Found Deceased IA - Mollie Tibbetts, 20, Poweshiek County, 19 Jul 2018 *Arrest* #49

[katydid23]

Probably a good thing I am not an attorney then.
I would have gone full blast into questioning him about every single thing he said.
Not that I would believe it, but just to trip him up on his own lies.

There is a possible danger in trying that. It would work great if the jury was all made up of WS members. We can follow an argument and think things through.

My Dad was a long time defense attorney as was my older brother. I was a prelaw major @ UC Berkeley but decided law wasn't for me. But I did work for my Dad for several years.

One thing he warned about was the obvious---'never ask the witness a question you dont know the answer to.'

And going full blast into this witness, when you have had one day to prepare, and he has been crafting his fantasy story for 3 years already---bad position for the DA.

You may think you are catching him in lies but he may have some crafty answers in his back pocket. And before you know it, you are digging yourself a hole.

And when you do catch him and he just shrugs and says IDK---the jury may overlook it as just an unknown. 'he doesn't know how they got back--they just walked away.'

We know how ridiculous that is, but not all of the jurors will. One or two may sympathise with him...

They always say not to lay down with swine when arguing at their level. Best to stay above the fray.

I think the best route should be to call witnesses that would counter this BS story. Like witnesses that could prove DJ was in Dubuque as he testified. And maybe early testimony from CBR's coworkers about his movements on July 19th.

Did anyone see him or hang out with him after work, before he left. Did anyone see him get into his car? etc etc

The ridiculous portions of his BS story can be poked at during the closing arguments. Probably better than trying to catch him in an obvious lie because it can backfire very easily. JMO

 

[book-thinker]

Ninja 2:--There's his car keys sitting on the counter. Should we just grab those before he gets out of the shower?

Ninja 1:--Nah, let's have him drive us instead...

CBR spinning tales during the time he was following her in town. Both Ninja’s were cramped on the floor board of the vehicle hiding from everyone. Did he come with this idea on own? Or as a child he heard too many fairy tails. Does he believe everyone is that stupid!

 

[tmar]

Right after that she asked him did he have any reason to believe she could be saved or something like that. I think she didn't expect him to say she had movement in that previous statement.

Odd he doesn't mention hearing any screaming. Surly someone being stabbed to death on the side of the road would be loud. He doesn't mention hearing anything except them putting something heavy in the trunk.

BBM above.
I hope Attorney Brown ( or others) think of this, or read here.
So many good points have been mentioned, and Attorney Brown needs to come up, with many more.
I am getting worried.....

 

[FLmom777]

I can just imagine the Ninjas plotting the murder.

Ninja1: Sounds good, but the only thing is, we don't have a vehicle.

Ninja 2: We'll just kidnap someone and make him be the driver.

Ninja 1: Sounds like a plan!

Absolutely. It’s so much better to kidnap somebody to drive us to murder somebody. We certainly wouldn’t want to steal a car.

Ignore blood in his trunk.....he led LE to her body....but, maybe it’s all just a coincidence. We have no idea what the Ninjas from the Arias trial have been up to

Shhhh. Lori Vallow might hear you.

 

[Niner]

Thursday, May 27th:
*Trial continues (Day 7) (@ 8:30am CT) – IA – Mollie Cecilia Tibbetts (20) (July 18, 2018, Brooklyn; found Aug. 21, 2018) – *Cristhian Bahena Rivera aka John Budd (24/now 26) arrested (8/21/18), charged (8/22/18) & arraigned (9/19/18) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. $5M cash only bond.
ICE logged an immigration detainer on Rivera. Confessed to killing Mollie.
Trial began on 5/17/21 with jury selection & ended 5/18/21. Trial started on 5/19/21 (thru 5/28/21). Trial moved from Poweshiek County to Scott County in Davenport. 12 jurors & 3 alternates (8 women & 7 men); Jurors: Hispanic/Latino/Spanish-3, White-12, jurors ages range from 19 to 71.
Court hearings from 8/22/18 thru 5/13/21 & Jury selection (Days 1 & 2) 5/17 to 5/18/21 & Trial (Days 1-5) 5/19 thru 5/25/21 post #983 here:
Found Deceased - IA - Mollie Tibbetts, 20, Poweshiek County, 19 Jul 2018 *Arrest* #48
5/26/21 Wednesday, Day 6 of Trial: Defense witnesses: Brandon Bublitz, Iowa DCI field operations. Assisted on investigation starting around 7/24/18. Direct by Chad Frese.
See posts #994, 996 & 999 for more info here:
Found Deceased - IA - Mollie Tibbetts, 20, Poweshiek County, 19 Jul 2018 *Arrest* #48
Bublitz continued on direct. And cross by Brown.
See post #1003 for more info here:
Found Deceased - IA - Mollie Tibbetts, 20, Poweshiek County, 19 Jul 2018 *Arrest* #48
Next witness: Agent Matthew George of Iowa DCI. Interview Dalton Jack. Direct by Chad Frese.
See posts #1005, 1006, 1010, 1012, 1013, 1016 & 1019 for more info here:
Found Deceased - IA - Mollie Tibbetts, 20, Poweshiek County, 19 Jul 2018 *Arrest* #48
George continued. On direct. Frese wants this brought in (Dalton's inconsistencies) for impeachment purposes. Judge will give ruling before jury brought back.
See posts #1021, 1025, 1028 & 1038 for more info here:
Found Deceased - IA - Mollie Tibbetts, 20, Poweshiek County, 19 Jul 2018 *Arrest* #48
George continued. On cross by Brown. Next witness: Jordyn Lamb Johnson (dated Dalton). Direct by Jennifer Frese.
See posts #1044, 1047 & 1051 for more info here:
Found Deceased - IA - Mollie Tibbetts, 20, Poweshiek County, 19 Jul 2018 *Arrest* #48
Next witness: Christhian Bahena Rivera the defendant. Direct by Jennifer Frese.
See posts #1064, 1073 & 1079 for more info here:
Found Deceased - IA - Mollie Tibbetts, 20, Poweshiek County, 19 Jul 2018 *Arrest* #48
Rivera continued. On direct.
See posts #1083, 1087 & 1092 for more info here:
Found Deceased - IA - Mollie Tibbetts, 20, Poweshiek County, 19 Jul 2018 *Arrest* #48
Rivera continued. On direct.
See posts #4, 8, 11 & 13 for more info here:
Found Deceased - IA - Mollie Tibbetts, 20, Poweshiek County, 19 Jul 2018 *Arrest* #49
Rivera continued. On direct.
See posts #24 & 33 for more info here:
Found Deceased - IA - Mollie Tibbetts, 20, Poweshiek County, 19 Jul 2018 *Arrest* #49
Rivera continued. On direct.
See posts #42 & 50 for more info here:
Found Deceased - IA - Mollie Tibbetts, 20, Poweshiek County, 19 Jul 2018 *Arrest* #49
Rivera continued. On direct.
See post #62 for more info here:
Found Deceased - IA - Mollie Tibbetts, 20, Poweshiek County, 19 Jul 2018 *Arrest* #49
Rivera continued. On direct.
See posts #106, 114, 118 & 120 for more info here:
Found Deceased - IA - Mollie Tibbetts, 20, Poweshiek County, 19 Jul 2018 *Arrest* #49
Rivera continued. On direct continuing his bull story....
See post #129 for more info here:
Found Deceased - IA - Mollie Tibbetts, 20, Poweshiek County, 19 Jul 2018 *Arrest* #49
Rivera continued. On direct.
See posts #145, 150 & 159 for more info here:
Found Deceased - IA - Mollie Tibbetts, 20, Poweshiek County, 19 Jul 2018 *Arrest* #49
Rivera continued. On direct.
See post #176 for more info here:
Found Deceased - IA - Mollie Tibbetts, 20, Poweshiek County, 19 Jul 2018 *Arrest* #49
Rivera continued. On direct. Cross by Brown.
See posts #184, 195 & 198 for more info here:
Found Deceased - IA - Mollie Tibbetts, 20, Poweshiek County, 19 Jul 2018 *Arrest* #49
Rivera continued. On cross.
See posts #205, 209 & 213 for more info here:
Found Deceased - IA - Mollie Tibbetts, 20, Poweshiek County, 19 Jul 2018 *Arrest* #49
Rivera continued. On cross.
See posts #221, 225, 231, 237 & 239 for more info here:
Found Deceased - IA - Mollie Tibbetts, 20, Poweshiek County, 19 Jul 2018 *Arrest* #49
Rivera continued. On cross.
See posts #247 & 251 for more info here:
Found Deceased - IA - Mollie Tibbetts, 20, Poweshiek County, 19 Jul 2018 *Arrest* #49
Lunch…
Rivera back on cross by Brown. And re-direct by Jennifer Frese.
See posts #348, 350, 352, 354 & 357 for more info here:
Found Deceased - IA - Mollie Tibbetts, 20, Poweshiek County, 19 Jul 2018 *Arrest* #49
Rivera continued. On re-cross.
See post #361 for more info here:
Found Deceased - IA - Mollie Tibbetts, 20, Poweshiek County, 19 Jul 2018 *Arrest* #49
Next witness: Jamie Slife, called in the tip-line. Her father is Ron Peksa. Direct by Jennifer Frese.
See post #371 for more info here:
Found Deceased - IA - Mollie Tibbetts, 20, Poweshiek County, 19 Jul 2018 *Arrest* #49
Slife continued. On direct. And on cross by Brown.
See posts #381 & 384 for more info here:
Found Deceased - IA - Mollie Tibbetts, 20, Poweshiek County, 19 Jul 2018 *Arrest* #49
Next witness: Luis Medina, uncle of CBR. Direct by Jennifer Frese.
See post #396 for more info here:
Found Deceased - IA - Mollie Tibbetts, 20, Poweshiek County, 19 Jul 2018 *Arrest* #49
Medina continued. On direct.
See posts #410 & 419 for more info here:
Found Deceased - IA - Mollie Tibbetts, 20, Poweshiek County, 19 Jul 2018 *Arrest* #49
Medina continued. On cross by Brown.
See post #421 for more info here:
Found Deceased - IA - Mollie Tibbetts, 20, Poweshiek County, 19 Jul 2018 *Arrest* #49
The defense rests. Jury sent home. Attorneys go over jury instructions. Trial continues on 5/27/21 @ 8:30am.

 

[Alethea]

Yes. I have to walk back my comment about him pulling it out of his you know what. He did do that, but you are correct, it has ben the plan for a long time.

So my question is, why was the prosecution not ready. I get the shock...because I am shocked, but it's their job and they knew the general direction. Were the Sweatered Ninja Twins...I guess that was totally unexpected even for the prosecution?

I bet going forward they will always prepared for this...and call it something like we have...be ready for the Ninja Twin defense.

So, do you all think that it was best for the prosecution to leave it at "why would they need your help?"
Or do you think he should have gone after CBR a little bit?

I know we think it's ridiculous and no one would fall for that...but I just don't have that much confidence in many people being very smart.

So the prosecution has an absolute duty under the Constitution and Supreme Court precedent to turn over evidence that is favorable to the defense to the defense (exculpatory evidence) - this is the Brady rule from Brady v. Maryland. The defense does NOT have the same obligations. So the state likely never heard about the Ninjas until we did.

I think a bit of the issue is this is rural Iowa and I doubt this prosecutor has had many serious cases. If you aren’t used to dealing with lying witnesses and testifying defendants, you may just not have a routine ready to cross on the stand. I was disappointed by the cross too- the story was ridiculous but it seemed obvious the way to refute it is to point out the lies to the jury. If you know someone has lied in important situations before, you are much less likely to believe them.

 

[usnuzuloose]

I completely agree. He incapacitated her at time of abduction- this is where the blood in the trunk came from. But it is also the reason (IMO), he saw movement from Mollie. She wasn't dead when he removed her.

I agree.

 

[katydid23]

So, reading btwn the lines… DJ’s alibi isn’t accurate due to his drunken boss & dead zones with no cell coverage. And on the night Mollie went missing, DJ donned ninja bandito gear, armed with a gun, abducted an immigrant while CB was cleaning out his car for a date, and directed him to drive to the jogger. After which they killed her, dumped her in a cornfield & disappeared past the decomposing cows, never to be seen again.

Is this where they’re going?

Yes, but you forgot the other accomplice, Felix.

So Felix is the actual cousin of CBR's baby Mom.

Which means that DJ and Felix, were threatening the lives of Felix's cousin and baby. And they did so because? Because Dalton wanted to sleep with the other girl? So he had to do this fantastical conspiracy to murder his longtime girlfriend, to do so?

 

[katydid23]

I'm waiting for CBR to allege one of the masked men was Dalton -- you know that's coming!!

He tried to do so with a very light touch....he heard one of them call the other one 'Jack.' lmao

 

[ChiCubs2016]

BBM

Can jury behavior be brought up in appeals? These people have an important job and whether or not they are bored, offended, or just plain don't like what's being said, they are supposed to actively listen, aren't they? If there truly was a juror(s) lounging and dozing off, can that become an issue later?

As for laughing, I don't know. I can only speak for myself, but I saw nothing funny about today's testimony at all. Especially for those seated inside that courtroom where mere days ago they were looking at tragic photos.

I am always interested in the jurors. I was wondering if somebody was going to laugh

A reporter said yesterday that the jury is sitting behind the attorneys. The attorneys cannot see them which is different because they cannot see their reactions. In most cases I think this may not be ideal since the attorneys would not be able to adjust their questioning due to jury reaction. But this may have been good because I would not have wanted defense to adjust anything while CBR was on the stand. I think prosecution did the right thing under these circumstances. Since CBR’s testimony was obviously so rehearsed he probably had an answer for anything prosecution asked. I would also not bring back his ex. If I had any rebuttal witnesses it would be to prove DJ’s alibi since it is obvious who the defense is pointing their finger at.
Edit by me. Clarity

 

[usnuzuloose]

A reporter said today that the jury is sitting behind the attorneys. The attorneys can not see them which is different because they cannot see their reactions. In most cases I think this may not be ideal since the attorneys would not be able to adjust their questioning due to jury reaction. But this may have been good because I would not have wanted defense to adjust anything while CBR was on the stand. I think prosecution did the right thing under these circumstances. Since CBR’s testimony was obviously so rehearsed he probably had an answer for anything prosecution asked. I would also not bring back his ex. If I had any rebuttal witnesses it would be to prove DJ’s alibi since it is obvious who the defense is pointing their finger at.

Thank you , they used to report on jurors more. It is kind of an indication how things are going. I bet some of them laughed while driving home.

 

[Alethea]

So I guess we have closing today and right into deliberations? I have meetings today, I hope they deliberate at least for a few hours so I don’t miss the verdict!!

 

[katydid23]

Courtney Crowder on Twitter
Did he know Dalton Jack? No, not him or his brother Blake. He also did not know Mollie Tibbetts.
11:42 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Chris Gothner KCCI on Twitter
Now asking about Dep. Kivi initial contact near Malcom on 8/16.
11:42 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

CBR agrees Mollie Tibbetts disappearance came up in that and that he knew where she was located and what had happened to her. (didn't know how)
11:43 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

Knew she was dead, but did not tell Dep. Kivi anything, CBR testifies. Testifies that he did not ask for any protection for his daughter or his ex-girlfriend.
11:44 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

"Knew she was dead, but did not tell Dep. Kivi anything, CBR testifies. Testifies that he did not ask for any protection for his daughter or his ex-girlfriend."


I think this^^^ is an important point. He is safe there in police station. He could have asked them to go pick up his baby and his ex----and he would then tell them what happened.

But during that previous month, he did nothing to protect his baby? Wouldnt most fathers leave town with their baby and ex, telling them they are in real danger?

At least warn them. And what about now for this trial where he is telling the public what really happened-----does he have his baby and ex in some secure location?

 

[katydid23]

I think that it might have really bothered the jury, that CBR tried some 'slick' manipulations.

Like when his attorney asked him 'are you accusing Dalton Jack?' and he says NO, I dont know who it was....
but yet earlier he says he heard one ninja refer to the other as 'Jack.'

What a clumsy, dishonest way to pretend you are not accusing anyone of murder, when you are totally publicly accusing them by claiming you witnessed it.

 

[usnuzuloose]

I think that it might have really bothered the jury, that CBR tried some 'slick' manipulations.

Like when his attorney asked him 'are you accusing Dalton Jack?' and he says NO, I dont know who it was....
but yet earlier he says he heard one ninja refer to the other as 'Jack.'

What a clumsy, dishonest way to pretend you are not accusing anyone of murder, when you are totally publicly accusing them by claiming you witnessed it.

I hope the jurors taking notes ,took note of that. CBR has no idea how his lies are colliding

 

[skyedaze]

Probably a good thing I am not an attorney then.
I would have gone full blast into questioning him about every single thing he said.
Not that I would believe it, but just to trip him up on his own lies.

SAME!
Not saying that's the way to go, but maybe it's was best not too?
Not sure if prosectuion was caught off guard, showing restraint or maybe both.

 

[MsBetsy]

BBM above.
I hope Attorney Brown ( or others) think of this, or read here.
So many good points have been mentioned, and Attorney Brown needs to come up, with many more.
I am getting worried.....

I'm not worried. The defendant's story is so contrived, so carefully tailored to fit the evidence, that I doubt even one juror will believe him.

The prosecution will destroy his credibility during closing arguments.

After all, he admitted that he was the only one that could lead investigators to the body.

 

[dixiegirl1035]

RSBM Why would they take his phone and his keys when they pull up to the cornfield, but then leave them in the trunk of the car minutes later? Why wouldnt they take the items with them, effectively stranding him with her body?
12:45 AM · May 26, 2021·Twitter Web App

And why would he have been "kidnapped" and the ninjas said... "don't forget to bring your phone with you!"

Also, last question to him by the State was "are you the only person that knew where her body was" (paraphrased) and to take LE there..... A: Yes. Ummmmmmmmmmmm, didn't the two ninjas know also?

 

[skyedaze]

Ninjas dressed and ready to do nefarious things nefariously.

Ninja 1— We look awesome! To the Ninjamobile!

Ninja 2— Daggumit! The battery’s dead! We got no wheels!

Ninja 1— We’ll head to CBR’s. He’ll never recognize us. He’s got a date tomorrow, but he’s free tonight.

Ninja 2—You are a genius, JackChaneyPexaFelixInsertNameHere!

Maybe they tried Uber to get to CBR's trailer?
Maybe all Uber drivers were in on it? Maybe they Uber-ed out of the cornfield.
Maybe they took a flying pig out of there?

BTW to me, when Iris showed up in court...I thought she was very pretty...and looked like Mollie!!!
Anyone else think that?

To me it was totally premeditated. He circled her...and so what if she wants to call police? He's in a car, drive away, no one else saw. A hispanic guy in a black car, that could be anybody...to me, she knew who he was. She knew his GF/baby momma so she had seen him before (at least in FB photos) and knew who he was...and he knew that.

 

[Alethea]

I’ve been thinking about this a lot. We assume that people usually act to further their best interest. Even in crime, we can often see the personal motive someone had - they would get money, revenge, a love interest.

CR’s story and how this played out makes no sense. If he told LE this story when he was brought in for questioning, LE would have had to go look for these masked bandits. LE could have pulled more security camera footage. If CR was telling the truth and this really happened, he could have WALKED FREE before his arrest as an innocent victim. Why would you NOT tell LE? Or once you are appointed a lawyer after arrest, tell your lawyer who could get protection for your child in exchange for cooperation.

If this story was true it would mean he acted against his own self interest and voluntarily stayed in jail for years. It would mean his attorneys intentionally did not disclose this information to the state which could have led to lesser charges and a plea deal.

We’re supposed to believe all of that rather than that an admitted liar is lying again? It defies common sense and I think the jury would see through it.