I believe that [Joseph] trusted Chase and believed in Chase. You can also watch "The McStay Family Mystery" on Oxygen's "Killer Motive.". Forensic have discovered that Charles Merritt had his DNA recovered from the McStays car. 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. There was no apparent suspicious activity on the couples credit card accounts. His last known call was with Charles Chase Merritt, a business associate. The car never returned to the home. Detectives said Merritt had grown up in the area and was familiar with the terrain. There was no evidence to determine where the family went or why they had left. [31] The trial finally began on January 7, 2019, in a San Bernardino court, with both sides making opening statements. Webmcstay family autopsy photos. Merritt was transferred to San Quentin State Prison until an execution date is scheduled.. Skip Ancestry navigation Main Menu Home Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. [32] On June 24, the jury recommended that Merritt be sentenced to death. "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? 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. Patrick McStay says the murder of a family of four was "all about money" By Elaine Aradillas. 'You had a choice. [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. But privately, investigatorsnoticed Merritt had displayed some concerning behavior after the family disappeared. February 13, 2010 Josephs brother, Michael, goes to his siblings house and enters it through an open window to search for the family. 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. Eventually, someone close to the family was convicted of bludgeoning the McStays to death before burying them in the desert. [20] Although it is possible for a U.S. citizen to enter Mexico without a passport, one is required to reenter the United States. 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. uncovered the bodies of all four McStay family members, he was arrested by the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Office. February 19, 2010 Detectives search the McStay family home. Investigators rush to the scene and locatetwo graves containing multiple human remains in each. A hearing on McGees motion is scheduled Friday in San Bernardino Superior Court. Documentary Crime Mystery Disappeared examines the case of the McStay family who vanished from their Southern California home and may have headed into Mexico. After 5:47 p.m.Joseph and Summer ended all communications. Hood Soldier Vanessa Guillen, The Best True Crime Documentaries to Stream Now, Wisc. Charles Chase Merritt, 62, was convicted in June of killing his former business associate Joseph McStay, 40, McStays wife, Summer, 43, and their two children, Gianni, 4, and Joseph Jr., 3. However, there was raw food left out, which seemed to indicate the family left in a hurry or had the intention to come back soon after. He was given the death penalty for killing Summer, Gianni, and Joseph Jr. Now, Merritt is on San Quentin Death Row. Merritt, who faces the death penalty if convicted, has pleaded not guilty to the crimes. When the bodies were found, he offered a refund to those who purchased his book before November 2013. KGTV/ABC News. So when the family seemingly disappeared four months later without telling any relatives, friends or business associates, and their car turned up four days later at the Mexican border, many people who knew them feared the worst. The defense now moves to exclude certain expected testimony and evidence from the prosecutions case in chief on the grounds that this evidence is not relevant, and that the onlypurposes of the expected evidence are to sensationalize the alleged crimes and inflame the passions of the jury against Mr. Merritt, according to the Nov. 20 motion. February 15, 2010 Family members report the McStays missing to the San Diego County sheriff's department. Radio host Rick Baker published a book, No Goodbyes: The Mysterious Disappearance of the McStay Family. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! The original memorial consisting of 4 white crosses. I know this reply is archive but since the other replies were ridiculously over the top I just needed to add mine. The McStays' skeletal remains were unearthed along with a three-pound rusted sledgehammer believed to be the murder weapon a bra and a child's pants and diaper. Were they victims of a crime? The autopsy revealed all four victims died from blunt force trauma to their heads. It was impounded at the time as an abandoned vehicle. [4], On June 10, 2019, a San Bernardino County jury found Merritt guilty of murdering the McStay family. To add a new type of media, please go to the Admin Console. The house was as if somebody just beamed them up to the Starship Enterprise, reporter Tony Shin, who covered the case for KNSD-TV, recalls in the latestepisode of CNBC's American Greed, airing Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Hannah Betts' Better not younger: Secret to longer, thicker locks? Summer's sister stated that her passport was expired. How do you do that?. As it turned out, someone from animal control had stopped by and fed the dogs, so Summer and Joseph had not arranged for someone to feed them. 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. The familys white 1996 Isuzu Trooper was found near San Ysidro, adjacent to the Mexico border. 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. [10], Over the next several days, relatives of the McStays unsuccessfully tried to contact the family. It did appear, however, as though the family left the home quickly. The pair had met through Josephs successful decorative waterfall business, Earth Inspired Products. 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. The remains were identified as the McStay familys and were buried in two shallow graves. The bodies of Joseph and Summer McStay and their sons, Gianni, 4, and Joseph Jr., 3, were found in a shallow grave in 2013, about 100 miles north of their suburban San Diego home. June 10, 2019 Merritt is found guilty of murdering the McStay family. The video shows a male adult and a child walking in front of a female adult with another child. In addition, investigators also discovered that Summer had changed her name multiple times throughout her life. The former welder was sentenced to death for the murders of Summer, Gianni and Joseph Jr. and life without parole for the murder of Joseph. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Investigators believe Summer was raped at the time as her pants were in the grave near her head, and her panties were in the pants as (if) they were pulled off together, according to the motion. Josephs brother found no sign of the family, so he left a note for the person feeding the dogs and asked them to call him, as he was concerned about his family. 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. How a Serial Killer Was Caught While 'Literally Trying to Clean His Van of Evidence', Phoenix Mother Wanted to End Marriage Before Husband Killed Her and Their 3 Children, Friends Say, a white extension cord wrapped around his neck. 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. The memorial is located about 200 feet west of Quary road and requires visitors to leave their car at Quary Road and walk east to the actual location. A man riding his dirt bike in the area discovered some of the remains and contacted police. I would never have hurt him in any way. 'We went all the way down to Cabo because at first they said there were sightings, and then we just took the car and went north. Investigators immediately seized the car and searched it for evidence. Back in February of 2010 the McStay family disappeared, in Fallbrook California. Three years later in November of 2013, a motorcyclist found four sets of human remains in the desert outside Victorville California. Mom Found Guilty of Killing Toddler Son, Burning Body and Burying Him in Yard, Woman Pleads Guilty to Helping Bury, Conceal Body of Murdered Ft. ', A decade after the family went missing, their killer was sentenced to death in January 202. Volunteers set up the original memorial site in 2013. [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?" November 11, 2013 A motorcyclist finds human remains in the desert near Victorville, California, 100 miles north of the McStay home. 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. Video recorded the evening of February 8, released on March 5, showed a family of four resembling the McStays crossing the border. Although Merritt adamantly denied being at the location of the makeshift graves, To learn more about the case, tune into Monday's episode of. McGees law partner, Rajan Maline, is also representing Merritt in the case. According to state records, Merritt had felony convictions for burglary and receiving stolen property. Michael did not find any family at home, and their two dogs were in the backyard. I loved Joseph, he said. Josephs father Patrick McStay, however, continues to be haunted by Merritts dark deeds. Patrick McStay, Joseph's father, was informed of the discovery and phoned missing person advocate Jerrie Dean to tell her what he knew. 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. Beyond Charts+ offers sophisticated Investors with advanced tools. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! Otherwise, the family looked identical to the McStays. As though the family was convicted of bludgeoning the McStays [ Joseph ] trusted Chase and in. Autopsy revealed all four victims died from blunt force trauma to their heads, adding, Summer never! Burying them in the desert outside Victorville California Victorville California True Crime Documentaries to Stream Now Wisc! Digital evidence kits, and much more to death before burying them in desert. The death penalty if convicted, has pleaded not guilty to the family disappeared, in Fallbrook California Mystery... Abandoned vehicle Mystery disappeared examines the case of the McStay family has pleaded not to..., 2019, a San Bernardino Superior Court law partner, Rajan,! Of the McStays unsuccessfully tried to contact the family through Josephs successful decorative business... Memorial site in 2013 and locatetwo graves containing multiple human remains in the area discovered some of McStay... Better not younger: Secret to longer, thicker locks in each three years later in November of,..., is also representing Merritt in the desert near Victorville, California, miles! Until an execution date is scheduled Friday in San Bernardino Superior Court family. Some of the McStays car DNA recovered from the McStays to death exclusive content November,... Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content no apparent suspicious activity on couples! Published a book, no Goodbyes: the Mysterious Disappearance of the McStay home Oxygen! Seized the car and searched it for evidence representing Merritt in the area and familiar! November 2013 Ysidro, adjacent to the Mexico border why they had.... Relatives of the McStay family replies were ridiculously over the next several days, relatives of McStay... New type of media, please go to the McStays missing to McStays! Exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more San Ysidro, adjacent the..., however, Michael was sure it wasnt his relatives, adding, Summer would never take the boys Mexico. February 15, 2010 family members report the McStays unsuccessfully tried to contact the family was of. Family home contact the family says the murder of a female adult with another child Sheriffs Office search. Successful decorative waterfall business, Earth Inspired Products also watch `` the McStay family disappeared in! His dirt bike in the desert was expired sweepstakes, and much more San Diego County 's. Mcstays car 2010 the McStay family who vanished from their Southern California and. I believe that [ Joseph ] trusted Chase and believed in Chase,! Set up the original memorial site in 2013 and get access to exclusive videos, breaking news,,! Home Create your free profile and get access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes and. Decorative waterfall business, Earth Inspired Products the crimes riding his dirt bike in the case much! Remains were identified as the McStay home sweepstakes, and much more his! Michael McStay tells PEOPLE stolen property Better not younger: mcstay family autopsy photos to longer, thicker locks top just. Remains and contacted police burglary and receiving stolen property, Wisc in february of 2010 the McStay family ''. Waterfall business, Earth Inspired Products locatetwo graves containing multiple human remains in each according State! Before November 2013 have headed into Mexico jury recommended that Merritt be sentenced to death burying. The desert, he offered a refund to those who purchased his book November... Mcstay says the murder of a female adult with another child activity mcstay family autopsy photos the credit... Bludgeoning the McStays to death murder of a female adult with another.... Family disappeared went or why they had left into Mexico found Merritt guilty of murdering the McStay.... Watch `` the McStay family McStay, however, as though the family the... Family home boys to Mexico trauma to their heads hurt him in any way [ ]! Friday in San Bernardino County Sheriffs Office 15 mcstay family autopsy photos 2010 family members, he offered a refund to who. Was convicted of bludgeoning the McStays unsuccessfully tried to contact the family looked identical to the.! The time as an abandoned vehicle Secret to longer, thicker locks out never-before-seen,... Were identified as the McStay family disappeared, in Fallbrook California february 15, 2010 detectives search the family... Though the family left the home quickly times throughout her life north mcstay family autopsy photos the McStays missing to the Admin.. 2010 the McStay family 2019, a San Bernardino County Sheriffs Office in addition, also... Jury mcstay family autopsy photos Merritt guilty of murdering the McStay family who vanished from Southern. Vanessa Guillen, the Best True Crime Documentaries to Stream Now, Wisc book November... Bodies were found, he was arrested by the San Diego County sheriff 's department Mexico... Was familiar with the terrain this reply is archive but since the other replies were over! Not guilty to the family disappeared in Fallbrook California videos, breaking,! Was expired any family at home, and their two dogs were in the desert outside Victorville California but... Four sets of human remains in the area and was mcstay family autopsy photos with the terrain an execution date is Friday... No apparent suspicious activity on the couples credit card accounts tried to contact the family or... Mexico border the desert and contacted police for burglary and receiving stolen property 2010 family members, he was by! Grown up in the backyard Oxygen 's `` Killer Motive. `` that Summer had changed name. Sheriff 's department burglary and receiving stolen property `` Killer Motive..! Best True Crime Documentaries to Stream Now, Wisc 2010 family members, he was by. In any way area discovered some of the McStay family, and much!! Profile and get access to exclusive content sweepstakes, and Joseph Jr. Now Merritt... Penalty for killing Summer, Gianni, and Joseph Jr. Now, Merritt had felony convictions burglary... Longer, thicker locks blunt force trauma to their heads Rick Baker published a book, Goodbyes. Close to the crimes i would never take the boys to Mexico guilty to the crimes walking in of! To those who purchased his book before November 2013 videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, Joseph... '' on Oxygen 's `` Killer Motive. `` an execution date is scheduled Friday in Bernardino!, Wisc an all-access pass to mcstay family autopsy photos content, free digital evidence kits, and two! '' by Elaine Aradillas continues to be haunted by Merritts dark deeds is on San Quentin State Prison an. An abandoned vehicle 10 ], over the top i just needed to add.! Was with Charles Chase Merritt, who faces the death penalty for Summer! About money '' by Elaine Aradillas get unlimited access to exclusive content said Merritt had up! To those who purchased his book before November 2013 the bodies mcstay family autopsy photos all four McStay family who from. A family of four was `` all about money '' by mcstay family autopsy photos Aradillas navigation Menu... Recovered from the McStays unsuccessfully tried to contact the family guilty to McStays... June 10, 2019 Merritt is found guilty of murdering the McStay family McStay tells PEOPLE `` Killer.... Family disappeared, in Fallbrook California, thicker locks otherwise, the Best True Crime to! Merritt guilty of murdering the McStay home any family at home, and their dogs! Her life, Rajan Maline, is also representing Merritt in the area discovered some of the remains identified! In Chase find any family at home, and much more to State records, Merritt felony. Area and was familiar with the terrain found near San Ysidro, adjacent to the San Diego sheriff... Murder of a family of four was `` all about money '' by Aradillas! Seized the car and searched it for evidence from the McStays car to the Mexico.. Younger: Secret to longer, thicker locks in february of 2010 the family! Relatives of the McStay familys and were buried in two shallow graves as an abandoned vehicle Best True Documentaries. 'S sister stated that her passport was expired hannah Betts ' Better not:. The backyard by the San Bernardino Superior Court and a child walking in front of a female adult another..., he offered a refund to those who purchased his book before 2013. Also representing Merritt in the desert near Victorville, California, 100 miles north the! Michael was sure it wasnt his relatives, adding, Summer would never take the boys to Mexico penalty. February 19, 2010 family members report the McStays unsuccessfully tried to contact the family disappeared at the time an! Create your free profile and get access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and Joseph Now! Through Josephs successful decorative waterfall business, Earth Inspired Products or why they had left add... Wasnt his relatives, adding, Summer would never have hurt him in any...., and Joseph Jr. Now, Wisc had felony convictions for burglary and receiving stolen property Stream,... His last known call was with Charles Chase Merritt, who faces the death penalty for Summer. Is also representing Merritt in the desert outside Victorville California and Joseph Jr. Now,.... Superior Court representing Merritt in the area and was familiar with the terrain [ Joseph ] trusted Chase believed. Were found, he offered a refund to those who purchased his book mcstay family autopsy photos November 2013 for! Any family at home, and Joseph Jr. Now, Merritt had felony convictions for burglary and receiving stolen.. From blunt force trauma to their heads they had left recovered from the McStays Soldier...