Trials & Sentenings for May, 2025

[Niner]

For the week of Thursday, May 1st thru Friday, May 2nd:

Friday, May 2nd:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am PT) – WA – Natalie Genevieve Gulizia (14) (Dec. 18, 2018, Renton, fatally shot by mom), 12-yr old boy (tied up) & Michael Gulizia (ex, tazed & tied up) - *Svetlana Borisovna Laurel (aka Lavrinenko) (52/now 58) arrested (12/18/18), charged (12/19/18) & arraigned (1/3/19) with 1st degree aggravated & premeditated murder, premeditated attempted 1st degree murder, 2 counts of kidnapping & unlawful imprisonment. Plead not guilty. Held without bail. King County
Natalie was fatally shot for calling 911, 12 yr. old was zip-tied, Michael was tazed & tied up, tried to shoot him, but gun jammed.
Trial was set to begin on 2/25/25 & cancelled due to Plea of Guilty [1/30/25]. (30 times trial was rescheduled).
Defense attorneys Mark R. Adair, Jesse Michael Dubow, Adrian G. Leavitt, Lauren Nicole Conner, Safa Perera, Suzanne Corinne Pickering, John W. Ewers, Vincent Ray Hooks & Aileen S. Tsao.
Court info from 12/21/18 thru 11/15/24 reference post #229 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-called-911-renton-18-dec-2018.406336/page-12
1/8/25 Docket update: [181] Order to Continue Omnibus Hearing to 1/24/25 @ 8:30am. 1/14/25 Docket updates: [182] Motion re expert services sealed; sealed per Sub 168. [183] Order re expert services sealed. 1/24/25 Docket update: [184] Order to continue Omnibus hearing. Next omnibus hearing on 2/7/25 @ 8:30am.
1/30/25 Docket update: [185] Minutes-Guilty plea only hearing. -186] Order permitting filing of amended information. [187] Amended information. [188] Statement of defendant on Plea of Guilty. [189] Order striking trial date. 1/31/25 Docket update: [190] Notice of sentencing hearing on 2/28/25 @ 1pm with Judge Poydras presiding.
2/19/25 Docket update: [191] Notice of continuance. 2/21/25 Docket update: [192] Order waiving speedy sentencing. Sentencing hearing rescheduled on 5/2/25 @ 9am. 4/21/25 Docket updates: [193] Motion & Order permitting filing of a 2nd amended information. [194] Amended information (2nd). 4/22/25 Docket update: [195] Report: Defense pre-sentence report.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Friday, May 2nd:
*Trial continues (Day 5)-VERDICT REACHED! (@ 9am ET) – TN – Pamela Rose Aldridge McCall (32) & her unborn child (24 wks) (discovered March 10, 1991, approximately 100 feet from the Saturn Parkway, west of Interstate 65 (I65), in Spring Hill, TN.) - *Clark Perry Baldwin (30 @ time of crime/59/now 63) arrested & charged (5/6/20) & arraigned (6/1/20) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder & 1 count of 1st degree murder in perpetration/attempt perpetrate a crime. Held on $1M bond. Plead not guilty. Maury County 22nd Judicial District
On 3/10/91, 3/1/92, and 4/13/92, three female bodies were found along the Interstate Highways in Tennessee (TN) & Wyoming (WY), which have been linked to an unidentified white male DNA profile. Sheridan County Jane Doe & Bitter Creek Betty has also been linked via DNA to the murder of McCall. Baldwin will face charges in Tennessee first before returning to Wyoming to face charges in Sheridan & Sweetwater counties.
Trial began on 4/28/25 & ended 5/2/25 with a GUILTY verdict.
Judge David Allen presiding. Assistant DA Caleb Bayless & Adam Davis. Public Defender Travis Jones.
Information on Pamela McCall & court info from 5/6/20 thru 1/8/25 & Trial Days 1-3 (4/28-4/30/25) reference post #122 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/...gled-10-may-1991-arrest-in-2020.520571/page-7
5/1/25 Thursday, Trial Day 4: No info available. Jury selection? Trial continues on Friday, 5/2/25 @ 9am.
5/2/25 Friday, Trial Day 5: Jury has found Baldwin GUILTY of all charges.
Also – WY – Bitter Creek Betty (~24-32) (found March 1, 1992, off the westbound lane of Interstate 80 (I80), along the bottom of a slope, at the rest area known as “Bitter Creek”, 40 miles east of Rock Springs, WY. Sweetwater County; ID’d in July of 2021 no name as of 12/11/21). - *Clark Perry Baldwin (31 @ time of crime/59/now 63) arrested & charged (5/6/20) with 1 count of 1st degree murder. Warrant has not been served yet. Will proceed after Tennessee charges are resolved.
Information on Bitter Creek Betty reference post #7 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ll-pregnant-and-strangled-10-may-1991.520571/
Also – WY – I-90 Jane Doe (~16-21) (found April 13, 1992, was found near mile post 5 on the west side of Interstate 90 in Sheridan County, WY) - *Clark Perry Baldwin (31 @ time of crime/59/now 63) arrested & charged (5/6/20) with 1 count of 1st degree murder. Warrant has not been served yet. Will proceed after Tennessee charges are resolved.
Information on I90 Jane Doe reference post #7 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ll-pregnant-and-strangled-10-may-1991.520571/
Also – MO – Gloria Jean Barnes (36) (last seen July 10, 1997, found July 13, 1997 behind Seven Gables Restaurant, Springfield).
5/11/20: Being investigated. On 7/13/97: The old crime scene is at west Chestnut Expressway, near I-44. That’s where Gloria Jean Barnes’ body was found in 1997, but her killer never was. New DNA evidence, investigators say, links Clark Perry Baldwin, 58, of Waterloo, Iowa, to at least three murders. Ali Kahn thinks it’s at least four, including Gloria Jean Barnes. Her body was dumped behind his restaurant before it was his in 1997. At the time, it was a restaurant and truck stop called Seven Gables.
https://www.springfieldmo.gov/639/G.../www.springfieldmo.gov/639/Gloria-Jean-Barnes

 

[Niner]

I believe Baldwin was sentenced to life without parole. Latest update coming....

 

[Niner]

Update!

Friday, May 2nd:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am PT) – WA – Natalie Genevieve Gulizia (14) (Dec. 18, 2018, Renton, fatally shot by mom), 12-yr old boy (tied up) & Michael Gulizia (ex, tazed & tied up) - *Svetlana Borisovna Laurel (aka Lavrinenko) (52/now 58) arrested (12/18/18), charged (12/19/18) & arraigned (1/3/19) with 1st degree aggravated & premeditated murder, premeditated attempted 1st degree murder, 2 counts of kidnapping & unlawful imprisonment. Plead not guilty. Held without bail. King County
Natalie was fatally shot for calling 911, 12 yr. old was zip-tied, Michael was tazed & tied up, tried to shoot him, but gun jammed.
Trial was set to begin on 2/25/25 & cancelled due to Plea of Guilty [1/30/25]. (30 times trial was rescheduled).
King County Superior Court Judge Jason Poydras presiding. King County Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Don Raz. Defense attorneys Mark R. Adair, Jesse Michael Dubow, Adrian G. Leavitt, Lauren Nicole Conner, Safa Perera, Suzanne Corinne Pickering, John W. Ewers, Vincent Ray Hooks & Aileen S. Tsao.
Court info from 12/21/18 thru 4/29/25 reference post #238 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-called-911-renton-18-dec-2018.406336/page-12
4/25/25 Docket update: [196] Order permitting filing of amended information. 4/28/25 Docket updates: [197] Supplement letter of support for sentencing. [198] Statement of prosecuting attorney. 4/29/25 Docket updates: [199] Protective Order. [200] Order Sealing Document. Seals listed motions/Orders re expert services to be filed at later date. 4/30/25 Docket update: [201] Memorandum; sentencing. Plaintiff State of Washington.
5/1/25 Docket updates: [202] & [203] Victim Statement. 5/2/25 Update: [204] Minutes Sentencing hearing on 5/2/25.
5/2/25 Update: At a sentencing hearing in King County Superior Court on Friday, Natalie’s father Michael Gulizia held up his daughter’s diary, a spray of pink flowers adorning its cover. He read from several entries, including one in which Natalie said she&d her brother never felt safe under their mother’s care, no matter what they did. Laurel was someone Gulizia said he was sure would kill again, if given the chance. King County prosecutors requested Laurel be sentenced to about 39 years in prison — the high end of the standard sentencing guidelines — after she pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder & unlawful imprisonment in January. Laurel had devised an “elaborate & meticulous” plan to kill her ex-husband & could not be trusted to live in public safely, prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memo. Laurel’s defense attorneys requested an “exceptional sentence” of about 20 years, below the standard sentencing guidelines, arguing she was “markedly impaired” by a year of emotional stressors that were compounded by post-traumatic stress disorder, fibromyalgia, depression & a childhood traumatic brain injury. Judge Poydras decided on a “midpoint,” sentencing Laurel to about 33 years in prison & six years of community custody & to pay a restitution of an undetermined amount.

 

[Niner]

Oops - forgot to post this yesterday....

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

Monday, May 5th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 1:30pm PT) - NM - 7 year old boy shot & critically injured by mother, Sept. 22, 2023, Albuquerque. *Davona Ashley Chavez (27/now 28) arrested & charged (9/23/23) & arraigned (10/16/23) with child abuse resulting in great bodily harm (intentional or reckless), child abuse not resulting in great bodily harm, trafficking a controlled substance & aggravated battery (weapon). Plead not guilty. Released on conditions (11/29/23). Albuquerque District
Judge Jennifer J. Wernersbach presiding. For State attorney John A. McCall & defense attorney David R. Foster.
Case & Court information from 9/25/23 thru 3/20/25 reference post #65 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...na-chavez-albuquerque-sept-2023.695472/page-4
4/18/25 Docket update: Motion to continue sentencing hearing. Sentencing hearing now set on 5/5/25 @ 1:30pm.

Tuesday, May 6th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 8:30am PT) - CA – Fabio Sementilli (49) (Jan. 23, 2017, Los Angeles) – *Christopher Austin (38/now 39) arrested (10/17/24), charged (10/18/24) & arraigned (12/16/24) with 1st degree murder with the special allegations of the use of a deadly weapon & charged (10/30/24) with conspiracy to commit murder. Plead not guilty (10/18/24 for murder & 10/30/24 for conspiracy). Plead not guilty. Bond $2M. L.A. County
L.A. County Deputy DA Beth Silverman. Defense attorney Leonard Levine.
Case & Court info from 10/17/24 to 12/16/24 reference post #18 here:
https://websleuths.com/threads/ca-f...-in-la-23-jan-2017-arrests-1-guilty-2.741932/
1/17/25 Update: Austin pleaded guilty to second-degree murder Friday & also agreed to testify against the lone remaining co-defendant in the cases. To point the finger at Sementilli’s merry widow Monica, who is scheduled to go on trial for first-degree murder on Tuesday. Austin will be sentenced on 4/30/25. He faces 16 years to life in prison.
4/30/25 Update: Sentencing hearing was reset on 5/6/25 @ 8:30am.
*Monica Sementilli (45/now 53) – Trial began on 1/27/25 & ended on 4/11/25 with a GUILTY verdict. Sentencing on 6/23/25.
*Robert Louis Baker (55/now 61 & sentenced) (wife’s BF) plead no contest/guilty on 7/7/23 & sentenced to life without parole.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Tuesday, May 6th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 8:30am PT) - CA – Fabio Sementilli (49) (Jan. 23, 2017, Los Angeles) – *Christopher Austin (38/now 39) arrested (10/17/24), charged (10/18/24) & arraigned (12/16/24) with 1st degree murder with the special allegations of the use of a deadly weapon & charged (10/30/24) with conspiracy to commit murder. Plead not guilty (10/18/24 for murder & 10/30/24 for conspiracy). Plead not guilty. Bond $2M. L.A. County
L.A. County Deputy DA Beth Silverman. Defense attorney Leonard Levine.
Case & Court info from 10/17/24 to 1/17/25 reference post #22 here:
https://websleuths.com/threads/ca-f...-23-jan-2017-arrests-1-guilty-2.741932/page-2
4/30/25 Update: Sentencing hearing was reset on 5/6/25 @ 8:30am. 5/6/25 Update: Austin was sentenced to 16 years in prison.
*Monica Sementilli (45/now 53) – Trial began on 1/27/25 & ended on 4/11/25 with a GUILTY verdict. Sentencing on 6/23/25.
*Robert Louis Baker (55/now 61 & sentenced) (wife’s BF) plead no contest/guilty on 7/7/23 & sentenced to life without parole.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Friday, May 9th:
*Victim Impact Hearing (@ 9am CT) - TX - Taylor Christine Pomaski (29) (last seen @ party at her home in the 4500 block of Stallion Brooks Lane, in north Harris County. Taylor attended a party & has not been seen or heard from since, April 25, 2021, in Spring, north Harris County; reported missing by parents on May 9, 2021; found Dec. 10, 2021 in northern Harris County, ID'd April 30, 2022) - *Kevin Ware, Jr. (41/now 44) indicted (7/28/22) & charged (8/3/22) with felony 1st degree murder, felony 3rd degree unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon & felony 2nd degree tampering/fabricating physical evidence/human corpse. Transferred (9/7/22) from Montgomery County jail to Harris County jail. Denied bond (9/13/22) for murder. $500K bond on tampering charge & $50K on possession firearm (9/13/22). Bond denied (1/27/23 & 2/6/23). Bond set at $100K (3/1/23). Bond reset at $1M (4/3/23) for murder. Harris County
Trial was set to begin on 5/9/25 was vacated after a guilty plea on 5/7/25.
Original charges & case & Court info from 4/4/23 thru 5/6/25 reference post #147 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ris-co-25-apr-2021-poi-arrested.570558/page-8
5/7/25 Update: Pretrial Conference held. Ware plead Guilty & sentenced to 30 years in prison. Next Victim impact statements on 5/9/25 @ 9am. 5/7/25 Docket updates: Guilty plea-no jury. Delivery Order. Discovery log granted. Motions filed for NTC Intent Discovery. Cumulate sentence to 30 years confinement. Sentenced in court.

 

[Niner]

For the week of Monday, May 12th thru Friday, May 16th

I have nothing on cases I am following - I think that's a first!

 

[Niner]

For the Week of Monday, May 19th thru Friday, May 23rd

Monday, May 19th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 1:45pm PT) - NM - 7 year old boy shot & critically injured by mother, Sept. 22, 2023, Albuquerque. *Davona Ashley Chavez (27/now 28) arrested & charged (9/23/23) & arraigned (10/16/23) with child abuse resulting in great bodily harm (intentional or reckless), child abuse not resulting in great bodily harm, trafficking a controlled substance & aggravated battery (weapon). Plead not guilty. Released on conditions (11/29/23). Albuquerque
Judge Jennifer J. Wernersbach presiding. For State attorney John A. McCall & defense attorney David R. Foster.
Case & Court information from 9/25/23 thru 3/20/25 reference post #65 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...na-chavez-albuquerque-sept-2023.695472/page-4
4/18/25 Docket update: Motion to continue sentencing hearing. Sentencing hearing now set on 5/5/25 @ 1:30pm. 4/23/25 Docket update: Motion for continuance of sentencing-granted.
5/13/25 Update: Sentencing hearing on 5/19/25 @ 1:45pm.

*Jury Selection set to begin for both (@ 8:30am PT) – CA- Maurice Taylor, Jr. (12) & Maliaka Taylor (13) (killed on Nov. 29, 2020, found on Dec. 4, 2020, Lancaster, found decapitated) – *Maurice Jewel Taylor, Sr. (34/now 38) “father” arrested (12/4/20), charged (12/8/20) & arraigned (12/21/20) & re-arraigned (11/10/21) & re-arraigned (4/26/22) with 2 counts of felony murder & 2 counts child abuse under circumstances likely to cause great bodily injury or death (8 & 9 yr. old boys were starved for several days). Plead not guilty. $4.2M Bond.
*Natalie Sumiko Brothwell (44/now 48) “mom” charged (9/27/21) & arrested (9/28/21) & extradited to CA (10/14/21) & arraigned (11/10/21) & re-arraigned (4/26/22) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder & 2 counts of child endangerment (8 & 9 yr. old boys). Plead not guilty. $2M bond. Bond raised (10/14/21) to $4.2M. LA County
Jury selection set to begin on 5/19/25.
Trial set to begin on 5/27/25.
Judge Michael D Antonovich presiding. Deputy DAs Kirsten A. Brown & Alexander F. Lara. Taylor's attorney Christopher Chaney & Brothwell's attorney Hung Phi Du.
Court info from 12/4/20 & 9/27/21 to 3/3/25 reference post #432 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ster-dec-2020-parents-arrested.552703/page-22
4/8/25 Update: Next non-appearance hearing on 5/14/25 @ 8:30am. 5/14/25 Update: No info on hearing. Next jury selection on 5/19/25 @ 8:30am.

*Trial set to begin (@ 9:30am ET) – FL – Kameela Russell (41) (May 15, 2019, last seen in driveway of Aunt’s house, found May 25, 2019 in Snake Creek canal, City of Miami Gardens) - *Ernest Joseph Roberts (39/now 45) 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. DA has waived the DP. Miami-Dade
Trial was set to begin on 2/24/25 continued on 5/19/25.
Judge Alberto Milian presiding. Prosecutor Arvind Singh & Defense attorney Roderick Vereen.
Court info from 10/13/20 thru 6/17/24 & Trial Days 1-3 (2/24-2/26/25) reference post #219 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ami-gardens-15-may-2019-arrest.445549/page-11
2/24/25 Update: Motion for continuance filed. Oral hearing set on 2/24/25. Oral arguments heard & continuance of trial is granted for the defense. Trial is rescheduled to begin on 5/19/25 @ 9:30am.

Tuesday, May 20th:
*Execution Date postponed-NO executions scheduled until July 2026 (@ am CT) - OH - Sierah Joughin (20) (July 19, 2016, Fulton County) - *James Dean Worley (57/now 66) indicted on 2 counts of aggravated murder, abduction & felonious assault; also w/having weapons under a disability, aggravated robbery (dismissed), 4 counts of kidnapping, 1 count of possessing criminal tools, gross abuse of corpse & tampering with evidence. DP case. Fulton County
Accused of abduction 26 yrs ago.
Jury trial on 3/27/18 Found Worley guilty on all charges & sentenced him to death. Appeal filed 6/1/18. Appeal rejected 7/1/21. Appealed again 9/30/21.
Info from 4/27/18 thru 3/14/20 reference post #988 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-19-july-2016-10.369515/page-50#post-15239732
4/10/20: Defendant's unopposed motion for an amended scheduling order because of COVID-19 to extend 6/27/20 deadline for filing as defendant was unable to complete his post conviction investigation within the time period. 5/26/20: Filed that public defender will not be back at work until 9/8/20.
7/15/20 Update: Defendant filed motion for new trial & seek to overturn death penalty sentence.
8/31/20 Update: The FBI & Fulton County Sheriff's Office have returned to the property where Sierah was killed. Crews were seen digging there Monday afternoon & left around 4:30 p.m. They have not stated what they were digging for. The Sheriff's Office said that the "investigation into Worley continues & no further information can be discussed at this time." The property where the authorities were digging was awarded to Joughin's family in summer 2018 following a civil suit. The family had the barn where she had been tortured and killed torn down. The area being dug is where the barn used to stand. Could be looking for Claudia Tinsley who disappeared in 1996. In 2000 a search warrant was executed at his home looking for her. A dog was used and it hit on several points on the property; outside corner of barn, fire pit, and outside of home by basement window.
7/1/21 Update: Ohio Supreme court rejected his appeal. And Court determines Worley's execution is set for 5/20/25. Determined jury was not tainted, no venue change was needed, rejected claim of ineffective counsel. 9/30/21 Update: Ohio Supreme Court puts Worley execution on hold as of 9/30/21 while he appeals again.


Thursday, May 22nd:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 1:30pm ET) - TN – Evelyn Mae Boswell (15 mos. DOB 11/21/18) (last seen Dec. 10 or 11, 2019 by babysitter, Blountville, Sullivan County, reported missing Feb. 18, 2020 by State of Tenn. Dept. Child Services; Evelyn’s remains were found on Mar. 6, 2020 at a family member’s property at the 500 block of Muddy Creek Road in Sullivan County; officially id’d Mar. 11, 2020). *Megan “Maggie” Boswell (18/now 23) aka Maggie Wood aka Megan Nicole Kys “mother” arrested & originally charged (2/25/20) with 1 count of false reporting. Bond set at $25K. Bond increased (3/9/20) to $150K. [see below for re-charges].
Indicted (5/18/20) & originally charged (5/28/20) with 11 counts of false reporting. Plead not guilty. Bond stays set at $150K. [see below re re-charges]. Sullivan County
Re-Charged & indicted (8/19/20) & arraigned (8/28/20) with 3 counts of 1st degree felony murder, 2 counts of aggravated child abuse & neglect, 1 count of tampering with evidence, 12 counts of false reporting [1 count was dismissed on 2/5/25], 1 count of abuse of a corpse & 1 count of failure to report a death suspicious, unusual, or unnatural circumstances. Plead not guilty. $1M bond. Bond reduction denied (12/3/21).
*Charged & arraigned (6/20/24) with 1 count of 1st degree felony murder-premeditated/intentional. Plead not guilty. DA is seeking a life sentence without parole. Sullivan County
Jury Selection began on 2/3/25 & ended on 2/4/25. 12 jurors & 2 alternates (8 men & 6 women). Jury: 7 men & 5 women. Jurors were sequestered.
Trial began on 2/5/25 & State rested their case on 2/12/25. Defense rests their case on 2/12/25.
Court will be in session on Saturdays & President’s Day. Saturday hours 10:30am to 4pm.
Jury began deliberations on Day 1: 2/12/25 for 3 hours [3p-6pm]. Day 2: 2/13/25 Deliberations: 8am-9:30am. Total hours: 4 ½ hours
GUILTY on ALL charges.
Deliberations for sentencing: 2/13/25 started at ~11:30am to 1:30pm. Total hours: 2 hours.
Life in prison with the possibility of parole.
Judge James F. Goodwin presiding. Sullivan County Deputy DA William Harper, Prosecutor Amber Massengill & William Harper. Defense attorneys Gene G. Scott, Jr., Tim Horne & C. Brad Sproles.
Court info from 2/20/20 thru 12/16/24 & Jury Selection Days 1-2 (2/3-4/25) & Trial Day 1-8 (2/5-13/25) reference post #754 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ty-26-dec-2019-mom-arrested-10.736431/page-38
2/13/25 Thursday, Trial Day 8: *The jury decided on a sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole. The verdict means Boswell will serve 51 years before she is eligible for parole. The jurors were thanked for their service & released from the court.
*Sentencing for Boswell on her other charges will be decided at a hearing on 5/22/25 @ 1:30pm. At that hearing, the court will discuss the merging of some charges & the way in which her sentence is carried out. Attorney Tim Horne asked to be released as co-counsel from the case, which Goodwin granted.
2/24/25 Update: Boswell was sent to a women’s prison in Nashville. The Tennessee DOC has Boswell listed as being in the Debra K. Johnson Rehabilitation Center.

 

[Niner]

Update:

Monday, May 19th:
*Trial set to begin-CONTINUED! (@ 9:30am ET) – FL – Kameela Russell (41) (May 15, 2019, last seen in driveway of Aunt’s house, found May 25, 2019 in Snake Creek canal, City of Miami Gardens) - *Ernest Joseph Roberts (39/now 45) 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. DA has waived the DP. Miami-Dade
Trial was set to begin on 5/19/25 continued on 8/11/25.
Judge Alberto Milian presiding. Prosecutor Arvind Singh & Defense attorney Roderick Vereen.
Court info from 10/13/20 thru 2/24/25 reference post #225 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ami-gardens-15-may-2019-arrest.445549/page-11
5/19/25 Update: Motion for continuance filed. Oral hearing set on 5/19/25. Continuance granted for defense. Trial is now set to begin on 8/11/25 @ 9:30am.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Monday, May 19th:
*Jury Selection set to begin-CONTINUED! (@ 8:30am PT) – CA- Maurice Taylor, Jr. (12) & Maliaka Taylor (13) (killed on Nov. 29, 2020, found on Dec. 4, 2020, Lancaster, found decapitated) – *Maurice Jewel Taylor, Sr. (34/now 38) “father” arrested (12/4/20), charged (12/8/20) & arraigned (12/21/20) & re-arraigned (11/10/21) & re-arraigned (4/26/22) with 2 counts of felony murder & 2 counts child abuse under circumstances likely to cause great bodily injury or death (8 & 9 yr. old boys were starved for several days). Plead not guilty. $4.2M Bond.
*Natalie Sumiko Brothwell (44/now 48) “mom” charged (9/27/21) & arrested (9/28/21) & extradited to CA (10/14/21) & arraigned (11/10/21) & re-arraigned (4/26/22) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder & 2 counts of child endangerment (8 & 9 yr. old boys). Plead not guilty. $2M bond. Bond raised (10/14/21) to $4.2M. LA County
Jury selection was set to begin on 5/19/25 continued on 8/18/25.
Trial was set to begin on 5/27/25 continued on 8/25/25.
Judge Michael D Antonovich presiding. Deputy DAs Kirsten A. Brown & Alexander F. Lara. Taylor's attorney Christopher Chaney & Brothwell's attorney Hung Phi Du.
Court info from 12/4/20 & 9/27/21 to 5/14/25 reference post #436 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ster-dec-2020-parents-arrested.552703/page-22
5/19/25 Update: Defense’s motion for trial continuance-granted. Next further proceedings hearing on 7/17/25 @ 8:30am & trial with jury selection will begin on 8/18/25 with trial starting 8/25/25.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Thursday, May 22nd
*Sentencing Hearing-VACATED/CANCELLED! (@ 1:30pm ET) - TN – Evelyn Mae Boswell (15 mos. DOB 11/21/18) (last seen Dec. 10 or 11, 2019 by babysitter, Blountville, Sullivan County, reported missing Feb. 18, 2020 by State of Tenn. Dept. Child Services; Evelyn’s remains were found on Mar. 6, 2020 at a family member’s property at the 500 block of Muddy Creek Road in Sullivan County; officially id’d Mar. 11, 2020). *Megan “Maggie” Boswell (18/now 24) aka Maggie Wood aka Megan Nicole Kys “mother” arrested & originally charged (2/25/20) with 1 count of false reporting. Bond set at $25K. Bond increased (3/9/20) to $150K. [see below for re-charges].
Indicted (5/18/20) & originally charged (5/28/20) with 11 counts of false reporting. Plead not guilty. Bond stays set at $150K. [see below re re-charges]. Sullivan County
Re-Charged & indicted (8/19/20) & arraigned (8/28/20) with 3 counts of 1st degree felony murder, 2 counts of aggravated child abuse & neglect, 1 count of tampering with evidence, 12 counts of false reporting [1 count was dismissed on 2/5/25], 1 count of abuse of a corpse & 1 count of failure to report a death suspicious, unusual, or unnatural circumstances. Plead not guilty. $1M bond. Bond reduction denied (12/3/21).
*Charged & arraigned (6/20/24) with 1 count of 1st degree felony murder-premeditated/intentional. Plead not guilty. DA is seeking a life sentence without parole. Sullivan County
Jury Selection began on 2/3/25 & ended on 2/4/25. 12 jurors & 2 alternates (8 men & 6 women). Jury: 7 men & 5 women. Jurors were sequestered.
Trial began on 2/5/25 & ended 2/12/25.
Jury began deliberations on Day 1: 2/12/25 for 3 hours [3p-6pm]. Day 2: 2/13/25 Deliberations: 8am-9:30am. Total hours: 4 ½ hours
GUILTY on ALL charges.
Deliberations for sentencing: 2/13/25 started at ~11:30am to 1:30pm. Total hours: 2 hours.
Life in prison with the possibility of parole.
Judge James F. Goodwin presiding. Sullivan County Deputy DA William Harper, Prosecutor Amber Massengill & William Harper. Defense attorneys Gene G. Scott, Jr., Tim Horne & C. Brad Sproles.
Court info from 2/20/20 thru 12/16/24 & Jury Selection Days 1-2 (2/3-4/25) & Trial Day 1-8 (2/5-13/25) reference post #777 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ty-26-dec-2019-mom-arrested-10.736431/page-39
2/13/25 Thursday, Trial Day 8: *The jury decided on a sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole. The verdict means Boswell will serve 51 years before she is eligible for parole. The jurors were thanked for their service & released from the court.
*Sentencing for Boswell on her other charges will be decided at a hearing on 5/22/25 @ 1:30pm. At that hearing, the court will discuss the merging of some charges & the way in which her sentence is carried out. Attorney Tim Horne asked to be released as co-counsel from the case, which Goodwin granted.
2/24/25 Update: Boswell was sent to a women’s prison in Nashville. The Tennessee DOC has Boswell listed as being in the Debra K. Johnson Rehabilitation Center.
5/22/25 Update: Boswell will not have a sentencing hearing Thursday, according to Court Clerk Bobby Russell. Boswell was set to be sentenced on all of her other charges in relation to Evelyn’s death, besides first-degree murder. The hearing was originally scheduled for Thursday at 1:30pm. A new sentencing date has not been set.

 

[Niner]

For the week of Monday, May 26th thru Friday, May 30th:

Monday - Holiday

Tuesday, May 27th:
*Trial set to begin (@ 9am ET) - KY – Crystal Maria Rogers (35) (reported missing July 3, 2015; car (with flat tire) was found July 5, 2015 on Bluegrass Parkway near mile marker 14 with keys in ignition & her belongings (phone & purse) in car, Bardstown). – *Steven Eugene Lawson (48 @ time of crime/53/now 54) indicted, arrested & charged (12/7/23) & arraigned (12/21/23) with conspiracy to commit murder & tampering with physical evidence. Plead not guilty. $500K Cash only bond. Bond reduced to $250K (1/9/24). He's currently incarcerated in Harrison County, IN. Lawson was serving time at the Kentucky State Reformatory for a previous conviction, but that time will be served out in the coming weeks. He was moved to the Grayson County Detention Center this morning (5/3/24) & is currently in custody. Nelson County
Trial set to begin on 5/27/25 for Steven Lawson Only.
Trial will be held in Warren County.
Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms III presiding. Special prosecutor Shane Young. Lawson’s defense attorney public defenders Darren Wolff & Zach Buckler.
Case & Court info from 12/7/23 thru 3/27/25 reference post #704 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...y-3-july-2015-4-arrest-in-2023.690447/page-36
4/3/25 Update: Attorneys for Lawson are objecting to the Commonwealth’s motion for new DNA testing on two strands of hair. On March 26, 2025, the Commonwealth filed a motion for a court order for DNA testing on two hairs found in Rogers’ car. Lawson’s attorneys argue that the Commonwealth’s plan would not allow independent testing of the hair or an expert they choose to be present at the time & that’s a violation of Lawson’s rights. Lawson’s attorney asking for delay of trial. At hearing: Lawson requested his trial be delayed to allow his expert to inspect hair evidence. Prosecutors initially sought to DNA test the hairs but withdrew the request after determining they didn't belong to defendants in the case. Attorneys for Lawson still want to have an expert inspect the hairs on behalf of the defense, which the judge ordered they arrange to do before 4/11/25. Lawson's trial, already postponed from February, is currently scheduled for May 27. With prosecutors no longer wanting to test the hairs, it's unclear how Lawson's request to postpone the trial will be impacted. Lawson's next hearing is set for 4/14/25.
4/14/25 Update: The defense still sought to have them [2 hairs] tested, however, arguing in a court document that if they belonged to anyone else besides Rogers it should throw suspicion off of their clients. Judge Simms ruled that they would need to use their own experts for the testing, with a deadline set for last week.
4/18/25 Update: Nelson County Judge Charles Simms denied his motion to conduct additional DNA testing on two hairs found in Crystal Rogers' car & said even if DNA testing revealed the identity of the hairs, it would not have excluded Lawson’s alleged involvement in the case. “The Court also believes the Commonwealth has records to substantiate these telephone calls & tracking data from their phones to establish that Lawson & his son were in the vicinity of said vehicle,” the order said. Also Judge denied postponing trial.
5/13/25 Update: Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms III’s order on Tuesday “is unusually restrictive for trials in Kentucky.” Judge has set strict limitations on the public & media for the trial. “Unfortunately, this case has generated tremendous interest among the news media and the general public which has resulted in a ‘circuslike atmosphere,'” Simms wrote in his order. Trial set to begin on 5/27/25 .
*Brooks William Houck (33 @ time of crime/41/now 43) – Last motion hearing on 5/8/25. Trial set to begin on 6/24/25.
*Joseph Stephen Lee Allen Lawson (24 @ time of crime/32/now 34) – Last motion hearing on 12/5/24 [was cancelled]. Trial set to begin on 6/24/25.


Friday, May 30th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am PT) – CA – *Madalyn (Maddie) Payton Slater (1) (thrown off steep cliff into ravine, May 6, 2020, Palm Desert, Coachella Valley) - *Adam Slater (49/now 54) “father” arrested (5/7/20) , charged (5/8/20), recharged (5/11/20) & arraigned (5/12/20) with 1st degree murder, 2nd degree murder, 1st degree attempted murder, child custody kidnapping, assault on a child under 8 years old resulting in death, assault with a deadly weapon, obstruction, resisting arrest & prior felony conviction. Plead not guilty. $1M bond. Held (5/12/20) with no bond. Riverside County
Trial began on 1/24/25 & ended o 3/3/25 with both sides rested their cases. Dark on Fridays.
Jury started deliberations Day 1 (3/4/25) ~3 hours. Day 2 (3/5/25) – no idea!
Penalty phase started on 3/12/25 & ended with both sides resting their cases on 3/18/25.
Jury began deliberations on 3/19/25 & ended 3/25/25. Found guilty of all charges.
Riverside County Superior Court Judge Otis Sterling. Deputy DA Sammi Paixao & defense attorney Lori Myers.
Court hearing from 5/8/20 thru 11/12/24 & Trial Days 1-20/Verdict Day 2 (1/24-1/29/25 & 2/3-3/5/25) & Penalty Phase Day 1-7 (3/12-24/25) reference post #205 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...desert-7-may-2020-dad-arrested.521060/page-11
3/25/25 Tuesday, Penalty Phase Day 8: Jurors continued deliberations. On Tuesday, March 25, a jury recommended the death penalty for Slater. Slater is due back in court on 5/30/25 @ 9am for sentencing.

*Jury Selection set to begin (Boudreaux) (@ 10am AZT) – AZ – Brandon Boudreaux (34/now 40) attempted murder on Oct. 2, 2019 in Gilbert, AZ. *Lori Norene Vallow (46 @ time of crime/49/now 51) indicted (2/24/22), charged & arraigned (12/7/23) with 1 count of 1st degree premeditated attempted murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Maricopa County
Jury selection to begin on 5/30/25. [Jury: 12 jurors & 4 alternates]
Trial set to begin on 6/2/25.
Judge Justin Beresky presiding. State’s attorney Ryan Green. DA Treena Jeanelle Kay. Vallow-Daybell Pro Se with advisory Defense attorneys Gerald Bradley & Denae Suchy.
Case info from 2/24/22 thru 5/7/25 reference post #35 here:
https://websleuths.com/threads/az-l...eaux-chandler-maricopa-county-5.742964/page-2
5/14/25 Update: Jury selection set to begin on 5/30/25. . Jury will be 12 jurors & 4 alternates.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Friday, May 30th:
*Trial continues (Day 4)-VERDICT REACHED! (@ 8:30 am ET) - KY – Crystal Maria Rogers (35) (reported missing July 3, 2015; car (with flat tire) was found July 5, 2015 on Bluegrass Parkway near mile marker 14 with keys in ignition & her belongings (phone & purse) in car, Bardstown). – *Steven Eugene Lawson (48 @ time of crime/53/now 54) indicted, arrested & charged (12/7/23) & arraigned (12/21/23) [indicted Dec, 2023] with conspiracy to commit murder & [indicted May, 2023] with tampering with physical evidence. Plead not guilty. $500K Cash only bond. Bond reduced to $250K (1/9/24). He's currently incarcerated in Harrison County, IN. Lawson was serving time at the Kentucky State Reformatory for a previous conviction, but that time will be served out in the coming weeks. He was moved to the Grayson County Detention Center this morning (5/3/24) & is currently in custody. Lawson was booked Wednesday, 5/21/25 into Warren County Regional Jail for trial. Nelson County
Trial began on 5/27/25 & ended on 5/27/25 with jury selection. 12 Jurors & 3 alternates (10 women & 5 men).
Trial began on 5/27/25 & prosecutors rested on 5/29/25. Defense started their case on 5/29/25 & ended 5/30/25. Trial is being held in Warren County.
Jury Deliberations: Day 1: 2 hours & 23 minutes total. VERDICT: Guilty of both charges.
Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms III presiding. Special prosecutor Shane Young & Prosecutor Jim Lesousky. Defense attorneys [public defenders] Darren Wolff & Zach Buckler.
Case & Court info from 12/7/23 thru 5/13/25 & Jury Selection & Trial Day 1-3 (5/27-5/29/25) reference post #757 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...y-3-july-2015-4-arrest-in-2023.690447/page-38
5/30/25 Friday, Trial Day 4: Defense witnesses: Barbara Jane Coulter, Steve Lawson's mother. Steve Lawson.
*Defense have rested their case.
*The judge has given jury instructions & closing arguments are set to begin at 11am. Following closing arguments, the jury will then begin deliberating.
*Closing arguments by prosecutor Jim Lesousky & defense attorney Darren Wolff.
*Jury deliberated for about 2 hours 23 minutes. Lawson was found guilty on both charges, conspiracy to commit murder & tampering with physical evidence. The jury recommended Lawson to 17 years in prison & the formal sentencing is scheduled for 8/6/25.
*Brooks William Houck (33 @ time of crime/41/now 43) – Last motion hearing on 5/8/25. Trial set to begin on 6/24/25.
*Joseph Stephen Lee Allen Lawson (24 @ time of crime/32/now 34) – Last motion hearing on 12/5/24 [was cancelled]. Trial set to begin on 6/24/25.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Friday, May 30th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am PT) – CA – *Madalyn (Maddie) Payton Slater (1) (thrown off steep cliff into ravine, May 6, 2020, Palm Desert, Coachella Valley) - *Adam Slater (49/now 54) “father” arrested (5/7/20) , charged (5/8/20), recharged (5/11/20) & arraigned (5/12/20) with 1st degree murder, 2nd degree murder, 1st degree attempted murder, child custody kidnapping, assault on a child under 8 years old resulting in death, assault with a deadly weapon, obstruction, resisting arrest & prior felony conviction. Plead not guilty. $1M bond. Held (5/12/20) with no bond. Riverside County
Trial began on 1/24/25 & ended o 3/3/25 with both sides rested their cases. Dark on Fridays.
Jury started deliberations Day 1 (3/4/25) ~3 hours. Day 2 (3/5/25) – no idea! Found guilty of all charges.
Penalty phase started on 3/12/25 & ended with both sides resting their cases on 3/18/25.
Jury began deliberations on 3/19/25. Recommended the death penalty.
Riverside County Superior Court Judge Otis Sterling. Deputy DA Sammi Paixao & defense attorney Lori Myers.
Court hearing from 5/8/20 thru 11/12/24 & Trial Days 1-20/Verdict Day 2 (1/24-1/29/25 & 2/3-3/5/25) & Penalty Phase Day 1-7 (3/12-24/25) reference post #205 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...desert-7-may-2020-dad-arrested.521060/page-11
3/25/25 Tuesday, Penalty Phase Day 8: Jurors continued deliberations. On Tuesday, March 25, a jury recommended the death penalty for Slater. Slater is due back in court on 5/30/25 @ 9am for sentencing.
5/30/25 Update: Slater received the death penalty for killing his daughter.