But when Rodriguez questioned her Tuesday, Blake said, Thats what was said, but I dont know for sure.. 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. Joseph McStay's mother, Susan Blake, followed. [6] Joseph owned and operated Earth Inspired Products, a company that built decorative fountains, and Summer was a licensed real estate agent. How could you beat two precious little babies? How could you beat two precious little babies? The book will be released later this year. How scared were they, Chase? When their remains were unearthed, investigators also found a rusty sledgehammer that they said was used to kill the family. Prosecutors contend greed is the motive for the murders. [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?" The skeletal remains of the McStay family were found near Victorville in 2013 and Merritt was arrested a year later. Joseph McStay, 40, his wife, Summer, 43, and their sons Gianni, 4, and Joseph Jr., 3, vanished from their home inFallbrook, California, on February 4, 2010. Jackie Collins taught me everything I know. Ending my life for a crime that I did not commit," Merritt said. Indiana Man Charged After Son In Diapers Points Gun At . ', 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.'. 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. Merritt said the people responsible for the slayings are still free. 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. The shocking claims will stun everyone who has followed the McStay family disappearance since they first went missing back on February 4, 2010. The attorney stopped Merritt, saying, "You can't.". In the summer of 2021, shocking news rocked the state of South Carolina. 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. [3] The trial began on January 7, 2019, in San Bernardino. Mike crawled through a window and discovered food rotting in the kitchen, and Summer's prescription sunglasses were also left on the table. 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. "It marked my kids.". His mother was not available to speak to MailOnline about Merritt's latest revelations. "Our family has already received a life sentence. 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). 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. Note:A previous version of this story misidentified the prosecutor who questioned Michael McStay. The McStay family of Fallbrook was last heard from or seen on Feb. 4, 2010. 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.,. Trademark and Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. Susan said they would stop in little towns that had just a gas station and a grocery store to post flyers. I just dont remember very much because I fell to the office floor. The McStays have deep Orange County ties, Cirignani said. 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. #nbc7 https://t.co/muZXjqJBFT. He had this problem right up until the day he went missing. Judge just denied defense motion to reduce potential sentence to life in prison (Judge will also consider death). This world was robbed of four beautiful souls. [17] Because their car was found so close to the Mexican border, police reviewed surveillance footage of the pedestrian gate into Mexico. Blake was followed in testimony by her son and Joseph McStays brother, Michael McStay who said Joseph gave him $2,000 to start his fire sprinkler system business. Charles Merritt was convicted of killing Joseph and Summer McStay along with their two sons. In the last of the two meetings, They were definitely yelling, big time, at each other. California has not executed anyone on death row since 2006 as current Gov. 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. 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. [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. You cannot get back time. On February 15, Michael phoned the San Diego County Sheriff's Department (SDSD) and reported that his brother and his family were missing. A decade after the family went missing, their killer was sentenced to death in January 202. "It didn't just mark me that day," Michael McStay said. 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. How the Princess of Wales recreated her 2006 outfit from Prince William's Sandhurst graduation Behind-the-scenes at fashion week with the Spencers! #nbc7 https://t.co/5tmfTOuzsD. Tony Shin reports for NBC4 News at 4 p.m. on Jan. 8, 2019. Merritt built fountains, while Kavanaughdesigned EIPs website and did search engine optimization. Our lives were intertwined both on a business and a personal level. Joseph's family confirmed that he had an unexplained illness and that Summer was possessive of her husband, but they called Merritt's suggestion that she was responsible for his illness unfounded. Never again will we hear their voices. #mcstay #nbc7 pic.twitter.com/CGQmypfaZb. Joseph McStay's brother, Michael McStay, took his turn. "corrupt" . He went to the doctor a number of times, but they just didnt know what was wrong with him. 'I'm gonna get out the information and try to find them.'. [35], Last edited on 11 February 2023, at 23:11, "Business partner arrested in McStay family slaying, desert burial", "Trial underway for man accused of killing 4 from San Diego", "Charles Merritt Sentenced to Death for Killing McStay Family, Burying Their Bodies in Mojave Desert", "Authorities distribute 'endangered missing' flier pertaining to missing McStay family", "Buried bodies identified as members of missing McStay family", "Man last phoned by McStay father says he took polygraph test", "Author of McStay book criticized by victim's family", "After discovery, mystery of McStay family's disappearance deepens", "Investigators say Missing McStay family left voluntarily", "McStay Family Update: FBI Joins Search for Missing Family", "Search for Missing Fallbrook family continues", "McStay family Mystery: Who is Chase Merritt", "Tentative trial date set for McStay family murder suspect 'Chase' Merritt", "Backlash over book's new theory on McStay murders", "Merritt attorneys want McStay case dismissed", "McStay family murder suspect Charles 'Chase' Merritt fires attorneys", "McStay family murder suspect Charles 'Chase' Merritt wants new attorneys", "San Bernardino judge allows McStay family murder suspect to have more case files in his cell", "Lawyers for defendant in McStay family murder case want some evidence tossed", "San Bernardino judge delays ruling in bid to exclude key evidence in McStay family murder case", Charles Merritt Found Guilty Of Slaying McStay Family, "Jury recommends death penalty for man who killed McStay family", "Southern California man sentenced to death for killing family of 4", "ID's Two Shallow Graves: How did Charles "Chase" Merritt know the McStay family and where is he now? Merritt lashed out at prosecutors he said framed him, some witnesses he accused of lying and the judge he said allowed it to happen. On February 23, 2010, detectives notified Interpol, the International Criminal Police Organization, to be on the lookout for the family heading to Mexico. she said. 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. Mrs Blake described Josephs symptoms as something similar to vertigo and said he complained of feeling 'woozy'. Chase Merritt sobs and says I did not do this thing. 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. 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. "We don't run this circus. #nbc7 #mcstay He told Merrit, I want to psychological mess you up. https://t.co/0xbSXeb9kX. Why? Imes asked, and Michael broke down on the witness stand. Michael McStay's wife spoke next, talking about the pain her family and husband live with every single day. Charles "Chase" Merritt, 62, was sentenced to life in prison for the killing of his former business associate, Joseph McStay, 40. "I want to psychologically mess you up," he said to Merritt. The impression I get is that Summer would use her sexuality to get attention and get what she wanted. He conducted dozens of interviews on the case (traveling to Mexico, Belize, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic), followed leads, and reported sightings of the family. His words were a precursor to the deep pain the rest of the McStay family's loved ones would share Tuesday in court. Then, he slammed the podium loudly with his hands.Come on, Chase! His arrest was announced on November 7, 2014. 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. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. We were incredibly busy with the business, things were really flying, but he would often just have to work on his laptop from his bedroom. [27], Prosecutors allege that Merritt had a gambling problem and killed the McStay family for financial gain. called the investigation into his son's disappearance . Will Payne They said McStay told friends Merritt was doing shoddy work and pilfering money from him. Duchess dons $1,610 Carolina Herrera cape, $300 vegan leather Lovely in lilac! Merritt was found guilty on June 10, 2019, on four counts of murder. 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. A deep pause followed as Michael McStay tried to collect himself. I honestly believed my psychiatrist . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. He called Merritt a "ruthless mass murderer.". During that period, she got an early-morning call from someone in Saudi Arabia, demanding his fountain, she recalled. Patrick McStay, Joseph's father, was informed of the discovery and phoned missing person advocate Jerrie Dean to tell her what he knew. 09:19 EST 04 Jan 2014 She said: 'My son had been sick since last August and hes normally a very healthy person. Businessman Joseph McStay, his wife, Summer, and their two young sons -- Gianni 4, Joseph Jr. 3 -- were last heard from Feb. 4. Don't worry, your fate will be way less tragic than that of the family you murdered. I just dropped me to my knees I will never go back to that spot, she told San Bernardino County Deputy District AttorneyMelissa Rodriguez. She said the day detectives told her they had found her family's bodies, it felt as if she'd been hit by a boulder. The bodieswere found in November 2013and Merrittwas arrested and chargeda year later. Queen Letizia of Spain is polished in a recycled Reiss skirt as she joins King Felipe VI at Repli-Kate! Michael did not find any family at home, and their two dogs were in the backyard. As recently as April, the FBI believed the family went to Mexico voluntarily. Published: 23:50 GMT, 22 January 2021 | Updated: 23:58 GMT, 22 January 2021. 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. How could you beat two precious little babies? [10], Over the next several days, relatives of the McStays unsuccessfully tried to contact the family. "I did not do this thing. The car's location from February 4 to February 8 remains unknown. California man pleads not guilty to killing family of four Susan Blake (L), the mother of Joseph McStay, leaves the courtroom with her son Michael McStay after Charles "Chase" Merritt was. 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 Chase, you are a low-life coward and a baby killer. Sorry because he was worth it, he told Imes. 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. He was given the death penalty for killing Summer, Gianni, and Joseph Jr. Now, Merritt is on San Quentin Death Row. He said healing will be a lifelong thing for his family, but he knows they can do it together. If I want to speak with him, I have to go to a gravesite," Michael McStay added. They make up a small part of Merritts new book, which is due to be released later this year. With the motions finally out of the way, the judge moved on to the victim impact statements just before 11:20 a.m. Merritt was also expected to speak after the victims delivered their statements. 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. The 30 Best Shows on Netflix for Kids. He was sentenced to death and life in prison. 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. [7] Summer was born Virginia Lisa Aranda, and had also been known as Summer Martelli. They were in the process of remodeling their four-bedroom, three-bathroom home when they went missing. 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? After Joseph, along with his wife and kids, suddenly went missing in February 2010, the authorities didn't have many leads. As recently as April, the FBI believed the family went to Mexico voluntarily. Three years later, the remains of the family were discovered in a shallow grave in a remote desert in Southern California. Video recorded the evening of February 8, released on March 5, showed a family of four resembling the McStays crossing the border. The family's computer had recent internet searches for: 'What documents do children need for traveling to Mexico?' [32] On June 24, the jury recommended that Merritt be sentenced to death. Investigators testified they believed the victims were tortured before they were killed. Summer had also ordered a Spanish-language education program a few months prior to their disappearance. 2023.03.03 04:09 oz2usa I'm so bummed out after realising my diagnosis made a few years ago is legitimate. I know you dont believe me and thats what kills me. NBC 7 was once again inside the courtroom Tuesday. Seven months later, on November 11, 2013, an off-road motorcyclist came across human remains in San Bernardino County's Mojave Desert. Merritt was due to speak next. Joseph McStay and his wife, Summer, and their 4- and 3-year sons, Gianni and Joseph Jr., were a fun-loving, happy family who'd recently settled into a comfortable life in Fallbrook, California. Voice shaking, it was Merrit's turn to speak to the courtroom and to the McStay family's loved ones. The thing that is bringing you this solace, is ending my life. The two children were very young a three-year-old and a four-year-old. "It is my deepest desire in my own life not to spread pain and suffering," said a. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline Merritt who worked with Joseph in his fountain business - said: I was extremely close to Joseph. Chase, you are a low-life coward and a baby killer. Blake said, speaking to Merritt. 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. Alex Murdaugh Is Guilty! [28], In January 2018, a trial-setting conference was scheduled for February 23. And now, victim impact statements before formal sentencing. Four years ago, Patrick McStay lost everything he loved. The evidence finally placing Merritt at the scene of the crime was his cellphone data, prosecutors said. On the surface, while tragic, it may not seem all that crazy. 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? 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. 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. Situated in northern San Diego County, the community is known as "The Friendly Village." Sadly, disaster would soon strike the tranquil town. How scared were they, Chase? After 8-Hour Day in Court, Sentencing Delayed for Man Who Killed McStay Family. She said it was not until six months later that she could bear to go out to the site, marked by four crosses. ", Chase Merritt watching and listening. Finally, Joseph McStay's only surviving son from a previous marriage, Jonah McStay, took the podium. [31] The trial finally began on January 7, 2019, in a San Bernardino court, with both sides making opening statements. His son, Joseph, his daughter-in-law, Summer, and their two little boys, Gianni, 4, and Joseph Jr., 3 vanished. But the details of this case go back decades and has many twists and turns. Ill never get another conversation with him. [3] Merritt was charged with four counts of murder, and the district attorney sought the death penalty. "It's not just a Netflix documentary to us. An acquaintance of Merritt's told a San Diego reporter, "I think police should look at him and anyone associated with him. Finally, Joseph McStay's only surviving son from a previous marriage, Jonah McStay, took the podium. Vanished: Mike also discovered Summer's prescription sunglasses on the kitchen counter, Looking back: Summer is pictured wearing her prescription sunglasses prior to the family's disappearance, Case to crack:There were no signs of forced entry or any foul play, which baffled investigators and suggested the family left on their own accord, First clue: Their neighbor's surveillance camera had captured what appeared to be the family's Isuzu trooper leaving the cul de sac at 7:47 p.m. on the night they went missing. Here are some last-minute, Best last-minute Valentines Day gifts for him, These are places to live on the West Coast, Scooter rider killed in crash near border identified, SD Co. Sheriff: 2022 inmate death now ruled a homicide, A new pirate-themed speakeasy has washed ashore in, This SD campground is among the best in America, CA extends tax deadline to Oct. 16 for disaster areas, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. She said they clashed in front of her as they argued how to keep the business going. 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. [2], On November 7, 2014, police announced they had arrested Charles "Chase" Merritt, Joseph McStay's business partner, and intended to charge him with the murders. 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. 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. And the fountain designer told MailOnline how Joseph once said to him, Maybe I should start eating out more and stop eating her food. 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. Joseph's father, Patrick McStay, told the Los Angeles Times in 2011. [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. He always said, "I have messed up one family before, I will not be unfaithful and ruin another one". Family members react to the arrest: Summer McStays brother-in-law, Joseph Russell, speaks and then Michael McStay, brother of Joseph McStay, speaks. I have been in complete denial about having schizophrenia for the last few years. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group, PrettyLittleThing - Offers on women's clothing, Get inspired by the newest styles and offers, Click through for ASOS promo codes this Autumn, Spend less with Missguided's exclusive codes, Treat yourself to offers on make-up and accessories, Check out the latest Wayfair sale to save on furniture. 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. With all the action and breaks, there was no time left for victim impact statements and the actual sentencing of Merritt. Crying for mommy and daddy?' Just a monster., After a delay, the convicted killer of the McStay family of Fallbrook will be sentenced today. Victorville, California CNN . 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. 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. Chase you are a low life coward and a baby killer. For years, police speculated they went to Mexica, but the McStays bodies were later found buried in the Mojave Desert in November 2013. While Merritt does not think Summer was directly involved, he has revealed she treated Joseph horrendously in the years before they went missing. 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. I would have never raised my hand for a woman or child. He was a big part of my life and my familys life. Just a monster. - Susan Blake, Joseph McStays mother. The trial in the downtown San Bernardino Justice Center is before Judge Michael A. Smith. Inconclusive:After three years of searching, the San Diego Sheriff's Department investigators concluded in April 2013 that the McStay family had gone to Mexico voluntarily, Frustrating: The McStays friends and family insisted they would never go to Mexico with their children, but there was no other explanation, Heartbreaking: On November 11, 2013, an off-road motorcyclist came across the family's human remains in San Bernardino County's Mojave Desert. Their bodies were not found until 2013, when an off-road motorcyclist came across them in the Mojave Desert. I would never hurt him in any way. 14:31 EST 05 Jan 2014. Charles Chase Merritt, l'associ du pre de famille retrouv mort avec femme et . Patrick said, "I truly believe she loved my son. I see its written, yes, she answered, confirming it was her signature. 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. Testimony in the trial is scheduled to continue Wednesday. [20] Although it is possible for a U.S. citizen to enter Mexico without a passport, one is required to reenter the United States. And they told me they were also gone. Joseph's cellphone pinged a tower in Fallbrook. 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. 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. Theres nothing more valuable on this Earth than time and that was stolen from them; that was stolen from us," he said.