We are back . . . jury is seated. State calling Patricia Ramirez, Det. -
Ms. Andrews Atty for State - in Sex Crimes unit since 2007 (and vulnerable populations). Case Agent assigned - point of contact and manages the case and will see case through closure disposition. Case can end in arrest, or long form - sent to County Atty office for review, or case closed due to no more info or no info to support crime alleged. Ramirez is also responsible for assigning other officers to this case . . . there was a command staff involved, we have not heard from all LE who worked on this case. Extensive case w/written material over 5000 pages, Myspace had over 1000 pages, there are many other attachments not discussed or counted (objection for leading - sustained). Large binder on Atty desk is example of some of the info in this case but not all. Briefings with many other LE and there were daily updates of smaller briefings. (objection for leading - sustained . . . SA doesn't feel these are leading questions - Judge said try not to lead going forward). Working with command staff and delegating tasks to other Det's. High volume of tips came in Ncmec also involved initially. FBI assisted interviews out of state (ie: Tennessee), but did not take over this case. Mike Conrad is from FBI - background missing and abducted kids, represented the FBI - part of briefings and updates to local LE. Assistance from San Antonio LE, Boston, Miami Beach, Louisiana and others.
EJ family members - Gma & Gpa (Rbt Johnson Sr aka Bob) - paternal Gpa lived in Scottsdale, EJ twin brother is Robert Johnson Jr - of Phoenix, and Sobett (sic) maternal Gma of Boston. Nothing with Tennessee connections found nor San Antonio nor Louisiana found for Baby Gabriel and people in those areas.
This was unique case - don't have many missing/abducted children investigations, complex and unique. Approx under 500 officers in Tempe and 30 Detectives. Working extremely long hours - first day on this case 22 hrs and another day over 24 hrs - work days ranged 15+ hours on this case vs. 10 hr normal days prior to this case. Tammie is not facing charges for harm to Gabe (objection X3 - leading sustained others overruled)
No info that TS ever wanted to harm Gabe in any way . . . no amber alert issued in this case due to criteria 1) have an abduction; 2) harm/serious danger to child; 3) under 17 y/o, and 4) enter into Ncic. Ramirez asked for amber alert . . . AZ and Texas declined requests . . . Tx seeing it as custodial interference problem. Texas declined request a 2nd time.
Spoke w/TS in person, pointed out TS in court, formal sit downs w/TS four times, also spoke on other occassions and on phone in not formal situations - approx 8+ times. Spoke w/TS and recorded conversations on phone, and interviews in LE offices were recorded. Did not tell TS she was being recorded. Coversations could total 10+ hours if played in court - some of which they feel might be important.
12/27/09 - Ramirez was on call that weekend, 4:30 pm call from on call Sargent, needed for missing child possible homicide investigation . . . trailer home in Tempe - EJ's home. She didn't go there but went to Tempe PD, participate in a briefing @ 6pm.
