Going to Court: Suge Knight, Artyom Gasparyan's Alleged Crime Spree Prelim, Alleged MS-13 Gang Death Penalty Case & Michael Thomas Gargiulo

Thursday, February 1, 2018
Potential New Cases
I wasn't really planning on going into downtown LA on Thursday since there is a Gargiulo hearing on Friday. However, once I got the sales taxes paid and the DA's calendar for the next day showed up, I thought I would take a look. I just wanted to see if there was anything interesting. There were several cases downtown that piqued my interest. Suge Knight was on the calendar for two courtrooms. A week ago, I was talking about the Knight case with my writing partner Katie. I haven't really followed the Knight case so I didn't know if that was a typo on the calendar or if he really did have two cases trailing each other in different courtrooms. The last news article I read said the murder trial was scheduled for January 8, 2018, but here it was February and the case was still in pretrial hearings. 

Also on the calendar was a listing for "continuing defense testimony" in Judge Fidler's courtroom. I was surprised. I thought the death penalty case that started in late October was supposed to be finished in early January, making way for the Gargiulo case. But again, here it is February and the defense is still putting on testimony. It is a cold case murder and alleged MS-13 gang affiliation. There are four defendants.


There was a preliminary hearing in Dept. 41, Judge Villar, that piqued my interest because of the Deputy District Attorney assigned. It's John McKinney with the DA's Major Crimes Division. I had heard good things about DDA McKinney but had never met him or followed one of his cases. This might be a good time to drop in and see what his case was about.

Best Laid Plans
I didn't sleep well Wednesday night. I did wake up in plenty of time to get to court, but I felt so out of sorts I debated with myself for almost an hour on whether to go or not. I got a late start out the door and didn't make it into downtown LA until after 9:00 am. I arrived on the 9th floor around 9:15 am.

Suge Knight, Dept. 101 Judge Coen
Full disclosure. I know very little about the case other than Knight has gone through a slew of attorneys. He is charged with murder, attempted murder in one case (TA136401 ) and charged with robbery in another (SA089020). Those cases are in Dept. 101. Knight is also charged with making criminal threats (BA452832). That case is in Dept. 120, Judge Richman.

When I arrive in Dept. 101, there are few people in the gallery. I make sure the Sheriff's Deputy sitting right by the door sees my press badge as I quietly enter. I know there probably are victim family members in the gallery because I see a familiar face from the DA's victim support staff sitting with them. I take a seat in the gallery beside another reporter with a camera man. Siting at the far end of the long benches I recognize Associated Press reporter Brian Melley. Anytime Melley covers a case you can expect an excellent story. Here is his write-up on the hearing today.

By the tone I'm hearing from the bench, it appears Judge Coen has lost his patience with one of the attorneys at the counsel tables. I'm not sure who. Judge Coen is a formidable presence on the bench. (I was briefly in his courtroom back in 2013, when I wrote about Coen's famous file boxes.) At this point, I don't know who any of the defense counsel are. In the well along with other DA staff I see Asst. Head Deputy of Major Crimes, Craig Hum. It appears it's DDA Cynthia Barnes, who impatiently tosses back a piece of paper handed to her by the defense. After a bit of back and forth, the next pretrial hearing date is set at February 14. I hear from other reporters that a trial date has already been set for April 19. And that's it. People start to file out. I get the chance to say hello to DDA Hum in the hallway. He is kind enough to tell me that Knight's other case is in Dept. 120, on the 13th floor.

Suge Knight, Dept. 120 Judge Richman
The reporter in the gallery of Dept. 101 that I didn't recognize was LA Times reporter James Queally, who has written several pieces on the Knight case already. Queally remembers me, and I apologized to him that I didn't recognize him.

Judge Richman is on the bench. There are a bunch of people in the gallery. There is a DDA at the people's table. It's clear he is hearing pretrial hearings in other cases. DDA Barnes is in the well along with two other DDA's that were in Dept. 101. There is a small child, no more than 18 months or 2 years, sitting alone at the end of the third bench row.  I take a seat in this row a little ways to the left of the child. After awhile, a slender black man comes and sits beside the child. He's either the dad or the guardian.

Judge Richman calls a different case than Knight's. The defendant is the man with the very young child. He leaves the child on the bench alone in the gallery and takes a seat at the defense table. Judge Richman mentions the case is a residential burglary. There's a prior fire arms conviction. I miss the next several statements in the well because the young child is making noises while he's sitting alone. There are several women sitting behind the detectives on the other side of the aisle. They are trying to shush the noisy child. Judge Richman appears to be finished with this defendant when he asks the man, "I'll ask you the most important question. Eagles or Patriots?" The man tells the court "Eagles."

With this case over, Judge Richman banters with DDA Barnes in the well. In reference to one of the DDA's with her, he asks, "Why is he here? He look comfortable." The court asks for the parties in the Knight case. It isn't until after the hearing I learn that the DDA on this case is not Barnes but DDA Stefan Mrakich. I find that the older black attorney sitting in the well is Thaddeus Culpepper. The black female attorney sitting beside Knight at the defense table is Dominique Banos. Ms. Banos is an attractive black woman. She's wearing a very form fitting suit over her ample bosom. The white female attorney, Rena Wallenius, is there representing Ms. Banos. Mr. Culpepper sits in the gallery for a short time before taking a seat in the well behind Banos.

Judge Richman tells Banos, "I think I read your declaration." The court tells the press photographer he is welcome to remain. DDA Barnes tells the court that they just set the cases in Dept. 101 for February 14, calendar zero of 60 for pretrial. She tells the court the murder trial has been set for April 9, 10 for jury trial. The robbery case is also set for February 14, calendar at zero of 60. Judge Richman sets Knight's case in his courtroom for the same date at zero of 30. DDA Barnes suggests the court sets the calendar in Dept. 120 the same as Dept. 101 (zero of 60 as of 2/14).

Judge Richman responds. He appears to be giving DDA Barnes a bit of friendly banter. "Judge Coen doesn't report to anybody. Judge Coen is a grade five. I'm just a grade three. I have to report to people." Judge Richman sets Knight's case at zero of 30 for February 14 and orders the defendant back at 8:30 am. The setting of the case calendar is all that DDA Barnes is here for. She then hands the presentation over to DDA Mrakish who presents to the court their conflict of interest allegation regarding Ms. Banos. The court comments that there are lawyers for the lawyers here. DDA Mrakish tells the court that he doesn't have a lawyer here.

Ms. Wallenius interjects on the conflict of interest allegation by the people by telling the court, "I am not a potted plant! The people have not filed a motion [regarding the conflict of interest] ... or on the perjury matter."

DDA Mrakish outlines for the court that sometime prior, Knight's phone privileges at the jail were restricted. He was only allowed to call his attorney. There were no 3-wall calls allowed. Mrakish tells the court [I believe] about a phone call between Ms. Banos, Knight and someone with a production company. Knight used the booking number belonging to another inmate to make the call, after the phone restrictions were put in place. DDA Mrakish states there is a potential conflict of interest between Ms. Banos and Knight. He is here to get a waiver from the defendant.

While this is going on, Knight has spun around in his chair. For a while there, Knight was spinning his chair a bit from side to side. Now he's turned it completely around, facing away from the judge and is speaking to a deputy sheriff standing behind him. Judge Richman stops the proceedings to ask if Knight is paying attention to what is going on. Knight spins back around and faces the court.

DDA Mrakish tells the court the production company may be paying Ms. Banos's fee. It creates a specter of conflict. Mr. Knight  has a "... right to have conflict free counsel" DDA Mrakish argues. Judge Richman tells the parties, "I'm just a small piece of a tail on a really big dog here." The court addresses the defendant. "Do you want Ms. Banos to continue to represent you?" Knight adamantly tells the court, "I'm not making a waiver." The court patiently continues to address the defendant. "Assume what the DA says is true. Do you want Ms. Banos to continue to represent you?" Knight replies, "Yes."

Judge Richman states that they are done here. There is no signed waiver, just a verbal waiver from the defendant. There's only one other question the court asks Knight. "Patriots or Eagles?" Knight makes his choice. There are a few more off the cuff comments from the court, something about Judge Ryan. Then Judge Richman addresses the defendant again. "Do you know the song, Drowning on Dry Land?" Knight replies, "Yeah." If I recall correctly, the court tells the defendant the song reminds him of Knight. There are a few more statements by the court that I miss.

Ms. Wallenius interjects and addresses the court. "What she [DDA Barnes?] did in the last courtroom is reprehensible! ... The people are suggesting Ms. Banos has broken  the law! ... I'm asking the court to make a finding she has not broken the law." Ms. Wallenius continues to argue with the court. The court responds, "You're bordering on contempt." Ms. Wallenius appears to back down from that and tells the court that the DA has made an allegation. The court responds, "I've not made any finding nor have I assumed anything." Judge Richman has had enough and that's it for the Knight hearing. Out in the hallway I get the names and correct spelling for all the counsel in this hearing.

Dept. 106, Judge Fidler
I head back down to the 9th floor to see if the trial in Judge Fidler's courtroom has resumed. Peeking through the window in the door, I see there's no one in the courtroom. I then head to the 3rd floor for Dept. 41.

Dept. 41, Judge M. L. Villar - Artyom Gasparyan preliminary hearing
I quietly enter Dept. 41. I make sure the bailiff sees my press pass. The courtroom gallery is almost completely empty except, I see Terri Keith from City News. Terri is one of my favorite reporters. She has a tough job and she does it quite well. Terri gives me a smile and scoots over so I can take a seat beside her. I note that Judge M. L. Villar is a woman.

Summary: Artyom Gasparyan is charged with 32 counts stemming from a crime spree that began August 5, 2015 and ended with the defendant being shot and apprehended on January 4, 2016. Gasparyan is charged with murder, several counts of attempted murder, robbery, and other crimes. This appeared to be a one man crime bonanza. A total of eight victims were shot, one fatal.

The parties are at the tail end of the preliminary hearing where the court is making their ruling. I've missed the closing arguments for both sides. For the moment, all I see is the back of the defendant. He hair is jet black, past his shoulders. Although the defendant is in a wheelchair beside his attorney, I can see from his body movements that he isn't paralyzed. He's able to move his lower body quite well.  DDA John McKinney is at the prosecution table. He is a tall, handsome black man. By the end of the prelim, the DA's office amended their original complaint, removing two charges and adding three. The court is detailing the evidence that was presented by the people. There were 133 exhibits presented in the course of the prelim and numerous witnesses. Judge Villar mentions GeoTime® mapping is a game changer. Not only place, but routes, times and place. It's illustrative to the court but not persuasive to the court. The court continues with the other evidence admitted that connects the defendant to the charged crimes. The court states, "Nine millimeter casings at crime scenes; multiple witnesses identified the defendant and vehicle." Judge Villar adds that the GeoTime® mapping [indicates the defendant?] to have been at these locations. "The forensic evidence, more than sufficient that ... [the defendant] will be held to answer."

That's it. Judge Villar rules that sufficient evidence was presented for the defendant be bound over for trial. There will be a hearing in Dept. 100 (Master Calendar Court) in two weeks. That's probably for assignment to a courtroom. When the defendant is wheeled out, I can see that his right arm is wrapped and in a sling. I can't remember if it was before or after Judge Villar adjourned the hearing when she specifically addressed the detective(s) by name and complimented them on their work.

Outside in the hallway, Terri Keith asked DDA McKinney several questions about the case and I listen in. The defendant's vehicle was equipped with a stand alone Garmond GPS. In was mounted on the dash. The crime spree occurred in neighborhoods all over Los Angeles County. Los Felitz, Glendale, West Hollywood, Burbank, Harbor, Mission, Woodland Hills, Wilshire, and Carson were some of the locations of the crimes. The murder victim occurred in the inner city and the motive isn't clear. He encountered the defendant for a short period, just seconds. It's possible that the victim was in the defendant's way. From December 29th, 2015 to January 1, 2016, the defendant had a co-conspirator (Daniel Ramirez? spelling?). Once together, they stayed together in the vehicle. The co-conspirator killed two people and then shot himself.

I asked DDA McKinney how long he's been with the Major Crimes Division. He tells me since 2011. After the chat with DDA McKinney, I head back up to the 9th floor.

Dept. 106, Judge Fidler - Alleged MS-13 gang murder case; 4 defendants, 2 juries
When I step into Dept. 106, the gallery is empty. The only person in the well is Judge Fidler's clerk, Wendy. The case that started in late October has gone long. The DDA on the case is Dayan Mathai. DDA Mathai is also leading the big insurance fraud case against Kelly Soo Park and a slew of other defendants, also pending in Dept. 106. Lonce LaMon at adjuster.com has been posting detailed reports on the insurance fraud case pretrial hearings.

For the murder case, the parties are still in the case-in-chief. No penalty phase has started yet. There are four defendants and two juries. The victim is Jacqueline Piazza, 13, who was raped and murdered in June 2001. One jury is hearing the case against Jorge Palacios, 39. The other jury is hearing the case against Santos Grimaldi, 35, Melvin Sandoval, 38, and Rogelio Contreras, 40. Grimaldi and Sandoval are facing the death penalty. If either one is found guilty, there will be a trial to determine penalty.

Wendy tells me they are in the defense case for one of the defendants. The parties and court are hopeful to start closing arguments on February 20. There will be separate closings for the defendants.

I ask Wendy about the Michael Gargiulo case. She tells me the parties passed on being the next case up on Judge Fidler's calendar. After so many courtrooms in one day, I head back home.

Previous hearing on the Gargiulo case can be found HERE.

Next hearing on the Gargiulo case can be found HERE.

Cameron Brown's Appeal for Murder Conviction

Lauren Sarene Key, 4

UPDATE 7:30 PM - See below
October 18, 2017
Today, the California Courts of Appeal affirmed the conviction of Cameron Brown on first degree murder charges in the death of his 4-year-old child, Lauren Sarene Key.

Prosecutors argued and the jury agreed that Brown premeditatedly threw his daughter off of a 120ft cliff, Inspiration Point in November 2000 because he did not want to pay child support.

The court docket on the case states the justices "affirmed with modifications." Here is Brown's CA Courts of Appeal docket listing:

Interestingly, if you read the docket, on July 27, 2017, Brown waived the oral argument hearing and the state agreed four days later.

As soon as I am able to get a copy of the published decision, I will post it.

UPDATE:
Below is a screenshot of page two of the Appellate Court ruling. The full 94 page document can be found HERE.

Cameron Brown Appeal Status

Cameron Brown, at sentencing 9/17/15

UPDATE 3/2/16 Checking the docket of Brown's appeal, it appears Brown's counsel filed for an extension, which was granted. The opening brief is now due by April 1, 2016.

Saturday Feb 20, 2016
Background
Back on September 17, 2015, Cameron Brown was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for first degree murder in the death of his 4 year old daughter, Lauren Sarene Key. After three trials spanning over nine years, a jury found Brown guilty of throwing Lauren off a 120 ft cliff in Rancho Palos Verdes on November 8, 2000. They also found true the special allegations of lying in wait and murder for financial gain. Deputy District Attorney Craig Hum prosecuted all three trials.

Appeal
Brown's appeal is slowly winding through the California Courts of Appeal. Below is a screen shot of the docket for Brown's appeal. As you can see, his appeal was logged October 7, 2015 and his attorney, John Steinberg was appointed December 28, 2015. Brown's opening brief is due by March 21, 2016.

 

I will keep T&T readers updated on the status of Brown's appeal. 

Brown is still located at WASCO, State Prison in Kern County, California.

The next post on this case can be found HERE.

Cameron Brown Sentenced to Life Without Parole

Lauren Sarene Key, 4, murdered 11/8/2000.

Photo Copyright © Sarah Key-Marer, all rights reserved.

UPDATE 9/27: Correction. Previous version had Sarah Key-Marer approaching Patty Brown and asking Patty Brown a question.

UPDATE 9/23: In Loving Memory of Lauren
UPDATE 9/22 7:30 am: spelling, clarity, accuracy

September 18, 2015
Friday Morning
Mr. Sprocket had a project in Long Beach, so he dropped me off at the downtown courthouse. As usual, he was running late. I was afraid I wouldn’t get on the 9th floor of the downtown criminal justice center until after 8:30 am.

The 9th Floor
I make it onto the 9th floor with a few minutes to spare. At the end of the hallway I see Sarah, Lauren’s mother, Sarah’s best friend, Detective Jeff Leslie, DDA Craig Hum and defense attorney Aron Laub. I greet Sarah and give her and her friend a hug. Sarah’s husband Greg and her stepson are not here yet.

There are several media people here and cameras. Marisa Gerber from the LA Times, Terri Keith with City News, Miriam Hernandez with local ABC and Randy Paige with local CBS.

The courtroom is opened and the bailiff (one of my favorites) lets the pool cameras inside to set up in the jury box. A few moments later, the media files in.

Inside Dept. 107
8:38 AM
I don’t see Patty Brown, the defendant’s wife or anyone else from his family.

At the end of the first row, right inside the well, the podium is set up. The bailiff explains to the family members where they will stand to give their victim impact statements.

Judge Lomeli’s kind court reporter comes out from the back rooms. There are very few people here from the general public. There is a male juror from the second trial, and another female juror, I believe from the third trial. There are four reporters to my left, Miriam to my right and next to her Terri Keith. Kathy from the court's PIO is here. There are last minute preparations.

In the well of the court, there are several extra tables set up for a large number of three ring binders, many of them five inches thick. One of the reporters mentions that it has to do with Judge Lomeli’s case in trial, and defendant Dr. Lisa Tseng.  From what I understand, each juror gets three of these thick binders.

Now the bailiff is giving the admonition to the gallery to maintain their composure during sentencing. If they can’t maintain their composure, they will be escorted out. The video camera and still photographers are set up in the jury box. KFI’s Shannon Farren is in the third row. DDA Hum and Mr. Laub are back in chambers with Judge Lomeli.  There are a few people in the gallery sitting on the benches behind the bailiff’s desk, but they could just be staff from the DA’s office or other people who work in the building. 

Along with Judge Lomeli’s bailiff, there are four additional deputies in the courtroom to help maintain order. One of the deputies is a Sargent.

8:45 AM
Patty Brown still hasn’t arrived yet. I’m not aware of any other members of Brown’s family in the gallery.  Detective Leslie is chatting with the Sargent deputy. Seated at the prosecution table, I see Detective Leslie has a very colorful pair of striped socks on. His socks put a smile on my face for a short moment.

Brown is brought out. His goatee and mustache have grown out and his hair is touching the jail jumpsuit. The court goes on the record and asks the parties to state their appearances. Judge Lomeli addresses the court, then Mr. Laub. “We’re here for sentencing. Before I get to the actual sentence, .... defense ... [does] the defendant wish to be heard?”  Mr. Laub responds, No. 


The people have several victim impact statements. DDA Hum calls Sarah Key-Marer to the podium.

Sarah Key-Marer
On behalf of myself and my family, thanks to Detective Leslie and Craig Hum for their dedication and hard work for the last [fifteen?] years, and the court and jury members through all three trials. My heart felt appreciation is given to the various witnesses, some who didn’t know Lauren, to recount their parts in her short life.

I thank my friends and family who encouraged me over these years and fought hard for justice and bring the truth to light for Lauren.

As painful as this is for me to read, and do this for myself, and what is in my heart for the last 15 years, there comes a point in your life ... that letting go is the best option. [I’m grateful?] for this opportunity to find these unspoken words.  My family and I are relieved that we can now have a long awaited peace now that the trial is ended ... and know what Lauren was to us without reliving all the tragic circumstances.

I’m here to be Lauren’s voice and to [share?] who she was, ... and the suffering she endured in her short life. It didn’t need to end this way for her or for us. Considerations and [accomodations?] could have been made if Mr. Brown so wished. It would have been so simple if he was willing to make [some?] changes ... taking part in the reality that she was part of both of our lives.

She was caught up in a conflict between Mr. Brown and the happy state of our family. ... This isn’t any way that any child should have to live. ... We watched the sparkle fade in the last months of her life. ... She tried to understand. ... None of it made sense to her. ... She didn’t deserve to be rejected by anyone especially her own flesh and blood. She just wanted to be loved no matter what [?] differences are.

As time went on, it became hard to console her worries. Her smile faded each time Mr. Brown entered her life. She became withdrawn and became so sad. The happy child that I knew was fading.

The impact on my life has been so [hard?] to explain. My heart is broken from losing the one thing that I treasured [the most]. This all took a toll on me. It created emotional pain and physical sickness that manifested in advanced stage cancer.

My family also suffered. We are all so broken without her and the dreams that we had for Lauren are taken. I imagined she would have impacted the world with her beautiful personality, her kind-hearted spirit and her great love of people.

[There’s more here that I miss. As Sarah is speaking I can’t help it. Tears well up in my eyes and I try to wipe them and type at the same time. Sarah talks about Lauren's personality. ]

I shall miss the special times we could have had ... grade school performances, graduation ... and a betrothal of her own. But more than that, ... I will miss the warmth of her skin, her crystal blue eyes, her gentleness, her loving nature that filled everyone she knew with so much joy.

I miss tickling her tummy and she would laugh so hard that tears would run down her cheek. ... I miss nuzzling her face against mine and her whispering in my ear, “I love you Mummy.”

She thought that she would catch a fairy someday and keep it in her pocket, a friend to have to tell all her secrets and things she struggled with.  It was a comfort to her in a scary confusing situation. She feared Mr. Brown and didn’t tell us ... and protected us ... in spite of the agony he caused her.

My faith in God reassures me I will be reunited with her again. This allows me a future beyond the pain. I know she waits for us in heaven to be with her again. I know ... know she’s free from the painful turmoil ... and will be protected from the turmoil and is at peace. I thank God for protecting me from [revenge?] and his grace has allowed me this freedom. She did not show any hatred towards the people that caused her pain.

I tried to believe Mr. Brown’s accounts of that day were true and that it was an awful accident. I wrestled with this over and over. It would have been easier to accept. It took this time to come to the truth and justice prevailed. I’ve come to terms with the verdict. It’s not only my family, but Mr. Brown’s family. ... It affected us all.

I have learned that the way to heal is forgiveness. It releases me and allows God to be the ultimate judge. It has been my wish that Mr. Brown take responsibility for her death. I wish him no harm. I have some [relief?] from the court proceedings and the freedom to speak out [now?]. Mr. Brown, you’ll never take her memory from us.

Sarah’s statement was three or four typed pages, single spaced.

The people call Greg Marer
Words cannot fully express the pain and agony that we experienced. He took the life of a human being with no regard for the effect that it would have on others. ... There would be no more birthday parties or holiday celebrations. ... No academic celebrations, or a potential wedding. ... Lauren has been robbed from the opportunity to experience all that life awards. ... All these things are forever gone. Our family is broken. The effect on our family has been devastating. ... We had to endure 15 years of emotion, turmoil, court proceedings, ... three jury verdicts.

The pain of having to relive and the grief of such a horrendous act brought our grief to perpetuity. ... How do we displace the [anger?] that will not bring us peace and healing. Fortunately we have a loving God. We are called to forgive. [? of guilt ... I cannot say?] All these years since he selfishly murdered her, our little girl.

[The defendant and Mr. Laub stare straight ahead.]

I pray that some day, Mr. Brown will repent and ask his creator for mercy and grace. It is my belief that Cameron can be forgiven ... he must fully face the consequences of his actions.

Greg extends his gratitude to the court. He thanks everyone for Lauren.

The people call Josh Marer [Lauren’s stepbrother].
I remember when I met Lauren. I was six and it was past her first birthday. My parents would fall in love and I would be her big brother. We even had our beds pushed next to the wall so we could pray together.

Her personality would brighten up the room. She would dance, sing and tell jokes. She would draw everyone in. She enjoyed making people happy. She had a fascinating imagination and she loved playing pretend. ... She would have me play, too. 

She was never angry or sad until she met Cameron Brown. She knew my dad was not her father. It began with Lauren coming home from visits being agitated and upset. ...Afterwards ... she would come home crying and scared. Before, she would open up to me because I was her big brother. After [Cameron Brown?] she seemed distant, confused and angry. Things I had never seen in Lauren. I wanted the Lauren I knew back. It hurt me that she was hurting inside.

Josh mentions the impact Lauren had on his life.

The night before she died, we were playing her favorite board game. During the game, she was angry and not playing the game right. She stood up and kicked all the game pieces over and then ran to her room. ... I tried to hold her and tell her it was okay. ... She made me promise not to tell anyone. I agreed. She said, “I think I’m going to die tomorrow.”

I was shocked. I asked her why and she [wouldn’t? couldn’t?] tell me. I told her to go to bed and she would feel better in the morning. I told Sarah. Sarah said she was going through a lot. I never thought that after she went to school ... I never thought I would never see her again. I was ten.

My father worked more and more to drown himself in his work. I took it out on Sarah. How many times I would close my eyes ... and that it would all go away like a bad dream. ... I had problems in school and ran away. I became addicted to drugs. I wanted to be with my sister again. ... I thought I could [have done?] more [to save her?]. I beat myself up for many years that God had taken her and not me. I was too young to know who I was and how I would fit in. I thought I was a [puzzle piece?]. I tried .... I turned to drugs. I went in and out of rehab and jail. Until ... Lauren had become my guardian angel.

[This testimony is so difficult to hear. My heart breaks for this young man.]

I got off drugs and free from the chains that put me down. I have a wife and child that I knew Lauren would want for me. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t wonder what she would be like today.  I know she watches and protects me and I’m truly grateful. I’m not as forgiving for Lauren as the rest of my family.

The lives that he damaged [tricked down?] like a stone. Our family today is closer and stronger [than?] ever.

Josh then thanks the district attorney, Detective Leslie and the witnesses and the friends and family that kept by his side.

The people call Annette Watling
[I’m pleased that Judge Lomeli has let Sarah’s best friend give an impact statement. Some judges only allow the immediate family to speak.]

Sarah [is] my best friend for over 20 years. She is my sister. She is Auntie Sarah to my children. ... During Sarah’s pregnancy, I listened in shock to what she was going through. ... Sarah had a tremendous faith in God. It was difficult to watch.

[After Lauren was born] it was easy to fall in love with this baby. My husband knew her decision to be a single mother. He reached out to her ... to be Lauren’s godparents.

Lauren was my daughter’s first ever friend. ... My two daughters made play dates, shared holidays and vacations [with Lauren]. [It was like?] having a new family away from home.

Sarah asked my opinion ... to get in touch with Mr. Brown. I was Mr. Brown’s champion. Without hesitation, I encouraged her to do so. This cuts deep and torments me every day.

I listened to the frantic details through the summer of 2000. I listened to the terror in her voice.

[I believe Annette is referencing the charges where Brown accused Sarah of abusing Lauren.]

[I told her] ... these lies will be proven, I promise you.  It was hard to see Sarah face this uphill challenge.

When Sarah returned from England, she could tell me how fantastic that trip was. She explained how much trouble she had with Mr. Brown. The court battle that was weeks away. ... That was the last time I spoke to Sarah, just days before. ...

[That was?] one day that was etched permanently in my mind. I didn’t know what I was listening to. I was shaken up ... uncontrollable ... and my legs buckled. My husband caught me as I was falling. My daughter witnessed me shaking uncontrollably, trying not to vomit. I relive that day in my head daily. I’ve been by Sarah throughout this whole ... even the whole time ... helping her to prepare ... the whole step. I put my family on hold for three long trials ... even my work, so I could be there for Sarah and Lauren.

It’s fair to say it took a tremendous toll on my own family. The guilt I will carry is tremendous, for Sarah to contact Mr. Brown ... as Mr. Brown maliciously tied her hands.

I tried to shield Sarah, ... to this day, that my two daughter’s call on Sarah and share in her grief. ... Seeing her through these excruciating hearings. Having to see her battle for cancer through the first trial. ... Lauren touched so many people through all these years.

Not only did he take my daughter’s first best friend, there’s always a huge void. There always will be. ... I hang onto the times we had with Lauren.

[I recently] dropped my own daughter off at college, and we won’t get to experience that with Lauren.

Annette states she hopes that Brown will take responsibility.

DDA Hum tells the court that he has a few letters from family members that he would like to read. DDA Hum reads the letters. [Sarah mentioned to me after the hearing that the authors did not want their letters made public, so I have not transcribed the notes I took.]

After reading the letters, DDA Hum speaks to the court.

I never knew Lauren. My descriptions of her would never be as vivid. I do want to thank Detective Leslie for his devotion to this case. For never giving up on this case. It would have been easy for him and his partner to have accepted the defendants story and write this off as an accident and gone home. They never did that. Detective Leslie devoted a good portion of his life ... investigating people and ensuring that justice would have been done for Lauren.

DDA Hum thanks the court and the court staff. He thanks Sarah and her family for their kind words, then turns to address them.

I can’t imagine what you’ve been through for the past 15 years, but you bore it with strength and dignity and never lost faith that someday this moment would come.

DDA Hum turns and looks at the defendant when he speaks next.

But there are some crimes that are so horrendous, that are so senseless, that they just boggle the mind and make you question your humanity.

Hum raises his voice. He’s almost yelling. “She was four years old!”  DDA Hum appears to break up emotionally.

Lauren would be 19 now. She never hurt or done anything to anybody and never experienced what it would be like to grow up. And justice will never bring back this four year old girl. Justice will never bring back this 19 year old woman. After 15 long years, it’s time for justice to be served.

9/18/15 Brown remains silent and stares straight ahead during 

the sentencing hearing. Photo: Pool Camera

Sentencing
Judge Lomeli indicates he received letters from Lynne Brown and Robert Brown. Judge Lomeli states, “I did read those and considered those.” He does not read these letters into the record. Judge Lomeli asks, “Anything to add Mr. Laub?” [Nothing to add.] Counsel waives time for sentencing.

“On May 15 the jury convicted the defendant of first degree murder, also the special circumstances of financial gain and by means of lying in wait. ... Respectfully .... judgement and sentence of this court, as prescribed under the law ... shall receive a life sentence without the possibility of parole. In view of the jury’s finding ... the total [commitment?] shall be life without possibility of parole. ... The defendant has provided DNA samples ... “

The court continues with the specific costs of a restitution fine, court fine and security costs. The court asks if there’s any restitution. I believe DDA Hum indicates no. The court addresses Mr. Laub, “I know that you have prepared a notice of appeal.” Then the court addresses the defendant. “If you wish to appeal, you must file your appeal in 60 days. ... The notice must be in writing and signed by you or your attorney or both of you. ... If you appeal and do not have the financial ability to represent yourself ... the appellate court will appoint an attorney to represent you. ... Nothing further from either counsel? ... We stand in recess.”

After that, Judge Lomeli asks Mr. Laub about Brown’s credits [for his time in LA County Men’s Central]. 4,338 days. The court states again the court is in recess.

DDA Hum and Detective Leslie shake hands. I did not see it, but during the victim impact statements, the media cameras caught Detective Leslie with tears on his face. Brown gets up and he’s taken back into custody. I note that the defendant and his counsel both stared straight ahead during the entire sentencing and not once looked at the individuals who gave their victim impact statements.

It wasn’t until the reading of the defendant’s credits that his wife, Patty Brown finally arrives at court. I see her try to hand a paper to Mr. Laub, possibly a statement. I'm not certain. I don’t hear Mr. Laub’s answer but I hear Patty Brown reply, “Outrageous.” I don't know what Patty expected since she was quite late to her husband's sentencing.

It was near the courtroom doors, or just outside in the hallway, I don’t remember, when Patty Brown’s brother, Ted Kaldis approached me. Kaldis says to me, “I would hope that you would write about something other than my wardrobe.” I’m surprised this is what Ted feels is important to say to me. 

Out in the hallway, it’s full of media and family. Everyone is lingering. Ted has a plastic bag and he is pulling out homemade CD’s and handing them to the reporters. He asks me if I want one.  As Ted speaks to the reporters in the hallway, Patty and Mr. Laub chat.

CBS reporter Randy Paige approaches Ted to talk to him. Ted asks Paige if he is “local or national.” I hear Ted talking about Sarah to the media. He says something to the effect that, the Sarah they were presented, is not the person she really is. I don’t have his exact words since I had put my notepad away at that point. 


Patty was speaking to reporters, telling them about her belief in her husband’s innocence. Patty approaches Sarah, saying something to the effect that she was sorry for Sarah's loss of Lauren. Sarah replies something to the effect of, 'Was there anything you wanted to say to me?' I quickly grabbed my notebook. Patty responded, “You know as much as anyone this was not a homicide.” Patty continues, “I don’t think this is the final outcome by any means.”

DDA Hum intervenes. In a loud, angry voice, Hum proclaims, “You don’t have to listen to this crap!”  DDA Hum then tells Ted Kaldis and Patty in a forceful tone to “Back off! ... Step aside!” Sarah quickly leaves the hallway for the safety of the women’s restroom. Several support staff from the DA’s office follow Sarah into the restroom to help console her. Patty and Ted are still on the floor, and Sarah and her family would have to walk past them to get to the elevators. DDA Hum offers to Sarah’s family to have the bailiff get them off the floor through a private elevator. 


Sarah and her family go back to the end of the hallway and enter a courtroom to take a private elevator to the 12th floor, where the media is set up for a press conference.  I attended the press conference and audio taped it. As soon as I get that audio up on the web, I’ll publish the link.

Commentary
T&T started covering the Brown case in 2008, after the first Phil Spector trial ended in a hung jury. I reported on pretrial hearings and most of the second trial until I came down with a serious flu. During the second trial, I visited Abalone Cove, as well as Inspiration and Portuguese Points. I took photos of the cliffs and shot video. To say this case haunted me is an understatement. I never knew Lauren, but I had a strong desire to know what really happened to her, and report on her case.

Thanks to Mr. Sprocket, I'm grateful that I was able to attend many of the pretrial hearings and report on every day of the third trial.

Sadly, Mr. Sprocket and I had a personal loss In the middle of the trial. Our 10 month old kitten, Rudy Rocket, was diagnosed with FIP, a deadly illness. He was a total joy and a daily entertainer. Rudy Rocket was Mr. Sprocket's favorite fur child who followed him all over the house. We said goodbye on April 25, and tried to grieve while I continued to report on the trial.

I will never forget Lauren. I will continue to report on when Brown is transferred out of LA County and into the custody of CDCR, as well as what happens with his appeal.

 Lauren, blowing a kiss.

Photo Copyright © Sarah Key-Marer, all rights reserved.

Media Reports on Sentencing
AP via Yahoo News
Daily Breeze
LA Times
ABC 7
KTLA
KTLA Interview with Detective Jeff Leslie
CBS
NBC 4

LAist
Daily Mail, UK article
Daily Mail, Video

Video: In Loving Memory of Lauren

Cameron Brown to be Sentenced Today

Lauren Sarene Key, playing house under the dining table. 

Lauren was murdered by her biological father 11/8/2000.

September 18, 2015
On May 13 of this year, a jury found Cameron John Brown guilty of first degree murder in the cliff death of his four-year-old daughter, Lauren Sarene Key. The jury also found true the special circumstances of lying in wait and murder for financial gain. The prosecution argued that Brown hated Lauren's mother, Sarah Key-Marer, and killed his daughter to avoid paying over $1,000 a month in child support. At trial, Brown's defense claimed Lauren slipped and fell off the 120 ft cliff.

Brown was arrested three years after Lauren's death. Because of the special circumstances allegations, Brown was denied bail and remained in LA County Sheriff's custody ever since.

Almost fifteen years after Lauren's death and three trials, Brown will be sentenced today by Judge Lomeli in Dept. 107. The sentencing hearing is basically a formality since the sentence, life without the possibility of parole, is written into California's sentencing laws.

T&T started covering the Brown case in May 2008, attending most of the second trial and all of the third. I will try to have a report up on the sentencing later tonight.

In the afternoon, there is another pretrial hearing in the Lonnie Franklin, Jr. case. I hope to have my notes up on the Franklin September 14 hearing, and today's hearing, over the weekend. On September 14, DDA Beth Silverman informed the court they would be filing a 1050 [motion to continue] based on the large amount of discovery the defense turned over, just one month before the scheduled start of the trial on October 14.

Cameron Brown Post Verdict Hearing 2

5/13/15 - Cameron Brown, 

moments before the guilty verdict was read.

July 17, 2015
On June 19, Brown was scheduled to have a Marsden hearing on July 10. I missed that hearing. Checking the LA County Sheriff's inmate locator web page, Brown was scheduled for another hearing today.

When I get inside Dept. 107, I find out that Brown's Marsden hearing didn't happen on July 10. There are several attorneys in the well and a few cases that will be heard before Brown's Marsden hearing, which will happen today. Defense attorney Aron Laub is waiting his turn in the jury box. I go over to say hello.

Other Cases in 107
The first hearing was over very quickly. The defendant was ill and did not come to court. The court ordered a bench warrant.

The second hearing was for three defendant’s: Leyla Ors (a German National out on bond), Joseph Cavallo and Emanuel Hudson (two attorneys, out of custody and not appearing), charged with trying to extort a Saudi sheik’s Son, Thamer Albalwi.

Short Synopsis
Last year, Leyla Ors went to the LAPD and accused Thamer Albalwi of rape and torture. After an initial investigation, Albalwi was arrested. I happened to be in the Airport Courthouse attending the preliminary hearing in the DaLuise case when Albalwi, out on bail, also had a court appearance. His counsel was former DDA Alan Jackson. Charges against Albalwi were eventually dismissed and the court declared him factually innocent.

Ors, Cavallo, Hudson Case
Court and counsel are waiting for defense attorney Harlan Braun, who is representing one of the defendants and will also stand in for second counsel. DDA Deborah Deleport from JSID is the assigned prosecutor listed on the DA's calendar but I'm not sure if she is here today or someone else is standing in.

Mr. Braun arrives at 8:39 am and the hearing starts. Ms. Ors is present with counsel and a court provided interpreter. The case is 0 of 90 today. The court did receive a memo with parameters as to the items involved and what needs to be extracted for this court's consideration. That went through [another judge's] court, and two court research attorneys were assigned.

I believe Mr. Braun raises the issue of confidentiality and the court explains that special masters are a common occurrence. Confidentiality won't be an issue. Some of the items must remain in a specific location, "the Wilshire Building" because of an LAPD agreement with the Secret Service; other items will be brought to court. The research attorney will have to go to the Wilshire location for research and extraction for those items that cannot be moved.

The DDA informs the court that she needs another extraction order for three more items that have not been extracted yet. These are three items obtained from Ms. Ors hotel room: a cell phone; phone card and sim card. The people also need another minute order to extract information from those items and to copy and preserve it to present to research attorneys.  The court thought those items were on the original memo. The people indicate they were, but those items have not been extracted yet. The court will sign the minute order and the prosecution needs a certified copy. Counsel for Ms. Ors doesn't believe they will get to the prelim anytime soon.

The people suggest putting the case over for another two months. The case is put over to October 8, and the case will be 0 of 90 on that date.

There is concern about some items that have not been returned to one of the defendants, and it's been over a year. A camera, a laptop and a few other items. The prosecution states that as soon as they're done, they'll be happy to turn them over. Mr. Braun states he will send over a proposal. Ms. Ors counsel states they are not agreeing to waive any suppression.

And that's it for this case.

 Lauren Sarene Key, died November 8, 2000.

Playing house under a table.

Cameron Brown
After the three defendant hearing, the court and Mr. Laub discuss the Brown case off the record. They are discussing the various ways things could go. If the Marsden is denied by the court, and the defendant decides to go pro per, the court will need Mr. Hum here.  After a bit more discussion, there is a bench conference. I overhear that there is another hearing for Brown on July 24.


Then the courtroom is cleared for the Marsden hearing. Since I can't attend, I head home.

Brown Sentencing
Sources indicate that after the hearing on July 24, Mr. Laub is still the counsel of record. Brown's sentencing and motion for a new trial will happen on September 18, 2015.

Cameron Brown Post-Verdict Hearing

Complete Cameron Brown Trial coverage can be found HERE:

Cameron Brown, 5/13/15,

 minutes before the guilty verdict was read.

Pool video.

8:34 AM
I'm on the 9th floor hallway  After I've been here for a few minutes, Mr. Laub arrives.

There is a juror here from the second trial. He’s one of the one’s who voted for second degree. He wanted to see the end of the case.

DDA Craig Hum and LA County Sheriff's Detective Jeff Leslie arrive and I follow them into Dept. 107.  DDA Hum and Mr. Laub enter Judge Lomeli's chambers.

There are two cameramen here. to film the proceedings. Judge Lomeli’s clerk is busy working at his desk. I note that he’s typing way faster than I ever could.

I chat a bit with the juror from the second trial about the differences between the two trials.

8:47 AM
Counsel comes back from in chambers and Brown is brought out. Brown’s beard has already grown out. He has a beard and mustache. His hair has grown out a bit, too.

The camera operators are informed it’s just a continuance. Both cameramen understand it’s not going to be sentencing but just a continuance. They ask to film anyway The camera operators set up their cameras.

Brown and Laub chat. Brown is wearing a white long john shirt under his orange jumpsuit. The court calls the case, People v Cameron Brown and appearances are stated for the record.

Judge Lomeli states, "This matter is here for sentencing. I hear he is seeking a continuance?" Mr. Laub responds that he's spoken with Mr. Brown and spoken with Mr. Hum. "I need more time to prepare for motion for new trial on behalf of Mr. Brown."

The court asks, "Mr. Hum you have victim impact statement for purposes of sentencing?" DDA Hum replies, Certainly. The family is out of the county..." He goes onto state that there possibly will be family that will be flying in from f out of the country. DDA Hum just asks the court that we have a firm date because of all that scheduling.  DDA Hum tells the court he has discussed this informally with Mr. Laub about and end of July date. July 30th is selected to hear the motion for new trial and sentencing.

The court addresses Mr. Laub and I believe Mr. Brown. The court is worried about, the people are going to fly all these people in, and if Brown is going to have another motion, say a Marsden or some other, that must be handled beforehand. It must be two weeks before the motion for a new trial and sentencing.

If we are going to hear motion for new trial on July 30, depending on how the court rules, then the court will continue with sentencing. The court states, that [July 30] is a firm date unless the court hears otherwise.

The court then addresses the defendant directly. "Mr. Brown do you agree to put this matter over until July 30 and your motion for new trial will be heard and sentencing on that date?" Brown replies, "Since I’m innocent. I don’t agree to be sentenced."

Court explains the law to Brown, and then informs him, "We can proceed with sentencing right now, ... I’m tired as to your games."  Do you agree to that date?

Brown doesn’t understand about the Marsden. Court explains that a Marsden hearing must happen two weeks before. Laub asks the court for one moment to speak to his client.

Afterwards, Mr. Laub tells the court,  "We should set a date for a Marsden hearing for two weeks before July 30. Judge Lomeli replies, "We could set it for the 10th. How's that counsel?" I believe Mr. Laub agrees. The July 10 date is fine with Mr. Hum. Judge Lomeli tells Brown he can do it [Marsden] orally, "...but if you want to do write something up, make it precise."

Brown is asked again if he agrees to the issues that will happen on July 30. [Motion for new trial and sentencing.] He agrees to the issues on the July 30th. The court states they will be back for the Marsden on July 10.

DDA Hum asks, "Is there any purpose for us being here? Lomelli says no.

The date, [July 10] depending on what the court does, it doesn’t require the DA's office to be here.  The court tells DDA Hum that they will be notified as to the results of the Marsden.

Laub and Brown chat for a moment before Brown is brought back into custody at 8:56 AM

Right after Brown is brought back, Patty Brown arrives. She missed the hearing.

Cameron Brown 3rd Trial Aftermath

Sarah Key-Marer, left; Lauren Sarene Key, 4. 

Lauren died on November 8, 2000.

Cameron Brown was convicted of first degree murder 

in Lauren's death with the special circumstances of

murder for financial gain and lying in wait.

UPDATE 5/19: On 5/14, Inside Edition did a short piece on the case, about two and a half minutes. Includes a few seconds of Lauren dancing, which was not included in the aired segment.

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Brown Verdict Aftermath
I have been dreaming about this case almost every night for the last three months. And last night I still dreamed about it. It's an understatement to say that it haunted me. If it haunted me, imagine what Lauren's family went through. Contrary for what is often said, it will never be 'over' for Lauren's family.

Beyond Sarah, Greg and Josh, Lauren had a wide circle of family and friends, spread across the globe, who knew her and loved her. They too, have been forever changed by her death.

There are other victims of this tragedy that are often overlooked and that's Cameron Brown's family. As far as I know, Brown's wife Patty steadfastly believes in his innocence. There's also Brown's parents and siblings. They are victims of this event, just as much as Lauren and her family. They now have a member of their family who has been convicted of first degree murder. That will forever change them, too.

Lauren
From all witness accounts, Lauren was an easy going, obedient child. She was a delightful, chatterbox, who enjoyed engaging with others and talking about her day.  Her interests were typical for her age. She liked to play house, play with her dolls, sing songs and draw. Lauren's friends tell me she also loved to perform a rock concert, and enjoyed simple things like cuddle on the sofa with ice cream. She looked for fairies in the garden, loved her family and church.

At trial, witnesses testified she wanted to be carried verses walking, didn't like to hike, and that she was a cautious child and not very adventurous. We will never know the young woman she could have grown into, or what she could have accomplished.

What Happens Next
As it stands now, Brown will be sentenced on June 19, 2015. If there are any changes in that, I will let T&T's readers know. The judge does not have any discretion in sentencing. The sentence is written into the law. Because of the two special circumstances that were proven, the sentence is LWOP (life without the possibility of parole).

After sentencing, [probably around a week or a little more] Brown will be transferred to the State of California, Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation (DOCR). Co-contributor CaliGirl9 [who is familiar with the ins and outs of the DOCR] believes that because Brown murdered a child, he will be assigned to either a SHU or a PHU.

Once in state custody, Brown will be transferred to an intake facility where he will be photographed and assessed for a period of time. That's so the DOCR can determine where to place him. It doesn't necessarily mean that intake facility is where he will eventually end up. I believe the period of time to assess Brown could be as long as 90 days.

CaliGirl9's Information on SHU's & PHU's
SHU is security housing units, and PHU is protective housing unit. SHUs are disruptive inmates, PHUs are celebrity inmates, or inmates who have done certain crimes, or gay/cross dressers/transexuals. One might argue Cameron Brown could end up in either. Based on the crap he pulled with the cameras, [needing to be filmed when moved] etc., he might be a SHU.

Based on his crimes, he may be a PHU. As you know, the most secure PHU is Corcoran. But if Brown is not "famous" in the prison system (he might not be, because he killed just one kid) he'd be in a regular PHU. So one might say SHU is based on inmate behavior, PHU based on celebrity or the crime convicted of.

AdSeg is "administration segregation." It's for inmates who have committed infractions, or inmate just entering the system and being assessed.

This is what Corcoran's web site says about SHU: "Inmates whose conduct endangers the safety of others or the security of the institution are housed in SHU. In most cases, these inmates have committed serious rules violations while housed in a general population setting."

One could argue Brown's behavior that required the attendance of a Sargent or Lieutenant, and not a regular CO, might be considered disruptive. One could also argue that he won't hesitate to talk about his crime, which will put him into a PHU.

Appeal
After sentencing, the county's job is done. The District Attorney's office and the LA County Superior Court are no longer involved.

Convicted of a crime, Brown is entitled to one free appeal, paid for by the State of California. It's a given that Brown's counsel will file an appeal with the Courts of Appeal on his behalf. The State's Attorney General's office is responsible for responding to Brown's appeal.

If Brown can afford it, he can hire his own attorney. If he can't, the state provides an attorney free of charge to handle his appeal.

Once the appeal is filed, the case activity can be tracked through the California Courts of Appeal website. There are no hearings to attend like there are when the case was in LA County Superior Court. Brown's appeal will take at least a year, most likely more to get fully briefed. The best example I have is the Stephanie Lazarus case. You can read the docket on Lazarus' appeal to get an idea of what may happen in Brown's appeal.

I will attend the sentencing and report on Brown's appeal as information becomes available.

I have a few polls for T&T readers. Please leave your thoughts in the comments, or if you have any additional questions about the evidence.
POLLS:

Cameron Brown 3rd Trial, Day 30 - Jury Deliberations Continue

Lauren Sarene Key, 4, died November 8, 2000.

Copyright© Sarah Key-Marer, all rights reserved.

UPDATE 9:00 PM: Below, news links and video
UPDATE: GUILTY of FIRST DEGREE MURDER
With special circumstances of:
lying in wait and financial gain.
Sentence is mandatory: LWOP
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
6:30 AM
Francisco Gamez, II
The DA's calendar indicates that Dept. 107 has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Francisco Gamez, II. Gamez is a former LA County Sheriff, who was arrested November 14, 2012 and charged with murder in the June 17, 2012 shooting death of Armando Casillas. His bail is 4 million dollars. DDA Arisa Mattson of the Justice System Integrity Division is listed as prosecuting Gamez. This is the same division in the DA's office that prosecuted Stephanie Lazarus. DDA Paul Nunez, who co-prosecuted Lazarus, was initially assigned the Gamez case until he was promoted to Head Deputy of the East Los Angeles Office.


I do not know if this is the first day of the proceeding or a continuation of prior proceedings. I could not find a news report that mentioned the preliminary hearing.

My hope is that since there is a proceeding in Dept. 107, I will be allowed to sit in the courtroom during the Gamez prelim. I could report on the Gamez prelim and sit verdict watch in the Brown case at the same time. I won't know until I speak to the bailiff when I'm on the 9th floor.

I'm also hoping I don't have problems connecting to the Internet today.

The 9th Floor
8:20 AM
I'm on the 9th floor.

Investigator Chris Nicely is here. He is looking very sharp today. He has on a camel colored, suede-like jacket with his brown weave pants. He is here for a Gargiulo hearing in Dept. 108 today. I won't be covering that, but I'm hoping I can get an update from either Mr. Lindner or the prosecution after it's over.

There are three jurors for the Brown case sitting in their customary seats at the very end of the hallway.

There are about a dozen people scattered throughout the entire hallway. Lawyers waiting for courtrooms to open, general public, and officers.

8:31 AM
People come and go. Attorneys arrive for their cases in different courts. I court reporter I remember from the first Spector trial, exits one of the courtrooms at the end of the right wing carrying her reporting machine. She walks the hallway with her machine and enters Dept. 107.

8:38 AM
Several people, one in a wheel chair, entered Dept. 107. I'm guessing that's either for the Gamez hearing or another hearing.

Francisco Gamez II
8:45 AM
I'm inside Dept. 107. When I arrived there were counsel sitting at the prosecution table, but one of them could be a defense attorney. While I was waiting to speak to the bailiff, they all went back into chambers with the judge.

The bailiff indicated that while this proceeding is going on, I'm allowed inside the courtroom. And I'm allowed to use my laptop.

The court reporter is not Judge Lomeli's regular court reporter.

8:53 AM
There are two women seated at the prosecution table. I don't know which one is Ms. Mattson. There is a distinguished looking, balding black man at the defense table.  I expect they are waiting on the defendant to be brought up from a lower floor.

Cameron Brown
8:55 AM
The Brown jury has not entered the courtroom yet.

Francisco Gamez II
8:57 AM
A female sheriff arrives and both the bailiff and second deputy go back into the custody area.
There are three people seated in the second row in the gallery and three more in the back row. One of the men in the back row is in a wheelchair.

9:01 AM
Gamez' defense attorney goes back into the custody area.

9:06 AM
Gamez' defense attorney comes back out of the custody area.

9:07 AM
Judge takes the bench.
DDA Rosa Alarcon and DDA Mattson for the people. The prelim will take three days of testimony. To accommodate everyone's schedule, they [may not have the prelim on consecutive days, much like the Joshua Woodward prelim].

I miss the defense attorney's name. In order to accommodate everyone's schedule, the first day will be July 7, 2015.

The defendant is taken back into custody.  And that's it. Over before it started.

The 9th Floor Hallway
9:11 AM
DDA Akemon is in the hallway. He says hello and then goes to check in with Dept. 108 for the Gargiulo hearing. If it is a Marsden motion that Gargiulo is making, it's my understanding that no one but the defendant will be in front of the court.

9:13 AM
I'm back out in the hallway. Dept 107's jury is waiting for one juror to arrive before they can go in.

In the Gamez case, the victim's brother came over and introduced himself and asked if I was a reporter. I told him that unfortunately, I am covering the Brown case, not his brother's case. I gave him my card and where he

9:19 AM
The late juror arrives and the group enters Dept. 107. One of the jurors brought food and it looks like they might all eat together, including the alternates.

 9:25 AM
When I was in Dept. 107, I didn't recognize DDA Alarcon. It's been a few years since I've seen her. She was third chair in the Lazarus case. She sat with the detectives at the table behind the prosecution.

9:31 AM
Investigator Nicely exits Dept. 108 and takes a walk towards the other end of the hall. He then heads back this way.

9:53 AM
Chatting with Investigator Nicely and DDA Akemon about the building's moth infestation.

9:54 AM
Aron Laub arrives in the hallway.  He goes into Dept. 107 and then quickly leaves.

9:57 AM
The DA's clerk, Yvonne (sp?) who worked with DDA Hum arrives and chats with DDA Akemon and myself for a moment, then leaves.

10:15 AM
Michael Gargiulo's defense attorney, Charles Lindner arrives and enters Dept. 108.

10:16 AM
Olivia Cullbreath, a defendant in wrong-way freeway crash and multi-homicide deaths, is shackled to a wheelchair and brought into Dept. 108 via the hallway.

10:19 AM
Charles Lindner's son Abe, quickly arrives and says hello.

10:20 AM
Cullbreath is wheeled back out of Dept. 108. She's brought into the ladies restroom, or it looks like she was brought to the ladies restroom. In the little archway to the ladies restroom, there is an archway to the private hallways and elevators, so, she could have been brought back into custody that way.

10:28 AM
Michael Gargiulo
I step inside Dept. 108 for a few minutes just to see if they've been able to go on the record in Gargiulo yet. DDA Akemon is in the well, along with Mr. Lindner and all the attorneys who are currently in trial.

Lindner is giving a life story to DDA Akemon and Judge Ohta appears to be listening in. Lindner continues chatting. Investigator Nicely is sitting in the middle of the gallery, 3rd row.  Lindner is now bringing up a story about another attorney. Judge Ohta asks Lindner if the attorney would like this known.

While they wait, Judge Ohta asks DDA Akemon when he joined the DA's office. DDA Akemon then talks about when he joined as well as the members of his family that are in the law profession.

My guess is that they are waiting for Gargiulo.  The case currently in trial, counsel are already setting up. There's a bit of noise going on in the well as Lindner and DDA Akemon chat and the prosecutor and defense attorney in the case in trial are also holding a conversation. I decide to step back outside into the hallway.

9th Floor Hallway
10:41 AM
Lindner and his investigator come back out into the hallway.

10:55 AM
Just waiting. Nothing is going on.

11:00 AM
Mr. Lindner and the DA's intern are having a chat and DDA Akemon and Lindner's son Abe, are having a private conversation.

11:04 AM
I make a quick run to the snack machine in the small room off the elevator bay. This case is going to be the death of my arteries.  Right before that, the clerk came out of Dept. 108 and hung a sign on the door, "Jury Being Instructed - Do Not Enter." Lindner, his son, DDA Akemon and his intern head toward the elevators. It looks like the Gargiulo hearing won't happen for at least an hour.

11:29 AM
I hear some noise coming from either Dept 108 or Dept 107. I can't tell.

11:32 AM
I take that back. It could have been coming from Dept. 106. Dept. 105 is dark. A woman came down the hallway earlier and entered Judge Fidler's courtroom.  Yes, it was from Dept. 106.

11:57 AM
The hallway is empty ... except for me. Then jurors from one of the center courtrooms exit directly to the elevators and it's all quiet again.

12:02 PM
I've just been told there is a verdict in the Brown case and that it will be read at 1:00 PM.

VERDICT! 
 WILL BE READ AT 1:00 PM

12:42 PM
Local ABC 7 News is here. The lovely Miriam Hernandez and Vanna with their camera man. He showed up first. I've been a big fan of KFI reporter Eric Leonard long before I first met him at the Robert Blake trial. He's here for his station. Amazing reporter Terri Keith is here from Citi News. Another cameraman shows up, but there will be only one camera I expect.

Sarah and two of her girlfriends arrive.

Judge Lomeli sticks his head out of Dept. 107 and asks if counsel has arrived yet. The alternates ask the court if they can go in. Judge Lomeli tells them in a few minutes.

A third cameraman showed up. Shannon Farren from KFI arrives.

Several bailiffs head down toward this end of the hallway and enter Dept. 107.

12:48 PM
A fourth cameraman shows up.

DDA Hum and Detective Leslie arrive. They head on in to Dept. 107.

Claudia from KNX is here. A reporter from the LA Times that I've never met before is here.

Sarah's husband Greg arrives as well as Jane Robison from the DA's office.

DDA Hum comes out of Dept. 107 and speaks to Sarah and her friends.

DDA Akemon is here with a few other people.

The bailiff comes out and wants to make sure they have all the alternates.

 Mr Laub arrives. The bailiff said they would start seating in a few minutes. Still cameras were allowed in first.

 I have not seen Patty Brown and don't know if she will get here in time.

The media is let in first. We are sitting in the first row. Sarah and her family are let in next and sitting right behind me.

The bailiff asks Sarah if she is expecting any more family. She replies no. General seating is now allowed in.

Once the court goes on the record I will not publish until right after the verdict is read.

The bailiff warns the gallery to set their phones on mute or vibrate.

Bringing the defendant out now.

The court asks if the alternates are outside. Judge Lomeli takes the bench. The bailiff states that everything is all set to go.

Mr. Laub is standing. DDA Hum and Detective Leslie are standing. The judge asks if the defendant is getting dressed. The bailiff states he is coming up.

The bailiff warns the gallery to maintain their composure. If anyone finds they are [are about to get upset?] please step outside.

Alright. Lets go Brown, the bailiff calls into the custody area.

Brown comes out. He's at the defense table.

On the record. The alternates are brought into the court room and they take their seats.

The jury comes in.

We are on the record people v. Cameron John Brown. Juror #7 foreman. They've reached a verdict. The bailiff hands it to the court.

Guilty of murder in the first degree.
Carried out for financial gain to be true.
Lying in wait to be true.

Brown leans into speak to his counsel.

The jurors are poled.

Judge thanks the jury for their service. And states they were one of the best panel he's ever had. Their dilegence, patience and persistence.

Sometimes the attorney would like to get comments from the jurors, or the media want to get comments, you're not obligated to do that.

The jury is excused and leaves the courtroom. Those that want can wait in the hallway.

Forty-five days for sentencing. Brown won't answer the judge on sentencing, otherwise, it's going to occur in the 20 day period. [Watch the ABC video to hear what Brown said.]

I will exit the courtroom to see if there are any jurors that will talk.

June 19th for sentencing.

1:37 PM
I'm on the 12th floor. The jury foreperson spoke but I wasn't able to record all of it on my phone.

Then DDA Hum and Detective Leslie spoke.  The sentence is a mandatory LWOP, life without the possibility of parole, because of the special circumstances.

1:44 PM 
Brown had no reaction when the verdict was read.

1:48 PM
Sarah is sorry that she forgot to mention Josh in her media statement.

You will probably have the juror's statements and Sarah's statements in the mainstream press long before I have it uploaded.

Coming exclusively to T&T soon: Lauren's drawings.

2:12 PM
Mr. Laub never came to the 12th floor to speak to the media.

I want to thank all of T&T's readers for your continued support. I've followed this case for a long time. I'm sure everyone involved is grateful that this jury was able to reach a verdict.

UPDATE 9:00 PM
ABC Local 7 News - Cameron Brown Found Guilty [with video]
LA Times - Man Found Guilty of Throwing 4yr old Daughter
Daily Breeze - Jurors in Third Trial Convict Cameron Brown
Daily News - Cameron Brown Found Guilty
KTLA - Father Convicted of Murder [with video]
[Yes, that's me with the gray hair hugging Sarah in this video. Sprocket]
NewsWest9 (AP) - Man Convicted of Killing Daughter
KFI - John & Ken Interview Detective Jeffrey Leslie [audio]
(starts about 25% of the way in)
KFI - Eric Leonard Report

Cameron Brown 3rd Trial, Day 29 - Jury Deliberations

Lauren Sarene Key, 4, died November 8, 2000.

Copyright© Sarah Key-Marer, all rights reserved.

Tuesday, May 12, 2015
8:45 AM
I was just informed by the bailiff that the courtroom would be closed to spectators/the general public while deliberations are going on. I've never heard or experienced this before. The bailiff indicated that if there are any updates, they would come out into the hallway and make announcements.

So, I will wait in the hallway.

8:51 AM
Many of the jurors are in the hallway in lively conversations. They are supposed to get further jury instructions this morning. I don't know if I will be allowed in the courtroom for that.

Judge Ohta, Dept. 108, comes out from his courtroom and enters a door to a private room at the end of the hallway.

8:58 AM
More jurors arrive and greet their fellow jurors.

This new development will mean that I won't be able to document when the jurors take breaks.

8:59 AM
DDA Bobby Grace, [I believe part of Major Crimes Division] quickly walks down the hallway and enters Department 108. DDA Grace was one of several prosecutors who put their hat in the ring to run for District Attorney in 2012.

9:03 AM
The bailiff comes out into the hallway and calls jurors 1-12. He tells the alternates to wait outside.

9:05 AM
The bailiff now calls the alternates into the courtroom.

9:11 AM
The four alternates leave the courtroom. They appear a little lost as to what they are to do.

9:15 AM
The hallway is quite empty. There appear to e some jurors in the hall from another courtroom. DDA Hum comes down the hallway with his rolling cart and enters Dept. 107.

9:18 AM
It's actually quite empty on the 9th floor at the moment. There is a man down towards the elevator bay who is flat out lying on a bench. Including me, there are less than 10 people here on this end of the hall and about two people on the other end of the long hallway.

9:32 AM
Attorneys arrive for Department 108. A pretty DDA comes down the hallway pulling a metal card with here files on top.  Now there are more jurors in the hallway.

9:33 AM
Judge Ohta's clerk comes out and calls juror numbers. The jurors appear to be for Dept. 108, that is in trial.

10:00 AM
Judge Fidler's clerk comes to ask who the jurors are for Dept. 106. Many hands go up. There is an accident on the freeway and they've already had call ins of people being late, so she's not going to take roll at this time. She informs them she will take roll in about 15 minutes.

This is my exciting life in the 9th floor hallway.

10:14 AM
About a minute ago, the clerk for Dept. 108 came out and informed their jurors that it would be another 15 minutes. We have a lot of impatient jurors.

10:26 AM
The clerk for Dept. 106 is informing the potential jurors for that courtroom what will happen in the coming days, voir dire, etc.

10:37 AM
Local ABC News filmed the closing arguments. There is a news story along with a short video. I haven't had a chance to watch the video yet. The 9th floor is still pretty busy and filled with jurors.

10:53 AM
The Brown jury exits the courtroom for a morning break. Some immediately use their cell phones, some head towards the men's restroom and others head toward the elevator bay.

11:05 AM 
A few minutes ago, Dept. 106 just released their draw of jurors, and asked them to return at 1:30 PM.
The hallway is now much quieter. There are a few jurors from the Brown trial still on the floor. Most are on their phones.  So essentially, they are still on break.

11:12 AM
The bailiff comes out and asks if the jurors are all here. All are back. They file back into the courtroom.

Now the hallway is really much quieter.

11:52 AM
The jury exits for lunch.

1:03 PM
I had lunch with a friend I bumped into in the cafeteria. Right now, I'm back on the 9th floor hallway. Almost all the benches are filled with jurors, but luckily, I found a seat near an outlet.

A quick glance, I see some of Dept. 107 jurors at the end of the hallway. It's the group that has usually here before anyone else, consisting of male jurors and alternates.

I do not have any inside information on whether or not the jury will reach a verdict today. I wouldn't even hazard a guess. I never try to predict anything having to do with a jury because juries will surprise you.

1:33 PM
The Cameron Brown jury was waiting right outside the door. The jury is let into the courtroom.

1:52 PM
I've had connection problems for the past 40 minutes. First, the court's free wifi stopped working for me in the morning and I switched to using my phone. Then I could not get wifi on my phone down at the left wing at all. I had to move to the center of the hallway near the elevators where there is no power outlet.

2:26 PM
Nothing's going on in the hallway. There are jurors on break from Dept. 108, but that's it. The Brown jury may go on break sometime within the next half hour.

I apologize. At 1:33 PM, the Cameron Brown JURY was waiting outside the courtroom, not Brown.

2:37 PM
Dept. 108 jurors are called back into the courtroom. I'm now the only person in the hallway. It's eerily quiet. It's me in the hallway and the sheriff's at the security station in the elevator bay.

2:56 PM
I am still having some connectivity problems with the Internet. It's very slow and comes and goes.

Editing yesterday's entry, I've gotten all the way through the defense closing. All that's left is the prosecution's final closing. To give myself a break on editing yesterday's entry, I'm reading London Review of Books, that published Seymour Hersh's article, The Killing of Osama bin Laden.

3:06 PM 
One of Dept. 107's alternates is on the 9th floor, at the end of the hallway. When no one comes out of Dept. 107 around 3:00 pm, he heads back to the elevator bay.

3:20 PM
It doesn't appear like the jury is taking an afternoon break. Two of the alternates show up and walk toward Dept. 107.

 3:41 PM
Nothing to report on the 9th floor.

3:45 PM
The Brown jury exits. They tell the alternates they can go home as they pass.

That's it for today. Tomorrow at 9:00 AM.

5:16 PM
T&T readers:
I'm helping Mr. Sprocket with a project at one of his client's buildings. In-between helping him, I will try to compute an estimate of how long the jury deliberated today and start a log.

DELIBERATIONS - Approximate times
9:03 AM - 10:53 AM = 1HR 50MIN
11:12 AM - 11:52 AM = 40MIN
1:33 PM - 3:45 PM = 2HRS 13MIN
TOTAL for Day 1 = 4 HRS 43MIN