GUILTY CA - Tori Vienneau, 22, & Dean Springstube, 10 mos, murdered, Bonita, 26 July 2006 #2

[Shadow205]

By Dana Littlefield
Union-Tribune Staff Writer
4:31 p.m. September 10, 2009

SAN DIEGO – A Bonita man accused of fatally strangling his infant son and the boy's mother three years ago was found guilty Thursday of felony charges that will likely send him to prison for life.
A jury convicted Dennis Potts, 25, of two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of 22-year-old Tori Vienneau and their 10-month-old son, Dean Springstube. Potts also was found guilty of conspiracy to obstruct justice.
The nine-man, three-woman panel deliberated about a day and a half before announcing its verdict.

<snip>

Several of Vienneau's friends and family members gasped loudly in the packed courtroom when they heard the verdicts. Her mother, Dayna Herroz, whispered the words “thank you.”
“We are ecstatic that he was found guilty on all counts because we knew he was,” Herroz said outside the courtroom. “No parent should have to go through this. No grandparent should have to go through this, but Tori and Dean are shining down on us ...”

<snip>

At one point, Potts dropped his head and rubbed his face with his hands after the verdicts were read. When he turned to face his supporters in the courtroom, his eyes were red.
His lawyer, Kerry Armstrong, said outside the courtroom that the verdicts were disappointing, but he respected the jury's decision. He noted that Potts was “very upset” and had shed some tears.

more at the link : http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/sep/10/bn10potts-found-guilty/?metro&zIndex=163810

 

[ebbie]

What a bittersweet ending to a sad story. I have no doubt Potts red eyes came from his thoughts about his own life plans being modified.

My thoughts are with the family tonight......

 

[Cubby]

What a bittersweet ending to a sad story. I have no doubt Potts red eyes came from his thoughts about his own life plans being modified.

My thoughts are with the family tonight......

I agree. Dennis should have thought about that before taking the lives oftwo innocent people. He didn't have to participate in Deans life. He could have had his attorney waive his parental rights. No, that would not have excused him from the responsibility of paying child support, just as it hasn't in a family member of mine who's bio father did just that. But two innocent people lost their lives, lives that had a great impact on those who knew them and those who only learned of their existance after and as a result of this horrific crime. I know Tori and Dean had much to offer, and I hope and pray that a bit of what they had to offer lives on in those who loved them, whether they were known IRL or not.

I to am ecstatic, while this does not bring Tori and Dean back, at least they recieved justice and Dennis can not hurt anyone again.

I too hope he is placed in the general population. I'm sick and tired of prisoners getting protected when their victims had no such protection. I know many thought Dennis deserved the death penalty for his actions. I for one think that would have been too easy for him. At 26, he should have another 50 years behind bars to think about what he did. I hope Bubba isn't easy on him.

I would like to know when Maxwell Corns trial starts, and I would like to follow that here too. Maybe a seperate thread? Maybe not.... but I have to see this to the end with these trials.

I know Dayna and Roy do not know me, nor does any of Tori and Deans family and friends, but they have prayers and support from here in Chicagoland.

Thank you Jurors for making the right decision! I know this must have been a difficult case to hear, thank you!

 

[christine2448]

Think it's time to change the thread title to Tori and Dean? I hate reading the title. Thoughts?

 

[Cubby]

Think it's time to change the thread title to Tori and Dean? I hate reading the title. Thoughts?

We could, if we add both last names. Whatever everyone decides. While it is hard to read, part of me thinks maybe we should leave it so we never forget? I wish we could get Dayna's input. I'm more apt to say let's let her make the decision as Tori's mother and Deans grandmother. A few WS'rs are in contact with her.... maybe they can ask her what she thinks? IF they think she would not mind being 'bothered' with such a question. One never knows how she may react and what she feels. I think, if possible, she would be the one to make the final decision.

jmo of course.

 

[Tom'sGirl]

snip

I would like to know when Maxwell Corns trial starts, and I would like to follow that here too. Maybe a seperate thread? Maybe not.... but I have to see this to the end with these trials.

Here you go Cubby

 

[Tom'sGirl]

Think it's time to change the thread title to Tori and Dean? I hate reading the title. Thoughts?

How about
The murders of Tori Vienneau 22, and infant son Dean Springstube

 

[Chicogirl36]

Think it's time to change the thread title to Tori and Dean? I hate reading the title. Thoughts?

I think that sounds GREAT!! You have my vote. Tori's last name is hard to pronounce and when I have ever heard them referred to, its always "Tori and Dean". Hate to see the noose part of the story

JUSTICE has FINALLY been served for Tori and Dean :woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:

 

[Patty G]

Think it's time to change the thread title to Tori and Dean? I hate reading the title. Thoughts?

I think that is a great idea!

 

[Cubby]

I'd like to see their last names added since Tori and Dean always refers to Tori Spelling.... I don't want our Tori and Dean to get lost in there with the celebs.

jmo

 

[christine2448]

Cubby..tell me the exact names and spellings so I don't mess it up and I will edit the thread if everyone is in agreement. :blowkiss::blowkiss:

 

[Cubby]

How about
The murders of Tori Vienneau 22, and infant son Dean Springstube

here ya go Christine. Just use Tom'sGirls title!

Thank you!
:blowkiss:

ETA: Please change both titles in this forum. There are two threads. Thanks!

 

[Bobbisangel]

Yes, there is justice....my faith in the system...for this particuliar trial anyway...has been renewed. Dayna and Roy finally had their day in court over the murders of their daughter Tori and grandson baby Dean. Dennis Potts was found guilty of two counts of 1st degree murder. Thank you Lord.

Many of us remember when these murders happened in San Diego Ca. Dayna, the mother of Tori and grandmother of baby Dean has been here with us many times. Tori was brutally murdered and baby Dean was hung in his crib...by his bio father!!!!!! This was all over child support....no surprise is it?

I'm so glad that Potts will never have another breath of fresh air....enjoy a holiday meal at home with his family...be able to go to the clubs thinking he is supper stud or have a happy married life with the young lady who has stood beside him for the last couple years believing that he was innocent. His father will never have to lie for him again telling LE that Dennis was at home with his family when Tori and Dean were murdered...caught right on video Mr. Potts.

I just wish I could have been there to see the look on the killers face when the jury said GUILTY of 2 murders in the lst degree. Another reason for the murders was that Dennis didn't want his parents to know about baby Dean. Well killer, they sure do know now. May you never have a moments peace in prison.

 

[Cubby]

Does anyone know why Max Corn is only being charged with consipiracy regarding the paternity test? Why not an accesory to murder or something regarding the murder? That doesn't make sense to me.... It just seems like Max is getting off lightly here, when his participation in an event eventually led to two innocent people losing their lives.

TomsGirl? Anyone?

Thanks!

 

[eeyorelrn]

New to the story, but read thru both threads tonight... I cannot imagine how that Dennis Potts thought he would be able to get away with murdering Tori and Baby Dean... I have no other words to use but 'demonic' to describe this excuse of a human. And his parents? Even thinking about those two wastes of air angers me to no end. I am THANKFUL that those 9 men and 3 women were able to see through the lies and deceit that the Potts' had manufactured over the past 3 years and provide Dayna, Roy, and Tori's friends with the justice they so rightly deserved. Why this was not a death penalty case I have no idea, but that is not for me to judge at this moment. I can only hope and pray that everyday brings Tori and Baby Dean's family and friends closer to healing.

 

[Tom'sGirl]

As per an email today from Dayna:

there has been a delay in trial for Max Corn. It will begin Oct. 28th now instead of this week.

 

[Tom'sGirl]

Just a reminder that Max Corn's trial is to begin tomorrow Oct. 28th at 9 a.m. in Department 27 with Judge Revak.

 

[Tom'sGirl]

The trial for Max Corn is done!!!! There is no court today; however the verdict will be read at 9 a.m. tomorrow Friday Oct. 30th!!!!

 

[Tom'sGirl]

Last Update: 12:03 pm

SAN DIEGO - A man who lied to police about his friend's whereabouts when a woman and her son were strangled, and also helped fake a DNA test to hide the infant's paternity, was convicted Friday of conspiracy to obstruct justice.

Maxwell Corn, 25, faces up to three years in state prison when he is sentenced Dec. 11 by Judge Bernard Revak, who heard the case without a jury.

Corn was best friends with Dennis Potts, who last month was convicted of the July 26, 2006, murders of Tori Vienneau and her 10-month-old son, Dean Springstube.

snip

Vienneau's mother said after Corn's conviction that the "senseless" loss of her daughter "stripped me of all my identity."

Dayna Herroz said she "honors her daughter and grandson" by counseling family members who've lost loved ones to homicide or other sudden causes.

Corn was allowed to remain free on bond pending sentencing.

http://www.sandiego6.com/news/local/story/Maxwell-Corn-convicted-conspiracy/EnycdlDhL0am-Grtd9264A.cspx

 

[Cubby]

I hope Dayna now finds some peace and closure. My heart has ached for her, and she, her family, Tori and Dean will never be far from my mind and heart.

Three years just doesn't seem like long enough for Maxwell imo, if he gets the maximum sentence.