Trials & Sentencings set to begin JULY, 2020

[Niner]

Here are the trials & sentencings for the week of Wednesday, July 1st thru Friday, July 3rd:

Wednesday, July 1st:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am MT) –CO - Helene Pruszynski (21) (found Jan. 6, 1980 in a field near Daniels Park Rd, Castle Rock) - *James Curtis Clanton (aka Curtis Allen White & James Alan White) (22 @ time of crime/63) arrested & charged (12/9/19) with 1st degree murder & kidnapping.
GEDMatch DNA Parabon Nanolabs match
Clanton was convicted in 1975 of raping a woman at knifepoint in her Arkansas home. He forced the woman to drive him to a bus stop in Little Rock & then let her go; she went to police & he was arrested at the bus stop within the hour, according to the affidavit. Although Clanton was sentenced to 30 years in prison, with 10 years suspended, he was released on parole after just four years.
12/16/19 Update: He appeared in court Monday (12/16/19) for his first appearance & is scheduled to return on Feb. 21 for preliminary hearing.
2/21/20 Update: Clanton plead guilty Friday to a charge of first-degree murder in the death of Helene. Three other counts of murder and a kidnapping charge were dismissed in the plea. Sentencing is scheduled on 4/10/20. 4/3/20: Sentencing has been rescheduled for 7/1.
7/1/20 Update: Douglas County Judge Theresa Slade sentenced Clanton to a life sentence with the possibility of parole.

Thursday, July 2nd:
*Sentencing Hearing (Federal Charges) (@ 2:30pm ET) – VT - *David J. Hughes (37) - U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont had Hughes arrested (12/27/18), charged (1/3/19), indicted & arraigned (1/10/19) with 1 count of production of child *advertiser censored* & 1 count of possession of child *advertiser censored* (Federal charges). Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Hughes was arrested & made his initial appearance to answer the complaint in federal court on 12/27/18. At the Jan. 2, 2019 hearing on the government’s motion for pretrial detention, U.S. Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy granted the motion & ordered Hughes detained without bail pending trial.
Court information from 1/2/19 thru 12/5/19 reference post #820 here:

1/3/20: Order #44 Motion denying request for an evidentiary Franks hearing & taking under advisement #34 Motion to Suppress Evidence & Statements as to Hughes. 2/11/20: Plea Agreement as to Hughes. 2/18/20: Notice of hearing: Change of Plea Hearing set for 3/4/20 @ 2:30pm in Rutland Courtroom before Chief Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford.
3/4/20 Update: Hughes agreed to plead guilty to the count of child *advertiser censored*. According to a plea agreement filed in the case, Hughes & the government have agreed to a sentence of 96 months (8 years) with a minimum term of five years of supervision after his release. As part of the agreement reached on Wednesday, Hughes must plead guilty to the Rutland County charges before his sentencing in federal court which is scheduled for July 2. Hughes had been expected to change his plea on March 9 but the local agreement is still being worked out. Any sentence from the state is expected to be served at the same time as the federal prison sentence.
*(State Charges) charged & arraigned (12/21/18) on 1 count of aggravated sexual assault of a victim less than 13 yrs old (Felony 1) & 1 count of lewd & lascivious conduct with a child (Felony 3). Hughes pleaded not guilty to both charges prior to his arrest on federal charges. Plead not guilty. Unsecured $5K appearance bond. Released. Rebooked on 12/27/18; in Federal custody. Rutland County
Bond restrictions & trial information reference post #746 here:

Status hearing for State charges on 1/14/19. Federal charges will take precedence over State charges. State: Status conferencing hearing on 3/9/20 @ 4pm. 3/9/20: Status hearing change to Change of Plea hearing rescheduled for 4/7 @ 1pm. 4/3/20: Plea hearing on 4/7 has been moved to 6/2/20 due to coronavirus. No update as of 7/2/20.

*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9:30am PT) – CA – Noah McIntosh (8) (last seen about Feb. 24, 2019, reported missing Mar. 12, 2019, Corona; not found yet) – for *Jillian Marie Godfrey (36/now 37) “mother” arrested (3/13/19), charged (3/15/19) & arraigned (4/15/19) with felony willful child cruelty (endangerment). Plead not guilty. $500K bond.
Godfrey says 3/2/19 is the last time she saw Noah. 11 yr. old daughter in CPS custody.
Court info from 3/15/19 thru 9/27/19 reference post #927 here:
CA - CA - Noah McIntosh, 8, Corona, early March 2019 *parents arrested*
10/24/19 Update: Next hearing on 11/15. 11/15/19: Next hearing on 12/18. 12/19/19: Godfrey plead guilty to 2 counts of child cruelty/endangerment, plea deal has been sealed. Sentencing hearing on 4/3/20.
4/3/20 Update: Due to coronavirus sentencing hearing has been continued. Will be after April 17th per court site. Rescheduled for 6/2. 6/2/20 Update: Sentencing was rescheduled to 7/2/20. And tomorrow 7/3 is her 38th birthday! Let's hope she gets a nice long stay in prison!!
*Bryce Daniel McIntosh (32/now 33) “father” – Had Pretrial hearing on 7/6/20.

 

[Niner]

Thursday, July 2nd:
*Sentencing Hearing-RESCHEDULED! (@ 9:30am PT) – CA – Noah McIntosh (8) (last seen about Feb. 24, 2019, reported missing Mar. 12, 2019, Corona; not found yet) – for *Jillian Marie Godfrey (36/now 38) “mother” arrested (3/13/19), charged (3/15/19) & arraigned (4/15/19) with felony willful child cruelty (endangerment). Plead not guilty. $500K bond.
Godfrey says 3/2/19 is the last time she saw Noah. 11 yr. old daughter in CPS custody.
Court info from 3/15/19 thru 9/27/19 reference post #927 here:
CA - CA - Noah McIntosh, 8, Corona, early March 2019 *parents arrested*
10/24/19 Update: Next hearing on 11/15. 11/15/19: Next hearing on 12/18. 12/19/19: Godfrey plead guilty to 2 counts of child cruelty/endangerment, plea deal has been sealed. Sentencing hearing on 4/3/20.
4/3/20 Update: Due to coronavirus sentencing hearing has been continued. Will be after April 17th per court site. Rescheduled for 6/2. 6/2/20 Update: Sentencing was rescheduled to 7/2/20. And tomorrow 7/3 is her 38th birthday!
7/2/20 Update: Sentencing might have been rescheduled to 10/15/20.
*Bryce Daniel McIntosh (32/now 33) “father” – Had Pretrial hearing on 7/6/20.

 

[Niner]

For week of Monday, July 6th thru Friday, July 10th. These are still on the court sites that I could access.

Tuesday, July 7th:
*Sentencing Hearing (Federal Fraud Case) (@ 9:15am ET) – NY – Selena Hidalgo-Calderon (18) (May 16, 2018, Sodus; found deceased May 23, 2018) & Owen Hidalgo-Calderon (14 mos.) (May 16, 2018, Sodus; found Oct. 10, 2018) – *Everardo Donoteo-Reyes aka Alberto Ebarado Gutierrez-Reyes (25/now 27) (BF) – arrested & charged (5/24/18) with tampering with physical evidence (Class E felony) & indicted & charged (12/17/18) with 2 counts of 2nd degree murder. Plead not guilty. No bond.
Trial was set to begin 9/16/19 pled guilty instead. Sentenced to 20 years in prison with a 5 year post-release supervision. Waived all rights to appeal as part of his plea resolution. Pled down to 2 counts of 1st degree manslaughter. Those sentences will run concurrently.
*Federal Indictment (1/10/19) charged & arraigned (1/15/19 with fraud & misuse of a permanent alien card, fraud & misuse of a Social Security card, & unlawful re-entry by a removed alien.
11/7/19 Update: Donoteo-Reyes is still awaiting sentencing on two immigration-related federal charges. He pleaded guilty to fraud and misuse of visas and unlawful re-entry by a deported alien, federal records show. He is scheduled to be sentenced at 9:15 a.m. Dec. 16 by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa. Donoteo-Reyes will be deported after serving his sentence.
2/28/20: Reyes plead guilty to having a counterfeit social security card and coming back into the country illegally after getting deported. Faces up to 10 years in prison on the federal charges. Sentencing was supposed to be on 3/17, but due to the coronavirus has been rescheduled to 4/21/20.
4/7/20 Update: Motion to Withdraw Plea of Guilty; Docket Text: MOTION to Withdraw Plea of Guilty, MOTION to Dismiss by Everardo Donoteo-Reyes.
“Filed & Entered: 04/17/2020: Terminate Hearings: Docket Text: TEXT ORDER as to Everardo Donoteo-Reyes granting defendant's request for adjournment. Sentencing reset for 6/23/2020 09:15 AM before Hon. Charles J. Siragusa.
Filed & Entered: 04/17/2020: Order: Docket Text: Speedy trial order & interstate agreement on detainers exclusion order, order continue - Ends of Justice as to Everardo Donoteo-Reyes. Time excluded from 4/21/20 until 6/23/20.
6/23/20 Update: Judge postpones sentencing in this matter & to be adjourned until July 7, 2020 so that the defendant can determine whether to persist in his motion to withdraw his plea.

*Trial set to begin for both (@ 9am PT) – CA – Fabio Sementilli (49) (Jan. 23, 2017, Los Angeles) – *Monica Sonia Crescentini Sementilli (45/now 47) (wife) arrested (June, 2017) & indicted (8/7/17) with capital murder with special circumstances of murder for financial gain & conspiracy to commit murder. Plead not guilty. DA will not seek DP.
*Robert Baker (55/now 57) (wife’s BF) charged & indicted (8/7/17) with capital murder & conspiracy to commit murder. Plead not guilty.
Trial set to begin on 7/7/20. Still on court site 7/4

Wednesday, July 8th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ am CT) – KS – Tamara Loraine Tucker (50) (Jan. 19, 2018, on Cruise ship) - *Eric Duane Newman (53/now 54) arrested, arraigned & indicted (9/6/18) by DOJ with 2nd degree murder. Plead not guilty. Free on $50K bond (9/18/18).
Fell from her balcony to several decks below on a Carnival cruise ship (celebrating her 50th birthday). Was previous arrested for domestic battery & criminal damage to property in Shawnee County.
Court info from 9/18/18 thru 9/27/19 reference post #44 here:
Kansas husband accused of killing wife, Tamara Tucker, 50, on cruise ship, 19 Jan 2018
10/30/19 Update: No info on evidentiary hearing yet. Next status conference hearing on 12/10. 12/10/19: Next Plea hearing on 12/18/19.
12/18/19 Update: Plead guilty to 2nd degree murder with malice aforethought. He faces a 12-year prison term followed by five years of probation. Sentencing is on 3/18/20.
3/18/20 Update: Due to coronavirus sentencing hearing has been cancelled. Sentencing rescheduled for 6/5. 6/5/20 Update: Sentencing was rescheduled for 7/8/20.

*Trial set to restart (@ 9am PT) – CA – Denise Lampe (19) (April 1, 1976, Daly City) – *Leon Melvin Seymour (30 @ time of crime/72/now 73) charged (11/16/18) & arraigned (12/18/18) with 1st degree murder with use of deadly weapon, 1 count of attempt or use of deadly weapon, 1 count of torture & 1 count to 2 prior offenses (enhancement). Plead not guilty. $10M bond. No bond (12/14/18).
Is being housed at Coalinga State Hospital as a sexually violent predator for other kidnappings & sexually assaults going back decades. DNA match.
Trial began on 3/2/20. Put on hold 3/16/20 due to coronavirus. Restart on 7/8/20. Court dark on Fridays. Still on court site 7/4.

 

[Niner]

Monday, July 6th:
*Jury Selection set to begin-RESCHEDULED! (re murder) (@ 9am ET) - FL - Naomi Jones (12) (May 31, 2017, Pensacola; found June 4, 2017) - *Robert LeTroy Howard (38/now 40) arrested & charged (6/8/17) & indicted (6/30/17) for 1st degree murder, kidnapping, false imprisonment, exploitation of a child & failure to register as SO. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA will not seek DP.
Jury selection was set to begin on 7/6/20-continued to 7/20/20.
Court info from 6/15/18 thru 3/9/20 reference post #478 here:
Found Deceased - FL - Naomi Jones, 12, Pensacola, 31 May 2017 *Arrest*
3/13/20 Update: Jury selection begins on 3/16.
3/16/20 Update: Trial has been moved to 3/30/20. 3/28/20 Update: Trial will now start on 4/20. 4/6/20: Trial has been postponed due to coronavirus – and rescheduled for 6/1/20. 5/31/20 Update: No longer on jail site for trial date as of 6/1/20.
Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Canady on Monday, 4/6/20 extended a suspension of jury trials and many other in-person court proceedings through May. The order extended the suspension of criminal and civil jury trials, jury selection and grand-jury proceedings through May 29.
6/1/20 Update: Jury trial has been cancelled. Next jury selection on 7/6/20. 7/4/20 Update: No longer lists date in jail site.
7/6/20 Update: Jury selection has been rescheduled to 7/20/20.
*Charged (6/8/17) with sex offender violation. $600K bond.
A convicted sex offender, Howard served 15 years in prison for two counts of sexual assault & rape after a 1999 conviction in Escambia County, Alabama.
3/4/20 Update: Sex Offender violation next hearing on 3/9. 3/9/20 Update: Next pretrial hearing on 4/29/20. 4/29/20: Next pretrial hearing on 6/24. 6/14/20 Update: Pretrial hearing for 6/24 has been rescheduled to 8/19/20.

 

[Niner]

Update:
Wednesday, July 8th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ am CT) – KS – Tamara Loraine Tucker (50) (Jan. 19, 2018, on Cruise ship) - *Eric Duane Newman (53/now 54) arrested, arraigned & indicted (9/6/18) by DOJ with 2nd degree murder. Plead not guilty. Free on $50K bond (9/18/18).
Fell from her balcony to several decks below on a Carnival cruise ship (celebrating her 50th birthday). Was previous arrested for domestic battery & criminal damage to property in Shawnee County.
Court info from 9/18/18 thru 9/27/19 reference post #44 here:
Kansas husband accused of killing wife, Tamara Tucker, 50, on cruise ship, 19 Jan 2018
10/30/19 Update: No info on evidentiary hearing yet. Next status conference hearing on 12/10. 12/10/19: Next Plea hearing on 12/18/19.
12/18/19 Update: Plead guilty to 2nd degree murder with malice aforethought. He faces a 12-year prison term followed by five years of probation. Sentencing is on 3/18/20.
3/18/20 Update: Due to coronavirus sentencing hearing has been cancelled. Sentencing rescheduled for 6/5. 6/5/20 Update: Sentencing was rescheduled for 7/8/20.
7/8/20 Update: Sentenced to 12 years in federal prison & 5 years of supervised release.

 

[Niner]

Trials & Sentencings for week of Monday, July 13th thru Friday, July 17th.

Monday, July 13th:
*Trial set to begin-RESCHEDULED! (re Nicole’s case) (@ 10am CT) – IN – Nicole Lynn Bowen (30) (missing March, 29, 2019, Jefferson Township, Newton County, found March 30, 2019) - for *Garrett Kenneth Kirts (21/now 22) arrested (4/1/19) & charged (3/28/19) with murder, resisting LE & criminal recklessness. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA will seek life without parole.
Trial was set to begin on 7/13/20 continued to 9/28/20.
4/2/19: Warrant or Writ of Attachment for the Body of a Person Issued. Possible plea deal with a 45 year sentence. Trial set on 7/13/20.
6/29/20 Update: Motion for trial continuance-granted. Trial will now begin on 9/28/20.
*Charged (1/20/19) with strangulation & domestic battery. Carrol County
Trial set to begin on 8/24/20
12/5/19: Motion for continuance of trial-granted (was scheduled for 9/23/19). Status hearing from 1/25/19 continued on 2/3/20 @ 9am. 2/3/20: Next final pretrial hearing on 2/27 & trial set to for 3/2/20.
3/2/20 Update: Motion for trial continuance-granted. Final pretrial hearing on 8/18 & trial will begin on 8/24.
*Charged (2/21/19) with 2 counts of invasion of privacy. Violates an order issued under I.C. 35-33-8-3.2. No plea entered. Carrol County
Trial set to begin on 8/24/20
1/28/19 Update: Initial hearing on 2/3/20 @ 9am, pretrial hearing & trial on 2/17/20. 2/3/20: Trial has been delayed. Next final pretrial hearing on 2/27, trial is set for 3/2/20.
3/2/20 Update: Motion for trial continuance-granted on Carroll cases. Final pretrial hearing on 8/18 & trial will begin on 8/24.
*Charged (2/20/19) with theft where value of property is between $750 to $50K. Tippercanoe County
4/1/19 Update: Initial hearing on 4/1/19 & issued arrest warrant. 3/7/19: Probable cause found to head for trial. No update as of 7/111/20.
*Charged (4/5/19) Charged Assisting a criminal (same as 3901), but the criminal assisted committed murder (F5). Newton Superior Court
This case ^^ was resolved-Dismissed without prejudice.
*Ashley N. Garth (26) – 6/18/20: Plead guilty, sentencing set for 10/21/20.
*Christopher Channing Mathis (27) – Plea agreement sentencing hearing on 10/23/20.
*Talitha Ann Beckley (36) – Trial set to begin 8/24/20.
*Jasmine Nicole Parker (34) – 10/8/19: Plead guilty. According to the plea agreement, Parker also will serve four years in prison for being a habitual offender, based on felony convictions in 2018 for unlawful possession of a syringe in Jasper County and in 2004 for burglary in Tippecanoe County.

*Trial set to begin-CONTINUED! (@ 8:30am ET) – OH – Brantley Santiago (3 yrs) (April, 2018, Orwell) – for *Samantha M. Olah (26/now 27) indicted (11/28/18), charged (12/4/18) & arraigned (12/6/18) with 2 counts of murder, 2 counts of involuntary manslaughter, 1 count of felonious assault, 1 count of 2nd degree endangerment of children & 1 count of 3rd degree endangering children. Plead not guilty. $100K cash or surety bond. Bond reduced (12/14/18) to $25K. Out on bond.
Trial was set to begin on 7/13/20 was continued. No further dates set.
1/13/20 Update: Trial has been continued to 7/13/20 from 1/13/20.
6/22/20: Defense motion for trial continuance-granted on 6/25/20. Jury trial set on 7/13/20 is continued & will be rescheduled by separate judgement entry. The Defense shall contact Dr. Ophoven to verify her next available dates to be present for testimony & notify the court immediately thereafter. No court date set as of 7/11/20.
*Valorie D. Olah (57/now 58) indicted (11/28/18), charged (12/4/18) & arraigned (12/6/18) with 2 counts of capital murder, 2 counts of involuntary manslaughter, 1 count of felonious assault, 1 count of 2nd degree endangerment of children & 1 count of 3rd degree endangering children. Plead not guilty. $100K cash or surety bond.
Trial set to begin on 12/7/20.
*Beverly J. Santiago (35/now 36) “mom” 12/7/19: Plead guilty to endangering child & manslaughter charges were dismissed & will be sentenced after other trials.

Thursday, July 16th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am CT) – IL – Andrew “AJ” Freund, Jr. (5) (reported missing April 17, 2018, Crystal Lake; found buried in shallow grave on April 24, 2019, near Woodstock) – for *JoAnn D. Cunningham (35) “mom” arrested (4/24/19), charged (4/25/19), indicted (5/9/19) & arraigned (5/10/19) with 5 counts of 1st degree murder, 4 counts of aggravated battery of child, 2 count of aggravated domestic battery, 2 counts of concealment of homicidal death, 1 count of failure to report death of child, 1 count of abuse of corpse, 1 count of obstruction of justice, 2 counts of unlawful restraint, 1 count of circumstance of endangerment/death & 1 count of causing child to be endangered. Plead not guilty. $5M bond.
Plead guilty on 12/5/19. Sentencing on 7/16.
Court hearing from 4/25/19 thru 3/19/20 reference post #710 here:
Found Deceased - IL - Andrew Freund, 5, Crystal Lake, 17 April 2019 *mother & bf arrested* - #5
4/1/20 Update: Due to coronavirus Status hearing on 4/16 & sentencing hearing on 4/30 are cancelled. Next Status hearing on 5/28 & sentencing will be on 7/16. 5/28/20 Update: Status hearing was continued to 6/11/20.
6/11/20 Update: Cunningham made statements during a psychological evaluation that could be helpful to the boy's father's defense, prosecutors said. Attorneys met Thursday morning for a brief status hearing on the criminal case against Cunningham. Over the objection of Cunningham's attorney, McHenry County Judge Robert Wilbrandt granted prosecutors' request to share the possible exculpatory statements with the attorney who represents AJ's father, Freund Sr.Those statements will be shielded from public viewing under a court order, Wilbrandt said. Motions hearing on 7/14/20. Next sentencing on 7/16/20.

*Andrew T. Freund, Sr. (60) – Next Trial Status hearing to set trial date on 7/30/20. Waived his right to jury trial wants bench trial.

*Sentencing Hearing for both (@ 8:30am PT) - CA – Jacob “Cheddar” Sutton-Bubeck (26) (last seen Jan. 25, 2018, reported missing Feb. 10, 2018, last seen Jan. 25, 2018, found Nov. 24, 2018, Modesto) – *Rebecca Marie Garcia (44/now 45) arrested (11/30/18) & arraigned (12/4/18) for murder & conspiracy to commit murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
*Robert “Animal” Wisswell (53/now 54) arrested (11/30/18) & arraigned (12/4/18) for murder & conspiracy to commit murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Court info from 12/4/18 thru 5/22/20 reference post #104 here:
CA - Jacob Sutton-Bubeck, 26, remains found buried, Modesto, 24 Nov 2018 *Arrest*
6/26/20 Update: The hearing was continued on a party’s motion to next week 7/2/20 at 8:30am.
7/2/20 Update: Wisswell pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter on 7/2 & he admitted to the enhancement. He will be sentenced on 7/16/20 at 8:30am & Garcia pled nolo contenderé to accessory after the fact and will also be sentenced on same day.

Friday, July 17th:
*Report & Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am PT) – CA – Nia Wilson (18) (July 22, 2018, MacArthur BART Station, Oakland; her sister Letifah (26) was injured) – *John Lee Cowell (27/now 28) arrested (7/23/18) & charged (7/25/18) with murder & attempted murder with special allegations of using a deadly weapon on each charge. Plead not guilty by reason of insanity. No bond. DA will not seek DP.
Trial began on 1/15/20 with jury selection. Trial started on 2/5/20 and ended on 3/10/20 with a guilty verdict. Sanity Phase started on 3/11/20 and ended on 3/16/20 with the Judge declaring Cowell sane.
Court hearings & trial (Days 1 to 13) info from 7/25/18 thru 3/10/20 & Sanity Phase (Day 1 to 2) 3/11/20 to 3/12/20 reference post #112 here:
CA - Oakland, Nia Wilson stabbed to death on BART, sister injured, 22 Jul 2018 *Arrest*
3/13/20 Friday Day 3 of Sanity Phase: Jury continued deliberations. No verdict yet. Continued to 3/16.
3/16/20 Monday Day 4 of Sanity Phase: The judge overseeing the Nia Wilson murder trial took an extraordinary step Monday by halting what would have been the third day of jury deliberations and rendering a verdict himself: John Lee Cowell was sane when he fatally stabbed the 18-year-old woman at an Oakland BART station in 2018. Judge Allan Hymer’s verdict was announced in a closed Alameda County courtroom a day after Gov. Gavin Newsom directed people 65 and older to isolate themselves at home due to the coronavirus pandemic. Several of the 12 jurors — as well as Hymer — are over 65. Cowell will face mandatory life in prison without parole, Ford said. His sentencing is scheduled for April 14. Sentencing was cancelled due to COVID-19.
5/28/20 Update: Sentencing now scheduled for 6/5/20 will be via livestream. 6/5/20 Update: Sentencing has been rescheduled to 7/17/20.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Monday, July 13th:
*Sentencing/Negotiations Hearing (Sexual assault) (@ 7:30am PT) – NV/IL - Alysha Quate (6) (Early June, 2015, Centreville; found June 6, 2017) - *Jason Scott Quate (34/now 37), “father” arrested (6/6/17) in Las Vegas & indicted (12/15/17) on 44 counts. Police charged him with sex-trafficking of an adult, accepting and receiving the earnings of a prostitute. Counts dismissed on 12/14/17: five counts of sexual assault against a child younger than 14, 21 counts of lewdness with a child younger than 14, one count of committing open or gross lewdness with a child younger than 18, and six counts of child abuse and neglect, two alleging severe mental or bodily harm, and possessing child *advertiser censored*. Plead not guilty. No bond. On fugitive hold.
Trial was set to begin on March 2, 2020-cancelled as he plead guilty on 3/12/20.
Court info from 9/6/18 thru 6/1/20 reference post #193 here:
GUILTY - IL - Alysha Quate, 6, body hidden in garage, Centreville, 2013
6/10/20 Update: Hearing held, defendant not present. Charges for case #C-17-328542-1 have been dismissed. Negotiations hearing continued to 7/7/20 for sex trafficking charges & possess of *advertiser censored* on 7/21/20 @ 8am.
6/17/20: Negotiations continuing-possible dismissal of these charges; oral motion: defense motion for O/R release is granted; no objection by the State. Released own recognizance. 7/7/20: Sex trafficking: Continued negotiations; passed for status check on dismissal per negotiations. Next for Case #17F10214X 7/13/20 & case #17F10422X on 7/21/20.
7/13/20 Update: Quate was ordered to serve 28 years to life in prison for sexual assault of a minor and lewdness with a child. He pleaded guilty in March after striking a deal with prosecutors. Next Case #17F10422X possession of *advertiser censored* on 7/21/20.
IL – 9/6/18 DA charged Jason Quate with 1st degree murder charge & 3rd degree concealing a homicidal death. $1M Bail. St. Clair County
Put on hold until Nevada case is finished.
IL - Elizabeth Odell-Quate (35) “mother” was extradited to Illinois & charged & indicted (1/27/18) on murder with concealing a death Class 3 Felony & forgery Class C Felony. Original bond $750K, reduced on 11/20/17 to $30K, out on bond.
9/18/18 Update: Plead guilty to concealing a death & forgery charges. Took plea deal, plea of guilty of murder & also violation of probation hearing. 8/26/19: Admitted killing Alysha, plead guilty to concealing a body. Sentenced to 2 ½ years in prison.

 

[Niner]

Even though this was not a sentencing hearing - he plead guilty & was sentenced.

*Arraignment Hearing (@ 10:30am CT) - OK – Danny (40) & Kathy Freeman (37), their daughter Ashley (16) & her friend Lauria Bible (16) (Dec. 29-30, 1999, Welch; girls have not been found) - *Ronnie Dean Busick (37 @ time of crime/68/now 69) was arrested (4/22/18) & official charged (4/30/18) with 2 counts of first-degree murder with malice aforethought or accessory to 1st degree murder, 2 additional counts of 1st degree murder, 2 counts of kidnapping, and 1 count of first-degree arson or accessory to 1st degree arson. $1M bond.
Two other men, Warren Philip "Phil" Welch II (61) died in 2007 & David A. Pennington (56) died in 2015, are implicated in the deaths but have themselves died.
Jury Trial began on 12/13/19 re competency. Jury: 3 men & 3 women, with 2 alternates. 12/18/19: Found Busick competent to stand trial.
Court info from 5/11/18 thru 4/7/20 reference post #43 here:
Still Missing - OK - Lauria Bible, 16, & Ashley Freeman, 16, Welch, 30 December 1999 *ARREST* #2
6/22/20 Update: Busick waved his rights to a preliminary hearing today. A plea agreement may be pending. He’s scheduled to be back in court for arraignment July 15th, when he may enter a plea to accessory to murder. A representative with the District Attorney’s Office says as part of the deal, Busick will have to provide details leading to the whereabouts of Lauria & Ashley. It’s unclear how much prison time he will serve in exchange for that information. If that happens, could have sentencing in late August.
7/15/20 Update: Busick plead guilty in Craig County District Court in Vinita to accessory to murder; remaining charges were dropped per the agreement and was sentenced to 15 years, serving 10 years in Oklahoma Dept. of Corrections custody & five years under supervised release. An alternative sentence would leave Busick serving five years in prison if information he provides leads to the recovery of Ashley's & Lauria's remains. He would also serve five years of supervised release.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Friday, July 17th:
*Sentencing Decision Hearing (@ 1:30pm CT) – IL – Andrew “AJ” Freund, Jr. (5) (reported missing April 17, 2018, Crystal Lake; found buried in shallow grave on April 24, 2019, near Woodstock) – for *JoAnn D. Cunningham (35) “mom” arrested (4/24/19), charged (4/25/19), indicted (5/9/19) & arraigned (5/10/19) with 5 counts of 1st degree murder, 4 counts of aggravated battery of child, 2 count of aggravated domestic battery, 2 counts of concealment of homicidal death, 1 count of failure to report death of child, 1 count of abuse of corpse, 1 count of obstruction of justice, 2 counts of unlawful restraint, 1 count of circumstance of endangerment/death & 1 count of causing child to be endangered. Plead not guilty. $5M bond.
Plead guilty on 12/5/19. Sentencing on 7/16.
Court hearing from 4/25/19 thru 6/11/20 reference post #722 here:
Found Deceased - IL - Andrew Freund, 5, Crystal Lake, 17 April 2019 *mother & bf arrested* - #5
7/14/20 Update: Pending motions allowed in part. Next sentencing on 7/16/20.
7/16/20 Update: Sentencing hearing held. A series of video tapes were played in court where Cunningham is heard interrogating her son about who he would run to tell about any abuse. At one point, his little voice replied the devil. The recording was made by Cunningham just days before he was killed. Court also listened to a recording of Cunningham berating A.J. She did address the court tearfully. Cunningham faces 20-60 years in prison and prosecutors are seeking the maximum. She is next due in court at 1:30 pm Friday, 7/17/20 for Judge's decision.
*Andrew T. Freund, Sr. (60) – Next Trial Status hearing to set trial date on 7/30/20. Waived his right to jury trial wants bench trial.

 

[Niner]

Update!

*Sentencing Decision Hearing (@ 1:30pm CT) – IL – Andrew “AJ” Freund, Jr. (5) (reported missing April 17, 2018, Crystal Lake; found buried in shallow grave on April 24, 2019, near Woodstock) – for *JoAnn D. Cunningham (35) “mom” arrested (4/24/19), charged (4/25/19), indicted (5/9/19) & arraigned (5/10/19) with 5 counts of 1st degree murder, 4 counts of aggravated battery of child, 2 count of aggravated domestic battery, 2 counts of concealment of homicidal death, 1 count of failure to report death of child, 1 count of abuse of corpse, 1 count of obstruction of justice, 2 counts of unlawful restraint, 1 count of circumstance of endangerment/death & 1 count of causing child to be endangered. Plead not guilty. $5M bond.
Plead guilty on 12/5/19. Sentencing on 7/17.
Court hearing from 4/25/19 thru 6/11/20 reference post #722 here:
Found Deceased - IL - Andrew Freund, 5, Crystal Lake, 17 April 2019 *mother & bf arrested* - #5
7/14/20 Update: Pending motions allowed in part. Next sentencing on 7/16/20.
7/16/20 Update: Sentencing hearing held. A series of video tapes were played in court where Cunningham is heard interrogating her son about who he would run to tell about any abuse. At one point, his little voice replied the devil. The recording was made by Cunningham just days before he was killed. Court also listened to a recording of Cunningham berating A.J. She did address the court tearfully. Cunningham faces 20-60 years in prison and prosecutors are seeking the maximum. She is next due in court at 1:30 pm Friday, 7/17/20 for Judge's decision.
7/17/20 Update: Cunningham is sentenced to 35 years & will have to serve 100% of her sentence before she is eligible for release. If released at the age of 72, she would be required to register as a person who has committed violence against children & also she will need to serve an additional 3 years of mandatory supervised released.
*Andrew T. Freund, Sr. (60) – Next Trial Status hearing to set trial date on 7/30/20. Waived his right to jury trial wants bench trial.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Friday, July 17th:
*Report & Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am PT) – CA – Nia Wilson (18) (July 22, 2018, MacArthur BART Station, Oakland; her sister Letifah (26) was injured) – *John Lee Cowell (27/now 28) arrested (7/23/18) & charged (7/25/18) with murder & attempted murder with special allegations of using a deadly weapon on each charge. Plead not guilty by reason of insanity. No bond. DA will not seek DP.
Trial began on 1/15/20 with jury selection. Trial started on 2/5/20 and ended on 3/10/20 with a guilty verdict. Sanity Phase started on 3/11/20 and ended on 3/16/20 with the Judge declaring Cowell sane.
Court hearings & trial (Days 1 to 13) info from 7/25/18 thru 3/10/20 & Sanity Phase (Day 1 to 4) 3/11/20 to 3/16/20 & court info to 5/28/20 reference post #127 here:
CA - Oakland, Nia Wilson stabbed to death on BART, sister injured, 22 Jul 2018 *Arrest*
6/5/20 Update: Sentencing has been rescheduled to 7/17/20.
7/17/20 Update: Cowell has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

 

[Niner]

For the week of Monday, July 20th thru Friday, July 24th:

Monday, July 20th:
*Sentencing Hearing (Day 1 of 3) (@ 8:30am MT) – NM – Jeremiah Valencia (13) (missing mid-Nov. 2017, Nambe; found Jan. 28, 2018 in northern NM; been tortured for years; forced to live in dog kennel) – for *Jordan Anthony Nuñez (19/now 20) (Ferguson’s son) arrested & charged (1/29/18) & arraigned (4/23/18) with abuse of a child resulting in death (F1), 4 counts of tampering with evidence (F4) & obstructing report of child abuse/neglect (M). Charged & indicted (8/30/19) with 7 additional counts of child abuse. Charges (Counts 2 thru 7 & count 12) were dismissed on 10/15/19. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial was set to begin on 3/30/20 with jury selection, but has changed his plea on 3/20/20. Trial was cancelled.
Court information from 8/10/18 thru 3/18/20 reference post #86 here:
NM - Jeremiah Valencia, 13, beaten to death by mom's BF; body buried in plastic bin, Nov 2017
3/20/20 Update: Nunez plead guilty to recklessly permitting child abuse resulting in death & two counts of tampering with evidence. First Judicial District Judge Matthew Wilson told the court he expects a three-day sentencing hearing in June. Next status conference hearing on 6/3, sentencing will be from 6/10 thru 6/12/20.
6/3/20 Update: Status conference hearing was vacated. Next sentencing on 6/10 to 6/12/20. 6/10/20 Update: Sentencing hearing dates have been rescheduled to happen on 7/20 to 7/22/20.
*Tracy Ann Pena (35) “mom” - Plead guilty (11/28/18) to child abuse resulting in death. Also plead guilty to 3 counts of conspiracy to traffic a controlled substance, but the 9 year sentence was suspended. In plea deal she will receive 12 years in prison. Was to testify against Nunez.
*Thomas Wayne Ferguson (42) (mom’s BF) - Ferguson committed suicide in his jail cell, hanging by sheets, May 23, 2018-case dismissed.

*Trial set to begin (re Central County #SCD276248) (@ 9am PT) – CA – Omar Medina (38) (Sept. 30, 2017, Chula Vista Marina; reported missing Oct. 2, 2017, found Oct. 12, 2017 in 55 gal. drum in San Diego Bay) – for *Derrick Jefferson Spurgeon (38/now 40) arrested (12/13/17) & charged (1/5/18) with accessory after the fact to murder drove the boat). Plead not guilty. $500K bond.
Trial started on 10/22/19 (for Case #SC29718) Jury of 10 men, two women plus five alternate jurors. 12/5/19: Jurors deadlocked on verdict (10-2) for guilty.
Trial set to begin on 7/20/20 (Case #SCD276248)
Re-Trial set to begin on 9/28/20 (Case #SC297178 & CS306153).
5/1/20 Update: Case #CS297724 for Central County: Further proceedings hearing on 5/26/20. No further dates pending. 5/28/20 Update: Cases #s CS306153 & CS297178 scheduled on 5/28/20 for trial have been cancelled. Next Felony Readiness hearing on 9/1/20 & trial to start on 9/28/20.
*Timothy John Cook (52) – 12/5/19: Found guilty of 2nd degree murder. 1/6/20: sentenced to 56 years in prison.

Thursday, July 23rd:
*Evidentiary & Sentencing Hearing (Day 1 of 2) (@ 9am AKST) - AK - Kristy Manzanares (39) (July 25, 2017 on Alaskan cruise ship) - *Kenneth Ray Manzanares (39/now 41), (husband) charged (7/27/17) & indicted (8/17/17) on 1st degree Federal Murder. Plead not guilty on 8/23/17. DA will not seek DP.
Trial date was set for 10/23/17, was delayed on 9/18/17; new trial date is 11/5/18, was delayed to 5/20/19 & delayed to 9/9/19 which was vacated for change of plea.
Court info from 6/14/19 thru 2/4/20 reference post #632 here:
AK - Kristy Manzanares, 39, killed aboard Emerald Princess, Juneau, 25 July 2017 *husband arrested*
2/7/20 Update: Manzanares plead guilty on Friday to second-degree murder in the death of his wife during a cruise to Alaska in 2017. As stipulated by Assistant United States Attorney Jack S. Schmidt, the plea agreement is to a charge of murder in the second degree, with no guidelines for sentencing and waived the right to appeal his conviction but reserved the right to appeal the “reasonableness” of an eventual sentence. The case will now be submitted to court officers for a pre-sentencing report. Manzaneres' sentencing hearing is set for May 28 and 29. Manzanares faces up to life in prison, as well as up to five years of supervised release if he gets out of prison.
3/5/20 Update: Evidentiary & Sentencing hearing for 5/28 & 5/29 have been rescheduled for 7/23 & 7/24/20.

 

[Niner]

Update in red

*Trial set to begin-CONTINUED! (re Central County #SCD276248) (@ 9am PT) – CA – Omar Medina (38) (Sept. 30, 2017, Chula Vista Marina; reported missing Oct. 2, 2017, found Oct. 12, 2017 in 55 gal. drum in San Diego Bay) – for *Derrick Jefferson Spurgeon (38/now 40) arrested (12/13/17) & charged (1/5/18) with accessory after the fact to murder drove the boat). Plead not guilty. $500K bond.
Trial started on 10/22/19 (for Case #SC29718) Jury of 10 men, two women plus five alternate jurors. 12/5/19: Jurors deadlocked on verdict (10-2) for guilty.
Trial was set to begin on 7/20/20 (Case #SCD276248) continued to 8/21/20.
7/20/20 Update: Trial was continued due to COVID-19. Next further proceedings hearing on 8/14 & trial is set to begin on 8/21/20.
Re-Trial set to begin on 9/28/20 (Case #SC297178 & CS306153).
5/1/20 Update: Case #CS297724 for Central County: Further proceedings hearing on 5/26/20. No further dates pending. 5/28/20 Update: Cases #s CS306153 & CS297178 scheduled on 5/28/20 for trial have been cancelled. Next Felony Readiness hearing on 9/1/20 & trial to start on 9/28/20.
Trial set to begin on 3/25/21 (Case #CS297724)
7/20/20 Update: Case #CS297724 Central County: next felony readiness conference hearing on 1/26/21 & trial set to begin on 3/25/21.
*Timothy John Cook (52) – 12/5/19: Found guilty of 2nd degree murder. 1/6/20: sentenced to 56 years in prison.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Tuesday, July 7th:
*Sentencing Hearing (Federal Fraud Case) (@ 9:15am ET) – NY – Selena Hidalgo-Calderon (18) (May 16, 2018, Sodus; found deceased May 23, 2018) & Owen Hidalgo-Calderon (14 mos.) (May 16, 2018, Sodus; found Oct. 10, 2018) – *Everardo Donoteo-Reyes aka Alberto Ebarado Gutierrez-Reyes (25/now 27) (BF) – arrested & charged (5/24/18) with tampering with physical evidence (Class E felony) & indicted & charged (12/17/18) with 2 counts of 2nd degree murder. Plead not guilty. No bond.
Trial was set to begin 9/16/19 but plead guilty instead. Sentenced to 20 years in prison with a 5 year post-release supervision. Waived all rights to appeal as part of his plea resolution. Pled down to 2 counts of 1st degree manslaughter. Those sentences will run concurrently.
*Federal Indictment (1/10/19) charged & arraigned (1/15/19 with fraud & misuse of a permanent alien card, fraud & misuse of a Social Security card, & unlawful re-entry by a removed alien.
Court info from 117/19 thru 6/23/20 reference post #221 here:
Found Deceased - NY - Owen Hidalgo-Calderon, 14 mos, & Selena, 18, Sodus, 16 May 2018 *Arrest*
6/23/20 Update: Plead guilty to all charges on 2/28/20; then filed Motion to withdraw plea of guilty on 4/7/20. Judge postpones sentencing in this matter & to be adjourned until July 7, 2020 so that the defendant can determine whether to persist in his motion to withdraw his plea.
7/7/20 Update: Convicted of possession of a counterfeit social security card & alien registration card, as well as illegal re-entry after deportation. Sentenced to two & 1/2 years in prison. The defendant pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree manslaughter. In that case He was sentenced to 20 years in State Prison. Each sentence will run concurrently. He must serve both the state and federal sentences before he is turned over to ICE.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Thursday, July 23rd:
*Evidentiary & Sentencing Hearing (2 days)-RESCHEDULED! (@ 9am AKST) - AK - Kristy Manzanares (39) (July 25, 2017 on Alaskan cruise ship) - *Kenneth Ray Manzanares (39/now 41), (husband) charged (7/27/17) & indicted (8/17/17) on 1st degree Federal Murder. Plead not guilty on 8/23/17. DA will not seek DP.
Trial date was set for 10/23/17, was delayed on 9/18/17; new trial date is 11/5/18, was delayed to 5/20/19 & delayed to 9/9/19 which was vacated for change of plea.
Court info from 6/14/19 thru 2/4/20 reference post #632 here:
AK - Kristy Manzanares, 39, killed aboard Emerald Princess, Juneau, 25 July 2017 *husband arrested*
2/7/20 Update: Manzanares plead guilty on Friday to second-degree murder in the death of his wife during a cruise to Alaska in 2017. As stipulated by Assistant United States Attorney Jack S. Schmidt, the plea agreement is to a charge of murder in the second degree, with no guidelines for sentencing and waived the right to appeal his conviction but reserved the right to appeal the “reasonableness” of an eventual sentence. The case will now be submitted to court officers for a pre-sentencing report. Manzaneres' sentencing hearing is set for May 28 and 29. Manzanares faces up to life in prison, as well as up to five years of supervised release if he gets out of prison.
3/5/20 Update: Evidentiary & Sentencing hearing for 5/28 & 5/29 have been rescheduled for 7/23 & 7/24/20.
7/23/20 Update: Sentencing has been delayed until 9/11/20.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Thursday, July 16th:
*Sentencing Hearing for both (@ 8:30am PT) - CA – Jacob “Cheddar” Sutton-Bubeck (26) (last seen Jan. 25, 2018, reported missing Feb. 10, 2018, last seen Jan. 25, 2018, found Nov. 24, 2018, Modesto) – *Rebecca Marie Garcia (44/now 45) arrested (11/30/18) & arraigned (12/4/18) for murder & conspiracy to commit murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
*Robert “Animal” Wisswell (53/now 54) arrested (11/30/18) & arraigned (12/4/18) for murder & conspiracy to commit murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Court info from 12/4/18 thru 6/26/20 reference post #109 here:
CA - Jacob Sutton-Bubeck, 26, remains found buried, Modesto, 24 Nov 2018 *Arrest*
7/2/20 Update: Wisswell pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter on 7/2 & he admitted to the enhancement. He will be sentenced on 7/16/20 at 8:30am & Garcia pled nolo contenderé to accessory after the fact and will also be sentenced on same day.
7/16/20 Update: Wisswell was sentenced to 21 years for his guilty plea with 664 days credited for time served. Garcia was sentenced to 3 years for her plea with 3 years, 3 months & 5 days credited for time served. She was probably released that day. They were also each fined $370 in court fees.

 

[Niner]

Trials & sentencings for the week of Monday, August 3rd thru Friday, August 7th:

Monday, August 3rd:
*Re-Trial Set to Begin (@ 10:30am UK) – UK – Lindsay Birbeck (47) (from Huncoat; last seen ~ 2:30pm on Aug. 12, 2019 & walking towards Accrington on Burnley Road @ 4:06pm on CCTV; found Aug. 24, 2019 in the area of Accrington Cemetery on Burnley Road) - *16/now 17 year old arrested (8/27/19) on suspicion of murder & charged (8/31/19) with murder. Plead not guilty. Remanded to custody.
Re-Trial set to begin on 8/3/20 (should last 2 wks).
Previous trial info & other court info from 6/1/20 thru 7/21/20 reference post #52 here:
Found Deceased - UK - Lindsay Birbeck, 47, Accrington, 12 Aug 2019 *Arrest* #4
The re-trial, beginning on August 3, is expected to last for two weeks.

Tuesday, August 4th:
*Trial set to begin (@ 9:30am ET) - VA – Bellamy Malaki Gamboa (39) (last seen July 1, 2018, Virginia Beach; reported missing July 2, 2018, car found 7/4/18; she has not been found) – *Lamont Johnson (41/now 42) (ex-bf) arrested & charged (7/29/18) & arraigned (7/30/18) with 2nd degree murder & 4 counts of contribute to delinquent/abuse of child. Plead not guilty. No bond.
Trial set to begin on 8/4/20 with jury selection.

*Jury Selection & Trial set to begin (@ 9am ET) – GA – newborn found in freezer (born ~ 6/7-11; found 6/26/18) – *Carol June Sautter-Williams (45/now 47) arrested & charged (6/26/18), indicted (1/10/20) & arraigned (2/6/20) with felony concealing a death (felony) & making a false statement (felony). Plead not guilty. No bail. Judge grants bond @ $33,200 (8/29/18).
Trial set begin on 8/4/20.
Court info from 1/10/20 thru 4/1/20 reference post #59 here:
GA - Newborn baby's body found inside freezer, Cobb County, 25 Jun 2018 *Arrest*
4/13/20 Update: Jury selection on 4/13 & 4/20 have been cancelled due to coronavirus, as has the trial date of 4/30. Notice was sent for 4/13 & 4/20 hearings-cancelled. Trial will also probably be postponed. No further dates as of 4/30 on court site. 4/30/20 Update: Jury selection begins on 6/30/20 & trial follows.
6/30/20 Update: Trial was continued to 8/4/20.

Friday, August 7th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 1:30pm CT) – IA – Michelle Marie Martinko (18) (Dec. 19, 1979, Cedar Rapids, found Dec. 20, 1979 at Cedar Rapids Mall inside her family’s car) - *Jerry Lynn Burns (25 @ time of crime/64/now 66) arrested & charged (12/19/18) & arraigned (1/25/19) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. $5M Cash bond.
DNA Parabon Nanolabs DNA Phenotyping SnapShot/GEDMatch
Trial began on 2/10/20 with jury selection. Actual start of trial was 2/12/20. Trial has been moved from Linn County to Scott County. Jury: 9 women & 6 men. (3 alternates; 2/19/20: now 2 alternates, 1 juror got sick & was replaced). Jurors: 7 women & 5 men. Trial ended on 2/24/20 with a guilty verdict.
Jury selection & trial (Days 1 thru 8) info from 2/7/20 thru 2/21/20 reference post #193 here:
GUILTY - IA - Michelle Martinko, 18, stabbed to death, Cedar Rapids, 19 Dec 1979 *Arrest*
2/24/20 Monday Day 9: Judge Fae Hoover read jury instructions. The jury can consider the lesser charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter & involuntary manslaughter. Closing arguments: by First Assistant Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks. (Maybanks played portion of his interview in 12/19/18). Defense attorney Leon Spies (Spies also played a portion of the interview). Maybanks rebuttal arguments. The judge read some final instructions to the jury. Judge Hoover will now excuse two alternates who will not be deliberating. Two women are excused. This leaves 7 women and five men. The jury went out at 1:07 p.m. The jury has lunch waiting for them. Jurors deliberated for about two hours. The jury found him guilty of first-degree murder. Judge is polling the jurors. Burns will be held without bond. Sentencing is scheduled for 4/17/20.
3/25/20 Update: Due to coronavirus sentencing has been rescheduled on 6/19/20. 4/30/20 Update: Post trial extension motion-granted & extended to 6/1/20. Sentencing has been moved to 8/7.
5/29/20 Update: Defense files motion for new trial. Defense attorney Leon Spies claims Burns' constitutional & state rights were violated during the February trial. The state's search & seizure of Burns' & Burns' family members' DNA is a violation of the Fourth & 14th Amendments, according to the motion, and the court erred by not suppressing that evidence. The court also should have dismissed statements the defendant made while speaking with investigators after his arrest in December 2019. The deadline for responses from the state or a date for a hearing before a judge has not been set yet.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Monday, August 3rd:
*Sentencing Hearing-CONTINUED! (@ 9am ET) – FL – Nubia Barahona (10) (missing Feb. 11, 2011, W. Palm Beach, found Feb. 14, 2011 soaked with chemicals in the back of her father’s truck along side Interstate 95 in Palm Beach County), (Victor (10) injured; had acid thrown on him; he was released from hospital 3/2/11) – only for *Carmen V. Barahona (60/now 69) (adopted mom) arrested (2/12/11), charged (3/7/11) & indicted & arraigned (3/24/11) with 1st degree murder & 14 counts of aggravated child neglect/abuse. Plead not guilty. $1M bond.
2/21/20: Plead guilty to 1st degree murder & aggravated child abuse. Plea deal gives her a life prison sentence in exchange for testimony against her husband. Sentencing has been deferred until she testifies against her husband as agreed. If she fails in this agreement, she will be facing a sentencing hearing before a jury. Sentencing set for 8/3/20 @ 9am.
8/3/20 Update: Sentencing has been rescheduled for 10/8/20 @ 9am.
*Jorge L. Barahona (43/now 53) - Next Status hearing on 9/10/20.

 

[Niner]

Friday, August 7th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 1:30pm CT) – IA – Michelle Marie Martinko (18) (Dec. 19, 1979, Cedar Rapids, found Dec. 20, 1979 at Cedar Rapids Mall inside her family’s car) - *Jerry Lynn Burns (25 @ time of crime/64/now 66) arrested & charged (12/19/18) & arraigned (1/25/19) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. $5M Cash bond.
DNA Parabon Nanolabs DNA Phenotyping SnapShot/GEDMatch
Trial began on 2/10/20 with jury selection. Actual start of trial was 2/12/20. Trial has been moved from Linn County to Scott County. Jury: 9 women & 6 men. (3 alternates; 2/19/20: now 2 alternates, 1 juror got sick & was replaced). Jurors: 7 women & 5 men. Trial ended on 2/24/20 with a guilty verdict of first-degree murder.
Jury selection & trial (Days 1 thru 9) info from 2/7/20 thru 2/24/20 & court info to 6/24/20 reference post #223 here:
GUILTY - IA - Michelle Martinko, 18, stabbed to death, Cedar Rapids, 19 Dec 1979 *Arrest*
7/30/20: News media coordinator's request to livestream sentencing hearing-granted. Sentencing on 8/7/20.
8/7/20 Update: Burns’ attorney, Leon Spies, had filed a motion requesting a new trial. Spies claimed searches & seizures of Burns’ & his family members’ DNA done in the weeks before Burns’ arrest were unconstitutional. He also listed several other reasons, including false testimony from one of the State’s witnesses. District Judge Fae Hoover-Grinde denied the request after hearing from both sides on Friday. She then proceeded with handing Burns the mandatory life sentence, with no possibility of parole. He also has to pay $150,000 to Martinko’s estate. Burns will be held without bond. He has the right to appeal within 30 days.

 

[Niner]

Oops - just realized I had not made a August thread... gettin' old folks!