#nbc7 https://t.co/muZXjqJBFT. Joseph McStay owned a custom fountain business and worked with Merritt. It would take years for investigators to discover the family's grisly fate. Working through prosecutor Rodriguezs objections, Maline asked Blake, Do remember if it bounced?. Despite all the problems they had and how explosive Summer was, I dont know if he ever truly believed she was capable of that, but it was definitely something he considered. Their bodies were not found until 2013, when an off-road motorcyclist came across them in the Mojave Desert. [29] Merritt's attorney filed a motion in San Bernardino Superior Court on April 7, 2018, arguing that Joseph's business and accounting records were hearsay evidence and therefore inadmissible. He was such a great guy and he got his share of female attention. 'I'm gonna get out the information and try to find them.'. An acquaintance of Merritt's told a San Diego reporter, "I think police should look at him and anyone associated with him. Chase Merritt sobs and says I did not do this thing. Judge just said clearly its not timely. #mcstay #nbc7 https://t.co/qLzXb6wJlM. Charles "Chase" Merritt, 62, was convicted in June of killing his former business associate Joseph McStay, 40, McStay's wife, Summer, 43, and their two children, Gianni, 4, and Joseph Jr.,. Victorville, California CNN . The fountain designer has always been seen as a key player in the mystery as he was one of Josephs closest friends and his most trusted business associate. She said it was not until six months later that she could bear to go out to the site, marked by four crosses. Merritt said the people responsible for the slayings are still free. Instead, they said, authorities zeroed in on an innocent man. Maline asked Blake about the point of that argument, again struggling against Rodriguezs objections: Chase is telling (Kavanaugh) that he is a liar, that he is getting the money and not giving it to him, he managed to outline to the witness. Michael did not find any family at home, and their two dogs were in the backyard. Journal articles: 'Kirkland House (Cambridge, Mass.)' - Grafiati Parents of Joseph McStay open up about his family's murder Patrick had the chance to directly address Merritt in court, calling him a 'ruthless mass murderer' and telling him, 'I hope you burn in hell. Unsealed warrants: Chase Merritt owed Joseph McStay $30k The two children were very young a three-year-old and a four-year-old. Prosecutors told jurors Merritt killed the family after learning McStay was cutting him out of his business making and selling custom water fountains. But despite that public front, I know, prior to their disappearance they had not had sex in more than a year. He was married to Summer McStay for seven years. Kavanaugh has denied any involvement in the familys disappearance and slayings. I know you dont believe me and thats what kills me. Sentencing set Friday for man convicted of killing McStay family Three years later, their bodies were found in a remote desert location more than 100 miles (160 kilometers) away in San Bernardino County. For years, police speculated they went to Mexica, but the McStays bodies were later found buried in the Mojave Desert in November 2013. 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. "I did not do this thing. Theres nothing more valuable on this Earth than time and that was stolen from them; that was stolen from us," he said. And then the family that was killed by their own friend?'" #nbc7 pic.twitter.com/usvvTgHitl. Charles Merritt was convicted of killing Joseph and Summer McStay along with their two sons. That family that went missing? "We don't run this circus. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Were just the clowns, - Britt Imes. ', 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. Chase, you are a low-life coward and a baby killer. His attorney also says Merritt himself will want to speak. Investigators believed the murder weapon was a 3-pound sledgehammer, which was found in the grave containing the remains of Summer and her son. He had this problem right up until the day he went missing. Ill never get another conversation with him. NBC 7 was once again inside the courtroom Tuesday. We are scarred for life., Its been almost 10 years and the pain hasnt subsided, she added. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. All rights reserved. I loved Joseph. #mcstay #nbc7 pic.twitter.com/gDh8XuxqiV, Merritt said he has the "utmost disdain" for the investigators and prosecutors who "put them all in this courtroom" and for the people who, in his words, "manipulated the evidence.". The McStays have deep Orange County ties, Cirignani said. Soon, the family's car was found at a strip mall in south San Diego County near the U.S.-Mexico border. #mcstay #nbc7 https://t.co/xNxV3CqRtr. Neither was Joseph's brother, Michael. [16], After their disappearance, it was speculated that the McStays left voluntarily since investigators found searches on the family's computers for "What documents do children need for traveling to Mexico?" ': 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!' Merritt was due to speak next. The McStay family disappeared from their San Diego County home in 2010. 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. Sheriffs investigators believeSummer McStay may have been rapedbefore she was killed. Patrick McStay has waited for this day, when he finally gets to speak in court, gets to speak for his slain son Joseph McStay, daughter-in-law Summer and two young grandsons. 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? [6] Joseph owned and operated Earth Inspired Products, a company that built decorative fountains, and Summer was a licensed real estate agent. Don't worry, your fate will be way less tragic than that of the family you murdered. ", Chase Merritt watching and listening. The bodies were identified asJoseph, Summer, Joseph Mateo, and Gianani McStay. On February 15, Michael phoned the San Diego County Sheriff's Department (SDSD) and reported that his brother and his family were missing. Blake said Merritt and Kavanugh got into arguments in two meetings during the spring of 2010. SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. A Southern California man was sentenced to death Tuesday for the 10-year-old killings of a family of four whose bodies were found buried in shallow graves in the California desert. [15] Baker began following the case in 2013 after interviewing Michael McStay on his program. The clip appeared to show a family of four crossing the border into Mexico -- a family that looked like they could have been the McStays. Border Video Surveillance Raises Questions on Missing Family's California has not executed anyone since 2006. But speaking on CNN in 2010 he said: 'My understanding was in the last year hed been having these vertigo type symptoms. [10], Over the next several days, relatives of the McStays unsuccessfully tried to contact the family. After 4 Years Of Investigation, Authorities Say McStay - HuffPost Nine years after the McStay family disappeared, their accused killer "I want to psychologically mess you up," he said to Merritt. I was not his best friend, but he was mine and I believe he opened up to me about things he would not tell anyone else. Charles Merritt was found guilty of murdering a family of four, and now the jury is recommending the death penalty. 'And then as the days went by, you start thinking, "Okay, something's not right here." He maintained his innocence, saying something has always been "amiss" in this case. Victorville, California - Four years ago, Patrick McStay lost everything he loved. The mother of Joseph McStay wept on the witness stand Tuesday as she recounted the moment in November 2013 when she learned the remains of her son, his wife, and their boys aged 3 and 4,. Finally, Joseph McStay's only surviving son from a previous marriage, Jonah McStay, took the podium. [26], According to the arrest warrant affidavits filed in the case, autopsies concluded that all four victims had been beaten to death with a blunt object. "Our family has already received a life sentence. He had a son from a previous relationship, who he didnt get to see much of and he was terrified that would happen with his two boys if he left Summer. Merritt was transferred to San Quentin State Prison until an execution date is scheduled. The evidence finally placing Merritt at the scene of the crime was his cellphone data, prosecutors said. Mrs Blake described Josephs symptoms as something similar to vertigo and said he complained of feeling 'woozy'. McStay family murder: 4-year-old was struck 7 times on head He told me when they had first got together they had a great sex life, but she just lost interest. Gunfire at four 7-Elevens leaves 2 dead, in Brea and Santa Ana, 3 Merritt is charged with killing his business associate Joseph McStay; McStay's wife, Summer; and their 3- and 4-year-old sons. Susan said they would stop in little towns that had just a gas station and a grocery store to post flyers. 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. Joseph McStay and his wife, Summer, and their 4- and 3-year sons, Gianni and Joseph Jr., were a fun-loving, happy family who'd recently settled into a comfortable life in Fallbrook, California. Did you always look up to him Imes asked. He was a big part of my life and my familys life. Why? Imes asked, and Michael broke down on the witness stand. The home had no signs of forced entry. Summer McStay's ex-husband spoke next. Dont worry, your fate will be way less tragic than of the family you murdered.. Do you remember writing that check? he asked. Day by day, month by month, the case grew colder. Princess Diana's nieces Lady Eliza and Amelia share Do not sell or share my personal information. He played a portion of "Spirit in the Sky" by Norman Greenbaum in court, saying he was making good on a promise he made to Summer McStay many years ago. He went to the doctor a number of times, but they just didnt know what was wrong with him. Michael McStay's wife spoke next, talking about the pain her family and husband live with every single day. He boasted it had a "loft/game room & big. And she recounted for Rodriguez how she gave $4,410 in personal checks to Merritt in the months after her son and his family disappeared, based on Merritts claims he needed the money to complete projects for the business. If you were trying to save the business, Ms. Blake, what steps did you take to learn about the funds that were coming into the business and going out of the business, Maline asked, surviving an objection from Rodriguez. Three years later, no sign of missing family | CNN 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.'. 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. 'Some rough places, but you have had somebody stab me, it doesn't matter,' she noted. All of the motions were denied. Yes, sir, McStay replied. Charles "Chase" Merritt, 62, was sentenced to life in prison for the killing of his former business associate, Joseph McStay, 40. I'm so bummed out after realising my diagnosis made a few years ago is legitimate. Mike crawled through a window and discovered food rotting in the kitchen, and Summer's prescription sunglasses were also left on the table. Do I think Chase is involved? She said the day detectives told her they had found her family's bodies, it felt as if she'd been hit by a boulder. The book will be released later this year. Ultimately, officials determined it was not the McStay family in that video. Joseph McStay, 40, and his wife, Summer, 43, went missing along with their two children, Gianna, 4, and Joseph, 3. How to trick yourself slim: Top nutritionist reveals her tips including shrinking your cutlery, sniffing Meghan's (very expensive) date night look! How could you beat two precious little babies? ', 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.'. 'This despicable, evil monster. Patrick McStay, Joseph's father, was informed of the discovery and phoned missing person advocate Jerrie Dean to tell her what he knew. His most recent felony conviction, in 2001, was for the theft of $32,000 worth of welding and drilling equipment from San Gabriel Valley Ornamental Iron Works in Monrovia, California. Charles "Chase" Merritt appears at his sentencing hearing in San Bernardino, California, on Jan. 21, 2020. Hes considering motion of insufficient evidence to support verdict. #McStay family visibly frustrated. Doctors couldnt diagnose the energy-sapping condition and according to his close friend, Chase Merritt, he started to suspect that his fiery wife may have something to do with it. The McStays' skeletal remains were unearthed along with a three-pound rusted sledgehammer believed to be the murder weapon a bra and a child's pants and diaper. How the Princess of Wales recreated her 2006 outfit from Prince William's Sandhurst graduation Behind-the-scenes at fashion week with the Spencers! Who'll find love on our blind date? Here are some last-minute, Best last-minute Valentines Day gifts for him, These are places to live on the West Coast, Scooter rider killed in crash near border identified, SD Co. Sheriff: 2022 inmate death now ruled a homicide, A new pirate-themed speakeasy has washed ashore in, This SD campground is among the best in America, CA extends tax deadline to Oct. 16 for disaster areas, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. And when four skeletal remains were found in shallow graves in the remote Mojave Desert, San Bernardino County, it put an end to any belief the McStays had started a new life in the sunshine. Man convicted of killing McStay family sentenced to death (File photo by Kurt Miller, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG), In this file photo Susan Blake, mother of Joseph McStay, wipes her eyes at a press conference at the San Bernardino Sheriff Headquarters on Friday, November 15, 2013. His son, Joseph, his daughter-in-law, Summer, and their two little boys, Gianni, 4, and Joseph Jr., 3 vanished. He conducted dozens of interviews on the case (traveling to Mexico, Belize, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic), followed leads, and reported sightings of the family. McStay murders: A man is on death row for the brutal killings of a Officers arrived at the home and requested a search warrant, executed on February 19, 2010. Doves were . 'When I last talked to my son, on February 4, he said he still didnt feel good,' said Blake, adding that she had provided the Sheriffs Dept with information on Josephs health problems. Basically, she wouldnt let him near her. [2][11], During their investigation, the police learned that around 11:00 pm on February 8, the family's Trooper had been towed from a strip mall parking lot in San Ysidro, San Diego, near the Mexican border. 'They actually thought that was really them going over the border on the video,' said Susan, who was skeptical but still headed to Mexico to search for her family. January 21, 2020 Merritt, 62, was sentenced to life in prison for murdering Joseph McStay, 40. The Mystery of The McStay Family Disappearance She said they clashed in front of her as they argued how to keep the business going. The father's parents, Patrick McStay and Susan Blake, have opened up about the murders on the second season of the Oxygen true-crime series Killer Motive, which premieres on January 23. Where Are Patrick and Michael McStay Now? - The Cinemaholic Homicide investigators search the family's home on Avocado Vista Lane and found no sign of a struggle. "Not natural causes; there was intent here.". #nbc7 #mcstay He told Merrit, I want to psychological mess you up. https://t.co/0xbSXeb9kX. Joseph McStay, de 40 aos, su mujer, Summer, de 43, y sus hijos Gianni, de 4, y Joseph Jr., de 3, desaparecieron de su casa en Fallbrook, California, el 4 de febrero de 2010 DESAPARICIN Patrick noted that it was 'highly unusual for [the dogs] to be left out alone like that. "Ultimately, I hope to be a father and when I am, I will hold my children close," he continued. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. McStay Family Murders: Who Killed Them? | Crime News - Oxygen Official Site Inside the Gruesome McStay Family Murder Case - Peoplemag "[21][22], In 2013, Merritt acknowledged he had spent more than an hour with Joseph the day the McStay family went missing. Queen Letizia of Spain is polished in a recycled Reiss skirt as she joins King Felipe VI at Repli-Kate! 'He told me he was in a hurry because he had a lunch meeting,' the dad told Killer Motive host Troy Roberts. Six victim impact statements were heard before Merritt got a chance to speak at the continued sentencing hearing Tuesday. Joseph and Summer McStay were found buried in shallow desert graves along with their two young sons nearly four years after they vanished from their suburban California home (San Bernardino. The judge has been speaking for the last hour - and still going, reviewing in slow, excruciating detail certain facts of the case. Then, he slammed the podium loudly with his hands.Come on, Chase! 'You Are a Baby Killer': Calif. Man Sentenced to Death for Killing Patrick said, "I truly believe she loved my son. Blake was followed in testimony by her son and Joseph McStays brother, Michael McStay who said Joseph gave him $2,000 to start his fire sprinkler system business. Chase Merritt, 62, is facing a potential death sentence, or life in prison. But he would not even entertain the idea of cheating on her. ', Getting worried: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, Confusing: Upon Mike's arrival, he noticed that Joseph's 1996 Isuzu Trooper was missing, but their dogs were in the backyard, Abandoned: When Mike crawled through a window of the San Diego County home, he discovered food rotting in the kitchen. "It didn't just mark me that day," Michael McStay said. Blake said, speaking to Merritt. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Mother Provides Emotional Testimony in McStay Family Murder Trial 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. They took none of their belongings, left $100,000 in the bank and even abandoned their beloved dogs. Just stop all the appeals, all the shenanigans. Le 9 fvrier 2010, il avait envoy un courrier lectronique au pre de Joseph McStay, alertant de la disparition de son associ : Je n'ai pas de nouvelles de Joe. Merritt was found guilty on June 10, 2019, on four counts of murder. when an off-road motorcyclist came across them in the Mojave Desert, New weekly farmers market opens in Cardiff, Dierks Bentleys Gravel & Gold tour coming to San, Vehicle pursuit prompts lane closures on SR-76, SD animal sanctuary rescues cougar orphanedin car, 2 critically injured in head-on collision, Teenage bicyclist hurt in hit-and-run crash, Experts explain concerns, benefits from CA storms, Best deals of Presidents Day weekend 2023, Forgot about Valentines Day? Summer's sister stated that her passport was expired. [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. I would never hurt him in any way. "Closer still because I know what it's like to lose people I love.". As recently as April, the FBI believed the family went to Mexico voluntarily. Arent you tired? As a precaution, investigators took DNA samples from the car, but there was still no evidence of foul play. A neighbor's security camera was triggered at 7:47PM when the McStays . On February 19, California police notified Interpol to be on the lookout for the family. Just a monster. Joseph McStay; his wife, Summer; and their two children, Gianni and Joseph Mateo, have not been heard from since the night of Thursday, February 4, 2010. He was sentenced to the death penalty for the slayings of Joseph McStay's wife, Summer McStay, 43, and the couple's two sons, Gianni McStay, 4, and Joseph McStay, Jr., 3. Michael McStay remembered the day detectives told him and his family that the bodies of his brother, sister-in-law, and nephews had been discovered in the desert. "So unnatural. Crying for Mommy and Daddy? Patrick McStay was there, too, along with other members of the McStay family, including Joseph McStay's brother, Michael McStay. Summer and Joseph McStay as well as their sons Joseph Mateo and Gianni had vanished without leaving much behind in terms of clues or without really informing any of their kith and kin. On Monday, more than four years since his arrest in connection with the slayings, the family's accused killer, Charles "Chase" Merritt, is scheduled to go on trial on murder charges in San. The thing that is bringing you this solace, is ending my life. 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. And now, victim impact statements before formal sentencing. [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. Smith ordered Merritt transferred to San Quentin State Prison until an execution date is scheduled. The impression I get is that Summer would use her sexuality to get attention and get what she wanted. The bodies of two members of a family that went missing in 2010 have been identified. Where were they? Charles "Chase" Merritt was convicted in June of killing his former business associate Joseph McStay, McStay's wife, Summer, and their 4- and 3-year-old sons, Gianni and Joseph Jr.. McStay Family Update: Joseph McStay's father says he suspects three Joseph McStay's mother Susan Blake addresses the court during the sentencing of Charles Chase Merritt on Jan. 21, 2020. [3] The trial began on January 7, 2019, in San Bernardino. 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. Then a few people started putting the idea in his head that maybe Summer was behind it. Businessman Joseph McStay, his wife, Summer, and their two young sons -- Gianni 4, Joseph Jr. 3 -- were last heard from Feb. 4. In October 2009, Joseph McStay excitedly e-mailed a friend about the house he and his wife had purchased in the San Diego suburb of Fallbrook, Calif. The hearing, which consumed more than 10 hours, concluded with several emotional statements from McStays mother, brother, in-laws and surviving son, as well as from Merritt himself, who continued to maintain his innocence, I loved Joseph, he said, his voice shaking a times. Prosecutors eventually discovered that about the time the family vanished thousands of dollars in checks allegedly from McStay to Merritt had been written and cashed. [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. How scared were they, Chase? On the surface, while tragic, it may not seem all that crazy. But even then rumors of dubious dealings with Mexican cartels bubbled away. At the time, Joseph owned an online company named Earth Inspired Products that sold decorative water fountains. Charles Chase Merritt, l'associ du pre de famille retrouv mort avec femme et . How could you beat two precious little babies? In 2010, Joseph McStay (age 40) and his wife Summer (age 43) lived in Fallbrook, California, with their sons Gianni (age 4) and Joseph Jr. (age 3).

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