Telephone

 

While the Baker Camp is busy playing a game of Telephone, let’s take a look at a few things regarding the calls made on the day the McStay family disappeared and afterward.

Reports indicate that between Merritt and McStay there numbered 27 phone calls on February 4.

27 calls.

Three calls in particular, Joseph (or his phone) placed to Chase Merritt:

3:03 – 1 min

3:32 – 2 min

4:18 – 3 min.

Joseph had a call to his phone from the house phone at 4:25. It’s not known if he answered.

Interesting to note, by Chase’s account, sometimes he was reluctant to pick up Joseph’s calls because he could talk a lot.

Yet, here are 3 in succession that are relatively short.

There was a voice mail check at 4:27 – 4 min and 4:31 – 2 min.

Joseph’s phone received a text from Summer McStay’s phone at 5:05 to which Joseph did not respond.

The next outgoing communication to anyone was 3 1/2 hours later to Chase Merritt at 8:28. He did not pick up and there was no reattempted call.

What happened after that is really anyone’s guess until the trial when the District Attorney will piece it together.

Not that it’s needed, but they probably will.

The night of February 4, Merritt’s phone was turned off. However, Merritt claimed he saw McStay’s call come in at 8:28.

He must have had a special App. Right.

Merritt called McStay on Feb 5th. He would not try again until the 9th.

Pings place Chase Merritt in Victorville on February 6. The tower that registered the ping was near the graves site and had only a range of 3 miles. What was Chase doing there??

Chase Phone Ping Feb 6

Really? Huh. He must have loaned his phone out and he forgot about that detail.

Maybe family members might recall why his phone would ping out there?

Chase Norma visit sister

Those lawyers should get on that right away. He was playing Poker too, right? On Quarry Road?

This should be thrown out today!

It’s funny, you know, how Chase couldn’t recount to detectives about that weekend until five years later.

Chase Sister No Visit

Wait a minute, now what gives? Is Chase running out of alibis, or lies?

Chase Multiple Calls

So Chase was in Victorville for almost 3 hours. Made multiple calls. It was rainy. His boss is missing.

Of all the calls Merritt makes, he does not try to call his “Best Friend” who he can’t seem to get a hold of.

But he couldn’t really recall the day, that should have really stood out being that he rarely visited the area recently.

 

Chase Mettias

“Victorville? Well….I was out there….Prospecting….um…..for new clients.”

 

Between Feb 1-9, Merritt wrote Quickbooks checks in upwards of $18k.

Then there is the call Merritt made to Quickbooks on the 8th – from his phone – impersonating Joseph McStay, to cancel McStay’s account.

 

What was Chase Merritt doing in Victorville for 3 hours on Feb 6th?

According Merritt’s then girlfriend, he could spend days away from home.

From numerous reports of people that know Merritt through experience, he is a pathological liar and con-man.

beverly_hillbillies_-_h_-_2014

Why is the Merritt family still defending this monster?

Because Mike, Susan and the Cartel did it, right?

They orchestrated all the calls from Merritt, planted the bodies on the day they knew he would be in Victorville.

They turned his phone off at about the time the family disappeared.

They were the ones to write checks to Merritt and called Quickbooks with his phone.

Then they went gambling with the money that they made to look like he stole.

Because it was Mike’s truck in the driveway, not Chase Merritt’s.

 

FOOLS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

470 thoughts on “Telephone

  1. What was CM doing in the VV area on 2/6/2010? Not digging for gold that is for sure.

    CA: FLOOD WATCH ( for Areas of Southern California )
    Accuweather ^ | 726 PM PST THU FEB 4 2010 | NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAN DIEGO CA
    Posted on 02/04/2010 8:46:13 PM PST by Ernest_at_the_Beach

    ..FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON
    THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON…

    THE FLASH FLOOD WATCH CONTINUES FOR

    * A PORTION OF SOUTHWEST CALIFORNIA…INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING
    AREAS…ORANGE COUNTY COASTAL AREAS…RIVERSIDE COUNTY
    MOUNTAINS…SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MOUNTAINS…SAN BERNARDINO
    AND RIVERSIDE COUNTY VALLEYS-THE INLAND EMPIRE…SAN DIEGO
    COUNTY COASTAL AREAS…SAN DIEGO COUNTY MOUNTAINS…SAN DIEGO
    COUNTY VALLEYS AND SANTA ANA MOUNTAINS AND FOOTHILLS.

    Liked by 6 people

  2. Here’s the record of final text messages between S and J on the 4th.

    2/4/2010 Laguna Bch, CA 5:47 PM Summer 949-295-6411 Text Incoming 1 – Text: “coming home”
    5 pm and 5:47 pm – Text messages between Joseph and Summer’s cellphones.

    Liked by 2 people

  3. So we can assume, chase had Joey killed by then and chase simultaneously turns off his phone and texts summer from joeys phone saying “coming home”

    Like

    • but the futon cover, it all makes no sense unless chase brought Joey home alive and finished them all there? Is it wrong to talk theories? What is happening tomorrow in court? Just a quick ordeal?

      Like

    • No. I think we can assume that is LE is correct. Joey made it home. Merritt’s phone was pinging in RC at the same time that Joey’s phone was pinging in Fallbrook.
      Merritt disables his phone and drives to Fallbrook.
      Merritt ambushes the family in their home at around 7-7:30pm.
      Merritt’s phone is pinging in Mira Loma at 9:32.

      Like

      • LE stated that Joey 100% made it home and that Joey pinged in fallbrook while chase pinged in Rancho? Was this at the preliminary? He killed them in a half hour because he was on the computer at 8:05 messing with quickbooks and and then cleaned up himself up enough to head home around 830 to ping in miraloma By 9:32?

        Like

  4. I’m guessing those 1,2,3 minute phone calls were after he murdered Joey and he needed to call himself from joeys phone to confirm he couldn’t have done anything because they were talking to each other. Each time Merritt makes the call longer, paranoid that he didn’t wait long enough the call before. .???

    Like

  5. I had once thought Joey was killed elsewhere and then brought to the house, but given what the family was wearing, it’s pretty clear they were all home when attacked.

    Feb 4 was chilly. I’m sure Joey went to that meeting in RC wearing pants and some type of light jacket at the very least.

    He was found in the graves with t-shirt, shorts and underwear. He was home. I don’t think you beat someone to death, and then change their clothes.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Maeve, I thought the same. Now, after reading what the McStay’s were wearing it seems pretty clear that the murders took place inside the sanctity of their home.

      I don’t think Joey saw this coming at all. I think he turned his back on Merrritt and the first blow was struck.

      Like

  6. Those precious little boys! You have to have incredible resentment and rage to bludgeon two little children to death. I think the DA’s office will announce today that they are seeking the death penalty.

    Liked by 2 people

    • CW92,

      It’s not unusual for the defense to remain mute at a prelim. They have the court advantage on that day. The prosecution must reveal a good bit of their strategy, but the defense can keep thiers underwraps.

      Shutting the fuck up at the prelim is the smartest thing this “dream team” has done since they took over Merritt’s defense.

      Liked by 2 people

    • LOL I think they may not even be able to get away with the deck stacked against them on purpose. They know and they know more than we do. But they claim to believe Chase Merritt. Of course he could have told them he was guilty but something tells me he would not. That probably means the defense has some rough hurdles ahead. They know it. They keep saying it but making it out to be bias.

      Like

  7. Lots of hilarity over at Baker’s blog:

    “Update 12:01 am, June 24: As expected, the Chase haters did not accept my $1,000 bet. All talk. Spineless Cowards who will now go back to ranting and defaming anonymously.”

    http://rickgbaker.blogspot.com/2015/06/chasse-merritt-will-not-be-convicted-i.html

    Wait just a minute there, lover! The trial hasn’t begun, we don’t even have a set date yet. Why take the offer of your bet away now?

    Why not keep it up until close to trial? Or are you just a little scared?

    Calling you on this one, Dear-Heart!

    The spineless coward is the man who offers a bet for so little time, it’s unlikely anyone will be able to take him up on it.

    What an ass!!!!!

    Like

    • This is a trial for a man accused of brutally murdering an entire family and then going on to gamble after he disposed of them. This is very serious. Chase is likely guilty of these crimes and Rick has to know this by now. For him – the leading “Hero” fighting for justice for the McStays – to place a wager on his being set free is not only sick minded but despicable as well.

      It doesn’t make someone a spineless coward to not want to engage with a maniac. Most people don’t have a $1,000 to put up anyways.

      He still hasn’t gotten over about being wrong about Summer. Wrong about Mike. Wrong about Susan. Wrong about Dan. Wrong about the Cartel. Wrong about Linda.

      Whoops, did I say that?

      Liked by 2 people

    • He spelled ‘chasse’ wrong also! Errors are ok as long as they come from him.

      BTW: The only spineless coward, in this story, is the person who would murder two harmless little boys and their parents! RB must be in a really bad mood today, he’s resorting to name calling again. Why? Is it because you weren’t able to post 99% of “ur” comments yesterday?

      Liked by 1 person

  8. DP Anneli Fogt ‏@DP_anneli_fogt · 19s19 seconds ago
    County prosecuted Britt Imes says no decision et on whether to seek death penalty. With have decision by July 10.

    Like

  9. Joe Nelson ‏@SBcountyNow · 40s40 seconds ago
    Daugherty objecting to unsealing two search warrants, but said they could likely be redacted. #McStay

    Like

  10. Joe Nelson ‏@SBcountyNow · 24s24 seconds ago
    Defense attorney Jimmy Mettias may push for change of venue due to high publicity surrounding case. #McStay

    Like

    • ABC,

      That’s funny. Because my friend who went to the prelim spoke to everyone he met, in stores, restaurants, etc. in that area—no one had even heard of the trial.

      No one was at the prelim other than reporters and family.

      The one person he found who had heard of this case, was visiting from Seattle.

      Change of venue–to where?

      Liked by 1 person

      • Exactly what I was thinking, Maeve. Sadly nobody has heard about this case. By the time the trial rolls around it will be a distant memory for those who are currently aware of the case. Mettias is a damn rookie and it shows more and more with every hearing.

        Liked by 2 people

        • Chase can thank himself for an extra publicity shined on this case. He is the one who consented to a video interview with CNN, which allowed them to create a couple of specials on it.

          Like

  11. Darn another week…..

    DP Anneli Fogt ‏@DP_anneli_fogt · 1m1 minute ago
    Judge: Necessary to go through affidavits, make deletions/redactions. But all warrants, besides two, will be made public to media July 1.

    Liked by 4 people

  12. Sounds like it is over. Everyone back on July 10th

    DP Anneli Fogt ‏@DP_anneli_fogt · 4m4 minutes ago
    Warrants, affidavits will be released on 1st, Merritt and prosecution will be in court on 10th for scheduling

    Like

  13. Someone is coming here, copying and pasting back to Baker’s blog. Apparently they aren’t capable of getting information on their own. Lol What a bunch of losers!

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Anybody know if the bobble head’s claims of MM’s phone being off on the evening of Feb 4th are true? How would he know that?

    Like

  15. Really and truly, we have so much valid info now–why bother with Baker AT ALL?

    Even if he occasionally get’s some info early, we can’t count on it until someone else verifies it anyway. Not worth worrying about.

    Mike McStay had nothing to do with these murders–now that’s something I WOULD bet on.

    Liked by 3 people

  16. How the heck did people ever prove there whereabouts before the invention of tracking devices?
    Mike must have a solid alibi.
    He was thoroughly investigated and cleared.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Nothing about these murders points to Mike. It is interesting how easily our movements are checked these days.

      If this case had happened in the ’80s or ’90s it’s really possible no one would have been brought to trial–except for the fact that the embezzlement wouldn’t have been so easy to perpetrate then either.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. To be clear, I am not implying that MM had anything to do with the murders. No way! Just curious as to whether the info is true (he keeps beating that drum) and if it has actually been verified. (Probably not).

    Liked by 1 person

  18. Viking,

    Sorry to be snarky.

    Baker has had a hard-on for “Bubbles” from day one. Probably because “Bubbles” wouldn’t give him the time of day from the get-go.

    Nothing that has ever been verified has EVER pointed to M.McStay as a POI. It’s just a bunch of Malarky.

    And I’m sure that Mike’s phone activity is well documented. My sense is that LE really did look into everyone.

    Liked by 1 person

  19. What I find interesting is Chase and Cathy’s history of evictions/foreclosures. All of their civil court problems begin a little before the murders and then a year or so after.

    The picture it paints is that Chase had perhaps begun to really succeed, and then suddenly stuff starts falling apart. And the economy can’t be entirely to blame, as Joey was succeeding, even so.

    Unlawful Detainer in California is basically the final step a landlord or bank has to go through in order to evict a non-paying tenant.

    Apparently most of their finances were in Cathy Jarvis’ name–except for the Bank of America account–which apparently lands Chase in court a year or so after the murders.

    3/04/2009
    Cathy and Chase are either being evicted or foreclosed on.

    10/17/2009-11/2009
    an attempt is made to evict Cathy and Chase from the apartment building they live in on Church St in RC. It appears that they had a last minute save. This coincides with Joey and Summer finding their dream home and moving in.

    1/07/2011
    There is another eviction attempt, this time by an individual. Not sure what the address is.

    And in March that year they are both sued by Endura Steel

    Bank of America sues Chase in March of 2011

    So to me, this looks like Chase and Cathy took on way more expenses than they could afford. If Chase’s gambling was also running amuck, the picture that emerges is that Chase, for the first time in his life—had a real life: family, children, home, warehouse.

    He was going to lose much, much more than his ability to gamble.

    He was–and did—lose everything.

    Liked by 2 people

    • You add the above financial stuff to a moment when Chase crosses the line from just taking advantage of Joey, to stealing, in order to perserve something that he’s wanted his entire life (speculation)–but I do get the feeling that Chase’s own family was very important to him.

      And if Joey challenges Chase at this vulnerable moment, it’s really possible Chase cracked.

      He can’t go back to jail. He’s too damn old. He can’t lose everything that now makes him feel like a man.

      And he’s standing in front of another man who didn’t fuck it all up. Who works even when he’s sick. Who is succeeding in ways Chase never could.

      You can almost feel that desperation and rage build.

      OK now I AM SPECULATING big time.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Also remember that Merritt was in jail at some point in 2009, and Joey was helping to pay their rent.
      What a total slime ball. With the thousands of dollars coming in every month and he couldn’t even pay the rent on time.

      Like

      • If he cared about his family at all he would have paid the rent and made sure the kids at least had that security. What a stressful way to grow up, dad in and out of jail, no insurance on his truck, always moving from one crummy apartment to the next trailer. But $ to go dancing and gambling and fooling around in the desert prospecting.
        Selfish, mean spirited sob. IMHO.

        Liked by 2 people

        • I think Taylor is remembering dear old dad through rose colored glasses. I think he’s always been a loser, it’s a matter of to what degree at various times in his life.

          Liked by 1 person

        • Something tells me he wasn’t very involved with his kids or family, no matter how Taylor has painted him (and I don’t believe he is her bio-dad). There is not one single picture of him with his kids anywhere. In fact, there is only one picture the family has ever put up of him.

          But I know, everybody loves Chase. Heck of a guy.

          Liked by 3 people

            • Most caring fathers do all they can to stay out of jail and provide housing for their family. If he was an involved dad I don’t think it’s been until recent years. It’s much easier to hang out with older teens versus young kids. Also, him not hesitating to pulverize the McStay toddlers tells me he doesn’t view them as children but as objects.

              Liked by 1 person

              • When the sister in Victorville was interviewed, the last time she’d seen Chase in 2009, the family was on thier way to a water park.

                That sounds like a family trip. It wasn’t stated in the transcript–but sounds like Chase was going there with his kids.

                We don’t know that Chase wasn’t a good dad. We don’t know what kind of dad he was. His oldest kid is old enough to know.

                We haven’t heard from the younger ones.

                There’s a lot we don’t know.

                But if he did care about maintaining that family life–it actually gives him more motive then if he was indifferent.

                If he didn’t care about the family, he could have just disappeared. Found another woman some distance away.

                He stayed near his family—both immediate and extended his entire life.

                Like

                • I know I won’t win this argument on this venue.

                  I think it scares people to believe that someone who isn’t evil in whole, can do something like this.

                  It’s easier–safer to think that only completely evil people can commit these types of acts.

                  But you aren’t safer believing this, because it will make you less likely to spot those around you who are capable–if you think that the signs of evil are so obvious.

                  Or that a person who loves in one area of life, can kill in another.

                  Many people compartmentalize.

                  Ernie Scherer for example

                  Like

          • What are you talking about no pictures of him with his family> There are TONS of photos of him with his kids, and tons of home videos. You don’t even know this man personally, or maybe you do…caught with your pants down LOL

            Like

            • I’m not understanding the purpose of you posting here. The man is convicted and the evidence is pretty overwhelming at that. All of your arguments are easily disputed. Like so many others who ignore the actual evidence, you continue to display willful ignorance. You want to focus on someone who took advantage of their disappearance instead of someone who took financial advantage because he knew they were dead at his hands.

              Like

    • He was sued in 2006 too. And tax liens started hitting in 2010 too. This is just in San Bernardino county. Back in 2010 I believe Riverside County search was still free and there was some info in there too. I wouldn’t pay the money to check Los Angeles county records – so I don’t know if they have any civil records on him.

      7/14/2006 Civil Judgement Waterfalls by Chase

      10/02/2009-10/07/2010-11/22/2010 California State employment tax lien Jarvis & Merritt I design 4 u

      Like

    • Bingo

      and he was not getting out of jail or prison this time. He had everything to loose. Convicts escalate to murder it is not uncommon. They learn that witnesses convict them. Chase has just been so misleading he stood to loose everything before the murders, he did not loose everything because of them. As someone pointed out in comments on the Daily Mail story when Chase spoke about his eviction.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Good people can do bad things. It’s the Eichmann factor. The “banality of evil”. But that is a topic for another forum.

    I agree Fran, if Chase had cared more about anyone, other than himself, he would have made very different choices. At the age Chase was when these murders were committed, many men in his position might have committed suicide.

    Something just occurred to me, reviewing all the facts—Chase opens a bank account two days before the murders.

    And he uses 100 of the 200 Joey gives him to open that account (which shows Joey was probably pulling back on the amount he was willing to front Chase).

    Did Chase open this account because he expected money from all the projects to roll in? Or did he know he would be killing Joey? Soon?

    He couldn’t possibly have thought Joey would not find out about such large amounts being taken.

    It’s another timing thing, that is quite damning.

    Like

    • Maeve, imo the McStay’s were not Merritt’s first murder, just the first time he’s been caught. I’m convinced he has murdered before and possibly since. A serial killer.
      Anyone who could do what happened to that family and four days later be chatting with family members, hanging out in a casino, cool as a cucumber, is a psychopath. Who knows what he was capable of.

      Like

      • For several years, I would have never considered this, fran, but I have to say that this is a strong consideration that has been on my mind.

        His ease of movement and interaction(all though referred to as basically being an asshole) is just too “cool” for me to not consider psychopathy or previous killings.

        Like

        • I know, eh.
          I could believe it was a first time kill if it was just one person he murdered. But to take out an entire family, including two small innocent toddlers, with a sledgehammer.
          It’s too much for me to comprehend that someone could ever be anything but a n emotional and mental wreck.

          Like

  21. He was still living at the Church Street address at the time of the murders. Wonder where he kept the bodies for two days. Maybe he hid them on his sister’s Oro Grande property during one of the cell phone off episodes, until he had dug the graves on the 6th.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Poppy,

      His truck had an enclosed backseat. This gets gruesome–but if they were wrapped tarp, it would just look like he had paint supplies there.

      We don’t know if he had them wrapped in quite a bit of stuff–garbage bags, etc.

      Given the lack of blood, it would seem so.

      It’s chilly that time of year. It’s not as if he did this in summer.

      Like

      • That is true Maeve, I just have a hard time visualizing them in his vehicle in the open parking lot of the apartment complex. I took a look on Google and it’s all an open plan. Here’s the address if you don’t have it: 11472 Church Street, RC (this is the same address that the eviction proceedings were for btw). Sounds though from the pings like he was driving to all those places – Upland is close to his warehouse in Pomona (maybe he put them there, not sure if he shared the space with anyone?) – he seemed to be driving around looking for a place to dig the graves.

        Liked by 2 people

        • Yes. I know poppy. I researched where he lived.

          He’s in construction. I’ve worked with lots of guys in construction and their trucks often are filled up.

          The McStays were not large people.

          Liked by 1 person

          • I had once wondered if he hid the bodies in his warehouse. It’s possible. But then he would have to know, no one else would be in there. Maybe he did.

            His warehouse was huge. He might even have been able to stash a vehicle in there.

            Liked by 2 people

    • I can’t even believe that I am going to post this, but in this picture he kind of looks like Max Von Sydow. MVS is 86.

      My most sincere apologies to Mr. Von Sydow, who is not only an extremely fine (and multi award winning) actor whom I admire tremendously, but also a nice guy. Max Von Sydow has attained legendary status as a man of the Arts.

      The person in the photo above is only a legend in his own very sick and twisted mind.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. He and Cathy had to have been together since at least 1995 (and stayed together until around 2011)–(Taylor is 20ish now, right?) So other than stealing from his boss in 2001, Chase seems to have settled down with her.

    He gained some stability. He’s in a long term relationship (not counting cheating here).

    He has three kids from this relationship. And if Taylor is any example, they are great kids.

    I do believe that good people can do terrible things, under certain circumstances. It would be nice to believe that only bad people can kill.

    It’s just not true.

    Some of the worst crimes are committed by people we would never imagine capable of such a crime.

    Caitlin has written two true crime novels that kind of hit on this topic. Dead Reckoning and Poisoned Love. Both really good true crime books.

    In both cases the killer did not appear menacing. We know now they had evil in them. But was everything about them evil? And if we’d met them before their crimes, would we have felt that evil?

    I think Caitlin will do a really good job on this book. My friend’s book isn’t “true crime” it’s looking at this crime within a much larger context than just the crime itself.

    This trial will be very interesting. And hopefully some quality investigative work will be done around this story as well.

    Liked by 1 person

          • Bet he’s wishing he did marry her about now since she wouldn’t be able to testify against him…but who’s to say if they would still be married now. If they were married and divorced, could she testify against him now for what happened at the time in 2010? Just curious, but it’s a non-issue.

            Like

            • I don’t think she knows anything.

              Chase was very private. I don’t think he would have wanted her to know.

              I think somoene did help him–not with the murders. Later. But that person, I’m pretty sure, is a family member–a Merritt.

              Like

          • Having 3 kids and not getting married makes no sense to me – especially if you’re not mega rich. Back in 1994 having a bunch of kids out of wedlock wasn’t very socially acceptable. And not giving them dad’s last name too? Fricking weird.

            Like

        • That’s what I figured. So Cathy and Chase were together since around 1994 or 1995.

          Other than that theft in 2001, these are Chase’s most stable years.

          Again. I know this theory won’t fly here. This is a very black and white forum in regards to crime.

          I believe this relationship and these kids were important to Chase. Addiction does not exclude that you have things you care about, that you are destroying by way of your addiction.

          Like

        • Says a lot about his super parenting skills….. There must have been many opportunities of Dad and kids time while he spent days in the casinos…and at swap meets.

          Like

    • Maeve,

      I know you said you use a service to disguise your IP address but I was wondering, are you Caitlin?

      Caitlin was at the hearing and you talk as if you were at the hearing as well…except you say, “my friend said…” In addition, you at one point said that your friend sat in a location where he/she could see Chases’ profile the entire time. The only way to have that view is if your friend sat in the jury box w/ media, which is where Caitlin sat. There were two jury boxes, one with a profile view of Chase and one with more of a frontal view of Chase. Caitlin sat in the jury box with the profile view. Family, spectators, etc. all had a view of the back of Chases’ head.

      I’m also thinking that you are Caitlin because you randomly bring up her books at odd times and mention that she is writing a book, as well as mentioning the names of her other books. In one post early on, you said you like her books and have read four of them. Don’t worry, I don’t need an answer as I can see you do want to protect your identity. We all enjoy your input on this blog and want to keep it that way.

      Like

  23. OK,
    I really hope this trial does not happen in August–Please God let it happen in September or October.

    I do not want to be in fucing San Bernardino in August.

    I hope the defense does file a motion for change of venue–they won’t get it–but it might delay things a little.

    Liked by 2 people

    • I think it will be shown in trial that Merritt was addicted to gambling and his addiction was sinking him deeper and deeper into debt. I have never interviewed an addict who put his/her family first – or, for that matter, put his/her job first. Merritt is no different from any other addict in that respect. Merritt’s girlfriend has said he was often gone from their home for days at a time. Now we are hearing that they couldn’t even pay their apartment rent. This suggests his addiction was running his life. Still, an addict can choose to get help for the addiction. Obviously, he did not.

      Merritt is very different from other gambling addicts in one respect: his willingness to bludgeon two adults and two tiny children to death – his alleged best friend and his family. That puts him in a class of his own.

      Liked by 1 person

    • That would be way too hot! I don’t think it’s likely to happen in August and I expect it to be continued on the July 10th hearing, possibly when and if Mettias has a motion to change venue at that time.

      Liked by 1 person

    • You don’t want to be in San Bernardino ever.. Trust me on that one lol the only time I wanna go to San Bernardino….is when I’m driving right through it on my way to a gorgeous destination 😉

      Liked by 2 people

  24. Change of venue? The defense better be careful what they wish/file for.

    His lawyers need to research how that worked out for Darlie Routier.

    Like

  25. Let’s be real – Chase was not a good guy. He was a loser. What qualifies as a good guy? Because you sometimes work? Because sometimes you aren’t in jail? Because your kids grow up and aren’t douchebags?
    I used to think my mother in law was the greatest woman I knew. In some ways, she really was. Many hated her because she was an alcoholic, who liked to gamble in small forms, lottery tickets, bar machines. She was so giving with money – when she had it. She got down on her knees and played with her grand babies. I loved her. But, with any addict, it is only a matter of time before they burn you and you start seeing things you didn’t see before. I always thought she was awesome. She would buy us alcohol when we were underage, give us her prescription speed, she loved me. Until I had kids and realized I didn’t want her drinking a beer in one hand while holding my baby and a firecracker in the other. I tried to get her help. She screwed us over after she got mad that we noticed she needs help. She ripped us off w/ money, she called us and hurt us with mean drunk words.
    Everyone is messed up. There are things I’ve done in my life that were not good. I did drugs, mostly weed, sold them for a short while when I was 17-20, I was a wench to everyone in school, I drive over the speed limit, I have said some mean things to people, I am feisty! I stole once when I was 14.It was one of those washcloths that you put in water and a lipstick. When I was 22, I took a tea spoon from a restaurant because I thought it was cute, a towel from a hotel.
    i don’t have a criminal record. I have never spent time in jail. I probably never will. So, am I qualified as a good person or a bad person? Everyone is technically NOT GOOD. But, there are some people who have no conscience and actually live to do horrible things. Let’s not act like Chase was a good dad. What is a good dad? Definitions vary, don’t they? My dad was a good dad, he worked his butt off every day 9-9 to make sure we never went without. But I saw him beat my brothers… a few times, pretty bad. and we grew up being latch key kids. He was an honest man though. Still is one of the best men I know. Responsible, dependable, caring. He made some bad mistakes in his 20’s.
    Chases mistakes are excessive, and he never learned from any of them. He was a loser at 50, and still is. A good dad is someone who makes an honest living working hard, and when he’s not working, he’s busy instilling character in his children, purposefully & in the way he lives his life.
    Whether Taylor accepts that or not doesn’t alter the truth. Whether Taylor ends up being a loser bum like her father or ends up being the most honest, loving person in the world doesn’t alter the truth that her father is a poor excuse for a human being.
    Our kids can be a direct reflection of us and repeat our mistakes, or they can take their parents example and strive to be much better. Just because Taylor turned out OK (and let’s be honest we don’t know Taylor, she’s said on radio she has few friends but we think she’s uber intelligent because she showed her innocence on radio and some intelligence with career goals, talking the law & fairness, etc) doesn’t mean that Chase did anything right as a father. Taylor standing by her father just means that she doesn’t want to believe he committed these crimes. I’m sure with his other crimes, everyone made excuses too. And that’s okay. I can’t fault her for that. I wouldn’t want to face the facts of my childhood, either. And the truth is, if she stood on the other side against her dad, that means she has to face the crappy childhood she had with a father who he was in and out of her life, being dishonest, serving time in jail, a gambling fool. Face the times when she wanted him there, being a normal family, being a daddy’s girl. That’s deep reality, those are things that are hard to face, that’s a big pill to swallow.
    Just saying.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Troll,

      I respectfully disagree.

      And I actually think we are better armed against treachery in the world, when we recognize that just because someone is good, or loving in one area of their life, that they can’t be treacherous in another.

      Chase was an addict. He was also a famly man.

      Happens all the time.

      Like

          • A family man is a man who loves to be with his family. Spends time with his family. He cares for them–maybe not in the way we approve of, or believe he should–but Taylor’s story about the prom dress–her dad wanted her to feel like a princess for that night.

            He helped her move. Her friends even know him.

            He’s with the same woman for 15 years has three children–he attempts to build a life, provide a home.

            The fact that he failed to get all the money from Joey he probably wanted to, doesn’t make Chase any less of a thief or killer.

            The fact that Chase failed to provide adequately for his family, also doesn’t make him any less of a man who cared about his family.

            Part of who we are is what we succeed at. The other part–is what we try for.

            We are both.

            Like

            • 1. There is no proof that Chase is a “family man.”
              2. Daughters always see the best in their fathers, and sometimes even make up “dream” experiences.
              3. Supposedly, he was known to cheat on this “same woman” he was with for 15 years.
              4. Every piece of information I’ve ever seen in regards to Chase’s providing a home ended in a lawsuit.
              5. It is known that Chase had many opportunities to better himself, BUT HE CHOSE TO BE A LIAR AND A CON.

              If it makes you feel better to think of Chase in that light, more power to you. He’s an accused baby killer, convicted felon burglar, and he has lied and cheated other “family mean” out of their money and lives.

              Unless you know Chase personally and can attest to all these possible positive qualities, I just have to adamantly, yet respectfully disagree.

              Liked by 1 person

        • Well here are some clues:

          Taylor adores him.

          When the sister said she saw him last, he was on his way to a water park (“they were on their way to a watermark”. (I am making an assumption here, but it sounds like he was doing this with his family. It’s a kids kind of activity.)

          When Joey took Chase out to dinner–he took out Chase’s entire family.

          I will admit these are only a few examples–but sounds like Chase was involved with his family.

          And Chases FB page–of 15 people, was pretty much only family–kids were included.

          Les Cohen said Chase was in the area specifically to be near his sister who was ill.

          Chase stayed in the San Bernardino area–even when he was frequently harrassed here by police. (now part of that could be due to parole and probation requirements.)

          Even if he cheated, he was with Cathy for at least 15 years and had three children with her.

          Sounds like he might be a family man—-

          Like

          • What he told Les sounds like BS, this is a person whom he ripped off. Sob stories and fabrications for a potential mark.

            So if Joey wasn’t footing the bill, no family dinners out?

            I don’t Facebook – but Chase doesn’t have anyone to friend but his relatives.

            Who said the cops had been harassing him? He’s the one who violated probation 7 times and so arrest warrants were issued. Oh great, Dad’s in jail again.

            In my book, a serial cheater isn’t much of a family man. And you noticed who ended up paying off a couple of those judgements that were obviously his doing – Jarvis.

            I can’t get on board with this family man image. He is a louse, and now a murdering louse.

            Liked by 3 people

            • 1

              Joe Nelson
              Jun 15
              Joe Nelson ‏@SBcountyNow
              because Merritt’s sister lived near there. #McStay

              Joe Nelson
              Jun 15
              Joe Nelson ‏@SBcountyNow
              Merritt’s attorneys said that cell phone tower pings placing Merritt near the graves near Victorville on Feb. 6, 2010 was not solid . . .

              Joe Nelson
              Jun 15
              Joe Nelson ‏@SBcountyNow
              Juanita Merritt told investigators the last time she saw #ChaseMerritt was in 2009, Smith said. #McStay

              1

              Joe Nelson
              Jun 15
              Joe Nelson ‏@SBcountyNow
              But Juanita Merritt told investigators she was not visited by her brother on or around the time the McStays were killed, Smith said. #McStay

              1

              1
              Joe Nelson
              Jun 15
              Joe Nelson ‏@SBcountyNow

              I’m confused? So his attorneys want to make it seem the pinging is explained by his sister living there?

              Like

          • Using this logic, BTK and lots of other serial killers were “family men.” I don’t understand why you have a hard time believing there are actually sociopaths. You surely read much. And just because killers like this “fake” societal and family relationships (these people are part of their economic support structure, sexual needs, ability to present a “normal” facade to society) doesn’t mean they have the natural feelings. I also agree with the individual who said they believe Chase is most likely a serial killer. They should be searching out in a radius around from where the McStays’ bodies were found. Or looking for other people in his life who went missing. I could see him committing other opportunistic murders so easily if he was out in the middle of nowhere with someone he could roll. Serial killers tend to stay true to their driving motives and psychological needs. So it’s less likely he would be murdering in sexual situations. It’s more likely he would be murdering for money.

            Liked by 2 people

  26. waterpark not watermark

    And Taylor is definitely old enough to think for herself. She’s smart. IF she says she loves her dad. I believe her.

    I don’t think a kid that age loves their dad, if there wasn’t something to love.

    Like

    • Again,

      I’m not as black and white as you all are. The world is full of greys for me.

      But rarely have I been wrong about people. And I don’t think that’s because I’m so smart. I think it’s because I look way, way beyond the obvious.

      And I also learned early on that people are very rarely all good or all bad. Happens sometimes. But not often.

      We all have a little saint and demon within us.

      (Except for Baker–he’s 100% ass!)

      Liked by 1 person

  27. My children adore their friends. Their friends suck. My dad once took us to see the field of dreams field. This was around the same time he beat my brother to a pulp. Who else would befriend him on Facebook? Chase would be so popular in the people you hurt friend you. Joey probably requested the family come a few times to eat. That shoes Jory’s character and likely Chase wanted to let his family in on his freeloading off Joey. Chad also lied about his other sister, making her a part of an alibi and throwing her under the bus. Some brother.

    Like

  28. Merritt’s cold smug expression in his twenty something mug shot reminds me of a guy I met at grade 8 summer school. The very last day of the six week course the guy threw me up against a wall and choked me until I almost passed out. With his hands clamped against my throat, and the full weight of his body pressing me into the wall, I was immobilized. But I did get a good long look into his eyes. What I saw was an odd mixture of cold smug hatred and curiosity. He just laughed as he released his hold on my throat. Ever since then, I am black and white when it comes to certain expressions that people embody. I don’t care how well dressed or sweet talking or talented they can be, I see just a hint of that look and I’m gone. They don’t get second chances.
    So I guess I’m biased when it comes to Merritt.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Fran,

      You are a very good writer–and I don’t mean that I don’t believe you–you wrote that story very well.

      We all see different things in others. What I saw in that mug shot was someone very lost. Miserable. Someone wounded.

      He’s not known for being violent at all. In fact, other than these murders, I haven’t read one legitimate report that places Merritt in a fist-fight, even.

      This is one thing the defense has in their favor.

      Like

          • Cornelius, are you referring to the cat being swung by his / her tail? Or another incident that I’m unaware of? Other than the murders, of course.
            TIA

            Like

            • That is one. there is also the one where he beat a man with a liquor bottle and boasted about it. Then there is the report of homemade handcuffs in his office. I wonder what he would need that for?

              Joseph was bound in a sort of garrote, handcuffs made to be used on someone….I wonder how much knowledge Chase possessed on such things.

              Liked by 1 person

              • He’s a sneaky predator. Like a mountain lion, he hides in plain sight.
                Him having spent time in handcuffs, I’m not surprised he’d find it a challenging project to recreate a working set.
                I’m more convinced than ever this isn’t his first murder.

                Like

  29. Chase was never going to tell the guy ” I moved to Victorville because it’s my prime place for burying bodies and committing burglaries” Of course he used his sisters illness to make himself seem like he was a noble man, moving for a greater cause. This same man also said he ripped people off without thinking twice and was always smug and acted like he was “untouchable” he also said that he wouldn’t doubt chase had a hand in this. I don’t know.
    I just highly doubt Chase has ever had one aspect of his life full of character and honesty. But I am thankful we can agree to disagree 🙂 and not be nasty to each other. Nothing but love for you all.

    Liked by 1 person

  30. About July 1-

    The judge scheduled a hearing July 1 to check back with prosecutor Sean Daugherty and defense attorney Jimmy Mettias on whether they agree on the redactions, which may include some names and personal identifying information. At that point, Aviles said she likely will file a motion challenging redactions, which would be heard at the next hearing July 10.

    The DA’s Office opposes unsealing of two more search warrants. Outside court, Aviles said her understanding is they are related to a Child Protective Services investigation. Judge Smith did not elaborate in court on the nature of the concerns.

    Mettias said outside court the redactions sought in the majority of the warrants are to “a lot of untested, unproven statements” in the warrants that could be prejudicial to Merritt.

    He said the defense team’s priority is to find 12 jurors and more alternates to hear the evidence in the case.

    http://www.pe.com/articles/bernardino-771338-san-.html

    Like

  31. Must look bad for Chase-

    Merritt’s attorney, Jimmy Mettias, wants certain information in the warrants redacted because he believes the information is prejudicial to Merritt and can potentially taint the jury pool.

    “What’s happened in this case is that it’s caused a lot of people to already convict Mr. Merritt in their minds,” Mettias said following Wednesday’s proceedings.

    Aviles disputed Mettias’ argument that some information in the the search warrants hurts Merritt’s chances of a fair trial.

    “I can’t imagine that this information can be any more prejudicial than the allegation this man has murdered four people with a sledgehammer and then buried them in the desert. That’s fairly prejudicial,” Aviles said.

    She said prosecutors want to keep two of the warrants sealed because of information in them relating to child protective services issues pertaining to third parties not germane to the case.

    http://www.sbsun.com/general-news/20150624/judge-orders-unsealing-of-search-warrants-in-mcstay-family-murder-case

    Liked by 1 person

  32. My comment landed in a strange spot. I agree with Troll. I think Chase was a shitty dad, Cathy knows it, and his kids know it. They don’t even have his last name. Why? If he is such a wonderful father, why wouldn’t Cathy give them the Merrit name. The mother of the baby can give her child any name she chooses, even if she is not married to the father of the baby. She CHOSE not to give them the Merritt name, and they have CHOSEN not to change it. Very telling.

    Liked by 2 people

  33. A guy who kills his business associate in a fit of rage may have been “temporarily insane” rather than “evil” (unless he planned it out ahead of time).

    How about a guy who commits multiple murders and then constructs elaborate diversions and lies to cover up his crime, and then goes on media interviews to paint himself as the caring friend? You guessed it — Evil.

    And a guy who decides he needs to pick up a sledgehammer and use it to crush the skulls of two defenseless little children? EVIL! Period! Nothing short of geniune evil could allow such an act. There’s no explaining how he cared for his own children. No excuses, at all. The fact that he has children of his own, yet was able to do such a thing, makes it all the more sick and twisted.

    And there is no such thing as being “sorta evil” or “only half evil” or any other fraction of a whole. A person is either evil, or they’re not.

    A person who steals out of desperation is just that: desperate.

    Having a hard time distinguishing the difference between temporarily insane, desperate, and evil? That’s alarming. Go get your own head checked out.

    Liked by 1 person

  34. I don’t think it is black or white thinking that has people forming an unfavorable view of Merritt. We just haven’t heard any evidence thus far that paints Merritt as a “good” person or “family man.” In my opinion, the weight of the evidence we have heard speaks to the contrary.

    What have we learned about Merritt’s behavior? Merritt’s girlfriend has said he was often gone from their home for days at a time. He gambled. He had affairs. He didn’t pay their apartment rent and the family was in process of being evicted. We know Merritt was a thief. We know Merritt borrowed money from people and didn’t pay them back. We know Merritt was not willing to abide by his conditions of probation and was arrested and jailed. We know that while Merritt was incarcerated, if not for Joey, Jarvis and the children would likely have been on the street.

    All of this behavior is a strong indication that Merritt’s partner and children were far from his top priority. His behavior shows a man who put his own needs before the needs of his family, and ultimately before the needs and lives of the McStays.

    Merritt could have changed the course of his life by “owning” his addiction, his character pathology and criminal behavior. He could have sought help like so many others have done, but he didn’t. If he had, it is possible the McStay’s might be alive today.

    Liked by 2 people

  35. Yeah. I was pretty sure this wasn’t the right group to discuss nuance with.

    That’s OK. I’ll just go back to hating Baker with you. That will have to do.

    But good news is my friend also got the transcript in a PDF. I didn’t know he would. So I’ll get to see that by tomorrow, at the latest.

    Lots of reading to do.

    Like

    • I think we discuss and post other things than hating Baker. I know I do.

      Maeve, it is real hard to see someone as a family man with his background and what he did to those two little boys.

      Liked by 2 people

      • I know. Again, you have to look deeper than I think most people are willing to.

        Taylor loves her dad. She’s in her 20s. Not saying her word is absolute. I could be wrong.

        But how can you think you are going to get below the surface of any matter, if you aren’t willing to look beneath the surface.

        To say Merritt is a bad father, is the obvious conclusion. In the real world, very little is that obvious.

        Yes, in a made for television movies, these things are black and white. But not in real life.

        That’s why a capo can love his family, and off his best friend who betrays him.

        It’s how a man can actually love his wife, yet cheat on her. Or vice versa.

        We aren’t black and white, we are flesh and blood, nuanced, people who spend most of our lives in the grey, whether we want to know this about ourselves, or not.

        Like

        • Speaking for myself, I have delved into the deepest regions of the mind, soul and body to try and make sense of this. It is insulting for you to insinuate that besides yourself, everyone else posting on this sight has done nothing more than superficial research, and are incapable of your self-proclaimed superior level of “enlightened nuance acceptance” when quite honestly, to even use “nuance” in conjunction with this topic is just absurd. As if this crime and the person accused bares only a subtle difference to those who do not kill harmless children. The usage of large words in combination with an overabundance of words, for your own benefit, does not detract from the pointed statements that you continually make.

          Thanks for the continual psychoanalysis and stereotyping that you continually employ in an effort to elevate your moral standing among we, the intellectually-challenged, socially-inept, mouth-breathing, glass-lickers that you seem to think we are. Oh yea, and the ones that have been following and posting on this case for years. Kudos (slow clap inserted here).

          Liked by 1 person

      • Yes. But I’m not going to try and discuss this here anymore. I do wish I could find a forum more open to indepth discussion of this nature.

        Like

        • Maeve,

          With all due respect, get off your high horse and stop trying to portray your superiority and looking down your nose at those that don’t agree with you. I enjoy your sometimes challenging posts, however, your snootiness gets old. If you want only posts whereby the poster agrees with everything you have to say, might I suggest your own blog where you are able to censure posts and publish only those that agree with your views.

          Like

          • Amen. I’m sorry if it’s sexist to think that only a man can be that arrogant, but I feel Maeve is a Marvin IRL. I used a gender checker just now to see if it agreed with me and it did. So I’m wondering if Maeve is actually her male friend who is writing the book? Doesn’t matter to me either way, and I wouldn’t pry, but it’s interesting the guises people assume on here. Presumably, if one has a female cover, one can get away with more? It’s good she started her own blog since she clearly has a great mind for facts. It’s a shame I have no desire to visit based on the beratings she dished out here. She also has a great mind for condescension. Either you agree with her (or him?) or you get a dressing down (“What part of _____ didn’t you understand?” ) Or else it’s a dismissive wave of the hand coupled with an exasperated sigh at the dimness of her benighted audience. Poor, poor Maeve. This is usually followed by a truculent threat or promise to disappear permanently. And then he or she rises above us into the clouds for a bit. Beware of reading Baker too long, people. Things can rub off.

            Like

  36. Another article about today – snippets – I didn’t copy the CPS stuff, but they mention Summer filed it and it has been reported online and in social media.

    Attorney Mettias told reporters there are “two or three sentences” repeated in several warrant affidavits that he does not want made public because they could “fan the flames” of pretrial publicity.

    Mettias said information in those passages had been “twisted” by law enforcement investigators to gain access to evidence sought in the search warrants.

    In a related development, the office of San Bernardino County Counsel on Wednesday denied a Public Records Act Request made by CBS News 8 seeking autopsy reports in the case. The county’s denial letter cites a law enforcement exemption to releasing autopsies created by a Sheriff’s Department Coroner.

    CBS News 8 did not request autopsy photos, which by state law cannot by released to the public.

    http://www.cbs8.com/story/29401276/judge-to-unseal-redacted-search-warrants-in-mcstay-family-murders

    Like

  37. Suck on that Baker and the Bakerites.

    So it was really necessary to post that CPS letters! All for nothing Mr. Baker. What a fucking worthless……

    It’s all been said.

    (Ass)

    Liked by 2 people

  38. I’m actually surprised they could deny the entire autopsy report. The pictures yes. That’s true of a lot of jurisdictions.

    But the content–the words. HMMMMM

    Like

    • Without having given it much thought, I wonder if the paternity results were the reason. Of course, that’s already been splashed on the internet too, thanks to Baker.

      Like

  39. Maeve, I enjoy reading your posts, but I don’t understand why you feel we aren’t open to a discussion. You have given your opinion and reasons for your opinion, and we (I) have given mine. That is what a discussion is, two people sharing ideas and thoughts. Just because we don’t agree doesn’t mean we aren’t open to discussion.

    Liked by 2 people

    • They released Robin Williams’. The language is odd, not sure if once the criminal case is over they become public record or not.

      Like

  40. Chase was not a good provider to his family (evictions), was not very dependable (gone for days at a time) did not respect the mother of his children (affairs? didn’t put a ring on it) was not a good role model (committed numerous crimes) did not lead by example (violated parole and honor the punishment imposed). Those things do not make a good dad.

    Now, I don’t know how much he actually loves his children. Maybe he really loves them, I don’t know. He is a flawed man and a shitty dad, but he may love his kids. I dunno.

    Liked by 1 person

    • We do not know. If Chase is sociopathic or not. His pattern of behaviour over the years could indicate he is. But Sociopaths can love their children. It would be something to research because even other people with similar personality disorders that are more common than Sociopathics, love their children it is just in a totally different way than most parents do.

      Liked by 1 person

  41. I believe in grey areas, Maeve. I don’t know why you think This forum doesn’t. I believe there are many kinds of family men. Few are true family men. Start the spectrum with the best kind: They work hard, they are honest, they come home faithfully to their wives and use their extra time spending it with their children and wife, making crafts, going to water parks, teaching them character and/or organizing dates and a break for/with their wives. Then we move over the spectrum and you have an honest, hardworking man, who comes home and spends half his time engulfing himself in TV/other self focused activities and half his extra time with his children and wife. Move over more and you have a man who is hardworking and honest, and who comes home and maybe acknowledges his kids in less engaged ways, saying hi, an occasional bedtime story and occasional activity with wife and kids, but majority of the time is spent in relaxing or focusing on himself. My husband falls in between this and previous example.
    Then we keep moving over and we get into the faux family man: a somewhat honest man, but people know him as a tad sketchy, he’s has some sort of record, maybe not criminal but maybe financial, doesn’t handle his responsibilities well and is fairly checked out with family, comes home and parks himself in front of the TV or goes out with friends majority of the time. Move over further and then we have a man who has a criminal record, but it’s not lengthy, he comes home and for the most part is checked out from family, maybe an occasional trip to the zoo, etc. Then we can move further on the spectrum and you have a man who is dishonest, known as a con to everyone, comes home and is fairly checked out from his family, although occasionally, he does family activities. Move even further, and we have e man who is dishonest, can hardly open his mouth without lying, steals, cheats on his wife but comes home with flowers occasionally and when his daughter needs a dress, he finds a way to make baby girl happy. Move further over yet….and we have a man who is dishonest, smug, thinks he is untouchable, rips everyone off without thinking twice, has affairs, lies excessively, has a gambling or other significant problem, plans the murder of a family friend, but occasionally takes the kids on a trip to the waterpark. Then, lastly, we can end with the man who is wicked and hates his wife and kids, beats them and murders them.

    Chase fits in between the 2nd to 3rd last area of the spectrum. Like, for real. If he was a family man, don’t you think he would have been spending the weekend trying to beg Joey to forgive him and coming up with money to pay Joey back, offering to work for hardly any profit to make the situation right, etc. or even spending the weekend with his family, knowing he may be going to jail for a long time for ripping Joey off. But at least having some sort of soul, and spending it with his family crying for their forgiveness. And admitting what he had done? Even spent the weekend trying to fake all was well, taking them to a waterpark, preparing the for the absence of their father going away to jail? Instead, it’s likely, although not fact, that he spent almost a week murdering, burying and covering up the evidence of a family friend! This is what a family man would have done. Admitted his fault, sought forgiveness and then show his children how to man up to their screw ups and take the punishment. It’s the least he could have done if he loved his kids.

    “Family man” is too good of a word for him. And to be honest, there are hardly any true family men out there any more!

    Liked by 2 people

    • I feel like you are lumping everyone here into a group of people who are black or white. That is NOT who I am. I try to understand. I don’t believe Chase is guilty 100% no questions asked. I have holes that need to be filled in for me to believe it. I also don’t think the family has been stellar with their actions, whether it was honest mistakes in a crisis situation or just dishonesty and being shady, I don’t know. I don’t know the family. I don’t know Chase. But, I do know what good family men do. I know what okay family men do. I know some pathetic family men, too. And in my personal opinion, chase is anything but good or okay. But, I understand *i think* what you are meaning by family man. I get it. I think all men with families have an instinct to be a family man in their core. The problem is….selfishness obscures that, some in greater ways than others. I am sorry if I came across as black and white, I hate chase, he is guilty and I will never say otherwise. That is not who I am. And want to be lumped into. I lenjoy hearing your thoughts and views. Have a beautiful night! And sorry if you feel frustrated by how I/we think. Not my intentions.

      Like

      • Trollfsc

        In previous post you talked a little about your past and some things you were involved in. You didn’t mention that your are an eloquent and expressive writer and a person of great feelings and heart, Many Blessings to you.

        Liked by 4 people

      • Don’t worry about it. I understand what you mean.

        Maeve’s work with the innocence projects influences the way she looks at defendants. Nothing wrong with that, it is admirable. She gives them more benefit of the doubt than most of us would, including me.

        Liked by 1 person

        • Maeve having different views than others does not give her the right to look down her nose and denigrate those with opposing views and personally, I resent it. This isn’t the first time she’s threatened to take her toys and go home.

          Liked by 3 people

    • Agreed. Family men don’t kill families. Even Maeve’s example of the capo is not appropriate. A capo is generally going to order hits on a man who has traduced obligations. He’s not going to take out the man’s family. I’m sure there are exceptions but the mafia wants to see itself as having standards. (Yes, it’s hypocritical b.s.) While it’s a savage moral code, it is still a moral code. The penalty is death sometimes for certain failures or types of behavior. And then there are power struggles, which take place only because someone wants to move up in the hierarchy. There’s no moral component there, really. So, of course, a sociopath could fit in there. But it’s a tricky line, because you don’t want your foot soldier to be too much of a sociopath. He should have some sense of loyalty. So there I think it’s more a matter of people who can compartmentalize and shift easily between “good” and “evil” (uncomfortable abstractions). I’m not defending it. I think it’s monstrous. But a sociopath is in it only for himself or herself in the end. They keep people around like props. They make children on purpose or accidentally and do the things they need to do to keep up the front. Sometimes they kill and sometimes they don’t. For example, I think Baker is most likely a sociopath, but he probably never killed anyone. He has all the characteristics, anyway. I don’t see him shuttling back and forth between good and evil. I’ve never seen him do anything that wasn’t purely in his self-interest. He’s never apologize that I can remember for anything. Ever. Once. Am I wrong? Correct me if so. Even cancer is just a tool he can use. And now the death of this beautiful family is a betting game to him. It’s a joke. No matter how much we disagree here, I doubt anybody here is anything like Baker or Merritt. And I appreciated the way you fleshed out that spectrum of individuals, socal. It made me think.

      Liked by 1 person

  42. If the boys remains were verified via DNA, wouldn’t that be via Joey and Summer’s DNA? Wouldn’t that confirm that both boys were Joey’s? Regardless of DNA, Joey was definitely daddy to those boys.

    In my opinion Joey was the epitome of an awesome dad and family man, something neither Baker nor Merritt would know about.

    Liked by 4 people

    • They would have been able to verify he was Summer’s son whether Joey was his bio dad or not. I don’t know much about DNA paternity testing, much less testing it with scattered pieces of bone – If the conditions and lack of a full set of skeletal remains would effect the results or not.

      Liked by 1 person

  43. What the is everyone going on about? All I said is that I won’t be discussing Merritt’s character here. There’s no point

    And Anon, there’s no reason to resent anything. It’s not personal. Yes. I do think you all should look deeper when it comes to character analysis–but I’m not calling names. I really believe this. I’m not saying you are crazy. I’m just saying you may be missing out.

    And I am entitled to my opinion on this, just as you are re: me.

    And I do put down the Bakerites, but they truly deserve this. These are people who are cruel and thoughtless and need to be called on their cruel bullshit. I’ve witnessed some blatant cruelty over on the Baker blog–I will call that shit out for what it is.

    I’m mostly getting ready for the trial and working with the transcript to get the report I put together more accurate.

    It’s all opinion at the end of the day.

    We don’t really matter in all of this. It’s just thoughts and opinion.

    If you believe in your point of view, as I do, no need to worry about the views of others.

    No one can denigrate you, if you are true to your beliefs.

    None of this, what happens on these blogs, really matters, anyway.

    Liked by 2 people

  44. Notice the Judge and Mettias said the following about redaction. The probable cause must be really, really really bad. Please notice Baker, this judge is bending over backwards for Chase. So much for all that corruption.

    Smith said that the two warrants that will remain sealed for the time being involve “third parties,” and said that their privacy needs to be respected. When asked about why information in all of the documents would be redacted, Smith and Merritt’s attorney, Jimmy Mettias, said that the warrants include information that could further condemn Merritt.

    “The position, really, is that we believe the things that are highly prejudicial should not be released and would interfere with Mr. Merritt’s right to a fair trial,” Mettias said Wednesday morning outside the courthouse. “(The documents are) not evidence, it’s probable cause statements. It would be damaging, yes. There has been a lot of information and misinformation … Mr. Merritt has been convicted in a lot of people’s heads. Let’s not add fuel to the fire.”

    http://www.vvdailypress.com/article/20150624/NEWS/150629855

    Liked by 2 people

  45. The transcripts are fascinating. It will take me a few days to make corrections on my report. One thing you can see very clearly, is that San Diego hardly performed any really investigation. Other than getting DNA swabs from Merritt and from the Trooper–they didn’t look carefully at Bank Records.

    All of that work was performed by SBC.

    It demonstrates how important thorough detective work is to these cases.

    Honestly, this case could have been examined much more closely, even before the bodies were found. The quickbooks info would have been as damning then as it is now.

    Liked by 1 person

        • You might be right on that. But why would they come up with a cover story about the motorcyclist finding the bones? I know L.E. is permitted to lie in certain circumstances (say, during interrogations) but are they allowed to release misleading information such as the detail about the motorcyclist coming upon the bones by chance? I would think not, but sometimes the answer can be surprising. For example, if they could justify that it would “compromise their investigation” to tell the truth, would they be allowed to lie?

          Like

          • Someone must be reading at another crime blog. Since the remains were found, the author of that blog has floated her belief that the off road biker does not exist. I think she is wrong.

            Like

    • Can you not post the actual pdf’s? Or email them to us?

      Also, I hate to jump into other’s debate, but a friend of mine was a criminal defense attorney and legal analyst for CourtTV, CNN & Fox News on several very high profile cases. During one case, she and I discussed the prevalence, or lack thereof, of “evil” being the motive for murder and other serious felonies. Although at the time a very successful private criminal defense attorney, she had plenty of cases with the public defender’s office and also donated time for pro bono cases.

      It is her opinion (and mine) that “evil” is rare, if it exists at all, outside of the bible and church sermons. We tend to use it as an emotional defense mechanism to convince ourselves that no one we know could be capable of such heinous violence and to reassure ourselves that we & our loved ones are unlikely to become victims so long as we stay away from “evil people.”

      Non-evil people kill others for a variety of reasons: panic, anger, mental illness, prevention of being reported for committing other crimes such as raping a child (or embezzling money), greed, being under the influence of mind-altering drugs, and many others.

      I believe it is a disservice to ourselves and to society to use evil as the one-size-fits-all reason or motive for murder. Understanding these motivators is the only chance we have to try to reduce the number of people who commit them by recognizing and intervening before they graduate to murder, IMO.

      On the other hand, Maeve, I am not ready to buy into the “good father & family man” ideal of Merritt. Many, if not most children who have been abused by a parent most of their lives still love that parent and usually defend them and want to remain with or return to them. It is the only home & family they have ever known. It is as familiar and comforting to them as our own non-abusive families are to most of us. Taylor’s prom anecdote may be one of the few really happy and fatherly memories she has of him. (I have not listened to her interviews so I don’t know.)

      As always, I appreciate reading the facts and opinions shared by you who are so much more familiar with the evidence of this case (and the “alleged evidence” provided by the unusual man who has made this case his obsession and perhaps a professional opportunity.)

      Liked by 1 person

      • STO,

        With all due respect, I’m not discussing this anymore. It won’t go anywhere. For the record my analysis has little to do with empathy for Merritt–it is in regard to motive.

        But that’s all the more I am going to say.

        Like

      • Are you saying that his family could have identified his motivators and stopped him before graduating to murder? Or maybe Joey should have identified Chases motivators and stopped him before his little graduation to murder?

        How about Chase identify his own motivators and stop himself from graduating to murder? You know what Most people do when someone angers them to the point where they think they are going to lose it? They walk away and avoid those people. Most murderers are the cowardly type who instead of controlling themselves, they run behind the people who angered them and end their lives. How many murders occur on a level playing field. Not too many. Cowards. The motivation is almost always selfishness, which is a root to almost everything “evil”. He’s going to get me in trouble, I’m gonna kill him because I don’t deserve that. I killed her so I could run away with my new lover. I killed him because he stole from me and I worked hard for that money. I killed him because I didn’t want to go to jail.

        Does love not exist, too? I’m confused.
        Non-evil people kill others for a variety of reasons?
        What the ????
        I’ve been depressed, I’ve been under mind altering drugs, panicked, been full of rage. Do you know why I don’t murder people? Do you know why you haven’t? I don’t because I love my children and I love my life and don’t want to go to prison, and mostly, I value LIFE! My anger, panic, drug use does not give me a free pass to lose self control and murder people.
        I understand having empathy, compassion, understanding in some odd ways for murderers, but this is out of control, and the sad part is this thinking is being done by professionals in our system. How about calling a chase what he is? A selfish, hatred filled cowardly prick who lacked self control and valued his own life more than the McStays. (Pending he is guilty, of course)
        We are not talking about chase killing someone because they raped his child. We aren’t talking about Chase being on acid and accidentally tripping Joey causing him to fall and bust his head open dead. We are not talking about chase protecting his family because Joey was going to kill them, so he had to shoot first.
        What is wrong with this world?
        You all have some messed up definitions of love.
        I can “love” my family that I have not seen or talked to in 10 years. I guess in the same way Chase can “love” his kids. I have a completely different kind of love for my children and close family and friends. Love makes you a better person. Love is selfless. I would die for them. Not murder them for my own gain. Not murder my best friend so I can stay home with my family that I “love” and not go to jail for being a crook for the umpteenth time in an effort to save my name and myself.

        Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, it is not rude, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. love does not delight in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

        People can twist stuff all they want, make up their own ideas and definitions and concepts. But it gets to the point of absurdity. I’m over it. Respond all you want, hold on to your own truths, or whatever. I’ll hold on to mine, too.
        But don’t tell me, because I KNOW what real love is, I’m in a little box and can’t wrap my mind around anything but what I think or that I’m doing a disservice to myself for thinking there is evil in this world and that evil exists. In some ways, it’s hypocritical. Even if we learn what everyones motivators are, we will never end murder in this world, because there will always be evil people, who choose to commit crimes.
        If chase is guilty or if I even thought he was guilty, no money in the world would keep me sitting in his attorneys seat. It’s blood on their hands.

        I appreciate the true crime fighters, sleuths, etc and I respect that they know more than I in many areas of forensics, legal procedures, everything really. This is my first “obsession” with a case I’ve come under. But there are some basic things that you see through your crime fighting eyes that completely don’t need to be over analyzed. There is such a thing as right and wrong. No matter how bad we want to blur the lines.

        May we all one day experience true love and teach others right from wrong through living it out in our own lives.

        Liked by 4 people

        • Agree with Fran. Great post. I think empathy can be taught, but as with language skills, it probably must be acquired at an early critical stage. Many sociopaths, we know, are made.You can see the sort of childhoods they had, the torture they underwent. But sometimes the damage can be reversed. For example, there is this video about a child suffering from “attachment disorder”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ME2wmFunCjU Allegedy, this child was helped, “recovered,” and is now a caring human being who is employed as a nurse. The comments beneath the video show exactly the sort of division we’re seeing here in discussing moral behavior. Many call her “evil” and insist she should have been “locked up for life” or worse. But then she was young and the behavior was addressed early on. Some neuroscientists seem to believe that some socipaths are indeed “born that way,” something to do with a different processing speed in the neurons (I think in the frontal lobe). True sociopaths even have different physiological responses than the rest of us. You can read about the “Duchenne smile,” to give just one example. Or I’m sure many of you know how true sociopaths can often ace polygraphs. Because they don’t have the same reactions to stress that “normal” people do. They don’t have a “mind divided” with guilt. These people really are almost a different species. So in the case of the mafia, for example, I think often it is a case where a culture doesn’t care about the “outside” culture’s definition of “good” and “evil.” It has its own definition. But with sociopaths, it’s something else. And I think Merritt is one of those. The way Les Cohen talked about Merritt’s refusal to even worry about the money he stole from everyone, how he just waved them off. That is so typical. Or the way he attacked Summer’s character after murdering her and wanted to publish a book destroying her reputation. These are clear indicators that this is not a normal human being and in no way could he ever be considered a “family man.”

          Liked by 1 person

        • Very well written. What intrigues me is that even when we have evidence that that CM
          had some very serious character pathology, criminal behavior, and addiction which clearly interfered with his home life, he continued on his selfish path.

          Like

        • I’m not sure if your post is a reply to my post or not, TrollfromSoCal, but I am talking about we as a society better understanding motives and motivators for criminal and other behaviors, and addressing any issues that are fixable. As a soecies, we have developed religions, codified laws, courts of justice, international diplomacy, public education and many other institutions that are the hallmarks of modern human civilization.

          Murder has always existed and likely always will, but we can and will continue to improve, I believe.

          Haven’t read the rest of your post yet but I wanted to be sure to clarify that.

          Apologies for any confusion or upset created by my poor communication.

          Like

          • I’m not bothered by differing opinions but throwing out 1 Corinthians 13 in response to whether “evil” is valid as a motive for crime doesn’t make sense to me. If you want to discuss emotion and morality vs evidence and laws, I am in the wrong place and have wasted your time. Sorry. You can ignore the rest. I’m pretty sure you won’t be interested.

            For anyone to say they want “justice” while stating defense attorneys have blood on their hands if their client is guilty is the height of hypocrisy. Defense attorneys are essential to a criminal justice system, especially ours, the best in the world as far as I’m concerned.

            Bible (or Koran) verses, the four basic truths and the like are a wonderful ways to learn, to teach, to use as a guide for your own life. You’re less likely to become a criminal if you can adhere to the tenets of any of the great religions of the world.

            Below you’ll find information that applies in U.S. criminal courts.

            6th amendment to the U.S. Constitution:
            In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
            https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/sixth_amendment

            14th amendment:
            No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

            https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/sixth_amendment

            Per SCOTUS in Gideon v Wainwright

            “Lawyers in criminal courts are necessities, not luxuries.”
            .
            The Sixth Amendment’s guarantee of counsel is a fundamental right essential to a fair trial and, as such, applies the states through the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
            http://www.uscourts.gov/educational-resources/educational-activities/facts-and-case-summary-gideon-v-wainwright

            CA RPC
            http://rules.calbar.ca.gov/Rules/RulesofProfessionalConduct/CurrentRules.aspx

            Like

            • blah blah blah. Read again. I said no money in the world would keep ME in the attorney seat. Can’t stand manipulating people. That turned into me not wanting justice. Uh, yeah ok.

              Liked by 1 person

  46. https://mcstayfamilyandcharlesmerritt.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/chase-merritt-grave-site.png?w=306&h=398&crop=1

    I tried every which way I could to post this pic, but not successful. It truly is disgusting. Corn posted it previously. This is a pic of CM wearing his cowboy hat, resting his right hand on one of the McStay Family crosses in the desert. How dare he?? This is what a truly evil person is able to do…go back to the place where HE buried the family that HE murdered with a sledgehammer, and try to appear like he cares. What an evil, evil person.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Time: I know which picture you’re referring to and it’s despicable. How could anyone have the balls to stand there and pretend to care all the while knowing he’s the reason for the crosses and media being there. He has to be a cold, heartless person.

      Sorry, Maeve, I don’t see how a man such as Merritt can be deemed a good dad or family man. I don’t have to dig too deep to know that he doesn’t have what it takes to be a man let alone a family man. A true man would NEVER be able to beat the holy hell out of toddlers, especially by bashing in their heads. Who the fuck does that???

      Liked by 1 person

      • I just tucked in and kissed goodnight my granddaughter, who will be 4 next month. The thought of anyone committing a violent act against such a defenseless and trusting child is unimaginable to me.

        Liked by 1 person

  47. Baker took the thread down. Unbelievable. He’s whipped up another nice piece of troll bait in it’s place about a mysterious poster from a bygone news article. The truth proves too hot to handle. Unless of course he is editing again.

    Like

    • Do you want screen shots? I still have the tab open to the post about the pings, LDT, no alibi, Susan & Chase & DK meeting a lot and QB checks.

      Like

      • Naw, but thanks anyway. It was fun trying to reason with some of the lost souls though. Maybe one less person will stop worshipping a child murderer.

        Like

    • It’s nice of you to offer the screen shots, Shlitze, but he’ll probably have the post back up in a few days, that’s his usual course. Not only is he a lying, despicable ass but he’s ultra predictable.

      Like

  48. Mcstay Family justice,

    When you look at the basic investigation done by SBC, so much of this could have been done by San Diego. They didn’t need probable cause against Merritt to forensically examine the McStay’s QB account. And once they found the Merritt irregularities on the QB accounts, this would have given them probable cause to look more closely at Merritt.

    And had they tested the DNA on the Trooper back in 2010–this would have started revealing a pic. They may not have been able to arrest Merritt then, but they could have gotten to other evidence sooner.

    They should have performed laminol tests on the McStay residence, as well, in 2010.

    If you get a chance to read the transcripts, you’ll see what I mean. All of the important work around this case was done by SBC. Dugal was only called to speak in regard to one interview–that’s it.

    All the forensics were, all the ping info, all the QB forensics was SBC.

    I’ve always given SD the benefit of the doubt, because missing person’s cases are tough. But at the very least examine the family’s finances more thoroughly.

    Like

    • I don’t like to be too critical of LE, because their job is hard. And usually in cases of wrongful convictions, it is the prosecutors, not the investigators who are to blame.

      But really, why didn’t SD look closer to home on this? It is baffling.

      Like

      • Yep. San Diego did a lousey job. But this will work in the prosecutions favour. San Bernardino did a thorough investigation and found answers and evidence that led to an arrest. One conclusion….not two conflicting conclusions.

        Liked by 1 person

  49. Baker does have an interesting post though–the Rose Briar post. BriarRose is a winery in Temecula, not far from Panchega Casino.

    And Rose Briar is a rehab in Oregon.

    And the name is also a Grimm Fairtale.

    Interesing….

    Liked by 1 person

    • Don’t you think that was just typical guesswork? If you read enough responses (and there are so many) you’re going to find people who got very close to the truth. But they had some important details wrong, so I don’t believe it points to any inside information. And Baker’s twist on it, once again using it to victimize the McStay family, is typically despicable.

      Liked by 1 person

  50. Maeve: Assuming you’re still on the fence as to Merritt’s guilt or innocence, please let me know if the transcript sways your decision or helps you come to a decision. Sitting through the prelim was eye opening for me and convinced me beyond a shadow of a doubt that Merritt and Merritt alone murdered the family. In my opinion there are too many things that point to him. Granted I haven’t heard the defense’s rebuttals but so far it’s not looking very good for the cowboy.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Just Me,

      I’ve always thought he was guilty. The transcript solidified this for me. However, if the defense shows evidence to contradict the State’s findings–for example if the ping info is flawed, etc. I could be swayed the other way.

      To me this crime had to have been committed by someone, not so much close to the family, but with easy access to them. Someone who wouldn’t stand out to neighbors. Someone who knew the McStay’s routine. Their habits.

      There were a number of people who might have fit this bill.

      But you add location of the gravesides. And Merritt’s strange behavior after the disappearance. I didn’t know he hadn’t left Joey messages–but he should have contacted Susan by the 5th, not waited until the 9th.

      So I can’t make claim to having been unbiased before reading the transcript, but the transcript really helped me see the State’s case. And it filled in some of the blanks I had.

      Liked by 3 people

      • Actually Just Me,

        The transcripts did make me wonder one other thing. The backdating of the checks to the 4th is damning. But also damning is the opening of the B of A account on the 2nd.

        I’d imagined that given the type of weapon and the rushed burial, that the decision to kill Joey and his family came on Chase suddenly.

        But why do you open a bank account, that you can only hope to fill, by way of stealing–if the person you are stealing from, could catch you at any moment?

        And it’s very suspicious to me that Joey dies two days after the opening of that account.

        So that perspective changed for me, as well.

        Liked by 1 person

  51. I saw a lot of people defending Chase as a possible ‘Family Man’ and great dad. I have seen no evidence to indicate Chase was a part of their lives like real dad, however I have not seen evidence to say he was not either. Taylor grew up the way she did and is smart, true, but that is largely in part to her mother. Just my opinion.

    Let me remind you of some parents who seemed to be upstanding parents who murdered their own kids: Andrea Yates, Josh Powell, John List, just to name a few. I also recall a report of a father in New York who lead his 5 children, one by one, down into the basement to be bludgeoned to death by a hammer. So being a family man really means nothing. Maybe more kids for some just means more ‘accidents’.

    Truth be known, I have had many conversations with Cathy and I feel she has been completely in the dark about the whole matter. Snowballed from the beginning by Chase, much like everyone. Except the detectives.

    Rick is trying to drag her into this (the mother of Taylor who he interviewed) and it’s really not fair. Cathy was not trying to help cover Chase’s tracks but was mistaken about the day of the call.

    Liked by 3 people

  52. I agree with an above poster’s opinion that evil people are a rarity. I think it would take a perfect storm type of situation to end up with an evil person. I think it would have to start with someone whose brain is wired in a very specific way, and then combine that with other factors. Weakness would have to be a big ingredient, and a person’s character can be weakened in many different ways:

    …Someone who always feels down on their luck.

    …Someone who has been abandoned such as a bastard child.

    …Someone who constantly feels like a victim of society, or victim of The Man.

    …Someone who has harbored feelings of envy or resentment most of their lives.

    I think evil most easily manifests itself in the weakest of people, such as in people who have given up on life, and people who feel like nothing matters in the world. Combine this with that certain biological predisposition, and then maybe throw into the mix a narcissistic personality and a couple other traits, and you end up with a person who can be overcome by evil and thus capable of things that seem unimaginable.

    But in the end, unless you’re dealing with someone who is clinically insane or has a severely diminished mental capacity for some other reason, I believe everyone has the ability to decide whether they want to shun evil or nurture it. The person who decides to nurture evil is the person who will surely end up a loser. Or worse, as in this case.

    Like

  53. Question: why would Mettias be against unsealing the two CPS warrants? Wouldn’t that info point AWAY from Chase?

    Like

    • Not necessarily. If the accusations were proven to be unfounded and/or the case was closed in favor of the accused.there would be no reason to consider it. I think the 3rd party was cleared of any wrong doing and had a solid alibi, thus removing him as a suspect..

      Liked by 1 person

    • Viking,

      Mettias isn’t against unsealing the CPS warrants–the Judge is, out of respect for the privacy of those not actually implicated in the case.

      Mettias wants some of the probable cause affidavits redacted, because they are highly prejudicial in regard to Chase.

      I’m surprised the Defense isn’t fighting to keep all the warrants sealed. This would normally be their position.

      Like

    • I’m not at all surprised that the defense will be requesting a continuance. I think this will be the first in a long line of many more. We’ll be lucky to see this get to trial in 2016. I think Merritt will take a plea if offered one.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Just Me,

        I have a feeling Chase will fight this to the end. The defense attorneys also seem to be working hard. My sense is that this trial will take place around the time the murders did–February, 2016.

        If they delay into October–they will be coming up to the holidays–which always delays court proceedings.

        November through Dec. are probably out.

        Jan or Feb 2016 is my bet.

        I don’t think Chase will plead out. I once thought this, but I don’t now. He’s come this far. He might as well see it out.

        Unless Chase’s health fails, I think there will be a full trial.

        Liked by 1 person

  54. Ok, thanks Maeve. I was confused by the following statement:

    Attorney Mettias told reporters there are “two or three sentences” repeated in several warrant affidavits that he does not want made public because they could “fan the flames” of pretrial publicity.

    I thought Mettias was referring to the CPS warrants, but I see now he is not specifying those. Thanks for the clarification!

    Like

    • Viking,

      There’s another article that ABC posted that makes it a little more clear. The two warrants we won’t get to see AT ALL are, I believe, CPS related. I am inferring this from phrasing by the judge.

      The affidavits–which are kind of the goodie bag of the warrants, are going to be redacted. If you looked at the San Diego warrants, that’s the probable cause part. This is where the detectives lay out their theory, so not sure how much will be redacted–but we may not get to see all the probable cause portion.

      I’ll look and see if I can find that article.

      Like

  55. Ok, so I just had another thought. When CM’s attorneys were brought on board, they kept saying they can’t see how the prosecution is tying the murders to CM, there is nothing there.

    Now they are saying the warrants will “fan the flames”. He can’t have it both ways.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Viking,

      From a defense standpoint, they are looking at anything that will “infect” or “taint” the jury pool. As you probably notice, not all opinions on this case are based in fact.

      So a theory coming from a person in authority is going to have huge impact on potential jury members. I believe Chase to be guilty, but in the interest of a fair trail, I get what the defense is trying to do.

      The defense is going to focus on the weak aspects of the State’s case–and that is lack of witnesses, lack of corroborating evidence, etc.

      But you see a lot of cases now being won on technology. I just saw a Michael Biden episode from 20 years ago, where the case was won on phone calls–and this was before they could track pings.

      Like

  56. Anything mind blowing in the transcripts? Not really thinking it’s worth 160, unless the reporters did a horrible job reporting? Opinions?

    Like

    • TFSC,

      I think Jane has a connection where you might be able to get a copy for less than 160. I got my copy from someone else, and I think they’d rather I didn’t distribute.

      I think it’s worth reading because other than the warrants, which may also cost money to get copies of, until the trial, this is the best hard evidence we will be given.

      Like

      • Yes, Troll, email Jane and let her know you’re interested. She posted a few days ago that a poster here was looking for people to chip in on the transcript.

        Like

  57. I’m looking at the ping exhibits and he called Cathy Jarvis multiple times from the grave site on Feb 6.

    Like

  58. Hi, been lurking here daily for about a monthish, ping ponging between here and you know where trying to extract the truth.
    I have a question and I am wondering if anyone here knows.

    Has it ever been verified that MMcF is THE same MMcF who’s criminal record is posted in various sites?

    Thank you,
    LB

    Like

    • Yes, it is him. I thought it was pretty disgusting that his old criminal charges ( without dispositions ) were posted on a crime blog when none of us knew if he was a suspect or not. My understanding is that he has really cleaned up his act since those charges were resolved.

      Like

      • Yes, he has. We have many mutual friends and NO ONE has anything bad to say that I have asked. We didn’t grow up with him though, not sure where he is from.
        And strangely, no one seems to know about the McStay case and the connection to him and H.

        As a matter of fact I never knew Joey had been married to her until right after the bodies were found and I saw a post referencing something/someone I am very familiar with.

        I think you know who just can’t resist throwing up all the CPS stuff. What an A**hole to do that to kids.

        Anyways, I appreciate the intelligence here and I too think Chase did it based solely on motive and burial site but for the life of me I cannot figure out how it went down logistically.

        It’s obvious Summer must’ve really been letting him have it verbally and he fixed that and I think Gianni probably ran to protect her and that is why he had so many blows.
        Makes me sick typing that.
        I just cannot get a workable theory down as to murder site, transfer of bodies, moving cars etc..

        How could they possibly have been murdered in that home and then moved in their car or Chase’s with no blood or matter found.

        I hope the prosecution lays out a believable theory because I don’t have one.

        LB

        Liked by 2 people

  59. I’m baffled, you have an emergency, life threatening and have to have surgery immediately.

    Hmmm….

    Hold on Dr’s, I need to write Rick before you wheel me in

    Ok then

    Like

    • It never ceases to amaze me how brain dead and incapable of independent thought most of his followers appear to be. He says jump and they ask how high? It’s crazy, cult-like. I don’t get it.

      Welcome to our little group, LB. I’m glad you’ve seen the light. 😃

      Liked by 1 person

      • Thank you, I have always seen the light but his antics are so out there that I cannot understand why he doesn’t have restraining orders from some people he has targeted, strange he doesn’t.

        I’m wondering if ‘Rosebud’ is Becky.
        Stand by your man.
        LB

        Liked by 1 person

        • Hmmm. He did say he wasn’t going to be around as much the next few days. However, if it was Becky he would’ve played that sympathy card for days.

          Liked by 1 person

          • Well Baker woke up today and reaffirmed Chases innocence. He is throwing out select comments as we speak. Currently bashing Web Sleuths.

            Liked by 1 person

                • Well you ain’t gonna believe this but I had looked at Shlitzie (looks like a GREAT movie) and wondered. Back in the day (30 to 35 years ago) my in-laws drank PBR and Schlitze. Those beers were big on the bowling alley scene.

                  Still not too early 🍺🍺

                  Like

  60. Hope no one minds. I’m shaking things up here with the Bird Singers of Southern California. The Cauhill tribes from Palm Springs and Hemet area.
    Last night I spent a couple of hours on YouTube and the web learning about and listening to, and taking solace in these social songs. Healthy relationships across the generations.
    This very short clip gives me goose bumps every time I listen to it.

    Liked by 1 person

  61. I have been following this case since I saw it on Disappeared. I read the “book”, which led me to the blogs. I’ll admit I go back and forth between blogs everyday as a passive observer, but I wanted to jump in here to say that I like the tone and the information provided here. I sense this blog is a group of intelligent people, great writers, with logical thinking skills and factual information. I don’t know who any of you are besides being called “hens” (What does that even mean?!), but I really like all of you for what it’s worth. :). I really don’t have many insights on this case to offer. I just felt like writing tonight. Being a true crime junkie, I’m fascinated by this case. There are so many facets to this case, so many investigative mistakes made, so much social media presence unlike any other case. I do feel very uneasy while reading the other blog – it definitely has a schizophrenic quality to it. I am shocked at the hateful things that people write behind the anonymity of their computer screens. The tone and the accusations and victim assassinations, to me, are so disrespectful to a case that is so serious, and to the people that are related to the victims, and to the victims themselves. So unbelievably and terribly sad. Where is human decency? I look at the picture of junior (the one with the white knit hat and the ice cream bar) and I want to cry my eyes out. I think of how kind Joey was described as, how he clearly loved his family, how he was trying to build a successful business, how J, S and the boys were looking forward to enjoying their new home, only to meet the awful and brutal fate that they did – over what I consider an amount of money grossly disproportionate to the brutality of the crimes themselves. Were Joey and his family perfect? Absolutely not, but neither am I. But they seemed perfectly imperfect, normal human beings with mistakes and pasts and successes and failures. They didn’t deserve this fate. And the family members should not be thrown on the sword in their time of immense grief. It’s unconscionable. Rest in peace to Joey, Summer and those precious boys….. ❤

    Liked by 2 people

  62. I saw some comments today (particularly Maeve and Fran) about San Diego PD, the work they did and them botching the investigation. I whole heatedly disagree. I believe that SDSD did everything they possibly could do in this case. At least Det. DuGal did. There are some limitations on missing persons cases, especially if it is believed the participants disappeared willingly. Perhaps the upper brass would not push for further investigation and warrants considering certain aspects. Bare in mind DuGal did stay on Merritt through the years. He obviously felt there was more there to Merritt and his stories. Maybe DuGal knew that there was some abnormalities to the Quickbooks but his hands were tied. When it comes to the general consensus, don’t assume when you don’t know all the facts. Or most anyways.

    Merritt was always on LE’s radar, very few others I’m afraid, not including my own.

    I’m not trying to slam anyone on their opinion. This is an open forum and I welcome anyone to disagree or debate with me.

    Liked by 3 people

    • CW92,

      I don’t think I was “slamming” anyone. There are cases of missing persons that have been handled differently. I don’t think that SDSD did a great job. There were basic things that could have been checked. And if you sugar-coat these events, how do we then establish policy that improves on protocol that cleary failed.

      SDSD had the family in Mexico–that had to have cost money.

      And I question, as this is still an ongoing investigation, and many aspects of it have not been made public, how you can be certain that you know all the facts.

      No. None of us knows all the facts. But I do know that for three years we were told the family was in Mexico. There were witnesses who may have discredited what they thought they knew, due to LE makeing this assertion.

      Like

      • Criticism isn’t about “hurt feelings” or saying someone is “bad” when it comes to law enforcement. Criticism, at least mine, is made in the hopes of initiating better policy.

        Law enforcement is our only protection at times. It’s important that it be scrutinized, and that it be the best it can be.

        Like

    • That’s interesting. I’ve gone back and forth in my opinion of whether or not SDSD botched the initial investigation.
      Botched because they didn’t bring the cadaver dogs into the house. They didn’t use luminal.

      Then once I read the warrants I thought SDSD had just been biding their time, keeping what they knew close to their vests, waiting for more evidence. And I was applauding them.

      Then, when I found out they didn’t do any forensics on the financial accounts, I was shaking my head.
      And suspecting Merritt’s involvement but not looking closer at his cell phone pings.
      And I might have misunderstood, but is it true that SDSD took the dna swab from Merritt back in feb. 2010 but it was SBSD that found the match between Merritt and the trooper? If that’s right its a real head shaker.
      Not sealing the house while they were waiting for the search warrants.

      So these are the reasons why I feel that the initial investigation was shoddy.
      As more information comes in and I get a clearer picture, my opinion might change, again.

      Like

      • Actually they did bring dogs in, they are shown in at least one of the early news videos. I think it might be in the one where they interviewed the neighbor. We don’t know that luminol. Personally I would think that would be pretty standard as well considering the family had been missing for for 11 days and Homicide had the case. I guess those little details like this will come out at the trial.

        Like

        • Corn, I’m fairly certain they only brought the dogs into the back and side yards, not into the house.
          Cadaver dogs and their handlers are a bit odd tho. And it’s possible the dogs might not have got a hit in the house even if they did go in.

          Like

    • Cornelius, you said:
      “Bare in mind DuGal did stay on Merritt through the years.”
      That’s something I haven’t read yet. Was it in the prelim transcripts?
      There’s so much new info pouring in its hard to keep up with it all.

      Like

      • Fran,

        I can answer that. NO. This is actually what changed my mind from giving SD the benefit of the doubt, to believing they did a poor job.

        There is only one thing presented by SD at the prelim, and it isn’t evidence, it is testimony from Dugal from an interview that took place with Merritt on Feb 12, 2010. It is true that Dugal did get a buckle swab from Merritt for DNA–and swabs were taken from the Trooper. It appears though that the swabs weren’t tested until SBC took over the case.

        That, I actually understand.

        But you have a family that appears to have run off. The finances of that family would be paramount to understanding if this is true or not. Someone should have looked more deeply into their QB account. And a luminol test should have been done, just to be certain violence hadn’t occurred in the home. The home was in disarray. There was painting going on. A test should have been done for good measure.

        There is nothing to indicate Merritt was ever really on SD’s radar, post polygraph.

        Like

            • I think it’s actually possible that SBSD arrested Merritt sooner than they may have wanted to when “Jerry” and his wife reported their desert outing with Chase. LE thought he might be ready to strike again.

              Like

          • Well, its understandable that you and everyone else would think that. Dougal is on record saying he knew the McStays finances better than his own.
            Maybe he’s a lousy bookkeeper? Lol

            Like

        • Thanks, Maeve.
          I’m in agreement with you, and think its possible the case could have solved sooner.
          Dugals probable cause statements, upon his initial walk through of the home, seemed to indicate a more thorough look to assure that violence hadn’t occurred.
          I think it was the discovery of the computer search about travel requirements to Mexico, the trooper at the border, and the grainy video, that put the case on the back burner.
          I do not think this in anyway harms the states case against Merritt tho. I think this works in the prosecutions favor, in that evidence that was missed, was missed because it was investigated as a missing persons case and not a homicide case.
          Maybe this case will set a precedent, and lead to changes in the way missing persons cases are handled.

          Like

        • DuGal said he had several interviews with him. The last one I believe was in late 2011. I have nothing to support that, just what I know. FBI took over the case in April 2013. Did DuGal keep tabs on Merritt in 2012? I’m confident he did. By 2012 there were few leads coming in and no reason to re-interview Merritt. Or maybe there was. We just can’t know now. I’m sure the FBI conducted their interviews as well. They would certainly be thorough than SDSD.

          It took the family being found and a full year of investigating after that for the case to being solved. So I can’t slight DuGal or SD LE to shoulder the blame.

          Liked by 2 people

          • I’m slowly reading the transcripts as they are made available. I haven’t got to Dugals testimony yet.
            I’m not blaming SD or Dugal. It was a very devious cover-up.
            I’m amazed at what a complete picture can de drawn from the evidence found in the disturbed graves.

            Like

          • Det Dugal was notified by Gina and Patrick on 4/26/10 about the email alerts from Intuit QB that were sent to Joseph’s email account alerting him that someone was attempting to copy his account information. Dugal was also informed of several different attempts and alerts from 2/8/10 through 2/12/10. Now that in itself would have been more than enough to secure warrants for the QB records. Also if Dugal had simply (or a forensic computer specialist from the SDSD) checked the computer logs as the SBCSD did. They would have found all the checks and entries that the SBCSD had made by someone on the day they disappeared. Now there are many other things that were evident from the very start and given to Det Dugal and he and the SDSD ignored them. The SDSD determined from the very beginning this was a voluntary missing case and they put their blinders on and that was all they looked for from that point on.

            They had spoke with CM several times and already had different stories from him and that with QB alone would have give this case the homicide probabilities that were needed to get warrants and start this case in a full blown homicide case. At that time Det Dugal would have had enough to get warrants for CM’s cell phone records and they could have tracked his movements for Feb 4th and around that time. They also would have been able to see the inconsistencies with his phone being turned on and off, which was totally out of character for him. But they chose to ignore all the evidence or really they chose not to look seriously at the real evidence right in front of them that was handed to them.

            Now I know people will say but they didn’t have all that information and they had no reason to look into all the above. But the simple fact of someone trying to gain Joseph’s QB account records and the money from paypal and the (if they had really looked) the Union Bank records of large checks around the 4th made out to CM. A simple look at the checks made out to CM as stated above, would have shown a problem with the signature and the typing style on the checks themselves.

            What is also puzzling is that they had access to the Union Bank account of Joseph and they had monthly statements from the bank for his account. So remember Det Dugal’s words something like, I know their finances better than I know my own. So why didn’t he see all the checks to CM at that time and dig deeper. Remember CM said he met Joseph on the 4th and got checks from him. Why would they not look into the signatures and the again at least the QB account log on Joseph’s account.

            No, there were too many questions and ignored information along with people that were complaining loudly that there was more wrong and the SDSD just ignored it. No, the SDSD and Det Dugal deserve every bit of ridicule and finger pointing and if possible I for one would want some form of punishment for them or the SDSD should have their house cleaned! This is not a case of “oh we didn’t have all the information then that the SBCSD did.” No, thats BS. They did. They just didn’t look or pay attention to anyone but themselves. The old “we know better, we’re the experts”. I mean there are many who need to be fired! This was either the higher ups that didn’t want any more time or money spent on this case or they were, as has been said before, they were “TOTALLY INEPT”!

            Liked by 1 person

            • The date in this sentence is corrected to read: 4/26/11:

              Det Dugal was notified by Gina and Patrick on 4/26/10 (should be 4/26/11) about the email alerts from Intuit QB that were sent to Joseph’s email account alerting him that someone was attempting to copy his account information.

              Like

          • Remember just a few of Dugal’s words: “I think something bad happened” / ” I know their finances better than I know my own” / We have evidence before and after the border (Mexican border, they never produced any) / Something happened within these walls (paraphrased) / how about Lt. Brugos – it’s not illegal for adults to leave on there own. There are many more odd statements from Dugal that contradict each other and make absolutely no sense.

            Dugal interviewed CM early on in the case and in late summer 2010 (by phone) and in 2011. So you mean he never had any discrepancies in what CM was saying. Wait, Dugal admitted that CM’s statements changed, so again why no further checking of the records. Why all the statements to the effect that he knew something happened, then he makes the statement they have evidence before and after. So are you telling me he can’t make up his mind? Then I ask you, should this guy be a homicide investigator or a patrol cop? Or should he even be in LE?

            Like

          • Yes. But CW92 you can’t substantiate any of that.

            When you can. Let me know.

            I can’t argue fiction.

            And it wasn’t what anyone was told.

            I’ve studied this case since before the bodies were found. There was so much emphasis on Mexico that people were imagining that they saw the McStays there.

            Had the case simply been portrayed as a “we don’t know”—perhaps there would have been those who remembered things happening in the High Desert.

            The power of suggestion, especially by those in a position of authority, is great.

            SD blew it. They could have gotten much further on this case, sooner, had they just performed a bit more due diligence.

            Liked by 1 person

            • I believe the family is partially to blame for suggesting they may have gone to Mexico, with exception to the border video. Both LE as well as the family poured a great amount of resources into looking there as well as using a private PI. Spring also felt there was a strong possibility they were there.

              Liked by 1 person

  63. Wondering out loud, if Joey called the bank a few times soon after Cm allegedly started up a 2nd Quickbooks account, maybe he spoke to a bank representative? Maybe there is evidence of a phone call recording of JM asking about certain cheque transactions that relate to CM’s activity. As it stands there is nothing to show Joey knew anything about Cm’s activities before the 4th, however I feel almost 100% sure that Joe did find out and this was the catalyst to his meeting with CM on the 4th and those 27 phone calls/texts that day. CM said a number of times in interviews that they met to discuss standard business stuff and were excited about a big contract. That is likely a BIG LIE! If Le checked with the Quickbooks people they may have tried to do the same with Union Bank. I hope so.

    Liked by 1 person

    • In so many criminal cases there is a lot of could’ve, should’ve, would’ve. The important thing is that the remains of this beautiful family were found and a suspect charged.

      Liked by 4 people

      • Miranda,

        That’s not really true. Because the next time the remains might not be found. Or there could be more victims.

        Improvements in policy and protocol are important when you have this big an error. What if it was your family in danger? Would you still be so blasé?

        It’s interesting. Everyone wants Merritt’s head on a platter. Do you now realize how close he came to never being caught?

        Liked by 2 people

        • *not

          This case easily, easlily—might never have been solved.

          And a conviction is not a sure thing. Don’t think for a minute that the defense won’t use the first investigation as ammo against the second investigation.

          They are being very quiet about this. But I would BET money many of the initial investigators will be brought in to testify for the defense.

          Liked by 1 person

            • I’m not arguing fiction. I didn’t say it HAD happened. or that I knew it would–I am saying, I bet it will.

              Big difference between that and CW92 claiming certain things occurred without giving any substantiation.

              Like

        • Maeve, have you ever worked a case with law-enforcement or a DA’s office? What Miranda said is true. No one is perfect ; no investigation is perfect. Finding the remains gave law-enforcement a lot more probable cause to use in securing warrants against Merritt and any of the other suspects they had.

          You do realize that we don’t know very much about the investigations, right? I think it would be a lot more productive if we waited to see how both sheriff’s departments testify when this case goes to trial.

          Liked by 1 person

          • I have actually–not worked directly with, but close enough. And there were things that could have been done on this case, that were not. I’m not basing this on conjecture, or facts I’m hinting at knowing—it’s all in the transcripts.

            It’s not a matter of someone being “perfect”. It’s a matter of a thorough investigation. And it is also a matter of protocol and policy.

            California has had major budget cuts, so this may have played a part. But at the very least a closer examination of QB could have been done right off the bat.

            These people are public servants making upwards of 150,000 a year–they owe the people they serve the very best. And policy makers owe us this as well.

            Like

      • Miranda, you are so right. The family was found, thanks to Joey Jr and an observant motorcyclist. A suspect is now on trial thanks to the hard work of multiple law enforcement agencies, and the McStay family, who were personally acknowledged by DA Ramos for keeping the case alive. And on a side note perhaps it was Patrick calling and complaining that kept Mr Dugal on Merritt’s tail.
        Personally, living in a small relatively crime free city in Canada, I’m flabbergasted at the amount of violent crime that exists in southern California, and I think LE must be run off their feet with chasing criminals and bringing them to justice.
        I think within that context they have done very well.

        Liked by 2 people

    • Why in all these years has Merritt never mentioned that part of the reason for meeting with Joey that may was so he could get some checks? He also never mentioned that he delivered one of the checks he got from Joey. It’s the little things that are going to be his undoing.

      Like

      • Just Me,

        Merritt did tell authorities this. The public wasn’t told. That’s the thing with any of these investigations. There are many things we are never told–not even at trial. I’ve followed some cases were pretty much all critical info was held back.

        Which is why I wonder how anyone can imagine they would be able to solve one of these cases without that type of information.

        LE holds a lot back.

        And this is why, LE, SDSD should have immediately performed a forensic analysis to the McStay finances, including QB.

        SDSD should also have advised family to stay clear of the McStay residence until after the search warrant was executed on the 19th.

        Liked by 1 person

        • It is true that the SD didn’t break with protocol currently in place for a missing persons investigation. I’ve read the guidelines.

          So the protocol itself needs to be updated.

          Liked by 1 person

        • Yes, that would’ve told law-enforcement that CM is a thief but without the bodies they would not have known that he was a murderer.

          Liked by 1 person

        • What I meant was why didn’t he say anything about the checks during his interviews with CNN or Daily Mail? He could’ve said yes, I met Joey for lunch. We had business to discuss and he had checks he needed to give me. I think he was trying to keep the checks secret and in doing so he made something that could’ve been innocent in to something nefarious.

          Liked by 2 people

    • According to the phone timeline on web sleuths Joey did indeed speak with a bank rep/ accountant prior to the supposed lunch with CM. This timeline was derived from the transcripts we’re told. There is some speculation mixed in with credit given to those posters.

      Liked by 1 person

  64. You have to laugh. Rick is such a parody of himself. Tune in to watch a rerun of the Rick Baker Show circa 12/2013.

    Friday, June 26, 2015

    ‘South Of The Border’ To Be Released After Chase Merritt Murder Trial
    The week after Chase Merritt is found “not guilty of quadruple murder,” I will be releasing my new book, South of the Border. Will it solve the case? That is our intent.

    Posted by Rick Baker at 9:10 AM

    Like

      • He claims to have the transcripts. How can he have read the evidence and still defend the monster. The square peg round hole line enrages me. I can’t read that bs anymore it makes me sick.

        Liked by 1 person

        • This the reason I count on folks here for the RB BS updates. It is all I can do to even read about his BS here. Someone needs to shut him up. That commercial on TV where the woman says to the big mouse ,”you disgust me”…is appropriate here

          Liked by 3 people

      • Rick know more than law enforcement about crime, he has a direct line to God who has revealed to him who is a Christian and who isn’t and he also is more of an authority on cancer than oncologists.

        What other world problems can this all knowing man solve?

        Liked by 1 person

        • Let’s not forget he’s also got Becky’s crime fighting ears and the big white fluffy dog! Who needs real law enforcement when you’ve got all that? Good Lord does his stupidity ever cease?!

          Liked by 1 person

      • Maybe this time around he’ll determine the kids killed their parents and paid Merritt to bury them in his back yard. He is so fucking stupid!

        Liked by 2 people

      • Of course he is. I haven’t gone over there in a long time. It’s just so assinine and puerile. And disturbing in a cult-like way.
        If he has another meltdown (BULLET POINTS PEOPLE!!!) let me know. I’ll go for the entertainment.

        Liked by 2 people

    • Still waiting on –

      In 2015, Baker will release his book detailing his investigation into the relationship between American Oncologists and the pharmaceutical companies. Are doctors killing their cancer patients by only preaching “treatment” instead of “healing?” Baker thinks so and intends to prove it.

      Liked by 1 person

  65. “South of the Border”?????

    Sounds like a travel guide.

    Ha. Yes. Baker is going to write a travel guide to all the places he visited (in his mind) in pursuit of the McStay family.

    “Let’s see, first I pretended to visit Costa Rica….”

    Like

      • Here he is again – WE Him and his super duper online investigator slubs?

        Rick Baker
        June 26, 2015 at 2:04 PM

        The DA is trying Chase for the murder of the family. Once that trial is over, we will release what we have. The DA is not interested in what we have. Their only goal is it convict Chase Merritt of quadruple murder.

        Like

      • Sometimes I think Baker has been working with Merritt all along to obscure the facts.
        Then I remember he’s just an idiotic spiteful little prick.
        The enemy of my enemy is my friend….what an ass hole!

        Liked by 2 people

        • I won’t be surprised if he does a write book even if Chase is convicted. The Real Story according to Rick. He is determined to haunt the McStay family for as long as he lives. He still can’t shut up about his baby momma and his irrational resentment of the McStays is at the same level.

          Liked by 2 people

          • ABC,

            I think you hit the nail on the head. The book Baker will actually write is the one where he claims he knew all along that Chase was guilty, he was playing along with the family to get more info.

            The book will be hilarious–just like the first one was. Minus the complete and utter betrayal of everyone Baker ever meets–he is fucking funny–all the time.

            “Rick BakerJune 26, 2015 at 7:22 AM
            Sorry, but you are incorrect. Remember, you haven’t heard any explanation from Chase on the checks he wrote. None. Wait until you do. Remember, LE is trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. Once Chase is acquitted, he will not be arrested for any check fraud or lying to LE any more than Mike will be arrested for stealing Joey’s money and lying to LE. Chase will not spend the rest of his life in prison. Be careful to not be duped by the WS crowd or the extended family crowd. You haven’t heard from Chase at all yet, and believe me, there are two sides to this story!. Heck, maybe even three, we shall see once Chase is released.”

            http://rickgbaker.blogspot.com/2015/06/open-discussion-thread_25.html#comment-form

            What possible explanation could there be? And why wouldn’t that explanation have been forthcoming right when the family went missing?

            Like

      • I was wondering the same thing, ABC. Surely he can’t be referring to the derelicts who have their lips stuck to his butt. The ones who wouldn’t know how to have an independent thought if their lives depended on it. And yes, the same ones who have to be told to use proper grammar and bullet points, a multitude of times. Hahaha!! If the dumb-asses contribute I’m sure the book will be an award winning best seller. Or not!

        Liked by 2 people

  66. Merritt is one devious mo-fo.
    Computer search on travel requirements to Mexico. Trooper parked at border. Maybe handing out a pair of little hats and ugh boots go a woman with kids at the border.
    Drive the bodies north, into a different county, and bury them. Clean up, paint, and stage the crime scene, get Mike to climb thru the window.
    Back date all checks to the 4th and be sure to mention to LE that Joey gave him a bunch of checks that date.
    Possibly discarding evidence, possibly selling the McStays jewellery in yet another county on the 5th.
    How many cities, counties, and law enforcement agencies are we up to so far?
    Maybe Merritt opened that Union Bank acct at the branch he did because there was a geographic advantage? Yet another jurisdiction?.,…..

    Like

  67. He’s not allowing any comments on the, “I will never ever… never…never…never…ever…write another book,” book thread! Interesting?

    Liked by 1 person

    • He probably doesn’t want to get flooded with posts of people begging him to STFU and go away. I remember him saying on his podcast that once the trial was over he was going to wash his hands of the case and move on. Clearly he’s lying and obsessed!

      Like

    • He has been altering his published entries too.

      The screaming headline- 95% chance Dan K is involved with the murders has totally disappeared. Now replaced with is Dan involved with the murders.

      The 93% chance Dan K is involved with the murders was deleted as the title/headline and moved into the body of entry.

      Like

      • Being Rick Baker must be like living in a never ending tornado. It’s up, it’s down. I’m leaving, nope I’m back. I hate you, I love you. I’m back again but only because my work isn’t done. Oh screw it, I’m leaving again because nobody appreciates me. Nope, I’m back because law enforcement NEEDS Rick Baker on the case or it will not be solved. Baker’s mind must be in a constant state of cluster fuck. I don’t know how he does it – it’s exhausting.

        Liked by 3 people

  68. What if that last phone call at 5:47 was Joseph telling Chase to return the money he just stole and that was Chase’s “in” into the home that night.

    Liked by 4 people

    • I can imagine Chase crafting a few of his “sincere and tender hearted” lines, and then feeding them to Joey during their last phone conversation. It was probably something like this, spoken in that gentle cowboy tone Chase likes to use:

      “You’ve been so good to me and my family……..”

      “I feel terrible about what I did……..”

      “I want to do the right thing and return at least some of that money to you……..”

      “I’ll be down there later to drop off a check.”

      All the while feeling nothing but resentment for Joey. Resenting his accomplishments. Thinking Joey would’ve been nothing if it weren’t for his world-class welding skills. Probably pouting about how he was doing all the manual labor, and only getting paid probably a fraction of the total contract values that Joey had negotiated with his EIP clients.

      And so concludes the legacy of Charles Ray Merritt, master of the con. Let this be a lesson for ya’ll, kids.

      Liked by 5 people

    • Or Joey told him he was going to turn him in and sparked the rage. I think Joey would have opened the door regardless. I sure hope we get answers to these questions and more.

      Liked by 2 people

  69. LOL I was just looking at twitter and saw someone call Baker out on this older tweet.

    Rick G. Baker ‏@rickgbaker · May 28
    Shocking info to come out at prelim about Patrick and Mike McStay. #ChaseMerritt #McStay

    Liked by 2 people

  70. Greetings. I am new here in terms of posting. I had been following RB’s blog, but he is too slanted and not really accepting of implications of Chase’s guilt. I have read discussions going back and forth here regarding the prelim transcripts. Would someone please let me know if they are going to be made public on this blog by the lady named “Maeve”? She stated she received them and is writing a “report” regarding them. Are they going to be shared with us? If so, where? Here? On this url?: http://mcstayfamilymurdersthetrial.blogspot.com/2015/06/mcstay-family-murders-preliminary.htm? Thank you for any response.

    Like

  71. Someone asked Baker about who the WE is that is helping with his forthcoming book…It is another secret.

    Rick BakerJune 26, 2015 at 6:13 PM

    I just can’t yet, sorry.

    Like

    • Probably Dan, not only is he innocent now but he already had a Mexico story ready to spin.
      Rick is like a cheating bf, never faithful.

      Like

    • I just visited there, I know, slap me upside the head. The disciples are super sucky tonight. Chase this, poor Chase that. They are waiting for the second coming of Merritt while praising Bakers non existent book. Picking on Susan AGAIN, victim bashing as per usual. Felt like trolling it up but refrained. Let them have their evil gathering. Justice will be served someday.

      Liked by 1 person

  72. Posted on the first page of this thread, I’m bringing it over because I’ve just got to get it off my chest. Maeve, you have had interesting posts, but none of the highly dedicated posters on this blog deserve ridicule and criticism.

    Speaking for myself, I have delved into the deepest regions of the mind, soul and body to try and make sense of this. It is insulting for you to insinuate that besides yourself, everyone else posting on this sight has done nothing more than superficial research, and are incapable of your self-proclaimed superior level of “enlightened nuance acceptance” when quite honestly, to even use “nuance” in conjunction with this topic is just absurd. As if this crime and the person accused bares only a subtle difference to those who do not kill harmless children. The usage of large words in combination with an overabundance of words, for your own benefit, does not detract from the pointed statements that you continually make.

    Thanks for the continual psychoanalysis and stereotyping that you continually employ in an effort to elevate your moral standing among we, the intellectually-challenged, socially-inept, mouth-breathing, glass-lickers that you seem to think we are. Oh yea, and the ones that have been following and posting on this case for years. Kudos (slow clap inserted here).

    Like you, I agree that this is not a topic for this blog, but ultimately, this is Corn’s blog, and I defer to his wishes.

    Just had to put it out there.

    Liked by 3 people

    • I never used any of these terms: “…The intellectually-challenged, socially-inept, mouth-breathing, glass-lickers that you seem to think we are. Oh yea, and the ones that have been following and posting on this case for years. Kudos (slow clap inserted here).”

      You said this. Is this how you view yourself?

      Because I NEVER said that! And I would appreciate you not putting words into my mouth.

      Again, those are YOUR words.

      Like

      • So basically Hyde the monkey you are advocating for censorship.

        Censorship is the refuge of the weak minded, and those who aren’t able to actually back up their position.

        If you have a strong position, no reason to fear or be upset by any ideas I may have.

        Again, I never called anyone names (accept on Baker’s blog) YOU did that.

        Like

        • But yeah. if you feel your only recourse is to censor me, as opposed to coming forward with a meaningful rebuttal— I will say it–you are weak minded and probably don’t really believe in what you are saying.

          Otherwise, why would you care what I say. Read and move on. Or hit me with a sound rebuttal.

          Like

          • Truthfully if I didn’t think there were really bright people on this forum, I wouldn’t bother participating. So it is not true that I think people here aren’t bright—i do think at times though everyone is capable of drinking the kool-aid.

            We self-select others who agree with us. And if no one comes along and shakes this up from time to time, it’s easy to fool yourself that you are right, simply because the people you’ve chosen to associate ALL agree with you–imagine that! Of course they do. You chose them.

            A challenge to one’s beliefs is not a bad thing.

            Good debate keeps us honest. Not with each other. With ourselves.

            Like

          • Oh no. You mistook what was said. Please keep typing, and typing, and typing……

            “When dealing with people, remember that you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but with creatures of emotion, creatures bristling with prejudice and motivated by pride and vanity.”– Dale Carnegie

            Stop being petty. We are here to talk about justice for the McStays. Reading comprehension is a valuable asset in today’s society. This is also not a political platform. Corn has indicated many times that he does not censor this blog.

            Cheers- Hyde

            Liked by 2 people

            • And I commend CW92 on that. It’s clear he is very confident in what he believes.

              And I will differ with you on the matter of politics. There has been much on the McStay case that warrants examination–such that, maybe the next person(s) for whom events like this happens, they might have a different experience, both by way of LE, and also social media.

              I believe this is part of fighting for Justice, for the McStays–and for future victims.

              Justice traverses many domains.

              Like

        • LB

          I’m not going to address anything but fact from this point forward–show me where I have EVER insinuated that anyone in this group is “intellectually-challenged, socially-inept, mouth-breathing, glass-lickers that you seem to think we are.”

          I’ve never even come close to assessing anyone in this group as the above.

          Maybe this is what Hyde thinks of you all. But I certainly do not.

          I will say though that anytime I try and discuss anything that isn’t straight up “black & white”, as in “Chase might be something more than the sum total of his worst deed”—I can’t find anyone here to truly have that discussion with.

          I am slammed. Or dismissed. Or called names.

          Yes. I do wish this group was able to take on discussions that delved into more nuance. But this doesn’t mean that I don’t value your opinions.

          Like

          • And Hyde broke her/his own rule–she lied about what I’d said. She was insulting. And she was far from discussing the situation in terms that would involve anything not “black and white.”

            Like

          • She did not say you said that. Why are you accusing us of saying you said that?
            Geeze, read it again.
            NO ONE said you said the glass licker statement.
            You are too emotional over any criticism and it skews your reading ability.

            Like

      • Bear in mind, the way you communicate with people or respond to others’ statements can very much portray your views or opinions of those people. Disrespect is just as harmful as name-calling. The damage is done because, even though you haven’t verbalized any specific name calling, the insults have still been implied by means of disrespect. It’s all about owning up to the things you say and how you say them, and considering the impact it has on others. It’s a form of responsibility.

        As a matter of fact, there’s a person we know of who lacks this type of consideration (albeit to a much higher degree) — a guy named Rick Baker. You wouldn’t happen to be RB disguised as a woman, would you???

        Like

  73. This next has NOTHING to do with San Diego, but rather with the evolution of SBC’s investigation, which fascinates me. They really did take on a difficult case and work the hell out of it.

    The two warrants we won’t get to see: SBSW14-0631 AND SBWS14-1846, are apparently directly related to the CPS reports (see quote from CBS article below).

    These warrants were issued in Feb and August, 2014. So SBC looked closely at this POI and dismissed him.

    No real conclusions reached here.

    Just interesting.

    “Deputy District Attorney Sean Daugherty said in court that two of the warrants should remain sealed in their entirety.

    Attorneys said those two search warrants detail a Child Protective Services complaint filed by Summer McStay a few months before the family disappeared.

    The CPS complaint involves minor children and an extended family member, according to attorneys, and the details have been widely reported online and in social media.

    It is the policy of CBS News 8 not to identify minors involved in CPS investigations of a sexual nature.”

    http://www.cbs8.com/story/29401276/judge-to-unseal-redacted-search-warrants-in-mcstay-family-murders

    Like

  74. If you can stomach it, read the article below. Such childish B$. It is clear that RB the Bull$hitter is all about mind games.

    http://www.journalnow.com/journal_west/news/publisher-mayor-s-sister-in-legal-spat/article_dac9e4db-b0f2-53f0-94c4-cda1aa18dddf.html?mode=jqm

    And then there is this, about the fourth comment down: http://winstonsalemskyscrapers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=86

    RB is like that annoying person at work who always stirs the pot, always has to be the authority on all the goings on, and if you don’t agree with him, then watch out!!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Time. I actually have records from the Osborn case. They aren’t that interesting. The case was settled–and though it might be possible to get the final outcome, it’s probably not worth it.

      Basically, it appears for all intent and purpose, Osborn won.

      But here’s a win for Baker.

      He mentions Blink in one of his posts, and I have to say, I have wondered what insider info he/she has, or what law courses that individual has.

      This from her blog (that I only checked because of Baker.) I guess Baker wanted to be certain we know of others claiming to be in the know, who couldn’t possibly be (this is from yesterday):

      http://blinkoncrime.com/2014/11/07/mcstay-family-murders-charles-chase-merritt-arrested-in-the-murders-of-mcstay-family/

      “It’s my opinion that 2 things are going on. The first is a proffer of a plea and the second is the DA my be presenting the case to a grand jury- it is very important to note that Chase Merritt has not been indicted for a quadruple murder to include 2 children although this case meets several of CA aggravating factors on it’s face.”

      A grand jury in CA is called in lieu of a prelim. If a grand jury is called, there will be no prelim.

      There was no grand jury in this case.

      And Merritt has absolutely been called on a charge of killing 2 children.

      What is this person talking about? And this is someone who is supposed to have confidential sources. She doesn’t even know the charges on this case.

      Holy Cow.

      Like

      • I used to like reading BOC and had respect for her and her knowledge, however, as time went on it appeared as though she wasn’t as knowledgeable or connected as I once thought and I quit reading there. WTF is she talking about with a Grand Jury indictment? It’s a little late, Blink.

        Her and Baker have had a love/hate or hate/hate thing for a while now. It’s actually funny when she puts him in his place. She’s not one bit afraid to call him out publicly on his bullshit so for that I give her points.

        Liked by 1 person

          • I left BOC after what she did to McF and the biological parent of Kyron Horman. Thought it was just horrible.

            One attorney who crossed paths with her calls her the “merchant of misery.”

            Liked by 1 person

            • Yeah well McFadden caused his fare share of misery and trauma to a woman and her children. And then alluded to alcohol being the reason.Sorry pal, but blaming alcohol is an easy cop-out. If you have problems in your life and alcohol makes things worse, or makes you violent, then you decide alcohol is not a good choice for you. Simple as that. I did it. I have family that did it. It’s nothing more than a logical choice. There’s gotta be something that separates us from the primates, right? So BOC caused McFadden some misery? Let’s not forget the old sayings: “What goes around comes around” and “You reap what you sow”.

              Like

  75. I love it when one forum that lacks credibility is all in a fury about another credibility-impaired forum:

    AnonymousJune 26, 2015 at 10:21 PM
    Here is a statement said by Blink regarding this case. She knows nothing about what is going on. She is talking about a Grand Jury when they already had the preliminary hearing and Chase has been charged with 4 counts of murder. Blink is nuts. This is her rant: “It’s my opinion that 2 things are going on. The first is a proffer of a plea and the second is the DA my be presenting the case to a grand jury- it is very important to note that Chase Merritt has not been indicted for a quadruple murder to include 2 children although this case meets several of CA aggravating factors on it’s face.” Blink is extremely uninformed regarding this case.

    Reply
    Replies

    AnonymousJune 26, 2015 at 10:50 PM
    Blink definitely has her head up her arse on the McStay case.

    AnonymousJune 26, 2015 at 11:08 PM
    And everything else…

    AnonymousJune 26, 2015 at 11:13 PM
    She also said this which is very interesting
    I think the DA has an informant and the ex, and a mountain of circumstantial evidence. Yes, there is some physical evidence, but it is going to be exceedingly difficult to prove a case where the suspect has been in the home repeatedly, in vehicles, and in contact with the decedents. It can all be explained via transfer so far. It is not and will not be permitted as foundation as evidence of guilt at trial. That is what is making me antsy here. What comes in at a prelim has an entirely different standard as to what comes in – in front of a jury and people need to remember that we are at the discover phase for all intent and purpose. Don’t get me wrong, I believe Merritt is involved, but I have not seen evidence to my satisfaction that all 4 murders occurred in the home, or that he did not have help. In fact, I think preliminarily the “evidence” shows differently

    http://rickgbaker.blogspot.com/2015/06/open-discussion-thread-part-two.html#comment-form

    Like

  76. LMAO!!!!!!

    Rick BakerJune 26, 2015 at 9:24 PM

    “I don’t know what BLINK has posted but here are the facts: Susan was not given $20,000. The CA Victim’s Fund pays up to $5,000 per victim, or $20,000 for the McStay family. The state never cuts a check in this or any other amount to the one in charge of burial, in this case, Susan. What the state does is pay the bills to the funeral home, the cemetery, grave marker, etc. Susan would order the services of one of these businesses, tell the state, and the state would pay the bill to the chosen company. Susan did not get $20,000 from the state. If BLINK has posted she did, she has lost all credibility.”

    Yes Rick, Credibility. In Fact, isn’t that exactly what you and your cronies implied? Piece of shit.

    Like

  77. Just for the record: I don’t mind being called on my shit. Just make certain that you are, in fact, calling me on MY shit. (not yours)

    And that you are addressing something I actually said.

    Claiming that I think people here are window-lickers, or whatever that wierd insult was, is a far cry from my stating I wish more nuance existed in these conversations.

    I NEVER called anyone names. Or insinuated that anyone here wasn’t intelligent. Only that there were very distinct barriers as to what can really be discussed on this forum.

    I can’t address things I never did. But I’m happy to address anything I have done. (in reality, not in your head!)

    Like

  78. I’m going to put my two cents in here. I’ve always liked this blog for the thoughtful and well thought out comments and, for the most part, the tolerance of differing opinion. Even tolerance of my faulty memory. 🙂 I also very much appreciated the lack of infighting.

    That said, I have at times I have held my tongue due to intimidation.

    The first time it happened was when the followers of this blog were challenged to do some sleuthing and research and then belittled for not performing to the challengers liking and in a manner she felt was timely. Which, at the time, I felt was ridiculous for 2 reasons. One, I had just logged on and two, if she had the answers why not just share in a non confrontational way? I found it odd at the time because I’d always found Maeve’s posts to be intelligent although occasionally a teeny bit abrasive. A teeny bit abrasive is not an issue to me. Belittling others is.

    Since that first time I have seen it happen again. I feel certain that I’m not the only one to hesitate to post because they do not want to be verbally assaulted. That may sound like strong wording but there you have it.

    As I write this I feel afraid to share my opinion on the matter because I fear the possibility that how I am feeling will be ridiculed. On RB’s blog, that wouldn’t bother me in the least. Here it actually matters.

    Maeve I respect your opinion. But perhaps a little kindness would go a long way.

    Perhaps you are unaware of your affect on others. Or how the way you word things can be denigrating. (I am seriously trying to be kind here)

    I’m just a Jane Average. I’ve followed this case from day one. I’m a local. I feel I can contribute to the discussion. But I need to feel that I can do so without the drama and fuss of those other venues. Thought this was the place.

    Straight from the heart,

    Sylvia

    Liked by 3 people

    • I’m with you, Sylvia. I like this blog for all of the same reasons and I very much respect each person and their posts.

      I barely have a 9th grade education and do feel somewhat intimidated at times because I can tell my level of intelligence is not close to the level of others. When I know I can’t contribute due to my lack of knowledge or education I simply sit on my hands, read and learn. With that being said, it’s statements such as “I can’t find anyone here to truly have that discussion with” that make me want to click exit and move on. If I want to be made to feel like a complete idiot I’ll go to Baker’s site where there are more than a few people who will be happy to tell me exactly how fucking stupid they think I am.

      Liked by 5 people

      • Just Me,

        I do apologize if I made you or anyone else feel as if you would be ridiculed for your ideas. This I absolutely did not mean to do. When I do it again, please point it out.

        But please also be specific. I need to see specifically what you mean. Because I truly only recall poking fun at Baker and his merry band of….OK, I won’t go there.

        I can assure you of this, I may disagree with people here from time to time. But I think you are pretty awesome and very intelligent. Otherwise I truly wouldn’t be here.

        I like the people on this blog. But I come from a tough family where you have to hold your own in a debate. And whether you all realize it or not, I am outnumbered here in my view, far more often than I am critical of others.

        For example:

        Go back and look at the thread regarding Merritt’s character. Even you asked me why I thought Merritt cared about his family, and when I gave you my list, you ignored it completely–and then went on as if I’d never had an idea at all on the matter.

        You never addressed the answer I gave to you. Not really. And my thought was, why the hell did she ask, then? Why are you waisting my time, if you don’t really care what I have to say?

        You were dismissive. And so was everyone else.

        You all are a very tight clique. You run off to Websleuths and talk amongst yourselves. Then come back, address people here. But there is this distinct sense of you vs everyone else–those not a part of Websleuths.

        So yes, I call you all on your shit from time to time. And you’ve called me on mine.

        But I want to make it clear, I don’t judge people by the words they use. I judge people by how they use their words.

        Like

    • I’m right here with you both for the same reasons.
      I sometimes feel intimidated about posting my thoughts and viewpoints as well, especially if I sense i am being critized, or patronized, or that I don’t measure up to someone else’s standard.
      I thought maybe I was just being overly sensitive.
      This little blog gathering and the sharing that happens here has become very important to me. I think i first noticed a feeling of community on this blog the night we all sat together listening to RB’s troll!talk radio show. It felt like we were all in one room together.
      The thought of following the McStay case, Merritt trial, RB, all alone, is unbearable to me.
      So, whatever it takes to maintain a vibrant and healthy environment where everyone feels included and respected, I’m in.

      Maybe we could try having one thread, off to the side, for rhetorical discussions?

      Liked by 2 people

      • Count me in as well. The bottom line, Maeve, is some of your posts have come across as arrogant, rude, and condescending. No one wants to be disrespected.

        We are here for the McStay and Aranda families and to follow their journey to justice, not to try to “one up” or make disparaging remarks about each other.

        A think a little kindness will go a long way, if you practice it.

        Liked by 3 people

    • Sylvia,

      I appreciate the very frank and thoughtful comments.

      I think, though, there have been many, many more times on this blog when I have been ganged up on for having an unpopular idea, than any time I’ve come down on anyone else.

      Go back. Look at the posts. I have stood up to opposition more often than i’ve given it.

      I am always in the minority position, here. And I have never let this stop me from speaking up.

      I didn’t run away when Hyde got nasty. I haven’t run and hid because there are all these negative posts about me.

      So if I can kindly give you advice, never let anyone else’s opinion, no matter how strong, keep you from speaking your mind.

      Most of the time I’m just trying to express an idea. whether you all realize it or not–you are a clique. You are very intolerant of new ideas.

      Look what happened when I simply suggested Merritt might have cared about his family!

      I was SLAMMED.

      So if I can have the guts to insist I have a right to my opinion, against all of the grief I get form those in the majority here.

      You can stand up to me.

      I won’t bite. I do respect a well thought through opinion. One that is substantiated.

      Why is it wrong that I would want that/

      Liked by 1 person

  79. LB: What’s the Mexico story? Are there still people who think some or all of the family actually went there? Was it a Mexican cartel hit? Some of the theories that have been floated are beyond ridiculous and I refuse to buy in to them.

    Liked by 1 person

    • I was referring to Dan K’s supposed book he was writing with the chapter titled “The Mexico Connection”.
      Being sarcastic of course because now Rick has latched on to Mexico and so I assume he will now be BBF with Dan.

      Liked by 1 person

  80. Welcome Meg Wendle.

    No one here should be afraid to post what’s on their mind and hearts. We should be respectful. I disagree with my most closest colleagues all the time but we are still great friends.

    There is something that needs to be said about perception. And impressions. And emotions.

    There are so many things in this case, early on, and now, that are assumed and not true.

    Sound familiar?

    SD LE tried many things in the beginning. It’s not typical for LE to make such things public knowledge.

    We know from the prelim many facts were kept out of the media. That is standard in any case.

    Call it what you want, Fiction, Rumor, or a Fucking fairytale. SDSO was on top of QB.

    You can believe it or don’t. The truth will come out about SD’s work on the QB’s as well as the house and Mexico. I expect very early in the trial.

    You can only be led by the nose with the BS for so long until the facts smack you upside the head.

    That happened on November 12, 2013.

    And Rick is still trying eat the Crow.

    C.

    Liked by 6 people

  81. Ive just learned the links I posted earlier for the transcripts, are only temporary.
    Copy them while you can, they will be taken down this evening.

    Like

      • Yes. I emailed Jane to confirm that it was OK to post links here. She said yes, but that she was taking them down this evening, until she could get clear on the legalities of making the transcripts available to the public.

        Liked by 1 person

  82. I said this : If chase is guilty or if I even thought he was guilty, no money in the world would keep me sitting in his attorneys seat. It’s blood on their hands.

    And this is the response I got:
    I’m not bothered by differing opinions but throwing out 1 Corinthians 13 in response to whether “evil” is valid as a motive for crime doesn’t make sense to me. If you want to discuss emotion and morality vs evidence and laws, I am in the wrong place and have wasted your time. Sorry. You can ignore the rest. I’m pretty sure you won’t be interested.

    For anyone to say they want “justice” while stating defense attorneys have blood on their hands if their client is guilty is the height of hypocrisy. Defense attorneys are essential to a criminal justice system, especially ours, the best in the world as far as I’m concerned.

    Bible (or Koran) verses, the four basic truths and the like are a wonderful ways to learn, to teach, to use as a guide for your own life. You’re less likely to become a criminal if you can adhere to the tenets of any of the great religions of the world.

    Below you’ll find information that applies in U.S. criminal courts.

    6th amendment to the U.S. Constitution:
    In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
    https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/sixth_amendment

    14th amendment:
    No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

    https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/sixth_amendment

    Per SCOTUS in Gideon v Wainwright

    “Lawyers in criminal courts are necessities, not luxuries.”
    .
    The Sixth Amendment’s guarantee of counsel is a fundamental right essential to a fair trial and, as such, applies the states through the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
    http://www.uscourts.gov/educational-resources/educational-activities/facts-and-case-summary-gideon-v-wainwright

    CA RPC
    http://rules.calbar.ca.gov/Rules/RulesofProfessionalConduct/CurrentRules.aspx

    I don’t know how some of you haven’t conquered the world with your knowledge of…well, everything! Because I stated that no money in the world would keep *me* defending Chase Merritt if *I*knew he was guilty or if even thought he was guilty because *I*believe it’s blood on the defense hands, I am accused of being a hypocrite and that I don’t want justice for the McStays, then schooled on the 6th and 14th amendment, among other things. Um, right.
    I also can’t talk about “emotion and morality” (mentioning some good guidelines for what love really is) because here we only talk “laws and evidence.” Bahahahahhaha. But, it appears you can express/discuss your opinions just fine, but when I do you can label me, but when I label chase, I’m wrong and not worthy of conversation, much lower intellectually than you, let me find code 8374646a-7-4 in case if you needed clarification. If you want to talk laws and evidence, there’s a blog for that. I forgot Maeve’s link. Hook up with her, maybe? Unless you are her. Don’t know, don’t care.
    Keep making excuses and defending Chase and feeling oh so sorry for this person who was just wired to murder. It’s not his fault. We can’t hold him responsible because we failed to locate his motivators and stop him before he graduated. YOU must be the true seeker of justice for the McStays. I vote you admin for the blog! Someone, give the password up!
    Too intelligent for me. I’ll just get back to my peasant ways and get off the blog and leave all discussion on this case to the ones with a much higher intellect. Bye, Felicia 😉

    Liked by 4 people

      • Sorry, I was extremely exhausted last night, I hadn’t gotten to read the blog all day, I was at the waterpark with my children and wrote that half asleep. It was a long day and then as I’m drifting to sleep, I saw the post accusing me of not wanting justice for the McStays. I was hoping to stop by and see Chase, but they don’t allow shots to the nuts, so I just kept right on my way past VVDC. I went with 2 friends from Barstow & they are single and early 30’s. Same family, one is extremely intelligent, computer genius & the other a teacher in another county in SoCal. As we drove past Stoddard wells road, I asked them if they ever heard about the family they found buried there? Nope, no clue. Asked me what happened and I gave them a quick summary without getting into the gory details. Anyway, they read the newspaper, get it daily, have cable and Internet, yet their whole family has no clue about this case, even though we all know Stoddard Wells Road. Barstow people frequent Victorville because it’s the only place we can do any shopping outside of a few stores in Barstow. They also have doctor appointments there, because Barstow has limited specialists. We also have no choice but to pass this exit whenever we want to leave town. So, why and how people don’t know about this case continues to intrigue me, especially because Barstow plain and simple sucks! It’s so weird to me!
        I read the transcripts and unless I misunderstood, it appears mcguyver canceled the painting date. I find that interesting because Bakers blog always talked about how Summer canceled which led to different theories. I’ll have to re-read them now that I’m not half asleep! Thank you for them!

        Liked by 2 people

  83. Good morning peoples. Tried to leave a comment last night on Dick Bakers blog that the transcripts were available on line. (Thanks C and J, lots of work.) He would not post it. YET, he appears to have cut and pasted a portion this am to suggest a grave had been tampered with by, no not an animal, a human. You can see where he is going with this, the evidence was planted. Rather than permit a post suggesting google search the transcripts he uses the info for his own sinister purpose. What a jerk!

    Liked by 1 person

  84. There is a bit of conflict though with what the detective stated “something dug up and put back in”. Not sure but maybe he was referring to the dirt and the graves themselves? Like someone dug a hole and returned the contents.

    On another note I don’t see anywhere stated “appeared to be a spot on the grave that had been repaired.”

    Anyone else? Or he’s just making crap up again.

    Liked by 1 person

    • He didn’t express himself well, but I believe he was describing the grave – that it didn’t look like compacted undisturbed ground.

      I did a search three times on my copy and didn’t find that quote either or even the word repaired.

      Like

      • RB is great for taking things out of context and twisting them to suit his agenda.

        Here’s the quote:

        Q When you say “depressed,” what do you mean?
        A Meaning it appeared that it had been, something had been
        dug up and then put back in. And it appeared that there was
        some animal activity that had been trying to dig something up

        I’m sure the defense will be revisiting this.

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    • Since elaboration wasn’t needed for the preliminary, my guess is this will be described in great detail by the forensic anthropologist during the trial. That being said, my take on the detective’s words was that he was just describing the fact that it was obviously a grave.

      Put into context:

      The question originally posed was whether or not two “potential” gravesites had been identified.

      (My observation of trials indicates that questions of this nature are usually a “series” of questions all centered around one topic. To me, this topic is identification of the graves.)

      The detective is then asked what his opinion was of what the “potential” graves could possible be. (Did they appear to him to be graves?) In describing how they were situated, their relative distance apart, he also states that “the dirt was disturbed and was depressed at both sides.”

      The detective was then asked to elaborate on the “distressed” dirt.(This is my take on the line of questioning) So, when he is describing “something had been dug up and put back in,” he is describing the dirt and it’s appearance of being “distressed.” At this point, he also describes his observation of animal activity in association with the “distressed” dirt. (Which is what preceded the bones being discovered by the motorcyclist.)

      Liked by 2 people

  85. Who is most likely to be out prowling for a meal in the Mojave dessert?
    Badgers, kit fox, gray fox, mountain lions, various rats, shrews, raccoons,coyotes, ring tail cats, gophers, to name a few of the usual suspects.

    Liked by 1 person

  86. I was not surprised that the State in the prelim hearing ended their questioning of their last witness with Merritt’s own words, “I was the last person he [Joey] saw.”

    Words can carry great weight. In a capital murder trial, the defendant’s words can be that last piece of evidence that seals the defendant’s fate in the mind’s of the jury. Parts of Merritt’s interview will likely be admitted into evidence for the jury to ponder as they decide his fate. The weight of his own words, imo, will crush him.

    I have always wondered why he gave that interview to Randi Kaye. Did he really think LE would never arrest him or was he trying to spin his own fantasy regarding his relationship with Joey?

    Joey was never Merrit’s best friend. Joey was an object, a source of money. Nothing more. I think his hatred of Summer grew because he knew Summer had his number. I think when he decided to steal the money using the QB’s account, he knew it was only a matter of time before Summer or Joey called the police regarding the thefts. So, rather than go back to prison, he chose to annihilate the family and stage the scene to throw LE off his trail.

    Just my opinion.

    Liked by 1 person

  87. This bit of testimony, from an officer conducting that Feb.17 interview of Merritt really stood out.

    Q In fact, didn’t he say there on the 17th that Joseph was
    one of his best friends?
    A Yes.
    Q Didn’t he say that Joseph definitely loved Summer?
    A Yes.
    Q And didn’t he say she was a verbal person — was a verbal
    person?
    A Yes.
    Q And she didn’t believe in corporal punishment?
    A Yes.

    Corporal punishment?? Guess he showed them. 😦

    Liked by 1 person

    • When I read it, I thought that explains him beating her in the jaw so many times. Also wondered if the corporal punishment comment indicated he thought the boys were brats and disliked them.

      Liked by 1 person

    • I was going to make a list of all the lies uncovered from the prelim but got sidetracked. One that really stuck out to me was his telling the detective on Feb 17th that if Joey didn’t return he wouldn’t be able to pay his rent. What balls. Then the liar withdraws appx $3000 in Casino ATMs in the days/weeks following,

      Liked by 2 people

  88. Hi guys,

    I tried to address everyone who commented to me, but this thread is getting weird. So here’s my response to Just Me.

    I am having a life this week!!! Yeah. So I won’t be around for awhile. But this has nothing to do with any discussion here. I’m just leaving the computer at home.

    my email is prufroliclogic@aol.com—if you ever want to address me privately.

    Here’s my response to Just Me:

    Just Me,

    I do apologize if I made you or anyone else feel as if you would be ridiculed for your ideas. This I absolutely did not mean to do. When I do it again, please point it out.

    But please also be specific. I need to see specifically what you mean. Because I truly only recall poking fun at Baker and his merry band of….OK, I won’t go there.

    I can assure you of this, I may disagree with people here from time to time. But I think you are pretty awesome and very intelligent. Otherwise I truly wouldn’t be here.

    I like the people on this blog. But I come from a tough family where you have to hold your own in a debate. And whether you all realize it or not, I am outnumbered here in my view, far more often than I am critical of others.

    For example:

    Go back and look at the thread regarding Merritt’s character. Even you asked me why I thought Merritt cared about his family, and when I gave you my list, you ignored it completely–and then went on as if I’d never had an idea at all on the matter.

    You never addressed the answer I gave to you. Not really. And my thought was, why the hell did she ask, then? Why are you waisting my time, if you don’t really care what I have to say?

    You were dismissive. And so was everyone else.

    You all are a very tight clique. You run off to Websleuths and talk amongst yourselves. Then come back, address people here. But there is this distinct sense of you vs everyone else–those not a part of Websleuths.

    So yes, I call you all on your shit from time to time. And you’ve called me on mine.

    But I want to make it clear, I don’t judge people by the words they use. I judge people by how they use their words.

    Liked by 2 people

    • I did NOT ignore your response to that, instead asked more questions and made observations. You dismissed that. I’m kind of confused.

      Liked by 2 people

    • Oh and, if you were to email me, I’m not ignoring you by not replying. I won’t be looking at email etiher until after the 4th.

      But I will get back then.

      And I do appreciate posts by others—Murphy, I’m trying to remember who else. I would have repsonded directly, but this thread is doing that weird thing now where things don’t post where you mean them to.

      Liked by 1 person

  89. Chase is a lefty, I believe that is in the transcript.

    That comment about Summer being against corporal punishment may come back to bite the DA in the butt if they decide for the DP. It could be why they are still deciding.

    Liked by 1 person

  90. CW, do you or anyone else here have Merrit’s gold prospecting videos on file? Can you post them again? If not…no worries.

    BTW: SoCal, you write better and with more heart and clarity, half asleep – after a hot day at a waterpark, than I do wide awake! It is their right; however, some people just like to nit-pic a comment apart when they disagree, instead of appreciating the poster’s well versed opinion, and that’s just my opinion too!

    Liked by 3 people

  91. I am sure all of you know that It is possible from the location of the fractures for the medical examiner to opine which direction the blows came from and the likely positions of the victims and the assailant relative to each other when the blows were inflicted.

    The massive blow that caused the basilar fracture was to Joey’s left posterior skull. It suggests that Joey was hit from behind with Merritt holding the sledge hammer in his left hand. The fractures to his rib and tibia suggest Joey was in motion after the first blow from behind, either falling or moving away from his assailant.

    Summer’s skull fractures, including fractures of her frontal bones and jaw, suggest that she was hit as she faced Meriitt but as she moved from those frontal blows, either falling or turning away, she was hit on the left and right sides of her skull.

    We heard that the horizontal drop of paint on Summer’s bra suggests she may have been painting at the time she was assaulted and paint dripped onto her bra after she was down and lying on her side.

    Just my opinion. We will know more when the medical examiner testifies.

    Liked by 1 person

  92. A few more thoughts on the work done by SDSD:

    Why did it take Gina and Patrick to find the Rosetta Stone information in Joseph’s and Summer’s emails and to give that information to Det Dugal.

    How about the summer of 2010 when Det Dugal couldn’t find Merritt and had no phone contact for him.

    Why did it take Gina to track down a new cell number for Det Dugal when the SDSD couldn’t find Merritt.

    So how come they missed the QB alerts in Joseph’s emails.

    Why did it take Gina and Patrick to find the email alerts and give that information to Det Dugal on 4/26/2011 as has been proven.

    So for over a year the SDSD had the computer drive information and never found the email alerts for QB.

    We know the SDSD didn’t get any warrants for the QB records from Intuit because they were never listed in the 4 warrants they released.

    SDSD never found the email alert for the attempts to download Joseph’s QB records not once but twice.

    SDSD missed the email alert for the attempt to change the mailing address for the QB account.

    SDSD never found the email alert for the failed credit card payment for the QB records.

    SDSD never found the nsf check for the attempt to get the QB records.

    SDSD never found the February 2, 2010 QB activity that wasn’t made by Joseph.

    SDSD never found the check printed and deleted on February 4, 2010.

    SDSD never found the multiple checks entered, printed, backdated and then deleted on February 5, 2010.

    SDSD could have used the QB records attempts and the checks to have probable cause to get a warrant for Merritt’s cell phone activity in 2011 had they found the QB email alerts.

    SDSD missed finding Merritt’s locations from his cell records, like the gravesite location.

    Too many more to list everyone knows and can add them.

    SDSD finds these items below:

    SDSD finds a computer search on approximately January 28, 2010 for taking children to Mexico.

    So the SDSD had the Border video (family and friends say it’s not them but SDSD swears it is)

    SDSD has the Isuzu parked at the San Ysidro mall parking lot on February 8, 2010

    You can add the Rosetta Stone purchase from above here with the finds of SDSD.

    But there are people who believe the SDSD and Det Dugal did a good investigation???

    Liked by 2 people

  93. For whatever reason, San Diego overall seemed to think the family simply chose to disappear. Not all homicide detectives are driven to solve the mystery.

    Like

  94. There is a photo on this thread of Chase and his lawyer, he is gesturing with his “left” hand! Not a definite confirmation, but it does seem likely that he might be a lefty. I had mentioned this before, the forensics team should be able to tell if evidence found in the graves was tied by someone who is left handed. That evidence would be very crucial, if you ask me!

    Liked by 2 people

  95. Unfortunately, the SDSD does not have a particularly good reputation under the leadership of Bill Gore. Take a look at another fairly recent case in their jurisdiction, that of Rebecca Zahau, and it tends to paint a rather unflattering picture of SDSD.

    My own personal opinion, is that in the McStay case, they took the easy way out…..the path of least resistance that seemed to point to the family voluntarily picking up and crossing the border. I just don’t believe that they honestly did their due diligence with this case. I think they were lazy and instead of working to solve the mystery in front of them, they worked to find evidence that supported their theory of them walking away. And once they found that in the form of that very questionable video, they essentially sat back and ceased conducting a true investigation.

    Liked by 1 person

  96. I am in agreement with those who feel SDSD, initial assumption that the McStay’s went to Mexico was in my opinion “taking the path of least resistance”. This generally means less money out of pocket, for the county. Missing persons cases can be a huge drain on time, manpower and financial resources for any LE agency. It is my opinion, that the dogs being left alone, without anyone designated to care for them, should have been a huge red flag!

    Like

  97. I can’t comfortably comment about SDSO because I didn’t walk in their shoes and have no idea what road blocks may have been put in front of them. I will say, however, from what I’ve heard that perhaps they could’ve done a better job in some areas. I do hope for the sake of the family and any other family’s that might find themselves in the same type of unfortunate situation that if mistakes were made by the department then they will learn from the mistakes and become a better department. It seems there’s been a lot of secrecy amongst all LE during this investigation so maybe by the end of the trial things will make much more sense and SDSO won’t have the black eye they appear to currently have.

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  98. Lord now Baker had set the lynch mob on Dan K because “bakers investigation team” ( lol) want to locate him to answer ” some questions ” ….. Seriously who does Baker and his Priviate Dicks, think they are ??? Who the hell cares if ” they” want to speak to him, he’s under no obligation to talk to a bunch of Dicks playing at being Private Dicks.

    If Dan really has the hacking skills Dick Baker claims can he please do us a favour and hack the blog and take it down, for good.

    Liked by 1 person

  99. Yes, please do LOL. I think Rick is desperate. He is trying to draw attention. He has nothing else and is recycling old bullshit. Of course his flock just eats it all up and continues on with the same old useless and trivial nonsense.

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