Found Deceased UT - MacKenzie "Kenzie" Lueck, 23, Salt Lake City, 17 June 2019 #19 *ARREST*

[PommyMommy]

SEP 26, 2019
https://ksltv.com/422283/vigil-held-as-part-of-national-day-of-remembrance-for-murder-victims/
Lauren McCluskey and Mackenzie Lueck were just two of the 30 people who were honored at a vigil for victims of domestic violence.

[...]

Lauren McCluskey’s mother, Jill, tweeted that the event “gives us all the opportunity to remember those lost to homicide and honor their memories.”

 

[ilovechili]

DV I think of as a gf/bf, husband/wife, child/parent. People who cohabit and have known each other for a time.

It is an awesome cause and kudos but I am missing where KL was a victim of that or are they saying there actually was a domestic relationship?

Domestic violence - Wikipedia

I just do not want people assuming when we don't know that KL and AA were domestic partners, cohabitated, etc.

She very clearly was the victim of a predator who did horrendous and evil acts.

Maybe this is a hint at what we do not know in the case? Otherwise it is just media I guess. She is most definitely a murder victim as the article says. The first paragraph hints at a relationship...?

Jmo.

 

[PommyMommy]

DV I think of as a gf/bf, husband/wife, child/parent. People who cohabit and have known each other for a time.

It is an awesome cause and kudos but I am missing where KL was a victim of that or are they saying there actually was a domestic relationship?

Domestic violence - Wikipedia

I just do not want people assuming when we don't know that KL and AA were domestic partners, cohabitated, etc.

She very clearly was the victim of a predator who did horrendous and evil acts.

Maybe this is a hint at what we do not know in the case? Otherwise it is just media I guess. She is most definitely a murder victim as the article says. The first paragraph hints at a relationship...?

Jmo.

IMO, media gets the blame on this one. My understanding:

The Utah Domestic Violence Coalition and Utah Homicide Survivors hosted the vigil.

The vigil was held on September 25 as part of the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims.

Holding the vigil for victims of domestic violence on this date gave them the opportunity to include Kenzie and Lauren, both victims of homicide.

Could be wrong, but that's my interpretation. MOO

 

[YESorNO]

Man charged in U. student’s killing wants accuser questioned in separate case

Sep 26th, 2019

"...He waived his right to a speedy trial Thursday after his attorneys acknowledged the state is waiting to receive crucial evidence in all three cases against him. Prosecutors declined to give any details on the evidence; so did Hamilton.

Appearing in a yellow jail uniform and sporting a beard, Ajayi spoke very little during the hearing, saying “yes, your honor,” when the judge asked if he wanted to give up his right to a quicker trial schedule.

The hearing is scheduled to continue Nov. 27, when Ajayi will have a chance to testify in his own defense. He is charged with aggravated kidnapping, a first-degree felony; and three counts of forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony...."

Man charged in U. student’s killing wants accuser questioned in separate case

 

[PommyMommy]

Man charged in U. student’s killing wants accuser questioned in separate case

Sep 26th, 2019

"...He waived his right to a speedy trial Thursday after his attorneys acknowledged the state is waiting to receive crucial evidence in all three cases against him. Prosecutors declined to give any details on the evidence; so did Hamilton.

Appearing in a yellow jail uniform and sporting a beard, Ajayi spoke very little during the hearing, saying “yes, your honor,” when the judge asked if he wanted to give up his right to a quicker trial schedule.

The hearing is scheduled to continue Nov. 27, when Ajayi will have a chance to testify in his own defense. He is charged with aggravated kidnapping, a first-degree felony; and three counts of forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony...."

Man charged in U. student’s killing wants accuser questioned in separate case

Thank you. I don't remember hearing that they met on Mutual but it may have slipped my memory.

Making sure @Niner sees the Nov. 27 court date.

Also from the article:

While she originally told police she had blocked Ajayi’s number, Hamilton said, the woman spoke with investigators again after forensic analysis of her phone showed they continued to exchange messages.

Prosecutor Marc Mathis said the only point of a subpoena is to attack the woman’s credibility, a move he called inappropriate at the early stage of the case. He disputed the defense’s characterization of the facts and timeline, saying the woman knows any false statement could lead to criminal charges.

Trease said she would allow Ajayi’s attorneys more time to work on a subpoena, but that doesn’t mean she’ll require the woman to testify. The judge also did not immediately rule Thursday whether the statement provides evidence for the case to go to trial.

 

[JudgeJoe]

Uugghh- defense is going to put this woman through the wringer imo. This is why people don’t report rape. Who needs that BS after the devastating nature of the initial crime. Frankly, I’m not sure why bother prosecuting the rape at this point- what he did to ML is unspeakable enough to put him away for life. Still don’t understand 2nd degree murder at this stage of the game- why is it not 1st? Anybody?

 

[PixieStix]

Uugghh- defense is going to put this woman through the wringer imo. This is why people don’t report rape. Who needs that BS after the devastating nature of the initial crime. Frankly, I’m not sure why bother prosecuting the rape at this point- what he did to ML is unspeakable enough to put him away for life. Still don’t understand 2nd degree murder at this stage of the game- why is it not 1st? Anybody?

This is my thoughts too. The defense is gonna rip her and her character apart as per usual in rape cases that make it to trial.

On a side note did they downgrade the 1st-degree murder charge to 2nd? That would take the death penalty off the table by Utah's laws correct?

 

[ilovechili]

Uugghh- defense is going to put this woman through the wringer imo. This is why people don’t report rape. Who needs that BS after the devastating nature of the initial crime. Frankly, I’m not sure why bother prosecuting the rape at this point- what he did to ML is unspeakable enough to put him away for life. Still don’t understand 2nd degree murder at this stage of the game- why is it not 1st? Anybody?

I am guessing or hoping she wanted to add what she could to his charges and help out? Now that he is looked at and known as a lowlife murderer? The more charges the better imo.

However, I agree, they will likely put her through the wringer but that can backfire too.

It is still 2nd degree?

The man who killed his wife and 4 children (two his, all hers) is still at 2nd degree for just the wife but it is figured that will change in time and charges will also come for the children. I gather due to time and GJ in Florida.

Let's hope this murder charge here changes too. Even without that though, I would guess and hope he will see life at minimum?

Jmo.

ETA: Meaning in my first paragraph that she is braver because others know what he is/was as does LE. She hopefully will have some good support behind her and not just he said/she said. I hope.

 

[JudgeJoe]

I am guessing or hoping she wanted to add what she could to his charges and help out? Now that he is looked at and known as a lowlife murderer? The more charges the better imo.

However, I agree, they will likely put her through the wringer but that can backfire too.

It is still 2nd degree?

The man who killed his wife and 4 children (two his, all hers) is still at 2nd degree for just the wife but it is figured that will change in time and charges will also come for the children. I gather due to time and GJ in Florida.

Let's hope this murder charge here changes too. Even without that though, I would guess and hope he will see life at minimum?

Jmo.

Yes, the subtropical scumb@g can’t get a 1st degree charge until FL prosecutors bring evidence to a grand jury for indictment. Hoping they plan to do that!

Not sure about the UT process though. Maybe similar & they are waiting for... Christmas? IDK the process or what they might be collecting.

 

[Ragnarok]

Uugghh- defense is going to put this woman through the wringer imo. This is why people don’t report rape. Who needs that BS after the devastating nature of the initial crime. Frankly, I’m not sure why bother prosecuting the rape at this point- what he did to ML is unspeakable enough to put him away for life. Still don’t understand 2nd degree murder at this stage of the game- why is it not 1st? Anybody?

Prosecutor probably not confident they can prove 1st degree to a jury. I believe they have the evidence to prove that ML died at his house along with the treatment and disposal of ML's body; but what actually happened (accident, premeditated, etc.) is unknown. Unless there is video, documents, witness, or his stating what happened (I wouldn't trust) it is his defense against the evidence and the Prosecutions theory of what happened dependent on evidence and conjecture.

What I know and suspect happened to ML I would like to see AA executed but juries can be funny in how they interact and understand the evidence and Defense/Prosecution presentations. MO

 

[ilovechili]

Yes, the subtropical scumb@g can’t get a 1st degree charge until FL prosecutors bring evidence to a grand jury for indictment. Hoping they plan to do that!

Not sure about the UT process though. Maybe similar & they are waiting for... Christmas? IDK the process or what they might be collecting.

Could it simply be that they feel they cannot prove he did not mean to just subdue her rather than kill her and yet all of the things after that are so heinous as to bring other charges...?

I don't know. If there ever was a case that deserved a first degree, a death penalty, etc, this is certainly one. Perhaps that is why too they are stacking charges including rape, to ensure his never ever getting out.

Yes, that FL man, I can't use the term I used to use but others are allowed, so I can say is another evil woman and baby killer and he is similar to piece of dung... At least I think I can say that

Jmo.

 

[ilovechili]

Prosecutor probably not confident they can prove 1st degree to a jury. I believe they have the evidence to prove that ML died at his house along with the treatment and disposal of ML's body; but what actually happened (accident, premeditated, etc.) is unknown. Unless there is video, documents, witness, or his stating what happened (I wouldn't trust) it is his defense against the evidence and the Prosecutions theory of what happened dependent on evidence and conjecture.

What I know and suspect happened to ML I would like to see AA executed but juries can be funny in how they interact and understand the evidence and Defense/Prosecution presentations. MO

This is kind of what I think. As sad as it is, he could always claim sadly some sex game gone wrong or he was just trying to subdue her. They have stacked every other charge so far (and I honestly expect more) against him I think to put him away for good just in case.

I also think he should be executed and I do not say that easily.

One can never predict a jury. I remember watching a jury trial once and I was convinced what way one man was going to vote (but I am no expert lol), he had his arms crossed throughout, never showed an expression, etc. and when the jury came back he voted just the opposite of what I would have predicted.

That guy should play poker!

Jmo.

 

[JudgeJoe]

Prosecutor probably not confident they can prove 1st degree to a jury. I believe they have the evidence to prove that ML died at his house along with the treatment and disposal of ML's body; but what actually happened (accident, premeditated, etc.) is unknown. Unless there is video, documents, witness, or his stating what happened (I wouldn't trust) it is his defense against the evidence and the Prosecutions theory of what happened dependent on evidence and conjecture.

What I know and suspect happened to ML I would like to see AA executed but juries can be funny in how they interact and understand the evidence and Defense/Prosecution presentations. MO

You’re right. The tale will prob have some opportunity to twist itself into doubt or confusion at various points.

I am hoping defense will have a tough time explaining how she accidentally wound up with a hole in her skull. ME should be able to tell if that happened pre or post mortem. She tripped & hit her head on the corner of a table? How much force to puncture a skull vs. force of a falling 110 pound woman? I hope prosecution knows what made that injury. Probably COD?

At the end of the day, maybe LWOP is better- no DP appeals or media frenzy. I just want this piece of evil locked up for good already. He’s going to be conniving & dragging this out every single step of the way imo.

 

[Seattle1]

If I remember correctly, AA was charged with capital/aggregated murder prior to the assault victim coming forward.

I believe he's being charged in her case because there was probable cause, and not because they need her testimony to secure a conviction on aggregated murder.

He's also eligible for the death penalty -- again, I don't think they are relying on what will become a he said, she said, alleged assault.

MOO

 

[Seattle1]

Still don’t understand 2nd degree murder at this stage of the game- why is it not 1st? Anybody?

^^SBM

Aggravated murder is the only capital felony in Utah (and means he can be sentenced to death if found guilty). AA was charged with aggravated murder.

He also faces counts of aggravated kidnapping, obstruction of justice and desecration of a human body.

I'm not sure where your reference of 2nd degree murder coming from.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2019/07/11/mackenzie-lueck-ayoola-ajayi-utah-lyft-murder/

Responsible for the death, prosecutors allege, is the 31-year-old man who met Lueck at the park in the early-morning hours of June 17. Ayoola Ajayi, an information technology specialist, was held without bail last week and formally charged Wednesday with aggravated murder, aggravated kidnapping, desecration of a human body and obstruction of justice. The Salt Lake Legal Defender Association didn’t immediately return a request for comment.

Ajayi could face the death penalty if convicted. Sim Gill, Salt Lake County’s district attorney, said it was premature to discuss sentencing. “That is a possibility that is here,” he said at a Wednesday news conference.
^^bbm

 

[janewall]

Uugghh- defense is going to put this woman through the wringer imo. This is why people don’t report rape. Who needs that BS after the devastating nature of the initial crime. Frankly, I’m not sure why bother prosecuting the rape at this point- what he did to ML is unspeakable enough to put him away for life. Still don’t understand 2nd degree murder at this stage of the game- why is it not 1st? Anybody?

I think they're prosecuting the rape because the victim now wants it prosecuted, and they feel they have enough to do so and give her justice as well as adding to the mountain of charges and possible penalties AA has to face. She is a valuable corroborating voice in ML's case, but her case is distinct from ML's. Had circumstances been different and ML never been assaulted and murdered, this victim still could have come forward to make a complaint against AA. I suspect ML's case gave her not only confidence in coming forward, but also kindled her sense of utter outrage and terror that she also had been assaulted by this murderous scum – an outrage she may have repressed in the aftermath of her own ordeal, trying to just forget about it or move on. Survivor's guilt also could play a pivotal role in her insistence on speaking out now, as she realizes he easily could have killed her as well. I hope she finds great healing in confronting him with what he's done and helping to put him away.

 

[Kittybunny]

I think they're prosecuting the rape because the victim now wants it prosecuted, and they feel they have enough to do so and give her justice as well as adding to the mountain of charges and possible penalties AA has to face. She is a valuable corroborating voice in ML's case, but her case is distinct from ML's. Had circumstances been different and ML never been assaulted and murdered, this victim still could have come forward to make a complaint against AA. I suspect ML's case gave her not only confidence in coming forward, but also kindled her sense of utter outrage and terror that she also had been assaulted by this murderous scum – an outrage she may have repressed in the aftermath of her own ordeal, trying to just forget about it or move on. Survivor's guilt also could play a pivotal role in her insistence on speaking out now, as she realizes he easily could have killed her as well. I hope she finds great healing in confronting him with what he's done and helping to put him away.

What an insightful post. Thank you.

 

[Emi]

So a week from today aka Monday is the hearing for the Kenzie case.

 

[kiaatcher]

I haven't thought about this case in a while. However, in class today we watched an interpretation of a play and it involved necklacing. The initial emotions surrounding the case, when we were listening to the scanners and the horrific details were revealed, have been building up all day. I just need to vent about it with others who understand the case before I burst.

I just can't even wrap my head around the aspects of the case. How the neighbors never reported the foul smell, how he was able to burn her without being caught, how he abused so many women an never. got. caught.
The last I read on the case was when he was being charged with CP. Has there been anything since then that I should know about?

 

[TristanP]

I am guessing or hoping she wanted to add what she could to his charges and help out? Now that he is looked at and known as a lowlife murderer? The more charges the better imo.

However, I agree, they will likely put her through the wringer but that can backfire too.

It is still 2nd degree?

The man who killed his wife and 4 children (two his, all hers) is still at 2nd degree for just the wife but it is figured that will change in time and charges will also come for the children. I gather due to time and GJ in Florida.

Let's hope this murder charge here changes too. Even without that though, I would guess and hope he will see life at minimum?

Jmo.

ETA: Meaning in my first paragraph that she is braver because others know what he is/was as does LE. She hopefully will have some good support behind her and not just he said/she said. I hope.

I’m no lawyer, but my guess is that the evidence they have shows she willingly met up with him and any of their texts show normal conversation arranging to meet when she got back to town. If they go for 1st degree they may not be able to prove it, so 2nd degree is safer because he may try to say it was an accident during rough consensual sex, which might be enough to raise reasonable doubt with a jury.

Even if he is only convicted of 2nd degree murder, this man will never walk free again. Too much against him.