Mich. v. Michael Jackson-Bolanos

DETROIT, Mich. – The trial of Mich. V. Michael Jackson-Bolanos, charged with the murder of Samantha Woll, began on June 11, 2024 with opening statements. The state laid out a lot of evidence in their opening statement, but the defense gave the jury a lot to think about.

Everyone Can Agree on This

Samantha Woll, a prominent member of her community, was found by a neighbor outside on her lawn, at 6:21 a.m. on October 21, 2023. Her body bloody, barefoot, and cold to the touch. A trail of blood lead from her body to her home, revealing a bloody scene. There was blood smeared on the walls and on the floor.  The Cause of death revealed at the autopsy was from eight stab wounds above the shoulders, focusing on Woll’s head and neck. This both state and defense agree on during their opening statements.

The State’s Opening Statement

“There is a reason we lock our doors at night when we go to sleep. It is because people who lurk in the night; people who could do us harm, and this case is about one such person,” the state begins their opening statement. “A person you will see on one particular night on the prowl in our community, looking for spaces that were not his to go into and things that were not his to take. The most important thing he ended up taking in that night was the life of a woman. A woman named Samantha Woll.”  

The state continues their opening with a tale of a fun night for Woll, a night spent at a wedding and returning home around 12:30 a.m. Her last outgoing text a “heart” emoji sent to a friend at 1:02 a.m. and appearing to go to bed sometime around 1:24 a.m. when her living room motion detector goes idle and the last activity on her phone between 1:29 a.m. and 1:35 a.m.

Something Woll may not have known, according to her front door sensor, it would appear that the door never closed after she returned home. A small mistake many have made in their time but, in this case, would lead to a tragic ending.

A picture of a thorough investigation by the homicide task force, which consists of the Detroit Police, Michigan State Police, ATF, and FBI. The investigation started open-ended and would take 6 weeks to narrow down. At which point, they had two suspects. Suspect 1 was an ex-boyfriend of Molly’s. Suspect 2, the defendant.

The ex-boyfriend spoke to police, willingly, the day after Woll was found dead. Then, on November 7, 2023, he called police during what is being described as a delusional panic attack. After an increased dosage in his depression meds and ingesting cannabis, he was convinced himself that he had killed Woll himself. This despite having no proof or memory of committing the act. No DNA or fingerprints belonging to the ex-boyfriend were found at the scene. Using cell phone data, investigators put him home on the night of her death.

Suspect 2 was a figure seen on camera footage from an elementary school near Woll’s building that picked up a figure in a nearby parking lot, tampering with cars. One of the cars had a slashed tire. This caught the attention of investigators and they looked for other cameras in the area. Able to track the figures motions, the FBI worked with T-Mobile to find devices following the trajectory. They were able it down to the defendant, Michael Jackson-Bolanos.

Jackson-Bolanos left his girlfriend’s home at 12:32 a.m. in Midtown Detroit the night of Woll’s death. At 1:44 a.m. he is in the location of the Lafayette Park neighborhood near Woll’s home. There he stayed about 18 minutes. He returned to his girlfriend’s home at 4:55 a.m. During the time he was out, he was wearing a North Face Jacket and a white backpack.

On November 30, 2023, the defendant was arrested and a search warrant for his girlfriend’s apartment was executed. During the search, officers found the North Face jacket worn on the night in question, with 2 spots of blood. After testing and comparing the DNA to Woll’s, it was concluded to a high probability that the DNA matched. During a search of the defendant’s car, the white backpack was also found. That too had blood on it that came back as a high probability match to the DNA of Woll. Jackson-Bolanos was unable to give an explanation for the blood found on the backpack and jacket.

The Defense’s Opening Statements

“It was not Michael Jackson-Bolanos,” defense said as they started their opening. “She was stabbed 8 times in the neck and back. That would indicate a crime of passion.” He went on to describe the scene and events of that night.

There were bruises and contusions on her face, evidence of a struggle in multiple rooms. There was a high concentration of blood in the hallway. This is indicative of a body having fallen and lying there for a period of time. All of this effort, and nothing of value was taken from the home.

The defendant admits to being in the area that night. He also told police of his having come upon the body and touching her to see if she was still alive. Would this not be a possible explanation for the spots of blood found on the jacket and backpack? The neighbor who found Woll lying outside touched the body to see if she was alive. If the investigators had collected his clothing and done a blood analysis, would they have found trace amounts of blood on him as well?

There were no footprints found in the blood from the defendant to indicate that he had walked around the scene. Given the bloody scene, wouldn’t “he have been covered in blood?” He made no attempt to discard any of the clothes he had worn that night. Yes, his girlfriend had washed the North Face jacket, but she washed it with a load of laundry as she would any other garment.

Yes, they found multiple knives both in the girlfriend’s home, and on the defendant himself, but they were all sent for analysis. None of the knives returned with evidence associating the defendant with the scene. The “only evidence” the state has connecting Jackson-Bolanos to the scene are trace spots of blood on the back of his sleeve. There was no blood on either his pants or his shoes.

Despite his body being photographed at the time of arrest, no signs of having been in a fight or struggle were visible. He made no attempt to avoid law enforcement. In fact, he contacted law enforcement himself several times in an attempt to find out when he could get his knives back.

The ex-boyfriend on the other hand, had already secured an attorney through his parents after he told them what he had done; a story, according to defense opening, he changed after speaking with his therapist. He had a camera system in his house, but law enforcement was unable to extract pictures from his camera due to either having been deleted or some other explanation. As for the cell phone placing him at home, his only alibi, would he have been smart enough to not have brought the phone with him to the scene?

This One’s for You to Decide

At first glance, this appears to be an open and closed case. That is, until the defense offered their opening statement. The statement started a little rocky, but quickly picked up and, in my opinion, was enough to make people stop and think. But that’s not for me to decide for you.

One tragic night. One murder victim. Two Suspects. One defendant, Michael Jackson-Bolanos. Is he guilty of murder or being in the wrong place at the wrong time?

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In response to the state’s demand for an alibi, defense released the following on April 17, 2024.

“Mr. Kohberger was out driving in the early morning hours of November 13, 2022; as he
often did to hike and run and/or see the moon and stars. He drove throughout the area south of
Pullman, Washington, west of Moscow, Idaho including Wawawai Park.”

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OXFORD, Mi. – Represented by Attorney Marielle Lehman, James Crumbley appeared in court yesterday after a motion was filed to excluded three of the witnesses the prosecution plans to call.

Prosecution plans to call two former Oxford High School students to testify about what they witnessed in the hallway during the shooting on November 30, 2021. Prosecution argued that the students give a unique perspective given that they are the only two surviving shooting victims from the hallway. Defense argued the testimony is irrelevant; the only purpose being to “inflame the jury” and would be “highly prejudicial.” Prosecution also plans to call the former owner of the gun used in the shooting.

Judge Cheryl Matthews said that while she previously was against the testimony of the former gun owner, she now feels that he “may have information on the condition of the cable lock” and will allow the testimony. Matthews is taking more time to decide whether to allow the testimony of the two former students.

James Crumbley is charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter related to the shooting at Oxford High School by his son, Ethan Crumbley, who is currently serving a sentence of life in prison. His wife, Jennifer Crumbley, was found guilty last month of four counts of manslaughter. Crumbley’s trial is set to begin on March 5.

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MOSCOW, Id – Judge John C. Judge published his ruling in the matter of the motion filed by the defendant, Bryan C. Kohberger, on August 24, 2023, asking that cameras be prohibited in the courtroom. A motion to which The Associated Press filed a motion in opposition of removing cameras from the courtroom.

The press argued that “continuing to allow audio/visual coverage of the proceedings is the only way to ensure that the many community members affected by these crimes throughout the University of Idaho, Moscow, the State of Idaho, and the cities in which the victims’ family members reside have an opportunity to see and hear the proceedings for themselves.”

After the arrest of Kohberger on December 30, 2022, media coverage quickly focused on Kohberger and continues to be flooded with articles and posts focused on Kohberger. This coverage raised concerns surrounding Kohberger’s right to a fair trail by an impartial jury. The court recognizes “the high-profile nature of the case and the extensive coverage it has received, along with the need to minimize possible pretrial prejudice.”

The defense presented examples in their motion of media cameras zooming in on Kohberger despite the Court’s against this practice, instead ordering they capture the courtroom in its entirety. “It is the intense focus on Kohberger and his every move, along with adverse headlines and news articles, that leads the Court to conclude that continued photograph and video coverage inside the courtroom by the media should no longer be permitted.”

Both the state and defense are in agreement with the need to prohibit cameras from the courtroom. The state arguing concern of “vulnerable victims and witnesses” that may be called to testify in either hearings and/or the trial. Practices by the media thus far leaves no confidence that they won’t show these victims and witnesses, despite any ruling by the court.

It is with these reasonings, as laid out in the judge’s order, that he has banned media cameras, video and still, from the courtroom. He will, however, continue to allow a court operated video system to be operated and that live video will be live streamed on the Court’s YouTube channel.

Click link to go the Court’s YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAOFrQpvtre9HRSzhY-zhCA

Related Reading:
Pennsylvania Releases Search Warrant – (truthanddeliberation.com)

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GREENSBURG, Pa. – Lauren and Jacob Maloberti, charged with the death of their 5-year-old adopted son, appeared in today. Her for a motion hearing and pre-trial conference, him for a pre-trial conference.

At 9:37 a.m. Lauren was brought into courtroom 6 of the Westmoreland County Courthouse. Jacob followed 5 minutes later. At first appearance, she comes out shackled, smiling, and waving. Her long, reddish pink hair draping down her back. After being taken to her seat, she continues to smile, act flirty, and mouth “I love you” to her family in the galley. He comes out, shackled and subdued. He appears quiet, closed, and timid.

The cases of The Commonwealth vs. Lauren Maloberti and Jacob Maloberti are called together at 9:45. Defense counsel of Lauren Maloberti begins with a motion to compel discovery, claiming the commonwealth has yet to hand over the additional medical files needed for their expert to complete his report. The state acknowledges the need to get together the pediatric medical records of Landon Maloberti, the alleged victim, and phone records.

After some back and forth, Judge Mears agrees that the “commonwealth has to use due diligence at all times” but does not “see a need for a discovery schedule.” Jacob’s defense counsel agrees with the judge the same goes for her client as well, and a thirty-day continuance is granted. The defendants are led out of the courtroom and that concludes today’s hearing.

To read more on the Maloberti case:

Parents Charged in Murder of Five-Year-Old Adoptive Son – (truthanddeliberation.com)

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CRESCENT CITY, Ca – On October 12, 2023, Sheriff’s Deputy Deanna Esmaeel was found dead in her home. After Deputy Esmaeel failed to show up for work or answer her phone, a coworker was sent to do a welfare check. That’s when her body was found in her North Bank Road home.

Esmaeel was 67. She joined the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office in 2021. Her son, Marty York, posted on Instagram after learning of her death, “This is the hardest post I’ll ever have to write, but I found out from the sheriff department last night that my mother was murdered by a man she was seeing. The emotions I have are horrible right now between rage, vengeance, crying.”

Esmaeel’s 54-year-old boyfriend, Daniel James Walter (aka Edward Patrick Davies) was taken into custody in Curry County, Oregon on Friday, October 13, after a brief manhunt. He has been charged with 1 count of murder and is being held in the custody of the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office. Jail records show a $1 million bail.

Details of Esmaeel’s death have not been released. “At this time, we are unable to release further details as this is an ongoing homicide investigation,” said the sheriff’s department.

Del Norte County Sherriff Garrett Scott released a statement of condolences, “We are all deeply heartbroken with the loss of Deput Esmaeel. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family, friends, and coworkers.”

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Delmont, PA – On the evening of January 30, 2023, five-year-old Landon Maloberti was brought to AHN Hempfield Hospital, unconscious. A week later, on the evening of February 7, he would be dead. On July 27, Landon’s adoptive mother, Lauren Maloberti, and her husband, Jacob Maloberti, were arrested and charged in relation to his death.

“Tragically, Landon suffered abuse and trauma over the span of his short life. We intend to prosecute this case with the dignity and honor Landon deserves,” said D.A. Nicole Ziccarelli

A forensic examination revealed previous injuries and evidence of abuse prior to the death of Landon. According to a press release by the Westmoreland County District Attorney, severe child abuse allegations against the parents were being investigated by Westmoreland County detectives and Delmont Police since January 2023.

“In the 25 years I have been working for the Delmont Police Department, we have never faced an incident like this,” said Delmont Police Chief, T.J. Klobucar

Both Lauren and Jacob Maloberti have been charged with criminal homicide, endangering the welfare of children, two counts of aggravated assault, and criminal conspiracy. They were arraigned on July 28 and are due back in court on August 8 for the preliminary hearing. This remains and ongoing and active investigation.

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KELLOG, Idaho – A 911 call reporting shots fired came into the Shoshone County at 7:20 p.m. on Sunday, June 18, 2023. A few moments later, a second call followed reporting that an individual had executed his neighbors.

At the time of his arrival, 7:24 p.m., at 515 Brown Avenue, Sergeant Bilaski saw Marjorjon Kaylor in the street with another individual. Kaylor admitted at that time he shot, and killed, his neighbors. Kaylor was detained.

At 7:57 p.m., a request for Detective Justin Klitch of Idaho State Police to respond to the residence was dispatched. Detective Klitch arrived on the seen at 9:35 p.m. At that point, he assumed investigatory duties.

The Victims

Four deceased victims were found at the scene. Two victims, Kenneth (65) and Kenna (41) Guardipee, were found near the entrance to apartment A along with multiple .45 caliber casings. Kenna Guardipee had a gunshot wound to her right temple, appearing to have been fired within close proximity. Her father, and grandfather to the younger victims, Kenneth Guardipee also had a gunshot wound to the right temple, fired in close proximity.

The children of Kenna Guardipee, Devin (18) and Aiken (16) Smith, were found inside apartment A. Aiken’s body was found lying face down between the kitchen and living room. A gunshot wound the right temple was observed. It appears that Aiken had been shot point blank while lying on the floor in the prone position. Devin was found on his knees, face down, in a bedroom, multiple gunshot wounds to the head at close range.

Motive?

According to Kaylor, the older son, Devin, had been acting suspicious, watching his kids, and conducted acts of nudity in front of his children. Allegedly, Devin exposed himself to Kaylor’s wife and daughter. During an on-scene interview, Kaylor referred to Devin as a pedophile and told Detective Klitch that he was suspicious of Devin and concerned for his children.

A few days prior to the incident Kaylie Kaylor, wife of Marjorjon, posted to Facebook claiming Devin Smith had exposed himself, shaking his penis, and masturbating through a window in front of her and her juvenile daughters. This alleged incident took place on June 13, 2023 and was reported to and investigated by police.

On the evening of the shootings, Kaylor confronted Kenneth and Kenna about the actions of Devin. He then became upset that the two did not seem to be taking his concerns seriously. This is when Kaylor claims to have “snapped”, “lost it” and “did something about it.”

What says the witness?

Mrs. Kaylor told police that Kaylor had a gun on him, in a holster, that he put on after returning home from work. Mrs. Kaylor claims she was standing near her husband when she heard gunshots and saw Kenna, followed by Kenneth, hit the ground. She heard additional gunshots after running upstairs to her apartment.

Mrs. Kaylor observed Kaylor put a belt, holster, and gun in their truck parked outside. Kaylor was overheard by his wife telling someone on the phone that he had killed four people. According to Mrs. Kaylor, Kenneth and Kenna were unarmed.

Search and Seizure

A search warrant of the Dodge Ram truck owned by the Kaylors was executed by Detective Klitch. Among the items seized was a .45 caliber High Point semi-automatic pistol. The pistol was holstered and secured with a snap and attached to a belt. At the time of seizure, there was one bullet in the chamber and five bullets in the magazine.  Both blood and tissued appeared on the pistol. An empty magazine was found under the seat of the truck.

According to police reports, Kaylor would have likely had to deliberately change magazines and/or reload magazines in order to continue shooting and discharge the number of rounds fired during the homicide.

Charges

Kaylor was arrested and booked into the Shoshone County Jail on June 19, 2023, and arraigned on June 20. He has been charged with four counts of murder in the first degree and one count of burglary, a felony. In the state of Idaho, the charge of murder in the first carries a sentence of life imprisonment or death. On June 21, a notice of intent not to seek the death penalty was filed by the state.

Kaylor is due back in court on August 15 and 16, 2023 for the preliminary hearing.

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PALATKA, Fl – In 2003, Robert and Melanie Belton, to their delight, learned they were expecting their 5^th child. Shortly into the pregnancy, the Beltons were informed that their baby showed signs of Downs Syndrome and an abnormal heart. It was recommended that they have an abortion. Mrs. Belton told the doctor, “I will keep her just like God gave her to me.” Her doctor supported this decision and, on November 17, 2003 in Berlin, Germany, the Beltons welcomed an 8-pound, perfect and healthy, little girl, Ayana Grace, into the world.

Ayana and Family Move to The United States

Three years later, Mr. and Mrs. Belton packed up their family of 7 and moved to the United States, where Mr. Belton was from. It did not take long for young Ayana to transition into her new life. She started at a Head Start Program and made friends. Ayana proved herself a great student with good grades, graduating middle school as one of the top 8^th graders. This would continue throughout her school years, all the way into high school.

Mrs. Belton describes Ayana an easy going and laid back but with a fire inside of her and the biggest smile. Ayana had a “big heart, quiet and sweet.” She was a good child, never giving her parents any problems. Her friends describe her as shy and quiet, but very kind. She was a happy child.  Her freshman year of high school went by without incident. She enjoyed being in band, where she played the drums, and the Photography Club.

In her free time, Ayana loved to make YouTube videos, chat online with her friends, and play Fortnite with her brothers. She liked watching shows like All Americans and The 100 on Netflix or listening to music from XXXTentacion and Juice Wrld.Like most typical teenagers, she loved fast food, specifically Wendy’s and Dunkin Donuts.

Ayana also loved swimming and family vacations. She was close with all of her siblings but especially close with her older sister Denisha and younger brother Jaremiah with whom she shared secrets.

Ayana and Anthony

In her sophomore year, Ayana met Anthony Foxx, Jr., who was a little under 3 years older than Ayana. Mrs. Belton felt like something was off about Foxx but could never put her finger on what it was. The two dated throughout that year. While the family could see problems in the relationship, noticing Ayana and Foxx arguing a lot, they never saw anything that pointed to Ayana being in danger. When asked what the arguments were about, Ayana told her mother that Foxx was always talking to other girls and possibly cheating.

After months of being off and on, Ayana started talking to another boy, getting emotionally involved. This seemed to anger Foxx. He began to threaten and stalk Ayana. Her parents asked him many times to leave her alone but he kept on. This led to the Beltons changing Ayana’s cell number, at Ayana’s request, and switching her school to get her away from him. Unknown to the Beltons, these steps did nothing to help.

Mrs. Belton feels that her daughter still cared for Foxx and tried to continue a friendship. Messages found after the death of Ayana point to this conclusion. Messages also indicated that Foxx planned to kill Ayana, but she didn’t seem to take them seriously and instead brushed off the threats. The evening of March 26, 2020, she agreed to meet up with him.

A Parent’s Worst Nightmare

The day of March 26 started like any other. Mr. and Mrs. Belton went to work. Schools closed due to Covid lockdowns, the Belton children stayed at home. That evening, the Beltons had dinner together, as a family.

Mrs. Belton was cleaning up after the meal when she noticed Ayana was not around. She searched the house for her daughter. Ayana had snuck out. Mrs. Belton called her daughter’s phone and asked her to come home. Ayana complied and told her mother she would, but Ayana didn’t return.

Fifteen minutes after the phone call, there was a knock on the door of the Belton home. Foxx was standing at the door, covered in blood. Foxx told them that Ayana was dead. At first, he claimed Ayana had been shot but quickly changed his story to say that she had been stabbed.

Mr. Belton ran to where Foxx said Ayana was, finding his daughter lying on the side of the road about 100 yards away from the front door of the Belton home. Ayana had been stabbed multiple times and died at the hospital.

At approximately 8:35 p.m., Palatka Police Department were called to the area of Hussan Avenue and Pink Orchard Way. It didn’t take long for the police to put the pieces together and, within the hour, Foxx was named the suspect. 

Nineteen years old at the time of the incident, Foxx was indicted on murder in the first degree. Foxx went to trial in December 2022. The trial lasted two days, December 6 and 7. On December 7, 2022, Foxx was found guilty as charged on First-Degree Murder and, on January 3, 2023, was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.

In a letter written by Mrs. Belton and read as part of the victim impact portion of the sentencing, we learned that Ayana “loved babies” and was “beyond excitement when she heard her sister was having a baby.” And it’s the small things that will be missed. “I miss Ayana like I have never missed anybody in my life,” her mother wrote. “I miss seeing her in the kitchen, standing up, eating cereal…She liked standing up, leaning against the counter, enjoying her cereal.”

Ayana’s father, Robert Belton, spoke of his daughter at the sentencing as well. Mr. Belton spoke of how “it hurts when you have somebody in your heart but no longer physically present with you or your family.” He expressed the difficulties of trying to “understand why so precious a person as [his] daughter, Ayana, died so [brutally], with 124 stabs” and how “without God’s grace, I would never endure such pain and loss, my family and I.”

For Ayana’s family, the conviction of Foxx gives some release but, as her mother says, “it doesn’t bring her back. [Their] lives are shattered, and Ayana is gone, [her] family is incomplete without her.”

Remembering Ayana, Always

The Belton family will always miss their beautiful Ayana, but they have found ways to keep her memory alive, both privately and publicly. Ayana was interested in the medical field. She dreamed of going to the University of Florida in Gainesville with the goal of becoming an ARNP (advanced registered nurse practitioner). In her memory, they set up the Ayana Grace Belton Nursing Memorial Scholarship Fund (https://bold.org/funds/ayana-grace-belton-nursing-memorial-scholaship-fund) to help others live this dream.

Mrs. Belton runs a Facebook page in memory of Ayana (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091905277695). There she shares her daughter with the rest of us.  And then, there are the more personal ways to keep Ayana around. Ayana’s sister, Xavier, shared a picture of a beautiful quilt made out of Ayana’s clothing. 

Her classmates and high school also found a way to keep Ayana alive. Ayana would have graduated in 2022. During the ceremony, attended by her family, a friend of Ayana gave a speech and a friend’s sister read a poem written for Ayana.

I can’t forget to mention how grateful I am that I was trusted with telling you this story. I have had the honor and privilege of getting to know Ayana through her mother’s words. I’ve spent so much time reading and re-reading those words, looking at social media posts, and scrolling through photos sent to me by Mrs. Belton, two of which are posted on the wall next to me at this moment.

Ayana may have been taken from this world way too early, but she clearly made the world a better place during the short time she was here. The love she shared continues to make the world a better place and her memory will never die.

Dating Violence: Information and Resources

Ayana’s life was taken by a romantic partner. According to the 2019 CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 1 in 12 U.S. high school students experience physical dating violence. A 2013 study of 10^th graders (found in the Journal of Adolescent Health) found that 35% had been either physically or verbally abused, and a 2005 study showed that 57% of teens know someone who has been physically, sexually, or verbally abused in a dating relationship. If you, or someone you know, has experienced abuse, there is help. If you have a teenager that’s dating, three are resources available for you to discuss this difficult but important topic.

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) has easily accessed information including fact sheets and other valuable information at www.ncadv.org.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 and can be reached 3 ways. Chat is available through the website, https://www.thehotline.org. One call at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Or, you can text ‘START’ to 88788.

For information and hotlines aimed specifically towards teens, please visit or contact the organization love is respect (https://www.loveisrespect.org). They can be reached by texting ‘LOVEIS’ to 22522, called at 1-866-331-9474 (1-800-787-3224, TTY) or live chat through their website. Their one-on-one, confidential, and real-time services are available 24/7.

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Co. – In the files of case # 20CR1358, Colorado vs. Letecia Stauch, are 2 letters written 6 months apart. Both letters addressed to Judge Gregory Werner. The first letter written approximately 5 months after the arrest of Stauch. The other written almost a year after the arrest. Below are those letters, in full.

Letter #1: August 12, 2020

Letter #2: February 21, 2021

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