Civil Trial: The aftermath, and answers for the SDSO

cynic

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Trial verdict:
http://youtu.be/1axJFXKUuYk

Greer’s press conference:
http://youtu.be/Hd5ETqsBH7g

Webb’s press conference:
http://youtu.be/ltMFcJdhBDo

Gore surprised by verdict:
http://youtu.be/jiGj_q9Zsf0

Gore’s comment on verdict:
http://youtu.be/s0ehJIAO5wI

The civil trial concluded that Rebecca Zahau did not commit suicide. The finding was that Rebecca Zahau was murdered and the responsible party was Adam Shacknai

For those who have followed the case since 2011, it has all come full circle.
The initial impression of the crime scene was that it was a homicide, a fact mentioned in the first search warrant:
“Based on my training and experience and my initial investigation I believe that based on the fact that the Asian female had her hands and legs bound and was found in the condition that she was found by Adam Shacknai that she was a victim of a homicide.”
-From search warrant (41227) by San Diego County Sheriff's Det. Brian Patterson.

Following an investigation led by the SDSO, despite the early impression that it was a homicide, they instead concluded Rebecca’s death was a suicide.

Shortly after the conclusion of the trial, the SDSO issued a press release which in part said, “In regards to the criminal investigation, the Sheriff's Department stands by the findings of the Medical Examiner's Office and our investigators. These findings were supported by forensic evidence and medical examinations.”

While eventually relenting and agreeing to review, (but not reopen,) the case, it’s difficult not to be skeptical given the very rigid stance taken by the SDSO over these past years.

Sheriff Bill Gore says he’s “very surprised” by the verdict.
Gore said of the crime scene, “I’m going to murder somebody but I want to make it look like a suicide, but I’m going to make it look the most improbable suicide, so people really think it’s a murder. It’s completely illogical."
Gore fails immediately here. This is not a murder that looks like suicide, it is a murder that looks like murder. The only unusual element is that it is so audacious.

I believe the best way to illustrate that this is unquestionably a homicide is to examine the one piece of this puzzle that all sides would agree is inexorably linked to who is responsible for the events that night at the Spreckels Mansion.
The message on the door was written by the person responsible for the events that culminated in the death of Rebecca Zahau.

The paint tube found at the scene was purchased by Rebecca. She handled it at the time of purchase and subsequently. There is every reasonable expectation that both her fingerprints and DNA would be found on the tube from this fact alone.
If Rebecca wrote the message, she would have had to squeeze the tube some 20 or more times as estimated by attorney Keith Greer.
If Adam Shacknai wrote the message, similarly, he would have had to squeeze the tube 20 or more times.
Rebecca or Adam would have had to grip and use a paintbrush to write the message.
Rebecca or Adam would have written the message in a manner consistent with their patterns of writing.
If Rebecca wrote a final message, it would presumably have the “ring” of a “suicide note.”
It is very unlikely to be written in the third person and be best characterized as a taunt.
It is even more unlikely that it be written in writing completely dissimilar to her writing characteristics.
Rebecca would have no reason to wipe the tube clean of fingerprints and DNA. (Only one print was found – located on the lid – and that print did belong to Rebecca, but not unusual at considering she purchased the paint. The tube which would have been handled and squeezed numerous times was devoid of forensic evidence.)
Rebecca would have no reason to wipe the paintbrushes clean of fingerprints and DNA.
Only someone who did not want their prints and DNA found would wipe these items clean.
Of course, Adam would naturally wish to not have his prints and DNA found on these or any items which would connect him to Rebecca.
What could not be erased is the fact that Adam’s writing had characteristics that matched the writing on the door and Rebecca’s did not. Testimony also showed that it was written at a height consistent with a person that is between 5’10 and 6’ tall. Adam’s height: 5’11”. Rebecca’s height: 5’3 1/2”

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Gore also resurrected an old claim that he held off dismissing the case as a suicide “until the toxicology results came in.”
Presumably this means that if there was evidence that Rebecca was incapacitated by some drug he would have continued the investigation. Obviously, there are other ways to incapacitate someone. Rebecca was struck on the head four times according to the autopsy report.

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Another area which, seemingly, was incomprehensible to Gore was that of the fingerprint and DNA evidence.
If looked at through the suicide prism only, an illusion can be created and was created. From the SDSO website, the FAQ page shows that there is only a focus on maintaining the sanctity of the suicide narrative. Looking at these questions, for example, we now know how deceptive the answers are because the civil lawsuit placed the forensic evidence under much needed scrutiny.
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SDSO FAQ:
• Question: Were there prints and DNA on the knives?

Answer: The small knife had Rebecca’s DNA, and only Rebecca’s DNA. No fingerprints were developed from this item. The large knife had Rebecca’s fingerprints, and only Rebecca’s fingerprints. A low level of DNA material was found on this knife as well, but it was not enough for any comparison.

Reality: We now know that the small knife had only Rebecca’s DNA because the biological sample was from blood – blood from the handle being inserted into the vagina of Rebecca.
Consistent with a sexual assault and homicide, not suicide.

Similarly disingenuous is the characterization that the large knife had “Rebecca’s fingerprints, and only Rebecca’s fingerprints.”
While absolutely true, we now know that to be deceptive because of where the fingerprints were found.
They were found on the blade of the knife in a pattern consistent with holding the knife behind one’s back. This would be a potential scenario if Rebecca was attempting to cut the rope in an attempt to free herself.

attachment.php


A crucial fact not mentioned is that no fingerprints were on the handle of this knife.
Consistent with homicide, not suicide.
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• Question: Were there prints of her or anyone else in the house?

Answer: Rebecca’s prints were found in all areas of the incident scene, and on items directly related to the event (knife, paint tube).

Reality: The knives in the bedroom were addressed previously. What about the knife in the courtyard that Adam held and claimed he used to cut the rope from which Rebecca was suspended? No mention of the fact that no prints or DNA were found.
And what of the paint tube? One print on the paint lid and no other forensic evidence elsewhere on the tube. How is that possible if Rebecca squeezed the tube numerous times in order to paint the message on the door? It is consistent with someone else using the tube and then wiping it clean.
Consistent with homicide, not suicide.

No DNA was present on the paintbrushes. Had Rebecca painted the message on the door you’d expect her DNA to be there.
Consistent with a homicide, not suicide.

The door knobs in and out of the bedroom with the balcony yielded no fingerprints or DNA. A significant area of the door around the door knob and the door knobs themselves appear to have been wiped.
Consistent with homicide, not suicide.

While on the subject of the SDSO FAQ, the whole thing should be deleted to avoid further embarrassment.
Every question is now seen in a new light subsequent to the civil trial.
Some examples…
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• Question: Why didn’t we collect and process the panties in the trash?

Post-trial reality: The jury wanted an answer and so have many who have followed the case. Adam admitted to masturbating at the scene, Rebecca is found nude – why wouldn’t a disposed pair of underwear not be tested. Why should they be satisfied with the explanation offered by Jonah Shacknai?
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• Question: Why can’t you do handwriting comparisons with her suicide note?

Post-trial reality: It should not be stated it’s a suicide note. It’s a message on a door.
And, obviously, you can analyze the writing, and had it been done during the criminal investigation, it would have pointed away from Rebecca and toward Adam.
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• Question: How did she learn these complex knots?

Post-trial reality: Experts and laypeople alike are incredulous that Rebecca would have been able to bind herself in the manner in which she was found. Evidence offered in trial served only to underscore the reality that she was tied up.
The SDSO went to great lengths in their attempt to show that self-binding was possible. Had they even considered the extremely limited amount of time Rebecca would have had to do what they claim she did, they would have seen how utterly preposterous the idea was.
There had been no searches for knots or self-binding, nor was there any indication she would have been able to do the self-binding based on any life experience she may have had.
In the civil trial, the defense knot expert said he had to practise the self-binding some 50 or 60 times.
According to the SDSO, the suicide “clock” would have started at around 12:50 AM. The clock would have stopped at around 3:00 AM when they estimate Rebecca died.
So, we are to believe that Rebecca developed deep suicidal ideation, formulated an astonishing suicide plan and completed all the necessary elements within a two hour span of time, even taking the time to pinch her own nipples, (evidenced by black paint residue,) as part of her plan? And, I have never heard any plausible explanation for binding one’s feet.

Mentioned by Gore as another factor that he has considered a key in his determination that this was a suicide was the alleged bad-news voicemail that Jonah claims he left and supposedly tipped Rebecca into the suicidal ideation.
Given that this is such a key point, Gore would have to believe the word of Jonah without reservation.
During the civil trial an attempt was made to bolster the view by bringing in a psychologist specializing in suicides to testify.

From Rebecca’s sister, Mary:
“Then their clinical psychologist picked incidences throughout Rebecca’s life, some weight loss (5 lbs. per autopsy weight), some sleeplessness, her stress with Jonah’s kids, her relationship with Jonah, and her 2 entries found in her phone to fit his testimony that she committed suicide. He claimed that Jonah Shacknai’s phone message about Max condition was “the straw that broke the camel’s back”. The fact is nobody has heard this message and nobody will ever know what that message said. The San Diego Sheriff’s department and lead detective failed to retrieve the message in time from the carrier. Their most important “straw that broke the camel’s back” cannot be proven. Attorney Greer pointed out how this clinical psychologist ignored positive factors in her life and positive coping habits Rebecca had including my exercise, healthy eating, prayers, and her faith in God. Rebecca had no history of depression, no threats of suicide in the past, no diagnosis of depression, no history of alcohol or substance abuse, and anybody who knows her will say she always had positive outlook in life and lightens the mood of those around her. She made plans for the future that included our father’s birthday party that fall of 2011.
According to this psychologist, most of us are at risk of suicide and will most likely commit suicide because we all have stressors whether it’s issues in relationship at one time or another, stress about step kids, lost sleep, lost weight, have tragic events/deaths, and so on. I have not slept more than 5-6 hours a night since Rebecca was murdered, our father has died 2013 with broken heart, and obviously I am under a lot of stress leading up to trial since 2011, financial stress of trial expenses, and now during trial in addition to daily stress of being a parent, having a job, taking care of family etc. I wonder what my psychology evaluation would be according to him?????”

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How did the SDSO do at the civil trial?

The ME, Jonathan Lucas didn’t show up to defend his autopsy findings and the lead detective, Det. Angela Tsuida, had an abysmal outing.
In perhaps the most preposterous explanation in the entire trial, Tsuida attempted to explain the blood found on all sides of the handle of the small knife in the bedroom. She speculated it was held between two fingers of Rebecca, (one of which had an abrasion,) and the knife was rotated - anything but admit the knife was used to sexually assault Rebecca.
Keith Greer noted that Tsuida’s testimony was likely a watershed moment in the trial in terms of the credibility of the investigation. Her testimony was at best evasive, and at worst, desperate and embarrassing. But, at least she showed up.

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It shouldn’t have come to this. Justice for Rebecca should not have had to wait seven years and come in the form of a judgement in a wrongful death lawsuit.

Going forward, there are many avenues to be pursued in terms of properly investigating Rebecca’s death.
A key piece of evidence is the knife with Rebecca’s blood – it needs to be thoroughly tested if its condition makes that possible.
Adam Shacknai needs to be investigated with at least as much zeal and focus as the SDSO investigation into Rebecca.

Keith Greer is optimistic about the promised review of the case.
Regardless of the outcome, Mr. Greer is absolutely right in stating that the results of the review will be subject to intense scrutiny. In light of so much information being revealed to the public during the civil trial pointing to this being a homicide, it will be exceedingly difficult for the review to simply “rubber-stamp” the previous determination of suicide.
 

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I believe that the photographic evidence of the body on the grass is critical in identifying time of death.

There appeared to be a presumption that the photographs were taken by the medical examiner when at trial it appears ( by the lead detectives testimony about the photographer) that the photographs were actually taken at approx 8.30 am.

The side lividity and side blanching in the lower legs would not be as fixed in only 80 minutes after being cut down at 7am. It is more consistent with several hours on the ground.

The original images should be time stamped but it appears that the plaintiffs versions are all cropped without the time stamp.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
Another reality, Max’s condition at the time of the alleged voicemail. Who was told what and when was squashed by Dr. Peterson. The doctor did not deliver the news Jonah allegedly left in a nonexistent voicemail SDSO claimed was the “suicide trigger”.

From Mary Zahau: BBM

Day #3 of week #3 trial was all deposition videos. It was a long day. We had Marsha, neighbor, who heard woman scream for help the night Rebecca was murdered and Dr Peterson’s deposition that Max’s condition was not declared worse until the July 14th 2011. So the theory that Rebecca committed suicide on the 13th because Max condition worsened per Jonah’s phone call is a lie. The same phone call that the San Diego Sheriffs department chose not to download and analyze from Rebecca’s cell phone.

https://www..com/rydrn-justice-for-rebecca
 
<snipped to address>
Keith Greer is optimistic about the promised review of the case.
Regardless of the outcome, Mr. Greer is absolutely right in stating that the results of the review will be subject to intense scrutiny. In light of so much information being revealed to the public during the civil trial pointing to this being a homicide, it will be exceedingly difficult for the review to simply &#8220;rubber-stamp&#8221; the previous determination of suicide.

Cynic: Nice summary, thank you! With regard to just the paragraph above, while I'm uncomfortable with Gore and anyone from SDSO reviewing or re-investigating Rebecca's death, I agree with Mr. Greer that the civil trial verdict has made it very difficult for them to simply stick to their original theory and party line.

Oh, to be a fly on the wall with access to phone calls, texts, emails, etc. between Arizona, Tennessee, and San Diego the last couple of weeks!
 
There is another point to make regarding the knives and the SDSO FAQ. There were 3 knives. This FAQ question does not mention the 3rd knife at all. The one Adam allegedly used. The very first item listed on SW 41227. SDSO only provided answers that drove the suicide theory, IMO. How different would this answer have been interpreted if SDSO included the details regarding Adam&#8217;s DNA not being found?

SDSO FAQ:

&#8226; Question: Were there prints and DNA on the knives?

Answer: The small knife had Rebecca&#8217;s DNA, and only Rebecca&#8217;s DNA. No fingerprints were developed from this item. The large knife had Rebecca&#8217;s fingerprints, and only Rebecca&#8217;s fingerprints. A low level of DNA material was found on this knife as well, but it was not enough for any comparison.
 
Would you find fingerprints on a paintbrush? when I paint, I hold my brush like I do utensils or my pen, like chopsticks, in between my fingers. My fingertips never touching the brush handle. Is it just me? I've been told by pretty much everyone, that I hold my pen funny. I've been doing it since I learned to write, it seems normal too me.
Is it possible that Rebecca held a paintbrush in similiar way? I also noticed that she wore acrylic nails. That has an effect on how women hold things, pick things up, the way we pull and push things. Break an acrylic nail and you'll understand why.
It could explain why they found no fingerprints. Did they actually do latent print testing?
 
Following up on any news from from San Diego Sheriff?

SDSO Will Review Death of Rebecca Zahau: Sheriff Gore

"While no new evidence was presented, new analysis of existing evidence was presented in the recently concluded civil trial. In the spirit of transparency and open-mindedness, we have agreed to undertake a fresh review of the case, by investigators who have had no prior involvement with the case, to evaluate the new information," the statement read in part.

He said in the statement that the investigation would take at least 90 days, and said when it is done the SDSO will meet once again with Zahau family attorneys. [BBM]

 

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