with that, it's complicated, thought I could keep myself busy hanging on WS, but I'm slowly realizing I'm having a hard time communicating when my brain just wants to shut down, bleck! :gaah:

Think I'll just put myself on "Read Only" mode! :floorlaugh:
Eh, it'll get better........:truce:

Sorry for your loss Bernina. I truly believe you will see your dad again. We do appreciate your insight and contribution here now or whenever you feel up to it.

 

[fabvab]

Do you think that Erin was alive when CL pushed her down the mine shaft? Maybe that is another reason they are saying it was such a heinous crime. If she had even survived the fall, she would have been lying there dying a very painful death with those horrible injuries. (I don't even know if she could have survived the fall...just speculating.
moo

 

[Seajay]

Do you think that Erin was alive when CL pushed her down the mine shaft? Maybe that is another reason they are saying it was such a heinous crime. If she had even survived the fall, she would have been lying there dying a very painful death with those horrible injuries. (I don't even know if she could have survived the fall...just speculating.
moo

That's what I thought all along as soon as I thought about her being in a mine shaft, that he just got her close to the opening, (maybe to have a look down) and pushed her. To me that would be an easier way then for him to shoot her first then throw her down there. However, with finding spent shell casings down there with her, I don't know now.