During her morning testimony, Blake also described heated arguments between Merritt and Dan Kavanaugh, both business partners in McStays decorative fountain business. [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. He said: Summer was a very self-centered, self-obsessed person with an awful temper. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. His attorney also says Merritt himself will want to speak. 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. Judge just denied defense motion to reduce potential sentence to life in prison (Judge will also consider death). I see its written, yes, she answered, confirming it was her signature. "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.". Merritt built fountains, while Kavanaughdesigned EIPs website and did search engine optimization. On February 15, Michael phoned the San Diego County Sheriff's Department (SDSD) and reported that his brother and his family were missing. We're just the clowns," Imes said. 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. He was a big part of my life and my familys life. You just do what you can for your son, and your family, she said. A deep pause followed as Michael McStay tried to collect himself. We are scarred for life., Its been almost 10 years and the pain hasnt subsided, she added. They make up a small part of Merritts new book, which is due to be released later this year. Soon, the family's car was found at a strip mall in south San Diego County near the U.S.-Mexico border. Unconfirmed family sightings were reported in Mexico and elsewhere, perpetuating hopes that they were safe and had left voluntarily. Merritt looked at Blake as she spoke. The home had no signs of forced entry. 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. Merritt is fully aware that his book will ruffle feathers and anger certain people, but he believes his intimate knowledge of Josephs life means he may be able to shed some light on the mystery. Joseph was his older brother, by three years, two months, three days, he toldSan Bernardino County Supervising Deputy District Attorney Britt Imes. She said it was not until six months later that she could bear to go out to the site, marked by four crosses. What lack of sleep REALLY does to your face: Expert reveals the warning signs your skin is suffering, My Daily Horoscope: What does March 2nd hold for MY star sign? Michael McStay said watching his parents bury his brother was the most "unnatural" thing he could've ever witnessed. But even then rumors of dubious dealings with Mexican cartels bubbled away. 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. [9] In the surveillance recording, the vehicle's occupants could not be seen. I'm so bummed out after realising my diagnosis made a few years ago is legitimate. And that those sounds haunt you, Chase, he said. Joseph's cellphone pinged a tower in Fallbrook. The hearing, which consumed more than 10 hours, concluded with several emotional statements from McStay's mother, brother, in-laws and surviving son, as well as from Merritt himself, who . But despite that public front, I know, prior to their disappearance they had not had sex in more than a year. 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. The 30 Best Shows on Netflix for Kids. Our last name is mentioned. His mother was not available to speak to MailOnline about Merritt's latest revelations. 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? This despicable, evil monster. Prosecutors told jurors Merritt killed the family after learning McStay was cutting him out of his business making and selling custom water fountains. 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 . "From Day One, I just had this gut feeling that I was never going to see them again," he said, swallowing tears. Queen Letizia of Spain is polished in a recycled Reiss skirt as she joins King Felipe VI at Repli-Kate! '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. Merritt's attorneys said the two men were best friends and investigators overlooked another possible suspect in the killings. 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. Merritt was transferred to San Quentin State Prison until an execution date is scheduled. He was given the death penalty for killing Summer, Gianni, and Joseph Jr. Now, Merritt is on San Quentin Death Row. 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. The McStays have deep Orange County ties, Cirignani said. 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. [10], Over the next several days, relatives of the McStays unsuccessfully tried to contact the family. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. How the Princess of Wales recreated her 2006 outfit from Prince William's Sandhurst graduation Behind-the-scenes at fashion week with the Spencers! Instead, they said, authorities zeroed in on an innocent man. "You had a choice. [20] Although it is possible for a U.S. citizen to enter Mexico without a passport, one is required to reenter the United States. The correct identity is San Bernardino CountySupervising Deputy District Attorney Britt Imes. Lo que hay que saber sobre el caso de los asesinatos de la familia McStay Prosecutors say he bludgeoned them with a sledgehammer. Crying for mommy and daddy? On February 13, Joseph's brother Michael traveled to the McStay residence and climbed in and gained entry to the home upon finding an open window in the back. 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, on February 8, 2010, four days after they went missing. Crying for mommy and daddy?" Scholarly publications with full text pdf download. Princess Diana's nieces Lady Eliza and Amelia share Do not sell or share my personal information. I did not know any of that part, Blake said. I just dont remember very much because I fell to the office floor. Summer's sister stated that her passport was expired. "corrupt" . Despite all the time I spent with Joseph, I had no kind of relationship with her. Finally, Joseph McStay's only surviving son from a previous marriage, Jonah McStay, took the podium. 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. Chase you are a low life coward and a baby killer. Then, he slammed the podium loudly with his hands.Come on, Chase! On the surface, while tragic, it may not seem all that crazy. Disappeared examines the case of the McStay family who vanished from their Southern California home and may have headed into Mexico. Mike crawled through a window and discovered food rotting in the kitchen, and Summer's prescription sunglasses were also left on the table. ', 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. "[21][22], In 2013, Merritt acknowledged he had spent more than an hour with Joseph the day the McStay family went missing. Blake said Merritt and Kavanugh got into arguments in two meetings during the spring of 2010. The judge has been speaking for the last hour - and still going, reviewing in slow, excruciating detail certain facts of the case. 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? [7] called the investigation into his son's disappearance . Gavin Newsom has placed a moratorium on executions while he's in office. His face was stoic. McStay family murder: 4-year-old was struck 7 times on head [6] Joseph owned and operated Earth Inspired Products, a company that built decorative fountains, and Summer was a licensed real estate agent. 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. Investigators testified they believed the victims were tortured before they were killed. Merritt is charged with killing his business associate Joseph McStay; McStay's wife, Summer; and their 3- and 4-year-old sons. Working through prosecutor Rodriguezs objections, Maline asked Blake, Do remember if it bounced?. By February 2016, he had gone through five attorneys. 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. It cant be, Susan Blake testified after she regained herself. 2023.03.03 04:09 oz2usa I'm so bummed out after realising my diagnosis made a few years ago is legitimate. Merritt added: If Im honest, I have no idea why he put up with it. I have been in complete denial about having schizophrenia for the last few years. "Our family has already received a life sentence. I dont remember bouncing a check, she said. How could you beat two precious little babies? Where Are Patrick and Michael McStay Now? - The Cinemaholic The mother of Joseph McStay provided emotional testimony on the second day of the McStay murder trial. Smith ordered Merritt transferred to San Quentin State Prison until an execution date is scheduled. Doves were . Tony Shin reports for NBC4 News at 4 p.m. on Jan. 8, 2019. While Merritt does not think Summer was directly involved, he has revealed she treated Joseph horrendously in the years before they went missing. Were just the clowns, - Britt Imes. 'This despicable, evil monster. 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. 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. 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. [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. 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. The comments below have not been moderated. Charles "Chase" Merritt, 62, was sentenced to life in prison for the killing of his former business associate, Joseph McStay, 40. When the bodies were found, he offered a refund to those who purchased his book before November 2013. 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. Charles Merritt was convicted of killing Joseph and Summer McStay along with their two sons. They were in the process of remodeling their four-bedroom, three-bathroom home when they went missing. As recently as April, the FBI believed the family went to Mexico voluntarily. As recently as April, the FBI believed the family went to Mexico voluntarily. Joseph McStay, his wife Summer, and the couple's two young sons mysteriously disappeared in Feb. 2010. And then the family that was killed by their own friend?'" They told how the McStays Joseph, Summer and their sons Gianni, 4, and Joseph Jr., 3 were bludgeoned to death with a sledgehammer and buried in shallow graves in the high desert outside. Chase Merritt, 62, is facing a potential death sentence, or life in prison. The 58-year-old Merritt is. The thing that is bringing you this solace, is ending my life. NBC 7's Jackie Crea has more. According to state records, Merritt had felony convictions for burglary and receiving stolen property. Their dogs. May 23, 2022 Investigation Discovery's ' Two Shallow Graves' follows the trial of Charles "Chase" Merritt, accused of murdering Joseph McStay and his family. [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). The Latest: ID of family's killer contested in murder trial We dont run this circus. 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. My brother was I looked up to my brother. He was sentenced to death and life in prison. [17] Because their car was found so close to the Mexican border, police reviewed surveillance footage of the pedestrian gate into Mexico. [2] In April 2013, the San Diego Sheriff's Department announced that they believed that the McStays traveled to Mexico voluntarily.[18]. All rights reserved. Blakes testimony came during the second day in the capital murder trial of Charles Chase Merrit, 61, of Rancho Cucamonga. After Joseph, along with his wife and kids, suddenly went missing in February 2010, the authorities didn't have many leads. Unsealed warrants: Chase Merritt owed Joseph McStay $30k Speaking exclusively to MailOnline Merritt who worked with Joseph in his fountain business - said: I was extremely close to Joseph. Parents of Joseph McStay open up about his family's murder "I loved Joseph. He has been the entertainment editor, a features writer, a business writer and is now a courts and breaking news reporter. The family had moved to Fallbrook, 45 miles north of San Diego, in November 2009 fromSan Clemente. The bodieswere found in November 2013and Merrittwas arrested and chargeda year later. (File photo by Peter Surowski, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG), In this file photo, Michael McStay, the brother of Joseph McStay and his mother Susan Blake enter the court through the throng of media before the start of the preliminary hearing on Monday, June 15, 2015 for Charles Merritt in the 2010 slayings of four McStay family members in Fallbrook. Merritt lashed out at prosecutors he said framed him, some witnesses he accused of lying and the judge he said allowed it to happen. Merritt said the people responsible for the slayings are still free. Obviously there wasnt money coming in, cause I was paying for money going out., So to your knowledge, Maline said, there is no money coming in, or you didnt learn of any money coming in.. He didnt know what was wrong with him and he was desperate. Three years later, the remains of the family were discovered in a shallow grave in a remote desert in Southern California. "It marked my kids.". Victorville, California CNN . Charles Merritt was found guilty of murdering a family of four, and now the jury is recommending the death penalty. And the fountain designer told MailOnline how Joseph once said to him, Maybe I should start eating out more and stop eating her food. 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. [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. 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. Inconclusive: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, Frustrating: The McStays friends and family insisted they would never go to Mexico with their children, but there was no other explanation, Heartbreaking: On November 11, 2013, an off-road motorcyclist came across the family's human remains in San Bernardino County's Mojave Desert. Duchess dons $1,610 Carolina Herrera cape, $300 vegan leather Lovely in lilac! Ill never get another conversation with him. The disappearance of the McStay family - Joseph, 41, Summer, 43, Gianni, 4, and Joey Jr., 3 - occurred in 2013, when they vanished without a trace from their California home. Why? Imes asked, and Michael broke down on the witness stand. She talked about how the slayings of her son, daughter-in-law, and grandsons have destroyed her family. [32] On June 24, the jury recommended that Merritt be sentenced to death. Chase Merritt sobs and says I did not do this thing. Mcstay Family Documentary Netflix[1] [2] Their disappearance was widely If I want to speak with him, I have to go to a gravesite," Michael McStay added. Border Video Surveillance Raises Questions on Missing Family's Around five months before his disappearance he started suffering terrible problems with his equilibrium and his stomach. And now, victim impact statements before formal sentencing. He said healing will be a lifelong thing for his family, but he knows they can do it together. "It didn't just mark me that day," Michael McStay said. Michael McStay's wife spoke next, talking about the pain her family and husband live with every single day. 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. The bodies were identified asJoseph, Summer, Joseph Mateo, and Gianani McStay. [4], On June 10, 2019, a San Bernardino County jury found Merritt guilty of murdering the McStay family. Homicide investigators search the family's home on Avocado Vista Lane and found no sign of a struggle. 09:19 EST 04 Jan 2014 He was arrested last year. Radio host Rick Baker published a book, No Goodbyes: The Mysterious Disappearance of the McStay Family. I know you dont believe me and thats what kills me. The bodies of Joseph McStay, 40, and his wife Summer, 43, along with their sons Gianni, 4, and Joseph Jr., 3, were found in a shallow grave in the desert north of Victorville in 2013. 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. 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. They got their first clue when they learned a neighbor's surveillance camera had captured what appeared to be the family'sIsuzu trooper leaving the cul de sac at 7:47 p.m. on the night they went missing. I remember one woman in particular was all over him for a while. I believe that [Joseph] trusted Chase and believed in Chase. Joseph and Summer McStay had two sons Gianni and Joseph Jr. How scared were they, Chase? Charles "Chase" Merritt interrupted his attorney Friday during legal proceedings. Chase, you are a low-life coward and a baby killer. 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. Arguing, and Dan just wasnt going to budge, she said. The McStays' disappearance from their serene San Diego-area community of Bonsall has since prompted an investigation by police who still have no idea what happened. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Obviously that was a real problem for Joseph and he used to talk to me about it regularly. she said. 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. 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. He was married to Summer McStay for seven years. But speaking on CNN in 2010 he said: 'My understanding was in the last year hed been having these vertigo type symptoms. They took none of their belongings, left $100,000 in the bank and even abandoned their beloved dogs. McStay murders: A man is on death row for the brutal killings of a "Disappeared" Mystery at the Border (TV Episode 2011) - IMDb And if the truth be told, despite everything, he was still infatuated with Summer.
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