GUILTY GA - Riceboro, WhtFemale, discovered in woods of the Portal Hunting Club, homicide, 2 Dec 2022 - Mindi Mebane Kassotis *husband arrested*
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Based on their facial expressions, I don’t think so. I wonder if there will come a point that they will stop showing up.
DAILY TRIAL UPDATES
DAY 4 – 8/8/25
- VIDEO: GA v. Nicholas Kassotis – Day 4 | Dismembered Wife Murder Trial
- Dr. Edward Mondor, Forensic Entomologist
- Qualified as an expert in forensic entomology; helps determine time of death based on insect activity.
- Discussed receiving a phone call from law enforcement on December 5, 2022, and providing guidance.
- Analyzed photos and a processed insect sample from the scene.
- Explained the procedure for preserving maggots: boiling water to kill bacteria, then placing them in alcohol.
- Described the life cycle of the common blow fly and its significance in estimating the minimum time of death.
- Provided a range for time of death as November 27 to November 29, 2022.
- Acknowledged potential environmental factors that could affect insect colonization during cross-examination.
- Morgan Paddock, Friend of Victim (Mindi)
- Described a close friendship with Mindi that developed in high school and involved deep conversations.
- Mentioned Mindi’s marriage to Nick K. and conveyed that they used the Signal app for secure communication due to threats.
- Learned of Mindi’s death from Nick in May 2023, leading her to contact the GBI for information regarding their previous communications.
- Stated that it would be unusual for Mindi to contact her unless she felt safe.
- Frequently drives by Mindi’s last known residence and reflects on their friendship during those drives.
- Samantha Kolesnik, met Nick Stark (KJ Stark) through a public Twitter post in late September 2022, where he communicated that he bought all her books.
- WATCH: Nicholas Kassotis’ Third Wife: He Told Me Mindi Died in the Hospital
- Interaction started through tweets, transitioned to private messaging, and eventually to phone calls in November 2022.
- Met Nick in person on December 16, 2022, after he expressed a desire to meet while traveling for work.
- At the time of meeting, she was separated and moving into her own home.
- Nicholas Stark presented himself as a widower who lost his wife and unborn child; he shared that his wife had passed away in October 2022 due to medical complications.
- She felt empathy for him based on his backstory and expressed a desire to continue the emotional connection.
- Nick stayed at an Airbnb during his visit; he was supposedly moving to Delaware for work and would be spending weekends in Pennsylvania.
- Communication shifted to personal topics, including revelations about his abusive upbringing and adoption status.
- Developed a romantic relationship; got engaged in February 2023 and married in April 2023.
- Discussed plans for living arrangements and house purchase, with Nick indicating he could financially support the house.
- Experienced a traumatic event on the closing day for their house; Nick was involved in a car accident while picking up a check for the house.
- Nick’s behavior following the accident raised concerns, and Samantha insisted on taking him to the hospital.
- Did not know Nick had a first wife or that his current wife was alive at the time of their marriage.
- Felt horrified and deceived upon learning through GBI agent Sands that Nick misrepresented his marital status.
- Tried to support the investigation and sought an annulment, citing fraud as the basis for her request, and indicated that she did not end up buying the house they had planned on purchasing.
- Cross Examination: Confirmed that Nick claimed he put a down payment of $50,000 on the house they intended to buy.
- Jury heard Nicholas Killian James Stark’s interview with Special Agent Tracy Sands and Investigator Frost from GBI.
- WATCH: Jury Hears 2023 Police Interview of Nicholas Kassotis After Arrest.
- Timeline of Events:
- 2018: Stark reports a campaign of harassment beginning with financial issues (money missing from accounts) and escalating to vandalism (broken items, nails in tires) and threats.
- 2019: Moved from Alexandria to Charlottesville, expecting a fresh start but experienced an assault shortly after arrival.
- Assault Details: Stark was assaulted with a bat, allegedly by Wayne Kassotis (his father), following years of complicated familial interactions.
- Living Situation:
- Stark and his wife, Mindi, lived in various locations after leaving Alexandria. Initial stays included time with Mindi’s family after her father’s knee surgery.
- Stark mentions living with his brother-in-law and his wife (Frank and Megan) for over a year, during which they had lived in a state of financial dependency on them.
- In June 2021, they faced eviction from Frank and Megan’s home due to rising tensions and dissatisfaction over the duration of Stark’s ongoing software project.
- Stark and Mindi were trying to conceive, which led to complications and emotional distress surrounding their attempts at pregnancy. Stark referenced a miscarriage experienced by Mindi in July 2021.
- Mindi’s health challenges were compounded by high blood pressure, which required monitoring and medication adjustments throughout the pregnancy.
- Interactions with Jim:
- Stark describes a fraught relationship with Jim, involving accusations, manipulation regarding his parentage, and deceit over various family matters.
- Jim maintained a significant presence in their lives, often communicating through an app named Signal.
- Stark described the fear surrounding Wayne Kassotis and past threats, including one where he was attacked by a bat, leading him to establish security measures at home.
- The constant feeling of being monitored and pressured to lie on Jim’s behalf led to escalating tensions.
- Mindi’s Health Concerns:
- Mindi faced several health issues, and Stark reported difficulty in accessing appropriate medical care during critical times.
- Discussions of potentially moving and changing their identities indicate an ongoing desire to escape their current situation and find a safer environment for raising their family.
- Mindi experienced complications post-surgery, including falling and bleeding, which were deemed normal by her doctor.
- Stark communicated with her regarding her health status and plans for recovery, indicating they were considering a new living arrangement for her parents while being supportive of Mindi’s medical needs.
- Communication with Family:
- During this period, Stark built a complex dynamic with Jim and other family members, frequently switching contact numbers to avoid threatening messages he claimed to receive.
- He indicated that Jim wanted to keep Mindi’s hospitalization a secret from others, reflecting a tense family atmosphere.
- Preparation for Departure:
- Stark was instructed to pack their belongings, including clothing, toiletries, and personal items essential for a week’s stay. He prepared Tupperware containers with essentials for Mindi.
- He alluded to a sense of urgency to depart the area as Mindi’s discharge from the birthing center approached.
- Stark described an encounter with an unknown man to whom he dropped off the packed containers, sharing vague details about the location and the man’s appearance but expressing uncertainty about the exact address or setting.
- After dropping off the containers, Mindi’s health reportedly improved, and there was a plan for Stark to pick her up soon.
- Stark received a call on Thursday confirming a pickup time, only to be informed upon arrival that Mindi had passed away suddenly.
- He described the shock of learning about Mindi’s death from a doctor in a brick building where he visited for the pickup.
- Stark mentioned that he signed paperwork to release her remains and that there would be an autopsy conducted, indicating a lack of initial understanding of the circumstances surrounding her death.
- During the interview, Stark expressed shock and grief at Mindi’s sudden passing, struggling to comprehend the rapid progression of events leading to that moment.
- Stark received a shocking call regarding Mindi having a stroke and possibly related complications, which prompted urgent actions on his part.
- He arranged for Mindi’s parents to move into an apartment and organized their belongings. He mentioned moving them to a storage unit in Hilton Head.
- Stark recounted a troubling encounter where he exchanged $5,000 in cash to a man he barely knew in return for Mindi’s ashes, highlighting his distressed state at that time.
- He chose to scatter Mindi’s ashes in the Chesapeake Bay, a location significant to her.
- Stark had treatments and surgeries, impacting his communications with specific family members and friends, including her parents, brothers, and friends from Mindi’s life.
He expressed confusion over why some people believed he had died in an accident, indicating that Jim, a recurring figure in the narrative, advised against contacting others. - Stark described Jim as a man who claimed to be an FBI agent, who appeared during critical moments. Their relationship was complex and seemed to have elements of manipulation. Jim advised Stark not to contact people who believed him to be deceased, adding to Stark’s feelings of isolation and confusion.
- After moving to various locations, Stark experienced theft; and his into flames under suspicious circumstances. This prompted further distress and concern regarding his safety and security.
He operated under growing paranoia regarding his past connections and experiences, particularly in light of ongoing relationships with Jim and others.
- Timeline of Events:
DAY 3 – 8/7/25
- VIDEO: GA v. Nicholas Kassotis – Day 3 | Dismembered Wife Murder Trial
- Betsy Mebane, the victim’s mother, wept as she recalled how the defendant broke the news to her that her daughter was dead. Nicholas Kassotis told her that Mindi was not “coming home,” after suffering a stroke during what was supposed to be a brief hospital stay for a blood pressure condition.
- Mebane said a few days after learning of Mindi’s death, her son-in-law packed up their belongings and moved them out of the Savannah house that they shared with Mindi and Nick – and into a condo in Hilton Head. Mebane said a few months later she received an email from what she thought was his security detail informing her that Kassotis had been in an accident, which was followed by another email a few weeks later telling her he was dead.
- Mebane believed it was true until May of 2023, when investigators visited her to collect a DNA sample, which would eventually link her to the headless torso that was her daughter’s.
- Betsy and her husband Frank III both testified that their daughter and Nick were fearful and often talked about the need for security.
- WATCH: Dismembered Wife Murder Trial: Victim Mindi Kassotis’ Mom Takes The Stand
- WATCH: Dismembered Wife Murder Trial: Victim Mindi Kassotis’ Dad Takes The Stand
- They testified that Mindi was so afraid she barely left the house and testified that the couple frequently moved residences fearing that their lives were in danger and at one point contemplated changing their name to Stark.
- They believed that Kassotis, after leaving the Navy, worked for Microsoft. The Mebanes frequently saw him working on a computer but did not ever see any documentation or screen activity to suggest that he was actually employed by Microsoft. Frank said Kassotis was secretive about what he did.
- They believed and trusted him and did not ask questions when he told them that Mindi died at the hospital on December 1. Kassotis told them he had taken her to the hospital to regulate her blood pressure and that she died from a stroke.
- WATCH: Defendant Nicholas Kassotis To Victim’s Mother: ‘Mindi Is Not Coming Home’
- WATCH: Mindi Kassotis’ Dad On Being Told She Died: Wish I Could’ve Said Goodbye
- They said he would have a memorial service for Mindi at the beginning of the new year; it never happened.
- An investigator testified about items the defendant purchased in the months and days before Mindi’s remains were discovered on December 2, 2022:
- November 29, Kassotis was seen buying a Milwaukee knife much like the one recovered near the torso.
- On November 28, a receipt bearing his name revealed he purchased a 7-piece knife set from Bass Pro shop.
- On November 4, he bought a shovel and a hammer, prosecutors suggest a shovel was used to bury his wife’s severed head.
- On August 16, Kassotis made a Home Depot purchase that included Chlorox wipes, latex gloves, and folding razors.
- A DNA analyst testified the knife and storage totes found at the crime scene were tested and while the items tested positive for the presence of human blood, there was not enough recoverable DNA on the items to develop profiles.
- The landlord who rented the Savannah home to Kassotis testified that when he and the others moved out of the condo, she noticed the rug in the den was gone, replaced by a cheaper version with a similar pattern.
GA v. Nicholas James Kassotis: Dismembered Wife Murder Trial
UPDATE: Nicholas Kassotis told Mindi Kassotis' mother that she was not 'coming home' after suffering a stroke.
www.courttv.com
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Douglas Weinstein X post (8.9.25 Saturday)
Linking a self-undermining X post from NK’s defense attorney DW, the morning after the defendant’s rambling 2+ hour audio interview from May 13, 2023 (first of two) was played on Day 4 of trial.
He says “today would seem to be a good time to remind” viewers that it’s in their best interest to exercise their constitutional right to remain silent and decline to speak to law enforcement.
. Snark directed at his own client? In the midst of ongoing proceedings…
Linking a self-undermining X post from NK’s defense attorney DW, the morning after the defendant’s rambling 2+ hour audio interview from May 13, 2023 (first of two) was played on Day 4 of trial.
He says “today would seem to be a good time to remind” viewers that it’s in their best interest to exercise their constitutional right to remain silent and decline to speak to law enforcement.
. Snark directed at his own client? In the midst of ongoing proceedings…
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Cathy Russon is the one whose post sent me here, I admit it... I figured if it's stumping her, it must be a doozy... has anyone of the players in this trial ever seen or been introduced to "Jim", if it comes to that?
the claim seems totally unbelievable, in my opinion. however, i am mighty curious if defense will eventually present at least 'some' evidence of a direct link to 'jim mcintyre' as the murderer. i mean, if a judge won't allow a claim like aliens or odins did it, then how would a judge even allow a 'jim mctyre' third party argument. who actually met this mcintyre fellow besides nk and reportedly the deceased.. will he take the stand in his own defense.
jmo
so glad you're here. the only people, so far, iirc from testimony is nick and reportedly his deceased wife.
jmo
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I haven't been able to keep up fully with this case, but here is what jumps out at me so far:
- no one other than NK ever saw or spoke to Jim or the 'security detail'
- why would someone who didn't work for the FBI provide a 'security detail'?
- no one knew what NK was doing at Microsoft, and why there was a split that put his life at risk (i.e. the story he told his in-laws). NK's father in law and the rest of the family, had to leave the house between 10 and 3 because NK was working on super secret stuff!
- "Jim" told NK he was at risk because of NK's father, Wayne. (a completely different story NK told police during interview vs what he told his in-laws)
- no one knew any of Mindi's medical records. She supposedly always went to special clinics outside the medical system and NK never knew the name or location of the clinics or who the supposed doctors/medical clinicians were.
- Nick denied going anywhere other than some small errands at the grocery store and pharmacy while Mindi was supposedly in the unknown clinic. When confronted with the knife purchase evidence he told LE that that was to cut some screens due to a bug problem in the HVAC system.
- NK doesn't remember where the clinic was where Mindi supposedly died, even though he went there. He didn't ask for a death certificate. They supposedly told him they cremated her body (without his approval) and he was given her ashes by the side of a rural road by a stranger from the clinic.
- Mindi supposedly asked NK to put her belongings in large storage totes. He gave the totes to the stranger at the side of the road. (trying to explain the totes and why they were out in a rural area I guess).
- NK said he scattered her supposed ashes in Chesapeake Bay. He immediately went to Missouri to change his surname and shortly thereafter moved to PA.
- the 'security detail' later told Mindi's parents that Nick had died. (i.e. don't look for Nick)
This is an absolutely unbelievable "tale" (or should I say "tales"?). I hope "Jim" enjoys himself serving life in prison.
ETA: JMO, naturally.
- no one other than NK ever saw or spoke to Jim or the 'security detail'
- why would someone who didn't work for the FBI provide a 'security detail'?
- no one knew what NK was doing at Microsoft, and why there was a split that put his life at risk (i.e. the story he told his in-laws). NK's father in law and the rest of the family, had to leave the house between 10 and 3 because NK was working on super secret stuff!
- "Jim" told NK he was at risk because of NK's father, Wayne. (a completely different story NK told police during interview vs what he told his in-laws)
- no one knew any of Mindi's medical records. She supposedly always went to special clinics outside the medical system and NK never knew the name or location of the clinics or who the supposed doctors/medical clinicians were.
- Nick denied going anywhere other than some small errands at the grocery store and pharmacy while Mindi was supposedly in the unknown clinic. When confronted with the knife purchase evidence he told LE that that was to cut some screens due to a bug problem in the HVAC system.
- NK doesn't remember where the clinic was where Mindi supposedly died, even though he went there. He didn't ask for a death certificate. They supposedly told him they cremated her body (without his approval) and he was given her ashes by the side of a rural road by a stranger from the clinic.
- Mindi supposedly asked NK to put her belongings in large storage totes. He gave the totes to the stranger at the side of the road. (trying to explain the totes and why they were out in a rural area I guess).
- NK said he scattered her supposed ashes in Chesapeake Bay. He immediately went to Missouri to change his surname and shortly thereafter moved to PA.
- the 'security detail' later told Mindi's parents that Nick had died.
(i.e. don't look for Nick)This is an absolutely unbelievable "tale" (or should I say "tales"?). I hope "Jim" enjoys himself serving life in prison.
ETA: JMO, naturally.
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Exactly. Nick and what has been reported by Nick. (i.e. his murdered wife). Not exactly credible.
there had to be legit financial docs presented during nk and hk's 2015 divorce which lead to judgement of 1.5m. the entity paying nk would have financial records as to the payee/recipient of the money...when/if it was paid. was the payee nk or 'jim mcintyre'. if payee was nk then how did jim mcintyre become the controller of nk's money. will we be told and will evidence be provided showing nk trusted 'jim mcintyre' so much he legally signed over his finances to 'jim'.
i'm looking forward to trial resuming tomorrow.
jmo
i'm looking forward to trial resuming tomorrow.
jmo
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I just found out about this case and I’m floored by the absurdity!
Here are some tweets from @ genjustlaw that I haven’t seen covered here. I apologize if they are repeats.
DEFENSE OPENING
Doug Weinstein introduces himself as Kassotis' counsel.
He describes Kassotis as accomplished JAG officer, Navy veteran with medals, served in Iraq and Pentagon.
Kassotis and wife Mindi lived in relentless fear. A man claiming to be FBI agent Jim McIntyre warned they were in danger, must disappear, follow orders, trust no one. Lies to family and friends stemmed from this fear to protect lives.
Weinstein details Kassotis' background:
Rural New Hampshire upbringing, Boston University graduate, JD from Northeastern, LLM from Georgetown in national security and cybersecurity.
Decorated military service as prosecutor in JAG Corps, left as lieutenant commander.
Divorced first wife Heather in 2015 amid infidelity, she received $1.5M judgment. Married Mindi in 2016, left Navy amid strange events. McIntyre appeared, claimed danger, forced them on the run.
Kassotis believed in illusory inheritance held by McIntyre. Moves were due to fear, not debt. Lies told over years driven by terror.
MINDI’S FRIEND
Morgan Paddock, a close friend of Mindi Kassotis, testified about their longstanding friendship since 1996, formed through church youth group activities in Louisiana. Paddock met Nicholas Kassotis once, during a visit to Savannah in summer 2016.
Mindi confided in Paddock via the Signal app, citing safety concerns due to dangerous individuals pursuing her and Kassotis.
Mindi mentioned Kassotis's software development deal, expecting life-changing money, and referenced a security team with surveillance vans and protocols.
Paddock learned of Mindi's death in February 2023 from a mutual friend, later confirmed by a GBI article on May 12, 2023.
Unaware Mindi lived 0.8 miles away on 65th Street in Savannah, Paddock found this secrecy unusual but consistent with Mindi's claim of needing to "go dark" for safety.
NK’S 3RD WIFE
Samantha Cole, testifying as Nicholas Kassotis's third wife, met him online in September 2022 via Twitter under his pen name, Nick Mortox or KJ Stark.
Kassotis, posing as Nick Stark, bought her books and initiated contact, escalating to flirtatious phone calls by November 2022. They met in person on December 16, 2022, in Pennsylvania, where Cole was separated and filing for divorce.
Kassotis claimed he was a widower, stating his wife and unborn child died two years prior, a claim he made in October 2022 via Twitter DMs.
Cole learned from law enforcement in May 2023, upon his arrest, that his widower claim was false.
GBI INTERVIEW POST-ARREST
GBI Special Agent Tracy Sands testified about interviewing Nicholas Kassotis on May 13, 2023, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, following his arrest on May 12. Accompanied by Investigator Jack Frost, Sands recorded a two-hour audio interview after advising Kassotis of his Miranda rights, which he acknowledged as a former Navy JAG attorney.
Kassotis claimed that in 2018, he and Mindi faced harassment in Alexandria, Virginia, including stolen money, vehicle damage, and threats. He alleged an assault in Charlottesville in 2019, resulting in three broken ribs, orchestrated by a man posing as an FBI agent.
Kassotis described moving frequently, including to Hilton Head and Beaufort, before living with Mindi's family in 2020.
In his May 13, 2023, interview with GBI Agent Tracy Sands, Nicholas Kassotis claimed that in 2018, he and Mindi suffered a miscarriage, which they concealed on the advice of a man named Jim, who posed as an FBI agent.
Kassotis stated that two to three weeks later, Mindi's brother Frank learned she was pregnant again, reacting positively despite her distress.
Kassotis said they communicated via the encrypted Signal app, introduced by Jim, to maintain secrecy.
After a whisper from Kassotis, his attorney asks one last question: the shovel was bought on November 4, 2022, the same day Mindi Kassotis was last seen alive. Her body wasn't found until December 2, nearly a month later.
JESSISPRUDENS:
The timing is chilling. A shovel purchase on the day she vanished ties directly to premeditation. It's not conclusive, but it's narrative fuel and the jury heard it straight from the defense table.
MINDI’S MOTHER
Mindi’s mother believed Nick and Mindi were in danger.
Mindi feared for her life and they moved frequently.
She followed Nick's orders, including skipping work once for safety.
Mindi and Nick planned to change their names due to security concerns.
Mom paid for their living/housing.
She never met any Microsoft coworkers and never saw what Nick was working on his computer.
Mindi claimed blood pressure issues.
Nick said she'd be hospitalized at a military base the Monday after Thanksgiving 2022. No hospital name, doctor, or location ever provided.
Family assumed she was being treated; never saw her again.
Mindi wasn't seen alive again after mom left for Thanksgiving (Nov 23); last possible sighting was ~week before.
Dec 1, 2022: Frank (Mindi’s father) discharged from hospital; Kassotis offered to watch him.
Mom returned home and found Frank alone. Kassotis arrived crying, announced Mindi had died.
Kassotis said Mindi had stroke after nurse left her unattended in hospital bathroom.
No death certificate, medical records, or funeral ever shown.
She informed her son about Mindi’s death, and the family was shocked.
Funeral plans discussed but never happened; Kassotis claimed responsibility.
The last contact with Nick was when they moved to Hilton Head.
Nick called once after Mindi died and said he would visit, but never did.
The witness denied that Nick was a hunter.
FORENSIC ARTIST KELLY LAWSON
Forensic artist Kelly Lawson took the stand. She's the only forensic artist with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Her role: help identify unknown remains or draw suspects from witness descriptions.
She's been with GBI since 2012, trained under the late Marla Lawson, and has testified as an expert many times.
In this case, Lawson was emailed a photo of the victim's severed head on Dec 9, 2022.
She drew two different reconstructions—one with the hair up (1.17) and one with it down (1.18)—to help the public recognize the face.
Lawson said this was a particularly hard case because the body was decapitated. Without the neck's structure, the facial muscles shift and distort.
She emphasized the importance of making the image visually compelling:
"I try to draw them like they're getting their glamour shot... It's the last portrait someone will ever have."
She chose brown eyes based on racial averages and aimed to make the photo beautiful—not for vanity, but to increase its shareability and the odds of ID.
VIDEO FOOTAGE
Public works supervisor Dean Glover confirmed city surveillance cameras at a Riceboro well site captured a vehicle driving by on Nov 29, 2022.
The car, later ID'd as Kassotis' 2022 Ford Explorer, appeared on footage from a barbed-wire fenced facility with satellite-synced timestamps.
Glover personally handed over the DVR to law enforcement.
Here are some tweets from @ genjustlaw that I haven’t seen covered here. I apologize if they are repeats.
DEFENSE OPENING
Doug Weinstein introduces himself as Kassotis' counsel.
He describes Kassotis as accomplished JAG officer, Navy veteran with medals, served in Iraq and Pentagon.
Kassotis and wife Mindi lived in relentless fear. A man claiming to be FBI agent Jim McIntyre warned they were in danger, must disappear, follow orders, trust no one. Lies to family and friends stemmed from this fear to protect lives.
Weinstein details Kassotis' background:
Rural New Hampshire upbringing, Boston University graduate, JD from Northeastern, LLM from Georgetown in national security and cybersecurity.
Decorated military service as prosecutor in JAG Corps, left as lieutenant commander.
Divorced first wife Heather in 2015 amid infidelity, she received $1.5M judgment. Married Mindi in 2016, left Navy amid strange events. McIntyre appeared, claimed danger, forced them on the run.
Kassotis believed in illusory inheritance held by McIntyre. Moves were due to fear, not debt. Lies told over years driven by terror.
MINDI’S FRIEND
Morgan Paddock, a close friend of Mindi Kassotis, testified about their longstanding friendship since 1996, formed through church youth group activities in Louisiana. Paddock met Nicholas Kassotis once, during a visit to Savannah in summer 2016.
Mindi confided in Paddock via the Signal app, citing safety concerns due to dangerous individuals pursuing her and Kassotis.
Mindi mentioned Kassotis's software development deal, expecting life-changing money, and referenced a security team with surveillance vans and protocols.
Paddock learned of Mindi's death in February 2023 from a mutual friend, later confirmed by a GBI article on May 12, 2023.
Unaware Mindi lived 0.8 miles away on 65th Street in Savannah, Paddock found this secrecy unusual but consistent with Mindi's claim of needing to "go dark" for safety.
NK’S 3RD WIFE
Samantha Cole, testifying as Nicholas Kassotis's third wife, met him online in September 2022 via Twitter under his pen name, Nick Mortox or KJ Stark.
Kassotis, posing as Nick Stark, bought her books and initiated contact, escalating to flirtatious phone calls by November 2022. They met in person on December 16, 2022, in Pennsylvania, where Cole was separated and filing for divorce.
Kassotis claimed he was a widower, stating his wife and unborn child died two years prior, a claim he made in October 2022 via Twitter DMs.
Cole learned from law enforcement in May 2023, upon his arrest, that his widower claim was false.
GBI INTERVIEW POST-ARREST
GBI Special Agent Tracy Sands testified about interviewing Nicholas Kassotis on May 13, 2023, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, following his arrest on May 12. Accompanied by Investigator Jack Frost, Sands recorded a two-hour audio interview after advising Kassotis of his Miranda rights, which he acknowledged as a former Navy JAG attorney.
Kassotis claimed that in 2018, he and Mindi faced harassment in Alexandria, Virginia, including stolen money, vehicle damage, and threats. He alleged an assault in Charlottesville in 2019, resulting in three broken ribs, orchestrated by a man posing as an FBI agent.
Kassotis described moving frequently, including to Hilton Head and Beaufort, before living with Mindi's family in 2020.
In his May 13, 2023, interview with GBI Agent Tracy Sands, Nicholas Kassotis claimed that in 2018, he and Mindi suffered a miscarriage, which they concealed on the advice of a man named Jim, who posed as an FBI agent.
Kassotis stated that two to three weeks later, Mindi's brother Frank learned she was pregnant again, reacting positively despite her distress.
Kassotis said they communicated via the encrypted Signal app, introduced by Jim, to maintain secrecy.
After a whisper from Kassotis, his attorney asks one last question: the shovel was bought on November 4, 2022, the same day Mindi Kassotis was last seen alive. Her body wasn't found until December 2, nearly a month later.
JESSISPRUDENS:
The timing is chilling. A shovel purchase on the day she vanished ties directly to premeditation. It's not conclusive, but it's narrative fuel and the jury heard it straight from the defense table.
MINDI’S MOTHER
Mindi’s mother believed Nick and Mindi were in danger.
Mindi feared for her life and they moved frequently.
She followed Nick's orders, including skipping work once for safety.
Mindi and Nick planned to change their names due to security concerns.
Mom paid for their living/housing.
She never met any Microsoft coworkers and never saw what Nick was working on his computer.
Mindi claimed blood pressure issues.
Nick said she'd be hospitalized at a military base the Monday after Thanksgiving 2022. No hospital name, doctor, or location ever provided.
Family assumed she was being treated; never saw her again.
Mindi wasn't seen alive again after mom left for Thanksgiving (Nov 23); last possible sighting was ~week before.
Dec 1, 2022: Frank (Mindi’s father) discharged from hospital; Kassotis offered to watch him.
Mom returned home and found Frank alone. Kassotis arrived crying, announced Mindi had died.
Kassotis said Mindi had stroke after nurse left her unattended in hospital bathroom.
No death certificate, medical records, or funeral ever shown.
She informed her son about Mindi’s death, and the family was shocked.
Funeral plans discussed but never happened; Kassotis claimed responsibility.
The last contact with Nick was when they moved to Hilton Head.
Nick called once after Mindi died and said he would visit, but never did.
The witness denied that Nick was a hunter.
FORENSIC ARTIST KELLY LAWSON
Forensic artist Kelly Lawson took the stand. She's the only forensic artist with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Her role: help identify unknown remains or draw suspects from witness descriptions.
She's been with GBI since 2012, trained under the late Marla Lawson, and has testified as an expert many times.
In this case, Lawson was emailed a photo of the victim's severed head on Dec 9, 2022.
She drew two different reconstructions—one with the hair up (1.17) and one with it down (1.18)—to help the public recognize the face.
Lawson said this was a particularly hard case because the body was decapitated. Without the neck's structure, the facial muscles shift and distort.
She emphasized the importance of making the image visually compelling:
"I try to draw them like they're getting their glamour shot... It's the last portrait someone will ever have."
She chose brown eyes based on racial averages and aimed to make the photo beautiful—not for vanity, but to increase its shareability and the odds of ID.
VIDEO FOOTAGE
Public works supervisor Dean Glover confirmed city surveillance cameras at a Riceboro well site captured a vehicle driving by on Nov 29, 2022.
The car, later ID'd as Kassotis' 2022 Ford Explorer, appeared on footage from a barbed-wire fenced facility with satellite-synced timestamps.
Glover personally handed over the DVR to law enforcement.
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Welcome to the absurdity!
It would be laughable if Mindy wasn't killed and her family wasn't devastated. They were all manipulated and emotionally abused. And now Nick (and his made-up friend "Jim") stands behind this absurd story.
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I have no idea.
I found it interesting that "Jim" supposedly visited Nick regularly until Nick lived with his in-laws. Then he didn't visit anymore. He was just in contact through Signal.
ETA: Isn't it interesting that SK didn't have to use Signal? hmmmm..... I guess just prior to Mindi being killed the risk was gone? Although Mindi and family had to be careful and only use Signal to communicate.
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THAT is a VERY good point. So this Jim McIntyre person just disappeared and no longer posed a threat to him after his wife died?!
Ummm… no jury is going to buy this story.
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The defense appears to be trying to get a statement admitted to the jury. The statement in question appears to be an offer to take a lie detector test made by NK during questioning by police. The offer to take the lie detector test shows the ferocity of NK's claims of innocence, according to the defense. Judge appears to not buy it as being necessary.
JMO
JMO
Wow, that's rich. Wonder if he thought he could beat it? Seems like he didn't take a test tho? I don't know why any client would want to open that door to voice stress tests or lie detectors, namely a client that used to be a jag lawyer.
I kinda fear he's going to testify. I think a smart man wouldn't, but this guy just thinks he's really smart... "Ya know?" I use that phrase because he used it in the police interview more than a valley girl says "like"... He definitely comes off as a narcissistic sociopath.
Usually, I enjoy when a defendant takes the stand no matter my opinion on their guilt or innocence, with the exception of Darrell Brooks, I couldn't stand his testimony or his pro se representation. I feel like NK's testimony will be long winded mindless dribble by a fool who thinks he's the wizard.
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Ohhhhhhh, man. The $1.5m judgement is because he swore in court that he had $32 million. This $32m was supposedly in the care of Jim.
I can't believe Jim stole this poor man's money, killed his wife, and is now framing him. Tragic.
JMO
I can't believe Jim stole this poor man's money, killed his wife, and is now framing him. Tragic.
JMO
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