T&T EXCLUSIVE
Stephanie Lazarus In Her Own Words (Part III, 2/25/1985)
In 1986, Sherri Rasmussen was murdered in her Van Nuys home.
23 years later, in 2009, LAPD Detective Stephanie Lazarus was arrested for the crime. Lazarus was convicted of first degree murder in 2012, a trial I covered from gavel to gavel.
Early in her LAPD career, Stephanie kept a diary of her daily patrol rounds.
This diary entry is from February 25, 1985, 34 years ago today.
At the time, Stephanie was a patrol officer assigned to the LAPD’s Hollywood Division. Her partner that day was Wayne Morris.
2245 - 0730
MORRIS
6A67
HWD
FEB 25 1985
In roll call today Ofcr Koon made Sgt so they had a singing telegram for him. It was funny.
I’m driving. First call we get is a attack vict. So we go over to the call (Ridgewood) and this white man greets us. Well I thought this was going to be a good rape. I don’t know why, it’s a crummy neighborhood. We talk to the vict who is hysterical. At first I thought she might be retarded, but she was just upset. She was on the corner of Santa Monica / Wilton waiting for the bus and 2 guys came up behind her, dragged her into their car and took her behind the Sears. ...
We took her for medical treatment. She was so hysterical we didn’t get the full story from her until about 1 1/2 hours later. We found out she wasn’t raped but they did the medical exam. We sat in waiting room (Queen of Angels) and ate sandwiches and cookies and watched TV. Then we took her and her parents home. I wrote the report. We got done about 0400.
Wayne didn’t want to eat, so I lifted weights. Wayne slept in the parking lot (car). Then we went to the taco shop and got something to eat.
Then we got a call at 0615 a poss attack susp. We got to the location and the husband answered the door. He said he didn’t call, but we asked to speak to his wife. She said yes she had called. She had filed a ADW report against him last week. So we arrested him. We booked him for Wife Beating and Wayne wrote the report and I booked. We got done by 0730. Time to go home.
I was supposed to work on 2-26-85, but I really didn’t feel like going to work so I called for a T/O and got it. I was glad. So I have one more night of morning watch.
My friend Matthew McGough's book, The Lazarus Files: A Cold Case Investigation, will be released on April 30, 2019. You can pre-order his book on Amazon HERE.
The previous diary entry can be found HERE.
The next diary entry can be found HERE.
Monday, February 25, 2019
Sunday, February 24, 2019
Stephanie Laazrus In Her Own Words (Part II 2/24/1985)
T&T EXCLUSIVE
Stephanie Lazarus In Her Own Words (Part II, 2/24/1985)
In 1986, Sherri Rasmussen was murdered in her Van Nuys home.
23 years later, in 2009, LAPD Detective Stephanie Lazarus was arrested for the crime. Lazarus was convicted of first degree murder in 2012, a trial I covered from gavel to gavel.
Early in her LAPD career, Stephanie kept a diary of her daily patrol rounds.
This diary entry is from February 24, 1985, 34 years ago today. At the time, Stephanie was a patrol officer assigned to the LAPD’s Hollywood Division. Her partner that day was Dave May. A year later, on February 24, 1986, Stephanie murdered Sherri.
2245 – 0730
HWD
6A67
MAY
2-24-85
We had roll call training today in Hostage Negotiation. Sgt. Anderson gave the training. It was informative.
This is the last night I work with May.
NOTE – This morning we had a qualifying run for the Vegas run. I ran 5 miles in 37 minutes. There were 8 people, me and 7 guys. I came in 7th. I beat May at the end.
First thing we did May wrote a ticket to a guy who had no license plate no registration. Then we were going back to the Station and 3 people walked across the don’t walk right in front of us. So we stopped them and of course they had no ID. So we took them to the Station and wrote them a ticket.
Then we went by Marathon and St. Andrews. First time we drove by we saw nothing, then we went by again and Dave saw a guy throw his bindles on the ground. We stopped the guy and Dave found the bindles and we arrested him. The susp looked like a real cholo, but he was rather truthful with us. He did admit that he was going to sell the marijuana. The guy was really funny. I kinda felt bad booking him.
May wrote the report and booked the susp on the computer. He wanted me to write the report, but I didn’t see the guy dropped the stuff. So I don’t like writing reports that I have to lie on.
Then we tried to eat. I was really getting tired. But we got a call for 459 Susps. There were none at the location so then we got Code 7. We ate at Sunset and Vista, free. Not many units eat at this location because prostitutes and pimps hang out here.
Then we answered a call 459 Susp breaking into a car at 1700 Gramercy. I was falling asleep. We got to the location and we saw the guy flagging us down. So we drove up to him and he told us we passed the Susps. Dave saw them run but I was so tired I didn’t see a thing. I got out of the car and ran to the apt. Well it was the wrong apt. So we lost him. I took a report and that was it for the day. Dave I think liked working with me and said someday he’d probably be working for me as Chief or something.
My friend Matthew McGough's book, The Lazarus Files: A Cold Case Investigation, will be released on April 30, 2019. You can pre-order his book on Amazon HERE.
The previous diary entry can be found HERE.
The next diary entry can be found HERE.
Stephanie Lazarus In Her Own Words (Part II, 2/24/1985)
In 1986, Sherri Rasmussen was murdered in her Van Nuys home.
23 years later, in 2009, LAPD Detective Stephanie Lazarus was arrested for the crime. Lazarus was convicted of first degree murder in 2012, a trial I covered from gavel to gavel.
Early in her LAPD career, Stephanie kept a diary of her daily patrol rounds.
This diary entry is from February 24, 1985, 34 years ago today. At the time, Stephanie was a patrol officer assigned to the LAPD’s Hollywood Division. Her partner that day was Dave May. A year later, on February 24, 1986, Stephanie murdered Sherri.
2245 – 0730
HWD
6A67
MAY
2-24-85
We had roll call training today in Hostage Negotiation. Sgt. Anderson gave the training. It was informative.
This is the last night I work with May.
NOTE – This morning we had a qualifying run for the Vegas run. I ran 5 miles in 37 minutes. There were 8 people, me and 7 guys. I came in 7th. I beat May at the end.
First thing we did May wrote a ticket to a guy who had no license plate no registration. Then we were going back to the Station and 3 people walked across the don’t walk right in front of us. So we stopped them and of course they had no ID. So we took them to the Station and wrote them a ticket.
Then we went by Marathon and St. Andrews. First time we drove by we saw nothing, then we went by again and Dave saw a guy throw his bindles on the ground. We stopped the guy and Dave found the bindles and we arrested him. The susp looked like a real cholo, but he was rather truthful with us. He did admit that he was going to sell the marijuana. The guy was really funny. I kinda felt bad booking him.
May wrote the report and booked the susp on the computer. He wanted me to write the report, but I didn’t see the guy dropped the stuff. So I don’t like writing reports that I have to lie on.
Then we tried to eat. I was really getting tired. But we got a call for 459 Susps. There were none at the location so then we got Code 7. We ate at Sunset and Vista, free. Not many units eat at this location because prostitutes and pimps hang out here.
Then we answered a call 459 Susp breaking into a car at 1700 Gramercy. I was falling asleep. We got to the location and we saw the guy flagging us down. So we drove up to him and he told us we passed the Susps. Dave saw them run but I was so tired I didn’t see a thing. I got out of the car and ran to the apt. Well it was the wrong apt. So we lost him. I took a report and that was it for the day. Dave I think liked working with me and said someday he’d probably be working for me as Chief or something.
My friend Matthew McGough's book, The Lazarus Files: A Cold Case Investigation, will be released on April 30, 2019. You can pre-order his book on Amazon HERE.
The previous diary entry can be found HERE.
The next diary entry can be found HERE.
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Monica Sementilli & Robert Louis Baker Pretrial Hearing 9
Previous post can be found HERE.
UPDATE 2/27: edited for spelling errors
February 21, 2019
8:28 AM
I arrive at the elevator bay of the Clara Shortridge-Foltz Criminal Justice Center at the same time as DDA's Beth Silverman, Melissa Opper and their clerk-interns. The two clerks working with the DDA's are young and bright looking. They have that sharp, aware look in their eyes.
We take an elevator up to the 9th floor together. DDA Silverman always says hello when she sees me. DDA Opper is wearing a sleek light chocolate coat. I want that coat. Not specifically her coat, since she is a tiny, petite person, but one just like it once I lose the rest of the weight I put on when I was with my ex. I'm envious of the sharp looking heels that Beth and Melissa are wearing. I've not been able to wear heels since I broke my left ankle in four places about 30 years ago.
8:30 AM Inside Dept 101, Judge Coen's Courtroom
DDA'sa Silverman and Opper take their places at the people's table and start arranging their files. I take a seat in the second bench row. The interns sit in the front row, near the people's table. Defense attorney Leonard Levine arrives with the gray haired man whose name I still don't know. Mr. Levine goes to DDA Opper and documents are exchanged. Blair Berk has not arrived yet.
There is a different court reporter at the reporter's desk that DDA Silverman knows and they start to chat like old friends. Over at the clerk's desk, Judge Coen's clerk asks Mr. Levine if they are still waiting for Ms. Berk. I do not hear his answer. Ms. Berk does not come to the hearing today.
8:34 AM
Judge Coen comes out from his chamber to chat with his clerk. We are waiting on Mr. Simmrin, Baker's defense attorney. DDA Opper hands several pages to DDA Silverman and Beth asks, "Whose is this? I can't read it." She then says, "This is Lenny," referring to Mr. Levine. I'm guessing it's something Levine has filed on behalf of his client.
The gray haired man who arrived with Mr. Levine chats with Judge Coen at the clerks desk like he often does. It's clear the men know each other well. I note that Beth's necklace today is several, long fine strands of gold chain. The two DA interns chat while Beth talks about her new puppy. Beth and I both love animals but she is a dog person and I'm a cat person. I'm still not completely settled in my new place yet. Once I am I will be shopping shelters and rescue organizations for my next feline companion.
8:45 AM
We are still waiting on Mr. Simmrin, Baker's defense attorney to arrive.
8:47 AM
Judge Coen goes back to his chambers and puts on his robe. He then takes the bench and waits on the bench. Judge Coen has some papers in his hand that he appears to read. He appears contemplative. He gives out a heavy sigh that I can hear.
An Asian man enters and takes a seat in the far corner of the back row. DDA Silverman reads a motion paper. The courtroom bailiff gets chairs ready at the defense table. Defendant Robert Louis Baker is brought out and placed in the chair he usually sits in at the end of the defense table. His attorney is still missing.
Judge Coen and his female clerk chat. It appears to be about the case that is currently in trial in Judge Coen's court. The defendant is Francisco Cardenaz Guzman a hotel owner charged with murder. The handsome DDA John McKinney is prosecuting the case.
8:52 AM
Defense attorney Michael Simmrin arrives and apologizes to the court for his tardiness. Simmrin is in the transition stage of leaving the Alternate Public Defender's Office and (I believe) entering private practice.
Judge Coen goes on the record in this case. He states that defendant Sementilli missed the first bus. The court expects that there will be a motion to sever the two cases but nothing has been filed yet. Discovery is discussed. Mr. Simmrin states he is waiting on another batch of discovery from the people. DDA Opper holds up a drive indicating she has what he is expecting in her hands. DDA Silverman states that what is on this drive is "... a lot of potential evidence."
Mr. Simmrin is pushing to move the already set trial date forward because he has no idea how much information is on the discovery drive he has not seen yet. The court states that there is nothing that you (Mr. Simmrin?) can do at this time. The court will leave the trial date to stand for now.
DDA Silverman informs the court that they have over 100 witnesses the people are going to have subpoena on this case. My understanding is she is indicating the current trial date is not nearly enough time to prepare for that. Mr. Simmrin states he does not know what is on the discovery he hasn't seen yet but he could not be ready for trial by the original trial date.
Judge Coen speaks quickly about Mr. Baker's six amendment rights. He knows that Mr. Simmrin has a lot of discovery to still review. He tells him, "I won't have an attorney unprepared for trial."
Then there is a back and forth discussion between the court, the people and the defense about the next court date. Several dates are thrown out until they finally settle on March 27th. The court states the matter is continued to that date for pretrial. The court adds that the trial date still remains.
DDA Silverman tells the court that they have subpoenas for multiple records for various financial institutions. The court clerk indicates that one subpoena did come in, from Proctor & Gamble.
DDA Silverman asks for permission to take the documents, copy and disburse copies to the defense. That's agreed. She then asks for a continuing stipulation that the people can come in and pick up these documents as they come in and make copies for disbursement. Mr. Levine is agreeable as long as the people tell them where the documents are from. Mr. Simmrin has no objection either. The amendment is agreeable.
8:57 AM
And that's it. They are off the record.
There is a bit of banter between the court and counsel off the record on unrelated subjects. Judge Coen asks Mr. Simmrin if he is out yet because his name has been removed off the website. Mr. Simmrin states that his last day is tomorrow, Friday. DDA Silverman tell the defense attorneys that she will need another drive from each of them. Mr. Simmrin walks over to the DDA's interns and introduces himself.
An attorney enters Dept. 101 with files and a rolling cart. He's probably one of the counsel in trial at the moment in front of Judge Coen. Judge Coen tells the counsel that [?] is sick today and he's not sure if they will be in trial tomorrow.
As counsel start to gather up their things Judge Coen states he's getting an "...eighth box today..." Judge Coen when he is in trial, or making rulings, has these long black boxes on his bench filled with index cards that hold all the Superior Court decisions. I've seen Judge Coen reach into one of these boxes and pull out a ruling to quote from it. DDA Silverman states that Judge Coen must get these boxes custom made. There's more banter between DDA Silverman and the court and then everyone slowly heads out. As I leave I note that DDA John McKinney is in the well of the court -somehow I missed seeing him come in- speaking with the other attorney and Judge Coen.
I have a debate with myself on staying to listen to a bit of the current trial but ultimately decide to head over to the old Federal Building on Spring street for breakfast. The cafeteria in the criminal court, the line for service is out the door.
Fabio Sementilli, murdered January 23, 2017.
Photo Credit: dearhairdresser.ca
Photo Credit: dearhairdresser.ca
UPDATE 2/27: edited for spelling errors
February 21, 2019
8:28 AM
I arrive at the elevator bay of the Clara Shortridge-Foltz Criminal Justice Center at the same time as DDA's Beth Silverman, Melissa Opper and their clerk-interns. The two clerks working with the DDA's are young and bright looking. They have that sharp, aware look in their eyes.
We take an elevator up to the 9th floor together. DDA Silverman always says hello when she sees me. DDA Opper is wearing a sleek light chocolate coat. I want that coat. Not specifically her coat, since she is a tiny, petite person, but one just like it once I lose the rest of the weight I put on when I was with my ex. I'm envious of the sharp looking heels that Beth and Melissa are wearing. I've not been able to wear heels since I broke my left ankle in four places about 30 years ago.
8:30 AM Inside Dept 101, Judge Coen's Courtroom
DDA'sa Silverman and Opper take their places at the people's table and start arranging their files. I take a seat in the second bench row. The interns sit in the front row, near the people's table. Defense attorney Leonard Levine arrives with the gray haired man whose name I still don't know. Mr. Levine goes to DDA Opper and documents are exchanged. Blair Berk has not arrived yet.
There is a different court reporter at the reporter's desk that DDA Silverman knows and they start to chat like old friends. Over at the clerk's desk, Judge Coen's clerk asks Mr. Levine if they are still waiting for Ms. Berk. I do not hear his answer. Ms. Berk does not come to the hearing today.
8:34 AM
Judge Coen comes out from his chamber to chat with his clerk. We are waiting on Mr. Simmrin, Baker's defense attorney. DDA Opper hands several pages to DDA Silverman and Beth asks, "Whose is this? I can't read it." She then says, "This is Lenny," referring to Mr. Levine. I'm guessing it's something Levine has filed on behalf of his client.
The gray haired man who arrived with Mr. Levine chats with Judge Coen at the clerks desk like he often does. It's clear the men know each other well. I note that Beth's necklace today is several, long fine strands of gold chain. The two DA interns chat while Beth talks about her new puppy. Beth and I both love animals but she is a dog person and I'm a cat person. I'm still not completely settled in my new place yet. Once I am I will be shopping shelters and rescue organizations for my next feline companion.
8:45 AM
We are still waiting on Mr. Simmrin, Baker's defense attorney to arrive.
8:47 AM
Judge Coen goes back to his chambers and puts on his robe. He then takes the bench and waits on the bench. Judge Coen has some papers in his hand that he appears to read. He appears contemplative. He gives out a heavy sigh that I can hear.
An Asian man enters and takes a seat in the far corner of the back row. DDA Silverman reads a motion paper. The courtroom bailiff gets chairs ready at the defense table. Defendant Robert Louis Baker is brought out and placed in the chair he usually sits in at the end of the defense table. His attorney is still missing.
Judge Coen and his female clerk chat. It appears to be about the case that is currently in trial in Judge Coen's court. The defendant is Francisco Cardenaz Guzman a hotel owner charged with murder. The handsome DDA John McKinney is prosecuting the case.
8:52 AM
Defense attorney Michael Simmrin arrives and apologizes to the court for his tardiness. Simmrin is in the transition stage of leaving the Alternate Public Defender's Office and (I believe) entering private practice.
Judge Coen goes on the record in this case. He states that defendant Sementilli missed the first bus. The court expects that there will be a motion to sever the two cases but nothing has been filed yet. Discovery is discussed. Mr. Simmrin states he is waiting on another batch of discovery from the people. DDA Opper holds up a drive indicating she has what he is expecting in her hands. DDA Silverman states that what is on this drive is "... a lot of potential evidence."
Mr. Simmrin is pushing to move the already set trial date forward because he has no idea how much information is on the discovery drive he has not seen yet. The court states that there is nothing that you (Mr. Simmrin?) can do at this time. The court will leave the trial date to stand for now.
DDA Silverman informs the court that they have over 100 witnesses the people are going to have subpoena on this case. My understanding is she is indicating the current trial date is not nearly enough time to prepare for that. Mr. Simmrin states he does not know what is on the discovery he hasn't seen yet but he could not be ready for trial by the original trial date.
Judge Coen speaks quickly about Mr. Baker's six amendment rights. He knows that Mr. Simmrin has a lot of discovery to still review. He tells him, "I won't have an attorney unprepared for trial."
Then there is a back and forth discussion between the court, the people and the defense about the next court date. Several dates are thrown out until they finally settle on March 27th. The court states the matter is continued to that date for pretrial. The court adds that the trial date still remains.
DDA Silverman tells the court that they have subpoenas for multiple records for various financial institutions. The court clerk indicates that one subpoena did come in, from Proctor & Gamble.
DDA Silverman asks for permission to take the documents, copy and disburse copies to the defense. That's agreed. She then asks for a continuing stipulation that the people can come in and pick up these documents as they come in and make copies for disbursement. Mr. Levine is agreeable as long as the people tell them where the documents are from. Mr. Simmrin has no objection either. The amendment is agreeable.
8:57 AM
And that's it. They are off the record.
There is a bit of banter between the court and counsel off the record on unrelated subjects. Judge Coen asks Mr. Simmrin if he is out yet because his name has been removed off the website. Mr. Simmrin states that his last day is tomorrow, Friday. DDA Silverman tell the defense attorneys that she will need another drive from each of them. Mr. Simmrin walks over to the DDA's interns and introduces himself.
An attorney enters Dept. 101 with files and a rolling cart. He's probably one of the counsel in trial at the moment in front of Judge Coen. Judge Coen tells the counsel that [?] is sick today and he's not sure if they will be in trial tomorrow.
As counsel start to gather up their things Judge Coen states he's getting an "...eighth box today..." Judge Coen when he is in trial, or making rulings, has these long black boxes on his bench filled with index cards that hold all the Superior Court decisions. I've seen Judge Coen reach into one of these boxes and pull out a ruling to quote from it. DDA Silverman states that Judge Coen must get these boxes custom made. There's more banter between DDA Silverman and the court and then everyone slowly heads out. As I leave I note that DDA John McKinney is in the well of the court -somehow I missed seeing him come in- speaking with the other attorney and Judge Coen.
I have a debate with myself on staying to listen to a bit of the current trial but ultimately decide to head over to the old Federal Building on Spring street for breakfast. The cafeteria in the criminal court, the line for service is out the door.
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Stephanie Lazarus In Her Own Words (Part I, 2/19/1985)
T&T EXCLUSIVE
Stephanie Lazarus In Her Own Words (Part I, 2/19/1985)
In 1986, Sherri Rasmussen was murdered in her Van Nuys home.
23 years later, in 2009, LAPD Detective Stephanie Lazarus was arrested for the crime. Lazarus was convicted of first degree murder in 2012, a trial I covered from gavel to gavel.
Early in her LAPD career, Stephanie kept a diary of her daily patrol rounds.
This diary entry is from February 19, 1985, 34 years ago today. At the time, Stephanie was a patrol officer assigned to the LAPD’s Hollywood Division. According to her diary, her partner that day was Stacy Koon. Koon later gained notoriety as one of the four LAPD officers involved in the 1991 videotaped beating of Rodney King.
Lazarus Diary
2245 - 0830
HWD
6A65
KOON
2-19-85
I wasn’t really looking forward to working with Koon, but it wasn’t too bad. At beginning of watch Koon apparently found a baggie of marijuana in the car so he was going to book it.
We were very busy with radio calls, nothing too exciting.
We did have one call which [was] a 459 susp there now. It turned out to be this lady's son. She didn't want him in the house. He had already left. Well this lady was kinda crazy. She wanted us to do something but she didn't want to have him arrested.
At about 0300 we had this 211 that just occurred at the House of Pancakes. Well we were a blk from the restaurant. We got there and it supposedly happened 10 min ago. No one in the restaurant seemed too concerned when we walked in. Well what had happened was some guys took the money out of the cash register.
Well we were driving by 6830 Sunset (stolen car from here). Koon saw this car with a male driving it with apparently 3 young girls. We started following it and the susp turned S/B on Mansfield and the chase was on.
I had to put the Rover in the convert-a-com to broadcast. At first I was rather nervous, then once we got going I was calmed down. We drove in the pursuit for 3.3 miles. I don't know how long we were in the pursuit, but it seemed like slow motion. We were driving all over. It seemed really weird, just like watching a movie. Koon threw everything in the back seat. We were putting on our seat belts. Other units were helping. We were E/B on Sunset past Highland and a unit was coming W/B on Sunset. The susp turned S/B on Seward then E/B on Leland Way and the street Dead Ended. The susp ran from the car through a long pathway. I watched the 3 people in the car. Koon looked up the pathway and didn't see the susp. There were units all around but the guy vanished into thin air. We think he ran into a apt building or to one of the hotels on Sunset.
The canine unit came out and we searched. The dog picked up no scent whatsoever. Luckily a TA unit came and took the traffic report. We had to write a Impound report and the recovery of the stolen plates. It was kinda good that we didn't arrest the guy, we really would have worked overtime.
Everyone was telling me how good of a broadcast it was. It got better as time went on. It was a weird experience, like time stops.
My friend Matthew McGough's book, The Lazarus Files: A Cold Case Investigation, will be released on April 30, 2019. You can pre-order his book on Amazon HERE.
Friday, February 15, 2019
Michael Thomas Gargiulo, Pretrial Hearing 46
The previous hearing on this case can be found HERE.
UPDATE 2/23: Corrected Gargiulo's age.
UPDATED 2/16: Edited for spelling errors, clarity. Sprocket
February 1, 2019
I was late getting out the door this morning. It now takes me a hour-and-a-half to get to court via public transportation. I arrive on the 9th floor of the Clara Shortridge-Foltz Criminal Justice Center about 10 minutes before 9 am. I know Judge Fidler's courtroom opens at 8:30 so I head inside.
Lead defense counsel Dale Rubin is in the well of the court. CBS 48 Hours producer Greg Fisher is in the gallery sitting in the back row with Christine Pelisek, People Magazine reporter. I debate on whether to sit with them. I like to sit in the second row. I hate sitting in the back row because I cannot hear as well. I decide to sit in the third row in front of them, so I can still chat.
There is a bit of conversation between the press and Mr. Rubin, who is quite reticent about talking to the press about his client. Anything but that. All he will mention is, when he was supposed to retire in 2017 -Gargiulo is his last case- and where he would like to move to, out of California. Over the last few years, I've observed Rubin to be a friendly man and have had a few conversations with him. He gets along very well with the prosecution. He also speaks and interacts with Gargiulo respectfully. I'm betting that goes a long way with the defendant.
8:55 AM
Deputy District Attorney's Dan Akemon and Garrett Dameron enter Dept. 106 with Retired Sheriff's Detective Mark Lillienfeld. I've known Detective Lillienfeld for a long time. I saw him testify in the first Phil Spector trial and the second. He gives me a big smile and says hello.
A few minutes later Defense attorney Dan Nardoni enters. There is now a huddle in the well between the two teams as they confer over documents. I note that Nardoni has on a nice black suit. My eye is drawn to the red and black handkerchief in his suit pocket.
Over at the clerk's desk, Wendy, Judge Fidler's clerk for as long as I've been covering trials is not here. There is a man who is sitting in for her. There are two extra deputies in the well besides the bailiff. Behind me, I listen in as Greg and Christine chat about other cases they are covering. Not a single one rings a bell with me.
9:07 AM
The court reporter comes out to take her seat in the well. I stand up to look in the jury box. There are no notebooks on the jury seats which leads me to believe Judge Fidler is not in trial at the moment. Attorneys come in for other cases. A Judge in robes I don't immediately recognize strides into Dept. 106 rather quickly. He asks the stand-in clerk at Wendy's desk if he can have a few minutes with the judge. I know most of the male judges on the 9th floor. Judge Coen, Judge Marcus, Judge Perry, Judge Fidler, Judge Lomelli, Judge Pastor. If the Judge was from this floor, I'm thinking this is Judge Curtis Rappe, in Department 103 but that's just a guess.
9:13 AM
Another defendant is brought out. He's a smallish man wearing a blue jumpsuit.
9:14 AM
Judge Fidler takes the bench.
The first case is continued to another date. It's over quickly. Then a second case, with no defendant present that takes less than a minute.
Then the Gargiulo case is up. The clerk asks DDA Akemon if counsel wants to confer with the court first. DDA Akemon responds, "I think we need the defendant out."
Gargiulo comes out. He looks much like he did last time. His head is completely shaved bald, like it has been for several years now. He has a mustache that is still dark and a goatee that is almost completely white.
The first issue discussed is the defense 995 (Penal Code) motion to dismiss. Rubin tells the court it is a non-statuitory motion. There are documents attached. The motion has not been argued yet. That motion is set for Friday March 1. I have been waiting since 2012 for this motion to be presented and argued.
Next up, 1101b. DDA Akemon addresses the court. The people have several 1101b (Evidence Code) motions before the court and asking for rulings today. The first is a motion to introduce the Tricia Pacaccio murder that occurred in 1993 in Illinois. The motion was filed in 2013. This motion was also litigated at the preliminary hearing. It's a 55 page motion. The people have nothing to add to the motion at this time. The second 1101b motion is a knife attack on Ashley Green. It's a 20 page motion. The people have nothing to add to that motion. The third 1101b are statements made by the defendant during the Perkin's Operation [at the El Monte jail]. The people filed a 55 page motion. Mr. Gargiulo filed a response. The people don't have anything further to add.
The people's prior motion of introducing a signature expert, former FBI profiler Mary Ellen O'Toole is discussed. The people inform the court that they are not going to utilize Ms. O'Toole. The court asks the people what the basis for introducing her. DDA Akemon tells the court that the people believe they have ample [basis? argument?] to support this evidence.
Nardoni tells the court that the arguments in the people's motions 1101b motions come from Ms. O'Toole.
I believe it's DDA Akemon that informs the court that in the Pacaccio murder, they have 19 points of similarity [to the California charges].
Nardoni argues that the 1993 murder of Tricia Pacaccio adds nothing to what the government already has to identity and intent. "...but clear in this case that the Tricia Pacaccio case adds nothing further to the government case." Nardoni goes back to the Ashley Ellerin case. The defendant knew her and she lived close by. Maria Bruno, [they lived in] the same complex. The have a bootie found in the courtyard with the victim's blood and DNA and alleged epithelial [cells, touch DNA] to the defendant. Nardoni asks the court, "Is identity really an issue in this case?"
Nardoni continues with his arguments, shifting to victim Ashley Ellerin. Ellerin was stabbed 47 times. "Is that really an issue? [Maria] Bruno was stabbed 17 times. Her breasts were cut off. ... Is intent an issue?" Nardoni then mentions Michelle Murphy. "The problem of introducing under the facts of this case ... unduly prejudicial on this case, particularly in the guilt phase. ... I believe the introduction of Tricia Pacaccio [murder] is evidence of propensity, all covered by 1101a."
Judge Fidler asks about the guilt phase. Judge Fidler mentions Pacaccio and Gargiulo, "...they grew up together." Nardoni responds, "Killing [his] best friend's sister ... is really identity an issue? It isn't. ... [The] facts speak for themselves."
Nardoni then addresses the 1101b for Ashley Green. It was filed August 8, 2017. The Ashley Green incident occurred in 2002. Nardoni continues to argument that the facts of that incident don't fall under 11l1b. "He lived in the same complex. It happened in broad daylight ... by the door. ... Other incidents .... evening hours. ... He takes from his pocket, a 3" folding pocket knife. ... He gives it to her and she opens it up." It's related to self defense. It may have been inappropriate but does it go, call for intent and identity. Nothing material. Nothing related. Nardoni adds, "Nonsense to talk about intent and identity on a pocket knife."
Judge Fidler asks the people to respond [for the record] and also address about admissibility.
DDA Akemon responds. "The 1101b issues were articulated [and litigated at preliminary hearing]. .. Nineteen similarities between Ashley Ellerin and Tricia Pacaccio attacks. ... We believe we met that burden under the [Dewalt?] analysis. ... We've met the standard of admission on Tricia Pacaccio. ... Mr. Gargiulo has pled not guilty by reason of insanity. So, 1101b is also relevant to his state of mind, in particular to plan and premeditate. ... I think we can add that as an area of relevance in the Ashley Green attack."
Judge Fidler asks, "How so?"
DDA Akemon responds, "So geographic ... lived near and around ... a knife to the throat. ... [There are] seven to eight similarities to other attacks to other women."
Judge Fidler asks the people to comment on Gargiulo's admissions. Judge Fidler brings up the alleged statement by the defendant, "They're looking for me for a murder in Chicago."
Mr. Rubin interjects and explains what he believes the court is referencing. Then DDA Akemon clears it up for the court. That there was an individual arrested in Chicago, regarding statements by Gargiulo here. The court asks, "Is that coming into evidence here?"
DDA Akemon responds that there are two individuals, a Temer Leary and Anthony Dilorenzo, former friends of the defendant who worked with him in 1998. Statements to the effect of, "I left that bitch for dead... or something similar. ... So the answer is yes, we plan to introduce [those witnesses at trial]."
Nardoni asks to add more to his rebuttal argument. He looked over the Ashley Green motion. "The people say that Mr. Gargiulo attacked Ashley Green. ... simply not true. ... She never reported to police, or assaulted by knife to police." Nardoni continues to argue that it does not go to intent.
Gargiulo is leaning forward, listening intently to Nardoni argue.
Nardoni argues that with the Pacaccio murder, "... we're talking about a trial within a trial. [The] relevancy is outweighed by the prejudice."
Judge Fidler asks for the spelling of Tricia Pacaccio's last name.
Mr. Rubin then steps up to argue against the 1101b motions. This is unusual. It's been my experience the court only allows one attorney to argue a motion, not two. Mr. Rubin argues the point of the evidence as to the way the crime was performed, other than the fact that Ms. Pacaccio was killed with a knife. Ms. Pacaccio lived a couple blocks around the corner from the Gargiulo family. Her murder occurred outside the door to the house that leads to the driveway. "[The house] is on a corner. ... Anywhere you stand you can see what's going on in that area. ... It's not similar to other attacks. ... The one thing we really have, is to get in front of the jury another murder, what he's also charged for."
Judge Fidler asks, "Is [your argument] the set of similarities or any dissimilarities, you can't use it? Mr. Rubin responds, "I use a fingerprint, or you can't use it by the court. When [Gargiulo's?] case was investigated, ... there were a number of other cases that ... (he was not involved in) ... the prosecution said, a number of steps. I don't know what that means. ... But some circumstances could be related to any other murder of this type."
Mr. Rubin continues his argument that, if the Tricia Pacaccio case is brought in, that means another four weeks of witnesses. Then Mr. Nardoni gets up to continue arguing another point relating to the Pacaccio murder that is different than the other cases.
Again, to me, this is unusual that two defense attorneys are both presenting motion arguments on the same issue.
Mr. Nardoni states that it is believed at the time of the [Picaccio] murder, right across the street, there was a late hour party with alcohol. "That factor detracts from [a] signature." Nardoni adds, "There were several suspects in the Pacaccio case that ended up committing suicide."
DDA Akemon presents rebuttal statements about the "level of proof" in the Pacaccio murder. "His [Gargiulo's] DNA is on Pacaccio's fingernails ... and the witness statements." DDA Akemon references Mr. Rubin's comments about signature needing to be a "fingerprint." DDA Akemon continues, "... Tricia Pacaccio and Ashely Green ... the issue of intent. Those are admissible because they are sufficiently similar."
The court signals in it's first comment how it plans to rule. Judge Fidler responds, "[I] feel differently to Ashley Green. I'll let you introduce Tricia Pacaccio. ... What's sufficiently similar ... knowledge of [individual?] victims ... proximity of victim and place ... and use of knife as a weapon. ... That satisfies the law. ... I don't think it's unduly prejudicial. ... Facts of crime ... even with DNA ... I've seen cases.
Judge Fidler then references the Juliana Redding murder that was in Judge Kennedy's court, alleged to have been committed by Kelly Soo Park, who is now in his courtroom on another case/charge.
Judge Fidler explains, "... there was DNA on a victim in a case in Judge Kennedy's court, and I have the [same] defendant in another case." (Kelly Soo Park was acquitted in the Redding murder. Sprocket)
DDA Akemon responds that he understands about Ashley Green. I believe he adds that he doesn't know if the defendant will testify. He doesn't know what the mental experts will say.
The Perkin's Operation motion is brought up by Mr. Rubin. "I reread the Perkin's motion. I think it's important to note in Perkin's, the Supreme Court decided ..." Mr. Rubin reads directly from the court ruling. I don't write all of this down. It's not new argument presented by Mr. Rubin, it's a published decision of the original Perkin's.
Gargiulo intently watches Mr. Rubin present the Supreme Court's ruling on Perkin's. Then Mr. Rubin goes on about what happened in the Perkin's Operation in Gargiulo's case. "Forty-eight hours of tape where Mr. Gargiulo is barraged by witnesses. ... [They said to him] Don't listen to your lawyer. You can talk to us! Gargiulo was not in his house. He was in a custodial situation so under pressure at the time. ... If we consider what the prosecution did in this case ... it is so far out side (the issue of Perkin's) ... Also, Gargiulo was on medication at the time."
Rubin states that Gargiulo was in custody, Perkin's was not. "I believe we have a fifth amendment violation and outside of Miranda. ... if not required to give Miranda because of custody setting and also because of outside of contact with his counsel."
DDA Akemon rebuts the defense oral arguments. "He [Gargiulo] did have contact with his counsel. ...I would emphasize, that Mr. Gargiulo was so comfortable ... he was sleeping and had food. ... There were two [officers with him]. ... He was so comfortable in that setting ... not only did he hatch a plan of escape ... he was trying to recruit the other deputies to go in with him."
Mr. Rubin responds. "I didn't hear anything from the prosecution about, Don't listen to your lawyer. You can talk to us." Mr. Rubin continues with more reading from the higher courts decision on Perkins. "The court has long held that there are certain interrogation techniques that are so offensive that they ..."
When Mr. Rubin is finished, DDA Akemon tells the court the people have nothing to add. Then Judge Fidler gives his ruling. "The defense did a good job pointing out specifics in this case. ... I don't see where they broke down the will. ... I don't see it. ... It may come close to the line ... but it didn't cross it."
Judge Fidler rules the evidence from the Perkin's Operation will come into the trial. The court calendar is set as zero of 60 as of today's date.
DDA Akemon states they are asking for a trial date of March 18, 2019. That date is agreed to by all parties. Judge Fidler does tell the parties that he has a hearing on March 15th, (I believe in the massive insurance fraud case) a motion to disqualify the prosecution in that case.
The jury questionnaire is discussed. The people and the defense have been working on that. It's about 99% completed. The court asks if they are going to have a pre-screening of time hardship waiver for the jurors. The court brings up a motion filed by the people about the security of the courtroom.
DDA Akemon tells the court that they are looking at a three phase trial [guilt, sanity, punishment] lasting four months. To be conservative, four to six months. Mr. Rubin asks about possibly sequestering the jury. The court responds, "...probably not."
In conclusion, the 995 motion will be argued on March 1 and jury selection will commence on March 18. And that's it.
Sprocket Notes
At the time of this posting (February 15, 2019), Gargiulo's birthday, he is 43 years old. He has been in custody waiting trial 10 years, 8 months. A future post will attempt to answer why it has taken this long to bring Gargiulo to trial.
Unfortunately, at this time I do not know if I will be able to cover this entire trial. I hope to be enrolled in classes for the summer session.
The next post on this case can be found HERE.
Michael Thomas Gargiulo, booking photo
June 2008.
June 2008.
UPDATE 2/23: Corrected Gargiulo's age.
UPDATED 2/16: Edited for spelling errors, clarity. Sprocket
February 1, 2019
I was late getting out the door this morning. It now takes me a hour-and-a-half to get to court via public transportation. I arrive on the 9th floor of the Clara Shortridge-Foltz Criminal Justice Center about 10 minutes before 9 am. I know Judge Fidler's courtroom opens at 8:30 so I head inside.
Lead defense counsel Dale Rubin is in the well of the court. CBS 48 Hours producer Greg Fisher is in the gallery sitting in the back row with Christine Pelisek, People Magazine reporter. I debate on whether to sit with them. I like to sit in the second row. I hate sitting in the back row because I cannot hear as well. I decide to sit in the third row in front of them, so I can still chat.
There is a bit of conversation between the press and Mr. Rubin, who is quite reticent about talking to the press about his client. Anything but that. All he will mention is, when he was supposed to retire in 2017 -Gargiulo is his last case- and where he would like to move to, out of California. Over the last few years, I've observed Rubin to be a friendly man and have had a few conversations with him. He gets along very well with the prosecution. He also speaks and interacts with Gargiulo respectfully. I'm betting that goes a long way with the defendant.
8:55 AM
Deputy District Attorney's Dan Akemon and Garrett Dameron enter Dept. 106 with Retired Sheriff's Detective Mark Lillienfeld. I've known Detective Lillienfeld for a long time. I saw him testify in the first Phil Spector trial and the second. He gives me a big smile and says hello.
A few minutes later Defense attorney Dan Nardoni enters. There is now a huddle in the well between the two teams as they confer over documents. I note that Nardoni has on a nice black suit. My eye is drawn to the red and black handkerchief in his suit pocket.
Over at the clerk's desk, Wendy, Judge Fidler's clerk for as long as I've been covering trials is not here. There is a man who is sitting in for her. There are two extra deputies in the well besides the bailiff. Behind me, I listen in as Greg and Christine chat about other cases they are covering. Not a single one rings a bell with me.
9:07 AM
The court reporter comes out to take her seat in the well. I stand up to look in the jury box. There are no notebooks on the jury seats which leads me to believe Judge Fidler is not in trial at the moment. Attorneys come in for other cases. A Judge in robes I don't immediately recognize strides into Dept. 106 rather quickly. He asks the stand-in clerk at Wendy's desk if he can have a few minutes with the judge. I know most of the male judges on the 9th floor. Judge Coen, Judge Marcus, Judge Perry, Judge Fidler, Judge Lomelli, Judge Pastor. If the Judge was from this floor, I'm thinking this is Judge Curtis Rappe, in Department 103 but that's just a guess.
9:13 AM
Another defendant is brought out. He's a smallish man wearing a blue jumpsuit.
9:14 AM
Judge Fidler takes the bench.
The first case is continued to another date. It's over quickly. Then a second case, with no defendant present that takes less than a minute.
Then the Gargiulo case is up. The clerk asks DDA Akemon if counsel wants to confer with the court first. DDA Akemon responds, "I think we need the defendant out."
Gargiulo comes out. He looks much like he did last time. His head is completely shaved bald, like it has been for several years now. He has a mustache that is still dark and a goatee that is almost completely white.
The first issue discussed is the defense 995 (Penal Code) motion to dismiss. Rubin tells the court it is a non-statuitory motion. There are documents attached. The motion has not been argued yet. That motion is set for Friday March 1. I have been waiting since 2012 for this motion to be presented and argued.
Next up, 1101b. DDA Akemon addresses the court. The people have several 1101b (Evidence Code) motions before the court and asking for rulings today. The first is a motion to introduce the Tricia Pacaccio murder that occurred in 1993 in Illinois. The motion was filed in 2013. This motion was also litigated at the preliminary hearing. It's a 55 page motion. The people have nothing to add to the motion at this time. The second 1101b motion is a knife attack on Ashley Green. It's a 20 page motion. The people have nothing to add to that motion. The third 1101b are statements made by the defendant during the Perkin's Operation [at the El Monte jail]. The people filed a 55 page motion. Mr. Gargiulo filed a response. The people don't have anything further to add.
The people's prior motion of introducing a signature expert, former FBI profiler Mary Ellen O'Toole is discussed. The people inform the court that they are not going to utilize Ms. O'Toole. The court asks the people what the basis for introducing her. DDA Akemon tells the court that the people believe they have ample [basis? argument?] to support this evidence.
Nardoni tells the court that the arguments in the people's motions 1101b motions come from Ms. O'Toole.
I believe it's DDA Akemon that informs the court that in the Pacaccio murder, they have 19 points of similarity [to the California charges].
Nardoni argues that the 1993 murder of Tricia Pacaccio adds nothing to what the government already has to identity and intent. "...but clear in this case that the Tricia Pacaccio case adds nothing further to the government case." Nardoni goes back to the Ashley Ellerin case. The defendant knew her and she lived close by. Maria Bruno, [they lived in] the same complex. The have a bootie found in the courtyard with the victim's blood and DNA and alleged epithelial [cells, touch DNA] to the defendant. Nardoni asks the court, "Is identity really an issue in this case?"
Nardoni continues with his arguments, shifting to victim Ashley Ellerin. Ellerin was stabbed 47 times. "Is that really an issue? [Maria] Bruno was stabbed 17 times. Her breasts were cut off. ... Is intent an issue?" Nardoni then mentions Michelle Murphy. "The problem of introducing under the facts of this case ... unduly prejudicial on this case, particularly in the guilt phase. ... I believe the introduction of Tricia Pacaccio [murder] is evidence of propensity, all covered by 1101a."
Judge Fidler asks about the guilt phase. Judge Fidler mentions Pacaccio and Gargiulo, "...they grew up together." Nardoni responds, "Killing [his] best friend's sister ... is really identity an issue? It isn't. ... [The] facts speak for themselves."
Nardoni then addresses the 1101b for Ashley Green. It was filed August 8, 2017. The Ashley Green incident occurred in 2002. Nardoni continues to argument that the facts of that incident don't fall under 11l1b. "He lived in the same complex. It happened in broad daylight ... by the door. ... Other incidents .... evening hours. ... He takes from his pocket, a 3" folding pocket knife. ... He gives it to her and she opens it up." It's related to self defense. It may have been inappropriate but does it go, call for intent and identity. Nothing material. Nothing related. Nardoni adds, "Nonsense to talk about intent and identity on a pocket knife."
Judge Fidler asks the people to respond [for the record] and also address about admissibility.
DDA Akemon responds. "The 1101b issues were articulated [and litigated at preliminary hearing]. .. Nineteen similarities between Ashley Ellerin and Tricia Pacaccio attacks. ... We believe we met that burden under the [Dewalt?] analysis. ... We've met the standard of admission on Tricia Pacaccio. ... Mr. Gargiulo has pled not guilty by reason of insanity. So, 1101b is also relevant to his state of mind, in particular to plan and premeditate. ... I think we can add that as an area of relevance in the Ashley Green attack."
Judge Fidler asks, "How so?"
DDA Akemon responds, "So geographic ... lived near and around ... a knife to the throat. ... [There are] seven to eight similarities to other attacks to other women."
Judge Fidler asks the people to comment on Gargiulo's admissions. Judge Fidler brings up the alleged statement by the defendant, "They're looking for me for a murder in Chicago."
Mr. Rubin interjects and explains what he believes the court is referencing. Then DDA Akemon clears it up for the court. That there was an individual arrested in Chicago, regarding statements by Gargiulo here. The court asks, "Is that coming into evidence here?"
DDA Akemon responds that there are two individuals, a Temer Leary and Anthony Dilorenzo, former friends of the defendant who worked with him in 1998. Statements to the effect of, "I left that bitch for dead... or something similar. ... So the answer is yes, we plan to introduce [those witnesses at trial]."
Nardoni asks to add more to his rebuttal argument. He looked over the Ashley Green motion. "The people say that Mr. Gargiulo attacked Ashley Green. ... simply not true. ... She never reported to police, or assaulted by knife to police." Nardoni continues to argue that it does not go to intent.
Gargiulo is leaning forward, listening intently to Nardoni argue.
Nardoni argues that with the Pacaccio murder, "... we're talking about a trial within a trial. [The] relevancy is outweighed by the prejudice."
Judge Fidler asks for the spelling of Tricia Pacaccio's last name.
Mr. Rubin then steps up to argue against the 1101b motions. This is unusual. It's been my experience the court only allows one attorney to argue a motion, not two. Mr. Rubin argues the point of the evidence as to the way the crime was performed, other than the fact that Ms. Pacaccio was killed with a knife. Ms. Pacaccio lived a couple blocks around the corner from the Gargiulo family. Her murder occurred outside the door to the house that leads to the driveway. "[The house] is on a corner. ... Anywhere you stand you can see what's going on in that area. ... It's not similar to other attacks. ... The one thing we really have, is to get in front of the jury another murder, what he's also charged for."
Judge Fidler asks, "Is [your argument] the set of similarities or any dissimilarities, you can't use it? Mr. Rubin responds, "I use a fingerprint, or you can't use it by the court. When [Gargiulo's?] case was investigated, ... there were a number of other cases that ... (he was not involved in) ... the prosecution said, a number of steps. I don't know what that means. ... But some circumstances could be related to any other murder of this type."
Mr. Rubin continues his argument that, if the Tricia Pacaccio case is brought in, that means another four weeks of witnesses. Then Mr. Nardoni gets up to continue arguing another point relating to the Pacaccio murder that is different than the other cases.
Again, to me, this is unusual that two defense attorneys are both presenting motion arguments on the same issue.
Mr. Nardoni states that it is believed at the time of the [Picaccio] murder, right across the street, there was a late hour party with alcohol. "That factor detracts from [a] signature." Nardoni adds, "There were several suspects in the Pacaccio case that ended up committing suicide."
DDA Akemon presents rebuttal statements about the "level of proof" in the Pacaccio murder. "His [Gargiulo's] DNA is on Pacaccio's fingernails ... and the witness statements." DDA Akemon references Mr. Rubin's comments about signature needing to be a "fingerprint." DDA Akemon continues, "... Tricia Pacaccio and Ashely Green ... the issue of intent. Those are admissible because they are sufficiently similar."
The court signals in it's first comment how it plans to rule. Judge Fidler responds, "[I] feel differently to Ashley Green. I'll let you introduce Tricia Pacaccio. ... What's sufficiently similar ... knowledge of [individual?] victims ... proximity of victim and place ... and use of knife as a weapon. ... That satisfies the law. ... I don't think it's unduly prejudicial. ... Facts of crime ... even with DNA ... I've seen cases.
Judge Fidler then references the Juliana Redding murder that was in Judge Kennedy's court, alleged to have been committed by Kelly Soo Park, who is now in his courtroom on another case/charge.
Judge Fidler explains, "... there was DNA on a victim in a case in Judge Kennedy's court, and I have the [same] defendant in another case." (Kelly Soo Park was acquitted in the Redding murder. Sprocket)
DDA Akemon responds that he understands about Ashley Green. I believe he adds that he doesn't know if the defendant will testify. He doesn't know what the mental experts will say.
The Perkin's Operation motion is brought up by Mr. Rubin. "I reread the Perkin's motion. I think it's important to note in Perkin's, the Supreme Court decided ..." Mr. Rubin reads directly from the court ruling. I don't write all of this down. It's not new argument presented by Mr. Rubin, it's a published decision of the original Perkin's.
Gargiulo intently watches Mr. Rubin present the Supreme Court's ruling on Perkin's. Then Mr. Rubin goes on about what happened in the Perkin's Operation in Gargiulo's case. "Forty-eight hours of tape where Mr. Gargiulo is barraged by witnesses. ... [They said to him] Don't listen to your lawyer. You can talk to us! Gargiulo was not in his house. He was in a custodial situation so under pressure at the time. ... If we consider what the prosecution did in this case ... it is so far out side (the issue of Perkin's) ... Also, Gargiulo was on medication at the time."
Rubin states that Gargiulo was in custody, Perkin's was not. "I believe we have a fifth amendment violation and outside of Miranda. ... if not required to give Miranda because of custody setting and also because of outside of contact with his counsel."
DDA Akemon rebuts the defense oral arguments. "He [Gargiulo] did have contact with his counsel. ...I would emphasize, that Mr. Gargiulo was so comfortable ... he was sleeping and had food. ... There were two [officers with him]. ... He was so comfortable in that setting ... not only did he hatch a plan of escape ... he was trying to recruit the other deputies to go in with him."
Mr. Rubin responds. "I didn't hear anything from the prosecution about, Don't listen to your lawyer. You can talk to us." Mr. Rubin continues with more reading from the higher courts decision on Perkins. "The court has long held that there are certain interrogation techniques that are so offensive that they ..."
When Mr. Rubin is finished, DDA Akemon tells the court the people have nothing to add. Then Judge Fidler gives his ruling. "The defense did a good job pointing out specifics in this case. ... I don't see where they broke down the will. ... I don't see it. ... It may come close to the line ... but it didn't cross it."
Judge Fidler rules the evidence from the Perkin's Operation will come into the trial. The court calendar is set as zero of 60 as of today's date.
DDA Akemon states they are asking for a trial date of March 18, 2019. That date is agreed to by all parties. Judge Fidler does tell the parties that he has a hearing on March 15th, (I believe in the massive insurance fraud case) a motion to disqualify the prosecution in that case.
The jury questionnaire is discussed. The people and the defense have been working on that. It's about 99% completed. The court asks if they are going to have a pre-screening of time hardship waiver for the jurors. The court brings up a motion filed by the people about the security of the courtroom.
DDA Akemon tells the court that they are looking at a three phase trial [guilt, sanity, punishment] lasting four months. To be conservative, four to six months. Mr. Rubin asks about possibly sequestering the jury. The court responds, "...probably not."
In conclusion, the 995 motion will be argued on March 1 and jury selection will commence on March 18. And that's it.
Sprocket Notes
At the time of this posting (February 15, 2019), Gargiulo's birthday, he is 43 years old. He has been in custody waiting trial 10 years, 8 months. A future post will attempt to answer why it has taken this long to bring Gargiulo to trial.
Unfortunately, at this time I do not know if I will be able to cover this entire trial. I hope to be enrolled in classes for the summer session.
The next post on this case can be found HERE.
Thursday, February 7, 2019
The Christian-Newsom Torture Murder Case Update
Christopher Newsom, Channon Christian
Murdered January 2007
February 7, 2019
T&T is grateful to have guest contributor David in Tennessee provide an update on the Christian- Newsom case. Sprocket.
Guest Entry by David in Tennessee
I've been following major trials going back to Manson and Patty Hearst. The Christian-Newsom torture-murders are distinguished by the sheer horror, length of time, convoluted events, twists and turns.
KnoxNews.com details the horrific events. In
January 2007, Channon Christian, 21, and boyfriend Christopher Newsom
were abducted, tortured, raped (both of them), and killed in Knoxville,
Tennessee.
Channon Christian's SUV was
abandoned by the killers after wiping it down. However, a fingerprint
was found on an envelope in the car. The AFIS database linked the print
to one Lemaricus Davidson, with an address in Knoxville. When the police
arrived, they found Channon Christian's body stuffed in a garbage can.
Eventually
five suspects were arrested. Four were tried in Knox County. One, Eric
Boyd, was tried and convicted in Federal Court. More on Boyd presently.
The
four tried in state court were convicted. The "ringleader," Davidson,
was sentenced to death. His half-brother, Letalvis Cobbins, to LWOP (life without parole). George Thomas was sentenced to life with parole after 50
years. The lone female, Vanessa Coleman, to 35 years. Thomas and
Coleman had two trials. Why? Judge Richard Baumgartner was doing drugs
and having sex with a woman who was a probationer in his court. The
other defendants didn't get new trials due to rock-solid DNA evidence
against them.
In April 2018, KnoxNews.com reports a Knox County grand jury indicted Eric Boyd, who had long been suspected as one of the perpetrators.
"The
grand jury returned a 36-count presentment March 20 against Boyd, 46,
including charges of first-degree murder, felony murder, especially
aggravated robbery, especially aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated
rape in the January 2007 case."
Authorities
previously thought they didn't have enough evidence to charge Boyd.
There wasn't DNA from Boyd (at the time) on the victims and he was
crafty enough not to admit being in the death house, unlike the others.
Boyd
did give a lot of details in his police interrogation, but claimed he
heard them from Davidson. Boyd was convicted in Federal Court of hiding
Davidson and sentenced to 18 years.
Christopher Newsom's parents had pushed for Boyd's prosecution, whom they believed raped and murdered their son.
"Two
volunteer sleuths -Tom Hyman and Kevin Cowans- have helped the Newsoms
piece together evidence to present to Knox County District Attorney
General Charme Allen."
The Knox County DAG has declined to say what new evidence resulted in the grand jury indictment.
According to a KnoxNews.com story in June 2018, Cobbins and Thomas
implicated Boyd in their interrogations, but those statements can't be
used as evidence against him. The U.S Supreme Court ruled defendants
"have the right to confront their accusers via the witness stand, not
through unchallenged statements of co-defendants."
The
witness list against Boyd indicates his own words will be used against
him, something all suspects are told. Several corrections officers and
investigators are on the witness list.
Last week KnoxNews.com reported, Lemaricus Davidson, "ringleader" of the Christian-Newsom murders, was in Knoxville for a hearing requesting a new trial.
One
of the oddities of the whole case is Davidson and his lawyers insisting
on a Knox County jury. In all the other trials, a jury was brought in
from elsewhere in Tennessee. Judge Baumgartner in open court pleaded
with them to have a jury outside of Knox County. He sighed when the
defense lawyers still insisted on it.
Eventually,
Davidson was convicted and sentenced to death. Supposedly, the defense
can't use the Knox County jury as an issue for appeal. It sounds like
they are doing just that.
Why did they call for
a local jury? The answer is the defense talked themselves into
believing 12 impartial jurors couldn't be found. And defense attorney
Doug Trant suggested in testimony at the hearing, hoped not to.
Trant said: "I told (Davidson) if we were not able to seat a jury, he could not be convicted."
The
defense attorneys hoped jury selection would be "interminable" and the
prosecution might offer Davidson a plea deal on a reduced charge. The
District Attorney General's office had offered the defense a guilty plea
to life without parole. Davidson said no, declaring he preferred death
to life in prison.
After being convicted and sentenced to death, Davidson regretted his decision.
Trant
said: "I remember when he got the death sentence, he cried. He said it
was one thing to anticipate a death sentence and another to actually get
it."
The other defense attorney, David Eldridge, complained about the "level of publicity."
The defense also said it was common knowledge in the legal community that Judge Baumgartner was a heavy user of painkillers.
Davidson's
conviction was nearly overturned because of Baumgartner's drug use on
the bench, but the Tennessee Supreme Court ruled there was no
"structural error." The defense is trying again.
Most likely, they won't succeed, but with this case, you never know.
Eric Boyd's trial is currently set for August 2019.
Sunday, February 3, 2019
Lana Clarkson 4/5/1962 ~ 2/3/2003
Sixteen years ago. Remembering Lana.
She was kind, generous, talented and stop your breath beautiful. Killed by an egotistical, little man.
Story of visiting her niche at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Lana's plot is in the Chapel Columbarium, 2nd floor, south wall.
Photo courtesy Lana's sister, Fawn Clarkson Edwards.
All rights reserved.
She was kind, generous, talented and stop your breath beautiful. Killed by an egotistical, little man.
Story of visiting her niche at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Lana's plot is in the Chapel Columbarium, 2nd floor, south wall.
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