Trials & Sentencings set to begin April, 2021

[Niner]

For the week of Thursday, April 1st thru Friday, April 2nd.


Thursday, April 1st:
*Trial continues with Sentencing Phase (Day 4) (@ 8:30am CT) – TX – Rayven Shields (3 yrs. Old) (Last seen per mom July 27, 2018, in Bryan, but LE says last seen mid-June; found in backyard garden on Aug. 3, 2018) – for *Virginia Ann Adams (35/now 37) “mom” arrested & charged (8/1/18), indicted (10/22/18 & arraigned (11/15/18) with injury to child resulting in death (1st degree felony) & tampering with evidence (2nd degree felony). Plead not guilty. $75K bond.
CPS obtained court order (7/31/18) giving them custody of Rayven & mom refused to cooperate.
Trial began on 3/29/21 & went into sentencing phase when Adams pled guilty to injury to child resulting in death.
Court info from 10/22/18 thru 3/5/21 reference post #158 here:
Found Deceased - TX - Rayven Shields, 3, Bryan, Jul 2018 *Arrests*
3/29/21 Monday Day 1: Jury was seated. Testimony followed. 3/29/21 Update: Adams plead guilty Monday to a charge of Injury to a Child. The case is now in the sentencing phase & prosecutors are putting more details, evidence & experts before the jury ahead of the punishment. Adams faces a range of five years of probation to life in prison with the possibility of parole.
3/30/21 Tuesday Day 2: Several witnesses & experts for the state took the stand, including Dr. Wedny McQuade, a forensic anthropologist for the Univ. of North Texas. She testified that the skeletal remains of Raven showed signs of trauma inflicted before death. She pointed out that there were signs of bruises on the child’s ribs & skull. Eric Henderson, a Crime Scene Supervisor for the Bryan Police Dept. Testimony was also given by Josh Hearen, a Brazos County Sheriff’s deputy who, along with other team members, went to the home off Highway 21 in Bryan a few days before the discovery of Raven’s body at the request of Child Protective Services. The sentencing phase of this trial is set to resume Wednesday morning in the 361st District Court where the honorable Judge Steve Smith presides. Sentencing phase continued on 3/31/21.
3/31/21 Wednesday Day 3: The State rested its case Wednesday against Adams, in which she plead guilty to the charge of injury of a child in the death investigation of her 3-year-old daughter Rayven. Several witnesses & experts for the State took the stand on Wednesday in the punishment phase of the trial. Madison Gressett, an investigator with Child Protective Services. Adams had also relinquished her rights to three other children, the court learned on Wednesday, but Gressett said that without proof of current abuse or neglect there was nothing she could do to intervene in Rayven’s case. Paul Price, a digital forensics examiner contracted by the Bryan Police Dept, was brought in to recover photos & evidence deleted from two cell phones. Price was able to recover four photos from the phones that appear to show bruises & a swollen eye on Shields. Sentencing phase continues on 4/1/21.
*Patrick Wayne Wilson, Sr. (51/now 52) (BF) – Disposition hearing on 4/13/20: All charges dismissed as he died of natural causes.

*Trial continues (Day 4) (@ 9am for motions; trial @ 9:30am CT) - MN – George Perry Floyd, Jr. (46) (May 25, 2020, Minneapolis, arrested for forgery & killed in police custody) - *Derek Michael Chauvin (44/now 45) police officer who held his knee on Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes & 46 seconds (Note: on 10/14/20 this has been changed to 9 minutes & 30 seconds) (& non responsive for 2 minutes & 53 seconds before officer took his knee off his neck; from 8:19pm to 8:28pm his knee was on Floyd’s neck; has been fired (5/26/20) & arrested & charged (5/29/20) with 3rd degree murder & 2nd degree manslaughter. Charges changed (6/3/20) to 2nd degree murder-unintentional-while committing a felony, 3rd degree murder-perpetrating eminently dangerous act (3rd degree charge was dismissed on 10/22/20 & reinstated on 3/11/21) & evincing depraved mind & 2nd degree manslaughter-culpable negligence creating unreasonable risk. $500K bond, reset (6/8/20) @ $1.25M & $1M with conditions. Posted non-cash $1M bond (10/7/20) & has been released from jail.
Trial began on 3/8/21 with jury selection. Jury selection ran through March 23, 2021. Trial with opening statements & the commencement of the State’s case began on March 29, 2021. Experts anticipate the trial could last 2-4 weeks. Jurors: 12 & 2 alternates (9 women & 5 men). Jurors will be sequestered during deliberations. None of the other officers will be testifying at Chauvin’s trial.
Jurors’ info reference post #6 here:
MN - George Floyd, 46, died in police custody, Minneapolis, 25 May 2020 #4 - Chauvin Trial Day 1
Bond conditions & court info & jury selection (3/9 thru 3/23) from 12/19/20 thru 3/23/21 & Day 1 to 2 of Trial (3/29 to 3/30/21) reference post #4 here:
MN - George Floyd, 46, died in police custody, Minneapolis, 25 May 2020 #6 - Chauvin Trial Day 3
3/31/21 Wednesday Trial Day 3: Each morning of the trial the judge has set aside 9am CT/10am ET for any motions/issues with attorneys.
State witnesses: 8) Genevieve Hansen, MN. Firefighter/EMT bystander continues testimony on cross by Nelson. And re-direct by Frank. Pro Frank questioned: 9) Christopher Martin, 19 yrs. old works as cashier at Cup Foods. Played Exhibit #29 CCTV video of inside Cup Foods and Exhibit #31 of CCTV video from Dragon Wok across the street from Cup Foods shown where Martin went outside to talk to Floyd. Showed Exhibit #33 of CCTV outside Cup Foods of group of individuals gathering around police car. And cross from Nelson. And re-drirect from Pro Frank. And re-cross by Nelson. 10) Christopher Belfery, customer at Cup Foods saw Lane & Kueng approach Floyd's car & recorded. Played Exhibit #35 of his recording of officers pulling Floyd out of the car. Shown Exhibit #36 of more video from across the street. Erin Eldridge questioned 11) Charles McMillian, bystander. Video (police bodycam) shown McMillian telling Floyd to get in the car, that he can't win. Video (police bodycam) shown: McMillian has a conversation/interaction with Chauvin after Floyd is put in the ambulance. No cross. 12) Lt. James Rugel, MPD manages the technology equipment & software systems that officers use. Offciers Kueng's Lane's & Thao's bodycam (Exhibit #49) & Chauvin's bodycam video shown. No cross from Nelson. After jury excused Nelson asked the witness some questions surrounding the Park police officer that came on scene's video. He said that was not his area. Nelson will be arguing a motion surrounding that Friday morning. New motion filed (3/31/21) by Morries Lester Hall (is the friend in the red hat that was with Floyd that day), he's filed Notice of Intent to invoke 5th Amendment privilege & motion to quash subpoena. Trial continues on 4/1/21.
*Charged (7/22/20) with 6 counts of aiding & abetting taxes-false or fraudulent returns-filed with commissioner & 3 counts aiding & abetting taxes-failure to file return, report, document. – Omnibus hearing on 6/30/21.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Thursday, April 1st:
*Trial continues with Sentencing Phase (Day 4) (@ 8:30am CT) – TX – Rayven Shields (3 yrs. Old) (Last seen per mom July 27, 2018, in Bryan, but LE says last seen mid-June; found in backyard garden on Aug. 3, 2018) – for *Virginia Ann Adams (35/now 37) “mom” arrested & charged (8/1/18), indicted (10/22/18 & arraigned (11/15/18) with injury to child resulting in death (1st degree felony) & tampering with evidence (2nd degree felony). Plead not guilty. $75K bond.
CPS obtained court order (7/31/18) giving them custody of Rayven & mom refused to cooperate.
Trial began on 3/29/21 & went into sentencing phase when Adams pled guilty to injury to child resulting in death.
Court info from 10/22/18 thru 3/5/21 & Trial/Sentencing phase from (Day 1 to Day 2) 3/29/21 to 3/30/21 reference post #170 here:
GUILTY - TX - Rayven Shields, 3, Bryan, Jul 2018 *Arrests*
3/31/21 Wednesday Day 3: The State rested its case Wednesday against Adams, in which she plead guilty to the charge of injury of a child in the death investigation of her 3-year-old daughter Rayven. Several witnesses & experts for the State took the stand on Wednesday in the punishment phase of the trial. Madison Gressett, an investigator with Child Protective Services. Adams had also relinquished her rights to three other children, the court learned on Wednesday, but Gressett said that without proof of current abuse or neglect there was nothing she could do to intervene in Rayven’s case. Paul Price, a digital forensics examiner contracted by the Bryan Police Dept, was brought in to recover photos & evidence deleted from two cell phones. Price was able to recover four photos from the phones that appear to show bruises & a swollen eye on Shields. Sentencing phase continues on 4/1/21.
4/1/21 Thursday Day 4: The defense called upon experts to discuss how the cycle of abuse could affect someone’s lack of action when facing a violent partner. Dr. Lauren Spitznagle, expert witness from the Sexual Assault Resource Center [SARC]. Closing arguments are expected today. The sentencing proceeding will continue throughout the day, with jurors expected to begin deliberations after lunch. Adams faces up to 99 years in prison. A Brazos County jury has sentenced Adams to 75 years in prison after she pleaded guilty to injury of a child.
*Patrick Wayne Wilson, Sr. (51/now 52) (BF) – Disposition hearing on 4/13/20: All charges dismissed as he died of natural causes.

 

[Niner]

For the week of Monday, April 5th thru Friday, April 9th:

Monday, April 5th:
*Trial set to begin (Day 1) (~ @ 1pm CT) – MO – Kara Elise Kopetsky (17) (May 4, 2007, Belton) & Jessica S. Runions (21) (Sept. 8, 2016, Lee’s Summit) – *Kylr Charles Yust (18 in 2007/29/now 32) indicted (3/1/18) & arraigned (6/18/18) on 2 counts of 1st degree & 2 counts of abandonment of a corpse. Plead not guilty. $1M cash only bond. Originally charged with felony arson for burning Jessica’s car was dismissed on 10/5/17. Charges of 2 counts of abandonment of a corpse-dismissed on 3/4/21).
Trial set to begin 4/5/21. Jury Selection started on 3/29/21 & ended on 3/31/21. Held in Cass County & jurors from St. Charles County. Jurors will be sequestered throughout the trial (expected to last 3 weeks). Jury: 12 jurors & 4 alternates (13 women & 3 men).
Court info from 3/1/18 thru 3/11/21 & jury selection (3/29/21) reference post #94 here:
MO - Kara Kopetsky, 17 in 2007; Jessica Runions, 21 in 2016; found deceased - *ARREST* #2
3/30/21 Tuesday Day 2 of Jury selection. In the second day of jury selection, 71 people were informed about the case & asked about potential biases or hardships. Of the 71, 33 said the commitment to a three-week trial in Cass County would be a hardship, citing work & child care reasons. Several of the members seated Tuesday also had connections to law enforcement. Nine of the possible jurors had previously been impacted by domestic violence but none felt that affected their impartiality. In the end, the prosecution & defense teams released 44 of the people questioned Tuesday. The remaining 27 were asked to report again Wednesday, 3/31/21 in addition to 53 from Monday’s session. A jury for the case, set to go to trial next Monday, could be finalized Wednesday. Jury selection continues on 3/31/21.
3/31/21 Wednesday Day 3 of Jury selection. It took 3 days to choose the 12 jurors, plus four alternates. There are 13 women & 3 men. Jurors were selected from St. Charles, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis. They are scheduled to leave St. Charles at 8am Monday morning & will arrive in Harrisonville by noon. Opening statements are scheduled to take place Monday afternoon, 4/5/21.

*Trial continues (Day 6) (@ 9am for motions; trial @ 9:15am CT) - MN – George Perry Floyd, Jr. (46) (May 25, 2020, Minneapolis, arrested for forgery & killed in police custody) - *Derek Michael Chauvin (44/now 45) police officer who held his knee on Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes & 46 seconds (Note: on 10/14/20 this has been changed to 9 minutes & 30 seconds) (& non responsive for 2 minutes & 53 seconds before officer took his knee off his neck; from 8:19pm to 8:28pm his knee was on Floyd’s neck; has been fired (5/26/20) & arrested & charged (5/29/20) with 3rd degree murder & 2nd degree manslaughter. Charges changed (6/3/20) to 2nd degree murder-unintentional-while committing a felony, 3rd degree murder-perpetrating eminently dangerous act (3rd degree charge was dismissed on 10/22/20 & reinstated on 3/11/21) & evincing depraved mind & 2nd degree manslaughter-culpable negligence creating unreasonable risk. $500K bond, reset (6/8/20) @ $1.25M & $1M with conditions. Posted non-cash $1M bond (10/7/20) & has been released from jail.
Trial began on 3/8/21 with jury selection. Jury selection ran through March 23, 2021. Trial with opening statements & the commencement of the State’s case began on March 29, 2021. Experts anticipate the trial could last 2-4 weeks. Jurors: 12 & 2 alternates (9 women & 5 men). Jurors will be sequestered during deliberations. None of the other officers will be testifying at Chauvin’s trial.
Jurors’ info reference post #6 here:
MN - George Floyd, 46, died in police custody, Minneapolis, 25 May 2020 #4 - Chauvin Trial Day 1
These are the incidents that State wanted to bring into trial. Reference post #279 here:
George Floyd death / Derek Chauvin trial - Sidebar
Judge ruled that 2 out of 8 prior incidents with Chauvin would be coming in as "he knew better" for #3 & modus operandi evidence for #5:
Incident No. 3 — Aug. 22, 2015: On August 22, 2015, Defendant Chauvin participated with other officers in rendering aid to a suicidal, intoxicated & mentally-disturbed male. Chauvin observed other officers physically struggle with the male & one officer used a Taser on the male, to little avail. Eventually, the officers were able to put the male on the ground & place handcuffs on him. Chauvin & the other officers then immediately put the male in the side-recovery position, consistent with training. Chauvin rode with the male to the hospital for medical care. Officers involved in the response received a recommendation for an award for their appropriate efforts & received feedback from medical professionals that, if officers had prolonged their detention of the male or failed to transport the male to the hospital in a timely manner, the male could have died.
Incident No. 5 — June 25, 2017: On June 25, 2017, Defendant Chauvin went to place a female under arrest in her home. As the female walked by, Chauvin grabbed one of her arms & told her she was under arrest. The female tried to pull away & Chauvin applied a handcuff to one wrist. As the female tried to twist away, Chauvin pulled her down to the ground in the prone position & kneeled on her body to pin her to the ground. After being handcuffed, the female refused to stand, so Chauvin carried her out of the house in a prone position & set her face down on the sidewalk. Even though the female was not physically resisting in any way, Chauvin kneeled on her body, using his body weight to pin her to the ground while another officer moved the squad car closer. Chauvin then directed the other officer to apply a Hobble restraint to the female even though she was not providing any physical resistance. Chauvin’s conduct in kneeling on the female during this entire time was more force than was reasonably necessary under the circumstances. See post #385 here:
MN - George Floyd, 46, died in police custody, Minneapolis, 25 May 2020 #8 - Chauvin Trial Day 5
Bond conditions & court info 12/19/20 thru 3/23/21 & jury selection (3/9 thru 3/23) & Day 1 to 4 of Trial (3/29 to 4/1/21) reference post #6 here:
MN - George Floyd, 46, died in police custody, Minneapolis, 25 May 2020 #8 - Chauvin Trial Day 5
4/1/21: State's amended proposed jury instruction regarding 3rd degree murder; see here:
https://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgo...20-12646/ProposedJuryInstructions04012021.pdf
4/2/21 Friday Trial Day 5: Each morning of the trial the judge has set aside 9am CT/10am ET for any motions/issues with attorneys. No motions this morning. Judge: We are ahead of schedule & will take the afternoon off. Out about 12:30pm.
The state asking Judge Cahill, if there's a conviction, for an upward departure on sentencing, meaning the judge has the discretion to increase the sentence if certain factors apply. Since Chauvin has no prior convictions, the top count would only bring 12.5 yrs, state wants more.
State witnesses: 18) MPD Sgt. Jon Edwards, training officer & assigned to night shift & responded to & secured scene. No cross. 19) MPD Lt. Richard Zimmerman, he is the direct supervisor in Homicide & made sure crime was secured & for other officers to looked for witnesses. Nelson on cross. And re-direct. And done for the day - jury excused until Monday, 4/5/21 @ 9:15 to 9:30am; there will be a motions hearing in the morning.
*Charged (7/22/20) with 6 counts of aiding & abetting taxes-false or fraudulent returns-filed with commissioner & 3 counts aiding & abetting taxes-failure to file return, report, document. – Omnibus hearing on 6/30/21.


Tuesday, April 6th:
*Plea Hearing (@ 2pm ET) – CT - Adam Davenport (31/now 32) arrested & charged (1/29/20) with 1 count of second-degree harassment. Bond: promise to appear.
Davenport confessed to making the calls (30 calls within a span of half-hour) to both Pattis & his law partner Kevin Smith which started in October, 2019. New Haven Superior Court. Re: Jennifer Dulos case.
Court info from 2/21/20 thru 12/242/20 reference post #437 here:
Deceased/Not Found - CT - Jennifer Dulos, 50, New Canaan, 24 May 2019 *ARRESTS* #53
2/4/21 Update: Still awaiting plea. Plea hearing moved to 2/24/21. 2/24/21 Update: Plea hearing continued to 4/6/21.


Thursday, April 8th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 7:30am PT) – CA – Noah McIntosh (8) (last seen about Feb. 24, 2019, reported missing Mar. 12, 2019, Corona; not found yet) – for *Jillian Marie Godfrey (36/now 38) “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.
Court info from 3/15/19 thru 6/2/20 reference post #8 here:
Still Missing - CA - Noah McIntosh, 8, Corona, early March 2019 *parents arrested* #2
7/2/20 Update: Plead guilty (on 12/19/19). Sentencing has been rescheduled to 10/15/20. 10/15/20 Update: Next sentencing hearing on 1/14/21 @ 7:30am. Was released from custody on own recognizance. 1/14/21 Update: Sentencing has been scheduled on 4/8/21.
*Bryce Daniel McIntosh (32/now 34) “father” – Felony Settlement conference hearing on 5/6/21.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Tuesday, April 6th:
*Plea Hearing-CONTINUED! (@ 2pm ET) – CT - Adam Davenport (31/now 32) arrested & charged (1/29/20) with 1 count of second-degree harassment. Bond: promise to appear.
Davenport confessed to making the calls (30 calls within a span of half-hour) to both Pattis & his law partner Kevin Smith which started in October, 2019. New Haven Superior Court. Re: Jennifer Dulos case.
Court info from 2/21/20 thru 12/242/20 reference post #437 here:
Deceased/Not Found - CT - Jennifer Dulos, 50, New Canaan, 24 May 2019 *ARRESTS* #53
2/4/21 Update: Still awaiting plea. Plea hearing moved to 2/24/21. 2/24/21 Update: Plea hearing continued to 4/6/21.
4/6/21: Plea hearing rescheduled to 6/15/21.

 

[Niner]

For the week of Monday, April 12th thru Friday, April 16th:

Monday, April 12th:
*Sentencing Hearing (Day 1 of 2) (@ am ET) – NC – Katelyn Self (26), daughter & Amanda Self (35), daughter-in-law (May 20, 2018, Bessemer City) – *Roger Glenn Self (62/now 65) arrested & charged (5/20/18) & arraigned (5/13/19) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder (after allegedly plowing his Jeep into a restaurant where his family were sitting) & assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. And charged, indicted & arraigned (5/13/19) with 2 counts of attempted 1st degree murder & 2 counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury. Plead not guilty. $1M bond.
Josh Self (38), his son, was injured and remained in critical but stable condition Monday (5/21/18). Roger Self's wife, Diana (53), was also among the injured and she remained in critical but stable condition Monday (5/21/18).
Trial was set to begin in August, but plead guilty on 1/25/21 to 2 counts of 2nd degree murder.
Court info from 5/21/18 thru 12/25/19 reference post #146 here:
GUILTY - NC - Man took family to lunch, left table and drove car into restaurant, killing 2, May 2018
2/24/20 Update: Court hearing dealt with procedural issues, mostly related to prosecutors having access to psychological records from defense experts expected to testify about Self’s mental health. Self’s attorney, Rick Beam, told District Attorney Locke Bell and Superior Court Judge Robert Ervin the person examining his client’s mental state has at least one more meeting scheduled with him, but that the report should be completed and available for review by mid April. Bell was agreeable to the timetable and Ervin set the next court hearing over the issue for April 27. Trial is scheduled in August (no date).
1/25/21 Update: Self plead guilty to 2 counts of second-degree murder. Before he was taken away, Self yelled at his family, “I love you, you’re my hero.” Self’s sentencing has not been determined. He entered a guilty plea under the Alford plea, which essentially means he pleads guilty without specifically admitting to the guilt itself. Sentencing on 4/12/21 & expected to last 2 days.

*Trial set to begin-CONTINUED! (@ am CT) – SD – Baby Andrew John Doe (Litz) (newborn, found Feb. 28, 1981, Sioux Falls, lying in a icy ditch) - *Theresa Rose Bentaas (19 @ time of crime/57/now 59) arrested (3/8/19), charged (3/11/19) & arraigned (3/11/19) with 1st degree murder, 2nd degree murder & 1st degree manslaughter. Plead not guilty. $250K Cash only bond changed (4/30/19) to $250K cash or Surety bond. Out on bond w/GPS ankle monitor.
Parabon NanoLabs GEDMatch.
Trial was set to begin on 11/30/20 as all jury trial suspended due to COVID until after 1/25/21 & was rescheduled for 4/12/21 & cancelled again.
Court info from 5/20/19 thru 7/21/20 reference post #97 here:
Found Deceased - SD - Sioux Falls, WhtMale, UP17189, Newborn, born alive, Feb'81 *ARREST in 2019* - Baby Andrew
11/6/20 Update: Defense asked for delay in trial scheduled on 11/30/20, cited the continuous increase in COVID-19 cases & hospitalizations in the region as the main reason for requesting a continuance. 11/28/20: All jury trials have been suspended in Sioux Falls because of COVID until after 1/25/21.
4/10/21 Update: Trial is set to begin on 4/12/21 has been cancelled due to COVID. Bentaas was scheduled for trial Monday in Minnehaha County court in Sioux Falls. Randy Sample with the Minnehaha County State’s Attorney's office said that both sides were in agreement for a reset & that a new date has not yet been scheduled.

*Trial continues (Day 7) (@ 8:30am CT) – MO – Kara Elise Kopetsky (17) (last seen at Belton High, May 4, 2007, Belton; found by a mushroom hunter in rural Cass County near East 223rd & State Route Y on April 3, 2017) & Jessica S. Runions (21) (missing Sept. 8, 2016, Raymore; her car was found burned near Bannister & Blue River Rds. on Sept. 10, 2016. Found by mushroom hunters in rural Cass County near East 223rd & State Route Y on April 4, 2017) – *Kylr Charles Yust (18 in 2007/29/now 32) indicted (3/1/18) & arraigned (6/18/18) on 2 counts of 1st degree & 2 counts of abandonment of a corpse. Plead not guilty. $1M cash only bond. Originally charged with felony arson for burning Jessica’s car was dismissed on 10/5/17. Charges of 2 counts of abandonment of a corpse-dismissed on 3/4/21).
Trial began 4/5/21. Jury Selection started on 3/29/21 & ended on 3/31/21. Court will be held on Saturdays also. Held in Cass County & jurors from St. Charles County. Jurors will be sequestered throughout the trial (expected to last 3 weeks). Jury: 12 jurors & 3 alternates (12 women & 3 men). One alternate was released on 4/5/21.
Court info from 3/1/18 thru 3/11/21 & jury selection (3/31/21) & Day 1 thru Day 5 of trial (4/5 – 4/9/21) reference post #211 here:
MO - Kara Kopetsky, 17 in 2007; Jessica Runions, 21 in 2016; found deceased - *ARREST* #2
4/10/21 Saturday, Day 6 of Trial: 45) Det. Jason Findley from KCPD, executed search warrant on Yust' residence. Jury has left the room, but Det. Findley still being questioned by defense in front of the judge. Objection being argued outside the presence of the jury. Defense counsel Molly Hastings wants to question Findlay about a tip received in 2007 regarding a gold or brown station wagon in the vicinity of the woods where the bodies were found. Same or similar vehicle reported in the area in 2017. State objects because defense is attempting to connect crime scene with Jessep Carter, not Kylr Yust. Judge sustains. State recalls 46) Belton Det. Patrick McKarnin, lead detective. State recalls 47) FBI Special Agent John Hauger. Discussed Jessica & Yust's cell records. Hauger didn't receive 2007 phone records until 2020. 48) Keith Todd, mushroom hunter who found the girls remains in the woods on 4/3/17. 49) Melissa Beals, Toxicology & Biochemical Genetics Analystat at Children's Mercy Hospital (for Jessica). 50) Uttam Garg who is the Division Director of Laboratory Medicine * Director of Clinical Chemistry, Toxicology & Biochemical Genetics (for Jessica) 51) Dr. John Filippi, Dentist/Forensic Odontologist (for Kara & Jessica). 52) Charity Davis, DNA expert from the FBI lab in Quantico, VA. (for Kara). 53) Dr. Diane Peterson, former Jackson County Medical Examiner in 2017 & now Chief ME with Johnson County, KS. (for Kara & Jessica). Trial continues on Monday, 4/12/21.

*Trial continues (Day 11) (@ 9:30am CT) - MN – George Perry Floyd, Jr. (46) (May 25, 2020, Minneapolis, arrested for forgery & killed in police custody) - *Derek Michael Chauvin (44/now 45) police officer who held his knee on Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes & 46 seconds (Note: on 10/14/20 this has been changed to 9 minutes & 29 seconds) (& non responsive for 2 minutes & 53 seconds before officer took his knee off his neck; from 8:19pm to 8:28pm his knee was on Floyd’s neck; has been fired (5/26/20) & arrested & charged (5/29/20) with 3rd degree murder & 2nd degree manslaughter. Charges changed (6/3/20) to 2nd degree murder-unintentional-while committing a felony, 3rd degree murder-perpetrating eminently dangerous act (3rd degree charge was dismissed on 10/22/20 & reinstated on 3/11/21) & evincing depraved mind & 2nd degree manslaughter-culpable negligence creating unreasonable risk. $500K bond, reset (6/8/20) @ $1.25M & $1M with conditions. Posted non-cash $1M bond (10/7/20) & has been released from jail.
Trial began on 3/8/21 with jury selection. Jury selection ran through March 23, 2021. Trial with opening statements & the commencement of the State’s case began on March 29, 2021. Experts anticipate the trial could last 2-4 weeks. Jurors: 12 & 2 alternates (9 women & 5 men). Jurors will be sequestered during deliberations. None of the other officers will be testifying at Chauvin’s trial.
Jurors’ info reference post #6 here:
MN - George Floyd, 46, died in police custody, Minneapolis, 25 May 2020 #4 - Chauvin Trial Day 1
These are the incidents that State wanted to bring into trial. Reference post #279 here:
George Floyd death / Derek Chauvin trial - Sidebar week 1
Judge ruled that 2 out of 8 prior incidents with Chauvin would be coming in as "he knew better" for #3 & modus operandi evidence for #5.
See post #385 here:
MN - George Floyd, 46, died in police custody, Minneapolis, 25 May 2020 #8 - Chauvin Trial Day 5
Bond conditions & court info 12/19/20 thru 3/23/21 & jury selection (3/9 thru 3/23) & Day 1 to 9 of Trial (3/29 to 4/8/21) reference post #10 here:
MN - George Floyd, 46, died in police custody, Minneapolis, 25 May 2020 #13 - Chauvin Trial Day 10
4/9/21 Friday, Trial Day 10: Each morning of the trial the judge has set aside 9am CT/10am ET for any motions/issues with attorneys. No motions hearing.
State’s witnesses: Blackwell on direct. 34) Dr. Lindsey Carol Thomas, forensic pathologist. Cross by Nelson. And re-direct. And re-cross. During break: Judge: “There was a report there might have been some outside media. I find that she (juror) was genuinely surprised. There was not inappropriate conduct by her or from anyone on the outside”. Juror is kept. 35) Andrew M. Baker, M.D., County coroner, performed autopsy on Floyd. Cause of death: Cardiopulmonary arrest (heart & lungs stopped) complicating law enforcement subdual, restart & neck compression. Per testimony: Drugs did not cause Mr. Floyd's death, heart condition did not cause death. Mr. Floyd's death was caused by law enforcement subdual, restraint & compression. Nelson on cross. And re-direct by Blackwell. Trial will reconvene at 9:30am on Monday, 4/12/21.
*Charged (7/22/20) with 6 counts of aiding & abetting taxes-false or fraudulent returns-filed with commissioner & 3 counts aiding & abetting taxes-failure to file return, report, document. – Omnibus hearing on 6/30/21.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Thursday, April 8th:
*Sentencing Hearing-CANCELLED! (@ 7:30am PT) – CA – Noah McIntosh (8) (last seen about Feb. 24, 2019, reported missing Mar. 12, 2019, Corona; not found yet) – for *Jillian Marie Godfrey (36/now 38) “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.
Court info from 3/15/19 thru 6/2/20 reference post #8 here:
Still Missing - CA - Noah McIntosh, 8, Corona, early March 2019 *parents arrested* #2
7/2/20 Update: Plead guilty (on 12/19/19). Sentencing has been rescheduled to 10/15/20. 10/15/20 Update: Next sentencing hearing on 1/14/21 @ 7:30am. Was released from custody on own recognizance. 1/14/21 Update: Sentencing has been scheduled on 4/8/21. 4/8/21 Update: Court site shows no sentencing hearing scheduled as of 4/8/21.
4/8/21 Update: Sentencing hearing is reset for 10/8/21.
*Bryce Daniel McIntosh (32/now 34) “father” – Felony Settlement conference hearing on 5/6/21.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Friday, April 16th:
*Sentencing Phase (Day 10) (@ 8:30am CT) – MO – Kara Elise Kopetsky (17) (last seen at Belton High, May 4, 2007, Belton; found by a mushroom hunter in rural Cass County near East 223rd & State Route Y on April 3, 2017) & Jessica S. Runions (21) (missing Sept. 8, 2016, Raymore; her car was found burned near Bannister & Blue River Rds. on Sept. 10, 2016. Found by mushroom hunters in rural Cass County near East 223rd & State Route Y on April 4, 2017) – *Kylr Charles Yust (18 in 2007/29/now 32) indicted (3/1/18) & arraigned (6/18/18) on 2 counts of 1st degree & 2 counts of abandonment of a corpse. Plead not guilty. $1M cash only bond. Originally charged with felony arson for burning Jessica’s car was dismissed on 10/5/17. Charges of 2 counts of abandonment of a corpse-dismissed on 3/4/21).
Trial began 4/5/21. Jury Selection started on 3/29/21 & ended on 3/31/21. Court will be held on Saturdays also. Held in Cass County & jurors from St. Charles County. Jurors will be sequestered throughout the trial (expected to last 3 weeks). Jury: 12 jurors & 3 alternates (12 women & 3 men). One alternate was released on 4/5/21. State rested their case on 4/10/21 & had 53 witnesses. Defense rested their case on 4/14/21 & had 28 witnesses. Jury deliberations: 4/14/21: 6:15pm to 10pm (~ 3 hours & 45 mins). 4/15/21: 8am to 7:30pm (~10 hours & 30 mins.) Total deliberations: 14 hours & 15 mins. Verdict: Guilty of voluntary manslaughter of Kara Kopetsky & guilty of 2nd degree murder of Jessica Runions.
Court info from 3/1/18 thru 3/11/21 & jury selection (3/31/21) & Day 1 thru Day 9 of trial (4/5 – 4/14/21) reference post #326 here:
GUILTY - MO - Kara Kopetsky, 17 in 2007; Jessica Runions, 21 in 2016; found deceased - *ARREST* #2
4/16/21 Friday: Sentencing: Verdict on 4/15/21 was: Yust has been found guilty of voluntary manslaughter of Kara Kopetsky & guilty of 2nd degree murder in the death of Jessica Runions. Ben Butler, prosecutor addresses the jury. Matt Vigil, defense attorney speaks to the jury. State calls to stand: Rhonda Beckford, Kara's mother. Showed pictures of Kara growing up. Mike Kopetsky, Kara’s father. Jim Beckford, Kara’s stepfather. Thomas Beckford, Kara’s little brother. He was 8 when she died. Jamie Runions, Jessica’s mother. Showed pictures of Jessica growing up. John Runions, Jessica’s father. Megan Runions, Jessica’s sister. She was 14 when Jessica disappeared. The State rests. Defense will not let cameras on their witnesses. Logan Walsh, Kylr’s friend since he was 4 or 5. Ciara West, friend of Kylr’s since she was 15. AG, friend of Kylr’s met him in 2006. LW neighbor of Kylr’s & mother of previous witness. Defense rests. The jury is given instructions for sentencing. Ben Butler gave closing arguments. Reference post #370 here:
GUILTY - MO - Kara Kopetsky, 17 in 2007; Jessica Runions, 21 in 2016; found deceased - *ARREST* #2
Defense attorney Hastings gave closing arguments. Reference post #372 & #373 here:
GUILTY - MO - Kara Kopetsky, 17 in 2007; Jessica Runions, 21 in 2016; found deceased - *ARREST* #2
Butler back up — “Call him what you want to. Call Jessica Runions, Jessica Runions. Call Kara Kopetsky, Kara Kopetsky. I'm done. There are two girls that will never be seen again. If he's an artist he took the bones of Kara and Jessica and he painted them across the woods and left him there to rot. That's not life”.
Jury started deliberations ~10:45pm CT to 12:15pm (~1 hour 30 mins). Sentence: For Count 1: Declare punishment 15 years & Count 2: Declare punishment life in prison. Judge accepts sentencing. Formal sentencing will be on 6/7/21 @ 2:30pmCT.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Friday, April 16th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ am ET) – NC – Katelyn Self (26), daughter & Amanda Self (35), daughter-in-law (May 20, 2018, Bessemer City) – *Roger Glenn Self (62/now 65) arrested & charged (5/20/18) & arraigned (5/13/19) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder (after allegedly plowing his Jeep into a restaurant where his family were sitting) & assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. And charged, indicted & arraigned (5/13/19) with 2 counts of attempted 1st degree murder & 2 counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury. Plead not guilty. $1M bond.
Josh Self (38), his son, was injured and remained in critical but stable condition Monday (5/21/18). Roger Self's wife, Diana (53), was also among the injured and she remained in critical but stable condition Monday (5/21/18). They both have recovered.
Trial was set to begin in August, but plead guilty on 1/25/21 to 2 counts of 2nd degree murder.
Court info from 5/21/18 thru 4/14/20 reference post #176 here:
GUILTY - NC - Man took family to lunch, left table and drove car into restaurant, killing 2, May 2018
4/15/21 Update: Self testified today. He says he was on multiple medications trying to treat the pain he was feeling from his mental illness, but he says it only got worse. Self says he felt disconnected and while he was aware he crashed into the restaurant - he says didn’t feel anything emotionally. Self says he saw multiple doctors & was taking different medications but says his condition didn’t change. He says he even thought of ending his own life but says he didn’t want to put his family through that pain. Self fought back tears for over two hours as he testified saying he just wanted some help & that he didn’t mean to hurt anyone. Self’s daughter Taylor Potter & his wife Dianne shared their love for him Thursday & talked about how they encouraged him to get mental health treatment. Sentencing hearing continues on 4/16/21.
4/16/21 Update: Self was sentenced to 53 years in prison.

 

[Niner]

Didn't have this on here - thought I'd post an update.

Friday, April 16th:
*Jury Selection to begin (@ 9am ET) - WV – Riley Grace Crossman (15) (reported missing May 8, 2019, Berkeley Springs; found May 16, 2019, near Tuscarora Pike in Berkeley County) - *Andrew (“Andy”) Jackson McCauley, Jr. (41/now 42) (mom’s BF) arrested & charged (5/16/19) & indicted (1/7/20) with 1st degree murder & concealment of a deceased human body. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial set to begin on 4/26/21. Jury selection will begin on 4/16 & jurors will be from Morgan County. Jury: 12 jurors & 2 alternates.
Court info from 5/16/19 thru 3/19/21 reference post #596 here:
Found Deceased - WV - Riley Crossman, 15, Martinsburg, Morgan County, 7 May 2019 *arrest*
4/8/21 Update: No info on hearing. Next might be jury selection on 4/16/21. Prosecutors & defense attorneys will attempt to select a 12-member jury beginning Friday. The trial is scheduled to begin before Circuit Judge Debra McLaughlin on April 26. McLaughlin previously denied a change of venue motion from the defense. If a jury cannot be seated from the pool in Morgan County, jury s election is scheduled to move to Jefferson County next week, April 20. The trial would still be held in Berkeley Springs.
4/16/21 Update: Prosecutors and defense attorneys chose 12 jurors & 2 alternates Friday during proceedings in the Morgan County Courthouse. Trial is scheduled to begin on Monday, 4/26/21.

 

[Niner]

Trials & sentencings for the week of Monday, April 19th thru Friday, April 23rd:

Monday, April 19th:
*Trial set to begin (@ 8am CT) – TX – Bryson Edwards (3) (Jan. 12, 2019, Dallas, stabbed by father; mom injured, fled apt with 7 year old girl) - *Brandon Demone Edwards (35/now 37) arrested (1/12/19), indicted & arraigned (1/28/19) on capital murder of a person under 10 yrs old & aggravated assault with a weapon. Plead not guilty. $1M bond (murder) $750K bond (assault). Out on bond.
Trial to begin on 4/19/21.
Court info from 1/28/19 thru 2/7/20 reference post #42 here:
TX - Bryson Edwards, 3, stabbed to death by father, mother injured, Dallas, 12 Jan 2018
10/5/20 Update: Trial has been rescheduled to 1/11/21.
1/11/21 Update: Trial has been rescheduled to begin on 4/19/21.

*Trial set to begin (@ 8:30am CT) – IN – Kimberly Dyer (31) (occurred from Oct. 21 to Oct. 22, 2019, Elkhart); not found & Robert Curtis Porter (32/now 33) serious injuries during robbery (Oct. 21-22, 2019) - for *Mario M. Angulo, Jr. (19/now 20) arrested & charged (12/19/19) with murder, robbery resulting in serious bodily injury, 2 counts of criminal confinement & life without parole enhancement. Held without bond. DA will seek life without parole.
Trial set to begin on 4/19/21.
Court info from 12/19/19 thru 4/1/21 reference post #264 here:
IN - Kimberly Dyer, 31, burned, tortured, mutilated, murdered, Elkhart, 22 Oct 2019 *Arrests*
3/25/21 Update: Next status conference hearing for counsel only on 4/1/21. 4/1/21 Update: Court on its own motion sets this cause for status conference 4/15/21 at 1:15 p.m. by Webex. 4/12/21: Witness and/or exhibit list filed; notice of exclusion of confidential info filed by Stat & filed by defense. And witness and/or exhibit list-defendant's supplemental list of witnesses filed.
4/14/21: State's Motion in Limine filed. Notice of exclusion of confidential info filed by State re Angulo Notice exhibits. Motion in Limine set for status hearing on 4/15/21.
4/15/21 Update: for status conference. State of Indiana in court by Prosecuting Attorney Vicki Elaine Becker & DPA Katelan M. Doyle. Defendants in court in person by Webex from the Elkhart County Correctional Facility & by Chief PD Jeffrey A. Majerek, by Webex. Court conducts Pretrial Conf.; Defendants sworn for purposes of hearing in PTC & for purposes of the entire trial. Court advises Defendants as to the penalty of contempt if the Defendants disrupts the court proceedings in any manner. Court reviews with counsel the manner in which objections will be handled at the bench during the trial & counsel for each party accepts the manner in which objections are customarily held. Court explains to counsel that Court will photograph certain exhibits; counsel for each party accepts the Court's explanation as to photographing exhibits for purposes of appeal. By agreement of the parties, a separation order as to witnesses will be entered Monday morning at the start of the trial. By further agreement of the parties, that separation order does not prevent an employee of the Elkhart County Prosecuting Attorney's Office or law enforcement from transporting witnesses so long as the case is not discussed. By agreement of the parties, the Court's appointed expert witnesses, that being Dr. Seltman, Dr. Chris Buggs & Dr. Parker, may testify remotely during the trial. Court hears arguments on State's Motion to present 404(b) evidence; said Motion is granted. Trial begins on 4/19/21.
*Matthew A.P. Murzynski (24/now 25) – Plead guilty. Sentencing on 5/6/21.
*Donald R. Owen, Jr. (20/now 22) – Trial begins on 4/19/21.

ALSO:
*Trial set to begin (re murder & violation of probation) (@ 8:30am CT) – IN – Kimberly Dyer (31) (occurred from Oct. 21 to Oct. 22, 2019, Elkhart); not found & Robert Curtis Porter (32/now 33) serious injuries during robbery (Oct. 21-22, 2019) - for *Donald R. Owen, Jr. (20/now 22) arrested & charged (12/19/19) with murder, robbery resulting in serious bodily injury, 2 counts of criminal confinement & life without parole enhancement. Held without bond. DA will seek life without parole.
Trial set to begin on 4/19/21.
Kimberly info & court info from 12/19/19 thru 4/12/21 reference post #264 here:
IN - Kimberly Dyer, 31, burned, tortured, mutilated, murdered, Elkhart, 22 Oct 2019 *Arrests*
4/13/21: Defense's Notice of exclusion of confidential info & witness and/or exhibit list filed. Status conference hearing on 4/15/21.
4/15/21 Update: for status conference. State of Indiana in court by Prosecuting Attorney Vicki Elaine Becker & DPA Katelan M. Doyle. Defendants in court in person by Webex from the Elkhart County Correctional Facility & by Chief PD Jeffrey A. Majerek, by Webex. Court conducts Pretrial Conf.; Defendants sworn for purposes of hearing in PTC & for purposes of the entire trial. Court advises Defendants as to the penalty of contempt if the Defendants disrupts the court proceedings in any manner. Court reviews with counsel the manner in which objections will be handled at the bench during the trial & counsel for each party accepts the manner in which objections are customarily held. Court explains to counsel that Court will photograph certain exhibits; counsel for each party accepts the Court's explanation as to photographing exhibits for purposes of appeal. By agreement of the parties, a separation order as to witnesses will be entered Monday morning at the start of the trial. By further agreement of the parties, that separation order does not prevent an employee of the Elkhart County Prosecuting Attorney's Office or law enforcement from transporting witnesses so long as the case is not discussed. By agreement of the parties, the Court's appointed expert witnesses, that being Dr. Seltman, Dr. Chris Buggs & Dr. Parker, may testify remotely during the trial. Court hears arguments on State's Motion to present 404(b) evidence; said Motion is granted. Trial begins on 4/19/21.
*Mario M. Angulo, Jr. (19/now 20) – Trial to begin on 4/19/21.
*Matthew A.P. Murzynski (24/now 25) – Plead guilty. Sentencing on 5/6/21.

*Trial continues-Closing Arguments (Day 15) (@ 9am Trial CT) - MN – George Perry Floyd, Jr. (46) (May 25, 2020, Minneapolis, arrested for forgery & killed in police custody) - *Derek Michael Chauvin (44/now 45) police officer who held his knee on Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes & 46 seconds (Note: on 10/14/20 this has been changed to 9 minutes & 29 seconds) (& non responsive for 2 minutes & 53 seconds before officer took his knee off his neck; from 8:19pm to 8:28pm his knee was on Floyd’s neck; has been fired (5/26/20) & arrested & charged (5/29/20) with 3rd degree murder & 2nd degree manslaughter. Charges changed (6/3/20) to 2nd degree murder-unintentional-while committing a felony, 3rd degree murder-perpetrating eminently dangerous act (3rd degree charge was dismissed on 10/22/20 & reinstated on 3/11/21) & evincing depraved mind & 2nd degree manslaughter-culpable negligence creating unreasonable risk. $500K bond, reset (6/8/20) @ $1.25M & $1M with conditions. Posted non-cash $1M bond (10/7/20) & has been released from jail.
Trial began on 3/8/21 with jury selection. Jury selection ran through March 23, 2021. Trial with opening statements & the commencement of the State’s case began on March 29, 2021. Experts anticipate the trial could last 2-4 weeks. Jurors: 12 & 2 alternates (9 women & 5 men). Jurors will be sequestered during deliberations. None of the other officers will be testifying at Chauvin’s trial. The State rested their case on 4/13/21 & had 38 witnesses. Defense started their case on 4/13/21 & rested their case on 4/15/21 & 7 witnesses.
Closing arguments will begin Monday, 4/19/21. The jury will be sequestered then.
Jurors’ info & incidents Judge will allow against Chauvin reference post #8 here:
MN - George Floyd, 46, died in police custody, Minneapolis, 25 May 2020 #14 - Chauvin Trial Day 11
Bond conditions & court info 12/19/20 thru 3/23/21 & jury selection (3/9 thru 3/23) & Day 1 to 13 of Trial (3/29 to 4/14/21) reference post #9 here:
MN - George Floyd, 46, died in police custody, Minneapolis, 25 May 2020 #17 - Chauvin Trial Day 14
4/15/21 Thursday, Trial Day 14: Each morning of the trial the Judge as set aside 9am CT/10am ET for any motions/issues with attorneys.
Motion hearing: Chauvin will NOT testify. Invoking his 5th amendment privilege against self-incrimination. Jury not in courtroom for this process. Judge Cahill debriefing with Chauvin about his decision not to testify. Pointing out it is absolutely Chauvin's right to invoke his 5th Amendment privilege. Defense will rest in front of the jury. State with help from Hennepin Co Medical Examiner, Dr. Andrew Baker found some blood testing work that seems to shed new light on carbon monoxide levels in Floyd at time of death. Defense expert Dr. Fowler hinted CO might have played role in Floyd's death. Nelson's argument is that the State had Fowler's report back in February. Sounds like Baker (State ME) was listening yesterday & "found" test results that were not handed over to either the State or the Defense. Defense attorney Eric Nelson says this "new" blood evidence that has surfaced overnight in relation to Floyd CO levels should NOT be presented to the jury. Nelson says he will argue for a mistrial if the jury sees these test results taken at time of Floyd original autopsy. Judge Cahill says Dr. Fowler’s report released in February gave the state ample notice. Dr. Tobin will not testify as to those lab results, if there's anything he wish to add about CO as far as environmental factors, but he if he even hints that there are test results, the jury has not heard about, it's going to be a mistrial, pure & simple. ..but it seems odd that Hennepin County Medical Center, when they're asked to turn over all their records that they don't include records that maybe are just buried a little deeper.”
Defense rests their case.
State’s Rebuttal witness: Blackwell on direct. Dr. Martin Tobin, pulmunologis & criticial care. Testified about carbon monoxide to rebut Dr. Fowler's testimony yesterday. "If (Floyd's) hemoglobin is saturated at 98%, the maximum amount of carbon monoxide would be 2%." Cross by Nelson. Blackwell says the State rests their case.
This is the first time following trials that the judge is saying that all the exhibits will be on a computer and they will not have to come back into the courtroom. Judge sends jurors home until Monday, 4/19/21 for closing arguments & final jury instructions. Starts at 9am.
Prosecution confirms their closing arguments lineup. Steve Schleicher to deliver closing arguments. Jerry Blackwell will handle rebuttal. Meaning the final voice this jury will hear from aside from Judge, will be Blackwell.
*Charged (722/20) with 6 counts of aiding & abetting taxes-false or fraudulent returns-filed with commissioner & 3 counts of aiding & abetting taxes-failure to file return, report, document. Omnibus hearing on 6/30/21.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Tuesday, April 20th:
*Trial continues-VERDICT REACHED! (Day 2) (Day 16 of trial) (@ 9am CT) - MN – George Perry Floyd, Jr. (46) (May 25, 2020, Minneapolis, arrested for forgery & killed in police custody) - *Derek Michael Chauvin (44/now 45) police officer who held his knee on Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes & 46 seconds (Note: on 10/14/20 this has been changed to 9 minutes & 29 seconds) (& non responsive for 2 minutes & 53 seconds before officer took his knee off his neck; from 8:19pm to 8:28pm his knee was on Floyd’s neck; has been fired (5/26/20) & arrested & charged (5/29/20) with 3rd degree murder & 2nd degree manslaughter. Charges changed (6/3/20) to 2nd degree murder-unintentional-while committing a felony, 3rd degree murder-perpetrating eminently dangerous act (3rd degree charge was dismissed on 10/22/20 & reinstated on 3/11/21) & evincing depraved mind & 2nd degree manslaughter-culpable negligence creating unreasonable risk. $500K bond, reset (6/8/20) @ $1.25M & $1M with conditions. Posted non-cash $1M bond (10/7/20) & has been released from jail.
Trial began on 3/8/21 with jury selection. Jury selection ran through March 23, 2021. Trial with opening statements & the commencement of the State’s case began on March 29, 2021. Experts anticipate the trial could last 2-4 weeks. Jurors: 12 & 2 alternates (9 women & 5 men). Jurors will be sequestered during deliberations. None of the other officers will be testifying at Chauvin’s trial. The State rested their case on 4/13/21 & had 38 witnesses. Defense started their case on 4/13/21 & rested their case on 4/15/21 & 7 witnesses.
Closing arguments will begin Monday, 4/19/21. The jury will be sequestered then.
Judge Cahill said the jury will begin their deliberations at 9am & go as late until 7:30pm CT. 4/19/21: Jury started deliberations @ 4pm to 8pm (for ~4 hours). 4/20/21: Jury started deliberations @ 8am to ~1:45pm (for ~ 5 hours & 45 mins). Total deliberations: 9 hours & 45 mins. – Verdict: Guilty of all charges.
Bond conditions & court info 12/19/20 thru 3/23/21 & jury selection (3/9 thru 3/23) & Day 1 to 14 of Trial & closing arguments (3/29 to 4/19/21) reference post #3 here:
GUILTY - MN - George Floyd, 46, died in custody, Minneapolis, 25 May 2020 #19 - Chauvin Jury Deliberations #2
4/20/21 Tuesday, Trial Day 16/Day 2 of deliberations: Jurors began deliberating today at 8am CT to 1:45pm.
Verdict:
Derek Chauvin Guilty of All Charges on April 20, 2021.
Count 1-- Guilty of unintentional murder. Penalty: Up to 40 years in prison
Count 2-- Guilty of 3rd degree murder. Penalty: Up to 25 years in prison
Count 3-- Guilty of 2nd degree manslaughter. Penalty: Up to 10 years in prison
Chauvin is remanded to custody, bail revoked & will be held Oak Park Heights jail. PSI due in 4 weeks (~5/18/21), briefing in 6 weeks (~ 6/1/21) & sentencing in 8 weeks (~ 6/15/21).
*Charged (722/20) with 6 counts of aiding & abetting taxes-false or fraudulent returns-filed with commissioner & 3 counts of aiding & abetting taxes-failure to file return, report, document. Omnibus hearing on 6/30/21.

 

[Niner]

Trials & Sentencing hearings for the week of Monday, April 26th thru Friday, April 30th:

Monday, April 26th:
*Trial set to begin (@ 9am ET) – FL – Kameela Russell (41) (May 15, 2019, last see in driveway of Aunt’s house, found 5/25/19 in Snake Creek canal) - *Ernest Joseph Roberts (39/now 41) arrested (6/14/19), charged (6/13/19), indicted (7/17/19) & arraigned (7/18/19) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. No bond. (5/18/20: bond denied due to COVID). DP Case.
Trial set to begin on 4/26/21.
10/13/20 Update: Trial was reset to 1/4/21 @ 9:30am’ 12/7/20: 54 subpoenas sent out. 1/4/21 Update: Motion for continuance-granted. Trial will now begin on 3/1/21.
3/1/21 Monday Day 1: Jury selection? Trial continues on 3/2/21.
3/2/21 Update: Trial hearing held. Motion for trial continuance-granted with stipulation. 3/10/21: Announcement of death penalty waiver. 3/29/21: 54 subpoenas served. Trial is to begin on 4/26/21.

*Trial set to begin (@ 9am ET) - WV – Riley Grace Crossman (15) (reported missing May 8, 2019, Berkeley Springs; found May 16, 2019, near Tuscarora Pike in Berkeley County) - *Andrew (“Andy”) Jackson McCauley, Jr. (41/now 42) (mom’s BF) arrested & charged (5/16/19) & indicted (1/7/20) with 1st degree murder & concealment of a deceased human body. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial set to begin on 4/26/21. Jury selection began on 4/16 & jurors will be from Morgan County. Jury: 12 jurors & 2 alternates.
Court info from 5/16/19 thru 3/19/21 reference post #596 here:Found Deceased - WV - Riley Crossman, 15, Martinsburg, Morgan County, 7 May 2019 *arrest*
4/8/21 Update: No info on hearing. Next might be jury selection on 4/16/21. Prosecutors & defense attorneys will attempt to select a 12-member jury beginning Friday. The trial is scheduled to begin before Circuit Judge Debra McLaughlin on April 26. McLaughlin previously denied a change of venue motion from the defense. If a jury cannot be seated from the pool in Morgan County, jury s election is scheduled to move to Jefferson County next week, April 20. The trial would still be held in Berkeley Springs.
4/16/21 Update: Prosecutors & defense attorneys chose 12 jurors & 2 alternates Friday during proceedings in the Morgan County Courthouse. Trial is scheduled to begin on Monday, 4/26/21.

*Trial continues (Day 6) (@ 8:30am CT) – IN – Kimberly Dyer (31) (occurred from Oct. 21 to Oct. 22, 2019, Elkhart, found) & Robert Curtis Porter (32/now 33) serious injuries during robbery (Oct. 21-22, 2019) - for *Mario M. Angulo, Jr. (19/now 20) arrested & charged (12/19/19) with murder, robbery resulting in serious bodily injury, 2 counts of criminal confinement & life without parole enhancement. Held without bond. DA will seek life without parole.
for *Donald R. Owen, Jr. (20/now 22) arrested & charged (12/19/19) with murder, robbery resulting in serious bodily injury, 2 counts of criminal confinement & life without parole enhancement. Held without bond. DA will seek life without parole.
Trial began on 4/19/21 with jury selection.
Kimberly info & court info from 12/19/19 thru 4/21/21 (Trial 4/19 thru 4/21/21) reference post #289 here:
IN - Kimberly Dyer, 31, burned, tortured, mutilated, murdered, Elkhart, 22 Oct 2019 *Arrests*
4/22/21 Thursday, Day 4 of trial: State witness: Robert Porter gave his account of events leading up to Kimberly's death: Beatings, burning, waterboarding & forced consumption of bleach were among a man's claims of the violence he witnessed. Trial continues on 4/23/21.
4/23/21 Friday Day 5 of trial: No info available. Trial continues on 4/26/21.
*Matthew A.P. Murzynski (24/now 25) – Plead guilty to counts of aiding, inducing or causing a robbery that resulted in serious bodily injury; and aiding, inducing or causing criminal confinement; along with a criminal gang sentencing enhancement. Sentencing on 5/6/21.

 

[Niner]

Oh shoot - just got an alert for this case....

Update!

Monday, April 26th:
*Trial set to begin-CONTINUED! (@ 9am ET) - WV – Riley Grace Crossman (15) (reported missing May 8, 2019, Berkeley Springs; found May 16, 2019, near Tuscarora Pike in Berkeley County) - *Andrew (“Andy”) Jackson McCauley, Jr. (41/now 42) (mom’s BF) arrested & charged (5/16/19) & indicted (1/7/20) with 1st degree murder & concealment of a deceased human body. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial was set to begin on 4/26/21 continued to 9/27/21. Jury selection began on 4/16 & jurors will be from Morgan County. Jury: 12 jurors & 2 alternates. A new jury will be picked for next trial
Court info from 5/16/19 thru 3/19/21 reference post #596 here:
Found Deceased - WV - Riley Crossman, 15, Martinsburg, Morgan County, 7 May 2019 *arrest*
4/8/21 Update: No info on hearing. Next might be jury selection on 4/16/21. Prosecutors & defense attorneys will attempt to select a 12-member jury beginning Friday. The trial is scheduled to begin before Circuit Judge Debra McLaughlin on April 26. McLaughlin previously denied a change of venue motion from the defense. If a jury cannot be seated from the pool in Morgan County, jury s election is scheduled to move to Jefferson County next week, April 20. The trial would still be held in Berkeley Springs.
4/16/21 Update: Prosecutors & defense attorneys chose 12 jurors & 2 alternates Friday during proceedings in the Morgan County Courthouse. Trial is scheduled to begin on Monday, 4/26/21.
4/22/21 Update: A pretrial hearing in Circuit Court on Thursday, April 22. Courthouse sources said the trial postponement was tied to exposure of a primary person in the trial to an individual who tested positive for COVID-19. Attorneys had, less than a week prior, selected a jury of Morgan County residents to hear the case. Seating a local jury has been a point of argument between the Prosecuting Attorney & McCauley’s defense team for more than a year. Morgan County Circuit Clerk Melanie Shambaugh confirmed the trial change & said jurors who were selected to hear the trial will be notified of the postponement & will return to the jury pool for the remainder of this court term, which ends on July 6. That means attorneys will draw from a different jury pool for a September trial. Trial is set to begin on 9/27/21.

 

[JerseyGirl]

Trials & Sentencing hearings for the week of Monday, April 26th thru Friday, April 30th:

Monday, April 26th:
*Trial set to begin (@ 9am ET) – FL – Kameela Russell (41) (May 15, 2019, last see in driveway of Aunt’s house, found 5/25/19 in Snake Creek canal) - *Ernest Joseph Roberts (39/now 41) arrested (6/14/19), charged (6/13/19), indicted (7/17/19) & arraigned (7/18/19) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. No bond. (5/18/20: bond denied due to COVID). DP Case.
Trial set to begin on 4/26/21.
10/13/20 Update: Trial was reset to 1/4/21 @ 9:30am’ 12/7/20: 54 subpoenas sent out. 1/4/21 Update: Motion for continuance-granted. Trial will now begin on 3/1/21.
3/1/21 Monday Day 1: Jury selection? Trial continues on 3/2/21.
3/2/21 Update: Trial hearing held. Motion for trial continuance-granted with stipulation. 3/10/21: Announcement of death penalty waiver. 3/29/21: 54 subpoenas served. Trial is to begin on 4/26/21.

*Trial set to begin (@ 9am ET) - WV – Riley Grace Crossman (15) (reported missing May 8, 2019, Berkeley Springs; found May 16, 2019, near Tuscarora Pike in Berkeley County) - *Andrew (“Andy”) Jackson McCauley, Jr. (41/now 42) (mom’s BF) arrested & charged (5/16/19) & indicted (1/7/20) with 1st degree murder & concealment of a deceased human body. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial set to begin on 4/26/21. Jury selection began on 4/16 & jurors will be from Morgan County. Jury: 12 jurors & 2 alternates.
Court info from 5/16/19 thru 3/19/21 reference post #596 here:Found Deceased - WV - Riley Crossman, 15, Martinsburg, Morgan County, 7 May 2019 *arrest*
4/8/21 Update: No info on hearing. Next might be jury selection on 4/16/21. Prosecutors & defense attorneys will attempt to select a 12-member jury beginning Friday. The trial is scheduled to begin before Circuit Judge Debra McLaughlin on April 26. McLaughlin previously denied a change of venue motion from the defense. If a jury cannot be seated from the pool in Morgan County, jury s election is scheduled to move to Jefferson County next week, April 20. The trial would still be held in Berkeley Springs.
4/16/21 Update: Prosecutors & defense attorneys chose 12 jurors & 2 alternates Friday during proceedings in the Morgan County Courthouse. Trial is scheduled to begin on Monday, 4/26/21.

*Trial continues (Day 6) (@ 8:30am CT) – IN – Kimberly Dyer (31) (occurred from Oct. 21 to Oct. 22, 2019, Elkhart, found) & Robert Curtis Porter (32/now 33) serious injuries during robbery (Oct. 21-22, 2019) - for *Mario M. Angulo, Jr. (19/now 20) arrested & charged (12/19/19) with murder, robbery resulting in serious bodily injury, 2 counts of criminal confinement & life without parole enhancement. Held without bond. DA will seek life without parole.
for *Donald R. Owen, Jr. (20/now 22) arrested & charged (12/19/19) with murder, robbery resulting in serious bodily injury, 2 counts of criminal confinement & life without parole enhancement. Held without bond. DA will seek life without parole.
Trial began on 4/19/21 with jury selection.
Kimberly info & court info from 12/19/19 thru 4/21/21 (Trial 4/19 thru 4/21/21) reference post #289 here:
IN - Kimberly Dyer, 31, burned, tortured, mutilated, murdered, Elkhart, 22 Oct 2019 *Arrests*
4/22/21 Thursday, Day 4 of trial: State witness: Robert Porter gave his account of events leading up to Kimberly's death: Beatings, burning, waterboarding & forced consumption of bleach were among a man's claims of the violence he witnessed. Trial continues on 4/23/21.
4/23/21 Friday Day 5 of trial: No info available. Trial continues on 4/26/21.
*Matthew A.P. Murzynski (24/now 25) – Plead guilty to counts of aiding, inducing or causing a robbery that resulted in serious bodily injury; and aiding, inducing or causing criminal confinement; along with a criminal gang sentencing enhancement. Sentencing on 5/6/21.

here is the link to Kameela Russell’s thread:

Found Deceased - FL - Kameela Russell, 41, Miami Gardens, 15 May 2019 *Arrest*

 

[Niner]

here is the link to Kameela Russell’s thread:

Found Deceased - FL - Kameela Russell, 41, Miami Gardens, 15 May 2019 *Arrest*

Oops - you are right - no link in my post there...

 

[Niner]

Update!

Monday, April 26th:
*Trial set to begin-CONTINUED! (@ 9am ET) – FL – Kameela Russell (41) (May 15, 2019, last see in driveway of Aunt’s house, found 5/25/19 in Snake Creek canal) - *Ernest Joseph Roberts (39/now 41) arrested (6/14/19), charged (6/13/19), indicted (7/17/19) & arraigned (7/18/19) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. No bond. (5/18/20: bond denied due to COVID). DP Case.
Trial was set to begin on 4/26/21 continued to 6/21/21.
Court info from 10/13/20 thru 3/10/21 reference post #151 here:
Found Deceased - FL - Kameela Russell, 41, Miami Gardens, 15 May 2019 *Arrest*
3/29/21: 54 subpoenas served. Trial is to begin on 4/26/21.
4/26/21 Update: Motion for trial continuance-granted. Trial hearing rescheduled on 6/21/21 @ 9am.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Thursday, April 29th:
*Trial continues (Day 9)-VERDICT REACHED! (@ 8:30am CT) – IN – Kimberly Dyer (31) (occurred from Oct. 21 to Oct. 22, 2019, Elkhart, found) & Robert Curtis Porter (32/now 33) serious injuries during robbery (Oct. 21-22, 2019) - for *Mario M. Angulo, Jr. (19/now 20) arrested & charged (12/19/19) with murder, robbery resulting in serious bodily injury, 2 counts of criminal confinement & life without parole enhancement. Held without bond. DA will seek life without parole.
for *Donald R. Owen, Jr. (20/now 22) arrested & charged (12/19/19) with murder, robbery resulting in serious bodily injury, 2 counts of criminal confinement & life without parole enhancement. Held without bond. DA will seek life without parole.
Trial began on 4/19/21 with jury selection. Jury deliberated ~2 ½ hours reached a guilty of all counts for both.
Kimberly info & court info from 12/19/19 thru 4/27/21 (Trial 4/19 thru 4/27/21) reference post #303 here:
GUILTY - IN - Kimberly Dyer, 31, burned, tortured, mutilated, murdered, Elkhart, 22 Oct 2019 *Arrests*
4/28/21 Wednesday Day 8 of trial: Defense started presenting their case. Defense rested their case. No other info available. Trial continues on 4/29/21 for closing arguments.
4/29/21 Thursday Day 9 of trial: Closing arguments. DA’s rebuttal. Jury instructions read. Jury deliberations start @ ~12noon. Verdict @ ~2:30pm – Guilty on all counts for both. DA Becker intends to seek sentences of life in prison without parole against Owen & Angulo based on their affiliation through alleged gang activity. Since life exceeds the maximum of 65 years in prison on a murder charge, separate arguments have to be made to seek the enhanced sentence. Judge Christofeno ordered the jury to reconvene to hear those arguments beginning Monday, May 17.
*Matthew A.P. Murzynski (24/now 25) – Plead guilty to counts of aiding, inducing or causing a robbery that resulted in serious bodily injury; and aiding, inducing or causing criminal confinement; along with a criminal gang sentencing enhancement, in an agreement that sets a total sentence of 60 years. Murzynski was not required to testify at the trial as part of his plea bargain. Sentencing on 5/6/21.