Niner
Long time Websleuther
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7 new trials starting on Monday!
For the week of Monday, Oct. 3rd thru Friday, Oct. 7th:
Monday, October 3rd:
*Trial set to begin (@ 10am PT) – CA – Michelle Lozano (17) (found Apr. 25, 2011 along side Golden State (5) Freeway near State St. in Boyle Heights & dumped over a masonry barrier along the freeway, Los Angeles County) & Bree’Anna Guzman (22) (missing Dec. 26, 2011, Los Angeles, found Jan. 26, 2012 near the Riverside Drive onramp to the southbound Glendale (2) Freeway in the Silver Lake area. The body was apparently was dumped at the location, Los Angeles County) – *Geovanni Borjas (24 @ time of 1st crime/33/now 37) charged (2/15/18) & arraigned (5/30/18) with 2 counts of murder, forcible rape & 1 count of kidnapping (for Guzman). (Murder charges include the special circumstance allegations of multiple murders, murder during the commission of a rape involving both victims & murder during the commission of a kidnapping involving Guzman). Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA will not seek DP.
DNA search matched familial DNA.
Trial was set to begin on 9/22/22 continued on 10/3/22.
Court info from 9/27/18 thru 8/12/22 reference post #86 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...urdered-los-angeles-2011-arrest.158698/page-5
9/22/22 Update: Trial was reset to begin on 10/3/22.
*Jury Selection begins (@ 9am CT) – TX – Antonio & Dawn Armstrong (both 42) (July 29, 2016, Houston) – *Antonio “A.J.” Armstrong, Jr. (16 @ time of crime/17/now 22) arrested (7/29/16), charged (8/1/16) & arraigned (7/26/17) with capital murder. Plead not guilty. $200K bond. Out on bond 4/12/17.
Trial started 4/2/19 & ended 4/26/19. 7 women & 5 men on jury with 1 woman alternate (Juror #12 excused 4/5/19). 4/26/19: after 20 hours of deliberations verdict was 8 Guilty & 4 Not guilty. Judge declares mistrial.
Re-trial was set to begin on 1/4/22 was reset to 2/21/22 continued to 10/3/22 with jury selection.
Court info from 12/11/19 thru 12/29/21 reference post #265 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...l-2016-mistrial-retrial-1-6-20.313665/page-14
2/2/22: Had motions hearing. Motion for trial continuance-granted. Next Master docket hearing on 2/21/22 to set new trial date. 2/21/22 Update: Reset by Operation of Law. Amended CSCD Pretrial. Next Master docket with jury voir dire hearing on 10/3/22. Had pretrial hearing on 9/19/22. 9/26/22 & 9/29/22: Order: Imposing rules for media.
*Jury Selection begins for all (State case-Jackson County) (@ am CT) - MI – Plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer – *Paul Edward Bellar (21/now 23) of Milford arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/20/20) with gang membership, providing material support for terrorism & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Was arrested in Columbia, SC & Michigan attempting to have him extradited to Michigan. $500K Cash Surety Bond. Bond reduced to $75K (12/18/20) with restrictions. Bond @ $150K (3/29/21). Out on bond.
*Charged (5/17/21) in Circuit Court with terrorist acts-provide MA, gang membership felonies & felony firearms.
*Joseph Matthew Morrison (26/now 28) of Munith arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/9/20) with threat of terrorism (charge was dismissed on 3/29/21), gang membership, providing material support for terrorist acts & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Bail set at $10M. Bond reduced (12/18/20) to $75K with restrictions.
*Charged (5/17/21) in Circuit Court with terrorist acts-provide MA, gang membership felonies & felony firearms. Bond reduced (12/20/21) to $5K Cash/Surety providing he will wear a GPS tether. Out on bond.
*Pete Musico (42/now 43) of Munith arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/9/20) with threat of terrorism (charge was dismissed on 3/29/21), gang membership, providing material support for terrorist act & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Bail set at $10M. Bond reduced (12/18/20) to $100K with restrictions. Out of jail.
*Charged (5/17/21) in Circuit Court with terrorist acts-provide MA, gang membership felonies & felony firearms.
Trial set to begin on 10/3/22 with jury selection. Trial begins on 10/10/22. (2 weeks).
Court info from 10/8/20 thru 2/28/22 reference post #584 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...rnor-gretchen-whitmer-oct-2020.546457/page-30
4/5/22 Update: Pretrial date was changed to 8/9/22. 4/14/22: The trial is now scheduled to begin 10/10/22.
8/9/22 Update: Jackson Circuit Judge Thomas Wilson ruled on several motions. A motion from defense attorneys brought into question the credibility of FBI special agent Henrik Impola, who served as the handler for “Dan” -- a confidential paid informant who infiltrated the Wolverine Watchmen. Though prosecutors argued no perjury had taken place. Wilson dismissed the motion, ruling that it had no bearing on the case at hand. A motion from the prosecution asked special jury instructions to clarify the exact meaning of the word “militia” -- as prosecutors are concerned the phrase could lead some jurors to think the group has protection under the Second Amendment. Andrew Kirkpatrick, Bellar’s attorney, argued the additional instruction should not be needed. Wilson agreed, and denied the motion. Judge Thomas granted the followings motions filed by Attorney General's office: Motion in Limine to preclude inadmissible evidence about agents, Motion in Limine regarding co-conspirator statements & Motion in Limin regarding improper impeachment. Wilson believes the “lengthy” trial for the three men could last at least two weeks, likely longer. Trial begins on 10/3/22 with jury selection. Trial begins on 10/10/22.
Musico & Morrison are founding members of the Wolverine Watchmen. Morrison is considered Watchmen’s “Commander” & is known by the online moniker “Boogaloo Bunyan”.
Accomplices: Eric Molitor, Michael Null, William Null, Shawn Michael Fix & Brian Higgins – all charged with State crimes (Antrium County). Molitor, Null, Null, Fix & Higgins have preliminary hearing on 8/29/22.
Federal Cases: Adam Dean Fox, Barry Croft, Kaleb James Franks, Daniel Joseph Harris, Brandon Caserta. Gerard Garbin plead guilty on 1/27/21 to kidnapping conspiracy & was sentenced on 8/25/21 to 6 years & 3 months in Federal prison. Kaleb James Franks plead guilty (2/7/22) to kidnapping conspiracy. Will testify at trial & will be sentencing afterwards. No sentencing date as of 4/27/22. All charged with Federal crimes; trial to start on 3/8/22 & ended on 4/8/22. Harris & Caserta found not guilty & Fox & Croft resulted in a mistrial. U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge says he will retry Fox & Croft. Re trial began on 8/9/22 & both found guilty. Fox sentencing hearing on 12/2/22 & Croft on 12/12/22.
*Trial set to begin (@ 9am CT) - MI – Egypt Covington (27) (June 23, 2017, found shot & killed in her house, Belleville) - *Shandon Ray Groom (24 @ time of crime/27/now 29) arrested & charged (12/22/20), re-charged (3/23/21) & arraigned (4/1/21) with 1 count each of 1st degree premeditated murder, felony murder, 1st degree home invasion & 3 counts of felony firearm. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial set to begin 10/3/22.
Court info from 12/31/20 thru 2/8/22 reference post #263 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...r-home-belleville-23-june-2017.341537/page-14
4/22/22 Update: Next motions hearing on 5/9/22. 5/9/22 Update: Next trial set to begin on 10/3/22.
*Shane Lamar Evans (28 @ time of crime/31/now 33) – Competency hearing 11/7/22.
*Timothy Eugene Moore (31 @ time of crime/34/now 36) – Review hearing on 12/1/22 & trial set to begin on 12/12/22.
*Trial set to begin (@ 8:30am CT) - IL –Alysha Quate (6) (mid-June 2015, Centreville; found June 6, 2017) - *Jason Scott Quate (35/now 39) “father” indicted (8/16/17) & charged (10/5/18) with 1st degree murder & concealing a *homicidal death (Class 3 felony). Plead not guilty. $1M bond.
Admitted to killing Alysha & hiding her body.
*NV - Jason Scott Quate - In custody in Nevada, Clark County (#17F10214X): 3/12/20 Plead guilty to multiple counts of sexual assault on child. Sentenced on 7/14/20 to 28 years to life. Was extradited to Illinois 10/4/20.
Trial set to begin on 10/3/22.
Court info from 10/5/18 thru 2/3/22 reference post #239 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...den-in-garage-centreville-2013.339906/page-12
4/7/22 Update: Next status conference hearing on 6/2/22. 6/2/22 Update: Next status conference hearing on 6/30/22. 6/30/22 Update: Hearing was heard. Next trial set to begin on 10/3/22 @ 8:30am.
IL - Elizabeth Odell-Quate (35) “mother” – plead guilty to concealing a body. Sentenced to 2½ years in prison; released on parole in May, 2020.
*Trial set to begin (@ 8:30am CT) – MI – Susie Zhao (33) (last seen by her mother on July, 12, 2020 @ 5:30pm leaving home, found July 13, 2020 near Pontiac Lake State Recreation park in White Lake Township @ 8:30am, Detroit; due to severe burns (90%) to her face & body, authorities needed a week to identify Zhao) - *Jeffery Bernard Morris (60/now 62) was arrested (7/31/20) after being pulled over on a warrant in Ypsilanti & charged (8/4/20) & arraigned (9/24/20) with 1st degree premeditated murder & charged (3/8/21 & 1/11/22) & arraigned (4/15/21) with homicide felony murder. Plead not guilty. Denied bond.
Zhao was bound with zip ties, tortured, sexually assaulted & set on fire after meeting a convicted sex offender at a motel the night before her badly burned body was found. Morris is a Tier 3 sex offender.
Trial was set to begin on 6/17/22 continued to 6/6/22 continued to 9/26/22 & continued to 10/3/22.
Court info from 8/4/20 thru 1/26/22 reference post #122 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...rned-detroit-13-jul-2020-arrest.534103/page-6
2/14/22: Judge adjusted trial date from 6/17/22 to 6/6/22 by Notice. Judge not available COVID-19 emerg. ops. Pretrial hearing on 2/17/22. 2/17/22 Update: Oakland County Circuit Judge Martha Anderson scheduled trial to begin 9/26/22. The trial had been rescheduled a few times before due to COVID-19 restrictions at the courthouse. And more recently, it was scheduled for this June — but the judge agreed to a later date on request of defense attorney Michael McCarthy. McCarthy, court-appointed to represent Morris, told the judge he’s had the case for just two months due to former court-appointed attorney Pamela Johnson being dismissed because she was going into private practice.
3/16/22: MiFile Proof of service filed. Affidavit/proof of service filed. 3/24/22: MiFile Proof of service filed. Affidavit/proof of service filed. 4/4/22: Affidavit/proof of service filed. MiFile proof of service filed. 4/19/22: Order of adjournment filed re trial. Trial is reset from 9/26/22 to 10/3/22 by notice; Judge in trial. 4/22/22: MiFile proof of service filed. Affidavit/Proof of service filed. 5/3/22: MiFile proof service filed. Affidavit/Proof of service. 5/20/22: MiFile proof service filed. Affidavit/Proof of service. 5/31/22: Transcript of 2/10/21 pretrial hearing filed.
8/17/22: Motion filed to adjust jury trial. MiFile proof of service filed. Motion praecipe filed for 8/24/22. 8/18/22: Affidavit/proof of service filed. Answer filed to Motion to adj. jury trial/draft. MiFile proof of service filed. 8/24/22: Motion for 1st adjustment of jury trial-Denied. Defense's attorney waived defendant's presence. 9/2/22: General info filed 2nd amended. 9/7/22: Motion filed admit other acts/Notice. Brief filed suppt. Motion introduce other acts. Motion praecipe filed for 9/14/22 Judge. 9/12/22: Memorandum filed of law/support answer to Motion/defendant. Anser filed to Moiton/Notice admit other acts for defendant. 9/13/22: Jury instructions filed. 9/14/22: MiFile proof of service filed. Motion to admit other acts evidence. 9/15/22: Order filed: Motion admit evidence-granted. 9/19/22: General info filed-3rd amended. MiFile proof of service filed.
9/27/22: Request/Notice-filme/media coverage filed. MiFile proof of service filed. Stipulation filed for trial/joint.
*Trial set to begin for both (@ 9am CT) – OK – Bonnie Beth Lilly (3 yrs) (Jan. 3, 2018, Lawton; had 17 lb. tumor/cancer) - *Bonnie Beth Mills-Lilly (42/now 46) & *Henry Clarence Lilly III (49/now 53) arrested (1/4/18), charged (1/7/18) & arraigned (12/2/19) with 1st degree manslaughter & not providing medical care to child. Both plead not guilty. $60K bond each. Bonded out on 1/10/19.
Trial set to begin on 10/3/22.
Court hearings from 1/10/19 thru 3/2/21 reference post #143 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...manche-county-3-jan-2019-arrest.412241/page-8
5/13/22 Update: Bonnie Beth Lily has moved to continue trial from the June docket to have her examined for competency to stand trial. The State objects. The Court grants the request over State's objection & resets trial to 10/3/22. A sounding docket for both is set for 9/9/22 @ 9am, counsel are directed to appraise the court well in advance of 9/9 to the status of the case. Defendants are out on bond.
9/9/22 Update: Both failed to appear for felony docket sounding hearing. Bench warrant/Bond forfeiture is Ordered. 9/14/22: Application for determination of competency/Bonnie Mills-Lilly. 9/16/22: Bench warrant issued for failure to appear for both and Order & judgment of forfeiture by Judge Meaders.
9/27/22: For both: Receipt of the office of the Comanche County Sheriff/Tucker Bros. transport reimbursement. Motion to set aside bond forfeiture. Order exonerating bondsman/Judge Meaders for Judge Newburn. The status of the bond entry detailed in Docket above has changed to read as follows; Surety bond for Bonnie & Henry is posted by Timothy Stephens in the amount of $40K posted.
*Bench Trial set to begin-CONTINUED! (@ am ET) – LA – Meing-Chen “Mandy” Hsiao (34) (last seen July 29, 2015, Monroe; found Aug. 8, 2015) - *Quentin Verdell Tellis (27/now 33) charged (8/16/16), indicted (5/17/19) & arraigned (6/18/19) with 2nd degree murder. Plead not guilty. No bond. Judge reduced bond (10/23/19) to $300K. (Future reductions possible). Bond reduction denied (7/28/21).
Bench Trial was set to begin on 8/1/22 continued on 10/3/22 & was continued with no further dates.
Information (8/19/15) on previous court case & court info from 2/18/19 thru 3/14/22 reference post #156 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...r-monroe-home-9-aug-2015-arrest.301578/page-8
8/1/22 Update: The trial was scheduled to start Monday, but will now begin on 8/29/22. The trial was originally scheduled for 3/14/22 & was rescheduled for 8/1/22 when Tellis's attorneys attempted to discredit a key piece of evidence in the case. According to court documents, Tellis' attorneys waived his right to a standard jury trial & instead will try the case in front of a judge. Assistant District Attorney Holly Chambers Jones is serving as lead prosecutor in the case.
8/27/22 Update: Trial is no longer on the judge’s schedule. Heard the trial will begin on 10/3/22. 9/27/22 Update: Trial has been continued with no further dates.
*Trial continues (Day 32)-Closing Argument (Day 1) (@ 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 on 7/18/22 with opening statements for Paul in am & Ruben in pm (which was continued on 7/21/22). State rested their case on 9/20/22. Defense started presenting their case on 9/21/22 & rested their case on 9/27/22. Rebuttal on 9/29/22. Closing arguments begin on 10/3/22 for Paul’s jury & on 10/4/22 for Ruben’s jury.
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 (still waiting for correction). 8/4/22: Another juror from Ruben's jury is out this morning & an alternate was sworn in to replace them. So now the count is correct at 19. 8/10/22: Sick juror did not return, alternate sworn in. Paul’s: 7 men & 12 women & Ruben’s: 9 men & 10 women. (a guess on genders).
Case & court info from 5/17/21 thru 7/19/22 & Trial Day 1-30 (7/18 to 9/27/22, no court on 9/28) reference post #256 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/threads/ca-kristin-smart-san-luis-obispo-arrests-4.635475/page-13
9/29/22 Thursday, Trial Day 31: Court started late (after 1pm). Court holds hearing regarding a juror on Paul’s jury.
For more info see posts #258 to 260 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/threads/ca-kristin-smart-san-luis-obispo-arrests-4.635475/page-13
For more info see posts #261 to 263 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/threads/ca-kristin-smart-san-luis-obispo-arrests-4.635475/page-14
State rebuttal witness: Angela Butler, a Forensic DNA Analyst with SERI.
For more info see post# 263 to 265 & 267 to 272 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/threads/ca-kristin-smart-san-luis-obispo-arrests-4.635475/page-14
Closing arguments will be on Monday, 10/3/22 for Paul’s jury & on Tuesday, 10/4/22 for Ruben’s jury. The verdicts in each case will be read when both juries have reached a verdict."
For more info see posts #273 to 276 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/threads/ca-kristin-smart-san-luis-obispo-arrests-4.635475/page-14
*Trial continues (Day 15) (@ 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.) & 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 began on 8/29/22 with final jury selection & the jury was seated on 8/30/22. 12 Jurors & 6 alternates. Jury: (9 women & 3 men) & 6 alternates: (5 women & 1 man).
Trial began with opening statements began on Monday, 9/12/22. (Trial is scheduled for 30 days).
Crime info & court hearings from 11/28/18 thru 9/6/22 & Trial Day 1-13 (9/12 to 9/28/22), no hearing on 9/29/22 post #761 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...bers-wagner-family-arrested-73.637705/page-39
9/30/22 Friday, Trial Day 14: The ill juror has been replaced with an alternate.There were two phone conferences held on the 28th and 29th without the defendant present.
State witness: April Manley, married to James, bro of Dana Rhoden.
for more info see posts #775 & 779 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...bers-wagner-family-arrested-73.637705/page-39
Tuesday, October 4th:
*Trial set to begins with Jury Selection (@ 8:30am MT) – CO – Jonelle Renee Matthews (12) (went missing on Dec 20, 1984 after entering her home at 8pm, Greeley, found July 23, 2019 by construction workers at an oil & gas site in rural part of Weld County near County Road 49 & County Road 34½) – *Steven Dana Pankey (33 @ time of crime/69/now 71) indicted (10/9/20), arrested & charged (10/12/20 in Meridian, ID.) with 1st degree murder after deliberation, 1st degree felony murder, 2nd degree kidnapping, with sentence enhancers for using a weapon in a violent crime & 2 counts of crime of violence. Plead not guilty. $5M cash-only bond. Bond reduction denied (11/8/21).
Mistrial declared for counts 1 thru 3. Guilty on count 4, false reporting to authorities.
Re-Trial set to begin on 10/4/22 with jury selection. (thru 11/4/22)
Info on warrant. First trial info & court info from 8/18/20 thru 9/9/22 reference post #175 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...eeley-20-dec-1984-arrest-2020-2.595001/page-9
9/16/22 Update: Prosecutors plan to introduce all statements the defendant made in his first trial. Pankey’s defense attorneys, who appeared with him Friday for a motions hearing, said they plan to file a motion to stop the broad introduction of Pankey’s prior statements. Defense attorney Jessica Brazil said she’s never had everything a defendant said in the first trial admitted in a second trial. Judge Timothy Kerns cited case law regarding the issue, acknowledging one case that may partially support Brazil’s argument, but indicated he’s not inclined to redact prior statements made to a jury. The court also revisited matters discussed at a prior hearing, including what level of detail to allow in discussing a rape accusation brought against Pankey by a member of the Sunny View Church of the Nazarene. Next status conference virtual hearing on 9/29/22.
9/29/22 Update: Pankey appeared virtually for a status conference Thursday addressing motions on a change of venue & questions for the jury. The judge denied change of venue since there were no issues in finding a fair & impartial jury for the last trial. Jury selection begins 8:30am Tuesday, 10/4/22. The judge will rule on the details of the questionnaire once he reviews the completed material.
*Trial continues (Day 11)/Penalty Phase (Day 2) (@ 8:30am CT) - MO – Jane M. Moeckel (61), Zoe J. Kasten (8), Jonathan D. Kasten (10) & Kate Kasten (39) (mom of kids) (Dec. 28, 2018, St. Charles; shot) - *Richard Darren Emery (46/now 49) (BF of mom) charged (12/29/18) & indicted (4/12/19) with 4 counts of 1st degree murder, 7 counts of felony armed criminal action, 3 counts of 1st degree assault (attempt-serious physical injury/special victim) & 1 count of 1st degree attempted robbery. Plead not guilty. No bond. DA will seek DP.
Trial began 9/6/22 with jury selection expected to last until 9/19/22. Trial began on 9/20/22 & ended on 9/30/22 with a guilty verdict. The judge has ordered the jury sequestered for the duration of the trial.
Court information from 12/31/18 thru 1/4/22 & jury selection (Day 1-10) 9/6/22 thru 9/19/22 & Trial (Day 1-9) 9/20 to 9/30/22 & Jury deliberations (9/30/22) reference post #205 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...in-st-charles-home-29-dec-2018.408303/page-11
10/1/22 Saturday, Trial Day 10/Penalty Phase Day 1: Verdict: Guilty on all counts. The penalty phase of the trial will begin Saturday.
Many witnesses testified, Saturday & court lasted several hours without a decision on Emery’s sentence. Proceedings will continue Tuesday [10/4/22]. Jurors will have to consider whether or not Emery should be put to death. St. Charles prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against him. The defense is asking for life without the possibility of parole. When the penalty phase resumes next week, the defense plans to call several witnesses, including some of Emery’s relatives, friends & former co-workers.
For more info see post #206 (article) here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...in-st-charles-home-29-dec-2018.408303/page-11
Trial continues with penalty phase on Tuesday, 10/4/22.
Thursday, October 6th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am CT) - KS – Nicholas Ecker, Jr. (17 mos.) born in 2020 (dies in fire set by father, Feb. 13, 2022, Shawnee) - *Karlie Mae Phelps (28) “mother” arrested & charged (2/25/22) with involuntary manslaughter & endangering a child under 18. Plead not guilty. Bond $250K. Bond posted (3/2/22).
Court info from 3/11/22 thru 6/16/22 reference post #55 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ther-shawnee-23-feb-2022-arrest.612613/page-3
8/3/22 Update: Plea hearing was rescheduled on 8/18/22. 8/18/22 Update: Plaintiff appears by attorney Hurst & defendant with attorney Toth. Phelps pled guilty Thursday to involuntary manslaughter in the death of her 17-month-old son in a house fire & also pled guilty to endangering a child. Phelps admitted to leaving her son, Nicholas Ecker Junior, home alone back in February for a long period of time. As part of the plea agreement, Phelps is expected to cooperate with prosecutors & testify against the boy’s father, Nicholas Ecker, Sr. As part of the deal, prosecutors are recommending that Phelps serve 10 years behind bars with no probation. Also as part of the agreement, charges against Phelps of intimidating a witness & violating a protection order would be dismissed. Presentence investigation ordered. Sentencing will be in person, defendant ordered to personally appear. A judge denied a request to release/bond. She’s scheduled to be sentenced on 10/6/22.
*Karlie Mae Phelps (28) arrested (3/2/22) & charged (3/11/22) with violating a protection order & intimidating a witness (on 3/2/22). Plead not guilty. Surety Bond $350K. Posted bond (3/11/22).
Court info from 3/11/22 thru 6/16/22 reference post #55 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ther-shawnee-23-feb-2022-arrest.612613/page-3
8/3/22 Update: Plea hearing was rescheduled on 8/18/22. 8/18/22 Update: Per plea deal these charges will be dismissed. See above.
*Nicholas Adam Ecker, Sr. (28) “father” – Motions hearings on 12/20/22 & on 2/13/23.
*Jury Selection begins (@ 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. Denied pretrial release (9/12/22). Release date 10/27/22.
Said beat toddler for not eating & not listening to her. Died from blunt force trauma & multiply bone fractures.
Trial set to begin on 10/6/22 for jury selection. Trial begins on 10/17/22.
Court hearings from 2/14/19 thru 9/12/22 reference post #275 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...rland-county-8-feb-2019-arrest.422589/page-14
9/28/22 Update: The trial for Griner charged with murdering her toddler son is set to begin 10/17/22 before Superior Court Judge George H. Gangloff Jr. A hearing for pretrial motions was held Wednesday, in which the defense unsuccessfully requested that the medical examiner’s testimony be precluded from being heard by a jury, court spokesperson Rosemarie Gallagher said. The denial is the second for Griner in recent weeks.” Jury selection begins on 10/6/22.
Friday, October 7th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 8:30am PT) – CA – Noah McIntosh (8) (last seen about Feb. 24, 2019, died about Mar. 3 or 4, reported missing Mar. 12, 2019, Corona; not found yet) – *Jillian Marie Godfrey (36/now 40) “mother” arrested (3/13/19), charged (3/15/19) & arraigned (4/15/19) with felony willful child cruelty (endangerment). Plead not guilty. $500K bond.
Godfrey says 3/2/19 is the last time she saw Noah. 11 yr. old daughter in CPS custody.
Godfrey plead guilty (12/19/19) & was released from custody (10/15/20) on own recognizance. Will be sentenced on 10/7/22.
Court info from 3/15/19 thru 1/14/21 reference post #93 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...rents-arrested-godfrey-guilty-2.547463/page-5
4/8/21 Update: Sentencing hearing is reset for 10/8/21. 10/8/21 Update: Sentencing hearing has been rescheduled to 10/7/22.
*Bryce Daniel McIntosh (32/now 36) “father” – Hearing on 1/6/23.
For the week of Monday, Oct. 3rd thru Friday, Oct. 7th:
Monday, October 3rd:
*Trial set to begin (@ 10am PT) – CA – Michelle Lozano (17) (found Apr. 25, 2011 along side Golden State (5) Freeway near State St. in Boyle Heights & dumped over a masonry barrier along the freeway, Los Angeles County) & Bree’Anna Guzman (22) (missing Dec. 26, 2011, Los Angeles, found Jan. 26, 2012 near the Riverside Drive onramp to the southbound Glendale (2) Freeway in the Silver Lake area. The body was apparently was dumped at the location, Los Angeles County) – *Geovanni Borjas (24 @ time of 1st crime/33/now 37) charged (2/15/18) & arraigned (5/30/18) with 2 counts of murder, forcible rape & 1 count of kidnapping (for Guzman). (Murder charges include the special circumstance allegations of multiple murders, murder during the commission of a rape involving both victims & murder during the commission of a kidnapping involving Guzman). Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA will not seek DP.
DNA search matched familial DNA.
Trial was set to begin on 9/22/22 continued on 10/3/22.
Court info from 9/27/18 thru 8/12/22 reference post #86 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...urdered-los-angeles-2011-arrest.158698/page-5
9/22/22 Update: Trial was reset to begin on 10/3/22.
*Jury Selection begins (@ 9am CT) – TX – Antonio & Dawn Armstrong (both 42) (July 29, 2016, Houston) – *Antonio “A.J.” Armstrong, Jr. (16 @ time of crime/17/now 22) arrested (7/29/16), charged (8/1/16) & arraigned (7/26/17) with capital murder. Plead not guilty. $200K bond. Out on bond 4/12/17.
Trial started 4/2/19 & ended 4/26/19. 7 women & 5 men on jury with 1 woman alternate (Juror #12 excused 4/5/19). 4/26/19: after 20 hours of deliberations verdict was 8 Guilty & 4 Not guilty. Judge declares mistrial.
Re-trial was set to begin on 1/4/22 was reset to 2/21/22 continued to 10/3/22 with jury selection.
Court info from 12/11/19 thru 12/29/21 reference post #265 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...l-2016-mistrial-retrial-1-6-20.313665/page-14
2/2/22: Had motions hearing. Motion for trial continuance-granted. Next Master docket hearing on 2/21/22 to set new trial date. 2/21/22 Update: Reset by Operation of Law. Amended CSCD Pretrial. Next Master docket with jury voir dire hearing on 10/3/22. Had pretrial hearing on 9/19/22. 9/26/22 & 9/29/22: Order: Imposing rules for media.
*Jury Selection begins for all (State case-Jackson County) (@ am CT) - MI – Plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer – *Paul Edward Bellar (21/now 23) of Milford arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/20/20) with gang membership, providing material support for terrorism & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Was arrested in Columbia, SC & Michigan attempting to have him extradited to Michigan. $500K Cash Surety Bond. Bond reduced to $75K (12/18/20) with restrictions. Bond @ $150K (3/29/21). Out on bond.
*Charged (5/17/21) in Circuit Court with terrorist acts-provide MA, gang membership felonies & felony firearms.
*Joseph Matthew Morrison (26/now 28) of Munith arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/9/20) with threat of terrorism (charge was dismissed on 3/29/21), gang membership, providing material support for terrorist acts & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Bail set at $10M. Bond reduced (12/18/20) to $75K with restrictions.
*Charged (5/17/21) in Circuit Court with terrorist acts-provide MA, gang membership felonies & felony firearms. Bond reduced (12/20/21) to $5K Cash/Surety providing he will wear a GPS tether. Out on bond.
*Pete Musico (42/now 43) of Munith arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/9/20) with threat of terrorism (charge was dismissed on 3/29/21), gang membership, providing material support for terrorist act & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Bail set at $10M. Bond reduced (12/18/20) to $100K with restrictions. Out of jail.
*Charged (5/17/21) in Circuit Court with terrorist acts-provide MA, gang membership felonies & felony firearms.
Trial set to begin on 10/3/22 with jury selection. Trial begins on 10/10/22. (2 weeks).
Court info from 10/8/20 thru 2/28/22 reference post #584 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...rnor-gretchen-whitmer-oct-2020.546457/page-30
4/5/22 Update: Pretrial date was changed to 8/9/22. 4/14/22: The trial is now scheduled to begin 10/10/22.
8/9/22 Update: Jackson Circuit Judge Thomas Wilson ruled on several motions. A motion from defense attorneys brought into question the credibility of FBI special agent Henrik Impola, who served as the handler for “Dan” -- a confidential paid informant who infiltrated the Wolverine Watchmen. Though prosecutors argued no perjury had taken place. Wilson dismissed the motion, ruling that it had no bearing on the case at hand. A motion from the prosecution asked special jury instructions to clarify the exact meaning of the word “militia” -- as prosecutors are concerned the phrase could lead some jurors to think the group has protection under the Second Amendment. Andrew Kirkpatrick, Bellar’s attorney, argued the additional instruction should not be needed. Wilson agreed, and denied the motion. Judge Thomas granted the followings motions filed by Attorney General's office: Motion in Limine to preclude inadmissible evidence about agents, Motion in Limine regarding co-conspirator statements & Motion in Limin regarding improper impeachment. Wilson believes the “lengthy” trial for the three men could last at least two weeks, likely longer. Trial begins on 10/3/22 with jury selection. Trial begins on 10/10/22.
Musico & Morrison are founding members of the Wolverine Watchmen. Morrison is considered Watchmen’s “Commander” & is known by the online moniker “Boogaloo Bunyan”.
Accomplices: Eric Molitor, Michael Null, William Null, Shawn Michael Fix & Brian Higgins – all charged with State crimes (Antrium County). Molitor, Null, Null, Fix & Higgins have preliminary hearing on 8/29/22.
Federal Cases: Adam Dean Fox, Barry Croft, Kaleb James Franks, Daniel Joseph Harris, Brandon Caserta. Gerard Garbin plead guilty on 1/27/21 to kidnapping conspiracy & was sentenced on 8/25/21 to 6 years & 3 months in Federal prison. Kaleb James Franks plead guilty (2/7/22) to kidnapping conspiracy. Will testify at trial & will be sentencing afterwards. No sentencing date as of 4/27/22. All charged with Federal crimes; trial to start on 3/8/22 & ended on 4/8/22. Harris & Caserta found not guilty & Fox & Croft resulted in a mistrial. U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge says he will retry Fox & Croft. Re trial began on 8/9/22 & both found guilty. Fox sentencing hearing on 12/2/22 & Croft on 12/12/22.
*Trial set to begin (@ 9am CT) - MI – Egypt Covington (27) (June 23, 2017, found shot & killed in her house, Belleville) - *Shandon Ray Groom (24 @ time of crime/27/now 29) arrested & charged (12/22/20), re-charged (3/23/21) & arraigned (4/1/21) with 1 count each of 1st degree premeditated murder, felony murder, 1st degree home invasion & 3 counts of felony firearm. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial set to begin 10/3/22.
Court info from 12/31/20 thru 2/8/22 reference post #263 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...r-home-belleville-23-june-2017.341537/page-14
4/22/22 Update: Next motions hearing on 5/9/22. 5/9/22 Update: Next trial set to begin on 10/3/22.
*Shane Lamar Evans (28 @ time of crime/31/now 33) – Competency hearing 11/7/22.
*Timothy Eugene Moore (31 @ time of crime/34/now 36) – Review hearing on 12/1/22 & trial set to begin on 12/12/22.
*Trial set to begin (@ 8:30am CT) - IL –Alysha Quate (6) (mid-June 2015, Centreville; found June 6, 2017) - *Jason Scott Quate (35/now 39) “father” indicted (8/16/17) & charged (10/5/18) with 1st degree murder & concealing a *homicidal death (Class 3 felony). Plead not guilty. $1M bond.
Admitted to killing Alysha & hiding her body.
*NV - Jason Scott Quate - In custody in Nevada, Clark County (#17F10214X): 3/12/20 Plead guilty to multiple counts of sexual assault on child. Sentenced on 7/14/20 to 28 years to life. Was extradited to Illinois 10/4/20.
Trial set to begin on 10/3/22.
Court info from 10/5/18 thru 2/3/22 reference post #239 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...den-in-garage-centreville-2013.339906/page-12
4/7/22 Update: Next status conference hearing on 6/2/22. 6/2/22 Update: Next status conference hearing on 6/30/22. 6/30/22 Update: Hearing was heard. Next trial set to begin on 10/3/22 @ 8:30am.
IL - Elizabeth Odell-Quate (35) “mother” – plead guilty to concealing a body. Sentenced to 2½ years in prison; released on parole in May, 2020.
*Trial set to begin (@ 8:30am CT) – MI – Susie Zhao (33) (last seen by her mother on July, 12, 2020 @ 5:30pm leaving home, found July 13, 2020 near Pontiac Lake State Recreation park in White Lake Township @ 8:30am, Detroit; due to severe burns (90%) to her face & body, authorities needed a week to identify Zhao) - *Jeffery Bernard Morris (60/now 62) was arrested (7/31/20) after being pulled over on a warrant in Ypsilanti & charged (8/4/20) & arraigned (9/24/20) with 1st degree premeditated murder & charged (3/8/21 & 1/11/22) & arraigned (4/15/21) with homicide felony murder. Plead not guilty. Denied bond.
Zhao was bound with zip ties, tortured, sexually assaulted & set on fire after meeting a convicted sex offender at a motel the night before her badly burned body was found. Morris is a Tier 3 sex offender.
Trial was set to begin on 6/17/22 continued to 6/6/22 continued to 9/26/22 & continued to 10/3/22.
Court info from 8/4/20 thru 1/26/22 reference post #122 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...rned-detroit-13-jul-2020-arrest.534103/page-6
2/14/22: Judge adjusted trial date from 6/17/22 to 6/6/22 by Notice. Judge not available COVID-19 emerg. ops. Pretrial hearing on 2/17/22. 2/17/22 Update: Oakland County Circuit Judge Martha Anderson scheduled trial to begin 9/26/22. The trial had been rescheduled a few times before due to COVID-19 restrictions at the courthouse. And more recently, it was scheduled for this June — but the judge agreed to a later date on request of defense attorney Michael McCarthy. McCarthy, court-appointed to represent Morris, told the judge he’s had the case for just two months due to former court-appointed attorney Pamela Johnson being dismissed because she was going into private practice.
3/16/22: MiFile Proof of service filed. Affidavit/proof of service filed. 3/24/22: MiFile Proof of service filed. Affidavit/proof of service filed. 4/4/22: Affidavit/proof of service filed. MiFile proof of service filed. 4/19/22: Order of adjournment filed re trial. Trial is reset from 9/26/22 to 10/3/22 by notice; Judge in trial. 4/22/22: MiFile proof of service filed. Affidavit/Proof of service filed. 5/3/22: MiFile proof service filed. Affidavit/Proof of service. 5/20/22: MiFile proof service filed. Affidavit/Proof of service. 5/31/22: Transcript of 2/10/21 pretrial hearing filed.
8/17/22: Motion filed to adjust jury trial. MiFile proof of service filed. Motion praecipe filed for 8/24/22. 8/18/22: Affidavit/proof of service filed. Answer filed to Motion to adj. jury trial/draft. MiFile proof of service filed. 8/24/22: Motion for 1st adjustment of jury trial-Denied. Defense's attorney waived defendant's presence. 9/2/22: General info filed 2nd amended. 9/7/22: Motion filed admit other acts/Notice. Brief filed suppt. Motion introduce other acts. Motion praecipe filed for 9/14/22 Judge. 9/12/22: Memorandum filed of law/support answer to Motion/defendant. Anser filed to Moiton/Notice admit other acts for defendant. 9/13/22: Jury instructions filed. 9/14/22: MiFile proof of service filed. Motion to admit other acts evidence. 9/15/22: Order filed: Motion admit evidence-granted. 9/19/22: General info filed-3rd amended. MiFile proof of service filed.
9/27/22: Request/Notice-filme/media coverage filed. MiFile proof of service filed. Stipulation filed for trial/joint.
*Trial set to begin for both (@ 9am CT) – OK – Bonnie Beth Lilly (3 yrs) (Jan. 3, 2018, Lawton; had 17 lb. tumor/cancer) - *Bonnie Beth Mills-Lilly (42/now 46) & *Henry Clarence Lilly III (49/now 53) arrested (1/4/18), charged (1/7/18) & arraigned (12/2/19) with 1st degree manslaughter & not providing medical care to child. Both plead not guilty. $60K bond each. Bonded out on 1/10/19.
Trial set to begin on 10/3/22.
Court hearings from 1/10/19 thru 3/2/21 reference post #143 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...manche-county-3-jan-2019-arrest.412241/page-8
5/13/22 Update: Bonnie Beth Lily has moved to continue trial from the June docket to have her examined for competency to stand trial. The State objects. The Court grants the request over State's objection & resets trial to 10/3/22. A sounding docket for both is set for 9/9/22 @ 9am, counsel are directed to appraise the court well in advance of 9/9 to the status of the case. Defendants are out on bond.
9/9/22 Update: Both failed to appear for felony docket sounding hearing. Bench warrant/Bond forfeiture is Ordered. 9/14/22: Application for determination of competency/Bonnie Mills-Lilly. 9/16/22: Bench warrant issued for failure to appear for both and Order & judgment of forfeiture by Judge Meaders.
9/27/22: For both: Receipt of the office of the Comanche County Sheriff/Tucker Bros. transport reimbursement. Motion to set aside bond forfeiture. Order exonerating bondsman/Judge Meaders for Judge Newburn. The status of the bond entry detailed in Docket above has changed to read as follows; Surety bond for Bonnie & Henry is posted by Timothy Stephens in the amount of $40K posted.
*Bench Trial set to begin-CONTINUED! (@ am ET) – LA – Meing-Chen “Mandy” Hsiao (34) (last seen July 29, 2015, Monroe; found Aug. 8, 2015) - *Quentin Verdell Tellis (27/now 33) charged (8/16/16), indicted (5/17/19) & arraigned (6/18/19) with 2nd degree murder. Plead not guilty. No bond. Judge reduced bond (10/23/19) to $300K. (Future reductions possible). Bond reduction denied (7/28/21).
Bench Trial was set to begin on 8/1/22 continued on 10/3/22 & was continued with no further dates.
Information (8/19/15) on previous court case & court info from 2/18/19 thru 3/14/22 reference post #156 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...r-monroe-home-9-aug-2015-arrest.301578/page-8
8/1/22 Update: The trial was scheduled to start Monday, but will now begin on 8/29/22. The trial was originally scheduled for 3/14/22 & was rescheduled for 8/1/22 when Tellis's attorneys attempted to discredit a key piece of evidence in the case. According to court documents, Tellis' attorneys waived his right to a standard jury trial & instead will try the case in front of a judge. Assistant District Attorney Holly Chambers Jones is serving as lead prosecutor in the case.
8/27/22 Update: Trial is no longer on the judge’s schedule. Heard the trial will begin on 10/3/22. 9/27/22 Update: Trial has been continued with no further dates.
*Trial continues (Day 32)-Closing Argument (Day 1) (@ 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 on 7/18/22 with opening statements for Paul in am & Ruben in pm (which was continued on 7/21/22). State rested their case on 9/20/22. Defense started presenting their case on 9/21/22 & rested their case on 9/27/22. Rebuttal on 9/29/22. Closing arguments begin on 10/3/22 for Paul’s jury & on 10/4/22 for Ruben’s jury.
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 (still waiting for correction). 8/4/22: Another juror from Ruben's jury is out this morning & an alternate was sworn in to replace them. So now the count is correct at 19. 8/10/22: Sick juror did not return, alternate sworn in. Paul’s: 7 men & 12 women & Ruben’s: 9 men & 10 women. (a guess on genders).
Case & court info from 5/17/21 thru 7/19/22 & Trial Day 1-30 (7/18 to 9/27/22, no court on 9/28) reference post #256 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/threads/ca-kristin-smart-san-luis-obispo-arrests-4.635475/page-13
9/29/22 Thursday, Trial Day 31: Court started late (after 1pm). Court holds hearing regarding a juror on Paul’s jury.
For more info see posts #258 to 260 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/threads/ca-kristin-smart-san-luis-obispo-arrests-4.635475/page-13
For more info see posts #261 to 263 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/threads/ca-kristin-smart-san-luis-obispo-arrests-4.635475/page-14
State rebuttal witness: Angela Butler, a Forensic DNA Analyst with SERI.
For more info see post# 263 to 265 & 267 to 272 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/threads/ca-kristin-smart-san-luis-obispo-arrests-4.635475/page-14
Closing arguments will be on Monday, 10/3/22 for Paul’s jury & on Tuesday, 10/4/22 for Ruben’s jury. The verdicts in each case will be read when both juries have reached a verdict."
For more info see posts #273 to 276 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/threads/ca-kristin-smart-san-luis-obispo-arrests-4.635475/page-14
*Trial continues (Day 15) (@ 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.) & 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 began on 8/29/22 with final jury selection & the jury was seated on 8/30/22. 12 Jurors & 6 alternates. Jury: (9 women & 3 men) & 6 alternates: (5 women & 1 man).
Trial began with opening statements began on Monday, 9/12/22. (Trial is scheduled for 30 days).
Crime info & court hearings from 11/28/18 thru 9/6/22 & Trial Day 1-13 (9/12 to 9/28/22), no hearing on 9/29/22 post #761 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...bers-wagner-family-arrested-73.637705/page-39
9/30/22 Friday, Trial Day 14: The ill juror has been replaced with an alternate.There were two phone conferences held on the 28th and 29th without the defendant present.
State witness: April Manley, married to James, bro of Dana Rhoden.
for more info see posts #775 & 779 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...bers-wagner-family-arrested-73.637705/page-39
Tuesday, October 4th:
*Trial set to begins with Jury Selection (@ 8:30am MT) – CO – Jonelle Renee Matthews (12) (went missing on Dec 20, 1984 after entering her home at 8pm, Greeley, found July 23, 2019 by construction workers at an oil & gas site in rural part of Weld County near County Road 49 & County Road 34½) – *Steven Dana Pankey (33 @ time of crime/69/now 71) indicted (10/9/20), arrested & charged (10/12/20 in Meridian, ID.) with 1st degree murder after deliberation, 1st degree felony murder, 2nd degree kidnapping, with sentence enhancers for using a weapon in a violent crime & 2 counts of crime of violence. Plead not guilty. $5M cash-only bond. Bond reduction denied (11/8/21).
Mistrial declared for counts 1 thru 3. Guilty on count 4, false reporting to authorities.
Re-Trial set to begin on 10/4/22 with jury selection. (thru 11/4/22)
Info on warrant. First trial info & court info from 8/18/20 thru 9/9/22 reference post #175 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...eeley-20-dec-1984-arrest-2020-2.595001/page-9
9/16/22 Update: Prosecutors plan to introduce all statements the defendant made in his first trial. Pankey’s defense attorneys, who appeared with him Friday for a motions hearing, said they plan to file a motion to stop the broad introduction of Pankey’s prior statements. Defense attorney Jessica Brazil said she’s never had everything a defendant said in the first trial admitted in a second trial. Judge Timothy Kerns cited case law regarding the issue, acknowledging one case that may partially support Brazil’s argument, but indicated he’s not inclined to redact prior statements made to a jury. The court also revisited matters discussed at a prior hearing, including what level of detail to allow in discussing a rape accusation brought against Pankey by a member of the Sunny View Church of the Nazarene. Next status conference virtual hearing on 9/29/22.
9/29/22 Update: Pankey appeared virtually for a status conference Thursday addressing motions on a change of venue & questions for the jury. The judge denied change of venue since there were no issues in finding a fair & impartial jury for the last trial. Jury selection begins 8:30am Tuesday, 10/4/22. The judge will rule on the details of the questionnaire once he reviews the completed material.
*Trial continues (Day 11)/Penalty Phase (Day 2) (@ 8:30am CT) - MO – Jane M. Moeckel (61), Zoe J. Kasten (8), Jonathan D. Kasten (10) & Kate Kasten (39) (mom of kids) (Dec. 28, 2018, St. Charles; shot) - *Richard Darren Emery (46/now 49) (BF of mom) charged (12/29/18) & indicted (4/12/19) with 4 counts of 1st degree murder, 7 counts of felony armed criminal action, 3 counts of 1st degree assault (attempt-serious physical injury/special victim) & 1 count of 1st degree attempted robbery. Plead not guilty. No bond. DA will seek DP.
Trial began 9/6/22 with jury selection expected to last until 9/19/22. Trial began on 9/20/22 & ended on 9/30/22 with a guilty verdict. The judge has ordered the jury sequestered for the duration of the trial.
Court information from 12/31/18 thru 1/4/22 & jury selection (Day 1-10) 9/6/22 thru 9/19/22 & Trial (Day 1-9) 9/20 to 9/30/22 & Jury deliberations (9/30/22) reference post #205 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...in-st-charles-home-29-dec-2018.408303/page-11
10/1/22 Saturday, Trial Day 10/Penalty Phase Day 1: Verdict: Guilty on all counts. The penalty phase of the trial will begin Saturday.
Many witnesses testified, Saturday & court lasted several hours without a decision on Emery’s sentence. Proceedings will continue Tuesday [10/4/22]. Jurors will have to consider whether or not Emery should be put to death. St. Charles prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against him. The defense is asking for life without the possibility of parole. When the penalty phase resumes next week, the defense plans to call several witnesses, including some of Emery’s relatives, friends & former co-workers.
For more info see post #206 (article) here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...in-st-charles-home-29-dec-2018.408303/page-11
Trial continues with penalty phase on Tuesday, 10/4/22.
Thursday, October 6th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am CT) - KS – Nicholas Ecker, Jr. (17 mos.) born in 2020 (dies in fire set by father, Feb. 13, 2022, Shawnee) - *Karlie Mae Phelps (28) “mother” arrested & charged (2/25/22) with involuntary manslaughter & endangering a child under 18. Plead not guilty. Bond $250K. Bond posted (3/2/22).
Court info from 3/11/22 thru 6/16/22 reference post #55 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ther-shawnee-23-feb-2022-arrest.612613/page-3
8/3/22 Update: Plea hearing was rescheduled on 8/18/22. 8/18/22 Update: Plaintiff appears by attorney Hurst & defendant with attorney Toth. Phelps pled guilty Thursday to involuntary manslaughter in the death of her 17-month-old son in a house fire & also pled guilty to endangering a child. Phelps admitted to leaving her son, Nicholas Ecker Junior, home alone back in February for a long period of time. As part of the plea agreement, Phelps is expected to cooperate with prosecutors & testify against the boy’s father, Nicholas Ecker, Sr. As part of the deal, prosecutors are recommending that Phelps serve 10 years behind bars with no probation. Also as part of the agreement, charges against Phelps of intimidating a witness & violating a protection order would be dismissed. Presentence investigation ordered. Sentencing will be in person, defendant ordered to personally appear. A judge denied a request to release/bond. She’s scheduled to be sentenced on 10/6/22.
*Karlie Mae Phelps (28) arrested (3/2/22) & charged (3/11/22) with violating a protection order & intimidating a witness (on 3/2/22). Plead not guilty. Surety Bond $350K. Posted bond (3/11/22).
Court info from 3/11/22 thru 6/16/22 reference post #55 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ther-shawnee-23-feb-2022-arrest.612613/page-3
8/3/22 Update: Plea hearing was rescheduled on 8/18/22. 8/18/22 Update: Per plea deal these charges will be dismissed. See above.
*Nicholas Adam Ecker, Sr. (28) “father” – Motions hearings on 12/20/22 & on 2/13/23.
*Jury Selection begins (@ 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. Denied pretrial release (9/12/22). Release date 10/27/22.
Said beat toddler for not eating & not listening to her. Died from blunt force trauma & multiply bone fractures.
Trial set to begin on 10/6/22 for jury selection. Trial begins on 10/17/22.
Court hearings from 2/14/19 thru 9/12/22 reference post #275 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...rland-county-8-feb-2019-arrest.422589/page-14
9/28/22 Update: The trial for Griner charged with murdering her toddler son is set to begin 10/17/22 before Superior Court Judge George H. Gangloff Jr. A hearing for pretrial motions was held Wednesday, in which the defense unsuccessfully requested that the medical examiner’s testimony be precluded from being heard by a jury, court spokesperson Rosemarie Gallagher said. The denial is the second for Griner in recent weeks.” Jury selection begins on 10/6/22.
Friday, October 7th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 8:30am PT) – CA – Noah McIntosh (8) (last seen about Feb. 24, 2019, died about Mar. 3 or 4, reported missing Mar. 12, 2019, Corona; not found yet) – *Jillian Marie Godfrey (36/now 40) “mother” arrested (3/13/19), charged (3/15/19) & arraigned (4/15/19) with felony willful child cruelty (endangerment). Plead not guilty. $500K bond.
Godfrey says 3/2/19 is the last time she saw Noah. 11 yr. old daughter in CPS custody.
Godfrey plead guilty (12/19/19) & was released from custody (10/15/20) on own recognizance. Will be sentenced on 10/7/22.
Court info from 3/15/19 thru 1/14/21 reference post #93 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...rents-arrested-godfrey-guilty-2.547463/page-5
4/8/21 Update: Sentencing hearing is reset for 10/8/21. 10/8/21 Update: Sentencing hearing has been rescheduled to 10/7/22.
*Bryce Daniel McIntosh (32/now 36) “father” – Hearing on 1/6/23.
