GUILTY MN - Jeanne “Jeanie” Childs, 35, murdered, napkin DNA linked to Jerry Westrom, Minneapolis, 1993 *Arrest 2019

[Niner]

Bumping up for @JudgeJudi - anything? It's been awhile... TIA!

 

[JudgeJudi]

Bumping up for @JudgeJudi - anything? It's been awhile... TIA!

Sorry I haven't updated, but I have been checking every week and still nothing I'm afraid. This case seems to have dropped completely off the radar. Don't worry if you don't hear from me because I can assure you that I haven't forgotten.

 

[Niner]

Okay - thanks a bunch @JudgeJudi - much appreciated!

 

[JudgeJudi]

Happy New Year. Logging on for the first time this year.

Once again there is no news and it's almost a year since he was arrested. I found an old article which includes the probable cause affidavit and also provides more info on the absolute brutality of this crime.

Jerry Westrom: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know | Heavy.com

This is another monster who has been hiding in plain sight - businessman, church volunteer, youth sports supporter, and married father. He deserves to rot in prison for a long time.

 

[Niner]

Hey @JudgeJudi - per my notes I don't believe he has yet to be arraigned.... last hearing I have is 6/6/19.... wonder "why" it's taking so long to get him into court??!!

 

[rodneymullenmg]

Happy New Year. Logging on for the first time this year.

Once again there is no news and it's almost a year since he was arrested. I found an old article which includes the probable cause affidavit and also provides more info on the absolute brutality of this crime.

Jerry Westrom: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know | Heavy.com

This is another monster who has been hiding in plain sight - businessman, church volunteer, youth sports supporter, and married father. He deserves to rot in prison for a long time.

He was arrested for sex trafficking. Looks like he was a john. So he does like prostitutes, and he does like them forced. Right in line with what the killer did. Disgusting

 

[Niner]

@JudgeJudi - just bumping up to see if there is anything new in the court site for this guy?
TIA! And hope you are staying healthy!

 

[NervousNellie]

I don't think the average citizen (one who doesn't read Websleuths) has no idea how slowly the wheels of justice roll in this country. I am still a little bit dumbfounded myself every time a case reveals this fact, and I see it nearly every day here at WS.

 

[Niner]

@JudgeJudi - when you get time - could you look up this case? TIA!

 

[Jim_M]

@Niner

This might be information overload but it contains the entire record for this case (27-CR-19-3844)

The latest: 07/24/2020 Omnibus Hearing (2:00 PM) (Judicial Officer Holton Dimick, Martha Anne)

Source: http://pa.courts.state.mn.us/CaseDetail.aspx?CaseID=1626673940

Register of Actions
Case No. 27-CR-19-3844
State of Minnesota vs JERRY ARNOLD WESTROM §
§
§
§
§
§
Case Type: Crim/Traf Mandatory
Date Filed: 02/14/2019
Location: Hennepin Criminal/Traffic/Petty Downtown
Judicial Officer: Holton Dimick, Martha Anne
Party Information

Lead Attorneys
Defendant WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
Male
DOB: 05/16/1966 STEVEN J MESHBESHER
Retained
612-332-2000(W)
Isanti, MN 55040

Jurisdiction State of Minnesota

MICHAEL JAMES RADMER
612-348-4312(W)

Case Information
Charges: WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
Statute Level Date Disposition Level of Sentence
1. Murder - 2nd Degree - With Intent-Not Premeditated
609.19.1(1) Felony 06/13/1993



Events & Orders of the Court
OTHER EVENTS AND HEARINGS
02/14/2019 E-filed Comp-Order for Detention Index # 1
02/14/2019 Interim Condition for WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
- Post Bail or Bond with No Conditions
$1,000,000.00
02/15/2019 First Appearance (1:30 PM) (Judicial Officer Holton Dimick, Martha Anne) Result: Held
02/15/2019 Pretrial Release Evaluation Form Index # 2
02/15/2019 Identity Verified
02/15/2019 Order for Conditional Release Index # 3 (Judicial Officer: Holton Dimick, Martha Anne )
02/15/2019 Statement of Rights Index # 4
02/15/2019 Waiver of Extradition Index # 5 (Judicial Officer: Holton Dimick, Martha Anne )
02/15/2019 Interim Condition for WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
- Follow all instructions of probation
- Contact with probation
- Do not ship/transport/possess or receive firearm or ammo
- No contact with victim(s)
- Random testing
- Remain law-abiding
- Take medications in the prescribed dosage and frequency
- Make all future court appearances
- Sign Waiver of Extradition
- Obtain Permission from Agent before leaving the State
- No alcohol/controlled substance use
- Post Bail or Bond with No Conditions
$1,000,000.00
- Post Bail or Bond with Conditions
$500,000.00
02/15/2019 Non-Cash Bond Posted Index # 7
02/19/2019 Law Enforcement Notice of Release and Appearance Index # 6
02/20/2019 Notice of Visual or Audio Coverage Index # 8
02/20/2019
e-Service



State of Minnesota
Served 02/20/2019
02/21/2019 Certificate of Representation Index # 9
02/21/2019
e-Service



WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
Served 02/21/2019
02/21/2019 Pre-Plea Worksheet Index # 10
02/21/2019
e-Service


WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
Served 02/21/2019
02/26/2019 Order Regarding Visual or Audio Coverage Index # 11 (Judicial Officer: Holton Dimick, Martha Anne )
02/26/2019
e-Service



State of Minnesota
Served 02/26/2019
02/26/2019
e-Service



WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
Served 02/26/2019
03/05/2019 Correspondence for Judicial Approval Index # 12
03/05/2019
e-Service



WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
Served 03/05/2019
03/12/2019 Notice of Motion and Motion Index # 13
03/12/2019 Memorandum Index # 14
03/12/2019
e-Service


WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
Served 03/12/2019
03/13/2019 Omnibus Hearing (11:30 AM) (Judicial Officer Holton Dimick, Martha Anne) Result: Held
03/13/2019 Order for Conditional Release Index # 15 (Judicial Officer: Holton Dimick, Martha Anne )
03/13/2019 Notice of Appearance Index # 16
03/13/2019 Interim Condition for WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
- Follow all instructions of probation
- Contact with probation
- Do not leave Minnesota without written court approval
- Do not ship/transport/possess or receive firearm or ammo
- Remain law-abiding
- Make all future court appearances
- Sign Waiver of Extradition
- Post Bail or Bond with No Conditions
$1,000,000.00
- Post Bail or Bond with Conditions
$250,000.00
03/13/2019 Order-Other Index # 17 (Judicial Officer: Holton Dimick, Martha Anne )


WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
Served 03/13/2019
03/14/2019 Non-Cash Bond Posted Index # 18
03/15/2019 Correspondence Index # 19
03/15/2019
e-Service



WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
Served 03/15/2019
03/15/2019 Correspondence Index # 20
03/15/2019
e-Service




WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
Served 03/15/2019
03/26/2019 Correspondence Index # 21
03/26/2019
e-Service




WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
Served 03/26/2019
04/08/2019 Demand or Request for Discovery Index # 22
04/08/2019
e-Service




WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
Served 04/08/2019
04/12/2019 Hearing (1:15 PM) (Judicial Officer Holton Dimick, Martha Anne) Result: Held
04/12/2019 Motion Index # 23 (Judicial Officer: Holton Dimick, Martha Anne )
04/12/2019 Motion Index # 24 (Judicial Officer: Holton Dimick, Martha Anne )
04/12/2019 Order Denying Motion Index # 25 (Judicial Officer: Holton Dimick, Martha Anne )
05/09/2019 Correspondence Index # 26
05/09/2019
e-Service




WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
Served 05/09/2019
06/06/2019 Omnibus Hearing (1:30 PM) (Judicial Officer Holton Dimick, Martha Anne)
05/28/2019 Continued to 06/06/2019 - By agreement - WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
Result: Held
06/06/2019 Notice of Appearance Index # 27
06/14/2019 Correspondence Index # 28
06/14/2019
e-Service



WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
Served 06/14/2019
06/19/2019 Correspondence Index # 29
06/19/2019
e-Service



WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
Served 06/19/2019
06/26/2019 Demand or Request for Discovery Index # 30
06/26/2019
e-Service



WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
Served 06/26/2019
06/27/2019 Correspondence Index # 31
06/27/2019
e-Service



WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
Served 06/27/2019
07/19/2019 Correspondence Index # 32
07/19/2019
e-Service



WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
Served 07/19/2019
08/30/2019 CANCELED Hearing (1:30 PM) (Judicial Officer Holton Dimick, Martha Anne)
Other
09/05/2019 Order-Other Index # 33
09/05/2019
e-Service



WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
Served 09/05/2019
10/07/2019 Demand or Request for Discovery Index # 34
10/07/2019
e-Service




WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
Served 10/07/2019
11/01/2019 Request for Continuance Index # 35
11/01/2019
e-Service



WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
Served 11/01/2019
01/16/2020 Omnibus Hearing (10:00 AM) (Judicial Officer Holton Dimick, Martha Anne)
09/16/2019 Continued to 11/01/2019 - By agreement - State of Minnesota
11/01/2019 Reset by Court to 11/20/2019
11/20/2019 Continued to 01/16/2020 - By agreement - WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
Result: Held Off the Record
01/16/2020 Notice of Appearance Index # 36
01/17/2020 Demand or Request for Discovery Index # 37
01/17/2020
e-Service



WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
Served 01/17/2020
01/21/2020 Demand or Request for Discovery Index # 38
01/21/2020
e-Service




WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
Served 01/21/2020
02/26/2020 Demand or Request for Discovery Index # 39
02/26/2020
e-Service



WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
Served 02/26/2020
03/03/2020 Notice of Motion and Motion Index # 40
03/03/2020
e-Service




WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
Served 03/03/2020
03/09/2020 Witness List Index # 41
03/09/2020
e-Service





WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
Served 03/09/2020
03/27/2020 Pandemic Event
05/19/2020 Motion Index # 42
05/19/2020
e-Service



WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
Served 05/19/2020
07/24/2020 Omnibus Hearing (2:00 PM) (Judicial Officer Holton Dimick, Martha Anne)
04/09/2020 Reset by Court to 06/12/2020
06/12/2020 Continued to 07/24/2020 - By agreement - State of Minnesota

 

[Niner]

Thanks a bunch @Jim_M - I see that I can access the link you gave up above! YEA!!

 

[Jim_M]

Thanks a bunch @Jim_M - I see that I can access the link you gave up above! YEA!!

That's fantastic to hear!!! YAY!

 

[dotr]

Jun 30, 2020
https://bringmethenews.com/minnesot...icted-for-1st-degree-murder-in-1993-cold-case

''A suspect from a 1993 homicide case is scheduled to make his first court appearance Tuesday afternoon on a 1st-degree murder indictment, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman has announced.

Jerry Westrom, 54, of Isanti, was indicted by a Hennepin County Grand Jury June 25, for first-degree premeditated murder in the stabbing death of 35-year-old Jeanie Childs on June 13, 1993.

A warrant was issued for his arrest immediately following the indictment, as Westrom had posted $500,000 bail on February 15, 2019, the day after he was originally charged with 2nd-degree murder. He turned himself in Monday.''
Man in cold case death faces new 1st-degree charge
''A grand jury has issued a first degree murder charge against an Isanti man already named in a 1993 stabbing death of a Minneapolis woman, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday.

Prosecutors said DNA evidence links 54-year-old Jerry Westrom to the scene of the crime. They added a footprint inked in the blood of the victim, Jeanne Ann Childs, matches Westrom.''
''Another hearing has been scheduled for late July.''

 

[Niner]

a day late....

Tuesday, June 30th:
*Initial Hearing (new charges) (@ am CT) – MN – Jeanne Anne “Jeanie” Childs (35) (June 13, 1993, Minneapolis) - *Jerry Arnold Westrom (27 @ time of crime/53/now 54) arrested (2/11/19) & charged (2/15/19) with 2nd degree murder with intent not premeditated. $1M bond w/no conditions; $500K w/conditions; bond reduced (3/13/19) to $250K w/conditions.
Charged & indicted (6/29/20) with 1st degree murder
Childs received 17 cuts to her abdomen, as well as one large cut that exposed her intestines. She had stab wounds on her chest, back, arms, hands, and buttocks. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner ruled her death a homicide caused by multiple sharp force trauma to the chest. The ME said, “a number of wounds were inflicted postmortem.
DNA Match GEDMatch
2/15/19 Initial appearance. Next hearing on 3/13/19. 3/13/19 Update: Asks for bail reduction, granted; bond reduced to $250K. Next hearing on 5/28.
4/12/19 Update: Westrom appeared in court on Friday to ask permission to travel out of state in May to attend graduation ceremonies for two of his nieces. Request denied. Next hearing is now scheduled for 6/6.
6/6/19 Update: Request for discovery, next omnibus hearing on 8/30/19 was cancelled. 11/1/19: Request for discovery. Omnibus hearing on 11/1 reset to 11/20 which was reset to 1/16/20. 1/16/20: More request for discovery. Next Omnibus hearing on 4/9/20 reset to 6/12, which was reset to 7/24/20.
6/29/20 Update: A grand jury has issued a first degree murder charge. A warrant was issued for his arrest immediately following the indictment, as Westrom had posted $500K bail on February 15, 2019, the day after he was originally charged with 2nd-degree murder. He turned himself in Monday (6/29/20). Initial hearing on 6/30/20.

 

[Niner]

06/26/2020 Warrant Issued Index # 43
06/26/2020 Witness List Index # 45
06/26/2020 Other Document Index # 46

06/29/2020 Warrant Cleared by Wt Office

06/30/2020 First Appearance (1:30 PM) (Judicial Officer Garcia, Tamara G.)
Result: Held On the Record
06/30/2020 Pretrial Release Evaluation Form Index # 47
06/30/2020 Indictment - after service or in custody Index # 48
06/30/2020 Identity Verified
06/30/2020 Interim Condition for WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
- Post Bail or Bond with No Conditions
$2,000,000.00

07/01/2020 Notice of Motion and Motion Index # 49
07/01/2020 Memorandum Index # 50

07/01/2020
e-Service
State of Minnesota
Served 07/01/2020 - (4 of these)
07/01/2020
e-Service
WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
Served 07/01/2020 - (10 of these)

07/24/2020 Omnibus Hearing (2:00 PM) (Judicial Officer Holton Dimick, Martha Anne)
04/09/2020 Reset by Court to 06/12/2020
06/12/2020 Continued to 07/24/2020 - By agreement - State of Minnesota

link: http://pa.courts.state.mn.us/CaseDetail.aspx?CaseID=1626673940

 

[JudgeJudi]

At last. I can't believe we're finally moving forward.

I’m guessing he committed this gruesome murder while in an absolute fit of rage resulting in overkill. There's something quite disturbing about post mortem injuries. With all those wounds and he still couldn't stop!!!

In most sharp force homicides the perp and the victim knew each other before the attack. Personal disputes are frequently the cause, particularly if an argument takes place, and it applies especially to sexually motivated homicides.

A high percentage of the perps are intoxicated by alcohol or drugs when committing the offense and the victims frequently have drugs in their system. That seems highly likely with this poor victim. The injuries on her hands and arms are probably defensive wounds.

He deserves a life sentence.

 

[Synergizer Bunny]

This guy reminds me of the serial killer, Todd Kohlhepp. I wouldn't be surprised if there are other murders.

 

[Niner]

Friday, July 24th:
*Omnibus Hearing (@ 2pm CT) – MN – Jeanne Anne “Jeanie” Childs (35) (June 13, 1993, Minneapolis) - *Jerry Arnold Westrom (27 @ time of crime/53/now 54) arrested (2/11/19) & charged (2/15/19) with 2nd degree murder with intent not premeditated. $1M bond w/no conditions; $500K w/conditions; bond reduced (3/13/19) to $250K w/conditions.
Charged & indicted (6/29/20) with 1st degree murder. $2M bond no conditions/$500K with conditions.
Childs received 17 cuts to her abdomen, as well as one large cut that exposed her intestines. She had stab wounds on her chest, back, arms, hands, and buttocks. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner ruled her death a homicide caused by multiple sharp force trauma to the chest. The ME said, “a number of wounds were inflicted postmortem.
DNA Match GEDMatch
2/15/19 Initial appearance. Next hearing on 3/13/19. 3/13/19 Update: Asks for bail reduction, granted; bond reduced to $250K. Next hearing on 5/28.
4/12/19 Update: Westrom appeared in court on Friday to ask permission to travel out of state in May to attend graduation ceremonies for two of his nieces. Request denied. Next hearing is now scheduled for 6/6.
6/6/19 Update: Request for discovery, next omnibus hearing on 8/30/19 was cancelled. 11/1/19: Request for discovery. Omnibus hearing on 11/1 reset to 11/20 which was reset to 1/16/20. 1/16/20: More request for discovery. Next Omnibus hearing on 4/9/20 reset to 6/12, which was reset to 7/24/20. 6/29/20 Update: A grand jury has issued a first degree murder charge. A warrant was issued for his arrest immediately following the indictment, as Westrom had posted $500K bail on February 15, 2019, the day after he was originally charged with 2nd-degree murder. He turned himself in Monday (6/29/20). Initial hearing on 6/30/20.
6/30/20 Update: Hearing held & charged with 1st degree murder. Bond Conditions: contact with probation, not to leave Minnesota without written court approval, remain law-abiding, make all future court appearances. Post bond with conditions $500K, without conditions $2M. Next omnibus hearing on 7/24/20 @ 2pm.

 

[Niner]

Here's an update on the docket since last time.

07/13/2020 Bail Hearing (1:30 PM) (Judicial Officer Holton Dimick, Martha Anne)
Result: Held On the Record

Skipped a bunch of Served - e-Service

07/13/2020 Interim Condition for WESTROM, JERRY ARNOLD
- Conditions, other
- Contact with probation
- Do not leave Minnesota without written court approval
- Remain law-abiding
- Make all future court appearances
- Post Bail or Bond with No Conditions
$2,000,000.00
- Post Bail or Bond with Conditions
$500,000.00

07/13/2020 Order for Conditional Release Index # 53 (Judicial Officer: Holton Dimick, Martha Anne )

07/16/2020 Non-Cash Bond Posted Index # 55

07/17/2020 Law Enforcement Notice of Release and Appearance Index # 54

07/24/2020 Omnibus Hearing (2:00 PM) (Judicial Officer Holton Dimick, Martha Anne)
04/09/2020 Reset by Court to 06/12/2020
06/12/2020 Continued to 07/24/2020 - By agreement - State of Minnesota

link: http://pa.courts.state.mn.us/CaseDetail.aspx?CaseID=1626673940


Question?? On the line 7/16/20 - Non-cash bond posted - do you think he is out?? TIA!

 

[Niner]

07/24/2020 Omnibus Hearing (2:00 PM) (Judicial Officer Holton Dimick, Martha Anne)
04/09/2020 Reset by Court to 06/12/2020
06/12/2020 Continued to 07/24/2020 - By agreement - State of Minnesota
Result: Held On the Record

07/24/2020 Notice of Appearance Index # 56

07/24/2020 Demand for Jury Trial Index # 57

04/19/2021 Jury Trial (9:00 AM) (Judicial Officer Holton Dimick, Martha Anne)

link: http://pa.courts.state.mn.us/CaseDetail.aspx?CaseID=1626673940


I shall keep an eye on this one to see if there might be some pretrial/motions hearings before trial.