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Post by Graveyardbride on May 26, 2021 18:33:08 GMT -5
Illegal Alien Concocts Preposterous Tale
Today (May 26), defense attorneys called Cristhian Bahena-Rivera to the stand and through an interpreter, elicited what has to be one of the most cockamamie tales ever cooked up in an American murder trial.
According to Bahena, on Monday, August 18, 2018, he got out of the shower to find two masked men – one large and the other smaller and muscular – in the living room of the trailer where he lived. One of them, he said, was holding a gun and the other a knife, and the pair ordered him into his car, a black Chevrolet Malibu, where one of them got into the passenger seat and the second positioned himself in the backseat directly behind Bahena.
As they drove around Brooklyn, Iowa, a small city of approximately 1,700, they came upon a young woman – whom the defendant later discovered was Mollie Tibbetts – jogging along the street and he was instructed to stop. He was subsequently forced to circle around several times before pulling over along a road near where the 20-year-old student was last seen, at which point, the man with the knife got out of the car and moved up the road out of sight. It was during this time Bahena heard the man in the backseat whispering to himself and was able to pick up the phrase, “Come on, Jack.” (Dropping the name “Jack” was an obvious attempt to implicate Dalton Jack, the deceased’s boyfriend.)
After approximately 10 or 12 minutes, the knife-wielding kidnaper returned and Bahena heard the men putting something heavy into the trunk, after which he was ordered to drive away. “Before they leave, one of them tells me not to say anything about what had happened,” the defendant testified. “That they knew Iris [Gamboa] and they knew my daughter, that if I said something, they would take care of them.” After issuing their warning, the murderous duo took off – on foot – toward a gravel road.
Once they were gone, the terrified Bahena checked the trunk of his car, where he found Tibbetts – wearing running shorts, a sports bra and a single shoe – barely alive. Realizing he could not save the girl, he decided to hide the body. “She was very heavy ... I picked her up and I put her in the cornfield,” he told the jury, adding that he covered her with cornstalks because he “didn’t want her to be too exposed to the sun.”
Unsure where he was, Bahena testified he used his cellphone – which the men had been considerate enough to toss into the trunk, along with his keys, with the woman’s body – to get directions back to the trailer where he lived.
Asked by his lawyer why he hadn’t called police, Bahena said he was scared. “If I called police, it was something that wouldn’t be good, that wouldn’t seem right,” he mewled.
On cross-examination, prosecutor Scott Brown reminded Bahena he had numerous opportunities to tell investigators what happened and could have requested protection for his ex-girlfriend and daughter.
Defense attorneys, in a further attempt to garner sympathy for their client, attempted to paint Bahena as a hardworking immigrant, whose life centered around his family. Accordingly, jurors were forced to endure Bahena’s woeful tale of life in Mexico and how he paid a coyote to assist him, along with approximately 10 other illegal aliens, in crossing the Rio Grande on an inflatable raft in order to reach the Texas border.
The defense called several other witnesses, but after Bahena’s performance, everything else was anticlimactic and some reporters noted jurors seemed less interested in the proceedings.
Sources: Eric Ferkenshoff and William Morris, The Des Moines Register, May 26, 2021; and Stephen Sorace, Fox News, May 26, 2021.
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Post by Graveyardbride on May 26, 2021 6:24:32 GMT -5
Third Clue: grand wedding
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Post by Graveyardbride on May 25, 2021 6:27:25 GMT -5
ME Testifies, State Rests, Judge Denies Defense Motion for Acquittal
On Monday, May 24, one of the final witnesses was Dennis Klein, M.D., state medical examiner. According to Klein, the body of Mollie Tibbetts had lain in the cornfield covered in cornstalks “quite some time” and because of advanced decomposition, he was unable to obtain useful blood or fingerprint evidence during autopsy.
During the ME’s testimony, jurors viewed autopsy photos depicting sharp-force trauma. Klein said there were at least nine, and possibly a dozen, stab wounds, including six to the torso and one to the right hand, a defensive wound incurred while she was attempting to fend off her assailant. The cause of death, he said, was multiple stab wounds and the manner of death was homicide. Toxicology tests, he added, did not detect any drugs or alcohol in victim’s body.
Defense attorney Chad Frese asked if Klein could tell the attacker’s position in relation to the victim and he said he could not. He further testified all wounds were consistent with a single knife, but he could not rule out multiple weapons.
Following conclusion of the state’s case, defense attorney Jennifer Frese moved for a judgment of acquittal, indicating the state had failed to prove the element of premeditation or specific intent to kill required for a conviction of first-degree murder, or “malice aforethought” as required in the lesser charge of second-degree murder.
Judge Joel Yates denied the motion and dismissed the jury, instructing them to return at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday.
Sources: William Morris and Eric Ferkenhoff, The Des Moines Register, May 24, 2021; and Chris Gothner, KCCI, May 24, 2021.
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Post by Graveyardbride on May 25, 2021 5:07:42 GMT -5
Second Clue: cocktail
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Post by Graveyardbride on May 24, 2021 10:46:00 GMT -5
First Clue: German state
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Post by Graveyardbride on May 24, 2021 3:53:57 GMT -5
Fourth Clue: blue _______
Third Clue: grand wedding _______
Second Clue: cocktail _______
First Clue: German state _______
Please read carefully before attempting to name the Location.Following is the primary clue for Mystery Location No. 254:
Fortunately the huge building on the corner faces east; if it faced north, it would be on a street named for an ungrateful criminal. Constructed of pale limestone and red brick, upon entering, one steps into a world of marble and gilt fit for the king for whom the location in which it stands is named. During its long history, the establishment has hosted the famous and infamous, inspired an acclaimed novel and produced at least one ghost.
Each day, a new clue will be posted until someone names the location, providing the street address, city and state, as well as the room or apartment number, if applicable, (or province/country if located outside the US) and an explanation as to how each clue applies to the location. If no one correctly names the location, the contest will end at midnight (Eastern time), Saturday, May 29, 2021. Please note, the contest ends at midnight in the Eastern Time Zone. If you live in a different time zone, please make adjustments so you will know what time it ends where you are.
You may discuss the location with other members by posting your comments using the “reply” option, but please do not attempt to name the location until you are absolutely certain of your answer and you are able to post the street address, city, state, etc., along with a photo, or link to a photo, of the Location.
For those of you who remember our old Mystery Locations contest, the point system has changed. Now, if you name the location on the first day, i.e., Sunday, before midnight (ET), you will receive 7 points. Thereafter, the points will depend on the number of clues that have been provided when you name the Location as indicated below. If you name the Location after the first clue, you will receive 6 points, etc., as indicated below. However, after the Sixth (last clue) is provided on Saturday, you must name the location before midnight (EST) Saturday night. Upon accumulation of sufficient points, winners may choose an item from our Prize List.
Sunday (or before First Clue is provided) - 7 points First Clue (Monday) - 6 points Second Clue (Tuesday) - 5 points Third Clue (Wednesday) - 4 points Fourth Clue (Thursday) - 3 points Fifth Clue (Friday) - 2 points Sixth Clue (Saturday before midnight) - 1 point
If you wish, you may collaborate with another member and if the two of you win, points will be divided between the two of you.
This contest is meant to be fun, so, as before, we ask that you conduct yourself accordingly. To prevent any accusations of favoritism, Joanna has been advised of the name and address of the Location and will not be participating in this week’s contest.
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Post by Graveyardbride on May 20, 2021 22:22:43 GMT -5
Judge Appoints Public Defender to Represent Aiden FucciToday (May 20), Circuit Judge Michael Orfinger granted Jacksonville attorney Anwar Snober’s motion to withdraw and appointed a public defender to represent Aiden Fucci on a charge of what is now second degree murder in the stabbing death of Tristyn Bailey.
Both Fucci’s parents (pictured above) applied for indigency status, claiming they were unable to afford private legal representation for their son. The clerk of court approved Crystal Smith’s application last week, but denied that of Jason Fucci. However, after explaining his financial situation, during which he said he has no equity in his home and that his landscaping business has lost customers since his son’s arrest, Judge Orfinger declared him indigent.
Josh Mosley will be the lead public defender on a team of attorneys who will work together in Aiden Fucci’s defense. “It’s a privilege to represent young Mr. Fucci,” one member of his defense team said.
State Attorney R. J. Larizza still has not determined if Fucci will be tried as an adult or if the charge will be increased to first degree murder.
Yesterday, May 19, a memorial service was held for Tristyn Bailey in Jacksonville, at which family members and many of those in attendance wore aqua, the 7th-grader’s favorite color.Sources: State of Florida v. Aiden Sean Fucci, Case No. 21-825-CF, Division 56; Jessica Clark and Mindy Wadley, WTLV, May 20, 2021; and WJAX, May 20, 2021.
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Post by Graveyardbride on May 19, 2021 18:17:25 GMT -5
Boyfriend and Brother Testify, Defense Questions Them about HuntingAs the murder trial of illegal alien Christian Bahena-Rivera (above) opened this morning (May 19), Prosecutor Bart Klaver addressed the men and women of the jury, telling them the defendant admitted to investigators he saw Molly Tibbetts running along the street and circled back to take a second look because she was “hot.” He subsequently exited the car he was driving and commenced running alongside the 20-year-old college student, becoming angry when she spurned his advances and threatened to call the police. Then he claimed his mind went blank and the next thing he remembered was driving with the young woman’s beaten and bloodied body in the trunk. When he came to a cornfield, he pulled over, hoisted the corpse over his shoulder and deposited it in the field. Klaver also told jurors they would see Bahena circling Tibbetts on a neighbor’s surveillance video. The autopsy, the prosecutor continued, revealed Mollie Tibbets had been stabbed 12 times in the chest, ribs, neck and skull and died from the sharp force wounds.
First witnesses for the prosecution were Dalton Jack, 23, the deceased’s boyfriend, now an army sergeant assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and his brother, Blake. Jack said he and Tibbetts met in high school and had been dating three years. Recalling July 18, 2018, he told the jury he and his brother, both of whom were working in construction at the time, were out of town and Mollie was staying at the house looking after the dogs. He said she went for a run most days. On the day of his girlfriend’s disappearance, Jack testified he was a member of a crew building a bridge in Dubuque, Iowa, and when the work day ended, he hung out with his co-workers drinking beer and playing games, after which he returned to the hotel and went to bed. The following day, July 19, Mollie didn’t turn up for work at a daycare and wasn’t answering her phone.
There was some indication the defense may attempt to cast suspicion on Dalton Jack. When Jennifer Frese, one of Bahena’s lawyers, spoke, she alleged Jack had anger issues and cheated on Tibbetts. She also told the jury the brothers were hunters and there were guns and knives in their home. During her cross-examination of Blake Jack, she asked what type weapons they owned and if he believed his brother had anger problems. Blake testified he and Dalton hunted deer and turkeys and both owned knives. He also told the defense attorney he wasn’t aware his brother had any problems with anger or in his relationship with Tibbetts. Blake further testified when he returned home the day Tibbetts disappeared, he didn’t notice anything amiss. “We don’t lock the doors in our small town,” he added. Sources: The Cedar Rapids Gazette, May 19, 2021; and Danielle Wallace, Fox News, May 19, 2021.
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Post by Graveyardbride on May 19, 2021 2:54:12 GMT -5
Third Clue: governess
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Post by Graveyardbride on May 18, 2021 4:51:56 GMT -5
Second Clue: Sunny
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Post by Graveyardbride on May 18, 2021 2:22:24 GMT -5
Durst Trial Resumes in California, New York DA Reopens Case of Wife’s DisappearanceRobert Durst’s trial for the 2000 murder of Susan Berman resumed yesterday in Inglewood, California, following a 14-month recess. Judge Mark Windham began by asking jurors if they can take up where they left off in March of last year when the proceedings were recessed because of the pandemic. “So, where did we leave off?” Windham quipped as jurors laughed.
During the proceedings, defense attorney Dick DeGuerin requested the trial be suspended because of Durst’s bladder cancer and other health issues that require hospitalization. “The question isn’t whether he can endure the rigors of the trial,” DeGuerin said, “it’s whether he can survive at all.”
Prosecutor John Lewin scoffed at defense claims that Durst should be released to a hospital, insisting he was receiving high-quality care in jail, where he is being held without bail. “It’s a get-out-of-jail-free card,” Lewin told the judge. “The goal here is simply to have this trial go away.”
According to Windham, Durst wasn’t present during the proceedings because he refused to leave the jail. DeGuerin, however, contended this was inaccurate, claiming jailers had previously failed to transport his client to the courthouse, falsely reporting he was “willfully absent.”
While Durst, who turned 78 April 12, is charged with the killing of Berman only, prosecutors used his wife’s disappearance and the murder of Morris Black in Texas to build their case.
In the meantime, the district attorney in Winchester County, New York, has reopened the case of Kathie Durst’s 1982 disappearance.Sources: Brian Melley, Associated Press, May 17, 2021; Brian Melley, KCRA, May 17, 2021; and Jorge Fitz-Gibbon, The New York Post, May 17, 2021.
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Post by Graveyardbride on May 17, 2021 18:53:54 GMT -5
Fucci Applies for Indigency Status, Celebration of Life Scheduled for Tristyn Bailey
Today, May 17, Jacksonville attorney Anwar Snober field a motion to withdraw as counsel for Aiden Fucci, indicating he had “discussed the matter with the defendant and his parents and both are in agreement as to the withdrawal ....” Some have speculated Snober wishes to withdraw because Crystal Smith and Jason M. Fucci, the 14-year-old defendant’s parents, are unable to pay his fees.
In a second motion, also filed today, Liana Dolores Orta, an assistant public defender, requests a determination of Aiden Fucci’s indigency status. Under Florida law, “an applicant, including an applicant who is a minor or an adult tax-dependent person, is indigent if the applicant’s income is equal to or below 200 percent of the then-current federal poverty guidelines prescribed for the size of the household of the applicant by the United States Department of Health and Human Services.” Smith and Fucci applied for indigency status Friday, May 14. Smith’s application was approved, however that of Jason M. Fucci was denied. The motion requests the court hold a closed hearing to determine the defendant’s indigency status “due to the extensive media coverage of this case and the nature of the charge.”
Crystal Smith and Michael T. Akel purchased the property at 724 Castledale Court, St. Johns, Florida, on December 30, 2020, for $560,000. Jason M. Fucci owns Fucci’s Complete Package, LLC, a landscaping company, in Jacksonville. He lives in Jacksonville in a home built in 1967 that he purchased in July 2019 for $257,000.
Celebration of Life. Services for Tristyn Bailey will be held Tuesday afternoon (May 18) at Celebration Church on R.G. Skinner Parkway in Jacksonville. Thousands are expected and those attending are asked to wear aqua and white, Tristyn’s favorite colors.
Celebration Pastor Jeffrey McDuffie said he had met with the Bailey family and they are going through a “roller coaster of emotions.”
Of note, Tristyn’s parents, Forrest and Stacey Bailey, are still withholding their names and such aren’t even included in their daughter’s Celebration of Life announcement.
Sources: State of Florida v. Aiden Sean Fucci, Case No. 21-825-CF, Division 56; WJAX, May 17, 2021; and WJXT, May 17, 2021.
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Post by Graveyardbride on May 17, 2021 10:51:06 GMT -5
First Clue: Taurus
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Post by Graveyardbride on May 17, 2021 3:31:25 GMT -5
Third Clue: governess _______
Second Clue: Sunny _______
First Clue: Taurus _______
Please read carefully before attempting to name the Location.Following is the primary clue for Mystery Location No. 253:
Situated in the working class section of a city known for its impressive homes, there’s nothing special about the old building, and driving along the narrow, one-way street, the only thing one might notice is the mismatched doors of the two apartments it contains. So far as is known, the structure itself isn’t haunted, but after a corpse was discovered just outside, residents of the neighborhood got spooked and some passing in the early morning hours claimed there was a distinct cold spot in the location where the murder victim had lain.
Each day, a new clue will be posted until someone names the location, providing the street address, city and state, as well as the room or apartment number, if applicable, (or province/country if located outside the US) and an explanation as to how each clue applies to the location. If no one correctly names the location, the contest will end at midnight (Eastern time), Saturday, May 22, 2021. Please note, the contest ends at midnight in the Eastern Time Zone. If you live in a different time zone, please make adjustments so you will know what time it ends where you are.
You may discuss the location with other members by posting your comments using the “reply” option, but please do not attempt to name the location until you are absolutely certain of your answer and you are able to post the street address, city, state, etc., along with a photo, or link to a photo, of the Location.
For those of you who remember our old Mystery Locations contest, the point system has changed. Now, if you name the location on the first day, i.e., Sunday, before midnight (ET), you will receive 7 points. Thereafter, the points will depend on the number of clues that have been provided when you name the Location as indicated below. If you name the Location after the first clue, you will receive 6 points, etc., as indicated below. However, after the Sixth (last clue) is provided on Saturday, you must name the location before midnight (EST) Saturday night. Upon accumulation of sufficient points, winners may choose an item from our Prize List.
Sunday (or before First Clue is provided) - 7 points First Clue (Monday) - 6 points Second Clue (Tuesday) - 5 points Third Clue (Wednesday) - 4 points Fourth Clue (Thursday) - 3 points Fifth Clue (Friday) - 2 points Sixth Clue (Saturday before midnight) - 1 point
If you wish, you may collaborate with another member and if the two of you win, points will be divided between the two of you.
This contest is meant to be fun, so, as before, we ask that you conduct yourself accordingly. To prevent any accusations of favoritism, Kitty has been advised of the name and address of the Location and will not be participating in this week’s contest.
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Post by Graveyardbride on May 16, 2021 19:17:44 GMT -5
I'd like to see the one where Tristan Bailey lives. Does anyone have the address? She lived on Cloisterbane Dr., St. Johns, Florida. I checked and Google hasn’t blurred the house. His house has a covered swimming pool, the Bailey house doesn’t have a pool.
If you want to know what Fucci’s house looks like, here’s a photo:
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