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. I honestly believed my psychiatrist . Sorry because he was worth it, he told Imes. Crying for mommy and daddy?" But even then rumors of dubious dealings with Mexican cartels bubbled away. Soon, the family's car was found at a strip mall in south San Diego County near the U.S.-Mexico border. List of journal articles on the topic 'Kirkland House (Cambridge, Mass.)'. Merritt lashed out at prosecutors he said framed him, some witnesses he accused of lying and the judge he said allowed it to happen. During her morning testimony, Blake also described heated arguments between Merritt and Dan Kavanaugh, both business partners in McStays decorative fountain business. The case initially puzzled. "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.". In the last of the two meetings, They were definitely yelling, big time, at each other. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Joseph McStay owned a custom fountain business and worked with Merritt. A license plate search for the vehicle led to the discovery that the McStay's SUV had been towed from a parking lot near San Ysidro, California, right near the U.S.-Mexico border, Gone: The family was considered missing, and detectives notified Interpol, the International Criminal Police Organization, to be on the lookout for headin to Mexico, Can't tell: 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, Devastating: Joseph's parents headed to Mexico to hang flyers and search for them but never found anything. He called Merritt a "ruthless mass murderer.". A jury recommended the death penalty for Merritt for the murders of Summer McStay and the children, and life without the possibility of parole in the killing of Joseph McStay. Joseph McStay's brother, Michael McStay, took his turn. Oscar Cainer tells all, How to dress like a grown up: Trust me, loose fit can be flattering, says Shane Watson, Anti-agers no one but you needs to know about,Inge Van Lotringen tells all. He has been the entertainment editor, a features writer, a business writer and is now a courts and breaking news reporter. 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. Joseph McStay, his wife Summer, and the couple's two young sons mysteriously disappeared in Feb. 2010. "[22], In January 2014, Merritt said that he might write a book about the family, alleging that Summer had anger issues and that Joseph had been ill for some time with a mysterious ailment. He was a big part of my life and my familys life. The McStays have deep Orange County ties, Cirignani said. For years, police speculated they went to Mexica, but the McStays bodies were later found buried in the Mojave Desert in November 2013. Just stop all the appeals, all the shenanigans. 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. Upon his arrival, he noticed that Joseph's 1996 Isuzu Trooper was missing, but their dogs were in the backyard. The mother of Joseph McStay provided emotional testimony on the second day of the McStay murder trial. [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. Im heading to San Bernardino and will keep you updated. Why? Imes asked, and Michael broke down on the witness stand. Huh? A decade after the family went missing, their killer was sentenced to death in January 202. How the Princess of Wales recreated her 2006 outfit from Prince William's Sandhurst graduation Behind-the-scenes at fashion week with the Spencers! I did not know any of that part, Blake said. All rights reserved, Jury Recommends Death Penalty for Business Associate Convicted of Killing McStay Family, Business Partner Found Guilty in McStay Family Killings, Check Your Pockets: These Coins Can Be Worth Up To $24,000, Glendale Neighborhood Frustrated After an Illegal Hostel Moves In, NASA Images Show Southern California Mountains Before and After Winter Storm, Tax Deadlines Extended to October for Most Californians Due to Storms. Merritt was transferred to San Quentin State Prison until an execution date is scheduled. After three years of searching, the San Diego Sheriff's Department investigators concluded in April 2013 that the McStay family had gone to Mexico voluntarily. Six victim impact statements were heard before Merritt got a chance to speak at the continued sentencing hearing Tuesday. [5], 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). June 10, 2019 Merritt is found guilty of murdering the McStay family. On Tuesday, the judge said the sentencing stands: Merritt gets life in prison for the killing of Joseph McStay, and the death penalty for the slayings of Summer McStay, Gianni McStay, and Joseph McStay Jr. Charles Merritt was sentenced to death for killing the McStay family. [4], On June 10, 2019, a San Bernardino County jury found Merritt guilty of murdering the McStay family. Jurors in San Bernardino. Description. I just dont remember very much because I fell to the office floor. She said the two tangled over how to keep the business afloat. 'You had a choice. 'He told me he was in a hurry because he had a lunch meeting,' the dad told Killer Motive host Troy Roberts. 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. The bodieswere found in November 2013and Merrittwas arrested and chargeda year later. Watch live on social media with @fox5sandiego pic.twitter.com/jm1tgT66R2, Jeff McAdam (@JeffMcAdamTV) January 21, 2020, The victims family members, meanwhile, dismissed Merritt as, in the words of McStays mother, Susan Blake, a despicable, evil monster.. If I want to speak with him, I have to go to a gravesite," Michael McStay added. 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. 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. The parents of a man who disappeared with his wife and two young children have detailed how they searched for the family for years before it was discovered that their son's business partner brutally murdered them with a sledgehammer. 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. Patrick noted that it was 'highly unusual for [the dogs] to be left out alone like that. [28], In January 2018, a trial-setting conference was scheduled for February 23. [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. "We don't run this circus. The book will be released later this year. Basically, she wouldnt let him near her. Joseph was 40 years old while his wife Summer was 43 making them a rather young family. Do you remember writing that check? he asked. [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. He will focus on a number of key incidents and characters and try to paint a picture of what really happened in the lead up to that fateful day. [3] Merritt was charged with four counts of murder, and the district attorney sought the death penalty. Investigators and the public also focused on Merritt, the last known person to have had contact with Joseph and the first to notice his disappearance. Blake said, speaking to Merritt. But speaking on CNN in 2010 he said: 'My understanding was in the last year hed been having these vertigo type symptoms. Gavin Newsom has placed a moratorium on executions while hes in office. [27], Prosecutors allege that Merritt had a gambling problem and killed the McStay family for financial gain. 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. Victorville, California - Four years ago, Patrick McStay lost everything he loved. "Hes an excellent surfer and soccer player. The thing that is bringing you this solace, is ending my life. An acquaintance of Merritt's told a San Diego reporter, "I think police should look at him and anyone associated with him. '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. 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. (File photo by Kurt Miller, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG). [27] Merritt's trial was delayed as he had repeatedly fired his attorneys or attempted to represent himself. He boasted it had a "loft/game room & big. 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. Arent you tired, man? he asked. During the lull, NBC 7 spoke with prosecuting attorney Britt Imes about the continuing delays. 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.. "We don't run this circus. He told me when they had first got together they had a great sex life, but she just lost interest. It was believed to have been parked there between 5:30 and 7:00 that evening. 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. Patrick McStay, Joseph's father, was informed of the discovery and phoned missing person advocate Jerrie Dean to tell her what he knew. ', 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. She would shout at him in the privacy of their own home, but then put on a front like he was the most important person in the world when they were in public. Chase, you are a low-life coward and a baby killer. Investigators believed the murder weapon was a 3-pound sledgehammer, which was found in the grave containing the remains of Summer and her son. Michael did not find any family at home, and their two dogs were in the backyard. 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. "So unnatural. Princess Diana's nieces Lady Eliza and Amelia share Do not sell or share my personal information. [34], On May 22, 2022, the case was looked at again on the Investigation Discovery docuseries Two Shallow Graves. Judge just said clearly its not timely. #mcstay #nbc7 https://t.co/qLzXb6wJlM. Published: 23:50 GMT, 22 January 2021 | Updated: 23:58 GMT, 22 January 2021. Susanmade an equally emotional statement ahead of the sentencing being handed down, telling the court how the killings had scarred their lives. 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 convicted in June 2019 of the murders of his former business associate Joseph McStay, McStay's wife Summer, and their 4- and 3-year-old sons, Gianni and Joseph Jr. (Irfan. Were just the clowns, - Britt Imes. Judge just denied defense motion to reduce potential sentence to life in prison (Judge will also consider death). During the last stretch of Friday's marathon day in court, only one person was able to deliver a victim impact statement: Patrick McStay, Joseph McStay's father. Joseph McStay, 40, and his wife, Summer, 43, went missing along with their two children, Gianna, 4, and Joseph, 3. By Jill Sederstrom The McStay Family Goes Missing Now Playing Preview The McStay Family Goes Missing 2:14 Preview McStay Family Car Found Near Mexican Border 2:24 Summers ex husband made good on a promise the two made years ago and just played a portion of Norman Greenbaums Spirit in the Sky. , updated When the bodies were found, he offered a refund to those who purchased his book before November 2013. Victorville, California CNN . The correct identity is San Bernardino CountySupervising Deputy District Attorney Britt Imes. 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. Summers sister: My sister walked with a passion and purpose. You cannot get back time. Smith ordered Merritt transferred to San Quentin State Prison until an execution date is scheduled. The family had moved to Fallbrook, 45 miles north of San Diego, in November 2009 fromSan Clemente. Unconfirmed family sightings were reported in Mexico and elsewhere, perpetuating hopes that they were safe and had left voluntarily. Blake said Merritt and Kavanugh got into arguments in two meetings during the spring of 2010. The trial in the downtown San Bernardino Justice Center is before Judge Michael A. Smith. Radio host Rick Baker published a book, No Goodbyes: The Mysterious Disappearance of the McStay Family. Where were they? Situated in northern San Diego County, the community is known as "The Friendly Village." Sadly, disaster would soon strike the tranquil town. "[21][22], In 2013, Merritt acknowledged he had spent more than an hour with Joseph the day the McStay family went missing. Indiana Man Charged After Son In Diapers Points Gun At . I did not do this thing.. Mystery of McStay money: Family found dead could barely afford rent. 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. We're just the clowns.". 14:31 EST 05 Jan 2014. I don't think so, and I truly hope not. 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. How can you take that all in?, Susan Blake, right, mother of Joseph McStay, reaches over and holds the hand of her other son Michael McStay, left, at a press conference at the San Bernardino Sheriff Headquarters, Friday, November 15, 2013. Vanished: Mike also discovered Summer's prescription sunglasses on the kitchen counter, Looking back: Summer is pictured wearing her prescription sunglasses prior to the family's disappearance, Case to crack:There were no signs of forced entry or any foul play, which baffled investigators and suggested the family left on their own accord, First clue: Their neighbor's surveillance camera had captured what appeared to be the family's Isuzu trooper leaving the cul de sac at 7:47 p.m. on the night they went missing. Who'll find love on our blind date? (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) Prosecutors are seeking the death. When the McStays car was found in San Ysidro on the Mexican border four days after they were last seen and security footage of a family of four an hour later heading into the Central American country surfaced, the idea they had left of their own accord gained momentum. 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. He didnt know what was wrong with him and he was desperate. Working through prosecutor Rodriguezs objections, Maline asked Blake, Do remember if it bounced?. ", Chase Merritt watching and listening. Son of Patrick McStay and Susan Blake. The 58-year-old Merritt is. This world was robbed of four beautiful souls. The bodies of two members of a family that went missing in 2010 have been identified. 'Are you that family? He was in a really bad way. ___ 12 a.m. [2], On November 7, 2014, police announced they had arrested Charles "Chase" Merritt, Joseph McStay's business partner, and intended to charge him with the murders. Seven months later, on November 11, 2013, an off-road motorcyclist came across human remains in San Bernardino County's Mojave Desert. I have been in complete denial about having schizophrenia for the last few years. Last month marked the 3rd anniversary since a family of four mysteriously vanished from their Southern California home. 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. Testimony in the trial is scheduled to continue Wednesday. Alex Murdaugh Is Guilty! "I loved Joseph. Summer's sister stated that her passport was expired. DNA samples were collected from the McSays' family, friends, and associates, but investigators couldn't get a search warrant to access their financial records because there was no evidence of a crime at the time. I remember one woman in particular was all over him for a while. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. [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. 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. At the time, Joseph owned an online company named Earth Inspired Products that sold decorative water fountains. Then a few people started putting the idea in his head that maybe Summer was behind it. " Finally, Joseph McStay's only surviving son from a previous marriage, Jonah McStay, took. Theres nothing more valuable on this Earth than time and that was stolen from them; that was stolen from us," he said. Just a monster.". 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. I believe that [Joseph] trusted Chase and believed in Chase. Everything with her seemed to be done for gain.. Blakes testimony came during the second day in the capital murder trial of Charles Chase Merrit, 61, of Rancho Cucamonga. And when we were out she would call him constantly. The details are shocking and nauseating to sit through.". We used to speak to each other 10 or 12 times almost every day and we would talk about absolutely everything. ': 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!' Father of Joseph McStay, whose remains and wife's were found this week after 2010 disappearance, calls San Diego Sheriff's Dept. Mystery at the Border: With Christopher Crutchfield Walker, Joseph McStay, Summer McStay, Gianni McStay. Joseph's cellphone pinged a tower in Fallbrook. In a preview clip from the episode about the McStay family, Patrick recalled speaking to his son in the morning on the day they disappeared. 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. 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,. "I did not do this thing. 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 So unnatural," he said. 'This despicable, evil monster. California has not executed anyone on death row since 2006 as current Gov. Chase, you are a low-life coward and a baby killer. Two Shallow Graves takes a look at the murders of the McStay family: Joseph, Summer and their two young boys, followed by the shocking trial . 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. Instead, they said, authorities zeroed in on an innocent man. Three years later, the remains of the family were discovered in a shallow grave in a remote desert in Southern California. [30] On May 4, the case was scheduled to go to trial in July 2018. 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.'. [17] Other critics of the theory noted that the McStays had more than $100,000 in bank accounts, with no withdrawal of funds in preparation for a trip, and their accounts were untouched after their disappearance. 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. #nbc7 https://t.co/muZXjqJBFT. I just dropped me to my knees I will never go back to that spot, she told San Bernardino County Deputy District AttorneyMelissa Rodriguez. By The bodies of the McStay family were found buried in the Mojave desert in 2013, three years after the family vanished from their home in San Diego County. Homicide investigators search the family's home on Avocado Vista Lane and found no sign of a struggle. She really didnt like anyone being around Joseph and the family other than herself and a very small, selective group of people. Gavin Newsom has placed a moratorium on executions while he's in office. (Will Lester . 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. "From Day One, I just had this gut feeling that I was never going to see them again," he said, swallowing tears. His attorney was arguing motions before Merritt was set to be sentenced. This despicable, evil monster. She talked about how the slayings of her son, daughter-in-law, and grandsons have destroyed her family. "The constant questions when we are out. 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. Josephs illness was well documented and had left his entire family completely baffled. Summer McStay's ex-husband spoke next. The family disappeared without a trace in February 2010. 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. Will Payne #mcstay #nbc7 https://t.co/Ojp02cg2cJ. She said: 'My son had been sick since last August and hes normally a very healthy person. 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. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline Merritt who worked with Joseph in his fountain business - said: I was extremely close to Joseph. Sheriffs officials announced that the remains of the four people found buried in the desert belong to the McStay family, a Fallbrook family missing since 2010. A neighbor's security camera was triggered at 7:47PM when the McStays . At one point he said to me, "Maybe I should start eating out more and stop eating her food". I even went to the hospital with him to try and see what was wrong; we thought maybe it was stress.'. Finally, Joseph McStay's only surviving son from a previous marriage, Jonah McStay, took the podium. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. When their remains were unearthed, investigators also found a rusty sledgehammer that they said was used to kill the family. 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. [15] Baker began following the case in 2013 after interviewing Michael McStay on his program. "I want to psychologically mess you up," he said to Merritt. In the McStay family murders, Judge listens to arguments that sentence should be reduced from death penalty to life in prison without parole. Prosecutors say he bludgeoned them with a sledgehammer. Four years ago, Patrick McStay lost everything he loved. His arrest was announced on November 7, 2014. The surviving McStay family members held an emotional memorial for. Maline spent several hours speaking before the judge. He was such a great guy and he got his share of female attention. she said. She would fawn over him and call him, her Joseppi. On the surface, while tragic, it may not seem all that crazy. Patrick also searched for their son in Mexico and thought he had a lead when a family claimed to have seen the McStays at Walmart, but security footage confirmed it wasn't them.
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