Morning folks.
We’re about 15 mins from the expected start of the #LeteciaStauch preliminary hearing. We know these things run late often, so we’ll see when it actually kicks off.
Mostly just me and a few other reporters sitting outside the locked courtroom right now.
We’re about 15 mins from the expected start of the #LeteciaStauch preliminary hearing. We know these things run late often, so we’ll see when it actually kicks off.
Mostly just me and a few other reporters sitting outside the locked courtroom right now.
Mr. Tolini has entered the courtroom. He's the "newly" appointed defense attorney for #LeteciaStauch after the whole fiasco earlier with her representing herself, then backing out.
He was given the mighty task of starting from scratch earlier this year on the case.
He was given the mighty task of starting from scratch earlier this year on the case.
We just watched @4thJudicialDA and his team walk in too. Both attorneys are now in the courtroom, but doors for reporters haven’t opened yet.
Expect a delayed start.
Expect a delayed start.
Gannon’s parents have entered the courtroom.
Seeing some blue eyeshadow, and some somber faces.
We were just told if we leave the courtroom we will have to stay out. Planning to only leave the room for recess.
Seeing some blue eyeshadow, and some somber faces.
We were just told if we leave the courtroom we will have to stay out. Planning to only leave the room for recess.
Just watched @4thJudicialDA give Gannon's mom Landon Holt a hug. She's also wearing a blue mask.
PIO for DA just said #LeteciaStauch will be appearing over WebEx, not in person. I'll clarify that if that changes.
PIO for DA just said #LeteciaStauch will be appearing over WebEx, not in person. I'll clarify that if that changes.
And #LeteciaStauch is now visible on the TV screen in the courtroom. She's in the classic orange jumpsuit, with hair past her elbows. She's standing in a long hallway with a door behind her, presumably at the El Paso County Jail.
"All rise!"
Court is now in session.
Court is now in session.
Judge Greg Werner is now checking to see if #LeteciaStauch ca hear him. Asks her to raise her hand...no response. This might just be WebEx problems, court in the age of COVID.
She raises her hand. Looks like we're good to go.
Judge now going through rules in the courtroom. We're good with live tweeting so long as our keystrokes aren't too loud. Trying to hit the keys of my laptop slowly...
Judge now going through rules in the courtroom. We're good with live tweeting so long as our keystrokes aren't too loud. Trying to hit the keys of my laptop slowly...
Judge says no emotional outbursts, people who try to disrupt this process will be kicked out. Public viewing was initially going to be pushed to an overflow room but now they are just hanging in the back.
We're now hearing why #LeteciaStauch is over WebEx
We're now hearing why #LeteciaStauch is over WebEx
So #LeteciaStauch didn't want to show up in court, so her attorneys tried to appear on her behalf. @4thJudicialDA asked she be here in person. Judge is mulling it over now...
The motion was filed at 11 AM yesterday...Judge mentioned something about needing 24 hours...
He is now checking with #LeteciaStauch as to why she made this choice.
He is now checking with #LeteciaStauch as to why she made this choice.
"You understand that even if you aren't here the hearing will still take place"
"Yes sir"
"They will still present evidence"
"Yes sir"
#LeteciaStauch says "I have confidence in my counsel."
"Yes sir"
"They will still present evidence"
"Yes sir"
#LeteciaStauch says "I have confidence in my counsel."
Judge Werner saying "They are going to submit evidence, don't you want to hear that? Or see that?"
"I have faith in my attorneys"
He's now explaining this meeting could change the bail situation in the case, (unlikely). She says she doesn't care
"I have faith in my attorneys"
He's now explaining this meeting could change the bail situation in the case, (unlikely). She says she doesn't care
Judge asks "are you sure?"
"Yes sir"
"Have you had some time to think about it?"
"About a year"
"Yes sir"
"Have you had some time to think about it?"
"About a year"
Judge says they will give her another chance to join in tomorrow, but for now, #LeteciaStauch is out. She left the hallway.
@4thJudicialDA is now saying he objects.
Judge Werner says he hasn't made his decision on whether or not she can actually do that.
@4thJudicialDA is now saying he objects.
Judge Werner says he hasn't made his decision on whether or not she can actually do that.
So @4thJudicialDA says #LeteciaStauch is refusing to be transported, not because of COVID protocols, but simply because she didn't want to.
He says he'll have a harder time proving his points without her being here.
He says he'll have a harder time proving his points without her being here.
WOW. @4thJudicialDA just said he believes her not showing up should be grounds to just move this to a trial and not even bother with this hearing today.
That would be the first time I've seen that happen. That would mean we wouldn't hear the details of this case until then.
That would be the first time I've seen that happen. That would mean we wouldn't hear the details of this case until then.
Judge needs to make a decision on that, we will see what he chooses.
Now hearing from Mr. Tolini.
Now hearing from Mr. Tolini.
Tolini says he doesnt understand the argument from @4thJudicialDA that witnesses will not be able to point to #LeteciaStauch if she isn't here.
"She's the same #LeteciaStauch as she has always been."
"She's the same #LeteciaStauch as she has always been."
He says he wants to still go forward with the preliminary hearing.
Judge says he believes #LeteciaStauch has waived her appearance, but "in this case she wants the proceedings to go forward, but just not be here for it."
Sounds like he's leaning towards keeping the prelim, even without her.
Sounds like he's leaning towards keeping the prelim, even without her.
Judge :"She is represented by counsel here and clearly said she did not want to wave the hearing themselves, so we will keep the prelim."
Ok, here we go then. Asks @4thJudicialDA if he is ready. He says yes, also calls first witness.
Ok, here we go then. Asks @4thJudicialDA if he is ready. He says yes, also calls first witness.
Mentioning that #LeteciaStauch would be waiving her prelim for her other charges. Attorneys chat about doing that today or tomorrow...but now on to the first witness.
Jason Yoder is the first witness. Judge is swearing him in now.
@4thJudicialDA attorney passes Yoder a big old binder of photos of evidence.
Yoder is from Santa Rosa County Florida. Sgt. of major crimes unit with Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office
Yoder is from Santa Rosa County Florida. Sgt. of major crimes unit with Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office
March 17th, 2020.
He got a call from bridge workers for a discovery of a body under a bridge. That's Gannon.
He got a call from bridge workers for a discovery of a body under a bridge. That's Gannon.
Body was inside of a suitcase. Body was emptied before they got there by the department of transportation.
Macon Ponder is who found the suitcase. They were looking at the west side of the bridge, walking under it. He and his partner found the suitcase, drug it out, opened it out, dumped it out, found the body.
Al Stauch is staring directly ahead. Things start right off the bat with rough details.
Yoder now says the body was wrapped in blankets when he got there.
"It appeared to be that of a child, a small child."
"It appeared to be that of a child, a small child."
Clarifying that part of this area is not in Yoder's jurisdiction...lots of "east of the bridge, west of the bridge."
Seems like @4thJudicialDA is trying to say which side of the bridge would indicate which direction someone would be driving.
Seems like @4thJudicialDA is trying to say which side of the bridge would indicate which direction someone would be driving.
Yoder says the suitcase would be on the Eastbound lanes, going away from Pensacola.
Yoder says there is an emergency pull off area near where the suitcase was found.
Yoder says there is an emergency pull off area near where the suitcase was found.
and @4thJudicialDA says "if you looked right down from the bridge, would it be where the suitcase was found?"
Yoder: "Yes sir"
"Would that indicate it was dropped?"
"yes sir."
Yoder: "Yes sir"
"Would that indicate it was dropped?"
"yes sir."
Yoder says they could tell it was a male child based on the clothing, figured they were between 9-13 years old.
Medical team came and removed the body for an autopsy.
Also checked local records for missing kids, nothing statewide...but national...
Medical team came and removed the body for an autopsy.
Also checked local records for missing kids, nothing statewide...but national...
"A flyer was brought to my attention of a missing Colorado child."
"Was that a flyer for #GannonStauch?"
"Yes sir."
"Was that a flyer for #GannonStauch?"
"Yes sir."
Asks if it is unusual for a body to be found from another state.
Mr. Tolini objects, judge overrules.
"No sir that is not normal."
Says he contacted @EPCSheriff then.
Mr. Tolini objects, judge overrules.
"No sir that is not normal."
Says he contacted @EPCSheriff then.
"Severely decomposition-ed."
Says the body was in a fetal position. Sorry this is rough.
There were efforts to take the blankets off the body, clean it.
"Could you see injuries?"
"Yes"
Says the body was in a fetal position. Sorry this is rough.
There were efforts to take the blankets off the body, clean it.
"Could you see injuries?"
"Yes"
"Fractured skull"
"Gunshot to the jaw"
"Sharp force injuries to chest, back"
"There were a few cuts on his arms, a few on his hands."
"Gunshot to the jaw"
"Sharp force injuries to chest, back"
"There were a few cuts on his arms, a few on his hands."
"Would that be consistent with 'defensive injuries'"
"Yes sir"
That's horrible. Paints the picture Gannon was trying to block a knife.
"Yes sir"
That's horrible. Paints the picture Gannon was trying to block a knife.
Al has red eyes at this point. The room is silent except for typing and the speaking.
Autopsy will specifically detail out how many stab wounds.
Lower left jaw is where he was shot according to the autopsy.
Found 2 red pieces also...
Lower left jaw is where he was shot according to the autopsy.
Found 2 red pieces also...
Yoder is explaining how they found "projectiles" in some of the pillows and blankets also found in the suitcase, all were sent to @EPCSheriff
@4thJudicialDA asks Yoder to open the photo notebook.
People's exhibit one: "This looks like the flyer that was brought to my attention trying to identify Gannon."
People's exhibit one: "This looks like the flyer that was brought to my attention trying to identify Gannon."
Exhibits are being shown on the monitors around the courtroom. First up is that flyer many of us have seen before with 4 photos of #GannonStauch.
Yoder says "We first thought it was him because of the gap in his teeth and two large front teeth."
Yoder says "We first thought it was him because of the gap in his teeth and two large front teeth."
Now on to exhibits 2-8 (they aren't up on the monitors yet):
"are those photos depicting the scene under the Gambia River bridge?"
"Yes sir."
Exhibits are admitted.
"are those photos depicting the scene under the Gambia River bridge?"
"Yes sir."
Exhibits are admitted.
We're now seeing the suitcase open under the bridge. His parents are bent over in their pew. A few folks are crying behind me softly.
@4thJudicialDA asks Yoder how you get access to this side of the bridge. Yoder says it would be really hard to cross over the river from the OTHER side.
He's trying to illustrate which side of the road someone would have had to be on to dump the suitcase.
He's trying to illustrate which side of the road someone would have had to be on to dump the suitcase.
Yoder says this is a frequently traveled bridge for people in the state or driving through.
Yoder is now pointing to the photo to highlight were the suitcase is, the body is, and the "impression" was (where they believe the suitcase landed.)
"What's the distance between where the suitcase is and the impression is?"
"6-8 feet"
"Mr. Ponder dragged it out of the weeds?"
"Yes"
"6-8 feet"
"Mr. Ponder dragged it out of the weeds?"
"Yes"
Ouch. First up close photo of Gannon wrapped in blankets laying next to the suitcase. You can see his hairline peaking out.
His family is bent over, silent, but no longer watching.
His family is bent over, silent, but no longer watching.
3: just a photo of the suitcase "impression."
Basically a dent in some grass.
Basically a dent in some grass.
4: a pillow with blue sharks on it. Yoder says he found "projectiles" in this.
6: One of the blankets found in the suitcase...and 7:is the other side of the blanket. It's the same blue shark pattern.
8: Another blanket, this one is red and blue.
@4thJudicialDA confirms they sent all that to @EPCSheriff
Time for Mr. Tolini to cross examine.
@4thJudicialDA confirms they sent all that to @EPCSheriff
Time for Mr. Tolini to cross examine.
Mr. Tolini is asking about the lacerations to the hands.
Yoder says "I don't remember them to be all that deep."
"Other cuts, how deep were those?"
"I don't remember."
"did she say it would have been enough to be fatal."
"had it as a contributing factor but not the most."
Yoder says "I don't remember them to be all that deep."
"Other cuts, how deep were those?"
"I don't remember."
"did she say it would have been enough to be fatal."
"had it as a contributing factor but not the most."
One bullet was recovered from inside the body, and 2 from inside that blue shark pillow.
Yoder says he saw 2 holes in the pillow, no exit holes.
Yoder says he saw 2 holes in the pillow, no exit holes.
Yoder says Dr. doing the autopsy says the gunshot was enough to be fatal.
"Yes"
Tolini asks if the skull fracture could have been from the suitcase going over the bridge.
Yoder says "she did not say either way."
"Yes"
Tolini asks if the skull fracture could have been from the suitcase going over the bridge.
Yoder says "she did not say either way."
"Muzzle to flesh"
They did not see this, so that would indicate someone was close when they fired.
No real details on how close the gun was fired, but it sounds like more than 18 inches, otherwise there would have been marking or burns from gunpowder.
They did not see this, so that would indicate someone was close when they fired.
No real details on how close the gun was fired, but it sounds like more than 18 inches, otherwise there would have been marking or burns from gunpowder.
Redirect now from @4thJudicialDA
Yoder says "No clue on indication of which was the fatal cause, but that the fatal gunshot wound and fatal blow to the head are listed."
Trying to clear up timeline of attacks, says they wouldn't be listed if they happened after he died.
Yoder says "No clue on indication of which was the fatal cause, but that the fatal gunshot wound and fatal blow to the head are listed."
Trying to clear up timeline of attacks, says they wouldn't be listed if they happened after he died.
Yoder says the stage of decomposition was about a month when they found it.
Yoder says the body was in the suitcase for a substantial amount of time.
"Body fluid leaked through the case where the suitcase was."
Yoder says the body was in the suitcase for a substantial amount of time.
"Body fluid leaked through the case where the suitcase was."
Kevin Clark is up next for the prosecution. Witness 2.
Clark is working with @4thJudicialDA focusing on Gannon Stauch. He was with @CSPDPIO before this as a detective.
9-24 evidence will be admitted while talking with him.
Clark is working with @4thJudicialDA focusing on Gannon Stauch. He was with @CSPDPIO before this as a detective.
9-24 evidence will be admitted while talking with him.
He was drafted work with @EPCSheriff for this case, along with the FBI.
He seems to be an expert on tec, like GPS trackers and cell records.
He seems to be an expert on tec, like GPS trackers and cell records.
He's talking about "Telematics."
It's a system installed in a car, giving locations and time records.
"Dropping bread crumbs which can be retrieved later."
@4thJudicialDA is setting up some of the things we saw in the leaked arrest report.
It's a system installed in a car, giving locations and time records.
"Dropping bread crumbs which can be retrieved later."
@4thJudicialDA is setting up some of the things we saw in the leaked arrest report.
We're seeing exhibit 9 now:
It's a map with arrows pointing in different directions. @4thJudicialDA says all of these exhibits will be maps, minus a hotel receipt at the very end.
Most of this was with Telematics, some with GPS, and cell records.
It's a map with arrows pointing in different directions. @4thJudicialDA says all of these exhibits will be maps, minus a hotel receipt at the very end.
Most of this was with Telematics, some with GPS, and cell records.
Volkswagen Taiwan. That's #LeteciaStauch's car.
The map we're seeing is the records from that car from Jan 28th 2020. There's flags with time markers for Tuesday morning.
The map we're seeing is the records from that car from Jan 28th 2020. There's flags with time markers for Tuesday morning.
This is the day after Gannon was reported missing.
Clark says this shows #LeteciaStauch's car going to DIA (the airport) to pick up Al Stauch, returning home.
8:13 AM a neighbors home camera sees the car leave. You might remember @CatSilverTV had stories about this during the search.
Records show #LeteciaStauch took Powers to the COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT (not DIA, sorry, that was incorrect on my part.)
Records show #LeteciaStauch took Powers to the COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT (not DIA, sorry, that was incorrect on my part.)
Clark says AT&T towers can back up this route was taken, same as the car.
10 minutes after the car was parked, #LeteciaStauch is seen going alone to the Avis car rental location. Earlier that morning she searched "cheep rental cars" and rented a car for $36 dollars a day.
10 minutes after the car was parked, #LeteciaStauch is seen going alone to the Avis car rental location. Earlier that morning she searched "cheep rental cars" and rented a car for $36 dollars a day.
She gets a Kia Rio, picks up Al, and they drive home.
They leave the first car at the airport that day. The Rio then is seen getting home.
They leave the first car at the airport that day. The Rio then is seen getting home.
New map, exhibit 10:
This is from the same day, Tuesday 28th, 2020. 7pm-7:27PM
The Volkswagen Taiwan (first car) is where they are getting the data, so they believe #LeteciaStauch picks up the car.
This is from the same day, Tuesday 28th, 2020. 7pm-7:27PM
The Volkswagen Taiwan (first car) is where they are getting the data, so they believe #LeteciaStauch picks up the car.
Map shows travel from the Springs Airport to the Falcon area. Again, the cell phone records match her the car.
Those records show messages to her daughter Harley, Al and a few web searches.
Those records show messages to her daughter Harley, Al and a few web searches.
"Was this later used to search specific areas?"
"Yes"
Says #LeteciaStauch stopped in a parking lot for around 30 mins near Woodman and McLaughlin road.
They searched dumpsters and video around here for a while.
"Yes"
Says #LeteciaStauch stopped in a parking lot for around 30 mins near Woodman and McLaughlin road.
They searched dumpsters and video around here for a while.
Says her phone was put in "Airplane mode" in the Falcon area. That cuts ties with cell networks, only wifi connections would connect from that point on.
7:56-8:08 same day they believe she went west on Woodman.
They no longer have cell records, only the car data.
She stops for 10 mins in a parking lot at Rangewood and Woodman but nothing real found by detectives.
They no longer have cell records, only the car data.
She stops for 10 mins in a parking lot at Rangewood and Woodman but nothing real found by detectives.
Next map, 8:18 PM she is west on Woodman.
8:23 Northbound on I-25
8:34PM She gets onto highway 105 (Monument)
8:23 Northbound on I-25
8:34PM She gets onto highway 105 (Monument)
Next map, eastbound on highway 105, then doubles back westbound.
Still no cell data, but all car data.
Still no cell data, but all car data.
Next map, 8:46-8:57 PM
They believe she passes Lake Woodmoor Drive, then goes back and goes into the neighborhood.
"Did you find evidence there?"
"No"
They believe she passes Lake Woodmoor Drive, then goes back and goes into the neighborhood.
"Did you find evidence there?"
"No"
8:57-9:07 PM
"There's arrows going all over the place on this one, explain."
"Defendant driving all over the neighborhood, eventually exiting the neighborhood after 15 mins."
Clear they are inferring she is looking for a spot to drop the body
"There's arrows going all over the place on this one, explain."
"Defendant driving all over the neighborhood, eventually exiting the neighborhood after 15 mins."
Clear they are inferring she is looking for a spot to drop the body
9:07-9:19 PM
Merges onto I-25 going north, goes on Countyline Road exit where it meets with 105, going northbound on 105, and the northmost point was captured at 9:19.
That's where we had a lot of search crews with the snow sifting if you remember.
This is now Douglas County.
Merges onto I-25 going north, goes on Countyline Road exit where it meets with 105, going northbound on 105, and the northmost point was captured at 9:19.
That's where we had a lot of search crews with the snow sifting if you remember.
This is now Douglas County.
New map, 9:19-9:29 PM
There's a red "X" on this map. Same corner where they were searching with snow sifters last year.
"Is that area dark out? Pretty rural?"
"Yes"
There's a red "X" on this map. Same corner where they were searching with snow sifters last year.
"Is that area dark out? Pretty rural?"
"Yes"
Clark says analyzing the timestamps, it took #LeteciaStauch more time to get around the corner going north instead of south, maybe 5 or 6 mins.
So either she took 6 mins to turn around, or stopped.
So either she took 6 mins to turn around, or stopped.
New map, 9:19- 9:47 PM
Shows car leaving Palmer Lake area, merging onto I-25, then exits onto Briargate.
Her phone was on airplane mode for 2 hours, but pops back on at 9:51 at a Hilton Inn, then connects to the Starbucks at Briargate for an hour.
Shows car leaving Palmer Lake area, merging onto I-25, then exits onto Briargate.
Her phone was on airplane mode for 2 hours, but pops back on at 9:51 at a Hilton Inn, then connects to the Starbucks at Briargate for an hour.
She's still on airplane mode, but she's connected to WiFi so she's getting texts, emails, voicemails, ect.
@4thJudicialDA asks if you would have to manually connect to these locations.
Clark says he cant prove she didn't auto connect, but knows she DID connect.
@4thJudicialDA asks if you would have to manually connect to these locations.
Clark says he cant prove she didn't auto connect, but knows she DID connect.
Clark says she is talking with her daughter Harley during that hour at Starbucks.
She was 17 at the time, and lived in the house. Moving on to next map, no mention of what those messages are.
She was 17 at the time, and lived in the house. Moving on to next map, no mention of what those messages are.
More movement, 11:00PM she goes down Garden of the Gods Road...sorry, got lost, she's double backing a lot of times.
But she ends up at Carefree and Powers at Massage Envy where Harley was working at the time at 11:00PM
But she ends up at Carefree and Powers at Massage Envy where Harley was working at the time at 11:00PM
Clark says #LeteciaStauch was looking up info on Amber Alerts and Ring Doorbells.
The last data point for the car is 11:30 at the Massage Envy.
Stauch's phone then connects to a Holiday Inn WiFi network.
The last data point for the car is 11:30 at the Massage Envy.
Stauch's phone then connects to a Holiday Inn WiFi network.
Clark says Harley's phone data says she was at home, but travels to the Massage Envy to pick up Stauch.
She drives a Jetta and they get home around 1:23 AM
She drives a Jetta and they get home around 1:23 AM
New map, this is from a Nissan GPS tracker.
Wednesday Morning, Harley took Letecia to her car, but @EPCSheriff took her car and phone later that day. Harley also had her car and phone taken.
Wednesday Morning, Harley took Letecia to her car, but @EPCSheriff took her car and phone later that day. Harley also had her car and phone taken.
Nissan Altima is rented by her family who are all flying in from DIA.
Says Letecia had access to that car.
It's also the car I first spoke with her in, when she was driving out of her neighborhood with her family in tow.
Says Letecia had access to that car.
It's also the car I first spoke with her in, when she was driving out of her neighborhood with her family in tow.
WOOF! That's a call for a first break for now, also laptop is about to die so if it's not supercharged i might end up on my phone after this. We'll be back at 10:40 MST
Ok, I’m working off my phone now so please excuse the extra typos coming your way.
So far we’ve seen photos of the suitcase under the bridge, a description of the injuries the Dr. believes Gannon had, and the location records from the say after he was reported missing.
So far we’ve seen photos of the suitcase under the bridge, a description of the injuries the Dr. believes Gannon had, and the location records from the say after he was reported missing.
We’re back in talking with Mr. Clark.
Back to the maps.
The same Nissan she was driving and the moving truck are seen paused at the park when I interviews #LeteciaStauch.
This map shows data from a GPS tracker that was on her car when she met me.
Back to the maps.
The same Nissan she was driving and the moving truck are seen paused at the park when I interviews #LeteciaStauch.
This map shows data from a GPS tracker that was on her car when she met me.
Map shows she then heads back to the location near Palmer Lake around 4PM Friday. Same spot on the corner, GPS captures it again at 4:41.
@4thJudicialDA going over that all of the tracking data we’re seeing now on these maps takes time to get a hold of. They didn’t have this right away.
We’re looking at a new map, a side by side of her trip up past Monument on Tuesday and then again Friday.
Says they aren’t exact because the data points are measured differently but they show the same rout and same area.
Says there was a “first look” on that Friday.
Says they aren’t exact because the data points are measured differently but they show the same rout and same area.
Says there was a “first look” on that Friday.
Detectives would have had to look from Larkspur to Palmer Lake, so it was just a drive by at that time.
With more data they got, they were able to focus on the “S” curve, where they had that red X earlier.
With more data they got, they were able to focus on the “S” curve, where they had that red X earlier.
Here’s where we are taking about.
Clark says they found a board there eventually and they’re going to bring that up with another witness.
Clark says they found a board there eventually and they’re going to bring that up with another witness.
Feb 1st-6th 2020 Map.
This is showing two trips across the country. I’ll do a crude mockup.
Red was the cell data from a phone bought in Trinidad.
Yellow is from the rental car.
This is showing two trips across the country. I’ll do a crude mockup.
Red was the cell data from a phone bought in Trinidad.
Yellow is from the rental car.
Clark says Harley is traveling with #LeteciaStauch in the van.
Now asking about stops along the route (surveillance video and credit card data, cell data…)
Toll roads and plate data also included.
@4thJudicialDA detailing all the evidence they have she made the trip.
Now asking about stops along the route (surveillance video and credit card data, cell data…)
Toll roads and plate data also included.
@4thJudicialDA detailing all the evidence they have she made the trip.
Feb 4th, 2020 #LeteciaStauch and Harley get to Pensacola and check into a hotel.
Feb 4th map:
We’re in Pensacola, she was at the Candlewood Sweets hotel.
This map also includes the drop point of the suitcase and body at 4:15 AM.
It’s three miles from their hotel.
We’re in Pensacola, she was at the Candlewood Sweets hotel.
This map also includes the drop point of the suitcase and body at 4:15 AM.
It’s three miles from their hotel.
End of maps, we’re looking at the Candlewood Suites receipt.
Has #LeteciaStauch’s info and rewards membership.
They made the reservation on Feb 3rd, checked in the 4th.
Says after their short stay they moved on to North Carolina
Has #LeteciaStauch’s info and rewards membership.
They made the reservation on Feb 3rd, checked in the 4th.
Says after their short stay they moved on to North Carolina
No cross examination from Mr. Tolini, moving on to next witness.
Calling Patrick Younkin to the stand. He’s a Sgt.
He works with @EPCSheriff.
Younkin is a patrol decision supervisor. He was working the day Gannon was reported missing.
He was first on scene at the home. Call came in at 6:55 PM.
Younkin is a patrol decision supervisor. He was working the day Gannon was reported missing.
He was first on scene at the home. Call came in at 6:55 PM.
Younkin says runaways are given a “non-emergency” priority level, says they had several other calls at the time.
Also, excuse me he was third on scene. Two other deputies were there when he got there.
They got permission and he started searching the house for Gannon.
Also, excuse me he was third on scene. Two other deputies were there when he got there.
They got permission and he started searching the house for Gannon.
He spoke with #Leteciastauch in the attached garage, and then again on a lower level of the house. There’s body-worn camera, we might be watching that now.
Yup here’s his camera.
Exhibit is published, we’re going to see the say she reported him missing.
Exhibit is published, we’re going to see the say she reported him missing.
*day, sorry.
Scene is dark on their front door.
#Leteciastauch starts talking.
“I took the covers he was laying in…daughter was out dog was out…”
“Did he take his bike?”
“No…unless he did earlier.”
Scene is dark on their front door.
#Leteciastauch starts talking.
“I took the covers he was laying in…daughter was out dog was out…”
“Did he take his bike?”
“No…unless he did earlier.”
She’s on camera talking about the bike says someone say him on his bike with a Nintendo Switch.
Asks if he can look around
“Oh sure sure,”
Asks if he can look around
“Oh sure sure,”
Younkin is now searching rooms and closets with a light.
#LeteciaStauch is taking in a clam manor.
Other conversation in the background you hear her say his stomach hurt and he was going to a friends house to play video games.
Says Al is more free in these situation
#LeteciaStauch is taking in a clam manor.
Other conversation in the background you hear her say his stomach hurt and he was going to a friends house to play video games.
Says Al is more free in these situation
Younkin still searching closets and rooms. you’ll hear #LeteciaStauch every once in a while talking to other officers in the background.
She says something about the carpet downstairs.
“Did I bring my thing in here?? Might be in here.”
Younkin in more closets, searching.
She says something about the carpet downstairs.
“Did I bring my thing in here?? Might be in here.”
Younkin in more closets, searching.
Younkin he’s looking at the car.
“Did you have this car today?”
“Yes…no!! No I didn’t drive it today.”
She needed to get the ID out if it and got nervous.
Younkin opens the back of the car, I believe the suitcase is seen. He closes the back of the car.
“Did you have this car today?”
“Yes…no!! No I didn’t drive it today.”
She needed to get the ID out if it and got nervous.
Younkin opens the back of the car, I believe the suitcase is seen. He closes the back of the car.
He looks around the garage a bit more.
This is an aside, but you gotta expect Younkin feels horrible now with all this evidence. But at the time, he didn’t know.
This is an aside, but you gotta expect Younkin feels horrible now with all this evidence. But at the time, he didn’t know.
Younkin continues his search of the house, going down to what I believe is the basement.
He’s looking inside a storage room with the water heater and laundry baskets now, tons of cardboard boxes.
@4thJudicialDA passes video “you’re entering a room here, which one?”
Younkin “Gannon Stauch’s room”
Younkin “Gannon Stauch’s room”
He looks under a bed. There’s two beds and a blue nightstand.
Nerfgun behind one of the beds.
He leaves the room.
Nerfgun behind one of the beds.
He leaves the room.
And #LeteciaStauch brings him back in to talk about a box cutter, says Gannon dropped a candle last night. She’s trying to explain why there was a box cutter and says she covered up the candle with carpet, pulling it back to show.
Says “connor’s mom came over, he hangs out with them all the time, a bunch of people came over, yeah.”
They’re in his room again.
They’re in his room again.
Says he’s not super mature, forgets things.
Asks if he has a jacket with him, presumably to see if he would be cold. It’s January.
“I’m very fashion…” Stauch says, “when kids have all sorts of clothes, yeah.”
Asks if he has a jacket with him, presumably to see if he would be cold. It’s January.
“I’m very fashion…” Stauch says, “when kids have all sorts of clothes, yeah.”
Ask if she has talked to the parents of his friends…”I don’t talk to them, Al says yes, he says no,”
Says they have only been here a year.
They’re just trying to make sure they tried all the neighbors.
Says they have only been here a year.
They’re just trying to make sure they tried all the neighbors.
Says Al has been checking in on neighbors too.
He took his Switch with him, says in a picture of him (taken by some woman online, according to Stauch.)
“Where/when was the picture taken?”
“Uh…idk…I have a lot of messages on Facebook right now.”
He took his Switch with him, says in a picture of him (taken by some woman online, according to Stauch.)
“Where/when was the picture taken?”
“Uh…idk…I have a lot of messages on Facebook right now.”
Going over description of him now.
“Hair eyes Brown, brown, brown brown, very pale”
Deputies are now taking about who’s house he might be at.
Says Al got a weird text about bath salts, says Gannon said he couldn’t play Sonic at a friend’s house.
“Hair eyes Brown, brown, brown brown, very pale”
Deputies are now taking about who’s house he might be at.
Says Al got a weird text about bath salts, says Gannon said he couldn’t play Sonic at a friend’s house.
We just heard Harley over the camera.
“Harley did you get it??”
“Yep”
Think she was talking about the doorbell.
Letecia says “we’ve had so many neighbors come through.”
“Harley did you get it??”
“Yep”
Think she was talking about the doorbell.
Letecia says “we’ve had so many neighbors come through.”
Joking about being asked about tattoos and earrings on Gannon.
“We’ve already talked to a few people at school, there is a game there tonight so maybe he went to a basketball game?”
“We’ve already talked to a few people at school, there is a game there tonight so maybe he went to a basketball game?”
Suggests they call Al at this point in Oklahoma.
She’s talking a lot.
She’s talking a lot.
Says “as far as medical dental, he will have all that stuff he takes him on base.”
They say they will give her a case number, seems like it’s wrapping up.
They say they will give her a case number, seems like it’s wrapping up.
Deputies leave the home. End of video.
Asks if he saw anything under the bed in Gannon’s room, he says he was looking for Gannon but didn’t see him.
“Anything like blood obvious at this point?”
“No”
“Any indication anything violent occurred?”
“No”
“Anything like blood obvious at this point?”
“No”
“Any indication anything violent occurred?”
“No”
“If you did see something what would you have done?”
“Lock down house, call for back up.”
“No indication anything violent happened in garage?”
“No”
Explaining why he was stopping in the storage room. He was listening for a hidden kid.
“Lock down house, call for back up.”
“No indication anything violent happened in garage?”
“No”
Explaining why he was stopping in the storage room. He was listening for a hidden kid.
Once again, Younkin says no obvious signs of violence.
Cross examination now from Mr. Tolini.
Cross examination now from Mr. Tolini.
Excuse me, Will Cook is up for Letecia Stauch. He’s another one of her lawyers, and says her last name with a “ouch” which I believe is incorrect.
He’s clarifying that #LeteciaStauch was mostly talking to a Deputy Parker with @EPCSheriff.
“Your only real involvement was the bodyworn camera, correct?”
“Yes”
He says he went back to help in the investigation two days later.
“Your only real involvement was the bodyworn camera, correct?”
“Yes”
He says he went back to help in the investigation two days later.
“Did you find a suitcase in the car?”
“I did not know if there was a suitcase in the vehicle. I did use my flashlight to see in the car. “
“You didn’t see anything suspicious?”
“No.”
“I did not know if there was a suitcase in the vehicle. I did use my flashlight to see in the car. “
“You didn’t see anything suspicious?”
“No.”
They’re confirming he did not see the suitcase in the car on redirect from @4thJudicialDA.
Video was very dark, so not clear if it was there or not. I could see a rectangular box back there.
Video was very dark, so not clear if it was there or not. I could see a rectangular box back there.
When he came back two days later he found a red liquid substance from the basement to the garage.
Says the liquid was dry.
Did not know what it was then.
Says the liquid was dry.
Did not know what it was then.
He’s saying how many resources he used, including planes, horses, razor 4x4, drones, dogs, snow poles, and parks and wildlife submarine device (I tweeted about that yellow device back in the day)
Explaining the uses of each, pretty self explanatory.
He says they started the search near the home, then branched out from there, then to fountain creek, and finally Palmer Lake and south Perry Park Road.
He says they started the search near the home, then branched out from there, then to fountain creek, and finally Palmer Lake and south Perry Park Road.
Sarkisian says he didn’t get the context for each search move, he was just there for coordinating resources.
Says he was told there was car data that showed #LeteciaStauch in Douglas County, and that it was odd it was up there in a remote area.
Says he was told there was car data that showed #LeteciaStauch in Douglas County, and that it was odd it was up there in a remote area.
Talking about different spots where they set up command posts.
He’s looking at exhibits 26-28 now.
“The first is a photograph of the ‘S’ curve we were talking about, the second is a plywood board, third is what was on the board.”
He’s looking at exhibits 26-28 now.
“The first is a photograph of the ‘S’ curve we were talking about, the second is a plywood board, third is what was on the board.”
Photos are up on the monitor now so we can see.
First photo, it’s that curve we’ve talked about.
Looks like the photo I added, but snowy.
Lots of parked cars.
First photo, it’s that curve we’ve talked about.
Looks like the photo I added, but snowy.
Lots of parked cars.
Sarkisian says the snow burn (or wall next to the road) is about 7-8 feet tall.
A dog alerted them to the area at that time. He checked the barbed wire fence, says they found animal fibers there, but he started to go from there.
A dog alerted them to the area at that time. He checked the barbed wire fence, says they found animal fibers there, but he started to go from there.
He says he found the board, “didn’t appear to be moved at all because the snow wasn’t broken”
Here’s the photo, kinda tough to see, but it looks like a board under a bunch of tree branches.
The image is mostly branches, but you can make out a board.
Here’s the photo, kinda tough to see, but it looks like a board under a bunch of tree branches.
The image is mostly branches, but you can make out a board.
He says he only was looking for anything out of the usual.
Third photo.
This is a photo of the board, with a stain on it.
There’s an artificial red circle around the around the middle of the photo highlighting a dark stain, which he says is blood.
Third photo.
This is a photo of the board, with a stain on it.
There’s an artificial red circle around the around the middle of the photo highlighting a dark stain, which he says is blood.
FBI did a presumptive test to see if it was blood, first test says yes.
They send it off for more testing, and confirm it was blood, and Gannon’s blood specifically.
They send it off for more testing, and confirm it was blood, and Gannon’s blood specifically.
Mr. Tolini now for cross examination.
“Was that the first time the dogs made an alert?”
“Not sure”
“How many dogs?”
“Not sure depends on the day”
“If you report the board was found the 15th, and they had dogs in the area for two weeks?”
“I’d have to look at the data”
“Was that the first time the dogs made an alert?”
“Not sure”
“How many dogs?”
“Not sure depends on the day”
“If you report the board was found the 15th, and they had dogs in the area for two weeks?”
“I’d have to look at the data”
Sarkisian says he lifted the edge of the board, said “oo that looks like blood” and set it down again.
“Ideally you wouldn’t have move it before taking a photo?”
“True.”
“Ideally you wouldn’t have move it before taking a photo?”
“True.”
Sarkisian says board was 2-2.5 feet.
“Big enough to pull a body out.”
“No idea”
“But not long enough to hold on each side with a body on top?”
“I guess.”
“Big enough to pull a body out.”
“No idea”
“But not long enough to hold on each side with a body on top?”
“I guess.”
Also not trying to make these guys sound standoffish. They’re just professional sounding, type just makes them sound short.
Tolini:” besides blood, any ties to the Stauch home?”
“Not that I’m aware of”
Confirms @EPCSheriff was leading the investigation, not FBI.
And back to redirect.
“It snowed several times right?”
“Yes”
WERE ON BREAK UNTIL 1:20 MST
“Not that I’m aware of”
Confirms @EPCSheriff was leading the investigation, not FBI.
And back to redirect.
“It snowed several times right?”
“Yes”
WERE ON BREAK UNTIL 1:20 MST
Oh!! @4thJudicialDA says at the pace we are going we should finish today, and if we wanted to bring back #LeteciaStauch for the end they should do so.
Judge says “eh, we will do tomorrow.”
Judge says “eh, we will do tomorrow.”
He says trying to get her back into WebEx will not be a quick option.
“I appreciate that you think we can finish, but no harm in pushing tomorrow.”
“I appreciate that you think we can finish, but no harm in pushing tomorrow.”
Mr. Tolini says #LeteciaStauch intends to waive the prelim for her escape case.
Anyway!
Judge says we will need to be back tomorrow anyway
Judge says we will need to be back tomorrow anyway
Short break outside reporting for @KKTV11News and the marvelous @KatiePeltonKKTV, quickly followed by a Facebook live with @jonwienershow.
I'm back in the hallway typing up scripts for later shows, but we'll be back in the room in the next half hour.
I'm back in the hallway typing up scripts for later shows, but we'll be back in the room in the next half hour.
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