1 00:00:02,002 --> 00:00:04,872 [dramatic music] 2 00:00:05,005 --> 00:00:11,011 ♪ ♪ 3 00:00:11,111 --> 00:00:14,915 - Hi, everyone, I'm Dan Abrams, and this is "Court Cam." 4 00:00:14,982 --> 00:00:17,084 - You should be ashamed of yourself. 5 00:00:17,184 --> 00:00:19,353 - I want dude off my case. [spits] 6 00:00:19,419 --> 00:00:20,354 ♪ ♪ 7 00:00:20,454 --> 00:00:21,722 - Got a runner. 8 00:00:21,822 --> 00:00:23,624 [people yelling] 9 00:00:23,757 --> 00:00:24,791 - Get out! 10 00:00:24,892 --> 00:00:28,962 - This is not TV court. This is for real. 11 00:00:29,062 --> 00:00:34,434 ♪ ♪ 12 00:00:34,534 --> 00:00:36,603 - First up, we head to Fort Myers, Florida, 13 00:00:36,670 --> 00:00:40,641 for a pre-sentencing hearing. 14 00:00:40,707 --> 00:00:43,443 61-year-old Joseph Zieler has been convicted 15 00:00:43,510 --> 00:00:46,413 on two counts of first-degree murder. 16 00:00:46,513 --> 00:00:48,382 ♪ ♪ 17 00:00:48,515 --> 00:00:51,151 33 years earlier, according to police reports, 18 00:00:51,251 --> 00:00:53,420 11-year-old Robin Cornell 19 00:00:53,554 --> 00:00:56,323 and her 32-year-old babysitter, Lisa Story, 20 00:00:56,423 --> 00:00:59,860 were asleep in Robin's Cape Coral home. 21 00:00:59,993 --> 00:01:02,829 After entering through a sliding glass door, 22 00:01:02,930 --> 00:01:05,299 Zieler beat, sexually assaulted, 23 00:01:05,432 --> 00:01:06,967 and, using a pillow, 24 00:01:07,034 --> 00:01:10,871 suffocated both Lisa and Robin. 25 00:01:11,004 --> 00:01:14,074 Zieler, who police say did not know his victims, 26 00:01:14,141 --> 00:01:16,043 fled the apartment unseen. 27 00:01:16,109 --> 00:01:18,312 Robin's mother, Jan Cornell, 28 00:01:18,445 --> 00:01:20,147 who spent the night with a friend, 29 00:01:20,280 --> 00:01:22,149 discovered Robin and Lisa's bodies 30 00:01:22,282 --> 00:01:23,951 the next morning. 31 00:01:24,017 --> 00:01:26,586 Police had no leads, and the case remained cold 32 00:01:26,720 --> 00:01:30,390 for 26 years until Zieler was arrested 33 00:01:30,457 --> 00:01:34,428 on an unrelated gun charge and had to give a DNA sample. 34 00:01:34,528 --> 00:01:36,430 When his DNA matched the evidence found 35 00:01:36,496 --> 00:01:37,998 at the Cornell home, 36 00:01:38,065 --> 00:01:40,701 Zieler was charged with both murders. 37 00:01:40,834 --> 00:01:43,303 He pled not guilty, and the case went to trial, 38 00:01:43,437 --> 00:01:45,439 where Zieler, who took the stand 39 00:01:45,539 --> 00:01:49,743 and maintained his innocence, disrupted court several times. 40 00:02:01,488 --> 00:02:03,357 - And later in his testimony, 41 00:02:03,423 --> 00:02:05,392 Zieler flipped his middle finger 42 00:02:05,492 --> 00:02:07,828 to court cameras. 43 00:02:07,928 --> 00:02:09,663 When both sides came to rest, 44 00:02:09,796 --> 00:02:13,500 it took a jury just three hours to return with a verdict. 45 00:02:13,634 --> 00:02:16,003 - The defendant is guilty of first-degree murder 46 00:02:16,069 --> 00:02:17,471 of Robin Cornell. 47 00:02:17,604 --> 00:02:19,973 The defendant is guilty of first-degree murder 48 00:02:20,073 --> 00:02:21,074 of Lisa Story. 49 00:02:21,141 --> 00:02:24,745 ♪ ♪ 50 00:02:24,878 --> 00:02:26,546 - Today, prior to being sentenced, 51 00:02:26,680 --> 00:02:28,482 the now-convicted murderer appears 52 00:02:28,548 --> 00:02:30,350 before Judge Robert Branning 53 00:02:30,417 --> 00:02:32,786 for what's called a Spencer hearing. 54 00:02:32,919 --> 00:02:36,556 Before things get underway, a shackled Zieler asks 55 00:02:36,623 --> 00:02:39,459 to speak with his attorney, Kevin Shirley. 56 00:02:46,833 --> 00:02:52,839 ♪ ♪ 57 00:02:52,906 --> 00:02:54,007 - Oh! 58 00:02:54,107 --> 00:02:56,743 ♪ ♪ 59 00:03:00,347 --> 00:03:03,150 ♪ ♪ 60 00:03:03,283 --> 00:03:06,620 - Zieler strikes his own lawyer with an elbow 61 00:03:06,753 --> 00:03:09,356 before bailiffs quickly take him to the floor. 62 00:03:12,092 --> 00:03:15,495 - The judge checks on Shirley, who seems to be unhurt. 63 00:03:21,068 --> 00:03:22,602 ♪ ♪ 64 00:03:22,669 --> 00:03:24,471 - Later that day, Zieler was brought back 65 00:03:24,604 --> 00:03:26,973 for sentencing, where the jury handed down 66 00:03:27,074 --> 00:03:29,743 its recommendation of death. 67 00:03:29,876 --> 00:03:32,079 ♪ ♪ 68 00:03:32,179 --> 00:03:34,548 Judge Branning agreed and handed Zeiler 69 00:03:34,681 --> 00:03:38,151 two death sentences, one for each victim. 70 00:03:38,251 --> 00:03:40,353 Zeiler is currently on death row, 71 00:03:40,454 --> 00:03:42,222 where he maintains his innocence 72 00:03:42,355 --> 00:03:45,025 and says he intends to appeal. 73 00:03:45,158 --> 00:03:46,226 ♪ ♪ 74 00:03:46,359 --> 00:03:49,596 [dramatic music] 75 00:03:49,663 --> 00:03:52,833 Next, we're in Eureka, Kansas, for a hearing. 76 00:03:52,899 --> 00:03:54,968 ♪ ♪ 77 00:03:55,068 --> 00:03:57,437 32-year-old Jacob Michael has been charged 78 00:03:57,537 --> 00:03:59,973 with domestic battery, disorderly conduct, 79 00:04:00,073 --> 00:04:03,677 and criminal damage to property. 80 00:04:03,744 --> 00:04:06,079 According to police, Michael recently had 81 00:04:06,179 --> 00:04:08,115 an altercation with a family member 82 00:04:08,215 --> 00:04:10,317 and damaged his cell phone. 83 00:04:10,383 --> 00:04:11,752 ♪ ♪ 84 00:04:11,818 --> 00:04:16,223 He was arrested and released on $7,500 bond. 85 00:04:16,356 --> 00:04:19,659 Today, he appears remotely without an attorney 86 00:04:19,793 --> 00:04:22,162 for Judge Phyllis Webster to discuss 87 00:04:22,262 --> 00:04:23,997 next steps in the case. 88 00:04:24,064 --> 00:04:26,833 The state prosecutor is Jill Gillett. 89 00:04:26,933 --> 00:04:29,035 - All right. We're going on the record now, sir. 90 00:04:29,136 --> 00:04:30,570 Are you awake? 91 00:04:32,305 --> 00:04:33,907 - You sure you understand what's going on, 92 00:04:34,040 --> 00:04:35,275 where you are? 93 00:04:36,776 --> 00:04:39,079 - Judge Webster has reason for concern, 94 00:04:39,179 --> 00:04:42,582 since earlier that day, Michael missed a hearing 95 00:04:42,716 --> 00:04:44,584 because he fell asleep. 96 00:04:44,718 --> 00:04:50,590 - It is now 3:07 p.m., and he was to be here at 1:30. 97 00:04:50,690 --> 00:04:54,828 He called in and then apparently fell asleep 98 00:04:54,928 --> 00:04:57,831 and didn't answer, so the officers had 99 00:04:57,898 --> 00:05:01,802 to go by his home to try to find him to wake him up. 100 00:05:01,868 --> 00:05:03,770 And they found him and woke him up. 101 00:05:03,870 --> 00:05:07,107 This was a public service the officers did. 102 00:05:07,240 --> 00:05:09,209 They didn't have to, but they have saved 103 00:05:09,309 --> 00:05:11,478 bench warrants for Mr. Michael. 104 00:05:11,545 --> 00:05:14,181 Mr. Michael, you need to pick a location, 105 00:05:14,314 --> 00:05:16,983 stay seated, and keep your camera on you, please. 106 00:05:18,118 --> 00:05:23,156 - So this is your first appearance in 2023 CR80. 107 00:05:23,223 --> 00:05:29,196 In this case, the State is charging you 108 00:05:29,262 --> 00:05:33,099 in count one with domestic battery. 109 00:05:33,233 --> 00:05:36,403 OK, keep your camera where I can see you, please. 110 00:05:36,469 --> 00:05:37,871 Thank you. 111 00:05:38,004 --> 00:05:41,508 Mr. Michael, do you have any questions about these charges 112 00:05:41,641 --> 00:05:43,243 or their possible penalties 113 00:05:43,310 --> 00:05:45,078 that I could help you with today? 114 00:05:55,288 --> 00:05:57,524 ♪ ♪ 115 00:05:57,624 --> 00:06:02,495 - Mr. Michael, are you on any drugs today or alcohol? 116 00:06:07,400 --> 00:06:08,868 - You're still what? 117 00:06:12,906 --> 00:06:14,074 - OK. 118 00:06:14,207 --> 00:06:17,477 Well, I'm just concerned about your slurred speech 119 00:06:17,577 --> 00:06:19,613 and your jerky movements there, 120 00:06:19,713 --> 00:06:21,948 that maybe you're under the influence of something. 121 00:06:23,416 --> 00:06:26,686 - Judge Webster doesn't seem convinced. 122 00:06:26,786 --> 00:06:28,755 - Are the officers still with you? 123 00:06:36,596 --> 00:06:37,797 ♪ ♪ 124 00:06:37,864 --> 00:06:40,233 - Did you say the officers were still there? 125 00:06:41,801 --> 00:06:43,036 - Excuse me just a moment. 126 00:06:43,136 --> 00:06:45,171 I'm going to take just a brief recess. 127 00:06:47,007 --> 00:06:54,014 ♪ ♪ 128 00:06:57,183 --> 00:06:59,886 - When the judge returns a few minutes later, 129 00:06:59,986 --> 00:07:03,189 the defendant is missing. 130 00:07:03,290 --> 00:07:05,659 - All right. Where did he go? 131 00:07:05,792 --> 00:07:07,160 - I don't know, Judge. 132 00:07:07,227 --> 00:07:10,363 But the officers are there outside his house still. 133 00:07:10,463 --> 00:07:14,000 - Well, if he were in the courthouse in this condition, 134 00:07:14,100 --> 00:07:16,036 I would order him to be taken into custody 135 00:07:16,136 --> 00:07:18,405 and tested because I don't know that he's going 136 00:07:18,471 --> 00:07:20,206 to remember this hearing. 137 00:07:20,273 --> 00:07:22,842 So he's failing to appear. 138 00:07:22,909 --> 00:07:27,480 Can we just have him brought into custody and tested? 139 00:07:27,547 --> 00:07:31,551 Basically, I'm issuing a bench warrant for his arrest 140 00:07:31,651 --> 00:07:34,220 and if they'll bring him in and get him tested 141 00:07:34,354 --> 00:07:35,455 because he's got to have 142 00:07:35,588 --> 00:07:37,958 a meaningful reading of rights and charges. 143 00:07:38,024 --> 00:07:39,392 I just am afraid he's, like I said, 144 00:07:39,492 --> 00:07:41,962 not going to even remember this hearing. 145 00:07:42,062 --> 00:07:43,863 - Police took Michael into custody. 146 00:07:43,997 --> 00:07:46,800 He tested positive for methamphetamine. 147 00:07:46,866 --> 00:07:49,669 He was released the next day on the same bond, 148 00:07:49,803 --> 00:07:52,405 but was ordered to wear a GPS tracker 149 00:07:52,472 --> 00:07:55,041 and be regularly drug tested. 150 00:07:55,108 --> 00:07:57,944 He later pled no contest to all charges 151 00:07:58,078 --> 00:08:01,047 and was given a suspended sentence of 18 months 152 00:08:01,147 --> 00:08:03,049 plus one year of probation. 153 00:08:03,149 --> 00:08:07,721 He must also attend a batterers intervention program. 154 00:08:07,821 --> 00:08:12,092 ♪ ♪ 155 00:08:12,092 --> 00:08:12,726 [dramatic music] 156 00:08:13,259 --> 00:08:15,261 - Next, we're in Flint, Michigan, for a civil hearing. 157 00:08:15,395 --> 00:08:17,630 ♪ ♪ 158 00:08:17,697 --> 00:08:20,433 64-year-old Cheryl Callaway is suing 159 00:08:20,533 --> 00:08:24,404 33-year-old Marian Leverette for unpaid rent. 160 00:08:24,471 --> 00:08:26,039 ♪ ♪ 161 00:08:26,106 --> 00:08:28,441 Leverette says she's withholding payment 162 00:08:28,508 --> 00:08:31,277 because the building's manager, Greg Kelly, 163 00:08:31,344 --> 00:08:34,481 has not repaired plumbing and a damaged roof. 164 00:08:34,547 --> 00:08:37,083 The judge in the case is Herman Marable. 165 00:08:37,183 --> 00:08:39,352 And before things get underway, 166 00:08:39,419 --> 00:08:41,554 he's got a question for the defendant. 167 00:08:41,654 --> 00:08:43,857 - Are you on the bus? 168 00:08:43,990 --> 00:08:45,191 - No. 169 00:08:45,258 --> 00:08:46,826 I have to pick my daughter up from school, 170 00:08:46,960 --> 00:08:49,429 and I'm late, so-- 171 00:08:49,496 --> 00:08:51,364 - You're not driving, are you? 172 00:08:51,464 --> 00:08:53,566 - Yes. 173 00:08:53,666 --> 00:08:54,667 - Well, you know I'm not going to do 174 00:08:54,801 --> 00:08:56,302 a hearing with you driving. 175 00:08:56,436 --> 00:08:58,638 So maybe you should pull over. 176 00:08:58,738 --> 00:09:00,373 - I'm about to. 177 00:09:00,473 --> 00:09:02,075 OK. 178 00:09:02,142 --> 00:09:04,611 - Once Leverette puts the car in park, 179 00:09:04,711 --> 00:09:06,946 Judge Marable continues the hearing. 180 00:09:07,080 --> 00:09:08,915 - Judge, can I say something? 181 00:09:09,015 --> 00:09:11,818 - Yes. What do you want to tell me? 182 00:09:11,951 --> 00:09:14,020 - Will she please let us in the house 183 00:09:14,154 --> 00:09:15,989 to find out what is the toilet plumbing? 184 00:09:16,089 --> 00:09:17,223 She turned the alarm on, 185 00:09:17,357 --> 00:09:19,225 so we cannot go in there at all. 186 00:09:28,068 --> 00:09:29,836 - Hang on a second. Hang on. 187 00:09:29,936 --> 00:09:31,070 Wait a minute. 188 00:09:31,204 --> 00:09:34,174 Did you say that you came here all the way 189 00:09:34,274 --> 00:09:38,078 from Memphis, Tennessee, or Memphis, Michigan? 190 00:09:38,178 --> 00:09:39,813 - Memphis, Tennessee. 191 00:09:39,913 --> 00:09:41,047 - You--wait. 192 00:09:41,114 --> 00:09:43,583 You came up here without having an appointment 193 00:09:43,716 --> 00:09:44,884 set up with her? 194 00:09:44,984 --> 00:09:46,886 ♪ ♪ 195 00:09:46,986 --> 00:09:50,056 - Your Honor, I came there the first time 196 00:09:50,190 --> 00:09:54,027 to find out who she is and talk to her. 197 00:09:54,160 --> 00:09:55,962 - You mentioned the toilet. 198 00:09:56,062 --> 00:09:59,699 - She told Mr. Kelly the reason she has not paid rent, 199 00:09:59,833 --> 00:10:02,402 because the toilet is not working. 200 00:10:02,469 --> 00:10:06,973 Mr. Kelly stated, he asked her to turn her alarm system off. 201 00:10:07,073 --> 00:10:09,042 She has not turned it off yet. 202 00:10:09,108 --> 00:10:11,478 - Ma'am, is there an alarm system on there? 203 00:10:11,578 --> 00:10:15,415 - Yes, there's a doorbell cam on my door 204 00:10:15,515 --> 00:10:18,751 that will verify that she never came to my house, 205 00:10:18,818 --> 00:10:20,186 not one time. 206 00:10:20,320 --> 00:10:21,754 ♪ ♪ 207 00:10:21,855 --> 00:10:24,624 - Ma'am, Ms. Leverette, 208 00:10:24,757 --> 00:10:27,594 I don't know why you guys won't email, 209 00:10:27,660 --> 00:10:31,064 or text, or communicate. 210 00:10:31,197 --> 00:10:32,665 - I have text messages of everything 211 00:10:32,799 --> 00:10:34,434 that I ask that man to fix in that house. 212 00:10:34,567 --> 00:10:36,402 When the ceiling fell in in my daughter's room, 213 00:10:36,469 --> 00:10:38,671 and it broke their beds, I have everything. 214 00:10:38,805 --> 00:10:40,006 I have pictures. 215 00:10:40,073 --> 00:10:42,275 I have everything that this man has not done. 216 00:10:42,375 --> 00:10:44,677 The only time I've seen anything out of that man 217 00:10:44,777 --> 00:10:46,946 is when I'll call and I'll be like, 218 00:10:47,080 --> 00:10:48,748 OK, well, I'll hold the rent until then. 219 00:10:48,882 --> 00:10:51,117 And then he'll come and [bleep] it. 220 00:10:51,184 --> 00:10:53,286 I'm sorry for saying that, but that's what he call it. 221 00:10:53,386 --> 00:10:54,554 And he-- 222 00:10:54,621 --> 00:10:55,655 - Ma'am. Ma'am. 223 00:10:55,788 --> 00:10:58,525 Ma'am, you know what? Stop talking. 224 00:10:58,625 --> 00:11:00,660 - Judge, I'm glad she's-- - Stop talking. 225 00:11:00,793 --> 00:11:02,562 - Telling me, 'cause I didn't know what was going on. 226 00:11:02,662 --> 00:11:04,030 - No. No. No. 227 00:11:04,097 --> 00:11:06,499 I told you to stop talking. - OK. 228 00:11:06,633 --> 00:11:09,569 - Ms. Leverette, I'm not going to tolerate 229 00:11:09,669 --> 00:11:11,204 your language in here. 230 00:11:11,271 --> 00:11:12,906 You're about to get held in contempt of court 231 00:11:13,039 --> 00:11:14,674 if you do it again. - OK. 232 00:11:14,807 --> 00:11:17,076 - You read me? Do you read me? 233 00:11:17,176 --> 00:11:18,311 - Yes. 234 00:11:18,444 --> 00:11:20,346 - You better act like you're in court, 235 00:11:20,480 --> 00:11:23,650 not out at the bar somewhere. 236 00:11:23,750 --> 00:11:27,754 Driving around--you know, this is not acceptable. 237 00:11:27,820 --> 00:11:30,390 - Judge Marable, who appears frustrated, 238 00:11:30,490 --> 00:11:32,592 offers a possible solution. 239 00:11:32,659 --> 00:11:34,160 - So you guys never really have 240 00:11:34,227 --> 00:11:35,862 had a conversation with each other? 241 00:11:35,995 --> 00:11:37,497 - I never met this woman a day in my life. 242 00:11:37,630 --> 00:11:38,698 - No, I never met her. Nope. 243 00:11:38,831 --> 00:11:40,033 I never met her. Correct. 244 00:11:40,099 --> 00:11:41,668 She's correct. - Hey. Hey. Guess what? 245 00:11:41,801 --> 00:11:43,202 Guess what? 246 00:11:43,269 --> 00:11:47,006 We're going to put you guys in a breakout room right now. 247 00:11:47,073 --> 00:11:48,641 - OK. - You need to be talking 248 00:11:48,708 --> 00:11:52,078 about what repairs need to be made. 249 00:11:52,145 --> 00:11:54,247 The other thing that you're going to talk about 250 00:11:54,314 --> 00:11:57,517 is a timetable-- - OK. 251 00:11:57,584 --> 00:12:00,820 - For when the landlord can get in there 252 00:12:00,954 --> 00:12:03,356 and have somebody look at this stuff. 253 00:12:03,423 --> 00:12:04,991 When you guys come out of there, 254 00:12:05,058 --> 00:12:07,627 you're going to tell me what you guys agreed to 255 00:12:07,760 --> 00:12:09,028 regarding that stuff. - OK. 256 00:12:09,095 --> 00:12:10,363 - OK? 257 00:12:10,463 --> 00:12:12,498 - When they return several minutes later, 258 00:12:12,632 --> 00:12:15,001 the judge's idea seems to have worked. 259 00:12:15,068 --> 00:12:17,403 - At the hearing, what she had to say to me-- 260 00:12:17,470 --> 00:12:19,672 she said she's moving the first part of November. 261 00:12:19,806 --> 00:12:21,641 I'm coming down to board my house up 262 00:12:21,741 --> 00:12:24,644 because the things she said wasn't fixed, 263 00:12:24,711 --> 00:12:27,280 I know I paid to get it fixed, so therefore, 264 00:12:27,347 --> 00:12:29,983 I was lied to about a whole lot of stuff. 265 00:12:30,116 --> 00:12:31,351 And I believe, what-- 266 00:12:31,417 --> 00:12:33,286 I told her I believe what she's telling me. 267 00:12:33,386 --> 00:12:35,388 I'm not even asking for no money from her. 268 00:12:35,521 --> 00:12:37,724 I'm not asking nothing from her, nothing, 269 00:12:37,824 --> 00:12:39,592 because I hate she went through that. 270 00:12:39,692 --> 00:12:42,395 I will dismiss it now. 271 00:12:42,462 --> 00:12:45,031 - You want to dismiss it today? - Yes. 272 00:12:45,131 --> 00:12:46,432 Let it go. - OK. 273 00:12:46,499 --> 00:12:49,769 - She said she wants to move, and that's it. 274 00:12:51,037 --> 00:12:52,038 - OK. 275 00:12:56,376 --> 00:13:00,113 ♪ ♪ 276 00:13:00,246 --> 00:13:02,248 - After the women reached an agreement, 277 00:13:02,348 --> 00:13:04,951 Judge Marable did dismiss the case. 278 00:13:05,051 --> 00:13:08,021 And it's now officially closed. 279 00:13:08,154 --> 00:13:09,455 ♪ ♪ 280 00:13:13,292 --> 00:13:14,027 [dramatic music] 281 00:13:14,560 --> 00:13:16,596 - Next, we go to a plea hearing in Woodhaven, Michigan. 282 00:13:16,696 --> 00:13:18,398 ♪ ♪ 283 00:13:18,464 --> 00:13:21,801 30-year-old Pantelis-Peter Stylianou is 284 00:13:21,901 --> 00:13:24,871 pleading guilty to disorderly conduct. 285 00:13:25,004 --> 00:13:27,006 ♪ ♪ 286 00:13:27,073 --> 00:13:29,375 Two weeks earlier, police say the defendant left 287 00:13:29,475 --> 00:13:33,246 a retail store with a case of water and, without paying, 288 00:13:33,312 --> 00:13:35,682 placed it in the trunk of his car. 289 00:13:35,782 --> 00:13:38,351 He then went back inside and put a small item 290 00:13:38,418 --> 00:13:41,187 in his pocket, again, without paying. 291 00:13:41,320 --> 00:13:44,724 Store employees took notice and called police. 292 00:13:44,824 --> 00:13:47,527 When they arrived, officers say Stylianou told 293 00:13:47,627 --> 00:13:49,762 them he intended to pay for the items, 294 00:13:49,829 --> 00:13:52,265 but he was still arrested. 295 00:13:52,398 --> 00:13:55,001 Stylianou was initially charged with retail fraud 296 00:13:55,068 --> 00:13:57,704 and disorderly conduct, but he took a deal. 297 00:13:57,837 --> 00:14:01,307 And in exchange for a guilty plea to disorderly conduct, 298 00:14:01,441 --> 00:14:04,877 the state agreed to drop the fraud charge. 299 00:14:04,977 --> 00:14:07,647 Today, he appears with his attorney, Rachel McRipley, 300 00:14:07,714 --> 00:14:11,184 before Judge Michael McNally to enter his plea. 301 00:14:11,317 --> 00:14:14,954 But first, the judge wants to go over a few things. 302 00:14:15,054 --> 00:14:18,057 - So if you plead guilty here to disorderly, 303 00:14:18,191 --> 00:14:20,993 the possible penalties are up to 500 fines, 304 00:14:21,060 --> 00:14:22,962 90 days jail, costs, or all of those. 305 00:14:23,029 --> 00:14:25,264 Do you understand that? - Yes, sir. 306 00:14:25,398 --> 00:14:27,633 - After Stylianou enters his guilty plea, 307 00:14:27,700 --> 00:14:30,903 the judge wants some details about the crime. 308 00:14:31,037 --> 00:14:33,406 - Were you at the Dollar General store 309 00:14:33,473 --> 00:14:34,807 in Flat Rock? - Yes. 310 00:14:34,874 --> 00:14:35,908 - Yes? - Yes. 311 00:14:36,042 --> 00:14:37,276 - And what happened? 312 00:14:37,343 --> 00:14:38,845 What did you do? 313 00:14:38,911 --> 00:14:40,680 - I go in there. 314 00:14:40,780 --> 00:14:43,082 I got two cases of water and a case of pop. 315 00:14:43,182 --> 00:14:44,951 It's right there at the door before you even walk in. 316 00:14:45,051 --> 00:14:46,753 I put it in the trunk. I do my shopping. 317 00:14:46,819 --> 00:14:48,221 - You take the-- - I use the scanner. 318 00:14:48,354 --> 00:14:49,555 - Wait a minute. 319 00:14:49,622 --> 00:14:51,991 You take the water and the pop out of the store 320 00:14:52,058 --> 00:14:54,460 before you go and go do your shopping 321 00:14:54,594 --> 00:14:55,795 and go back to the register? 322 00:14:55,895 --> 00:14:58,264 - Yeah, and I pay for it. 323 00:14:59,732 --> 00:15:01,000 - I've never seen anybody do that. 324 00:15:01,067 --> 00:15:03,069 [dramatic music] 325 00:15:03,202 --> 00:15:04,470 Do you know the people that-- 326 00:15:04,604 --> 00:15:06,105 - I do know the people. - Are they friends with you? 327 00:15:06,239 --> 00:15:07,473 - Good friends with me. 328 00:15:07,607 --> 00:15:09,442 I went to high school with the one clerk in there. 329 00:15:09,509 --> 00:15:11,511 - Are you telling me that it was 330 00:15:11,644 --> 00:15:14,013 your intention to pay for the items, 331 00:15:14,113 --> 00:15:16,916 but you just neglected to do so? 332 00:15:17,016 --> 00:15:19,685 Is that really what happened, now? 333 00:15:19,786 --> 00:15:20,953 - I did my shopping. 334 00:15:21,053 --> 00:15:23,656 I went in line to pay for my product. 335 00:15:23,790 --> 00:15:25,391 And the officers came in, and they arrested me 336 00:15:25,458 --> 00:15:26,859 right there in line. 337 00:15:26,993 --> 00:15:28,428 ♪ ♪ 338 00:15:28,561 --> 00:15:31,464 - Judge McNally considers his next move. 339 00:15:31,597 --> 00:15:33,432 - I'm not taking his plea. 340 00:15:33,499 --> 00:15:36,436 I'll enter a not guilty plea. 341 00:15:36,569 --> 00:15:39,839 I just can't take his plea when he's telling me this. 342 00:15:39,906 --> 00:15:42,375 - Perhaps hoping to save the plea deal, 343 00:15:42,475 --> 00:15:44,744 Stylianou's attorney informs the judge 344 00:15:44,877 --> 00:15:48,214 that there's more to the story than a case of water. 345 00:15:57,456 --> 00:15:58,591 - He what? 346 00:15:58,658 --> 00:16:01,427 - He was putting items in his pockets. 347 00:16:01,561 --> 00:16:03,896 - Were you putting items inside of your pockets? 348 00:16:04,030 --> 00:16:06,399 - I put one item in. - Listen to my question. 349 00:16:06,466 --> 00:16:08,034 - OK. 350 00:16:08,167 --> 00:16:12,038 - Did you put any item inside your pockets 351 00:16:12,104 --> 00:16:15,007 with the intent to leave that store without paying for it? 352 00:16:15,074 --> 00:16:17,276 - Yes, Your Honor. - Then why are you going off 353 00:16:17,343 --> 00:16:21,447 on this little nonsensical gibberish 354 00:16:21,514 --> 00:16:23,749 that makes me feel like you think that 355 00:16:23,883 --> 00:16:27,019 I didn't get past third grade? 356 00:16:27,153 --> 00:16:28,888 - I-- - How old are you? 357 00:16:28,988 --> 00:16:30,756 - I just turned 30 yesterday. - All right. 358 00:16:30,823 --> 00:16:33,392 Well, I've been here since you were 1 1/2, 359 00:16:33,459 --> 00:16:35,962 so there's very little that I haven't heard. 360 00:16:36,028 --> 00:16:37,964 You're in a courtroom. 361 00:16:38,064 --> 00:16:40,633 We're not in a bar. 362 00:16:40,733 --> 00:16:43,236 We don't tell fish stories in here. 363 00:16:43,369 --> 00:16:46,873 And I'm not buying any of what you told me. 364 00:16:47,006 --> 00:16:50,176 When I ask you questions because you tell me 365 00:16:50,276 --> 00:16:51,544 you want to plead guilty, 366 00:16:51,677 --> 00:16:53,512 I expect an honest answer. 367 00:16:53,646 --> 00:16:55,915 Do you still wish to plead guilty? 368 00:16:56,048 --> 00:16:57,550 - Yes, Your Honor. - I can't hear you. 369 00:16:57,717 --> 00:16:58,784 - Yes, Your Honor. 370 00:16:58,918 --> 00:17:02,588 - Plea is accepted--disorderly. 371 00:17:02,722 --> 00:17:05,391 - Before wrapping up, Judge McNally has 372 00:17:05,458 --> 00:17:07,660 a final question for the defendant. 373 00:17:07,793 --> 00:17:10,396 - Is this the way you're going to live your life? 374 00:17:10,463 --> 00:17:14,000 You're going to just ignore judges, ignore courts, 375 00:17:14,066 --> 00:17:17,236 be a thief, get yourself in all kinds of trouble, 376 00:17:17,336 --> 00:17:18,604 lie in court? 377 00:17:18,671 --> 00:17:20,606 Is that the way you're going to go about it? 378 00:17:20,673 --> 00:17:22,708 - No, Your Honor. - I'm just asking you. 379 00:17:22,842 --> 00:17:25,811 It's your life. It's not mine. 380 00:17:25,912 --> 00:17:27,046 - Thank you, Your Honor. 381 00:17:27,113 --> 00:17:28,481 - Have a good day. - You too. 382 00:17:28,581 --> 00:17:30,049 - Good luck. - Thank you. 383 00:17:30,116 --> 00:17:32,985 - Don't come in here and lie to me again, OK? 384 00:17:33,119 --> 00:17:35,087 - Yes, Your Honor. 385 00:17:35,187 --> 00:17:37,590 - Stylianou missed his next court date 386 00:17:37,690 --> 00:17:40,560 and was sentenced to 30 days in jail. 387 00:17:40,626 --> 00:17:43,562 He was also sentenced to 20 months' probation 388 00:17:43,663 --> 00:17:47,233 and has to pay a fine of $735. 389 00:17:47,300 --> 00:17:48,134 ♪ ♪ 390 00:17:52,004 --> 00:17:52,638 [dramatic music] 391 00:17:53,239 --> 00:17:54,974 - Next, we're in Montesano, Washington, for a hearing. 392 00:17:55,074 --> 00:17:57,009 ♪ ♪ 393 00:17:57,076 --> 00:17:59,478 33-year-old James Edlund has been charged 394 00:17:59,578 --> 00:18:02,715 with unlawful possession of a firearm. 395 00:18:02,848 --> 00:18:04,116 ♪ ♪ 396 00:18:04,250 --> 00:18:06,586 Today, Edlund appears from the county jail 397 00:18:06,719 --> 00:18:09,355 before Judge David Mistachkin to discuss 398 00:18:09,455 --> 00:18:11,324 next steps in the case. 399 00:18:11,424 --> 00:18:13,392 The state has offered him a plea deal 400 00:18:13,459 --> 00:18:17,129 of seven months in jail plus a $500 fine. 401 00:18:17,229 --> 00:18:19,498 But he has yet to accept the offer. 402 00:18:19,632 --> 00:18:21,867 If found guilty, he could be sentenced 403 00:18:21,968 --> 00:18:24,437 to 20 years in prison. 404 00:18:24,570 --> 00:18:27,506 He's represented by Attorney David Arcuri. 405 00:18:27,640 --> 00:18:28,841 - All right. 406 00:18:28,941 --> 00:18:31,877 And is that Mr. Edlund in the jail there? 407 00:18:31,978 --> 00:18:33,145 - Yes, sir. 408 00:18:33,279 --> 00:18:36,015 Please don't infringe on my right to bear arms. 409 00:18:36,115 --> 00:18:38,951 - Just as things get started, Edlund appears 410 00:18:39,051 --> 00:18:40,953 to have put his cards on the table, 411 00:18:41,053 --> 00:18:43,522 but the judge wants to hear from his attorney. 412 00:18:43,589 --> 00:18:44,757 - Go ahead. 413 00:18:44,824 --> 00:18:46,325 - If I may, Your Honor, Mr. Edlund entered 414 00:18:46,425 --> 00:18:48,461 a plea of guilty to the charge of unlawful possession 415 00:18:48,594 --> 00:18:50,329 of a firearm in the second degree. 416 00:18:50,429 --> 00:18:53,165 The court entered an order having 417 00:18:53,265 --> 00:18:55,668 him evaluated for competency. 418 00:18:55,801 --> 00:18:58,237 It finds him competent, so I would ask 419 00:18:58,337 --> 00:19:02,642 the court to set trial and set pretrial next week. 420 00:19:02,708 --> 00:19:05,011 - All right. Ms. Steuben, court administration, 421 00:19:05,111 --> 00:19:06,445 are you online with us? 422 00:19:06,512 --> 00:19:07,747 - Yes, Your Honor. 423 00:19:07,880 --> 00:19:10,683 - And I was hopeful that January 10 was available. 424 00:19:10,783 --> 00:19:13,152 - We can put it on for January 10. 425 00:19:13,219 --> 00:19:14,520 - Thank you, Your Honor. 426 00:19:14,587 --> 00:19:16,722 And that will give Mr. Edlund one more week 427 00:19:16,789 --> 00:19:18,724 to decide whether or not to accept 428 00:19:18,824 --> 00:19:20,660 the State's very generous offer. 429 00:19:20,793 --> 00:19:21,861 - OK. 430 00:19:21,994 --> 00:19:23,129 ♪ ♪ 431 00:19:23,229 --> 00:19:24,664 - Excuse me, Your Honor. 432 00:19:24,797 --> 00:19:28,234 - It looks like Edlund has something else on his mind. 433 00:19:28,367 --> 00:19:30,536 - Excuse me, Your Honor. Can I make one-- 434 00:19:30,636 --> 00:19:33,806 if I do accept this-- if I do accept this-- 435 00:19:33,873 --> 00:19:36,075 - Mr. Edlund, the judge is not going 436 00:19:36,208 --> 00:19:38,644 to make any promises to you, and he's not going 437 00:19:38,711 --> 00:19:40,279 to discuss any plea agreements. 438 00:19:40,379 --> 00:19:42,548 It's inappropriate for him to do so. 439 00:19:42,682 --> 00:19:43,682 ♪ ♪ 440 00:19:43,783 --> 00:19:45,518 - Despite his lawyer's advice, 441 00:19:45,584 --> 00:19:47,987 Edlund repeats his initial request. 442 00:19:48,120 --> 00:19:49,722 - OK, please don't infringe on my right 443 00:19:49,789 --> 00:19:51,023 to bear arms, please, sir. 444 00:19:51,157 --> 00:19:53,359 Please, please, please. Please? 445 00:19:53,426 --> 00:19:55,728 - Mr. Edlund, quit begging. 446 00:19:55,828 --> 00:19:58,230 That's by law, not by judge's decision. 447 00:19:58,297 --> 00:19:59,832 We're done, Your Honor. Thank you. 448 00:19:59,932 --> 00:20:01,267 - Thank you very much. 449 00:20:01,400 --> 00:20:03,202 - Edlund is returned to lockup. 450 00:20:03,269 --> 00:20:05,671 ♪ ♪ 451 00:20:05,805 --> 00:20:09,241 He later accepted the state's offer and pled guilty. 452 00:20:09,308 --> 00:20:11,610 He was sentenced to seven months in jail, 453 00:20:11,710 --> 00:20:13,879 plus a $500 fine. 454 00:20:13,979 --> 00:20:15,881 ♪ ♪ 455 00:20:15,948 --> 00:20:17,883 That's it for this edition of "Court Cam." 456 00:20:17,950 --> 00:20:20,352 I'm Dan Abrams. Thanks for watching. 457 00:20:20,453 --> 00:20:25,057 ♪ ♪