Case Discussion: The Facts

Posted on by Duly Noted Media

This blog is meant to serve as a timeline of events leading up to the trial of Chase Merritt. Merritt was arrested in 2014 for the murders of four members of the young Mcstay family. Two adults and two children senselessly lost their lives. Since Merritt’s arrest, his trial has been delayed multiple times. Prosecutors first began presenting evidence during a June 2015 preliminary hearing.

The Mcstays suffered horrible deaths. A man named Chase Merritt is accused of committing these crimes. Those are the two facts of this case. We are discussing that here.

The latest fact to discuss is Chase Merritt’s decision to hire new attorneys. Whether or not you believe it to be intentional, Merritt’s tactic of dropping attorneys, declaring himself as an attorney and now hiring an entire new team of attorneys has delayed the trial. Either Merritt has a huge story to tell or he is extremely calculating. Or both. That is also up for discussion.

There is a lot of circumstantial evidence, a lot of hearsay and a lot of miscommunication surrounding this case. Those are more facts about this case. We will be handling discussions about hearsay and miscommunication with care. Please don’t use the comment section as a fishing mission for information. Do post links to Facebook pages. Do not post links to maps of home addresses.

There was a book written about this case. That is also a fact. We will not be discussing that book here. That is another fact.

If you want to sleuth together, give Websleuths a try. There are some very smart folks who contribute to that forum.

If you have something lengthy you’d like to post, email me. My email is dulynotededitor@gmail.com. I am happy to work with you on it. If you are serious about wanting to join the Editorial Freelancers Association so that you may gain access to a court room, I suggest you check out their application process. I would not suggest joining and then submitting a request to the court to record the Merritt trial, unless  you are a published writer. Professional organizations and courts take those requests seriously, and you do not want to become known for that move.

For those who continue to visit this blog, thank you. There have been some compelling discussions here, and I hope that can continue. Please follow the rules. If a string of comments turns into a discussion and that discussion starts to veer down a wildly speculative path, I won’t publish those comments.

103 thoughts on “Case Discussion: The Facts”

    1. According to news articles, March 23. The court site shows March 25 as the next hearing, but it might not have been updated. It still shows Chase as pro se, too.

  2. Hope this isn’t veering off topic too much. I keep wondering if they’ve exchanged witness lists yet. From the prelim we sort of got an idea about who’s gonna testify about what in LE, I’m sure there could be others in LE.

  4. I have never seen a case where witness lists were made public before a trial. One can easily imagine what would happen if witnesses names were published.

    1. Witness lists are usually exchanged during the discovery process, aren’t they? Discovery is still ongoing. Hearing on March 25th to discuss discovery. I never heard witness lists being made public either.

    1. I’ve had no luck either finding any info about today’s hearing. 😦

      The new court site it terrible. They still have Chase as pro se. They finally put up that there was a media request filed for coverage of the hearing today.

      03/23/2016 Media Request Filed
      Comment
      MEDIA REQUEST FILED BY KABC TV7 – 03/23/16 HEARING

  11. This is what the court site currently says. Does this mean there was another time delay? This information was not showing up earlier when I checked the site.

    03/23/2016 Media Request Filed
    Comment
    MEDIA REQUEST FILED BY KABC TV7 – 03/23/16 HEARING
    03/23/2016 Time waived:
    03/23/2016 Dispo/Reset

  13. According to the vvdailypress article, SB Court now has a spokesperson, Dennis Smith. The new spokesperson isn’t releasing much info in the article. Why a spokesperson now?

    “A continuance was granted Wednesday to the new defense of the accused killer in the McStay family murders case, according to Superior Court of San Bernardino County Spokesman Dennis Smith.”

    1. Maybe since SB only lets people see the crappy site and not the minutes, etc. of the hearings anymore, they figured they’ll get someone to update the public??
      Maybe because of the other way we were able to see the info, we were able to see who the defense was paying as experts, etc.? TMI??
      Oh, I don’t know with this case, anymore! LOL

      1. Laraxs, what I do know is the new court site is terrible. Maybe they want the public to pay for the details of the case information. There is an area now on the new court site to purchase information.

  15. The vvdaily article has been updated.

    – Riverside-based attorney Rajan R. Maline told the Daily Press he requested the continuance because more time was needed to attain discovery from his defendant’s previous attorneys.

    – “Basically it’s discovery compliance,” Maline said. “…there’s so much of it that it’s taken some time to get together.”

    – “I think part of the problem before (with the previous attorneys) was that there wasn’t progress being made,” Maline explained, “but we’re making progress to being ready and that’s all he asked for. If you think about it from his standpoint, he’s an innocent man in jail for something he didn’t do. And that’s very frustrating and we understand that.”

    – Following the continuance, a hearing date was set for April 29 to confirm whether Merritt is prepared to proceed to trial, according to Smith.

    – “We will have made enough progress by then to forecast when we’re ready for trial,” Maline said of the April 29 hearing.

    http://www.vvdailypress.com/news/20160323/merritts-new-attorney-granted-continuance

    1. Thanks, Rose. Mattias, IMO, seemed to be trying to “solve” the murders, as opposed to just proving CM didn’t DO them/ couldn’t have done them. Again, just from what Mettias insinuated, after the hearing when the “other” witness came forward.
      Also, it seems, from the prelim, that the state is gonna MAYBE use fingerprints from CM that they found in the house.
      They made a point of saying Mikey went around the house looking for anything out of place, and, also, made a point of the fact that CM didn’t want to go thru the house.

      24 Q Did Michael indicate to you that he observed what he
      25 thought was unusual behavior by the defendant while in the house
      26 on February 13th?
      27 A Yes.
      28 Q What was that behavior he observed?
      39
      1 A Just that he didn’t want to walk around the house. He
      2 wanted to basically stay sequestered in the lower portion while
      3 Michael was looking around.
      4 Q Did he indicate to you whether the defendant touched
      5 anything or anything such as that?
      6 A I don’t believe he did, no. He did not, Merritt did not
      7 touch anything.

      1. Good point laraxs about the possibility of Chase’s fingerprints being in the house. But Chase was inside the home many times prior to the disappearance, so his prints should be there as should McGyver’s. Didn’t Chase help the family move in? Did he also help with the renovation of the upstairs bathroom and the kitchen? His prints could be in many of the areas of the home, IMO.

  16. CM’s fingerprints in the house mean nothing, imo. Since he worked with Joey and probably visited every now and then, one would expect his fingerprints to be in the home.

  17. Thanks for the great info Rose. I agree that Chase’s fingerprints would be expected to be found in the house.

  18. I think prosecutors will present an overwhelming amount of circumstantial evidence at trial (much more than we’ve seen from the Prelim). At this point, they’ve had months and months to perfect their presentation and run mock trials, and I believe they’ll present each piece of circumstantial evidence very carefully and logically. The end result, at trial, will have all the pieces of circumstantial evidence coming together with the forensic evidence and witness testimony to form cohesive and logical picture for the jury.

    I think the defense team will have a real challenge trying to disprove and discredit what will be presented. If they try to disrupt the flow of the prosecution’s presentations with bogus objections or arguments, the jury will see right through it and it will only help to solidify the defendant’s guilt. I think at this point, Merritt knows he’s going down and he just wants to get the whole thing over with so he can enjoy the relative comfort of prison compared to the county jail where he’s at now.

    1. If Chase did this crime, then he needs to pay for it. No doubt about that. However, Maline and McGee are seasoned attorneys. I don’t think they will play games with bogus objections or arguments. McGee worked as a SB prosecutor for a number of years. I suspect he knows how the prosecution will present their case. I do agree there is more circumstantial evidence that the prosecution will present, along with some forensic evidence and witness testimony which will all be refuted by the defense. There is no smoking gun, as Ramos has said. We have yet to hear what the defense will present. According to Chase, a shit storm is coming. I’m not passing judgement until all the cards are on the table and all witnesses have been heard from, including expert testimony from both sides.

      1. When faced with a strong case from the prosecution, defense attorneys are known to get creative and agressive when countering evidence and witness testimony. As just one example of this, take a look at Johnnie Cochran. He was a Los Angeles assistant DA who eventually became a private defense attorney and rose to fame during the OJ Simpson trial. The fact that he had previously worked for the DA’s office didn’t keep him from using outrageous and controversial defense tactics for his clients. The point I’m making here, is that the main objective of a defense attorney is to win the case. They know that the harder a case is to win, the more fame and success a victory will bring them if they do win it for their client.

        So, don’t underestimate the defense in this case, regardless of their legal background. Also, I strongly believe law enforcement got the right guy for the crimes he’s charged with. With that in mind, I don’t believe a word Merritt says about “shit storms” or anything else for that matter.

      2. When faced with a strong case from the prosecution, defense attorneys are known to get creative and aggressive when countering evidence and witness testimony. As just one example of this, take a look at Johnnie Cochran. He was a Los Angeles assistant DA who eventually became a private defense attorney and rose to fame during the OJ Simpson trial. The fact that he had previously worked for the DA’s office didn’t keep him from using outrageous and controversial defense tactics for his clients. The point I’m making here, is that the main objective of a defense attorney is to win the case. They know that the harder a case is to win, the more fame and success a victory will bring them if they do win it for their client.

        So, don’t underestimate the defense in this case, regardless of their legal background. Also, I strongly believe law enforcement got the right guy for the crimes he’s charged with. With that in mind, I don’t believe a word Merritt says about “shit storms” or anything else for that matter.

        1. Baker is probably the one who came up with the shit storm stuff just to be dramatic. I think the only shit storm coming is Merritt getting LWOP or death.

        2. Time will tell if there is a shit storm coming or not. I think Chase is the one who mentioned the shit storm and Rick was his messenger.

  19. Any thoughts on why the other blog has a photo of Lytle Creek Road 3NO6 newly posted on its site with caption of “coming soon”? A truck belonging to a missing mand (Steve D. Geisler) was found up in the San Gabriels on Lytle Creek Rd after he went missing in May of 2013.

    1. Just gotta ask. On the other blog, why did you immediately go to the McStay case and any so early on in the discussion? In another post on this site, you had a motorcycle gang and CM’s son or someone such as that getting rid of bodies, IIRC.
      Just a question about the implications of your thoughts on these type of circumstances. Is it Merritt you’re questioning, or the associates of Joey McStay?
      Thanks, Tom. As I said, is this another direction you’re implying or just musings OR is Merritt involved in other dirty deeds?

      1. PS I also admit I’m interested in what “other” blog you’re talking about. Possibly I could be at wrong other blog.

        1. Never mind. Found the other “other” blog. AND, the other, “other”, “other” blog you posted the same info on.
          There’s a LOT more murders/missing persons in that area. Probably a LOT more of other things, too. With all the suggestions of CM being involved in other missing persons….you sure he wasn’t cookin meth out in the desert in a trailer, as well?

    2. Don’t know if this will show up twice, BUT, perhaps I’m not utilizing the same “other” blog of which you speak.

  20. I have no idea as to why anybody would be trying to associate Chase with the missing Steve Geisler (if that is what they are doing.) There is no evidence of such.

    1. Just an FYI, Rose. The posts I made yesterday were about the posts on the other site, the so called “angry” blog, BEFORE the innuendo’s were cleaned up regarding CM’s involvement, his whereabouts, and reasons for his possible involvements.
      I’ll “assume” members from that site came here and saw my posts and decided it best to clean up their act.
      Should have done a screen save.

  23. I changed my mind, I decided I got no dog in this race. Obviously, there’s plenty of evidence from BOTH sides that may or may not affect the jury’s decision. At the end of the day, THEY will decide. Not any of us.
    I’m neither a “Baker-ite” nor a hen, chicken, rooster, goose or any other permutation of said group. I DO read both blogs, though.
    I have no idea why either blog is called “Justice for the Mcstays” . The “angry” blog is just that…angry. Angry and filled with hatred and they allow RB to rattle their cage. Yank their chains, whatever. It’s a waste of time and it doesn’t look good on any of you. (Like you could give a rat’s azz..LOL)
    The RB blog…I don’t know WHAT or HOW to describe it. We have a guy who, for all intents and purposes, sounds like the Great and Powerful Oz. “All will be revealed at trial” is often a standard answer for what appears to be just a simple “I have no freekin idea”. “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain”. Questions are answered often like he’s the Magic Eight Ball.
    This morning/last evening a post was made regarding a person named DD on the RB blog. I won’t repeat her name because that has got to be one of THE most childish things I have ever seen on ANY blog. What the eff was that “man” thinking? A new low for anyone.
    A “gotcha” moment? THAT’S what brings pleasure to a blogger who is supposedly there “only to get justice for Gianni and Joseph Jr” ?? Lord, any of you dumb nitwits over on the angry blog who called are just as bad.
    These are just my opinions and observations. Unsolicited, of course.

  24. From Joe Nelson:

    Joe Nelson ‏@SBcountyNow
    Merritt has a new private investigator: Retired @SanBernardinoPD homicide sergeant Gary Robertson.

    Joe Nelson ‏@SBcountyNow
    Merritt’s former PI, David Farrell, is also present for hearing. He said he was subpoenaed to be at hearing today. #McStay #ChaseMerritt

    Joe Nelson ‏@SBcountyNow
    Motions have been filed regarding physical evidence and a witness list prosecutors are requesting from defense counsel. #McStay

    Joe Nelson ‏@SBcountyNow
    Defense asked for gag order against Farrell so as not to jeopardize #ChaseMerritt’s right to fair trial. #McStay

  25. Joe Nelson ‏@SBcountyNow
    Judge Michael Smith said he was reluctant to issue a broad gag order and declined to do so. #McStay #ChaseMerritt

  26. Joe Nelson ‏@SBcountyNow
    Merritt’s attorney, James McGee, said Farrell hasn’t received any work product from Farrell, and asked that it be turned over. #McStay

    Joe Nelson ‏@SBcountyNow
    Smith ordered Farrell to turn over any reports he wrote and a list of witnesses he interviewed to defense by May 5 hearing. #McStay

    1. Joe Nelson ‏@SBcountyNow
      McGee also said Farrell may be in possession of an item of physical evidence, which needs to be turned over if that is case. #McStay

      Joe Nelson ‏@SBcountyNow
      Farrell said, “I don’t know what they’re talking about,” when asked if he had any physical evidence he hadn’t turned over to attorneys.

      Joe Nelson ‏@SBcountyNow
      Motions & response motions filed by attorneys regarding the possible physical evidence in question are under seal. #McStay #ChaseMerritt

  27. Joe Nelson ‏@SBcountyNow
    McGee also said Farrell may be in possession of an item of physical evidence, which needs to be turned over if that is case. #McStay

    Nelson ‏@SBcountyNow
    Farrell said, “I don’t know what they’re talking about,” when asked if he had any physical evidence he hadn’t turned over to attorneys.

  28. Since the PI was appointed by the court, he should be getting paid by the state by putting in a bill or whatever, right? Maybe I’m wrong.
    IF Farrell hasn’t been paid, supposedly since August, as per RB, it shouldn’t have anything to do with Jimmy “the Z”, or maybe I’m missing something?
    Thanks for the updates, Rose.

    1. laraxs, well if it’s as Friend or Foe has suggested, maybe Mettias (Chase’s lead attorney) received the check from the court to pay the investigator and he never paid Farrell. And that’s only if the county sends the check to the attorney instead of directly to the PI working the case.

      1. Could be, Rose. That makes stupid sense to me, but what do I know. The dreaded “assumed” comes out and I just “assumed” since the court “appointed” Farrell, and CM “hired” Mettias, the twain wouldn’t meet since Farrell didn’t work for Mettias…LOL
        Again I’m left saying nothing should surprise me in this case anymore. AND, I thought I said I didn’t care….LOL

        1. You would be incorrect in your belief that the court “appointed” Ferrel. Look up court actions on the court website I believe you will find that Mr. Farrell put in a confidential application for private investigator, which then was appointed a week or two later. It wasn’t as if the court picture out of a pool of investigators. So my question is this how did he happen up on this case? Why did he apply for it? When was his first visit to Merritt? Before or after his confidential application? Methinks it was before…

        2. You would be incorrect in your belief that the court “appointed” Ferrel. Look up court actions on the court website I believe you will find that Mr. Farrell put in a confidential application for private investigator, which then was appointed a week or two later. It wasn’t as if the court picked him out of a pool of investigators. So my question is this how did he happen up on this case? Why did he apply for it? When was his first visit to Merritt? Before or after his confidential application? Methinks it was before…

        3. Hi, Desert Rat. Hmmm, then it DOES appear that “Ferrel” DID, in fact, follow protocol, and filed out an application and was “appointed” by the court. It “appears” as if it would be similar to how the public defenders are chosen – by order and availability in said “pool”. That’s just what me thinks. LOL
          The only point I was making was, since he was “appointed” by the court, his compensation would seemingly come from his putting in a bill to the place that “appointed” him. Nothing more, nothing less.
          I’d love to see where his application was noted on the court website, though. I’ve never seen that. Sounds interesting. I can’t recall even the “old” site having something in such detail as when he put his application in, though, especially since it’s confidential. The site just had a remark that he was “appointed” by the court.
          As far as how he happened upon this case, when he applied or when he first visited might best be answered by the man himself. Or, RB, perhaps, judging by the misspelling of the investigators name.

        4. OK, Desert Rat. Saw you gave a more detailed post over on another site. So, correct me if I’m wrong, you’re saying Farrell went to see CM first, then put in his application, then magically 1-2 weeks later showed up as his PI? BUT, was “appointed” by the court. I DO remember when the whole change between CM reping himself and getting other lawyers, the case log said the “court appointed” PI would remain the same.
          What confuses me is that you’re insinuating Farrell saw CM BEFORE he filled out everything, THEN got put on the case. On the other site it appears you’re implying something nefarious is going on between the DA and Farrell. Or, Farrell has something the DA knows about and Farrell hasn’t told the defense about it either?
          If I’m not mistaken, the court ordered the info from Farrell to be given to the defense back in March, no? That was one of the reasons for the delay in the new team getting up to speed.
          You say in the other post that the DA seems to KNOW about some evidence for 35 days. Is this “real” evidence or just something the DA “assumes” exists due to it being mentioned on some website? Perhaps forwarded to them from someone who enjoys inserting their purported info into this case?
          This is starting to sound like an Abbott and Costello routine.

        5. Based on what was said in court room and what was reported in news…. Farrell was ordered to show in court regarding some alleged piece of evidence or discovery that the prosecution is aware of and the defense was responding to the people’s motion. The defense appeared to not have knowledge of alleged evidence or discovery that appeared to be presented to the prosecution by Farrell. Everything was under seal so we may or may not know what this alleged “item/info” is. Defense was in a Reactionary stance IMO. Make no mistake Farrell was there at the order of the people.

  29. Thank you Rose for the updates. Well if SB County sends the checks out to the attorney, expecting them to reimburse the investigator, that is a bad practice that invites problems. It would be nice to get clarification as to how the checks are sent. I see nothing addressing this in the 987.2 rules for SB. Speaking of which, the defense really should not have their butt hanging out on the Superior Court website as to what experts they are hiring. That is supposed to be confidential work product that the public and the prosecution should not be privy to until such time the defense makes the decision to use that expert witness in court. 987.2 talks about filing that under seal and the obvious next step would NOT be recording it for all to see on the court website.

    Lastly, I found an article on the new investigator on the case which says he just retired from SB PD on Halloween of 2015.

    http://www.sbsun.com/general-news/20151114/san-bernardino-sgt-remembers-mynisha-crenshaw-once-again-it-was-a-child

    1. Thanks Friend or Foe for your thoughts. If the checks are sent out in the manner in which you state, then there is a major problem, since Farrell hasn’t been paid since August.

    2. Thanks for the info, F or F. Interesting all the ex SBPD he has representing him. Don’t know if I’d be comfortable with that arrangement.

      1. Laraxs, I kind of agree with you. I wonder if the new investigator was appointed by the court or hired by Chase and his team? If the later, I don’t think Chase would hire somebody he is not comfortable with. JMO

        1. Couldn’t tell ya, Rose. But you’re probably right about that.
          I just got a verbal spanking from Desert Rat for my comments about where Farrell’s paycheck would come from. So, I guess I’m supposed to go off and figure out why Farrell’s on the case, when he put his app in, why he put an app in and when he first visited Merritt.
          The old court site was less than informative, the new site is totally void of anything really informative, so I don’t know where I’m supposed to get any answers to any one of Desert Rat’s questions.
          Maybe he/she’ll come back and let me know.

      2. SBPD does not have jurisdiction over this case. San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department has that honor. HUGE difference!

        1. Hey, Just Me! I kinda lump it all together. I just use PD as “police” – man in uniform type of things. I’ll use SBSO. Might take a few times to get me retrained, but not trying to piss you off.

    1. Thanks, Rose. Helps a lot since the tweets seem confusing when the hearing is taking place. I don’t know the exact setup if tweeting in the courtroom is permitted. Maybe that’s why.

  31. Found this in the SB County Local Rules:

    “RULE 1460.8 INVESTIGATORS AND EXPERTS FEES IN CAPITAL CASES
    The Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino shall have two (2) Judges monitor and authorize fees
    for the investigators and experts in capital cases per P. C. 987.9. They shall be appointed by the Presiding Judge to
    serve as he/she desires. Investigator and Expert claims on capital cases are to be submitted to the defense counsel
    and per the instructions in the Superior Court’s Procedures for Administration of 987.9 Penal Code Applications.”

  32. found this from B 7 of the 987.2 rules and regs. Hopefully someone knowledgeable about SB capital case funding can weigh in.

    7. Conflict Panel Trust Fund Expenditure Applications
    The adult indigent defense contractors (“conflict panel”) must receive prior
    express written approval from the Court’s designated PC§987.2 Judge for
    any contract trust fund expenditure that is not strictly consistent with the
    Court’s Local Rules or Appointed Services Fee Schedule, or prior to
    expending more than the contract-specified amount in trust funds preauthorized
    for investigator services for any single case, or for any travelrelated
    expenses other than mileage reimbursement. The contractors are
    encouraged to pursue discounted rates for appointed expert services
    when and where possible that will result in savings of trust fund
    expenditures. It is the duty of the Contractor to endeavor to negotiate the
    lowest hourly rate an expert will work for recognizing that the expert’s
    10
    services are a public expense. It is anticipated that the pre-authorized
    amount specified in the contracts should be sufficient for most cases
    represented by the conflict panel, and that approval of additional funds will
    be an exception for extraordinarily complex cases.

  33. “Believe half of whatcha see, some or none of whatcha hear. So, it’s been bantered about that CM’s lawyers are getting “paid” with book and movie rights. As I’ve been reading, this means CM says they can throw away his right to “attorney client privilege” and voila – books, movies, dollar signs, etc.
    But, who’s zoomin who?? Are they delusional, stupid or desperate? Me thinks his lawyers might be counting their money a bit prematurely, again, just me.
    Once this trial gets up to speed, CM will be back to being one of THE most hated defendants in newspapers, a good number of blogs and media. After the trial is done and over, which, I honestly feel he’ll get convicted, all that will be left is feelings of happiness, vindication and a hollow victory for the relatives and friends of the McStays. No trial verdict will ever bring their loved ones back.
    What there ALSO will be, is plenty of hatred for the man who ruthlessly murdered a whole family, including two defenseless children. Not to mention, not much love for the lawyers who defended that man.
    How are these lawyers gonna write this book or movie? The public will be up in arms and refuse to buy a book written by the perceived “scum” who represented, AND, then, have the nerve to even write about some lying, murdering murderer. (This is just what I think the public might be calling him.) What would McGee or Maline say on a morning talk show? Hmmm, what about Nancy Grace? LOL
    How will this work? McGee and Maline start to spin the “defending the monster” story after trial is over? How can they say that? They were “hired” by the defendant. They accepted the job. They knew what they were up against and who they were defending. It’s not like Jodi Arias’ lawyer, Kirk Nurmi, who tried everything but gnaw his right arm off to get away from that circus. He was a public defender. No “choice” in that matter on his part. He wrote a book. As far as I’ve heard, not taken that well. He didn’t get the “rights” to her story, either.
    The public don’t take all that kindly to convicted murderers stories – even from their lawyers, who had big dislike for them, as Nurmi’s book kinda got across to the reader.
    Let’s say, just for the fact of lookin at the flip side, CM is found not guilty. His lawyers just moved up and past their clients level of public hatred by 1000 fold. Will they even make it out of the court house in one piece to write this book or movie?? Think Casey Anthony a MILLION times worse. All my opinions, of course, but now what? Is a book about a man who was found not guilty of a crime that heinous gonna be received that much better? Are they going to vow to “find the REAL killer”? Maybe I’m missing something, but there better be some sorta “storm a’commin” – be it chit, snow or thunder – IMO, these guys are screwed, and not in a good way.
    Sorry for my babbling, just eatin some KFC and typin on a greasy keyboard.

  34. For many of the reasons you state, laraxs, IMO, if indeed the attorneys’ payment arrangement with CM is for book and movie rights, that is the strongest indication yet that his lawyers believe they are dealing with a not guilty client. Not guilty of murder that is.

    1. Let me ask thoughts about something I’ve been wondering.
      So, let’s say CM’s lawyers are sure he didn’t murder the family. I’ve often thought about the whole semantics thing of CM saying “I did not murder that family”, but what then, if anything, did he have to do with that entire situation – other than what we know about the QB account, pings, DNA etc..
      Sometimes at trial, the defense asks the judge to allow the jury to consider lesser charges in their deliberations. Do we think maybe his lawyers are thinking of doing something such as this?
      Then, there’s the “Three Strikes Law”. Isn’t that automatic life? I’ve read about it, but not sure if it pertains to CM. But, if his lawyers asked for lesser charges, it would still be a felony and Three Strikes might or might not come into play, anyway. Answered my own question, actually.
      Will the state basically say that even IF he didn’t actually “do” the act, he was still privy to it, had certainty what was going to happen and didn’t stop the chain of events, so he’s just as guilty of the murders by being accessory before or after the fact and didn’t stop the chain of events?
      So, CM’s lawyers might just stick with the original charges and pray for an acquittal.

    2. Friend or Foe, I completely agree with your comment. The defense attorneys want to get paid. If they are taking their fees from book/movie rights, they must be pretty certain their client is innocent of the murder charges. JMO of course.

      1. I understand what you’re saying. BUT, it doesn’t matter to the public what the lawyers think or believe. The public will be outraged with a not guilty verdict and will curse the lawyers for representing CM whether found guilty or not guilty. They made a bad deal, unless CM gave them approval to bash him either way.

        1. Laraxs, sadly, I wonder how many in the public even follow this case anymore.

        2. Rose, as you said, sadly, most probably don’t. It’s been such a long time that, maybe when trial FINALLY comes around, people’s reaction might be “oh, yea, I remember that one” and go about their business.
          We’ll all be here. I look forward to that day the JURY decides what they believe to be the truth. We’ll probably never actually know what happened on that tragic day. Sad, indeed.

        3. Laraxs, yes, the jury calls the verdict, nobody else. As far as never knowing the truth, I agree with you on that, too, unless the person or persons in the know talk…JMO.

  35. Joe Nelson ‏@SBcountyNow
    Evidentiary hearing today for Charles #ChaseMerritt in #McStay family murder case was contniued until June 3.

  39. Since I’m lazy, and Rose, you probably already know, did they ever say what “type” of extension cord was found around what would be Joey’s neck?
    Was it a regular house type, or a heavy duty, large machine type?

    1. I don’t recall them saying the specifics of what type of extension cord was around Joey’s neck.

  40. Just watched the documentary on the murder of the McStay family. It’s an awful case and I hope they finally reveal the truth tomorrow. No more wasting time CM.
    Ben & Roze (UK)

  41. Anybody ever heard if Chase ever knew Brian Carlstrom who disappeared from Helendale (just a few miles north of Oro Grande on old Rte 66) in Aug 1986? His truck was found on a mountainous road abandoned but with all his possessions still in it, except the ones that bounced out whenever whoever drove the truck up that mountain drove so quickly up there that stuff fell out of the bed of the truck. CM was sentenced to a year in jail in April 1985 so by April 1986 he would have been out and likely raring to go to the casinos. Maybe even the one a possible siting of Brian may have occurred.

      1. You should look it up Rose. It might give you a new insight into how often people disappear in the Merritt family’s old stomping grounds.

        1. But does this mean Chase Merritt is involved? I need to see proof or it’s just considered conjecture.

  42. Sorry, mean to write that B Carlstrom might have been sighted at a popular casino on a roundabout way from VV to Las Vegas after he disappeared from Helendale, Silver Lakes near Helendale.

  43. Anyone know if Chase knew Brian Carlstrom who disappeared in August 1986 from Silver Lakes, near Helendale (just a few miles north of Oro Grande). Brian was born in 1959 so was close in age to Chase. Brian was likely affiliated with NILE the Northwest International Livestock Exposition, was married with one child and one on the way. Was only visiting a friend in Silver Lakes (off old Rte 66) but lived in Colton, CA south of Riverside, when he disappeared. His truck found over a month later, with most of his stuff still in it, abandoned on a rutted dirt road atop a mountain, north of Pahrump, where he might have been seen in a local casino in Pahrump. Was Chase ever associated with horse people in the mid 1980s maybe working as a hand or mucking out barn stalls?

  44. Just noticed that the other blog has a big photo of missing gentleman, Brian Carlstrom with a teaser that more is to come.

  45. Brian Carlstrom’s disappearance was blightly dismissed in a flurry of nonrelative hyperbola on the other site.

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