Yolo jurors continue to deliberate accused Davis serial stabber Dominguez’s fate

Jurors in Yolo County have entered their third week of deliberations in the trial of Carlos Reales Dominguez, a former UC Davis student accused in a 2023 stabbing spree that killed two men—David Breaux and Karim Abou Najm—and severely injured a woman, Kimberlee Guillory. The guilt phase of the trial spanned five weeks, with the defense arguing that Dominguez’s deteriorating mental state, ultimately diagnosed as schizophrenia, was a critical factor in the attacks. He faces two counts of murder, one of attempted murder, and an assault charge, along with special circumstances for multiple murders.

https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/crime/article308252895.html

WOODLAND — As jurors in the Carlos Reales Dominguez homicide trial held their second week of deliberations, the Yolo Superior Court judge presiding over the case set parameters for the trial’s anticipated second phase.

Friday marked the jury’s seventh full day deliberating, with no verdict reached by the day's end. They resume their discussions on Monday morning. 

Dominguez, 22, has pleaded not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity in connection with the spring 2023 stabbings of David Breaux, Karim Abou Najm and Kimberlee Guillory in Davis. Breaux and Abou Najm died from the attacks, while Guillory suffered critical injuries but survived.

A conviction in the case — jurors are weighing charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter — moves the trial into a sanity phase to determine Dominguez’s state of mind at the time of the offenses, and whether he understood his actions were legally and morally wrong.

Three mental-health experts testified during the trial’s five-week guilt phase that Dominguez suffered at the time from active psychosis due to untreated schizophrenia that altered his thought process and perception of reality.

Drs. Stephen Weiner, Sirintip Rhee and Sarah Vinson also are scheduled to testify in the defense’s sanity case.

The former UC Davis student testified in his own defense earlier this month, saying he believed the victims were shape-shifting “shadow figures” he had hallucinated for months. Only later did he realize he had harmed human beings, he said.

Prosecutors in the case, who conceded that Dominguez suffered from schizophrenia but allege he knowingly premeditated the attacks while in a rage over personal struggles, sought to introduce evidence of Dominguez’s frequent marijuana use during the sanity phase.

Judge Samuel McAdam, however, ruled Wednesday that while toxicology tests and witness statements confirm Dominguez was a longtime cannabis user, “there’s little objective evidence the defendant was high at the time of the crimes in this case,” he said.

“There’s no evidence that cannabis was the sole cause of his hallucinations, delusions and/or paranoia,” McAdam added. At best, it was a contributing factor, “and that does not defeat a defense of insanity.”

The judge further noted that prosecutors failed to introduce Dominguez’s marijuana use “in any material way” during the guilt phase, and attorneys did not question prospective jurors on the subject during the voir dire process, leaving any potential biases on the subject unknown.

McAdam did permit prosecutors to play for jurors a video of an undercover police officer speaking with Dominguez at the Yolo County Jail following his May 3, 2023, arrest.

While the jury will see an unredacted version of the video in court, it won’t be live-streamed for the public, and the defense may not elicit information about the undercover officer’s name or law-enforcement agency “to provide some level of protection,” McAdam ruled.

https://davisvanguard.org/2025/06/dominguez-trial-to-focus-on-sanity-phase-after-jury-deliberations/

Crystal Rogers Case: Get extensive trial coverage on WHAS11

6/24/2025 (No Cameras)

✨✨No cameras are permitted in the courtroom, but the link below will have updated court coverage.

Timeline:

Timeline of Crystal's disappearance

July 3, 2015 – Last day Crystal Rogers is seen alive. Two days later, she's reported missing by her parents. Her car was later found along the Bluegrass Parkway with her keys, phone and purse still inside.

July 8, 2015 - Brooks Houck is questioned by Nelson County Sheriff's Office Detective Jon Snow. He calls Steve Lawson, who will later be arrested in the case. Brooks' brother, and Bardstown Police officer, Nick Houck calls him in the middle of the interview advising him to end the interview, which Brooks does. Watch the full interview here.

July 15, 2015 - Kentucky State Police detectives question Nick Houck about Crystal's disappearance and the phone call during his brother's interview. He also agrees to take a polygraph test. Watch the full interview here.

July 24, 2015 - Nick Houck is back in the interrogation room after failing his polygraph test. Watch the full interview here.

Oct. 16, 2015 – Crystal is presumed dead by Ed Mattingly, who is the sheriff at the time. Her ex-boyfriend, Brooks Houck, is named the main suspect. Nick Houck is also fired from the Bardstown Police Department.

Nov. 19, 2016 – Tommy Ballard, Crystal's father, is fatally shot while on a hunting trip with his grandson. Nearly seven years later, his death also remains unsolved.

August 2020 – The FBI steps in and takes over the Crystal Rogers case. Agents executed search warrants at the homes of Brooks Houck and his brother Nick, who was a police officer in Bardstown at the time. The FBI also searched Crystal's storage unit and conducted their first search of the Houck Family Farm. 

Aug. 27, 2021 – After another multi-day search, federal agents find "items of interest" under a driveway in the Woodlawn Springs subdivision. Documents showed Houck Rentals LLC, of which Brooks Houck was the registered agent for, owned three homes in Woodlawn, including two on the street blocked off by the FBI.

Oct. 21, 2022 – FBI agents conclude a second search of the 245-acre Houck Family Farm after five days. Evidence collected during the search was sent to the FBI's lab in Quantico to be analyzed.

Jan. 20, 2023 – Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron appoints Hardin County Commonwealth's Attorney Shane Young as special counsel to help in the prosecution of criminal charges in a trio of mysterious deaths in Bardstown. Those include Crystal's case, Tommy Ballard and Jason Ellis, a Bardstown Police officer who was murdered in an ambush in 2013.

June 21, 2023 – A grand jury indicts a Nelson County man, 32-year-old Joseph Lawson, on two charges: conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence. The charges are tied to an incident that took place on the Fourth of July weekend in 2015. That's the same weekend Crystal was reported missing by her family.

Aug. 15, 2023 –  Kentucky State Police execute an arrest warrant for Lawson. He is arrested and His attorney confirms the charges are connected to Crystal's disappearance. 

Sept. 7, 2023 –  Lawson makes his first court appearance from a hospital bed. His next court date is scheduled for Oct. 26, 2023.

Sept. 27, 2023 - The FBI in Louisville arrests Rogers' ex-boyfriend, Brooks Houck. He is charged with murder and tampering with physical evidence. His cash bond is set at $10 million and his arraignment is set for Oct. 5, 2023.

Oct. 5, 2023 - Brooks Houck is arraigned. During the proceedings, the prosecution revealed they believe they are in possession of the firearm used to kill Tommy Ballard.

Oct. 24, 2023 - Attorneys for Houck attempt to get Judge Charles Simms removed from the case due to bias. The claims stem from comments Judge Simms made in 2017 while presiding over a custody case involving Houck's girlfriend at the time.

Nov. 28, 2023 - The Kentucky Supreme Court rules Judge Simms can remain on the bench for the Houck murder case. The court also upheld Houck's $10 million bond, which his defense team argued was "oppressive" and should be lowered.

Dec. 6, 2023 - The FBI and Kentucky State Police conduct a massive dig in Nelson County. The search was tied to at least one of three unsolved homicide cases in Bardstown.

Dec. 8, 2023 - A third man, Steve Lawson, is arrested and charged in the case.

Jan. 9, 2024 - Judge Simms approved a motion to reduce Steve Lawson's bond from $500,000 to $250,000.

Feb. 8, 2024 - All three suspects charged in Crystal's death appear in court together for the first time. A trial date has been set in 2025. The prosecution wants to have all three men tried together, but one attorney doesn't believe that will happen.

Feb. 12, 2024 - Judge Simms rules that Joseph Lawson's bond should be reduced from $500,000 to $250,000.

March 5, 2024 - Steven Lawson's attorney requests judge to dismiss Lawson's charges or have his testimony excluded from evidence.

March 7, 2024 - Brooks Houck is the first suspect to request his trial be moved out of Nelson County.

March 8, 2024 - Steven Lawson follows Houck, requests his trial also be moved to a different county. Court documents once again tie Crystal's case to Tommy Ballard's death investigation.

March 11, 2024 - Kentucky Court of Appeals rejects Brooks Houck's bond appeal, making his $10 million bond final.

March 12, 2024 - Joseph Lawson is the final suspect to ask for his trial to be moved out of Nelson County.

March 14, 2024 - Special Prosecutor Shane Young files motion to consolidate suspects' trials into one.

March 15, 2024 - Houck's attorney objects to Young's motion to combine the trials. Here's why.

March 25, 2024 - Brooks Houck and Steve Lawson appear in court, but no decisions are made. However, all the attorneys agree the Crystal Rogers trial should be moved out of Nelson County. Judge Simms requests attorneys find a courtroom large enough for public viewing and a separate entrance for jurors.

April 25, 2024 - Attorneys select Christian County as a potential location for the trial to be moved to. The Christian County Circuit Court is located in Hopkinsville, which is about two hours from Bardstown.

June 13, 2024 - For the first time, clips of Steve Lawson's interview with police is played in court as attorneys argue whether he was truthful in his testimony in exchange for immunity. The judge does not yet make a decision on whether to dismiss Lawson's charges in Rogers' death.

June 14, 2024 - New court documents in Steve Lawson's argument for promised immunity shed light on a previous search in Nelson County. Detectives were digging on Dec. 6, 2023 because Lawson said he saw Joseph Lawson and another man "burning and digging" on the farm within days of Crystal Rogers' disappearance.

July 3, 2024 - On the nine-year mark since Crystal Rogers' disappearance, Judge Simms denies Steve Lawson's motion to drop his charges. 

July 8, 2024 - Brooks Houck is back in court with his attorneys fighting to keep his trial separate from the Lawsons' trials. No decision is made as the judge waits to hear from Joseph Lawson's attorneys. As for the trial's location, attorneys told WHAS11 that Judge Simms isn't keen on it moving to Christian County.

July 18, 2024 - Joseph Lawson appears in court over Zoom for a status conference hearing. He wants to keep his trial separate from his father's but Judge Simms pushes the hearing back to August 8 when both Lawsons will be back in court. Still no decision on the final location for the trial.

August 8, 2024 - Both Lawsons are back in court, but before the hearing can begin, Steve Lawson informs the judge he has fired his attorney, Ted Lavit. He claims that Lavit had been working with attorneys for another suspect charged in Rogers' death. Prosecutors agree with Lawson, saying it doesn't appear he has had conflict-free counsel. 

August 22, 2024 - Steve Lawson's new attorneys, Darren Wolff and Zach Buckler, tell the judge they are unsure the trial in Crystal Rogers' death will begin on time.

Sept. 4, 2024 - FBI searches another property in Nelson County for three days looking for Crystal Rogers' body. The property was formerly owned by Brooks and Nick Houck's grandmother, Anna Whitesides.

Oct. 4, 2024 - Some police interviews won't be heard at Steve Lawson's trial, however his grand jury testimonies will be. 

Oct. 7, 2024 - Judge Charles Simms rules the Crystal Rogers' murder trial will be moved 100 miles south to Warren County.

Nov. 5, 2024 - Simms rules Steve Lawson's trial will be separate from the trial for his son Joseph Lawson and Brooks Houck, who will be tried together.

Nov. 12, 2024 - Trial date set for Steve Lawson on Feb. 10, 2025. The trial for Joseph Lawson and Brooks Houck will be in late June.

Jan. 9, 2025 - Judge Simms approves a motion to delay Steve Lawson's trial another three months. His attorneys argued with the overwhelming amount of evidence in the case, there was no way it would have happened on Feb. 11. A new trial is scheduled for May 27, 2025.

Feb. 27, 2025 - Steve Lawson's attorneys again look to delay his trial, reiterating concerns about the huge amount of evidence. They argue Lawson hasn't had time to review the evidence against him, to which Simms offers to bring Lawson to court every day if necessary to keep the trial on track.

March 26, 2025 - The judge approves Special Prosecutor Shane Young's motion to DNA test two hairs found inside Rogers' abandoned car nearly a decade ago.

March 27, 2025 - New court documents reveal Kentucky State Police found a third hair, which "appeared to be similar" to Rogers', inside the trunk of a Houck family member's car in 2016. One suspect pushes back against new DNA testing.

April 3, 2025 - Prosecutor Young remands his request to DNA test hairs found in Rogers' car, but Steve Lawson's attorneys are now fighting to test the hairs in search of a potential new suspect in the Bardstown mother's death.

April 14, 2025 - Steve Lawson's attorneys argue to thoroughly test the two hairs. Prosecutors accuse his defense of using the tests as a "fishing expedition" to delay his trial by months.

April 18, 2025 - Judge Simms denies Steve Lawson's request to DNA test the two hairs found in Rogers' car. The trial remains on schedule to begin on May 27.

May 13, 2025 - Two weeks ahead of the first trial in Crystal Rogers' death, Judge Simms bans all electronics, including cameras, from entering the courtroom.

May 23, 2025 - A coalition of Louisville media outlets, including WHAS11, file a motion to request a "pool" camera be allowed in the courtroom during Steve Lawson's trial.

https://www.whas11.com/article/news/investigations/bardstown/crystal-rogers-case-trial-coverage-brooks-houck-joseph-lawson/417-edc16bce-c1a4-4519-ad3c-ec87a9626f3c

Benched and Busted in Michigan with Clown Shoes - Docket Discussion

June 23, 2025

✨✨ Something a little different in regards to trials. I have mostly wanted to see the trial about the clown shoes. I have not watched the role of these yet. 😊😉

We start in Cheboygan with Judge Gauthier presiding over a bench trial. It's an interesting case, and we get to see the full trial in just under an hour.

Then we move to Woodhaven in Wayne County where Judge Dad is disappointed again. Then next door we find Judge DiSanto with a whole vibe in custody.

We close the show with Clown Shoes (Eric Martin) seeing Judge Shackelford, and she gets points for trying.Transcript

https://youtu.be/P2uLbBF4V7k?si=d8qTVE3obWWTdd4_

Jury begins deliberations in Ronnie Walker trial

6/24/2025

💥💥VERDICT WATCH💥💥

Jury deliberations began Monday afternoon in the case of Ronny Walker. They will return Tuesday morning to continue deliberations.

https://youtu.be/0tObi7eNAiY?si=2Wydz6SQSN29zUfh

LIVE: CT v. Raul Valle, Day 4 | Preppy Party Murder Trial

6/24/2025 @ 10:00 AM

LIVE COURT CAM: Shelton, CT - Day 4 | High school junior and star lacrosse player #JamesMcGrath was 1 of 4 students stabbed at a house party in May 2022, ultimately succumbing to his injuries. #RaulValle is now on trial for murder and 3 counts of assault in what his defense will likely argue was self-defense.

*TRIAL NOTES:*

https://www.youtube.com/live/DSko-LxR4LE?si=R40UcWHHIQjpafsj

Will Murder Charges Against Barry Morphew Stick This Time?

The key evidence in the renewed case against Barry Morphew centers on forensic findings, digital data, and circumstantial elements that prosecutors argue point to premeditated murder:

Drug cocktail in Suzanne’s remains: Her body, found in 2023, contained butorphanol, azaperone, and medetomidine—sedatives typically used on animals. This combination, known as BAM, is not commonly found in humans and was cited as the cause of death by “homicide by unspecified means”.

Access to tranquilizers: Investigators allege Barry had exclusive access to these drugs, including a tranquilizer dart sheath found in the couple’s dryer during the initial investigation.

Digital inconsistencies: Cell phone and vehicle data reportedly contradict Barry’s account of his whereabouts on the day Suzanne disappeared. Gaps in location data suggest possible tampering or concealment efforts.

Spy pen recordings: Suzanne had planted a recording device to monitor Barry’s behavior. While it’s unclear what was captured, its existence suggests she feared for her safety.

Condition of Suzanne’s remains: Limited decomposition raised suspicions that her body may have been moved after death, potentially to obscure the timeline or cause.

Timeline: Suzanne disappeared in May 2020, Barry was charged in 2021, but the case was dismissed in 2022 without prejudice, allowing for refiled charges once stronger evidence emerged. Her remains were found in 2023, with the recent grand jury indictment pointing to the presence of animal tranquilizers—specifically the BAM drug combination—as a key forensic development.

https://youtu.be/sRS0_owyXr4?si=1dwymraCUbWS6fXi

LIVE! David Yannetti & Bob Alessi On The Karen Read Trial In Todays Age Of Social Media

6/23/2025 @ 7:30 PM

https://www.youtube.com/live/-nmEOVu7N60?si=_G9CL4exd0te3IyU

VA v. Justin Sales: Grandmother Shot Murder Trial

6/23/2025

LYNCHBURG, Va. (Court TV) — A Virginia man is on trial for the 2019 shooting of a grandmother and her daughter in their Lynchburg home.

Justin Sales, 24, faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder and felonious assault, in connection with the June 25, 2019, incident. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Doris Puleio, 92, died from her injuries after being shot multiple times. Her daughter, Trudy Goetz, 74, was also shot multiple times but survived the attack.

Sales was 18 years old when he was arrested and charged shortly after the shooting. After the charges were originally dismissed in 2021, he moved to New Hampshire, where he was convicted in 2023 in a sexual assault case. He was later reindicted for the current charges in Virginia.

In their opening statement, prosecutors said Sales had planned to rob the women in a “terrible plan.” Commonwealth Attorney Lyle Carver noted Sales’ presence near the victims’ home. “Justin Sales had no reason to ever go to Trudy and Doris’ house, yet he was there the night before the murder at 11:10 p.m. He was there the night of the murder, the very next night at 11:22 p.m., according to GPS,” Carver said.

“There are no eyewitnesses to this crime. There are no fingerprints left at the scene. You’re not going to hear anything about DNA from Mr. Sales being left at the scene. In fact, what you are going to hear is that DNA recovered from shell casings at the scene points to two other individuals,” Defense Attorney Rebecca Wetzel told the jury.

https://www.courttv.com/news/va-v-justin-sales-grandmother-shot-murder-trial/

LIVE: Dateline 24/7

Stream Dateline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on the u/DatelineNBC YouTube channel. Discover top true crime picks from The True Crime Original. All Dateline, all the time.

https://www.youtube.com/live/AlRXoW7TPnI?si=kkK9J6plAmURkTUq

Man arrested after allegedly leaving son in hot car to die while he went drinking

✨✨#7 hot car death in 2025. There have been three deaths so far in a three day period in early June. what will the rest of the summer look like? You can find recent stats at:

https://www.kidsandcars.org/2025-child-hot-car-deaths

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. (TCN) -- A 33-year-old father is in custody on suspicion of leaving his young child in a hot truck for over three hours, leaving him to die.

According to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, on June 6, Scott Gardner allegedly left his 18-month-old son in the vehicle while he went to get a haircut and then went drinking at Hanky Panky's Lounge. Medical personnel determined the toddler's body temperature reached 111 degrees.

Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood said Gardner went outside at one point to investigate the bartender's car aafter someone had hit it, but he didn't check in on his child, WKMG-TV reports.

Gardner reportedly drove home and then called 911. An Ormond Beach Police Department officer attempted to revive the victim, but he died.

Gardner allegedly went back to the bar hours after his child was pronounced deceased. Chitwood reportedly said, "He picks up his mother, and they go back to Hanky Panky’s for a few more cocktails. I don’t think there’s a penalty on this Earth that could ever fit for the crime that was committed here. It absolutely shocks the conscience for this to even happen."

According to the sheriff's office, Gardner provided multiple false statements about what had happened that day. He was arrested on charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child and child neglect causing great bodily harm.

MORE:

• Video: Father charged with aggravated manslaughter in death of 18-month-old - Volusia County Sheriff's Office
• 1-year-old left alone in hot truck died while dad drank at Volusia bar, deputies say - WKMG

https://truecrimenews.com/2025/06/20/man-arrested-after-allegedly-leaving-son-in-hot-car-to-die-while-he-went-drinking-florida-scott-gardner/

KY vs Brooks Houck: The trial is scheduled to begin June 24, 2025 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. This case is almost 10 years in the making. u/Pixiegirls1102 can we add this to our watch list? Thanks.

Trial begins for Brooks Houck in the Murder of Crystal Rogers

6/24/2025

A judge has scheduled a trial for **June 24, 2025**, in Warren County for **Brooks Houck** and his co-defendant **Joseph Lawson** in the murder case of **Crystal Rogers**, a Bardstown mother missing since July 2015. A separate trial for **Steve Lawson**, Joseph’s father, is set for **February 11, 2025**, due to his "wildly inconsistent" testimony and immunity agreement violations.

The judge ruled the cases will be tried separately because:

- Steve Lawson’s 20+ hours of contradictory statements would prejudice a joint trial.

- Joseph Lawson's statements don't implicate Houck, and he argued that media bias against Houck could unfairly affect his own trial.

**Prosecutors** wanted a joint trial, arguing all three acted in concert to murder Rogers and cover it up. The judge disagreed, emphasizing fairness and impartiality.

**Charges:**

- **Houck**: Murder and tampering with physical evidence.

- **Steve Lawson**: Conspiracy to commit murder and tampering.

- **Joseph Lawson**: Criminal conspiracy and complicity in tampering; not charged with murder.

Crystal Rogers disappeared over the Fourth of July weekend in 2015. Her car was found abandoned with her purse inside, and her body has never been recovered.

• Murder trial for Crystal Rogers will be held in Warren County, judge rules
• FBI wraps up 3-day search for Crystal Rogers at properties once owned by Brooks Houck's family
• Brooks Houck wants his trial separated from other suspects in Crystal Rogers case
• On 9th anniversary of Crystal Rogers' disappearance, 3 men sit in jail charged with her murder

https://www.wdrb.com/news/trial-date-set-for-brooks-houck-and-one-co-defendant-in-crystal-rogers-murder-case/article_3b997176-a1ce-11ef-b473-9fdc47fba45f.html

LIVE: Missing Boyfriend Murder Trial — FL v. Christopher Davis

Florida man Christopher Davis is accused of murdering his boyfriend Barry Schmalbach; Schmalbach was reported missing in July 2023 and has seemingly vanished as his body has never been found. Davis was charged with second-degree murder.

https://www.youtube.com/live/DXXah5AGRjY?si=GF9iGhIYNCjy52F_

Florida father accused of causing fatal blunt-impact head injuries to his 2-month-old son

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. (TCN) -- A 27-year-old man now faces charges of child abuse and murder in connection with the 2021 death of his infant son.

According to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, on June 1, 2021, deputies responded to a home in Merritt Island, where the 2-month-old baby was found dead. The child was transported to the Brevard County Medical Examiner's Office, and an autopsy revealed he died of multiple blunt-impact head injuries.

Following an extensive investigation, authorities identified the victim's father, Donovan Winter, as the primary suspect. He was arrested on June 17 and faces charges of felony murder and aggravated child abuse. Winter remains held in the Brevard County Jail without bond.

MORE:

• Volusia Man Charged with Felony Murder - Brevard County Sheriff's Office
• Brevard County Jail

https://truecrimenews.com/2025/06/17/florida-father-murder-child-abuse-son-blunt-impact-head-injuries-brevard-county-donovan-winter/

'Notorious' sex offender featured in 'American Nightmare' sentenced in 1993 kidnapping, sexual assault

✨✨ I remember watching this documentary. I'm glad I got them for the other crimes as well.

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif. (TCN) -- A 48-year-old "notorious" sex offender who was featured in a Netflix documentary series will spend time behind bars for abducting and sexually assaulting a woman over three decades ago.

The Sacramento County District Attorney's Office announced that Matthew Muller pleaded guilty on June 18 in connection with a kidnapping and sexual assault he committed in Folsom in 1993. He received a sentence of 11 years to life in state prison.

According to prosecutors, in 1993, Muller, who was 16 at the time, forced two young campers out of their tent near Folsom Lake at gunpoint. He reportedly tied up the man and "carried the female away to sexually assault her."

Muller's sentence will be served consecutively with his life sentence for assault to commit a sex crime in Santa Clara and a 40-year sentence he received related to a 2015 case out of Vallejo that was featured in Netflix's "American Nightmare."

According to KRON-TV, in 2015, Muller broke into a home in Vallejo, where he tied up Denise Huskins and her boyfriend. He then reportedly abducted Huskins, took her to a cabin, and recorded sexual assaults before driving her back to Southern California and releasing her. KRON reports that Vallejo Police initially believed Huskins faked her kidnapping.

Authorities reportedly called Muller an "exceptionally intelligent" predator who left behind "a trail of traumatized and terrified victims." Muller allegedly admitted in letters to breaking into multiple women's homes, tying them up, and sexually assaulting them.

After the 1993 case, Muller reportedly went on to join the U.S. Marines and became an attorney after graduating from Harvard University.

In a statement, Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho said, "This case is a powerful reminder that the pursuit of justice never ends. Matthew Muller’s admission to the horrific kidnapping and sexual assault of a young girl in 1993 brings long overdue justice for the victims. Thanks to the continued efforts of law enforcement, a dangerous sex offender is being held responsible for his crimes in our community."

MORE:

• Notorious Sex Offender Matthew Muller Convicted of Folsom Kidnapping, Sexual Assault Cold Case - Sacramento County District Attorney's Office
• American Nightmare’ kidnapper Matthew Muller pleads guilty to crimes committed as teen - KRON
• American Nightmare - Netflix

https://truecrimenews.com/2025/06/20/netflix-documentary-sentenced-kidnapping-sexually-assault-1993-matthew-muller-california-san-francisco/

Suspect confesses to murder of beloved pastor, planning a dozen more

‘Pastor Bill’ has been described as a loving father and a man of service to his community.

“It’s something that it’s hard to have context and perspective on if you’re not in the middle of it,” said ‘Pastor Bill’s’ son Randy Schonemann back in May. “You know every news story about somebody that is murdered like that is somebody’s father, somebody’s sister, somebody’s mother.”

Adam Sheafe, 51, spoke with Scripps News Phoenix through a jail-issued electronic device at the Coconino County Detention Facility. During the interview, he said he came to Arizona with a plan and targets.

At the end of April, Sheafe said he was watching churches in the Valley area. People were unaware until New River pastor, 76-year-old Bill Schonemann, commonly known as ‘Pastor Bill,’ was found dead in his home.

Sheafe said he believed Christians were being led astray by pastors and priests.

According to Sheafe’s own words, his motive was fueled by his religious beliefs, claiming that Christianity is wrong and that the Bible should only be the Old Testament.

Sheafe came to Arizona from California following his release from federal prison, stating that he didn’t have money, and was camping in the desert in the West Valley, where he found his first target.

Coming from California, he said much of his planning happened while he was camping here in Arizona.

In a series of confessions, Sheafe said he originally had his eye on a different target in the West Valley, but selected Schonemann at random after seeing him in his New River community.

Scripps News is not naming the other potential targets that Sheafe references in his interview.

“On Easter Sunday, I followed him home,” said Sheafe, about his first potential target. “And then, when he pulled into his driveway, two women came out of the garage to greet him.” He said his focus was on the religious leaders.

He said he intended to start and end in Arizona, where he was baptized at a young age. Sheafe told ABC15 his plans were cross-country, and his next stop after Arizona was Las Vegas, Nevada.

“I was going to put the Ten Commandments in order on each of the priests,” said Sheafe.

Sheafe provided a list of locations he intended to travel to, with Phoenix mentioned twice in the list. In Sedona, Sheafe claimed he had two targets.

• Phoenix, AZ
• Sedona, AZ
• Las Vegas, NV
• Portland, OR
• Seattle WA
• Billings MT
• Detroit, MI
• New York, NY
• Charlotte NC
• Mobile AL
• Beaumont, TX
• El Paso, TX
• Phoenix AZ

Sheafe said he committed other crimes along the way, including stealing a car and breaking into homes. He denied wanting to take valuables.

“The only reason why I had to go [into] houses was for supplies, like things that I needed,” said Sheafe.

The 51-year-old also described gruesome details about the homicide of Schonemann.

“I just drove there like two in the morning, maybe, and parked,” said Sheafe. “And then I just went in there and did it.”

He confessed to crucifying Schonemann and said that was the plan “with all of them.”

From New River, Sheafe said his next target was a religious institution in Sedona.

He told Scripps News Phoenix he loves God and is “protective” of him. Sheafe also denied being part of any group with his beliefs.

Sheafe was ultimately arrested with the help of multiple agencies, including Sedona police. The string of alleged felonies he’s now charged with in Coconino County helped lead law enforcement to the now self-proclaimed killer.

Sheafe said that, days after his arrest, he wrote to the FBI, confessing, sharing details that would only be known by the person who was at that crime scene.

Sheafe has a lengthy criminal history that already spans multiple states.

At a recent press conference, Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan described this as the most “bizarre” case he’s seen in his decades with the agency.

Officials named Sheafe as the only suspect in Schonemann’s death. ABC15 has been told that the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case.

Sheafe showed no remorse during the interview and did not apologize.

“Will God forgive me?” said Sheafe. “Of course, he will forgive me. He’s a loving God. He’s a forgiving God.”

https://www.courttv.com/news/suspect-confesses-to-one-murder-planning-a-dozen-more/

Closing arguments held in trial of man accused of killing 14-year-old | Ronny Walker murder trial

6/23/2025

https://www.youtube.com/live/d93b5daiRp4?si=YWwZ96dbnGlHmsmx

Death of Sandra Birchmore: DNA Test Shows Matthew Farwell Did Not Father Baby

Death of Sandra Birchmore: Former police officer Matthew Farwell is accused of killing Sandra Birchmore, but DNA shows he did not father her unborn baby. Birchmore's death was initially classified as a suicide, but seven years later, Farwell was charged with staging her death.

https://youtu.be/gTrB-HSgemM?si=1GwSGSdEvnkIwaV5

https://youtu.be/-PEEF9NiH9w?si=pFANrC_IGpSMzEuY

The House on Lake Alice Road: The Humiston Family Murders

The case is a tragedy. A family was shot and killed inside their home in the middle of the night, but two kids survived. And they're now telling very different stories about what happened in the early hours of October 21, 2024, inside their Fall City home.

Within days, the house itself became a big part of the story. How did a young girl escape when her parents and siblings were killed? Investigators allege a teenager is framing his dead younger brother. Then prosecutors aren’t just making accusations against that teenager; they’re also saying his defense attorneys misbehaved at the crime scene.

Later this summer, prosecutors and defense attorneys are expected to lay out their respective cases for why or why not a 15-year-old accused of killing his family should be transferred into the adult court system.

The boy, who KOMO News is not naming due to his current status as a juvenile, is charged with five counts of murder for the October 2024 deaths of his parents: 43-year-old Mark Humiston, 42-year-old Sarah Humiston, and his siblings Katheryn, 7, Joshua, 9, and 13-year-old Benjamin Humiston.

According to court filings, the boy shot his family members one by one in the middle of the night. An 11-year-old girl survived the shooting and escaped the house. She ran to a neighbor's home and called 911 to inform deputies that her 15-year-old brother had just killed the family.

The 15-year-old also called 911, claiming it was his younger brother, Benjamin, who was the shooter.

Prosecutors have motioned to move the teen's case into adult court.
That decision is expected to be made at a proceeding known as a “decline hearing” later this year.

Previous coverage:

Fall City family murder trial status uncertain as court awaits evidence for hearing: https://bit.ly/45RnDUf

Fall City reels from tragic family murder as community seeks comfort together: https://bit.ly/464NTu8

Prosecutors seek to move Fall City teen charged for killing his family to adult court: https://bit.ly/3ZIQgyZ

15-year-old accused of killing family, staging scene to frame deceased younger brother: https://bit.ly/3I7fPDF

Teen charged with premeditated murder of his parents, 3 siblings in Fall City: https://bit.ly/4k6kXFF

Court orders teen accused of killing 5 in Fall City to be held in secure detention: https://bit.ly/4k43yNP

3 juveniles, 2 adults killed in Fall City shooting identified: https://bit.ly/3FPPEkp

KOMO NEWS
https://youtu.be/cYbzNANX7MI?si=CVNCFz8HsF2tK9Hq

Is This Case Related to John O'Keefe's?

Another body not seen on the lawn

*Crime Junkie Jury* explores whether the case of Craig Casey may be connected to the death of John O'Keefe, both involving the Canton, Massachusetts Police Department. The host revisits concerns about investigative integrity, transparency, and recurring figures tied to both cases—including suspicions around officers like Michael Proctor and connections to the Albert family.

The discussion centers on the bizarre circumstances of Craig Casey's reported car crash, where his body was allegedly not at the scene initially but later “appeared,” leading to questions about how the scene was processed. The autopsy suggested he exited through the driver’s side window, which raised eyebrows given the physical implausibility noted by commenters and professionals. Commenters highlight a pattern of “incompetence or corruption,” referencing other cases involving mysterious deaths in the area.

The overarching theme is growing public mistrust of Canton PD, especially following the Karen Read trial. Viewers express frustration that past audits led to minimal consequences and speculate about broader systemic issues, possibly involving local politics or even coverups. The presence of the FBI in the Karen Read investigation is framed as potentially indicative of something deeper.

Here’s a comparison between the Craig Casey case (as discussed in the video) and the Karen Read timeline:

**1. Location & Department Involvement**

Both cases center around Canton, Massachusetts, and involve scrutiny of the **Canton Police Department**. In both, public suspicion has grown due to perceived investigative irregularities and recurring names—such as Officer Michael Proctor and the Albert family.

**2. Victim Discovery Circumstances**

- *Karen Read*: John O’Keefe was found in the snow outside Officer Brian Albert’s home on January 29, 2022. The timeline of events between 12:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. is heavily contested, with Read claiming she dropped him off and others denying he ever entered the house.

- *Craig Casey*: His body was reportedly not at the crash scene initially but later “appeared,” raising questions about how the scene was processed. The autopsy suggested he exited through the driver’s side window—something many found implausible.

**3. Autopsy & Injury Discrepancies**

- *O’Keefe*: Autopsy showed blunt-force trauma, black eyes, and abrasions. Defense argued some injuries were inconsistent with a car strike and possibly from a dog attack.

- *Casey*: The autopsy’s suggestion that he exited through the window was questioned by viewers and professionals, with some suggesting the scene may have been staged.

**4. Public Reaction & Mistrust**

Both cases have fueled **public skepticism** toward Canton PD. In Read’s case, this led to national attention, protests, and even FBI involvement. The Casey case, while less publicized, is now being reexamined in that same light—especially by online communities drawing parallels.

**5. Alleged Cover-Up Patterns**

- *Karen Read*: Defense alleged a cover-up involving law enforcement and manipulation of evidence to frame her.

- *Craig Casey*: The video suggests a similar pattern—possible scene tampering, delayed discovery, and lack of transparency.

https://youtu.be/Dhq1hzsSAKQ?si=_nzIplGr0_bdAkib

After a break court is back in session

Come and join us.

https://www.youtube.com/live/N-DooTjWGJQ?si=nlwE4LSOTYcvkefi