Marcus Bebb-Jones, alleged murderer of Sabrina Bebb-Jones
Garfield County Jail, where Bebb-Jones awaits his fate, Inmate #201866, and Garfield County Courthouse, where his trial will take place.
Latest update on Marcus Bebb-Jones
This morning, May 10th, the gallery was crowded and a full lineup had settled in criminal court.
The room fairly buzzed with activity.
Sabrina's father and (I think) a brother were sitting in front of me, as was
Garfield County Sheriff's Commander, Bill Middleton. District Attorney, Martin Beeson, Assistant DA, Jeff Cheney
and Ann Norrdin were at their places.
We all bristled with anticipation and hope that today would start the trial ball rolling.
Frustrated sighs accompanied Public Defender, Matt Morriss, who stood up and asked for another continuance.
Morriss said three things were behind his request:
1. They were in the process of "negotiations" with witnesses.
2. Attorney James Conway has retired and wouldn't be a part of the trial, therefore
they would need to get a second chair up to speed before the trial.
3. Questions about key witness, Eric Ashworth's, integrity.
District Attorney Martin Beeson stringently disagreed with another continuance, stating
this had gone on long enough, and Morriss could work on his negotiations, etc, while
awaiting the trial. Beeson wanted to get the trial started before the new year
because he's up for reelection, and if the outcome of that vote is not in favor of him, then
another DA and Asst. DA will have to take over the case. A big concern was having a trial date
set so travel arrangements could be made for his overseas witnesses.
Bebb-Jones watched Beeson closely as he stated he thought the trial could take up to 8 weeks,
due to the high number of witnesses--about 200--that he planned to call.
Judge Petre, after careful questioning, thought Morriss had a good reason for another continuance,
just not one as far off as June 14th, Morriss' requested date.
Due to calendar conflicts, he settled for June 6, at 1:30pm.
Judge Petre said if they couldn't enter a plea then, the court would enter a "not guilty" plea on
behalf of Bebb-Jones, and set a trial date.
Beeson bounced around a possible trial date in late Fall, early Winter of this year.
***
The surprising development, today, is that one of the key
investigators for the People, Corporal Eric Ashworth, has resigned,
due to possible improper use of a SO credit card.
I will be there on June 6th, and let you know what happened.
***
Yesterday, the case was "continued" to May 10th. From good authority the delay
was because of a conflict with Judge Petrie's schedule.
Until then...
Here is the only Internet report but it doesn't have the above info.
*****
Well, you aren't going to believe this, but I was caught up in a book deadline and completely forgot
the hearing today (April 26th)! And, the two reporters who are normally there with me are on
vacation, and so NO ONE knows how this hearing went this morning. I'll call the clerk's
office tomorrow morning and see what I can find out. Sorry to let you all down!
Marcus Bebb-Jones' Preliminary Hearing
March 21, 2012--Day Three (half day)
Day three started at about 1:20pm, and lasted until 6:15pm, when Judge Dan Petre
announced there was enough evidence to hold Marcus Bebb-Jones over for trial. See link below
for the Glenwood Springs Post Independent article on the day's proceedings.
Everyone seemed a bit tired, as Public Defender Matt Morriss methodically
grilled Eric Ashworth. Ashworth gave up little, and defended his prior answers.
Ann Norrdin, whose very pretty smile and sense of humor balances her shrewd eyes,
made sure Ashworth's answers were clarified to benefit the People's case.
After Morris was through with questioning and a short break, closing arguments
began. District Attorney Beeson reminded the judge of his opening statements,
where he compared Bebb-Jones' current circumstances as the biggest poker game of
his life. His power point presentation, entitled "The Gambler starring Marcus Bebb-Jones"
led the judge step by step through the powerful circumstantial evidence and
highlighted the possible meaning of the physical evidence.
When Morris took the reins, he focused mainly on how little was there to prove the elements of
first degree murder. He ended his push by saying there may be other possible charges
but first degree murder shouldn't be one of them.
Beeson, once again, got up and refuted Morriss' claims, and the judge apparently agreed.
After deliberating for two hours, he found there was enough evidence to hold
Marcus Bebb-Jones over for trial.
The defendant will appear next in court on April 26.
March 15, 2012--Day Two
After a nice ride through Glenwood Canyon (where I spilled coffee on me TWICE), I arrived a half hour early
to Marcus Bebb-Jones' Preliminary Hearing, Day Two. The two Vietnamese interpreters, Lauren Tran and Kenneth Hoang, were
sitting at the back of the gallery. In spite of my "eau de cafe" aroma, I visited with them. I learned they were both from South
Vietnam, and had come over to America after the war. Kenneth fell into his job as criminal court interpreter when
a college professor suggested it. He's been doing it now for several decades and travels all over the US.
Ms. Tran works for several agencies as an interpreter. As the court proceedings occur, each takes
turns in recounting what's said for Sabrina Bebb-Jones' family, who sit on the bench behind my usual roost.
Pretty soon, the substantial force of the "People" marched in, ready to take on the day. This includes,
Garfield County District Attorney, Martin Beeson, assisted by Jeff Chaney and Anne Norrdin.
Garfield County Sheriff's Office is represented by Commander Bill Middleton and Corporal Eric Ashworth.
I can barely see the courtroom due to the high mountain of case books!
On the Defense's side sits Bebb-Jones, clean shaven and attired in his cranberry prison suit.
He is flanked by Matt Morris and James Conway, his Public Defenders. Day One of the Prelim found Mr. Conway jovial.
Day Two, the courtroom is quieter.
When the proceedings finally began at 9:30, GJPD officer, Kevin Imbracio finished his testimony, and
was followed by Commander Middleton, and then Corp. Ashworth. Most of the questioning is done by Mr. Chaney, who I must say
was brilliant at times. Anne Norrdin finished with Eric Ashworth.
The Prosecution focused on where Sabrina's human remains (her skull) were found and how its
location related to Dinosaur National Park, where the couple had headed September 16, 1997,
the day Sabrina disappeared.
Also, sightings of the couple were thoroughly examined, as was Bebb-Jones' time in Las Vegas, after
Sabrina disappeared. The conservatorship and subsequent sale of the Hotel Melrose was detailed,
as was the white minivan where possible blood spatter was found. Many photos were shown.
The Prosecution finished up its case at 5:25pm, and due to the Defense still needing their
time with the last witness, Eric Ashworth, and closing arguments, a third day was set to
continue. Judge Petre was not happy with this, but understood the gravity of the case, and wanted
everyone to have enough time to present their sides. Wednesday, March 21, at 1pm. the hearing
will finish. I will report.
February 24, 2012
Today was a very long day at District Court Room A in Garfield County! I got there just as everyone was coming in.
The gallery was almost empty, but two Vietnamese interpreters were there, one male, one female,
so I knew Sabrina's family would be there. There was a reporter for The Daily Sentinel, and one for The Post Independent, too.
I was surprised when one of the Prosecution's team walked by and bid me good morning. He knew my name! As I was
wondering about that, the lead prosecutor who is the District Attorney, Martin Beeson, approached me and introduced himself.
He, too, knew my name. I'm not so sure that's a good thing (LOL) and when I asked how he knew me, he said, "Word gets around."
Well, everyone on that side of the courtroom was super nice to me, so I'm not too worried.
On to the day...
First off, I have to say the People's team is impressive. I know they've invested a lot of time, money, and effort into this case.
Squire Beeson reminds me of an elegant Irish Setter, and his courtliness and dignity with the witnesses and court were admirable.
His able assistant, Jeff Cheney, looks like he played football for the Marines, and one gets the feeling he always made a touchdown.
For the Defense, Matt Morriss and Jim Conway, sat with Bebb-Jones, who was wearing his cranberry uniform (which I learned today
means he's a maximum security prisoner) and was allowed to have his left hand unshackled during the hearing.
Squire Morris is diametrically opposed in demeanor and manner from Beeson. I bet all of his kid sister's friends had a crush on him.
Don't let his pretty face fool you, though. He was thorough and tenacious today, as was Squire Conway.
It will be interesting to see these two teams go head to head, but the hope is the truth will come out.
Today, the prosecution set out to show there was probable cause for a first degree murder charge. I don't want to go into too much detail
because I don't want to say anything to compromise the case. The witnesses today were members of Sabrina's family, also the man
who found Sabrina's skull, and Grand Junction Police Sergeant, Kevin Imbriaco.
The afternoon's lengthy questioning was necessary, I know, but I was very glad when Judge Petre called it a day.
Sadly, Sabrina's family will have to come back,
for today's hearing ended unfinished. The prelim will continue on March 15th, 9am.
I will be there and will report.
***
The Preliminary Hearing for Marcus Bebb-Jones will take place February 24, 2012, at 8:30am, in Judge Petre's courtroom.
Bebb-Jones waived his right to have the prelim within 30 days, and after stating he was free of drugs or anything else that could cloud
his judgment on this issue, the judge granted the request for a full day for the hearing.
As usual, the courtroom was a busy place while everyone waited for the judge to appear, which he did around 8:30am.
The prisoners were traipsed in at 8:15, two other men in cranberry suits, besides Bebb-Jones.
He is sporting a full beard now, and was calm, almost lulled, evidenced by a few subdued yawns. He watched the gallery quite often, but kept
his eyes down for the most part. The other prisoners were jocular with each other, while Bebb-Jones spoke to no one except
Matt Morris, the ever friendly and efficient public defender. After Bebb-Jones and Morris spoke, Morris left his side with a laugh.
One wonders what's so funny...
There were a few reporters sitting nearby. They left immediately, as did I, after Bebb-Jones' business was finished. I'll look forward
to reading what others say about the proceedings. I especially will be awaiting the prelim, and will report what I've heard.
