Trials & Sentencings for July, 2022

[Niner]

For Friday, July 1st:
*Trial set to begin (for both cases) (@ CT) – TX – Infant (4 mos.) (July 12, 2018, San Antonio) – *Terrence Wayne Harper (30/now 33) arrested & charged (7/16/18), indicted (12/18/18) & arraigned (12/21/18) with causing serious injuries to a child (son). Plead not guilty. $150K bond, released.
Infant (5 mos.) (Mar. 12, 2012, San Antonio) – Rearrested & charged (12/19/18), indicted (12/17/18) & arraigned (12/21/18) with capital murder of a child under 10. Plead not guilty. $500K bond.
Trial was set to begin on 5/13/22 continued on 7/1/22.
Court info from 1/23/19 thru 1/21/22 reference post #89 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...12-baby-death-bexar-co-dec-2018.407789/page-5
5/13/22 Friday, Trial was rescheduled to 7/1/22.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Friday, July 1st:
*Trial set to begin-CONTINUED! (for both cases) (@ CT) – TX – Infant (4 mos.) (July 12, 2018, San Antonio) – *Terrence Wayne Harper (30/now 33) arrested & charged (7/16/18), indicted (12/18/18) & arraigned (12/21/18) with causing serious injuries to a child (son). Plead not guilty. $150K bond, released. Case #2018CR13416
Infant (5 mos.) (Mar. 12, 2012, San Antonio) – Rearrested & charged (12/19/18), indicted (12/17/18) & arraigned (12/21/18) with capital murder of a child under 10. Plead not guilty. $500K bond. Case #2018CR13417
Trial was set to begin on 5/13/22 continued on 7/1/22 & was continued with no further dates.
Court info from 1/23/19 thru 1/21/22 reference post #89 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...12-baby-death-bexar-co-dec-2018.407789/page-5
5/13/22 Friday, Trial was rescheduled to 7/1/22. 7/1/22 Update: Case #2018CR13417: Set trial date hearing on 8/23/22, awaiting trial hearing on 8/26/22 & hearing on 10/10/22. Case #2018CR13416: Set trial date on 8/26/22 & hearing on 9/30/22.

 

[Niner]

Happy 4th to all the U.S. Websleuthers!


For the week of Tuesday, July 5th thru Friday, July 8th

Tuesday, July 5th:
*Jury Selection begins (filling out questionnaires) (@ 9am 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) – for *George Washington Wagner IV (27/now 30) (Jakes’ bro) indicted (11/12/18), arrested (11/13/18), charged (11/15/18) & arraigned (11/28/18) with 8 counts 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. Held without bond. DA will seek the DP. Per Jake’s plea agreement, DP is off the table if his testimony is truthful.
Trial set to begin on 8/29/22 with general voir dire for the jury, opening statements, evidence, etc. (Trial is scheduled for 30 days).
7/5/22 through 7/8/22 & 7/11/22 through 7/15/22, beginning each day at 9am - completion of jury questionnaires by summoned prospective jurors.
8/8/22 through 8/12/22 - each day beginning at 9am - individual voir dire.
8/15/22 through 8/19/22 - each day beginning at 9am - individual voir dire.
8/29/22 at 9am - beginning of trial, including general voir dire for the jury, opening statements, evidence & so forth. The jury trial is scheduled for 30 days.
Crime info & court hearings from 11/28/18 thru 6/10/22 reference post #284 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...bers-wagner-family-arrested-69.623311/page-15

*Trial set to begin-CONTINUED! (@ am ET) - SC - Iyana Lowery (8) & Ella Lowery (36) (Mom found in home May 5, 2017, Bennettsville; Iyana found in a creek May 14, 2017 in McColl outside of Bennettsville) - *Jejauncey Fernando Harrington (32/now 36) charged & indicted (9/12/17) on 2 counts of murder, kidnapping, 2 counts of possession of a weapon during a violent crime, armed robbery with a deadly weapon, and the use of vehicle without permission with intent to deprive. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA will seek DP.
Iyana's DNA was found in the trunk of Harrington's car.
Trial was set to begin on 7/5/22 was continued due to scheduling conflicts, no further dates.

*Trial set to begin (@ am ET) – NJ – Daniel Griner, Jr. (23 mos.) (reported missing @ 6:30pm Feb. 8, 2019, Bridgeton; found 2/9/19 @ 3am buried in yard, burned & dismembered in her purse) - *Nakira Monae Griner (24/now 27) arrested & charged (2/9/19) & indicted (6/19/19) & arraigned (10/7/19) with 1st degree murder, 2nd degree endangering the welfare of a child, 2nd degree desecration of human remains, 4th degree tampering with evidence & 2nd degree false public alarm. Plead not guilty. No bond.
Said beat toddler for not eating & not listening to her. Died from blunt force trauma & multiply bone fractures.
Trial was set to begin on 6/13/22 continued to 7/5/22.
Court hearings from 2/14/19 thru 4/25/22 reference post #236 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...rland-county-8-feb-2019-arrest.422589/page-12
6/13/22 Monday – Trial has been rescheduled to 7/5/22.

*Trial continues (Day 10) (@ 8:30am PT) - CA - Kris Anderson (57) (June 11, 2016, Santa Monica) - *Theo Andrew Krah (28 @ time of crime/31/now 36, Navy SEAL) indicted & arrested (6/13/16) & arraigned (10/21/16) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. $2M bail.
Trial began on 6/15/22.
Court info from 7/31/18 thru 4/12/22 & Trial days 1-6 (6/15 – 6/27/22) reference post #357 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/threads/my-friend-was-murdered-last-saturday.310412/page-18
6/28/22 Tuesday, Trial Day 7: No info available. Trial continues on 6/29/22.
6/29/22 Wednesday, Trail Day 8: No info available. Trial continues on 6/30/22.
6/30/22 Thursday, Trial Day 9: No info available. Trial continues on Tuesday, 7/5/22, court is dark on Fridays & Monday is July 4th.

*Trial continues (Day 28)/Jury Deliberations (Day 5)-VERDICT WATCH! (@ 8am PT) - CA – *Ramesh “Sunny” Balwani (53/now 57) (CFO & President of Theranos) indicted & charged (6/14/18) & arraigned (6/15/18) with 9 counts of wire fraud & 2 counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Another count of wire fraud was added in 2020, bringing the total number of felony charges to 12. Plead not guilty. No bond. Faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison & a fine of $2.75 million, plus restitution, & $250K for each individual count of wire fraud & conspiracy. Plead Not guilty. SEC 5:18-cv-01603 filed 3/14/18 pending; plead not guilty.
Defrauding investors out of $700 million in funding for their blood-testing startup Theranos.
Trial began on 3/22/22. Jury left: 12 jurors (8 women & 4 men) & 2 alternates (2 men). Jury change: Judge excuses #10 (vacation plans) & replaces her with alternate #5. Jury Self: 12 jurors (7 women & 5 men) & 1 alternate (man). See post #203 here for jury eliminations:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...56-theranos-wire-fraud-charges.614821/page-11
Jury Deliberations: 6/24/22 Day 1: ~2 hours. Total: ~2 hours. 6/27/22 Day 2: ~7 hours (no lunch break). Total: ~9 hours. 6/28/22 Day 3: ~8 hours. Total: ~17 hours. 6/29/22 Day 4: ~8 hours. Total: ~25 hours.
Trial Court will be in session on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays (from 9-3), but the jury may be asked to come in on some Mondays & Thursdays as well. The Government rested their case on 5/20/22. Defense rested their case on 6/9/22. Trial dates so far for jury deliberations: 7/5.
Indictment & court info from 4/11/20 thru 3/8/22 & Jury selection (Day 1-4) 3/9/22 to 3/15/22 & 3/16 to 3/21/22 & Trial Days 1-2 (3/22 to 3/23/22) & hearing on 3/29/22 & 4/12/22 & Trial Days 3-14 (3/30 to 4/29/22) & 5/3/22 & Trial Days 15-20 (5/4 & 5/20/22) & 5/17, 5/19, 5/23 & 6/10/22 (no jurors) & Trial Days 21-24 (6/21 & 6/24/22) & Jury Deliberations Day 1-3 (6/24, 6/27, 6/28/22) reference post #230 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...56-theranos-wire-fraud-charges.614821/page-12
6/29/22 Wednesday, Trial Day 26/Jury Deliberations Day 3: Jurors continued deliberations. The jury note says "trial exhibit 5441 says it should be available in native format ... but we do not see it." The exhibit looks like a lengthy ~50 page excel spreadsheet of Theranos financial projections that was attached to an email exchange with investor Brian Grossman. After some discussion among the attorneys, counsel for both sides identified exhibit 4093, which is the spreadsheet in its "native format." The judge says he will inform the jury & "I'll see you soon."
For more info see post #230 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...56-theranos-wire-fraud-charges.614821/page-12
Jurors deliberated from 8am to 5pm (! hour lunch). Deliberations continued on Tuesday, 7/5/22.
*Elizabeth A. Holmes (34/now 37) (CEO of Theranos) – Trial began on 9/8/21 & ended 1/3/22 with a verdict of guilty on 4 counts of 11. Sentencing hearing on 9/26/22. Filed (5/27/22) for dismissal of all charges. Next motions hearing on 7/21/22.


Friday, July 8th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ am PT) - CA – Roman Anthony Lopez (11) (last seen Saturday morning Jan. 11, 2020, found later in evening dead in a storage bin in the basement, Placerville) – death is being investigated as suspicious. for *Lindsay Marie Piper (38/now 40) “stepmother” arrested (2/3/21), charged (2/4/21) & arraigned (2/9/21) with 1 count of willful cruelty to child possible injury/death & causing cruel & extreme pain for revenge & extortion of sadistic purpose, 1 count of torture & 1 count of willful poisoning/etc. food/etc. Plead not guilty. $1.3M bond. Additional charge (10/29/21) & arraigned (11/19/21) of murder. Plead not guilty.
Changed plea (5/16/22) to no contest for 2nd degree murder. Sentencing on 7/8/22.
Piper willfully & unlawfully mingled a poison & harmful substance with food, drink, medicine & pharmaceutical product & placed a poison & harmful substance in a spring, well, reservoir & public water supply.
Info on crime, where children are & court info from 2/4/21 to 2/28/22 reference post #953 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...lacerville-11-jan-2020-arrests.496688/page-48
5/16/22 Update: Lindsey Piper changed her plea from not guilty to no contest to 2nd degree murder. Lindsay is scheduled to be sentenced 7/8/22 & faces 15 years to life in prison. Her not guilty plea to child abuse & torture charges remains.
*Jordon Thomas Piper (35/now 36) “father” – Pre-preliminary hearing on 6/24/22.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Tuesday, July 5th:
*Trial was set to begin (@ am ET) – NJ – Daniel Griner, Jr. (23 mos.) (reported missing @ 6:30pm Feb. 8, 2019, Bridgeton; found 2/9/19 @ 3am buried in yard, burned & dismembered in her purse) - *Nakira Monae Griner (24/now 27) arrested & charged (2/9/19) & indicted (6/19/19) & arraigned (10/7/19) with 1st degree murder, 2nd degree endangering the welfare of a child, 2nd degree desecration of human remains, 4th degree tampering with evidence & 2nd degree false public alarm. Plead not guilty. No bond.
Said beat toddler for not eating & not listening to her. Died from blunt force trauma & multiply bone fractures.
Trial was set to begin on 7/5/22 continued to 8/23/22.
Court hearings from 2/14/19 thru 6/13/22 reference post #249 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...rland-county-8-feb-2019-arrest.422589/page-13
7/5/22 Tuesday, Trial was continued to 8/23/22.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Thursday, July 7th:
*Trial continues (Day 30)/Jury Deliberations (Day 6)-VERDICT REACHED! (@ 9am PT) - CA – *Ramesh “Sunny” Balwani (53/now 57) (CFO & President of Theranos) indicted & charged (6/14/18) & arraigned (6/15/18) with 9 counts of wire fraud & 2 counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Another count of wire fraud was added in 2020, bringing the total number of felony charges to 12. Plead not guilty. Unsecured bon $500K was modified (7/7/22) to secured $750K bond. Faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison & a fine of $2.75 million, plus restitution, & $250K for each individual count of wire fraud & conspiracy. Plead not guilty. SEC 5:18-cv-01603 filed 3/14/18 pending; plead not guilty.
Defrauding investors out of $700 million in funding for their blood-testing startup Theranos.
Trial began on 3/22/22. Jury left: 12 jurors (8 women & 4 men) & 2 alternates (2 men). Jury change: Judge excused #10 (vacation plans) & replaces her with alternate #5. Jury Self: 12 jurors (7 women & 5 men) & 1 alternate (man). See post #203 here for jury eliminations:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...56-theranos-wire-fraud-charges.614821/page-11
Jury Deliberations: 6/24/22 Day 1: ~2 hours. Total: ~2 hours. 6/28/22 Day 2: ~8 hours. Total: ~10 hours. 6/29/22 Day 3: ~8 hours. Total: ~18 hours. 7/5/22 Day 4: ~8 hours. Total: ~26 hours. 7/6/22 Day 5: ~7 hours. 7/7/22 Day 6: ~2 hours. Total: ~35 hours of deliberations.
Trial Court will be in session on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays (from 9-3), but the jury may be asked to come in on some Mondays & Thursdays as well. The Government rested their case on 5/20/22. Defense rested their case on 6/9/22. Trial dates so far for jury deliberations: 7/7/22.
Indictment & court info from 4/11/20 thru 3/8/22 & Jury selection (Day 1-4) 3/9/22 to 3/15/22 & 3/16 to 3/21/22 & Trial Days 1-2 (3/22 to 3/23/22) & hearing on 3/29/22 & 4/12/22 & Trial Days 3-14 (3/30 to 4/29/22) & 5/3/22 & Trial Days 15-20 (5/4 & 5/20/22) & 5/17, 5/19, 5/23 & 6/10/22 (no jurors) & Trial Days 21-29 (6/21 & 6/28-6/29, 7/5-7/6/22) & Jury Deliberations Day 1-5 (6/24 & 6/28-6/29, 7/5 & 7/6/22) reference post #237 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...56-theranos-wire-fraud-charges.614821/page-12
7/7/22 Thursday, Trial Day 30/Jury Deliberations Day 6: Balwani has been found guilty of all 12 criminal charges against him. Judge Ed Davila just set Balwani's sentencing for 11/15/22 at 10 am & he is referring Balwani to the probation office for the pre-sentencing report. Judge Davila says he'll modify Balwani's bond from unsecured to secured & increase it from $500k to $750k.
for more info see post #244 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...56-theranos-wire-fraud-charges.614821/page-13
*Elizabeth A. Holmes (34/now 37) (CEO of Theranos) – Trial began on 9/8/21 & ended 1/3/22 with a verdict of guilty on 4 counts of 11. Sentencing hearing on 9/26/22. Filed (5/27/22) for dismissal of all charges. Next motions hearing on 7/21/22.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Thursday, July 7th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 2pm CT) - *Federal Grand Jury indicted & charged (5/7/21) Derek Michael Chauvin (44/now 45) for violated Floyd’s civil rights. Charged with violating Floyd's right to be free from unreasonable seizure, unreasonable force by a police officer & for failure to provide Floyd with medical care. Also indicted & charged (5/7/21) in a second indictment (stemming from the arrest & neck restraint of a 14-year-old boy in 2017) with Count 1 without legal justification held the teenager by the throat & struck the teenager multiple times in the head with a flashlight. Alleges that this offense included the use of a dangerous weapon-a flashlight & resulted in bodily injury to teenager. Count 2 charges that Chauvin held his knee on the neck & the upper back of teenager even after the teenager was lying prone, handcuffed & unresisting, also resulting in bodily injury.
Plead guilty on 6/4/21.
Court info from 5/7/21 to 6/22/22 reference post #345 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ody-minneapolis-25-may-2020-21.586952/page-18
7/5/22 Update: U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson on Tuesday set Chauvin's sentencing hearing for 2pm Thursday, 7/7/22 in St. Paul. Chauvin's plea agreement calls for a sentence of 20 to 25 years in prison. Federal prosecutors last month asked for 25 years, on the high end of that range, saying his actions were cold-blooded & needless. The defense's sentencing position remains sealed.
7/7/22 Update: U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson sentenced Chauvin to 21 years for violating George Floyd’s civil rights, extending prison time. Prior to his sentencing Thursday, Chauvin wished Floyd's children 'all the best in their lives' and that they have 'excellent guidance in becoming good adults.' He did not offer an apology. He will serve the state & federal sentences concurrently in a federal prison. Chauvin is appealing his murder conviction, arguing that jurors were intimidated by the protests that followed & prejudiced by heavy pretrial publicity.
*Charged (7/22/20) with 6 counts of aiding & abetting taxes-false or fraudulent returns-filed with commissioner & 3 counts of aiding & abetting taxes-failure to file return, report, document. Omnibus hearing on 9/23/22.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Friday, July 8th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ am PT) - CA – Roman Anthony Lopez (11) (last seen Saturday morning Jan. 11, 2020, found later in evening dead in a storage bin in the basement, Placerville) – death is being investigated as suspicious. *Lindsay Marie Piper (38/now 40) “stepmother” arrested (2/3/21), charged (2/4/21) & arraigned (2/9/21) with 1 count of willful cruelty to child possible injury/death & causing cruel & extreme pain for revenge & extortion of sadistic purpose, 1 count of torture & 1 count of willful poisoning/etc. food/etc. Plead not guilty. $1.3M bond. Additional charge (10/29/21) & arraigned (11/19/21) of murder. Plead not guilty.
Changed plea (5/16/22) to no contest for 2nd degree murder. Sentencing on 7/8/22.
Piper willfully & unlawfully mingled a poison & harmful substance with food, drink, medicine & pharmaceutical product & placed a poison & harmful substance in a spring, well, reservoir & public water supply.
Info on crime, where children are & court info from 2/4/21 to 2/28/22 reference post #953 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...lacerville-11-jan-2020-arrests.496688/page-48
5/16/22 Update: Lindsey Piper changed her plea from not guilty to no contest to 2nd degree murder. Lindsay is scheduled to be sentenced 7/8/22 & faces 15 years to life in prison. Her not guilty plea to child abuse & torture charges remains.
7/8/22 Update: Piper on Friday was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison with possibility of parole.
*Jordon Thomas Piper (35/now 36) “father” – State charges: Pre-preliminary hearing on 6/24/22. Federal charges: preliminary hearing on 9/7/22. No update 7/7/22.

 

[Niner]

For the weeks of Monday, July 11th thru Friday, July 15th:

Monday, July 11th:
*Jury Selection Begins (for Ruben only) (@ 8:30am PT) - CA - Kristin Denise Smart (19) (missing May 25, 1996 while walking back to her dorm from a off campus frat party at Cal Poly, reported missing on May 26, 1996, San Luis Obispo, still missing; legally declared dead on May 25, 2002) – *Paul Ruben Flores (19 @ time of crime/44/now 45) arrested (4/13/21), charged (4/14/21) & arraigned (10/20/21) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. No bond.
*Ruben Ricardo Flores (55 @ time of crime/80/now 81) arrested (4/13/21), charged (4/14/21) & arraigned (10/20/21) with accessory to murder after the fact. Plead not guilty. $250K bond. Bond was lower to $50K. Has posted bond (4/22/21), out of jail.
Trial began with final jury selection started 6/27 & ended 6/28/22 for Paul & for Ruben jury selection starts on 7/11/22.
Trial set to begin on 7/18/22 with opening statements for Paul in am & Ruben in pm.
Trial has been moved from San Luis Obispo County to Monterey County in Salinas. For 2 juries: 12 jurors & 8 alternates.
Case & court info from 5/17/21 to 6/7/22 & Jury Questionnaire Day 1-5 (6/13-6/17/22) & 6/20/22 & Final Jury Selection Day 1-2 (6/27 & 6/28/22) & 7/6 to 7/7/22 (Day 1 & 2 of motions hearings) reference post #333 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...s-obispo-25-may-1996-arrests-3.588288/page-17
7/8/22 Update: Pretrial motions for Paul Day 3: State witness: Cindy Arrington, testified on cross examination via Zoom (re ground penetrating radar) that the soil in that area showed signs of being “mixed extensively” & contained a ‘bathtub ring’ stain around the outer edge, indicating that something once buried in that hole had leaked. Arrington was excused & defense attorney Robert Sanger called Dr. David Carter via Zoom, a Professor of Forensic Sciences at Chaminade University in Honolulu. Carter received photos & reports from Sanger & sent someone to collect new soil samples from Ruben’s property. Sanger then called Dr. Elizabeth Johnson to the stand via Zoom. Johnson is a forensic science consultant with a PhD in Immunology.
For more info see posts #339-340 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...s-obispo-25-may-1996-arrests-3.588288/page-17
For more info see posts #341-343 & 345 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...s-obispo-25-may-1996-arrests-3.588288/page-18\
Ruben's jury selection will begin on Monday, 7/11/22.
[July 18 ‐ in the am. Opening Statements Paul Flores; July 18 – in the pm. Opening Statements Ruben Flores. July 19: Onward Presentation of Evidence].

*Trial set to begin (@ 8:30am MT) – NM – Victoria Martens (10) (Aug. 23, 2016, Albuquerque) – *Fabian Elias Gonzales (33/now 38) (“mom’s” BF) arrested & charged (9/9/16), indicted (9/10/16) & arraigned (9/16/16) with 1 count of intentional abuse of a child resulting in death, 8 counts of tampering with evidence, 1 count of intentional child abuse & 1 count of conspiracy to commit intentional child abuse & 1 count of conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence. Plead not guilty. $1M cash only bond.
Trial set to begin on 7/11/22.
Court information from 6/30/18 thru 6/29/22 reference post #855 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...lbuquerque-23-aug-2016-arrests.315539/page-43
7/1/22: Gonzales' trial is set to begin next week, but he’s arguing no matter the outcome, he should get credit for his pre-sentence confinement. According to a motion filed by Gonzales, he says he spent nearly 1,400 days in MDC until his release in November 2019. He also wants credit for the last 947 days he’s spent on GPS, saying it has limited his freedom of movement. It totals more than six years, but it’s a request the state is fighting. 7/2/22: In response, the State argues he has never had an exclusion zone, curfew, or a significant limitation of his freedom. A hearing date has not been scheduled. State's response to defendant's Motion in Limine re admission of video recordings. Next hearing on 7/6/22.
7/6/22 Update: Next trial set to begin on 7/11/22 with jury selection. Opening statements could happen in the middle of the week.
*Jessica Rosalie Kelley (33/now 38) (cousin of FG) – plead no contest (1/7/19) to reckless abuse of a child resulting in death, 3 counts of tampering with evidence, 1 count of aggravated battery & 1 count of conspiracy. Sentenced on 4/28/22 to 50 years with 6 years suspended. Once Kelley is released from prison, she will be on probation for 5 years. Will testify at Gonzales’ trial.
*Michelle Martens (37/now 42) (“mom”) – plead guilty (6/29/18) to 1 count of intentional abuse of child resulting in death, with all other charges dropped. Will testify against Gonzales & will be sentenced after that case is over. Faces up to 12-15 years in prison. Sentencing hearing on 2/11/22 was cancelled on court site.

*Trial set to begin (@ am CT) – TX – King Jay Davila (8 mos.) (reported missing Jan. 4, 2019, San Antonio; found Jan. 10, 2019 in a field wrapped in a blanket inside of a black backpack) – for *Beatrice Sampayo Davila (65/now 68) arrested & charged (1/10/19) & arraigned (4/5/19) with 3rd degree tampering with evidence. Plead not guilty. $250K bond reduced (2/8/19) to $50K. Released (2/10/19) with ankle monitor. Removal of ankle monitor on 7/6/21.
Trial was set to begin on 4/25/22 continued to 7/11/22.
Info & court hearings from 1/10/19 thru 11/16/21 reference post #126 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...an-antonio-4-jan-2019-arrests-2.532029/page-7
4/25/22 Update: Trial has been continued to 7/11/22. 7/7/22: Motion for continuance. 7/8/22: Order for continuance-denied. Trial to begin on 7/11/22.
*Angie Torres (45/now 49) – Plead guilty (10/15/21) & sentenced to 8 years in prison.
*Christopher Sampayo Davila (34/now 37) “father” – Found guilty (6/29/21) & sentenced to 40 years in prison.


Tuesday, July 12th - not too sure IF this starts on Monday or Tuesday.
*Jury Selection Questionnaire Completion (Day 1) (@ 9am 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) – for *George Washington Wagner IV (27/now 30) (Jakes’ bro) indicted (11/12/18), arrested (11/13/18), charged (11/15/18) & arraigned (11/28/18) with 8 counts 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. Held without bond. DA will seek the DP. Per Jake’s plea agreement, DP is off the table if his testimony is truthful.
Trial set to begin on 8/29/22 with general voir dire for the jury, opening statements, evidence, etc. (Trial is scheduled for 30 days).
7/11/22 changed to 7/12/22 (per transport of GW4) through 7/15/22, beginning each day at 9am - completion of jury questionnaires by summoned prospective jurors.
8/8/22 through 8/12/22 - each day beginning at 9am - individual voir dire.
8/15/22 through 8/19/22 - each day beginning at 9am - individual voir dire.
8/29/22 at 9am - beginning of trial, including general voir dire for the jury, opening statements, evidence & so forth. The jury trial is scheduled for 30 days.
Crime info & court hearings from 11/28/18 thru 6/30/22 & Jury Questionnaires (Day 1-3) 7/5 thru 7/7/22 reference post #526 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...bers-wagner-family-arrested-69.623311/page-27
7/1/22: Order regarding media participation & general decorum at all proceedings including but not limited to pretrials, motion hearing, voir dire and/or trial filed.
7/6/22: Warrant for removal from Montgomery County jail on 7/12, 7/13 & 7/14/22 @ 9am. Warrant for removal from Montgomery/Scioto County jail 8/8/22 & each day thereafter thru Friday, 8/12/22. Defendant shall arrive at the Pike County court on or before 9am.Warrant for removal from Monday, 8/15/22 & each day thereafter thru Friday, 8/19/22; the defendant shall arrive at the Pike County Common Pleas Court on or before 9am. Warrant for removal from Montgomery County jail on Monday, 8/29/22 & each weekday thereafter until further notice; defendant shall arrive at the Pike County court on or before 8:30am each day.
*George Washington Wagner III (47/now 51) – Pretrial hearing on 2/1/22.
*Edward Jacob “Jake” Wagner (26/now 29) – Plead guilty (4/22/21) to all charges & will testify in the trials.
*Angela Jo Wagner (48/now 51) – 9/10/21: Plead guilty to a plea deal to Counts 9 thru 22, Counts 1-8 were dismissed. Will be sentenced to 30 years in prison with no early release & has to testify against others at trial.
*Rita Jo Newcomb (65/now 69) – Last Motions hearing on 12/2/19 entered a plea of guilty. Expected to testify in the trials.
*Fredericka Carol Wagner (76/now 80) – 6/26/19 Charges were dismissed without prejudice.


Wednesday, July 13th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am CT) – TX – Sierra Makayla Patino (5) (died August 27, 2019, found in closet on Sept. 2, 2019, Houston) - *Priscilla Nicole Torres (27/now 29) “mom” arrested & charged (9/3/19) & arraigned (3/11/20) with tampering with evidence, a human corpse. $50K bond, bonded reduced (9/3/19) to $10K. Bonded reset (1/14/20) at $25K, bonded out (3/14/20).
Confessed Sierra died 8/27/19 from ingesting chemicals.
Court info from 9/5/19 thru 9/10/21 reference post #132 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ouston-3-sept-2019-mom-arrested.471571/page-7
On 9/10/21 entered a guilty plea.
12/7/21 Update: Pre-sentence investigation hearing was rescheduled on 2/22/22. 2/21/22: Order Ex-parte Motion Addison mitigation funds. Tampering: Next pre-sentence investigation hearing on 4/28/22. 4/28/22 Update: Pre-sentence investigation hearing-reset by agreement of both parties. Grant ex-parte additional funds. Next pre-sentence investigation hearing on 6/2/22.
6/2/22 Update: Pre-sentence investigation hearing was reset to 6/22/22. 6/22/22 Update: Pre-sentence investigation hearing was vacated. Next sentencing hearing on 7/13/22.
Santiago Esparza, Jr. (30/now 32) (BF) – Jury trial set to begin on 7/13/22.
ALSO:
*Trial set to begin (@ 9am CT) – TX – Sierra Makayla Patino (5) (died August 27, 2019, found in closet on Sept. 2, 2019, Houston) – *Santiago Esparza, Jr. aka Santiago Esparza Resendez (30/now 32) (BF) arrested & charged (9/7/19) & indicted (1/15/20 arraignment was cancelled) with felony tampering with evidence, a human corpse. $100K bond. Bonded out (3/29/21) on GPS monitoring.
Trial was set to begin on 6/30/22 continued on 7/13/22.
Court info from 9/7/19 thru 6/8/22 reference post #147 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ouston-3-sept-2019-mom-arrested.471571/page-8
6/16/22 Update: Plea reset by agreement of both parties. Next Status hearing on 6/28/22. 6/28/22 Update: Hearing reset by agreement of both parties. Next on docket trial on 7/13/22.
*Priscilla Nicole Torres (27/now 29) “mom” – Plead guilty on 9/10/21. Sentencing hearing on 7/13/22.


Thursday, July 14th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ am PT) – WA – Hazel Journey Holman (3) (Nov. 27, 2019, Bellingham) - *Kamee Nicole Dixon (27/now 29) (Father’s GF) arrested (12/5/19), charged (12/6/19), indicted (12/9/19) & arraigned (12/13/19) with homicide by abuse (domestic violence) & 2nd degree murder (domestic violence). Plead not guilty. $1M bond.
Trial began on 6/6/22 & ended 6/22/22; jury started deliberations on 6/22/22 & ended 6/30/22 with guilty verdict on homicide by abuse.
Court info from 12/6/19 thru 4/5/22 & Trial Day 1-15 (4/11 to 5/2/22) & Trial Days 1-12 (6/6-6/22/22) & Jury Deliberations Days 1-5 (6/22-6/28/22) reference post #231 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-bellingham-27-nov-2019-arrest.489743/page-12
6/29/22 Wednesday, Trial Day 17/Jury Deliberations Day 6: Jurors continued deliberations. And continued on 6/30/22.
6/30/22 Thursday, Trial Day 18/Jury Deliberations Day 7: Dixon has been found guilty of homicide by abuse for the 2019 death of Hazel Homan. The jury did not come to a verdict on the murder charge, & Whatcom prosecutor Eric J. Richey said he thinks the second charge will likely be dismissed. Dixon’s sentencing will take place on 7/14/22.


Friday, July 15th:
*Trial set to begin (@ 9am PT) – CA – Blaze Bernstein (19) (Jan. 2, 2018, Lake Forest; found Jan. 9, 2018; he was stabbed 19 times in his neck; 14 times on the left, 5 on the right & 1 stab wound in his left knee) – *Samuel Lincoln Woodward (20/now 24) arrested & charged (1/17/18) with 1 count of felony murder with a hate crime enhancement for killing someone because of their sexual orientation & sentencing enhancement-personal use of a knife. Plead not guilty (again on 11/9/18). $5M bail, bail revoked (11/9/18).
Could be sentenced from 26 years to life in prison without parole.
Trial set to begin on 7/15/22.
Court hearings from 2/2/18 thru 4/20/22 reference post #25 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...lake-forest-2-jan-2018-8-arrest.618349/page-2
4/22/22 Update: No info on hearing. Next pretrial trial readiness hearing on 6/24/22. 6/24/22 Update: Next motions hearing @ 9am & pretrial hearing @ 11am on 7/8/22. 7/8/22 Update: Next trial set to begin on 7/15/22.

*Bench Trial continues (Day 5)-Verdict will be read (@ am CT) - MO - Savannah Francis Leckie (16) (reported missing July 20, 2017, Theodosia; remains found Aug. 4, 2017 on property, Ozark County) – for *Rebecca M. Ruud (39/now 43), “mother” arrested & charged (8/21/17) & indicted (9/20/17) with 1st & 2nd degree murder, abuse of a child resulting in death, tampering with evidence & abandonment of corpse. Plead not guilty. Denied bond (10/16/18).
Bench Trial set to begin on 6/27/22 (thru 6/29) before 31st Judicial Circuit Judge Calvin Holden in Green County in Springfield. Held beginning at 8:30 a.m. each morning Monday through Wednesday.
Court info from 1/30/18 thru 6/24/22 & Trial days 1-3 (6/27 – 6/29/22) reference post #908 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...theodosia-18-july-2017-arrests.344222/page-46
6/30/22 Thursday, Trial Day 4: Closing arguments by Assistant Attorney General Anthony Brown & by public defender Lauren Kate Welborn.
For more info see posts #913 & 917 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...theodosia-18-july-2017-arrests.344222/page-46
Following the arguments, Judge Holden, who was presiding over the bench trial, said he would take a few weeks to go over all the witnesses and the testimony. He said he would announce his verdict by 7/15/22.
7/5/22: Claims Filed. Smart witness Claim (total $167) filed by witness. 7/6/22: Order per Judge Holden, witness fees are assessed against defendant filed.
*Robert Peat, Jr. (31/now 33) – Pretrial conference hearing on 5/18/21 was cancelled. Next hearing will be after Ruud’s trial.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Monday, July 11th:
*Trial set to begin-CONTINUED! (@ am CT) – TX – King Jay Davila (8 mos.) (reported missing Jan. 4, 2019, San Antonio; found Jan. 10, 2019 in a field wrapped in a blanket inside of a black backpack) – for *Beatrice Sampayo Davila (65/now 68) arrested & charged (1/10/19) & arraigned (4/5/19) with 3rd degree tampering with evidence. Plead not guilty. $250K bond reduced (2/8/19) to $50K. Released (2/10/19) with ankle monitor. Removal of ankle monitor on 7/6/21.
Trial was set to begin on 7/11/22 continued to 9/12/22.
Info & court hearings from 1/10/19 thru 7/8/22 reference post #132 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...an-antonio-4-jan-2019-arrests-2.532029/page-7
7/11/22 Update: Trial was continued to 9/12/22.
*Angie Torres (45/now 49) – Plead guilty (10/15/21) & sentenced to 8 years in prison.
*Christopher Sampayo Davila (34/now 37) “father” – Found guilty (6/29/21) & sentenced to 40 years in prison.

 

[Niner]

Update!

*Sentencing Hearing-CONTINUED! (@ 9am CT) – TX – Sierra Makayla Patino (5) (died August 27, 2019, found in closet on Sept. 2, 2019, Houston) - *Priscilla Nicole Torres (27/now 30) “mom” arrested & charged (9/3/19) & arraigned (3/11/20) with tampering with evidence, a human corpse. $50K bond, bonded reduced (9/3/19) to $10K. Bonded reset (1/14/20) at $25K, bonded out (3/14/20).
Confessed Sierra died 8/27/19 from ingesting chemicals.
Court info from 9/5/19 thru 9/10/21 reference post #132 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ouston-3-sept-2019-mom-arrested.471571/page-7
On 9/10/21 entered a guilty plea.
12/7/21 Update: Pre-sentence investigation hearing was rescheduled on 2/22/22. 2/21/22: Order Ex-parte Motion Addison mitigation funds. Tampering: Next pre-sentence investigation hearing on 4/28/22. 4/28/22 Update: Pre-sentence investigation hearing-reset by agreement of both parties. Grant ex-parte additional funds. Next pre-sentence investigation hearing on 6/2/22.
6/2/22 Update: Pre-sentence investigation hearing was reset to 6/22/22. 6/22/22 Update: Pre-sentence investigation hearing was vacated. Next sentencing hearing on 7/13/22.
7/12/22 Update: Sentencing hearing rescheduled on 8/5/22.
Santiago Esparza, Jr. (30/now 32) (BF) – Jury trial set to begin on 7/18/22.

ALSO:
*Trial set to begin-RESCHEDULED! (@ 9am CT) – TX – Sierra Makayla Patino (5) (died August 27, 2019, found in closet on Sept. 2, 2019, Houston) – *Santiago Esparza, Jr. aka Santiago Esparza Resendez (30/now 32) (BF) arrested & charged (9/7/19) & indicted (1/15/20 arraignment was cancelled) with felony tampering with evidence, a human corpse. $100K bond. Bonded out (3/29/21) on GPS monitoring.
Trial was set to begin on 6/30/22 continued on 7/13/22 continued to 7/18/22.
Court info from 9/7/19 thru 6/8/22 reference post #147 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ouston-3-sept-2019-mom-arrested.471571/page-8
6/16/22 Update: Plea reset by agreement of both parties. Next Status hearing on 6/28/22. 6/28/22 Update: Hearing reset by agreement of both parties. Next on docket trial on 7/13/22.
7/13/22 Update: Trial was rescheduled to 7/18/22.
*Priscilla Nicole Torres (27/now 29) “mom” – Plead guilty on 9/10/21. Sentencing hearing on 8/5/22.

 

[Niner]

For the week of Monday, July 18th thru Friday, July 22nd:

Monday, July 18th:
*Trial set to begin (@ 9am CT) – TX – Sierra Makayla Patino (5) (died August 27, 2019, found in closet on Sept. 2, 2019, Houston) – *Santiago Esparza, Jr. aka Santiago Esparza Resendez (30/now 32) (BF) arrested & charged (9/7/19) & indicted (1/15/20 arraignment was cancelled) with felony tampering with evidence, a human corpse. $100K bond. Bonded out (3/29/21) on GPS monitoring.
Trial was set to begin on 6/30/22 continued on 7/13/22 continued to 7/18/22.
Court info from 9/7/19 thru 6/8/22 reference post #147 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ouston-3-sept-2019-mom-arrested.471571/page-8
6/16/22 Update: Plea reset by agreement of both parties. Next Status hearing on 6/28/22. 6/28/22 Update: Hearing reset by agreement of both parties. Next on docket trial on 7/13/22. 7/13/22 Update: Trial was rescheduled to 7/18/22.
*Priscilla Nicole Torres (27/now 29) “mom” – Plead guilty on 9/10/21. Sentencing hearing on 8/5/22.

*Trial set to begin (@ 8:30am PT) - CA - Kristin Denise Smart (19) (missing May 25, 1996 while walking back to her dorm from a off campus frat party at Cal Poly, reported missing on May 26, 1996, San Luis Obispo, still missing; legally declared dead on May 25, 2002) – *Paul Ruben Flores (19 @ time of crime/44/now 45) arrested (4/13/21), charged (4/14/21) & arraigned (10/20/21) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. No bond.
*Ruben Ricardo Flores (55 @ time of crime/80/now 81) arrested (4/13/21), charged (4/14/21) & arraigned (10/20/21) with accessory to murder after the fact. Plead not guilty. $250K bond. Bond was lower to $50K. Has posted bond (4/22/21), out of jail.
Trial began with final jury selection for Paul from 6/27 & ended 6/28/22 & for Ruben jury selection started on 7/11 & ended 7/12/22.
Trial set to begin on 7/18/22 with opening statements for Paul in am & Ruben in pm. Paul’s attorney Robert Sanger & Ruben’s is Harold V. Mesick. Prosecutor is Christopher Peuvrelle. Judge O’Keefe presiding.
Trial has been moved from San Luis Obispo County to Monterey County in Salinas. For 2 juries each: 12 jurors & 8 alternates.
Case & court info from 5/17/21 thru Final Jury Selection Day 1-2 (7/11 & 7/12/22 for Ruben) & 7/14/22 reference post #370 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...s-obispo-25-may-1996-arrests-3.588288/page-19
7/14/22 Update: The San Luis Obispo Tribune has teamed up with ABC News, the Associated Press & the Los Angeles Times in an effort to unseal records in the Smart murder case. The news media coalition, formed by the Tribune, filed a motion Thursday to both unseal records & allow remote online access to them. The coalition is asking the court to unseal all records filed in the case on or after April 20, to provide required context to their online register of actions & to find the case “extraordinary,” which would make records available online. The California Supreme Court has previously ruled judicial documents should only be sealed "in the rarest of circumstances." This is among one of the many reasons we are challenging the document sealing in this case.
Motion to unseal - see post #376 here:

Still Missing - CA - Kristin Smart, 19, San Luis Obispo, 25 May 1996 *arrests* #3

www.websleuths.com

7/15/22 Update: Chris Lambert, the creator of the "Your Own Backyard” podcast, has been subpoenaed by the defense. He appeared in court regarding his subpoena. Judge O’Keefe granted a motion to quash the subpoena served to Chris Lambert. The court ruled that Defense Attorney Robert Sanger had not made an adequate showing to overcome CA. Shield Law & First Amendment reporter’s privileges. At the end of that hearing, Judge O'Keefe declared that a subpoena of Lambert would be impeachment at this point. She said Lambert's communication with Hudson, as well as the information he sought, had a right to be restricted & protected, ultimately deciding to quash Sanger's request for subpoena. Still, O’Keefe said her ruling may be different once the trial gets underway, saying the court may reconsider the decision in the near future. Sanger then demanded that Lambert preserve the evidence he collected in the event the judge’s ruling changes in the near future. Lambert's attorney Diana Palacios agreed to the request. O'Keefe also said Lambert is allowed to be in attendance for the trial on Monday. Other hearings from Friday's pretrial motions involved Judge O'Keefe's rulings regarding three statements allegedly made by Paul in his dorm room & in a detective's vehicle. She stated that while two detectives' testimonies were admissible for both Paul & his father, testimony for another detective would only be admissible for Paul. Trial set to begin with opening statements on Monday, 7/18/22.

*Trial continues (Day 2) (@ 9am PT) – CA – Blaze Bernstein (19) (Jan. 2, 2018, Lake Forest; found Jan. 9, 2018; he was stabbed 19 times in his neck; 14 times on the left, 5 on the right & 1 stab wound in his left knee) – *Samuel Lincoln Woodward (20/now 24) arrested & charged (1/17/18) with 1 count of felony murder with a hate crime enhancement for killing someone because of their sexual orientation & sentencing enhancement-personal use of a knife. Plead not guilty (again on 11/9/18). $5M bail, bail revoked (11/9/18).
Trial began on 7/15/22 with jury selection.
Court hearings from 2/2/18 thru 7/8/22 reference post #38 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...lake-forest-2-jan-2018-8-arrest.618349/page-2
7/15/22 Friday, Trial Day 1: Jury selection begins. No info available. Trial continues on Monday, 7/18/22.

*Trial continues (Day 4) (@ 9am MT) – NM – Victoria Martens (10) (Aug. 23, 2016, Albuquerque) – *Fabian Elias Gonzales (33/now 38) (“mom’s” BF) arrested & charged (9/9/16), indicted (9/10/16) & arraigned (9/16/16) with 1 count of intentional abuse of a child resulting in death, 8 counts of tampering with evidence, 1 count of intentional child abuse & 1 count of conspiracy to commit intentional child abuse & 1 count of conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence. Plead not guilty. $1M cash only bond.
Trial began on 7/11/22 with jury selection & ended on 7/12/22. Trial began on 7/13/22. Trial expected to go to 7/27/22.
Court information from 6/30/18 thru 7/7/22 & Jury Selection (Day 1-2) 7/11 & 7/12/22 & Trial (Day 1-2) 7/13-7/14/22 reference post #873 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...lbuquerque-23-aug-2016-arrests.315539/page-44
7/15/22 Friday, Trial Day 3: State witness: Jessica Kelley back on stand.
for more info see post #877 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...e-23-aug-2016-arrests-2-guilty.315539/page-44
State witnesses: David Michael Chavez, Fabian's uncle. Vanessa Apodaca, Martens' neighbor. Lori Collins, Kelley's mother. Sabrina Padilla, downstairs neighbor of Martens. Elizabeth Hesley, worked for ABQ Ambulance paramedic. Sergio Tovar, a Lt. Paramedic with AFR.
for more info see post #878 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...e-23-aug-2016-arrests-2-guilty.315539/page-44
Trial continues on Monday, 7/18/22.
*Jessica Rosalie Kelley (33/now 38) (cousin of FG) – plead no contest (1/7/19) to reckless abuse of a child resulting in death, 3 counts of tampering with evidence, 1 count of aggravated battery & 1 count of conspiracy. Sentenced on 4/28/22 to 50 years with 6 years suspended. Once Kelley is released from prison, she will be on probation for 5 years. Will testify at Gonzales’ trial.
*Michelle Martens (37/now 41) (“mom”) – plead guilty (6/29/18) to 1 count of intentional abuse of child resulting in death, with all other charges dropped. Will testify against Gonzales & will be sentenced after that case is over. Faces up to 12-15 years in prison. Sentencing hearing on 2/11/22 was cancelled on court site.


Wednesday, July 20th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am PT) - OR – Karissa Alyn Fretwell (25) & William “Billy” Alan Fretwell II (3) (last seen May 13, 2019, reported missing May 17, 2019, Salem; found June 15, 2019 approx. 10 miles west from Yamhill on Weyerhauser property off Turner Creek Rd. LE believe they were dead on May 16, 2019) – *Michael John Wolfe (52/now 55) “father of Billy” – sought for questioning since 5/23/19, arrested (5/24/19), charged (5/28/19), originally indicted (6/6/19) & arraigned (6/21/19) with 2 counts of aggravated murder, 1 count 1st degree murder/constituting domestic violence & 2 counts of 1st degree kidnapping. Indictment amended (10/25/19) to 1 count of aggravated murder (for Billy) was dismissed (on 3/20/20) & was reversed by Supreme Court (5/7/21) & charge now back to 2 counts of aggravated murder (instead of 1 count), 4 counts of 1st degree murder & 2 counts of 1st degree kidnapping. No plea entered yet. Held without bond.
Trial was set to begin on 6/26/23 but was vacated as he plead guilty on 6/17/22. Sentencing on 7/20/22.
Court hearing from 5/24/19 thru 3/14/22 reference post #219 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ler-salem-13-may-2019-2-arrest.465164/page-11
5/9/22 Update: Settlement conference was held. Change of plea hearing on 6/17/22. Judge Bergstrom to hear thru WebEx for named victim's family & defendant's family. Defendant to be brought to court. If plea is taken then motion hearing (11/28/22), trial readiness hearing (6/8/23) & trial (6/26/23) will be cancelled & will be set over for sentencing date. Change of plea hearing on 6/17/22.
6/17/22 Update: Wolfe has accepted a plea deal. Wolfe plead guilty Friday to 1 count of aggravated murder & 1 count of 2nd degree murder in the deaths of Billy & Karissa Fretwell. As part of the plea deal, Wolfe will get 30 years to life for the aggravated murder charge & 25 years to life for 2nd degree murder. In exchange, prosecutors will not seek the death penalty. Wolfe is scheduled to be sentenced on 7/20/22.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Friday, July 15th:
*Trial set to begin-VACATED! (@ 9am PT) – CA – Blaze Bernstein (19) (Jan. 2, 2018, Lake Forest; found Jan. 9, 2018; he was stabbed 19 times in his neck; 14 times on the left, 5 on the right & 1 stab wound in his left knee) – *Samuel Lincoln Woodward (20/now 24) arrested & charged (1/17/18) with 1 count of felony murder with a hate crime enhancement for killing someone because of their sexual orientation & sentencing enhancement-personal use of a knife. Plead not guilty (again on 11/9/18). $5M bail, bail revoked (11/9/18).
Trial was set to beg1n on 7/15/22 with jury selection was vacated. No further dates.
Court hearings from 2/2/18 thru 7/8/22 reference post #38 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...lake-forest-2-jan-2018-8-arrest.618349/page-2
7/15/22 Update: Orange County Superior Court Judge Kimberly Menninger temporarily suspended criminal proceedings against Woodward after Woodward’s defense attorney said she has concerns about whether he is competent to stand trial. Two mental health experts — one chosen by the defense, the other by the prosecution — will be assigned by Judge Menninger to evaluate Woodward & help determine whether he is capable of understanding the court proceedings & able to assist with his own defense. Woodward’s attorney, Deputy Public Defender Alison Worthington, did not specify during the public hearing on Friday morning why she believed Woodward was not competent to stand trial. Woodward is scheduled to return to court for a hearing regarding his mental health on 9/1/22. If a judge determines he is competent to stand trial the criminal case would resume. If he is found not competent, a judge could order him sent to a state hospital for treatment.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Wednesday, July 20th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am PT) - OR – Karissa Alyn Fretwell (25) & William “Billy” Alan Fretwell II (3) (last seen May 13, 2019, reported missing May 17, 2019, Salem; found June 15, 2019 approx. 10 miles west from Yamhill on Weyerhauser property off Turner Creek Rd. LE believe they were dead on May 16, 2019) – *Michael John Wolfe (52/now 55) “father of Billy” – sought for questioning since 5/23/19, arrested (5/24/19), charged (5/28/19), originally indicted (6/6/19) & arraigned (6/21/19) with 2 counts of aggravated murder, 1 count 1st degree murder/constituting domestic violence & 2 counts of 1st degree kidnapping. Indictment amended (10/25/19) to 1 count of aggravated murder (for Billy) was dismissed (on 3/20/20) & was reversed by Supreme Court (5/7/21) & charge now back to 2 counts of aggravated murder (instead of 1 count), 4 counts of 1st degree murder & 2 counts of 1st degree kidnapping. No plea entered yet. Held without bond.
Trial was set to begin on 6/26/23 but was vacated as he plead guilty on 6/17/22. Sentencing on 7/20/22.
Court hearing from 5/24/19 thru 6/17/22 reference post #232 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ler-salem-13-may-2019-2-arrest.465164/page-11
7/20/22 Update: Wolfe was sentenced to life in prison for the deaths of his young son & the boy’s mother. Wolfe plead guilty on June 17 to aggravated murder & 2nd degree murder. He learned his sentence Wednesday morning in a Yamhill County courtroom. Wolfe received a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 30 years for the count of aggravated murder & a second life sentence with the possibility of parole after 25 years for the count of 2nd degree murder. Karissa’s mother, step father & sister all read victim statements before Wolfe received his sentencing. Through tears, Karissa’s sister, Katrina Kent, spoke directly to Wolfe about how his actions have impacted her & her children, saying that her child asked her to tell Wolfe that he “cries all the time” because of him.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Thursday, July 21st:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 10am CT) –MN - George Perry Floyd, Jr. (46) (May 25, 2020, Minneapolis, arrested for forgery & killed in police custody). *Federal Grand Jury indicted & charged (5/7/21) & arraigned (9/14/21) Tou Thao (34/now 36) & J. Alexander Kueng (26/now 28) for violated Floyd’s civil rights. Charged with violating Floyd's right to be free from unreasonable seizure, alleging they willfully failed to intervene to stop Chauvin’s unreasonable force, resulting in bodily injury to & the death of Mr. Floyd & failure to provide Floyd with medical care.
Only for Thomas Kiernan Lane (37/now 39) is charged with failure to provide Floyd with medical care. All released on $25K unsecured bonds. All plead not guilty on 9/14/21. Attorney Robert & Natalie Paule for Thao, attorney Thomas Plunkett for Kuneg & attorney Earl Gray for Lane & prosecutor Samantha Trepel. on court site thru last date 6/30 (#387).
Trial began on 1/20/22 with jury selection. Jurors were selected. 12 jurors: 5 men & 7 women & alternates: 3 men & 3 women. Trial began on 1/24/22 with opening statements. Prosecutors rested their case on 2/15/22. Juror #47 (man) was excused (2/8/22) for medical reasons. Replaced by man. 12 Jurors: 5 men & 7 women & alternates: 2 men & 3 women. Another juror is excused. No mention of # of women & men. 12 jurors & 4 alternates. Another juror is excused re family commitment. Now: 12 jurors & 3 alternates (4 men & 8 women). Jury Deliberations: Day 1 (2/23/22) ~7 hours. Day 2 (2/24/22) ~6 hours. Total deliberations: ~13 hours.
Thao, Kueng & Lane were all convicted – guilty – of all charges.
Info on indictment of 5/7/21 & court info from 5/15/21 thru 1/21/22 & Jury Selection (1/20/22) & trial (Days 1-18) 1/24/22 to 2/22/22 & Jury deliberations (Day 1-2) 2/23 to 2/24/22 & 2/28/22 thru 7/5/22 reference post #352 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-25-may-2020-21-officers-trial.586952/page-18
7/19/22 Update: Judge Paul Magnuson has sent 7/21/22 for sentencing of Lane. A presentencing hearing on 7/22/22 for Kueng & Thao.
7/21/22 Update: Senior U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson sentenced former Minneapolis police officer Thomas Lane to 2½ years in prison in the federal civil rights case linked to the 2020 killing of George Floyd. Lane declined to address the court before his sentencing on Thursday. Magnuson said he would urge the federal Bureau of Prisons to send the ex-officer to a facility in Duluth, nothing that he did not believe Lane warranted being incarcerated at a higher-security prison. Magnuson set 10/4/22 self-surrender date for Lane, explaining that it would follow his 9/21/22 State court sentencing.
MN (State case) – George Perry Floyd, Jr. (46) (May 25, 2020, Minneapolis, arrested for forgery & killed in police custody) – Tou Thao (34/now 36), Thomas Kiernan Lane (37/now 38), & J. Alexander Kueng (26/now 28) -
Trial set to begin on 6/13/22 with jury selection & trial set to begin on 7/5/22. 6/6/22 Update: The cases against Thao & Kueng have been rescheduled for a joint trial with jury selection set for 10/24/22 & opening statements on 11/7/22.
Bond conditions & court info from 6/3/20 to 8/17/21 reference post #979 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ody-minneapolis-25-may-2020-20.567758/page-49
4/4/22 Update: Motions hearing on 4/11/22. 5/18/22: Hearing on 5/18/22. Lane plead guilty to a state charge of aiding & abetting second-degree manslaughter. As part of Wednesday’s plea deal, Thomas Lane will have a count of aiding & abetting 2nd degree unintentional murder dismissed & will be sentenced on 9/21/22. Kueng & Thao: Next pretrial motions hearings on 9/26/22 & 9/27/22. Motions in Limine hearing on 10/6/22 & 10/7/22 @ 9am each day by Zoom.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Thursday, July 21st:
*Arraignment Hearing-WebEx (Voter Forgery) (@ 9am MT) - CO – Suzanne Renee Moorman Morphew (49) (missing May 10, 2020, did not return from bike ride (supposedly), Maysville, Chaffee County, not found) - *Barry Lee Morphew (53/now 54) arrested & charged (5/5/21) with 1st degree murder after deliberation, tampering with physical evidence & attempting to influence public servants. And additional charges (5/18/21) of tampering with a deceased human body & possession of a dangerous weapon (short rifle) & amended (5/18/21) to add domestic violence as sentencing enhancement. (BM is charged with murder & DV enhanced because Colorado does not provide for DV as an independent charge). The possession of a dangerous weapon (short rifle) charge has been severed from other charges. Plead not guilty. $500K Cash only bond. Bonded out on 9/20/21.
Trial was set to begin on 4/28/22 – Case was dismissed without prejudice on 4/19/22.
*Charged (5/13/21) with felony forgery of public records & misdemeanor elections-mail ballot offense. $1K Bond. Charged (5/5/21) with a felony of influencing public servants. This last charge was dismissed with the murder charges.
Missing info, Barry’s PP loan & court info from 5/10/21 thru 6/30/22 reference post #895 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...se-dismissed-w-o-prejudice-103.626967/page-45
7/19/22: Order: Request for expanded media coverage Fox21 news filed, request denied in whole by District Court Judge Patrick W. Murphy. Arraignment hearing on 7/21/22.
7/21/22 Update: Morphew is taking a plea agreement. Plead guilty to forgery. Sentencing: Morphew agreed to deferred sentence to 1 year, supervised probation. No jail time. “I believe there should be some sort of punishment,” Judge Murphy said. 32 hours of community service & he can do it in Denver, not Chaffee Co. if he wants. Eytan is now asking if Morphew can use a hunting rifle. “He is an avid hunter & would like to hunt in the upcoming hunting season.” Request is for firearms & archery. Murphy says it’s not too uncommon of a request in this county. Judge has a probation officer in the meeting now who says he can have a muzzle loader & a bow but not firearms under federal law until the deferred sentence is complete. When Morphew wants to hunt with a bow & muzzle loader he has to make a request through his probation officer before hunting.

 

[Niner]

For the week of Monday, July 25th thru Friday, July 29th:

Monday, July 25th:
*Trial continues (Day 3) (@ 11:30am PT) - CA - Kristin Denise Smart (19) (missing May 25, 1996 while walking back to her dorm from a off campus frat party at Cal Poly, reported missing on May 26, 1996, San Luis Obispo, still missing; legally declared dead on May 25, 2002) – *Paul Ruben Flores (19 @ time of crime/44/now 45) arrested (4/13/21), charged (4/14/21) & arraigned (10/20/21) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. No bond.
*Ruben Ricardo Flores (55 @ time of crime/80/now 81) arrested (4/13/21), charged (4/14/21) & arraigned (10/20/21) with accessory to murder after the fact. Plead not guilty. $250K bond. Bond was lower to $50K. Has posted bond (4/22/21), out of jail.
Trial began with final jury selection for Paul from 6/27 & ended 6/28/22 & for Ruben jury selection started on 7/11 & ended 7/12/22.
Trial began on 7/18/22 with opening statements for Paul in am & Ruben in pm (which was continued on 7/21/22).
Paul’s attorney Robert Sanger & Ruben’s is Harold V. Mesick. Prosecutor is Christopher Peuvrelle. Judge Jennifer O’Keefe presiding.
Judge O’Keefe has blocked defense attorney Sanger from suggesting someone else killed Smart unless he can provide evidence of direct involvement.
Trial has been moved from San Luis Obispo County to Monterey County in Salinas. For 2 juries each: 12 jurors & 8 alternates; Paul’s: 8 men & 12 women & Ruben’s: 9 men & 10 women.
Case & court info from 5/17/21 thru Final Jury Selection Day 1-2 (7/11 & 7/12/22 for Ruben) & 7/14 thru 7/15/22 & Trial Day 1-2 (7/18-7/19/22) & 7/19 to 7/20/22 reference post #509 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...s-obispo-25-may-1996-arrests-3.588288/page-26
Additional info for:
7/21/22 Thursday, Trial Day 2: State witnesses: Matt Smart, Kristin’s brother. Stan Smart, Kristin’s father.
For more info see posts #514 to 520 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...s-obispo-25-may-1996-arrests-3.588288/page-26
And more info see post #521 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...s-obispo-25-may-1996-arrests-3.588288/page-27
7/22/22 Friday, Trial Day 3: State witnesses: Stan Smart, Kristin’s father on cross-exam.
For more info see posts #530 to 532, 536 to 540 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...s-obispo-25-may-1996-arrests-3.588288/page-27
State witnesses continued: Stan Smart. Vanessa Shield, Kristin’s college friend. Kendra Koed, was a Cuesta College student in 1996 & attended the party at 135 Crandall Way on May 24th with her roommate & several friends.
For more info see posts #542, 543, 545 & 548 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...s-obispo-25-may-1996-arrests-3.588288/page-28
SLO Tribue, ABCNews, Associated Press & LA Times filed motion to unseal records in Smart case has a hearing date. The motion hearing is on 8/4/22 @ 3pm.
Trial continues on Monday, 7/25/22.

*Trial continues (Day 5)-Verdict Reached! (@ 9am CT) – TX – Sierra Makayla Patino (5) (died August 27, 2019, found in closet on Sept. 2, 2019, Houston) – *Santiago Esparza, Jr. aka Santiago Esparza Resendez (30/now 32) (BF) arrested & charged (9/7/19) & indicted (1/15/20 arraignment was cancelled) with felony tampering with evidence, a human corpse. $100K bond. Bonded out (3/29/21) on GPS monitoring. Bond denied (7/22/22).
Trial began on 7/18/22.
Court info from 9/7/19 thru 7/13/22 & trial Day 1-2 (7/18-7/1922) jury selection & Trial Days 1-3 (7/20-7/21/22) reference post #157 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ouston-3-sept-2019-mom-arrested.471571/page-8
7/22/22 Friday, Trial Day 4: Evidence presented. Jury verdict rendered. Amount bond denied. Could be a guilty verdict as bond was denied. No other info available. Trial continues on Monday, 7/25/22.
*Priscilla Nicole Torres (27/now 29) “mom” – Plead guilty on 9/10/21. Sentencing hearing on 8/5/22.

*Trial continues (Day 9) (@ 9am MT) – NM – Victoria Martens (10) (Aug. 23, 2016, Albuquerque) – *Fabian Elias Gonzales (33/now 38) (“mom’s” BF) arrested & charged (9/9/16), indicted (9/10/16) & arraigned (9/16/16) with 1 count of intentional abuse of a child resulting in death, 8 counts of tampering with evidence, 1 count of intentional child abuse & 1 count of conspiracy to commit intentional child abuse & 1 count of conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence. Plead not guilty. $1M cash only bond.
Trial began on 7/11/22 with jury selection & ended on 7/12/22. Trial began on 7/13/22. Trial expected to go to 7/27/22.
Court information from 6/30/18 thru 7/7/22 & Jury Selection (Day 1-2) 7/11 & 7/12/22 & Trial (Day 1-7) 7/13-7/21/22 reference post #890 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...lbuquerque-23-aug-2016-arrests.315539/page-45
7/22/22 Friday, Trial Day 8: State witnesses: Sgt. Joshua Brown with APD continues testimony He was a homicide detective during the time Victoria was killed. Jeffrey Smith, works at the forensic science lab in Santa Fe, is expert in "latent print examination."
for more info see post #891 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...e-23-aug-2016-arrests-2-guilty.315539/page-45
Trial continues on Monday, 7/25/22.
*Jessica Rosalie Kelley (33/now 38) (cousin of FG) – plead no contest (1/7/19) to reckless abuse of a child resulting in death, 3 counts of tampering with evidence, 1 count of aggravated battery & 1 count of conspiracy. Sentenced on 4/28/22 to 50 years with 6 years suspended. Once Kelley is released from prison, she will be on probation for 5 years. Will testify at Gonzales’ trial.
*Michelle Martens (37/now 41) (“mom”) – plead guilty (6/29/18) to 1 count of intentional abuse of child resulting in death, with all other charges dropped. Will testify against Gonzales & will be sentenced after that case is over. Faces up to 12-15 years in prison. Sentencing hearing on 2/11/22 was cancelled on court site.


Tuesday, July 26th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am PT) - NV – Dr. Thomas Kirk Burchard (71) (reported missing Mar. 2, 2019; found Mar. 7, 2019 in truck of car near Lake Mead Rec. Area entrance, Las Vegas) – *Jon Logan Kennison aka “Big Red” (26/now 29) arrest warrant issued (4/5/19), arrested (4/17/19 in Las Vegas) & charged (4/17/19) & recharged, arraigned & indicted (6/13/19) with conspiracy to commit murder & open murder with the use of a deadly weapon or tear gas (victim an older person). Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial was set to begin on 6/27/22 was vacated, plead guilty on 6/14/22. Sentencing on 7/26/22.
Court hearings from 4/1/19 thru 6/7/22 reference post #147 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-of-car-clark-county-7-mar-2019.434322/page-8
6/14/22 Update: Kennison changed his plea & plead guilty to all charges. Parties present: Judge Carli Kierny, State attorney Pamela Weckerly, defendant & his attorney David Lopez-Negrete. Sentencing hearing on 7/26/22.
7/18/22: #39: PSI. 7/19/22: #40: Defendant's sentencing memorandum. #41: Court TV media request for sentencing hearing.
*Kelsey Nicole Turner (25/now 28) – Status check: Discovery hearing on 8/30/22. Trial set to begin on 11/7/22.
*Diana Nicole Pena – Pena agreed to plead guilty (6/11/19) to a reduced charge & could get probation or up to five years in prison for her felony conviction & will testify at trial(s). Out on bail. Will be sentenced after Kennison & Turner’s trial.


Friday, July 29th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am ET) - FL – Daniel Eric Markel (41) (shot to death July 18, 2014, Tallahassee) - *Katherine Magbanua (32/now 37) (Garcia's wife) arrested (Oct. 2016) & charged with 1st degree murder & 1 count conspiracy & 1 count solicitation of murder were brought together into one case on Tuesday (3/20/18). Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Murder for Hire hit man. They split a $100K payoff for murder. KM has rejected several offers of immunity for her testimony.
First trial started on 9/23/19 & the jury started deliberations on 10/10-10/11/19 with a total of 11 hours of deliberations. They found Garcia guilty. A mistrial declared for Magbanua. (10-2 for guilty). Will remain in jail as a charged co-conspirator & the State will try her case again.
Re-Trial began on 5/16/22 with jury selection. 12 jurors & 2 alternates (7 women & 7 men). Trial began on 5/18/22. State rested their case on 5/25/22. Defense began their case on 5/26/22 & rested their case on 5/26/22. Jury started deliberations on 5/27/22 (12:45pm to 8:45pm). Total hours of deliberations: ~ 8 hours. Guilty of all charges.
Court info & trial from 9/23/19 thru 5/13/22 & Jury Selection Days 1-2 (5/16-5/17/22) & Trial Day 1-7 (5/18-5/26/22) reference post #734 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...hassee-18-july-2014-arrests-11.620240/page-37
5/27/22 Friday, Trial Day 8: Judge Wheeler read jury instructions. Closing arguments or State by Georgia Cappleman & defense by Tara Kawass. Jury started deliberations at 12:46pm ET.
for more info see post #746 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...hassee-18-july-2014-arrests-11.620240/page-38
Jury question: “Judge could we please get an inventory list of the evidence so that we can navigate what communications are here?”
Post #749-Page 38
@ 1:38pn: The jury is asking the judge for an inventory list of the evidence so they can navigate the phone calls. The court is sending one back to them now.
After 4 hours (about 4:30pm) of deliberations jurors have another question. Jurors want to use the headsets provided during trial. They could be reviewing phone wiretaps or the Dulce Vida tape at this point in their deliberations.
After 8 hours (about 8:45pm) of deliberations a verdict was reached. GUILTY of 1st degree murder, GUILTY of conspiracy to commit murder & GUILTY of solicitation to commit murder. Will have a PSI report done & sentencing in about 30 days.
for more info on verdict being read:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpBFvo-692A
5/31/22: Motion to intervene & to vacate order sealing recording of jail calls filed by Mentour Lawyer. 6/16/22 Update: Sentencing hearing on 7/29/22.
Accomplices:
*Charles Jay Adelson (45) – Case management hearing on 7/29/22. 4/26/22: Bond denied. Defense attorney asks for an Arthur hearing.
*Sigfredo Garcia (34) – 10/10/19: found guilty of 1st degree murder. Guilty of conspiracy. Not guilty of solicitation. Sentenced to LWOP for murder plus 30 years for conspiracy charge. 11/4/19: Motion to Withdraw as Counsel: Mauricio Padilla; Motion to Withdraw as Counsel: Saam Zangeneh. His appeal was denied.
*Luis Rivera (33) charged with 1st degree murder. Took a plea deal (Oct. 2016) & plead guilty to 2nd degree murder. Testified against Garcia & Magbanua. Will receive 19-year sentence to run concurrently with his 12 year Federal time, which he is already serving.
POIs: Wendi Adelson (ex-wife of Markel), her mom Donna Sue Adelson (68) & father Harvey Adelson. Investigators have not charged any of these people in the Adelson family in connection with Markel’s death, except Charlie; but say Adelson’s mother & brother – Donna & Charlie Adelson – paid $100K to have Markel killed following the couple’s contentious divorce so their two young sons could move to South Florida.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Tuesday, July 26th:
*Trial continues (Day 5)-Sentencing (@ 9am CT) – TX – Sierra Makayla Patino (5) (died August 27, 2019, found in closet on Sept. 2, 2019, Houston) – *Santiago Esparza, Jr. aka Santiago Esparza Resendez (true name) (30/now 32) (BF) arrested & charged (9/7/19) & indicted (1/15/20 arraignment was cancelled) with felony tampering with evidence, a human corpse. $100K bond. Bonded out (3/29/21) on GPS monitoring. Bond denied (7/22/22).
Trial began on 7/18/22. Verdict rendered 7/22/22 – guilty, bond denied.
Court info from 9/7/19 thru 7/13/22 & trial Day 1-2 (7/18-7/19/22) jury selection & Trial Days 1-3 (7/20-7/22/22) verdict rendered on 7/22/22 reference post #160 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ouston-3-sept-2019-mom-arrested.471571/page-8
7/25/22 Monday, Trial Day 4: No info available. Trial continues on 7/26/22.
7/26/22 Tuesday, Trial Day 5: Sentenced to 40 years in prison.
*Priscilla Nicole Torres (27/now 29) “mom” – Plead guilty on 9/10/21. Sentencing hearing on 8/5/22.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Tuesday, July 26th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am PT) - NV – Dr. Thomas Kirk Burchard (71) (reported missing Mar. 2, 2019; found Mar. 7, 2019 in truck of car near Lake Mead Rec. Area entrance, Las Vegas) – *Jon Logan Kennison aka “Big Red” (26/now 29) arrest warrant issued (4/5/19), arrested (4/17/19 in Las Vegas) & charged (4/17/19) & recharged, arraigned & indicted (6/13/19) with conspiracy to commit murder & open murder with the use of a deadly weapon or tear gas (victim an older person). Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial was set to begin on 6/27/22 was vacated, plead guilty on 6/14/22. Sentencing on 7/26/22.
Court hearings from 4/1/19 thru 6/7/22 reference post #147 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-of-car-clark-county-7-mar-2019.434322/page-8
6/14/22 Update: Kennison changed his plea & plead guilty to all charges. Parties present: Judge Carli Kierny, State attorney Pamela Weckerly, defendant & his attorney David Lopez-Negrete. Sentencing hearing on 7/26/22.
7/18/22: #39: PSI. 7/19/22: #40: Defendant's sentencing memorandum. #41: Court TV media request for sentencing hearing. 7/26/22 Update: Kennison was sentenced to 18 to 45 years in prison.
*Kelsey Nicole Turner (25/now 28) – Status check: Discovery hearing on 8/30/22. Trial set to begin on 11/7/22.
*Diana Nicole Pena – Pena agreed to plead guilty (6/11/19) to a reduced charge & could get probation or up to five years in prison for her felony conviction & will testify at trial(s). Out on bail. Will be sentenced after Kennison & Turner’s trial.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Wednesday, July 27th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 11am CT) –MN - George Perry Floyd, Jr. (46) (May 25, 2020, Minneapolis, arrested for forgery & killed in police custody). *Federal Grand Jury indicted & charged (5/7/21) & arraigned (9/14/21) Tou Thao (34/now 36) & J. Alexander Kueng (26/now 28) for violated Floyd’s civil rights. Charged with violating Floyd's right to be free from unreasonable seizure, alleging they willfully failed to intervene to stop Chauvin’s unreasonable force, resulting in bodily injury to & the death of Mr. Floyd & failure to provide Floyd with medical care. Both plead not guilty. Released on $25K unsecured bonds.
*Thomas Kiernan Lane (37/now 39) is charged with failure to provide Floyd with medical care. Plead not guilty. Released on $25K unsecured bonds. Found guilty on 2/24/22. Lane was sentenced (7/21/22) to 2 ½ years in Federal prison.
Trial began on 1/24/22 & on 2/24/22 jury total deliberations: ~13 hours. Thao, Kueng & Lane were all found guilty – of all charges.
See post #355 for more info on jury deliberations here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-25-may-2020-21-officers-trial.586952/page-18
Info on indictment of 5/7/21 & court info from 5/15/21 thru 1/21/22 & Jury Selection (1/20/22) & trial (Days 1-18) 1/24/22 to 2/22/22 & Jury deliberations (Day 1-2) 2/23 to 2/24/22 & 2/28/22 thru 7/21/22 reference post #355 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-25-may-2020-21-officers-trial.586952/page-18
7/21/22 Update: A presentencing hearing on 7/22/22 for Kueng & Thao. 7/19/22 Update: Motion (#397) to permit victims to attend the sentencing hearings telephonically by USA. (#398): Due to the funeral services for Deputy Marshal Sinderman, the Marshals Service has requested that the Court hold no in-person criminal proceedings on Friday, 7/22/22. Therefore, the parties have agreed to hold this hearing via Zoom. NOTICE: Remote public access available. 7/20/22: Order (#399) granting (#397) motion to permit victim's family to appear at hearings telephonically. 7/21/22: #401: Sentencing; #402: Sentencing judgment; #403: Statement of reasons & #404: Order.
7/22/22 Update: After a half-hour hearing Friday to dispute sentencing guideline calculations, Kueng & Thao now also stand to receive lesser sentences than they might otherwise have received. Magnuson sided, in part, with arguments raised by attorneys for the two ex-officers by finding that involuntary manslaughter & not second-degree murder should be used to calculate the offense levels in their cases. Magnuson found that those facts precluded the element of "malice aforethought" necessary to prove second-degree murder. Magnuson rejected a motion from the defense attorneys not to enhance the penalty based on the two men acting under "color of law," arguing that their position as law enforcement officers was already addressed in the criminal conviction. Kueng & Thao also asked for a reduction in the calculation for "mitigating roles" in the crime. But Magnuson wrote that because the "mitigating-role determination is unique to each Defendant & dependent on the facts of each case, the Court will rule on these requests at sentencing." Sentencing hearing on 7/27/22.
7/27/22 Update: U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson sentenced Kueng to 3 years in prison & Thao was sentenced to 3 ½ years in prison.
MN (State case) – George Perry Floyd, Jr. (46) (May 25, 2020, Minneapolis, arrested for forgery & killed in police custody) – Tou Thao (34/now 36), Thomas Kiernan Lane (37/now 38), & J. Alexander Kueng (26/now 28) -
Trial set to begin on 6/13/22 with jury selection & trial set to begin on 7/5/22. 6/6/22 Update: The cases against Thao & Kueng have been rescheduled for a joint trial with jury selection set for 10/24/22 & opening statements on 11/7/22.
Bond conditions & court info from 6/3/20 to 8/17/21 reference post #979 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ody-minneapolis-25-may-2020-20.567758/page-49
4/4/22 Update: Motions hearing on 4/11/22. 5/18/22: Hearing on 5/18/22. Lane plead guilty to a state charge of aiding & abetting second-degree manslaughter. As part of Wednesday’s plea deal, Thomas Lane will have a count of aiding & abetting 2nd degree unintentional murder dismissed & will be sentenced on 9/21/22. Kueng & Thao: Next pretrial motions hearings on 9/26/22 & 9/27/22. Motions in Limine hearing on 10/6/22 & 10/7/22 @ 9am each day by Zoom.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Friday, July 29th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am ET) - FL – Daniel Eric Markel (41) (shot to death July 18, 2014, Tallahassee) - *Katherine Magbanua (32/now 37) (Garcia's wife) arrested (Oct. 2016) & charged with 1st degree murder & 1 count conspiracy & 1 count solicitation of murder were brought together into one case on Tuesday (3/20/18). Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Murder for Hire hit man. They split a $100K payoff for murder. KM has rejected several offers of immunity for her testimony.
First trial started on 9/23/19 & the jury started deliberations on 10/10-10/11/19 with a total of 11 hours of deliberations. They found Garcia guilty. A mistrial declared for Magbanua. (10-2 for guilty). Will remain in jail as a charged co-conspirator & the State will try her case again.
Re-Trial began on 5/16/22 with jury selection. 12 jurors & 2 alternates (7 women & 7 men). Trial began on 5/18/22. State rested their case on 5/25/22. Defense began their case on 5/26/22 & rested their case on 5/26/22. Jury started deliberations on 5/27/22 (12:45pm to 8:45pm). Total hours of deliberations: ~ 8 hours. Guilty on all charges. Sentenced on 7/29/22.
Court info & trial from 9/23/19 thru 5/13/22 & Jury Selection Days 1-2 (5/16-5/17/22) & Trial Day 1-8 (5/18-5/27/22) & 5/31/22 reference post #918 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...hassee-18-july-2014-arrests-11.620240/page-46
6/16/22 Update: Sentencing hearing on 7/29/22.
7/29/22 Update: Prosecutor Cappelman has one witness, Shelly Markel, Dan’s sister gave her victim impact statement. Defense attorney Kwass gave a statement on behalf of Magbanua. DA Cappelman asks for Count 1: life without parole, Count 2 & 3: 2 30 consecutive years. Defense asks for Count 2 & 3: the lowest 102 months. Credit time served 2, 119 & courts costs $2,625 plus $100. Judge sentenced Magbanua for Count 1: life in prison without the possibility of parole or probation. Count 2 & 3: 2 consecutive 30 years in prison. She has 30 days to appeal. Declares indigent & Judge will appoint a public defender for appeals.
Accomplices:
*Charles Jay Adelson (45) – Case management hearing on 7/29/22. 4/26/22: Bond denied. Defense attorney asks for an Arthur hearing.
*Sigfredo Garcia (34) – 10/10/19: found guilty of 1st degree murder. Guilty of conspiracy. Not guilty of solicitation. Sentenced to LWOP for murder plus 30 years for conspiracy charge. 11/4/19: Motion to Withdraw as Counsel: Mauricio Padilla; Motion to Withdraw as Counsel: Saam Zangeneh. His appeal was denied.
*Luis Rivera (33) charged with 1st degree murder. Took a plea deal (Oct. 2016) & plead guilty to 2nd degree murder. Testified against Garcia & Magbanua. Will receive 19-year sentence to run concurrently with his 12 year Federal time, which he is already serving.
POIs: Wendi Adelson (ex-wife of Markel), her mom Donna Sue Adelson (68) & father Harvey Adelson. Investigators have not charged any of these people in the Adelson family in connection with Markel’s death, except Charlie; but say Adelson’s mother & brother – Donna & Charlie Adelson – paid $100K to have Markel killed following the couple’s contentious divorce so their two young sons could move to South Florida.