Trials & Sentencing for September, 2023

[Niner]

For the week of Friday, Sept. 1st:

Friday, September 1st:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 10am ET) - IA - Kayleen Lee Blaha (newborn) allegedly drowned by parents to hide meth in her system, Nov. 16, 2022, Fort Dodge. The couple alleged to have disposed of her remains somewhere near the Kenyon Road Bridge across the Des Moines River, but Kayleen's body is yet to be found. - *Brandon David Thoma (31/now 32) arrested (12/7/22), charged (12/8/22) & arraigned (1/3/23) with 1st degree murder & abuse of a corpse. Plead not guilty. $1, 050,000 Cash Bond.
Trial was set to begin 8/8/23 was vacated as Thoma plead guilty on 7/26/23. Sentencing hearing on 9/1/23.
Case & court info from 12/7/22 thru 7/6/23 reference post #32 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-meth-in-childs-system-12-11-22.650714/page-2
7/13/23: Appearance (D57) amended filed by Ryan Baldrige. Other Order (D58) See Order. Other Order (D59) Raising security level of the 7/13/23 Order. Next continuance of suppression motion hearing on 7/25/23 @ 9am.
7/21/23: Motion in Limine filed by Douglas D. Hammerand (D60); Additional minutes of testimony filed by Ryan Baldridge (D61). 7/24/23: Order for Continuance filed by Kurt J. Stoebe (D62). 7/26/23: Motion to Strike (witnesses) filed by Michelle K. Wolf (D63). Resistance to defendant's motion to suppress filed by Ryan Baldridge (D64); Proposed Exhibits (D63, D66 & D67) filed by Ryan Baldridge. Next motions hearing on 7/26/23 @ 9am.
7/26/23 Update: MTS Exhibit A-proposed by Michelle K. Wolf (D68). Other event: Subpoena documents from Community Health Center (D69). Court reporter memorandum & certificate: Stoebe/Schaffner plea (D70). Amended trial info (d72) Other Order: Approving amended trial information (D71) Order for PSI: Sentencing hearing on 9/1/23 @ 10am. (D73). Thoma was initially charged with one count of murder in the first degree in December 2022. On Wednesday, he pleaded guilty to lesser charges of child endangerment resulting in death & abuse of a corpse,
*Taylor Kay Blaha (24/now 25) – Plead guilty (8/18/23) & sentenced to 50 years in prison with the possibility of parole after 35 years. She also was ordered to pay $150,000 in restitution.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Friday, September 1st:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 10am ET) - IA - Kayleen Lee Blaha (newborn) allegedly drowned by parents to hide meth in her system, Nov. 16, 2022, Fort Dodge. The couple alleged to have disposed of her remains somewhere near the Kenyon Road Bridge across the Des Moines River, but Kayleen's body is yet to be found. - *Brandon David Thoma (31/now 32) arrested (12/7/22), charged (12/8/22) & arraigned (1/3/23) with 1st degree murder & abuse of a corpse. Plead not guilty. $1, 050,000 Cash Bond.
Trial was set to begin 8/8/23 was vacated as Thoma plead guilty on 7/26/23. Sentencing hearing on 9/1/23.
Case & court info from 12/7/22 thru 7/24/23 reference post #46 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-meth-in-childs-system-12-11-22.650714/page-3
7/26/23 Update: MTS Exhibit A-proposed by Michelle K. Wolf (D68). Other event: Subpoena documents from Community Health Center (D69). Court reporter memorandum & certificate: Stoebe/Schaffner plea (D70). Amended trial info (d72) Other Order: Approving amended trial information (D71) Order for PSI: Sentencing hearing on 9/1/23 @ 10am. (D73). Thoma was initially charged with one count of murder in the first degree in December 2022. On Wednesday, he pleaded guilty to lesser charges of child endangerment resulting in death & abuse of a corpse, 8/23/23: (D74): Motion to withdraw counsel Hammerand. (D75): Order approving withdrawal of counsel Douglas Hammerand. (D76) Pre sentence investigation report. 8/31/23: (D78-D75) Victim impact statements.
9/1/23 Update: Thomas was sentenced to 50 years in prison.
*Taylor Kay Blaha (24/now 25) – Plead guilty (8/18/23) & sentenced to 50 years in prison with the possibility of parole after 35 years. She also was ordered to pay $150,000 in restitution.

 

[Niner]

For the week of Tuesday, Sept. 5th thru Friday, Sept. 8th:

Tuesday, Sept. 5th:
*Sentencing Hearing (Federal) (@ am PT) - CA – Roman Anthony Lopez (11) (last seen Saturday morning Jan. 11, 2020, found later in evening dead in a storage bin in the basement, Placerville) – death is being investigated as suspicious. *Jordan Thomas Piper (35/now 38) “father” arrested (2/3/21), charged (2/4/21) & arraigned (2/9/21) with 1 count of child abuse likely to cause injury or death & causing cruel & extreme pain for revenge, extortion or sadistic purpose, 1 count of torture & 1 count with willfully failing to provide food, shelter & medical attention to the child. Plead not guilty. $1.05M bond.
Additional charge (10/29/21) & arraigned (11/19/21) of murder. Plead not guilty.
Info on crime, where children are & court info from 2/4/21 to 3/17/23 reference post #94 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-11-jan-2020-arrests-2-guilty-2.629673/page-5
3/28/23 Update: No info on first day of preliminary hearing which continues on 3/29/23. 3/29/23 Update: No info on preliminary hearing which continues on 3/30/23.
3/30/23 Update: Preliminary hearing was vacated. Next pre-preliminary hearing on 6/16/23 @ 8:30am & preliminary hearings on 6/27 & 6/28/23. 6/16/23 Update: Pre-preliminary hearing was vacated as was the preliminary hearing on 6/27 & 6/28/23. Next is pre-preliminary hearing on 9/8/23 & preliminary hearings on 9/19/23 & 9/20/23.
*Lindsay Marie Piper (38/now 41) “stepmother” - Plead no contest (5/16/22) to 2nd degree murder. Sentenced on 7/8/22 to 15 years to life with the possibility of parole. Her guilty plea (deal) will dismiss these charges: child abuse, poisoning & torture.
*Federal Criminal complaint filed (6/21/22) & charged (6/23/22) of sexual exploitation of a child/*advertiser censored*.
U.S. District Court-Eastern District of Calif.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Deborah Barnes/Judge Kendall Newman
Jordan Piper is accused of secretly recording videos of a girl using the bathroom & bathing at his home in the months before Roman disappeared in Placerville, according to a filed FBI affidavit. His criminal case in El Dorado County stemming from his son’s death is still pending.
Court info from 6/21/22 to 1/19/23 reference post #94 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-11-jan-2020-arrests-2-guilty-2.629673/page-5
3/20/23 Update: Piper has plead guilty to sexually exploiting a girl at his home in the months before the boy disappeared in Placerville. Piper on Monday was convicted of sexual exploitation of a child in alleged acts that occurred Oct. 3, 2019, through Jan. 9, 2020, in Tuolumne & El Dorado counties, according to an amended criminal complaint filed March 7 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California. U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb explained to Piper that pleading guilty would result in a minimum sentence of 15 years up to a maximum 30-year prison sentence. Piper told the judge he understood the consequences of the plea agreement he made with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Shubb scheduled Piper to return to his courtroom 6/12/23 for sentencing. Piper then would be returned to El Dorado County, where he continues to await prosecution in his son’s death.
6/12/23 Update: Sentencing hearing was reset on 9/5/23 @ 9am.

*Bench Trial continues (Day 16)-VERDICT WATCH! (Day 4) (@ 9am ET) - IA - Breasia Terrell (10) (last seen E. 53rd & near Lorton Ave on July 10, 2020, Davenport; found March 22, 2021 by fishermen near 270th Ave in Dewitt in Clinton County. Id'd on March 31, 2021) - *Henry Earl Dinkins (48/now 51) arrested (5/5/21), charged (5/6/21) & arraigned (6/16/21) on 1st degree murder & 1st degree kidnapping. Plead not guilty. Held with no bond in the Clinton County jail.
Bench Trial began on 8/10/23 & ended on 8/29/23. State & defense rested on 8/29/23. Trial held in Scott County.
Case & court info from 5/6/21 thru 8/8/23 & Trial Day 1-14 (8/10-8/29/23) & Verdict Watch Day 1-2 (8/30-8/31/23) reference post #974 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-davenport-10-july-2020-arrest.531556/page-49
8/30/23 Wednesday, Bench Trial Day 14, Day 1 of Verdict Watch!
Bench trial continues with Verdict Watch!
8/31-Thursday, Day 2
9/1—Friday, Day 3
9/5 – Tuesday, Day 4

*Trial continues (Day 2) (@ 8:30am ET) – FL – Harley Don Hiatt, Jr. (2) (July 31, 2018, Davenport, Polk County; tortured to death) - *Christian Martell Thompson (26/now 31) “BF of mom” arrested (8/1/18), charged (7/31/18) & arraigned (8/3/18) with 1st degree murder, 1st degree aggravated child abuse, 1st degree aggravated manslaughter of a child & 2 counts of 2nd degree negligent child abuse. Plead not guilty. No bond. DA will seek DP. Will not seek DP (7/27/23).
Trial began on 8/28/23 for jury selection & Trial began on 9/1/23 - for Thompson only.
Court info from 9/6/18 thru 8/28/23 & Jury Selection Day 1-2 (8/28-8/29/23) reference post #319 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-death-polk-county-31-jul-2018.383393/page-16
8/31/23 Thursday, Jury Selection Day 3: No info available. Trial begins on 9/1/23.
9/1/23 Friday, Trial Day 1: No info available. Trial continues on Tuesday, 9/5/23.
*Shanon Short (26/now 30) “mom” – Status conference hearing on 10/13/23.

*Trial continues (Day 10) (all) (State case-Antrim County) (@ 9am CT) – MI – Plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer - *Eric Molitor (36/now 38) of Cadillac arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/8/20) with providing material support for terrorist acts & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Bond set at $250K (10% cash or surety). Bond reduced (1/13/21) to $100K (10% cash or surety). Out on bond (1/13/21) with GPS monitor & other conditions. No longer on GPS (9/16/22). Represented by William Barnett.
*Michael Null (38/now 40) of Plainwell arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/8/20) with providing material support for terrorist acts & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Cash bond of $250K. Bond reduced (12/16/20) to 10%, cash or surety. Bond was posted, out of jail (1/13/21). Remains on electronic monitoring. No longer on GPS (9/16/22). Represented by Thomas Siver.
*William Null (38/now 40) of Shelbyville arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/8/20) with providing material support for terrorist acts & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Cash bond of $250K. Bond reduced (12/16/20) to 10% cash or surety. Bond was posted & is out of jail (1/13/21). Remains on electronic monitoring. No longer on GPS (9/16/22). Represented by Damian Dunzio.
*Shawn Michael Fix (38/now 40) - 6/7/23: Fix plead guilty to providing material support for an act of terrorism, namely the strategy to snatch Whitmer at her vacation home in Antrim County.
*Brian Higgins (51/now 54) – 3/15/23: Higgins plead guilty in Antrim County Circuit Court to attempting to provide material support for terrorism, a potential five-year felony.
Trial began on 8/21/23 with jury selection & ended on 8/22/23. Jury: 12 jurors & 6 alternates. (11 women & 7 men).
Trial began on 8/23/23 (thru 9/11/23) Prosecutors: William Rollstin, John Pallas, Phillip Jacques & Daniel Grano.
13th Circuit Court Judge Charles Hamlyn presiding.
Court info from 10/8/20 thru 8/15/23 & Jury Selection Day 1-2 (8/21 & 8/22/23) & Trial Day 1-7 (8/22 to 8/30/23) reference post #838 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...rnor-gretchen-whitmer-oct-2020.546457/page-42
8/31/23 Thursday, Trial Day 8: State witnesses: FBI Special Agent Henrik “Hank” Impola for cross exam. No actual info available.
For more info see post #8 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...whitmer-oct-2020-8-guilty-2-ng.546457/page-42
Trial continues on Friday, 9/1/23.
9/1/23 Friday, Trial Day 9: State witnesses - no info available.
Trial continues on Tuesday, 9/5/23.


Friday, Sept. 8th:
*Trial set to begin (@ 9am PT) – CA – Blaze Bernstein (19) (Jan. 2, 2018, Lake Forest; found Jan. 9, 2018; he was stabbed 19 times in his neck; 14 times on the left, 5 on the right & 1 stab wound in his left knee) – *Samuel Lincoln Woodward (20/now 25) arrested & charged (1/17/18) & arraigned (11/9/18) with 1 count of felony murder with a hate crime enhancement for killing someone because of their sexual orientation & sentencing enhancement-personal use of a knife. Plead not guilty (again on 11/9/18). $5M bail, bail revoked (11/9/18). In custody of the Theo Lacy jail.
Could be sentenced from 26 years to life in prison without parole.
Trial was set to begin on 7/15/22 with jury selection was vacated for competency evaluation. Found competent (10/21/22) to stand trial
Trial is set to begin on 9/8/23.
Court hearings from 2/2/18 thru 10/21/22 reference post #77 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...lake-forest-2-jan-2018-8-arrest.618349/page-4
1/27/23 Update: Pretrial hearing was held. Next pretrial hearing on 5/12/23 & trial has now been set to begin on 9/8/23. 5/12/23 Update: Pretrial hearing was cancelled. Had chambers meeting on 5/11/23.
5/12/23 Update: Next motions hearing on 7/13/23 @ 9:45am. Motions ex-parte. 7/13/23 Update: Next trial set to begin on 9/8/23.

 

[Niner]

For the week of Monday, Sept. 11 thru Friday, Sept. 15th:

Monday, Sept. 11th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am CT) - TX - *Jason Wilder McDaniel (2) murdered on October 11, 2018, Wichita Falls) - *Amber Nichole McDaniel (28 @ time of crime/31/now 33) aka Amber Odom, mother charged & indicted (7/22/21) & arraigned (8/6/21) with abandon/endangering a child & tampering with physical evidence in connection with incidents 10/11/18, the day her son was discovered dead. Amber was free Thursday from Wichita County Jail on $60K bond. Tampering with physical evidence charge dismissed 7/30/21.
Trial was set to begin on 9/11/23 was cancelled as McDaniel plead guilty. Sentencing hearing on 9/11/23. Judge Jeff McKnight presiding.
Case & court info from 8/5/21 thru 7/21/23 reference post #105 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...staley-iii-charged-october-2018.637742/page-6
8/4/23 Update: Thirtieth District Judge Jeff McKnight told the defense & prosecution that he anticipates moving McDaniel's punishment proceedings set for 9/11/23 to Tarrant County. McKnight said he plans to sign an official change of venue order 8/25/23, the same day of Amber’s next pretrial hearing. McKnight is waiting to sign the order because after he does, court happenings must take place in the other county.'' Pretrial conference hearing on 8/11/23 was rescheduled on 8/25/23 @ 9am.
8/16/23: Application for subpoenas for: United Regional, W.f Police Dept., Sub-custodian Records W.F police dept., Dr. Daunne Peters & Dr. Daunne. 8/22/23: Subpoena return on Dr. Peters JM, Dr. Peters PM, Helen Farbee, North Texas Hospital, W.F PD, United regional. Next jury trial on 9/11/23 @ 9am or sentencing.
8/28/23: Designation of Expert Witness. Application for Subpoena for Amanda Vickers, Chad Nelson, Jesse Bartow. Notice Intent Introduce Business Records/Affidavits for Helen Farabee. Notice Intent Introduce Business Records/Affidavits for Amber McDaniel Filling Business Records. Designation of Expert Witness list. Notice Intent Introduce Business Records/Affidavits for United Heath care. 8/29/23: Application for Subpoena for Chad Nelson, Jesse Baartow, Dr. Peters, Amanda Vickers, Martha Staley, Jessica Isaacson. 8/30/23 Agreed Order on Change of Venue. 8/31/23: Subpoena Return for Staley, Vicker.
9/6/23: Application for Subpoena for Campisi subpoena, Jail Records, Records Police Dept., WFPD SUBPOENA revised. Jail Records Revised Subpoena 9/8/23: Applicationfor Subpoena McDaniel-Subpoena. Next sentencing on 9/11/23 before Judge Jeff McKnight @ 9am.
*James Irven Staley III (38 @ time of crime/40/now 41) - Trial started 2/27/23 & ended 3/13/23. Staley has been found guilty of capital murder for the 2018 killing of Wilder McDaniel. Staley was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Filed appeal on 3/13/23. 4/13/23: Staley was transferred TDCJ John Middleton Unit in Abilene.

*Trial set to begin (Sanders case) (@ 1pm CT) - IN (under Javon Blackwell) – *Maurtreyviaum “Troy” Sanders (19) (Nov. 6, 2018, Marion) – *Lemere Joseph Jones (29/now 33) charged (1/29/19) with murder, conspiracy to commit armed robbery & armed robbery in connection with a death. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Blackwell murder - had bench trial on 3/10/20-found guilty & sentenced on 4/3/20 to 200 years in prison.
Sanders’ Trial set to begin on 9/11/23.
Case info from 9/28/20 to 4/25/23 reference post #498 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...hot-marion-30-dec-2018-arrests.414840/page-25
4/26/23: Jury trial originally scheduled on 5/15/23 was rescheduled to 9/11/23 @ 1pm by request. 4/26/23 Update: Next pretrial conference on 8/10/23 @ 8:30am.
8/10/23 Update: Next trial set to begin on 9/11/23 @ 1pm.
*Demetrius Jemere Jackson (25/now 29) – Trial set to begin on 9/25/23.

*Bench Trial set to begin for both (@ 9:30am 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) – *Carlos J. Acosta (54/now 57) arrested, charged & indicted (9/10/20) & arraigned (9/24/20) with 2 felony counts of endangering the life of a child & 1 felony count of reckless conduct. $20K bond (bonded out 9/10/20). Plead not guilty. Balance due: $2K bond.
Bench Trial set to begin on 9/11/23.
Case & Court info from 9/10/20 thru 7/27/23 reference post #981 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...l-2019-arrests-mother-guilty-5.441968/page-50
7/31/23: Supplemental to discovery answer. Next status/trial date hearing on 8/25/23. Bench trial still set to begin on 9/11/23. 8/25/23 Update: Next status hearing on 9/5/23 @ 10am.
9/5/23 Update: Objection-extended media coverage. Notice-filing. Next Bench trial set to begin on 9/11/23.
*Andrew R. Polovin (48/now 51) arrested, charged & indicted (9/10/20) & arraigned (9/17/20) with 2 felony counts of endangering the life of a child & 1 felony count of reckless conduct. Plead not guilty. $20K bond. (bonded out 9/11/20).
Bench Trial set to begin on 9/11/23.
Case & Court info from 9/10/20 thru 7/27/23 reference post #981 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...l-2019-arrests-mother-guilty-5.441968/page-50
7/31/23: Supplemental to discovery answer. Next status/trial set hearing on 8/25/23 & bench trial still set to begin on 9/11/23. 8/25/23 Update: Next status hearing on 9/5/23 @ 10am.
9/5/23 Update: Objection-extended media coverage. Notice-filing. Next Bench trial set to begin on 9/11/23.
*JoAnn D. Cunningham (35/38 when sentenced/now 40) – 12/5/19: Plead guilty. Sentenced on 7/17/20 to 35 years in prison. Post conviction petition hearing on 6/1/22. Post conviction petition denied/dismissed.
*Andrew T. Freund, Sr. (60/63 when sentenced/now 65) – 9/18/20: Plead guilty. Sentenced on 9/18/20 to 30 years in prison. Will help prosecutors with case against welfare workers. On Jan. 21, the ARDC announced Andrew T. Freund, licensed as an attorney since 1984, had been disbarred after being convicted last year of involuntary manslaughter, aggravated battery of a child & concealment of a homicidal death.

*Trial continues (Day 5) (@ 8:30am ET) – FL – Harley Don Hiatt, Jr. (2) (July 31, 2018, Davenport, Polk County; tortured to death) - *Christian Martell Thompson (26/now 31) “BF of mom” arrested (8/1/18), charged (7/31/18) & arraigned (8/3/18) with 1st degree murder, 1st degree aggravated child abuse, 1st degree aggravated manslaughter of a child & 2 counts of 2nd degree negligent child abuse. Plead not guilty. No bond. DA will seek DP. Will not seek DP (7/27/23).
Trial began on 8/28/23 for jury selection & Trial began on 9/1/23 continued on 9/5, 9/6, 9/7, 9/11, 9/12 & 9/13/23 - for Thompson only.
Court info from 9/6/18 thru 8/28/23 & Jury Selection Day 1-3 (8/28-8/31/23) reference post #324 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-death-polk-county-31-jul-2018.383393/page-17
9/1/23 Friday, Trial Day 1: Motion authorizing costs for histological slides. Memo of Court-9/1/23 Day 1 Jury Trial. Stipulation for State Exhibits 1 & 2. Trial continues on Tuesday, 9/5/23.
9/5/23 Tuesday, Trial Day 2: Insert hearing for the date of 9/12 & 9/13/23 for jury trial by Nieepete. Stipulation for State exhibit 130. Supplemental discovery. Trial continues on Wednesday, 9/6/23.
9/6/23 Wednesday, Trial Day 3: No info available.
Trial continues on Thursday, 9/7/23.
9/7/23 Thursday, Trial Day 4: No info available. Trial continues on Monday, 9/11/23.
*Shanon Short (26/now 30) “mom” – Status conference hearing on 10/13/23.

*Trial continues (Day 2) (@ 9am PT) – CA – Blaze Bernstein (19) (Jan. 2, 2018, Lake Forest; found Jan. 9, 2018; he was stabbed 19 times in his neck; 14 times on the left, 5 on the right & 1 stab wound in his left knee) – *Samuel Lincoln Woodward (20/now 25) arrested & charged (1/17/18) & arraigned (11/9/18) with 1 count of felony murder with a hate crime enhancement for killing someone because of their sexual orientation & sentencing enhancement-personal use of a knife. Plead not guilty (again on 11/9/18). $5M bail, bail revoked (11/9/18). In custody of the Theo Lacy jail.
Trial was set to begin on 7/15/22 with jury selection was vacated for competency evaluation. Found competent (10/21/22) to stand trial.
Trial began on 9/8/23.
Court hearings from 2/2/18 thru 7/13/23 reference post #115 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...lake-forest-2-jan-2018-8-arrest.618349/page-6
9/8/23 Friday, Jury Selection Day 1: No info available. Jury selection or trial on Monday, 9/11/23.

*Trial continues (Day 14) (all) (State case-Antrim County) (@ 9am CT) – MI – Plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer - *Eric Molitor (36/now 38) of Cadillac arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/8/20) with providing material support for terrorist acts & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Bond set at $250K (10% cash or surety). Bond reduced (1/13/21) to $100K (10% cash or surety). Out on bond (1/13/21) with GPS monitor & other conditions. No longer on GPS (9/16/22). Represented by William Barnett.
*Michael Null (38/now 40) of Plainwell arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/8/20) with providing material support for terrorist acts & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Cash bond of $250K. Bond reduced (12/16/20) to 10%, cash or surety. Bond was posted, out of jail (1/13/21). Remains on electronic monitoring. No longer on GPS (9/16/22). Represented by Thomas Siver.
*William Null (38/now 40) of Shelbyville arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/8/20) with providing material support for terrorist acts & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Cash bond of $250K. Bond reduced (12/16/20) to 10% cash or surety. Bond was posted & is out of jail (1/13/21). Remains on electronic monitoring. No longer on GPS (9/16/22). Represented by Damian Dunzio.
*Shawn Michael Fix (38/now 40) - 6/7/23: Fix plead guilty to providing material support for an act of terrorism, namely the strategy to snatch Whitmer at her vacation home in Antrim County. Prosecutors agreed to drop a weapon charge.
*Brian Higgins (51/now 54) – 3/15/23: Higgins plead guilty in Antrim County Circuit Court to attempting to provide material support for terrorism, a potential five-year felony.
Trial began on 8/21/23 with jury selection & ended on 8/22/23. Jury: 12 jurors & 6 alternates. (11 women & 7 men).
Trial began on 8/23/23 (thru 9/11/23)
Prosecutors: William Rollstin, John Pallas, Phillip Jacques & Daniel Grano.
13th Circuit Court Judge Charles Hamlyn presiding.
Prosecutors rested their case on 9/6/23. Defense began on 9/7/23.
Court info from 10/8/20 thru 8/15/23 & Jury Selection Day 1-2 (8/21 & 8/22/23) & Trial Day 1-12 (8/22 to 9/7/23) reference post #850 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...rnor-gretchen-whitmer-oct-2020.546457/page-43
9/8/23 Friday Trial Day 132: Defense witness: Eric Molitor back on stand.
For info see posts #951 & 952 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...rnor-gretchen-whitmer-oct-2020.546457/page-43
Trial continues on Monday, 9/11/23.


Thursday, Sept. 14th:
*Settlement Hearing (Divorce) (@ 4pm PT) - CA - Sherri Louise Papini (39) vs. Keith Papini. Shasta County
Case info from 4/20/22 thru 2/16/23 reference post #460 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...on-nov-2016-arrest-mar-2022-26.620371/page-23
3/10/23 Update: Trial: Short Cause hearing on 4/12/23 @ 8:30am. 5/2/23: Trial -Short cause. (KP & SP present). Stipulation/Order for Release of Exhibits. 5/31/23: Judgement - Status Only. 6/6/23: Notice of Entry of Judgement. 7/6/23: Order entered. 8/11/23: Findings & Order after Hearing (Uniform Parentage Custody and Support). Next settlement conference hearing on 9/14/23 @ 4pm before Judge Summer D. Ryan.


Friday, Sept. 15th:
*Plea (@ jail) Hearing – (@ 1:30pm CT) - TX - JeB (6) & JesB (9), abducted by Jame Burns their paternal grandmother in 2009 Black Ford Escape SUV, McKinney on Jan. 19, 2023. An Amber Alert issued are believed “to be in grave or immediate danger". The reason LE believe the girls to be in danger is due to her earlier meth-related arrest. Girls were found Jan. 22, 2023 & are safe. *Justin Lee Burns (34) “father” arrested & charged (1/21/23) & indicted (4/4/23) with 2 felony counts of kidnapping. Bond $50K. Failed to appear (5/26/23) bond forfeited & changed (5/26/23) to $100K & issued arrest of Burns. Rearrested 7/7/23. Bond forfeited (5/26/23).
Case & court info from 1/18/23 thru 7/28/23 reference post #144 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-black-suv-mckinney-19-jan-2023.658446/page-8
8/11/23 Update: Next 3rd announcement hearing on 8/25/23 @ 9am. 8/25/23 Update: Announcement hearing was cancelled. Next announcement hearing (final pass) on 9/8/23 @ 9am.
9/8/23 Update: Announcement hearing was cancelled. Next plea at jail hearing on 9/15/23 @ 1:30pm, plea or set for trial.
*Jame Lynn Burns aka Jame Lynn Roth & Jani L Roth (60/now 61) – 7/26/23 Plead guilty & sentenced to 5 years & credit 186 days served.

*Bench Trial continues (Day 19)-VERDICT REACHED! (Day 5) (@ 9am ET) - IA - Breasia Terrell (10) (last seen E. 53rd & near Lorton Ave on July 10, 2020, Davenport; found March 22, 2021 by fishermen near 270th Ave in Dewitt in Clinton County. Id'd on March 31, 2021) - *Henry Earl Dinkins (48/now 51) arrested (5/5/21), charged (5/6/21) & arraigned (6/16/21) on 1st degree murder & 1st degree kidnapping. Plead not guilty. Held with no bond in the Clinton County jail.
Bench Trial began on 8/10/23 & ended on 8/29/23. State & defense rested on 8/29/23. Trial held in Scott County.
Case & court info from 5/6/21 thru 8/8/23 & Trial Day 1-17 (8/10-9/1/23) & Verdict Watch Day 1-3 (8/30-9/1/23) reference post #976 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-davenport-10-july-2020-arrest.531556/page-49
9/5/23 Tuesday, Trial Day 18 – Verdict Watch Day 4. Bench trial continues with Verdict Watch on 9/6/23.
9/6/23 Wednesday, Trial Day 19 – Verdict Watch has ended.
Judge Henry Latham to announce verdict on 9/15/23 @ 9:05am.
For more info see post #978 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-davenport-10-july-2020-arrest.531556/page-49

 

[Niner]

Update! This happened in August - but I will just post it here.

Monday, Aug. 14th:
*Announcement Hearing (@ 3pm CT) – TX – 4 malnourished children found in 3x2 dog cage; 2 smeared w/excrement in barn; 5 yr. old boy, 4 yr. old girl, 3 yr. old boy & 1 yr. old boy, Feb. 12, 2019, near Rhome) – *Paige Isabow Harkins (24/now 28) arrested & charged (2/12/19), indicted (5/14/20) & arraigned (6/20/20 waived) with 4 counts of injury to a child by knowingly causing serious mental/deficiency/impairment/injury & 1 count of aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury. $75K bond. $30K Surety, out on bond (3/12/19).
Fabila is father of 1 child; Harkins is mother of all 4. Children transferred to Cook Children’s in Fort Worth & released to CPS.
Trial was set to begin on 12/6/22 cancelled & no further dates.
Court info from 2/13/19 thru 1/4/23 reference post #97 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-dog-crate-wise-county-feb-2019.424189/page-5
2/28/23 Update: Announcement hearing reset on 4/17/23. 4/17/23 Update: Announcement hearing reset on 6/12/23 @ 3pm.
8/14/23 Update: Harkins plead guilty to all 3 counts & was sentenced to 25 years for all 3 counts (to run concurrent) in prison.
*Andrew Joseph Fabila – Plea hearing on 1/5/22 & plead guilty to all counts. Sentenced to 20 years in prison.

 

[nhmemorymaker]

Update! This happened in August - but I will just post it here.

Monday, Aug. 14th:
*Announcement Hearing (@ 3pm CT) – TX – 4 malnourished children found in 3x2 dog cage; 2 smeared w/excrement in barn; 5 yr. old boy, 4 yr. old girl, 3 yr. old boy & 1 yr. old boy, Feb. 12, 2019, near Rhome) – *Paige Isabow Harkins (24/now 28) arrested & charged (2/12/19), indicted (5/14/20) & arraigned (6/20/20 waived) with 4 counts of injury to a child by knowingly causing serious mental/deficiency/impairment/injury & 1 count of aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury. $75K bond. $30K Surety, out on bond (3/12/19).
Fabila is father of 1 child; Harkins is mother of all 4. Children transferred to Cook Children’s in Fort Worth & released to CPS.
Trial was set to begin on 12/6/22 cancelled & no further dates.
Court info from 2/13/19 thru 1/4/23 reference post #97 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-dog-crate-wise-county-feb-2019.424189/page-5
2/28/23 Update: Announcement hearing reset on 4/17/23. 4/17/23 Update: Announcement hearing reset on 6/12/23 @ 3pm.
8/14/23 Update: Harkins plead guilty to all 3 counts & was sentenced to 25 years for all 3 counts (to run concurrent) in prison.
*Andrew Joseph Fabila – Plea hearing on 1/5/22 & plead guilty to all counts. Sentenced to 20 years in prison.

You are a miracle worker, Niner.... what would we do without you!

 

[Niner]

You are a miracle worker, Niner.... what would we do without you!

Thank you!

 

[Niner]

Updated!

Friday, Sept. 15th:
*Trial continues (Day 18)-VERDICT REACHED! (Day 2) (all) (State case-Antrim County) (@ 9am CT) – MI – Plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer - *Eric Molitor (36/now 38) of Cadillac arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/8/20) with providing material support for terrorist acts & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Bond set at $250K (10% cash or surety). Bond reduced (1/13/21) to $100K (10% cash or surety). Out on bond (1/13/21) with GPS monitor & other conditions. No longer on GPS (9/16/22). Represented by William Barnett.
*Michael Null (38/now 40) of Plainwell arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/8/20) with providing material support for terrorist acts & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Cash bond of $250K. Bond reduced (12/16/20) to 10%, cash or surety. Bond was posted, out of jail (1/13/21). Remains on electronic monitoring. No longer on GPS (9/16/22). Represented by Thomas Siver.*William Null (38/now 40) of Shelbyville arrested & charged (10/7/20) & arraigned (10/8/20) with providing material support for terrorist acts & carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Cash bond of $250K. Bond reduced (12/16/20) to 10% cash or surety. Bond was posted & is out of jail (1/13/21). Remains on electronic monitoring. No longer on GPS (9/16/22).
Represented by Damian Dunzio.
*Shawn Michael Fix (38/now 40) - 6/7/23: Fix plead guilty to providing material support for an act of terrorism, namely the strategy to snatch Whitmer at her vacation home in Antrim County. Prosecutors agreed to drop a weapon charge. Fix acknowledged helping plot leader Adam Fox pinpoint the location of Whitmer’s home, key information that was used for a 2020 ride to find the property in northern Michigan. Fix, who faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, agreed to testify if called by prosecutors.
*Brian Higgins (51/now 54) – 3/15/23: Higgins plead guilty in Antrim County Circuit Court to attempting to provide material support for terrorism, a potential five-year felony; he had faced a 20-year charge & agreed to cooperate with authorities in an alleged plot to kidnap the governor. Higgins won't be sentenced by Judge Charles Hamlyn until after the August 21, 2023 trial of his four co-defendants. His cooperation could improve his chances for a lighter sentence.
Trial began on 8/21/23 with jury selection & ended on 8/22/23. Jury: 12 jurors & 6 alternates. (11 women & 7 men).
Trial began on 8/23/23 & ended on 9/12/23. Prosecutors: William Rollstin, John Pallas, Phillip Jacques & Daniel Grano.
13th Circuit Court Judge Charles Hamlyn presiding.
Prosecutors rested their case on 9/6/23. Defense began on 9/7/23 & rested their case on 9/12/23.
Jury started deliberations 9/14/23 (10a-5p) ~7 hours. 9/15/23 (10a-12p) ~2 hours. Total deliberations ~9 hours.
Court info from 10/8/20 thru 8/15/23 & Jury Selection Day 1-2 (8/21 & 8/22/23) & Trial Day 1-17 (8/22 to 9/14/23) & Verdict Watch Day 1 (9/14/23) reference post #864 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...rnor-gretchen-whitmer-oct-2020.546457/page-44
9/15/23 Friday Trial Day 18/Verdict Watch Day 2: Jury continued deliberations. Jury has reached a verdict.
Eric Molitor, William Null & Michael Null were each acquitted on one count of providing material support for a terrorist act and possessing a firearm when committing or attempting to commit a felony.
For info see posts #865 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...rnor-gretchen-whitmer-oct-2020.546457/page-44

 

[Niner]

Update!

Friday, Sept. 15th:
*Bench Trial continues (Day 19)-VERDICT REACHED! (Day 5) (@ 9am ET) - IA - Breasia Terrell (10) (last seen E. 53rd & near Lorton Ave on July 10, 2020, Davenport; found March 22, 2021 by fishermen near 270th Ave in Dewitt in Clinton County. Id'd on March 31, 2021) - *Henry Earl Dinkins (48/now 51) arrested (5/5/21), charged (5/6/21) & arraigned (6/16/21) on 1st degree murder & 1st degree kidnapping. Plead not guilty. Held with no bond in the Clinton County jail.
Bench Trial began on 8/10/23 & ended on 8/29/23. State & defense rested on 8/29/23. Trial held in Scott County.
Case & court info from 5/6/21 thru 8/8/23 & Trial Day 1-17 (8/10-9/1/23) & Verdict Watch Day 1-5 (8/30-9/6/23) reference post #985 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-davenport-10-july-2020-arrest.531556/page-50
Judge Henry Latham to announce verdict on 9/15/23 @ 9:05am.
9/15/23 Update: Judge Henry Latham has found Dinkins guilty of kidnapping & murder in the killing of 10-year-old Breasia. Dinkins faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole. Sentencing is set for 10/11/23.
For more info see post #986 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...-davenport-10-july-2020-arrest.531556/page-50

 

[Niner]

For the week of Monday, Sept. 18th thru Friday, Sept. 22nd:

Monday, Sept. 18th:
*Jury Trial continues for Sentencing (Day 6) (@ 9am CT) - TX - *Jason Wilder McDaniel (2) murdered on October 11, 2018, Wichita Falls) - *Amber Nichole McDaniel (28 @ time of crime/31/now 33) aka Amber Odom, mother charged & indicted (7/22/21) & arraigned (8/6/21) with abandon/endangering a child & tampering with physical evidence in connection with incidents 10/11/18, the day her son was discovered dead. Amber was free Thursday from Wichita County Jail on $60K bond. Tampering with physical evidence charge dismissed 7/30/21.
Trial was set to begin on 9/11/23 was cancelled as McDaniel plead guilty. Jury trial selection for sentencing began & ended on 9/11/23.
Jury: 7 women & 5 men.
Trial began on 9/12/23. Prosecutors rested their case on 9/14/23. Defense began their case on 9/14/23.
Judge Jeff McKnight presiding.
Wichita County DA John Gillespie is the lead prosecutor, assisted by Chief Felony Prosecutor Kyle Lessor. Wichita Falls defense attorney Mark Barber.
Case & court info from 8/5/21 thru 9/6/23 & Jury Selection (9/11/23) & Trial Day 1-4 (9/11-9/14/23) reference post #123 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...staley-iii-charged-october-2018.637742/page-7
9/15/23 Friday, Trial Day 5: Defense witnesses: no info yet.
Trial continues on Monday, 9/18/23.
*James Irven Staley III (38 @ time of crime/40/now 41) - Trial started 2/27/23 & ended 3/13/23. Staley has been found guilty of capital murder for the 2018 killing of Wilder McDaniel. Staley was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Filed appeal on 3/13/23. 4/13/23: Staley was transferred TDCJ John Middleton Unit in Abilene.

*Trial continues (@ 10am PT) – British Columbia, Canada – M. S. (13) (last seen alive on July 18, 2017 at a local Tim Hortons, Burney B.C. & her body was found 5 hours later on July 19, 2017 in Burnaby’s Central Park, Vancouver) - *Ibrahim Ali (28/now 32) arrested & charged (9/7/18) & indicted (11/25/19) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bail.
Police used a new & somewhat controversial “DNA dragnet” technique, after collecting DNA at the crime scene that indicated a suspect of Middle Eastern descent. (He is a Syrian refugee who entered Canada 3 months before murder).
Trial began on 3/17/23 with jury selection & ended on 3/23/23.
Trial began on 4/5/23 & continued on 4/11/23. (expected to run thru June 30 & changed (5/17/23) maybe thru September).
B.C. Supreme Court Justice Lance Bernard presiding. Crown prosecutor Isobel Keeley & defense attorney Ben Lynskey.
Case & court info from 1/29/19 thru Trial Days 1-xx (4/28 thru 9/14/23) reference post #169 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...girl-13-burnaby-bc-18-july-2017.673539/page-9
9/14/23 Thursday, Trial Day: Crown witness: CMP Forensic biologist Christine Crossman. Trial continues on Friday, 9/15/23.
9/15/23 Friday, Trial Day: Crown witness: CMP Forensic biologist Christine Crossman. Trial continues on Monday, 9/18/23.


Tuesday, Sept. 19th:
*Bench Trial continues for both (to discuss scheduling of closing) (@ 9am CT) – IL – Andrew “AJ” Freund, Jr. (5) (reported missing April 17, 2018, Crystal Lake; found buried in shallow grave on April 24, 2019, near Woodstock) – *Carlos J. Acosta (54/now 57) arrested, charged & indicted (9/10/20) & arraigned (9/24/20) with 2 felony counts of endangering the life of a child & 1 felony count of reckless conduct. $20K bond (bonded out 9/10/20). Plead not guilty. Balance due: $2K bond.
*Andrew R. Polovin (48/now 51) arrested, charged & indicted (9/10/20) & arraigned (9/17/20) with 2 felony counts of endangering the life of a child & 1 felony count of reckless conduct. Plead not guilty. $20K bond. (bonded out 9/11/20).
Bench Trial began on 9/11/23. Continued on 9/12, 9/13, 9/14, 9/15 & 9/18/23. Prosecutors rested their case on 9/14/23. Defense began their case on 9/15/23 & ended on 9/15/23 without calling any witnesses.
Lake County Judge George Strickland.
Prosecutor McHenry County State's Attorney Patrick Kenneally.
Defense attorneys: Acosta's attorney Jamie Wombacher & Polovin's attorney Matthew McQuaid.
Case & Court info from 9/10/20 thru 7/27/23 & Trial Day 1-4 (9/11-9/14/23) reference post #13 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...17-april-2019-arrests-mother-guilty-6.690367/
9/14/23 Additional info: Defendant motions for directed verdict denied by Judge Costello.
9/15/23 Friday, Bench Trial Day 5: Acosta & Polovin both chose not to testify in their own defense, leading to defense attorneys resting their case on Friday without calling any witnesses.
The judge handling the bench trial said he would like to have closing arguments sometime during the first two weeks of October. Since it is a bench trial, it will be a judge instead of a jury determining the verdict. Both sides are due back in court on Tuesday, 9/19/23 to discuss scheduling of closing arguments. It is unclear how soon the judge could rule after hearing closing arguments.
For more info see posts #15 & 16 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...17-april-2019-arrests-mother-guilty-6.690367/
*JoAnn D. Cunningham (35/38 when sentenced/now 40) – 12/5/19: Plead guilty. Sentenced on 7/17/20 to 35 years in prison. Post conviction petition hearing on 6/1/22. Post conviction petition denied/dismissed.
*Andrew T. Freund, Sr. (60/63 when sentenced/now 65) – 9/18/20: Plead guilty. Sentenced on 9/18/20 to 30 years in prison. Will help prosecutors with case against welfare workers. On Jan. 21, the ARDC announced Andrew T. Freund, licensed as an attorney since 1984, had been disbarred after being convicted last year of involuntary manslaughter, aggravated battery of a child & concealment of a homicidal death.


Wednesday, Sept. 20th:
*Trial set to begin (@ 8:30am PT) - WA – Estela Torres Rodriguez (54) (last seen Mar. 28, 2019, reported missing Mar. 29, 2019, Pasco; found on July 11, 2023 about 5 miles outside of Connell) – *Clemente Rodriguez Torres (34/now 37) son arrested (9/19/19) crossing Mexico-US border (& waived his extradition to the Tri-Cities), charged (10/2/19) & arraigned (10/8/19) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. $1M bond.
Trial was set to begin on 4/12/23 but was continued on 8/16/23 was vacated & continued on 9/20/23.
Court info from 10/2/19 thru 7/11/23 reference post #142 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...son-arrested-husband-on-the-run.434717/page-8
8/16/23 Update: Trial was vacated. Next change of plea hearing on 8/22/23 @ 8:30am. 8/22/23 Update: Change of plea hearing continued per defense respondent requested. 8/23/23: Note for motion docket. Special setting-not approved by Court admin. Trial is set to begin on 9/20/23 @ 8:30am.
*Carlos Torres Rodriguez (31) son – All charges dismissed (6/4/19). Prosecutors say that they can refile charges if and when they deem it appropriate. After a meeting recently with detectives, the Prosecutors office believes that there could be additional information that could be necessary before proceeding to trial.
*Tiburcio Larios Rodriguez (63/now 65) estranged husband. Murder warrants issued (4/1/18) & charged with 1st degree murder. $1M bond. Believed to have fled to Mexico.

 

[Niner]

For the week of Monday, September 25th thru Friday, September 29th:

Monday, Sept. 25th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am CT) - TX - *Jason Wilder McDaniel (2) murdered on October 11, 2018, Wichita Falls) - *Amber Nichole McDaniel (28 @ time of crime/31/now 33) aka Amber Odom, mother charged & indicted (7/22/21) & arraigned (8/6/21) with abandon/endangering a child & tampering with physical evidence in connection with incidents 10/11/18, the day her son was discovered dead. Amber was free Thursday from Wichita County Jail on $60K bond. Tampering with physical evidence charge dismissed 7/30/21.
Trial was set to begin on 9/11/23 was cancelled as McDaniel plead guilty. Jury trial selection for sentencing began & ended on 9/11/23.
Jury: 7 women & 5 men. Jury deliberated from ~11am to ~1:30pm – total deliberations: ~2 ½ hours.
Trial began on 9/12/23. Prosecutors rested their case on 9/14/23. Defense began their case on 9/14/23 & ended 9/15/23.
Judge Jeff McKnight presiding.
Wichita County DA John Gillespie is the lead prosecutor, assisted by Chief Felony Prosecutor Kyle Lessor. Wichita Falls defense attorney Mark Barber.
Case & court info from 8/5/21 thru 9/6/23 & Jury Selection (9/11/23) & Trial Day 1-6 (9/11-9/18/23) reference post #127 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...staley-iii-charged-october-2018.637742/page-7
9/11/23: Motion in Limine. Order on Motion in Limine. 9/14/23: Application for subpoena for Robert McDaniel. 9/15/23: Subpoena return Amanda Vickers. & C.r PD, C.r jail, Jessica & Robert McDaniel on 9/18/23. 9/18/23: Charge & Verdict-Courts charge on punishment. 9/19/23: Order declaring bond insufficient. Alias Capias. Bench warrant. 9/20/23: Confirmation of setting date. Exhibit list. Next sentencing hearing on 9/25/23 @ 9am.
9/19/23 Tuesday, Trial Day 7: Judge McKnight read the jury its charge. Closing arguments by Wichita County District Attorney John Gillespie & the defense attorney Mark Barber.
Verdict Watch Day 1: Jury started deliberations about 11am. Jury reached a verdict at about 1:30pm. The jury assessed her two years for endangering a child & five years behind bars for tampering with evidence. They recommended the sentence be suspended for the tampering charge & Amber be put on probation instead. Judge McKnight sets date for 9am Monday, 9/25/23 for Amber's formal sentencing.
For more info see post #128 & 129 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...staley-iii-charged-october-2018.637742/page-7
*James Irven Staley III (38 @ time of crime/40/now 41) - Trial started 2/27/23 & ended 3/13/23. Staley has been found guilty of capital murder for the 2018 killing of Wilder McDaniel. Staley was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Filed appeal on 3/13/23. 4/13/23: Staley was transferred TDCJ John Middleton Unit in Abilene.

*Sentencing Hearing (for Daniel) (@ am CT) - GA - Aleigha Lee (2) (Died 12/9/18 from severe burns, excessive physical & mental pain & a skull fracture) - *Daniel “DJ” Lenwood Lee (28/now 33) arrested (11/4/18) & charged (11/13/20) with 2nd degree murder (8/28/23), felony murder, 1st degree cruelty to children & contributing to the delinquency of a minor. No bond. Plead guilty.
*Elizabeth Lynn Lee (29/now 33) arrested (11/4/18), charged (11/13/20) & arraigned (12/17/20) with 3 counts of felony murder, 1 count of malice murder, 1 count of aggravated assault, 2 counts of aggravated battery, 3 counts of 1st degree cruelty to children & causing a child to be a child in need of services. Plead not guilty. No bond.
Trial was set to begin on 9/25/23 was vacated. Elizabeth plead guilty (9/5/23) & was sentenced to life with the possibility of parole. Daniel plead guilty (8/29/23). Sentencing hearing on 9/25/23.
Court info from 12/18/18 thru 2/3/23 reference post #51 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...oweta-county-9-dec-2018-arrests.404535/page-3
3/1/23: Next Call Calendar on 9/7/23 & trial set to begin on 9/25/23. 4/21/23: Daniel: Notice for leave of absence for Barry Debrow, Jr. 6/22/23 Update: Attorney Leave of Absence re J. Ryan Brown for Elizabeth. 8/21/23: Elizabeth: Certificate of Service with prosecution case notes. 8/23/23: Daniel: Special set Rule NISI setting case for 8/29/23 @ 9am.
8/24/23 Update: Daniel & Elizabeth: Party notice for criminal jury trial on 9/7/23 Judge Dennis Blackmon.8/29/23: Elizabeth: Notice of Conflict filed by attorney Brown. Certificate of Service. 8/31/23: Witness subpoena/Cody Allen Lee.
9/5/23: Elizabeth: Recorded in court by Holly McKay, CCR/Elizabeth's plea. 9/7/23: Elizabeth: Plea proceeding. Disposition: Felony Murder: Neg. guilty plea, sentenced to life with possibility of parole & no contact with biological minor children. Disposition: Malice Murder. 2 counts Felony murder& 3 counts of aggravated assault & battery, 4 counts of Cruelty to children (1st degree) & causing a child to be a child in need of services: Neg. guilty plea, Nolle Prosequi. Order/Motion to enter Nolle Prosequi (cts 1 thru 8, 10 thru 12). 9/8/23: Prisoner personal history sheet.
8/28/23: Daniel: Accusation (re-indicted from 2020R615). Charged with 2nd degree murder on this case #SUR2023000467. 8/29/23: Plea proceeding. Guilty plea entered. Sentence reserved for later date after co-defendant Elizabeth plea or jury trial per Judge Blackmon. Acknowledgement of terms & requirements of plea agreement. eFiled transcript of plea of guilty held 8/29/23 before Hon. Judge Dennis Blackmon. Sentencing hearing on 9/25/23.

*Trial set to begin (Sanders case) (@ 1pm CT) – IN (under Javon Blackwell) - *Maurtreyviaum “Troy” Sanders (19) (Nov. 6, 2018, Marion) - *Demetrius Jemere Jackson (25/now 29) charged (1/29/19) with murder, conspiracy to commit armed robbery & armed robbery in connection with a death. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Blackwell murder found guilty sentenced to 120 years in prison. Earliest release date 1/21/2154.
Sanders’ Trial set to begin on 9/25/23.
Case info from 9/28/20 to 5/152/23 reference post #502 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...hot-marion-30-dec-2018-arrests.414840/page-26
5/16/23: Order-Granting motion for trial continuance. Next pretrial conference on 8/24/23 @ 8:30am & trial is now set to begin on 9/25/23 @ 1pm. 8/24/23 Update: Next trial set to begin on 9/25/23.
*Lemere Joseph Jones (29/now 33) – Pretrial hearing on 12/21/23. Trial set to begin on 1/22/24.

*Trial set to begin (Bonnie only) (@ 9am CT) – OK – Bonnie Beth Lilly (3 yrs) (Jan. 3, 2018, Lawton; had 17 lb. tumor/cancer) - *Bonnie Beth Mills-Lilly (42/now 47) & *Henry Clarence Lilly III (49/now 54) arrested (1/4/18), charged (1/7/18) & arraigned (12/2/19) with 1st degree manslaughter & not providing medical care to child. Both plead not guilty. $60K bond each. Bonded out on 1/10/19. Bond forfeiture (9/27/22) went on the lam. Bond reset to $1M (10/14/22).
Trial set to begin on 9/25/23 for jury selection for Bonnie only.
Court hearings from 1/10/19 thru 5/5/23 reference post #188 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...anche-county-3-jan-2019-arrest.412241/page-10
5/5/23 Update: Both defendants in custody. Parties appeared for sounding of felony docket & at defendants' requests the case was reset on 8/28/23 @ 9am.
8/28/23 Update: Henry: Parties appear for sounding of the felon docket & defendant's (Henry) request case is passed to the January/February 2024 trial docket. Waived speedy trial. Ordered to appear for felony call docket hearing on 12/11/23 @ 1:30pm. Defendant in custody. Defendant announces intent to change pleas of not guilty to guilty & requests case be set for plea & sentencing. On 12/11/23 @ 1:30pm will be plea & sentencing hearing. Defendant is ordered to appear. Court Order by Judge Walker: case continued to next jury docket Jan/Feb, 2024. Bonnie: Next trial set to begin on 9/25/23.

*Trial set to begin with Jury Selection for all (Federal Case) (@ 9am MT) – NM – 11 children (ages 1 to 15 found 8/3/18 in filthy NM compound, Amalia) - *Siraj Ibn Wahhaj (39/now 41), Maryam Jany Leveille (35/now 38) (wife of Siraj), Laqman Lucas Allen Morton (40/now 43), Subhannah Wahhaj (33/now 36) (8 mos. pregnant back in 8/31/18) (wife of Morton) & Hujrah Wahhaj (38/now 41) (sister of Siraj) arrested (8/31/18) & indicted (9/12/18) & re charged & indicted (3/14/19) & arraigned (3/21/19) by FBI with 2 counts of conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, 2 counts of conspiracy to murder an Officer or employee of the U.S. (except Subhannah & Hujrah only 1 count), possessing a firearm while unlawfully in the U.S., conspiracy to commit kidnapping (except Siraj) & kidnapping (except Siraj). Also charged Leveille, a Haitian national, with being in the U.S. illegally & unlawfully in possession of firearms & ammunition from Oct. 2017 thru Aug. 2018. The other four defendants are charged with aiding & abetting Leveille & conspiring with her to commit the offense. (Violating federal firearms & conspiracy laws). Possessing a firearm while unlawfully in the U.S. have been dismissed on 9/21/23. All plead not guilty.
Federal case takes over from State charges.
Trial set to begin on 9/25/23 with jury selection.
Case info & court hearings from 8/31/18 thru 5/5/23 reference post #335 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...d-with-little-food-04-aug-2018.383594/page-16
7/25/23 Update: No info yet. Motions hearing on 7/26/23 @ 9am. 7/26/23 Update: No info yet. Next Daubert Hearing on 7/27/23 @ 9:30am. Jury trial set to begin on 9/25/23 with jury selection.
8/7/23: Memorandum Opinion & Order limiting the scope of Steven R. Watt & Joost Janssen's expert testimony. Defendants' Motion to Exclude or Limit the Expert Testimony of Steven Watt (Doc. 742) and the United States' Motion to Exclude the Expert Testimony of Joost Janssen (Doc. 760). In May 2023, Defendants and the United States filed the instant Motions to Exclude each other's expert witness. Each party raises two of the same arguments and one that is unique to each witness. The Court finds Steven R. Watt qualified to render his proposed expert opinion in this case. The Court similarly finds Joost Janssen qualified to testify under Rule 702. The Court will limit the scope of Watt and Janssen's testimony to issues relevant to the offenses charged. The Court finds that Watt's and Janssen's proposed testimony exceeds the scope of what is relevant to the offenses charged. Therefore, the Court limits both witnesses from opining on whether or not Defendants may be classified as “terrorists.”
9/21/23 Update: Two firearms charges were dismissed Thursday amid preparations for a trial against an extended family arrested in a 2018 law enforcement raid on a ramshackle desert compound in northern New Mexico. The changes narrow the case to terrorism & kidnapping charges against five defendants in a trial scheduled to begin Monday with jury selection at U.S. District Court in Albuquerque.


Tuesday, Sept. 26th:
*Trial continues (@ 10am PT) – British Columbia, Canada – M. S. (13) (last seen alive on July 18, 2017 at a local Tim Hortons, Burney B.C. & her body was found 5 hours later on July 19, 2017 in Burnaby’s Central Park, Vancouver) - *Ibrahim Ali (28/now 32) arrested & charged (9/7/18) & indicted (11/25/19) with 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bail.
Police used a new & somewhat controversial “DNA dragnet” technique, after collecting DNA at the crime scene that indicated a suspect of Middle Eastern descent. (He is a Syrian refugee who entered Canada 3 months before murder).
Trial began on 3/17/23 with jury selection & ended on 3/23/23.
Trial began on 4/5/23 & continued on 4/11/23. (expected to run thru June 30 & changed (5/17/23) maybe thru September).
B.C. Supreme Court Justice Lance Bernard presiding.
Crown prosecutor Isobel Keeley & defense attorney Ben Lynskey.
Case & court info from 1/29/19 thru Trial Days 1-xx (4/28 thru 9/21/23) reference post #182 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...irl-13-burnaby-bc-18-july-2017.673539/page-10
9/22/23 Friday, Trial Day: Crown witness: Dr. Tracy Pickett, the director of B.C. Women's Hospital sexual assault service back on stand for cross exam. Pickett's cross-examination is expected to continue Tuesday.
For more info see posts #183 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...irl-13-burnaby-bc-18-july-2017.673539/page-10
Trial continues on Tuesday, 9/26/23.

 

[Niner]

Update!

Monday, Sept. 25th:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am CT) - TX - *Jason Wilder McDaniel (2) murdered on October 11, 2018, Wichita Falls) - *Amber Nichole McDaniel (28 @ time of crime/31/now 33) aka Amber Odom, mother charged & indicted (7/22/21) & arraigned (8/6/21) with abandon/endangering a child & tampering with physical evidence in connection with incidents 10/11/18, the day her son was discovered dead. Amber was free Thursday from Wichita County Jail on $60K bond. Tampering with physical evidence charge dismissed 7/30/21.
Trial was set to begin on 9/11/23 was cancelled as McDaniel plead guilty. Jury trial selection for sentencing began & ended on 9/11/23.
Jury: 7 women & 5 men. Jury deliberated from ~11am to ~1:30pm – total deliberations: ~2 ½ hours.
Trial began on 9/12/23. Prosecutors rested their case on 9/14/23. Defense began their case on 9/14/23 & ended 9/15/23.
Judge Jeff McKnight presiding.
Wichita County DA John Gillespie is the lead prosecutor, assisted by Chief Felony Prosecutor Kyle Lessor. Wichita Falls defense attorney Mark Barber.
Case & court info from 8/5/21 thru 9/6/23 & Jury Selection (9/11/23) & Trial Day 1-7 (9/11-9/19/23) & Verdict Day 1 (9/18/23) reference post #132 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...staley-iii-charged-october-2018.637742/page-7
9/18/23: Verdict Watch Day 1: Jury started deliberations about 11am. Jury reached a verdict at about 1:30pm. The jury assessed her two years for endangering a child & five years behind bars for tampering with evidence. They recommended the sentence be suspended for the tampering charge & Amber be put on probation instead. In other words - serve 2 years State Jail for the child engagement & 5 years probation for the tampering with evidence charges. Judge McKnight sets date for 9am on Monday, 9/25/23 for Amber's formal sentencing.
9/25/23 Update: Sentenced to two (2) years TDCJ, CID-State jail. Court's admonition ineligibility possess firearms/ammunition. Trial Court's Certification of defendant's right to appeal.
For more info see post #135 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...staley-iii-charged-october-2018.637742/page-7
*James Irven Staley III (38 @ time of crime/40/now 41) - Trial started 2/27/23 & ended 3/13/23. Staley has been found guilty of capital murder for the 2018 killing of Wilder McDaniel. Staley was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Filed appeal on 3/13/23. 4/13/23: Staley was transferred TDCJ John Middleton Unit in Abilene.