GUILTY IN - Thomas Grill Jr., 18, & Molley Lanham, 19, murdered, Lake County, 25 Feb 2019 *arrests*

[JerseyGirl]

Porter County prosecutors have not yet responded in writing to the request for change of venue, and a hearing had not yet been scheduled.

Kerner is scheduled to be in court Dec. 16 for a status conference.

Valparaiso man claims too much public hostility for fair trial in double murder case

 

[Niner]

Monday, December 16th:
*Status Conference Hearing (@ 9am CT) – IN - Thomas Grill, Jr. (18) & Molley R. Lanham (19) (Feb. 25, 2019, St. John; found in Hebron, in burned out car) - *Connor Ralland Kerner (17) arrested (3/1/19) & charged as adult (3/4/19) & arraigned (7/15/19) with 2 counts of murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Trial set to begin 3/31/19 will take place Tuesday thru Thursday for up to 4 weeks.
3/4/19 Initial appearance. Status hearings on 5/6 & 6/10, Pretrial conference on 7/15. 5/6/19: Status hearing on 6/10 was cancelled, next status hearing on 7/15. 7/15/19: Kerner was charged with two additional charges. Plead not guilty to felony counts of intimidation and arson. Next Status conference hearing on 9/23.
9/23/19 Update: A 12-day trial has been scheduled over a period of four weeks next year for Kerner. Was in court Monday morning as Porter Superior Court Judge Roger Bradford scheduled the trial to kick off March 31, which will be Kerner's 19th birthday. The trial will then take place Tuesday through Thursday for up to four weeks if necessary, the judge said. Also defense wants a change of venue. Next status conference hearing on 12/16 and final Pretrial conference hearing on 3/2/20. Motion hearing re Change of venue on 2/7/20 @ 1pm.

 

[Niner]

Valparaiso man's double murder trial continued; defense working to move it out of county


VALPARAISO — A delay was granted Monday for a 12-day trial involving an 18-year-old Valparaiso man accused of murdering two fellow young people from Lake County during what he said was a drug deal gone bad.

The March 31 start of the trial for Connor Kerner was continued until July 7 at the request of the defense, which argued that evidence was still being processed in the case.

Porter County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Armando Salinas told the court that another round of DNA evidence was sent off the state police laboratory.

Porter Superior Court Judge Roger Bradford scheduled the trial to kick off July 7 and continue Tuesday through Thursday for up to four weeks if necessary.

 

[Niner]

12/16/2019 Status Conference
Session: 12/16/2019 9:00 AM, Judicial Officer: Bradford, Roger V

12/17/2019 Hearing Scheduling Activity
Jury Trial originally scheduled on 03/31/2020 at 9:00 AM was rescheduled to 07/07/2020 at 9:00 AM. Reason: By Request.

02/07/2020 Hearing on Motion for Change of Venue
Session: 02/07/2020 1:00 PM, Judicial Officer: Bradford, Roger V
Comment: 1/2 day

03/02/2020 Pretrial Conference
Session: 03/02/2020 9:00 AM, Judicial Officer: Bradford, Roger V

07/07/2020 Jury Trial
Session: 03/31/2020 9:00 AM, Rescheduled
Session: 07/07/2020 9:00 AM, Judicial Officer: Bradford, Roger V
Comment: 7/7-7/9, 7/14-7/16, 7/21-7/23, 7/28-7/30


link: Indiana Supreme Court public access case search - MyCase

 

[Niner]

Friday, February 7th:
*Motions Hearing (@ 1pm CT) – IN - Thomas Grill, Jr. (18) & Molley R. Lanham (19) (Feb. 25, 2019, St. John; found in Hebron, in burned out car) - *Connor Ralland Kerner (17) arrested (3/1/19) & charged as adult (3/4/19) & arraigned (7/15/19) with 2 counts of murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial was set to begin on 3/31/20 moved to 7/7/20 will take place Tuesday thru Thursday for up to 4 weeks. 7/7-9, 7/14-16, 7/21-23 & 7/28-30
3/4/19 Initial appearance. Status hearings on 5/6 & 6/10, Pretrial conference on 7/15. 5/6/19: Status hearing on 6/10 was cancelled, next status hearing on 7/15. 7/15/19: Kerner was charged with two additional charges. Plead not guilty to felony counts of intimidation and arson. Next Status conference hearing on 9/23.
9/23/19 Update: A 12-day trial has been scheduled over a period of four weeks next year for Kerner. Was in court Monday morning as Porter Superior Court Judge Roger Bradford scheduled the trial to kick off March 31, which will be Kerner's 19th birthday. The trial will then take place Tuesday through Thursday for up to four weeks if necessary, the judge said. Also defense wants a change of venue. Next status conference hearing on 12/16 and final Pretrial conference hearing on 3/2/20. Motion hearing re Change of venue on 2/7/20 @ 1pm.
12/16/19 Update: Trial has been cancelled for 3/31/20 & has been moved to 7/7/20. Next Motions hearing re change of venue on 2/7/20 & will take ½ day and a Pretrial conference hearing on 3/2/20.

 

[Niner]

@Tippy Lynn - since you are my "go-to person" for Indiana - I was wondering if I could bother you to see if there are an updates on this case. I have 3/2/20 as the next hearing, just want to make sure!

Porter County Case #64D01-1903-MR-002107 - Connor Ralland Kerner

TIA!

 

[Tippy Lynn]

@Tippy Lynn - since you are my "go-to person" for Indiana - I was wondering if I could bother you to see if there are an updates on this case. I have 3/2/20 as the next hearing, just want to make sure!

Porter County Case #64D01-1903-MR-002107 - Connor Ralland Kerner

TIA!

Here you go @Niner

State of Indiana v. Connor Ralland Kerner
Case Number 64D01-1903-MR-002107
Court Porter Superior Court 1

Charges:
01 02/25/2019 35-42-1-1(1): Murder
02 02/25/2019 35-42-1-1(1): Murder


Court Dates:
02/05/2020
Hearing Scheduling Activity
Hearing on Motion for Change of Venue originally scheduled on 02/07/2020 at 1:00 PM was rescheduled to 03/02/2020 at 1:30 PM. Reason: By Request.

02/06/2020
Automated ENotice Issued to Parties
Hearing Scheduling Activity ---- 2/5/2020 : James H Voyles;Mark Anthony Thiros;Gary Stephen Germann

03/02/2020
Pretrial Conference
Session:
03/02/2020 9:00 AM, Judicial Officer: Bradford, Roger V
03/02/2020
Hearing on Motion for Change of Venue
Session:
02/07/2020 1:00 PM, Rescheduled
Session:
03/02/2020 1:30 PM, Judicial Officer: Bradford, Roger V
Comment:
1/2 day

07/07/2020
Jury Trial
Session:
03/31/2020 9:00 AM, Rescheduled
Session:
07/07/2020 9:00 AM, Judicial Officer: Bradford, Roger V
Comment:
7/7-7/9, 7/14-7/16, 7/21-7/23, 7/28-7/30

 

[Niner]

Thank you very much @Tippy Lynn !

 

[Niner]

Monday, March 2nd:
*Pretrial Hearing (@ 9am CT) – IN - Thomas Grill, Jr. (18) & Molley R. Lanham (19) (Feb. 25, 2019, St. John; found in Hebron, in burned out car) - *Connor Ralland Kerner (17) arrested (3/1/19) & charged as adult (3/4/19) & arraigned (7/15/19) with 2 counts of murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial set to begin on 7/7/20 will take place Tuesday thru Thursday for up to 4 weeks. 7/7-9, 7/14-16, 7/21-23 & 7/28-30.
3/4/19 Initial appearance. Status hearings on 5/6 & 6/10, Pretrial conference on 7/15. 5/6/19: Status hearing on 6/10 was cancelled, next status hearing on 7/15. 7/15/19: Kerner was charged with two additional charges. Plead not guilty to felony counts of intimidation and arson. Next Status conference hearing on 9/23.
9/23/19 Update: A 12-day trial has been scheduled over a period of four weeks next year for Kerner. Was in court Monday morning as Porter Superior Court Judge Roger Bradford scheduled the trial to kick off March 31, which will be Kerner's 19th birthday. The trial will then take place Tuesday through Thursday for up to four weeks if necessary, the judge said. Also defense wants a change of venue. Next status conference hearing on 12/16 and final Pretrial conference hearing on 3/2/20. Motion hearing re Change of venue on 2/7/20 @ 1pm.
12/16/19 Update: Trial has been cancelled for 3/31/20 & has been moved to 7/7/20. Next Motions hearing re change of venue on 2/7/20 & will take ½ day and a Pretrial conference hearing on 3/2/20. 2/7/20: Change of venue will be heard at next pretrial conference hearing on 3/2/20.

 

[Niner]

Valparaiso man charged in double murder back in court arguing to move trial

March 02, 2020
.....
The young man has pleaded not guilty to the two counts of murder and felony counts of intimidation and arson.

Defense attorney James Voyles reiterated the claim Monday that there has been too much public hostility against Kerner and media coverage of his case for him to receive a fair trial in Porter County.
[.....]
A change of venue had been sought last year in another local murder case involving Hobart resident Christopher Dillard.

The repeated requests were denied by another judge, and the court was able to secure what was determined to be fair and impartial jury, which returned after nearly three weeks of trial to find Dillard guilty of murdering his co-worker, 23-year-old Nicole Gland.


Not too sure if this is the "whole" article as I had to put it into Outline as I could not access it directly.

And if I can call upon you @Tippy Lynn to check the court site for his next hearing date? Maybe a bit too early... ??

 

[Tippy Lynn]

State of Indiana v. Connor Ralland Kerner
Case Number 64D01-1903-MR-002107
Court Porter Superior Court 1
Type MR - Murder
Filed 03/04/2019
Status 03/04/2019 , Pending (active)


03/02/2020
Pretrial Conference
Session:
03/02/2020 9:00 AM, Judicial Officer: Bradford, Roger V

03/02/2020
Hearing on Motion for Change of Venue
Session:
02/07/2020 1:00 PM, Rescheduled
Session:
03/02/2020 1:30 PM, Judicial Officer: Bradford, Roger V
Comment:
1/2 day

07/07/2020
Jury Trial
Session:
03/31/2020 9:00 AM, Rescheduled
Session:
07/07/2020 9:00 AM, Judicial Officer: Bradford, Roger V
Comment:
7/7-7/9, 7/14-7/16, 7/21-7/23, 7/28-7/30

@Niner

 

[Niner]

Can anyone access this article - I can't even with Outline.
If someone could give a 10% synopsis - and was motion for change of venue granted?

Request to move murder case sheds light on rights of public, media

TIA!

 

[TheOtherChristina]

Can anyone access this article - I can't even with Outline.
If someone could give a 10% synopsis - and was motion for change of venue granted?

Request to move murder case sheds light on rights of public, media

TIA!

“Prosecutors are challenging another attempt to move a high-profile murder case out of Porter County based on claims the accused cannot receive a fair trial because of publicity and public outrage.

The request on behalf of the accused, 18-year-old Valparaiso resident Connor Kerner, comes in the wake of two denials for a change of venue last year for Christopher Dillard, who was found guilty of murdering his co-worker, 23-year-old Nicole Gland.

[…]

Porter Superior Court Judge Roger Bradford paused a hearing on the request last week to give prosecutors an opportunity to interview the private investigator hired by the defense, who had reportedly compiled news articles and social media posts about the case.

The hearing is slated to continue at 1:30 p.m. April 6, and a trial is scheduled for July 7.”

 

[Niner]

Delay granted in Porter County double murder case

April 2, 2020

VALPARAISO — A hearing has been postponed for more than a month on a request to move the high-profile Connor Kerner double murder case out of Porter County based on claims the accused cannot receive a fair trial because of publicity and public outrage.

The hearing, which was supposed to held Monday before Porter Superior Court Judge Roger Bradford, is now scheduled for 10 a.m. May 26, according to the court.
[.....]
Defense attorney James Voyles has argued there has been too much public hostility against Kerner and media coverage of his case for him to receive a fair trial in Porter County.

 

[Niner]

@Tippy Lynn - when you have time - could you see if Kerner still has a hearing on 5/26?
TIA!

edited to add: Porter County #64D01-19003-MR-002107

 

[Tippy Lynn]

@Niner


State of Indiana v. Connor Ralland Kerner
Case Number 64D01-1903-MR-002107
Court Porter Superior Court 1
Type MR - Murder
Filed 03/04/2019


05/18/2020
Hearing Scheduling Activity
Hearing on Motion for Change of Venue originally scheduled on 05/26/2020 at 10:00 AM was rescheduled to 06/03/2020 at 10:00 AM. Reason: Data Entry Error.

05/19/2020
Automated ENotice Issued to Parties
Hearing Scheduling Activity ---- 5/18/2020 : James H Voyles;Mark Anthony Thiros;Gary Stephen Germann

05/20/2020
Order of Continuance by Court
ON DEFT'S MTN FOR CHANGE OF VENUE FROM COUNTY. 2 HOUR HRG

Order Signed:
05/18/2020
05/21/2020
Automated ENotice Issued to Parties
Order of Continuance by Court ---- 5/20/2020 : James H Voyles;Mark Anthony Thiros;Gary Stephen Germann

06/03/2020
Hearing on Motion for Change of Venue
Session:
05/26/2020 10:00 AM, Rescheduled
Session:
06/03/2020 10:00 AM, Judicial Officer: Bradford, Roger V
Comment:
2 hours
07/07/2020
Jury Trial
Session:
03/31/2020 9:00 AM, Rescheduled
Session:
07/07/2020 9:00 AM, Judicial Officer: Bradford, Roger V
Comment:
7/7-7/9, 7/14-7/16, 7/21-7/23, 7/28-7/30

 

[Niner]

Thanks a bunch!

 

[Niner]

Wednesday, June 3rd:
*Motion Hearing (@ 10am CT) – IN - Thomas Grill, Jr. (18) & Molley R. Lanham (19) (Feb. 25, 2019, St. John; found in Hebron, in burned out car) - *Connor Ralland Kerner (17/now 19) arrested (3/1/19) & charged as adult (3/4/19) & arraigned (7/15/19) with 2 counts of murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial set to begin on 7/7/20 will take place Tuesday thru Thursday for up to 4 weeks. 7/7-9, 7/14-16, 7/21-23 & 7/28-30.
Court info from 3/4/19 thru 12/16/19 reference post #49 here:
Found Deceased - IN - Thomas Grill Jr., 18, & Molley Lanham, 19, St. John, Lake County, 25 Feb 2019 *arrest*
2/7/20: Change of venue will be heard at next pretrial conference hearing on 3/2/20.
3/2/20 Update: Defense argues for change of venue because of too much publicity in Porter County. No decision was made by Judge. Hearing continued to 4/6 @ 1:30pm.
4/2/20 Update: Due to the coronavirus motion hearing to hear change of venue has been moved to 5/26. 5/26/20 Update: Motion hearing to hear change of venue has been rescheduled to 6/3/20.

 

[Niner]

@Tippy Lynn - any updates on the next court hearing? TIA!

 

[Tippy Lynn]

State of Indiana v. Connor Ralland Kerner
Case Number 64D01-1903-MR-002107
Court Porter Superior Court 1
Type MR - Murder
Filed 03/04/2019


06/03/2020
Hearing on Motion for Change of Venue
Session:
05/26/2020 10:00 AM, Rescheduled
Session:
06/03/2020 10:00 AM, Judicial Officer: Bradford, Roger V
Comment:
2 hours

06/03/2020
Hearing Scheduling Activity
Jury Trial originally scheduled on 07/07/2020 at 9:00 AM was rescheduled to 09/15/2020 at 9:00 AM. Reason: Court's Own Motion.

06/03/2020
Hearing Scheduling Activity
Hearing scheduled for 07/15/2020 at 9:00 AM.

06/04/2020
Automated ENotice Issued to Parties
Hearing Scheduling Activity ---- 6/3/2020 : James H Voyles;Mark Anthony Thiros;Gary Stephen Germann Hearing Scheduling Activity ---- 6/3/2020 : James H Voyles;Mark Anthony Thiros;Gary Stephen Germann

06/05/2020
Order Denying
DEFENDNAT'S MOTION FOR CHANGE OF VENUE FROM COUNTY

Order Signed:
06/03/2020
06/06/2020
Automated ENotice Issued to Parties
Order Denying ---- 6/5/2020 : James H Voyles;Mark Anthony Thiros;Gary Stephen Germann

07/15/2020
Hearing
Session:
07/15/2020 9:00 AM, Judicial Officer: Bradford, Roger V
Comment:
Pre-trial motions (1/2 day)
09/15/2020
Jury Trial
Session:
03/31/2020 9:00 AM, Rescheduled
Session:
07/07/2020 9:00 AM, Rescheduled
Session:
09/15/2020 9:00 AM, Judicial Officer: Bradford, Roger V
Comment:
9/15-9/18, 9/22-9/25, 9/29-10/2

@Niner