Forensic Astrology - ROBERT MANWILL 8 yr old missing 7/24/09 Boise, ID

[Angel Who Cares]

UPDATED: Melissa Jenkins, Daniel Ehrlick plead not guilty to murder of Robert Manwill
Published: 09/03/09
<snipped>
Melissa Jenkins and Daniel Ehrlick pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges of first-degree murder in connection with the beating death of Jenkins' 8-year-old son Robert Manwill in July.

The two, both charged with first degree murder, stood silent during their entry of plea hearing Thursday in front of 4th District Judge Darla Williamson so not guilty pleas were entered for them.

Ehrlick and Jenkins, who appeared separately in front of Williamson Thursday, both waived their speedy trial rights so a jury trial on the case won't likely happen until next summer at the earliest.

The next hearing in the case is set for Nov. 5, when a trial date likely will be set. Defense attorneys say they need to know whether or not Ada County prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty against Ehrlick or Jenkins before they can schedule a trial.

Prosecutors have until the middle of October to make that decision.

Rob Chastain, Jenkins' attorney, told Williamson he did not yet know if he planned to file a motion to sever the cases since he had not yet received any discovery from prosecutors as of Thursday.

Both Ehrlick and Jenkins are being held in the Ada County Jail and appeared in court Thursday shackled and dressed in jail uniforms.

Both answered Williamson's questions with simple "yes" and "no" answers, as family members and friends of both suspects and Robert Manwill watched from the courtroom.

Ehrlick initially said he did not understand his speedy trial rights but later said he did after talking to public defender Gus Cahill.

Family members left the courtroom without comment Thursday.

Article:
http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/886965.html
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Not guilty plea for Manwill murder suspects
Story Created: Sep 3, 2009 at 1:40 PM MDT
Story Updated: Sep 3, 2009 at 1:48 PM MDT
<snipped>
An Ada County judge has issued a not guilty plea for the two suspects charged with killing 8-year-old Robert Manwill.

On Thursday, Melissa Jenkins and Daniel Ehrlick stood silent in Ada County court Thursday afternoon, which prompted the judge to issue the plea.

Jenkins and Ehrlick are both charged with first degree murder of Manwill, who's disappearance and killing drew national media attention.

Article:
http://www.2news.tv/news/local/56987032.html
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Couple refuse to plea in young Robert Manwill's death
Updated 8 minutes ago
<snipped>
The mother of an 8-year-old boy found dead in an Idaho canal and her live-in boyfriend refused to enter pleas to first-degree murder charges during an arraignment today.

Thirty-year-old Melissa Jenkins and her boyfriend, 36-year-old Daniel Ehrlick Jr., were arrested last month in the death of her son, Robert Manwill.

Fourth District Judge Darla Williamson entered not guilty pleas on their behalf.

Article:
http://www.idahopress.com/?2009-09-03-Couple-refuse-to-plea-in-young-Robert-Manwills-death
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Couple Refuses to Enter Plea in Manwill Death
September 3, 2009
<snipped>
The mother of an 8-year-old boy found dead in an Idaho canal and her live-in boyfriend refused to enter pleas to first-degree murder charges during an arraignment Thursday.

Thirty-year-old Melissa Jenkins and her boyfriend, 36-year-old Daniel Ehrlick Jr., were arrested last month in the death of her son, Robert Manwill.

Fourth District Judge Darla Williamson entered not guilty pleas on their behalf.

Article:
http://www.kivitv.com/global/story.asp?s=11042648
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Mom, boyfriend refuse to enter pleas in boy's death
02:12 PM MDT on Thursday, September 3, 2009
<snipped>
The mother of an 8-year-old boy found dead in an Idaho canal and her live-in boyfriend refused to enter pleas to first-degree murder charges during an arraignment Thursday.

Thirty-year-old Melissa Jenkins and her boyfriend, 36-year-old Daniel Ehrlick Jr., were arrested last month in the death of her son, Robert Manwill.

Fourth District Judge Darla Williamson entered not guilty pleas on their behalf.

Article:
http://www.ktvb.com/news/localnews/stories/ktvba-sep0309-manwill_pleas.144bb436a.html

:angel:

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Search warrant reveals little in case of Robert Manwill's death
A second search warrant that led to the arrests of the boy's mother and her boyfriend remains sealed.
Published: 09/24/09
<snipped>
Despite spending hours over two days searching the backyard of Evan Wallis' south Ada County home for evidence of then-missing Robert Manwill, detectives left with fewer than a dozen pieces of evidence, according to search warrant documents released this week.

But Wallis' home was just one of two residences police searched in the 10-day search that drew more than 2,300 volunteers and national attention. The other was the Oak Park Village apartment shared by Robert's mother, Melissa Jenkins, and her boyfriend, Daniel Ehrlick Jr. - both charged with first-degree murder after the boy's body was found Aug. 3 in the New York Canal in southern Ada County.

What police found at Jenkins' South Boise apartment on July 30 - and even what evidence allowed them to get the search warrant in the first place - remains a mystery.

Fourth District Magistrate John Hawley sealed those search warrant materials at the request of county prosecutors in July. This week, he rejected a request from the Idaho Statesman to unseal the documents.

Article:
http://www.idahostatesman.com/102/story/910830.html
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Our View: Fair trial still possible if warrant goes public in Robert Manwill case
Published: 09/25/09
<snipped>
The Robert Manwill disappearance became big news - and the Boise Police Department did nothing to discourage it.

The unprecedented search effort and the intense public interest will complicate jury selection, if the case of Robert's murder goes to trial. The rights of the accused must be protected. But this can be done without sealing court documents - a judicial overreach that could embolden police and prosecutors to try to keep other documents out of public view.

Magistrate Judge John Hawley has kept a lid on a key record - a search warrant for the apartment shared by Robert's mother, Melissa Jenkins, and her boyfriend, Daniel Ehrlick. Saying the document contains accusatory hearsay statements against the two first-degree murder suspects, Hawley said its release would only make it more difficult to find an impartial jury.

It is a strangely reasoned and highly troubling decision.

Search warrants are presumed to be public records. They have been made public prior to other high-profile local trials. Hawley concedes this point, then proceeds to ignore it.


Article:
http://www.idahostatesman.com/editorial/story/912303.html

:angel:

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Divas lend their considerable talents in a Concert for the Children
Mon, Oct 12, 2009 at 3:31 PM
<snipped>
On Thursday, Oct. 22, the nine women currently on the Diva roster&#8212;many of them mothers&#8212;will perform on the Humpin' Hannah's stage to raise funds to fight child abuse. Idaho icon Rosalie Sorrels will perform a solo performance and then the Divas will join her for the final set of the night.

Johnson said after the Robert Manwill case, more cases of child abuse began surfacing and she and her fellow femme fatales felt inspired to do something to help.

Article:
http://www.boiseweekly.com/Cobweb/a...derable-talents-in-a-concert-for-the-children
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Say Hello On Halloween
(2009-10-13)
<snipped>
BOISE, ID (idaho) - In memory of Robert Manwill and in response to a community's desire to do more for children, the Idaho Children's Trust Fund wants to "introduce" something new this Halloween. And "introduce" may be the operative word. Boise State Radio's George Prentice talks with the Trust Fund's Executive Director Roger Sherman about new initiatives to strengthen families and help protect children.

You can go to this web address to print our your "Say Hello On Halloween" sign:
http://idahochildrenstrustfund.state.id.us/publications/Hello_on_hallo_OL.pdf

*NOTE: Audio Included At link!

Article:
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/i.../0/1565260/IDAHO.Local/Say.Hello.On.Halloween

:angel:

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Prosecutor won't seek death penalty against Manwill suspects
Story Created: Oct 16, 2009 at 4:27 PM MDT
Story Updated: Oct 16, 2009 at 9:39 PM MDT
<snipped>
Greg Bower, Ada County prosecutor, announced the decision Friday afternoon.

Bower said the decision is based "upon our careful review of federal and state death penalty law."

"There are many legal and factual reasons why the prosecutor's office will not seek the death penalty in this case," Bower said.

Both Jenkins and have waived their right to a speedy trial. Their attorneys and the judge will meet Nov. 5 to schedule a date for the trial, which probably will be in the spring or early summer.

Video: Prosecutor won't seek death penalty against Manwill suspects
http://www.2news.tv/news/64611337.html?video=YHI&t=a

Article:
http://www.2news.tv/news/64611337.html
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Mom, boyfriend won't face death penalty in Robert Manwill case
Updated 14 hours 24 minutes ago
<snipped>
"The determination not to seek the death penalty in either of these cases is based upon our careful review of federal and state death penalty law, the specific facts and circumstances of this case, and is informed by our experience, as the Ada County Prosecutor's Office is the only office in the State of Idaho that has obtained both a conviction and the penalty from an Idaho jury," Bower said in a prepared statement to media. If Ehrlick and Jenkins are found guilty of murder, they will face life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Article:
http://www.idahopress.com/news/?id=27064
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Prosecutor will not seek death penalty in Robert Manwill murder case
05:44 PM MDT on Friday, October 16, 2009
<snipped>
Ada County Prosecutor Greg Bower announced today that his office will not seek the death penalty against Daniel Ehrlick and Melissa Jenkins.

According to a grand jury indictment, Robert died from a series of prolonged abuse that included repeated hits by Erhlick to his abdomen and head, which causing internal bleeding, bruising and swelling of the brain.

Video: Greg Bower's statement about the decision
http://www.ktvb.com/video/index.html?nvid=407667

Article:
http://www.ktvb.com/news/crime/stories/ktvbn-oct1609-manwill_case.2228653d5.html
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Ada County will not seek the death penalty in Robert Manwill murder case
Published: 10/16/09
<snipped>
It's up to defense attorneys to find the mitigating factors a jury might consider to spare a life, like if the defendant suffers from mental illness or was a victim of child abuse themselves.

It is unknown exactly what evidence has been exchanged so far. Jenkins&#8217; attorneys have filed a motion with 4th District Judge Darla Williamson to make prosecutors give them a copy of the search warrant documents which detail how Boise Police established the probable cause to search Jenkins&#8217; Boise apartment and report what evidence they found there &#8212; evidence which contributed to her and Ehrlick&#8217;s arrest.

Those documents, normally made available after a suspect is arrested, have been kept secret in this case.

The next hearing in the case is set for Nov. 5, when a trial date likely will be set

Article:
http://www.idahostatesman.com/Crime/story/938872.html

:angel:

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Prosecutors won't seek the death penalty in the Robert Manwill murder case
Melissa Jenkins and Daniel Ehrlick could be sent to prison for life if convicted of the murder of 8-year-old Robert Manwill.
Published: 10/17/09
<snipped>
Ada County prosecutors used all 60 days they had before announcing Friday they would not seek the execution of first-degree murder suspects Daniel Ehrlick and Melissa Jenkins - and they didn't say much to explain why.

Ada County Prosecutor Greg Bower declined to define "the many legal and factual reasons" why he is not seeking the death penalty, saying he didn't want to say anything that could "prejudice the verdict" in one of the most high-profile crimes in years.

Article:
http://www.idahostatesman.com/robertmanwill/story/939209.html

:angel:

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Elementary school to celebrate life of Robert Manwill
Posted on October 29, 2009 at 7:19 AM
Updated today at 7:33 AM
<snipped>
A celebration will be held Thursday to honor the life of young Robert Manwill.

New Plymouth Elementary School will be celebrating Manwill's life at 10:15 a.m.

A new swing in front of the school will be dedicated to Robert and balloons will also be released in his honor.

The public is welcome to attend.

Article:
http://www.ktvb.com/news/Elementary-school-to-celebrate-life-of-Robert-Manwill-67210532.html
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A project aims to unify neighborhoods while remembering slain child Robert Manwill
Published: 10/20/09
<snipped>
The murder in July of 8-year-old Robert Manwill inspired an unprecedented community outcry and volunteer effort. When Robert was first reported missing, thousands of people pinned green ribbons to their shirts in support and joined the search for the boy.

Say Hello on Halloween is a step toward making sure adults and kids in neighborhoods know one another, and are better equipped to notice if something seems amiss in a family, said Roger Sherman from the Idaho Children's Trust Fund.

The new group is asking people across the Valley to be a little more social than usual on Halloween night - to introduce themselves to the families who come to their doors to trick-or-treat, and to the people who answer the door when they take their own children around the neighborhood.

PDF: Download a 'Say Hi on Halloween' poster
http://media.idahostatesman.com/smedia/2009/10/19/22/Hello_on_hallo_OL.source.prod_affiliate.36.pdf

Article:
http://www.idahostatesman.com/localnews/story/941853.html/
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Manwill death prompts community building effort
Story Created: Oct 23, 2009 at 5:53 AM MDT
Story Updated: Oct 23, 2009 at 9:02 AM MDT
<snipped>
It's been more than two months since 8 year old Robert Manwill was laid to rest. Child advocates are hoping to turn his tragic death into something positive this Halloween.

It's been more than two months since the community said goodbye to Robert. To help keep his memory alive, child advocates are hoping you'll take part in the "Say Hello on Halloween" project.

Video: Manwill death prompts community building effort
http://www.2news.tv/news/local/65757122.html?video=YHI&t=a

Article:
http://www.2news.tv/news/local/65757122.html

:angel:

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Elementary school celebrates life of Robert Manwill
Posted on October 29, 2009 at 9:30 AM
Updated Thursday, Oct 29 at 5:22 PM
<snipped>
A celebration was held Thursday to honor the life of young Robert Manwill.
The eight-year-old was found dead in a canal back in August.
New Plymouth Elementary School dedicated a new swing to Robert and released balloons in his honor.

Article:
http://www.ktvb.com/news/Elementary-school-celebrates-life-of-Robert-Manwill1-67212082.html
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*NOTE: Much more info at link!

Idaho prosecutors opting not to seek death penalty
Only 2 Idaho counties have asked for the death penalty in murder cases since 2003, and Ada hasn&#8217;t pursued it since being denied twice in 2005
Published: 11/03/09
<snipped>
He ultimately wouldn't detail "the many legal and factual reasons" why he is not seeking the death penalty for Daniel Ehrlick and Melissa Jenkins, saying he didn't want to prejudice the jury pool.

But trying to predict exactly what that jury will do is likely a major factor why Bower won't seek the death penalty in the beating and murder of 8-year-old Robert Manwill.

Ehrlick and Jenkins will return to court Thursday to find out when a jury trial will be scheduled. The trial is expected to last several weeks and likely will be set for some time next summer.

Article:
http://www.idahostatesman.com/robertmanwill/story/959060.html

:angel:

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Idaho prosecutors opting not to seek death penalty
Two counties have pursued it since &#8217;03
November 4, 2009
<snipped>
Fewer Idaho prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in murder cases in recent years.

Ada County Prosecutor Greg Bower decided not to pursue the penalty against Daniel Ehrlick and Melissa Jenkins, who are charged in the murder of Jenkins&#8217; son, 8-year-old Robert Manwill.

Bower said many legal and factual reasons were behind his decision but he declined to offer details.

Article:
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/nov/04/idaho-prosecutors-opting-not-to-seek-death-penalty/
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Capital punishment may be gone for good in Idaho
Wednesday, November 4, 2009 1:00 am
<snipped>
Is the death penalty a thing of the past inthe Gem State? Sure looks that way. Ada County Prosecutor Greg Bower's recent decision not to seek the death penalty against the mother and her boyfriend accused of killing 8-year-old Robert Manwill last summer shows just how difficult prosecutors believe it is to convince a jury to put a convicted person to death in Idaho.

And there are other considerations as well. Recession-battered small counties simply can't afford the hundreds of thousands of dollars that prosecuting a death penalty case requires.

Article:
http://www.magicvalley.com/news/opinion/editorial/article_939f8e7a-e293-57a1-89bd-94c3d6857973.html
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Defense for Manwill murder suspects wants change of venue
Story Created: Nov 5, 2009 at 2:32 PM MST
Story Updated: Nov 5, 2009 at 2:35 PM MST
<snipped>
It was also revealed in court Thursday that the defense is asking that the case be separated between the two suspects.

A hearing will be held Dec. 10 to go over the change of venue motion.

Article:
http://www.2news.tv/news/local/69314697.html
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Couple accused of killing Manwill wants jury from outside Boise
Posted on November 5, 2009 at 4:16 PM
Updated today at 4:30 PM
<snipped>
Myshin thinks the trial would remain in Boise &#8211; but jurors would be brought in from out of the area. He admits getting a venue change is difficult.

Defense attorneys are also asking that the cases for Ehrlick and Jenkins be separated.

According to attorney's Robert's mother Melissa has four hours of interrogation audio -- Myshin says she is basically turning on her boyfriend - presenting a conflict in the case if the two were to stand trial together.

Ehrlick and Jenkins will be back in court on December 10th for a change of venue hearing.

Article:
http://www.ktvb.com/news/Couple-acc...ll-want-jury-from-outside-Boise-69325727.html
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Robert Manwill's Mother Faces Judge
<snipped>
Myshin says he wants more than just a change of venue, he wants separate trials.

He says statements of one defendant can't be used against the other defendant.

"It's the conflict between confrontation and the right to remain silent," Myshin says.

Video: Robert Manwill's Mother Faces Judge 1:23
http://www.kivitv.com/global/Catego...ult&clipId=4275785&flvUri=&thirdpartymrssurl=

Article:
http://www.kivitv.com/Global/story.asp?S=11454094
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Defense seeks venue change in Boise boy slaying
November 5, 2009 8:24 PM ET
<snipped>
During a hearing Thursday, lawyers for Jenkins and Ehrlick say moving the trial away from Boise is necessary given the intense publicity surrounding the case.

Fourth District Judge Darla Williamson will consider the request. She scheduled trial for April 12, 2010.

Lawyers also filed a motion Thursday asking the judge to hold separate trials.

Article:
http://www.kivitv.com/Global/story.asp?S=11454314

:angel:

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Protect Idaho Kids -- Dial 211
Posted: Dec 9, 2009 12:56 AM EST
<snipped>
Protecting Idaho kids.

It's of course the goal of a number of organizations across the state.

Now that focus is spreading to us at Fox 12 as we highlight the need for a new charity called Protect Idaho Kids.

The idea was born in part from the search for 8-year-old Robert Manwill, which took place this summer.

Founder of Protect Idaho Kids, which is a 501C3, Bruce Wingate says Dial 211 is an invaluable resource.

"'I've been doing this child protection for quite a few years now and most of the people don't know what the 211 number is, but it does immediately connect you with people who know what to do if you suspect a child is being abused, or if a child is being abused, they can call that number 211 and get assistance," said Wingate.

And now, that's where Protect Idaho Kids comes into play -- an organization that through it's efforts will help raise money to keep these resources going, while helping to reduce the instances of child abuse

Video: Kids Project Continues 1:20
http://www.fox12idaho.com/global/vi...ipFormat=flv&clipId1=4373553&at1=News&h1=Kids Project Continues&flvUri=&partnerclipid=

Article:
http://www.fox12idaho.com/Global/story.asp?S=11645815

:angel:

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Editorial: Stop making excuses: 8-year-old shouldn't have died
Posted: Tuesday, December 29, 2009 1:00 am
<snipped>
Robert Manwill was killed in the custody of his mother and her boyfriend last summer in Boise because Idaho &#8212; both the state and its citizens &#8212; didn&#8217;t protect him. He was 8 years old.

And things haven&#8217;t improved since. In fact, they next session of the Legislature may end up cutting state programs that will endanger more kids.

The Idaho Statesman recently published a series of articles about child welfare that discovered the following:

&#8226; If you&#8217;re a kid in Idaho, you&#8217;re more likely than young children in 40 other states to go to bed hungry.

&#8226; If you&#8217;re a teenager, you&#8217;re more likely to try to kill yourself &#8212; and less likely to go to college &#8212; than students in other states.

&#8226; If you&#8217;re in foster care in Idaho, your caseworker may have less time for you than if you were in foster care in a nearby state.

&#8226; Federal and state programs aimed at child welfare are inadequate and income levels to qualify are too low.

&#8226; Despite an abundance of private-sector and church initiatives to help families, those efforts are fragmented and badly coordinated.

&#8226; Idaho is among the states with the lowest compensation rates for foster parents.

&#8226; Social workers employed by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare are poorly paid and turnover is high.

To be blunt, that&#8217;s a lie.

Consider:

&#8226; Only seven states spend less than Idaho on child welfare, including programs such as foster care, child protective services, adoption, health and education.

&#8226; Idaho doesn&#8217;t require the parents of young offenders to be tested for drugs, as their children are.

&#8226; Incredibly, there&#8217;s no mental health court for juveniles, as there is for adults.

&#8226; There&#8217;s no statewide program for home visitation by social workers.

&#8226; Idaho is so focused on reuniting families that it returns children to abusive homes prematurely, before issues such as substance abuse are resolved.

&#8226; Children in foster care are moved around too much.

&#8226; Idaho does a lousy job of finding permanent living arrangements for older kids.

&#8226; The government agencies responsible for child welfare don&#8217;t communicate well enough.

It was no secret to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, 4th District Court probation officers and the Ada County Prosecutors Office that Robert Manwill&#8217;s mother Melissa Jenkins had a history of child abuse. Despite evidence of clear and present danger to Robert, none of them took the initiative to get him out of that situation. :furious:

Article:
http://www.magicvalley.com/news/article_18a124d0-93f5-5658-a4ac-04a76bd5a85f.html

:angel:

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Couple accused of killing Robert Manwill to be tried separately
Posted on January 7, 2010 at 1:49 PM
Updated Friday, Jan 8 at 9:52 AM
<snipped>
Attorneys for the boy's mother, Melissa Jenkins, and her boyfriend, Daniel Ehrlick, want a jury from outside of southwest Idaho, but they didn't get that change of venue today.

Judge Darla Williamson says she'll hear arguments on that motion two weeks before new trial dates are set. Today, both defendants sat quietly in court, only speaking in whispers to their attorneys. Several sheriff's deputies surrounded them.

Ehrlick's attorney asked the judge for separate trials because he says Jenkins implicated Ehrlick in interviews, and it could pose a conflict for his client. The judge granted that motion.

After the hearing, Trish Burrill told us her sister, Melissa Jenkins, is distraught and confused. "It's a chess game, that's exactly the way it is. one person, one side says this the next side does this. It's just a chess game until they get it all figured out and we go to trial and hear what really happened to Robert," said Burrill.

Next week, the two defendants will be back in court, where the judge will hear motions to push back their trials. Right now, Ehrlick's is scheduled for April, and Jenkins is set for May. Prosecutors asked the judge to consider holding Jenkins' trial first.

*Video Included In Article!

Article:
http://www.ktvb.com/news/Couple-acc...-Manwill-to-be-tried-seperately-80935167.html
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Defense says evidence thin in the Manwill case
Prosecutors 'must be doing something or they wouldn't be so confident,' public defender says.
01/25/10
<snipped>
Amil Myshin has represented dozens of murder suspects over his 25 years as an Ada County public defender - including killers Erick Hall, Darrell Payne and Robin Lee Row in their death penalty cases. But last week, he told a judge that the grand jury testimony and evidence used to charge Daniel Ehrlick Jr. with the murder of 8-year-old Robert Manwill comprised "one of the thinnest first-degree murder cases I've seen in all these years."

While defense attorneys for Ehrlick and co-defendant Melissa Jenkins - Manwill's mother - have more than 20,000 documents of evidence to review, Myshin said prosecutors have not informed them some about basic steps - such as whether they are doing DNA tests or other forensic examinations on the vast volume of evidence seized from Jenkins' apartment and other locations. Myshin said the secret testimony that led an Ada County grand jury to charge Ehrlick with murder won't stand up in trial.

Myshin said the only forensic evidence he has received so far is the initial autopsy report for Robert. Williamson gave prosecutors until March 15 to get their forensic testing scheduled and tell defense attorneys what experts they intend to call. That should give the defense enough time to prepare their case before a trial, scheduled to begin in September.

Williamson also warned both sides that both trials were going to happen this fall, so they needed to meet the deadlines. "I'm not going to reschedule this trial ... the trial dates are firm dates," Williamson said.
*More at link!

Article:
http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/01/25/1054493/defense-says-evidence-thin-in.html
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Daniel Ehrlick's jury trial is set for this fall &#8212; and judge says she plans to keep that date
Published: 01/14/10
<snipped>
Melissa Jenkins and Daniel Ehrlick will face different juries in their first-degree murder trials later this year in connection with the July death of Jenkins' son Robert Manwill. Ehrlick's trial will begin first, with jury selection set to begin Sept. 22 and testimony set to begin Oct. 4. Jenkins' trial is set to begin Nov. 29, but no jury selection date was set by 4th Disrtict Judge Darla Williamson Thursday because she wants to see how media coverage of the Ehrlick trial affects the ability to pick an impartial jury in Ada County.

Ada County prosecutors wanted the Jenkins trial to go first, but Williamson opted for Ehrlick to go first at the request of defense attorneys. Ehrlick's attorney, public defender Amil Myshin, argued that a Jenkins trial first would have proven to be too prejudicial to their client.

Myshin says Jenkins made incriminating statements against Ehrlick, who was her boyfriend, during the investigation into her 8-year-old son's disappearance. Having that specific testimony come out in Jenkins' trial would make it almost impossible for Ehrlick to get a fair trial, Myshin said. There has been no mention in court of Ehrlick making incriminating statements to police about Jenkins, so that specific prejudice appears to be one-way.

Williamson said Thursday that the trials, which were supposed to begin this spring, will not be delayed again. She warned prosecutors and defense attorneys to stick to evidence discovery deadlines &#8212; saying if they were not met, that evidence would not be admissible in the trial Defense attorneys have filed a motion to move the trial out of Ada County due to intense pretrial publicity, but it appears Williamson will try to pick an Ada County for the Ehrlick case in September before considering that motion.

Article:
http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/01/14/1041894/daniel-ehrlicks-jury-trial-is.html
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Trial set for man accused in Idaho boy's slaying
Posted on January 14, 2010 at 6:31 PM
Updated Thursday, Jan 14 at 6:49 PM
<snipped>
Judge Darla Williamson decided Thursday that jury selection will begin in Daniel Ehrlick's trial on Sept. 22. The trial of Melissa Jenkins, who is also accused in the death of her son Robert Manwill, is to start Nov. 29.

Williamson did not rule on a request to move the trials out of Boise, saying she wants to see if media coverage of Ehrlick's trial will affect the ability to find an impartial jury in Ada County.

Article:
http://www.ktvb.com/news/national/81604182.html

:angel:

 

[danisisa]

THat happened up in my area. A psychic up here was right on about where his body would be found. I actually searched the area myself and found tire tracks and turned the lead into Law Enforcement after he was found down another street west of the canal opening where the tire tracks were...Luckily, it had not rained yet. THis case still makes me sick.

 

[PorcineGranny]

THat happened up in my area. A psychic up here was right on about where his body would be found. I actually searched the area myself and found tire tracks and turned the lead into Law Enforcement after he was found down another street west of the canal opening where the tire tracks were...Luckily, it had not rained yet. THis case still makes me sick.

I agree, and I guess they will never be rightly punished until they cross the line between life and death. I want to cry everytime I think of this child. I could pull the switch if they were found guilty, without hesitation.

 

[pittsburghgirl]

I agree with both of you. This case breaks my heart. What a sweet boy, who only wanted love and attention, and these evil, evil, selfish people deliberately, systematically abused him to death. Even pulling the switch is too good for them.

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Daniel Ehrlick Jr. wants to fire his public defenders
The man accused of killing Robert Manwill says his lawyers are not doing a good enough job.
Published: 03/13/10
<snipped>
Daniel Ehrlick Jr. filed a surprise motion Thursday claiming his public defenders "lied and misguided me on my case."

In a boiler-plate one-page motion, Ehrlick indicated that he "feels badgered by the public defender's office" and that his attorneys have failed to file motions for him and have been hard to communicate with. He wants to get rid of his court-appointed public defenders before his first-degree murder trial begins later this year.

Ehrlick and Jenkins will be tried separately, with Ehrlick scheduled to go first in October. Ehrlick's request to get rid of his attorneys comes at a key time in pre-trial preparation, as both sides have filed motions asking for strict time limits on the exchange of the vast amount of evidence gathered in the case.

Fourth District Judge Darla Williamson told defense attorneys and prosecutors that both trials were going to happen as scheduled this fall and all sides had to meet their discovery deadlines to ensure that happened.

After Myshin told Williamson in January he was given more than 20,000 documents by prosecutors - saying "there is such a huge volume (of documents), it's almost useless" - Williamson gave prosecutors until March 15 to get their forensic testing scheduled and tell Ehrlick's attorneys what experts they intend to call.

Ada County Deputy Prosecutors Jill Longhurst and Daniel Dinger filed a motion last month to require Ehrlick's attorneys to disclose by April 1 the names of any experts they might have testify - if the defense makes any claims that Ehrlick was suffering from mental-health related problems like battered-child syndrome or post traumatic stress disorder.

The next hearing in the case is set for Thursday, where some of these issues should be discussed.

PDF: Read Daniel Ehrlick's motion to disqualify his public defenders
http://media.idahostatesman.com/smedia/2010/03/12/15/urhlich_doc.source.prod_affiliate.36.pdf

Article:
http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/03/13/1116005/ehrlick-wants-to-fire-his-defenders.html
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Judge: Daniel Ehrlick's hearing may be kept secret
The judge wants the man charged in Robert Manwill's murder to be able to explain why he wants to fire his attorneys without harming his case.
Published: 03/19/10
<snipped>
Allowing the public to hear why Daniel Ehrlick wants to get rid of his public defenders could violate his ability to get a fair trial, 4th District Judge Darla Williamson said Thursday. She delayed a hearing on his motion and is considering sealing it to everyone but Ehrlick and his attorneys.

It appears she wants to make sure Ehrlick has the ability to discuss his issues without a premature public discussion of the evidence or potential defense strategies - both of which could affect his ability to get an unbiased jury, said former Idaho Attorney General David Leroy, a private attorney in Boise who is not involved in the case. "Once that information is revealed, it can't be put back in the bottle," Leroy said.

Williamson delayed Thursday's hearing to give media outlets, including the Statesman, time to respond before she makes a decision.

Ada County Deputy Prosecutors Jill Longhurst and Dan Dinger told Williamson Thursday they met a March 15 deadline to have all their forensic testing evidence (scientific tests on physical evidence gathered in the case) submitted to defense attorneys. That includes a package earlier this week that contained "significant" forensic evidence reports.

Article:
http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/03/19/1123056/ehrlick-hearing-may-be-kept-secret.html
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Man accused of killing 8-year-old boy wants new attorney
Posted on March 15, 2010 at 3:47 PM
Updated Tuesday, Mar 16 at 9:28 AM
<snipped>
Assistant deputy prosecutor Jan Bennetts would not go on camera but said, "it doesn't affect the way we handle the case. We will proceed with the case and handle it in an appropriate fashion, regardless of who is working on the defense."

We did talk with Robert Manwill's aunt Trish Burrill. She says they are anxiously waiting for the trial to start.

Ehrlick's trial is set to start in October. Jury selection will begin in September.

The trial for the Robert Manwill's mother Melissa Jenkins is set to start in November.

*Video Included: Man accused of killing 8-year-old boy wants new attorney 2:17

Article:
http://www.ktvb.com/news/local/Man-...year-old-boy-wants-new-attorney-87701992.html

:angel:

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Accused child killer opts to keep public defenders
03/26/10
<snipped>
A southwestern Idaho man charged with the first-degree murder of an 8-year-old boy has decided to keep his public defenders after previously filing a motion to get rid them.

Daniel Ehrlick Jr. told 4th District Judge Darla Williamson of his decision at a closed hearing Thursday. The judge later released a redacted transcript to the Idaho Statesman.

Ehrlick said he changed his mind after talking with the attorneys and getting a clearer picture of what was going on with his case.

Ehrlick said he was upset his attorney's didn't challenge grand jury findings that led to the murder charge. "From everything I read in the grand jury (testimony), it's all hearsay," Ehrlick said.

According to the transcript, Williamson explained to Ehrlick why his attorneys asked if he committed the crime. "Wouldn't that be important (to your attorneys) to make a determination whether or not you should take the stand and testify, so that they would know whether or not your testimony would be consistent?" she asked.

Ehrlick and Jenkins are being tried separately. Ehrlick's trial is scheduled first in October. Prosecutors have decided not to seek the death penalty.

Article:
http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/03/26/1131578/ehrlick-opts-to-keep-public-defenders.html

:angel:

 

[pittsburghgirl]

Ehrlick said he was upset his attorney's didn't challenge grand jury findings that led to the murder charge. "From everything I read in the grand jury (testimony), it's all hearsay," Ehrlick said.

According to the transcript, Williamson explained to Ehrlick why his attorneys asked if he committed the crime. "Wouldn't that be important (to your attorneys) to make a determination whether or not you should take the stand and testify, so that they would know whether or not your testimony would be consistent?" she asked.

This guy is truly an amazing specimen. "From everything I read in the grand jury [testimony], it's all hearsay." So I guess he thinks his lawyers should have gotten the charge dismissed--like you can beat an 8-year old in your custody to death over time and the lawyers can just yell "hearsay" and the case is over. I try to be of the "innocent until found guilty by a jury of his peers" school of justice, but this guy take narcissism and lack of remorse to a whole new level. Can't wait for the trial and the conviction.