GUILTY AZ - Maribel Gonzales, 13, murdered, Tucson, 3 June 2014 *Arrest*

[Niner]

Sorry - forgot to post this for yesterday - the murder case.

Monday, January 11th:
*Status Hearing (re Murder) (@ 1:30pm PT) – AZ – Isabel Mercedes Celis (6) (April 21, 2012, Tucson, found Mar. 3, 2017, Id’ed Mar. 31, 2017) & Maribel Victoria Gonzales (13) (June 4, 2014, Tucson, found June 6, 2014, id’ed June 20, 2014) – *Christopher Matthew Clements (36/now 38) aka Damion James Johnson indicted (9/15/18) & charged & arraigned (9/24/18) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder, 2 counts of kidnapping a minor under 15, 2 counts of 2nd degree burglary, 1 count of theft by controlling stolen property, 1 count of trafficking in stolen property & 14 counts of sexual exploitation of minors. Plead not guilty. $2M cash only bond. DA will seek DP.
Murder trial to begin on 7/27/21 with jury selection. Trial will be on Tuesdays thru Fridays (thru 9/29/21).
Trial (for Burglary/fraud) begins on 2/23/21. (for both).
Court hearings for Isabel Celis from 9/15/18 to 10/12/20 reference post #180 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Isabel Mercedes Celis, 6, Tucson, 20 April 2012 *Arrest* #27
Court hearings for Maribel Gonzales from 9/15/18 to 10/12/20 reference post #90 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Maribel Gonzales, 13, Tucson, 3 June 2014 *Arrest*
10/13/20 Update: Murder: Next Motions hearing on 10/26/20. 10/26/20 Update: Trial has been continued from original date of 2/23/21 to 7/27/21 thru 8/5/20. Status conference on 7/27/21 @ 10:15am & trial will start at 10:30am with jury selection.
1/6/21 Update: Judge Deborah Bernini granted a defense request to separate the two murder cases. Clements' attorneys say he should have a separate trial in each death because he may want to testify in his own defense in the Celis case---but if the cases are combined, prosecutors would be free to ask him questions on the Gonzalez murder. Prosecutors say the cases are linked because Clements led investigators to Celis remains in a remote part of Avra Valley where Maribel Gonzalez remains were found too. Investigators say there’s a possible match for Clements' DNA on Maribel remains. Status conference hearing on 1/11/21.

Co-Defendant on Maricopa County case:
*Melissa Stark (29 @ time of crime/now 33) – Fraud/Burglary case – Next Evidentiary hearing on 1/11/21. Trial to begin on 2/23/21.

 

[Niner]

Clements & Stark:

Fraud:

Docket:
Case Documents
Filing Date Description Docket Date Filing Party
1/12/2021 003 - ME: Hearing Reset - Party (001) 1/12/2021


Hearings:
2/16/2021 8:30 Pre-Trial Conference
2/16/2021 13:30 Evidentiary Hearing

2/22/2021 13:30 Evidentiary Hearing

2/23/2021 8:00 Trial

link: Criminal Court Case Information - Case History

 

[Niner]

for Clements & Stark:
Update on Docket for Fraud:

Docket:
Case Documents
Filing Date Description Docket Date Filing Party
2/11/2021 598 - ME: Continuance Past last Day - Party (001) 2/11/2021

2/11/2021 598 - ME: Continuance Past last Day - Party (002) 2/11/2021

2/1/2021 NOT - Notice - Party (002) 2/1/2021
NOTE: Notice of Joining Co-Defendants Motion to Continue

2/1/2021 MCO - Motion To Continue - Party (001) 2/2/2021
NOTE: MOTION TO CONTINUE TRIAL

Docket for Burglary:
Case Documents
Filing Date Description Docket Date Filing Party
2/12/2021 023 - ME: Order Entered By Court - Party (001) 2/12/2021

2/11/2021 598 - ME: Continuance Past last Day - Party (001) 2/11/2021

2/11/2021 598 - ME: Continuance Past last Day - Party (002) 2/11/2021

2/5/2021 ALT - Appeals Letter Of Transmittal - Party (001) 2/8/2021

2/5/2021 CAO - Court Of Appeals Order - Party (001) 2/8/2021
NOTE: ORDER DECLINING SPECIAL ACTION JURISDICTION

2/1/2021 NOT - Notice - Party (002) 2/1/2021
NOTE: Notice of Joining Co-Defendants Motion to Continue

1/28/2021 MCO - Motion To Continue - Party (001) 1/28/2021
NOTE: Motion to Continue Trial

Hearings:
2/16/2021 8:30 Pre-Trial Conference
2/16/2021 13:30 Evidentiary Hearing

2/17/2021 13:30 Evidentiary Hearing

2/18/2021 13:30 Evidentiary Hearing

2/22/2021 13:30 Evidentiary Hearing

2/23/2021 8:00 Trial - Cancelled

5/25/2021 8:30 Pre-Trial Conference

6/8/2021 11:00 Trial


link: Criminal Court Case Information - Case History

 

[Niner]

Tuesday, February 16th:
*Pretrial Hearing (@ 8:30am PT) & Evidentiary Hearings (re Fraud & Burglary/Theft) for both (@ 1:30pm PT) – AZ – Isabel Mercedes Celis (6) (April 21, 2012, Tucson, found Mar. 3, 2017, Id’ed Mar. 31, 2017) & Maribel Victoria Gonzales (13) (June 4, 2014, Tucson, found June 6, 2014, id’ed June 20, 2014) – *Christopher Matthew Clements (36/now 39) aka Damion James Johnson indicted (9/15/18) & arraigned (9/24/18) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder, 2 counts of kidnapping a minor under 15, 2 counts of 2nd degree burglary, 1 count of theft by controlling stolen property, 1 count of trafficking in stolen property & 14 counts of sexual exploitation of minors. Plead not guilty. $2M cash only bond. DA will seek DP.
Fraud & Burglary trial was set to begin on 2/23/21 continued to 6/8/21. Murder trial set to begin on 7/27/21 thru 9/29/21.
Court hearings for Isabel Celis from 8/23/19 to 11/19/20 reference post #196 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Isabel Mercedes Celis, 6, Tucson, 20 April 2012 *Arrest* #27
Court hearings for Maribel Gonzales from 8/23/19 to 11/19/20 reference post #96 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Maribel Gonzales, 13, Tucson, 3 June 2014 *Arrest*
11/23/20 Update: Evidentiary hearing continues on 11/24/20. 11/24/20 Update: Next evidentiary hearing on 11/30/20. 11/30/20 Update: Next evidentiary hearing on 1/11/21. Pretrial & evidentiary hearing on 2/16/21 & evidentiary hearing on 2/22/21.
1/11/21 Update: Hearing was reset. Next pretrial hearing @ 8:30am & evidentiary hearing @ 1:30pm on 2/16/21.
1/28/21: Motion to continue trial. 2/1/21: Notion of joining co-defendants' Motion to Continue. 2/5/21: Court of Appeals Order: Declining special action jurisdiction. 2/11/21: Motion to continue trial-granted. Trial has been rescheduled to 5/8/21. Next pretrial hearing on 2/16 @ 8:30am & evidentiary hearings on 2/16/21, 2/17, 2/18 & 2/22 all @ 1:30pm. Pretrial conference hearing on 5/25/21.
Co-Defendant on Maricopa County case:
*Melissa Stark (29 @ time of crime/now 32) charged (10/28/17), indicted (10/4/17 & 11/10/18) & arraigned (11/13/17 & 2/1/18) with 2nd degree fraud, 2 counts of 2nd degree burglary & 1 count of 3rd degree theft. Plead not guilty.
Trial was set to begin on 2/23/21 continued to 6/8/21.
Court hearings for Isabel Celis from 8/23/19 to 11/19/20 reference post #196 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Isabel Mercedes Celis, 6, Tucson, 20 April 2012 *Arrest* #27
Court hearings for Maribel Gonzales from 8/23/19 to 11/19/20 reference post #96 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Maribel Gonzales, 13, Tucson, 3 June 2014 *Arrest*
11/23/20 Update: Evidentiary hearing continues on 11/24/20. 11/24/20 Update: Next evidentiary hearing on 11/30/20. 11/30/20 Update: Next evidentiary hearing on 1/11/21. Pretrial & evidentiary hearing on 2/16/21 & evidentiary hearing on 2/22/21.
1/11/21 Update: Hearing was reset. Next pretrial hearing @ 8:30am & evidentiary hearing @ 1:30pm on 2/16/21. 1/28/21: Motion to continue trial. 2/1/21: Notion of joining co-defendants' Motion to Continue. 2/5/21: Court of Appeals Order: Declining special action jurisdiction. 2/11/21: Motion to continue trial-granted. Trial has been rescheduled to 5/8/21. Next pretrial hearing on 2/16 @ 8:30am & evidentiary hearings on 2/16/21, 2/17, 2/18 & 2/22 all @ 1:30pm. Pretrial conference hearing on 5/25/21.

 

[Niner]

Wednesday, February 17th:
*Evidentiary Hearing (Day 2 of 4) (re Fraud & Burglary/Theft) for both (@ 1:30pm PT) – AZ – Isabel Mercedes Celis (6) (April 21, 2012, Tucson, found Mar. 3, 2017, Id’ed Mar. 31, 2017) & Maribel Victoria Gonzales (13) (June 4, 2014, Tucson, found June 6, 2014, id’ed June 20, 2014) – *Christopher Matthew Clements (36/now 39) aka Damion James Johnson indicted (9/15/18) & arraigned (9/24/18) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder, 2 counts of kidnapping a minor under 15, 2 counts of 2nd degree burglary, 1 count of theft by controlling stolen property, 1 count of trafficking in stolen property & 14 counts of sexual exploitation of minors. Plead not guilty. $2M cash only bond. DA will seek DP.
Fraud & Burglary trial was set to begin on 2/23/21 continued to 6/8/21. Murder trial set to begin on 7/27/21 thru 9/29/21.
Court hearings for Isabel Celis from 8/23/19 to 2/5/21 reference post #220 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Isabel Mercedes Celis, 6, Tucson, 20 April 2012 *Arrest* #27
Court hearings for Maribel Gonzales from 8/23/19 to 2/5/21 reference post #104 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Maribel Gonzales, 13, Tucson, 3 June 2014 *Arrest*
2/11/21: Motion to continue trial-granted. Trial has been rescheduled to 5/8/21. Next pretrial hearing on 2/16 @ 8:30am & evidentiary hearings on 2/16/21, 2/17, 2/18 & 2/22 all @ 1:30pm. Pretrial conference hearing on 5/25/21.
2/16/21 Update: No info on hearing. Evidentiary hearing continued on 2/17/21.
Co-Defendant on Maricopa County case:
*Melissa Stark (29 @ time of crime/now 32) charged (10/28/17), indicted (10/4/17 & 11/10/18) & arraigned (11/13/17 & 2/1/18) with 2nd degree fraud, 2 counts of 2nd degree burglary & 1 count of 3rd degree theft. Plead not guilty.
Trial was set to begin on 2/23/21 continued to 6/8/21.
Court hearings for Isabel Celis from 8/23/19 to 2/5/21 reference post #220 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Isabel Mercedes Celis, 6, Tucson, 20 April 2012 *Arrest* #27
Court hearings for Maribel Gonzales from 8/23/19 to 2/5/21 reference post #104 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Maribel Gonzales, 13, Tucson, 3 June 2014 *Arrest*
2/11/21: Motion to continue trial-granted. Trial has been rescheduled to 5/8/21. Next pretrial hearing on 2/16 @ 8:30am & evidentiary hearings on 2/16/21, 2/17, 2/18 & 2/22 all @ 1:30pm. Pretrial conference hearing on 5/25/21.
2/16/21 Update: No info on hearing. Evidentiary hearing continued on 2/17/21.

 

[Niner]

Thursday, Feb. 18th:
*Evidentiary Hearing (Day 3 of 4) (re Fraud & Burglary/Theft) for both (@ 1:30pm PT) – AZ – Isabel Mercedes Celis (6) (April 21, 2012, Tucson, found Mar. 3, 2017, Id’ed Mar. 31, 2017) & Maribel Victoria Gonzales (13) (June 4, 2014, Tucson, found June 6, 2014, id’ed June 20, 2014) – *Christopher Matthew Clements (36/now 39) aka Damion James Johnson indicted (9/15/18) & arraigned (9/24/18) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder, 2 counts of kidnapping a minor under 15, 2 counts of 2nd degree burglary, 1 count of theft by controlling stolen property, 1 count of trafficking in stolen property & 14 counts of sexual exploitation of minors. Plead not guilty. $2M cash only bond. DA will seek DP.
Fraud & Burglary trial set to begin on 6/8/21. Murder trial set to begin on 7/27/21 thru 9/29/21.
Court hearings for Isabel Celis from 8/23/19 to 2/5/21 reference post #220 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Isabel Mercedes Celis, 6, Tucson, 20 April 2012 *Arrest* #27
Court hearings for Maribel Gonzales from 8/23/19 to 2/5/21 reference post #104 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Maribel Gonzales, 13, Tucson, 3 June 2014 *Arrest*
2/11/21: Motion to continue trial-granted. Trial has been rescheduled to 5/8/21. Next pretrial hearing on 2/16 @ 8:30am & evidentiary hearings on 2/16/21, 2/17, 2/18 & 2/22 all @ 1:30pm. Pretrial conference hearing on 5/25/21.
2/16/21 Update: No info on hearing. Evidentiary hearing continued on 2/17/21. 2/17/21 Update: No info on hearing. Evidentiary hearing continued to 2/18/21.
Co-Defendant on Maricopa County case:
*Melissa Stark (29 @ time of crime/now 32) charged (10/28/17), indicted (10/4/17 & 11/10/18) & arraigned (11/13/17 & 2/1/18) with 2nd degree fraud, 2 counts of 2nd degree burglary & 1 count of 3rd degree theft. Plead not guilty.
Trial set to begin on 6/8/21.
Court hearings for Isabel Celis from 8/23/19 to 2/5/21 reference post #220 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Isabel Mercedes Celis, 6, Tucson, 20 April 2012 *Arrest* #27
Court hearings for Maribel Gonzales from 8/23/19 to 2/5/21 reference post #104 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Maribel Gonzales, 13, Tucson, 3 June 2014 *Arrest*
2/11/21: Motion to continue trial-granted. Trial has been rescheduled to 5/8/21. Next pretrial hearing on 2/16 @ 8:30am & evidentiary hearings on 2/16/21, 2/17, 2/18 & 2/22 all @ 1:30pm. Pretrial conference hearing on 5/25/21.
2/16/21 Update: No info on hearing. Evidentiary hearing continued on 2/17/21. 2/17/21 Update: No info on hearing. Evidentiary hearing continued on 2/18/21.

 

[Niner]

Monday, February 22nd:
*Evidentiary Hearing (re Fraud & Burglary/Theft) for both (@ 1:30pm PT) – AZ – Isabel Mercedes Celis (6) (April 21, 2012, Tucson, found Mar. 3, 2017, Id’ed Mar. 31, 2017) & Maribel Victoria Gonzales (13) (June 4, 2014, Tucson, found June 6, 2014, id’ed June 20, 2014) – *Christopher Matthew Clements (36/now 39) aka Damion James Johnson indicted (9/15/18) & arraigned (9/24/18) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder, 2 counts of kidnapping a minor under 15, 2 counts of 2nd degree burglary, 1 count of theft by controlling stolen property, 1 count of trafficking in stolen property & 14 counts of sexual exploitation of minors. Plead not guilty. $2M cash only bond. DA will seek DP.
Fraud & Burglary trial set to begin on 6/8/21. Murder trial set to begin on 7/27/21 thru 9/29/21.
Court hearings for Isabel Celis from 8/23/19 to 2/5/21 reference post #220 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Isabel Mercedes Celis, 6, Tucson, 20 April 2012 *Arrest* #27
Court hearings for Maribel Gonzales from 8/23/19 to 2/5/21 reference post #104 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Maribel Gonzales, 13, Tucson, 3 June 2014 *Arrest*
2/11/21: Motion to continue trial-granted. Trial has been rescheduled to 5/8/21. Next pretrial hearing on 2/16 @ 8:30am & evidentiary hearings on 2/16/21, 2/17, 2/18 & 2/22 all @ 1:30pm. Pretrial conference hearing on 5/25/21.
2/16/21 Update: No info on hearing. Evidentiary hearing continued on 2/17/21. 2/17/21 Update: No info on hearing. Evidentiary hearing continued to 2/18/21.
2/18/21 Update: Hearing was held. Next evidentiary hearing on 2/22 @ 1:30pm & 2/23/21 @ 3pm.
Co-Defendant on Maricopa County case:
*Melissa Stark (29 @ time of crime/now 32) charged (10/28/17), indicted (10/4/17 & 11/10/18) & arraigned (11/13/17 & 2/1/18) with 2nd degree fraud, 2 counts of 2nd degree burglary & 1 count of 3rd degree theft. Plead not guilty.
Trial was set to begin on 6/8/21.
Court hearings for Isabel Celis from 8/23/19 to 2/5/21 reference post #220 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Isabel Mercedes Celis, 6, Tucson, 20 April 2012 *Arrest* #27
Court hearings for Maribel Gonzales from 8/23/19 to 2/5/21 reference post #104 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Maribel Gonzales, 13, Tucson, 3 June 2014 *Arrest*
2/11/21: Motion to continue trial-granted. Trial has been rescheduled to 5/8/21. Next pretrial hearing on 2/16 @ 8:30am & evidentiary hearings on 2/16/21, 2/17, 2/18 & 2/22 all @ 1:30pm. Pretrial conference hearing on 5/25/21.
2/16/21 Update: No info on hearing. Evidentiary hearing continued on 2/17/21. 2/17/21 Update: No info on hearing. Evidentiary hearing continued on 2/18/21.
2/18/21 Update: Hearing was held. Next evidentiary hearing on 2/22 & 2/23/21.

 

[Niner]

Tuesday, Feb. 23rd:
*Evidentiary Hearing (re Fraud & Burglary/Theft) for both (@ 3pm PT) – AZ – Isabel Mercedes Celis (6) (April 21, 2012, Tucson, found Mar. 3, 2017, Id’ed Mar. 31, 2017) & Maribel Victoria Gonzales (13) (June 4, 2014, Tucson, found June 6, 2014, id’ed June 20, 2014) – *Christopher Matthew Clements (36/now 39) aka Damion James Johnson indicted (9/15/18) & arraigned (9/24/18) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder, 2 counts of kidnapping a minor under 15, 2 counts of 2nd degree burglary, 1 count of theft by controlling stolen property, 1 count of trafficking in stolen property & 14 counts of sexual exploitation of minors. Plead not guilty. $2M cash only bond. DA will seek DP.
Fraud & Burglary trial set to begin on 6/8/21. Murder trial set to begin on 7/27/21 thru 9/29/21.
Court hearings for Isabel Celis from 8/23/19 to 2/17/21 reference post #227 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Isabel Mercedes Celis, 6, Tucson, 20 April 2012 *Arrest* #27
Court hearings for Maribel Gonzales from 8/23/19 to 2/17/21 reference post #107 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Maribel Gonzales, 13, Tucson, 3 June 2014 *Arrest*
2/18/21 Update: Hearing was held. Next evidentiary hearing on 2/22 @ 1:30pm & 2/23/21 @ 3pm.
Co-Defendant on Maricopa County case:
*Melissa Stark (29 @ time of crime/now 32) charged (10/28/17), indicted (10/4/17 & 11/10/18) & arraigned (11/13/17 & 2/1/18) with 2nd degree fraud, 2 counts of 2nd degree burglary & 1 count of 3rd degree theft. Plead not guilty.
Trial et to begin on 6/8/21.
Court hearings for Isabel Celis from 8/23/19 to 2/17/21 reference post #227 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Isabel Mercedes Celis, 6, Tucson, 20 April 2012 *Arrest* #27
Court hearings for Maribel Gonzales from 8/23/19 to 2/17/21 reference post #107 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Maribel Gonzales, 13, Tucson, 3 June 2014 *Arrest*
2/18/21 Update: Hearing was held. Next evidentiary hearing on 2/22 & 2/23/21.

 

[Niner]

for both - Fraud & Burglary

Docket:
Case Documents
Filing Date Description Docket Date Filing Party
2/24/2021 005 - ME: Hearing - Party (001) 2/24/2021

2/23/2021 003 - ME: Hearing Reset - Party (001) 2/23/2021


Hearings:
2/23/2021 15:00 Evidentiary Hearing

5/25/2021 8:30 Pre-Trial Conference

6/8/2021 11:00 Trial

link: Criminal Court Case Information - Case History

 

[Niner]

Thursday, March 18th:
*Motions Hearing (re Murder) (@ 10:30am PT) – AZ – Isabel Mercedes Celis (6) (April 21, 2012, Tucson, found Mar. 3, 2017, Id’ed Mar. 31, 2017) & Maribel Victoria Gonzales (13) (June 4, 2014, Tucson, found June 6, 2014, id’ed June 20, 2014) – *Christopher Matthew Clements (36/now 38) aka Damion James Johnson indicted (9/15/18) & charged & arraigned (9/24/18) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder, 2 counts of kidnapping a minor under 15, 2 counts of 2nd degree burglary, 1 count of theft by controlling stolen property, 1 count of trafficking in stolen property & 14 counts of sexual exploitation of minors. Plead not guilty. $2M cash only bond. DA will seek DP.
Murder trial to begin on 7/27/21 with jury selection. Trial will be on Tuesdays thru Fridays (thru 9/29/21) (no court on 9/7).
Trial (for Burglary/fraud) set to begin on 6/8/21. (for both).
Court hearings for Isabel Celis from 9/15/18 to 10/12/20 reference post #180 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Isabel Mercedes Celis, 6, Tucson, 20 April 2012 *Arrest* #27
Court hearings for Maribel Gonzales from 9/15/18 to 10/12/20 reference post #90 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Maribel Gonzales, 13, Tucson, 3 June 2014 *Arrest*
10/13/20 Update: Murder: Next Motions hearing on 10/26/20. 10/26/20 Update: Trial has been continued from original date of 2/23/21 to 7/27/21 thru 8/5/20. Status conference on 7/27/21 @ 10:15am & trial will start at 10:30am with jury selection.
1/6/21 Update: Judge Deborah Bernini granted a defense request to separate the two murder cases. Clements' attorneys say he should have a separate trial in each death because he may want to testify in his own defense in the Celis case---but if the cases are combined, prosecutors would be free to ask him questions on the Gonzalez murder. Prosecutors say the cases are linked because Clements led investigators to Celis remains in a remote part of Avra Valley where Maribel Gonzalez remains were found too. Investigators say there’s a possible match for Clements' DNA on Maribel remains. Status conference hearing on 1/11/21.
1/11/21 Update: Next motions hearing on pending matters & motions on 3/18, 3/19 & 3/22 all at 10:30am.
Co-Defendant on Maricopa County case:
*Melissa Stark (29 @ time of crime/now 33) – Fraud/Burglary case – Pretrial conference hearing on 5/25/21. Trial was on 6/8/21.

 

[Niner]

Friday, March 19th:
*Motions Hearing (Day 2 of 3) (re Murder) (@ 10:30am PT) – AZ – Isabel Mercedes Celis (6) (April 21, 2012, Tucson, found Mar. 3, 2017, Id’ed Mar. 31, 2017) & Maribel Victoria Gonzales (13) (June 4, 2014, Tucson, found June 6, 2014, id’ed June 20, 2014) – *Christopher Matthew Clements (36/now 38) aka Damion James Johnson indicted (9/15/18) & charged & arraigned (9/24/18) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder, 2 counts of kidnapping a minor under 15, 2 counts of 2nd degree burglary, 1 count of theft by controlling stolen property, 1 count of trafficking in stolen property & 14 counts of sexual exploitation of minors. Plead not guilty. $2M cash only bond. DA will seek DP.
Murder trial to begin on 7/27/21 with jury selection. Trial will be on Tuesdays thru Fridays (thru 9/29/21) (no court on 9/7).
Trial (for Burglary/fraud) set to begin on 6/8/21. (for both).
Court hearings for Isabel Celis from 9/15/18 to 1/6/21 reference post #230 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Isabel Mercedes Celis, 6, Tucson, 20 April 2012 *Arrest* #27
Court hearings for Maribel Gonzales from 9/15/18 to 1/6/21 reference post #110 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Maribel Gonzales, 13, Tucson, 3 June 2014 *Arrest*
1/11/21 Update: Next motions hearing on pending matters & motions on 3/18, 3/19 & 3/22 all at 10:30am. 3/18/21 Update: Motions hearing continued to 3/19/21.
Co-Defendant on Maricopa County fraud case:
*Melissa Stark (29 @ time of crime/now 33) – Fraud/Burglary case – Pretrial conference hearing on 5/25/21. Trial was on 6/8/21.

 

[Niner]

Change of hearings for Murder charge:

 

[imstilla.grandma]

https://www.kgun9.com/news/local-ne...penalty-off-table-in-tucson-child-murder-case

 

[Niner]

Wednesday, April 14th:
*Motions Hearing (Day 1 of 3) (re Murder) (@ 10:30am PT) – AZ – Isabel Mercedes Celis (6) (April 21, 2012, Tucson, found Mar. 3, 2017, Id’ed Mar. 31, 2017) & Maribel Victoria Gonzales (13) (June 4, 2014, Tucson, found June 6, 2014, id’ed June 20, 2014) – *Christopher Matthew Clements (36/now 38) aka Damion James Johnson indicted (9/15/18) & charged & arraigned (9/24/18) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder, 2 counts of kidnapping a minor under 15, 2 counts of 2nd degree burglary, 1 count of theft by controlling stolen property, 1 count of trafficking in stolen property & 14 counts of sexual exploitation of minors. Plead not guilty. $2M cash only bond. DA will not seek DP.
Murder trial to begin on 7/27/21 with jury selection. Trial will be on Tuesdays thru Fridays (thru 9/29/21) (no court on 9/7).
Trial (for Burglary/fraud) set to begin on 6/8/21. (for both).
Court hearings for Isabel Celis from 9/15/18 to 1/6/21 reference post #230 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Isabel Mercedes Celis, 6, Tucson, 20 April 2012 *Arrest* #27
Court hearings for Maribel Gonzales from 9/15/18 to 1/6/21 reference post #110 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Maribel Gonzales, 13, Tucson, 3 June 2014 *Arrest*
1/11/21 Update: Next motions hearing on pending matters & motions on 3/18, 3/19 & 3/22 all at 10:30am. 3/18/21 Update: Motions hearing continued to 3/19/21. 3/19/21 Update: Motions hearing continues to 3/22/21.
3/22/21 Update: Motions hearings have been rescheduled to 4/14 thru 4/16/21 & status hearing on 5/10/21. 3/31/21 Update: Clements' lawyers are moving to suppress evidence that the state has obtained using his cell phone. They are also claiming that pre-trial publicity should require the case to move out of Pima County, as well as the constitutionality of the death penalty.
4/7/21 Update: DA has filed State’s Notice to withdraw the death penalty.
Co-Defendant on Maricopa County case:
*Melissa Stark (29 @ time of crime/now 33) – Fraud/Burglary case – Pretrial conference hearing on 5/25/21. Trial was on 6/8/21.

 

[Niner]

Thursday, April 15th:
*Motions Hearing (Day 2 of 3) (re Murder) (@ 10:30am PT) – AZ – Isabel Mercedes Celis (6) (April 21, 2012, Tucson, found Mar. 3, 2017, Id’ed Mar. 31, 2017) & Maribel Victoria Gonzales (13) (June 4, 2014, Tucson, found June 6, 2014, id’ed June 20, 2014) – *Christopher Matthew Clements (36/now 38) aka Damion James Johnson indicted (9/15/18) & charged & arraigned (9/24/18) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder, 2 counts of kidnapping a minor under 15, 2 counts of 2nd degree burglary, 1 count of theft by controlling stolen property, 1 count of trafficking in stolen property & 14 counts of sexual exploitation of minors. Plead not guilty. $2M cash only bond. DA will not seek DP.
Murder trial to begin on 7/27/21 with jury selection. Trial will be on Tuesdays thru Fridays (thru 9/29/21) (no court on 9/7).
Trial (for Burglary/fraud) set to begin on 6/8/21. (for both).
Court hearings for Isabel Celis from 9/15/18 to 3/31/21 reference post #242 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Isabel Mercedes Celis, 6, Tucson, 20 April 2012 *Arrest* #27
Court hearings for Maribel Gonzales from 9/15/18 to 3/31/21 reference post #114 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Maribel Gonzales, 13, Tucson, 3 June 2014 *Arrest*
4/7/21 Update: DA has filed State’s Notice to withdraw the death penalty. Motions hearings have been rescheduled from 4/14 thru 4/16/21 & status hearing on 5/10/21. 4/14/21 Update: Murder: Motions hearing continues on 4/15/21.
Co-Defendant on Maricopa County case:
*Melissa Stark (29 @ time of crime/now 33) – Fraud/Burglary case – Pretrial conference hearing on 5/25/21. Trial was on 6/8/21.

 

[Niner]

Friday, April 16th:
*Motions Hearing (Day 3 of 3) (re Murder) (@ 10:30am PT) – AZ – Isabel Mercedes Celis (6) (April 21, 2012, Tucson, found Mar. 3, 2017, Id’ed Mar. 31, 2017) & Maribel Victoria Gonzales (13) (June 4, 2014, Tucson, found June 6, 2014, id’ed June 20, 2014) – *Christopher Matthew Clements (36/now 38) aka Damion James Johnson indicted (9/15/18) & charged & arraigned (9/24/18) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder, 2 counts of kidnapping a minor under 15, 2 counts of 2nd degree burglary, 1 count of theft by controlling stolen property, 1 count of trafficking in stolen property & 14 counts of sexual exploitation of minors. Plead not guilty. $2M cash only bond. DA will not seek DP.
Murder trial to begin on 7/27/21 with jury selection. Trial will be on Tuesdays thru Fridays (thru 9/29/21) (no court on 9/7).
Trial (for Burglary/fraud) set to begin on 6/8/21. (for both).
Court hearings for Isabel Celis from 9/15/18 to 3/31/21 reference post #242 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Isabel Mercedes Celis, 6, Tucson, 20 April 2012 *Arrest* #27
Court hearings for Maribel Gonzales from 9/15/18 to 3/31/21 reference post #114 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Maribel Gonzales, 13, Tucson, 3 June 2014 *Arrest*
4/7/21 Update: DA has filed State’s Notice to withdraw the death penalty. Motions hearings have been rescheduled from 4/14 thru 4/16/21 & status hearing on 5/10/21. 4/14/21 Update: Murder: Motions hearing continues on 4/15/21. 4/15/21 Update: Motions hearing continues to 4/16/21.
Co-Defendant on Maricopa County case:
*Melissa Stark (29 @ time of crime/now 33) – Fraud/Burglary case – Pretrial conference hearing on 5/25/21. Trial was on 6/8/21.

 

[Niner]

Next is motions hearing on 6/9 & 6/10 and trial has been continued to 1/11/22....

 

[imstilla.grandma]

A motion to suppress evidence in the trial of the man accused of killing 6-year-old Isabel Celis and 13-year-old Maribel Gonzaleswas denied by a judge on Thursday.

According to court documents obtained by News 4 Tucson on Thursday, Clements' attorneys asked the presiding judge to suppress evidence obtained during a court-authorized live GPS tracking of the suspect's disposable T-Mobile cell phone stating this act violated Clements' "reasonable expectation of privacy and was a Fourth Amendment search which required a search warrant rather than a court order."

The court documents state that the live GPS tracking was made in connection to Maricopa County Sheriff's Office's investigation into "two related residential burglaries in late 2015," two years before Clements was suspected in the murders of the two Tucson minors.

The court documents explained that the records obtained from the tracking pinpointed MCSO to various spots in Tucson, including Clements residence in the Old Pueblo. This led to MCSO to conduct a search warrant to obtain 15 digital devices, including phones, laptops and tablet
Evidence suppression request denied in trial of man accused of killing Isabel Celis, Maribel Gonzales

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Detectives recognized the Celis site as near the location where Maribel Gonzalez's remains were found. That prompted them to view Clements as a suspect in the older girl’s murder. They say they got a DNA match to Clements off Maribel Gonzalez's body.

Superior Court Judge Deborah Bernini ruled the circumstances of how investigators obtained the cell phone tracking should not prevent prosecutors from using that evidence at trial.
https://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/tucson-child-murders-key-evidence-allowed

http://apps.supremecourt.az.gov/aacc/appella/1CA/SA/SA210039.pdf

 

[Niner]

Tuesday, May 25th:
*Pretrial Conference Hearing (re Fraud & Burglary/Theft) for both (@ 8:30am PT) – AZ – Isabel Mercedes Celis (6) (April 21, 2012, Tucson, found Mar. 3, 2017, Id’ed Mar. 31, 2017) & Maribel Victoria Gonzales (13) (June 4, 2014, Tucson, found June 6, 2014, id’ed June 20, 2014) – *Christopher Matthew Clements (36/now 39) aka Damion James Johnson indicted (9/15/18) & arraigned (9/24/18) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder, 2 counts of kidnapping a minor under 15, 2 counts of 2nd degree burglary, 1 count of theft by controlling stolen property, 1 count of trafficking in stolen property & 14 counts of sexual exploitation of minors. Plead not guilty. $2M cash only bond. DA will seek DP.
Fraud & Burglary trial set to begin on 6/8/21. Murder trial set to begin on 1/11/22.
Court hearings for Isabel Celis from 8/23/19 to 2/17/21 reference post #227 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Isabel Mercedes Celis, 6, Tucson, 20 April 2012 *Arrest* #27
Court hearings for Maribel Gonzales from 8/23/19 to 2/17/21 reference post #107 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Maribel Gonzales, 13, Tucson, 3 June 2014 *Arrest*
2/18/21 Update: Hearing was held. Next evidentiary hearing on 2/22 @ 1:30pm & 2/23/21 @ 3pm. 2/22/21 Update: Next evidentiary hearing on 2/23/21 & pretrial hearing on 5/25/21.
2/23/21 Update: Hearing was reset. Next pretrial conference hearing on 5/25/21.
Co-Defendant on Maricopa County case:
*Melissa Stark (29 @ time of crime/now 32) charged (10/28/17), indicted (10/4/17 & 11/10/18) & arraigned (11/13/17 & 2/1/18) with 2nd degree fraud, 2 counts of 2nd degree burglary & 1 count of 3rd degree theft. Plead not guilty.
Trial set to begin on 6/8/21.
Court hearings for Isabel Celis from 8/23/19 to 2/17/21 reference post #227 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Isabel Mercedes Celis, 6, Tucson, 20 April 2012 *Arrest* #27
Court hearings for Maribel Gonzales from 8/23/19 to 2/17/21 reference post #107 here:
Found Deceased - AZ - Maribel Gonzales, 13, Tucson, 3 June 2014 *Arrest*
2/18/21 Update: Hearing was held. Next evidentiary hearing on 2/22 & 2/23/21. 2/22/21 Update: Next evidentiary hearing on 2/23/21 & pretrial hearing on 5/25/21.
2/23/21 Update: Hearing was reset. Next pretrial conference hearing on 5/25/21.