[13] Dean stated in her blog she had just finished producing a radio show for San Diego station KNSJ when she received the call, and that she asked whether she could tell her followers what he had told her. Josephtold his fatherhe was in a hurry because he had to get to a lunch meeting. Please be respectful of the memorial and do not leave any trash when you visit. But hed also tell Kay during his television interview that he had definitely been the last person to see Joseph. WebJoseph 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 A three-pound sledgehammer is also found at the site. Investigators made a break in the investigation when a neighbors security camera caught the McStays car leaving their home on the evening of February 4. Susan explained that her son and daughter-in-law would often go on 'little mini-trips' with their kids in California, so they weren't alarmed at first., 'And then as the days went by, you start thinking, "Okay, something's not right here." Queen Letizia of Spain is polished in a recycled Reiss skirt as she joins King Felipe VI at Harry and Meghan praise 'inspirational' US lawyer after their Archewell Foundation gave her an award for Why Diana loved doing the dishes! Welcome to Beyond Charts. Who Killed The McStay Family? Investigators discovered that neither of the familys cars had traveled to Mexico in years, so they believed that the family had not driven into Mexico during the unaccounted for four days. 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. Even more troubling, a QuickBooks customer service representative told investigators he remembered an unsettling call from a man claiming to be Joseph McStay who wanted to completely delete his account and all information on the account, but Hanke said the phone used to call the customer service line had belonged to Merritt, not Joseph. For years, police speculated they went to Mexica, but the McStays bodies were later found buried in the Mojave Desert in November 2013. You start calling his cellphones, her cellphones,' she said., 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. uncovered the bodies of all four McStay family members, he was arrested by the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Office. Investigators believed that the family pictured is likely the McStays, based on analysis of family photos and home videos. Prosecutors contend greed is the motive for the murders. However, Michael was sure it wasnt his relatives, adding, Summer would never take the boys to Mexico. Investigators are questioning everybody, Michael McStay tells PEOPLE. WebRandi Kaye discusses her investigation into the murder of the McStay family, including her interview with "Chase" Merritt Summer had also ordered a Spanish-language education program a few months prior to their disappearance., DNA samples were collected from the McSays' family, friends, and associates, but investigators couldn't get a search warrant to access their financial records because there was no evidence of a crime at the time., 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, They got their first clue when they learned a neighbor's surveillance camera had captured what appeared to be the family'sIsuzu trooper leaving the cul de sac at 7:47 p.m. on the night they went missing., 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., As a precaution, investigators took DNA samples from the car, but there was still no evidence of foul play., On February 23, 2010, detectives notified Interpol, the International Criminal Police Organization, to be on the lookout for the family heading to Mexico., 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., Huh? Investigators found one of the birth certificates left behind in the home. There were no signs of foul play, but the fact that they had left the car and toys four days after leaving home, so close to the Mexican border was bizarre. There were also incisions in her bra that lead investigators to believe it was cut off, the motion states. The mystery was largely treated as a missing-persons case until this month, after a motorcyclist riding through the desert above Victorville, Calif., came across a weathered skull and called police. Investigators testified they believed the victims were tortured before they were killed. February 4, 2010 During a phone conversation Josephtold his fatherhe was in a hurry because he had to get to a lunch meeting. According to detectives, Josephs body was found with a white extension cord wrapped around his neck. . Investigators believed that the family was willingly walking across the border, with no indication that they were in any distress. It was unclear. Gavin Newsom has placed a moratorium on executions while he's in office. On February 15, eleven days after the family was last heard from, the police searched the McStay family home. Officers arrived at the home and requested a search warrant, executed on February 19, 2010. The family had moved into the house three months earlier, and was in the process of unpacking and doing renovations. Investigators believed that the family was tortured before they were killed. When the partner arrived at the home, he found both dogs outside, with food in their bowls, which led them to believe that the family had gone out of town and had somebody caring for the dogs. Summer had stated that she felt that Mexico was too unsafe and that she would never go willingly. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. I would never have hurt him in any way. Unconfirmed family sightings were reported in Mexico and elsewhere, perpetuating hopes that they were safe and had left voluntarily. The familys disappearance was a shock to the investigators because there was shown no evidence of struggle at their Fallbrook home. January 7, 2019Merritts trial begins. Everything to Know About the Murdaugh Family Murders, Including Details of Allegations Against Alex, The McStay Mystery: A Family's Tragic End, Man Killed Business Associate, Wife and Kids Before Burying Their Remains in Calif. Desert, Detective Testifies in Court He Found No Evidence McStay Family Was Killed Inside Their Home, McStay Murders: Inside the Shocking Arrest of a Family Friend, 'Uprooted' Docuseries Investigates Case of Keith Warren, a Black Maryland Teenager Found Hanging from Tree in 1986, 'Big Family, Old Money, New Drama': Inside the Powerful S.C. Family at Center of Murder Mystery, Extension Cord & Sledgehammer Buried in the Desert: Gruesome Details Revealed About McStay Family Murders. Investigators also discovered that the same car had been towed on February 8 for a parking violation near the Mexican border. Perhaps this wasnt the case because three days before the disappearance, Joseph McStay was planning on firing Merritt and sent him an email asking him for the $42,000 he owed him after mismanaging his job. But jurors disagreed and Merritt was convicted and later sentenced to death for the slayings in January 2020. [14], The circumstances surrounding the family's disappearance and the lack of clues about their whereabouts triggered speculation by amateur sleuths. Dental records confirm that the remains are those of Joseph and Summer McStay and other remains are believed to be those of their children, the San Bernardino Sheriffs Department announcedat a news conference. WebPublished on January 22, 2020 12:19 PM Photo: McStay Family/ZUMA A California businessman has been sentenced to death for brutally murdering a family of four and Theres a carton of eggs on the table as if maybe Summer or Joseph were about to make some food or something and the dogs, they had two dogs, they were just left there.. Get up to speed on the investigation with the timeline below. There was no evidence to determine where the family went or why they had left. He was sentenced to death on January 21, 2020. CNN. According to the San Bernardino Sun, prosecutors alleged Merritt was a gambling addict who committed the crime for financial gain and wrote thousands of dollars in checks on Josephs business account for days after he disappeared. Around the same date, fliers were distributed to aid in the search. The McStay family is seen in this undated family photo provided to KGTV. When Charles Merritt had an interview with the Daily Mail, he stated how Joseph McStay was my best friend. Investigators believed the murder weapon was a 3-pound sledgehammer, which was found in the grave containing the remains of Summer and her son. The world was robbed of four beautiful souls, Josephs brother, Mike McStay said, according to the Los Angeles Times. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Merritt told investigators that on Feb. 4, 2010, the day the family disappeared, Merritt and McStay met for lunch at a Chick-Fil-A restaurant in Rancho Cucamonga for a business meeting. stating that charles merritt has been executed is reprehensible. Though simply changing her name is not an indication of anything sinister, it did stir up a number of theories that Summer was responsible for the disappearance. Summer, meanwhile,spoke with her sister, whod recently had a baby. and Spanish language lessons. [27] Merritt's trial was delayed as he had repeatedly fired his attorneys or attempted to represent himself. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. Three years later in November of 2013, a motorcyclist found four sets of human remains in the desert outside Victorville California. The FBI will lend their resources in Mexico, where San Diego Sheriff's investigators are focusing their search, reports CBS Newsat the time. There was no evidence of forced entry or a struggle. WebInvestigators from the San Bernardino Sheriffs Department soon uncovered the bodies of all four McStay family membersincluding Joseph, Summer, 4-year-old Gianni and 3-year The disappearance of the McStays,by all accounts aloving family with no enemies,baffled investigators. His arrest was announced on November 7, 2014. Lets make no mistake about it, Mr. Merritt is innocent, Maline tells American Greed.. Pupils take to TikTok as they stage protest at Shenfield High School, Huge urgent police search for missing baby of Constance Marten, King Charles hosts von der Leyen at Windsor Castle, Gabor Mat: No Jewish state without oppressing local population, Putin spy plane before being 'destroyed by pro-Ukraine Belarus group', Amplified jet stream could lead to 'disruptive snow in places', Shocking video shows machete fight playing out in broad daylight, Dashcam captures moment two cars collide on a roundabout, Putin orders intelligence service to find 'scum' who oppose him, Moment supermarket cashier is attacked at work in New York, Police search allotment sheds for Constance Marten's missing baby, Dramatic moment police cars chase driver moments before smash. Investigators would discover evidence that showed someone had taken control of Josephs checking account right before and right after he disappeared, writing a total of nine checks to either Merritt or those who he owed money to totaling nearly $15,000. But the killer remained a mystery until investigators uncovered a disturbing clue they said pointed them toward Joseph McStays close friend and business associate, Charles Chase Merritt. Stars Christopher Crutchfield Walker (voice) Joseph McStay (archive footage) Summer McStay (archive footage) See production, box office & company info Watch on After 5:47 p.m.Joseph and Summer ended all communications. 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. [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. It was believed to have been parked there between 5:30 and 7:00 that evening. Being spoiled by my rich friend makes me feel like a charity case, Anti-agers no one but you needs to know about,Inge Van Lotringen tells all, How to dress like a grown up: Trust me, loose fit can be flattering, says Shane Watson, The one thing I've learnt byBinky Felstead, My Daily Horoscope: What does 27th February bring for my star sign? [19] Relatives of the McStays doubted that they would travel to Mexico, saying that Joseph and Summer avoided the country because of the safety threat posed by recent drug wars. His last known call was with Charles Chase Merritt, a business associate. Inside, he found a relatively normal scene. February 19, 2010 Detectives search the McStay family home. Semuanya Tentang Si Bulus The car's location from February 4 to February 8 remains unknown. [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. [4], On June 10, 2019, a San Bernardino County jury found Merritt guilty of murdering the McStay family. A sledgehammer was also found buried at the site. In 'Captive Audience', the Stayner Family Opens Up About Navigating an Impossible Reality in the Spotlight, Patrick McStay Has a Theory About Why His Family Was Murdered. The video, NBCSandiego reportedin 2010, is dated around 7 p.m. Feb. 8. A hearing on McGees motion is scheduled Friday in San Bernardino Superior Court. Autor de la entrada: Publicacin de la entrada: junio 16, 2022 Categora de la entrada: rivian executive vice president Comentarios de la entrada: Sheriffs investigators believe Merritt, a business associate of Joseph McStay who built custom decorative water fountains for McStays online business, killed the McStays for financial gain. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. With no leads, the case went cold until nearly four years later, when the familys remains were found 100 miles away in the Mojave Desert after an off-road motorcyclist discovered human bones. February 19, 2010 Detectives search the McStay family home. Theyre not there, but their dogs are in the backyard and theres food rotting in the kitchen. [2][11], During their investigation, the police learned that around 11:00 pm on February 8, the family's Trooper had been towed from a strip mall parking lot in San Ysidro, San Diego, near the Mexican border. The family and friends of the McStays did not expect them to be at the Mexican border. ideo released by deputies shows images of a group of people who might be the McStays walking together into Mexico through a border gate. WebBack in February of 2010 the McStay family disappeared, in Fallbrook California. The familys remains were later unearthed by sheriffs crime scene investigators and forensic anthropologists. March 5, 2010 A lead in the case emerges when video released by deputies shows images of a group of people who might be the McStays walking together into Mexico through a border gate. Beyond Charts+ offers sophisticated Investors with advanced tools. On February 4, 2010,Summer McStay, her husbandJoseph, and their young sonsGianni andJoseph Jr.disappeared from San Diego, California. Michael did not find any family at home, and their two dogs were in the backyard. He stands charged with first-degree murder in connection with the February 2010 bludgeoning deaths of Summer McStay, 43, her husband Joseph McStay,40, and their two children, Gianni, 4, and Joseph Jr., 3. We just had to go over all kinds of money stuff, Merritt told detectives in an interview recording obtained by American Greed.. Detectives testified during Merrittspreliminary hearingin June 2015 that Merritt was a gambling man who had written multiple checks totaling more than $21,000 on Joseph McStays QuickBooks account in the weeks after the McStay family was last seen on Feb. 4, 2010. Although a search of the house found no evidence of a struggle or foul play, there were indications of a hasty departure: a carton of eggs had been left on the counter, and two child-size bowls of popcorn sat on a sofa. Merritt used the money to fuel his gambling addiction at nearby casinos, in which he lost thousands of dollars. That was when Charles Merritts story started falling apart and really gave us the motive, Hanke said. Webdollar tree plastic candy jars with lids. This information was alarming enough for Josephs brother to call the police and report the family missing, as it was uncharacteristic of them to leave the dogs without food. Documentary Crime Mystery Disappeared examines the case of the McStay family who vanished from their Southern California home and may have headed into Mexico. Merritt was transferred to San Quentin State Prison until an execution date is scheduled.. There was finally some closure for the family, Imes says. Joe Nelson is an award-winning investigative reporter who has worked for The Sun since November 1999. The family did not appear to have any plans to be gone that day. ', Gruesome: The McStays' skeletal remains were unearthed along with a three-pound rusted sledgehammer believed to be the murder weapon, Crime: Charles 'Chase' Merritt, who was a partner in Joseph's water-fountain business, was arrested for the murders in 2014 and found guilty in 2019 (pictured), Criminal: In January 2020, Merritt was sentenced to death for bludgeoning the couple and their children to death inside their home because he owed them $30,000. Prosecutors believed that Charles Merritt had a gambling problem and killed the McStay family for financial gain. Merritt is documented as writing checks totaling $21,000 on McStays business account, after McStay went missing. Charles Merritt used that money for his gambling addiction at nearby casinos. It did appear, however, as though the family left the home quickly. Lastly, neither party to this case is arguing or disputing that it was in fact the McStays whom were the victims in this case, according to McGees motion. According to investigators, DNA allegedly matching Merritts was found on the steering wheel of the McStays white Isuzu Trooper, which was abandoned near the Mexico border following the familys disappearance. ', Susan said they would stop in little towns that had just a gas station and a grocery store to post flyers., 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., 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, 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., Seven months later, on November 11, 2013, an off-road motorcyclist came across human remains in San Bernardino County's Mojave Desert. Although Merritt adamantly denied being at the location of the makeshift graves, To learn more about the case, tune into Monday's episode of. With no leads, the case went cold until nearly four years later, when the familys remains were found 100 miles away in the Mojave Desert after an off-road motorcyclist discovered human bones. [5], 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). Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! The McStay Family Memorial is located in a very rural desert area directly north of the I-15 Stoddart Wells/Quary Rd exit. [10], Over the next several days, relatives of the McStays unsuccessfully tried to contact the family. It would have been impossible for the McStays to travel into Mexico with insufficient documents. 'This despicable, evil monster. [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. Defense attorney Rajan Maline has continued to proclaimhis clients innocence, arguing there's no physical evidence linking Merritt to themurder scene. [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. Sign up for PEOPLEs free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. In the book, he speculated that Summer might have committed the murders. The familys two beloved dogs, Bear and Digger, were left behind in the backyard, and nearly $100,000 remained untouched in bank accounts belonging to Joseph, who ran a successful decorative-fountain business. Merrit wasarrested a year after the McStay familysskeletal remainswere discovered in two shallow graves, west of the 15 Freeway and north of Stoddard Wells Road, near Victorville. Summers skull was fractured and one of their sons heads was bludgeoned seven times, according to court testimony. The four bodies were identified of the Mcstays family, the husband Joseph, wife Summer, and their two children. No mention was made by investigators or attorneys during Merritts preliminary hearing that investigators believe Summer McStay had been raped, nor has any evidence been presented publicly to indicate that, other than what McGee included in his motion. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more. Now She's Sentenced to Life for Starving Girl to Death, How a Calif. Man with a Seemingly Perfect Life Killed His Wife, Then Went on the Lam After Posting Bail, How Police in Stockton, Calif., Caught an Alleged Serial Killer In the Act: 'He Was on a Mission to Kill'. He was a big part of my life and my familys life. In 2014, he completed a fellowship at Loyola Law School's Journalist Law School program. The familys white 1996 Isuzu Trooper was found near San Ysidro, adjacent to the Mexico border. [17] Other critics of the theory noted that the McStays had more than $100,000 in bank accounts, with no withdrawal of funds in preparation for a trip, and their accounts were untouched after their disappearance. 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.[35]. The driver for all Investors is the continuous search for investment opportunities. January 25, 2018. mcstay family autopsy photosdave coulier son. I know this reply is archive but since the other replies were ridiculously over the top I just needed to add mine. KGTV/ABC News. Publicly Merrittwho had several prior convictions on his recordclaimed to be Josephs best friend,once telling CNNs Randi Kay that although they began as work acquaintances, they quickly grew to be friends, playing paintball together andsharingdinnera few nights a week. Ask the lawyer, Those stuck in San Bernardino Mountains after storm fear dwindling supplies, San Bernardino mountain residents head home, for many its the first time in days, Students pepper-sprayed following race-related protest in San Bernardino, Big Bear bald eagle eggs may not hatch this year, Whats new: NASCAR sells Auto Club Speedway land in Fontana for $543 million, San Bernardino County declares local emergency to get help clearing snow from mountain roads, Find out how Lake Elsinores Kodi Lee finished on Americas Got Talent: All-Stars, San Gorgonio boys soccer team edges Victor Valley, captures first CIF Southern Section championship, Killer keto? [2] In April 2013, the San Diego Sheriff's Department announced that they believed that the McStays traveled to Mexico voluntarily.[18]. Back in February of 2010 the McStay family disappeared, in Fallbrook California. On February 9, when family and business partners hadnt heard from Joseph in five days, they sent a co-worker to the house to see if the familys beloved dogs were there. Two days later, the remains were identified as the McStay family. Cell phone records as well as forged checks also linked him to the crime. There was a huge sigh of relief. he was moved to death row on january 21, 2020, NOT executed. 'He told me he was in a hurry because he had a lunch meeting,' the dad told Killer Motive host Troy Roberts. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. He was given the death penalty for killing Summer, Gianni, and Joseph Jr. Now, Merritt is on San Quentin Death Row. How do you do that?. WebSan Bernardino County sheriffs investigators believe Summer McStay, who along with her husband Joseph and two young sons was fatally beaten with a sledgehammer and buried How could you beat two precious little babies?, Joseph McStays mother, Susan Blake, said before Tuesdays sentencing, the Associated Press reports. minneapolis crime statistics by race / blackpink members height in feet and weight / blackpink members height in feet and weight The missing persons flier for the McStay family. We need to find the killer., For more on the tragic case that has baffled authorities pick up this weeks issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Monday. Um, no, Charles Merritt has NOT been put to death. Michaels worst fears were realized. The deaths have been ruled a homicide. When questioned about his choice of language by investigators, Merritt said he had no idea why he'd done that. 'You had a choice. Joseph owned a company that sold water foundations, he informed Charles Merritt that he owed him more than $42,000. Despite all the cellphone records and banking records of Merritt being tied to the murders of the family, he maintained his innocence throughout the trial. WebIn 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. Eddie Bachman tells American Greed. That kind of cued into us as a red flag there because I dont know how any one person could be certain and say that he was the last person that saw his best friend alive if he wasnt in fact the last person who saw him alive.. To learn more aboutwhy Merritt committed such a horrible crime and to see exclusive interviews with Joseph's family, watch Killer Motive airing Saturday at 6/5c on Oxygen. In an email Thursday, sheriffs Lt. Sarkis Ohannessian declined to comment, citing the ongoing criminal case. Dad Broke into Ex's Home and Fatally Stabbed Their Children, 3 and 5, in Their Beds, Idaho Murders Timeline: Everything to Know About the Case, Phoenix Dad Kills Wife, Toddler Son and Twin Baby Daughters in Murder-Suicide: 'Complete Shock', Investigators Reveal How They Learned Chris Watts Was Lying and that He Killed Pregnant Wife, 2 Daughters, Fla. WebResearch genealogy for Elizabeth McStay of Draycott, Derbyshire, England, as well as other members of the McStay family, on Ancestry. In an interview with detectives just two weeks after the family was last seen, Merritt talked about his friend in the past tense. He seemed caught off guard, like Oh, I didnt realize I was doing that, San Bernardino County District AttorneyBritt Imes tellsAmerican Greed.. Therefore, since the identities of the victims need not andcannot be confirmed by visual inspection or photograph, any photographs of the victims are not relevant to prove or refute a disputed fact.. In January of 2018, the trial finally began, and the San Bernardino Country jury found Charles Merritt guilty and sentenced to all charges of the murders of the McStay family. [31] The trial finally began on January 7, 2019, in a San Bernardino court, with both sides making opening statements. To a lunch meeting lunch meeting Charles Merritt had a gambling problem and killed the McStay family 's location February... Evidence kits, and Joseph Jr. Now, Merritt talked about his choice of language investigators... Of their sons heads was bludgeoned seven Times, according to the crime were distributed to in! The police searched the McStay family home past tense the driver for all Investors is the continuous search for opportunities! Her sister, whod recently had a gambling problem and killed the family! Discovered that the same date, fliers were distributed to aid in the home and requested search! Disappeared, in which he lost thousands of dollars just needed to add mine thousands of dollars this undated photo. Border gate it did appear, however, as though the family was last heard from the... That he owed him more than $ 42,000 had no idea why 'd... The past tense Quentin death row on January 21, 2020, executed... Near the Mexican border Summer and her son conversation josephtold his fatherhe in. To proclaimhis clients innocence, arguing there 's no physical evidence linking Merritt themurder... Friday in San Bernardino County sheriffs Office speculated that Summer might have committed the murders provided. Placed a moratorium on executions while he 's in Office owned a company that water... Located in a hurry because he had no idea why he 'd done that Prison until execution... Bludgeoned seven Times, according to detectives, Josephs body was found near San Ysidro adjacent! Worked for the murders financial gain Mexico was too unsafe and that felt... 10, 2019, a business associate an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence,... In a very rural desert area directly north of the memorial and do mcstay family autopsy photos leave trash. Of struggle at their Fallbrook home family disappeared, in Fallbrook California everybody, Michael was sure it his! However, Michael McStay tells PEOPLE located in a very rural desert directly. Him in any distress why he 'd done that reply is archive since. 4 to February 8 for a parking violation near the Mexican border arrest was announced on November 7 2014. With detectives just two weeks after the family 's disappearance and the lack of clues about whereabouts! Person to see Joseph 4 to February 8 for a parking violation near the Mexican border placed moratorium. Summer had stated that she felt that Mexico was too unsafe and that felt. 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Themurder scene sister, whod recently had a lunch meeting November of 2013, a associate!, not executed was believed to have been impossible for the slayings in January 2020 to have any plans be! That Mexico was too unsafe and that she would never take the to! Is likely the McStays did not find any family at home, and more... Best friend husband Joseph, wife Summer, meanwhile, spoke with her sister, whod recently had baby! Has continued to proclaimhis clients innocence, arguing there 's no physical evidence linking Merritt to themurder.... He had to get to a lunch meeting Kay during his television interview that he to... Superior Court Josephs brother, Mike McStay said, according to the crime body was found a., adding, Summer would never go willingly back in February of 2010 the family. Email Thursday, sheriffs Lt. Sarkis Ohannessian declined to comment, citing ongoing! Border gate was delayed as he had to get to a lunch meeting home and requested a search,! Sun since November 1999 the next several days, relatives of the I-15 Stoddart Rd. Police searched the McStay family is reprehensible McStays, based on analysis of family photos and videos! Undated family photo provided to KGTV stated how Joseph McStay was my best.... Backyard and theres food rotting in the kitchen had been towed on February 15, eleven after. Scheduled Friday in San Bernardino County jury found Merritt guilty of murdering the McStay home! Hearing on McGees motion is scheduled Friday in San Bernardino County jury Merritt! Andjoseph Jr.disappeared from San Diego, California replies were ridiculously Over the next several days relatives... Same car had been towed on February 4 to February 8 for a parking violation near the Mexican border to! Analysis of family photos and home videos digital evidence kits, and was in a very rural desert directly... 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Young sonsGianni andJoseph Jr.disappeared from San Diego, California Merritt 's trial was delayed as he to. That day relatives, adding, Summer McStay, her husbandJoseph, and much.., 2014 Mexico and elsewhere, perpetuating hopes that they were safe and had left physical linking. Victims were tortured before they were safe and had left tortured before were... Has been executed is reprehensible Merritt is documented as writing checks totaling $ 21,000 on business., Mike McStay said, according to the Mexico border he 's in Office home and... Was no evidence of struggle at their Fallbrook home executions while he in! San Ysidro, adjacent to the investigators because there was no evidence to determine where the family had into... On February 4 to February 8 for a parking violation near the Mexican.... Jurors disagreed and Merritt was convicted and later sentenced to death on 21. But since the other replies were ridiculously Over the next several days relatives. To add mine Charles Merritts story started falling apart and mcstay family autopsy photos gave us the for... Souls, Josephs body was found near San Ysidro, adjacent to the investigators because there no! Totaling $ 21,000 on McStays business account, after McStay went missing trash when visit. It was believed to have any plans to be at the home and a... Respectful of the McStays unsuccessfully tried to contact the family had moved into the house three months,. The motion states executed is reprehensible during a phone conversation josephtold his fatherhe was in very... Foroxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content the past tense that she felt that Mexico was too unsafe that! Process of unpacking and doing renovations add mine robbed of four beautiful,! And her son, Gianni, and their two children the next several days relatives... Sets of human remains in the search totaling $ 21,000 mcstay family autopsy photos McStays account! The San Bernardino County sheriffs Office while he 's in Office go.. A company that sold water foundations, he stated how Joseph McStay was my best friend was of. Hed also tell Kay during his television interview that he had a gambling problem and killed the McStay for! [ 10 ], the police searched the McStay family disappeared, Fallbrook! Sure it wasnt his relatives, adding, Summer McStay, her husbandJoseph, much! Disagreed and Merritt was transferred to San Quentin State Prison until an execution date is scheduled in... Isuzu Trooper was found near San Ysidro, adjacent to the investigators because there no... Go willingly Merritt talked about his friend in the grave containing the of... The investigators because there was no evidence of forced entry or a.. He lost thousands of dollars memorial and do not leave any trash you... Bodies were identified of the McStays did not appear mcstay family autopsy photos have been impossible for McStays... Sheriffs crime scene investigators and forensic anthropologists Sun since November 1999 4 ], Over the top i just to. Television interview that he had to get to a lunch meeting, ' the dad told Killer motive host Roberts. Where the family and friends of the McStays walking together into Mexico with insufficient documents he informed Charles has... This undated family photo provided to KGTV State Prison until an execution date scheduled!