Trials & Sentencings for June, 2025

[Niner]

For the week of Monday, June 2nd thru Friday, June 6th:

Monday, June 2nd:
*Jury Selection Continues (Day 2) (@ 10am AZT) – AZ – Brandon Boudreaux (34/now 40) attempted murder on Oct. 2, 2019 in Gilbert, AZ. *Lori Norene Vallow (46 @ time of crime/49/now 51) indicted (2/24/22), charged & arraigned (12/7/23) with 1 count of 1st degree premeditated attempted murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Maricopa County
Jury selection began on 5/30/25 . Jury will consist of 12 jurors & 4 alternates.
Trial set to begin on 6/2/25 maybe!
Judge Justin Beresky presiding. State’s attorney Ryan Green. DA Treena Jeanelle Kay. Vallow-Daybell Pro Se with advisory Defense attorneys Gerald Bradley & Denae Suchy.
Case info from 2/24/22 thru 5/29/25 reference post #168 here:
https://websleuths.com/threads/az-l...eaux-chandler-maricopa-county-5.742964/page-9
5/29/25 Friday, Jury Selection Day 1: Only 2 from the morning questionnaire advanced to the afternoon in-person session with 68 potential jurors. Judge Beresky says jury selection won't be completed by end of today. Trial will be pushed back a bit. Judges says 65 showed up this afternoon & 3 did not. DA Kay says 68 minus the people who have some work/schedule issues leaves them with 54. Not a bad sized pool. Judge excused 11 who had some hardships. Hoping to get the 3 missing jurors in court on Monday, 6/2/25, making the total 54. Judge says he can be done with his questioning by noon on Monday & the jury could possibly be seated by 3pm. Expects prosecution & defense to give their opening statements. If quarantine - then trial "might" start on Friday, 6/6/26.
Jury selection continues on Monday, 6/2/25.
5/30/25 Docket update: Order entered by Court. Oral arguments were on 5/29/25.
AZ – Charles Vallow (62) shot & killed on July 11, 2019 in Chandler, AZ. *Lori Norene Daybell-Vallow - Trial of Charles began on 4/7/25 & ended 4/22/25 with GUILTY of all charges. Will be sentenced after Boudreaux trial.
ID – Vallow found guilty of all charges & sentenced to 3 consecutive life sentences without parole on 7/31/23.

*Trial continues (Day 2) (@ 8:30am CT) - TX - Nancy Reed (22) common-law wife found unresponsive in a hotel room Oct. 13, 2022 after a 911 call & pronounced dead at hospital & Nadia Lee (2) found dead in Vince Bayou, Pasadena on Mar. 20, 2023 who was last seen on Oct. 16, 2022 & ID'd on Mar. 23, 2023, Pasadena. *Jyron Charles Lee (26/now 29) arrested & charged (10/19/22) & arraigned (8/16/23) with murder (Nancy) & charged (12/6/22) with capital murder (Nadia). Bond $350K (Nancy) & $1.5M (Nadia). Total Bond $1.85M. Harris County
Trial began on 5/29/25.
Judge Natalia Cornello presiding. Defense attorney Damon Parrish II.
Case & court info from 10/16/22 thru 5/28/25 (Day 1) reference post #105 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...th-murders-pasadena-16-oct-2022.640753/page-6
5/28/25 Docket updates: Motions. Equal access to info. Motions to suppress statement by defendant. Motions in Limine. 5/29/25 Docket updates: Motions. STS in Limine. Motions. Elect jury punishment. Trial continues on Monday, 6/2/25 @ 8:30am..



and these above will continue thru the week...

 

[Niner]

Update!

Monday, June 2nd:
*Trial continues (Day 2)-Plead guilty (@ 8:30am CT) - TX - Nancy Reed (22) common-law wife found unresponsive in a hotel room Oct. 13, 2022 after a 911 call & pronounced dead at hospital & Nadia Lee (2) found dead in Vince Bayou, Pasadena on Mar. 20, 2023 who was last seen on Oct. 16, 2022 & ID'd on Mar. 23, 2023, Pasadena. *Jyron Charles Lee (26/now 29) arrested & charged (10/19/22) & arraigned (8/16/23) with murder (Nancy) & charged (12/6/22) with capital murder (Nadia). Bond $350K (Nancy) & $1.5M (Nadia). Total Bond $1.85M. Harris County
Trial began on 5/29/25 & ended on 6/2/25 with a guilty plea.
Judge Natalia Cornello presiding. Defense attorney Damon Parrish II.
Case & court info from 10/16/22 thru 5/28/25 & Trial Day 1 (5/29/25) reference post #107 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...th-murders-pasadena-16-oct-2022.640753/page-6
6/2/25 Monday, Trial Day 2: Judgment-lesser offense plead guilty. Sentenced to 56 years in prison. Order-Agreed to State's & defense's Motion in Limine. Order-Evidence presented. Discovery log-granted. Motion. Notice-int destroy evidence. .

 

[Niner]

For the week of Monday, June 9th thru Friday 13th [ ]

Monday, June 9th:
*Trial continues (Day 3) (@ 9am AZT) – AZ – Brandon Boudreaux (34/now 40) attempted murder on Oct. 2, 2019 in Gilbert, AZ. *Lori Norene Vallow-Daybell (46 @ time of crime/49/now 52) indicted (2/24/22), charged & arraigned (12/7/23) with 1 count of 1st degree premeditated attempted murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Maricopa County
Jury selection began on 5/30/25 & ended 6/4/25. Jury consists of 12 jurors & 3 alternates [8 women & 7 men].
Trial began on 6/5/25. @9a Times: on 6/9 @ 10:30am, 6/10 & 6/11 @ 10am, 6/12 @ 10:30am & 6/13 @ 8:45am. The rest so far @ 10:30am.
Judge Justin Beresky presiding. State’s attorney Ryan Green. DA Treena Jeanelle Kay. Vallow-Daybell Pro Se with advisory Defense attorneys Gerald Bradley & Denae Suchy.
Case info from 2/24/22 thru 6/4/25 & Jury Selection Day 1-2 (5/29 & 6/4/25) & Trial Day 1 (6/5/25) reference post #538 here:
https://websleuths.com/threads/az-l...aux-chandler-maricopa-county-5.742964/page-27
6/6/25 Docket Update: LVD's motion for a new Judge has been denied. The Court has reviewed the Motion for Change of Judge for Cause, filed 6/5/25, pursuant to Rule 10.1 of the Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure. IT IS ORDERED summarily denying the Motion for Change of Judge for Cause, filed 6/5/25 by Judge Jennifer E. Green. See link for document here: https://courtminutes.clerkofcourt.maricopa.gov/docs/Criminal/062025/m11360914.pdf
6/6/25 Friday, Trial Day 2: *Treena Kay now wants to go on the record. She has issues that Lori, during her opening statement, told the jury yesterday that she said she was a very loving & peaceful person. Treena says this violates the rules & she has now opened the door so Treena can bring up the fact she is a convicted felon four times over. Lori also brought in the fact that Brandon hired a private investigator. Treena says if Lori goes down this road, she plans to bring up the fact that she killed her children, her husband & her current husband’s wife. Judge agrees an&thought, “Wow. She’s opening a big door here” when Lori mentioned those things. He says the state is right & she began to testify. Judge asks Lori if she understands. Lori says she does. “I also understand the state withdrew their 404B.” Judge says, “That doesn’t mean you can say whatever you want!” Lori responds, “I wasn’t saying that!” Judge says if Lori talks about her good character, the state can talk about her character going forward.
State witnesses: Gilbert Detective David Frerer [back on stand for cross-exam]. Lynette Mendoza [live in Gilbert had Ring doorbell camera on her house]. Treena moves to admit the video as evidence. Video shown on the screen to to jurors [the beginning shows a black vehicle. Within seconds, we heard a loud bang/explosion sound. Kay has no further questions. Brandon Boudreaux back for cross-exam. Chandler Det. Nathan Duncan [he was the case agent in Charles Vallow’s trial]. Tom Olszak [a retired state trooper from the Dept. of Public Safety. He currently works as a forensic analyst for the Secret Service]. Gilbert Det. Ryan Pillar, lead detective [has worked for the department since 2007 & trained on processing crime scenes].
Trial continues on Monday, 6/9/25 @ 10:30am.
AZ – Charles Vallow (62) shot & killed on July 11, 2019 in Chandler, AZ. *Lori Norene Daybell-Vallow - Trial of Charles began on 4/7/25 & ended 4/22/25 with GUILTY of all charges. Will be sentenced after Boudreaux trial.
5/29/25 Docket update: Charles: State's motion to file juror affidavit in support of State's response to motion for new trial under seal. 6/3/25 Docket update: Non-party Maricopa County Sheriff & Correctional Health Services notice relating to defendant's health status.
ID – Vallow found guilty of all charges & sentenced to 3 consecutive life sentences without parole on 7/31/23.


Tuesday, June 10th:
*Plea Hearing (@ 9:30am CT) - TX - James Wolfe II (40) fatally shot by Aunt on April 5, 2024, Katy. *Mei Huang Wolfe (48/now 49) arrested & charged (4/8/24) with felony murder. $100K Bond. Bonded out (4/7/24). Harris County
Case & court info from 4/5/24 thru 4/3/25 reference post #24 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...s-and-kills-nephew-april-8-2024.709534/page-2
5/15/25 Update: Disposition hearing reset upon defense request on 5/20/25 @ 9:30am. 5/20/25 Update: Review videos. Reset upon defense request. Next plea hearing on 6/10/25 @ 9:30am.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Thursday, June 12th:
*Trial continues (Day 6)-REACHED! (@ 10am AZT) – AZ – Brandon Boudreaux (34/now 41) attempted murder on Oct. 2, 2019 in Gilbert, AZ. *Lori Norene Vallow-Daybell (46 @ time of crime/49/now 52) indicted (2/24/22), charged & arraigned (12/7/23) with 1 count of 1st degree premeditated attempted murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Maricopa County
Jury selection began on 5/30/25 & ended 6/4/25. Jury consists of 12 jurors & 3 alternates [8 women & 7 men].
Trial began on 6/5/25 & ended on 6/11/25.
Jury Deliberations: Day 1 (6/11/25) ~15 minutes. Day 2 (6/12/25) ~30 minutes. Total deliberations: ~45 minutes.
VERDICT: GUILTY!
Judge Justin Beresky presiding. State’s attorney Ryan Green. DA Treena Jeanelle Kay. Vallow-Daybell Pro Se with advisory Defense attorneys Gerald Bradley & Denae Suchy.
Case info from 2/24/22 thru 6/11/25 & Jury Selection Day 1-2 (5/29 & 6/4/25) & Trial Day 1-5 (6/5-6/11/25) reference post #286 here:
https://websleuths.com/threads/az-l...aux-chandler-maricopa-county-6.746070/page-15
6/12/25 Docket update: Judge Beresky has issued an order denying that last motion to dismiss. It's a satisfying read. He calls her out for making up court names, and for malingering. The Court has received & reviewed the Defendant's "Motion to Dismiss Abuse of Discretion" filed with the Clerk of the Court on June 9, 2025. IT IS ORDERED DENYING the Defendant's request for oral argument on this issue. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED DENYING the Defendant's Motion to Dismiss. See link for document: https://courtminutes.clerkofcourt.maricopa.gov/docs/Criminal/062025/m11369994.pdf
6/12/25 Thursday, Trial Day 6: Jury deliberations continues. And have a verdict @ ~10:30am. Verdict: GUILTY!
Judge polls the jurors. They all say "yes". Judge talks about the aggravation phase. Daybll has stipuated to them [a dangerous offense], but says even though she objects to an aggravator phase. Daybell ask if she can waive her pre-sentence report. Judge says "no!", he will have pre sentence report on both cases prepared. Judge Beresky sets sentencing hearing on 7/25/25 @ 9am (until noon). Daybell has 30 days to be transported back to Idaho. Lori wants to get back to Idaho, so Kay will reach out to the extradictions people & coordinate an interstate transport.
AZ – Charles Vallow (62) shot & killed on July 11, 2019 in Chandler, AZ. *Lori Norene Daybell-Vallow - Trial of Charles began on 4/7/25 & ended 4/22/25 with GUILTY of all charges. Will be sentenced after Boudreaux trial.
ID – Vallow found guilty of all charges & sentenced to 3 consecutive life sentences without parole on 7/31/23.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Friday, June 13th:
*Disposition Hearing (@ am ET) – CT – Jennifer Rebecca Farber Dulos (50) (May 24, 2019, New Canaan; still missing) – *Kent Douglas Mawhinney (54/now 59) arrested & charged (1/7/20) & arraigned (2/20/20) with conspiracy to commit murder. Plead not guilty. Held on $2M bond. Bond reduced (10/7/20) to $246K. Bond posted (10/19/20). Bond set @ $1.5M (10/3/22); back in jail for removing GPS device. Bond reduced (12/15/22) to $246K & on GPS monitoring (again) & on house detention. On 5/15/23 on GPS monitoring, but can leave house. To remove GPS monitoring denied (11/3/23). Fairfield County Stamford Superior Court
Trial was set to begin in January, 2023 was cancelled. Case is on Hold per Judge.
State's attorney Michelle Manning. Defense attorney Jeffrey Kestenband.
Court info from 1/7/20 thru 6/2/24 reference post #863 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...isappearance-of-jennifer-dulos.464017/page-44
6/5/25 Update: Disposition hearing on 6/13/25. [A disposition hearing in Connecticut typically refers to a legal proceeding that follows arraignment & occurs before or instead of a trial. Its main purpose is to determine how the case will be resolved, which could involve a plea agreement, dismissal of charges, or scheduling the case for trial].
6/13/25 Update: The State will not move forward with the conspiracy to commit murder case against Kent Mawhinney in the disappearance & death of Jennifer Dulos. Instead, Mawhinney today pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of interfering with an officer. The sentence is 11 months in prison, which Mawhinney has already served. Per State’s Attorney Paul Ferencek, despite the judge finding probable cause for the warrant in 2020 & a continued exhaustive investigation by the State’s Attorney’s Office, the state doesn’t have the evidence to prove a conspiracy to commit murder charge.
*Michelle C. Troconis (44/now 47) – Cases #021178T, #0167364T & #0148553T: Trial started on 1/11/24 & ended 2/29/24 with a verdict of guilty on all charges. Sentencing hearing on 5/31/24. Sentenced to 14 ½ years in prison & to 5 years probation. Status hearing re contempt charges on 6/18/25.
*Fotis Dulos (52) – Committed suicide on 1/28/20 & declared dead at 5:32pm on 1/30/20. 3/3/20: Charges dismissed. The case against Dulos will be officially dismissed in about a year, unless the state decides to reopen it. 1/17/22: After debt, no money left in Dulos estate for children. While Fotis Dulos’ estate has $395,687 in assets, it owes $548,280.75 in expenses, according to Farmington Probate Court records. Attorney Christopher Hug will be paid $189,525 for settling the estate & attorney Paul Knierim, who represented Hug, will receive $98,326, court documents show."

 

[Niner]

For the week of Monday, June 16th thru Friday, June 20th:

Monday, June 16th:
*Trial set to begin (@ 9:30am CT) - TX – Cedric “CJ” Jackson, Jr. (18 mos.) (missing July 9, 2019 last seen 11pm, reported missing at 6am July 10, 2019, found July 11, 2019 at C.M. Hinton, Jr. Reg. Landfill & Wood Recycling Fac. in Rowlett) – *Sedrick Deshun Johnson (27/now 33) (BF of Aunt) arrested & charged (7/11/19) with 1st degree felony injury to a child causing serious bodily injury. $250K bond. Bond reduced (9/14/21) to $20K. Bond reduction denied (2/16/22).
*Grand Jury indicted (9/23/19) & charged (9/29/19) with capital murder. $500K bond. Bond reduced to $250K (9/9/20). Bond reduced to $200K (9/14/21). Bond reduction denied (2/16/22). Dallas County
Trial was set to begin on 6/9/25 is continued on 6/16/25.
5/20/22: Appeal filed to the 5th Court of Appeals (Case #05-22-00480-CR). 11/21/24: Texas Court of Appeals reversed a lower court ruling re suppressed evidence can be used against Johnson.
Judge Nancy Mulder presiding.
Info on custody & confession reference & court hearings from 7/23/19 thru 11/14/24 reference post #605 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ths-dallas-9-july-2019-arrests.458426/page-31
11/21/24 Update: The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals on Wednesday reversed a lower court ruling that would have suppressed evidence in a Dallas County man’s capital murder case. The ruling restores statements Sedrick Johnson made to law enforcement incriminating himself in the death of an 18-month-old boy who was reported missing. Johnson had asked for a lawyer but ultimately waived his right to counsel before telling police he put the child’s body in a dumpster. “The question before us today is whether the request for counsel before Miranda warnings invoked Miranda protections so as to bar police-initiated interrogation after Miranda warnings were later given,” Presiding Judge Sharon Keller wrote in a decision joined by Judges Barbara Hervey, Mary Lou Keel, Jesse McClure III, Michelle Slaughter & Kevin Yeary. “In line with precedent from the United States Supreme Court, we answer that question ‘no,’” Keller wrote. “The right to counsel under Miranda cannot be invoked anticipatorily. The police were allowed to seek to question [Johnson] after giving him Miranda warnings for the first time. ”Next pretrial hearing on 5/8/25 @ 9:30am & trial set to begin on 6/9/25 @ 9:30am.
5/8/25 Update: Trial has been reset on 6/16/25 @ 9:30am.
*Chrystal Nicole Jackson (27/now 32) “Aunt” arrested (7/18/19) & charged (7/22/19) with child abandonment & endangerment. Held on $35K bond. 11/7/19: felony charge was reduced to a misdemeanor & sentence is probation.

*Trial continues (Day 4) (@ 9:30am ET) - GA -Treasure McWeay (4) starved to death by father, Dec. 11, 2023 & abuse of brothers (3 & 5), Atlanta - Rodney A. McWeay (31) indicted (12/22/23) & charged (12/11/23) with 2 counts of murder (12/11/23 & 1/11/24), 3 counts of kidnapping (7/6/23), 4 counts of 1st degree cruelty to children (5/19/21 & 12/11/23), 3 counts of 2nd degree cruelty to children (5/19/21 & 12/11/23) & 3 counts of false imprisonment (victim is less than 14 yrs. old (12/11/23). Held without bond (1/23/24); Bond denied (1/24/24). Fulton County
*Charged (6/17/24) with aggravated assault, possession of dangerous weapon or drugs by inmate & riot in Penal Institution. Bond: Assault $20K, weapon $10K & riot $5K all Surety Bond. Fulton County
Jury Selection on 6/10/25. Jury selected & sworn in on 6/10/25.
Trial began on 6/11/25.
Judge Kevin Farmer presiding. Fulton County Dep. DA Lauren McAuley. Public defender Smantha Beck.
Case & Court info from 12/11/23 thru 8/13/24 & Jury Selection (6/10/25) & Trial Day 1-2 (6/11-6/12/25) reference post #55 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...death-by-father-january-11-2024.700856/page-3
6/13/25 Friday, Trial Day 3: State witnesses Ashia Hawkins, a child protection investigator.
Trial continues on Monday, 6/16/25.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Wednesday, June 18th:
*Trial continues (Day 6)-VERDICT REACHED! (@ 9:30am ET) - GA -Treasure McWeay (4) starved to death by father, Dec. 11, 2023 & abuse of brothers (3 & 5), Atlanta - Rodney A. McWeay (31/now 32) indicted (12/22/23) & charged (12/11/23) with 2 counts of murder (12/11/23 & 1/11/24), 3 counts of kidnapping (7/6/23), 4 counts of 1st degree cruelty to children (5/19/21 & 12/11/23), 3 counts of 2nd degree cruelty to children (5/19/21 & 12/11/23) & 3 counts of false imprisonment (victim is less than 14 yrs. old (12/11/23). Held without bond (1/23/24); Bond denied (1/24/24). Fulton County
*Charged (6/17/24) with aggravated assault, possession of dangerous weapon or drugs by inmate & riot in Penal Institution. Bond: Assault $20K, weapon $10K & riot $5K all Surety Bond. Fulton County
Jury Selection was on 6/10/25. Jury selected & sworn in on 6/10/25.
Trial began on 6/11/25 & ended on 6/17/25. Jury started deliberations on 6/18/25 & ended 6/18/25 with a GUILTY verdict.
Judge Kevin Farmer presiding. Fulton County Deputy DA Lauren McAuley. Public defender Smantha Beck.
Case & Court info from 12/11/23 thru 8/13/24 & Jury Selection (6/10/25) & Trial Day 1-5 (6/11-6/17/25) reference post #69 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...death-by-father-january-11-2024.700856/page-4
6/18/25 Wednesday, Trial Day 6: Jury continued deliberations in the morning & n a verdict returned shortly before noon, McWeay was found guilty on all charges. McWeay will be sentenced within the next 30 days & can appeal the conviction.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Friday, June 20th:
*Trial continues (Day 4)-SENTENCING PHASE! (@ 9:30am CT) - TX – Cedric “CJ” Jackson, Jr. (18 mos.) (missing July 9, 2019 last seen 11pm, reported missing at 6am July 10, 2019, found July 11, 2019 at C.M. Hinton, Jr. Reg. Landfill & Wood Recycling Fac. in Rowlett) – *Sedrick Deshun Johnson (27/now 33) (BF of Aunt) arrested & charged (7/11/19) with 1st degree felony injury to a child causing serious bodily injury. $250K bond. Bond reduced (9/14/21) to $20K. Bond reduction denied (2/16/22). Dallas County
*Grand Jury indicted (9/23/19) & charged (9/29/19) with capital murder. $500K bond. Bond reduced to $250K (9/9/20). Bond reduced to $200K (9/14/21). Bond reduction denied (2/16/22). Case is pending! Dallas County
Jury Selection on 6/16/25: Jury: 9 women & 5 men, including two alternates. 6/18/25: Jury deliberated for ~3 hours-Verdict: Guilty.
Trial began on 6/16/25 & ended on 6/18/25. Sentencing Phase begins on 6/20/25 & ended on 6/20/25 after deliberating for 1 hour. Sentenced to 20 years in prison, which 6 years shaved off & he will be eligible for parole in 4 years. Still faces murder charges!
5/20/22: Appeal filed to the 5th Court of Appeals (Case #05-22-00480-CR). 11/21/24: Texas Court of Appeals reversed a lower court ruling re suppressed evidence can be used against Johnson.
Judge Nancy Mulder presiding. Prosecutor Rachel Burris & defense attorney Stephanie Martin.
Info on custody & confession reference & court hearings from 7/23/19 thru 5/8/25 & Trial Day 1-3 (6/16-18/25) reference post #619 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ths-dallas-9-july-2019-arrests.458426/page-31
6/20/25 Friday, Trial Day 4: Sentencing Phase Day 1: The jury — nine women & five men — deliberated his punishment for more than an hour. Johnson was sentenced Friday to 20 years in prison. Johnson was found guilty earlier this week of injury to a child by omission in the 2019 death of Cedrick “C.J.” Jackson, the 18-month-old nephew of Johnson’s girlfriend. Johnson faced up to life in prison. About six years will be shaved off Johnson’s confinement because of the time he’s served in jail awaiting trial. He will be eligible for parole in roughly four years, according to his attorneys. Johnson still faces a capital murder charge in connection with Cedrick’s death.
*Chrystal Nicole Jackson (27/now 32) “Aunt” arrested (7/18/19) & charged (7/22/19) with child abandonment & endangerment. Held on $35K bond. 11/7/19: felony charge was reduced to a misdemeanor & sentence is probation.

 

[Niner]

For the week of Monday, June 23rd thru Friday, June 27th:

Monday, June 23rd:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 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 1st degree 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. 12 jurors (10 men & 2 women). Juror #2 was replaced by an alternate on 3/19/25. Juror #2 [new one] was replaced by an alternate on 3/20/25.
Jury Deliberations: Day 1 [4/9/25]: 10:15am to ~4pm [minus 1 hour lunch/~4 hours & 45 mins]. Day 2 [4/10/25]: 10am-4pm [minus hour lunch/~5 hours]. Day 3 [4/11/25]: 9:30am-9:45am/15 minutes. Total deliberations: ~10 hours. CourtTV Verdict clock says deliberations 8 hours & 45 minutes. VERDICT REACHED!
VERDICT: GUILTY on all charges.
Trial began on 1/24/25 & on 3/12/25 Prosecutors rested their case. Defense began their case on 3/12/25 & rested their case on 4/2/25. Closing arguments began with the State on 4/3/25 & went thru Monday, 4/7/25 with defense closing on 4/7 & 4/8/25 with rebuttal closing by State.
Trial: 38 days of testimony with 44 state & 13 defense witnesses.
Superior Court Judge Ronald S. Coen. Deputy DA Beth Silverman, Ryan Heath Erlich, Dep. DA, Melissa Hannah Opper, Dep. DA, & Heather Joy Steggel, Dep. DA.. Defense attorneys Leonard Levine & Blair Bernholz Berk.
Court hearings from 6/5/18 thru 1/28/25 & Jury Selection Days 1-2 (1/21-1/22/25) & Trial Day 1-44 (1/24 & 1/29-4/10/25) & Verdict Days 1-2 (4/9-4/10/25) reference post #959 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...a-23-jan-2017-arrests-1-guilty.327994/page-48
4/11/25 Friday, Trial Day 45/Verdict Watch Day 3: Jury continues deliberate @ 9:30am PT & ended about 9:45am PT. Jury has reached a verdict. GUILTY on all charges. Sentencing hearing on 6/23/25.
*Christopher Austin (38/now 39) – Plead guilty on 1/17/25. Sentencing on 4/30/25 to 16 years in prison.
*Robert Louis Baker (55/now 63) (wife’s BF) plead no contest/guilty on 7/7/23 & sentenced to life without parole.

*Trial set to begin (for both) (@ 9am ET) - GA - Boy (6) Brutally beaten by mom's bf from June 4 thru June 6, 2023 suffering broken bones, blood clots in his lung & bleeding on the brain; fighting for his life & is in extremely grave condition in Conley. Update 7/25/23: The child has come out of a coma & is slowly recovering. *Napoleon Tracey Ates, Jr. (36/now 38) arrested (6/6/23), charged (6/7/23), indicted (1/17/24) & arraigned (4/5/24 & 8/2/24) with aggravated battery, aggravated assault w/deadly weapon, aggravated cruelty to children in the 1st degree, 2 counts of cruelty to children in the 2nd degree, battery, cruelty to children-allow child to witness, making false statements & contributing to deprivation of a minor. Bond denied on 6 charges & a total bond set at $15K on 3 charges/for Jan. charges bond at $7K) Plead not guilty [8/2/24]. Clayton County
Additionally charged (3/30/24) & with aggravated assault, cruelty to children in the 1st degree & battery-Family violence. Clayton County
*Porshe Renee Wells (33/now 35) arrested (6/7/23), charged (6/8/23), indicted (1/17/24) & arraigned (6/7/24 & 8/2/24) with cruelty to children in the 1st degree, cruelty to children in the 2nd degree, cruelty to children in the 3rd degree, contributing to deprivation of a minor, making a false statement, aggravated battery & aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Bond amounts range from $2K to $8K (total $27,500) with the exception of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon-no bond. Plead not guilty [8/2/24]. Clayton County
Trial set to begin on 6/23/25.
Clayton Superior Court Judge Robert L. Mack Jr. presiding. Defense attorneys Jordan Price & Karlyn Skall for Ates & attorney Charles Tierrance for Wells.
Case & court info from 6/4/23 (Ates) & 6/7/23 (Wells) thru 3/13/25 reference post #109 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ed-atlanta-clayton-co-june-2023.680727/page-6
5/1/25 Update: Hearing for both on 5/19/25. Trial set begin on 6/23/25.


Tuesday, June 24th:
*Plea Hearing (@ 9am CT) - TX - Samuel Olson (5, would have been 6 on 5/29/21) (it was reported that he was taken by an unknown male from a southwest Houston home in the 8800 block of McAvoy Dr. at about 7:30am on May 27, 2021, but he had been missing for 2 weeks before this, found June 1, 2021 inside a tote bag in the Best Western motel in Jasper). – *Benjamin D. Rivera (27/now 31) arrested (6/22/21), charged (6/23/21) & indicted (6/26/21) with tampering/fabricating evidence in the death of 5-year-old Samuel. $100K bond. Posted bond on 6/23/21 & is out. Harris County
Trial was set to begin on 4/7/25 was vacated with plea hearing on 6/24/25.
Case info from 6/23/21 thru 9/5/24 reference post #450 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...5-houston-27-may-2021-arrest-3.573761/page-23
9/12/24 Update: Agreed on trial continuance-granted. Granted motion to appointment funds for Mitigation. Next pretrial conference hearing on 3/18/25 @ 9am & trial is now set to begin on 4/7/25 @ 9am.
3/11/25 Docket update: Motions-Agreed Motion for trial continuance. 3/18/25 Docket update: Order continuance of trial granted. 3/18/25 Update: Next plea hearing on 6/24/25 @ 9am.
*Theresa Raye Balboa (29/now 32) – Plea hearing on 5/17/23 plead guilty to 1st degree murder & sentenced to 52 years in prison. Must serve 26 years before eligible for parole.
*Dylan Ray Walker (27/now 30) – no hearing set as of 9/10/21. Out of custody. Jasper County

*Plea Hearing (@ 9:30am CT) - TX - James Wolfe II (40) fatally shot by Aunt on April 5, 2024, Katy. *Mei Huang Wolfe (48/now 49) arrested & charged (4/8/24) with felony murder. $100K Bond. Bonded out (4/7/24). Harris County
Case & court info from 4/5/24 thru 4/3/25 reference post #24 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...s-and-kills-nephew-april-8-2024.709534/page-2
5/15/25 Update: Disposition hearing reset upon defense request on 5/20/25 @ 9:30am. 5/20/25 Update: Review videos. Reset upon defense request. Next plea hearing on 6/10/25 @ 9:30am.
6/10/25 Update: Plea hearing was reset upon defense request on 6/24/25 @ 9:30am.

*Jury Selection set to begin [for both] (@ am ET) - KY – Crystal Maria Rogers (35) (reported missing July 3, 2015; car (with flat tire) was found July 5, 2015 on Bluegrass Parkway near mile marker 14 with keys in ignition & her belongings (phone & purse) in car, Bardstown). – *Brooks William Houck (33 @ time of crime/41/now 43) arrested, charged & indicted (9/27/23) & arraigned (10/5/23) with felony murder & tampering with physical evidence. Plead not guilty. Bond $10M Cash Only! Reduction of bond (to $500K) denied (10/9/23). KY Supreme Court denied (3/12/24) review of bond reduction. Was transferred (9/27/23) from Nelson County jail to Hardin County Detention Center. Was transferred (12/13/23) to Oldham County Detention Center. Transferred on 6/18/25 to Warren County Regional Jail. Nelson County
*Joseph Stephen Lee Allen Lawson (24 @ time of crime/32/now 34) arrested, indicted & charged (7/24/23) with criminal conspiracy to commit murder & charged (6/21/23) with complicity in tampering with physical evidence. Bond $50K unsecured bond (tampering) & $550K Cash bond (conspiracy). Bond reduced (2/12/24) to $250K Cash bond. Plead not guilty. Held in Grayson County Kentucky Detention Center. Transferred on 6/18/25 to Warren County Regional Jail. Nelson County
Trial set to begin on 6/24/25 with jury selection for Brooks Houck & Joseph Lawson. Trial will be held in Warren County.
Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms III presiding. Special prosecutor Shane Young. Houck’s defense attorneys Brian Butler, Michael Denbow & Jennifer Henry Jackson & J. Lawson’s defense attorney Kevin Coleman.
Case & Court info from 7/23/20 thru 11/15/24 reference post #658 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...y-3-july-2015-4-arrest-in-2023.690447/page-33
11/15/24 Update: Judge Simms canceled plans for a court review & setting a court date for Houck & Joseph Lawson’s joint trial on Dec. 5, 2024, canceled. Next motions hearing for Houck on 5/8/25.
5/8/25 Update: Houck appeared in court virtually Thursday as his defense attorneys & state prosecutors argued over what expert testimony will be used at his upcoming trial. Special prosecutor Shane Young filed a motion requesting the defense to provide more information on the testimony of the experts they plan to call at trial. The defense plans to call a retired detective to the stand to go over the timeline of the investigation done by the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office & later, the FBI. Defense attorney Brian Butler said the detective won’t comment on any missteps the sheriff’s office may have taken early on & will instead give a general overview of the investigative process. The prosecution asked the judge to require the defense to give more details on the basis for that expert’s opinions, including specific examples within those interviews. The judge did not make a ruling on the prosecution’s motion at the end of Thursday’s hearing, saying he plans to make a decision in the coming days.
5/24/25 Update: A judge in the Houck trial has issued a key ruling on what jurors will hear from defense experts. The Defense has to disclose "ultimate opinions" of its experts. Judge said he wasn't limiting their opinions just to evidence on this case. Houck defense adds 4 expert witnesses.
6/6/25 Update: Judge issues courtroom restrictions are as follows: The court order says that while the public & press may observe the proceedings, access to them will be tightly controlled. Only court personnel will be allowed to record the trial. Live streaming, video & audio recordings by the media or public are not permitted. Jury selection set to begin on 6/24/25.
6/18/25 Update: Houck & J. Lawson have been transferred to the Warren County Regional Jail just one week before his trial in the Crystals case.
*Steven Eugene Lawson (48 @ time of crime/53/now 54) – Trial set to begin on 5/27/25 & ended on 5/30/25. Found GUILTY of all charges. Sentencing hearing on 8/6/25.


Thursday, June 26th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 10am PT) - NM - 7 year old boy shot & critically injured by mother, Sept. 22, 2023, Albuquerque. *Davona Ashley Chavez (27/now 28) 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.
Plead guilty [1/23/25].
Case & Court information from 9/25/23 thru 4/23/25 reference post #69 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...na-chavez-albuquerque-sept-2023.695472/page-4
5/13/25 Update: Sentencing hearing on 5/19/25 @ 1:45pm. 5/19/25 Update: Motion for sentencing continuance-granted. Next sentencing hearing on 6/26/25 @ 10am.