Was Joe's Plea Really a Surprise?

Then:

From Joe's jailhouse confessions (Part 1): RODDEN further stated that on another occasion, KEREKES stated that he was drinking at the Fox Ridge Inn and at one point “passed out”, as though he might utilize that as a defense. KEREKES stated; “they wont be able to get me for murder. Harlow went out to meet the guy, and he wont say anything about it, because I told him not to. I’ll get out in five years and make tons of money off of this”. RODDEN hypothesized that KEREKES was going to testify against CUADRA and, “get a deal”.

In conclusion, RODDEN stated that although KEREKES never confessed to killing the victim, “he (KEREKES) pretty much told me how him and that other guy (CUADRA) did it”. RODDEN further hypothesized that KEREKES “probably put the kid (CUADRA) up to it, and now he’s gonna try to hang him out to dry. I think he (KEREKES) was at (the victim’s) house though, whether he did the stabbing or not. He (victim) didn’t deserve to be treated like that”.

Joe's jailhouse confessions (Part 2): It should also be noted that RIGGS hypothesized that KEREKES played more of a role in the victim’s murder, however according to RIGGS it was apparent that KEREKES was attempting to make CUADRA appear to be more criminally culpable in this case to “take the fall” if someone was going to.

... and from Joe's jailhouse confessions (Part 3): TOLLEY related KEREKES said he and “the other guy” killed some guy because of competition. TOLLEY added KEREKES kept saying, “him (KEREKES) and the other guy killed the guy in Pennsylvania.” KEREKES also said he was turning States evidence against the other Dude.

Now:

Melnick said Kerekes told them Cuadra decided to “eliminate” Kocis, purchased a .38-caliber gun and knife from a Virginia Beach pawn shop and rented an SUV to drive to Pennsylvania. Melnick said Kerekes and Cuadra traveled together and Kerekes said he paid cash for a room at the Fox Hill Inn because the motel had no security or surveillance. They paid for the room in cash so they could not be tracked.

Melnick said Kerekes told them the two did surveillance on the Kocis home prior to the homicide, and that Kerekes participated in e-mail correspondence sent to Kocis before his death. Kerekes told attorneys he was aware Cuadra intended to kill Kocis, and the lighter fluid and lighters used to set the blaze were purchased at Wal-Mart.

Kerekes said he stayed at the motel while Cuadra went to the Kocis home. When Cuadra returned, he said he had murdered Kocis and set the home ablaze, according to Kerekes. Prosecutors said Kocis’ throat was slashed to the point his death was ruled homicide by decapitation.

Kerekes told attorneys Cuadra returned with several items belonging to Kocis, including a Rolex watch, camcorders, tapes, computers and Kocis’ cell phone. They discarded the murder weapon and some of Kocis’ belongings.
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My conclusion: While things certainly didn't work out the way I'm sure Joe would have liked for them to... I guess we could have seen this coming. No wonder the Prosecution doesn't want Joe to testify... it would be an absolute mess.

Though Joe won't be testifying against Harlow Cuadra at trial... I've heard from two different sources that some 'interesting' things came out in Joe's ellocution, that apparently requires more investigating. Perhaps in the end, Joe will still get the last laugh.

July Hearing Update

Judge Peter Paul Olszewski, Jr. has filed a transporation order for Robert Rodden for the motions hearing on July 8, 2008.

Robert Rodden is one of three witnesses that gave statements in regards to Joseph Kerekes' jailhouse confessions, he will also be testifying for the prosecution at the hearing. Rodden is currently serving 6-12 years after pleading guilty to aggrevated assult, and terroristic threats w/ int to terrorize another on 11-01-07.

Robert Rodden is also scheduled for an interview on 6-20-08 @ 10:00 am by video conference, this order was filed by Judge David Lupas earlier today.

Needless to say... it shouldn't be much of a surprise if John Riggs and Robert Tolley are at the hearing as well.

(Update 06/24/2008): John Riggs, Joseph Ryan, Robert Tolley, Brandon Sheovic, and Jeffrey Keith have also been issued subpoenas to attend the July 8th and 9th hearing, as well as the trial.

He Said... She Said... What to Believe?

I think it's fair to say that at this point, we'll all have to wait until the trial to find out if/and/or what role Sean, Grant, and Robert played in this crime (again if any).

One thing I'd like to point out is that there's no 'official' mention of Sean and Grant asking Harlow and Joe to murder Brian, just as there is no 'official' mention of Robert Wagner being in the house at the time of the murder.

There's no reference to the three being a part of the murder in the BBT's, in Joe's jailhouse confessions, or in Joe's jailhouse interview. (I left out the Las Vegas dinner since we've only heard one side of that story).

So far the only thing I've heard come directly out of Joe or Harlow's mouth is "ask Sean and Grant", and one of them mentioning Robert Wagner. All of which occured during the preliminary hearing, well after their arrest.

Just about every other claim that's been made since, has come from someone other than Harlow Cuadra and Joseph Kerekes... and I think it's pretty obvious that some may have an agenda... whether good or bad.

So just because he said... or she said... doesn't make it true. I'll stick with what's been submitted as evidence, and what transpires during the trial.

... and that's what I say. :)

Kerekes' Jailhouse Confessions (Part 3)

This is the third individual that was interviewed by Cpl. L. Hannon and other law enforcement, in regards to statements made by Joseph Kerekes while incarcerated. I'm posting this a day early because I'm working on a separate post for tomorrow's 'anniversary', and just don't want the two to conflict.

SYNOPSIS: On 07/31/07 at 1250 hours Sgt. Douglas HIGGINS and I interviewed. Robert Gary DeVaughn TOLLEY. TOLLEY was in the same cell as Joseph KEREKES while both of them were incarcerated at the Virginia Beach Correctional Facility.

DETAILS: On 07/31/07 at 1250 hours, Sgt. Douglas HIGGINS and I interviewed Robert Gary DeVaughn TOLLEY also referred to as “Joker", an inmate at Virginia Beach Correctional Facility. I explained to TOLLEY that we were there to ask him some questions and that his involvement is voluntary. TOLLEY acknowledged that this was voluntary and agreed to speak with us. TOLLEY is married and has no children. TOLLEY related that he was born and raised here in Virginia. I informed TOLLEY we were. from Pennsylvania and conducting an investigation and asked TOLLEY if he knew why we wanted to talk with him. TOLLEY related he did not know why we wanted to talk with him and the only thing he knew was a “Dude” in PA got killed. TOLLEY added that he knows Joe KEREKES as a cell mate and he talked about “some dude in PA”, TOLLEY added that at night, while sitting with William SMITH and KEREKES, KEREKES said he was in prison for killing some porn guy. KEREKES said he was a porn star and helped his partner kill some guy in Pennsylvania. TOLLEY related KEREKES said he and “the other guy” killed some guy because of competition. TOLLEY added KEREKES kept saying, “him (KEREKES) and the other guy killed the guy in Pennsylvania.” KEREKES also said he was turning States evidence against the other Dude. TOLLEY added KEREKES was always on the phone, never sent any letters out, received a lot of mail, wrote stuff down every day. KEREKES said before he got put in prison he was doing all kinds of drugs and having a good time.

I advised TOLLEY that the information provided by him was not going to gain him any considerations of any kind. TOLLEY acknowledged this. I asked TOLLEY to provide a written statement on what, he had told us.TOLLEY agreed and provided a written statement. I asked TOLLEY if he would be available to testify to what he had told us. TOLLEY related that he would be available to testify.

I asked TOLLEY if he ever heard of Harlow CUADRA, Bryan KOCIS, Barry TAYLOR or Renee MARTIN. TOLLEY added he heard KEREKES refer to Renee MARTIN as the keeper of his business records. TOLLEY added KEREKES said some Dude in Pennsylvania had money for him, unknown whom. TOLLEY added KEREKES was scared he was going to get life in prison.

Sgt. Douglas HIGGINS, Dallas Township Police Department was present during the interview.

Kerekes' Jailhouse Confessions (Part 2)

This is the second of three individuals that were interviewed by Cpl. L. Hannon and other law enforcement, in regards to statements made by Joseph Kerekes while incarcerated.

SYNOPSIS: On 07/31/07 at approx 1552 hrs., this Trooper, accompanied by Officer Todd ADAMS, Dallas Twp. Police Dept., interviewed aforementioned subject relative this incident.

DETAILS: Subsequent to information provided previously by Detectives with the Virginia Beach Police Dept., this Trooper along with Ofcr. ADAMS traveled to aforementioned location to interview John Robert RIGGS relative to this investigation.

John Robert RIGGS currently serving the final 7 1/2 months of a sentence on a probation violation with the originating charge of Larceny. No other criminal legal issues are pending. RIGGS was initially advised by this Trooper that he could be offered no consideration in exchange for his cooperation with Officers, and that all information afforded was voluntary. Additionally, this Trooper advised RIGGS of his protection under Miranda, to which RIGGS advised that he understood and wished to speak with this Trooper as it was “too important... the right thing to do’.

RIGGS stated that he had been the cellmate of accused KEREKES for approx one month, from the time KEREKES was initially incarcerated until the time RIGGS was transferred to Western Tidewater Regional Prison. KEREKES befriended RIGGS as someone who would be able to assist him with his legal problems. RIGGS stated that KEREKES divulged significant information about his and CUADRA’s escort and pornography business. KEREKES was adamant that he was not homosexual, and that he conducted his business with both males and females. KEREKES added that his sole motivation was “making lots of money”, which was what ultimately led both KEREKES and CUADRA to committing the murder of the victim. KEREKES also advised RIGGS that he had done sexual favors in exchange for money with a host of clients, inclusive of his attorney, Barry TAYLOR, politicians (NFI), Virginia Beach Sheriffs Deputies, and others

KEREKES advised RIGGS that he and CUADRA conspired to murder the victim as a result of a desire to hire “some porn guy from another state” who was under contract with the victim. According to KEREKES, he and CUADRA met said actor “in another state” to discuss doing business that would“make (CUADRA and KEREKES) millions. Upon their return, they discussed the venture with TAYLOR, who advised that the only way that CUADRA and KEREKES would benefit significantly from the arrangement was if the victim were to “disappear’. As a result, KEREKES advised RIGGS that he and CUADRA traveled to the residence of the victim and killed him. Regarding specific details about the murder, KEREKES advised RIGGS that CUADRA rented a vehicle for the trip, to which the pair traveled to the location to commit the act, KEREKES further advised RIGGS that KEREKES believed that CUADRA actually stabbed the victim seventeen times, however the newspaper reported that it was twenty eight.

KEREKES continued by stating that CUADRA actually committed the offense, and since there were no witnesses, KEREKES would be “ok” (regarding prosecution). KEREKES also stated that police did not recover any of his fingerprints at the scene, which furthered bolstered KEREKES’ confidence. KEREKES stated that he traveled with CUADRA to the victim’s residence and remained in the vehicle, which was parked in the victim’s driveway. At one point, CUADRA called KEREKES via cell and requested his assistance inside the residence. KEREKES entered, to which he stated that the victim was already dead. KEREKES added that he assisted CUADRA in attempting to clean the victim’s residence, to which it was “too bloody”. KEREKES stated that he moved the victims body “in front of the big screen TV KEREKES and CUADRA then removed numerous items from the victim’s residence, inclusive of cameras, business records, and the victim’s watch, KEREKES advised RIGGS that the interior of the residence was “a mess” and unable to be cleaned, and as such both he and CUADRA started a fire to “cover it up”. It should be noted that RIGGS questioned KEREKES’ story regarding taking the victim’s watch, as KEREKES had previously bragged about owning numerous items of jewelry, to which KEREKES responded, grinning; “I wanted it”. It should also be noted that RIGGS hypothesized that KEREKES played more of a role in the victim’s murder, however according to RIGGS it was apparent that KEREKES was attempting to make CUADRA appear to be more criminally culpable in this case to “take the fall” if someone was going to. Examples afforded by RIGGS was the fact that CUADRA rented the vehicle, and also three way conversations between KEREKES and CUADRA. where RIGGS overheard KEREKES ordering CUADRA to “keep his mouth shut”, and “don’t talk to anyone over there” (separate block). RIGGS referred to CUADRA as “Joe’s puppet”.

Following the homicide of the victim, KEREKES stated that he and CUADRA fled to “South Beach”. KEREKES advised RIGGS that Barry (TAYLOR) advised them “not to come back”, to which they did suspecting that TAYLOR was “ripping them off’. KEREKES futher advised that he and CUADRA destroyed items of evidence while at “South Beach”, such as a laptop computer and other items which RIGGS could not remember. RIGGS suggested to this Trooper that specific questions be asked regarding specific items which could “jar (RIGGS’) memory’, to which this Trooper advised that only RIGGS’ best recollection was what was sought. Following CUADRA and KEREKES’ return to Virginia, they were “picked up” driving their BMW.

RIGGS added that an individual named “Captain Jack” who was a client had assisted KEREKES and CUADRA by providing them with money, and possibly transportation. Additionally, an unknown individual was operating their businesses from an unknown location. KEREKES’ family has also been assisting both accused financially and “getting rid of” unknown items which could be damaging to their case.

Nothing of further investigatory relevance was offered by RIGGS. He did advise that should he recall additional information he would contact this Trooper. RIGGS also stated that should he be called, he would avail himself for any type of Court proceeding necessary. It should also be noted that this Trooper requested a written statement from RIGGS, which he advised would be impossible due to a medical condition. An audiotaped statement was also requested from prison officials, which was denied due to lack of equipment required. As such, interview concluded at approx. 1647 hrs.

SYNOPSIS: On 06/23/07, Detectives Ryan JASON and Ryan CHABOT, with the Virginia Beach Police Department, interviewed one John Robert RIGGS at the request of this Trooper. RIGGS, who was a former celimate of accused KEREKES, had previously sent a letter to the Virginia Beach, Va., Prosecutor’s Office advising that he possessed information relative to this investigation.

DETAILS: Pursuant to information received from Senior Asst Prosecutor Scott ALLEMAN, Virginia Beach, VA., (refer to previous report of this Trooper) this Trooper requested that Sgt. G. R. WINN, of the Virginia Beach Police Dept assign personnel to conduct an in interview of RIGGS to assess what if any, information he might have pertinent to this investigation.

Subsequent to said request, on 06/23/07 at approx 1641 hrs., aforementioned Detectives conducted an interview of RIGGS Interview was conducted at Western Tidewater Regional Prison, located in Suffolk, Va., where RIGGS was serving the last several months of his sentence for a probation violation. In summary, RIGGS stated that he had previously been a cellmate of accused KEREKES, and had numerous conversations regarding KEREKES’ current legal woes. KEREKES had advised RIGGS that a woman named “Renee’ was presently operating KEREKES’ business. KEREKES also advised RIGGS that his former attorney, Barry TAYLOR, was an escort client to whom KEREKES had performed sexual acts in the past. TAYLOR had previously advised both KEREKES and CUADRA to flee Virginia Beach to South Beach. Fla., as TAYLOR knew KEREKES and CUADRA were wanted for questioning in Virginia. KEREKES and CUADRA did in fact flee law enforcement to where they described as South Beach, Fla..

Regarding the murder of the victim, KEREKES advised RIGGS that CUADRA stabbed the victim seventeen times, and that they (KEREKES and CUADRA) slit (the victims) throat prior to burning the victims house down. KEREKES added that he assisted in moving the victim’s body, and attempted to clean up the scene, however they could not and burned the house down, KEREKES added that the victim was already dead prior to the fire, and that he and CUADRA moved the victim ‘near the big screen TV”. KEREKES further confided in RIGGS that “the guy in Pennsylvania” was killed as CUADRA and KEREKES desired to hire an actor for their business who was under contract to the victim. It should also be noted that KEREKES often made reference to his escort business, and described the location of in calls, as well as former clients in addition to TAYLOR.

KEREKES added that he and CUADRA rented a vehicle for their trip to murder the victim, and further added that he had “coached” CUADRA, and put all incriminatory evidence in CUADRA’s name. KEREKES also stated that he and CUADRA removed a watch from the victim’s residence. RIGGS could not remember the type or description of the watch, RIGGS also advised that KEREKES and CUADRA destroyed a laptop computer while they were in South Beach as it contained incriminating evidence.

Kerekes' Jailhouse Confessions (Part 1)

This is one of three individuals that were interviewed by Cpl. L. Hannon and other law enforcement, in regards to statements made by Joseph Kerekes while incarcerated. Part 3 will follow on Thursday.

SYNOPSIS: On 10/05/07 at approx 1153 hrs., this Trooper, along with Sgt. Gary L. THOMAS, Pa State Police, Troop P Criminal Investigation Section supervisor, interviewed aforementioned individual relative this investigation.

DETAILS: Troopers arrived at Luzerne County Correctional Facility(LCCF) and requested to speak with Robert Leo RODDEN

This Trooper initially advised RODDEN that he would not be offered any consideration for interview or assistance in this matter, and further advised that any cooperation was voluntary. This Trooper also advised RODDEN that he was not obligated to be interviewed, to which RODDEN acknowledged and thereto agreed to be interviewed.

RODDEN advised that he was acquainted with KEREKES since he was incarcerated within LCCF RODDEN stated that KEREKES sought RODDEN advice for legal matters. As such, the two spoke on a regular basis. RODDEN stated that KEREKES talked about purchasing a knife in a pawn shop in Virginia Beach prior to traveling to Pennsylvania, KEREKES acknowledged that said knife was seized by poiice, who found same within the BMW vehicle KEREKES and CUADRA were operating at the time of their arrest. RODDEN further advised that KEREKES stated that he and CUADRA traveled to Pennsylvania at the time of the victim’s homicide to work on getting some porn acto or making movies”, however KEREKES did not elaborate further. KEREKES illustrated for RODDEN how he and CUADRA purchased wine from the “wine store near Wegman’s” (supermarket), possibly named “ABC”. KEREKES also stated that he shopped at the ‘WalMart” near that location, at which he purchased a knife. KEREKES insinuated to RODDEN that the police “had the wrong knife” related to this investigatior KEREKES added that he and CUADRA stayed at the “Fox Ridge Inn”, which RODDEN thought to be odd as KEREKES always bragged about how wealthy he was, KEREKES commented about his stay there that his ‘Was the only car in the parking lot”. KEREKES added that he made several calls from that location on his cell phone, but did not elaborate who it was he spoke with. KEREKES also stated that he utilized his computer from that location as well, which was what he planned to be his defense in this matter.

At one point, RODDEN stated that he knew the victim from years ago, to which KEREKES asked him; “then you know where his house is, up on Midland Drive?” RODDEN thought it also suspicious that KEREKES seemed to know right where the victim’s residence was.

KEREKES also stated to RODDEN that the police had recorded him utilizing a microphone hidden in a pair of glasses and as such, KEREKES was careful what he said and where he said it. Regarding his business, KEREKES stated to RODDEN that he was a former Marine, and had been a preacher having attended religious schooling. Subsequent to that, he became involved in a male escort service, however he stated several times that neither he nor CUADRA were homosexual and were “in it for the money’. KEREKES stated numerous times that he was very wealthy, but that the police had seized all of his assets. KEREKES stated to RQDDEN that he was going to exclaim to the news media that this Trooper is a “thief’, and illegally took KEREKES’ money. KEREKES also “buys favors” around the prison by purchasing canteen items for other prisoners. KEREKES also stated that his escort service “started out small”, then grew into a “big business”, offering full sexual services for a fee.

Regarding the pornography aspect of the business, KEREKES stated that it was growing, with CUADRA doing the majority of the “mule work”, while KEREKES maintained the “business” end of things. KEREKES also illustrated trips to Las Vegas and other locations where he and CUADRA visited.

RODDEN added that KEREKES was “heartless’ about his reference to the victim. RODDEN stated that on one occasion, KEREKES laughed about the victim stating; “they havent even buried him yet. They have him frozen somewhere”. KEREKES continued his rant, at which time RODDEN walked away as he was getting upset at the disrespectful manner in which KEREKES was referring to the victim.

RODDEN further stated that on another occasion, KEREKES stated that he was drinking at the Fox Ridge Inn and at One point “passed out”, as though he might utilize that as a defense. KEREKES stated; “they wont be able to get me for murder. Harlow went out to meet the guy, and he wont say anything about he, because I told him not to. I’ll get out in five years and make tons of money off of this”. RODDEN hypothesized that KEREKES was going to testify against CUADRA and, “get a deal”.

RODDEN stated that KEREKES was not specific about the circumstances under which he and CUADRA left the Wilkes Barre area, however an “attorney from Virginia” investigated whether or not there were criminal warrants for CUADRA/KEREKES. In the interim they two fled to “somewhere in Florida; maybe on a beach or something”, according to RODDEN.

In conclusion, RODDEN stated that although KEREKES never confessed to killing the victim, “he (KEREKES) pretty much told me how him and that other guy (CUADRA) did ft”. RODDEN further hypothesized that KEREKES “probably put the kid (CUADRA) up to it, and now he’s gonna try to hang him out to dry. I think he (KEREKES) was at (the victim’s) house though, whether he did the stabbing or not. He (victim) didn’t deserve to be treated like that”.

With that, interview concluded at approx 1229 hrs.