GUILTY IN - Thomas Grill Jr., 18, & Molley Lanham, 19, murdered, Lake County, 25 Feb 2019 *arrests*

[Niner]

Wednesday, October 14th:
*Trial continues (Day 5) (@ 9am CT) – IN - Thomas Grill, Jr. (18) & Molley R. Lanham (19) (Feb. 25, 2019, St. John; found March 2, 2019 in Porter Township, in burned out car) - for *Connor Ralland Kerner (17/now 19) arrested (3/1/19) & charged as adult (3/4/19) & arraigned (7/15/19) with 2 counts of murder, murder in the perpetration of a robbery & attempted robbery, & individual counts of arson & intimidation. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial began on 10/6/20. (Tuesdays thru Fridays for up to 3 weeks thru 10/23/20).
Court info from 3/4/19 thru 9/21/20 & re trial scheduling & Trial 10/6/20 thru 10/8/20 (Day 1 to 2) reference post #99 here:
IN - Thomas Grill Jr., 18, & Molley Lanham, 19, murdered, Lake County, 25 Feb 2019 *arrests*
10/9/20 Trial Day 3: No info available. Trial continues on 10/13/20. Monday is a holiday.
10/13/20 Trial Day 4: State witnesses: Gerald Dye (Kerner’s grandfather). No other info available. Trial continues on 10/14/20.
Accomplice:
*John Salvadore Silva II (17/now 19) – Next Status hearing on 1/4/21.

 

[Niner]

@Tippy Lynn - going to "assume" the trial is still going ? or did the defense start their case? TIA!

 

[Niner]

Thursday, October 15th:
*Trial continues (Day 6) (@ 9am CT) – IN - Thomas Grill, Jr. (18) & Molley R. Lanham (19) (Feb. 25, 2019, St. John; found March 2, 2019 in Porter Township, in burned out car) - for *Connor Ralland Kerner (17/now 19) arrested (3/1/19) & charged as adult (3/4/19) & arraigned (7/15/19) with 2 counts of murder, murder in the perpetration of a robbery & attempted robbery, & individual counts of arson & intimidation. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial began on 10/6/20. (Tuesdays thru Fridays for up to 3 weeks thru 10/23/20).
Court info from 3/4/19 thru 9/21/20 & re trial scheduling & Trial 10/6/20 thru 10/8/20 (Day 1 to 2) reference post #99 here:
IN - Thomas Grill Jr., 18, & Molley Lanham, 19, murdered, Lake County, 25 Feb 2019 *arrests*
10/9/20 Trial Day 3: No info available. Trial continues on 10/13/20. Monday is a holiday.
10/13/20 Trial Day 4: State witnesses: Gerald Dye (Kerner’s grandfather). No other info available. Trial continues on 10/14/20.
10/14/20 Trail Day 5: No info available. Trial continues on 10/15/20.
Accomplice:
*John Salvadore Silva II (17/now 19) – Next Status hearing on 1/4/21.

 

[JerseyGirl]

Immunity granted for Valpo mom's testimony in double murder trial; encrypted messages presented

While questioning her son, Connor Kerner, from out of town about two missing Lake County teens, Valparaiso resident Roxann Kerner told jurors Wednesday that he requested they use an encrypted messaging app rather than continue on with text messages.

When Porter County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Armando Salinas asked why the more secure method of communication was chosen, Roxann replied, "For me, nothing. They're just messaging apps."

"I was trying to get whatever method my son would talk to me," she said.

Connor's grandfather, Gerald Dye, who owns the home where the killings allegedly took place, testified Tuesday that he owns a trailer he uses to haul a motorcycle and mulch.

 

[Niner]

Friday, October 16th:
*Trial continues (Day 7) (@ 9am CT) – IN - Thomas Grill, Jr. (18) & Molley R. Lanham (19) (Feb. 25, 2019, St. John; found March 2, 2019 in Porter Township, in burned out car) - for *Connor Ralland Kerner (17/now 19) arrested (3/1/19) & charged as adult (3/4/19) & arraigned (7/15/19) with 2 counts of murder, murder in the perpetration of a robbery & attempted robbery, & individual counts of arson & intimidation. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial began on 10/6/20. (Tuesdays thru Fridays for up to 3 weeks thru 10/23/20).
Court info from 3/4/19 thru 9/21/20 & re trial scheduling & Trial 10/6/20 thru 10/8/20 (Day 1 to 2) reference post #99 here:
IN - Thomas Grill Jr., 18, & Molley Lanham, 19, murdered, Lake County, 25 Feb 2019 *arrests*
10/9/20 Trial Day 3 Friday: No info available. Trial continues on 10/13/20. Monday is a holiday.
10/13/20 Trial Day 4 Tuesday: State witnesses: Gerald Dye (Kerner’s grandfather). No other info available. Trial continues on 10/14/20.
10/14/20 Trail Day 5 Wednesday: State witnesses: Roxann Kerner (Kerner’s mother who received immunity to testify). No other info available. Trial continues on 10/15/20.
10/15/20 Trial Day 6 Thursday: State witnesses: no info yet. Trial continues on 10/16/20.
Accomplice:
*John Salvadore Silva II (17/now 19) – Next Status hearing on 1/4/21.

 

[Niner]

UPDATE: Jurors hear alleged recording from scene of double slaying

October 15, 2020

VALPARAISO — An audio recording played Thursday afternoon for jurors in the ongoing Connor Kerner murder trial began with a long period of muffled sounds before the quiet was shattered by a series of five loud bangs followed shortly after by one other.

The bangs are followed by the sound of someone rushing and then a person moaning.

The recording, which purportedly captures part of the killings in question, was made discreetly on a cellphone by John Silva II, 20, of Hamlet, according to officials.
[.....]
Earlier Thursday, jurors were presented with evidence that Kerner purchased muriatic acid, spray paint, a tarp and other items he is alleged to have used to try to cover up the killings.

Porter County Sheriff's Office Detective Brian Dziedzinski said it was determined Kerner purchased several bottles of the acid, spray paint and a cleaner from the Valparaiso Ace Hardware store in the days following the killings.

A surveillance video confirmed that Kerner had purchased a tarp and tarp tape from the Valparaiso Menards store four days after the killings, the detective said.
[.....]
A tarp, oven cleaner and muriatic acid were among the items discovered in a backpack found in the wake of the killings outside of the home Kerner shared with his mother.

A friend of the family, Tony Vendramin, testified Thursday that he came across the backpack while wandering around the property while Roxann, who was staying at his home in the wake of her son's arrest, was inside gathering clothing for herself.

 

[Niner]

@Tippy Lynn - just wondering if the court site has any updates on the trial?


Tuesday, October 20th:
*Trial continues (Day 8) (@ 9am CT) – IN - Thomas Grill, Jr. (18) & Molley R. Lanham (19) (Feb. 25, 2019, St. John; found March 2, 2019 in Porter Township, in burned out car) - *Connor Ralland Kerner (17/now 19) arrested (3/1/19) & charged as adult (3/4/19) & arraigned (7/15/19) with 2 counts of murder, murder in the perpetration of a robbery & attempted robbery, & individual counts of arson & intimidation. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial began on 10/6/20. (Tuesdays thru Fridays for up to 3 weeks thru 10/23/20).
Court info from 3/4/19 thru 9/21/20 & re trial scheduling & Trial 10/6/20 thru 10/8/20 (Day 1 to 2) reference post #99 here:
IN - Thomas Grill Jr., 18, & Molley Lanham, 19, murdered, Lake County, 25 Feb 2019 *arrests*
10/9/20 Trial Day 3 Friday: No info available. Trial continues on 10/13/20. Monday is a holiday.
10/13/20 Trial Day 4 Tuesday: State witnesses: Gerald Dye (Kerner’s grandfather). No other info available. Trial continues on 10/14/20.
10/14/20 Trail Day 5 Wednesday: State witnesses: Roxann Kerner (Kerner’s mother who received immunity to testify). No other info available. Trial continues on 10/15/20.
10/15/20 Trial Day 6 Thursday: State witnesses: Porter County Sheriff's Office Detective Brian Dziedzinski. Audio recording played for jurors (recorded by Silva) of the killings. Tony Vendramin (family friend). No other info yet. Trial continues on 10/16/20.
10/16/20 Trial Day 7 Friday: No info yet. Trial continues on Tuesday, 10/20/20.
Accomplice:
*John Salvadore Silva II (17/now 20) – Next Status hearing on 1/4/21.

 

[Tippy Lynn]

@Niner

State of Indiana v. Connor Ralland Kerner
Case Number 64D01-1903-MR-002107
Court Porter Superior Court 1
Type MR - Murder
Filed 03/04/2019


10/06/2020
Jury Trial
Session:
03/31/2020 9:00 AM, Rescheduled
Session:
07/07/2020 9:00 AM, Rescheduled
Session:
09/15/2020 9:00 AM, Rescheduled
Session:
10/06/2020 9:00 AM, Judicial Officer: Bradford, Roger V
Comment:
October 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23

10/12/2020
Motion to Suppress Filed
Motion to Suppress Phone Data
Filed By:
Kerner, Connor Ralland
File Stamp:
10/12/2020

10/19/2020
Proposed Jury Instructions
Jury Instructions
Filed By:
Kerner, Connor Ralland
File Stamp:
10/19/2020

10/19/2020
Proposed Jury Instructions
JURY INSTRUCTIONS.pdf
Filed By:
State of Indiana
File Stamp:
10/19/2020

 

[Tippy Lynn]

State of Indiana v. JOHN SALVADORE SILVA, II
Case Number 64D01-2005-MR-003704
Court Porter Superior Court 1
Type MR - Murder
Filed 05/22/2020

10/05/2020
Status Conference
Session:
10/05/2020 9:00 AM, Judicial Officer: Bradford, Roger V
10/05/2020
Hearing Scheduling Activity
Status Conference scheduled for 01/04/2021 at 9:00 AM.

10/05/2020
Order of Continuance by Court

10/06/2020
Automated ENotice Issued to Parties
Hearing Scheduling Activity ---- 10/5/2020 : Kenneth Bernard Elwood;Gary Stephen Germann

10/08/2020
Automated ENotice Issued to Parties
Order of Continuance by Court ---- 10/5/2020 : Kenneth Bernard Elwood;Gary Stephen Germann

01/04/2021
Status Conference
Session:
01/04/2021 9:00 AM, Judicial Officer: Bradford, Roger V

 

[Niner]

Thank you @Tippy Lynn !
Haven't found any recent articles on "what" is going on in the court room though.
Wondering if the DA is coming close to ending his evidence.

 

[Tippy Lynn]

Thank you @Tippy Lynn !
Haven't found any recent articles on "what" is going on in the court room though.
Wondering if the DA is coming close to ending his evidence.

I searched a bit and couldn't find anything recent either.

 

[Niner]

Wednesday, October 21st:
*Trial continues (Day 9) (@ 9am CT) – IN - Thomas Grill, Jr. (18) & Molley R. Lanham (19) (Feb. 25, 2019, St. John; found March 2, 2019 in Porter Township, in burned out car) - for *Connor Ralland Kerner (17/now 19) arrested (3/1/19) & charged as adult (3/4/19) & arraigned (7/15/19) with 2 counts of murder, murder in the perpetration of a robbery & attempted robbery, & individual counts of arson & intimidation. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial began on 10/6/20. (Tuesdays thru Fridays for up to 3 weeks thru 10/23/20).
Court info from 3/4/19 thru 9/21/20 & re trial scheduling & Trial 10/6/20 thru 10/15/20 (Day 1 to 6) reference post #107 here:
IN - Thomas Grill Jr., 18, & Molley Lanham, 19, murdered, Lake County, 25 Feb 2019 *arrests*
10/16/20 Trial Day 7 Friday: No info yet. Trial continues on Tuesday, 10/20/20.
10/20/20 Trial Day 8 Tuesday: No info yet. Trial continues on Wednesday, 10/21/20.
Accomplice:
*John Salvadore Silva II (17/now 20) – Next Status hearing on 1/4/21.

 

[Tippy Lynn]

@Niner

Prosecutors in the Connor Kerner murder trial began wrapping up their case Tuesday morning with the presentation of DNA evidence from the accused and one of the victims found on a handgun.

The trial entered its third week with news that the second and last alternate juror is no longer available due to medical reasons. This leaves just the minimum 12 jurors to complete the case.

"So everybody please stay healthy," Porter Superior Court Judge Roger Bradford said at the outset of testimony Tuesday.

DNA from victim, accused found on gun in Valpo murder case, jurors told | Crime and Courts | nwitimes.com

 

[Niner]

Figures - I can't access that article, not even in Outline.

So - they are saying that the DA wrapped up his case on Tuesday? So today the Defense will present theirs - if they have any.... ?

@Tippy Lynn ? TIA!

 

[Tippy Lynn]

Figures - I can't access that article, not even in Outline.

So - they are saying that the DA wrapped up his case on Tuesday? So today the Defense will present theirs - if they have any.... ?

@Tippy Lynn ? TIA!

Sounds like the DA might be wrapping up and it says, "The defense is expected to begin soon."

I'll look to see if I can find anything else.

 

[Tippy Lynn]

Sounds like the DA might be wrapping up and it says, "The defense is expected to begin soon."

I'll look to see if I can find anything else.

I couldn't find anything else. I'll look again later today and tomorrow.

 

[Niner]

I couldn't find anything else. I'll look again later today and tomorrow.

Okay - sounds good! I'm just getting very old articles over here (Europe) - I really hate their rules....

 

[Tippy Lynn]

Okay - sounds good! I'm just getting very old articles over here (Europe) - I really hate their rules....

Thats a bummer. It makes it awfully difficult to keep current during a trial

 

[Niner]

Thats a bummer. It makes it awfully difficult to keep current during a trial

No kidding..... that's why I like all you WS members that help me keep up with all these trials! I thank you!!

 

[Tippy Lynn]

No kidding..... that's why I like all you WS members that help me keep up with all these trials! I thank you!!

And we thank you for all your work on these threads