Trials & Sentencings for January, 2025

[Niner]

For the week of Wednesday, January 1st thru Friday, January 3rd:

Friday, January 3rd:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 10am ET) - OH - Pike County 8 people dead: Christopher Rhoden, Sr. (40), his ex-wife, Dana Manley Rhoden (37), their three children, Clarence "Frankie" Rhoden (20), Christopher Jr. (16), Hanna Mae (19); Frankie's fiancée, Hannah Hazel Gilley (20), Christopher Rhoden Sr.'s brother, Kenneth Rhoden (44), & a cousin, Gary Rhoden (37). Hanna Rhoden's baby girl (5 days old), another baby (6 mos.) and a young child (3) were unharmed. (April 21-22, 2016, Pebbles) – *Angela Jo Wagner (48/now 54) (Jakes’ mother) indicted (11/12/18), arrested (11/13/18), charged (11/15/18) & arraigned (11/29/18) with 8 counts of aggravated murder, (plus gun specifications on each), 1 count of 1st degree conspiracy, 4 counts of 1st degree aggravated burglary, 1 count of 5th degree unlawful possession of dangerous ordnance, 3 counts of 3rd degree evidence tampering, 1 count of 5th degree forgery, 1 count of 5th degree unauthorized use of computer or telecommunications, 1 count of 4th degree interception of wire, oral or electronic communication, 1 count of 5th degree obstructing justice, 1 count of 1st degree engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. Plead not guilty. No bond. DA will seek the DP. *Pike County (Delaware County jail)
Judge Jonathan P. Hein presiding for sentencing hearing on 12/17/24 which was CANCELLED on 12/12/24 & reset on 1/3/25.
Crime & court info from 11/19/18 thru 8/24/21 reference post #784 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...bers-wagner-family-arrested-64.582071/page-40
9/8/21 Update: Motions hearing on 9/10/21. 9/10/21: Warrant for removal from Delaware County jail on 9/10/21 for Motion hearing filed. 9/10/21: Order restoring privileges-this order modifies the 9/16/19 order that revoked the defendant's telephone & mail privileges with exceptions for her attorneys, investigators & mitigation experts. The Delaware County Jail is ordered to restore defendant's telephone & mail privileges. Defendant continues to be subject to the Court's original order prohibiting any contact with co-defendants in this case.
9/10/21 Update: Pleading guilty to: Count 9 Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Murder, Count 10 Aggravated Burglary: spec 1, 2, 3, Count 11 Aggravated Burglary: spec 1, 2, 3, Count 12 Aggravated Burglary: spec 1, 2, 3, Count 13 Aggravated Burglary: Spec 1, 2, 3, Count 14 Dangerous ordinance, Count 15 Tampering with Evidence, Count 16 Tampering with Evidence, Count 17 Tampering with Evidence, Count 18 Forgery, Count 19 Unauthorized Use of Property,
Count 20: Interception of wire/oral communications, Count 21: Obstructing Justice & Count 22: Pattern Corrupt Activity Spec 1, 2, 3.
In exchange States dismisses Counts 1-9 & there is a defendant agreement that will be under seal agreeing to dismiss Aggravated murder charges. 30 years in prison to testify truthfully to other defendants trials. She will not seek clemency. Defendant’s agreement. Will serve entire sentence without any provisions for sentence reduction. She was at all the crime scenes and armed. Counts 9-22 Guilty. 30 Years. No clemency. A document to remain under seal as part of the agreement. Angela provided information of other crimes the family has committed over the years. Pike County Prosecutor Rob Junk announced the plea deal included an agreed-upon total sentence of 30 years with no chance for parole or early release before that. A. Canepa says just today the copies of Jake & Angela's proffers have been given to George's attorneys. Her prison time technically started November 13th 2018. If she serves her full 30 years her release date will be: November 13, 2048. At which time she will be 78 years old having just turned 78 on 10/15/48.
10/15/21: Motion, entry & certification for appointed counsel fees filed. 10/25/21: Request & judgment entry for court-paid experts and/or expenses filed. 11/18/21: Motion, entry & certification for appointed special prosecutor fees filed. 9/16/22: Entry granting temporary suspension of Wagner's privileges until she has testified in this case filed & copies to Counsel.
9/14/23 Update: Request for new court appointed counsel filed pro se Angela Wagner. 11/15/23 Update: Filed with Common Pleas Court. Request of Defendant Angela Wager for response to previous request Pro Se copies filed. Mailed to counsel & defendant.
2/28/24 Docket update: Defendant's motion to withdraw request for new counsel filed by attorney Robert Krapenc. Entry-Granting defendant's motion to withdraw request for new counsel.
6/6/24 Docket update: Certificate of Assignment: Jonathan P. Hein, a retired Judge of the Darke County Court of Common Pleas, general & Domestic relations Div. is assigned effective 6/4/2 to preside in the Pike County Common Pleas to hear case 2018CR0000157, State of Ohio vs. George Wagner III & to conclude any proceedings in which the Judge participated.
11/25/24 Docket update: Sentencing date on 12/17/24 @ 9am. 12/9/24 Docket update: Notice of appearance of counsel for T.R. A victim.
12/12/24 Docket update: Judgment entry: Cancelling proceedings for 12/17/24; proceedings will be rescheduled at a later date. 12/13/24 Docket update: Entry on Affidavit of Disqualification of Hon. Jonathan Hein filed 12/10/24 in the Supreme Court of Ohio.
12/19/24 Update: Supreme Court of Ohio ruled that Judge Hein will remain the judge on the case. Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy on Thursday rejected a request from Special Prosecutor Angela Canepa to disqualify Hein from hearing the coming case against Billy Wagner &sentencing of son Jake Wagner & wife Angela Wagner. "Canepa has not established that Judge Hein's disqualification is warranted" & her allegations lack merit, Kennedy wrote. The case is still scheduled to start Jan. 6 in Pike County. But that cannot happen until the Ohio Court of Appeals handles Canepa's filing objecting to Hein's decision to remove death as a possible penalty if Wagner is convicted. Additionally, Hein earlier granted Wagner's request to move the trial out of Pike County but has not yet announced a new venue.
12/24/24 Update: Sentencing date for Angela will be 10am on 1/3/25 in Pike County Common Pleas Court in Waverly.


ALSO:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 10am ET) - OH - Pike County 8 people dead: Christopher Rhoden, Sr. (40), his ex-wife, Dana Manley Rhoden (37), their three children, Clarence "Frankie" Rhoden (20), Christopher Jr. (16), Hanna Mae (19); Frankie's fiancée, Hannah Hazel Gilley (20), Christopher Rhoden Sr.'s brother, Kenneth Rhoden (44), & a cousin, Gary Rhoden (38). Hanna Rhoden's baby girl (5 days old), another baby (6 mos.) and a young child (3) were unharmed. (April 21-22, 2016, Pebbles) - *Edward Jacob "Jake" Wagner (26/now 32) (former boyfriend of Hanna) indicted (11/12/18), arrested (11/13/18), charged (11/15/18) & arraigned (11/27/18) with 8 counts aggravated murder, 1 count of 1st degree conspiracy, 4 counts of 1st degree aggravated burglary, 1 count of 5th degree unlawful possession of dangerous ordnance, 3 counts of 3rd degree evidence tampering, 1 count of 5th degree forgery, 1 count of 5th degree unauthorized use of computer or telecommunications, 1 count of 4th degree interception of wire, oral or electronic communication, 1 count of 5th degree obstructing justice, 1 count of 1st degree engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity & 1 count of 4th degree unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. (He’s accused of engaging in sexual contact with Hanna Rhoden when she was 15 & he was 20). Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA will seek the DP. Judge Hein dismissed (11/27/24) DP specifications. *Pike County (Franklin County Corrections Center). Transferred (8/15/24} to Ohio’s Gallia County, located on the West Virginia border of 8/16/24. Trial was set to begin on 8/30/21. Plead guilty (4/22/21) to all charges.
Judge Jonathan P. Hein presiding over sentencing hearing on 1/3/25.
Case & Court hearings from 11/27/18 thru 9/16/22 reference post #881 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/...bers-wagner-family-arrested-80.641348/page-45
10/26/22 Update: Jake's lawyers George Myers & William Mooney were subpoenaed to a hearing on 11/28/22 @ 9am in front of Judge Deering. They are to bring their file & interview notes of Jake Wagner concerning the involvement of Jake & his co-defendants in the homicides re case #2018CR0000155 (GWIV). It could be regarding: Jake testified he confessed to killing 8 people to his lawyers long before he confessed to LE & the lawyers did not report the criminal activity. 10/27/22 Update: Hearing re subpoena for Myers & Mooney changed to 10/28/22 @ 9am.
10/28/22 Update: Jake's lawyers filed Motion to Quash subpoena for their notes citing attorney/client privilege. Hearing was held in chambers. Motion to quash subpoena-granted. 11/1/22: Granting reinstatement of Wagner's privileges filed. 2/21/24 Docket update: Motion-entry & certification for appointed Special Prosecutor's fees.
6/6/24 Docket update: Certificate of Assignment: Jonathan P. Hein, a retired Judge of the Darke County Court of Common Pleas, general & Domestic relations Div. is assigned effective 6/4/2 to preside in the Pike County Common Pleas to hear case 2018CR0000157, State of Ohio vs. George Wagner III & to conclude any proceedings in which the Judge participated.
11/25/24 Docket update: Sentencing date on 12/17/24 @ 9am. Time was changed to 11am. 12/12/24 Docket update: Judgment entry: Cancelling proceedings for 12/17/24; proceedings will be rescheduled at a later date. 12/13/24 Docket update: Entry on Affidavit of Disqualification of Hon. Jonathan Hein filed 12/10/24 in the Supreme Court of Ohio.
12/19/24 Update: Supreme Court of Ohio ruled that Judge Hein will remain the judge on the case. Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy on Thursday rejected a request from Special Prosecutor Angela Canepa to disqualify Hein from hearing the coming case against Billy Wagner &sentencing of son Jake Wagner & wife Angela Wagner. "Canepa has not established that Judge Hein's disqualification is warranted" & her allegations lack merit, Kennedy wrote. The case is still scheduled to start Jan. 6 in Pike County. But that cannot happen until the Ohio Court of Appeals handles Canepa's filing objecting to Hein's decision to remove death as a possible penalty if Wagner is convicted. Additionally, Hein earlier granted Wagner's request to move the trial out of Pike County but has not yet announced a new venue.
12/24/24 Update: Jake will be sentenced at 10am on 1/3/25 in Pike County Common Pleas Court in Waverly.



ALSO:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 10am ET) - OH - Pike County 8 people dead: Christopher Rhoden, Sr. (40), his ex-wife, Dana Manley Rhoden (37), their three children, Clarence "Frankie" Rhoden (20), Christopher Jr. Rhoden (16), Hanna May Rhoden (19); Frankie's fiancée, Hannah Hazel Gilley (20), Christopher Rhoden Sr.'s brother, Kenneth Rhoden (44), & a cousin, Gary Rhoden (37). Hanna Rhoden's baby girl (5 days old), another baby (6 mos.) and a young child (3) were unharmed. (April 21-22, 2016, Pebbles) – *Rita Jo Newcomb (65/now 71) (Maternal grandmother) indicted (11/12/18), arrested (11/13/18), charged & arraigned (11/15/18) with 3 counts of forgery (5th degree), 1 count of obstructing justice (5th degree) & 1 count of perjury (3rd degree). Plead not guilty. $50K Surety bond. *Pike County
Christopher Rhoden, Sr. (age 40): Nine shots (face, torso, extremities). He suffered was an apparent defensive wound to his right forearm that shattered bone. Also, at least one bullet went through a door before hitting him.
Dana Rhoden (age 37): Five (head). Methodically shot four times around the right side of her head & a fifth time under her chin.
Hannah Gilley (age 20): Five (head). Among the five bullet wounds to Gilley was one to her left eye.
Christopher Rhoden, Jr. (age 16): Four (head). With 2 of the shots in the top of his head.
Clarence “Frankie” Rhoden (age 20): Three (head). Two were “contact wounds” as indicated by soot from the gun on his skull.
Gary Rhoden (age 37): Three “contact” wounds (head). Shot twice in the head & once in the face. With one of the shots, the reports indicate the gun was pressed against the side of his head, leaving a "muzzle stain."
Hanna Mae Rhoden (19): Two (head).
Kenneth Rhoden (age 44): One shot (thru right eye).
All eight victims were shot with the gun barrel touching their skin or very, very close to it – just centimeters or inches away, the coroner determined.
Trial was scheduled for 11/18/19-continued. Cancelled: Newcomb plead guilty to 2nd degree obstructing justice (official business).
Court information from 10/22/19 to 6/6/24 reference post #19 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...d-4-wagner-family-members-arrested-89.732618/
11/25/24 Docket update: Sentencing hearing on 12/17/24 @ 11am. Costs for notices mailed. 12/6/24 Docket update: Sentencing rescheduled from 12/17/24 to 12/23/24 @ 11am. Defendant's period of speedy trial time is tolled throughout period of such continuance. 12/13/24 Docket update: Entry on Affidavit of Disqualification of Hon. Jonathan Hein filed 12/10/24 in the Supreme Court of Ohio by Canepa.
12/23/24 Docket update: Judgment entry & decision of the Supreme Court of Ohio. The affidavit of disqualification is denied; the cases shall proceed before Judge Hein. Sentencing will now be on 1/3/25 @ 10am.
*George Washington Wagner IV (27/now 33) – Guilty of all charges – life in prison.
*Fredericka Carol Wagner (76/now 82) – 6/26/19 Charges dismissed without prejudice.

 

[katydid23]

So that whole mega-murder ness is still ongoing? wow. What a debacle.

 

[Niner]

Update:

Friday, January 3rd:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 10am ET) - OH - Pike County 8 people dead: Christopher Rhoden, Sr. (40), his ex-wife, Dana Manley Rhoden (37), their three children, Clarence "Frankie" Rhoden (20), Christopher Jr. Rhoden (16), Hanna May Rhoden (19); Frankie's fiancée, Hannah Hazel Gilley (20), Christopher Rhoden Sr.'s brother, Kenneth Rhoden (44), & a cousin, Gary Rhoden (37). Hanna Rhoden's baby girl (5 days old), another baby (6 mos.) and a young child (3) were unharmed. (April 21-22, 2016, Pebbles) – *Rita Jo Newcomb (65/now 71) (Maternal grandmother) indicted (11/12/18), arrested (11/13/18), charged & arraigned (11/15/18) with 3 counts of forgery (5th degree), 1 count of obstructing justice (5th degree) & 1 count of perjury (3rd degree). Plead not guilty. $50K Surety bond. Pike County
Trial was scheduled for 11/18/19-continued. Cancelled: Newcomb plead guilty to 2nd degree obstructing justice (official business).
Court information from 10/22/19 to 12/27/24 reference post #76 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...gner-family-members-arrested-89.732618/page-4
1/2/25 Docket update: Entry on Affidavit of Disqualification of Hon. Jonathan Hein filed 12/30/24 in the Supreme Court of Ohio. The Ohio Supreme Court has cleared the way for Friday hearings in the Pike County massacre case, denying a second attempt to unseat the judge on the case. Sentencing hearing on 1/3/25 @ 10am.
1/3/25 Update: Prosecutor Angela Canepa up first to address sentencing recommendations. Judge Hein just told co-counsel Ron O'Brien to be ready to step in, telling Canepa not to rehash earlier matters. If she doesn't, he will take disciplinary action, he said. Canepa said the state did not have an agreed-on sentence for Rita Newcomb -- so leaves her sentence to the discretion of the court. First victim statement to come from Andrea Shoemaker, mother of victim Hannah Hazel Gilley. Angela Canepa reading two statements next. Bobby Jo Manley's is first. Canepa read statement of Gary Rhoden's step mother. Canepa also read a letter from Luke Rhoden, son of victim Kenneth Rhoden, asking for justice. A niece named Liese Wiegel read a letter on behalf of the Rhoden family called the Wagner family "master manipulators." Newcomb attorney Frank Gerlach said Rita spent approximately eight days in jail, then wore an ankle monitor for a year. She recently had heart surgery & is doing well on that. She has limited income of $981 a month in Social Security, Gerlach said, saying she has no funds. Judge Hein said max sentence for Newcomb is 90 days & up to $750 in fines. He said she has had a clean record since then. He ordered five years probation. No jail time, but is imposing the fine & court costs, subject to her ability to pay. Newcomb's response: "Do I have to go to jail?" Response is no. But yes, she's supposed to pay, as able. After five years, the court will forgive whatever she hasn't paid. Hein clarified: 90 max, seven days served, balance suspended. Judge Hein: No additional jail time for Rita & 5 years of supervision.

ALSO:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 10am ET) - OH - Pike County 8 people dead: Christopher Rhoden, Sr. (40), his ex-wife, Dana Manley Rhoden (37), their three children, Clarence "Frankie" Rhoden (20), Christopher Jr. (16), Hanna Mae (19); Frankie's fiancée, Hannah Hazel Gilley (20), Christopher Rhoden Sr.'s brother, Kenneth Rhoden (44), & a cousin, Gary Rhoden (37). Hanna Rhoden's baby girl (5 days old), another baby (6 mos.) and a young child (3) were unharmed. (April 21-22, 2016, Pebbles) – *Angela Jo Wagner (48/now 54) (Jakes’ mother) indicted (11/12/18), arrested (11/13/18), charged (11/15/18) & arraigned (11/29/18) with 8 counts of aggravated murder, (plus gun specifications on each), 1 count of 1st degree conspiracy, 4 counts of 1st degree aggravated burglary, 1 count of 5th degree unlawful possession of dangerous ordnance, 3 counts of 3rd degree evidence tampering, 1 count of 5th degree forgery, 1 count of 5th degree unauthorized use of computer or telecommunications, 1 count of 4th degree interception of wire, oral or electronic communication, 1 count of 5th degree obstructing justice, 1 count of 1st degree engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. Plead not guilty. No bond. DA will seek the DP. *Pike County (Delaware County jail)
Judge Jonathan P. Hein presiding for sentencing hearing on 12/17/24 which was CANCELLED on 12/12/24 & reset on 1/3/25.
Plead guilty to all charges on 9/10/21.
Crime & court info from 11/19/18 thru 12/30/24 reference post #76 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...gner-family-members-arrested-89.732618/page-4
1/2/25 Docket update: Entry on Affidavit of Disqualification of Hon. Jonathan Hein filed 12/30/24 in the Supreme Court of Ohio. 1/2/25 Docket update: Defendant's supplemental sentencing recommendations filed by attorneys Robert F. Krapenc & Mark M. Hunt. The Ohio Supreme Court has cleared the way for Friday hearings in the Pike County massacre case, denying a second attempt to unseat the judge on the case. Sentencing hearing on 1/3/25 @ 10am.
1/3/25 Update: Prosecutor Angela Canepa up first to address sentencing recommendations. Judge Hein just told co-counsel Ron O'Brien to be ready to step in, telling Canepa not to rehash earlier matters. If she doesn't, he will take disciplinary action, he said. Canepa recommended the earlier-agreed 30 years for Angela Wagner. First victim statement to come from Andrea Shoemaker, mother of victim Hannah Hazel Gilley. Angela Canepa reading two statements next. Bobby Jo Manley's is first. AC read statement of Gary Rhoden's step mother. Canepa also read a letter from Luke Rhoden, son of victim Kenneth Rhoden, asking for justice. A niece named Liese Wiegelread a letter on behalf of the Rhoden family called the Wagner family "master manipulators." Attorney Robert Krapenc now arguing on her behalf. Angela's testimony matched Jake's, even though she didn't have advance knowledge of what Jake said in his proffer. Krapenc on sentencing for Wagner: "Ms. Wagner is very cognizant" that the current judge is not obligated to follow the agreement reached with the prior judge in the case. But he recommends it -- 30 years w/o parole. Krapenc: Wagner did not kill anyone but admits her role in preparing & covering up the crimes. "Ms. Wagner will continue to live up to her end of the deal." She's also completed 40-50 programs while incarcerated in Delaware County. She's a trusty, mentors other inmates. Wagner read a prepared statement. She stood with her attorney taking the classes off the top of her head to place on her nose. She said she spent her life trying to be the perfect person -- daughter, wife, mother. Speaking in a soft & hard-to-hear voice, Wagner offered regret & remorse over her role in the Pike County massacre case. "I've committed myself to change," she said. "Each day I work on being a better me." Judge Hein: Gets 9 years for complicity & 3 years for tampering; 18 months for electronic interception; corrupt activity 9 years prison. Also gets 12 years for firearms specs. All different charges all add up to 30 years. Minor charges run concurrently to major charges to get to 30 years, minus 6 years 6 weeks already spent in jail. Wagner will have no appeal rights, he told her. He imposed 30 years, with credit for 2244 days already served. When released she will remain on parole 2-5 years. Hein also told Wagner: "You were the only one who could have shut it down." When her husband & sons left the house to commit the crimes, she could have called authorities & turned them in. That was depravity, he told her.

ALSO:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 10am ET) - OH - Pike County 8 people dead: Christopher Rhoden, Sr. (40), his ex-wife, Dana Manley Rhoden (37), their three children, Clarence "Frankie" Rhoden (20), Christopher Jr. (16), Hanna Mae (19); Frankie's fiancée, Hannah Hazel Gilley (20), Christopher Rhoden Sr.'s brother, Kenneth Rhoden (44), & a cousin, Gary Rhoden (38). Hanna Rhoden's baby girl (5 days old), another baby (6 mos.) and a young child (3) were unharmed. (April 21-22, 2016, Pebbles) - *Edward Jacob "Jake" Wagner (26/now 32) (former boyfriend of Hanna) indicted (11/12/18), arrested (11/13/18), charged (11/15/18) & arraigned (11/27/18) with 8 counts aggravated murder, 1 count of 1st degree conspiracy, 4 counts of 1st degree aggravated burglary, 1 count of 5th degree unlawful possession of dangerous ordnance, 3 counts of 3rd degree evidence tampering, 1 count of 5th degree forgery, 1 count of 5th degree unauthorized use of computer or telecommunications, 1 count of 4th degree interception of wire, oral or electronic communication, 1 count of 5th degree obstructing justice, 1 count of 1st degree engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity & 1 count of 4th degree unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. (He’s accused of engaging in sexual contact with Hanna Rhoden when she was 15 & he was 20). Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA will seek the DP. Judge Hein dismissed (11/27/24) DP specifications. Pike County (Franklin County Corrections Center). Transferred (8/15/24} to Ohio’s Gallia County, located on the West Virginia border of 8/16/24.
Trial was set to begin on 8/30/21. Plead guilty (4/22/21) to all charges.
Judge Jonathan P. Hein presiding over sentencing hearing on 1/3/25.
Case & Court hearings from 11/27/18 thru 12/27/24 reference post #76 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...gner-family-members-arrested-89.732618/page-4
1/2/25 Docket update: Entry on Affidavit of Disqualification of Hon. Jonathan Hein filed 12/30/24 in the Supreme Court of Ohio. The Ohio Supreme Court has cleared the way for Friday hearings in the Pike County massacre case, denying a second attempt to unseat the judge on the case. Sentencing hearing on 1/3/25 @ 10am.
1/3/25 Update: Prosecutor Angela Canepa up first to address sentencing recommendations. Judge Hein just told co-counsel Ron O'Brien to be ready to step in, telling Canepa not to rehash earlier matters. If she doesn't, he will take disciplinary action, he said. Angela Canepa recommended that Jake Wagner be sentenced to the earlier agreed-on terms: max of eight consecutive sentences & 160 more years. Also asks court to go along with joint recommendation for Jake. That he receive maximum consecutive sentences. First victim statement to come from Andrea Shoemaker, mother of victim Hannah Hazel Gilley. Angela Canepa read two statements next. Bobby Jo Manley's is first. Canepa read statement of Gary Rhoden's step mother. Canepa also read a letter from Luke Rhoden, son of victim Kenneth Rhoden, asking for justice. A niece named Liese Wiegel read a letter on behalf of the Rhoden family called the Wagner family "master manipulators." To Jake, she said: "We are no longer family. You will be an afterthought to our family." Kirk McVay, attorney for Wagner, spoke about his earlier agreed-on sentence: max of eight consecutive life sentences without parole, with 160 more years. "Mr. Wagner entered his pleas knowingly.” McVay continued: Jake knows he cannot appeal his sentence. He has worked with Jake for six years & noted his cooperation with the prosecution. He asked the court to acknowledge days already served. Jake addressed the victims' family. He knows full well the weight of his crimes is bad enough that there's nothing he can do or say to end the hate & anger they feel. Two or 3 weeks later, he felt the full weight of his guilt over what he did. Judge Hein asked Wagner to wrap up his remarks then gave him two minutes to finish. "Forgiveness is a powerful thing," he said. He ended with this: "Jesus has a cost" but committing to him will transform their lives. "I do pray for you all." Hein told Wagner he doesn't consider religious beliefs in sentencing. Judge is going to reduce Jake's sentence. He's making Angela Wagner the bad guy in the whole thing. He's blaming it on the prosecution saying they should have sentenced him when Judge Deering was still on the bench. Judge is NOT signing the deal that was agreed on earlier. Hein issues sentence 8 life terms for aggravated murder. Max sentences for other charges including conspiracy for murder, aggravated burglary, corrupt acts. Instead, he is giving Wagner 32 years, with chance for parole after that. More detail: 12 years on the gun charges for Wagner, 20 years (concurrent) for the eight aggravated murders.

 

[Niner]

For the week of Monday, January 6th thru Friday, January 10th:

Monday, January 6th:
*Trial set to begin (@ 7am CT) - TX - Zevaya Flanagan (2) killed by father on Facetime, Mar. 20, 2023, Houston - *Deontray Flanagan (35/now 36) arrested (3/20/23) & charged (3/22/23) & indicted (6/16/23) with felony murder was dismissed on 10/25/23. Re-indicted & recharged (8/28/23) with capital murder under 10 years old. $2M bond. Harris County
Trial set to begin on 1/6/25.
Judge Kathryn Colleen Gaido presiding. Attorneys Jonathan Dennis Stephenson & Allen Mark Tanner (AAT Court).
Case & court info from 3/20/23 thru 6/27/24 reference post #38 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ather-on-facetime-march-20-2023.671335/page-2
6/27/24 Update: Pretrial conference hearing was reset by Operation of Law. Next pretrial conference hearing on 11/6/24 @ 9am.
10/23/24 Docket update: Motion to dismiss by attorney/prosecutor. Defendant's motion for disclosure. 10/28/24 Docket update: Proposed motion to dismiss by attorneys. 11/6/24 Update: Pretrial conference hearing was reset per Operations of Law. Next trial set to begin on 1/6/25 @ 7am.
12/5/24 Docket update: Motions: State's Motion for protective Order. & Other CFI. 12/9/24 Docket update: Order for protective order-granted. 12/10/24 Docket update: Order: Attorney fee voucher in the amount of $4,020.


Wednesday, January 8th:
*Trial set to begin (Federal case) (@ am ET) – FL – *Tony Lee J. “TJ” Wiggins, Jr. (26/now 30) aka John L. Wiggins Federal indictment (June, 2023) & a superseding indictment filed (Oct. 2023) & charged (10/2023) with 2 counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The indictment said Wiggins "did knowingly possess, in & affecting foreign commerce, a firearm, that is, a Norinco model Mak90 rifle." In Citrus County jail awaiting the federal trial. Ocala Federal Court
Federal trial was set to begin on 7/1/24 but was cancelled & set to begin on 1/8/25.
Judge Philip R. Lammens presiding.
Murder trial was set to begin on 7/22/24 for jury selection & continued due to Federal trial starting first. No further dates.
Murder crime & court info from 7/22/20 thru 12/7/23 reference post #198 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...cred-frostproof-17-july-2020-3.682061/page-10
7/1/24 Monday, Trial Day 1: No trial…. Was cancelled no explanation. Trial is now set to begin on 1/8/25.


Friday, January 10th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 10am ET) – NY - *Donald John Trump (76/now 78) was indicted (3/30/23), formally arrested, charged & arraigned (4/4/23) with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the 1st degree & conspiracy in connection with hush money payments to two women [Stephanie Clifford aka adult actor Stormy Daniels & former Playboy model Karen McDougal] before the 2016 presidential election. Plead not guilty. Warrant vacated, released on own recognizance. New York County
New York: Submitting false invoices or checks. All 34 counts against Trump are felony charges (class E) instead of misdemeanors.
Trial began on 4/15/24 with jury selection & ended on 4/19/24. 12 jurors & 6 alternates. [Jurors: 7 men & 5 women/6 Alternates: 5 women & 1 man].
Trial began on 4/22/24 & ended on 5/28/24 with closing arguments. Prosecutors rested their case on 5/20/24. Defense began their case on 5/20/24 & ended on 5/21/24.
Verdict Watch: Jury deliberations Day 1 (5/29/24) started at 11:37am to 4:06pm. Total: 4 hours 30 minutes (includes 1 hour for lunch but deliberating). Day 2 (5/30/24) started at 11:17am to 4:30pm. Total: 5 hours & 15 minutes.
Total Deliberations: ~9 hours & 45 minutes. Verdict: Guilty on all 34 felony charges.
New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Marchan presiding. Manhattan Attorney General Alvin Bragg. Prosecutors are Susan Hoffinger, Joshua Steinglass & Matthew Colangelo.
Defense attorneys Todd Blanche, Emil Bove, Susan Necheles & Gedalia Stern.
Investigation & court info from 3/30/23 thru 4/12/24 & Jury Selection Days 1-4 (4/15-4/19/24) & Trial Day 1-19 (4/22-5/30/24) & Jury Deliberations Day 1-2 (5/29-30/24) & thru 11/11/24 reference post #731 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...s-apr-2023-trial-25-mar-2024-4.713952/page-37
11/12/24 Update: Judge Merchan delays ruling on whether to throw out conviction. Postponement follows numerous successful attempts to delay case where he was convicted on 34 felony counts. Judge Juan Merchan told Trump’s lawyers on Tuesday that he’d delay the ruling until 11/19/24. Sentencing on 11/26/24 @ 9am.
11/19/24 Update: Trump’s 11/26/24 sentencing in his New York hush money case was adjourned by the court as the judge weighs how to handle the prosecution in the wake of the former president’s reelection victory. The sentencing was called off without explanation Tuesday in a short note by the court. A Alvin Bragg's team tells Justice Merchan how they want to proceed with Trump's hush money case now that he's president-elect. "Consideration must be given to various non-dismissal options ... such as deferral of all remaining criminal proceedings until after the end of Defendant’s upcoming presidential term,” DA Bragg said.
11/22/24 Update: Judge Merchan overseeing Trump’s criminal hush money trial has adjourned his sentencing, which was set for next week. Judge Juan Merchan also agreed to hold off on issuing his decision on presidential immunity until after he reviews the parties’ filings. Merchan granted Trump’s request to file a motion to dismiss the case – ordering them to submit their papers by December 2. Prosecutors are ordered to respond by December 9. Trump’s team wanted to have until December 20 to file their paperwork. The judge did not set a new sentencing date or make any further statements about the delay.
12/2/24 Update: Trump’s lawyers have filed paperwork pushing for dismissal of his Manhattan criminal hush-money case [due to his immunity as president-elect]. Merchan said in his postponement decision that Trump’s lawyers had a 2 December deadline to file their argument for dismissal. Prosecutors had a week [on 12/9/24] to submit their response. Manhattan prosecutors have argued against dismissal in prior court papers & have suggested a solution that would obviate any concerns about interrupting his presidency – including “deferral of all remaining criminal proceedings until after the end of defendant’s upcoming presidential term”. See post #741, page 38, thread #4 for more info.
12/9/24 Update: The application for stay addressed to Justice Alito & referred to the Court is denied.
12/10/24 Update: Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg says Trump’s imminent return to the presidency is not a reason to throw out the 34-count conviction that jurors delivered in the hush money case earlier this year. Bragg conceded in a court filing that Trump cannot be sentenced while he is president. But he said Justice Juan Merchan has a variety of options to put the case on hold during Trump’s second term & then issue a sentence after he leaves office in January 2029. Bragg’s suggestion to keep the case on ice — rather than tossing out the conviction, as Trump is requesting — doubles down on a proposal that the prosecutor first floated in a letter to the judge last month. Prosecutors argued that Merchan can use various mechanisms to preserve the guilty verdict while taking steps to shield Trump from consequences that could be seen as hindering his ability to focus on his presidential duties. The options include simply suspending the case until Trump’s term is over. Merchan could also announce in advance that he won’t sentence Trump to any jail time & won’t consider Trump’s conduct as president when determining a future sentence — a declaration, prosecutors said, that would dramatically reduce concerns about whether the looming sentence could impede Trump’s presidency.
12/16/24 Update: Trump’s felony conviction in the New York hush money case should not be tossed out because of the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity, Judge Juan Merchan ruled Monday. Judge Merchan’s decision rejected one of several avenues that Trump’s lawyers have taken to try to dismiss Trump’s May guilty verdict on 34 counts of falsifying business records. The judge did not, however, rule on a motion from Trump’s attorneys to dismiss the conviction because Trump has now been elected president. Instead, his 41-page decision focused on the question of presidential immunity. Judge Merchan wrote the Supreme Court’s ruling that Trump should receive broad immunity for official acts during his time in office did not mean the conviction should be dismissed, ruling that the evidence presented by the Manhattan DA’s office was not related to Trump’s official conduct as president. The evidence contested by Trump’s lawyers, the judge wrote, related “entirely to unofficial conduct” & should receive no immunity protections. Trump’s lawyers are likely to appeal Merchan’s decision, one of several potential motions for dismissal that could leave the case tied up for months or even years. Merchan still has to rule on Trump’s argument that his status as president was a “legal impediment” to further criminal proceedings & the case should be dismissed as a result.
12/19/24 Update: As Trump fights to overturn his hush money criminal conviction, the one New York Democrat with authority to grant him a pardon signaled that she would need to see some remorse from the president-elect first. “There is a pardoning process in the state of New York. It is lengthy,” Hochul said at an unrelated news conference. “It requires a couple of elements. One is remorse.” She continued: “No one will be treated any better, or any worse, by me when I make those life altering decisions as we’re looking at petitions that are coming in throughout the year. So, no one gets extra favors, no one gets treated worse.”
1/3/25 Update: Judge Juan Merchan on Friday set Trump’s sentencing in his hush-money case on 1/10/25 – little over a week before he is due to return to the White House – but promised not to jail him. Judge Merchan, who presided over Trump’s trial, signaled in a written decision that he would sentence the former & future president to what is known as a conditional discharge, in which a case gets dismissed if a defendant avoids rearrest.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Friday, January 10th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9:30am ET) – NY - *Donald John Trump (76/now 78) was indicted (3/30/23), formally arrested, charged & arraigned (4/4/23) with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the 1st degree & conspiracy in connection with hush money payments to two women [Stephanie Clifford aka adult actor Stormy Daniels & former Playboy model Karen McDougal] before the 2016 presidential election. Plead not guilty. Warrant vacated, released on own recognizance. New York County
New York: Submitting false invoices or checks. All 34 counts against Trump are felony charges (class E) instead of misdemeanors.
Trial began on 4/15/24 with jury selection & ended on 4/19/24. 12 jurors & 6 alternates. [Jurors: 7 men & 5 women/6 Alternates: 5 women & 1 man].
Trial began on 4/22/24 & ended on 5/28/24 with closing arguments. Prosecutors rested their case on 5/20/24. Defense began their case on 5/20/24 & ended on 5/21/24.
Verdict Watch: Jury deliberations Day 1 (5/29/24) started at 11:37am to 4:06pm. Total: 4 hours 30 minutes (includes 1 hour for lunch but deliberating). Day 2 (5/30/24) started at 11:17am to 4:30pm. Total: 5 hours & 15 minutes.
Total Deliberations: ~9 hours & 45 minutes. Verdict: Guilty on all 34 felony charges.
New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Marchan presiding. Manhattan Attorney General Alvin Bragg. Prosecutors are Susan Hoffinger, Joshua Steinglass & Matthew Colangelo. Defense attorneys Todd Blanche, Emil Bove, Susan Necheles & Gedalia Stern.
Investigation & court info from 3/30/23 thru 4/12/24 & Jury Selection Days 1-4 (4/15-4/19/24) & Trial Day 1-19 (4/22-5/30/24) & Jury Deliberations Day 1-2 (5/29-30/24) & thru 1/7/25 reference post #788 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...s-apr-2023-trial-25-mar-2024-4.713952/page-40
1/9/25 Update: The U.S. Supreme Court will not block tomorrow's sentencing, in a 5-4 vote. "Justices Clarence Thomas, Brett Kavanaugh, Samuel Alito & Neil Gorsuch would have granted Trump's application for a postponement of sentencing, the majority wrote." The decision means a sentencing hearing scheduled for Friday, 1/10/25 can go ahead as planned.
1/10/25 Update: Judge Juan Merchan issued a sentence of “unconditional discharge”, meaning the president-elect will be released without fine, imprisonment or probation supervision for his conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. While the sentence makes Trump a convicted felon, he will face no penalty other than this legal designation. Trump appeared virtually for sentencing & is now a convicted felon.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Friday, January 10th:
*Trial continues (Day 4)-VERDICT REACHED & Sentenced! (@ 7am CT) - TX - Zevaya Flanagan (2) killed by father on facetime, Mar. 20, 2023, Houston - *Deontray Flanagan (35/now 36) arrested (3/20/23) & charged (3/22/23) & indicted (6/16/23) with felony murder was dismissed on 10/25/23. Re-indicted & recharged (8/28/23) with capital murder under 10 years old. $2M bond. Harris County
Trial began on 1/7/25 & ended on 1/10/25. Guilty of all charges.
Judge Kathryn Colleen Gaido presiding. Attorneys Jonathan Dennis Stephenson & Allen Mark Tanner (AAT Court).
Case & court info from 3/20/23 thru 1/6/25 & Trial Days 1-2 (1/7-1/8/25) reference post #55 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ather-on-facetime-march-20-2023.671335/page-3
1/9/25 Thursday, Trial Day 3: Order-Evidence presented to Jury trial. No other info yet available. Trial continues on Friday, 1/10/25.
1/10/25 Friday, Trial Day 4: Judgement. Jury verdict rendered. Evidence was presented. Jury sworn, jury examined. Judgement Guilty of all charges: Sentenced to life without parole. Order: Discovery Log granted. Verdict received by visiting Judge. Type of Bond-Surety appeal for bond-denied.

 

[Niner]

For the week of Monday, January 13th thru Friday, January 17th:

Nothing!

 

[Niner]

Update!

Wednesday, January 15th:
*Pretrial Hearing (@ 8:30am ET) - FL – Margie (2) died after being left in hot vehicle for ~15 hours (midnight to 3pm) on May 16, 2023, Prosperity, Holmes County. *Christopher Martin McLean (32/now 34) "father" arrested (5/16/22) & charged (5/19/23) & arraigned (7/5/23) with child neglect with great bodily harm, 4 counts of possession of a controlled substance & 5 counts of possession drug paraphernalia. And for McLean only with 1 count of resist or obstruct without violence. *Charged (9/28/23) & arraigned (11/1/23) with aggravated manslaughter of child. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Holmes County
Trial was set to begin for McLean on 2/24/25 was vacated – plead guilty & sentenced to 27 years in prison.
Judge Russell Sterling Roberts. DA Jacob Cook. Mclean’s & Adams’ attorney Russell Scott Barrett.
Case & court info from 5/16/23 thru 12/19/24 reference post #87 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...t-holmes-co-16-may-2023-arrests.678397/page-5
1/3/25 Docket update: Child neglect-[69] Addendum to State's response to demand for discovery. Manslaughter-[63] Addendum to State's response to demand for discovery. Next pretrial hearing on 1/15/25 @ 8:30am.
1/15/25 Docket update: Child neglect: [70] Notice to appear given to defendant in open Court. [71] Event Motion hearing on 2/5/25 @ 1:30pm. [72] Circuit court minutes (plea). [73] Plea, waiver & consent form. [74] Charges/Costs/Fees. [75] Fingerprints of Defendant. [76] Defendant entered a plea of Nolo-Contendere (guilty) for Counts 1 thru 4. [77] Trial type of No trial required entered for Counts 1 thru 4. [78] Court action: Adjudicated Guilty for counts 1 thru 4. [79] Maximum confinement in State prison facility for 22 years for count 1. [80] Sentence imposed on 1/15/25 for Count 1 & 2. [81] Sentence effective date on 1/15/25 for Counts 1 & 2. [82] Judge at sentencing Russell Roberts for Count 1 & 2. [83] Sentence status concurrent related to case 23CF000162A Count 1 (aggravated manslaughter]. [84] Minimum confinement in State prison facility for counts 1 & 2. [85] Maximum confinement in State prison facility for 5 years for count 2. [86] Sentence status concurrent related to case 23CF000295A for Count 2.
1/15/25 Docket update: Aggravated manslaughter: [64] Notice to appear given to defendant in open court. [65] Event motion hearing scheduled on 2/5/25 @ 1:30pm. [66] Updated event. Motion hearing on 2/5/24 @ 1:30pm cancelled on 1/15/25. [67] Updated event trial-felony on 2/24/25 @ 8:30am cancelled on 1/15/25. [68] Circuit Court minutes (plea). [69] Plea, waiver & consent form. [70] Charges/Costs/Fees. [71] Fingerprints of defendant.\
Kathreen June Adams (23/now 25) – Status hearing on 2/19/25.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Friday, January 17th:
*Special Hearing (@ am CT) - TX - Audrii Danielle Cunningham (11) missing 2/15/24 & last seen near her resident in the 100 block of Lakeside Drive in Livingston @ 7am. Was issued an Amber Alert. Audrii should have caught the school bus at her neighborhood bus stop, however, school officials reported to the Sheriff's Office that the school bus did not pick Audrri up, nor did she report to school. Don Steven McDougal is the man who supposedly dropped Audrii off at the bus stop. Now a POI (2/17/24). Audrii was found near the area around US-59 & the Trinity River Bridge on Feb. 20, 2024. - *Don Steven McDougal (42/now 43) arrested (2/16/24-regarding assault charges), arraigned & charged (2/21/24) & indicted (4/23/24) with 2 counts of capital murder (2/20/24), aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (on 2/16/24) & bond surrender-assault causing bodily injury (3/27/24). Held without bond (murder). $500K Surety Bond (assault). $3K Surety Bond (assault-surrender). Was in Polk County jail moved (6/12/24) to Tyler County jail. NO plea entered yet. DA will seek the DP (8/8/24). Polk County/Now Tyler County
411th Judicial District Court Judge John Wells III presiding. Polk County DA Shelley Bush-Sitton. Defense attorney Chad Etheridge.
Case & Court info from 2/16/24 thru 11/28/24 reference post #628 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...irl-audrii-cunningham-arrest-2.704941/page-32
1/17/25 Update: Special hearing called on 1/17/25.
1/17/25 Update: McDougal has accepted a plea deal for a life sentence without the possibility of parole or appeal. McDougal’s plea was confirmed Thursday & finalized during a special hearing Friday morning at the Polk County Judicial Center. Details of the agreement were presented & Audrii’s family members delivered victim impact statements. McDougal accepted the plea agreement voluntarily, pleading guilty to count two of capital murder. The state abandoned count one & explained that, while additional evidence could have been presented to make their case stronger, it was not disclosed to the defense. The state prosecutor also noted that McDougal had four other pending cases, which were dismissed as part of the plea deal. The prosecutor emphasized that the dismissals were not due to a lack of evidence, but because the penalties for those charges would not have increased the severity of McDougal’s life sentence. During the emotional hearing, Audrii’s family members delivered emotional, yet incendiary, victim impact statements, addressing McDougal directly & expressing the profound pain & loss they have endured since Audrii’s death. Audrii’s father, Josh Cunningham, Julie, Audrii’s aunt, Tabitha Munsch, Audrii’s grandmother & Philip Munsch, Audrii’s grandfather.

 

[Niner]

For the week of Monday, January 20th thru Friday, January 24th:

Tuesday, January 21st:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am PT) – NV – London Martin (2 mos.) (October 24, 2020, Las Vegas; thrown from 2nd story balcony (a 22 ft. fall) to her death during domestic fight with the mother). *Clarence Edward Martin, Jr. (32/now 36) bf indicted (8/14/20), arrested (8/17/20), charged (10/24/20 & 11/10/20) & arraigned (8/4/21 & 8/20/21) with open felony murder, 1st degree arson, 5 counts of felony battery with use of deadly weapon, 2 counts of battery resulting in bodily harm (over 60 yrs), 2 counts of attempted murder with use of a deadly weapon, assault with a deadly weapon, 1st degree torture/injury/ abandon/starve animal & battery of LE. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Reduction of bond denied (11/22/22). Nevada County/Bound over to District Court.
Started fire in apt. which killed the family dog.
Trial was to begin on 6/21/21-vacated to decide competency. Found competent (7/2/21) to stand trial. Trial was set to begin on 11/8/21 agreed to a plea deal & plead guilty to sexual assault.
Trial (murder) was on 10/21/24 & was found guilty. Sentencing on 1/21/25 @ 9am.
Judge Carli Kierny presiding. Prosecutor Elizabeth A. Mercer & Parker Brooks. Defense attorneys Betsy Allen, Monique A. McNeill, Charles A. Cano & Tegan Machnich.
Court info from 10/24/20 thru 10/17/24 reference post #69 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ny-las-vegas-24-oct-2020-arrest.548960/page-4
10/21/24 Update Jury Trial with Judge Carli Kierny presiding. Parties present: For state Elizabeth A Mercer & Parker Brooks, Defendant Martin present with attorney Betsy Allen & Monique A. McNeill. Defendant's motion to striek: Notice of expert on an Order shortening time-Denied. All pending motions heard. [79 thru 82] Order to show cause re OSC Fernandez, OSC Moseley, OSC Bowie & OSC Collins. 10/22/24 Docket update: [83] Amended indictment. [84] Order denying State's motion to strike defendant's Notice of expert. 10/28/24 Docket updates: [85] Second amended indictment. [86] State's third supplemental notice of witnesses and/or expert witnesses. 10/29/24 Docket update: [87] Bench brief regarding inadmissibility of medical & mental health records. 10/30/24 Docket updates: [88] Defense 2nd notice of penalty witnesses. [89] Amended jury list. [90] Instructions to the jury. [91] Verdict-Guilty. 10/31/24 Docket update: [92] Stipulation & Waiver of penalty hearing-filed in open Court. Next Order to show Cause hearing re #63 Xavier Mosely, #65 Shauntae Bowie & #13 Conrad Fernandez on 11/19/24 @ 9am.
11/19/24 Update: All pending motions heard. Next Sentencing hearing on 1/14/25 @ 9am. 12/10/24 Docket update: Notice. [93] Speaker notification. 12/23/24 Docket update: [94] PSI. [95] PSI miscellaneous. 1/14/25 Docket update: [96] Sentencing memorandum. 1/17/25 Docket update: [97] Sentencing memorandum. Sentencing hearing was reset from 1/14/25 to 1/21/25 @ 9am.

*Jury Selection set to begin (@ 8:30am PT) – CA – Fabio Sementilli (49) (Jan. 23, 2017, Los Angeles) – *Monica Sonia Crescentini Sementilli (45/now 53) (wife) arrested (8/18/17), indicted (8/31/17), charged (8/18/17) & arraigned (8/31/17) with capital murder with special circumstances of murder for financial gain & conspiracy to commit murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA will not seek DP. LA County
Jury Selection to begin on 1/21/25.
Trial set to begin on 1/27/25.
Superior Court Judge Ronald S. Coen. Deputy DA Heather Steggell. Defense attorney Leonard Levine.
Court hearings from 6/5/18 thru 12/9/24 reference post #331 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...a-23-jan-2017-arrests-1-guilty.327994/page-17
1/7/25 Update: Next pretrial conference hearing on 1/14/25 @ 8:30am. 1/14/25 Update: Next jury selection on 1/21/25 @ 8:30am.
*Christopher Austin (38/now 39) – Plead guilty on 1/17/25. Sentencing hearing on 4/30/25.
*Robert Louis Baker (55/now 61) (wife’s BF) plead no contest/guilty on 7/7/23 & sentenced to life without parole.


Thursday, January 23rd:
*Change of Plea Hearing (@ 9:15am PT) - NM - 7 year old boy shot & critically injured by mother, Sept. 22, 2023, Albuquerque. *Davona Ashley Chavez (27/now 29) arrested & charged (9/23/23) & arraigned (10/16/23) with child abuse resulting in great bodily harm (intentional or reckless), child abuse not resulting in great bodily harm, trafficking a controlled substance & aggravated battery (weapon). Plead not guilty. Released on conditions (11/29/23). Albuquerque District
Judge Jennifer J. Wernersbach presiding. For State attorney John A. McCall & defense attorney David R. Foster.
Case & Court information from 9/25/23 thru 10/22/24 reference post #58 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...na-chavez-albuquerque-sept-2023.695472/page-3
10/24/24 Docket update: Pretrial conference hearing on 1/14/25 @ 9:30am. Non-Compliance Report/Affidavit. Notice of technical violation; court will set non-compliance hearing if another positive dilute test.
1/14/25 Update: Audio log notes. Notice next change of plea hearing on 1/23/25 @ 9:15am in person.


Friday, January 24th:
*Trial set to begin (@ 9am PT) – CA – *Madalyn (Maddie) Payton Slater (1) (thrown off steep cliff into ravine, May 6, 2020, Palm Desert, Coachella Valley) - *Adam Slater (49/now 53) “father” arrested (5/7/20) , charged (5/8/20), recharged (5/11/20) & arraigned (5/12/20) with 1st degree murder, 2nd degree murder, 1st degree attempted murder, child custody kidnapping, assault on a child under 8 years old resulting in death, assault with a deadly weapon, obstruction, resisting arrest & prior felony conviction. Plead not guilty. $1M bond. Held (5/12/20) with no bond. Riverside County
Allegedly tossed his 1 year old daughter off a “steep cliff” to her death after he stabbed the child’s mom before fleeing with the child. Thirty minutes later, investigators said, Slater's car went off Highway 74 & overturned before coming to a stop hundreds of feet from the road & then stabbed a bystander who tried to help.
Trial set to begin on 1/24/25.
Court hearing from 5/8/20 thru 2/8/24 reference post #122 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-desert-7-may-2020-dad-arrested.521060/page-7
5/17/24 Update: Next trial readiness conference hearing on 9/17/24 @ 8:30am. 9/17/24 Update: Next motions hearing re change of venue on 11/12/24 @ 9am. 11/12/24 Update: Next trial set to begin on 1/24/25 @ 9am.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Tuesday, January 21st:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am PT) – NV – London Martin (2 mos.) (October 24, 2020, Las Vegas; thrown from 2nd story balcony (a 22 ft. fall) to her death during domestic fight with the mother). *Clarence Edward Martin, Jr. (32/now 36) bf indicted (8/14/20), arrested (8/17/20), charged (10/24/20 & 11/10/20) & arraigned (8/4/21 & 8/20/21) with open felony murder, 1st degree arson, 5 counts of felony battery with use of deadly weapon, 2 counts of battery resulting in bodily harm (over 60 yrs), 2 counts of attempted murder with use of a deadly weapon, assault with a deadly weapon, 1st degree torture/injury/ abandon/starve animal & battery of LE. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Reduction of bond denied (11/22/22). Nevada County
Started fire in apt. which killed the family dog.
Trial was to begin on 6/21/21-vacated to decide competency. Found competent (7/2/21) to stand trial. Trial was set to begin on 11/8/21 agreed to a plea deal & plead guilty to sexual assault.
Trial (murder) was on 10/21/24 & was found guilty. Sentencing on 1/21/25 @ 9am.
Judge Carli Kierny presiding. Prosecutor Elizabeth A. Mercer & Parker Brooks. Defense attorneys Betsy Allen, Monique A. McNeill, Charles A. Cano & Tegan Machnich.
Court info from 10/24/20 thru 1/14/25 reference post #77 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ny-las-vegas-24-oct-2020-arrest.548960/page-4
1/17/25 Docket update: [97] Sentencing memorandum. Sentencing hearing was reset from 1/14/25 to 1/21/25 @ 9am.
1/21/25 Update: District Judge Carli Kierny ordered Martin to spend life in prison with the possibility of parole in 49 & a half years. He received credit for 1,551 days he has already spent in custody.

 

[Niner]

For the week of Monday, January 27th thru Friday, January 31st.

Monday, January 27th:
*Trial continues (Day 2) (@ 9am PT) – CA – *Madalyn (Maddie) Payton Slater (1) (thrown off steep cliff into ravine, May 6, 2020, Palm Desert, Coachella Valley) - *Adam Slater (49/now 53) “father” arrested (5/7/20) , charged (5/8/20), recharged (5/11/20) & arraigned (5/12/20) with 1st degree murder, 2nd degree murder, 1st degree attempted murder, child custody kidnapping, assault on a child under 8 years old resulting in death, assault with a deadly weapon, obstruction, resisting arrest & prior felony conviction. Plead not guilty. $1M bond. Held (5/12/20) with no bond. Riverside County
Allegedly tossed his 1 year old daughter off a “steep cliff” to her death after he stabbed the child’s mom before fleeing with the child. Thirty minutes later, investigators said, Slater's car went off Highway 74 & overturned before coming to a stop hundreds of feet from the road & then stabbed a bystander who tried to help.
Trial began on 1/24/25.
Court hearing from 5/8/20 thru 11/12/24 reference post #130 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-desert-7-may-2020-dad-arrested.521060/page-7
1/24/25 Friday, Trial Day 1: Jury selection starts. No info available. Trial continues on Monday, 1/27/25.


Tuesday, January 28th:
*Trial continues (Day 2) (@ 8:30am PT) – CA – Fabio Sementilli (49) (Jan. 23, 2017, Los Angeles) – *Monica Sonia Crescentini Sementilli (45/now 53) (wife) arrested (8/18/17), indicted (8/31/17), charged (8/18/17) & arraigned (8/31/17) with capital murder with special circumstances of murder for financial gain & conspiracy to commit murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA will not seek DP. LA County
Jury Selection began on 1/21/25 & ended 1/22/25. No info on jurors.
Trial began on 1/24/25.
Superior Court Judge Ronald S. Coen. Deputy DA Heather Steggell. Defense attorney Leonard Levine.
Court hearings from 6/5/18 thru 12/9/24 reference post #341 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...a-23-jan-2017-arrests-1-guilty.327994/page-18
1/21/25 Tuesday, Jury Selection Day 1: No actual info yet. Jury selection continues on Wednesday, 1/22/25.
1/22/25 Wednesday, Jury Selection Day 2: No actual info yet. Jury selection has concluded. Opening statements on Friday, 1/24/25.
1/24/26 Friday, Trial Day 1: Opening statements by prosecutor Beth Silverman. Defense will do opening statements on Tuesday when prosecutor is finished. Trial continues on Tuesday, 1/28/25.
*Christopher Austin (38/now 39) – Plead guilty on 1/17/25. Sentencing hearing on 4/30/25.
*Robert Louis Baker (55/now 61) (wife’s BF) plead no contest/guilty on 7/7/23 & sentenced to life without parole.