GUILTY VA - Steven Dale Meek II, 2, sexually abused, died of brutal trauma, Jan 11 2019 *arrests*

[Niner]

Okay - that is the shortest trial I've ever seen!! I guess it was a no-brainer....

Christiansburg man found guilty of sexually abusing girlfriend’s toddler son

March 15, 2021

CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. – A jury found McKenzie Hellman guilty of all five charges against him.

Hellman was in Montgomery General District Court on Monday and pleaded not guilty to producing child *advertiser censored*, reproducing child *advertiser censored*, animate object sexual penetration, producing child *advertiser censored* and forcible sodomy.

The jury recommended Hellman serve two life sentences and his sentencing is set for June 29.

While Hellman is also charged with second-degree murder and a charge of child abuse and neglect in connection with the boy’s death, a trial date has not yet been set for those charges.

more in article

 

[JerseyGirl]

Man found guilty of child *advertiser censored* charges; murder trial awaits

The jury also recommended Hellman serve two life sentences and a total 45-year sentence for his charges. Hellman will be back for an official sentencing June 29.

Hellman will be given a separate trial for second-degree murder and child abuse. The date for the court to hear those charges has not been set.

Little Steven Meek II died in January 2019 from brutal blunt force trauma. His mother, Thomas, faces similar charges related to the little boy, but she is not being tried for the death. Thomas is scheduled for trial in June.

 

[Niner]

Hellman - murder, reproduce child *advertiser censored*

# Date Time Type Room Result
5 03/15/2021 9:00AM To Be Set 4B Continued

6 04/26/2021 11:00AM To Be Set VIDEO


on other charges that he was found guilty on.

# Date Time Type Room Jury Result
7 03/16/2021 9:00AM Jury Trial 4B Yes Presentence Ordered

8 06/29/2021 9:00AM Pre-Sentence Report 4B


link: Virginia Court Case Information

 

[Niner]

Monday, April 26th:
*Hearing (murder or child abuse charges) (@ 11am ET) – VA – Stephen Dale Meek II (2) (Jan. 11, 2019, Christiansburg; sexually abused & blunt force trauma, died Jan. 13, 2019) – for *McKenzie Kyle Hellman (25/now 26) (BF) arrested (1/13/19) & charged (1/17/19) & indicted (1/28/20) with 2nd degree felony murder (accidental), 2 counts aggravated sexual battery, inanimate sexual penetration, accessory to forcible sodomy, possession of child *advertiser censored* & 2 counts of accessory before the fact to produce, distribution & possession of child *advertiser censored*. Held without bond.
Trial began on 3/15/21-Jury found him guilty of all 5 charges: producing child *advertiser censored*, reproducing child *advertiser censored*, animate object sexual penetration, producing child *advertiser censored* & forcible sodomy. Sentencing on 6/29/21.
Court info from 2/28/19 thru 10/5/20 reference post #98 here:
VA - Steven Dale Meek II, 2, sexually abused, died of brutal trauma, Jan 11 2019 *arrests*
3/15/21 Update: In opening statements, the prosecution alleged that Hellman said that everything that happened was his idea & he asked Thomas to do it; however, the defense said that Hellman didn’t actually participate & it was Thomas who actually carried out the acts in question. During court, the jury was shown a 45-minute audio interview with Hellman that was done a week after the incident occurred. In the interview, Hellman said he was trying to explore the extent of his sexual desires, but said in the end that he was disgusted by them. Jury found Hellman guilty of all five charges against him. Hellman was in Montgomery General District Court on Monday & pleaded not guilty to producing child *advertiser censored*, reproducing child *advertiser censored*, animate object sexual penetration, producing child *advertiser censored* & forcible sodomy. The jury recommended Hellman serve two life sentences & a total 45-year sentence for his charges. His sentencing hearing on 6/29/21.
3/16/21 Update: The 2nd degree murder & child abuse charges will be tried later. 4/22/21 Update: Murder & child abuse: next hearing via video on 4/26/21.
*Kayla Nicole Thomas (25/now 27) “mom” – Trial to begin on 6/9 thru 6/11/21.

 

[Niner]

Hellman - Murder & child abuse:

# Date Time Type Room Result

6 04/26/2021 11:00AM To Be Set VIDE Set For Trial

7 08/10/2021 9:00AM Jury Trial 4B

8 08/11/2021 9:00AM Jury Trial 4B

link: Virginia Court Case Information

 

[Niner]

Thomas:

Hearings

# Date Time Type Room Plea Duration Jury Result
10 01/22/2021 9:00AM Jury Trial 4C No Continued

11 05/27/2021 9:00AM Motion - Other Pre-Trial 4B

12 06/09/2021 9:00AM Jury Trial 4C

13 06/10/2021 9:00AM Jury Trial 4C

14 06/11/2021 9:00AM Jury Trial 4C

link: Virginia Court Case Information

 

[Niner]

Thursday, May 27th:
*Pretrial Motions Hearing (@ 9am ET) – VA – Stephen Dale Meek II (2) (Jan. 11, 2019, Christiansburg; sexually abused & blunt force trauma, died Jan. 13, 2019) – for *Kayla Nicole Thomas (25/now 26) “mom” arrested & charged (1/16/19) & arraigned (8/20/20) with 1 count of Abuse & neglect of children; abandoned infant, 1 count of possession, reproduction, distribution, solicitation, & facilitation of child *advertiser censored*, 1 count of production, publication, sale, financing, etc., of child *advertiser censored*; presumption as to age, 1 count of forcible sodomy, and 1 count of Object sexual penetration. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial set to begin on 6/9/21 (to 6/11/21).
Court info from 2/28/19 thru 3/18/20 reference post #92 here:
VA - Steven Dale Meek II, 2, sexually abused, died of brutal trauma, Jan 11 2019 *arrests*
8/20/20 Update: Plea hearing she plead not guilty. Trial set for 1/20 thru 1/22/21. Review hearing on 11/12/20 continued to 12/10/20. 12/10/20 Update: Motion for trial continuance-granted. Trial is now scheduled on 6/9 to 6/11/21. Next pretrial motions hearing on 5/27/21.
*McKenzie Kyle Hellman (25/now 26) (BF) – 3/15/21: Jury found him guilty of all 5 charges: producing child *advertiser censored*, reproducing child *advertiser censored*, animate object sexual penetration, producing child *advertiser censored* & forcible sodomy. Sentencing on 6/29/21. Murder & child abuse: Trial set to begin on 8/10/21.

 

[Niner]

Not really sure if ALL her charges were dismissed - but the child abuse/neglect was. I'll go ahead & post the trial stuff for the other charges until there is a change in the court site.

Thomas:

Charge:
CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT

05/27/2021 9:00AM Motion - Other Pre-Trial 4C Nolle Prosequi

(A nolle prosequi (also referred to as a "nolle prosse") is actually a dismissal without prejudice – this means that the charge can be brought back at a later date).


for other charges:

# Date Time Type Result
12 05/27/2021 9:00AM Motion - Other Pre-Trial 4C Granted

13 06/09/2021 9:00AM Jury Trial 4C

14 06/10/2021 9:00AM Jury Trial 4C

15 06/11/2021 9:00AM Jury Trial 4C

link: Virginia Court Case Information

 

[Niner]

Wednesday, June 9th:
*Trial set to begin (@ 9am ET) – VA – Stephen Dale Meek II (2) (Jan. 11, 2019, Christiansburg; sexually abused & blunt force trauma, died Jan. 13, 2019) – for *Kayla Nicole Thomas (25/now 26) “mom” arrested & charged (1/16/19) & arraigned (8/20/20) with 1 count of Abuse & neglect of children [charged dismissed 5/27/21]; abandoned infant, 1 count of possession, reproduction, distribution, solicitation, & facilitation of child *advertiser censored*, 1 count of production, publication, sale, financing, etc., of child *advertiser censored*; presumption as to age, 1 count of forcible sodomy, and 1 count of Object sexual penetration. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial set to begin on 6/9/21 (to 6/11/21)
Court info from 2/28/19 thru 3/18/20 reference post #92 here:
VA - Steven Dale Meek II, 2, sexually abused, died of brutal trauma, Jan 11 2019 *arrests*
8/20/20 Update: Plea hearing she plead not guilty. Trial set for 1/20 thru 1/22/21. Review hearing on 11/12/20 continued to 12/10/20. 12/10/20 Update: Motion for trial continuance-granted. Trial is now scheduled on 6/9 to 6/11/21. Next motions hearing on 5/27/21. Next on court site is trial on 6/9/21.
5/27/21 Update: On child abuse/neglect charge plead nolle prosequi (dismissed without prejudice). Other charges still active.
*McKenzie Kyle Hellman (25/now 26) (BF) – 3/15/21: Jury found him guilty of all 5 charges: producing child *advertiser censored*, reproducing child *advertiser censored*, animate object sexual penetration, producing child *advertiser censored* & forcible sodomy. Sentencing on 6/29/21. Murder & child abuse: Trial set to begin on 8/10/21.

 

[Niner]

Anyone find any articles on what might be happening in this trial. It is set for only 3 days... TIA!

Thursday, June 10th:
*Trial continues (Day 2) (@ 9am ET) – VA – Stephen Dale Meek II (2) (Jan. 11, 2019, Christiansburg; sexually abused & blunt force trauma, died Jan. 13, 2019) – for *Kayla Nicole Thomas (25/now 26) “mom” arrested & charged (1/16/19) & arraigned (8/20/20) with 1 count of Abuse & neglect of children [charged dismissed 5/27/21]; abandoned infant, 1 count of possession, reproduction, distribution, solicitation, & facilitation of child *advertiser censored*, 1 count of production, publication, sale, financing, etc., of child *advertiser censored*; presumption as to age, 1 count of forcible sodomy, and 1 count of Object sexual penetration. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial began on 6/9/21 (to 6/11/21)
Court info from 2/28/19 thru 5/27/21 reference post #109 here:
VA - Steven Dale Meek II, 2, sexually abused, died of brutal trauma, Jan 11 2019 *arrests*
6/9/21 Wednesday, Trial Day 1: Jury selection begins. No other info available. Trial continues on 6/10/21.
*McKenzie Kyle Hellman (25/now 26) (BF) – 3/15/21: Jury found him guilty of all 5 charges: producing child *advertiser censored*, reproducing child *advertiser censored*, animate object sexual penetration, producing child *advertiser censored* & forcible sodomy. Sentencing on 6/29/21. Murder & child abuse: Trial set to begin on 8/10/21.

 

[misgrn]

Christiansburg woman guilty of sexually abusing slain son; jury recommends two life terms

"A Montgomery County jury found Kayla Nicole Thomas guilty Wednesday of four counts of sexually abusing her late son.

The jury recommended a sentence of two life terms plus 10 years. A sentencing hearing is set for Sept. 23.

During testimony that lasted all day, witnesses described how 2-year-old Steven Dale Meek II was sexually abused on Jan. 8, 2019. The prosecution described how Thomas' boyfriend McKenzie Kyle Hellman asked Thomas to abuse her son, and she did so, making five, 30-second videos of the abuse and sending them to Hellman.

Thomas, 27, took the witness stand and testified that she had done the acts she is accused of, but said she did so because was terrified of Hellman. She said she and Hellman, 27, had dated for about two years, and moved into together in Christiansburg mobile home, just weeks before the abuse of Steven. During those weeks, Hellman had used methamphetamine, Thomas said, and his personality changed.
...

Thomas testified Wednesday that she did not want to abuse her son and suggested to Hellman instead, that she would do drugs with him or have a sexual threesome with him and his ex-wife. To try to appease Hellman, Thomas said, she asked for and received nude photos of a female friend to give him, But the morning after, "I finally, I guess, caved."

She said she then performed three sexual acts on her son and "afterward felt disgusted with myself."

On cross-examination, Thomas said she did not feel able to leave Hellman and thought he would harm her, Steven, and the unborn child she was pregnant with at the time.
...

Thomas admitted she still writes love letters to Hellman, who also is in jail, including letters she sent as recently as May 18 and May 23 of this year."

More at the above link

The article also states that Hellman is scheduled for a separate trial, now set to run Aug. 10 and 11, on charges of murder and child abuse.

 

[Niner]

Christiansburg woman guilty of sexually abusing slain son; jury recommends two life terms

"A Montgomery County jury found Kayla Nicole Thomas guilty Wednesday of four counts of sexually abusing her late son.

The jury recommended a sentence of two life terms plus 10 years. A sentencing hearing is set for Sept. 23.

During testimony that lasted all day, witnesses described how 2-year-old Steven Dale Meek II was sexually abused on Jan. 8, 2019. The prosecution described how Thomas' boyfriend McKenzie Kyle Hellman asked Thomas to abuse her son, and she did so, making five, 30-second videos of the abuse and sending them to Hellman.

Thomas, 27, took the witness stand and testified that she had done the acts she is accused of, but said she did so because was terrified of Hellman. She said she and Hellman, 27, had dated for about two years, and moved into together in Christiansburg mobile home, just weeks before the abuse of Steven. During those weeks, Hellman had used methamphetamine, Thomas said, and his personality changed.
...

Thomas testified Wednesday that she did not want to abuse her son and suggested to Hellman instead, that she would do drugs with him or have a sexual threesome with him and his ex-wife. To try to appease Hellman, Thomas said, she asked for and received nude photos of a female friend to give him, But the morning after, "I finally, I guess, caved."

She said she then performed three sexual acts on her son and "afterward felt disgusted with myself."

On cross-examination, Thomas said she did not feel able to leave Hellman and thought he would harm her, Steven, and the unborn child she was pregnant with at the time.
...

Thomas admitted she still writes love letters to Hellman, who also is in jail, including letters she sent as recently as May 18 and May 23 of this year."

More at the above link

The article also states that Hellman is scheduled for a separate trial, now set to run Aug. 10 and 11, on charges of murder and child abuse.

Thank you for this article. From my notes re Hellman:

3/15/21: Jury found him guilty of all 5 charges: producing child *advertiser censored*, reproducing child *advertiser censored*, animate object sexual penetration, producing child *advertiser censored* & forcible sodomy. Sentencing on 6/29/21. Murder & child abuse: Trial set to begin on 8/10/21.

 

[JerseyGirl]

Trial date set for Christiansburg man charged with murdering his girlfriend’s toddler son

McKenzie Hellman, who is charged with second-degree murder and child abuse and neglect, is scheduled for a two-day jury trial on August 10 and 11.

In March 2021, Hellman was found guilty of producing child *advertiser censored*, reproducing child *advertiser censored*, animate object sexual penetration, producing child *advertiser censored* and forcible sodomy.

His sentencing on those charges is scheduled for June 29 at 9 a.m.

Earlier this month, the boy’s mother, Kayla Thomas, found guilty of all the charges against her in connection with committing sexual crimes against her son

 

[Niner]

Hellman - child *advertiser censored* charges:

7 06/29/2021 9:00AM Pre-Sentence Report 4B Continued

8 08/10/2021 9:00AM Pre-Sentence Report 4B

link: Virginia Court Case Information

 

[PayrollNerd]

I haven't followed this case but just saw this pop up on my screen.

Published Jul 26th, 2021, 5:45 pm

Va. Man Serving Multiple Life Sentences for Sexually Abusing Girlfriend’s 2-Year-Old Son Pleads Guilty to the Boy’s Murder
Snips:
A Virginia man already serving two life sentences for the sexual abuse of a child has now pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the child’s death.

On Monday, McKenzie Hellman pleaded guilty to second degree murder and child abuse and neglect in the January 2019 death of Steven Meek II, who was 2 years old.

He was sentenced to two life sentences for the abuse crimes. His sentencing hearing on the murder charge is set for August 10.

 

[Niner]

Thanks for that info @PayrollNerd !

 

[Niner]

Tuesday, August 10th:
*Sentencing Hearing (murder & child abuse charges) (@ 9am ET) – VA – Stephen Dale Meek II (2) (Jan. 11, 2019, Christiansburg; sexually abused & blunt force trauma, died Jan. 13, 2019) – for *McKenzie Kyle Hellman (25/now 26) (BF) arrested (1/13/19) & charged (1/17/19) & indicted (1/28/20) with 2nd degree felony murder (accidental), 2 counts aggravated sexual battery, inanimate sexual penetration, accessory to forcible sodomy, possession of child *advertiser censored* & 2 counts of accessory before the fact to produce, distribution & possession of child *advertiser censored*. Held without bond.
Trial began on 3/15/21-Jury found him guilty of all 5 charges: producing child *advertiser censored*, reproducing child *advertiser censored*, animate object sexual penetration, producing child *advertiser censored* & forcible sodomy. Sentencing on 6/29/21 to 2 life sentences.
Trial for murder & child abuse was set to begin on 8/10/21 (thru 8/11/21) was cancelled, plead guilty (on 7/26/21).
Court info from 2/28/19 thru 3/15/21 reference post #104 here:
GUILTY - VA - Steven Dale Meek II, 2, sexually abused, died of brutal trauma, Jan 11 2019 *arrests*
3/16/21 Update: The 2nd degree murder & child abuse charges will be tried later. 4/22/21 Update: Murder & child abuse: next hearing via video on 4/26/21. 4/26/21 Update: Hearing via video. Trial for murder & child abuse has been set to begin on 8/10/21 thru 8/11/21. Waiver of two Judge rule.
7/26/21 Update: Hellman plead guilty to 2nd degree murder & child abuse. Sentencing on 8/10/21.
*Kayla Nicole Thomas (25/now 27) “mom” – Trial to begin on 6/9 thru 6/11/21. Found guilty on all 4 charges, sentencing on 9/23/21.

 

[PayrollNerd]

Virginia Man Gets Two Life Sentences Plus 90 Years for Sexually Abusing and Murdering His Girlfriend’s 2-Year-Old Son

A Virginia man was sentenced to two life terms in prison plus 90 years on Tuesday after pleading guilty in July to second-degree murder and abuse in connection with the death of his girlfriend’s son, localnews stations reported.

Appearing in Montgomery County Circuit Court Tuesday morning, Judge Robert Turk handed down the additional sentence, which means Hellman’s total sentence breaks down as follows:

• Life sentence for object sexual penetration
• Life sentence for forcible sodomy
• 30 years for producing child *advertiser censored*
• 10 years for distributing child *advertiser censored*
• 5 years for possessing child *advertiser censored*
• 40 years for murder
• 5 years for child abuse and neglect

 

[Niner]

Thank you @PayrollNerd - I was just about to post an article that I couldn't access. Saved me the trouble!

and next up - Thomas' sentencing on 9/23/21.

 

[Niner]

Since I will be gone from 9/22 to 9/23 - I am posting this earlier. I will be back on 9/24 Friday morning to catch up with any updates.

Thursday, Sept. 23rd:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 9am ET) – VA – Stephen Dale Meek II (2) (Jan. 11, 2019, Christiansburg; sexually abused & blunt force trauma, died Jan. 13, 2019) – for *Kayla Nicole Thomas (25/now 27) “mom” arrested & charged (1/16/19) & arraigned (8/20/20) with 1 count of Abuse & neglect of children [charged dismissed 5/27/21]; abandoned infant, 1 count of possession, reproduction, distribution, solicitation, & facilitation of child *advertiser censored*, 1 count of production, publication, sale, financing, etc., of child *advertiser censored*; presumption as to age, 1 count of forcible sodomy, and 1 count of Object sexual penetration. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial began on 6/9/21 (to 6/11/21). Found guilty 4 counts of sexually abusing her son.
Court info from 2/28/19 thru 5/27/21 & trial 6/9/21 (Day 1) reference post #110 here:
GUILTY - VA - Steven Dale Meek II, 2, sexually abused, died of brutal trauma, Jan 11 2019 *arrests*
6/9/21 Wednesday, Trial Day 1: Thomas testified Wednesday. No other info available. A Montgomery County jury found Thomas guilty Wednesday of four counts of sexually abusing her late son. The jury recommended a sentence of two life terms plus 10 years. A sentencing hearing is set for 9/23/21.
*McKenzie Kyle Hellman (25/now 26) (BF) – 3/15/21: Jury found him guilty of all 5 charges: producing child *advertiser censored*, reproducing child *advertiser censored*, animate object sexual penetration, producing child *advertiser censored* & forcible sodomy. Sentencing on 6/29/21 to two life sentences plus 45 years. Murder & child abuse: Plead guilty (7/26/21) sentencing hearing on 8/10/21 to 45 years. Total: 2 life sentences plus 90 years in prison.