"The gruesome and brutal details of the crime that you committed are his family," she said to Merritt. Scholarly publications with full text pdf download. He used to spend hours at a time talking on his mobile phone and it got to the stage where he was convinced he had a brain tumor. NBC 7's Jackie Crea has more. ', Gruesome: The McStays' skeletal remains were unearthed along with a three-pound rusted sledgehammer believed to be the murder weapon, Crime: Charles 'Chase' Merritt, who was a partner in Joseph's water-fountain business, was arrested for the murders in 2014 and found guilty in 2019 (pictured), Criminal: In January 2020, Merritt was sentenced to death for bludgeoning the couple and their children to death inside their home because he owed them $30,000. Investigators also have e-mails indicating the couple asked. Charles Chase Merritt was convicted in June of killing his former business associate Joseph McStay, McStays wife, Summer, and their 4- and 3-year-old sons, Gianni and Joseph Jr. The McStay family of Fallbrook was last heard from or seen on Feb. 4, 2010. Then a few people started putting the idea in his head that maybe Summer was behind it. A year later,Charles 'Chase' Merritt, who was a partner in Joseph's water-fountain business, was arrested for bludgeoning the married couple and their children to death inside their home in Fallbrook because he owed them $30,000. In further sensational claims, Merrits new book Afraid of the Light will detail how the couple were having major problems in their relationship and had not had sex for more than a year before they went missing. Charles "Chase" Merritt interrupted his attorney Friday during legal proceedings. Just a monster.". How could you beat two precious little babies? [1] At 8:28 pm, a call was placed from Joseph's cell phone to his business associate, Charles "Chase" Merritt, which went to voicemail. Richard K. De Atley has been a journalist since 1975, for City News Service in Los Angeles, The Associated Press in Los Angeles and New York, and The Press-Enterprise in Riverside. Four years ago, Patrick McStay lost everything he loved. Merritt lashed out at prosecutors he said framed him, some witnesses he accused of lying and the judge he said allowed it to happen. Duchess dons $1,610 Carolina Herrera cape, $300 vegan leather Lovely in lilac! A neighbor's security camera was triggered at 7:47PM when the McStays . Gavin Newsom has placed a moratorium on executions while hes in office. He would spend days on end in bed. California has not executed anyone on death row since 2006 as current Gov. Joseph was 40 years old while his wife Summer was 43 making them a rather young family. His mother Susan Blake gave an interview to Myvalleynews.com six weeks after her sons disappearance, where she said she was very concerned about his health. Did you always look up to him Imes asked. I would never raise my hand to a woman or a child.". She really didnt like anyone being around Joseph and the family other than herself and a very small, selective group of people. How they stalked the stalker: A gripping new true crime 'It did get weird': Couple who are in the middle of divorce Woman finds out her husband was cheating on her after he was made an equally emotional statement ahead of the sentencing being handed down, telling the court how the killings had scarred their lives. Sheriffs investigators believeSummer McStay may have been rapedbefore she was killed. Josephs illness was well documented and had left his entire family completely baffled. He was married to Summer McStay for seven years. [24] When asked if he thought Merritt was a suspect, Joseph's father Patrick said, "I have to have faith in Chase because I have to have faith in my son. Investigators believe that Joseph McStay, 40, his wife, Summer, 43, and their sons, 4-year-old Gianni and 3-year-old Joseph, were bludgeoned to death in their home in the San Diego County community of Fallbrook on Feb. 4, 2010, San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon said Friday. Judge just denied defense motion to reduce potential sentence to life in prison (Judge will also consider death). 14:31 EST 05 Jan 2014. Merritt was found guilty on June 10, 2019, on four counts of murder. Last month marked the 3rd anniversary since a family of four mysteriously vanished from their Southern California home. Merritts defense team has claimed Kavanaugh is a likely suspect in the McStay family case, but was overlooked by investigators despite what they described as a deteriorating relationship with Joseph McStay in the months before the familys disappearance. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Huh? She talked about how the slayings of her son, daughter-in-law, and grandsons have destroyed her family. And they told me they were also gone. ': Anguish of $21m fraudster banker's wife after he's found running POT FARM a year after faking his suicide, Pavement where disabled woman gestured at cyclist before fatal crash, TN residents say Jack Daniel's distillery spews black mold, Incredible footage of Ukrainian soldiers fighting Russians in Bakhmut, Pro-Ukrainian drone lands on Russian spy planes exposing location, 'Buster is next!' Every time you hear a sound in prison or in a movie similar to the sounds you made that day when you murdered this family, I hope it rings loud in your ears. [31] The trial finally began on January 7, 2019, in a San Bernardino court, with both sides making opening statements. [2][7] The deaths were ruled a homicide and San Bernardino County authorities said they believed the family died of blunt force trauma inside their home, but declined to discuss specifics of the deaths or a motive. she said. I even went to the hospital with him to try and see what was wrong; we thought maybe it was stress.'. Susanmade an equally emotional statement ahead of the sentencing being handed down, telling the court how the killings had scarred their lives. He maintained his innocence, saying something has always been "amiss" in this case. I know you dont believe me and thats what kills me. "I loved Joseph. "Death was the appropriate verdict for those three offenses," the judge said. "[25], On November 5, 2014, detectives from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department arrested Merritt in connection with the deaths of the McStay family after discovering that his DNA had been recovered from their car. I know the thought of leaving her crossed his mind, probably quite a lot, but he would never actually go through with it., The comments below have not been moderated, 'Insane' man who lived with his dead mother and stepfather for three days after murdering them recaptured one day after escaping from mental institution, Alabama pastor suspected of stabbing wife to death in July arrested as he tried to board flight to Germany, 'Jail food is cold, the water's bad and my cell doesn't have a microwave': Drug lord suspect writes to complain about prison conditions as he awaits trial, 'Can you imagine telling your four kids he's gone, then he turns up alive? Mystery:Joseph McStay, 40, his wife, Summer, 43, and their sons Gianni, 4, and Joseph Jr., 3, vanished from their home in Fallbrook, California, on February 4, 2010, Tragedy: Joseph'sparents, Patrick McStay and Susan Blake, have opened up about the murders on the second season of the Oxygen true-crime series Killer Motive. California man pleads not guilty to killing family of four Susan Blake (L), the mother of Joseph McStay, leaves the courtroom with her son Michael McStay after Charles "Chase" Merritt was. Upon his arrival, he noticed that Joseph's 1996 Isuzu Trooper was missing, but their dogs were in the backyard. The McStays have deep Orange County ties, Cirignani said. When their remains were unearthed, investigators also found a rusty sledgehammer that they said was used to kill the family. "No more surfing; no more anything., Michael McStay said the court should never forget what this case is really about: "Those four innocent people and the lives they never got to live.". #nbc7 https://t.co/5tmfTOuzsD. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) Prosecutors are seeking the death. Susan had her son Mike stop by the family's San Diego County home on February 13, 2010, nine days after her son was last heard from. We were incredibly busy with the business, things were really flying, but he would often just have to work on his laptop from his bedroom. Were just the clowns, - Britt Imes. He went to the doctor a number of times, but they just didnt know what was wrong with him. He didnt know what was wrong with him and he was desperate. [6] Joseph owned and operated Earth Inspired Products, a company that built decorative fountains, and Summer was a licensed real estate agent. [7] Summer was born Virginia Lisa Aranda, and had also been known as Summer Martelli. The mother of Joseph McStay provided emotional testimony on the second day of the McStay murder trial. But speaking on CNN in 2010 he said: 'My understanding was in the last year hed been having these vertigo type symptoms. Gov. The break came, defense attorneys said, when Merritt and McStay separately worked on a custom-fountain side of the business that did not include Kavanaugh. [7] Kavanaugh has denied any involvement in the familys disappearance and slayings. He was the last known person to see Joseph alive, during an hour-and-a-half long meeting in Rancho Cucamonga, California just hours before the family vanished into thin air. An acquaintance of Merritt's told a San Diego reporter, "I think police should look at him and anyone associated with him. ___ 12 a.m. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. The newly unsealed documents indicate Joseph McStay lent Chase Merritt money to cover a gambling debt before McStay and his family disappeared in February 2010. California has not executed anyone since 2006. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Just a monster. According to state records, Merritt had felony convictions for burglary and receiving stolen property. "Ultimately, I hope to be a father and when I am, I will hold my children close," he continued. Summer had also ordered a Spanish-language education program a few months prior to their disappearance. A small public memorial was held Wednesday afternoon in honor of the McStay family, a couple and their two young sons whose bodies were discovered last week in the Mojave Desert. With all the action and breaks, there was no time left for victim impact statements and the actual sentencing of Merritt. It cant be, Susan Blake testified after she regained herself. Prosecutors contend greed is the motive for the murders. Basically, she wouldnt let him near her. Neither was Joseph's brother, Michael. He asked for funds to keep the business going, and at that time I would do anything to help my son probably not in my right mind anyway at that time, she said. Joseph McStay, 40, and his wife, Summer, 43, disappeared along with their two children, Gianna, 4, and Joseph, 3, from their their serene San Diego-area community more than a month ago. Michael did not find any family at home, and their two dogs were in the backyard. I'm so bummed out after realising my diagnosis made a few years ago is legitimate. Joseph McStay's mother, Susan Blake, followed. Voice shaking, it was Merrit's turn to speak to the courtroom and to the McStay family's loved ones. The sentencing was supposed to begin at 8:30 a.m. but was delayed by about an hour because Merritt, for unknown reasons, wasn't transported to the courthouse. The 58-year-old Merritt is. He was arrested last year. Merritt was due to speak next. Unconfirmed family sightings were reported in Mexico and elsewhere, perpetuating hopes that they were safe and had left voluntarily. The bodieswere found in November 2013and Merrittwas arrested and chargeda year later. [20] Although it is possible for a U.S. citizen to enter Mexico without a passport, one is required to reenter the United States. 'Are you that family? "It didn't just mark me that day," Michael McStay said. Tony Shin reports for NBC4 News at 4 p.m. on Jan. 8, 2019. [2][12], On November 11, 2013, a dirt biker found four sets of human remains buried in two shallow graves in the desert near Victorville, California. Just stop all the appeals, all the shenanigans. Defense attorney Rajan Maline produced a check to Merritt for $3,300 that was issued in April 2010 and signed by Blake, not on her personnel account, but on an account for Earthinspiredproducts.com. In the summer of 2021, shocking news rocked the state of South Carolina. The court took a brief break. Chase, you are a low-life coward and a baby killer. The family had been beaten to death with a three-pound sledgehammer found in one of the graves. "Our family has already received a life sentence. On Feb. 15, the family was reported missing to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. (Will Lester . So why was being grilled about her books on Mastermind so Why should I be asked to tip when I shop online? Homicide investigators search the family's home on Avocado Vista Lane and found no sign of a struggle. "It is my deepest desire in my own life not to spread pain and suffering," said a. This included Susan Blake, Joseph McStay's mother. "Not natural causes; there was intent here.". You just do what you can for your son, and your family, she said. At that time, no one knew what happened to the family. I just dont remember very much because I fell to the office floor. He was in the hospital for a couple of weeks, and on the (February) 4, he was talking to my mother and he had to pull over when he was driving home because he felt vertigo type symptoms.'. [14], The circumstances surrounding the family's disappearance and the lack of clues about their whereabouts triggered speculation by amateur sleuths. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges that he killed McStay, 40, a former business associate; his wife, Summer, 43, and their two children, Gianni, 4, and Joseph Jr., 3, in their Fallbrook home on Feb. 4, 2010, then buried their bodies more than 100 miles away in two shallow graves in the Mojave Desert, north of Victorville and west of the 15 Freeway. Pavement where disabled woman gestured at cyclist before fatal crash, TN residents say Jack Daniel's distillery spews black mold, Incredible footage of Ukrainian soldiers fighting Russians in Bakhmut, Pro-Ukrainian drone lands on Russian spy planes exposing location, 'Buster is next!' NBC 7's Jackie Crea has more. I honestly believed my psychiatrist . "We don't run this circus. Finally, Joseph McStay's only surviving son from a previous marriage, Jonah McStay, took the podium. No one can explain how a seemingly normal suburban family who only moved into their new home in Fallbrook, California, three months earlier, could be living a regular life one day and then vanish the next. Before the sentencing was handed down, six of the McStay family's loved ones delivered tearful, spine-tingling impact statements in court, staring straight at the face of the killer who took the lives of their family. He was sentenced to death and life in prison. Radio host Rick Baker published a book, No Goodbyes: The Mysterious Disappearance of the McStay Family. The home had no signs of forced entry. Jurors in San Bernardino. The attorney stopped Merritt, saying, "You can't.". Indian lodge motel in joseph oregon. After Joseph, along with his wife and kids, suddenly went missing in February 2010, the authorities didn't have many leads. She had asked to get the money back, she said, But I never saw any., Blake had told an investigator that Merritt told her he completed a job for a customer in Saudi Arabia and was paid $17,000. She said the two tangled over how to keep the business afloat. Merritt is accused of killing his former business associate, Joseph McStay, McStay's wife Summer, and their two small children on Feb. 4, 2010. [27], Prosecutors allege that Merritt had a gambling problem and killed the McStay family for financial gain. Obviously that was a real problem for Joseph and he used to talk to me about it regularly. She said it was not until six months later that she could bear to go out to the site, marked by four crosses. The next week, deputies released a video of a group of people similar to the McStay family entering Mexico hand in hand through the pedestrian gate around 7 p.m. on February 8, 2010, the same day their vehicle was towed. I see its written, yes, she answered, confirming it was her signature. [32] On June 24, the jury recommended that Merritt be sentenced to death. Charles "Chase" Merritt, who was convicted of murdering the McStay family of four of Fallbrook, speaks to the judge before his sentencing at San Bernardino Superior Court in San Bernardino on. How scared were they, Chase? While Merritt does not think Summer was directly involved, he has revealed she treated Joseph horrendously in the years before they went missing. ', Merritt showed no emotion as she said she felt like she'd been hit by a boulder when she was told the bodies were found: 'It's just a nightmare.'. Joseph's family confirmed that he had an unexplained illness and that Summer was possessive of her husband, but they called Merritt's suggestion that she was responsible for his illness unfounded. How scared were they, Chase? He would try to ignore it at first, but she would call and call and eventually he would have to go off and deal with whatever drama there was. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. I just spoke to the prosecuting attorney in the Merritt case. He was such a great guy and he got his share of female attention. How scared were they, Chase? Chase Merritt sobs and says I did not do this thing. Officers arrived at the home and requested a search warrant, executed on February 19, 2010. . Immediately, the mysterious case gripped the community. His attorney also says Merritt himself will want to speak. Sentencing still has not happened. [19] Relatives of the McStays doubted that they would travel to Mexico, saying that Joseph and Summer avoided the country because of the safety threat posed by recent drug wars.
Human Resources Division Fbi,
Castleforge Partners Clockwise,
Mayfield Sand Ridge Membership Cost,
Articles J