He will focus on a number of key incidents and characters and try to paint a picture of what really happened in the lead up to that fateful day. I loved Joseph. #mcstay #nbc7 pic.twitter.com/gDh8XuxqiV, Merritt said he has the "utmost disdain" for the investigators and prosecutors who "put them all in this courtroom" and for the people who, in his words, "manipulated the evidence.". 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,. But despite that public front, I know, prior to their disappearance they had not had sex in more than a year. "I did not do this thing. 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. You start calling his cellphones, her cellphones,' she said. Gavin Newsom has placed a moratorium on executions while hes in office. The case has sparked endless speculation, with both the police and amateur sleuths coming up with countless theories, some plausible, some wild and outrageous. 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. The case initially puzzled. 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. called the investigation into his son's disappearance . Princess Diana's nieces Lady Eliza and Amelia share Do not sell or share my personal information. According to state records, Merritt had felony convictions for burglary and receiving stolen property. Related research topic ideas. Day by day, month by month, the case grew colder. Joseph McStay's mother, Susan Blake, followed. They were in the process of remodeling their four-bedroom, three-bathroom home when they went missing. On February 15, Michael phoned the San Diego County Sheriff's Department (SDSD) and reported that his brother and his family were missing. [6] Joseph owned and operated Earth Inspired Products, a company that built decorative fountains, and Summer was a licensed real estate agent. "It marked my kids.". "I want to psychologically mess you up," he said to Merritt. 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. But what happened to Joseph McStay, 40, his 43-year-old wife, Summer, and sons Gianni, 4, and Joseph Jr., 3? 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.. All rights reserved. His words were a precursor to the deep pain the rest of the McStay family's loved ones would share Tuesday in court. "It didn't just mark me that day," Michael McStay said. Blakes testimony came during the second day in the capital murder trial of Charles Chase Merrit, 61, of Rancho Cucamonga. And now, victim impact statements before formal sentencing. 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. Where is Joseph McStay's Business Associate 'Dan - SpikyTV Judge just said clearly its not timely. #mcstay #nbc7 https://t.co/qLzXb6wJlM. [31] The trial finally began on January 7, 2019, in a San Bernardino court, with both sides making opening statements. Joseph managed a company that built decorative fountains, and Summer was a licensed real estate agent. How could you beat two precious little babies? 2023.03.03 04:09 oz2usa I'm so bummed out after realising my diagnosis made a few years ago is legitimate. The evidence finally placing Merritt at the scene of the crime was his cellphone data, prosecutors said. [15] Baker began following the case in 2013 after interviewing Michael McStay on his program. The trial in the downtown San Bernardino Justice Center is before Judge Michael A. Smith. It was a mystery and he started to consider everything and anything. His mother was not available to speak to MailOnline about Merritt's latest revelations. Mike crawled through a window and discovered food rotting in the kitchen, and Summer's prescription sunglasses were also left on the table. Two days later, two sets of remains were officially identified as those of Joseph and Summer McStay. ___ 12 a.m. 'It's like they went poof,' Susan recalled. It cant be, Susan Blake testified after she regained herself. 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. Three Weeks Later, Still No Sign of California's McStay Family The disappearance of Joseph, Summer and their two sons Gianni, 4, and Joseph Jr., 3 gripped the nation for almost four years, keeping people guessing until their bodies were discovered lying in a shallow grave in the Californian desert on November 15. Merritt lashed out at prosecutors he said framed him, some witnesses he accused of lying and the judge he said allowed it to happen. Sorry because he was worth it, he told Imes. The thing that is bringing you this solace, is ending my life. Joseph McStay has operated Earth Inspired Products, a waterfall and garden accessories business in San Clemente, since 1996, according. 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. Our last name is mentioned. Video recorded the evening of February 8, released on March 5, showed a family of four resembling the McStays crossing the border. Joseph and Summer McStay had two sons Gianni and Joseph Jr. 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. I would never raise my hand to a woman or a child.". They said McStay told friends Merritt was doing shoddy work and pilfering money from him. While Merritt does not think Summer was directly involved, he has revealed she treated Joseph horrendously in the years before they went missing. ", Missing McStay family killed, buried in desert, sheriff says, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=McStay_family_murders&oldid=1138842709, This page was last edited on 11 February 2023, at 23:11. Do I think Chase is involved? The family disappeared without a trace in February 2010. Why were they gone? 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. Maline asked Blake about the point of that argument, again struggling against Rodriguezs objections: Chase is telling (Kavanaugh) that he is a liar, that he is getting the money and not giving it to him, he managed to outline to the witness. 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. Missing McStay Family Members Found In Shallow Grave California has not executed anyone since 2006. He maintained his innocence, saying something has always been "amiss" in this case. 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. Arent you tired, man? he asked. 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!' We're just the clowns," Imes said. Joseph McStay - Biography - IMDb In the last of the two meetings, They were definitely yelling, big time, at each other. [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. 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. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. [10], Over the next several days, relatives of the McStays unsuccessfully tried to contact the family. Joseph McStay's mother Susan Blake addresses the court during the sentencing of Charles Chase Merritt on Jan. 21, 2020. During that period, she got an early-morning call from someone in Saudi Arabia, demanding his fountain, she recalled. Charles Merritt, McStay family killer, gets death penalty "corrupt" . The surviving McStay family members held an emotional memorial for. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. Joseph McStay feared wife was POISONING him before they disappeared Il avait t le premier dplorer la disparition de Joseph McStay et sa famille , en fvrier 2010. Man convicted of killing McStay family sentenced to death 'And then as the days went by, you start thinking, "Okay, something's not right 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. Four years ago, Patrick McStay lost everything he loved. Im heading to San Bernardino and will keep you updated. 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? Gunfire at four 7-Elevens leaves 2 dead, in Brea and Santa Ana, 3 Joseph McStay, 40, and his wife, Summer, 43, went missing along with their two children, Gianna, 4, and Joseph, 3. The judge has been speaking for the last hour - and still going, reviewing in slow, excruciating detail certain facts of the case. Patrick noted that it was 'highly unusual for [the dogs] to be left out alone like that. Joseph was 40 years old while his wife Summer was 43 making them a rather young family. "It is my deepest desire in my own life not to spread pain and suffering," said a. I believe that [Joseph] trusted Chase and believed in Chase. He was a big part of my life and my familys life. Police search for missing San Clemente business owner and family 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. Inside the Gruesome McStay Family Murder Case - Peoplemag The McStay family of Fallbrook was last heard from or seen on Feb. 4, 2010. [7] 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. "You had a choice. An acquaintance of Merritt's told a San Diego reporter, "I think police should look at him and anyone associated with him. Merritt is accused of killing his former business associate, Joseph McStay, McStay's wife Summer, and their two small children on Feb. 4, 2010. Voice shaking, it was Merrit's turn to speak to the courtroom and to the McStay family's loved ones. He maintains his innocence. McStay Family Update: Joseph McStay's father says he suspects three Dont worry, your fate will be way less tragic than of the family you murdered.. 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. (File photo by Kurt Miller, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG), In this file photo Susan Blake, mother of Joseph McStay, wipes her eyes at a press conference at the San Bernardino Sheriff Headquarters on Friday, November 15, 2013. Indian lodge motel in joseph oregon | | I'm so bummed out after And then the family that was killed by their own friend?'" 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. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Chase Merritt, 62, is facing a potential death sentence, or life in prison. 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. How One Man's Greed Meant the End of the Entire McStay Family "I loved Joseph. He always said, "I have messed up one family before, I will not be unfaithful and ruin another one". How could you beat two precious little babies? [4] On June 10, 2019, a jury found Merritt guilty of murdering the McStay family. [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. [7] Summer was born Virginia Lisa Aranda, and had also been known as Summer Martelli. He didnt know what was wrong with him and he was desperate. Patrick McStay, Joseph McStay's father told CBS 8 in San Diego that authorities informed him two of the bodies found in shallow graves in the Mojave Desert on Monday were that of his son and his son's wife, Summer. [34], On May 22, 2022, the case was looked at again on the Investigation Discovery docuseries Two Shallow Graves. 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. California man pleads not guilty to killing family of four Neither was Joseph's brother, Michael. 'You Are a Baby Killer': Calif. Man Sentenced to Death for Killing #mcstay #nbc7 https://t.co/xNxV3CqRtr. Le meurtrier de la famille McStay condamn mort 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. McStay murders: A man is on death row for the brutal killings of a Were they scared, Chase? Le 9 fvrier 2010, il avait envoy un courrier lectronique au pre de Joseph McStay, alertant de la disparition de son associ : Je n'ai pas de nouvelles de Joe. The car's location from February 4 to February 8 remains unknown. Merritt is charged with killing his business associate Joseph McStay; McStay's wife, Summer; and their 3- and 4-year-old sons. [6] Joseph owned and operated Earth Inspired Products, a company that built decorative fountains, and Summer was a licensed real estate agent. They also linked him to a call seeking to close Joseph McStay's online bookkeeping account. [32] On June 24, the jury recommended that Merritt be sentenced to death. McStay Family Murders Case Timeline: What To Know | Crime News Family members react to the arrest: Summer McStays brother-in-law, Joseph Russell, speaks and then Michael McStay, brother of Joseph McStay, speaks. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. 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 In late November 2009, the family moved to Fallbrook, California, for a fresh start in a peaceful and friendly neighborhood. He would spend days on end in bed. 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. In the family's home, investigators found bowls of uneaten popcorn, as if the family had just been there, and planned to return. Where were they? He played a portion of "Spirit in the Sky" by Norman Greenbaum in court, saying he was making good on a promise he made to Summer McStay many years ago. Merritt later told police that he ignored the voicemail because he was watching a movie. Chase Merritt sobs and says I did not do this thing. 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. Crosses Erected for McStays at Site Where Remains Were Found For years, police speculated they. The Latest: ID of family's killer contested in murder trial I would have never raised my hand for a woman or child. 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. Chase, you are a low-life baby killer, Blake said as Merritt stared at her impassively. On February 13, Joseph's brother Michael traveled to the McStay residence and climbed in and gained entry to the home upon finding an open window in the back. [27] Merritt's trial was delayed as he had repeatedly fired his attorneys or attempted to represent himself. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. June 10, 2019 Merritt is found guilty of murdering the McStay family. 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. I honestly believed my psychiatrist . [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. Merritt was supposed to be sentenced last Friday, Jan. 17, but dramatic twists, turns, and delays prevented that from happening as planned. [28], In January 2018, a trial-setting conference was scheduled for February 23. The show features new suspects, witnesses, evidence, and theories regarding the case, as well as the trial from both the defendant's and prosecutor's points of view. 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. The shocking claims will stun everyone who has followed the McStay family disappearance since they first went missing back on February 4, 2010. Summer's sister stated that her passport was expired. A deep pause followed as Michael McStay tried to collect himself. "Not natural causes; there was intent here.". Memorial erected for McStay family that was found dead in Victorville Crying for mommy and daddy?' 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.. Never again will we hear their voices. #mcstay #nbc7 pic.twitter.com/CGQmypfaZb. He was given the death penalty for killing Summer, Gianni, and Joseph Jr. Now, Merritt is on San Quentin Death Row. [33] The court upheld the jury's recommendation, and Merritt was sentenced to death on January 21, 2020. Testimony in the trial is scheduled to continue Wednesday. 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. - The mysterious disappearance of Joseph McStay, his wife Summer, and their two sons in February 2010 raised a lot of questions. Crying for mommy and daddy? 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. After 4 Years Of Investigation, Authorities Say McStay - HuffPost I was just trying to keep the customers or whoever was calling calm and hopefully to keep the business going. I remember one woman in particular was all over him for a while. Just a monster.". [16], After their disappearance, it was speculated that the McStays left voluntarily since investigators found searches on the family's computers for "What documents do children need for traveling to Mexico?" 'You had a choice. How the Princess of Wales recreated her 2006 outfit from Prince William's Sandhurst graduation Behind-the-scenes at fashion week with the Spencers! I even went to the hospital with him to try and see what was wrong; we thought maybe it was stress.'. The hearing, which consumed more than 10 hours, concluded with several emotional statements from McStay's mother, brother, in-laws and surviving son, as well as from Merritt himself, who . Blake said, speaking to Merritt. The family had been beaten to death with a three-pound sledgehammer found in one of the graves.