He had a son from a previous relationship, who he didnt get to see much of and he was terrified that would happen with his two boys if he left Summer. Indian lodge motel in joseph oregon. Arguing, and Dan just wasnt going to budge, she said. I would never raise my hand to a woman or a child.". I dont remember bouncing a check, she said. A lot of his close friends did not trust her and thought she treated him very badly. His face was stoic. Merritt was found guilty on June 10, 2019, on four counts of murder. NBC 7's Jackie Crea has more. He boasted it had a "loft/game room & big. The surviving McStay family members held an emotional memorial for. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline Merritt who worked with Joseph in his fountain business - said: I was extremely close to Joseph. 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. 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. Ill never get another conversation with him. [33] The court upheld the jury's recommendation, and Merritt was sentenced to death on January 21, 2020. The bodies of Joseph McStay, 40, and his wife Summer, 43, along with their sons Gianni, 4, and Joseph Jr., 3, were found in a shallow grave in the desert north of Victorville in 2013. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. He was sentenced to death on January 21, 2020. Three years later, the remains of the family were discovered in a shallow grave in a remote desert in Southern California. Their bodies were not found until 2013, when an off-road motorcyclist came across them in the Mojave Desert. Joseph McStay, his wife Summer, and the couple's two young sons mysteriously disappeared in Feb. 2010. On the surface, while tragic, it may not seem all that crazy. And that those sounds haunt you, Chase, he said. That 8-hour day in court included lengthy motions arguments from Merritt's attorney, Rajan Maline, and even a moment when Merritt tried to interrupt proceedings and fire Maline. The McStays, their two boys Gianni, 4, and Joseph Jr., 3, vanished in 2010, leaving food on the table and a massive mystery. It was believed to have been parked there between 5:30 and 7:00 that evening. The comments below have not been moderated. Mike crawled through a window and discovered food rotting in the kitchen, and Summer's prescription sunglasses were also left on the table. 2023.03.03 04:09 oz2usa I'm so bummed out after realising my diagnosis made a few years ago is legitimate. A judge denied a motion to reduce Charles Merritt's sentencing from the death penalty to life in prison wihtout parole in the killings of Summer McStay, Gianni McStay and Joseph McStay Jr. Michael McStay talks about how much he misses his brother Joseph McStay at Merritt's sentencing. Just a monster. 'This despicable, evil monster. 'I'm gonna get out the information and try to find them.'. Chase you are a low life coward and a baby killer. Here are the seven best ways to wear them this spring. Disappeared examines the case of the McStay family who vanished from their Southern California home and may have headed into Mexico. She had once told him she wanted that song played at her funeral. While Merritt does not think Summer was directly involved, he has revealed she treated Joseph horrendously in the years before they went missing. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Tony Shin reports for NBC4 News at 4 p.m. on Jan. 8, 2019. 'He told me he was in a hurry because he had a lunch meeting,' the dad told Killer Motive host Troy Roberts. And now, victim impact statements before formal sentencing. The bodies were identified asJoseph, Summer, Joseph Mateo, and Gianani McStay. I would have never raised my hand for a woman or child. 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. "I did not do this thing. By Jill Sederstrom The McStay Family Goes Missing Now Playing Preview The McStay Family Goes Missing 2:14 Preview McStay Family Car Found Near Mexican Border 2:24 Basically, she wouldnt let him near her. Father of Joseph McStay, whose remains and wife's were found this week after 2010 disappearance, calls San Diego Sheriff's Dept. How could you beat two precious little babies? The judge has been speaking for the last hour - and still going, reviewing in slow, excruciating detail certain facts of the case. [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. "[21][22], In 2013, Merritt acknowledged he had spent more than an hour with Joseph the day the McStay family went missing. Yes, sir, McStay replied. His son, Joseph, his daughter-in-law, Summer, and their two little boys, Gianni, 4, and Joseph Jr., 3 vanished. [6] Joseph owned and operated Earth Inspired Products, a company that built decorative fountains, and Summer was a licensed real estate agent. And then the family that was killed by their own friend?'" The skeletal remains of the McStay family were found near Victorville in 2013 and Merritt was arrested a year later. Chase, you are a low-life coward and a baby killer. 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. [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. Joseph McStay, 40, and his wife, Summer, 43, disappeared along with their two children, Gianna, 4, and Joseph, 3, from their their serene San Diego-area community more than a month ago. Four years ago, Patrick McStay lost everything he loved. You start calling his cellphones, her cellphones,' she said. 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. California has not executed anyone on death row since 2006 as current Gov. How can you take that all in?, Susan Blake, right, mother of Joseph McStay, reaches over and holds the hand of her other son Michael McStay, left, at a press conference at the San Bernardino Sheriff Headquarters, Friday, November 15, 2013. On February 15, Michael phoned the San Diego County Sheriff's Department (SDSD) and reported that his brother and his family were missing. The family had been beaten to death with a three-pound sledgehammer found in one of the graves. Huh? So unnatural," he said. Trademark and Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. Doves were . Sheriffs investigators believeSummer McStay may have been rapedbefore she was killed. I'm so bummed out after realising my diagnosis made a few years ago is legitimate. How scared were they, Chase? I even went to the hospital with him to try and see what was wrong; we thought maybe it was stress.'. and Spanish language lessons. 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. Homicide investigators search the family's home on Avocado Vista Lane and found no sign of a struggle. He was sentenced to death and life in prison. "Hes an excellent surfer and soccer player. Jackie Collins taught me everything I know. He went to the doctor a number of times, but they just didnt know what was wrong with him. Joseph McStay's mother, Susan Blake, followed. Charles Chase Merritt, l'associ du pre de famille retrouv mort avec femme et . DNA samples were collected from the McSays' family, friends, and associates, but investigators couldn't get a search warrant to access their financial records because there was no evidence of a crime at the time. 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. Prosecutors told jurors Merritt killed the family after learning McStay was cutting him out of his business making and selling custom water fountains. He asked for funds to keep the business going, and at that time I would do anything to help my son probably not in my right mind anyway at that time, she said. Joseph and Summer McStay were found buried in shallow desert graves along with their two young sons nearly four years after they vanished from their suburban California home (San Bernardino. 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. Upon his arrival, he noticed that Joseph's 1996 Isuzu Trooper was missing, but their dogs were in the backyard. In a preview clip from the episode about the McStay family, Patrick recalled speaking to his son in the morning on the day they disappeared. He has been the entertainment editor, a features writer, a business writer and is now a courts and breaking news reporter. Why? Imes asked, and Michael broke down on the witness stand. Hes considering motion of insufficient evidence to support verdict. #McStay family visibly frustrated. During the lull, NBC 7 spoke with prosecuting attorney Britt Imes about the continuing delays. [9] In the surveillance recording, the vehicle's occupants could not be seen. Summers ex husband made good on a promise the two made years ago and just played a portion of Norman Greenbaums Spirit in the Sky. "You had a choice. 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. I know the thought of leaving her crossed his mind, probably quite a lot, but he would never actually go through with it., The comments below have not been moderated, 'Insane' man who lived with his dead mother and stepfather for three days after murdering them recaptured one day after escaping from mental institution, Alabama pastor suspected of stabbing wife to death in July arrested as he tried to board flight to Germany, 'Jail food is cold, the water's bad and my cell doesn't have a microwave': Drug lord suspect writes to complain about prison conditions as he awaits trial, 'Can you imagine telling your four kids he's gone, then he turns up alive? #nbc7 #mcstay He told Merrit, I want to psychological mess you up. https://t.co/0xbSXeb9kX. Joseph McStay; his wife, Summer; and their two children, Gianni and Joseph Mateo, have not been heard from since the night of Thursday, February 4, 2010. 'When I last talked to my son, on February 4, he said he still didnt feel good,' said Blake, adding that she had provided the Sheriffs Dept with information on Josephs health problems. "Not natural causes; there was intent here.". 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. Patrick noted that it was 'highly unusual for [the dogs] to be left out alone like that. Gavin Newsom has placed a moratorium on executions while he's in office. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Merritt was supposed to be sentenced last Friday, Jan. 17, but dramatic twists, turns, and delays prevented that from happening as planned. #mcstay #nbc7 https://t.co/xNxV3CqRtr. " Finally, Joseph McStay's only surviving son from a previous marriage, Jonah McStay, took. 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. Jurors in San Bernardino. 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. [3] The trial began on January 7, 2019, in San Bernardino. On February 19, California police notified Interpol to be on the lookout for the family. [2] In April 2013, the San Diego Sheriff's Department announced that they believed that the McStays traveled to Mexico voluntarily.[18]. 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.. Merritt who was once a person of interest in the familys 2010 disappearance claims some of Josephs friends started telling him to be careful around Summer, 43. "The constant questions when we are out. Who'll find love on our blind date? After Joseph, along with his wife and kids, suddenly went missing in February 2010, the authorities didn't have many leads. It is my deepest desire in my own life not to spread pain and suffering, said a soft-spoken Jonah McStay. 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. He was given the death penalty for killing Summer, Gianni, and Joseph Jr. Now, Merritt is on San Quentin Death Row. The family's computer had recent internet searches for: 'What documents do children need for traveling to Mexico?' "We don't run this circus. My brother was I looked up to my brother. No one can explain how a seemingly normal suburban family who only moved into their new home in Fallbrook, California, three months earlier, could be living a regular life one day and then vanish the next. She said the two tangled over how to keep the business afloat. That family that went missing? She also touched on the media attention and pressures her family has coped with for years, including questions from strangers. (Will Lester . 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.. [24] When asked if he thought Merritt was a suspect, Joseph's father Patrick said, "I have to have faith in Chase because I have to have faith in my son. The family disappeared without a trace in February 2010. Kavanaugh has denied any involvement in the familys disappearance and slayings. A year later,Charles 'Chase' Merritt, who was a partner in Joseph's water-fountain business, was arrested for bludgeoning the married couple and their children to death inside their home in Fallbrook because he owed them $30,000. What lack of sleep REALLY does to your face: Expert reveals the warning signs your skin is suffering, My Daily Horoscope: What does March 2nd hold for MY star sign? 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. 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. Patrick McStay was there, too, along with other members of the McStay family, including Joseph McStay's brother, Michael McStay. The hearing, which consumed more than 10 hours, concluded with several emotional statements from McStays mother, brother, in-laws and surviving son, as well as from Merritt himself, who continued to maintain his innocence, I loved Joseph, he said, his voice shaking a times. Just a monster. - Susan Blake, Joseph McStays mother. He was in a really bad way. Charles "Chase" Merritt, 62, was sentenced to life in prison for the killing of his former business associate, Joseph McStay, 40. "We don't run this circus. Chase Merritt sobs and says I did not do this thing. 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. 'You had a choice. They slept in the same bed, but were never intimate. I know you dont believe me and thats what kills me, he added. ', 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.'. 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. Were they scared, Chase? Our last name is mentioned. In late November 2009, the family moved to Fallbrook, California, for a fresh start in a peaceful and friendly neighborhood. He was a big part of my life and my familys life. The attorney stopped Merritt, saying, "You can't.". We used to speak to each other 10 or 12 times almost every day and we would talk about absolutely everything. Joseph's cellphone pinged a tower in Fallbrook. NBC 7 was once again inside the courtroom Tuesday. 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. We're just the clowns," Imes said. Scholarly publications with full text pdf download. Joseph managed a company that built decorative fountains, and Summer was a licensed real estate agent. There were no signs of forced entry or any foul play, which baffled investigators and suggested the family left on their own accord. As recently as April, the FBI believed the family went to Mexico voluntarily. Dont worry, your fate will be way less tragic than of the family you murdered.. Ending my life for a crime that I did not commit," Merritt said. Victorville, California CNN . Do I think Chase is involved? Authorities think they've caught the killer, who is awaiting trial, and the family. Duchess dons $1,610 Carolina Herrera cape, $300 vegan leather Lovely in lilac! Who killed the McStay family? Where were they? It was a mystery and he started to consider everything and anything. 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. In the last of the two meetings, They were definitely yelling, big time, at each other. Chase Merritt, 62, is facing a potential death sentence, or life in prison. I did not do this thing.. Immediately, the mysterious case gripped the community. We're just the clowns.". He maintains his innocence. Victorville, California - Four years ago, Patrick McStay lost everything he loved. And they told me they were also gone. 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, 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 The McStays have deep Orange County ties, Cirignani said. "It marked my kids.". He was the last known person to see Joseph alive, during an hour-and-a-half long meeting in Rancho Cucamonga, California just hours before the family vanished into thin air. I see its written, yes, she answered, confirming it was her signature. Last month marked the 3rd anniversary since a family of four mysteriously vanished from their Southern California home. [8], On February 4, 2010, at 7:47pm, a neighbor's surveillance system captured the bottom eighteen inches of a vehicle, thought at the time to be the McStay family's 1996 Isuzu Trooper. The attorney argued a motion to reduce Merritt's sentence in the killings of Summer McStay and the children to life in prison without the possibility of parole rather than the death penalty previously recommended by the jury that convicted Merritt. I remember one woman in particular was all over him for a while. They took none of their belongings, left $100,000 in the bank and even abandoned their beloved dogs. 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. Merritt is accused of killing his former business associate, Joseph McStay, McStay's wife Summer, and their two small children on Feb. 4, 2010. 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.