GUILTY CA - Erin Corwin, 19, pregnant, Twentynine Palms, 28 June 2014 - #9

[cluciano63]

I've been very confused about this part of this story and maybe someone can fill in a missing piece for me. When JC found out E was pregnant, didn't he just assume it was his? And wouldn't she just play along with that, not wanting to out her affair?

But then announce it to her mother,if CL agreed they would be together? It is all confusing. I wonder what her plan was then.

 

[Seajay]

While I understand he probably duped her and led her into thinking that, how about her husband? Was he not lied to and treated with disrespect? The door swings both ways when someone is unfaithful. With that being said, I am sorry this all came down to this and her murderer deserves much punishment. But, I hope people think again before being unfaithful.

Yes, of course Erin lied to Jonathan but she didn't murder him, what we were talking about was how CL had to have lied to her to gain her trust and belief that they had a future or she wouldn't have been with him, out celebrating a pregnancy that it's obvious now he was NOT happy about.

 

[SuziQ]

I wonder if the supposed motive - that Erin was possibly pregnant with CL's baby - would come into play here. It's so ironic to me that he murdered someone who was possibly pregnant with his child in order to ensure he wouldn't lose the child he already has.

Just jumping in here to add that if the affair became public knowledge, then CL faced being court-martialed, causing him to lose his benefits, medals, etc. Child support for two kids. Cost of divorce...I feel like poor Erin had a big red target on her back.

Does anyone remember the murder of Maria Lauterbach? Same type of situation.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Maria_Lauterbach

 

[Seajay]

I'll vote for that.I do not understand if she was trying to be with CL why be so quick to tell your husband your pregnant and if you were going stay with your husband why be so quick to tell CL.While it is possible JC found out on his own I would think given her situation she would try to make sure that did not happen.Not bothered to admit when it comes to this part of the case I am lost.

I'm a little perplexed by this too. Did she just plan on telling both men she was pregnant, maybe infer to each one that he was the daddy and see what sticks, who wanted her and the baby? I'm not understanding what she was doing but telling them both she was pregnant.

 

[2Hope4]

Senseless! I hope I never understand why someone thinks they can murder and get by with it. I hope I never understand why they think murder will solve anything!! Affairs happen. Having an affair isn't the end of the world, and shouldn't be the end of someone's life! Heck, if you don't want to be with them, then leave! In this case, he was going to Alaska anyway, so that would have ended the affair. There was no need for murder!!!! (Side note, murder in self defense, or if I caught someone molesting/raping my child, well, while I would have a hard time living after taking someone's life, I can't say that I wouldn't do it.) But nothing here indicates either of those situations was a part of this. No...Erin was lured out to be murdered!!

I'm often surprised how the main perp is known to many way before an arrest is made. The heat is on them, media, all family, friends, etc., have suspicions, yet so often we don't see a suicide. The perp must know their time of freedom is limited. Likewise the restraint the the victim's loved ones have to not go after the perp themselves, just amazes me.

Kudos to all the investigators involved that didn't give up. They followed the facts, followed their instincts and training and were able to find Erin. Given the vast area, it seemed like such a grim chance they wouldn't find her. Yet they didn't give up, and they brought her home. In this case, that was the best we could ask for. Wonderful job to each here who suspected a mine shaft would be involved. You were spot on. And having that knowledge and foresight will help in other cases. The more we learn, the better we become.

I'm only on page 3 of this thread, so won't ask questions until I finish reading the rest. Have followed this case from day one, but just not commented much.

Hugs to each member here. Each does affect us. In such a case as this one, from the start it seemed the best outcome was being able to find Erin, and an arrest. Now we await the long legal process. I'm wondering if the military won't take over from here, as was in the case with Maria Lauterbach (Spelling??) in NC. Basically same situation. Her perp thought he was the father of her unborn child, though after death it was revealed he was NOT. But too late, as he had murdered her. Military isn't soft on sentencing.

My thoughts and prayers are with Erin's husband, her family, her friends. Also with the perp's family. They are now a lesser victim, but victims as well. To know your child, your brother, your nephew, your friend was capable of murder must be a terrible feeling. So many lives forever changed as the result.

Erin, I pray you were there to welcome Robin Williams, and know nothing but love, and happiness. I personally don't believe the deceased can see what's going on here on Earth, but I'm thankful your Earthly body has been found, the person responsible arrested, and justice on Earth will come. Anyone that knew what happened, help conceal the crime, etc., I pray they'll be arrested as well.

:grouphug: Websleuthers!! We never know when what we've learned about a case will be helpful in another case, or unfortunately if such happens to someone we know. The insight in solving these cases is what motivates me. To solve the mystery, and then let the legal departments seek the justice. :grouphug:

 

[Seajay]

Seems almost identical to Heather Elvis' case.

Yes, it does, definitely. I see so many parallels between the two cases.

 

[LinasK]

Wasn't Maria Lauterbach a Marine though? That's the difference here. Erin is the Marine wife.

 

[SuziQ]

Wasn't Maria Lauterbach a Marine though? That's the difference here. Erin is the Marine wife.

Can't have an affair with another Marine's wife. It's illegal in the USMC.

 

[hwat]

I'm a little perplexed by this too. Did she just plan on telling both men she was pregnant, maybe infer to each one that he was the daddy and see what sticks, who wanted her and the baby? I'm not understanding what she was doing but telling them both she was pregnant.

I'm not a woman expert but i think when shes sleeping with two men at the same time then she doesnt know whos the daddy. Seems like she felt like it was chris but she had to tell her hubby since the baby bump was showing already at 3 months. She had to tell him after the first month because it doesnt make sense to drop the bombshell during month 3! Oh btw i've been pregnant 3 months, thus the baby bump..wtf

 

[amm]

http://www.pe.com/articles/corwin-748445-lee-detectives.html

The timeline in this article was helpful to me in visualizing where events took place in relation to each other.

 

[Seajay]

The last five cases I've taken part in, all five have been found deceased. Jennifer Huston committed suicide, Charli Scott, Jenise Wright and Erin Corwin were murdered and their murderers have been caught. Jordan Baznik died of hypothermia. All five are being returned to their families.

So many other cases I have taken part in are still open ended with no answers for the families. Jessica Heeringa, Heather Elivs, Susan Jacobson, Bob Harrod.

Heather Elvis has been declared dead, Bob Harrod recently passed the 5 year mark to legally be declared dead. But the other two are unknown still. All of these families deserve answers, all of them need their loved ones home so they can bury them.

As sad as knowing what happened is, I think it's better for the loved ones to know. Sometimes doing this is sad.

Earlier today I was fist pumping that Christopher Lee was arrested and Erin had been found. Now I feel a profound sadness that another young life has been snuffed out before she ever really got a chance to live. One mistake cost her her life. I don't know where I'm going with this, just thinking out loud.

 

[amm]

CBS News 8 has learned has learned Lee may have had an incriminating internet search history on his computer, which is what may have led investigators to zero in on the hundreds of mine shafts around Joshua Tree National Park.

http://www.cbs8.com/story/26306835/...r-of-missing-marine-wife-erin-corwin-arrested

I think this article was updated - I don't remember it talking about the possible incriminating web search earlier.

I thought that an article from earlier today talked about her being found in an area CL was familiar with - I wonder how they know it is an area he is familiar with. Is it from a Jeep off road website or event like another poster mentioned or from his cell phone pings or ??? Do the marines ever do drills out in that area because of the intense terrain? I have many questions but am confident some will be answered with time as we become privy to more info.

Kudos to all that helped find Erin in whatever way! Continued prayers to her family and friends and to all of CL's victims (i.e.. minor children included). How sad to grow up without a dad because he murdered a woman and his suspected child!

 

[Seajay]

Now knowing what SBCSO was doing, what they had and were working on, I feel they handled this case very well. I'm very proud of them for the work they did on this case. They came under a lot of criticism and a lot of fire for the perceived notion that were doing nothing, yet all this time they were getting all their ducks in a row and finding Erin. With her being in that mine shaft, she may have never been found, as Nichole Lee said. Good job SBCSO!! Now find out who killed the McStay family.

 

[RR0004]

This may have been discussed previously, so I apologize if it has...but could the military take this over for trial? IOW, who has jurisdiction?

 

[2Hope4]

reported missing
erin's being missing became suspicious
search area 300 sq miles
mine shafts and bodies of waters searched
on sat 8/16/14..found her in a mine shaft

body recovered at 630
positive id made
at 10 pm Chris lee arrested for her murder

manner of death - homicide

erin did not go to the park
lee has been a suspect all along
got info from devices
got location from devices

Potential suspect, Chris Lee
Cell phones, electric devices
Determined potential location of Erin Corwin's body
Spent thousands of hours searching parts of desert and mine shafts
Brooklyn Mining District, LA mining district, etc.
On Saturday they searched those Mining Districts on Saturday with cameras and special mine teams
examinined bottom of mines. 4:30pm they found (140 feet down) female corpse

on saturday, 8/16....they searched with mining caves teams......using cameras

around 430 pm.......around 140 feet down

found female body

Suspicious Circumstances:

Her vehicle was far away from park>she had not been in that park

Forensic exams of cell phones & tech>determined potential location for her body

Led us to Brooklyn, LA, and Rosa Peru Mining Districts

Also found evidence in the mine!

used specialized equipment and extract her body and additional evidence

they issued the warrant for his arrest based on evidence they had in possession

deployed a task force into the anchorage area and arrested him last night for the murder of erin corwin

gonna speak a bit about the search in the mine shaft (calling another guy in to talk)

volunteer team is second to none.. requested morning of 17th, met up with mine rescue at 10am in 29palms, they had their rescue team out of montana, rescue 73, they assembled at the site then transitioned to an entry setup.. the rescue operation was about 2 hrs, they made 2 entries, first one was to collect evidence, the second to then extract the body of ms corwin. had a minor injury, a firefighter/rescue tech is being treated for some potential cardiac issues, was struck by a rock on the way down, didn't want recognition and was just glad to play some small role in bringing perp to justice

district attorney - thanks to LE
major crimes unit involved
must bring Lee back to CA
will know what charges in next 48 hours

haven't finished autopsy for cause of death nor to confirm pregnancy

christopher lee's only ties to CA ws the marine corps brought him there, all family and other ties are in alaska (still transcribing, if these seem like random comments i'm making, LOL)

believed her disappearance was suspicious
why focus on Lee? based on interviews and evidence = Lee most likely suspect
autopsy still taking place
will not discuss motive
not sure if she was pregnant or not......waiting on autopsy
yes, probably intimate relationship between Lee and Erin
Lee has no ties to CA other than his military service

(i can't hear the questions....)

used many electronic devices that lead them to Erin and her location

not easily accessible area - very remote - mining pins? - outside of National park
several miles SE of 29 palms

BLM land

Area was not easily accessible, very remote. Outside JTNP on BLM land. Several miles southeast of 29 Palms.

I wonder if it being on BLM land makes it a federal murder instead of just a state crime?

100 mine shafts in the area
info obtained from technology and communication devices - helped in finding Erin

in custody in Alaska - judge there will have to determine if enough evidence to bring him back to CA
if things go right - Lee should be back in CA within the next 4 weeks

"there is certainly the potential for more arrests"

the arrest warrant is sealed at this time - all indications will be filed as a murder

AND

possible more arrest!

affair may have started in February

"Nichole told Isabel that without a body the detectives did not have a case against them and the detectives would never find the body."

So much for those words!

TDSColinAtagiVerified account ‏@TDSColinAtagi Official says Christopher Lee had knowledge of area where #erincorwin found @MyDesert

TDSColinAtagi ‏@TDSColinAtagi 20m
Officials say Christopher Lee's wife, Nichole, is a person of interest but not suspect in #erincorwin case @MyDesert

TDSColinAtagi ‏@TDSColinAtagi 13m
Day and time of #erincorwin death under investigation, sheriff said. @MyDesert

TDSColinAtagi ‏@TDSColinAtagi 12m
#Sanbernardino sheriff McMahon said #erincorwin family expressed relief she was found; they had no closure until Saturday. @MyDesert

http://local.nixle.com/alert/5252322/

***UPDATE*** The Search for Erin Corwin Concludes. Christopher Lee in Custody in Anchorage Alaska.
DATE/TIME: June 29, 2014 **UPDATE – August 18, 2014**

INCIDENT: Missing Person Investigation – Murder Investigation

LOCATION: Twentynine Palms

VICTIM: Erin Corwin, age 19 of Twentynine Palms

SUSPECT: Christopher Brandon Lee, 24, Anchorage, Alaska – In custody

UPDATE:
During the nearly eight week extensive investigation and search, using forensics and technology, Detectives were able to identify a possible location of Erin Corwin.

The search area covered approximately 300 square miles, including the areas of Joshua Tree National Park, Twentynine Palms, Amboy, Twentynine Palms Marine Corp Base and areas covered by Bureau of Land Management. Aerial searches identified more than 100 mine shafts and numerous bodies of water that were searched by the Technical Cave and Mine Teams and Specialized Dive Teams. Nearly 5,000 volunteer hours were dedicated to this search.

On Saturday, August 16, 2014, the search teams focused on the areas of Rose of Peru Mining District, Brooklyn Mining District and Los Angeles Mining District. At approximately 4:30 p.m., using video equipment, a body was located in a mine shaft approximately 140 feet below.

On Sunday, due to the depth and air quality of the mine shaft, County Fire Urban Search and Rescue Team responded to assist in the recovery. The recovery was complete at 6:30 p.m. At 9:30 p.m. our Forensic Odontologist, made a positive identification using dental records. At 10:00 p.m. Christopher Lee was arrested in Anchorage, Alaska for the murder of Erin Corwin.

An autopsy was conducted today and the manner of death has been determined to be homicide.

The investigation is ongoing and additional information will be released as new information becomes available.


SUMMARY:
Detectives have received information regarding possible locations to be searched for potential evidence of foul play regarding the disappearance of 19-year-old Erin Corwin. The information is the result of an extensive three-week investigation.

“We are looking for a crime scene,” said Leland Boldt, the captain of the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigation Division.

Investigators from the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigation Division have spoken to numerous persons who knew Erin prior to her disappearance looking for any and all information that may lead them to Erin’s whereabouts. It is imperative investigators determine whether or not there was foul play, Sgt. Trevis Newport said. Search warrants have been executed as part of this investigation to assist investigators in determining what may have occurred.

Further information regarding the facts outlined in the search warrant will not be discussed. It is unfortunate such extensive details were released regarding this investigation because it can affect the outcome of the case. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has a responsibility to Erin’s family, her loved ones and her unborn child to provide answers regarding her disappearance. It is essential the integrity of the investigation be maintained in order for justice to be served.

Christopher Lee was known to Erin Corwin prior to her disappearance and as a result of their contact, a search warrant was issued in the 700 block of Geronimo Trail in Yucca Valley. Investigators located a destructive device and arrested Lee for its possession, per PC18710(a). Lee was arrested for a felony charge not related to the disappearance of Erin Corwin. The case regarding the arrest for the destructive device has been completed and forwarded to the District Attorney’s office for filing.

Although suspicious circumstances have existed from the inception of this investigation there is still not enough evidence to rule out that Erin Corwin could be voluntarily missing. It is crucial all acquaintances be contacted and interviewed, in an effort to solve the case.

Investigators continue to ask anyone with information about Erin Corwin is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigation Division at (909) 387-3589 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (909) 387-8313. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com

Refer: Sergeant Trevis Newport or Detective Daniel Hanke
Station: Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail
Phone No. (909) 387-3589
Case No.: 201400900

John McMahon, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department

He had to have lied to her or she wouldn't have thought they would be celebrating her pregnancy where he really ended up killing her, he had to have led her to believe that he wanted the baby and wanted a life with her or she wouldn't have been so happy about it and gone with him to celebrate the pregnancy. He had to have given her a false sense of security with him or she wouldn't have gone with him to a remote place alone with him. She obvious felt she was safe with him or she wouldn't have gone anywhere with him. He sold her a line of bull a mile long. Why else would she think he'd be thrilled he got her pregnant when he's married to someone else he wanted to stay with??? Yet she text her friend that he was taking her out hunting and to have a "special day" together to "celebrate her pregnancy."

Thanks to each of you for the transcribing during the press conference. To the last post, and that makes this so much sadder. Betrayal. So sad. In most cases here, we could say "IF" they hadn't done this "IF" they hadn't done that, worn that, been there, etc., etc., then such and such wouldn't have happened. Well, yes and no. I don't believe in victim blaming. I do think about what led up to the crime that was committed. Not to blame someone, but to save someone. Yet sadly, you can be in your own home, minding your business, and someone come in and murder you. In the majority of the cases, the victims actions has nothing to do with their murder! It was the murderers CHOICE to murder. They didn't need a reason, a motive, etc., they CHOSE to take the life of another. The murderer in the majority of the cases has the CHOICE to walk away, leave whatever situation. Yet time and time again, they CHOOSE to murder instead!!! An affair, a pregnancy, a divorce, etc., IMO are NOT means for murder!!! They just AREN'T!! Many couples work through an affair, many babies are born out of wed lock or through an affair. Many couples divorce, live their lives, and may remarry. So I pray I never understand, nor feel that the motives many use for murder are justified. I pray I never lose my morals or mind to the point that I feel that is an acceptable reaction to the situation.

*SMH* So many lives affected by one person's CHOICE!!

 

[Seajay]

This may have been discussed previously, so I apologize if it has...but could the military take this over for trial? IOW, who has jurisdiction?

As was discussed earlier today, since Lee was active duty Marine, he can be tried in military courts. Since he committed the crime in the County of San Bernadino, in the State of California, he can be tried in civil court as well. Since he committed the crime on federal land *BLM*, he can be tried in federal court as well.

I guess they'll have to get together and discuss which way they are going to go. If he is convicted in military court, he can have his honorable discharge status changed to dishonorable discharge. If he is tried in military court and not convicted, he can still be tried in civil courts or vise versa. If he's tried in Federal court and not convicted, he can still be tried in civil courts or vise versa. If he is tried in military court and not convicted he may not be tried again federally and vise versa. All the links to this information is in this thread a few pages back. HTH.

 

[Seajay]

I just hope she didn't suffer and it was over quick. That poor girl, had so much to look forward to and to have it all taken away from her like that. :crying:

 

[katydid23]

I still want to know~~~ was there ever a red car involved?

 

[77DarkHorse7]

I can well imagine them suggesting she shut the heck up, but I can't imagine the police ever telling a witness to lie in public. It would make things quite difficult for the prosecutor. Can you just imagine the questions and the jurors eyes upon hearing that she was lying on purpose to protect the investigation?

Ordinarily I'd say no, but I wouldn't put it past this department. Remember these are the guys who sent out a press release stating "there are no suspects or 'persons of interest' identified." two weeks after their prime suspect was so well "identified" they managed to get search warrants on three properties and four vehicles he had access to. 'Can you just imagine the questions and the jurors eyes upon hearing that they were lying on purpose to protect the investigation?'

 

[Marg from Oz]

We have no idea how Erin's marriage was. I recall - weeks ago - on a message board - her sister saying Erin told her that if she ever went missing to give her some time to "get away" - or something to that effect. Why would she have said that? IMO, we'll never know the state of their marriage. JC will forever be known as a "wronged man."

If Erin did in fact tell her sister this it looks to me like she was planning to go off with C.L. and this was why she was not upset that he was supposed to be going back to Alaska. I think he conned her into believing they had a life together and that he was happy she was pregnant. All this to get her comfortable enough to go off hunting. Strange way to celebrate a pregnancy but then love is blind when you are infatuated. JMOO