GUILTY IN - Ryder Stephen, 23 mos, murdered, mom & stepdad arrested, Elwood, 26 Oct 2018 *mom & stepdad guilty*

[FrostedGlass]

@Niner They did the same for her: closed the old one and re-opened it with murder added. There are no updates on her murder case.

Alyson Stephen
48C01-1811-F1-002833
05/08/2019 = Order Granting Motion to Amend Information
Comes now the Court and GRANTS State's Motion to Amend Information amending offense date under Count I and adding additional Count II: Murder. This case is referred to the Clerk to reassign a cause number reflecting a MR cause. (srm)
Order Signed:05/03/2019

05/16/2019 = Judgment
Judicial Officer:Warner Sims, Angela G.
01. 35-46-1-4(a)(1)/F1: Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Death but resulting in death AND def.
• Dismissed

 

[Niner]

Okay - I don't have those "old" case #s listed - so I must have got the new #s later. And yes, I do have murder on her case also!

and Thanks for checking again - I'll be back next week some time - to ask again!

 

[FrostedGlass]

Okay - I don't have those "old" case #s listed - so I must have got the new #s later. And yes, I do have murder on her case also!

and Thanks for checking again - I'll be back next week some time - to ask again!

I'll keep checking. I haven't seen a case like this where they plead guilty to some charges and (apparently) have a trial for the other charge. Since prosecution is not going to drop the murder charge, maybe JW and his attorney will withdraw the plea bargain?

 

[Niner]

I'll keep checking. I haven't seen a case like this where they plead guilty to some charges and (apparently) have a trial for the other charge. Since prosecution is not going to drop the murder charge, maybe JW and his attorney will withdraw the plea agreement?

You never know.... let's hope they get those other charges out of the way - and get on with the murder charges!!

 

[FrostedGlass]

@Niner Update for her ; nothing new for him.

12/26/2021 = Hearing Journal Entry
This matter comes before the Court scheduled for attorney conference. State appears by Deputy Prosecutor, Jesse Miller. Defendant appears by counsel, John Reeder. Defendant is sworn and examined. Defendant requests a continuance in this matter. State does not object. Comes now the Court and GRANTS said request. This matter is rescheduled for 1/31/2022 at 1:00 p.m. (srm)
Judicial Officer: Warner Sims, Angela G.
Present: Reeder, John Charles
Present: Miller, Jesse Robert
Hearing Date: 12/20/2021

01/24/2022 = CANCELED Jury Trial
Reason: Other
Session: 01/24/2022 9:00 AM, Cancelled

01/31/2022 = Attorney Conference
Session: 01/31/2022 1:00 PM, Judicial Officer: Warner Sims, Angela G.

 

[FrostedGlass]

@Niner Nothing new for her; update for him

12/20/2021 = Dispositional Hearing
Session: 12/20/2021 1:00 PM, Judicial Officer: Warner Sims, Angela G.
Result: Commenced and concluded

12/28/2021 = Hearing Journal Entry
This matter comes before the Court for disposition hearing. State appears by Deputy Prosecutor, Jesse Miller. Defendant appears in the custody of the Madison County Sheriff and by counsel, Madelyn Smith and Mark Nicholson. Defendant indicates a change of plea to certain counts without the benefit of a plea agreement. Defendant is sworn, advised of his rights, and examined. State presents summary of evidence. Defendant, age 29, pleads guilty to Count I: Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Death, a Level 1 Felony; guilty to Count IV: Possession of Marijuana, a Class B Misdemeanor; and guilty to Count V: Possession of Paraphernalia, a Class C Misdemeanor. Comes now the Court and enters judgment and conviction to Counts I, IV, and V. Further, the State indicates there is no agreement regarding the remaining charges and those remain pending. Defendant waives the right to be sentenced within 30 days. Pre-Sentence Investigation Report ordered and shall be filed on or before 2/11/2022. Sentencing for Counts I, IV, and V are set for 2/18/2022 at 1:00 p.m. A telephonic attorney conference is scheduled for 1/31/22 at 1:00 p.m. Defendant is notified of said dates in open court. (srm)
Judicial Officer: Warner Sims, Angela G.
Present: Wootton, Jacob Stephen
Present: Miller, Jesse Robert
Present: Smith, Madelyn Faye
Present: Nicholson, Mark Wayne

01/24/2022 = CANCELED Jury Trial
Reason: Other
Session: 01/24/2022 9:00 AM, Cancelled

01/31/2022 = Attorney Conference
Session: 01/31/2022 1:00 PM, Judicial Officer: Warner Sims, Angela G.
Comment: Telephonic

02/18/2022 = Sentencing Hearing
Session: 02/18/2022 1:00 PM, Judicial Officer: Warner Sims, Angela G.
Comment: Regarding Counts I, IV & V

 

[Niner]

Monday, January 31st:
*Pretrial Conference Hearing (Attorneys only) (@ 1pm CT) - IN – Ryder Stephen (23 mos.) (Oct. 25, 2018 found unconscious, Elwood; pronounced dead Oct. 29, 2018) – for *Alyson Stephen (23/now 26) “mom” arrested (10/26/18) & charged (11/8/18) with Level 1 felony neglect of a dependent resulting in death & charged (5/16/19) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. $35K cash only bond.
Trial was set to begin on 1/24/22 vacated per Motion by defense on 11/29/21.
Court hearings from 11/8/18 thru 9/27/21 reference post #173 here:
IN - Ryder Stephen, 23 mos, murdered, mom & stepdad arrested, Elwood, 26 Oct 2018
11/29/21 Update: State appears by Chief Deputy Prosecutor, Andrew Hanna, in person & Deputy Prosecutor, Jesse Miller, in person. Defendant appears in the custody of the Madison County Sheriff & by counsel, John Reeder, in person. Defendant is sworn & examined. Defendant requests a continuance of the jury trial scheduled 1/24/22 as negotiations are ongoing. State does not object. Comes now the Court & GRANTS requests & vacates the jury trial scheduled 1/24/22. This matter is scheduled for an informal pretrial conference, attorneys only, on 12/20/21 at 1:00 p.m.
12/20/21 Update: The Court scheduled for attorney conference. State appears by Deputy Prosecutor, Jesse Miller. Defendant appears by counsel, John Reeder. Defendant is sworn & examined. Defendant requests a continuance in this matter. State does not object. The Court GRANTS said request. This matter is rescheduled for 1/31/22 at 1pm.

ALSO:
*Pretrial Conference Hearing (Attorneys only) (not for murder) (@ 1pm CT) - IN – Ryder Stephen (23 mos.) (Oct. 26, 2018 found unconscious, Elwood; pronounced dead Oct. 29, 2018) –for *Jacob Stephen Wootton (26/now 29) “step dad” arrested (10/31/18) & charged (11/1/18) with level 1 felony neglect of a dependent resulting in death, Invasion of Privacy-Violates a no contact order issued, resisting Law Enforcement def. knowingly or intentionally forcibly resists, possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia & habitual offender and
*Charged (5/16/19) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. $35K cash only bond.
Active no-contact order between Wootton & Stephen after Elwood police arrested Wootton for allegedly hitting Stephen in front of her 4- & 2-year-old children in March of 2018.
Trial was set to begin on 1/24/22 but plead guilty on 12/20/21 to level 1 felony neglect, possession of marijuana & paraphernalia. Sentencing on 2/18/22.
Court hearings from 11/8/18 thru 11/29/21 reference post #173 here:
IN - Ryder Stephen, 23 mos, murdered, mom & stepdad arrested, Elwood, 26 Oct 2018
11/29/21 Update: Hearing Journal Entry: Present: Judge Angela Warner Sims. This matter comes before the Court scheduled for pretrial conference. State appears by Chief Deputy Prosecutor, Andrew Hanna, in person & Deputy Prosecutor, Jesse Miller, in person. Defendant appears in the custody of the Madison County Sheriff & by counsel, John Reeder, in person. Defendant is sworn & examined. Defendant requests a continuance of the jury trial scheduled 1/24/22 as negotiations are ongoing. State does not object. Comes now the Court & GRANTS requests & vacates the jury trial scheduled 1/24/22. This matter is scheduled for an informal pretrial conference, attorneys only, on 12/20/21 at 1:00pm. 12/7/21: Defendant's motion to convert the Attorney Only Conference to a guilty plea hearing received & filed. Referred to Judge for review. Having received Defendant's Motion to Convert the Attorney Only Conference to a guilty plea hearing-granted. Hearing on 12/20/21 will be a Dispositional hearing.
12/20/21 Update: Wootton has entered a guilty plea to neglect of a dependent resulting in death, but he still faces a murder charge in the case. Wootton plead guilty Monday in Madison Circuit Court Division 1 to the Level 1 felony charge in the 2019 death of 23-month-old Ryder. Defense attorney Mark Nicholson said there is no plea agreement with the State on any charges & that Wootton wants to plead guilty to the neglect charge & 2 misdemeanor charges of possession of marijuana & possession of paraphernalia. Circuit Court 1 Judge Angela Warner Sims set sentencing on the guilty pleas for 2/18/22. In a Nov. 30 email, Deputy Prosecutor Jesse Miller said Wootton could plead guilty to any of the charges, but there is no plea offer on the murder charge. "My client can't plead guilty to murder for something he didn't do," Nicholson said Monday. He said he hoped that by pleading guilty to the neglect of a dependent, the State would dismiss the murder charge. "There is no offer from the state," Judge Sims reiterated. She has not set a trial date for Wootton on the murder charge. Pre-Sentence Investigation Report ordered & shall be filed on or before 2/11/22. Sentencing for Counts I, IV & V are set for 2/18/22 at 1pm. A telephonic attorney conference is scheduled for 1/31/22 at 1pm.

 

[Niner]

@FrostedGlass - probably a bit too early to ask for the next hearing date for Stephen? I have Wootton for sentencing on 2/18/22.

TIA!

 

[FrostedGlass]

@FrostedGlass - probably a bit too early to ask for the next hearing date for Stephen? I have Wootton for sentencing on 2/18/22.

TIA!

There's nothing new for either one yet.

 

[Niner]

There's nothing new for either one yet.

Okey-doke!

 

[FrostedGlass]

Okey-doke!

lol... I'm easily amused.

 

[FrostedGlass]

@Niner
Update for her:
02/01/2022 = Hearing Journal Entry
This matter comes before the Court scheduled for attorney conference. State appears by Deputy Prosecutor, Jesse Miller, in person. Defense counsel appears by John Reeder, via video conference. Parties agree to set this matter for a disposition/trial setting hearing on 3/7/2022 at 9:00 a.m. Defendant is ordered to appear. (kb)

02/01/2022 = Hearing Scheduling Activity
Dispositional Hearing scheduled for 03/07/2022 at 9:00 AM.

03/07/2022 = Dispositional Hearing
Session: 03/07/2022 9:00 AM, Judicial Officer: Warner Sims, Angela G.
Comment: or trial setting

For him:
02/01/2022 = Hearing Journal Entry
This matter comes before the Court scheduled for attorney conference. State appears by Deputy Prosecutor, Jesse Miller, in person. Defense counsel appears by Mark Nicholson, via video conference. State requests a 1-week continuance to formally file a notice with the Court if they intend to either proceed or dismiss remaining counts. Comes now the Court and GRANTS said request and instructs the State that said filing is to be made on or before 2/8/2022. Defendant requests a continuance of the sentencing hearing scheduled 2/18/2022. Comes now the Court and GRANTS said requests and continues the sentencing hearing to 3/4/2022 at 1:00 p.m. Defendant is ordered to appear. (kb)

02/01/2022 = Hearing Scheduling Activity
Sentencing Hearing originally scheduled on 02/18/2022 at 1:00 PM was rescheduled to 03/04/2022 at 1:00 PM. Reason: By Request.

03/04/2022 = Sentencing Hearing
Session: 02/18/2022 1:00 PM, Rescheduled
Session: 03/04/2022 1:00 PM, Judicial Officer: Warner Sims, Angela G.
Comment: Regarding Counts I, IV & V

 

[FrostedGlass]

@Niner Update on the state's decision about the remaining charges for him.

02/09/2022 = Notice Filed
State's Election on Remaining Counts received and filed. Referred to Judge for review.
Filed By: State of Indiana

03/04/2022 = Sentencing Hearing
Session: 03/04/2022 1:00 PM, Judicial Officer: Warner Sims, Angela G.
Comment: Regarding Counts I, IV & V

Her only remaining court date:
03/07/2022 = Dispositional Hearing
Session: 03/07/2022 9:00 AM, Judicial Officer: Warner Sims, Angela G.
Comment: or trial setting

 

[Niner]

@FrostedGlass - so from what I'm understanding from your posts above - there is no hearing yet for the murder charge, correct? All the above dates are for the neglect charge & 2 misdemeanor charges of possession of marijuana & possession of paraphernalia which he pled guilty to.

TIA!

 

[FrostedGlass]

@FrostedGlass - so from what I'm understanding from your posts above - there is no hearing yet for the murder charge, correct? All the above dates are for the neglect charge & 2 misdemeanor charges of possession of marijuana & possession of paraphernalia which he pled guilty to.

TIA!

That's how I understand it, too. Prosecution has apparently made their decision and is waiting for the judge to do whatever.

 

[FrostedGlass]

@Niner Update for him; hers is still the same

02/24/2022 = Notice of Exclusion of Confidential Information
Re: PSI (LL)
Filed By: Madison Probation Team 1

02/24/2022 = Pre-Sentence Investigation Report Filed
(LL)
Filed By: Madison Probation Team 1

02/24/2022 = Notification of Compliance
State's Notice of Supplemental Discovery received and filed. (LL)
Party: State of Indiana

02/25/2022 - Motion Filed
Defendant's Verified Motion to Bifurcate received and filed. Referred to Judge for review.
Filed By: Wootton, Jacob Stephen

03/04/2022 = Sentencing Hearing
Session: 03/04/2022 1:00 PM, Judicial Officer: Warner Sims, Angela G.
Comment: Regarding Counts I, IV & V

 

[Niner]

Friday, March 4th:
*Sentencing Hearing (not for murder) (@ 1pm CT) - IN – Ryder Stephen (23 mos.) (Oct. 26, 2018 found unconscious, Elwood; pronounced dead Oct. 29, 2018) –*Jacob Stephen Wootton (26/now 29) “step dad” arrested (10/31/18) & charged (11/1/18) with level 1 felony neglect of a dependent resulting in death, Invasion of Privacy-Violates a no contact order issued, resisting Law Enforcement def. knowingly or intentionally forcibly resists, possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia & habitual offender.
Trial was set to begin on 1/24/22 but plead guilty on 12/20/21 to level 1 felony neglect, possession of marijuana & paraphernalia. Sentencing on 3/4/22.
*Charged (5/16/19) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. $35K cash only bond.
Active no-contact order between Wootton & Stephen after Elwood police arrested Wootton for allegedly hitting Stephen in front of her 4- & 2-year-old children in March of 2018.
Court hearings from 11/8/18 thru 11/29/21 reference post #187 here:
IN - Ryder Stephen, 23 mos, murdered, mom & stepdad arrested, Elwood, 26 Oct 2018
12/20/21 Update: Wootton has entered a guilty plea to neglect of a dependent resulting in death, but he still faces a murder charge in the case. Wootton plead guilty Monday in Madison Circuit Court Division 1 to the Level 1 felony charge in the 2019 death of 23-month-old Ryder. Defense attorney Mark Nicholson said there is no plea agreement with the State on any charges & that Wootton wants to plead guilty to the neglect charge & 2 misdemeanor charges of possession of marijuana & possession of paraphernalia. Circuit Court 1 Judge Angela Warner Sims set sentencing on the guilty pleas for 2/18/22. In a Nov. 30 email, Deputy Prosecutor Jesse Miller said Wootton could plead guilty to any of the charges, but there is no plea offer on the murder charge. "My client can't plead guilty to murder for something he didn't do," Nicholson said Monday. He said he hoped that by pleading guilty to the neglect of a dependent, the State would dismiss the murder charge. "There is no offer from the state," Judge Sims reiterated. She has not set a trial date for Wootton on the murder charge. Pre-Sentence Investigation Report ordered & shall be filed on or before 2/11/22. Sentencing for Counts I, IV & V are set for 2/18/22 at 1pm. A telephonic attorney conference is scheduled for 1/31/22 at 1pm.
1/31/22 Update: Matter came before the Court scheduled for attorney conference. State appears by Deputy Prosecutor Jesse Miller in person, defense counsel appears by Mark Nicholson via video conference. State requests a 1-week continuance to formally file a notice with the Court if they intend to either proceed or dismiss remaining counts. Judge grants State's request & instructs the State that said filing is to be made on or before 2/8/22. Defendant requests a continuance of the sentencing hearing on 2/18/22. Court grants said request & continues the sentencing hearing to 3/4/22 @ 1pm. Defendant ordered to appear.
2/24/22: Notice of exclusion of confidential information & pre-sentence investigation report filed by Madison Probation team. State's notice of supplemental discovery received & filed. 2/25/22: Defendant's verified motion to Bifurcate received & filed. Referred to Judge for review.
*Alyson Stephen (23/now 26) “mom” – Disposition/Trial setting hearing (attorneys only) on 3/7/22.

 

[FrostedGlass]

@Niner Update from yesterday for him; nothing new for her.

03/03/2022 = Notice of Exclusion of Confidential Information
AR9-Wootton
Filed By: Madison Probation Team 1

03/03/2022 = Pre-Sentence Investigation Report Filed
Addendum to PSI received and filed. (kb)
Filed By: Madison Probation Team 1

03/03/2022 = Witness and/or Exhibit List Filed
Defendant's Witness and Exhibit List received and filed. (kb)
Filed By: Wootton, Jacob Stephen

03/03/2022 = Memorandum/Brief Filed
Defendant's Mitigation Sentencing Memo received and filed. (kb)
Filed By: Wootton, Jacob Stephen

03/04/2022 = Sentencing Hearing
Session: 03/04/2022 1:00 PM, Judicial Officer: Warner Sims, Angela G.
Comment: Regarding Counts I, IV & V

 

[Niner]

Dang - can't access this article...

Wootton sentenced to 52 years in death of son

only thing I can see is:
Wootton sentenced to 52 years in death of son | Local News | heraldbulletin.com
The Herald Bulletin
Jacob Stephen Wootton. 0. ANDERSON — An Elwood man has been sentenced to 52 years in prison in connection with the death of his son in 2019.


@FrostedGlass - looks like he got sentenced for the murder also - I only had the other charges for sentencing. Good - 52 years is realistic!

 

[FrostedGlass]

@Niner The court site hasn't updated yet. Thanks for finding the article. He received 40 for the charge and 12 for habitual offender.
[snips]
"Sims ordered an executed sentence of 52 years.
The state intends to dismiss a charge of murder, according to deputy prosecutor Jesse Miller.

“There is nothing I can do or say,” Wootton said before sentencing. “As a father I failed him. This is a tragedy, everyone involved has suffered. I miss him dearly.”

Defense attorney Mark Nicholson said Wootton admitted what he did or didn’t do for the child.
“It looks like the child led a life of abuse,” he said. “We don’t know who did it.”

Jerry Wootton (Jacob's father) said it will be sad that his son won’t spend time with his daughter for 30 years. Several other family members and friends testified that Wootton was a kind person and asked the court for leniency."