Guilty of 4 counts of 1st degree murder.
GUILTY MO - 4 family members gunned down in St. Charles home, 29 Dec 2018
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Guilty of 4 counts of 1st degree murder.
The jury deliberated for an hour and a half only.
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This article goes thru the closing arguments & verdict.
www.kmov.com
Sept. 30, 2022
....
The penalty phase of the trial will begin Saturday. Prosecutors will encourage the jury to sentence Emery to death, while his attorneys will push for life in prison with no parole.
St. Charles jury finds Richard Emery guilty of first-degree murder, penalty phase next
A St. Charles jury has found Richard Darren Emery, 50, guilty of four counts of first-degree murder in the 2018 shooting deaths of a St. Charles family.
Sept. 30, 2022
....
The penalty phase of the trial will begin Saturday. Prosecutors will encourage the jury to sentence Emery to death, while his attorneys will push for life in prison with no parole.
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Saturday, October 1st:
*Trial continues (Day 10)/Penalty Phase (Day 1) (@ 8:30am CT) - MO – Jane M. Moeckel (61), Zoe J. Kasten (8), Jonathan D. Kasten (10) & Kate Kasten (39) (mom of kids) (Dec. 28, 2018, St. Charles; shot) - *Richard Darren Emery (46/now 49) (BF of mom) charged (12/29/18) & indicted (4/12/19) with 4 counts of 1st degree murder, 7 counts of felony armed criminal action, 3 counts of 1st degree assault (attempt-serious physical injury/special victim) & 1 count of 1st degree attempted robbery. Plead not guilty. No bond. DA will seek DP.
Trial began 9/6/22 with jury selection expected to last until 9/19/22. Trial began on 9/20/22 & ended on 9/30/22 with a guilty verdict. The judge has ordered the jury sequestered for the duration of the trial.
Court information from 12/31/18 thru 1/4/22 & jury selection (Day 1-10) 9/6/22 thru 9/19/22 & Trial (Day 1-8) 9/20 to 9/29/22 reference post #199 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...in-st-charles-home-29-dec-2018.408303/page-10
9/30/22 Friday, Trail Day 9: Jury deliberated for about an hour & a half. Verdict: Guilty on all counts. The penalty phase of the trial will begin Saturday. Prosecutors will encourage the jury to sentence Emery to death, while his attorneys will push for life in prison with no parole.
Trial continues with penalty phase on Saturday, 10/1/22.
*Trial continues (Day 10)/Penalty Phase (Day 1) (@ 8:30am CT) - MO – Jane M. Moeckel (61), Zoe J. Kasten (8), Jonathan D. Kasten (10) & Kate Kasten (39) (mom of kids) (Dec. 28, 2018, St. Charles; shot) - *Richard Darren Emery (46/now 49) (BF of mom) charged (12/29/18) & indicted (4/12/19) with 4 counts of 1st degree murder, 7 counts of felony armed criminal action, 3 counts of 1st degree assault (attempt-serious physical injury/special victim) & 1 count of 1st degree attempted robbery. Plead not guilty. No bond. DA will seek DP.
Trial began 9/6/22 with jury selection expected to last until 9/19/22. Trial began on 9/20/22 & ended on 9/30/22 with a guilty verdict. The judge has ordered the jury sequestered for the duration of the trial.
Court information from 12/31/18 thru 1/4/22 & jury selection (Day 1-10) 9/6/22 thru 9/19/22 & Trial (Day 1-8) 9/20 to 9/29/22 reference post #199 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...in-st-charles-home-29-dec-2018.408303/page-10
9/30/22 Friday, Trail Day 9: Jury deliberated for about an hour & a half. Verdict: Guilty on all counts. The penalty phase of the trial will begin Saturday. Prosecutors will encourage the jury to sentence Emery to death, while his attorneys will push for life in prison with no parole.
Trial continues with penalty phase on Saturday, 10/1/22.
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FOX2now
@FOX2now
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9h
Witnesses testify as penalty phase begins in Richard Emery trial
link: https://twitter.com/fox2now
fox2now.com
Oct. 1, 2022
ST. CHARLES, Mo. – The penalty phase begins for Richard Emery, just one day after a jury convicted him of killing four people from the same family in St. Charles County.
[.....]
Many witnesses testified, Saturday, and court lasted several hours without a decision on Emery’s sentence. Proceedings will continue Tuesday [10/4/22].
Jurors will have to consider whether or not Emery should be put to death. St. Charles prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against him. The defense is asking for life without the possibility of parole.
[.....]
When the penalty phase resumes next week, the defense plans to call several witnesses, including some of Emery’s relatives, friends and former co-workers.
Well unfortunately this article doesn't give me any witnesses name. Dang...
If anyone can find them - it would be greatly appreciated so I can put them in my notes. TIA!
@FOX2now
·
9h
Witnesses testify as penalty phase begins in Richard Emery trial
link: https://twitter.com/fox2now
Jury considers death penalty for Richard Emery
The penalty phase began for Richard Emery, just one day after a jury convicted him of killing four people from the same family in St. Charles County.
fox2now.com
Oct. 1, 2022
ST. CHARLES, Mo. – The penalty phase begins for Richard Emery, just one day after a jury convicted him of killing four people from the same family in St. Charles County.
[.....]
Many witnesses testified, Saturday, and court lasted several hours without a decision on Emery’s sentence. Proceedings will continue Tuesday [10/4/22].
Jurors will have to consider whether or not Emery should be put to death. St. Charles prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against him. The defense is asking for life without the possibility of parole.
[.....]
When the penalty phase resumes next week, the defense plans to call several witnesses, including some of Emery’s relatives, friends and former co-workers.
Well unfortunately this article doesn't give me any witnesses name. Dang...
If anyone can find them - it would be greatly appreciated so I can put them in my notes. TIA!
Parents of Richard Emery's victims take the stand as the jury chooses punishment
A St Charles County jury was back in session on Saturday for the man who killed his girlfriend and her family in 2018. They will decide on what his penalty may be.
www.ksdk.com
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Parents of Richard Emery's victims take the stand as the jury chooses punishment
A St Charles County jury was back in session on Saturday for the man who killed his girlfriend and her family in 2018. They will decide on what his penalty may be.
Unfortunately I can not access that article over here - could someone give a 10% synopsis on it. Like who took the stand?
TIA!
Unfortunately I can not access that article over here - could someone give a 10% synopsis on it. Like who took the stand?
TIA!
Snipped
ST CHARLES, Mo. — A St Charles County jury was back in session on Saturday for the man who killed his girlfriend and her family in 2018.
One day after convicting Richard "Darren" Emery of first-degree murder, the jury moved on to the penalty phase of the trial, which includes choosing what Emery’s sentence will be.
Emery faces two options, either life in prison without probation or parole, or the death penalty.
Both the prosecution and defense brought a number of voices to the stand, including the first police officer who saw the gruesome scene inside the house that night.
"I knew this wasn't going to be anything that was just walking into and seeing the good side of humanity. I was expecting to see the bad and that's what was waiting for us on the second floor,” said Officer Fischer with the St. Charles Police Dept.
Kasten's parents told the jury how they continue to grieve the loss.
"You keep praying. You wake up from this bad dream but it's not a dream. it's for real,” said Rick Moeckel, Kasten’s father.
"To know we'll never see them again. It hurts us. It really hurts. We trusted Darren," added Debbie
Those who knew Emery took the time to speak highly of his character and his adoration for the family he had become a part of.
“Funny and sweet and caring and I always thought he was just a really good man. I've never thought anything different of him,” said Paula Sontheimer, Emery’s childhood best friend.
"I couldn't believe he could do something like that. That wasn't his demeanor at all. I couldn't fathom what possibly could have happened,” added Freddy White, Emery’s aunt.
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Tuesday, October 4th:
*Trial continues (Day 11)/Penalty Phase (Day 2) (@ 8:30am CT) - MO – Jane M. Moeckel (61), Zoe J. Kasten (8), Jonathan D. Kasten (10) & Kate Kasten (39) (mom of kids) (Dec. 28, 2018, St. Charles; shot) - *Richard Darren Emery (46/now 49) (BF of mom) charged (12/29/18) & indicted (4/12/19) with 4 counts of 1st degree murder, 7 counts of felony armed criminal action, 3 counts of 1st degree assault (attempt-serious physical injury/special victim) & 1 count of 1st degree attempted robbery. Plead not guilty. No bond. DA will seek DP.
Trial began 9/6/22 with jury selection expected to last until 9/19/22. Trial began on 9/20/22 & ended on 9/30/22 with a guilty verdict. The judge has ordered the jury sequestered for the duration of the trial.
Court information from 12/31/18 thru 1/4/22 & jury selection (Day 1-10) 9/6/22 thru 9/19/22 & Trial (Day 1-9) 9/20 to 9/30/22 & Jury deliberations (9/30/22) reference post #205 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...in-st-charles-home-29-dec-2018.408303/page-11
10/1/22 Saturday, Trial Day 10/Penalty Phase Day 1: Verdict: Guilty on all counts. The penalty phase of the trial will begin Saturday.
Many witnesses testified, Saturday & court lasted several hours without a decision on Emery’s sentence. Proceedings will continue Tuesday [10/4/22]. Jurors will have to consider whether or not Emery should be put to death. St. Charles prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against him. The defense is asking for life without the possibility of parole. When the penalty phase resumes next week, the defense plans to call several witnesses, including some of Emery’s relatives, friends & former co-workers.
For more info see post #206 (article) here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...in-st-charles-home-29-dec-2018.408303/page-11
State witnesses: Officer Fischer with the St. Charles Police Dept. first office on the scene. Rick Moeckel, Kate's father. Debbie Moeckel, Kate's mother.
Defense witnesses: Paula Sontheimer, Emery's childhood best friend. Freddy White, Emery's aunt.
Trial continues with penalty phase on Tuesday, 10/4/22.
*Trial continues (Day 11)/Penalty Phase (Day 2) (@ 8:30am CT) - MO – Jane M. Moeckel (61), Zoe J. Kasten (8), Jonathan D. Kasten (10) & Kate Kasten (39) (mom of kids) (Dec. 28, 2018, St. Charles; shot) - *Richard Darren Emery (46/now 49) (BF of mom) charged (12/29/18) & indicted (4/12/19) with 4 counts of 1st degree murder, 7 counts of felony armed criminal action, 3 counts of 1st degree assault (attempt-serious physical injury/special victim) & 1 count of 1st degree attempted robbery. Plead not guilty. No bond. DA will seek DP.
Trial began 9/6/22 with jury selection expected to last until 9/19/22. Trial began on 9/20/22 & ended on 9/30/22 with a guilty verdict. The judge has ordered the jury sequestered for the duration of the trial.
Court information from 12/31/18 thru 1/4/22 & jury selection (Day 1-10) 9/6/22 thru 9/19/22 & Trial (Day 1-9) 9/20 to 9/30/22 & Jury deliberations (9/30/22) reference post #205 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...in-st-charles-home-29-dec-2018.408303/page-11
10/1/22 Saturday, Trial Day 10/Penalty Phase Day 1: Verdict: Guilty on all counts. The penalty phase of the trial will begin Saturday.
Many witnesses testified, Saturday & court lasted several hours without a decision on Emery’s sentence. Proceedings will continue Tuesday [10/4/22]. Jurors will have to consider whether or not Emery should be put to death. St. Charles prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against him. The defense is asking for life without the possibility of parole. When the penalty phase resumes next week, the defense plans to call several witnesses, including some of Emery’s relatives, friends & former co-workers.
For more info see post #206 (article) here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...in-st-charles-home-29-dec-2018.408303/page-11
State witnesses: Officer Fischer with the St. Charles Police Dept. first office on the scene. Rick Moeckel, Kate's father. Debbie Moeckel, Kate's mother.
Defense witnesses: Paula Sontheimer, Emery's childhood best friend. Freddy White, Emery's aunt.
Trial continues with penalty phase on Tuesday, 10/4/22.
JerseyGirl
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Day 3 of penalty phase for Richard Emery murder trial
An emotional testimony continues in the penalty phase for the man convicted of killing his girlfriend, her two kids, and their grandmother.
fox2now.com
Richard Emery sentenced to death.
www.google.com
Richard Emery sentenced to death in St. Charles quadruple murder
A St. Charles man has been sentenced to death for the 2018 murders of his girlfriend and her family.
www.google.com
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Update!
Tuesday, October 4th:
*Trial continues (Day 11)/Penalty Phase (Day 2)-VERDICT REACHED! (@ 8:30am CT) - MO – Jane M. Moeckel (61), Zoe J. Kasten (8), Jonathan D. Kasten (10) & Kate Kasten (39) (mom of kids) (Dec. 28, 2018, St. Charles; shot) - *Richard Darren Emery (46/now 49) (BF of mom) charged (12/29/18) & indicted (4/12/19) with 4 counts of 1st degree murder, 7 counts of felony armed criminal action, 3 counts of 1st degree assault (attempt-serious physical injury/special victim) & 1 count of 1st degree attempted robbery. Plead not guilty. No bond. DA will seek DP.
Trial began 9/6/22 with jury selection expected to last until 9/19/22. Trial began on 9/20/22 & ended on 9/30/22 with a guilty verdict. The judge has ordered the jury sequestered for the duration of the trial.
Court information from 12/31/18 thru 1/4/22 & jury selection (Day 1-10) 9/6/22 thru 9/19/22 & Trial (Day 1-10) 9/20 to 10/1/22 & Jury deliberations (9/30/22) & Penalty Phase (Day 1) 10/1/22 reference post #210 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...in-st-charles-home-29-dec-2018.408303/page-11
10/3/22 Monday, Trial Day 10/Penalty Phase Day 1: Additional info: Defense witnesses: Elora Jo Roe, mother of Emery. Richard Henry Emery, father of Emery. John "Skid" Roe, stepfather. Stepmother, friends & co-workers. Penalty phase continues on 10/4/22.
10/4/22 Tuesday, Trial Day 11/Penalty Phase Day 2: Proscutor Phil Groenweghe & Defense attorney Stephanie Zipfel gave final arguments. After roughly two hours of deliberation, the jury unanimously recommended Emery should die. Judge Fagras will formally sentence Emery on 11/3/22. If the Judge confirms the death sentence, an execution date will be set.
For more info see post #212 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...in-st-charles-home-29-dec-2018.408303/page-11
Tuesday, October 4th:
*Trial continues (Day 11)/Penalty Phase (Day 2)-VERDICT REACHED! (@ 8:30am CT) - MO – Jane M. Moeckel (61), Zoe J. Kasten (8), Jonathan D. Kasten (10) & Kate Kasten (39) (mom of kids) (Dec. 28, 2018, St. Charles; shot) - *Richard Darren Emery (46/now 49) (BF of mom) charged (12/29/18) & indicted (4/12/19) with 4 counts of 1st degree murder, 7 counts of felony armed criminal action, 3 counts of 1st degree assault (attempt-serious physical injury/special victim) & 1 count of 1st degree attempted robbery. Plead not guilty. No bond. DA will seek DP.
Trial began 9/6/22 with jury selection expected to last until 9/19/22. Trial began on 9/20/22 & ended on 9/30/22 with a guilty verdict. The judge has ordered the jury sequestered for the duration of the trial.
Court information from 12/31/18 thru 1/4/22 & jury selection (Day 1-10) 9/6/22 thru 9/19/22 & Trial (Day 1-10) 9/20 to 10/1/22 & Jury deliberations (9/30/22) & Penalty Phase (Day 1) 10/1/22 reference post #210 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...in-st-charles-home-29-dec-2018.408303/page-11
10/3/22 Monday, Trial Day 10/Penalty Phase Day 1: Additional info: Defense witnesses: Elora Jo Roe, mother of Emery. Richard Henry Emery, father of Emery. John "Skid" Roe, stepfather. Stepmother, friends & co-workers. Penalty phase continues on 10/4/22.
10/4/22 Tuesday, Trial Day 11/Penalty Phase Day 2: Proscutor Phil Groenweghe & Defense attorney Stephanie Zipfel gave final arguments. After roughly two hours of deliberation, the jury unanimously recommended Emery should die. Judge Fagras will formally sentence Emery on 11/3/22. If the Judge confirms the death sentence, an execution date will be set.
For more info see post #212 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...in-st-charles-home-29-dec-2018.408303/page-11
Yes, absolutely horrible. Missouri does execute people, although like most states with the death penalty it takes years. I’m from here.
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Killer sobs as he is sentenced to death for shooting dead girlfriend
He will be formally sentenced for the deaths of his girlfriend Kate Kasten, 39, her mother Jane Moeckel, 61, and children Zoe, 8, and Jonathan, 10, on November 3.
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Thursday, November 3rd:
*Formal Sentencing Hearing (@ am CT) - MO – Jane M. Moeckel (61), Zoe J. Kasten (8), Jonathan D. Kasten (10) & Kate Kasten (39) (mom of kids) (Dec. 28, 2018, St. Charles; shot) - *Richard Darren Emery (46/now 49) (BF of mom) charged (12/29/18) & indicted (4/12/19) with 4 counts of 1st degree murder, 7 counts of felony armed criminal action, 3 counts of 1st degree assault (attempt-serious physical injury/special victim) & 1 count of 1st degree attempted robbery. Plead not guilty. No bond. DA will seek DP.
Trial began 9/6/22 with jury selection expected to last until 9/19/22. Trial began on 9/20/22 & ended on 9/30/22 with a guilty verdict. The judge has ordered the jury sequestered for the duration of the trial.
Court information from 12/31/18 thru 1/4/22 & jury selection (Day 1-10) 9/6/22 thru 9/19/22 & Trial (Day 1-10) 9/20 to 10/3/22 & Jury deliberations (9/30/22) & Penalty Phase (Day 1) 10/3/22 reference post #213 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...in-st-charles-home-29-dec-2018.408303/page-11
10/4/22 Tuesday, Trial Day 11/Penalty Phase Day 2: Prosecutor Phil Groenweghe & Defense attorney Stephanie Zipfel gave final arguments. After roughly two hours of deliberation, the jury unanimously recommended Emery should die. Judge Fagras will formally sentence Emery on 11/3/22. If the Judge confirms the death sentence, an execution date will be set.
For more info see post #212 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...in-st-charles-home-29-dec-2018.408303/page-11
*Formal Sentencing Hearing (@ am CT) - MO – Jane M. Moeckel (61), Zoe J. Kasten (8), Jonathan D. Kasten (10) & Kate Kasten (39) (mom of kids) (Dec. 28, 2018, St. Charles; shot) - *Richard Darren Emery (46/now 49) (BF of mom) charged (12/29/18) & indicted (4/12/19) with 4 counts of 1st degree murder, 7 counts of felony armed criminal action, 3 counts of 1st degree assault (attempt-serious physical injury/special victim) & 1 count of 1st degree attempted robbery. Plead not guilty. No bond. DA will seek DP.
Trial began 9/6/22 with jury selection expected to last until 9/19/22. Trial began on 9/20/22 & ended on 9/30/22 with a guilty verdict. The judge has ordered the jury sequestered for the duration of the trial.
Court information from 12/31/18 thru 1/4/22 & jury selection (Day 1-10) 9/6/22 thru 9/19/22 & Trial (Day 1-10) 9/20 to 10/3/22 & Jury deliberations (9/30/22) & Penalty Phase (Day 1) 10/3/22 reference post #213 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...in-st-charles-home-29-dec-2018.408303/page-11
10/4/22 Tuesday, Trial Day 11/Penalty Phase Day 2: Prosecutor Phil Groenweghe & Defense attorney Stephanie Zipfel gave final arguments. After roughly two hours of deliberation, the jury unanimously recommended Emery should die. Judge Fagras will formally sentence Emery on 11/3/22. If the Judge confirms the death sentence, an execution date will be set.
For more info see post #212 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...in-st-charles-home-29-dec-2018.408303/page-11
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Richard Emery formally sentenced for St. Charles quadruple murder
A man convicted of murdering his girlfriend and her family days after Christmas in 2018 will suffer the death penalty in state prison, a St. Charles judge ruled Thursday.
fox2now.com
Nov. 3, 2022
ST. CHARLES, Mo. – A man convicted of murdering his girlfriend and her family days after Christmas in 2018 will suffer the death penalty in state prison, a St. Charles judge ruled Thursday.
Judge Michael James Fagras affirmed the jury’s recommendation of capital punishment for Richard Darren Emery.
“This is a difficult decision to make, and I don’t take that lightly,” Fagras said.
Emery will be moved to death row at the Potosi Correctional Center. The execution will take place at the Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Bonne Terre. The exact manner and time of the execution will be determined by the Missouri Department of Corrections, Fagras said.
Prior to Judge Fagras’ ruling, the defense requested a sentence of life without the possibility of parole.
A jury of two men and 10 women in their mid-20s to mid-60s convicted Emery of four counts of first-degree murder on Sept. 30, 2022.
Elefox
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I’m new here, I hope it’s OK that I’m bumping this old post. I noticed a lot of people were following this case and I was wondering if my insights might be of any interest.
About 20 years ago, I worked for the same company as the killer. I didn’t know him well, but we had a close work friend in common, so he was around here and there.
Something never quite sat right with me about Darren, and I could never put a finger on what it was. Our mutual friend told me often that he was just shy.
Only after reading everything about this case that I could find, only after spending hours pouring through every brief I could locate. Only then was I able to realize what exactly it was that had bothered me about him so much.
He walked among us, but he was not one of us. He was studying everyone around him all the time. Trying to imitate what other people did. Trying to appear normal. And he fooled almost everyone. Frankly, I didn’t fully clock it until 20 years later, so obviously he was good at it.
Something was and is deeply, deeply wrong with that man. He was like a real-life version of Dexter. Observing everything, analyzing it, taking it all in, pretending to be present.
Anyway, the appeals in this case seem to be nearing exhaustion. The case is currently on the SCOTUS docket (23-6847). He is alleging that his religious beliefs or lack thereof were taken into account during sentencing, which is just simply not true when you read through the facts.
I didn’t see much in the way of summaries of the case when I was looking through this thread, probably because all of the documents at the lower court were sealed. But I’ve read through several hundred pages of docs from SCOTUS, the MO Supreme Court, and the Eastern District of MO court. I have a pretty full picture of what happened, and it’s horrifying.
Between what I remember about Darren and what I read in all those documents, I believe that he probably had longtime fantasies about murdering people, about being powerful. This is supported by the fact that he had previously pulled a gun on two different people at two different times (a former friend and a coworker, according to court documents) and by how self-deprecating he was and how inferior he obviously felt based on court docs.
Guy was obsessing over his girlfriend’s former husband, who had passed away from cancer about a year before he met her. Even while he was on the stand, testifying for his life, he made it a point to go on about how her husband was everything that he wasn’t. Why would you do that on the stand?
He testified that he “didn’t remember” many details about the argument he had with Kate (the victim) just before the murders, but he did remember her slapping him and telling him to get the
out of the house. He further testified how out of character that was for her.
I theorize, then, that he said something awful to her. Below the belt. Probably about her husband, the father of her children. I think it was in his mind that he needed to “punish” them for still loving their husband/father/son-in-law. I think the whole murder was about Kody and how inadequate Darren felt next to him.
It’s truly disgusting, no matter what his reasons were. Kate, Jane, Jonathan, and Zoe sounded like wonderful people with nothing but love in their hearts. I wish it was Kate that I had known instead of Darren.
As I said, I’m new here. So if I did anything wrong, please correct me! I really came just to talk about this case, but I will have a look around too. Also if I should post more details about the case, or where to find the documents, let me know. I have to warn you though, it’s deeply, deeply disturbing.
About 20 years ago, I worked for the same company as the killer. I didn’t know him well, but we had a close work friend in common, so he was around here and there.
Something never quite sat right with me about Darren, and I could never put a finger on what it was. Our mutual friend told me often that he was just shy.
Only after reading everything about this case that I could find, only after spending hours pouring through every brief I could locate. Only then was I able to realize what exactly it was that had bothered me about him so much.
He walked among us, but he was not one of us. He was studying everyone around him all the time. Trying to imitate what other people did. Trying to appear normal. And he fooled almost everyone. Frankly, I didn’t fully clock it until 20 years later, so obviously he was good at it.
Something was and is deeply, deeply wrong with that man. He was like a real-life version of Dexter. Observing everything, analyzing it, taking it all in, pretending to be present.
Anyway, the appeals in this case seem to be nearing exhaustion. The case is currently on the SCOTUS docket (23-6847). He is alleging that his religious beliefs or lack thereof were taken into account during sentencing, which is just simply not true when you read through the facts.
I didn’t see much in the way of summaries of the case when I was looking through this thread, probably because all of the documents at the lower court were sealed. But I’ve read through several hundred pages of docs from SCOTUS, the MO Supreme Court, and the Eastern District of MO court. I have a pretty full picture of what happened, and it’s horrifying.
Between what I remember about Darren and what I read in all those documents, I believe that he probably had longtime fantasies about murdering people, about being powerful. This is supported by the fact that he had previously pulled a gun on two different people at two different times (a former friend and a coworker, according to court documents) and by how self-deprecating he was and how inferior he obviously felt based on court docs.
Guy was obsessing over his girlfriend’s former husband, who had passed away from cancer about a year before he met her. Even while he was on the stand, testifying for his life, he made it a point to go on about how her husband was everything that he wasn’t. Why would you do that on the stand?
He testified that he “didn’t remember” many details about the argument he had with Kate (the victim) just before the murders, but he did remember her slapping him and telling him to get the
out of the house. He further testified how out of character that was for her. I theorize, then, that he said something awful to her. Below the belt. Probably about her husband, the father of her children. I think it was in his mind that he needed to “punish” them for still loving their husband/father/son-in-law. I think the whole murder was about Kody and how inadequate Darren felt next to him.
It’s truly disgusting, no matter what his reasons were. Kate, Jane, Jonathan, and Zoe sounded like wonderful people with nothing but love in their hearts. I wish it was Kate that I had known instead of Darren.
As I said, I’m new here. So if I did anything wrong, please correct me! I really came just to talk about this case, but I will have a look around too. Also if I should post more details about the case, or where to find the documents, let me know. I have to warn you though, it’s deeply, deeply disturbing.
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TriciaManager Websleuths.com
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