Trials & Sentencings for March, 2025

[Niner]

For the week of Monday, March 3rd thru Friday, March 7th:

Monday, March 3rd:
*Trial continues (Day 21) (@ 8:30am PT) – CA – Fabio Sementilli (49) (Jan. 23, 2017, Los Angeles) – *Monica Sonia Crescentini Sementilli (45/now 53) (wife) arrested (8/18/17), indicted (8/31/17), charged (8/18/17) & arraigned (8/31/17) with capital murder with special circumstances of murder for financial gain & conspiracy to commit murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA will not seek DP. LA County
Jury Selection began on 1/21/25 & ended 1/22/25. No info on jurors.
Trial began on 1/24/25. Dark on Fridays.
Superior Court Judge Ronald S. Coen. Deputy DA Heather Steggell & Deputy DA Beth Silverman. Defense attorneys Leonard Levine & Blair Berk.
Court hearings from 6/5/18 thru 1/28/25 & Jury Selection Days 1-2 (1/21-1/22/25) & Trial Day 1-19 (1/24 & 1/29-2/27/25) reference post #415 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...a-23-jan-2017-arrests-1-guilty.327994/page-21
2/28/25 Friday, Trial Day 20: State witnesses: .Gessica Sementilli, daughter of Fabio & Monica. L.A. County Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Odey Ukmpo. No other info available. Trial continues on Monday, 3/3/25.
*Christopher Austin (38/now 39) – Plead guilty on 1/17/25. Sentencing hearing on 4/30/25.
*Robert Louis Baker (55/now 61) (wife’s BF) plead no contest/guilty on 7/7/23 & sentenced to life without parole.

*Trial continues (Day 18) (@ 9am PT) – CA – *Madalyn (Maddie) Payton Slater (1) (thrown off steep cliff into ravine, May 6, 2020, Palm Desert, Coachella Valley) - *Adam Slater (49/now 53) “father” arrested (5/7/20) , charged (5/8/20), recharged (5/11/20) & arraigned (5/12/20) with 1st degree murder, 2nd degree murder, 1st degree attempted murder, child custody kidnapping, assault on a child under 8 years old resulting in death, assault with a deadly weapon, obstruction, resisting arrest & prior felony conviction. Plead not guilty. $1M bond. Held (5/12/20) with no bond. Riverside County
Allegedly tossed his 1 year old daughter off a “steep cliff” to her death after he stabbed the child’s mom before fleeing with the child. Thirty minutes later, investigators said, Slater's car went off Highway 74 & overturned before coming to a stop hundreds of feet from the road & then stabbed a bystander who tried to help.
Trial began on 1/24/25. Dark on Fridays
Court hearing from 5/8/20 thru 11/12/24 & Trial Days 1-14 (1/24-1/29/25 & 2/3-2/20/25) reference post #167 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-desert-7-may-2020-dad-arrested.521060/page-9
2/24/25 Monday, Trial Day 15: No info available. Trial continues on Tuesday, 2/25/25.
2/25/25 Tuesday, Trial Day 16: No info available. Trial continues on Thursday, 2/27/25.
2/27/25 Thursday, Trial Day 17: No info available. Trial continues on Monday, 3/3/25. Not finding ANYTHING on this case...

*Jury Selection continues (Day 6) (@ am ET) – CT - Christine Marie Holloway (43) (last seen Nov. 27, 2019, found deceased on Dec. 2, 2019 during a welfare check, Ansonia) & Vanessa Morales (17 mos.) (last seen Nov. 29, 2019, reported missing Dec. 3, 2019, Amber Alert on Dec. 4, 2019-not found) - *Jose Luis Morales (43/now 48) (BF) arrested (12/3/19), charged & arraigned (2/7/20) with felony murder, tampering with physical evidence & 2 counts of criminal possession of firearm (see below). Plead not guilty. Bond $5M. CT Superior Court in Milford Superior Court
Jury selection began 2/24/25. A panel of 12 jurors & 4 alternates will be selected. [2/24/25: 1 juror selected.]
Trial set to begin on 3/18/25.
Superior Court Judge Shari Murphy. Prosecutor Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Howard Stein & Defense attorney Edward Gavin.
First arrested (12/3/19), charged (1/22/20) & arraigned (3/5/20) with 2 counts of criminal possession of a pistol (2 stun guns). Plead not guilty. Bond $25K. CT Superior court in New Haven/transfer to Milford Superior Court
Court info from 12/4/19 thru 2/18/25 & Jury Selection Day 1-2 (2/24-2/25/25) reference post #703 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...d-ansonia-28-nov-2019-arrest-2.490240/page-36
2/26/25 Wednesday, Jury Selection Day 3: No info available yet. Trial continues with jury selection on Thursday, 2/27/25.
2/27/25 Thursday, Jury Selection Day 4: No info available. Trial continues with jury selection on Friday, 2/28/25.
2/28/25 Friday, Jury Selection Day 5: No info available. Trial continues with jury selection on Monday, 3/3/25.

*Trial continues (Day 5) (@ 9am CT) – TX – Scarlette Olivia Newsom (2) (Oct. 17, 2018, Dean; taken off life support after 5 days) – *Joshua Thomas Fulbright (23/now 29) “BF” arrested & charged (10/17/18), indicted (12/18/18) & arraigned (1/22/19) with 1st degree felony count of injury to a child resulting in serious bodily injury. Indicted & charged (1/13/22) on 1st degree murder all other charges are dismissed. $250K bond. Bond reduced (12/23/19) to $50K. Out on bond on 12/23/19. Posted $50K bond (1/13/22) with GPS monitor & having no contact with Newsom.
*Was re-indicted (6/21/24), rearrested (6/28/24) & booked into Wichita County Jail & charged (6/21/24) & arraigned (8/19/24) with Capital murder of a child under 10 years of age. Held without bond. [Jail site says $350K bond]. DA will not seek DP. Clay CountyTyler County
Jury trial was set begin on 12/6/19 with jury selection, but were unable to find 12 jurors. Trial was set to begin on 3/25/20-cancelled due to COVID is continued on 8/22/22 for Jury selection. Will be tried in Montague County.
Trial began on 2/24/25 with jury selection. Trial began on 2/25/25. Prosecutors temporarily rested their case on 2/8/25. Defense began their case on 2/28/25. Trial is being held in Montague County.
Judge Trish Coleman Byars. Prosecutors Katie Boggeman & Paige Miller. Defense attorneys Mark Barber & Lauren Allen, (both court appointed).
Court info from 12/2/19 thru 2/21/25 & Jury selection (2/24/25) & Trial Day 1-3 (2/25-2/27/25) reference post #216 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ivia-newsom-2-dean-17-oct-2018.396570/page-11
2/28/25 Friday, Trial Day 4: *DA Boggeman called the prosecution’s penultimate witness before temporarily resting its case. Boggeman intends to reopen the case on Monday, 3/3/25, to call the state’s final witness. The jury was released by Judge Coleman Byars so that a hearing could be held outside its presence regarding a witness the defense intended to call as an expert, Dr. David Sabine. On stand David Sabine, a psychologist based in Wichita Falls. Boggeman objected to Dr. Sabine being called by the defense as an expert, arguing that his analysis came almost six years after the alleged events that led to the death of the child. Boggeman also asserted that it was another improper attempt by the defense to impeach Sarah Newsom, the child’s mother & Fulbright’s co-defendant in this case. In his rebuttal, Barber argued that Sabine would be testifying regarding his opinions & that he shouldn’t be disqualified as an expert. Ultimately, Judge Coleman Byars did not rule on the prosecution’s objection, releasing Dr. Sabine from the stand. She notified counsel for both sides that she would make her ruling next week & that Dr. Sabine would be called to the stand on Tuesday if she ruled to allow him to testify as an expert in this case.
*Defense witnesses: Sgt. Jody Polvado, currently employed with the Midwestern State University Police Dept. He testified that he played a role in the early stages of the investigation. Crystal Wright, supervisor with Child Protective Services. John Catron, a former lieutenant with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, he responded to Clay County Hospital on the night the child was brought in. Trial continues on Monday, 3/3/25.
*Sarah Elizabeth Newsom (23/now 29) “mom” – Announcement hearing on 3/10/25 & trial set to begin on 4/22/25.



and these trials will probably run thru the week - maybe Scarlette will get some Justice this week!

 

[Niner]

Update!

Wednesday, March 5th:
*Trial continues (Day 7)-VERDICT REACHED! (@ 9:30am CT) – TX – Scarlette Olivia Newsom (2) (Oct. 17, 2018, Dean; taken off life support after 5 days) – *Joshua Thomas Fulbright (23/now 29) “BF” arrested & charged (10/17/18), indicted (12/18/18) & arraigned (1/22/19) with 1st degree felony count of injury to a child resulting in serious bodily injury. Indicted & charged (1/13/22) on 1st degree murder all other charges are dismissed. $250K bond. Bond reduced (12/23/19) to $50K. Out on bond on 12/23/19. Posted $50K bond (1/13/22) with GPS monitor & having no contact with Newsom.
*Was re-indicted (6/21/24), rearrested (6/28/24) & booked into Wichita County Jail & charged (6/21/24) & arraigned (8/19/24) with Capital murder of a child under 10 years of age. Held without bond. [Jail site says $350K bond]. DA will not seek DP. Clay County
Jury trial was set begin on 12/6/19 with jury selection, but were unable to find 12 jurors. Trial was set to begin on 3/25/20-cancelled due to COVID is continued on 8/22/22 for Jury selection. Will be tried in Montague County.
Trial began on 2/24/25 with jury selection. Trial began on 2/25/25. Prosecutors temporarily rested their case on 2/8/25. Defense began their case on 2/28/25. State finally rested their case on 3/3/35. Defense continued their case on 3/3/35 & ended on 3/4/25. Both sides rested their case. Trial is being held in Montague County.
Jury deliberations 3/5/25: ~2 hours. Verdict: Guilty of capital murder. Sentenced to LWOP.
Judge Trish Coleman Byars. Prosecutors Katie Boggeman & Paige Miller. Defense attorneys Mark Barber & Lauren Allen, (both court appointed).
Court info from 12/2/19 thru 2/21/25 & Jury selection (2/24/25) & Trial Day 1-6 (2/25-3/4/25) reference post #224 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ivia-newsom-2-dean-17-oct-2018.396570/page-12
3/5/25 Wednesday, Trial Day 7: *Closing arguments done.
*The jury returned a unanimous verdict of guilty for the offense of capital murder after around two hours of deliberation. With the death penalty off the table in Fulbright’s case, he is automatically sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
*Sarah Elizabeth Newsom (23/now 29) “mom” – Announcement hearing on 3/10/25 & trial set to begin on 4/22/25.

 

[Niner]

Update!

March 5, 2025
*Trial continues (Day 20)-VERDICT REACHED! (@ 9am PT) – CA – *Madalyn (Maddie) Payton Slater (1) (thrown off steep cliff into ravine, May 6, 2020, Palm Desert, Coachella Valley) - *Adam Slater (49/now 53) “father” arrested (5/7/20) , charged (5/8/20), recharged (5/11/20) & arraigned (5/12/20) with 1st degree murder, 2nd degree murder, 1st degree attempted murder, child custody kidnapping, assault on a child under 8 years old resulting in death, assault with a deadly weapon, obstruction, resisting arrest & prior felony conviction. Plead not guilty. $1M bond. Held (5/12/20) with no bond. Riverside County
Allegedly tossed his 1 year old daughter off a “steep cliff” to her death after he stabbed the child’s mom before fleeing with the child. Thirty minutes later, investigators said, Slater's car went off Highway 74 & overturned before coming to a stop hundreds of feet from the road & then stabbed a bystander who tried to help.
Trial began on 1/24/25 & ended o 3/3/25 with both sides rested their cases. Dark on Fridays.
Jury started deliberations Day 1 (3/4/25) ~3 hours. Day 2 (3/5/25) – no idea!
Riverside County Superior Court Judge Otis Sterling.
Court hearing from 5/8/20 thru 11/12/24 & Trial Days 1-19 (1/24-1/29/25 & 2/3-3/4/25) reference post #180 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-desert-7-may-2020-dad-arrested.521060/page-9
3/5/25 Wednesday, Trial Day 20/Verdict Watch (Day 2): Jury deliberations. Slater was found guilty of murder & other charges today. Jurors convicted Slater of first-degree murder, attempted murder, assault on a child resulting in great bodily injury, assault with a deadly weapon, child concealing & resisting arrest. Jurors found true a special circumstance allegation of killing in the course of a kidnapping & sentence- enhancing allegations of using a deadly weapon-a knife-in the commission of a felony & inflicting great bodily injury. Jurors began deliberating the case Tuesday afternoon. The jury will return to the courtroom 3/12/25 for the penalty phase of the trial, when they will recommend whether Slater should be sentenced to death or life in prison without parole. Slater is being held without bail at the Benoit Detention Center.

 

[Niner]

For the week of Monday, March 10th thru Friday, 14th:

Monday, March 10th:
*Jury Selection continues (Day 11) (@ am ET) – CT - Christine Marie Holloway (43) (last seen Nov. 27, 2019, found deceased on Dec. 2, 2019 during a welfare check, Ansonia) & Vanessa Morales (17 mos.) (last seen Nov. 29, 2019, reported missing Dec. 3, 2019, Amber Alert on Dec. 4, 2019-not found) - *Jose Luis Morales (43/now 48) (BF) arrested (12/3/19), charged & arraigned (2/7/20) with felony murder, tampering with physical evidence & 2 counts of criminal possession of firearm (see below). Plead not guilty. Bond $5M. CT Superior Court in Milford Superior Court
Jury selection began 2/24/25. A panel of 12 jurors & 4 alternates will be selected. [as of 2/74/25: 2 jurors selected.]
Trial was set to begin on 3/18/25 continued on 4/7/25.
Superior Court Judge Shari Murphy. Prosecutor Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Howard Stein & Defense attorney Edward Gavin.
First arrested (12/3/19), charged (1/22/20) & arraigned (3/5/20) with 2 counts of criminal possession of a pistol (2 stun guns). Plead not guilty. Bond $25K. CT Superior court in New Haven/transfer to Milford Superior Court
Court info from 12/4/19 thru 2/18/25 & Jury Selection Day 1-7 (2/24-3/4/25) reference post #713 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...d-ansonia-28-nov-2019-arrest-2.490240/page-36
3/5/25 Wednesday, Jury Selection Day 8: No info available. Trial continues with jury selection on Thursday, 3/6/25.
3/6/25 Thursday, Jury Selection Day 9: No info available. Trial continues with jury selection on Friday, 3/7/25.
3/7/25 Friday, Jury Selection Day 10: No info available. Trial continues ?? with jury selection on Monday, 3/10/25. **Trial date has been moved to 4/7/25.

*Trial continues (Day 27) (@ 8:30am PT) – CA – Fabio Sementilli (49) (Jan. 23, 2017, Los Angeles) – *Monica Sonia Crescentini Sementilli (45/now 53) (wife) arrested (8/18/17), indicted (8/31/17), charged (8/18/17) & arraigned (8/31/17) with capital murder with special circumstances of murder for financial gain & conspiracy to commit murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA will not seek DP. LA County
Jury Selection began on 1/21/25 & ended 1/22/25. No info on jurors.
Trial began on 1/24/25. Dark on Fridays (sometimes).
Superior Court Judge Ronald S. Coen. Deputy DA Heather Steggell & Deputy DA Beth Silverman. Defense attorneys Leonard Levine & Blair Berk.
Court hearings from 6/5/18 thru 1/28/25 & Jury Selection Days 1-2 (1/21-1/22/25) & Trial Day 1-25 (1/24 & 1/29-3/6/25) reference post #454 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...a-23-jan-2017-arrests-1-guilty.327994/page-23
3/7/25 Friday, Trial Day 26: State witnesses: No info available. ?? Semetelli trial has adjourned for the weekend due to a juror having a medical issue. Trial continues on Monday, 3/10/25.
*Christopher Austin (38/now 39) – Plead guilty on 1/17/25. Sentencing hearing on 4/30/25.
*Robert Louis Baker (55/now 61) (wife’s BF) plead no contest/guilty on 7/7/23 & sentenced to life without parole.


Wednesday, March 12th:
*Penalty Phase of Trial Begins (@ 9am PT) – CA – *Madalyn (Maddie) Payton Slater (1) (thrown off steep cliff into ravine, May 6, 2020, Palm Desert, Coachella Valley) - *Adam Slater (49/now 53) “father” arrested (5/7/20) , charged (5/8/20), recharged (5/11/20) & arraigned (5/12/20) with 1st degree murder, 2nd degree murder, 1st degree attempted murder, child custody kidnapping, assault on a child under 8 years old resulting in death, assault with a deadly weapon, obstruction, resisting arrest & prior felony conviction. Plead not guilty. $1M bond. Held (5/12/20) with no bond. Riverside County Case
Trial began on 1/24/25 & ended o 3/3/25 with both sides rested their cases. Dark on Fridays.
Jury started deliberations Day 1 (3/4/25) ~3 hours. Day 2 (3/5/25) – no idea!
Riverside County Superior Court Judge Otis Sterling.
Court hearing from 5/8/20 thru 11/12/24 & Trial Days 1-19 (1/24-1/29/25 & 2/3-3/4/25) reference post #180 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-desert-7-may-2020-dad-arrested.521060/page-9
3/5/25 Wednesday, Trial Day 20/Verdict Watch (Day 2): Jury deliberations. Slater was found guilty of murder & other charges today. Jurors convicted Slater of first-degree murder, attempted murder, assault on a child resulting in great bodily injury, assault with a deadly weapon, child concealing & resisting arrest. Jurors found true a special circumstance allegation of killing in the course of a kidnapping & sentence- enhancing allegations of using a deadly weapon-a knife-in the commission of a felony & inflicting great bodily injury. Jurors began deliberating the case Tuesday afternoon. The jury will return to the courtroom 3/12/25 for the penalty phase of the trial, when they will recommend whether Slater should be sentenced to death or life in prison without parole. Slater is being held without bail at the Benoit Detention Center.

 

[Niner]

For the week of Monday, March 17th thru Friday, March 21st:

Monday, March 17th:
*Jury Selection continues (Day 16) (@ am ET) – CT - Christine Marie Holloway (43) (last seen Nov. 27, 2019, found deceased on Dec. 2, 2019 during a welfare check, Ansonia) & Vanessa Morales (17 mos.) (last seen Nov. 29, 2019, reported missing Dec. 3, 2019, Amber Alert on Dec. 4, 2019-not found) - *Jose Luis Morales (43/now 48) (BF) arrested (12/3/19), charged & arraigned (2/7/20) with felony murder, tampering with physical evidence & 2 counts of criminal possession of firearm (see below). Plead not guilty. Bond $5M. CT Superior Court in Milford Superior Court
Jury selection began 2/24/25. A panel of 12 jurors & 4 alternates will be selected. [as of 3/12/25: 12 jurors selected.]
Trial set to begin on 4/7/25.
Superior Court Judge Shari Murphy. Prosecutor Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Howard Stein & Defense attorney Edward Gavin.
First arrested (12/3/19), charged (1/22/20) & arraigned (3/5/20) with 2 counts of criminal possession of a pistol (2 stun guns). Plead not guilty. Bond $25K. CT Superior court in New Haven/transfer to Milford Superior Court
Court info from 12/4/19 thru 2/18/25 & Jury Selection Day 1-13 (2/24-3/12/25) reference post #729 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...d-ansonia-28-nov-2019-arrest-2.490240/page-37
3/13/25 Thursday, Trial Day 14: 3 Continue to select 4 alternates. Trial continues with jury selection on Friday, 3/14/25.
3/14/25 Friday, Trial Day 15: No info available. Trial with jury selection continues on Monday, 3/17/25.

*Trial continues (Day 32) (@ 8:30am PT) – CA – Fabio Sementilli (49) (Jan. 23, 2017, Los Angeles) – *Monica Sonia Crescentini Sementilli (45/now 53) (wife) arrested (8/18/17), indicted (8/31/17), charged (8/18/17) & arraigned (8/31/17) with capital murder with special circumstances of murder for financial gain & conspiracy to commit murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA will not seek DP. LA County
Jury Selection began on 1/21/25 & ended 1/22/25. No info on jurors.
Trial began on 1/24/25 & on 3/12/25 Prosecutors rested their case. Defense began their case on 3/12/25. Dark on Fridays (sometimes).
Superior Court Judge Ronald S. Coen. Deputy DA Heather Steggell & Deputy DA Beth Silverman. Defense attorneys Leonard Levine & Blair Berk.
Court hearings from 6/5/18 thru 1/28/25 & Jury Selection Days 1-2 (1/21-1/22/25) & Trial Day 1-30 (1/24 & 1/29-3/13/25) reference post #529 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...a-23-jan-2017-arrests-1-guilty.327994/page-27
3/14/25 Friday, Trial Day 31: Defense witnesses: Robert Baker continues on stand. Trial continues on Monday, 3/17/25.
*Christopher Austin (38/now 39) – Plead guilty on 1/17/25. Sentencing hearing on 4/30/25.
*Robert Louis Baker (55/now 61) (wife’s BF) plead no contest/guilty on 7/7/23 & sentenced to life without parole.

*Penalty Phase of Trial continues (Day 3) (@ 9am PT) – CA – *Madalyn (Maddie) Payton Slater (1) (thrown off steep cliff into ravine, May 6, 2020, Palm Desert, Coachella Valley) - *Adam Slater (49/now 53) “father” arrested (5/7/20) , charged (5/8/20), recharged (5/11/20) & arraigned (5/12/20) with 1st degree murder, 2nd degree murder, 1st degree attempted murder, child custody kidnapping, assault on a child under 8 years old resulting in death, assault with a deadly weapon, obstruction, resisting arrest & prior felony conviction. Plead not guilty. $1M bond. Held (5/12/20) with no bond. Riverside County
Trial began on 1/24/25 & ended o 3/3/25 with both sides rested their cases. Dark on Fridays.
Jury started deliberations Day 1 (3/4/25) ~3 hours. Day 2 (3/5/25) – no idea! Found guilty of all charges.
Penalty phase started on 3/12/25.
Riverside County Superior Court Judge Otis Sterling. Deputy DA Sammi Paixao & defense attorney Lori Myers.
Court hearing from 5/8/20 thru 11/12/24 & Trial Days 1-20/Verdict Day 2 (1/24-1/29/25 & 2/3-3/5/25) reference post #184 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...desert-7-may-2020-dad-arrested.521060/page-10
3/12/25 Wednesday, Penalty Phase Day 1: *Opening statements by Deputy DA Sammi Paixao & defense attorney Lori Myers.
*Two witnesses were called to the stand and gave emotional testimonies, including one of Slater's biological daughters, as well as a law enforcement officer who responded to the scene.
*The prosecution will continue its case on Thursday, 3/13/25 with more witnesses expected to take the stand.
3/13/25 Thursday, Penalty Phase Day 2: State witnesses: No info available yet. Penalty phase continues on Monday, 3/17/25.


Friday, March 21st:
*Trial: Long Cause (Divorce) (@ 8:30am PT) – CA – Sherri Louise Papini (39/now 42) vs. Keith Papini (38/now 40) Divorce case filed April, 2022. Shasta County
Keith has already won a series of legal battles in the divorce – including having his ex-wife declared an ‘unfit parent’ & gaining sole legal & physical custody of T & V. Papini is allowed only supervised visits with the children which take place at a court building in Redding & voice & video calls at Keith’s discretion.
On March 3, 2022, Sherri Papini was arrested by the FBI, accused of lying to federal agents & faking her kidnapping to spend time with her ex-boyfriend, away from her husband & family. Six weeks after her arrest, Papini signed a plea deal admitting that she had orchestrated the hoax. In September, 2022, she was sentenced to 18 months in prison & fined $300,000. Papini was released from prison in August, 2023 & placed in a halfway house. In April, 2022, a few days after Sherri pleaded guilty to fraud charges, Keith filed for divorce from his wife & for sole custody of their children. Trial began on 10/31/23 & ended same day.
Trial set to begin on 3/21/25.
Judge Kathryn J. Barton presiding. Keith’s defense attorney Conard Manuel of Manuel & Tescher retained. Sherri’s defense attorneys Kinney & Kinney.
Case info from 4/20/22 thru 12/4/24 reference post #937 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/...on-nov-2016-arrest-mar-2022-26.620371/page-47
12/9/24 Docket update: Proof of electronic service. Trial: Long cause on 12/18 & 12/19/24 have been vacated. Next trial readiness conference hearing on 1/6/25 @ 8:30am.
1/6/25 Update: Trial Readiness Conference held with Judge Kathryn J. Barton presiding. Parties present: Petitioner (Plantiff Keith Papini & defense attorney Conard Manuel. Defendant Sherri Papini with attorneys from Kinney & Kinney. Result: Continued party's motion. Next trial: Long Cause on 3/21/25 @ 8:30am.
Kathleen Papini vs Sherri Papini. Unlimited Breach of contract/warranty for $50K – Trial was set to begin on 8/5/25 was vacated on 1/10/25.

 

[Niner]

For the week of Monday, March 24th thru Friday, March 28th:

Monday, March 24th:
*Jury Selection continues (Day 18) (@ 10am ET) – CT - Christine Marie Holloway (43) (last seen Nov. 27, 2019, found deceased on Dec. 2, 2019 during a welfare check, Ansonia) & Vanessa Morales (17 mos.) (last seen Nov. 29, 2019, reported missing Dec. 3, 2019, Amber Alert on Dec. 4, 2019-not found) - *Jose Luis Morales (43/now 48) (BF) arrested (12/3/19), charged & arraigned (2/7/20) with felony murder, tampering with physical evidence & 2 counts of criminal possession of firearm (see below). Plead not guilty. Bond $5M. CT Superior Court in Milford Superior Court
Jury selection began 2/24/25. A panel of 12 jurors & 4 alternates will be selected. [as of 3/12/25: 12 jurors selected.] 3/18/25 4 alternates selected. 2 jurors (1 juror & 1 alternate have dropped out as of 3/20/25.
Trial was set to begin on 4/7/25 was continued on 5/7/25.
Superior Court Judge Shari Murphy. Prosecutor Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Howard Stein & Defense attorney Edward Gavin.
First arrested (12/3/19), charged (1/22/20) & arraigned (3/5/20) with 2 counts of criminal possession of a pistol (2 stun guns). Plead not guilty. Bond $25K. CT Superior court in New Haven/transfer to Milford Superior Court
Court info from 12/4/19 thru 2/18/25 & Jury Selection Day 1-14 (2/24-3/13/25) reference post #731 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...d-ansonia-28-nov-2019-arrest-2.490240/page-37
3/14/25 Friday, Trial Day 15: No info available. Trial with jury selection continues on Monday, 3/17/25.
3/17/25 Monday, Trial Day 16: No info available. Trial with jury selection continues on Tuesday, 3/18/25.
3/18/25 Tuesday, Trial Day 17: Jury selection is complete. The final 4 alternates were chosen this morning. A status conference will be held in 2 weeks during which a jury panel will be brought in just in case they lose more jurors. Per prosecutor they just lost one juror. Next a status conference hearing on 3/27/25 @ 10am during which a jury panel will be brought in just in case they lose more jurors.
3/21/25 Update: Jury selection will resume Monday after two people picked to serve during a trial next month dropped out. A regular juror & one of the alternates has since dropped out, Morales' defense lawyer Edward Gavin said Wednesday. Court officials said potential jurors would be called back in for the case Monday, 3/24/25. The trial, before Judge Shari A. Murphy, is scheduled from 4/7/25 to 5/7/25.

*Penalty Phase of Trial continues (Day 7)-VERDICT WATCH! (@ 9am PT) – CA – *Madalyn (Maddie) Payton Slater (1) (thrown off steep cliff into ravine, May 6, 2020, Palm Desert, Coachella Valley) - *Adam Slater (49/now 53) “father” arrested (5/7/20) , charged (5/8/20), recharged (5/11/20) & arraigned (5/12/20) with 1st degree murder, 2nd degree murder, 1st degree attempted murder, child custody kidnapping, assault on a child under 8 years old resulting in death, assault with a deadly weapon, obstruction, resisting arrest & prior felony conviction. Plead not guilty. $1M bond. Held (5/12/20) with no bond. Riverside County
Trial began on 1/24/25 & ended o 3/3/25 with both sides rested their cases. Dark on Fridays.
Jury started deliberations Day 1 (3/4/25) ~3 hours. Day 2 (3/5/25) – no idea!
Found guilty of all charges.
Penalty phase started on 3/12/25 & ended with both sides resting their cases on 3/18/25.
Jury began deliberations on 3/19/25.
Riverside County Superior Court Judge Otis Sterling. Deputy DA Sammi Paixao & defense attorney Lori Myers.
Court hearing from 5/8/20 thru 11/12/24 & Trial Days 1-20/Verdict Day 2 (1/24-1/29/25 & 2/3-3/5/25) & Penalty Phase Day 1-5 (3/12-19/25) reference post #200 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...desert-7-may-2020-dad-arrested.521060/page-10
3/20/25 Thursday, Penalty Phase Day 6: Jurors continued deliberations. Will return on Monday, 3/24/25.


Friday, March 28th:
*Trial continues (Day 37) (@ 8:30am PT) – CA – Fabio Sementilli (49) (Jan. 23, 2017, Los Angeles) – *Monica Sonia Crescentini Sementilli (45/now 53) (wife) arrested (8/18/17), indicted (8/31/17), charged (8/18/17) & arraigned (8/31/17) with capital murder with special circumstances of murder for financial gain & conspiracy to commit murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA will not seek DP. LA County
Jury Selection began on 1/21/25 & ended 1/22/25. No info on jurors. Juror #2 was replaced by an alternate on 3/19/25. Juror #2 [new one] was replaced by an alternate on 3/20/25.
Trial began on 1/24/25 & on 3/12/25 Prosecutors rested their case. Defense began their case on 3/12/25. Dark on Fridays (sometimes).
Superior Court Judge Ronald S. Coen. Deputy DA Heather Steggell & Deputy DA Beth Silverman. Defense attorneys Leonard Levine & Blair Berk.
Court hearings from 6/5/18 thru 1/28/25 & Jury Selection Days 1-2 (1/21-1/22/25) & Trial Day 1-35 (1/24 & 1/29-3/20/25) reference post #699 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...a-23-jan-2017-arrests-1-guilty.327994/page-37
3/21/25 Friday, Trial Day 36: Defense witnesses: Christopher Austin recalled by the defense & played the tape of his proffer agreement. Jason Rubin, Forensic CPA. Trial continues on Friday, 3/28/25.
*Christopher Austin (38/now 39) – Plead guilty on 1/17/25. Sentencing hearing on 4/30/25.
*Robert Louis Baker (55/now 62) (wife’s BF) plead no contest/guilty on 7/7/23 & sentenced to life without parole.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Tuesday, March 25th:
*Penalty Phase of Trial continues (Day 8)-VERDICT REACHED! (@ 9am PT) – CA – *Madalyn (Maddie) Payton Slater (1) (thrown off steep cliff into ravine, May 6, 2020, Palm Desert, Coachella Valley) - *Adam Slater (49/now 53) “father” arrested (5/7/20) , charged (5/8/20), recharged (5/11/20) & arraigned (5/12/20) with 1st degree murder, 2nd degree murder, 1st degree attempted murder, child custody kidnapping, assault on a child under 8 years old resulting in death, assault with a deadly weapon, obstruction, resisting arrest & prior felony conviction. Plead not guilty. $1M bond. Held (5/12/20) with no bond. Riverside County
Trial began on 1/24/25 & ended o 3/3/25 with both sides rested their cases. Dark on Fridays.
Jury started deliberations Day 1 (3/4/25) ~3 hours. Day 2 (3/5/25) – no idea!
Found guilty of all charges.
Penalty phase started on 3/12/25 & ended with both sides resting their cases on 3/18/25.
Jury began deliberations on 3/19/25 for penalty phase. Verdict: Death sentence.
Riverside County Superior Court Judge Otis Sterling. Deputy DA Sammi Paixao & defense attorney Lori Myers.
Court hearing from 5/8/20 thru 11/12/24 & Trial Days 1-20/Verdict Day 2 (1/24-1/29/25 & 2/3-3/5/25) & Penalty Phase Day 1-7 (3/12-24/25) reference post #205 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...desert-7-may-2020-dad-arrested.521060/page-11
3/25/25 Tuesday, Penalty Phase Day 8: Jurors continued deliberations. On Tuesday, March 25, a jury recommended the death penalty for Slater. Slater is due back in court on 5/30/25 @ 9am for sentencing.

 

[Niner]

For the week of Monday, March 31st. I will have April up soon.

Monday, March 31st:
*Jury Selection set to begin [Review of Juror responses] (Charles) (@ 9am MST) - AZ – Charles Vallow (62) shot & killed on July 11, 2019 in Chandler, AZ. *Lori Norene Daybell aka Lori Norene Vallow (46 @ time of crime/48/now 51) indicted (6/24/21), charged & arraigned (12/8/23) with 1 count of conspiracy to commit 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Maricopa County
AZ – Brandon Boudreaux (34/now 39) 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 murder premeditated. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Maricopa County
Trial [for Charles] set to begin on 3/31/25 with jury selection & go thru 4/1, 4/2 & 4/3/25.
Jury will consist of 12 jurors & 4 alternates.
Trial [for Brandon Boudreaux] will follow Charles’ trial. [Daybell wants to start Brandon trial on 5/11/25 & Judge said 5/12/25].
Trial set to begin on 4/7/25. [thru 5/15/25] [State wants 4/24/25 as half day]. @10:30am NO Court on Fridays or 4/28 or 4/29/25.
Judge Justin Beresky presiding. State’s attorney Ryan Green. DA Treena Jeanelle Kay. Defense attorneys Gerald Bradley & Denae Suchy.
For Rule 11 Evaluation: Judge Travis Marderosian & public defenders Sherri McGuire Lawson, Robert Abernathy & Meagan Swart. These attorneys withdrew on 10/29/24. New public defender Pamela Hicks & Robert A. Abernethy.
Case info from 2/24/22 thru 3/12/25 reference post #986 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...reaux-chandler-maricopa-county.679193/page-50
3/13/25 Docket update: State's final trial management conference pretrial statement. 3/14/25 Docket update: Pretrial conference on 3/18/25 @ 8:15am. 3/16/25 Docket update: Notice of compliance with disclosure of 1/31/19 recordings. Separate statement in support of Rule 15.7 request for sanctions. State's Motion to preclude defense expert Lonnie Dwonkin & preclude noticed witnesses.
3/18/25 Update: Parties went over jury questionnaire that could include Daybell's name. Judge Beresky asked Daybell about the mention of Tylee & JJ. She does not object. 21 witnesses listed by the State. Prosecutors have motioned to exclude Daybell's expert witness. DA Treena Kay said the defense needs physical laptops & cell phones impounded by Chandler PD to analyze. Expert has not begun any work on this. The issue is if the expert witness will be prepared for trial without the evidence needed. Jury selection will begin on 3/31/25 @ 9am with review of juror responses. 4/1/25, 4/2/25 & 4/3/25 Juror Voir Doir @ 10:30am. Trial will begin on 4/7/25 with opening statements & trial will run through 5/15/25 starting at 10:30am, except on 5/15/25 @ 1:30pm & half day on 4/24/25 per prosecutor request.
3/18/25 Docket update: Pro per Motion/Notice/Mail-both parties. Motion to dismiss or violation of confidential communication & the 6th Amendment. [link in post #20, page 1 & post #21, page 2, thread #2]. 3/19/25 Docket update: Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan's response to defendant's motion to appear in civilian clothes. 3/20/25 Docket update: Order entered by Court.
3/20/25 Docket update: Notice of objection to jury questionnaire by pro per motion/notice/mail. 3/21/25 Docket updates: Motion to dismiss for prosecutorial misconduct [see post #41, page 3, thread #2]. Notice State will use trial pad to display exhibits. 3/23/25 Docket updates: State's response to defendant's Motion to disclose all 404(b) evidence [see post #50, page 3, thread #2]. State's amended final trial management conference statement [see post #45, page 3, thread #2]. State's response to Defendant's motion to exclude State witnesses [Nancy Jo Hancock, Christian Atwood & Kay Woodcock.] [Daybell’s motion see post #40, page 2, thread #2]. State's response to defendant's Motion to dismiss for prosecutorial misconduct [see post #42, page 3, thread #2].
3/25/25 Docket update: Response to defendant's Motion to Dismiss for violation of confidential communication & the 6th Amendment. 3/26/25 Docket updates: Ruling - Order entered by Court [re wearing civilian clothes only at trial-see post #53, page 3, thread #2]. Response to State's Motion to preclude defense expert Lonnie Dworkin & preclude noticed witnesses. Notice of compliance. 3/26/25 Docket update: Nate Eaton's Emergency Motion for Protective Order filed. See post #38, page #2, thread #2. 3/27/25 Docket update: Pretrial hearing.
3/27/25 Docket update: State's Motion to preclude media from displaying or disclosing phone numbers & email for witnesses & victims.
ID – Vallow found guilty of all charges & sentenced to 3 consecutive life sentences without parole on 7/31/23.

*Trial set to begin (@ 9:30am ET) - VA – Cynthia Michelle Carver (34) (last seen Feb. 21, 2019 by babysitter ~9pm, Newsoms; reported missing Feb. 22, 2019, found Mar. 19, 2019, off Wyanoke Trail in southwestern Suffolk) – *James Herbert Goodwyn, Jr. (39/now 44) arrested & charged (6/27/19) & arraigned (4/2/20) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Southampton County Circuit
Trial was set to begin on 2/24/25 continued on 3/31/25. (scheduled for 10 days) @ 9:30am
Medical examiner info & court info from 7/2/19 thru 6/17/24 reference post #204 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...pton-county-21-feb-2019-arrest.427059/page-11
7/9/24 Update: Continued re motion of defense. Next pretrial hearing on 12/12/24 @ 9:30am & trial has been set to begin on 2/24/25 @ 9:30am.
12/12/24 Update: Motion for trial continuance-granted. Motions filed. No next hearing date as of 2/22/25. Trial will now begin on 3/31/25 @ 9:30am. 2/7/25 Docket update: [112] Letter-additional discovery.

*Trial set to begin (@ 1pm CT) - IN - Ke’Andre Shamar Jolly (4) was brutally beaten to death by his cousin because the child put his shoes on the wrong feet on July 28, 2023, Lafayette & died on August 1, 2023. *Montrell Dionte Jolly (33/now 34) arrested (7/31/23) & charged (8/25/23) with murder, neglect of a dependent resulting in catastrophic injury, aggravated battery & battery resulting in death to a person younger than 14 years old. Held without bond. Tippecanoe County
Trial set to begin on 3/31/25. [4th time continued].
Judge Steven P. Meyer presiding. Das Caroline Burchett Briggs & Patrick K. Harrington. Public defender Montrell Dionte.
Case & Court info from 8/25/23 thru 9/3/24 reference post #54 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...shoes-on-wrong-feet-aug-26-2023.689049/page-3
2/7/25 Update: Next pretrial conference hearing on 3/7/25 @ 8:30am. 3/7/25 Update: Pretrial conference hearing commenced & concluded with Judge Steven P. Meyer presiding. Order issued. Criminal case status report signed 3/7/25. Jury Trial originally scheduled on 3/31/25 at 10am was rescheduled to 3/31/25 at 1pm. Reason: Court's Own Motion. Order to Call Jury signed on 3/7/25. Next trial set to begin on 3/31/25 @ 1pm.