On Friday, he. ', Merritt showed no emotion as she said she felt like she'd been hit by a boulder when she was told the bodies were found: 'It's just a nightmare.'. Despite all the problems they had and how explosive Summer was, I dont know if he ever truly believed she was capable of that, but it was definitely something he considered. Gavin Newsom has placed a moratorium on executions while hes in office. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Working through prosecutor Rodriguezs objections, Maline asked Blake, Do remember if it bounced?. I would never raise my hand to a woman or a child.". Prosecutors say he bludgeoned them with a sledgehammer. The case initially puzzled. Patrick McStay was there, too, along with other members of the McStay family, including Joseph McStay's brother, Michael McStay. The McStays, their two boys Gianni, 4, and Joseph Jr., 3, vanished in 2010, leaving food on the table and a massive mystery. Victorville, California - Four years ago, Patrick McStay lost everything he loved. Seven months later, on November 11, 2013, an off-road motorcyclist came across human remains in San Bernardino County's Mojave Desert. She said the two tangled over how to keep the business afloat. I would have never raised my hand for a woman or child. His son, Joseph, his daughter-in-law, Summer, and their two little boys - Gianni, 4, and Joseph Jr., 3 . Merritt looked at Blake as she spoke. He went to the doctor a number of times, but they just didnt know what was wrong with him. The thing that is bringing you this solace, is ending my life. The family had moved to Fallbrook, 45 miles north of San Diego, in November 2009 fromSan Clemente. He was sentenced to death on January 21, 2020. "corrupt" . Sheriffs investigators believeSummer McStay may have been rapedbefore she was killed. Our lives were intertwined both on a business and a personal level. Jurors in San Bernardino. Watch live on social media with @fox5sandiego pic.twitter.com/jm1tgT66R2, Jeff McAdam (@JeffMcAdamTV) January 21, 2020, The victims family members, meanwhile, dismissed Merritt as, in the words of McStays mother, Susan Blake, a despicable, evil monster.. [26], According to the arrest warrant affidavits filed in the case, autopsies concluded that all four victims had been beaten to death with a blunt object. [23] Merritt, who reportedly was the last person Joseph called from his cell phone, also said that he had passed a polygraph test and did not know anything that could help solve the mystery of the family's disappearance. ', Gruesome: The McStays' skeletal remains were unearthed along with a three-pound rusted sledgehammer believed to be the murder weapon, Crime: Charles 'Chase' Merritt, who was a partner in Joseph's water-fountain business, was arrested for the murders in 2014 and found guilty in 2019 (pictured), Criminal: In January 2020, Merritt was sentenced to death for bludgeoning the couple and their children to death inside their home because he owed them $30,000. 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. His face was stoic. 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. 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. Description. He was a big part of my life and my familys life. Merritt built fountains, while Kavanaughdesigned EIPs website and did search engine optimization. When the McStays car was found in San Ysidro on the Mexican border four days after they were last seen and security footage of a family of four an hour later heading into the Central American country surfaced, the idea they had left of their own accord gained momentum. I would never hurt him in any way. After three years of suspicion, the family's bones were discovered in a desert over a hundred miles from their house. "The constant questions when we are out. Two Shallow Graves takes a look at the murders of the McStay family: Joseph, Summer and their two young boys, followed by the shocking trial . Charles "Chase" Merritt, who was convicted of murdering the McStay family of four of Fallbrook, speaks to the judge before his sentencing at San Bernardino Superior Court in San Bernardino on. Joseph McStay, 43-year-old Summer McStay and their two sons, Gianni, 4, and Joey, 3, vanished without a trace in February 2010 shortly after moving to Fallbrook from Orange County. Joseph McStay's mother, Susan Blake, followed. 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. The disappearance of the McStay family - Joseph, 41, Summer, 43, Gianni, 4, and Joey Jr., 3 - occurred in 2013, when they vanished without a trace from their California home. There were no signs of forced entry or any foul play, which baffled investigators and suggested the family left on their own accord.
[15] Baker began following the case in 2013 after interviewing Michael McStay on his program. " Finally, Joseph McStay's only surviving son from a previous marriage, Jonah McStay, took. 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. The judge has been speaking for the last hour - and still going, reviewing in slow, excruciating detail certain facts of the case. 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. 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 ___ 12 a.m. When their remains were unearthed, investigators also found a rusty sledgehammer that they said was used to kill the family. Investigators believe that Joseph McStay, 40, his wife, Summer, 43, and their sons, 4-year-old Gianni and 3-year-old Joseph, were bludgeoned to death in their home in the San Diego County community of Fallbrook on Feb. 4, 2010, San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon said Friday. Then a few people started putting the idea in his head that maybe Summer was behind it. How scared were they, Chase? Charles "Chase" Merritt was convicted in June of killing his former business associate Joseph McStay, McStay's wife, Summer, and their 4- and 3-year-old sons, Gianni and Joseph Jr.. Chase you are a low life coward and a baby killer. His mother Susan Blake gave an interview to Myvalleynews.com six weeks after her sons disappearance, where she said she was very concerned about his health. Im heading to San Bernardino and will keep you updated. The impression I get is that Summer would use her sexuality to get attention and get what she wanted. 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? But despite that public front, I know, prior to their disappearance they had not had sex in more than a year. They said that he wrote checks totaling more than $21,000 on Joseph's business account in the days after the family was killed and then went on a gambling spree at nearby casinos, where he lost thousands of dollars. Merritt and Kavanaugh both worked with McStays online business, Earth Inspired Products, which offered outdoor water fountains to customers. How could you beat two precious little babies? Around five months before his disappearance he started suffering terrible problems with his equilibrium and his stomach. The McStay family of Fallbrook was last heard from or seen on Feb. 4, 2010. The McStay family murders occurred on or near February 4, 2010, after the family disappeared from their home in Fallbrook, California, United States; their bodies were found in the desert near Victorville, California, on November 13, 2013. (File photo by Kurt Miller, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG). It was a mystery and he started to consider everything and anything. And if the truth be told, despite everything, he was still infatuated with Summer. "It didn't just mark me that day," Michael McStay said. Our last name is mentioned. The book will be released later this year. Investigators also have e-mails indicating the couple asked. Charles Chase Merritt, l'associ du pre de famille retrouv mort avec femme et . Authorities think they've caught the killer, who is awaiting trial, and the family. How could you beat two precious little babies? Il ne rpond pas au . Radio host Rick Baker published a book, No Goodbyes: The Mysterious Disappearance of the McStay Family. An acquaintance of Merritt's told a San Diego reporter, "I think police should look at him and anyone associated with him. How to trick yourself slim: Top nutritionist reveals her tips including shrinking your cutlery, sniffing Meghan's (very expensive) date night look! Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. The clip appeared to show a family of four crossing the border into Mexico -- a family that looked like they could have been the McStays. All rights reserved, Jury Recommends Death Penalty for Business Associate Convicted of Killing McStay Family, Business Partner Found Guilty in McStay Family Killings, Check Your Pockets: These Coins Can Be Worth Up To $24,000, Glendale Neighborhood Frustrated After an Illegal Hostel Moves In, NASA Images Show Southern California Mountains Before and After Winter Storm, Tax Deadlines Extended to October for Most Californians Due to Storms. According to state records, Merritt had felony convictions for burglary and receiving stolen property. The court took a brief break. Four years ago, Patrick McStay lost everything he loved. Mystery at the Border: With Christopher Crutchfield Walker, Joseph McStay, Summer McStay, Gianni McStay. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Gavin Newsom has placed a moratorium on executions while he's in office. The family disappeared without a trace in February 2010. And when four skeletal remains were found in shallow graves in the remote Mojave Desert, San Bernardino County, it put an end to any belief the McStays had started a new life in the sunshine. According to prosecutors, greed was the motive for the killings and Merritt killed the McStays because he had been embezzling thousands of dollars from Joseph McStay's business. Voice shaking, it was Merrit's turn to speak to the courtroom and to the McStay family's loved ones. NBC 7 was once again inside the courtroom Tuesday. Oscar Cainer tells all, How to dress like a grown up: Trust me, loose fit can be flattering, says Shane Watson, Anti-agers no one but you needs to know about,Inge Van Lotringen tells all. Joseph McStay, 40, and his wife, Summer, 43, went missing along with their two children, Gianna, 4, and Joseph, 3. Joseph was his older brother, by three years, two months, three days, he toldSan Bernardino County Supervising Deputy District Attorney Britt Imes. California has not executed anyone since 2006. The father's parents, Patrick McStay and Susan Blake, have opened up about the murders on the second season of the Oxygen true-crime series Killer Motive, which premieres on January 23. Michael did not find any family at home, and their two dogs were in the backyard. #nbc7 #mcstay He told Merrit, I want to psychological mess you up. https://t.co/0xbSXeb9kX. Blake said, speaking to Merritt. "Not natural causes; there was intent here.". She would shout at him in the privacy of their own home, but then put on a front like he was the most important person in the world when they were in public. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Mother of Joseph McStay describes moment she, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Mother of Joseph McStay describes moment she learned son, family were dead, San Bernardino mountain residents grow worried as they cant access medicine, supplies, LA man arrested, suspected ofcarjackinga vehicle in Corona and firing shots at police during pursuit, Teacher at high school in Menifee arrested, suspected of inappropriate relationship with student, Baby girl Winter of Lake Arrowhead is born amid raging blizzard, her son, his wife, and their boys aged 3 and 4, Dine 909: New restaurants coming to San Bernardino, Upland and Redlands, Snow collapses roof of Goodwin and Sons, Crestlines only grocery store, Plow the roads, mountain residents say, as San Bernardino County vows to do better, San Bernardino mountain residents frustrated after volunteer helicopter efforts are restricted, Obernolte: Newsom must declare state of emergency for San Bernardino Mountains, 55-hour closures on 210 Freeway in Redlands and San Bernardino postponed again, We are coming, San Bernardino County officials tell trapped mountain residents, Shake Shack sets date for Victoria Gardens grand opening, Monday, March 13, Desperate Crestline residents help one another while awaiting assistance from San Bernardino County, Conditions for snowed-in Crestline mobile home park pretty bleak, As Adderall shortage continues, DEA plans to limit some telemedicine prescriptions, House where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Columbia University permanently drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement, The Waterbed Doctor: California retailer lays claim to retro bed with nearly 40 years of service, sales, Felonious Florida podcast: Missing teenage girl leads to several cases of child sex trafficking, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Joseph managed a company that built decorative fountains, and Summer was a licensed real estate agent. Finally, Joseph McStay's only surviving son from a previous marriage, Jonah McStay, took the podium. He was visibly shaken, fighting back tears. "Death was the appropriate verdict for those three offenses," the judge said. As a precaution, investigators took DNA samples from the car, but there was still no evidence of foul play. May 23, 2022 Investigation Discovery's ' Two Shallow Graves' follows the trial of Charles "Chase" Merritt, accused of murdering Joseph McStay and his family. Three years later, the remains of the family were discovered in a shallow grave in a remote desert in Southern California. I remember one woman in particular was all over him for a while. They got their first clue when they learned a neighbor's surveillance camera had captured what appeared to be the family'sIsuzu trooper leaving the cul de sac at 7:47 p.m. on the night they went missing. Patrick McStay has waited for this day, when he finally gets to speak in court, gets to speak for his slain son Joseph McStay, daughter-in-law Summer and two young grandsons. His mother was not available to speak to MailOnline about Merritt's latest revelations. The two children were very young a three-year-old and a four-year-old. I know you dont believe me and thats what kills me. By
"I did not do this thing. #mcstay #nbc7 https://t.co/Ojp02cg2cJ. All of the motions were denied. Susanmade an equally emotional statement ahead of the sentencing being handed down, telling the court how the killings had scarred their lives. she said. In the family's home, investigators found bowls of uneaten popcorn, as if the family had just been there, and planned to return. [3] Merritt was charged with four counts of murder, and the district attorney sought the death penalty. 'Some rough places, but you have had somebody stab me, it doesn't matter,' she noted. 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. The correct identity is San Bernardino CountySupervising Deputy District Attorney Britt Imes. She said: 'My son had been sick since last August and hes normally a very healthy person. I just dont remember very much because I fell to the office floor. Father of Joseph McStay, whose remains and wife's were found this week after 2010 disappearance, calls San Diego Sheriff's Dept. Now Merritt who actually took a voluntary lie detector test at the time of their disappearance and was the last person to see Joseph alive has decided to write a tell all book, in an effort to clear up the mystery. It is my deepest desire in my own life not to spread pain and suffering, said a soft-spoken Jonah McStay. Charles Merritt was found guilty of murdering a family of four, and now the jury is recommending the death penalty. After Joseph, along with his wife and kids, suddenly went missing in February 2010, the authorities didn't have many leads. So why was being grilled about her books on Mastermind so Why should I be asked to tip when I shop online? Michael McStay's wife spoke next, talking about the pain her family and husband live with every single day. 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. 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. Il avait t le premier dplorer la disparition de Joseph McStay et sa famille , en fvrier 2010. [30] On May 4, the case was scheduled to go to trial in July 2018. Joseph was 40 years old while his wife Summer was 43 making them a rather young family. Merritt said the people responsible for the slayings are still free. But the details of this case go back decades and has many twists and turns. Dont worry, your fate will be way less tragic than of the family you murdered.. It was believed to have been parked there between 5:30 and 7:00 that evening. Sentencing still has not happened. At center is Erin McStay, Michaels wife. 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. [17] Other critics of the theory noted that the McStays had more than $100,000 in bank accounts, with no withdrawal of funds in preparation for a trip, and their accounts were untouched after their disappearance. 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). "We don't run this circus. Situated in northern San Diego County, the community is known as "The Friendly Village." Sadly, disaster would soon strike the tranquil town. Just a monster. "The extreme violence and savagery of the nature of the killings -- particularly of two small children -- far outweigh the totality of all of the mitigating evidence," the judge added. Six victim impact statements were heard before Merritt got a chance to speak at the continued sentencing hearing Tuesday. Merritt was convicted in June 2019 of the murders of his former business associate Joseph McStay, McStay's wife Summer, and their 4- and 3-year-old sons, Gianni and Joseph Jr. (Irfan. We used to speak to each other 10 or 12 times almost every day and we would talk about absolutely everything. - The mysterious disappearance of Joseph McStay, his wife Summer, and their two sons in February 2010 raised a lot of questions. Here are the seven best ways to wear them this spring. He was in the hospital for a couple of weeks, and on the (February) 4, he was talking to my mother and he had to pull over when he was driving home because he felt vertigo type symptoms.'. Crying for mommy and daddy? Mrs Blake described Josephs symptoms as something similar to vertigo and said he complained of feeling 'woozy'. June 10, 2019 Merritt is found guilty of murdering the McStay family. The shame and despair of being physically attacked by your own child. 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. On February 19, California police notified Interpol to be on the lookout for the family. California has not executed anyone on death row since 2006 as current Gov. She also touched on the media attention and pressures her family has coped with for years, including questions from strangers. Chase, you are a low-life coward and a baby killer. , updated Blake said Merritt and Kavanugh got into arguments in two meetings during the spring of 2010. 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. [31] The trial finally began on January 7, 2019, in a San Bernardino court, with both sides making opening statements. "I loved Joseph. He used to spend hours at a time talking on his mobile phone and it got to the stage where he was convinced he had a brain tumor. Huh? [2][12], On November 11, 2013, a dirt biker found four sets of human remains buried in two shallow graves in the desert near Victorville, California. [13] Dean stated in her blog she had just finished producing a radio show for San Diego station KNSJ when she received the call, and that she asked whether she could tell her followers what he had told her. Mystery of McStay money: Family found dead could barely afford rent. The family had been beaten to death with a three-pound sledgehammer found in one of the graves. Merritts defense team has claimed Kavanaugh is a likely suspect in the McStay family case, but was overlooked by investigators despite what they described as a deteriorating relationship with Joseph McStay in the months before the familys disappearance. 'Are you that family? Summer had also ordered a Spanish-language education program a few months prior to their disappearance. Joseph, 40, was suffering from a mystery illness in the months before he went missing with Summer and their two young children, and would spend days in bed barely able to walk. Prosecutors eventually discovered that about the time the family vanished thousands of dollars in checks allegedly from McStay to Merritt had been written and cashed. 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. Chase, you are a low-life baby killer, Blake said as Merritt stared at her impassively. 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.. 'You had a choice. 'It's like they went poof,' Susan recalled. Charles "Chase" Merritt appears at his sentencing hearing in San Bernardino, California, on Jan. 21, 2020. 'This despicable, evil monster. Merritt was due to speak next. Just a monster., After a delay, the convicted killer of the McStay family of Fallbrook will be sentenced today. Related research topic ideas. He just gave me the quote of the day on the continuing delays. Published: 23:50 GMT, 22 January 2021 | Updated: 23:58 GMT, 22 January 2021. How the Princess of Wales recreated her 2006 outfit from Prince William's Sandhurst graduation Behind-the-scenes at fashion week with the Spencers! Charles "Chase" Merritt, 62, was convicted in June of killing his former business associate Joseph McStay, 40, McStay's wife, Summer, 43, and their two children, Gianni, 4, and Joseph Jr.,. Doctors couldnt diagnose the energy-sapping condition and according to his close friend, Chase Merritt, he started to suspect that his fiery wife may have something to do with it. Chase Merritt sobs and says I did not do this thing. He was arrested last year. #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. 09:19 EST 04 Jan 2014 Two days later, two sets of remains were officially identified as those of Joseph and Summer McStay. A lot of his close friends did not trust her and thought she treated him very badly. Their bodies were not found until 2013, when an off-road motorcyclist came across them in the Mojave Desert. [17] Because their car was found so close to the Mexican border, police reviewed surveillance footage of the pedestrian gate into Mexico. The next week, deputies released a video of a group of people similar to the McStay family entering Mexico hand in hand through the pedestrian gate around 7 p.m. on February 8, 2010, the same day their vehicle was towed. Merritt later told police that he ignored the voicemail because he was watching a movie. Gov. The break came, defense attorneys said, when Merritt and McStay separately worked on a custom-fountain side of the business that did not include Kavanaugh. Defense attorney Rajan Maline produced a check to Merritt for $3,300 that was issued in April 2010 and signed by Blake, not on her personnel account, but on an account for Earthinspiredproducts.com. 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. But even then rumors of dubious dealings with Mexican cartels bubbled away. My brother was I looked up to my brother. Joseph McStay owned a custom fountain business and worked with Merritt. 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. In late November 2009, the family moved to Fallbrook, California, for a fresh start in a peaceful and friendly neighborhood. The mother of Joseph McStay wept on the witness stand Tuesday as she recounted the moment in November 2013 when she learned the remains of her son, his wife, and their boys aged 3 and 4, missing for more than three years, had been found buried in the High Desert near Victorville. In the gallery sat Merritt's daughter and brother. I was not his best friend, but he was mine and I believe he opened up to me about things he would not tell anyone else. Do you remember writing that check? he asked. How could you beat two precious little babies? He then spoke to his friend several more times on his mobile over the course of the afternoon and actually missed a call from him at 8.28pm, which was the last time Joseph used his phone. In July 2015, Merritt's defense attorney filed a request to have the case dismissed because of the wording used by the prosecution when the charges were filed. [6] Joseph owned and operated Earth Inspired Products, a company that built decorative fountains, and Summer was a licensed real estate agent. On February 23, 2010, detectives notified Interpol, the International Criminal Police Organization, to be on the lookout for the family heading to Mexico. The 30 Best Shows on Netflix for Kids. Ill never get another conversation with him. Crying for Mommy and Daddy? Obviously that was a real problem for Joseph and he used to talk to me about it regularly. Did you always look up to him Imes asked. McStay family went missing nearly three years ago Surveillance video shows four people of similar size crossing into Mexico Relatives dispute author's claim that wife was involved in. Were just the clowns, - Britt Imes. His arrest was announced on November 7, 2014. I dont remember bouncing a check, she said. But what happened to Joseph McStay, 40, his 43-year-old wife, Summer, and sons Gianni, 4, and Joseph Jr., 3? The McStays' disappearance from their serene San Diego-area community of Bonsall has since prompted an investigation by police who still have no idea what happened. 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. Chase, you are a low-life coward and a baby killer. 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.
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