GUILTY OH - Sereniti Sutley, 13 mos, raped & murdered, Conneaut, 7 Oct 2017 *Arrest*

[helpfulcharlie]

I skimmed through the thread, but never came across the facts of the case regarding why the mother was charged and pled guilty. I googled a few articles as well and got the same result. Did the facts ever come out? Or did she plead guilty specifically to avoid having the facts come out?

 

[Niner]

I skimmed through the thread, but never came across the facts of the case regarding why the mother was charged and pled guilty. I googled a few articles as well and got the same result. Did the facts ever come out? Or did she plead guilty specifically to avoid having the facts come out?

No, I don't believe the "facts" came out - as she took a plea deal - here's what I have in my notes:

Blankenship plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter, a first-degree felony & child endangerment, a third-degree felony, as part of a stipulated plea & sentencing agreement. Blankenship was sentenced to 6 years in prison as part of a plea agreement.

 

[Niner]

Looks like the "burglary" charge is still a go for trial today per court site.

Monday, May 16th:
*Trial set to begin (Burglary charge only) (@ 8:30am ET) – OH – Sereniti Jazzlynn-Sky Blankenship-Sutley (13 mos.) (Oct. 17, 2017, Conneaut) – *Joshua Dale Gurto (37/now 42) (mom’s BF) charged (10/12/17), arrested (10/25/17 in PA & extradited (11/7/17) back to OH) & arraigned (10/23/18) with 2 counts of aggravated murder, 3 counts of murder, 1st degree rape, 2nd degree felonious assault & 1st degree misdemeanor domestic violence. Plead not guilty. $1M cash bond or surety.
Accused of illegally entering an occupied structure & raping & causing serious harm to a victim in Conneaut on Dec. 18, 2004.
Murder: Trial was set to begin on 5/16/22 was continued to 10/3/22.
Court info from 10/25/18 thru 3/2/22 reference post #197 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...red-conneaut-7-oct-2017-arrest.352859/page-10
3/18/22 Update: Murder: Motion filed re "fax" motion to intervene pursuant to Marsy's Law by attorney Sean Martin. Martin on behalf of Bobbie Blankenship (other interested party) & copy to Judge Sezon's office. Trial has been set to begin on 5/16/22. Next status conference hearing @ 11:30am & scheduling conference @ 1pm on 4/14/22.
4/14/22 Update: Motion for continuance of trial filed. 5/13/22 Update: Motion for trial continuance-granted. Next Status conference hearing on 7/22/22 @ 11:30am, Final pretrial hearing on 9/23/22 & trial will now begin on 10/3/22.
*Kelsie Marie Blankenship (23/now 25) – “mom” – 3/5/21: Plead guilty to 1st degree involuntary manslaughter & 3rd degree child endangerment. Sentenced to 6 years in prison.
*Charged (12/16/20), indicted (12/18/20) & arraigned (12/22/20) with 2 counts of 1st degree felony aggravated burglary, 1 count of 1st degree felony rape & 1 count of 2nd degree felonious assault. Plead not guilty. Bond $50K cash or surety.
Trial set to begin on 5/16/22.
Court info from 12/17/20 thru 3/2/22 reference post #197 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...red-conneaut-7-oct-2017-arrest.352859/page-10
3/18/22 Update: Burglary: Trial has been set to begin on 5/16/22. Next status conference hearing @ 11:30am on 4/14/22. 3/21/22 Update: Ordered that amended Case Management Order filed. In the zoom meeting on 4/18/22 the Court advised the attorneys in both cases to be prepared to try their respective cases on the below agreed upon date. The State has the right to elect which case will proceed to trial first & shall file a Notice of its election no later than 3/25/22. Parties shall exchange a list of witnesses & trial exhibits & submission of agreed jury instructions (electronically) to the court & filing of any Motions in Limine. Deadline for both 4/25/22. Zoom status conference hearing on 4/14/22.
4/14/22 Update: Purpose of hearing of setting a trial date in the 2nd case. 3/23/22: Motion entry & certificate for appointed counsel fees-approved. 4/21/22: Subpoena served (9). 4/22/22: Successful service (9). Trial set to begin on 5/16/22.

 

[Niner]

for burglary charge

05/16/2022 WAIVER FILED WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY FILED $1.00

05/16/2022 WRITTEN PLEA OF GUILTY FILED. WRITTEN PLEA OF GUILTY AND PLEA AGREEMENT TO COUNT ONE OF THE INDICTMENT, TO-WIT: AGGRAVATED BURGLARY, 2911.11(A)(B), F1; COUNT TWO OF THE INDICTMENT, TO-WIT: AGGRAVATED BURGLARY, 2911.11(A)(B), F1; COUNT THREE OF THE INDICTMENT, TO-WIT: RAPE, 2907.02(A)(B), F1; COUNT FOUR OF THE INDICTMENT, TO-WIT: FELONIOUS ASSAULT, 2903.11(A)(2)(D), F2. COPIES TO PROS ATTORNEY;
EDITH M JONAS (Attorney) on behalf of JOSHUA DALE GURTO (Defendant) $4.00

05/16/2022 COPIES MADE COPIES MADE $1.00

05/16/2022 POSTAGE COSTS (MAILED ON POSTAGE COSTS (MAILED ON 05/16/2022)

link: Case Details - CourtView Justice Solutions


I'll check the court site later to see if he has a sentencing date on the burglary plus charges.

 

[Niner]

Murder charge docket:

05/13/2022 HEARING SCHEDULED HEARING SCHEDULED
The following event: JURY TRIAL scheduled for 05/16/2022 at 8:30 am has been rescheduled as follows:
Event: JURY TRIAL
Date: 10/03/2022 Time: 9:00 am
Judge: COSGROVE, HONORABLE PATRICIA ANN Location: JUDGE SEZON'S COURTROOM

05/13/2022 HEARING SCHEDULED HEARING SCHEDULED
Event: FINAL PRETRIAL
Date: 09/23/2022 Time: 11:30 am
Judge: COSGROVE, HONORABLE PATRICIA ANN Location: JUDGE SEZON'S COURTROOM

05/13/2022 HEARING SCHEDULED HEARING SCHEDULED
Event: STATUS CONFERENCE
Date: 07/22/2022 Time: 11:30 am
Judge: COSGROVE, HONORABLE PATRICIA ANN Location: JUDGE SEZON'S COURTROOM

link: http://courts.co.ashtabula.oh.us/es...HVSWUcxofZiSzDL-pkkdeo-IzggIg81YpulKhuZjocP9w

 

[Niner]

Here's Gurto's sentencing for the burglary, etc. charges.

Gurto sentenced to 28 years in aggravated burglary, rape case

May 16—JEFFERSON — Joshua Gurto was sentenced to 28 years in prison on Monday afternoon. Gurto, 42, previously of Conneaut, pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated burglary and one count of rape, first-degree felonies, and one count of felonious assault, a second-degree felony, earlier in the...

sports.yahoo.com

May 16, 2022
May 16—JEFFERSON — Joshua Gurto was sentenced to 28 years in prison on Monday afternoon.

Gurto, 42, previously of Conneaut, pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated burglary and one count of rape, first-degree felonies, and one count of felonious assault, a second-degree felony, earlier in the day.
[.....]
Visiting Judge Patricia Cosgrove, who is overseeing the case, merged the two counts of aggravated burglary into one for sentencing purposes.
[.....]
"I've been a judge almost 30 years," Cosgrove said. "I have seen a lot of cases. I have to say, from a standpoint of heinous crimes, this is right up there."

Cosgrove said the safety of the community is at stake, if Gurto would have been given a light sentence.

She then sentenced Gurto to 10 years in prison for aggravated burglary, 10 years in prison for rape, and eight years in prison for felonious assault, the maximum sentence on each county, to be served consecutively.

Gurto was given credit for 515 days in jail in this case.

 

[Niner]

Friday, July 22nd:
*Status Conference Hearing (Murder charge) via Zoom (@ 11:30am ET) – OH – Sereniti Jazzlynn-Sky Blankenship-Sutley (13 mos.) (Oct. 17, 2017, Conneaut) – *Joshua Dale Gurto (37/now 42) (mom’s BF) charged (10/12/17), arrested (10/25/17 in PA & extradited (11/7/17) back to OH) & arraigned (10/23/18) with 2 counts of aggravated murder, 3 counts of murder, 1st degree rape, 2nd degree felonious assault & 1st degree misdemeanor domestic violence. Plead not guilty. $1M cash bond or surety.
Accused of illegally entering an occupied structure & raping & causing serious harm to a victim in Conneaut on Dec. 18, 2004.
Murder: Trial set to begin on 10/3/22.
Court info from 10/25/18 thru 4/14/22 reference post #203 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...red-conneaut-7-oct-2017-arrest.352859/page-11
5/13/22 Update: Motion for trial continuance-granted. Next Status conference hearing on 7/22/22 @ 11:30am, final pretrial hearing on 9/23/22 & trial will now begin on 10/3/22. 7/19/22: Motion filed re Motion to Amend indictment with cert of service by prosecuting attorney.
*Kelsie Marie Blankenship (23/now 25) – “mom” – 3/5/21: Plead guilty to 1st degree involuntary manslaughter & 3rd degree child endangerment. Sentenced to 6 years in prison.
Gurto - *Charged (12/16/20), indicted (12/18/20) & arraigned (12/22/20) with 2 counts of 1st degree felony aggravated burglary, 1 count of 1st degree felony rape & 1 count of 2nd degree felonious assault. Plead not guilty. Bond $50K cash or surety.
Trial was set to begin on 5/16/22 but Gurto plead guilty to all counts. sentenced Gurto to 10 years in prison for aggravated burglary, 10 years in prison for rape, and eight years in prison for felonious assault, the maximum sentence on each county, to be served consecutively (28 years total in prison). Gurto was given credit for 515 days in jail in this case. 5/24/22: Notice of appeal to 11th District Appeal Court. 7/5/22: Notice of filing to the Court of Appeals, record with zero transcripts.

 

[Niner]

Prosecutor's Office files to drop six of eight charges in Gurto case

Jul. 22—JEFFERSON — Prosecutors have filed a motion seeking to drop six of eight charges against Joshua Gurto. The motion seeks to dismiss two counts of aggravated murder and two counts of murder, unclassified felonies, one count of rape, a first-degree felony, and one count of domestic...

news.yahoo.com

July 22, 2022

Jul. 22—JEFFERSON — Prosecutors have filed a motion seeking to drop six of eight charges against Joshua Gurto.

The motion seeks to dismiss two counts of aggravated murder and two counts of murder, unclassified felonies, one count of rape, a first-degree felony, and one count of domestic violence, a first-degree misdemeanor, from the eight-count indictment brought against Gurto in 2017.

The motion also seeks to amend the remaining count of murder to one count of involuntary manslaughter, a first-degree felony. The one remaining unaltered count is for felonious assault, a second-degree felony, according to court records.
[.....]
Ashtabula County Prosecutor Colleen O'Toole said her office is seeking to streamline the trial process after Gurto pleaded guilty to every charge in the indictment in an unrelated rape and burglary case earlier this year.

In May, Gurto pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated burglary and one count of rape, first-degree felonies, and one count of felonious assault, a second-degree felony. He was sentenced to 28 years in jail.

O'Toole said her office wants to make sure they bring a clean case to trial.
[.....]
O'Toole said the decision to drop some of the charges against Gurto will allow her office to pursue a conviction on the evidence they have.
[.....]
The decision on whether or not to allow the charges to be dismissed now lies with visiting Judge Patricia Cosgrove.
[.....]
If Cosgrove grants the prosecution's request to drop the charges, the maximum sentence Gurto could receive in this case would be 19 years in prison, O'Toole said.

more in the article

 

[Niner]

Docket:
07/19/2022 MOTION FILED RE MOTION TO AMEND INDICTMENT FILED WITH CERT OF SERVICE
Attorney: PROSECUTING ATTORNEY


Hearings:
07/22/2022 11:30 AM JUDGE SEZON'S COURTROOM STATUS CONFERENCE COSGROVE, HONORABLE PATRICIA ANN

09/23/2022 11:30 AM JUDGE SEZON'S COURTROOM FINAL PRETRIAL COSGROVE, HONORABLE PATRICIA ANN

10/03/2022 09:00 AM JUDGE SEZON'S COURTROOM JURY TRIAL COSGROVE, HONORABLE PATRICIA ANN

link: Case Details - CourtView Justice Solutions

 

[Niner]

Another article about the family's outrage about the changing of charges.

Sereniti's family criticizes prosecutor's filing in Gurto case

Family members of Sereniti Jazzlynn-Sky Sutley are speaking out about the decision made by the Ashtabula County Prosecutor’s Office to drop the majority of the charges against Joshua Gurto, who

www.starbeacon.com

July 29, 2022
Family members of Sereniti Jazzlynn-Sky Sutley are speaking out about the decision made by the Ashtabula County Prosecutor’s Office to drop the majority of the charges against Joshua Gurto, who has been indicted in Sutley’s death.

Gurto was initially charged with two counts of aggravated murder and three counts of murder, unclassified felonies, one count of rape, a first-degree felony, one count of felonious assault, a second-degree felony, and one count of domestic violence, a first-degree misdemeanor.

On July 19, prosecutors filed a motion to drop both aggravated murder charges and two of the three murder charges, the rape charge and the domestic violence charge, and amend the remaining murder charge to involuntary manslaughter.

Ashtabula County Prosecutor Colleen O’Toole said at the time some of the charges would have merged and some were redundant.
[.....]
Family members of Sereniti are not pleased with the proposal.

“We are furious that they believe this is all this baby deserves,” said Bobbie Blankenship, Sereniti’s great-aunt.

She said she cannot put into words how angry family members are.

“We are going on five years of this mess,” Blankenship said. “We’re over it.”

Blankenship said the family feels O’Toole is just trying to get the case over with as quickly as possible.
[.....]
Family members were hoping prosecutors would go to trial on the charges included in the indictment, and now they’re hoping visiting Judge Patricia Cosgrove, who has been assigned the case, won’t allow prosecutors to drop the charges.

“We’re optimistic and we’re hopeful, but we always have that fear,” Blankenship said.

Blankenship said family members were never consulted about the decision to drop the charges.
[.....]
Family members are planning a protest at the Ashtabula County Courthouse on Aug. 12 at 9 a.m.

 

[Niner]

I have been waiting for a hearing before September - but I guess not - so I shall move this to September in my notes.


Docket Information
Date Description Docket Text
07/29/2022 MOTION FILED RE MOTION FILED RE: TO UNSEAL CASE DOCUMENTS PURSUANT TO SUPERINTENCE RULE 45(F) FILED WITH MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT AND CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE BY
Attorney: MARTIN, SEAN P (0091537)
SEAN P MARTIN (Attorney) on behalf of BOBBIE BLANKENSHIP (Other Interested Party)


Events
Date/Time Location Type Result Event Judge
07/22/2022 11:30 AM JUDGE SEZON'S COURTROOM STATUS CONFERENCE COSGROVE, HONORABLE PATRICIA ANN

09/23/2022 11:30 AM JUDGE SEZON'S COURTROOM FINAL PRETRIAL COSGROVE, HONORABLE PATRICIA ANN

10/03/2022 09:00 AM JUDGE SEZON'S COURTROOM JURY TRIAL COSGROVE, HONORABLE PATRICIA ANN

link: Case Details - CourtView Justice Solutions

 

[Niner]

Here's the docket updates for the burglary & felony rape & assault. He got a total of 28 years when he plead guilty - this is appeals case. I don't believe I posted this before.


Date Description Docket Text Amount Owed
05/24/2022 NOTICE OF APPEAL TO 11TH DIST. APP. CT. WITH DOCKETING STATEMENT,COPY OF JE DATED NOTICE OF APPEAL TO 11TH DIST. APP. CT. WITH DOCKETING STATEMENT, COPY OF JE DATED 5/16/22 ATTACHED. (20CR640, JUDGE SEZON/COSGROVE, RECORD DUE 7/5/22). COPY TO C/A VIA EMAIL. COPIES TO: PROSECUTING ATTORNEY (Attorney) on behalf of STATE OF OHIO (Plaintiff); EDITH M JONAS (Attorney) on behalf of JOSHUA DALE GURTO (Defendant) $51.00

05/24/2022 COMPLETE RECORD COMPLETE RECORD $13.00

06/07/2022 COMPLETE RECORD COMPLETE RECORD $1.00

06/07/2022 COPIES MADE COPIES MADE $0.25

06/07/2022 POSTAGE COSTS (MAILED ON POSTAGE COSTS (MAILED ON 6/7/22) $0.53

07/05/2022 RECORD FILED. NOTICE OF FILING RECORD WITH COPY OF DOCKET INDEX TO ATTYS RECORD FILED. NOTICE OF FILING RECORD WITH COPY OF DOCKET INDEX TO ATTYS $0.00

07/05/2022 NOTICE OF FILING TO THE COURT OF APPEALS, NOTICE OF FILING TO THE COURT OF APPEALS, RECORD WITH ZERO (0) TRANSCRIPTS. COPY TO C/A VIA EMAIL. COPIES TO: PROSECUTING ATTORNEY (Attorney) on behalf of STATE OF OHIO (Plaintiff); EDITH M JONAS (Attorney) on behalf of JOSHUA DALE GURTO (Defendant) $1.00

07/05/2022 COPIES MADE COPIES MADE $23.50

07/05/2022 POSTAGE COSTS (MAILED ON POSTAGE COSTS (MAILED ON 7/5/22) $0.00

08/15/2022 MAGISTRATE'S ORDER FILED. MAGISTRATE'S ORDER FILED RE: THE RECORDS OF THIS COURT REFLECT THAT APPELLANT HAS FAILED TO FILE AN APPELLATE BRIEF, WHICH WAS DUE TO BE FILED BY JULY 25, 2022. THEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED SUA SPONTE THAT WITHIN FOURTEN (14) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS MAGISTRATE'S ORDER, APPELLANT SHALL FILE A MERIT BRIEF OR SHOW CAUSE AS TO WHY THIS APPEAL SHOULD NOT BE DISMISSED FOR FAILURE TO PROSECUTE. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED THAT FAILURE TO RESPOND TO THIS MAGISTRATE'S ORDER OR FILE THE BRIEF WILL RESULT IN THE DISMISSAL OF THIS APPEAL ON THE COURT'S OWN MOTION FOR FAILURE TO PROSECUTE WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE. COPY TO C/A VIA EMAIL. COPIES TO: $2.00

08/15/2022 COMPLETE RECORD COMPLETE RECORD $1.00

08/15/2022 COPIES MADE COPIES MADE $0.25

08/15/2022 POSTAGE COSTS (MAILED ON POSTAGE COSTS (MAILED ON 8/15/22) $0.00

08/26/2022 MOTION FOR EXTENSION OF TIME TO FILE BRIEF, WITH CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE, COPY TO C/A VIA EMAIL FILED *FAXED* MOTION FOR EXTENSION OF TIME TO FILE BRIEF, WITH CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE AND ATTACHED PROPOSED ORDER, COPY TO C/A VIA EMAIL FILED BY Attorney: JONAS, EDITH M (0052006)
EDITH M JONAS (Attorney) on behalf of JOSHUA DALE GURTO (Defendant) $3.00

08/26/2022 MOTION FILED RE *FAXED* MOTION TO WITHDRAW AS COUNSEL FILED WITH CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE AND ATTACHED PROPOSED ORDER. COPY TO C/A VIA EMAIL. Attorney: JONAS, EDITH M (0052006)
EDITH M JONAS (Attorney) on behalf of JOSHUA DALE GURTO (Defendant) $2.00

08/30/2022 MAGISTRATE'S ORDER FILED. MAGISTRATE'S ORDER FILED RE: ON AUGUST 26, 2022 ATTORNEY EDITH JONAS FILED A MOTION TO WITHDRAW AS COUNSEL FOR APPELLANT AND TO APPOINT NEW COUNSEL. ON THAT SAME DATE, APPELLANT FILED A MOTION FOR AN EXTENSION OF TIME TO FILE HIS BRIEF. BOTH MOTIONS ARE HEREBY GRANTED. ATTORNEY J MICHAEL SALMON 1144 S DETROIT AVENUE #140966 TOLEDO OH 43614, IS APPOINTED AS COUNSEL TO REPRESENT APPELLANT FOR PURPOSES OF APPEAL. THE RECORD WAS FILED ON JULY 5, 2022. THIS APPEAL HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO THE COURT'S REGULAR DOCKET. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, SUA SPONTE, THAT THE TRANSCRIPT OF PROCEEDINGS IS GRANTED AT STATE'S EXPENSE. THE COURT REPORTER IS GRANTED TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 TO PREPARE AND FILE THE TRANSCRIPTS OF PROCEEDINGS WITH THE CLERK OF THE TRIAL COURT. THE CLERK SHALL CONVEY THE TRANSCRIPTS INCLUDING ANY EXHIBITS TO THE CLERK FOR THE COURT OF APPEALS FOR SUPPLEMENTATION INTO THE RECORD OF THIS APPEAL. APPELLANT'S BRIEF IS DUE TO BE FILED WITHIN THENTY (20) DAYS FROM THE FILING OF THE TRANSCRIPT OF PROCEEDINGS OR NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 20, 2022. THE CLERK IS INSTRUCTED TO SERVE THE COURT REPORTER AND APPELLANT JOSHUA DALE GURTO PID#A791688 AT THE CORRECTIONAL RECEPTION CENTER PO BOX 300 ORIENT OH 43146 WITH A TIMESTAMPED COPY OF THIS ORDER. COPY TO C/A VIA EMAIL. COPIES TO: COURT REPORTER,
JOSHUA DALE GURTO (Defendant); ; J MICHAEL SALMON (Attorney) on behalf of JOSHUA DALE GURTO (Defendant); PROSECUTING ATTORNEY (Attorney) on behalf of STATE OF OHIO (Plaintiff); EDITH M JONAS (Attorney) on behalf of JOSHUA DALE GURTO (Defendant) $4.00

08/30/2022 COMPLETE RECORD COMPLETE RECORD $2.00

08/30/2022 COPIES MADE COPIES MADE $2.00

08/30/2022 POSTAGE COSTS (MAILED ON POSTAGE COSTS (MAILED ON 8/30/22)

link: Case Details - CourtView Justice Solutions

 

[Niner]

I have been waiting for a hearing before September - but I guess not - so I shall move this to September in my notes.


Docket Information
Date Description Docket Text
07/29/2022 MOTION FILED RE MOTION FILED RE: TO UNSEAL CASE DOCUMENTS PURSUANT TO SUPERINTENCE RULE 45(F) FILED WITH MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT AND CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE BY
Attorney: MARTIN, SEAN P (0091537)
SEAN P MARTIN (Attorney) on behalf of BOBBIE BLANKENSHIP (Other Interested Party)


Events
Date/Time Location Type Result Event Judge
07/22/2022 11:30 AM JUDGE SEZON'S COURTROOM STATUS CONFERENCE COSGROVE, HONORABLE PATRICIA ANN

09/23/2022 11:30 AM JUDGE SEZON'S COURTROOM FINAL PRETRIAL COSGROVE, HONORABLE PATRICIA ANN

10/03/2022 09:00 AM JUDGE SEZON'S COURTROOM JURY TRIAL COSGROVE, HONORABLE PATRICIA ANN

link: Case Details - CourtView Justice Solutions

These dates are still good for the murder. I take that back - see next post!

 

[Niner]

Docket update - murder:

09/19/2022 JOURNAL ENTRY FILED RE JOURNAL ENTRY FILED RE: THE COURT ORDERS THAT THE TRIAL DATE PREVIOUSLY SCHEDULED FOR 10-3-22 IS HEREBY CONVERTED TO A PLEA HEARING. THE FINAL PRETRIAL THAT WAS SET FOR 9-23-22, IS CANCELED. SO ORDERED. COPIES TO: PROSECUTOR,
THOMAS E. SHAUGHNESSY (Attorney) on behalf of JOSHUA D GURTO (Defendant); ARIANA E. TARIGHATI (Attorney) on behalf of JOSHUA D GURTO (Defendant) $2.00

09/19/2022 COMPLETE RECORD COMPLETE RECORD $1.00

09/19/2022 COPIES MADE COPIES MADE $0.75

09/19/2022 POSTAGE COSTS (MAILED ON POSTAGE COSTS (MAILED ON 9-20-22) $1.14

09/19/2022 JUDGMENT ENTRY RE JUDGMENT ENTRY RE: IT IS ORDERED THAT THE ASHTABULA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPT CONVEY JOSHUA DALE GURTO FROM THE CORRECTIONAL RECEPTION CENTER TO THE ASHTABULA COUNTY JAIL BY THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 AND RETURN HIM TO THE CORRECTIONAL FACILITY UPON COMPLETION OF THE HEARING. 2-CC TO SHERIFF / COPIES TO PROS ATTORNEY; CORRECTIONAL RECEPTION CENTER (SERVICE ONLY); ; THOMAS E. SHAUGHNESSY (Attorney) on behalf of JOSHUA D GURTO (Defendant); ARIANA E. TARIGHATI (Attorney) on behalf of JOSHUA D GURTO (Defendant) $2.00

09/19/2022 COMPLETE RECORD COMPLETE RECORD $1.00

09/19/2022 CERTIFIED COPIES MADE CERTIFIED COPIES MADE $2.00

09/19/2022 COPIES MADE COPIES MADE $1.00

09/19/2022 POSTAGE COSTS (MAILED ON POSTAGE COSTS (MAILED ON 09/21/2022)

link: Case Details - CourtView Justice Solutions

 

[Niner]

Monday, October 3rd:
*Plea Hearing (Murder charge) (@ 11:30am ET) – OH – Sereniti Jazzlynn-Sky Blankenship-Sutley (13 mos.) (Oct. 17, 2017, Conneaut) – *Joshua Dale Gurto (37/now 42) (mom’s BF) charged (10/12/17), arrested (10/25/17 in PA & extradited (11/7/17) back to OH) & arraigned (10/23/18) with 2 counts of aggravated murder, 3 counts of murder, 1st degree rape, 2nd degree felonious assault & 1st degree misdemeanor domestic violence. Plead not guilty. $1M cash bond or surety.
Accused of illegally entering an occupied structure & raping & causing serious harm to a victim in Conneaut on Dec. 18, 2004.
Murder: Trial was set to begin on 10/3/22 has been changed to a Plea hearing.
Court info from 10/25/18 thru 4/14/22 reference post #203 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...red-conneaut-7-oct-2017-arrest.352859/page-11
5/13/22 Update: Motion for trial continuance-granted. Next Status conference hearing on 7/22/22 @ 11:30am, final pretrial hearing on 9/23/22 & trial will now begin on 10/3/22. 7/19/22: Motion filed re Motion to Amend indictment with cert of service by prosecuting attorney. Prosecutors have filed a motion seeking to drop six of eight charges against Gurto was filed.
7/22/22 Update: The motion seeks to dismiss two counts of aggravated murder & two counts of murder, unclassified felonies, one count of rape, a 1st degree felony & one count of domestic violence, a 1st degree misdemeanor, from the eight-count indictment brought against Gurto in 2017. The motion also seeks to amend the remaining count of murder to one count of involuntary manslaughter, a 1st degree felony. The one remaining unaltered count is for felonious assault, a 2nd degree felony, according to court records. The decision on whether or not to allow the charges to be dismissed now lies with visiting Judge Patricia Cosgrove. If Cosgrove grants the prosecution's request to drop the charges, the maximum sentence Gurto could receive in this case would be 19 years in prison, O'Toole said.
7/29/22: Motion filed re motion to unseal case documents pursuant to superintended Rule 45(F) filed with memo in support & certificate of service by attorney Sean Martin on behalf of Bobbie Blankenship. Next final pretrial hearing on 9/23/22. 9/19/22 Update: The Court orders that the trial date of 10/3/22 is hereby converted to a plea hearing. The final pretrial hearing on 9/23/22 is canceled. So Ordered. It is ordered that the Ashtabula County Sheriff's Dept. Convey Gurto from the correctional reception center to Ashtabula County Jail by Thursday, 9/29/22 & return him to the correctional facility upon completion of the hearing.
*Kelsie Marie Blankenship (23/now 25) – “mom” – 3/5/21: Plead guilty to 1st degree involuntary manslaughter & 3rd degree child endangerment. Sentenced to 6 years in prison. Credited 869 days & scheduled to be released in 2024.
Gurto - *Charged (12/16/20), indicted (12/18/20) & arraigned (12/22/20) with 2 counts of 1st degree felony aggravated burglary, 1 count of 1st degree felony rape & 1 count of 2nd degree felonious assault. Plead not guilty. Bond $50K cash or surety.
Trial was set to begin on 5/16/22 but Gurto plead guilty to all counts & sentenced Gurto to 10 years in prison for aggravated burglary, 10 years in prison for rape, and eight years in prison for felonious assault, the maximum sentence on each county, to be served consecutively (28 years total in prison). Gurto was given credit for 515 days in jail in this case. 5/24/22: Notice of appeal to 11th District Appeal Court. 7/5/22: Notice of filing to the Court of Appeals, record with zero transcripts. 8/15/22: Magistrate's Order: The records reflect that appellant has failed to file an appellate brief. It is ordered Sua Sponte that within 14 days from the date of this Magistrate's Order, appellant file a merit brief or show cause to why this appeal should not be dismissed for failure to prosecute. Failure to respond will result in the dismissal of this appeal. 8/26/22: Motion for extension of time to file brief & motion to withdraw as counsel (Edith M. Jonas). 8/30/22: Magistrate's Order: Attorney Jonas filed a motion to withdraw as counsel for appellant & to appoint new counsel & appellant filed a motion for an extension of time to file his brief. Both motions are granted. Attorney J. Michael Salmon is appointed as Counsel to represent appellant for purposes of appeal. Court Reporter is granted to 9/30/22 to prepare & file the transcripts of proceedings with Clerk of the trial court. Appellant's brief is due to be filed within 20 days from the filing of transcript or no later than 10/20/22. 9/30/22: Notice of filing to the Court of Appeals, supplemented record with 4 transcripts including 1 confidential transcript.

 

[Niner]

No news on Gurto's plea? Guilty? Sentenced to life?

TIA!

 

[Niner]

Well - I did find this article - but can not read it all

Joshua Gurto sentenced to 8 years in prison after pleading guilty in toddler's death; sentenced to 36 total years after previous rape case

Joshua Gurto was originally charged with rape and murder in Sereniti Sutley's October 2017 death. Those charges were reduced to involuntary manslaughter in July.

www.wkyc.com

The part I can read is:

Joshua Gurto has been sentenced to 36 total years in prison after accepting a plea deal.

 

[Niner]

and another one:

Conneaut man pleads guilty to killing girlfriend’s daughter in 2017

Sereniti JazzLyn-Sky Blankenship-Sutley was killed on Oct. 7, 2017.

www.cleveland19.com

Oct. 3, 2022

ASHTABULA COUNTY, Ohio (WOIO) - The Conneaut man accused of murdering his girlfriend’s 13-month-old daughter in 2017 pleaded guilty in Ashtabula County Court of Common Pleas Monday morning.

Joshua Gurto pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to eight years in prison.
[.....]
Visiting Retired Judge Patricia Cosgrove said this sentence will start after his 28 year conviction on an unrelated burglary and rape.


So - Sereniti got justice!



RIP little girl...

 

[JerseyGirl]

'Your Parole Officer Hasn't Even Been Born Yet,' Sentencing Judge Tells Ohio Rapist Convicted in Toddler's Death

A 42-year-old Ohio man learned his fate after admitting that he killed his girlfriend's 13-month-old daughter five years ago.

lawandcrime.com

ordered Joshua D. Gurto to serve a sentence of eight years in prison for the 2017 death of young Sereniti Jazzlynn-Sky Sutley

Link has the video of the full hearing