Blake said Merritt and Kavanugh got into arguments in two meetings during the spring of 2010. Blakes testimony came during the second day in the capital murder trial of Charles Chase Merrit, 61, of Rancho Cucamonga. The bodieswere found in November 2013and Merrittwas arrested and chargeda year later. 'Some rough places, but you have had somebody stab me, it doesn't matter,' she noted. "I loved Joseph. Their dogs. Finally, Joseph McStay's only surviving son from a previous marriage, Jonah McStay, took the podium. After 4 Years Of Investigation, Authorities Say McStay - HuffPost When their remains were unearthed, investigators also found a rusty sledgehammer that they said was used to kill the family. Every time you hear a sound in prison or in a movie similar to the sounds you made that day when you murdered this family, I hope it rings loud in your ears. Just stop all the appeals, all the shenanigans. Merritt is charged with killing his business associate Joseph McStay; McStay's wife, Summer; and their 3- and 4-year-old sons. Gavin Newsom has placed a moratorium on executions while he's in office. Then, he slammed the podium loudly with his hands.Come on, Chase! He was a big part of my life and my familys life. Victorville, California CNN . Why? Imes asked, and Michael broke down on the witness stand. As court resumed, the judge said Maline had made yet another motion: to disqualify this judge from ruling on the remaining motion to reduce Merritt's sentence. Le 9 fvrier 2010, il avait envoy un courrier lectronique au pre de Joseph McStay, alertant de la disparition de son associ : Je n'ai pas de nouvelles de Joe. He called Merritt a "ruthless mass murderer.". She had once told him she wanted that song played at her funeral. We were incredibly busy with the business, things were really flying, but he would often just have to work on his laptop from his bedroom. "Ultimately, I hope to be a father and when I am, I will hold my children close," he continued. A decade after the family went missing, their killer was sentenced to death in January 202. Chase you are a low life coward and a baby killer. 'You had a choice. He didnt know what was wrong with him and he was desperate. Last month marked the 3rd anniversary since a family of four mysteriously vanished from their Southern California home. A deep pause followed as Michael McStay tried to collect himself. It was a mystery and he started to consider everything and anything. His face was stoic. [1] At 8:28 pm, a call was placed from Joseph's cell phone to his business associate, Charles "Chase" Merritt, which went to voicemail. In further sensational claims, Merrits new book Afraid of the Light will detail how the couple were having major problems in their relationship and had not had sex for more than a year before they went missing. You just do what you can for your son, and your family, she said. Susan explained that her son and daughter-in-law would often go on 'little mini-trips' with their kids in California, so they weren't alarmed at first. By February 2016, he had gone through five attorneys. Richard K. De Atley has been a journalist since 1975, for City News Service in Los Angeles, The Associated Press in Los Angeles and New York, and The Press-Enterprise in Riverside. [20] Although it is possible for a U.S. citizen to enter Mexico without a passport, one is required to reenter the United States. He would often come up and visit me and we would go out for dinner with my wife at the time, but Summer never came. "You had a choice. Investigators believed the murder weapon was a 3-pound sledgehammer, which was found in the grave containing the remains of Summer and her son. NBC 7's Jackie Crea has more. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. California man pleads not guilty to killing family of four Susan Blake (L), the mother of Joseph McStay, leaves the courtroom with her son Michael McStay after Charles "Chase" Merritt was. He was arrested last year. And then the family that was killed by their own friend?'" On the surface, while tragic, it may not seem all that crazy. The bodies of the McStay family were found buried in the Mojave desert in 2013, three years after the family vanished from their home in San Diego County. I'm so bummed out after realising my diagnosis made a few years ago is legitimate. She said the day detectives told her they had found her family's bodies, it felt as if she'd been hit by a boulder. How to trick yourself slim: Top nutritionist reveals her tips including shrinking your cutlery, sniffing Meghan's (very expensive) date night look! Son of Patrick McStay and Susan Blake. [2] In April 2013, the San Diego Sheriff's Department announced that they believed that the McStays traveled to Mexico voluntarily.[18]. With the motions finally out of the way, the judge moved on to the victim impact statements just before 11:20 a.m. Merritt was also expected to speak after the victims delivered their statements. All rights reserved. Charles "Chase" Merritt interrupted his attorney Friday during legal proceedings. He told me when they had first got together they had a great sex life, but she just lost interest. Unconfirmed family sightings were reported in Mexico and elsewhere, perpetuating hopes that they were safe and had left voluntarily. 'As a mother, you're going to do absolutely anything and everything you can to find them,' she explained. Charles "Chase" Merritt appears at his sentencing hearing in San Bernardino, California, on Jan. 21, 2020. In the gallery sat Merritt's daughter and brother. #mcstay #nbc7 https://t.co/xNxV3CqRtr. January 21, 2020 Merritt, 62, was sentenced to life in prison for murdering Joseph McStay, 40. [15] Baker began following the case in 2013 after interviewing Michael McStay on his program. The sentencing was supposed to begin at 8:30 a.m. but was delayed by about an hour because Merritt, for unknown reasons, wasn't transported to the courthouse. At that time, no one knew what happened to the family. Doves were . Missing Family May Have Been Spotted - NBC 7 San Diego Ill never get another conversation with him. Inconclusive:After three years of searching, the San Diego Sheriff's Department investigators concluded in April 2013 that the McStay family had gone to Mexico voluntarily, Frustrating: The McStays friends and family insisted they would never go to Mexico with their children, but there was no other explanation, Heartbreaking: On November 11, 2013, an off-road motorcyclist came across the family's human remains in San Bernardino County's Mojave Desert. (File photo by Kurt Miller, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG). Victorville, California - Four years ago, Patrick McStay lost everything he loved. Merritt sentenced to death for McStay family murders Chase Merritt sobs and says I did not do this thing. She had asked to get the money back, she said, But I never saw any., Blake had told an investigator that Merritt told her he completed a job for a customer in Saudi Arabia and was paid $17,000. Patrick had the chance to directly address Merritt in court, calling him a 'ruthless mass murderer' and telling him, 'I hope you burn in hell. And the fountain designer told MailOnline how Joseph once said to him, Maybe I should start eating out more and stop eating her food. Charles Merritt, McStay family killer, gets death penalty In the family's home, investigators found bowls of uneaten popcorn, as if the family had just been there, and planned to return. According to state records, Merritt had felony convictions for burglary and receiving stolen property. I just dropped me to my knees I will never go back to that spot, she told San Bernardino County Deputy District AttorneyMelissa Rodriguez. On Monday, more than four years since his arrest in connection with the slayings, the family's accused killer, Charles "Chase" Merritt, is scheduled to go on trial on murder charges in San. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Pavement where disabled woman gestured at cyclist before fatal crash, TN residents say Jack Daniel's distillery spews black mold, Incredible footage of Ukrainian soldiers fighting Russians in Bakhmut, Pro-Ukrainian drone lands on Russian spy planes exposing location, 'Buster is next!' Sentencing set Friday for man convicted of killing McStay family Susan had her son Mike stop by the family's San Diego County home on February 13, 2010, nine days after her son was last heard from. In October 2009, Joseph McStay excitedly e-mailed a friend about the house he and his wife had purchased in the San Diego suburb of Fallbrook, Calif. Crosses Erected for McStays at Site Where Remains Were Found He was sentenced to death and life in prison. #nbc7 pic.twitter.com/usvvTgHitl. Mystery:Joseph McStay, 40, his wife, Summer, 43, and their sons Gianni, 4, and Joseph Jr., 3, vanished from their home in Fallbrook, California, on February 4, 2010, Tragedy: Joseph'sparents, Patrick McStay and Susan Blake, have opened up about the murders on the second season of the Oxygen true-crime series Killer Motive. Indiana Man Charged After Son In Diapers Points Gun At . He was a big part of my life and my familys life. Patrick McStay speaks out, believes his family was killed over money His most recent felony conviction, in 2001, was for the theft of $32,000 worth of welding and drilling equipment from San Gabriel Valley Ornamental Iron Works in Monrovia, California. Murdaugh is heckled as he leaves court, Two Russian tanks annihilated with bombs by Ukrainian armed forces, Ukraine soldiers shoot down enemy drones with drones of their own, Dozens stuck in car park as staff refuses to open gate for woman, Missing hiker buried under snow forces arm out to wave to helicopter, Insane moment river of rocks falls onto Malibu Canyon in CA, Fleet-footed cop chases an offender riding a scooter, Isabel Oakeshott clashes with Nick Robinson over Hancock texts. "Not natural causes; there was intent here.". Investigators and the public also focused on Merritt, the last known person to have had contact with Joseph and the first to notice his disappearance. She said: 'My son had been sick since last August and hes normally a very healthy person. On February 19, California police notified Interpol to be on the lookout for the family. 'You Are a Baby Killer': Calif. Man Sentenced to Death for Killing I even went to the hospital with him to try and see what was wrong; we thought maybe it was stress.'. On February 15, Michael phoned the San Diego County Sheriff's Department (SDSD) and reported that his brother and his family were missing. See also Other Works | Publicity Listings | Official Sites The newly unsealed documents indicate Joseph McStay lent Chase Merritt money to cover a gambling debt before McStay and his family disappeared in February 2010. I know you dont believe me and thats what kills me, he added. Defense: Other partner killed McStays, buried them in desert The court took a brief break. Do I think Chase is involved? "Hes an excellent surfer and soccer player. Patrick said, "I truly believe she loved my son. Charles Chase Merritt was convicted in June of killing his former business associate Joseph McStay, McStays wife, Summer, and their 4- and 3-year-old sons, Gianni and Joseph Jr. Homicide investigators search the family's home on Avocado Vista Lane and found no sign of a struggle. called the investigation into his son's disappearance . His son, Joseph, his daughter-in-law, Summer, and their two little boys - Gianni, 4, and Joseph Jr., 3 . McStay Family Murders: Who Killed Them? | Crime News - Oxygen Official Site He was such a great guy and he got his share of female attention. But despite that public front, I know, prior to their disappearance they had not had sex in more than a year. In 2010, Joseph McStay (age 40) and his wife Summer (age 43) lived in Fallbrook, California, with their sons Gianni (age 4) and Joseph Jr. (age 3). My brother was I looked up to my brother. Basically, she wouldnt let him near her. We are scarred for life., Its been almost 10 years and the pain hasnt subsided, she added. They told how the McStays Joseph, Summer and their sons Gianni, 4, and Joseph Jr., 3 were bludgeoned to death with a sledgehammer and buried in shallow graves in the high desert outside. Joseph McStay, his wife Summer, and the couple's two young sons mysteriously disappeared in Feb. 2010. [7] Summer was born Virginia Lisa Aranda, and had also been known as Summer Martelli. Police search for missing San Clemente business owner and family And that those sounds haunt you, Chase, he said. A grainy video captured at a nearby border crossing deepened the mystery. Charles Merritt was found guilty of murdering a family of four, and now the jury is recommending the death penalty. Joseph McStay feared wife was POISONING him before they disappeared #nbc7 #mcstay He told Merrit, I want to psychological mess you up. https://t.co/0xbSXeb9kX. Crying for Mommy and Daddy? During her morning testimony, Blake also described heated arguments between Merritt and Dan Kavanaugh, both business partners in McStays decorative fountain business. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges that he killed McStay, 40, a former business associate; his wife, Summer, 43, and their two children, Gianni, 4, and Joseph Jr., 3, in their Fallbrook home on Feb. 4, 2010, then buried their bodies more than 100 miles away in two shallow graves in the Mojave Desert, north of Victorville and west of the 15 Freeway. [1][2] Their disappearance was widely reported by the national news media. Working through prosecutor Rodriguezs objections, Maline asked Blake, Do remember if it bounced?. It was to me, at the time, very scary, so I literally walked out and said If my son loses his business, so be it, I need to find my family and I left., Under questioning by Rodriguez, Blake described the argument as filled with A lot of, lot of cussing, screaming at each other Chase wanted to wring his neck.. She said they clashed in front of her as they argued how to keep the business going. Patrick also searched for their son in Mexico and thought he had a lead when a family claimed to have seen the McStays at Walmart, but security footage confirmed it wasn't them. And now, victim impact statements before formal sentencing. Joseph McStay, de 40 aos, su mujer, Summer, de 43, y sus hijos Gianni, de 4, y Joseph Jr., de 3, desaparecieron de su casa en Fallbrook, California, el 4 de febrero de 2010 DESAPARICIN If I want to speak with him, I have to go to a gravesite," Michael McStay added. Court docs: Suspect in McStay murder case owed victim money - CBS News He maintained his innocence, saying something has always been "amiss" in this case. Scholarly publications with full text pdf download. His arrest was announced on November 7, 2014. Ending my life for a crime that I did not commit," Merritt said. McStay says he's felt all along that multiple people were involved in the February 2010 disappearance of his son, Joseph; Joseph's wife, Summer; and their children; 3-year-old Joey and. Joseph was 40 years old while his wife Summer was 43 making them a rather young family. They took none of their belongings, left $100,000 in the bank and even abandoned their beloved dogs. At one point he said to me, "Maybe I should start eating out more and stop eating her food". She said it was not until six months later that she could bear to go out to the site, marked by four crosses. The McStays' skeletal remains were unearthed along with a three-pound rusted sledgehammer believed to be the murder weapon a bra and a child's pants and diaper. Where is Joseph McStay's Business Associate 'Dan - SpikyTV At the time, Joseph owned an online company named Earth Inspired Products that sold decorative water fountains. I see its written, yes, she answered, confirming it was her signature. By Sheriffs officials announced that the remains of the four people found buried in the desert belong to the McStay family, a Fallbrook family missing since 2010. He maintains his innocence. Gov. How they stalked the stalker: A gripping new true crime 'It did get weird': Couple who are in the middle of divorce Woman finds out her husband was cheating on her after he was made an equally emotional statement ahead of the sentencing being handed down, telling the court how the killings had scarred their lives. when an off-road motorcyclist came across them in the Mojave Desert, New weekly farmers market opens in Cardiff, Dierks Bentleys Gravel & Gold tour coming to San, Vehicle pursuit prompts lane closures on SR-76, SD animal sanctuary rescues cougar orphanedin car, 2 critically injured in head-on collision, Teenage bicyclist hurt in hit-and-run crash, Experts explain concerns, benefits from CA storms, Best deals of Presidents Day weekend 2023, Forgot about Valentines Day? I have been in complete denial about having schizophrenia for the last few years. He would try to ignore it at first, but she would call and call and eventually he would have to go off and deal with whatever drama there was. I was just trying to keep the customers or whoever was calling calm and hopefully to keep the business going. Mcstay Family Documentary Netflix[1] [2] Their disappearance was widely List of journal articles on the topic 'Kirkland House (Cambridge, Mass.)'. The McStay family of Fallbrook was last heard from or seen on Feb. 4, 2010. Blake said, speaking to Merritt. The mother of Joseph McStay provided emotional testimony on the second day of the McStay murder trial. He boasted it had a "loft/game room & big. On Tuesday, the judge said the sentencing stands: Merritt gets life in prison for the killing of Joseph McStay, and the death penalty for the slayings of Summer McStay, Gianni McStay, and Joseph McStay Jr. Charles Merritt was sentenced to death for killing the McStay family. And while he does not believe Summer was directly involved, he will dedicate a significant amount of the book to her behavior and the couples relationship. [17] Because their car was found so close to the Mexican border, police reviewed surveillance footage of the pedestrian gate into Mexico. McStay family murders - Wikipedia He was sentenced to the death penalty for the slayings of Joseph McStay's wife, Summer McStay, 43, and the couple's two sons, Gianni McStay, 4, and Joseph McStay, Jr., 3. Our last name is mentioned. Where were they? With all the action and breaks, there was no time left for victim impact statements and the actual sentencing of Merritt. Gunfire at four 7-Elevens leaves 2 dead, in Brea and Santa Ana, 3 She also touched on the media attention and pressures her family has coped with for years, including questions from strangers. Four years ago, Patrick McStay lost everything he loved. Two days later, two sets of remains were officially identified as those of Joseph and Summer McStay. Chase, you are a low-life baby killer, Blake said as Merritt stared at her impassively. [27], Prosecutors allege that Merritt had a gambling problem and killed the McStay family for financial gain. 2023.03.03 04:09 oz2usa I'm so bummed out after realising my diagnosis made a few years ago is legitimate. He was in a really bad way. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. The shocking claims will stun everyone who has followed the McStay family disappearance since they first went missing back on February 4, 2010. I would have never raised my hand for a woman or child. #mcstay #nbc7 https://t.co/nZp6QeV6sQ, I dont know that I can ever explain the impact this man has had on my family, she said. Michael McStay remembered the day detectives told him and his family that the bodies of his brother, sister-in-law, and nephews had been discovered in the desert. SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. A Southern California man was sentenced to death Tuesday for the 10-year-old killings of a family of four whose bodies were found buried in shallow graves in the California desert. The surviving McStay family members held an emotional memorial for. As a precaution, investigators took DNA samples from the car, but there was still no evidence of foul play. Three years later, their bodies were found in a remote desert location more than 100 miles (160 kilometers) away in San Bernardino County. Blake was followed in testimony by her son and Joseph McStays brother, Michael McStay who said Joseph gave him $2,000 to start his fire sprinkler system business. 'They actually thought that was really them going over the border on the video,' said Susan, who was skeptical but still headed to Mexico to search for her family. Then a few people started putting the idea in his head that maybe Summer was behind it. The fountain designer has always been seen as a key player in the mystery as he was one of Josephs closest friends and his most trusted business associate. Before the sentencing was handed down, six of the McStay family's loved ones delivered tearful, spine-tingling impact statements in court, staring straight at the face of the killer who took the lives of their family. Joseph McStay - the father of the family of four found dead in the California desert after vanishing nearly four years ago - had suspicions his wife was POISONING him in the days before their . Here are some last-minute, Best last-minute Valentines Day gifts for him, These are places to live on the West Coast, Scooter rider killed in crash near border identified, SD Co. Sheriff: 2022 inmate death now ruled a homicide, A new pirate-themed speakeasy has washed ashore in, This SD campground is among the best in America, CA extends tax deadline to Oct. 16 for disaster areas, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information.