GUILTY FL - Saad Kawaf, 39, killed by Sheriff’s Officer, Jacksonville, May 1999 *DNA Arrest in 2020*

[Niner]

All went great on my surgery! I'm still alive!

Schafer:

Docket:
78
D84 -- 3/17/2021
3/18/2021 STATE'S ELEVENTH DISCOVERY EXHIBIT AND DEMAND FOR RECIPROCAL DISCOVERY 1

79 -- 3/24/2021
3/24/2021 JUDGE FELTEL JR, GILBERT

80 -- 3/24/2021
3/24/2021 ASST. STATE ATTY. NELSON, MELISSA WILLIAMSON

81 -- 3/24/2021
3/24/2021 OTHERS PRESENT: ASA HUTTON FOR NELSON

82 -- 3/24/2021
3/24/2021 ASST. PUB. DEF. COFER, CHARLES GILBERT

83 -- 3/24/2021
3/24/2021 DEFENDANT APPEARANCE WAIVED

84 -- 3/24/2021
3/24/2021 STATUS HEARING 04/21/2021 9:00 AM - 305 3RD FLOOR, 501 W ADAMS ST JACKSONVILLE FL 32202


Hearings:
3/24/2021 9:00 AM STATUS HEARING 3rd Floor 305

4/21/2021 9:00 AM STATUS HEARING 3rd Floor 305

link: CORE - Clerk Online Resource ePortal



Baer - not too sure about this date. It does say it was transferred to circuit court - but I'm not finding a Duval circuit court site.... okay - nevermind - it would be a good idea if I read the whole thing! Just a "room" reassignment for next hearing....

Docket:
195 -- 3/24/2021
3/24/2021 JUDGE FELTEL JR, GILBERT

196 -- 3/24/2021
3/24/2021 ASST. STATE ATTY. NELSON, MELISSA WILLIAMSON

197 -- 3/24/2021
3/24/2021 OTHERS PRESENT: ASA HUTTON FOR NELSON

198 -- 3/24/2021
3/24/2021 ATTY. FOR DEF. ROCKWELL, JOHN CHRISTOPHER

199 -- 3/24/2021
3/24/2021 DEFENDANT APPEARANCE WAIVED

200 -- 3/24/2021
3/24/2021 STATUS HEARING 04/21/2021 9:00 AM - 305 3RD FLOOR, 501 W ADAMS ST JACKSONVILLE FL 32202

201 -- 3/24/2021
3/24/2021 & ARRAIGNMENT ON INDICTMENT

202
D204 -- 3/25/2021
3/25/2021 ORDER OF REASSIGNMENT 2

203 -- 3/25/2021
3/25/2021 TRANSFER TO DIV. CR-D (CIRCUIT COURT)

204 -- 3/25/2021
3/25/2021 CANCELLED STATUS HEARING ON 4/21/2021 9:00:00 AM

205 -- 3/25/2021
3/25/2021 > CANCEL REASON - TO REFLECT NEW COURT ROOM BASED ON ORDER OF REASSIGNMENT

206 -- 3/25/2021
3/25/2021 STATUS HEARING 04/21/2021 9:00 AM - 306 3RD FLOOR, 501 W ADAMS ST JACKSONVILLE FL 32202

207 -- 3/25/2021
3/25/2021 & ARRAIGNMENT ON INDICTMENT


Hearings:

3/24/2021 9:00 AM PRETRIAL 3rd Floor 305

4/21/2021 9:00 AM STATUS HEARING 3rd Floor 306

link: CORE - Clerk Online Resource ePortal

 

[Niner]

Schafer:
Docket:
85
D91 -- 3/31/2021
3/31/2021 ORDER OF REASSIGNMENT 2

86 -- 3/31/2021
3/31/2021 TRANSFER TO DIV. CR-D (CIRCUIT COURT)

87 -- 3/31/2021
3/31/2021 CANCELLED STATUS HEARING ON 4/21/2021 9:00:00 AM

88 -- 3/31/2021
3/31/2021 > CANCEL REASON - TO REFLECT CORRECT COURT ROOM BASED ON REASSIGNMENT

89 -- 3/31/2021
3/31/2021 STATUS HEARING 04/21/2021 9:00 AM - 306 3RD FLOOR, 501 W ADAMS ST JACKSONVILLE FL 32202


Hearings:
Date Time Type Location Courtroom Cancelled
4/21/2021 9:00 AM STATUS HEARING 3rd Floor 305 Yes

4/21/2021 9:00 AM STATUS HEARING 3rd Floor 306

link: CORE - Clerk Online Resource ePortal


Baer:
Docket:
208 -- 3/25/2021
4/6/2021 **INDICTMENT**

209
D211 -- 4/15/2021
4/15/2021 NOTICE OF TAKING DEPOSITIONS 2

210
D212 -- 4/15/2021
4/15/2021 SUBPOENA FOR DEPOSITION 1

211
D213 -- 4/15/2021
4/15/2021 SUBPOENA FOR DEPOSITION 1

212
D214 -- 4/15/2021
4/15/2021 SUBPOENA FOR DEPOSITION 1

213
D215 -- 4/15/2021
4/15/2021 AMENDED NOTICE OF TAKING DEPOSITIONS (AMENDED AS TO SCRIVENER'S ERROR) 2

214
D216 -- 4/15/2021
4/15/2021 AMENDED SUBPOENA FOR DEPOSITION (AMENDED AS TO SCRIVENER'S ERROR) 1

215
D217 -- 4/15/2021
4/15/2021 NOTICE OF TAKING DEPOSITIONS 2

216
D218 -- 4/15/2021
4/15/2021 SUBPOENA FOR DEPOSITION

Hearing:
Date Time Type Location Courtroom Cancelled
4/21/2021 9:00 AM ARRAIGNMENT DATE 3rd Floor 306

4/21/2021 9:00 AM STATUS HEARING 3rd Floor 305 Yes

link: CORE - Clerk Online Resource ePortal

 

[Niner]

Wednesday, April 21st:
*Status Hearing (@ 9am ET) - FL – Saad Kawaf (39) (May 17, 1999, Dearwood, Jacksonville) – for *Melissa Jo Schafer (aka Schofer) (29 @ time of crime/51) arrested (7/2/20 in Missouri) & booked & charged (7/23/20) & arraigned (8/13/20) with 2nd degree felony murder, felony kidnapping, armed robbery, armed robbery with assault or battery & aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
12/18/20: Plead guilty to 5 counts of murder & aggravated battery. Will be testifying against her ex-husband.
Case info & court info from 8/10/20 thru 3/2/21 reference post #57 here:
FL - Saad Kawaf, 39, killed by Sheriff’s Officer, Jacksonville, May 1999 *DNA Arrest in 2020*
3/17/21: State's 11th discovery exhibit & demand for reciprocal discovery. Status hearing on 3/24/21. 3/24/21 Update: Status hearing - present: Judge Gilbert Feltel, Jr., Asst. State attorney Melissa Williamson Nelson, assistant public defender Charles G. Cofe, defendant waived appearance & others present: ASA Hutton for Nelson. Next status hearing on 4/21/21.
3/31/21: Order of reassignment. Transfer to Div. CR-D (Circuit Court); cancelled status hearing on 4/21/21. Cancel reason: to reflect correct court room based on reassignment.
*William Robert Baer, Jr. (43 @ time of crime/64/now 65) – Next arraignment hearing on 4/21/21.

ALSO:

*Arraignment Hearing (@ 9am ET) - FL – Saad Kawaf (39) (May 17, 1999, Dearwood, Jacksonville) – for *William Robert Baer, Jr. (43 @ time of crime/64/now 65) arrested (7/1/20), charged (7/2/20) with 1st degree murder & 1st degree robbery with a firearm or deadly weapon. [new charges below]
*Charged (7/22/20), arraigned (7/29/20) & indicted (2/25/21) & reindicted (4/6/21)- with 1st degree murder with weapon, armed robbery, armed burglary with assault or battery, armed kidnapping with weapon & aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Plead not guilty. Held without bond on murder, other counts $975,012 bond. DA will seek DP.
Case & court info from 7/2/20 to 3/9/21 reference post #57 here:
FL - Saad Kawaf, 39, killed by Sheriff’s Officer, Jacksonville, May 1999 *DNA Arrest in 2020*
3/18/21: State's 11th discovery exhibit & demand for reciprocal discovery. Notice of intent to seek the death penalty, notice of aggravating factors & request for Statement of Particulars of mental mitigation. Pretrial hearing on 3/24/21. 3/24/21 Update: Hearing present: Judge Gilbert Feltel, Jr. Asst. State attorney Melissa Nelson, others present: ASA Hutton for Nelson, Attorney for Defendant John C. Rockwell, defendant appearance waived. Status hearing on 4/21/21 @ 9am & arraignment on indictment. 3/25/21: Order of reassisgnment, transfer to Div. CR-D (Circuit Court). Cancelled status hearing on 4/21/21, reason: to reflect new court room based on Order of Reassignment. Status hearing on 4/21/21 @ 9am for arraignment on indictment.
4/6/21: Indictment. 4/15/21: Notice of taking depos; subpeona for depo (3); Amended notice of taking depos (amended as to Scriverner's error. Notice of taking depos; subpoena for depo. Hearing changed from status hearing to arraignment.
*Melissa Jo Schafer (aka Schofer) (29 @ time of crime/50/now 51) – 12/18/20: Plead guilty & will testify against Baer. Next status hearing on 4/21/21.

 

[Niner]

Schafer:

Docket:
Line /
Document Count Effective Entered Description
89 -- 4/21/2021
4/21/2021 JUDGE BORELLO, MARK

90 -- 4/21/2021
4/21/2021 ASST. STATE ATTY. NELSON, MELISSA WILLIAMSON

91 -- 4/21/2021
4/21/2021 ASST. PUB. DEF. COFER, CHARLES GILBERT

92 -- 4/21/2021
4/21/2021 DEFENDANT NOT PRESENT

93 -- 4/21/2021
4/21/2021 DEFENDANT APPEARANCE WAIVED

94 -- 4/21/2021
4/21/2021 OTHERS PRESENT: STATE: LEE HUTTON

95 -- 4/21/2021
4/21/2021 STATUS CONFERENCE 05/19/2021 9:00 AM - 306 3RD FLOOR, 501 W ADAMS ST JACKSONVILLE FL 32202

Hearings:
Date Time Type Location Courtroom Cancelled
4/21/2021 9:00 AM STATUS HEARING 3rd Floor 306
4/21/2021 9:00 AM STATUS HEARING 3rd Floor 305 Yes

5/19/2021 9:00 AM STATUS CONFERENCE 3rd Floor 306

link: CORE - Clerk Online Resource ePortal



Baer:
Docket:
Line /
Document Count Effective
Entered Description
217 -- 4/21/2021
4/21/2021 JUDGE BORELLO, MARK

218 -- 4/21/2021
4/21/2021 ASST. STATE ATTY. NELSON, MELISSA WILLIAMSON

219 -- 4/21/2021
4/21/2021 ATTY. FOR DEF. ROCKWELL, JOHN CHRISTOPHER

220 -- 4/21/2021
4/21/2021 DEFENDANT PRESENT IN JAIL

221 -- 4/21/2021
4/21/2021 DEFENDANT WAIVED READING OF INDICTMENT AND PLEAD NOT GUILTY

222 -- 4/21/2021
4/21/2021 PRETRIAL 05/19/2021 9:00 AM - 306 3RD FLOOR, 501 W ADAMS ST JACKSONVILLE FL 32202

Hearings:
Date Time Type Location Courtroom Cancelled
4/21/2021 9:00 AM ARRAIGNMENT DATE 3rd Floor 306
4/21/2021 9:00 AM STATUS HEARING 3rd Floor 305 Yes

5/19/2021 9:00 AM PRETRIAL 3rd Floor 306

link: CORE - Clerk Online Resource ePortal

 

[Niner]

Well Baer's defense attorney has been busy.
Update on docket:

223
D225 -- 4/28/2021
4/28/2021 DEFENDANT'S MOTION FOR SPECIAL VERDICT 4

224
D226 -- 4/28/2021
4/28/2021 DEFENDANT'S MOTION TO MODIFY STANDARD INSTRUCTION ON CONSIDERATION OF VICTIM IMPACT EVIDENCE 3

225
D227 -- 4/28/2021
4/28/2021 DEFENDANT'S MOTION TO PRECLUDE DEATH AS A POSSIBLE PUNISHMENT 5

226
D228 -- 4/28/2021
4/28/2021 DEFENDANT'S NOTICE CONCERNING TRIAL OBJECTIONS 2

227
D229 -- 4/28/2021
4/28/2021 DEFENDANT'S REQUESTED PR-VIOR DIRE INSTRUCTION 3

228
D230 -- 4/28/2021
4/28/2021 DEFENDANT'S SPECIAL REQUESTED PENALTY PHASE INSTRUCTION ON "ESPECIALLY COLD, CALCULATED AND PREMEDITATED"

229
D231 -- 4/28/2021
4/28/2021 DEFENSE MOTION TO MODIFY STANDARD PENALTY PHASE JURY INSTRUCTION ON "PRIOR-VIOLENT FELONY" 5

230
D232 -- 4/28/2021
4/28/2021 DEFENSE REQUESTED INSTRUCTION CONCERNING ESPECIALLY HEINOUS, ATROCIOUS OR CRUIE (ACTS AFTER UNCONSCIOUSNESS OR DEATH) 2

231
D233 -- 4/28/2021
4/28/2021 MOTION FOR INDIVIDUAL AND SEQUESTERED VOIR DIRE, OR IN THE ALTERNATIVE, FOR SMALL-GROUP VOIR DIRE CONCERNING THE DEATH PENALTY 5

232
D234 -- 4/28/2021
4/28/2021 MOTION FOR JURY QUESTIONNAIRE 3

233
D235 -- 4/28/2021
4/28/2021 MOTION FOR LIMITING INSTRUCTION BEFORE VICTIM IMPACT EVIDENCE IS INTRODUCED AT PENALTY PHASE

234
D236 -- 4/28/2021
4/28/2021 MOTION FOR PRODUCTION OF FAVORABLE EVIDENCE 8

235
D237 -- 4/28/2021
4/28/2021 MOTION REQUESTING PROFFER OF VICTIM IMPACT EVIDENCE
236
D238 -- 4/28/2021
4/28/2021 MOTION TO ALLOW THE DEFENSE TO GO FIRST DURING JURY SELECTION IF INDIVIDUAL AND SEQUESTERED VOIR DIRE IS NOT ALLOWED ON DEATH PENALTY ATTITUDES 4

237
D239 -- 4/28/2021
4/28/2021 MOTION TO DECLARE DEATH NOT A POSSIBLE PENALTY AND/OR TO DECLARE SECTIONS 782.004 AND 921.141, FLORIDA STATUTES, UNCONSTITUTIONAL FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS 16

238
D240 -- 4/28/2021
4/28/2021 MOTION TO DECLARE SECTION 921.141(6)(D), FLORIDA STATUTES UNCONSITUTIONAL 5

239
D241 -- 4/28/2021
4/28/2021 MOTION TO DECLARE SECTION 921.141(6)(H), FLORIDA STATUTES UNCONSTITUTIONAL 6

240
D242 -- 4/28/2021
4/28/2021 MOTION TO DECLARE SECTION 921.141(6)(I), FLORIDA STATUTES UNCONSTITUTIONAL 3

241
D243 -- 4/28/2021
4/28/2021 MOTION TO DECLARE SECTIONS 921.141, 922.10 AND 922.105, FLORIDA STATUTES, UNCONSTITUTIONAL BECAUSE ELECTROCUTION AND LETHAL INJECTION ARE CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENTS 7

242
D244 -- 4/28/2021
4/28/2021 MOTION TO EXCLUDE VICTIM IMPACT EVIDENCE 5

243
D245 -- 4/28/2021
4/28/2021 MOTION TO MODIFY STANDARD INSTRUCTION 7.10-PRELIMINARY INSTRUCTION IN PENALTY PROCEEDINGS - CAPITAL CASES
244
D246 -- 4/28/2021
4/28/2021 MOTION TO MODIFY STANDARD PENALTY PHASE JURY INSTRUCTIONS 5

245
D247 -- 4/28/2021
4/28/2021 MOTION TO PRESENT VICTIM IMPACT EVIDENCE TO THE COURT RATHER THAN TO THE JURY 3

246
D248 -- 4/28/2021
4/28/2021 MOTION TO PROHIBIT STATEMENTS OR PRACTICES WHICH CALL THE JURY'S ATTENTION TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF THE VICTIM 3

247
D249 -- 4/28/2021
4/28/2021 MOTION TO PROHIBIT THE PROSECUTOR FROM USING PEREMPTORY CHALLENGES TO STRIKE JURORS WHO ARE DEATH SCRUPLED BUT WHO ARE NOT EXCLUDABLE FOR CAUSE 5

248
D250 -- 4/28/2021
4/28/2021 MOTION TO AMEND STANDARD INSTRUCTION 7.2 ON PREMEDITATED MURDER 5

249
D251 -- 4/28/2021
4/28/2021 INDEX OF CAPITAL AND RELATED MOTIONS FILED AS OF APRIL 28, 2021 3

250
D252 -- 5/10/2021
5/11/2021 SECOND AMENDED NOTICE OF TAKING DEPOSITION 2

251
D253 -- 5/13/2021
5/13/2021 NOTICE OF TAKING DEPOSITION 2

252
D254 -- 5/13/2021
5/13/2021 NOTICE OF TAKING DEPOSITION 2

253
D255 -- 5/13/2021
5/13/2021 SUBPOENA FOR DEPOSITION 1

254
D256 -- 5/13/2021
5/13/2021 SUBPOENA FOR DEPOSITION 1

255
D257 -- 5/13/2021
5/13/2021 SUBPOENA FOR DEPOSITION 1

256
D258 -- 5/13/2021
5/13/2021 SUBPOENA FOR DEPOSITION 1

257
D259 -- 5/13/2021
5/13/2021 SUBPOENA FOR DEPOSITION

link: CORE - Clerk Online Resource ePortal

 

[Niner]

Wednesday, May 19th:
*Status Conference Hearing (@ 9am ET) - FL – Saad Kawaf (39) (May 17, 1999, Dearwood, Jacksonville) – only for *Melissa Jo Schafer (aka Schofer) (29 @ time of crime/51) arrested (7/2/20 in Missouri) & booked & charged (7/23/20) & arraigned (8/13/20) with 2nd degree felony murder, felony kidnapping, armed robbery, armed robbery with assault or battery & aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
12/18/20: Plead guilty to 5 counts of murder & aggravated battery. Will be testifying against her ex-husband.
Case info & court info from 3/24/21 thru 3/2/21 reference post #63 here:
FL - Saad Kawaf, 39, killed by Sheriff’s Officer, Jacksonville, May 1999 *DNA Arrest in 2020*
3/31/21: Order of reassignment. Transfer to Div. CR-D (Circuit Court); cancelled status hearing on 4/21/21. Cancel reason: to reflect correct court room based on reassignment. Next status hearing on 4/21/21. 4/21/21 Update: Present Judge Mark Borello, Asst. state attorney Melissa Nelson, Asst. public defender Charles Cofer & defendant appearance waived. Others present: for State Lee Hutton. Next status conference on 5/19/21.
*William Robert Baer, Jr. (43 @ time of crime/64/now 65) – Next pretrial conference hearing on 5/19/21.

ALSO:
*Pretrial Conference Hearing (@ 9am ET) - FL – Saad Kawaf (39) (May 17, 1999, Dearwood, Jacksonville) – only for *William Robert Baer, Jr. (43 @ time of crime/64/now 65) arrested (7/1/20), charged (7/2/20) with 1st degree murder & 1st degree robbery with a firearm or deadly weapon. [new charges below]. *Charged (7/22/20), arraigned (7/29/20) & indicted (2/25/21) & re-indicted (4/6/21) & re-arraigned (4/21/21) with 1st degree murder with weapon, armed robbery, armed burglary with assault or battery, armed kidnapping with weapon & aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Plead not guilty. Held without bond on murder, other counts $975,012 bond. DA will seek DP.
Case & court info from 7/2/20 to 3/25/21 reference post #63 here:
FL - Saad Kawaf, 39, killed by Sheriff’s Officer, Jacksonville, May 1999 *DNA Arrest in 2020*
4/6/21: Indictment. 4/15/21: Notice of taking depos; subpoena for depo (3); Amended notice of taking depos (amended as to Scriverner's error. Notice of taking depos; subpoena for depo. Hearing changed from status hearing to arraignment. Next arraignment hearing on indictment on 4/21/21.
4/21/21 Update: Present: Judge Mark Borello, Asst, state attorney Melissa Nelson, attorney for defendant John Rockwell & defendant present in jail has waived reading of indictment & plead not guilty. Next pretrial hearing on 5/19/21.
4/28/21: Defendant's motion for special verdict. Defendant's motion to modify standard instruction on consideration of victim impact evidence. Defendant;s motion to preclude death as a possible punishment. Defendant's notice concerning trial objections. Defendant's requested PR-Voir dire instruction. Defendant's special requested penalty phase instruction on "especially cold, calculated & premeditated". Defense motion to modify standard penalty phase jury instruction on "prior-violent felony" Defense requested instruction concerning especially heinous, atrocious or cruie (acts after unconsciousness or death). Motion for individual & sequestered Voir Dire, or in the alternative, for small group Voir Dire concerning the death penalty. Motion for jury questionnaire. Motion for limiting instruction before victim impact evidence is introduced at penalty phase. Motion for production of favorable evidence. Motion requesting proffer of victim impact evidence. Motion to allow the defense to go first during jury selection if individual & sequestered voir dire is not allowed on death penalty attitudes. Motion to declare death not a possible penalty and/or to declare sections 782.004 & 921.141, Florida statutes, unconstitutional for a variety of reasons. Motion to declare section 921.141 (6)(D), Florida statutes unconstitutional. Motion to declare section 921.141(6)(H), Florida statutes unconstitutional. Motion to declare section 921.141(6)(I), Florida statutes unconstitutional. Motion to declare sections 921.141, 922.10 & 922.105, Florida statutes, unconstitutional because electrocution & lethal injection are cruel & unusual punishments. Motion to exclude victim impact evidence. Motion to modify standard instruction 7.10-preliminary instruction in penalty proceedings-Capital cases. Motion to modify standard penalty phase jury instructions. Motion to present victim impact evidence to court rather than the jury. Motion to prohibit statements or practices which call the jury's attention to the family & friends of the victim. Motion to prohibit the prosecutor from using preemptory challenges to strike jurors who are death scrupled but who are not excludable for cause. Motion to amend standard instruction 7.2 on premeditated murder. Index of capital & related motions filed as of 4/28/21.
5/10/21: Second amended notice of taking deposition. 5/13/21 Notice of taking depositions (2). Subpoena for depositions (5).
*Melissa Jo Schafer (aka Schofer) (29 @ time of crime/50/now 51) – 12/18/20: Plead guilty & will testify against Baer. Next status hearing on 5/19/21.

 

[Niner]

Schafer:

Docket:
96 -- 5/19/2021
5/19/2021 JUDGE BORELLO, MARK

97 -- 5/19/2021
5/19/2021 ASST. STATE ATTY. NELSON, MELISSA WILLIAMSON

98 -- 5/19/2021
5/19/2021 ASST. PUB. DEF. COFER, CHARLES GILBERT

99 -- 5/19/2021
5/19/2021 DEFENDANT NOT PRESENT

100 -- 5/19/2021
5/19/2021 DEFENDANT APPEARANCE WAIVED

101 -- 5/19/2021
5/19/2021 STATUS CONFERENCE 06/16/2021 9:00 AM - 306 3RD FLOOR, 501 W ADAMS ST JACKSONVILLE FL 32202

Hearings:
5/19/2021 9:00 AM STATUS CONFERENCE 3rd Floor 306

6/16/2021 9:00 AM STATUS CONFERENCE 3rd Floor 306

link: CORE - Clerk Online Resource ePortal




Baer:

Docket:
258
D260 -- 5/18/2021
5/19/2021 NOTICE OF TAKING DEPOSITION (AMENDED) 2

259 -- 5/19/2021
5/19/2021 JUDGE BORELLO, MARK

260 -- 5/19/2021
5/19/2021 ASST. STATE ATTY. NELSON, MELISSA WILLIAMSON

261 -- 5/19/2021
5/19/2021 ATTY. FOR DEF. ROCKWELL, JOHN CHRISTOPHER

262 -- 5/19/2021
5/19/2021 DEFENDANT NOT PRESENT

263 -- 5/19/2021
5/19/2021 DEFENDANT APPEARANCE WAIVED

264 -- 5/19/2021
5/19/2021 PRETRIAL 06/16/2021 9:00 AM - 306 3RD FLOOR, 501 W ADAMS ST JACKSONVILLE FL 32202

Hearings:
5/19/2021 9:00 AM PRETRIAL 3rd Floor 306

6/16/2021 9:00 AM PRETRIAL 3rd Floor 306

link: CORE - Clerk Online Resource ePortal

 

[Niner]

Wednesday, June 16th:
*Status Conference Hearing (@ 9am ET) - FL – Saad Kawaf (39) (May 17, 1999, Dearwood, Jacksonville) – for *Melissa Jo Schafer (aka Schofer) (29 @ time of crime/51) arrested (7/2/20 in Missouri) & booked & charged (7/23/20) & arraigned (8/13/20) with 2nd degree felony murder, felony kidnapping, armed robbery, armed robbery with assault or battery & aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
12/18/20: Plead guilty to 5 counts of murder & aggravated battery. Will be testifying against her ex-husband.
Case info & court info from 3/24/21 thru 3/31/21 reference post #66 here:
FL - Saad Kawaf, 39, killed by Sheriff’s Officer, Jacksonville, May 1999 *DNA Arrest in 2020*
4/21/21 Update: Present Judge Mark Borello, Asst. state attorney Melissa Nelson, Asst. public defender Charles Cofer & defendant appearance waived. Others present: for State Lee Hutton. Next status conference on 5/19/21.
5/19/21 Update: Present: Judge Mark Borello, Asst. State attorney Melissa Nelson, Asst. public defender Charles Cofer & defendant not present, waived appearance. Next status conference hearing on 6/16/21.
ALSO:
*Pretrial Conference Hearing (@ 9am ET) - FL – Saad Kawaf (39) (May 17, 1999, Dearwood, Jacksonville) – for *William Robert Baer, Jr. (43 @ time of crime/64/now 65) arrested (7/1/20), charged (7/2/20) with 1st degree murder & 1st degree robbery with a firearm or deadly weapon. [new charges below].
*Charged (7/22/20), arraigned (7/29/20) & indicted (2/25/21) & re-indicted (4/6/21) & re-arraigned (4/21/21) with 1st degree murder with weapon, armed robbery, armed burglary with assault or battery, armed kidnapping with weapon & aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Plead not guilty. Held without bond on murder, other counts $975,012 bond. DA will seek DP.
Case & court info from 7/2/20 to 4/28/21 reference post #66 here:
FL - Saad Kawaf, 39, killed by Sheriff’s Officer, Jacksonville, May 1999 *DNA Arrest in 2020*
5/10/21: Second amended notice of taking deposition. 5/13/21 Notice of taking depositions (2). Subpoena for depositions (5). Next pretrial hearing on 5/19/21.
5/19/21 Update: Notice of taking deposition (amended). Present: Judge Mark Borello, asst. State attorney Melissa Nelson, attorney for defense John Rockwell & defendant not present, waived appearance. Next pretrial hearing on 6/16/21.

 

[Niner]

Schafer:

Docket:
102 -- 6/16/2021
6/16/2021 JUDGE BORELLO, MARK

103 -- 6/16/2021
6/16/2021 ASST. STATE ATTY. NELSON, MELISSA WILLIAMSON

104 -- 6/16/2021
6/16/2021 ASST. PUB. DEF. COFER, CHARLES GILBERT

105 -- 6/16/2021
6/16/2021 DEFENDANT NOT PRESENT

106 -- 6/16/2021
6/16/2021 DEFENDANT APPEARANCE WAIVED

107 -- 6/16/2021
6/16/2021 SENTENCING - TO BE SET 07/26/2021 9:00 AM - 306 3RD FLOOR, 501 W ADAMS ST JACKSONVILLE FL 32202


Hearings:
6/16/2021 9:00 AM STATUS CONFERENCE 3rd Floor 306

7/26/2021 9:00 AM SENTENCING - TO BE SET 3rd Floor 306

link: CORE - Clerk Online Resource ePortal



Baer:

Docket:
265
D267 -- 5/26/2021
5/26/2021 DEFENDANT'S FIFTH SUPPLEMENTAL DEMAND FOR SPECIFIC DISCOVERY 2

266
D268 -- 6/1/2021
6/1/2021 STIPULATION AND ORDER TO PROVIDE DNA FILE, BENCH NOTES, ELECTRONIC DATA & OTHER DNA INFORMATION 2

267
D269 -- 6/10/2021
6/11/2021 NOTICE OF TAKING DEPOSITION 2

268
D270 -- 6/10/2021
6/11/2021 SUBPOENA FOR DEPOSITION 1

269
D271 -- 6/10/2021
6/11/2021 SUBPOENA FOR DEPOSITION 1

270
D272 -- 6/10/2021
6/11/2021 SUBPOENA FOR DEPOSITION 1

271 -- 6/16/2021
6/16/2021 JUDGE BORELLO, MARK

272 -- 6/16/2021
6/16/2021 ASST. STATE ATTY. NELSON, MELISSA WILLIAMSON

273 -- 6/16/2021
6/16/2021 ATTY. FOR DEF. ROCKWELL, JOHN CHRISTOPHER

274 -- 6/16/2021
6/16/2021 DEFENDANT NOT PRESENT

275 -- 6/16/2021
6/16/2021 DEFENDANT APPEARANCE WAIVED

276 -- 6/16/2021
6/16/2021 PRETRIAL 07/26/2021 9:00 AM - 306 3RD FLOOR, 501 W ADAMS ST JACKSONVILLE FL 32202


Hearings:
6/16/2021 9:00 AM PRETRIAL 3rd Floor 306

7/26/2021 9:00 AM PRETRIAL 3rd Floor 306

link: CORE - Clerk Online Resource ePortal

 

[Niner]

Baer - Update on docket:

277
D279 -- 7/2/2021
7/2/2021 DEFT'S MOTION FOR ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE AS TO BODE TECHNOLOGY GROUP, INC. N/K/A BODE TECHOLOGY 7

278
D280 -- 7/22/2021
7/23/2021 STATE'S DISCOVERY EXHIBIT AND DEMAND FOR RECIPROCAL DISCOVERY


link: CORE - Clerk Online Resource ePortal

 

[Niner]

Monday, July 26th:
*Pretrial Conference Hearing (@ 9am ET) - FL – Saad Kawaf (39) (May 17, 1999, Dearwood, Jacksonville) – for *William Robert Baer, Jr. (43 @ time of crime/64/now 65) arrested (7/1/20), charged (7/2/20) with 1st degree murder & 1st degree robbery with a firearm or deadly weapon. [new charges below].
*Charged (7/22/20), arraigned (7/29/20) & indicted (2/25/21) & re-indicted (4/6/21) & re-arraigned (4/21/21) with 1st degree murder with weapon, armed robbery, armed burglary with assault or battery, armed kidnapping with weapon & aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Plead not guilty. Held without bond on murder, other counts $975,012 bond. DA will seek DP.
Case & court info from 7/2/20 to 5/13/21 reference post #68 here:
FL - Saad Kawaf, 39, killed by Sheriff’s Officer, Jacksonville, May 1999 *DNA Arrest in 2020*
5/19/21 Update: Notice of taking deposition (amended). Present: Judge Mark Borello, asst. State attorney Melissa Nelson, attorney for defense John Rockwell & defendant not present, waived appearance. Next pretrial hearing on 6/16/21. 6/16/21 Update: Defendant's 5th supplemental demand for specific discovery on 5/26/21. Stipulation & order to provide DNA file, bench notes, electronic data & other DNA on 6/1/21. Notice of taking deposition and 3 subpoena for depositions filed on 6/11/21. Hearing on 6/16/21: Present: Judge Mark Borello, assistant State attorney Melissa Nelson, Attorney for defendant John Rockwell, defendant not present-appearance waived. Next pretrial hearing on 7/26/21.
7/2/21: Defendant's Motion for order to show cause as to Bode Technology Group, Inc. 7/22/21: State's discovery exhibit & demand for reciprocal discovery.
*Melissa Jo Schafer (aka Schofer) (29 @ time of crime/50/now 52) – 12/18/20: Plead guilty & will testify against Baer. Next sentencing hearing on 7/26/21.
ALSO:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am ET) - FL – Saad Kawaf (39) (May 17, 1999, Dearwood, Jacksonville) – for *Melissa Jo Schafer (aka Schofer) (29 @ time of crime/51/now 52) arrested (7/2/20 in Missouri) & booked & charged (7/23/20) & arraigned (8/13/20) with 2nd degree felony murder, felony kidnapping, armed robbery, armed robbery with assault or battery & aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
12/18/20: Plead guilty to 5 counts of murder & aggravated battery. Will be testifying against her ex-husband.
Case info & court info from 3/24/21 thru 4/21/21 reference post #68 here:
FL - Saad Kawaf, 39, killed by Sheriff’s Officer, Jacksonville, May 1999 *DNA Arrest in 2020*
5/19/21 Update: Present: Judge Mark Borello, Asst. State attorney Melissa Nelson, Asst. public defender Charles Cofer & defendant not present, waived appearance. Next status conference hearing on 6/16/21. 6/16/21 Update: Present: Judge Mark Borello, Asst. State attorney Melissa Nelson, Asst public defender Charles Cofer, defendant not present-appearance waived. Next sentencing hearing to be set on 7/26/21.
*William Robert Baer, Jr. (43 @ time of crime/64/now 65) – Next pretrial conference hearing on 7/26/21.

 

[Niner]

Baer:

Docket:
280 -- 7/26/2021
7/26/2021 JUDGE BORELLO, MARK

281 -- 7/26/2021
7/26/2021 ASST. STATE ATTY. NELSON, MELISSA WILLIAMSON

282 -- 7/26/2021
7/26/2021 ATTY. FOR DEF. ROCKWELL, JOHN CHRISTOPHER

283 -- 7/26/2021
7/26/2021 DEFENDANT NOT PRESENT

284 -- 7/26/2021
7/26/2021 DEFENDANT APPEARANCE WAIVED

285 -- 7/26/2021
7/26/2021 OTHERS PRESENT: STATE: LEE HUTTON

286 -- 7/26/2021
7/26/2021 PRETRIAL 09/07/2021 9:00 AM - 306 3RD FLOOR, 501 W ADAMS ST JACKSONVILLE FL 32202


Hearings:
7/26/2021 9:00 AM PRETRIAL 3rd Floor 306

9/7/2021 9:00 AM PRETRIAL 3rd Floor 306

link: CORE - Clerk Online Resource ePortal



Schafer:

Docket:
108
D115 -- 7/22/2021
7/26/2021 STATE'S FOURTH DISCOVERY EXHIBIT AND DEMAND FOR RECIPROCAL DISCOVERY 2

109
D116 -- 7/22/2021
7/26/2021 STATE'S TWELFTH DISCOVERY EXHIBIT AND DEMAND FOR RECIPROCAL DISCOVERY 1

110 -- 7/26/2021
7/26/2021 JUDGE BORELLO, MARK

111 -- 7/26/2021
7/26/2021 ASST. STATE ATTY. NELSON, MELISSA WILLIAMSON

112 -- 7/26/2021
7/26/2021 ASST. PUB. DEF. COFER, CHARLES GILBERT

113 -- 7/26/2021
7/26/2021 DEFENDANT PRESENT IN JAIL

114 -- 7/26/2021
7/26/2021 OTHERS PRESENT: STATE: LEE HUTTON

115 -- 7/26/2021
7/26/2021 SENTENCING - TO BE SET 09/07/2021 9:00 AM - 306 3RD FLOOR, 501 W ADAMS ST JACKSONVILLE FL 32202


Hearings:
7/26/2021 9:00 AM SENTENCING - TO BE SET 3rd Floor 306

9/7/2021 9:00 AM SENTENCING - TO BE SET 3rd Floor 306

link: CORE - Clerk Online Resource ePortal

 

[Niner]

Tuesday, Sept. 7th:
*Pretrial Conference Hearing (@ 9am ET) - FL – Saad Kawaf (39) (May 17, 1999, Dearwood, Jacksonville) – for *William Robert Baer, Jr. (43 @ time of crime/64/now 65) arrested (7/1/20), charged (7/2/20) with 1st degree murder & 1st degree robbery with a firearm or deadly weapon. [new charges below] *Charged (7/22/20), arraigned (7/29/20) & indicted (2/25/21) & re-indicted (4/6/21) & re-arraigned (4/21/21) with 1st degree murder with weapon, armed robbery, armed burglary with assault or battery, armed kidnapping with weapon & aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Plead not guilty. Held without bond on murder, other counts $975,012 bond. DA will seek DP.
Case & court info from 7/2/20 to 7/2/21 reference post #71 here:
FL - Saad Kawaf, 39, killed by Sheriff’s Officer, Jacksonville, May 1999 *DNA Arrest in 2020*
7/22/21: State's discovery exhibit & demand for reciprocal discovery. Next pretrial hearing on 7/26/21. 7/26/21 Update: Present: Judge Mark Borello, Asst. State attorney Melissa Williamson Nelson, attorney for defendant John C. Rockwell, defendant waived appearance. Others present: Lee Hutton for State. Pretrial hearing rescheduled to 9/7/21. 8/2/21: Notice of taking deposition. Subpoena for disposition.
*Melissa Jo Schafer (aka Schofer) (29 @ time of crime/50/now 52) – 12/18/20: Plead guilty & will testify against Baer. Next sentencing hearing on 9/7/21.
ALSO:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am ET) - FL – Saad Kawaf (39) (May 17, 1999, Dearwood, Jacksonville) – for *Melissa Jo Schafer (aka Schofer) (29 @ time of crime/51/now 52) arrested (7/2/20 in Missouri) & booked & charged (7/23/20) & arraigned (8/13/20) with 2nd degree felony murder, felony kidnapping, armed robbery, armed robbery with assault or battery & aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
12/18/20: Plead guilty to 5 counts of murder & aggravated battery. Will be testifying against her ex-husband.
Case info & court info from 3/24/21 thru 5/19/21 reference post #71 here:
FL - Saad Kawaf, 39, killed by Sheriff’s Officer, Jacksonville, May 1999 *DNA Arrest in 2020*
6/16/21 Update: Present: Judge Mark Borello, Asst. State attorney Melissa Nelson, Asst public defender Charles Cofer, defendant not present-appearance waived. Next sentencing hearing to be set on 7/26/21. 7/26/21 Update: Present: Judge Mark Borello, Asst. State attorney Melissa Williamson Nelson, asst. public defendant Charles G. Cofer, defendant present in jail, others present Lee Hutton for State. Sentencing reset for 9/7/21.

 

[Niner]

Schafer:

Docket:
116 -- 9/7/2021
9/7/2021 JUDGE BORELLO, MARK

117 -- 9/7/2021
9/7/2021 ASST. STATE ATTY. NELSON, MELISSA WILLIAMSON

118 -- 9/7/2021
9/7/2021 ASST. PUB. DEF. COFER, CHARLES GILBERT

119 -- 9/7/2021
9/7/2021 DEFENDANT PRESENT IN JAIL

120 -- 9/7/2021
9/7/2021 OTHERS PRESENT: LEE HUTTON FOR M. WILLIAMSON

121 -- 9/7/2021
9/7/2021 SENTENCING - TO BE SET 09/28/2021 9:00 AM - 306 3RD FLOOR, 501 W ADAMS ST JACKSONVILLE FL 32202


Hearings:
9/7/2021 9:00 AM SENTENCING - TO BE SET 3rd Floor 306

9/28/2021 9:00 AM SENTENCING - TO BE SET 3rd Floor 306

link: CORE - Clerk Online Resource ePortal


Baer:

Docket:
287
D289 -- 8/2/2021
8/3/2021 NOTICE OF TAKING DEPOSITION 2

288
D290 -- 8/2/2021
8/3/2021 SUBPOENA FOR DEPOSITION 2

289 -- 9/7/2021
9/7/2021 JUDGE BORELLO, MARK

290 -- 9/7/2021
9/7/2021 ASST. STATE ATTY. NELSON, MELISSA WILLIAMSON

291 -- 9/7/2021
9/7/2021 ATTY. FOR DEF. ROCKWELL, JOHN CHRISTOPHER

292 -- 9/7/2021
9/7/2021 DEFENDANT NOT PRESENT

293 -- 9/7/2021
9/7/2021 DEFENDANT APPEARANCE WAIVED

294 -- 9/7/2021
9/7/2021 PRETRIAL 09/28/2021 9:00 AM - 306 3RD FLOOR, 501 W ADAMS ST JACKSONVILLE FL 32202


Hearings:
9/7/2021 9:00 AM PRETRIAL 3rd Floor 306

9/28/2021 9:00 AM PRETRIAL 3rd Floor 306

link: CORE - Clerk Online Resource ePortal

 

[Jax49]

Source: Fmr Jacksonville police officer to plead guilty to murder | firstcoastnews.com

A former Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office detective charged with stabbing a convenience store owner to death has agreed to plead guilty to avoid the death penalty.

According to law enforcement and legal sources, former JSO detective William “Billy” Baer will plead to a slew of charges stemming from the 1999 stabbing death of convenience store owner Saad Kawaf.

bbm

 

[Niner]

Tuesday, Sept. 28th:
*Pretrial Conference Hearing (@ 2:30pm ET) - FL – Saad Kawaf (39) (May 17, 1999, Dearwood, Jacksonville) – for *William Robert Baer, Jr. (43 @ time of crime/64/now 65) arrested (7/1/20), charged (7/2/20) with 1st degree murder & 1st degree robbery with a firearm or deadly weapon. [new charges below]. *Charged (7/22/20), arraigned (7/29/20) & indicted (2/25/21) & re-indicted (4/6/21) & re-arraigned (4/21/21) with 1st degree murder with weapon, armed robbery, armed burglary with assault or battery, armed kidnapping with weapon & aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Plead not guilty. Held without bond on murder, other counts $975,012 bond. DA will seek DP.
Case & court info from 7/2/20 to 7/26/21 reference post #73 here:
FL - Saad Kawaf, 39, killed by Sheriff’s Officer, Jacksonville, May 1999 *DNA Arrest in 2020*
8/2/21: Notice of taking deposition. Subpoena for disposition. Pretrial hearing rescheduled on 9/7/21. 9/7/21 Update: Present: Judge Mark Borello, Asst. State attorney Melissa Nelson, Attorney for defense John Rockwell, Defendant appearance waived. Baer has agreed to plead guilty to avoid the death penalty. According to law enforcement & legal sources, Baer will plead to a slew of charges stemming from the 1999 stabbing death of convenience store owner Saad Kawaf. Pretrial hearing rescheduled on 9/28/21. Hearing time was changed from 9am to 2:30pm. 9/16/21: Notice of cancellation of deposition. 9/27/21: Notice of filing.
*Melissa Jo Schafer (aka Schofer) (29 @ time of crime/50/now 52) – 12/18/20: Plead guilty & will testify against Baer. Next sentencing hearing to be set on 9/28/21.
ALSO:
*Sentencing (to be set) Hearing (@ 9am ET) - FL – Saad Kawaf (39) (May 17, 1999, Dearwood, Jacksonville) – for *Melissa Jo Schafer (aka Schofer) (29 @ time of crime/51/now 52) arrested (7/2/20 in Missouri) & booked & charged (7/23/20) & arraigned (8/13/20) with 2nd degree felony murder, felony kidnapping, armed robbery, armed robbery with assault or battery & aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
12/18/20: Plead guilty to 5 counts of murder & aggravated battery. Will be testifying against her ex-husband.
Case info & court info from 3/24/21 thru 6/16/21 reference post #73 here:
FL - Saad Kawaf, 39, killed by Sheriff’s Officer, Jacksonville, May 1999 *DNA Arrest in 2020*
7/26/21 Update: Present: Judge Mark Borello, Asst. State attorney Melissa Williamson Nelson, asst. public defendant Charles G. Cofer, defendant present in jail, others present Lee Hutton for State. Sentencing reset for 9/7/21. 9/7/21 Update: Present Judge Mark Borello, Asst. State attorney Melissa Nelson, Asst. public defendant Charles Cofer, Defendant present in jail. Others present: Lee Hutton for M. Williamson. Sentencing to be set hearing was rescheduled to 9/28/21.
*William Robert Baer, Jr. (43 @ time of crime/64/now 65) – Next pretrial conference hearing on 9/28/21.

 

[JaxFlaGal]

Retired Jacksonville detective pleads guilty in 1999 murder

Updated info since William Baer has now changed his plea to guilty. Death penalty now off the table, and he still faces up to life in prison.

From the article:

"Saad Kawaf, who was killed in his Deerwood home in May 1999, was under investigation for not reporting $407,000 in cash transactions, according to state investigators.
Baer — who was with the Sheriff’s Office for 27 years, joining in 1975 and retiring in 2002 — was working on a financial crimes task force at the time."
​

 

[meanmaryjean]

I'm borderline surprised his plea was for first-degree. Not unhappy, just surprised.

 

[Niner]

Schafer:
Docket:
122 -- 9/28/2021
9/28/2021 JUDGE BORELLO, MARK

123 -- 9/28/2021
9/28/2021 ASST. STATE ATTY. NELSON, MELISSA WILLIAMSON

124 -- 9/28/2021
9/28/2021 ASST. PUB. DEF. COFER, CHARLES GILBERT

125 -- 9/28/2021
9/28/2021 DEFENDANT NOT PRESENT

126 -- 9/28/2021
9/28/2021 DEFENDANT APPEARANCE WAIVED

127 -- 9/28/2021
9/28/2021 SENTENCING - TO BE SET 10/25/2021 9:00 AM - 306 3RD FLOOR, 501 W ADAMS ST JACKSONVILLE FL 32202

Hearings:
9/28/2021 9:00 AM SENTENCING - TO BE SET 3rd Floor 306

10/25/2021 9:00 AM SENTENCING - TO BE SET 3rd Floor 306

link: CORE - Clerk Online Resource ePortal

 

[Niner]

Monday, October 25th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am ET) - FL – Saad Kawaf (39) (May 17, 1999, Dearwood, Jacksonville) – for *Melissa Jo Schafer (aka Schofer) (29 @ time of crime/51/now 52) arrested (7/2/20 in Missouri) & booked & charged (7/23/20) & arraigned (8/13/20) with 2nd degree felony murder, felony kidnapping, armed robbery, armed robbery with assault or battery & aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Plead guilty (12/18/20) to 5 counts of murder & aggravated battery.
Case info & court info from 3/24/21 thru 7/26/21 reference post #76 here:
FL - Saad Kawaf, 39, killed by Sheriff’s Officer, Jacksonville, May 1999 *DNA Arrest in 2020*
9/7/21 Update: Present Judge Mark Borello, Asst. State attorney Melissa Nelson, Asst. public defendant Charles Cofer, Defendant present in jail. Others present: Lee Hutton for M. Williamson. Sentencing to be set hearing was rescheduled to 9/28/21.
9/28/21 Update: Present: Judge Mark Borello, asst. State attorney Melissa Nelson, asst. public defender Charles Cofer, defendant waived appearance. Sentencing to be set on 10/25/21. She faces 31 years to life in prison.
*William Robert Baer, Jr. (43 @ time of crime/64/now 65) – 9/28/21: Plead guilty & sentenced to life in prison.