[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. NBC 7's Jackie Crea has more. "The constant questions when we are out. Michael McStay said watching his parents bury his brother was the most "unnatural" thing he could've ever witnessed. He was visibly shaken, fighting back tears. 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). The court took a brief break. "[25], On November 5, 2014, detectives from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department arrested Merritt in connection with the deaths of the McStay family after discovering that his DNA had been recovered from their car. Gavin Newsom has placed a moratorium on executions while he's in office. Crying for mommy and daddy? Huh? Joseph McStay, 40, and his wife, Summer, 43, went missing along with their two children, Gianna, 4, and Joseph, 3. Their remains were eventually discovered in the Mojave Desert near Victorville, California, about 100 miles from their home. He would spend days on end in bed. A small public memorial was held Wednesday afternoon in honor of the McStay family, a couple and their two young sons whose bodies were discovered last week in the Mojave Desert. He was sentenced to death and life in prison. Duchess dons $1,610 Carolina Herrera cape, $300 vegan leather Lovely in lilac! They were in the process of remodeling their four-bedroom, three-bathroom home when they went missing. That family that went missing? 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? NBC 7's Jackie Crea has more. ", Chase Merritt watching and listening. [9] In the surveillance recording, the vehicle's occupants could not be seen. Chase Merritt, 62, is facing a potential death sentence, or life in prison. We dont run this circus. Merritt was transferred to San Quentin State Prison until an execution date is scheduled. The family disappeared without a trace in February 2010. 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. The case has sparked endless speculation, with both the police and amateur sleuths coming up with countless theories, some plausible, some wild and outrageous. Never again will we hear their voices. #mcstay #nbc7 pic.twitter.com/CGQmypfaZb. So unnatural," he said. [4], On June 10, 2019, a San Bernardino County jury found Merritt guilty of murdering the McStay family. "It didn't just mark me that day," Michael McStay said. Joseph was 40 years old while his wife Summer was 43 making them a rather young family. 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.. Joseph McStay, his wife Summer, and the couple's two young sons mysteriously disappeared in Feb. 2010. Authorities said they traced his cellphone to the gravesite area. For years, police speculated they went to Mexica, but the McStays bodies were later found buried in the Mojave Desert in November 2013. [31] The trial finally began on January 7, 2019, in a San Bernardino court, with both sides making opening statements. I believe that [Joseph] trusted Chase and believed in Chase. [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. I don't think so, and I truly hope not. Unconfirmed family sightings were reported in Mexico and elsewhere, perpetuating hopes that they were safe and had left voluntarily. Blake said, speaking to Merritt. I would never hurt him in any way. San Bernardino County Superior Court Judge Michael Smith upheld the jurys recommendation of death following a two-day sentencing hearing that included a flurry of last-minute motions from Merritt and his lawyer, who accused prosecutors of misconduct, Merritts earlier attorneys of incompetence and, on Tuesday, tried to remove the judge himself from the case. Finally, Joseph McStay's only surviving son from a previous marriage, Jonah McStay, took the podium. On Feb. 15, the family was reported missing to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. Upon his arrival, he noticed that Joseph's 1996 Isuzu Trooper was missing, but their dogs were in the backyard. January 21, 2020 Merritt, 62, was sentenced to life in prison for murdering Joseph McStay, 40. This included Susan Blake, Joseph McStay's mother. Patrick McStay, Joseph's father, was informed of the discovery and phoned missing person advocate Jerrie Dean to tell her what he knew. #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. I was just trying to keep the customers or whoever was calling calm and hopefully to keep the business going. A license plate search for the vehicle led to the discovery that the McStay's SUV had been towed from a parking lot near San Ysidro, California, right near the U.S.-Mexico border, Gone: The family was considered missing, and detectives notified Interpol, the International Criminal Police Organization, to be on the lookout for headin to Mexico, Can't tell: 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, Devastating: Joseph's parents headed to Mexico to hang flyers and search for them but never found anything. The family's computer had recent internet searches for: 'What documents do children need for traveling to Mexico?' So why was being grilled about her books on Mastermind so Why should I be asked to tip when I shop online? After three years of suspicion, the family's bones were discovered in a desert over a hundred miles from their house. By A decade after the family went missing, their killer was sentenced to death in January 202. Their dogs. Published: 23:50 GMT, 22 January 2021 | Updated: 23:58 GMT, 22 January 2021. This despicable, evil monster. 'It's like they went poof,' Susan recalled. 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. My brother was I looked up to my brother. 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. Il ne rpond pas au . '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. The book will be released later this year. "corrupt" . His mother was not available to speak to MailOnline about Merritt's latest revelations. A lot of his close friends did not trust her and thought she treated him very badly. Sentencing still has not happened. In the gallery sat Merritt's daughter and brother. Soon, the family's car was found at a strip mall in south San Diego County near the U.S.-Mexico border. #mcstay #nbc7 https://t.co/Ojp02cg2cJ. His words were a precursor to the deep pain the rest of the McStay family's loved ones would share Tuesday in court. 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. But when Rodriguez questioned her Tuesday, Blake said, Thats what was said, but I dont know for sure.. Obviously there wasnt money coming in, cause I was paying for money going out., So to your knowledge, Maline said, there is no money coming in, or you didnt learn of any money coming in.. During her morning testimony, Blake also described heated arguments between Merritt and Dan Kavanaugh, both business partners in McStays decorative fountain business. 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. 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. 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. His son, Joseph, his daughter-in-law, Summer, and their two little boys - Gianni, 4, and Joseph Jr., 3 . California currently has a moratorium on death row executions. 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? [14], The circumstances surrounding the family's disappearance and the lack of clues about their whereabouts triggered speculation by amateur sleuths. Just a monster. In the last of the two meetings, They were definitely yelling, big time, at each other. The family had been beaten to death with a three-pound sledgehammer found in one of the graves. On February 15, Michael phoned the San Diego County Sheriff's Department (SDSD) and reported that his brother and his family were missing. They said McStay told friends Merritt was doing shoddy work and pilfering money from him. "It is my deepest desire in my own life not to spread pain and suffering," said a. Susanmade an equally emotional statement ahead of the sentencing being handed down, telling the court how the killings had scarred their lives. Joseph McStay has operated Earth Inspired Products, a waterfall and garden accessories business in San Clemente, since 1996, according. Just a monster.". 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. The impression I get is that Summer would use her sexuality to get attention and get what she wanted. By February 2016, he had gone through five attorneys. Merritt also says Summer had a terrible temper and would often snap at her husband over completely insignificant things. [6] Joseph owned and operated Earth Inspired Products, a company that built decorative fountains, and Summer was a licensed real estate agent. Then a few people started putting the idea in his head that maybe Summer was behind it. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) Prosecutors are seeking the death. During that period, she got an early-morning call from someone in Saudi Arabia, demanding his fountain, she recalled. The correct identity is San Bernardino CountySupervising Deputy District Attorney Britt Imes. [34], On May 22, 2022, the case was looked at again on the Investigation Discovery docuseries Two Shallow Graves. Charles Merritt was convicted of killing Joseph and Summer McStay along with their two sons. I remember one woman in particular was all over him for a while. [29] Merritt's attorney filed a motion in San Bernardino Superior Court on April 7, 2018, arguing that Joseph's business and accounting records were hearsay evidence and therefore inadmissible. And that those sounds haunt you, Chase, he said. I would have never raised my hand for a woman or child. #nbc7 #mcstay He told Merrit, I want to psychological mess you up. https://t.co/0xbSXeb9kX. , updated He boasted it had a "loft/game room & big. 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. Summers sister: My sister walked with a passion and purpose. 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. He told me when they had first got together they had a great sex life, but she just lost interest. An acquaintance of Merritt's told a San Diego reporter, "I think police should look at him and anyone associated with him. Joseph McStay's mother Susan Blake addresses the court during the sentencing of Charles Chase Merritt on Jan. 21, 2020. 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. Crying for mommy and daddy?' May 23, 2022 Investigation Discovery's ' Two Shallow Graves' follows the trial of Charles "Chase" Merritt, accused of murdering Joseph McStay and his family. Chase, you are a low-life baby killer, Blake said as Merritt stared at her impassively. He didnt know what was wrong with him and he was desperate. How to trick yourself slim: Top nutritionist reveals her tips including shrinking your cutlery, sniffing Meghan's (very expensive) date night look! 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. 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. 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? Testimony in the trial is scheduled to continue Wednesday. Joseph McStay owned a custom fountain business and worked with Merritt. As recently as April, the FBI believed the family went to Mexico voluntarily. We are scarred for life., Its been almost 10 years and the pain hasnt subsided, she added. They took none of their belongings, left $100,000 in the bank and even abandoned their beloved dogs. 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 His attorney was arguing motions before Merritt was set to be sentenced. Investigators testified they believed the victims were tortured before they were killed. Charles "Chase" Merritt, 62, was sentenced to life in prison for the killing of his former business associate, Joseph McStay, 40. Who'll find love on our blind date? After frustrating delays in proceedings in a Southern California courtroom last week, an emotional sentencing hearing resumed Tuesday for the man convicted in the mysterious killings of the McStay family, including two boys, ages 3 and 4. 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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. 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. 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. During the lull, NBC 7 spoke with prosecuting attorney Britt Imes about the continuing delays. She said the two tangled over how to keep the business afloat. Mystery at the Border: With Christopher Crutchfield Walker, Joseph McStay, Summer McStay, Gianni McStay. [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. 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. [33] The court upheld the jury's recommendation, and Merritt was sentenced to death on January 21, 2020. called the investigation into his son's disappearance . "The gruesome and brutal details of the crime that you committed are his family," she said to Merritt. But the details of this case go back decades and has many twists and turns. "It marked my kids.". The shocking claims will stun everyone who has followed the McStay family disappearance since they first went missing back on February 4, 2010. "Our family has already received a life sentence. 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. See also Other Works | Publicity Listings | Official Sites I just spoke to the prosecuting attorney in the Merritt case. How scared were they, Chase? #mcstay #nbc7 https://t.co/xNxV3CqRtr. 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. 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. How scared were they, Chase? Summer's sister stated that her passport was expired. [7] 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 . I did not do this thing.. 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. A neighbor's security camera was triggered at 7:47PM when the McStays . Officers arrived at the home and requested a search warrant, executed on February 19, 2010. She talked about how the slayings of her son, daughter-in-law, and grandsons have destroyed her family. Charles Chase Merritt, l'associ du pre de famille retrouv mort avec femme et . "It's not just a Netflix documentary to us. 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. "Death was the appropriate verdict for those three offenses," the judge said. She said they clashed in front of her as they argued how to keep the business going. 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. A license plate search for the vehicle led to the discovery that the McStay's SUV had been towed from a parking lot near San Ysidro, California, right near the U.S.-Mexico border, on February 8, 2010, four days after they went missing. 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. Michael did not find any family at home, and their two dogs were in the backyard.