Trials & Sentencings set to begin in SEPTEMBER, 2020

[Niner]

For the week of Tuesday, September 1st thru Friday, September 4th.

Tuesday, September 1st:
*Trial was set to begin (@ 8:30am PT) – CA – Anthony Avalos (10) (June 20, 2018, Lancaster; died June 21, 2018) – for *Kareem Ernesto Leiva (32/now 34) (BF) arrested (6/27/18), charged (6/29/18), arraigned (7/2/18), indicted (10/31/18) & recharged & indicted (2/27/19) with 1st degree capital murder, torture (special circumstance allegation of murder involving the infliction of torture) & 2 counts of child endangerment resulting in death. Plead not guilty. Held on $2M bond. DA will seek DP. Maximum sentence 32 yrs to life.
Trial was set to begin on 9/1/20-has been continued-only Leiva
8/31/20: Motion for trial continuance-granted. Next pretrial conference/trial setting hearing on 11/17/20.
*Heather Maxine Barron (29/now 31) (“mom”) – Next pretrial conference/trial setting hearing on 11/17/20.

*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 9/1/20.
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. 8/12/20 Update: Trial was continued to 9/1/20.


Wednesday, September 2nd:
*Trial set to begin (@ 9am ET) - TN – Baby boy (16 mos.) (Nov. 10, 2018, Lawrenceburg; raped by father, suffered 2 broken femurs or fractured hips, had several surgeries, will suffer damage that will last his life) -*Danielle Faith Bowen (22/now 23) “mom” arrested (11/19/18) & charged (2/18/19) & arraigned (5/6/19) with aggravated child abuse/neglect/endangerment, failing to seek medical attention. Plea deal offered (5/6/19). $100K bond.
Babysitter noticed injuries 2 days later & took him to hospital.
Trial set to begin on 9/2/20.
6/29/20 Update: Trial has been rescheduled to 9/2/20.
*Simon Dean Porter (33/now 35) – 2/12/20: Found guilty – 5/15/20: sentenced to 85 years in prison.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Tuesday, September 1st:
*Trial Continues (Day 8)-VERDICT WATCH!-GUILTY! (@ 9am PT) - CA - Ramon Angel Reyes-Chavez (2) (April 26, 2018, Bakersfield) - *Kaleb Jordan Kessinger (20/now 22) BF arrested (4/27/18), arraigned (4/30/18) & charged (5/11/18) with 1st degree murder, felony child abuse, reckless evading & resisting LE, grand theft, possession of firearm, mfg. & sale of firearms, injury to elder adult & receiving stolen goods. Plead not guilty. $1,055,000 bond.
Trial began on 8/12/20 with Jury selection which went from 8/12/20 to 8/14. Trial started on 8/18/20. Court dark on Fridays.
Court info from 6/17/18 thru 8/11/20 & Jury selection from 8/12 to 8/14/20 & trial 8/18/20-8/27/20 (Day 1-6) reference post #123 here:
ttps://www.websleuths.com/forums/threads/ca-ramon-reyes-chavez-2-murdered-mom-and-bf-arrested-bakersfield-26-april-2018-mom-guilty.372572/page-7
8/31/20 Day 7 of Trial: Closing arguments. The jury deliberated for about an hour following closing arguments & will resume deliberations Tuesday morning, 9/1/20.
9/1/20 Day 8 of Trial: Jury came back with a Guilty verdict. Sentencing on 9/30/20.
*Ayled Chavez (19) "mom" – plead NOLO to willful child cruelty. Sentenced to 2 years. Time served 257 days, good behavior 256 days.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Friday, Sept. 4th:
*Jury Selection & Trial set to begin-CONTINUED! (@ 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 9/1/20 continued to 9/22/20.
Court info from 1/10/20 thru 6/30/20 reference post #68 here:
GA - Newborn baby's body found inside freezer, Cobb County, 25 Jun 2018 *Arrest*
8/12/20 Update: Trial was continued to 9/1/20. 8/27/20: Defense Motion to Modify conditions of bond.
9/4/20: Trial has been continued to 9/22/20.

 

[Niner]

For the week of Tuesday, Sept. 8th thru Friday, Sept. 11th:

Tuesday, Sept. 8th:
*Jury Trial set to begin (via Zoom) (@ 9am ET) – IN – Tammy Jo Blanton (46) (Sept. 11, 2014, Jeffersonville) – *Joseph Albert Oberhansley (33/now 39) arrested (9/11/14) & charged (9/15/14) with 1st degree murder, felony burglary & 3rd degree rape. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA seeks DP. DA has taken DP off the table (6/28/19).
Trial set to begin on 9/8/20 with Jury selection (Jury will be picked from Allen County & trial will be in Clark County – jury selection should take about 3 days.)
Motions in Limine: 8/31/20 & 9/3/20 filed by Oberhansley; 9/3/20: Entry (Clarification of Jury Process) entered, entry (Motion in Limine re photographs) entered, entry (Leading questions) entered, entry (juror impartiality) entered, entry (mental health testimony) entered & entry (Motion in Limine-improper considerations) entered.
*Charged (7/29/13) with strangulation & resisting LE.
*Charged (7/23/14) with criminal recklessness & resisting LE.
Court information from 8/19/19 thru 6/25/20 reference post #160 here:
IN - Tammy Blanton, 46, murdered, mutilated, Jeffersonville, 11 Sept 2014 *Mistrial*
8/19/20 Update: Defense attorneys for Oberhansley & prosecutors met Tuesday for an online hearing with Clark Circuit Judge Vicki Carmichael after her court received notice that his competency had been restored during a second stay at Logansport State Hospital. Jury selection is scheduled to begin Sept. 8 with the jury pool coming from Allen County. Other charges hearing on 9/24/20. 8/30/20 Update: Hearing on 8/31/20.
8/31/20 Update: During the hearing, in which attorneys wore face masks & spoke to the judge between clear partitions positioned at their tables & the bench, legal teams argued specifics around the mental health evidence, which Clark County Circuit Court No. 4 Judge Vicki Carmichael has taken under advisement. Clark County Prosecutor Jeremy Mull requested the court allow no mental health evidence be brought before the jury, following a stipulation filed last year between the parties when Oberhansley requested to have the intent to use the insanity defense removed from the case, against the wishes of his attorneys. Judge Carmichael granted the defendant’s request & Mull later withdrew his intent to seek the death penalty, filing instead an intent to seek life without parole. Defense attorney Bart Betteau said in court that leaving out mental health information would only present half the story to the jury, and argued that Oberhansley’s attorneys do not intend to use that as a defense but to give a fuller picture. Jury selection is expected to start Sept. 8 in Allen County, with attorneys seeking to secure 12 jurors and four alternates. During the trial itself, which will be held in Clark County, jurors will be spread out among the gallery seats to maintain social distancing. The open seats they will use were already marked Monday with numbers. All other seats were closed off with caution tape. It will be live-streamed via the Indiana Supreme Court website.

Wednesday, Sept. 9th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 1:30pm ET) – OH – Baby Boy Doe (2 mos. or younger) (found May 11, 2017 decomposing in a 1988 Ford Mustang, South Toledo) & Giovanna Gabrielle Cisneros (was Baby Jane Doe) (infant) (found Feb. 10, 2020 decomposing in PT Cruiser which had been towed to police lot) – only for *Jenna Nicole Cisneros (34) arrested & charged (2/3/20) & arraigned (2/4/20) with involuntary 1st degree manslaughter & endangering children. Those charges were dismissed (on 2/13/20) , indicted (2/13/20), charged & arraigned (2/19/20) with 1 count of 1st degree involuntary manslaughter, 2 counts of 3rd degree endangering children, 2 counts of 3rd degree tampering with evidence & 2 counts of 3rd degree obstruction of justice. Plead not guilty. $400K bond. Bond changed (2/19/20) to $1,225,000.
Trial was to start on 8/18/20, but plead no contest.
DNA & court info from 4/7/20 thru 6/30/20 reference post #105 here:
OH - Toledo, WhtMale, 2 months, UP17671, May '17 & Baby Jane Doe, Feb '20 - found in cars *arrests*
7/28/20 Update: Jenna: Hearing by video. Defendant present by video; receipt of General Psych evaluation; pursuant to the request of defendant matter rescheduled for trial on 8/18/20 at 9am. Bond continued at $1,225,000 no 10%. Defendant is remanded to custody of Lucas County Sheriff's Dept.
8/18/20 Day 1 of Trial: Cisneros, who has three living children, entered a no contest plea to all charges during an appearance before Judge Linda Jennings. The endangering children charges will merge with the involuntary manslaughter charges, so she faces a maximum sentence of 34 years in prison. Sentencing on 9/9/20.
*Jacob Andrew Cisneros (33) – Trial set to begin on 9/15/20.

Thursday, Sept. 10th
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 3pm PT) – WA – Benjamin Eastman III (16) (June 23, 2018, Randle; found June 28, 2018) – for *Michael D. Salazar (17/now 18) arrested (7/19/19), charged (7/22/19) & arraigned (8/1/19) with 1st degree murder, tampering with evidence & 1st degree rendering criminal assistance. $250K Bond.
Court documents allege that he knew about the plan to assault Eastman before it happened, but did nothing to warn anyone and furthermore physically prevented his ex-girlfriend from alerting anyone.
Court info from 7/22/19 thru 9/12/19 reference post #429 here:
Found Deceased - WA - Ben Eastman, 16, raped and murdered, Lewis County, 23 Jun 2018 *B. Marquez GUILTY*
10/17/19 Update: Next Set Trial Date hearing on 11/7. 11/7/19: Waived speedy trial. Set Trial Date hearing continued to 12/12. 12/12/19: Also motion hearing held. Next set trial date hearing on 1/30/20. 1/30/20: Next Change of Plea & Sentencing hearing changed to Plea Only hearing on 3/4/20. 3/4/20: Hearing rescheduled for 3/6.
3/6/20 Update: Salazar was scheduled to enter a guilty plea Wednesday. However, the Lewis County Prosecutor’s Office learned Salazar potentially had new information regarding charges of witness tampering filed against another suspect, Jerald Thompson, originally scheduled to go to trial next week. Salazar could now be a witness in Thompson’s trial. In that event, prosecutors hope to sort out a plea agreement with Salazar before Thompson’s trial begins on 5/4/20. Hearing was stricken, rescheduled for 5/1.
5/1/20 Update: Hearing for plea change was cancelled. A Plea only hearing was held on 5/6/20 where Salazar entered a plea of guilty. Sentencing will be on 9/10/20.
ALSO:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 11:15am PT) – WA – Benjamin Eastman III (16) (June 23, 2018, Randle; found June 28, 2018) – for *Amanda Lyn Hagerty (42/now 43) (Salazar’s mom) arrested (7/19/19), charged (7/22/19) & arraigned (7/25/19) with 2 counts of 1st degree rendering criminal assistance & misleading LE. Plead not guilty. $250K bond. Bonded out (7/29/19)
Trial was set to begin on 2/25/20 continued to 5/11/20-cancelled plead guilty.
Court info from 7/22/19 thru 12/5/19 reference post #450 here:
Found Deceased - WA - Ben Eastman, 16, raped and murdered, Lewis County, 23 Jun 2018 *B. Marquez GUILTY*
12/26/19 Update: Defense files motion to dismiss charges. Next Motions hearing re motion to dismiss on 1/22/20, Trial confirmation hearing on 2/20/20 & trial set to begin on 2/24/20.
1/22/20 Update: Hearing held & plead not guilty & wants hearing to dismiss. Next Knapstad hearing (Motion to Dismiss) on 2/6/20. 2/6/20: No info on motion to dismiss. Next trial confirmation hearing on 2/20. Trial was changed to 2/25.
2/20/20 Update: Defense motion for trial continuation-granted. Next trial confirmation hearing on 5/7, and trial set to begin on 5/11/20.
5/4/20 Update: Trial confirmation hearing on 5/7 & trial set to begin on 5/11 have been cancelled. Next trial confirmation hearing on 6/4. 5/6/20 Update: Trial confirmation hearing is cancelled. Change of plea – plead guilty. Sentencing on 9/10/20.

*Disposition & Sentencing Hearing (@ 8:30am ET) - FL - Meredith Jessie (6) daughter & Mark Weekly (50) father (July 18, 2015, Lakeland, found Aug. 1, 2015) - *Cheyanne Nicole Jessie (25/now 30) indicted (8/18/15) on 2 counts 1st degree murder, 1 count tampering with evidence. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA will seek DP.
Trial started on 7/1/19. Jury selection took place from 6/24-28/19. Jury is 9 women & 3 men. Deliberated for ~3 hours & came back with guilty on 2 counts of 1st degree murder, also convicted of tampering with physical evidence for hiding the bodies after the slayings. Penalty Phase deliberations: 7/18 to 7/19: Verdict: The jury in the Cheyanne Jessie trial on Friday recommended a death sentence for Jessie for the murder of her daughter, Meredith. They also recommended 10 years to life in prison for the murder of Mark Weekly, Jessie's father. The jury voted 10-2 on the question of the death sentence for the slaying of Mark Weekly. The lack of a unanimous vote led to the life sentence. They were, however, unanimous in their vote regarding Meredith's murder.
Court info from 7/19/19 thru 12/6/19 reference post #211 here:
GUILTY - FL - Meredith Jessie, 6, & Mark Weekly, 50, Lakeland, 18 July 2015 *Arrest*
1/10/20 Update: Defense motion & memo filed (1/14/20) in support of defendant’s request to interview a juror & a memo filed in opposition to that by the State which hasn’t been ruled on yet. Status hearing was continued to 3/20/20. 3/6/20: Defense filed with a motion on 3/6/20 for the Judge to set aside the death penalty verdict & sentence her to life in prison. No ruling on that yet.
3/20/20 Update: Court site deleted the 3/20 hearing. The State filed a Memorandum of Points & Authorities in Support of the Imposition of the Death Penalty. Next status hearing on 4/9 @ 8:30am & 9:30am.
4/9/20 Update: Had the status hearing this morning & set a Disposition Hearing for 7/31/20 at 9:00 am. They will either finalize the motion to set aside the death penalty or confirm it and sentence her then.
7/24/20 Update: Disposition & sentencing hearing on 7/31 has been rescheduled to 9/10/20.

Friday, Sept. 11th:
*Evidentiary & Sentencing Hearing (2 days) (@ 9am AKST) - AK - Kristy Manzanares (39) (July 25, 2017 on Alaskan cruise ship) - *Kenneth Ray Manzanares (39/now 42), (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!

Wednesday, Sept. 9th:
*Trial continues with Jury Selection (Day 2) (via Zoom) (@ 9am ET) – IN – Tammy Jo Blanton (46) (Sept. 11, 2014, Jeffersonville) – *Joseph Albert Oberhansley (33/now 39) arrested (9/11/14) & charged (9/15/14) with 1st degree murder, felony burglary & 3rd degree rape. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA seeks DP. DA has taken DP off the table (6/28/19).
Trial began on 9/8/20 with Jury selection (Jury will be picked from Allen County & trial will be in Clark County – jury selection should take about 3 days.)
Motions in Limine: 8/31/20 & 9/3/20 filed by Oberhansley; 9/3/20: Entry (Clarification of Jury Process) entered, entry (Motion in Limine re photographs) entered, entry (Leading questions) entered, entry (juror impartiality) entered, entry (mental health testimony) entered & entry (Motion in Limine-improper considerations) entered. Trial to begin on 9/8/20.
9/4/20: Objection filed by Oberhansley. Defense objection to proceeding to selection of a jury & trial by jury during COVID-19 pandemic.
9/8/20 Day 1 of Jury Selection: New objection today: Objection Filed. Motion in limine by defense. 640 possible jurors were summoned by the Allen County Superior Court administrator. They were expected to appear in groups of 40 in two-hour intervals. For each group, there was 10 minutes set aside for a statement by Judge Vicki Carmichael, followed by 20 minutes of questioning by the defense & 20 minutes by the state. Jury selection started this morning in Allen County; attorneys seek to seat 12 jurors & four alternates. Six jurors have been selected. The defense filed a motion Friday objecting to jury selection & a jury trial during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was overruled by the judge. Jury selection continues on 9/9/20.
*Charged (7/29/13) with strangulation & resisting LE.
*Charged (7/23/14) with criminal recklessness & resisting LE.
Court information from 8/19/19 thru 8/31/20 reference post #173 here:
IN - Tammy Blanton, 46, murdered, mutilated, Jeffersonville, 11 Sept 2014 *Mistrial*
8/31/20 Update: Other charges hearing on 9/24/20.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Wednesday, Sept. 9th:
*Trial continues with Jury Selection (Day 2) (via Zoom) (@ 8:30am ET) – IN – Tammy Jo Blanton (46) (Sept. 11, 2014, Jeffersonville) – *Joseph Albert Oberhansley (33/now 39) arrested (9/11/14) & charged (9/15/14) with 1st degree murder, felony burglary & 3rd degree rape. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA seeks DP. DA has taken DP off the table (6/28/19).
Trial began on 9/8/20 with Jury selection (Jury will be picked from Allen County & trial will be in Clark County – jury selection should take about 3 days.) Jury: 12 jurors & 4 alternates. Trial will begin on 9/11/20.
Trial info from Day 1 9/9/20 of Jury selection reference post #184 here:
IN - Tammy Blanton, 46, murdered, mutilated, Jeffersonville, 11 Sept 2014 *Mistrial*
9/8/20 Day 1 of Jury Selection: 11 of the 16 jurors & alternates need have been seated; court staff confirmed before they broke for the day around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Jury selection continues on 9/9/20.
9/9/20 Day 2 of Jury Selection: Prosecutors & attorneys for Oberhansley selected the remaining five jurors & alternates needed Wednesday. The court will now make arrangements for their travel to Clark County for the remainder of the trial, with opening statements scheduled to start Friday morning, 9/11/20.
*Charged (7/29/13) with strangulation & resisting LE.
*Charged (7/23/14) with criminal recklessness & resisting LE.
Court information from 8/19/19 thru 8/31/20 reference post #173 here:
IN - Tammy Blanton, 46, murdered, mutilated, Jeffersonville, 11 Sept 2014 *Mistrial*
8/31/20 Update: Other charges hearing on 9/24/20.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Wednesday, Sept. 9th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 1:30pm ET) – OH – Baby Boy Doe (2 mos. or younger) (found May 11, 2017 decomposing in a 1988 Ford Mustang, South Toledo) & Giovanna Gabrielle Cisneros (was Baby Jane Doe) (infant) (found Feb. 10, 2020 decomposing in PT Cruiser which had been towed to police lot) – only for *Jenna Nicole Cisneros (34) arrested & charged (2/3/20) & arraigned (2/4/20) with involuntary 1st degree manslaughter & endangering children. Those charges were dismissed (on 2/13/20) , indicted (2/13/20), charged & arraigned (2/19/20) with 1 count of 1st degree involuntary manslaughter, 2 counts of 3rd degree endangering children, 2 counts of 3rd degree tampering with evidence & 2 counts of 3rd degree obstruction of justice. Plead not guilty. $400K bond. Bond changed (2/19/20) to $1,225,000.
Trial was to start on 8/18/20, but plead no contest.
DNA & court info from 4/7/20 thru 6/30/20 reference post #105 here:
OH - Toledo, WhtMale, 2 months, UP17671, May '17 & Baby Jane Doe, Feb '20 - found in cars *arrests*
7/28/20 Update: Jenna: Hearing by video. Defendant present by video; receipt of General Psych evaluation; pursuant to the request of defendant matter rescheduled for trial on 8/18/20 at 9am. Bond continued at $1,225,000 no 10%. Defendant is remanded to custody of Lucas County Sheriff's Dept.
8/18/20 Day 1 of Trial: Cisneros, who has three living children, entered a no contest plea to all charges during an appearance before Judge Linda Jennings. The endangering children charges will merge with the involuntary manslaughter charges, so she faces a maximum sentence of 34 years in prison. Sentencing on 9/9/20.
9/9/20 Update: The Court finds on August 18, 2020 the defendant entered a plea of No Contest and was found guilty by the Court of Count 1, Involuntary Manslaughter, Count 3, Tampering With Evidence, Count 5, Involuntary Manslaughter, Count 7, Tampering With Evidence. It is ORDERED that defendant serve a term of 10 years in prison as to Count 1; 30 months in prison as to Count 3; 30 months in prison as to Count 4; 10 years in prison as to Count 5; 30 months in prison as to Count 7; and 30 months in prison as to Count 8. The sentences in Counts 3 & 4 are ordered to be served concurrently to each other. Defendant notified she may be eligible to earn days of credit under the circumstances specified in R.C. 2967.193, & that these days of credit are not automatic, but must be earned in the manner provided for in R.C. 2967.193. The aggregate days of credit under this section shall not exceed 8% of the total number of days of the stated prison term. It is further ORDERED the defendant is subject to 5 years mandatory post-release control as to count 1, up to 3 years discretionary post-release control as to count 3, up to 3 years discretionary post-release control as to count 4, 5 years mandatory post-release control as to count 5, up to 3 years discretionary post-release control as to count 7, up to 3 years discretionary post-release control as to count 8, after the defendant's release from imprisonment pursuant to R.C. 2967.28 and 2929.14. Defendant notified that if post release control conditions are violated the adult parole authority or parole board may impose a more restrictive or longer control sanction or return a defendant to prison for up to nine months for each violation, up to a maximum of 50% of the stated term originally imposed. Defendant further notified that if the violation of post release control conditions is a new felony, a defendant may be both returned to prison for the greater of one year or the time remaining on post release control, plus receive a prison term for the new felony.
*Jacob Andrew Cisneros (33) – Trial set to begin on 9/15/20.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Friday, Sept. 11th:
*Disposition & Sentencing Hearing (@ 8:30am ET) - FL - Meredith Jessie (6) daughter & Mark Weekly (50) father (July 18, 2015, Lakeland, found Aug. 1, 2015) - *Cheyanne Nicole Jessie (25/now 30) indicted (8/18/15) on 2 counts 1st degree murder, 1 count tampering with evidence. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA will seek DP.
Trial started on 7/1/19. Jury selection took place from 6/24-28/19. Jury is 9 women & 3 men. Deliberated for ~3 hours & came back with guilty on 2 counts of 1st degree murder, also convicted of tampering with physical evidence for hiding the bodies after the slayings. Penalty Phase deliberations: 7/18 to 7/19: Verdict: The jury in the Cheyanne Jessie trial on Friday recommended a death sentence for Jessie for the murder of her daughter, Meredith. They also recommended 10 years to life in prison for the murder of Mark Weekly, Jessie's father. The jury voted 10-2 on the question of the death sentence for the slaying of Mark Weekly. The lack of a unanimous vote led to the life sentence. They were, however, unanimous in their vote regarding Meredith's murder.
Court info from 7/19/19 thru 4/9/20 reference post #246 here:
GUILTY - FL - Meredith Jessie, 6, & Mark Weekly, 50, Lakeland, 18 July 2015 *Arrest*
7/24/20 Update: Disposition & sentencing hearing on 7/31 has been rescheduled to 9/10/20.
9/10/20: Hearings moved to 11/3/20.

 

[Niner]

Trials & sentencings from Monday, Sept. 14th thru Friday, Sept. 18th:


Monday, Sept. 14th:
*Trial set to begin (Day 2) (via Zoom) (@ 9am ET) – IN – Tammy Jo Blanton (46) (Sept. 11, 2014, Jeffersonville) – *Joseph Albert Oberhansley (33/now 39) arrested (9/11/14) & charged (9/15/14) with 1st degree murder, felony burglary & 3rd degree rape. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA seeks DP. DA has taken DP off the table (6/28/19).
Trial began on 9/8/20 with Jury selection (Jury will be picked from Allen County & trial will be in Clark County – jury selection should take about 3 days.) Jury: 12 jurors & 4 alternates. Trial began on 9/11/20.
Trial info of Jury selection reference post #187 here:
IN - Tammy Blanton, 46, murdered, mutilated, Jeffersonville, 11 Sept 2014 *RETRIAL*
9/11/20 Day 1: Opening statements done by Clark County Prosecutor Jeremy Mull & Defense attorney Bart Betteau. State witnesses: Sabrina Hall, best friend of Tammy's. Raelyn Mitchell, the police dispatcher who took the 3am 911 call from Tammy. Officer Brandon McGee, Jeffersonville Police Officer at the time, who responded to the 3am 911 call to Tammy's house. Jeffersonville LE Kevin Anderson, responded to 911 call at house. The trial adjourned after Anderson's testimony, and is expected to resume Monday morning, 9/14/20.
*Charged (7/29/13) with strangulation & resisting LE.
*Charged (7/23/14) with criminal recklessness & resisting LE.
Court information from 8/19/19 thru 8/31/20 reference post #173 here:
IN - Tammy Blanton, 46, murdered, mutilated, Jeffersonville, 11 Sept 2014 *RETRIAL*
8/31/20 Update: Other charges hearing on 9/24/20.

Tuesday, Sept. 15th:
*Trial set to begin-Maybe! (@ 8:30am PT) – WA – Elysia Miller victim w/5 wk. old baby (Feb. 5, 2020, Spanaway) - *Juliette Leilani Parker (38) aka Juliette Noel & Juliette Gains arrested & charged (2/14/20) & arraigned (2/18/20) with 2nd degree assault & 2nd degree attempted kidnapping. Plead not guilty. $50K bond (released over the weekend on $5K bail (originally set at $50K but bonded down to 10%). Judge changed (2/18/20) bond to $150K; back in jail. Released a second time (2/20/20) at about 1:40 p.m. after she paid the increased bail amount.
*16 year old daughter of Parker arrested & charged (2/14/20) with 2nd degree assault & 2nd degree attempted kidnapping. Held at Remann Hall Pierce County Juvenile Detention Center. Released () to group home.
Arrested after allegedly posed as baby photographers & drugged a woman in an attempt to steal her newborn. It was on the third visit that the woman alleges that the drugging took place. Parker's teenage daughter allegedly gave the victim a cupcake & as soon as she ate the treat, the woman immediately felt drowsy.
Trial set to begin on 9/15/20. If no trial info on 9/13/20.

*Trial set to begin (@ 9am ET) – OH – Baby Boy Doe (2 mos. or younger) (found May 11, 2017 decomposing in a 1988 Ford Mustang, South Toledo) & Giovanna Gabrielle Cisneros (was Baby Jane Doe) (infant) (found Feb. 10, 2020 decomposing in PT Cruiser which had been towed to police lot) – only for *Jacob Andrew Cisneros (33) arrested & charged (2/3/20) & arraigned (2/4/20) with involuntary 1st degree manslaughter & endangering children. Those charges were dismissed (on 2/13/20) , indicted (2/13/20), Charged & arraigned (2/19/20) with 2 counts of 1st degree involuntary manslaughter, 2 counts of 3rd degree endangering children, 2 counts of 3rd degree tampering with evidence & 2 counts of 3rd degree obstruction of justice. Plead not guilty. $400K bond. Bond changed (2/19/20) to $1,225,000.
Trial set to begin on 9/15/20.
DNA & court info from 4/7/20 thru 6/2/20 reference post #99 here:
OH - Toledo, WhtMale, 2 months, UP17671, May '17 & Baby Jane Doe, Feb '20 - found in cars *arrests*
6/30/20 Update: Hearing held with Judge Linda J. Jennings, Asst Prosecutor Frank Spryszak, Peter G. Boyer, defense attorney & defendants Cisneros by video. For Jenna: matter called for competency hearing was admitted; rescheduled for receipt of general psych evaluation on 7/28 @ 9am. Filed by prosecutor-State's notice of intent to use redacted version of defendant's recorded interviews for Jacob. Trial is set to begin on 8/11/20.
7/30/20 Update: On Thursday, Mr. Cisneros appeared before Judge Linda Jennings by video connection and was released from the Lucas County jail on electronic monitoring. Prosecutors said the move was necessary to ensure charges against the defendant were not dropped. Jacob was released from jail Thursday due to speedy trial issues amid the coronavirus pandemic. Jacob was scheduled for trial Aug. 11, but that date fell outside of modified speedy trial requirements put into place by state lawmakers. A new trial date for Mr. Cisneros has been set for Sept. 15.
*Jenna Nicole Cisneros (34) – 8/17/20: Plead no contest. Sentenced on 9/9/20: 10 years in prison as to Count 1; 30 months in prison as to Count 3; 30 months in prison as to Count 4; 10 years in prison as to Count 5; 30 months in prison as to Count 7; and 30 months in prison as to Count 8. The sentences in Counts 3 & 4 are ordered to be served concurrently to each other.

Friday, Sept. 18th:
*Motions & Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am (Motions) & @ 1:30pm (Sentencing) PT) – CA – Elizabeth Sullivan (31) (reported missing Oct. 14, 2014, San Diego; found Oct. 6, 2016 in San Diego Bay) – *Matthew Scott Sullivan (29 @ time of crime/33/now 35) “husband” arrested (1/31/18 in Wyoming, Delaware, extradited 2/9/18), charged & arraigned (3/4/19) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. $2M bond. Judge changes (3/13/20) to no bond.
Trial began on 2/18/20 with jury selection, trial started on 2/21/20 and ended on 3/11/20. Jury: 7 men/5 women & 4 alternates. Jurors’ took about 8 ½ hours (3 days) to reach a verdict of guilty of 2nd degree murder, plus allegations of using a knife in the killing.
Jury Selection from 2/10/20 thru 2/20/20 & Trial (Day 1-13) 2/21/20 to 3/12/20 reference post #387 here:
GUILTY - CA - Elizabeth Sullivan, 31, San Diego, 13 Oct 2014 *Arrest*
3/13/20 Friday Day 14: Just over a day of deliberations, the jury panel acquitted Sullivan of a first-degree murder charge, but convicted him of second-degree murder, plus an allegation of using a knife in the killing. Sentencing is scheduled for April 13. 4/13/20 Update: Next hearing on 5/28. Not sure if this is a sentencing hearing or just a hearing. Sentencing continued to 6/18/20.
6/18/20 Update: Sentencing rescheduled. Court site has Motions hearing on 9/18/20 at 9:30am & sentencing at 1:30pm.

*Sentencing Hearing (@ 8:30am CT) – IN – Nicole Lynn Bowen (30) (missing March, 29, 2019, Jefferson Township, Newton County, found March 30, 2019) – For *Christopher Channing Mathis (27/now 28) arrested (4/10/19) & charged (3/28/19) with felony count of assisting a criminal & obstruction of justice. Plead not guilty. $50K bond Surety only.
Trial was set to begin on 4/6/20 than moved to 4/29/20-was vacated due to coronavirus.
Court info from 6/28/19 thru 2/12/20 reference post #468 here:
Found Deceased - IN - Newton County, Fem, 30 Mar 2019 - Nicole Bowen
5/1/20 Update: Final pretrial hearing on 5/1/20 has been rescheduled due to the coronavirus. Rescheduled for 6/12/20. 6/12/20 Update: Hearing held. Setting cause for dispositional hearing on 6/22/20.
6/22/20 Update: Hearing commenced & concluded. Order Taking Defendant's Plea Under Advisement, setting Sentencing for 10/23/20 @ 10am & releasing Defendant from incarceration. 7/31/20: Order: Finding Defendant in Violation of 6/24/20 Order, Revoking Bond, Remanding to Custody of NCS & Reaffirming 10/23/20 Sentencing Hearing. 9/4/20: Mathis, who Prosecutor Drinski said also is up for a polygraph test next week, has a pending plea deal and is scheduled for sentencing Oct. 23.
9/10/20 Update: Order Granting Motion to Advance Sentencing Hrg from 10/23/20 to 9/18/20. Sentencing Hearing 8:30am.
*Garrett Kenneth Kirts (21/now 22) – Newton County: Nicole’s Case #56D01-1904-MR-000367- 12/13/2019: Order Set for Hearing: State's motion to set jury trial is set for hearing on 1/6/20. Final Disposition on 1/8/20. Possible plea deal with a 45 year sentence. Trial set for 9/28/20. 9/4/20: Plead guilty. Sentencing on 1/11/21.
Carroll County: #08D01-1901-F6-000013: Status conference hearing on 10/13/20.
Carroll County: #08D01-1903-CM-000087: Status conference hearing on 10/13/20.
*Ashley N. Garth (26/now 27) – 6/18/20: Plead guilty, sentencing set for 10/21/20.
*Talitha Ann Beckley (36/now 37) – Status conference hearing on 10/19/20.
*Jasmine Nicole Parker (34) – 10/8/19: Plead guilty. According to the plea agreement, Parker also will serve 4 years in prison for being a habitual offender, based on felony convictions in 2018 for unlawful possession of a syringe in Jasper County & in 2004 for burglary in Tippecanoe County.

*Trial set to begin-CANCELLED! (re Central County #CS276248) (@ 8:15am 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 #SC297178 & CS306153) 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 9/18/20. (Case #SCD276248)-CANCELLED!
8/14/20 Update: Court site says trial will start on 8/21/20. 8/21/20: Rescheduled to 9/18/20. 9/11/20: Trial was cancelled.
Re-Trial set to begin on 4/20/21 (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 9/10/20 & trial to start on 9/28/20. 9/10/20: Hearings rescheduled to 1/19/21 & trial moved to 4/20/21.
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!

Thursday, Sept. 10th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 3pm PT) – WA – Benjamin Eastman III (16) (June 23, 2018, Randle; found June 28, 2018) – for *Michael D. Salazar (17/now 18) arrested (7/19/19), charged (7/22/19) & arraigned (8/1/19) with 1st degree murder, tampering with evidence & 1st degree rendering criminal assistance. $250K Bond.
Court documents allege that he knew about the plan to assault Eastman before it happened, but did nothing to warn anyone and furthermore physically prevented his ex-girlfriend from alerting anyone.
Court info from 7/22/19 thru 5/1/20 reference post #495 here:
Found Deceased - WA - Ben Eastman, 16, raped and murdered, Lewis County, 23 Jun 2018 *B. Marquez GUILTY*
5/6/20 Update: A Plea only hearing was held where Salazar entered a plea of guilty. Sentencing will be on 9/10/20.
9/10/20 Update: Salazar was scheduled to enter a guilty plea Wednesday. However, the Lewis County Prosecutor’s Office learned Salazar potentially had new information regarding charges of witness tampering filed against another suspect, Jerald Thompson, originally scheduled to go to trial next week. Meyer said he couldn’t disclose the new information, but said Salazar could now be a witness in Thompson’s trial. In that event, prosecutors hope to sort out a plea agreement with Salazar before Thompson’s trial begins. Sentencing hearing rescheduled on 10/19/20 @ 10am.
ALSO:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 11:15am PT) – WA – Benjamin Eastman III (16) (June 23, 2018, Randle; found June 28, 2018) – for *Amanda Lyn Hagerty (42/now 43) (Salazar’s mom) arrested (7/19/19), charged (7/22/19) & arraigned (7/25/19) with 2 counts of 1st degree rendering criminal assistance & misleading LE. Plead not guilty. $250K bond. Bonded out (7/29/19)
Trial was set to begin on 2/25/20 continued to 5/11/20-cancelled plead guilty.
Court info from 7/22/19 thru 5/4/20 reference post #495 here:
Found Deceased - WA - Ben Eastman, 16, raped and murdered, Lewis County, 23 Jun 2018 *B. Marquez GUILTY*
5/6/20 Update: Trial confirmation hearing is cancelled. Change of plea – plead guilty. Sentencing on 9/10/20.
9/10/20 Update: Motion for sentencing continuance-granted. Rescheduled on 10/19/20 @ 11am.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Monday, Sept. 14th:
*Status Hearing (Plea Agreement) (@ am CT) - TN - Holly Lynn Bobo (20) (April 13, 2011) - *Jason Autry (43/36 @ time of crime) charged with 1st degree murder, aggravated rape & aggravated kidnapping.
Case will be heard after Dylan’s is thru about June. JA case will not be heard until after Dylan's case in about June of 2018; but DA Hagerman said (on 1/23/18) the state will handle Zach Adams’ motion for a new trial before moving forward with Autry.
Court info from 4/3/18 thru 8/23/19 reference post #203 here:
Status Hearings Nov 14, 2017, Jan 22, 2018- Jason Autry and Dylan Adams
9/11/20 Update: Autry due in court on Monday, 9/14/20. 9/14/20 Update: Judge Creed McGinley addresses Autry & goes over the plea deal. Prosecutors say there was no formal plea agreement with Autry until one month ago. Attorney for Autry tells judge Holly's parents approved of the plea deal. Autry plead guilty to facilitation of especially aggravated kidnapping & solicitation to commit first-degree murder. The sentence was 8 years, but with credit served, Autry is a free man. Autry will still be monitored through supervised release as a result of an unrelated federal charge. Due to time served, he will be released as soon as processing is done. He will probably be released on the weekend.
*Zachary Rye Adams (30) accused of 1st degree murder, aggravated kidnapping & aggravated rape/DA seeks DP/Found GUILTY - 8 counts. Received 25 years for kidnapping/25 years for rape/& LWOP for murder one. 11/9/17: The first motion for a new trial has been filed citing the court erred in not granting Adams' motion for a change of venue and that the evidence was not sufficient for a verdict of guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 8/11/20 Update: Adams appeared in court Tuesday morning for the first time since he was convicted in 2017. In court, his defense revealed 56 reasons why they said Adams should have a new trial, but so far, the judge has denied all of them. Request for a new trial is now headed to the Tennessee Court of Appeals. It could take several months before the higher court makes a decision.
*John Dylan Adams – Adams plead guilty (1/22/18) to facilitation of first-degree murder for 15 yrs, especially aggravated kidnapping at 35 years to run concurrent. Adams will serve 35 years total.

 

[Niner]

Updates!

Tuesday, Sept. 15th:
*Trial set to begin-RESCHEDULED! (@ 8:30am PT) – WA – Elysia Miller victim w/5 wk. old baby (Feb. 5, 2020, Spanaway) - *Juliette Leilani Parker (38) aka Juliette Noel & Juliette Gains arrested & charged (2/14/20) & arraigned (2/18/20) with 2nd degree assault & 2nd degree attempted kidnapping. Plead not guilty. $50K bond (released over the weekend on $5K bail (originally set at $50K but bonded down to 10%). Judge changed (2/18/20) bond to $150K; back in jail. Released a second time (2/20/20) at about 1:40 p.m. after she paid the increased bail amount.
*16 year old daughter of Parker arrested & charged (2/14/20) with 2nd degree assault & 2nd degree attempted kidnapping. Held at Remann Hall Pierce County Juvenile Detention Center. Released () to group home.
Arrested after allegedly posed as baby photographers & drugged a woman in an attempt to steal her newborn. It was on the third visit that the woman alleges that the drugging took place. Parker's teenage daughter allegedly gave the victim a cupcake & as soon as she ate the treat, the woman immediately felt drowsy.
Trial was set to begin on 9/15/20 continued to 11/5/20.
Court info from 2/14/20 thru 6/16/20 reference post #129 here:
WA - Juliette Parker, 38 & daughter, 16, drugged woman to steal baby, Spanaway, Feb 2020 *Arrests*
6/19/20 Update: Hearing was held. Motion to suppress & dismiss-denied; Request for Franks hearing-denied; Motion for reconsideration-denied; defendant's witness list made public & trial readiness conference ordered - no date yet. Motion for trial continuance-granted. 7/9/20 Update: Continuance hearing held. New trial date is set for 9/15/20.
8/26/20: State's list of witnesses; 7/9/20: Objection. 8/26/20 thru 9/1/20 return on subpoenas. 9/2/20: State's list of witnesses. 9/3/20 Update: Ex parte Action hearing held on 9/3/20. Ex parte action with order held. Notice of appearance & request for discovery; motion to withdraw & substitute attorneys. Order for withdrawal of attorney. Order for hearing. Might have hearing on 9/9/20.
9/9/20 Update: Hearing was cancelled. Trial on 9/15/20 has been cancelled. Next trial readiness status hearing on 10/23/20. Trial now set to begin on 11/5/20.

*Trial set to begin-CONTINUED! (@ 9am ET) – OH – Baby Boy Doe (2 mos. or younger) (found May 11, 2017 decomposing in a 1988 Ford Mustang, South Toledo) & Giovanna Gabrielle Cisneros (was Baby Jane Doe) (infant) (found Feb. 10, 2020 decomposing in PT Cruiser which had been towed to police lot) – only for *Jacob Andrew Cisneros (33) arrested & charged (2/3/20) & arraigned (2/4/20) with involuntary 1st degree manslaughter & endangering children. Those charges were dismissed (on 2/13/20) , indicted (2/13/20), Charged & arraigned (2/19/20) with 2 counts of 1st degree involuntary manslaughter, 2 counts of 3rd degree endangering children, 2 counts of 3rd degree tampering with evidence & 2 counts of 3rd degree obstruction of justice. Plead not guilty. $400K bond. Bond changed (2/19/20) to $1,225,000.
Trial was set to begin on 9/15/20 continued to 10/27/20.
DNA & court info from 4/7/20 thru 6/30/20 reference post #111 here:
OH - Toledo, WhtMale, 2 months, UP17671, May '17 & Baby Jane Doe, Feb '20 - found in cars *arrests*
7/30/20 Update: On Thursday, Mr. Cisneros appeared before Judge Linda Jennings by video connection and was released from the Lucas County jail on electronic monitoring. Prosecutors said the move was necessary to ensure charges against the defendant were not dropped. Jacob was released from jail Thursday due to speedy trial issues amid the coronavirus pandemic. Jacob was scheduled for trial Aug. 11, but that date fell outside of modified speedy trial requirements put into place by state lawmakers. A new trial date for Mr. Cisneros has been set for Sept. 15.
9/15/20 Update: Hearing held, present: Asst. prosecutor Frank Spryszak, Peter G. Boyer on behalf of defendant & defendant. Per defense motion for trial continuance-granted & has been rescheduled to 10/27/20. Bond continued at S/or with electronic monitoring.
*Jenna Nicole Cisneros (34) – 8/17/20: Plead no contest. Sentenced on 9/9/20: 10 years in prison as to Count 1; 30 months in prison as to Count 3; 30 months in prison as to Count 4; 10 years in prison as to Count 5; 30 months in prison as to Count 7; and 30 months in prison as to Count 8. The sentences in Counts 3 & 4 are ordered to be served concurrently to each other.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Friday, Sept. 18th:
*Trial continues-VERDICT REACHED! (Day 6) (via Zoom) (@ 9am ET) – IN – Tammy Jo Blanton (46) (Sept. 11, 2014, Jeffersonville) – *Joseph Albert Oberhansley (33/now 39) arrested (9/11/14) & charged (9/15/14) with 1st degree murder, felony burglary & 3rd degree rape. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA seeks DP. DA has taken DP off the table (6/28/19).
Trial began on 9/8/20 with Jury selection (Jury will be picked from Allen County & trial will be in Clark County – jury selection should take about 3 days.) Jury: 12 jurors & 4 alternates. Trial began on 9/11/20.
Trial info of Jury selection & Trial 9/11/20-9/17/20 (Days 1-5) reference post #230 here:
IN - Tammy Blanton, 46, murdered, mutilated, Jeffersonville, 11 Sept 2014 *RETRIAL*
9/18/20 Day 6: Friday morning, the defense team moved to amend the jury instructions to include an option for the jury to find Oberhansley guilty of manslaughter, which Clark County Circuit Court No. 4 Judge Vicki Carmichael denied. Clark County Prosecutor Jeremy Mull & defense attorney Bart Betteau gave closing arguments. Mull responded with State's closing rebuttal. Judge Vicki Carmichael read the jury instruction & the jury will receive the case. Closing statements ended just before noon. Jury deliberations began at noon (maybe took lunch). Deliberated for about 5 hours. Verdict: Oberhansley guilty of murder, guilty of burglary & not guilty of rape. The jurors will be sequestered over the weekend & return Monday, 9/21/20 for the sentencing
*Charged (7/29/13) with strangulation & resisting LE.
*Charged (7/23/14) with criminal recklessness & resisting LE.
Court information from 8/19/19 thru 8/31/20 reference post #173 here:
IN - Tammy Blanton, 46, murdered, mutilated, Jeffersonville, 11 Sept 2014 *RETRIAL*
8/31/20 Update: Other charges hearing on 9/24/20.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Friday, Sept. 18th:
*Plea 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 *Andrew T. Freund, Sr. (60/now 61) “father” arrested (4/24/19), charged (4/25/19), indicted (5/9/19) & arraigned (5/10/19) with 5 counts of 1st degree murder, 3 counts of aggravated battery, 1 count of aggravated domestic battery, 1 count of failure to report death of child, 1 count of concealing a homicidal death (burying body), 1 count concealing death of a person, 1 count of circumstance of endangerment/death, 1 count abuse of corpse, 1 count of destroying evidence, 1 count of false info to LE, 2 counts of aggravated battery to child, 1 count of reckless conduct/great bodily harm, 1 count of unlawful restraint & 1 count of causing child to be endangered. Plead not guilty. $5M bond.
Waived Jury Trial for Bench trial will begin on 12/9/20 (3 days) if no plea deal is reached.
Court hearing from 4/25/19 thru 9/10/20 reference post #813 here:
Found Deceased - IL - Andrew Freund, 5, Crystal Lake, 17 April 2019 *ARRESTS* *mother guilty* #5
9/16/20 Update: Date set for negotiated plea hearing on 9/18/20.
9/18/20 Update: Freund pleaded guilty Friday to aggravated battery to a child, involuntary manslaughter and concealment of a homicidal death. As part of the plea deal struck between prosecutors & Freund agreed to plead guilty to the three charges & will spend at least 18 years in prison, 30 years if the sentences handed down Friday are served in full. The sentences approved by Judge Robert Wilbrandt include 11 years in prison for aggravated battery to child, 85% of which must be served under the state's truth-in-sentencing laws; 14 years for involuntary manslaughter, 50% of which must be served; and 5 years for concealment of a homicidal death, of which 50% must be served, Wilbrandt said. Wilbrandt said the sentences would be served consecutively "for the protection of the public."
*JoAnn D. Cunningham (35) – 12/5/19: Plead guilty. Sentenced on 7/17/20 to 35 years in prison & 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 R. Polovin (48) (McHenry County Board member & Acosta's former supervisor) – Arraignment Status hearing/Set trial date on 10/29/20.
*Carlos J. Acosta (54) (former Illinois Dept. of Children Family Services employee) – Extended Media Coverage hearing on 9/22/20. Arraignment hearing on 9/24/20.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Friday, Sept. 18th:
*Trial set to begin-RESCHEDULED! (re Central County #CS276248) (@ 8:15am 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 #SC297178 & CS306153) 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 10/19/20. (Case #SCD276248)
8/14/20 Update: Court site says trial will start on 8/21/20. 8/21/20: Rescheduled to 9/18/20. 9/11/20: Trial was cancelled.
9/18/20 Update: Trial has been rescheduled to 10/19/20.
Re-Trial set to begin on 4/20/21 (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 9/10/20 & trial to start on 9/28/20. 9/10/20: Hearings rescheduled to 1/19/21 & trial moved to 4/20/21.
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!

Friday, Sept. 18th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 8:30am CT) – IN – Nicole Lynn Bowen (30) (missing March, 29, 2019, Jefferson Township, Newton County, found March 30, 2019) – For *Christopher Channing Mathis (27/now 28) arrested (4/10/19) & charged (3/28/19) with felony count of assisting a criminal & obstruction of justice. Plead not guilty. $50K bond Surety only.
Trial was set to begin on 4/6/20 than moved to 4/29/20-was vacated due to coronavirus.
Court info from 6/28/19 thru 2/12/20 reference post #468 here:
Found Deceased - IN - Newton County, Fem, 30 Mar 2019 - Nicole Bowen
5/1/20 Update: Final pretrial hearing on 5/1/20 has been rescheduled due to the coronavirus. Rescheduled for 6/12/20. 6/12/20 Update: Hearing held. Setting cause for dispositional hearing on 6/22/20.
6/22/20 Update: Hearing commenced & concluded. Order Taking Defendant's Plea Under Advisement, setting Sentencing for 10/23/20 @ 10am & releasing Defendant from incarceration. 7/31/20: Order: Finding Defendant in Violation of 6/24/20 Order, Revoking Bond, Remanding to Custody of NCS & Reaffirming 10/23/20 Sentencing Hearing. 9/4/20: Mathis, who Prosecutor Drinski said also is up for a polygraph test next week, has a pending plea deal and is scheduled for sentencing Oct. 23.
9/10/20 Update: Order Granting Motion to Advance Sentencing hearing from 10/23/20 to 9/18/20. Sentencing Hearing 8:30am.
9/18/20 Update: Plead guilty: For Assisting a criminal - plea by agreement - sentenced to 912 days, credit 912 jail days. For obstruction of justice - dismissed without prejudice.
*Garrett Kenneth Kirts (21/now 22) – Newton County: Nicole’s Case #56D01-1904-MR-000367- 12/13/2019: Order Set for Hearing: State's motion to set jury trial is set for hearing on 1/6/20. Final Disposition on 1/8/20. Possible plea deal with a 45 year sentence. Trial set for 9/28/20. 9/4/20: Plead guilty. Sentencing on 1/11/21.
Carroll County: #08D01-1901-F6-000013: Status conference hearing on 10/13/20.
Carroll County: #08D01-1903-CM-000087: Status conference hearing on 10/13/20.
*Ashley N. Garth (26/now 27) – 6/18/20: Plead guilty, sentencing set for 10/21/20.
*Talitha Ann Beckley (36/now 37) – Status conference hearing on 10/19/20.
*Jasmine Nicole Parker (34) – 10/8/19: Plead guilty. According to the plea agreement, Parker also will serve 4 years in prison for being a habitual offender, based on felony convictions in 2018 for unlawful possession of a syringe in Jasper County & in 2004 for burglary in Tippecanoe County.

 

[Poppyflower]

Thank you for posting trial information. I appreciate your time.

 

[Niner]

For the week of Monday, Sept. 21st thru Friday, Sept. 25th:

Monday, Sept. 21st:
*Sentencing Hearing (via Zoom) (@ 9am ET) – IN – Tammy Jo Blanton (46) (Sept. 11, 2014, Jeffersonville) – *Joseph Albert Oberhansley (33/now 39) arrested (9/11/14) & charged (9/15/14) with 1st degree murder, felony burglary & 3rd degree rape. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA seeks DP. DA has taken DP off the table (6/28/19).
Trial began on 9/8/20 with Jury selection (Jury will be picked from Allen County & trial will be in Clark County – jury selection should take about 3 days.) Jury: 12 jurors & 4 alternates. Jurors deliberated for about 5 hours. Trial began on 9/11/20 and ended 9/18/20 with guilty of murder, guilty of burglary & not guilty of rape. Sentencing hearing on 9/21/20.
Trial info of Jury selection & Trial 9/11/20-9/18/20 (Days 1-6) reference post #238 here:
IN - Tammy Blanton, 46, murdered, mutilated, Jeffersonville, 11 Sept 2014 *RETRIAL*
9/21/20 Update: Sentencing phase begins.
*Charged (7/29/13) with strangulation & resisting LE.
*Charged (7/23/14) with criminal recklessness & resisting LE.
Court information from 8/19/19 thru 8/31/20 reference post #173 here:
IN - Tammy Blanton, 46, murdered, mutilated, Jeffersonville, 11 Sept 2014 *RETRIAL*
8/31/20 Update: Other charges hearing on 9/24/20.

*Trial set to begin (Blackwell case) (@ 1pm CT) - IN – Javon Blackwell (42), his sons Javon, Jr. (12) & Jayzon (11) (Dec. 30, 2018, Marion) - for *Demetrius Jemere Jackson (25/now 26) arrested & charged (1/28/19) with 3 counts of murder, conspiracy to commit armed robbery & armed robbery in connection with 3 deaths. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial set to begin on 9/21/20-Blackwell
Blackwell: Jury Trial originally scheduled on 3/23/20 at 1:00pm was rescheduled to 6/8/20 at 1:30pm. Reason: By request. Pretrial Conference scheduled for 5/7/20. Court site said jury trial begins on 6/8.
6/8/20 Update: Jury Trial originally scheduled on 6/8/20 at 1:00 PM was rescheduled to 9/21/20 at 1:00pm. Reason: Court's Own Motion re COVID-19. Pretrial Conference scheduled for 8/20/20 at 8:30am. Sanders’ murder trial was 6/15/20 but was cancelled. Sanders case: pretrial hearing on 8/27 & trial begins on 9/28/20. 6/24/20: Blackwell: Correspondence tendered by defendant. Matter set for hearing on 6/29/20 at 9:00 a.m.
6/29/20 Update: Blackwell: Next pretrial hearing on 8/20/20. 8/20/20 Update: Hearing held. Motion for discovery. Next trial on 9/21/20.
*Lemere Joseph Jones (29/now 30) – Blackwell - had bench trial on 3/10/20-found guilty & sentenced on 4/3 to 200 years in prison. Robbery: Pretrial hearing on 9/24. Trial starts on 10/26/20. Sanders: Trial starts on 9/28/20.

*Trial set to begin (for Janet’s case) (@ 8:30am PT) - CA – Janet Ann Taylor (21) (March 24, 1974, from La Honda; found March 25, 1974 in Stanford, Palo Alto) - *John Arthur Getreu (29 @ time of crime/74/now 75) charged (5/10/19) with 1 count of felony murder, enhanced GBI/torture, enhanced serious felony & enhanced special allegation prior acts. Plead not guilty. $10K bond. San Mateo County
DNA submitted to Parabon Nanolabs-match
Trial set to begin on 9/21/20 (thru 9/28/20)
CA - Leslie Marie Perlov (21) (last seen Feb. 13, 1973, Palo Alto; found Feb. 16, 1973, Palo Alto) - *John Arthur Getreu (28 @ time of crime/74/now 75) arrested (11/20/18) & charged (11/21/18) & arraigned (11/18/18 & re-arraigned (2/18/20) with 1st degree murder during the commission of attempted rape. Plead not guilty. Held without bail. Santa Clara County
DNA submitted to Parabon Nanolabs-match
Information & court hearings from 11/26/18 to 1/29/20 reference post #49 here:
CA - Leslie Marie Perlov, 20, murdered, Palo Alto, 13 Feb 1973 *ARREST*
2/18/20 Update: Re-arraigned on 2/18/20. Next motions hearing on 4/7 and trial setting hearing on 4/8. 4/1/20: Motions hearing on 4/7 has been cancelled. Trial setting hearing still on court site for 4/8. Motions hearing on 5/19/20.
4/2/20 Update: Trial setting hearing was cancelled due to coronavirus. Next motions hearing on 5/19/20 & 5/20/20. 5/11/20 Update: Motions hearings on 5/19 & 5/20 were cancelled due to coronavirus. Motion hearing set for 6/30 & a trial setting hearing on 7/1/20. 6/14/20 Update: Motion hearing on 6/30 has been cancelled. Next trial setting hearing on 7/1/20 & motions hearing on 8/11/20. 6/27/20 Update: Hearing on 7/1/20 has been cancelled. Next motions hearing on 8/11 & trial setting hearing on 9/23/20. 8/11/20: Hearing held, next trial setting hearing on 9/23/20.

Tuesday, Sept. 22nd:
*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 9/22/20.
Court info from 1/10/20 thru 6/30/20 reference post #68 here:
GA - Newborn baby's body found inside freezer, Cobb County, 25 Jun 2018 *Arrest*
8/12/20 Update: Trial was continued to 9/1/20. 8/27/20: Defense Motion to Modify conditions of bond. 9/4/20: Trial has been continued to 9/22/20.

Wednesday, Sept. 23rd:
*Trial set to begin (@ 9am CT) - NE - Sydney Loofe (24) (Nov. 15, 2017, Lincoln; found Dec. 4 & 5, 2017) – for *Bailey M. Boswell (23/now 25) charged & indicted (6/11/18) & arraigned (8/6/18) with 1st degree murder & improper disposal of human remains & charged (3/1/19) with conspiracy to commit murder. Plead not guilty. No bond. DA will seek DP.
*Charged (8/9/19) with conspiracy to commit murder. Plead not guilty.
Trial set to begin on 9/23/20 (thru 10/16/20). Saline County to Lexington, Dawson County for trial.
3/3/20 Update: Trial had been set to begin on March 16 in Lexington, but Saline County District Judge Vicky Johnson issued an order Tuesday (3/3/20) postponing the trial until further notice because of a serious medical emergency in her family. 3/13/20 Update: Next trial date has been set for 9/23/20.
*Aubrey C. Trail (51/now 53) – Found guilty of all charges 7/8/19. A 3-judge panel will hear penalty phase. 11/15/19: Judge denies Trail’s death penalty challenge. Judge denies motion for new trial. Aggravation & Mitigation hearings on 12/15 thru 12/18/20.

 

[Niner]

Update in red!

Monday, September 21st:
*Sentencing Phase Hearing (via Zoom) (@ 9am ET) – IN – Tammy Jo Blanton (46) (Sept. 11, 2014, Jeffersonville) – *Joseph Albert Oberhansley (33/now 39) arrested (9/11/14) & charged (9/15/14) with 1st degree murder, felony burglary & 3rd degree rape. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA seeks DP. DA has taken DP off the table (6/28/19).
Trial began on 9/8/20 with Jury selection (Jury will be picked from Allen County & trial will be in Clark County – jury selection should take about 3 days.) Jury: 12 jurors & 4 alternates. Trial began on 9/11/20 and ended 9/18/20 when jurors deliberated for about 5 hours & gave verdict of guilty of murder, guilty of burglary & not guilty of rape. Sentencing phase hearing on 9/21/20.
Trial info of Jury selection & Trial 9/11/20-9/18/20 (Days 1-6) reference post #238 here:
IN - Tammy Blanton, 46, murdered, mutilated, Jeffersonville, 11 Sept 2014 *GUILTY*
9/21/20 Update: Sentencing phase begins. Judge read the jury instructions. Defense attorney Brent Westerfield up first for penalty phase. Defense called Dr. Timothy Allen, a psychiatrist, to the stand. The witness specializes in mental illness & forensic psychiatry. Clark County Prosecutor Jeremy Mull cross-examined the psychiatrist. Heather Henderson-Galligan, a psychologist. She met with Oberhansley about a week after his arrest Sept. 11, 2014. Oberhansley briefly spoke to jury, saying that he wasn't represented well & said he plans to appeal. His attorneys said Friday there are plans to appeal. Oberhansley also said he wasn't guilty of the charges & that "I do feel horrible for what happened to Tammy * I do care about her," Oberhansley said. Prosecutor Mull asked the jury to find burglary & dismemberment as aggravating factors & sentence Oberhansley to life without parole. Defense attorney Westerfeld then spoke to jury, saying that mental illness as a mitigating factor. "Mental illness explains this case," he said. He asked the jury to allow the judge to impose a sentence rather than choose life in prison. The jury deliberated for less than an hour. Jury recommend Oberhansley serve life without parole. A formal sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 13 in Clark County Circuit Court.
*Charged (7/29/13) with strangulation & resisting LE.
*Charged (7/23/14) with criminal recklessness & resisting LE.
Court information from 8/19/19 thru 8/31/20 reference post #173 here:
IN - Tammy Blanton, 46, murdered, mutilated, Jeffersonville, 11 Sept 2014 *GUILTY*
8/31/20 Update: Other charges hearing on 9/24/20.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Monday, September 21st:
*Trial was set to begin-CONTINUED! (@ 1pm CT) - IN – Javon Blackwell (42), his sons Javon, Jr. (12) & Jayzon (11) (Dec. 30, 2018, Marion) - for *Demetrius Jemere Jackson (25/now 26) arrested & charged (1/28/19) with 3 counts of murder, conspiracy to commit armed robbery & armed robbery in connection with 3 deaths. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial was set to begin on 9/21/20-Blackwell
9/21/20 Update: Trial has been rescheduled per court’s own motion to 2/22/21. Pretrial hearing on 1/21/20.
*Lemere Joseph Jones (29/now 30) – Blackwell - had bench trial on 3/10/20-found guilty & sentenced on 4/3 to 200 years in prison. Robbery: Pretrial hearing on 9/24. Trial starts on 10/26/20. Sanders: Trial starts on 9/28/20.