Scared Monkeys Discussion Forum

 ::snipping2::
Police say Katherine's suspected abductor, Sean Michael Phillips, has been found but Katherine is still missing.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.9and10news.com/Category/Story/?id=295583&cID=1 (http://www.9and10news.com/Category/Story/?id=295583&cID=1)

Edit to add "Baby Kate" to subject line.  MB

http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/nw_mich/Amber-Alert-for-Ludington-infant-4-mo (http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/nw_mich/Amber-Alert-for-Ludington-infant-4-mo)

 ::snipping2::
Katherine Phillips is considered missing and endangered. She was likely taken from a Ludington home located at 922 E. Tinkham, investigators said.

She was last seen around 1:15 p.m. Wednesday. Katherine has no hair, blue eyes and weighs about 12 pounds. She was wearing pink shorts and a matching pink tank top with black and pink flowers.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.wzzm13.com/news/article/170526/280/AMBER-ALERT-Missing-infant-in-Ludington (http://www.wzzm13.com/news/article/170526/280/AMBER-ALERT-Missing-infant-in-Ludington)


 ::snipping2::
Police issued an Amber Alert Wednesday night for a four and a half month old girl believed abducted by the girl's father on Wednesday.
 ::snipping2::

 ::snipping2::
Sean Phillips and his car were located Wednesday night, but the girl was not with him.
 ::snipping2::

 ::snipping2::
Sean Phillips is 5'9" and 180 lbs., with blue eyes and brown hair.  Before he was located, he was driving a silver four-door Oldsmobile with Michigan license plate BUY0298.

Police are releasing information on Sean Phillips in hopes someone might have spotted him with his daughter.

 ::snipping2::

wow lake MI,west and park like area east and the Crystal Lake area,seems kind of far i think like 60 mile
if the neighbor is right about the time, the Crystal Lake area seems a little far for that time frame

 ::snipping2:: ::snipping2::
WZZM 13's Sarah Sell, who was following this story in Ludington, reports that police have taped off a portion of a road in a rural area near Ludington.  A neighbor in that area tells Sarah that he saw Sean Michael Phillips drive down that road Wednesday afternoon between 2:00pm and 4:00pm.  The witness says that Phillips was down the road for about 45 minutes and then drove back. 

Michigan State Police mobile crime lab is on the scene in a couple of locations checking on tips from residents.  The U.S. Coast Guard is using a helicopter checking the Crystal Lake area.
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/regional/170526/5/AMBER-ALERT-Suspect-charged-with-kidnapping?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Ct

map
922 E. Tinkham LUDINGTON, Mich
http://tinyurl.com/3jxo4c3

 Crystal Lake area
http://tinyurl.com/6cvece8

http://www.wzzm13.com/news/article/170526/2/AMBER-ALERT-Baby-Kate-still-missing

A 4 month old baby was taken by someone who may (not released) be her father.  This was on Wednesday and the man was found but the baby has not been found yet.  Just wanted to start a thread so any michigan monkeys could be aware - 4 months!

Edit to add name to subject title. MB

(http://www.clickondetroit.com/2011/0630/28408116_240X135.jpg)

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/28402764/detail.html

LUDINGTON, mich. -- Police in Ludington, Mich., have issued an amber alert for a 4-month-old child.

The child was last seen Wednesday afternoon at 922 E. Tinkham Road in Ludington, police said.

 ::snipping2::


Bottom left is the address above.  Note the large wooded area

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5305/5889289621_bcabe44f10_b.jpg)

http://www.9and10news.com/Category/Story/?id=295692&cID=1 (http://www.9and10news.com/Category/Story/?id=295692&cID=1)

 ::snipping2::
Katherine's mother says it's the baby's father, Sean Phillips, who's charged with kidnapping the girl from her home in Ludington, but investigators say he's not telling them where she is.
Police spent most of Thursday searching the area of Millerton and U.S. 31 after getting a tip from a neighbor.
 ::snipping2::

comment:
I don't believe when they talk about Crystal Lake that it is Crystal Lake,MI but I could be wrong...in this area of Michigan we have a lot of what I call ponds and creeks that are labelled lakes and rivers and it seems that every county around here have a 'Crystal Lake' - I believe there are 2 in my county alone. From what I can gather Millerton is a road with a lake/pond near the end of East Millerton and although I can't prove it - I bet the locals call that 'unlabelled body of water' at the end of Millerton Crystal Lake. I can't find the source but I remember reading that Sean's parents live on one part of Millerton and Sean was seen on Millerton near Crystal Lake which is in the opposite direction of his parents. I'll post this and then try to post the reference to Sean's parents.

Found it:

http://www.9and10news.com/Category/Story/?id=295583&cID=1 (http://www.9and10news.com/Category/Story/?id=295583&cID=1)

 ::snipping2::
Officers arrested him in the area of Millerton & US-31, near his parents home.

This afternoon police sectioned off that area.
 ::snipping2::

 ::snipping2::
1:40 PM UPDATE: Ludington Police are looking for potential witnesses who were seen launching a blue and white boat at the Hackert Lake/Crystal Lake public boat launch yesterday afternoon.
 ::snipping2::


 ::snipping2::
1:20 PM UPDATE: The 9&10 crew who is covering the disappearance of 4-month-old Katherine Phillips believes they've come across a possible crime scene.

Police have surrounded the area of W. Millerton Road, just north of Scottville.

Michigan State Police have a mobile crime lab at the scene.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.lake-link.com/lakes/lake.cfm?LakeID=22787&RegionID=404 (http://www.lake-link.com/lakes/lake.cfm?LakeID=22787&RegionID=404)

Crystal Lake - near Scottville

i am feeling like he killed this precious baby girl.....I can not even fathom how a father could look into those sweet eyes and do something to her ::MonkeyMad::

http://www.9and10news.com/Category/Story/?id=295692&cID=1  (http://www.9and10news.com/Category/Story/?id=295692&cID=1)

UPDATED-AMBER ALERT: 4-Month-Old Still Missing From Ludington
Posted On: 6/30/2011
12:45 p.m. FRIDAY: The search for missing 4-month-old Katherine Phillips is still happening and police are asking anyone wanting to volunteer and help find Katherine to go to Ludington City Hall.

Ludington City Hall is located at 400 S. Harrison.

Volunteers will be given a flyer and asked to visit a local business and talk with the public about Katherine's disappearance.

Investigators are still looking for more information about what Sean Michael Phillips did on Wednesday between 1:00 and 4:00 in the afternoon.

Officials with the investigation say authorities are searching the area between US-31, Fountain Road, Amber Road and Dewey Road.

Anyone with information about Sean Michael Phillips or the whereabouts of Katherine Phillips is asked to call Mason-Oceana 911 at 231-869-5858.

9&10 News will have the very latest on the search for Katherine tonight on 9&10 News at 5:00 and 6:00.

aww man she is just a little baby...Never will I understand these crimes. May God protect her, where ever she is.

I think this one is not going to end well. If he killed her I hope they find her. She deserves to be laid to rest with dignity. Poor little girl.

AMBER ALERT: Four month old Katherine Phillips Missing Since 6/29/2011 in Ludington, Mich … Believed Abducted Sean Phillips

http://scaredmonkeys.com/2011/07/02/amber-alert-four-month-old-katherine-phillips-missing-since-6292011-in-ludington-mich-believed-abducted-sean-phillips/

(http://scaredmonkeys.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Kaherine-Phillips-400x400.jpg)

Four month old Katherine Phillips has been missing since Wednesday afternoon, June 29, 2011. The Ludington Police Department  believe that the baby was taken by 21 year old Sean Phillips, but so far he is not talking. Sean Phillips had an argument with baby Kate’s mother, Ariel Courtland, outside her Ludington home around 1 pm. on Wednesday. When Ariel Courtland went inside to get something, Sean Phillips left with Katherine.

Presently, Sean Phillips is in in jail, charged with kidnapping. He is being held on a $500,000 bond.  The Amber Alert remains in effect for Katherine.

FACEBOOK: Katherine Shelbie Elizabeth Phillips-Missing in Michigan

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Katherine-Shelbie-Elizabeth-Phillips-Missing-in-Michigan/239207996108263

http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?section=news/state&id=8228038&rss=rss-wjrt-article-8228038&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=may2011-2

I find it a bad bad thing that they found this baby's clothing. The dad says she is still alive but I doubt it.   ::MonkeyNoNo::

Police: Pink outfit found, but not Kate

http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/nw_mich/Police-Pink-outfit-found-but-not-Kate

The pink outfit worn by Katherine Phillips on the day she was reported missing was found, but Katherine is still missing according to Ludington Police.

Ludington Police held a news conference Saturday to talk about the search for Katherine Phillips, or baby Kate as some residents have called her.

Police released few new details at Saturday's press conference. Police didn't disclose where the baby's clothing was found.

 ::snipping2::

http://www.ludingtondailynews.com/news/59002-mom-shares-reason-for-hope-in-finding-missing-baby-kate

Mom shares reason for hope missing baby Kate may still be alive

Lisa Enos - Staff Photographer

Saturday, July 2, 2011
Ariel Courtland appeared calm and organized Friday night as she addressed a group of people who answered a Facebook appeal to help her look for her baby daughter — missing since Wednesday. Courtland said she spoke to the baby’s alleged abductor, Sean Michael Phillips who indicated to her about 5:15 p.m. Friday that the baby is still alive.

“He told me she is alive,” Courtland told the Daily News in the Subway parking lot on U.S. 10 late Friday night — across the street and not far from the last place Phillips was seen Wednesday, Wendy’s restaurant, before police found him and apprehended him at his parents’ Millerton Road property. Courtland said that she has been told by authorities not to look for the child, but she has grown tired of waiting.

“I’m doing what I need to do to find my kid,” she said.
 ::snipping2::

Doesn't make sense.  This baby is not alive but who is responsible?  Father, Mother or both?

Relatives discuss the search

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IIzLTPhZV0&feature=player_embedded

Uploaded by WOODTV8 on Jul 1, 2011
Katherine Phillips' mother received some "potentially good news (that) gives (her) hope the baby is still alive," she told 24 Hour News 8 on Friday evening.

(http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/texasmom55/MISC%20NEWS%2027%20012011/07022011_katherinephillipsmissing.jpg)

When I saw that picture of the father, he reminds me of Shawn Adkins re: Hailey Dunn!

 ::MonkeyEek:: ::MonkeyShocked::

I'm praying that baby Katherine is found safe. 

http://www.ludingtondailynews.com/news/59004-more-volunteers-needed-saturday-police-looking-for-tips
More volunteers needed Saturday; police looking for tips
July 2, 2011

Police are looking for more volunteers to help get the word out to shoppers at local businesses. Anyone available to volunteer is asked to come to the Ludington Police Department, 408 S. Harrison St., at 9 a.m. today.

Each volunteer will be provided with information and asked to go to businesses located on Ludington Ave. or U.S. 10.
More...

(http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/276609_239207996108263_2833767_n.jpg)

Police following leads
LDN Staff -

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Sunday night press release:

The investigation into the whereabouts of 4 month old Katherine Phillips is continuing. Members of several Mason County fire departments, along with Mason County deputies and the Michigan State Police conducted a search of the railroad bed in between Brye Road and Meyers Road. A portion of the Millerton Road area was also rechecked.

<snipped>

Approximately 80 volunteers have taken flyers and have spoken to people entering various businesses along the Ludington Ave/US-10 corridor during the last three days.

We would like to thank the many area businesses for providing drinks for the investigators as they continue their work, and to the members of the community for their cooperation and assistance while every effort is made to bring Katherine home.


Chief Mark A. Barnett

Ludington Police Department

http://www.fox17online.com/news/fox17-baby-kate-kidnapping-michigan-state-police-investigating-blood-found-near-suspects-home-in-baby-kate-kidnapping-20110705,0,4286799.story (http://www.fox17online.com/news/fox17-baby-kate-kidnapping-michigan-state-police-investigating-blood-found-near-suspects-home-in-baby-kate-kidnapping-20110705,0,4286799.story)

 ::snipping2::
LUDDINGTON—
Searchers from the U.S. Forest Department Service found blood in the woods near the suspect's home in the baby Katherine Phillips kidnapping case. The woods are located off Millerton Road in Scottville, near Ludington where the baby was last seen.

Michigan State Police have an evidence technician on-scene taking samples of the blood. The technician has been on-scene for about an hour, and police have not said how soon they will have more information on the blood sampled.

 ::snipping2::

 ::MonkeyDance:: ::MonkeyDance::
At least a bit of good news - still no baby though...

http://www.wzzm13.com/rss/article/171057/14/Blood-evidence-in-search-for-Baby-Kate-is-not-human (http://www.wzzm13.com/rss/article/171057/14/Blood-evidence-in-search-for-Baby-Kate-is-not-human)

 ::snipping2::

The family of Katherine Phillips confirmed tonight to WZZM that the substance believed to be blood, found in the woods near Sean Michael Phillips' home, was not human.  The Mason County Sheriff says tests of the blood from the crime lab also confirm it was not human.

 ::snipping2::

Thanks Cheeky for starting this thread.  I am sickened by the K.C. Anthony outcome and can no longer discuss or participate in any discussions about it.  It has really saddened me.  It's time everyone moves on and tries to help other children, since sadly there is no more we can do for Caylee!

I have caught several clips about this little girl, but details are kind of sketchy.  I heard this "alleged" father is in custody, however I would like to know what the details surrounding the baby being kidnapped are?  Do you know?

http://www.ludingtondailynews.com/news/59270-one-search-completed-another-planned?newsgroup_id=

Now they are finishing searching a golf course.  Planning another search tomorrow. 

How I hope this has a good resolution!

http://www.ludingtondailynews.com/news/59282-ground-search-ends-for-in-baby-kate-abduction-investigation?newsgroup_id=
Ground search ends for in "Baby Kate" abduction investigation
Poilce have searched all areas they had received tips about.
Steve Begnoche - Managing Editor
July 16, 2011

Thirteen searchers led by Ludington Police Chief Mark Barnett and Mason County Sheriff Jeff Fiers completed what, for now, is the final ground search in the case of the missing infant, Katherine Phillips.

At about 2:30 p.m. Saturday the searchers finished searching an area near Meyers Road south of the railroad tracks south of U.S. 10.

Nothing was found, Barnett said.
 ::snipping2::
All the tips of sites for potential searches have now been checked out and answers to the whereabouts of the baby who would now be 5 months old have failed to turn up answers as to what happened to her.
 ::snipping2::
Sean Phillips is being held in Mason County Jail on $500,000 bond on a charge of abduction.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of the infant or of Sean Michael Phillips on June 29 is asked to contact Mason-Oceana 911 at 231-869-5858.

Persons wishing to provide information anonymously can call Silent ******* @ 888-STOPCRIME (888-786-7274). Anonymous information can also be provided at WWW.LSOTIP.COM or by texting “LSOTIP and your tip to 274637 (CRIMES).

http://nancygrace.blogs.cnn.com/2011/07/18/911-call-released-in-baby-kate-disappearance/
911 Call Released In Baby Kate Disappearance
July 18, 2011

“The father of my child took our daughter and I don’t know where he’s at with her,” the mother of missing “Baby Kate” Phillips said in a 911 call made minutes after the girl’s abduction last month.

Ariel Courtland told a Mason County, Michigan dispatcher around 1:10 pm on June 29 that Sean Michael Phillips had just driven away with her 4-month-old daughter when he was supposed to be taking them for a paternity test to confirm that he was Kate’s father.

“He doesn’t want to pay child support for her,” Courtland said.

Phillips is the father of Courtland’s 3-year-old daughter. He was scheduled to be deployed to Afghanistan with the National Guard in August.

He is now being held in Mason County Jail on a kidnapping charge. His bond is set at $500,000 and his next court date is scheduled for August 3.
 ::snipping2::
Phillips was seen at a Wendy’s on US-10 soon after leaving Courtland’s home with Kate on June 29. Witnesses said he came into the restaurant alone. He was arrested at his parents’ house a few hours later. He has not told authorities where Kate is, but police say the clothes she was wearing when she was last seen have been found.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.ludingtondailynews.com/news/59343-272-tips-received-in-baby-kate-case?newsgroup_id=
272 tips received in baby Kate case
July 19, 2011

Ludington Police Chief Mark Barnett said 272 tips have come in on the case involving missing infant Katherine “Kate” Phillips.

Tips came in stronger at first and have been coming in more slowly during the course of the investigation, which has spanned three weeks.
 ::snipping2::
Sean Phillips, 21, of Scottville, is jailed on $500,000 bond on a kidnapping charge.

Barnett said investigators are continuing to follow up on any leads that come in, as well as to prepare for Sean’s preliminary hearing which was adjourned until Aug. 3.
 ::snipping2::
A reward fund has been established for information related to the case. As of Monday afternoon $1,320 has been donated. Anyone wishing to donate toward the Silent ******* fund may send it to the Ludington & Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce, 5300 W. U.S. 10, Ludington, MI 49431. Include “Baby Katherine Reward Fund” on the memo line of the check.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/nw_mich/One-month-still-no-sign-of-Baby-Kate
One month - still no sign of Baby Kate
July 28, 2011

LUDINGTON, Mich. (WOOD) - One month after then 4-month-old Katherine Phillips went missing, her father, Sean Michael Phillips, remains quiet about where she might be.

Arrested and accused of kidnapping the baby, he sits in a jail awaiting his court hearing next week to determine if he'll stand trial for allegedly kidnapping her.
Though FBI agents, police officers and volunteers searched areas in and around Ludington, no one has found the girl.
More...
Video at Link

http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/nw_mich/sean-phillips-preliminary-exam-080311
Baby Kate's mom testifies in Ludington
Sean Phillips charged with Baby Kate's kidnapping
August 3, 2011

LUDINGTON, Mich. (WOOD) - Wearing an orange jumpsuit and a bulletproof vest, Sean Phillips heard Ariel Courtland testify Wednesday that he wanted to abort and later have someone adopt her missing now-five-month-old daughter Kate.

Phillips is in court for a hearing to determine if there's enough evidence to send him to trial for kidnapping the girl.
 ::snipping2::
Phillips allegedly took the child on June 29 after a heated argument with her mother at her home in Ludington. That was the last time anyone saw Kate.

Phillips has not been cooperating with police while in jail, refusing to say a word about what happened with the child. But the child's mother said he told her while he was in jail that the baby is alive.
 ::snipping2::
Video at Link

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2011/08/ready_to_edit_mother_of_missin.html
Mother of missing Ludington baby testifies during court hearing; law enforcement officials to testify next
August 3, 2011

LUDINGTON — The mother of a 5-month-old Ludington baby missing since June 29 testified Wednesday that in the weeks before the baby allegedly was abducted by her father, he urged her to give the baby up for adoption.
Sean-Phillips.jpgSean Phillips

The preliminary examination of the alleged abductor, Sean Michael Phillips, began Wednesday morning and was to include testimony from law enforcement authorities who worked the case.
 ::snipping2::
Courtland, questioned by Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola and Phillips' attorney, Annette Smedley, essentially said in the weeks before the baby went missing, she and Phillips often argued about giving the child up for adoption.

While Courtland admitted that the two spoke about giving the child up for adoption, she said in the end, it wasn't what she wanted.

Smedley said Courtland continued to call Phillips, visit Phillips and even brought Phillips socks and money to the jail since he's incarcerated, trying to prove that Courtland was in agreement about the adoption and wanted it all along.

Courtland explained during cross examination that she visits Phillips, tells him she loves him and says anything to get him to talk about what he did with "Kate."

“I was trying to get on his good side,” she said.
Ariel Courtland.JPGAriel Courtland

The preliminary examination was continuing as of 1 p.m. The Chronicle will continue to update the story with new information.
 ::snipping2::
Phillips was arrested a few hours later at his parents' home, 280 Millerton, in Victory Township about five miles north of Scottville, without the baby in his care. Phillips refuses to tell anyone what happened with the infant, but has told Courtland, when she visited him in jail, that the baby is alive, Courtland has said.

Phillips, charged with kidnapping and lodged in the Mason County Jail, has not cooperated with authorities. The couple has a 3½-year-old daughter, Haley Phillips.
 ::snipping2::

My heart is sinking -- I don't think this will turn out well.
Reminds me of Gabriel Johnson --

NG is talking about this baby.
the baby's clothes that she had on that morning were found wadded up in the father's pockets...but no baby Kate.
they showed the father <<word used loosely...in court and he has cold eyes just like Casey's are..void of feeling...

Cookie, it certainly is not looking good for finding this precious child.
The POS needs to be waterboarded IMO

agree!

OT and I'm sorry but I gotta say....

                                                   SISTER!  How nice to see you.  I've moved and getting home late and not on much but reading at work by Blackberry  only on a few sites.  Doing okay?  I'm sure you are tired of hearing that question but I just want you to know I've been praying for you and you are in my thoughts everyday.  We have a few missing Monkey's now.  I'm not very vocal about cases and definitely not too much smarts to add but I do care for everyone here and worry when I know there is illness, fam issues and just missing for no reason.  I know God doesn't care how we word our prayers but I think your words are so much more beautiful and expressive than mine!  Thank you for just being you!  In fact, thank you all!

I have a couple questions/concerns on baby Kate's disappearance:

NG said mom's cell phone was in Dad's car when he took off.  Mom tells 911 operator that baby had been gone about 5 minutes before she called for help as she was calling Dad's cell phone.   I wonder what phone she used to call him?

I have read or heard several versions of what item she went back into the apartment to retrieve.........binky, keys, purse, so on.
 
I am praying hard for baby Kate and hope she was handed off to someone who is lovingly taking care of her...please, God.

Tol

Melisb, thank you for such kind words.  I am healing better now.
 ::HelloKitty::

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2011/08/baby_kate_kidnapping_hearing_s.html
Baby Kate kidnapping hearing set for Sean Michael Phillips
August 19, 2011

LUDINGTON — The Scottville-area man charged with kidnapping “Baby Kate,” the Ludington infant missing since June 29, has been scheduled for a pretrial hearing in Mason County 51st Circuit Court.

Sean Michael Phillips, 21, was scheduled Friday for a final conference hearing at 4 p.m. Oct. 11 before Circuit Judge Richard I. Cooper, according to court records. A trial date has not been set.
 ::snipping2::
Phillips, 21, was arrested a few hours after the reported abduction at his parents' home, 280 Millerton in Victory Township, about five miles north of Scottville, without the baby in his care.

Phillips has refused to tell anyone what happened to the infant, but Courtland has said Phillips told her the baby was alive when she visited him in jail.

He is being held on $500,000 bail in the Mason County Jail.

http://www.examiner.com/us-headlines-in-national/dna-testing-confirms-sean-phillips-is-father-of-baby-kate-videos
DNA testing confirms Sean Phillips is father of ‘Baby Kate’ (videos)
August 19, 2011

Ludington, Michigan- On August 18, 2011, HLN’s Nancy Grace revisited the case of missing five-month-old Kate Phillips “Baby Kate.”  Matt Zarrell, Grace’s producer, confirmed on air that Phillips; family revealed  the results of the DNA test, proving he is in fact Katherine Shelbie-Elizabeth Phillips’ father.
 ::snipping2::
Videos and Slide Show at Link

http://www.upnorthlive.com/news/story.aspx?list=~\home\lists\search&id=655960#.TlrS7mG8sng   
Motion to drop charges in missing baby case
August 25, 2011

(http://www.upnorthlive.com/uploadedImages/wpbn/News/Stories/Katherine_Phillips.jpg?w=204&h=153&aspect=nostretch)

 ::snipping2::
It's been almost two months since baby Katherine Phillips went missing from her Ludington home, now lawyers for the man accused of kidnapping her claim they have grounds to have the charges against him dropped.
 ::snipping2::
Phillips has been charged with Kidnapping, a felony punishable by up to life in prison. This week his attorney filed a motion to dismiss all charges. Published reports say DNA test results reveal Phillips is the father of Baby Kate, and under state law biological parents cannot be charged or convicted of Kidnapping.

While the case plays out in court, the Ludington Police Department says their main priority is to bring the baby home.

The motion for dismissal is set for September 14th in Mason County Circuit Court. If approved, Phillips can still face other charges like Parental Kidnapping which carries a lesser punishable.

 ::snipping2::
Sean Phillips is now charged with Parental Kidnapping and Unlawful Imprisonment.

The initial kidnapping charge was dropped last week, after a judge ruled that a natural parent cannot be convicted of kidnapping.

Previously in the case, Phillips said he was not Kate's father, but a DNA test later proved that he is.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.9and10news.com/Category/Story/?id=303427&cID=1 (http://www.9and10news.com/Category/Story/?id=303427&cID=1)

Private investigator reportedly hired to assist Sean Michael Phillips, alleged abductor of Baby Kate

The station, WMOM 102.7 FM, posted on their website this morning that “a local private investigator is digging up information for the defense of Sean Michael Phillips” the father and alleged abductor of the infant, Katherine Shelbie-Elizabeth Phillips.

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2011/11/private_investigator_reportedl.html

http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/nw_mich/trial-adjourned-in-baby-kate-case
Trial adjourned in Baby Kate case
Sean Phillips charged in child's disappearance
February 15, 2012

LUDINGTON, Mich. (WOOD) - The trial for Sean Michael Phillips in Ludington that was scheduled to begin later this month is being adjourned due a conflict with his attorney's schedule.

A new date hasn't been set.

Phillips is suspected of taking his daughter, Katherine Phillips, who was almost 5 months old when she disappeared in June 2011.

Her whereabouts are still not known. She was living with her mother, Ariel Courtland, at the time.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2012/03/baby_kate_kidnapping_trial_of_1.html
'Baby Kate' kidnapping trial of Sean Phillips in Ludington scheduled
By John S. Hausman | jhausman@mlive.com
March 1, 2012

The trial for Sean Michael Phillips, accused of kidnapping his still-missing infant daughter "Baby Kate" in Ludington, has been rescheduled for April 16.

The trial is scheduled to last 10 days, which would take it through April 27, according to Mason County's 51st Circuit Court.

The trial has been postponed twice.

Phillips, 21, of Victory Township is charged with one count of unlawful imprisonment, punishable by up to 15 years in prison, and one count of parental kidnapping, punishable by up to a year and a day in jail.

Phillips has been lodged in the Mason County Jail since the day Katherine Shelbie-Elizabeth Phillips, then nearly 5 months, went missing June 29. He is being held in lieu of a $250,000 cash or surety bond. The infant is Phillips' biological child.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2012/03/baby_kate_kidnapping_trial_of_1.html
'Baby Kate' kidnapping trial of Sean Phillips in Ludington scheduled
By John S. Hausman | jhausman@mlive.com
March 1, 2012


The trial for Sean Michael Phillips, accused of kidnapping his still-missing infant daughter "Baby Kate" in Ludington, has been rescheduled for April 16.

The trial is scheduled to last 10 days, which would take it through April 27, according to Mason County's 51st Circuit Court.
 ::snipping2::
Phillips, 21, of Victory Township is charged with one count of unlawful imprisonment, punishable by up to 15 years in prison, and one count of parental kidnapping, punishable by up to a year and a day in jail.

Phillips has been lodged in the Mason County Jail since the day Katherine Shelbie-Elizabeth Phillips, then nearly 5 months, went missing June 29. He is being held in lieu of a $250,000 cash or surety bond. The infant is Phillips' biological child.
 ::snipping2::
Baby Kate's clothing was found in Phillips' pants pocket when authorities questioned him at his parents' home, hours after the infant's mother, Ariel Courtland, 19, called 911 to report her child missing. The infant's car seat and diaper bag were found in Phillips' vehicle trunk.

Earlier, the couple had been arguing in Phillips' vehicle with the baby in the back seat on June 29 in the parking lot of Courtland's Ludington apartment complex, police have said.

When Courtland briefly exited the vehicle to get a stroller from her apartment and then returned to the parking lot, Phillips drove off with the infant, police have said.
 ::snipping2::
Authorities have repeatedly said Courtland is not a suspect and she continues to cooperate with investigators in an effort to locate her daughter.

I keep praying Baby Kate is safe.
Adults . . . aarrgh!

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2012/04/prosecutor_explains_decision_t.html
Prosecutor explains decision to drop lesser charge against Sean Michael Phillips in Baby Kate case
By Heather Lynn Peters | hpeters@mlive.com
April 5, 2012

LUDINGTON, MI – The Mason County prosecutor said he had good reason to drop to a less serious charge against Sean Michael Phillips, the Victory Township man accused of abducting his infant daughter nearly a year ago.

Prosecutor Paul Spaniola said the decision was a strategic move for the upcoming April 16 trial.

One previous count against Phillips, parental kidnapping, was dropped April 3, Spaniola said in a press release. But a 15-year felony charge against Phillips -- secret confinement, also known as unlawful imprisonment -- still stands, he said.

“The reason for the dismissal of the custodial interference count was to streamline the issues to be considered by the jury at the trial," Spaniola said in a statement.

Spaniola didn’t want to take the chance that the jury would convict Phillips of the one-year felony of custodial interference and not the more serious charge.
 ::snipping2::
Phillips has refused to say what has happened to the child. Numerous searches of the Mason County area haven’t turned up a body or any evidence that would indicate that she was given away, authorities said.

Phillips has been lodged in the Mason County Jail since the day she went missing. He is being held in lieu of a $250,000 bond. The infant is Phillips' biological child.

A previous kidnapping charge, a life felony, was dismissed earlier by a circuit court judge because Michigan law does not permit that charge against a parent.
 ::snipping2::

http://wkzo.com/news/articles/2012/apr/05/more-charges-dropped-in-missing-infant-case/
More Charges Dropped in Missing Infant Case
April 5, 2012

 ::snipping2::
Sean Phillips is being held on a quarter-million dollars bond, still charged with unlawful imprisonment, a 15-year felony. The prosecutor had already been forced to drop a kidnapping charge because DNA tests showed he was the child’s biological father.
 ::snipping2::

Recap of the case in article.
http://www.ludingtondailynews.com/news/64666-1-of-2-charges-against-baby-kates-father-dismissed
1 of 2 charges against Baby Kate’s father dismissed
Still no sign of Baby Kate
Kevin Braciszeski - Daily News Staff Writer
April 5, 2012

The trial... on twitter...

https://twitter.com/#!/910BabyKate (https://twitter.com/#!/910BabyKate)

Dad has been found guilty of unlawful imprisonment!  ::justice2NJ::

This will not bring the baby back but perhaps the fact he is looking at 15 years in prison will help is memory of what he did with her!

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2012/04/baby_kate_verdict_sean_phillip.html

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2012/04/sean_phillips_will_appeal_his.html
Sean Phillips will appeal his conviction of imprisoning Baby Kate
By John S. Hausman | jhausman@mlive.com
April 27, 2012

LUDINGTON, MI – Sean Michael Phillips will appeal his conviction of unlawfully imprisoning Baby Kate.
“There will be an appeal,” said Phillips’ attorney, Annette Smedley of Muskegon, in an interview with MLive/Muskegon Chronicle after the verdict. “I believe that there’s a lot of appealable issues.”
 ::snipping2::
Smedley said appeal issues include the judge's instructions to the jury; his allowing Prosecutor Paul Spaniola to introduce a last-minute "surprise" witness; and a Sixth Amendment issue -- regarding attorney-client privilege -- over introduction of a jailhouse note found in a shirt pocket of Phillips' jail fatigues July 11.

Smedley said she had no quarrel with the jurors.

"We had a very attentive jury," she said. "I believe they made a rational decision based on what was given to them."

Asked what she thinks happened to the missing baby, Smedley said, “it’s not up to me to figure out what happened or what didn’t happen, just to make sure Mr. Phillips' rights were protected."
Video at Link

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2012/04/baby_kate_conviction_prosecuto.html
Baby Kate conviction: Case open until baby found, Prosecutor Paul Spaniola says
By John S. Hausman | jhausman@mlive.com
April 27, 2012

 ::snipping2::
Sean Michael Phillips’ conviction of unlawful imprisonment of Baby Kate brings no closure as long as the infant remains missing.

“This case remains an open investigation,” Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola said after a jury convicted Phillips, 22, of Victory Township. “Efforts are continuing to locate Katherine. …

“The case will not be over until we find Kate.”

Spaniola said investigators will develop new sites to search based on research by a team of Michigan State University soil and plant scientists who testified at Phillips’ trial.

The plant experts are in the process of germinating tiny seeds found on Phillips’ muddy shoes to see what plants grow. Investigators hope that could help them better determine search areas.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2012/04/baby_kate_guilty_verdict_for_s.html
Baby Kate guilty verdict for Sean Phillips doesn't answer question: Where is she?
April 27, 2012

 ::snipping2::
At the end of a 10-day trial, jurors at 12:12 p.m. Friday pronounced Phillips, 22, of Victory Township, guilty of unlawful imprisonment, a 15-year felony. A Mason County jury of eight men and four women deliberated for 5 ½ hours starting Thursday evening.

Mason County 51st Circuit Judge Richard I. Cooper scheduled sentencing for 3 p.m. June 5.

Phillips' minimum prison sentence could be anything up to 10 years, but state guidelines are likely to call for a lower minimum. The 15-year maximum is set by law. The state parole board will eventually decide how long he serves between the minimum and the maximum.
 ::snipping2::
Phillips will appeal, his Muskegon attorney, Annette Smedley, said.
 ::snipping2::
Spaniola said investigators will develop new sites to search based on research by a team of Michigan State University soil and plant scientists who testified at Phillips’ trial.
The plant experts are in the process of germinating tiny seeds found on Phillips’ muddy shoes to see what plants grow. Investigators hope that could help them better determine search areas.
 ::snipping2::
Asked at a press conference about the possibility of Courtland’s involvement in Baby Kate’s disappearance – the major theme of Phillips’ defense – Spaniola was firm.

“The timeline bore out that Ariel could not have been involved,” the prosecutor said. “The timeline was the key thing in this case.”

That was a reference to a detailed tracking of Courtland’s location throughout the afternoon of June 29 based on cell-phone records and security videotape. By contrast, Phillips could not be tracked during two hours in which he had his phone powered down.

Spaniola said police detectives thoroughly investigated Courtland, approaching it neutrally.

“She wants to know where Kate is,” Spaniola said. “She feels that Sean has all the answers. …

“She had no opportunity, motive or means to do anything with Kate.”

Asked whether Courtland might be charged with perjury based on her admission of testifying falsely at Phillips' preliminary examination last August, Spaniola said, "I'm not prepared to answer that."
 ::snipping2::
Smedley said appeal issues include the judge's instructions to the jury; his allowing Spaniola to introduce a last-minute "surprise" witness; and a Sixth Amendment issue -- regarding attorney-client privilege -- over introduction of a jailhouse note found in a shirt pocket of Phillips' jail fatigues July 11.

Smedley said she had no quarrel with the jurors.

"We had a very attentive jury," she said. "I believe they made a rational decision based on what was given to them."
Baby-Kate.jpgKatherine Shelbie-Elizabeth Phillips

Asked what she thinks happened to the missing baby, Smedley said, “it’s not up to me to figure out what happened or what didn’t happen, just to make sure Mr. Phillips' rights were protected."
 ::snipping2::
Video at Link

Report: Baby Kate's mom plans to marry missing infant's dad in prison
Published: Tuesday, September 11, 2012, 12:48 PM

IONIA, MI -- Ariel Courtland, the mother of long-missing "Baby Kate" Katherine Phillips, has taken out papers to marry Sean Phillips, the man convicted of unlawfully imprisoning the baby and suspected of killing her.

The Ionia County Clerk's office confirmed to MLive and the Muskegon Chronicle Tuesday that Courtland filed an affidavit Monday in that county to marry Phillips, who's lodged as a close-security prisoner at the Michigan Reformatory in Ionia.

 ::snipping2::

Courtland told WOOD-TV 8 that the marriage is to enable her to visit Phillips as part of her ongoing effort to find out what happened to their baby, who disappeared June 29, 2011, at the age of 4 1/2 months -- not an indication that she is love with Phillips.

According to Courtland's testimony at Phillips' trial in April, he was the last one seen with the infant outside her Ludington home.

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2012/09/report_baby_kates_mom_plans_to.html

To gain intel.....now I dunno if ima believin that!  Would HE marry her IF that was her only intent?  Doubt it.

WHAT THE
who is she kidding,he can refuse to see her or any other visitor at anytime
and if he should say something,whats that thing called,when the spouse cant testify
 ::MonkeyEek::  ::MonkeyShocked::

I was wondering the same thing about a spouse not being able to testify against each other.  Makes me really wonder what is going on.

cummings comes to mind   ::MonkeyMad::

 ::rhino::

you guy's know I'm usually off or wrong in my memory or suggestions, lol but here goes, weren't we told by someone here a little while back that when murder or crimes against a child are on the table spousal privilege is out the window?

Last sentence should be "I hope she will be required by the court to testify against him"!  Didn't she believe he was guilty at one time?

Baby Kate's mom to marry convicted dad
September 11, 2012

IONIA, MICH. (AP) -- The mother of missing baby Kate Phillips has filed the paperwork to marry the man who has been convicted of killing her 4 month old daughter.

Ariel Courtland applied for the marriage in Ionia County yesterday, according to the Ionia County Clerk's Office. She has 30 days to marry Sean Phillips before the application is null.

 ::snipping2::

http://www.upnorthlive.com/news/story.aspx?id=799590

Baby Kate dad's attorney: Mom said prison marriage plans are mutual

Published: Tuesday, September 11, 2012, 6:38 PM

LUDINGTON, MI – The Muskegon attorney who represented Sean Phillips at his trial for unlawful imprisonment of his daughter “Baby Kate” says the baby’s mother, Ariel Courtland, told her in advance of the couple’s plans to marry and told her it was a mutual decision.

“I have not personally talked to Sean, (but) the information I got was, they had decided this together,” attorney Annette Smedley said Tuesday. “I can’t verify it on Sean’s behalf, but that’s what I was told.”

Smedley said Courtland told her of the plan recently when they saw each other at the Mason County Courthouse in Ludington. She said Courtland told her it was so she and their older, 4-year-old daughter, Haley, would be allowed to visit Phillips in prison, something Courtland said prison officials have not allowed because Courtland is considered a victim in the case.

 ::snipping2::

Michigan has a spousal immunity law, which allows spouses the right to opt out of testifying against each other. However, that law will not give either one immunity from testifying against the other in a future criminal case involving Baby Kate.

Although married couples cannot be compelled to testify against each other in most criminal cases, there’s an important exception under Michigan law: The spousal privilege doesn’t apply “in a prosecution for a crime committed against a child of either or both or a crime committed against an individual who is younger than 18 years of age,” in the words of the law.

 ::snipping2::

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2012/09/baby_kate_dads_attorney_mom_sa.html

Well, I'll be dogonnit!  I remembered something close to what it said!  Thank goodness, I guess pros can call her to the stand and pray she doesn't lie if she does find out anything!

Sean Phillips letter says "Baby Kate" is dead
Wednesday, September 12, 2012 10:13 a.m. EDT

LUDINGTON (WKZO) -- Katherine Phillips has been presumed dead by police for months, and now comes a letter from her father that apparently explains how she died in July 2011.

Sean Phillips is serving at least ten years behind bars for unlawful imprisonment in the disappearance of "Baby Kate," and authorities are still building a homicide case.  The letter to the girl's mother, Ariel Courtland, has an admission that the child was thrown out of the car seat as he tore it out of his vehicle after a fight with Courtland.

 ::snipping2::

http://wkzo.com/news/articles/2012/sep/12/sean-phillips-letter-says-baby-kate-is-dead/

Dad's letter: Baby Kate is dead
July 16 letter written by Sean Phillips from jail
Updated: Wednesday, 12 Sep 2012, 9:24 AM EDT

LUDINGTON, Mich. (WOOD) - A letter apparently written by the father of presumed dead Baby Kate tells how the little girl died.

 ::snipping2::

On Sept. 11, Target 8 obtained a letter from a source that was apparently written by Phillips. It explains how he believes Baby Kate died, what he did with her body -- and gives a possible explanation to why he and Baby Kate's mother Ariel Courtland are getting married.

In the letter, for the first time, is an admission from Phillips that Baby Kate is dead.

On jail-issued lined paper and in an envelope postmarked July 16 is a letter believed to be scrawled by the man at the middle of the search for Baby Kate.

The letter is unsigned, but does have Sean Phillips' name and prison ID number on the front of the envelope.

The print is small and fills the paper from edge to edge. It has no greeting to apparent intended recipient Ariel Courtland.

 ::snipping2::

http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/target_8/Dads-letter-Baby-Kate-is-dead

LETTER - http://woodtv.triton.net/news/sean-phillips-letter-watermark-091112.pdf

I think the four year old needs to be taken into foster care for her safety.

Sean Phillips' letter about Baby Kate
July 16 letter says Baby Kate is dead
Updated: Wednesday, 12 Sep 2012, 9:21 AM EDT

 ::snipping2::

Read the full transcribed letter here:

This is what you want, ok. I always felt that I needed to do this in person. That you deserved that, and that we would both need each other for that.

Also didn't feel safe writing these things anyways. Still dont, but this can't wait any longer.

I think I could even make it though talking about that day here now.

I cry trying to talk about much less. I just wanted to leave that day Ariel. I was surprised when you opened my door and that you could have even made it down there fast enough to catch me. That and almost everything I don't think I need to say or do you actually believe the shit you told them?

When I brought you back I didn't park, so that you would just get out and not pull any more shit to try to keep me there longer. Even when you sat there with the door open and foot out and I had to interrupt you three times with "I don't care" before you got out. You said something like "whatever f*** you" and "I'm gonna ruin your life" then walked around and spent a minute getting Kate out.

I was pretending to be busy why my phone or something so you would hopefully just leave me alone. Heard the door shut, saw you walk off. Your hands in front of you not on your sides. Like you were holding Kate. I drove away. A blonde lady by the office and I looked at each other as I passed.

There was some stuff I wanted to get done in town but I was tired and hung over and trying to decide whether to put it off till another time. Stopped at Wendy's to get something to eat and for time to make up my mind, but mostly to piss.

The phone kept ringing there. I went back to the car and ate. The whole time that f***ing phone wouldn't stop ringing. I could feel through my shorts to hit the volume button to silence a call, but the seat was too far up for me to get it out of my pocket to make it stop ringing because the car seat was in the way. It was driving me crazy and I was so mad at you. For that day for everything lately, for everything ever maybe ever.

When I tried to move the seat back to get the phone it was blocked by that car seat and I was pissed that you left it in there just to try to make me bring it back later. So pissed that I got out and was going to just throw it out into that area between Burger King.

I pulled but it was jammed between the seats. That just made it worse. I grabbed it at the top and ripped it out as hard as I could. She was thrown from it. I didn't know. I'm so sorry.

Held her for a long time. Seemed like forever. Maybe an hour, maybe a minute. Might not have been long. I can't explain a lot. Some things can only be lived. In a way I couldn't understand it. It didn't seem real. I didn't want it to be. It felt like falling, and like my head would explode. Couldn't think. Couldn't do anything. It eventually sunk in or something. I started crying. Couldn't stop. I've never cried that hard, seemed like my throat was closing. Mind was racing, yet I couldn't think. I guess I was in shock. I never even tried to help her. Never even thought to. Just sat there, holding her. I don't think anything could have been done.

Still I used to hate myself for not trying. Think I was there an hour and that after like a half hour and that it wasn't till right before I left that I realized calling 911. It was to late. I wouldn't be able to talk. I wouldn't know what to say anyways. I couldn't bring myself to pick up that phone. Scared of it and of the world. In a way I felt like it had killed her. You and it. I needed to believe I didn't hurt her that it was all your fault.

That sounds wrong, but I can't explain it right. A part of me knew I was losing Haley too. When I realized how long I must have been there seemed like even less of an option. I never decided to leave or anything. There was this urge or something I can't explain. Needed to get away from there or just do something, anything.

I drove, not to anywhere or for any reason. Just drove. A few things I suddenly realized I was driving, but couldn't remember how I came to be or where I was. Almost crashed twice. The second time I stopped and pulled off the road. I needed out of that car, and I just walked off. After a while I stopped.

For the first time I could think some. Thought about Kate. Her smile, the way she looks around. Everything, what should have been. Id held her all this time, couldn't bring myself to really look at her though I did now. I wanted to kill you. I cried. I cried until I somehow couldn't anymore. She was set in a peaceful place. I was walking and lost. Couldn't breath hardly.

Thought about sitting down and waiting to die of dehydration. Felt close. Then I was driving and for the first time I realized I had left her. I wanted to die. Couldn't bring myself to crash but didn't try not to . No seatbelt, paying no attention. Almost did once, instinct or whatever made me save it. Another time I almost hit another car. After that I drove normal, couldn't bear the thought of hurting anyone else while trying to hurt myself.

Then I was close to home and drying of thirst. Tried to detach myself. Already was in some way.

Went home to be alone and to get a drink. Stood in the middle of my room. Was still there for a while thought about taking my gun and leaving. Me, not you anymore. Wanted to go to you but I wasn't ready for that.

My mom bothered me about the phone again and I knew I had to return the call. I just needed to be alone. I wasn't ready to talk to anyone. Just said you should have her. Its true. Only wanted them to go away, when that didn't happen I thought I had just committed to that story. That to change it would throw away any chance I had. That they would never believe me because of it being that day. And never believe how she came to be left there. Also figured it a reasonable story.

I didn't think they could keep me for more than a couple days at the most. That didn't happen. When I met Annette I begged to talk to you alone. They said no. Paul made it clear he doesn't give a shit about me or Kate or you. They weren't willing to let me talk to them not that I would. I needed you. Not Tom Posma in a cold room on video. They even tried everything to keep me from talking to you about that day. I didn't accept that I wasn't getting out and getting to talk to you till about 2 weeks + in.

After the first couple days it had seemed harder to do the right thing. I expected to be let out after the prelim. It crushed me. Like you just implied that you really don't give a f*** about Kate, only who does and does not get in trouble. And right before that I got Kenny, April dads interviews. They all said you don't act like your child is missing or anything.

Then you were always trying to get recordings for court and saying stupid shit on phones. At that point I wanted you to go to prison.

Before then, I'm sorry I lied about Kate being ok. I wanted to tell you the truth so bad, to hold you, to be held. I said that because I thought you would do something then. Couldn't believe you wouldn't just get me the f*** out or make them allow us to talk.

For a long time blocked that day and Kate from my mind. Almost refused to acknowledge it to myself. Eventually I thought I would just never tell you what happened. It had already been so long w/o me being able to. That changed. The day I was found innocent I was going to go to you.

It was a long time before I started thinking about her and that day. The nightmares, panic attacks, nothing would get better. Think about it all was horrible, but it has helped. I use to hear my heart racing and almost collapse just from seeing a picture of her. I can smile now. I can remember her the way you do, and not another way as well.

I don't' think you could ever understand. Some things I don't completely. I never decided to pick her up. Never decided to call or not call 911, or to leave, or to set her down. It was like I was watching these things, not doing them, not sure what I'm seeing.

The only time I thought and anything was ? was when I was standing outside and then from when I almost hit that car. I wasn't dumping a body, wasn't like that at all. I want her buried too. I don't know where she was left. Some idea. Feel like I could get there. No, its not some f***ing swamp or lake. I know if they had left me alone I would have came to you that day.

I was thrown into the worst possible thing at the worst possible time. Everything just happened, and I never had the chance to do the right thing.

There's been other letters to you. Ones that never were sent. Oddly this one has done the worst of all in telling you, yet its the one Im making myself send. If I don't again then when? There will never be one I feel right with. These things mostly need to be talked about in person. Annette has the original, tear soaked one. Addressed to you, only it includes that lie about me thinking you could have possibly killed her.

Theres still a lot things I don't understand. 90% of the things you told them were lies. Some things I don't know if it was me or them you lied to them some other things. At the time it was something how you used her and acted a lot of the time like you could give a f*** less about her.

How you kept dragging out the adoption, which would just make it harder on her. Couldn't believe you wanted to do that test before finishing the adoption that day, just to make me pay. I never once thought you had any intention whatsoever of keeping her.

Still don't know why so many of the things you did said or whatever. Blamed for so long. Theres so many stupid little things that could have made such a difference. things as small as a phone call or using the bathroom.

Both of us fucked up some. Id give anything to go back. To that day, January, the summer I went to Georgia.

I want my parents to know. Things spouses tell each other is confidence cant be made to testify. But we aren't married yet in the eyes of the government. Then hearsay cant be used, so if you told then it would be hearsay as it didnt come from me. But Grand Jury can sometimes allow hearsay. Could you ask your attorney about that stuff? If you want to ask me things try to do it all at once. So we arent hearing incriminating stuff more than we need to.

Out of time for mail. Destroy theses. We'll talk.


http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/target_8/Sean-Phillips-letter-about-Baby-Kate

I was thinking that last night as I was reading that she wants to bring her to visit this guy in jail.   ::MonkeyNoNo::

It's all about priorities imo.  The little four year old girl has her life ahead of her and I hope it's the best it can be.  As much as I wish I knew what happened to Baby Kate and perhaps her remains could be discovered with the possibility of some justice, I think taking care of the four year old takes presidency.  The mother is considering marrying Sean Phillips so she can visit him in prison under the pretense he may spill the beans about what happened with Baby Kate is ludicrous, imo.  If it were me, I wouldn't want to give this man one second of a pleasure of a visit, let alone be attached to him by marriage.  What kind of monster throws an infant seat with a child still in it in anger?  And to think she may bring the little girl to prison to visit?  Is she trying to get Sean to feel remorse?  Good luck with that.  I've been a visitor in a state penitentiary and it's really no place for children.  I can see there would be times to take a child for a visit under certain circumstances, but in this case, a resounding "NO!".  Mama needs to really, really think about her life and her daughter and where she's going in life.  Again, jmho

Jailhouse Confession: Baby Kate Is Dead
6:59 p.m. EDT, September 12, 2012

LUDINGTON, Mich (FOX 17)—
Police and the Mason County Prosecutor's Office are investigating a letter from prison, allegedly written by Sean Phillips - the father of missing Baby Kate - where he admits to killing the infant.

 ::snipping2::

http://www.fox17online.com/news/fox17-baby-kate-murder-confession-letter-20120912,0,6672152.story

JMO; SP is lying, baby kate last seen 1:15pm (lunch time) small town,if he was at wendys,
and wanted to throw the car seat , (SP words) into that area between Burger King. SP would
have to, have been parked in the area behind and next to the drive thrus at wendys,and BK
JMO someone would have seen or heard,and seen on the cams at the drive thru,of BK,and
then there is the proper placement of a car seat,you would have to unfasten the seat belt to
get the car seat out,oh and he still didnt see a baby in the car seat
JMO,what ever happened to baby kate didnt happen at wendys
IDK,seems SP and baby kates mother are,playing some kind of sick game,wonder why

 burger king and wendys area overhead
http://goo.gl/maps/NNw9t
area street zoomed
http://goo.gl/maps/xDLwn
home to wendys
http://goo.gl/maps/r09Yb

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1209/13/ijvm.01.html
JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL

Missing Baby`s Mom to Marry Prime Suspect?

Aired September 13, 2012 - 19:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


UNIDENTIFIED MALE: "JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL" starts right now.

JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL, HOST: Tonight, a bizarre twist in the mystery of a missing baby girl. Her mom wants to marry the little girl`s father, who just happens to be the cops` main suspect in the child`s disappearance. Why does she want to marry him? And did the suspect write a chilling jailhouse letter that reveals what happened to little Baby Kate?

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

VELEZ-MITCHELL (voice-over): Tonight, a beautiful 4-month-old baby missing more than a year. Now, in an incredible twist, claims that the child`s mother wants to marry the baby`s father, even though cops say he`s the prime suspect in Baby Kate`s disappearance. And now there`s even a letter reportedly detailing what he says happened to the baby girl. Does it implicate him in his daughter`s death? We`ll investigate this hideous mystery.
 ::snipping2::

ARIEL COURTLAND, MISSING BABY`S MOTHER: I don`t see how she could be OK. But I don`t want to think like that.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: She`s just a tiny thing. She could be anywhere.

COURTLAND: I don`t know where she`s at. And as a mom, it`s hard.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Sean Phillips drove away with 4-month-old Kate Phillips after arguing with her mother.

COURTLAND: This isn`t the Sean that I know. This isn`t the Sean that anybody knows.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Are these the clothes that you last saw her in?

COURTLAND: Yes.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: One of Phillips` pockets appeared to be stuffed with something.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And Sean (ph) said that it`s her clothes.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He repeatedly asked Phillips where Kate was. One answer stood out.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He then referred to Katherine as dead.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The note found in Sean`s jail clothes.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: To us that was a confession.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We, the jury, find the defendant guilty.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Guilty of unlawful imprisonment of his daughter, Baby Kate.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The mystery about her whereabouts, a mystery Courtland says she cannot solve.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Where is Kate now?

COURTLAND: I have no idea.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Tonight, the baffling case of a missing 4-month-old baby girl, a precious child, takes an even more disturbing turn. Baby Kate`s mother, Ariel Courtland, wants to marry the girl`s dad even though he`s the main suspect in this little child`s disappearance.

Good evening. I`m Jane Velez-Mitchell, coming to you live.

Sean Phillips is right now serving 10 to 15 years in prison. Cops got him on unlawful imprisonment in the case of his missing infant daughter. Mom Ariel is barred from even visiting Sean in prison, because she`s considered a victim of the crime. Well, now she says she wants to marry him so she can demand to visit him in the hopes of getting some answers about what really happened to her precious baby.

Baby Kate vanished in June of last year following a big argument between the couple. Ariel says she left Sean and Baby Kate in the car while she quickly went inside her house. When Ariel walked back out, the car was gone. she never saw her baby girl again.

Listen to the message she left Sean`s mother later that day.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

COURTLAND: Hi, Kim, it`s me. You`re missing all my phone calls. That`s fine. But Sean kidnapped our daughter. He has her somewhere. I don`t know what he`s doing. I want my daughter back. And if he has harmed one single hair on her head, I will kill him. Do you understand, Kim? I want my daughter back. And I want her back now.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Now she wants to marry him.

Our affiliate, WOOD, obtained a jailhouse letter believed to be from Sean to Ariel. It says Baby Kate died by accident as he ripped her car seat out of the car without knowing she was there. Hmm. Is that a confession? Can the story be believed? Is the letter legit? Did he really write it? We`ll analyze all that in a moment.

I want to hear your thoughts on this baffling mystery. Call me: 1- 877-JVM-SAYS, 1-877-586-7297.

Straight out to Leon Hendrix, reporter for WOOD-TV. You`ve been covering this case for a year. What do you make of this jailhouse letter? Why do you think it`s legit? And what`s its significance?

LEON HENDRIX, REPORTER, WOOD-TV (via phone): Well, of course, you know there`s no way to really know if it`s legit. But it sounds like the prosecution, the authorities working on the case, do think it`s legit. And that`s how they`re handling it.

But it was quite the surprise to get. All along, Sean Phillips` defense has been pointing the finger at Ariel, saying that she was the last person with the baby. And now this letter seems to be somewhat of a confession that the baby was in the car, that he took the baby away not realizing that she was there. And somehow accidentally killed her. And then just left her somewhere.

That`s another report about the letter. He says he has no idea where she is. That he just kept driving and left her in what he called a peaceful place.


VELEZ-MITCHELL: Well, what`s fascinating about that is that investigators studied his shoes and found mud and even think they can trace it to a particular marshy area. So he may not remember, but maybe his shoes will reveal what happened.

Now, Baby Kate vanished following a very nasty argument between the couple. Sean was in his car, nobody disputes that, parked in Ariel`s driveway with the baby in the car seat. Sean claims he thought Ariel had taken the baby inside. In his jailhouse letter, purported from him to Ariel, Sean claims he got angry as he drove away and then stopped to dump the car seat outside a fast-food restaurant as a way to get back at her.

Quote, "I grabbed it at the top and ripped it out as hard as I could. She was thrown from it. I didn`t know. I`m so sorry." What?

Steve Moore, former FBI agent, you`ve said the letter is going to sink him. Does it make any sense? I mean, how do you pick up a car seat and throw it and not realize a baby is inside?

STEVE MOORE, FORMER FBI AGENT: You can`t. And how do you throw a car seat out of the car when it`s buckled into the car? Their -- his story makes no sense. He couldn`t have unbuckled it without seeing the baby. He couldn`t have thrown the thing out and had the baby come out because they`re made not to open like that.

What`s going to happen is this letter is going to be used. And it`s going to verify certain parts of his story. And they can dismiss others. He`s just pretty much confessed to most of the murder.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Yes. Now, they could use that letter against him, potentially. Except maybe he`s told other stories. In fact, he has.

Mom, Ariel Courtland, says Sean initially pressured her to get an abortion. She says they later discussed giving the baby up for adoption. Sean`s attorney grilled Ariel about that on the stand. Listen to this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You were going to get an application for an abortion online?

COURTLAND: Ask your client. It was his idea.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No, I`m asking you.

COURTLAND: I don`t know.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Ariel, you texted this to him: "Trying to make the app online."

COURTLAND: I said I don`t know. What do you want me to say? I don`t know is my answer. Move on.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: So you asked about an application. What`s the application...

COURTLAND: I don`t know.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Wow. That woman now wants to marry the man who`s the prime suspect in the disappearance of her child. Prosecutors introduced a note found in Sean`s jailhouse jumpsuit following his arrest. In it Sean wrote he had given the baby, Kate, to a man who was supposed to hand her over to some adoptive parents.

Now, Joey Jackson, criminal defense attorney, we`ve heard a letter purportedly written by Sean where he says, oh, he accidentally threw the baby out while trying to destroy the car seat in a fit of rage. Now we`re hearing another letter that was found in his pocket, saying he gave the baby to a man who gave it to adoptive parents. How can any of this be used to prosecute him when he`s telling different stories at different times?

JOEY JACKSON, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Yes. You know what? It`s interesting, Jane. Because it becomes a question of credibility. The first thing that will happen, of course, is that the defense lawyers will make efforts to keep them out. They`re not sworn statements. They`re not, you know, done with the imprimatur of the court or anything else. However, they are party admission.

So the question is, are they admissible? They probably will be, as ruled by a judge. Then it becomes a question of fact as to whether or not they`re truthful. And when you have someone saying inconsistent things at inconsistent times, it becomes whether or not they lack what we call in law veracity, believability, reliability. And if they`re not reliable, it becomes very problematic.


VELEZ-MITCHELL: Joey? Joey?

JACKSON: Yes, Jane.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: The baby is somewhere.

JACKSON: Yes.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: The baby was last seen with this man. They can`t find this precious child, who cops fear is likely dead. They only managed to get him on a lesser charge because as they say, no body, no case. But again, if he`s writing different stories at different times, can they prosecute him successfully for murder?

Dr. Brian Russell, you`re a forensic psychologist. What do you think?

DR. BRIAN RUSSELL, FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGIST: Well, Jane, I remember when we talked about this case when it first broke. And I feel the same about it today as I did back then. It sounds to me like a guy who did not want to be a father. He wanted to get rid of this child. The mother wouldn`t go along. And so he got rid of the child.

We`ve got implausible stories during, after. It`s shades of Casey Anthony, in a way, because even if you accidentally threw your child across a convenience store parking lot, you would immediately call 911 and say, "Oh, my God, I accidentally hurt my child. Please come see if you can save the child."

But we don`t have that. We have concealment of the body. We have telling of stories afterwards to cover up everything. I feel just exactly the same as I did when you and I discussed this like a year ago.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: On the other side, callers lining up. And we`ll tell you why there`s a parallel to the disappearance of Haleigh Cummings. Remember Misty and Ron?

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JORDAN HARTLEY, MASON COUNTY SHERIFF`S DEPARTMENT: He was wearing a T-shirt. I could see the muscle on the right bicep was twitching, involuntarily twitching. Very nervous. His stance was a boxer stance. He was clenching his fist.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

VELEZ-MITCHELL: And that`s law enforcement describing the father of this little baby. His name is Sean Phillips. He`s currently doing some hard time on this disappearance, but they can`t get him on murder, because there is no body of this child.

He claims -- in this letter, purportedly claims that, oh, he didn`t realize that the child was in the car seat, and he in the fit of rage, threw the car seat and the child died. But none of it seems to really make a lot of sense.

We`re going out to the phone lines to try to figure this case out. Rachael, Indiana, your question or thought, Rachael.

CALLER: Yes, Jane. I wanted to know if there`s been any history of mental or physical abuse toward this woman by her husband to make her act the way she`s doing.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Well, Leon Hendrix, what`s the back story on this couple? He`s obviously got problems. Does he have a rap sheet, a history of psychiatric illness? And what about her?

HENDRIX: This is a classic story of high school sweethearts. This couple has been together on again/off again for years since Ariel, the mother, was in her mid-teens.

And what is sad is that she was -- she was, and some still say she is, madly in love with Sean Phillips. And he was trying to pull away from it. They already have one child together. And it was said when she got pregnant with the second child, he really didn`t want that child to be his and was avoiding having the paternity test. And didn`t want to be a part of that. Wanted not to connect with that child. And she was always trying to cling back toward him. That`s how the story goes.

As far as a rap sheet, neither one of them have very serious criminal pasts. In fact, Sean Phillips was in the military before all this.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Leon, what you`ve described is incredible dysfunction. Somebody who wants to have a relationship and apparently doesn`t use the protection that wouldn`t result in a child, but then, "Oh, I don`t want to know if it`s mine." And now the child is missing and presumed dead. And look at this angelic face, relying on adults to protect her.

Ariel, the mother, told a local reporter that she wants to marry Sean. Here`s her stated excuse, so she can go and visit him in prison and get some real answers about what happened to their baby.

Now, Sean, what`s his motive for possibly wanting to marry? Well, in the jailhouse letter he said -- and it`s believed to be from him. He wrote it to Ariel. And he said, "Things spouses tell each other in confidence can`t be made to testify. But we aren`t married yet in the eyes of the government."

So under Michigan law, that spousal privilege is what he appears to be referring to. Guess what? It can`t be used in a criminal case where a child has been harmed.

But, Joey Jackson, it sounds like he may not know the law. So maybe he`s trying to marry her so that she can`t testify against him in a more serious case if it comes up. And that`s not going to work.

JACKSON: Jane, interestingly enough, no, it will not work. Because as you so clearly state and so rightfully state, the marital privilege, which of course, protects communications between husband and spouse and pillow talk, can`t be used in the event that he tells her something incriminating because of the exception where it relates to children and children potentially being hurt. Anything he says to her, it`s fair game.

And so he needs, certainly, to be briefed on the law before he goes and tells her further issues. Although it might be nice if he does, because then, of course, we can get to the bottom of where this child is, did he kill the child, where is the body, et cetera, et cetera, Jane.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: None of it makes sense. If this letter is from him and he says, "Well, I threw the child out in a fit of rage, not realizing she was in the car seat," well, then, how does he not know what he did with the child? And his boots are muddy. And they`re trying to find out exactly what marsh his boots were in.

On the other side, parallels to the Haleigh Cumming case and more calls.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

APRIL LANGE, MISSING BABY`S GRANDMOTHER: Sean doesn`t do anything that he doesn`t want to. You know, Ariel would see him and talk to him every day if she could, to beg where Kate`s at. But I do know they have met twice. And he has not said anything about where she`s at.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

VELEZ-MITCHELL: That is the grandmother of the missing baby talking about the baby`s father who wrote purportedly in a letter, "I wasn`t dumping a body. It wasn`t like that at all. I want her buried, too. I don`t know where she was left."

You know, it doesn`t really make sense. If he is saying that he was the one who hurt her and essentially killed her, if that`s his letter, then he would know where he put her.

Now, meanwhile the mother of this child wants to marry Sean claiming, "Well, that`s how I can demand to see him in prison and get answers from him."

We`ve seen this before. You remember when 5-year-old Haleigh Cummings vanished from her family`s trailer a few years ago. The precious little girl hasn`t been found. She`s presumed dead. In an eerie parallel, Haleigh`s father, Ron, married then-girlfriend Misty Croslin, who was the last person to see Haleigh alive. Some speculated it was an attempt to avoid have to testify against each other.

But Ron said, "I want to get close, and I want to stay close to Misty so I can find the truth." Is it a realistic way? They`ve since gotten divorced, and they`re both in jail for a long time on drug charges.

Let`s go out to the phone lines. Shannon, North Dakota, your question on this case of this missing Baby Kate.

CALLER: Yes, thanks for taking my call from North Dakota. North Dakota loves you. My theory is, I think the baby was already dead. And he went and disposed of the baby.

And they were supposed to do a DNA test. Why would you want to go back upstairs to get a stroller when you got a car seat to carry the baby in the car seat to go into the hospital to take a DNA test? You wouldn`t need a stroller for that. And did they do any DNA test on the clothing to see if there was any decomposition matter on the clothes at all?

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Well, Steve Moore, former FBI agent, they haven`t been able to find the body and therefore, the clothes that the child was wearing when she vanished. But what about that idea that this is all fiction and that something happened in the house before the baby was put in the car or maybe the baby was never put in the car seat?

MOORE: Well, you can`t discount that. But what you can do is look at his story step by step by step. If he says something that`s very specific and you can verify it, that`s very helpful. If he says, "Then I left the child with a unicorn and it flew away," then you know he`s back off into the -- into the craziness.

But what -- what you can do is use different parts of the story and find out -- liars like that tend to try and keep it as close to truth as possible. So I think he`s -- I think he`s finished right now.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: I think polygraph him and find out where he`s lying. And then do the math, follow the mud on his shoes and find this precious child. She deserves justice.
 ::snipping2::

http://wkzo.com/news/articles/2012/sep/17/baby-kates-mother-cancels-marriage/
"Baby Kate's" mother cancels marriage
September 17, 2012

LUDINGTON (WKZO) -- Ariel Courtland is not going to marry the man suspected of killing their infant after all.

The mother of "Baby Kate" cancelled the license she had taken out on Friday, convinced it "wasn't the right thing to do."  ::snipping2::

Courtland had originally thought that if she married him, she could confront him face to face and get him to reveal the burial site.  Prison officials have denied her permission to visit him in prison and say that won't change with a marriage.

http://news.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981659368
Mother of Missing Child to be on 'Dr. Phil'
September 24, 2012

Mother of missing child Baby Kate Ariel Courtland will be appearing on an episode of Dr. Phil next week. The young mother apparently decided to opt for a national television spot instead of marrying Sean Phillips like she was reportedly toying with the notion of doing recently.
 ::snipping2::
So what could Ariel Courtland have to say to Dr. Phil regarding this case? The missing child is still nowhere to be found, and she apparently can't decide whether she wants to marry the suspect or opt for publicity. It's unlikely this episode of Dr. Phil will help in locating the missing baby, but at least the story will be told and Ariel will give people a live-action view of her to analyze and pick apart.

IMO -- both!

http://www.9and10news.com/story/21865325/just-in (http://www.9and10news.com/story/21865325/just-in)


UPDATE: Ludington P.D. Call for Botanical Search Team in Baby Kate Case

 ::snipping2::
Police in Ludington announced new developments in the case of missing Mason County Baby Katherine Phillips at a press conference Wednesday morning.

Investigators say it will allow them to continue to search for Baby Kate by using soil samples from across the county to narrow in on new areas.

Investigators tested dirt from Sean Phillip's shoes, which contains some unique and rare species of plants they hope to match through the botanical search.

Police are confident they will be able to use the samples to locate the area where Sean was walking the day Baby Kate went missing.
 ::snipping2::

Thank you for the update ka8lhi.  Hopefully Baby Kate's remains can still be recovered and she can be laid to rest.  AND there may be enough forensic evidence to bring justice for Baby Kate.

Here's another update -- these were found about 15 mins. from where Kate was taken from...it also could be something altogether different...

http://www.ludingtondailynews.com/news/71275-police-investigate-bones-found-in-riverton-twp (http://www.ludingtondailynews.com/news/71275-police-investigate-bones-found-in-riverton-twp)

 ::snipping3::
Police investigate bones found in Riverton Twp.
 ::snipping3::
Sheriff Kim Cole announced the investigation Friday afternoon, saying it was a suspicious situation.

Cole also said the bones had not yet been positively identified as human or animal by 3 p.m. Friday.

He did not say when the bones were found, where they were found, or who found them.
 ::snipping3::

This location is also about an hour north of where Jessica Heeringa went missing but it would not make sense to drive from a populated area through fairly desolate area and place her back in a fairly populated area -- basically there is nothing, mile and mile of nothing from Norton Shores, MI to Ludington, MI....

ka8lhi thank you for the articles.  I hope there's more information forthcoming soon. 

Search still goes on...

http://www.9and10news.com/story/22719807/day-1-of (http://www.9and10news.com/story/22719807/day-1-of)

http://www.9and10news.com/story/22722635/day-2-final-day-of-searching-for-botanical-evidence-in-baby-kate-case (http://www.9and10news.com/story/22722635/day-2-final-day-of-searching-for-botanical-evidence-in-baby-kate-case)

::snipping3::

Kate was just four and a half months old when she was last seen at her Ludington home two years ago.

Police are now treating Baby Kate's case as a homicide.

Her father, Sean Phillips, is serving time for unlawful imprisonment related to Kate's disappearance.

Investigators believe plant evidence found on Phillips' shoes could lead them to Kate's remains.

Police say today's search went as planned, and they are coming up with the plant and moss specimens they had been looking for.
 ::snipping3::

posted by our states AG on Facebook:

Bill Schuette
[PREVIEW] Holding a press conference w/the Mason County Prosecutor tmrw at 11:45AM in Ludington. We're announcing a major update in the Katherine Phillips, also known as "Baby Kate" case. Will keep you updated.

http://www.woodtv.com/news/michigan/major-announcement-in-baby-kate-case# (http://www.woodtv.com/news/michigan/major-announcement-in-baby-kate-case#)

Sean Phillips to be charged with murder

 ::snipping3::


LUDINGTON, Mich. (WOOD) - Murder charges have been levied against a man from Ludington whose baby hasn't been seen in more than two years.

 ::snipping3::

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2013/10/baby_kate_murder_charge_agains.html
Baby Kate murder charge against Sean Phillips: 'New evidence,' Attorney General Bill Schuette says
October 4, 2013

LUDINGTON, MI – “New evidence” in the case of the long-missing Katherine “Baby Kate” Phillips resulted in a charge of open murder against the baby’s father, Sean Michael Phillips.

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette said his office will be trying the case in cooperation with Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola. Schuette made the announcement at a new conference Friday, Oct. 4.

“New evidence has been discovered which supports a murder charge in this case,” Schuette said. He declined to state the nature of the evidence.

The arrest warrant alleges Phillips murdered the baby June 29, 2011, the day she went missing at the age of 4 ½ months.

The baby’s body has not been found.

Asked by MLive if the search for her body was over, Schuette said only, “We always will be ... open to new evidence. We are convinced that our charges of open murder are warranted and that indeed the jury will come back with a guilty verdict.”
More...

http://www.woodtv.com/news/michigan/baby-kates-mom-ariel-courtland-surprised-at-murder-charge
Baby Kate's mom: Murder charge too soon
AG: Sean Phillips to be charged with murder
October 4, 2013


 ::snipping3::
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette said Friday that his office would work with the Mason County Prosecutor's Office to try and convict Sean Phillips of the murder of his four-month-old daughter Katherine.

"Justice delayed is not justice denied," Schuette said at a Friday press conference during which the murder charge was announced.

Katherine Phillips disappeared June 29, 2011 and is presumed dead. She became known as "Baby Kate" in the nationally covered investigation. Phillips was convicted last year of unlawful imprisonment in her disappearance.

Kate's mother Ariel Courtland said news of the murder charge took her by surprise because she didn't learn of it through investigators, who she said have been supportive throughout the ordeal.

"For me to find out through the news that this was happening was kind of a slap in the face," she said.

For some, murder charges were welcome. But the announcement means something else to Courtland.

"I'm just disappointed that we have to do it so soon already," she said.

She must now explain the situation to her other daughter, who also belongs to Phillips.
 
"She has to come home and ask why," she said. "It's hard for her."
 
With one conviction in hand and a long prison term imposed, Courtland said she hoped this day would come further down the road.
 
Part of her struggle is realizing the other people this case has impacted as her once tumultuous relationship with Phillips' parents has turned into a bond.
 
"It's not just me. His parents grieve like we do. This is still their son," Courtland said. "They love Sean so much and it's hard to see their heart break just like mine."
 
And there's a lingering thought in Courtland's mind that perhaps Baby Kate is still out there somewhere.

"We don't know and we need to keep the hope that she's going to come home," she said.

Courtland would not speak publicly about whether she wanted murder charges to be filed.

That's despite having received a letter apparently from Phillips in which he confessed to accidentally killing Baby Kate and leaving her body in a still-unidentified area he called only a "peaceful place."

Courtland said she's not sure that Phillips was telling the truth in that letter, especially since a different note was presented in the unlawful imprisonment trial in which Phillips claimed to have given the baby "to a guy." That was proven to be false.

The attorney general said Friday that there is new evidence that led authorities to file the murder charges, but would not say what that is.

Video at Link

Weren't Mama, so called dad, and baby all in the vehicle and they got in big arguement and egg donor got out and he took off? I don't buy their stories! Sure they were fighting, both knew baby was in there and he wasn't getting his way so he hurt the baby! What I am getting at is I think Ma left baby in car on purpose and she has known all along what he did! She endangered her child plus accessory after the fact!  She sure makes a point to state how bad alleged baby killers fam feels! Poor little baby! What screaming and fighting both children must've been subjected too! I'm def not insensitive to his family or his other child at all...but I do think this woman should've concentrated on her child more then and now!

So sad for the poor child.  ::MonkeyNoNo::

http://fox17online.com/2013/10/08/court-documents-why-baby-kates-father-was-charged-with-murder/#axzz2hElQssRP

Court Documents: Why Baby Kate’s Father Was Charged With Murder
1 day ago

LUDINGTON, Mich.–New court documents shed light on why Baby Kate’s father is now charged with her murder.

Probable cause documents obtained by Fox 17 explain why investigators say Sean Phillips had a motive to kill his 4 month-old daughter Katherine.

Investigators say there was an argument between Phillips and her mother Ariel Courtland. According to them, Phillips did not want to take a paternity test and wanted to put Katherine up for adoption. He was ordered to take a test on the same day she went missing and never showed up. He was the last one to be seen with her.

She went missing in June 2011 and hasn’t been seen since; Phillips was originally convicted for unlawful imprisonment.

On Friday, the Attorney General announced he was involved in the case for about a year. After more than two years of looking for answers, Bill Schuette along with the Mason County prosecutor says they’re one step closer to justice after charging him with open murder.

Documents say Baby Kate’s clothes were found in Phillips’ pocket and her car seat and diaper bag were in his car. Investigators say he’s also given conflicting statements, one in a letter he wrote to Ariel, saying he ripped Baby Kate’s car seat out of his vehicle and accidentally killed her. In the note investigators say he wrote he left her in a “peaceful place.” The Mason County prosecutor has said the letter is “important.”

Earlier this year, a search was also conducted after finding a rare soil on the bottom of Phillips’ shoes. Although Baby Kate has never been found, in the court documents it says an extensive analysis of that soil has narrowed the likely location of the alleged crime to a specific wetland in Mason County
 ::snipping3::

Judge dismisses murder case against Baby Kate's father, Sean Phillips, of Mason County
on September 15, 2014 at 12:33 PM, updated September 15, 2014 at 5:19 PM

 ::snipping3::
MASON COUNTY, MI -- A Mason County judge has dismissed the murder charge against Sean Phillips, the Victory Township man accused of killing his infant daughter known to many as "Baby Kate" back in 2011.

The decision was released by the office of District Court Judge Peter J. Wadel early Monday morning, Sept. 15, nearly a year after Phillips was charged with open murder of his daughter, Katherine "Baby Kate" Phillips who disappeared in Mason County on June 29, 2011. She was 4½ months old when she disappeared.

In a seven-page written opinion from Wadel, the judge simply states there wasn't enough evidence to charge Phillips with the baby's death.

"There simply are no proofs of any criminal agency causing the death of Katherine Phillips," the judge writes.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2014/09/judge_dismisses_murder_case_ag.html

This makes me ill. A baby goes missing and is dead. POS father knows what he did and they don't have enough proof to keep him locked up. What about the letter he wrote? Poor little thing. I hope they sterilize both him and the babies mom. GRRRRR

I agree Green Eyes -- but IMO the mother doesn't have clean hands either!

 ::justice2nj2::

http://www.9and10news.com/story/27555081/father-accused-of-killing-baby-kate-back-to-mason-county-courtroom (http://www.9and10news.com/story/27555081/father-accused-of-killing-baby-kate-back-to-mason-county-courtroom)

BREAKING: Judge Reopens Murder Case Against Sean Phillips

 ::snipping3::

Phillips is serving 10 to 15 years for unlawful imprisonment related to her disappearance.

Murder charges were brought on last year -- but dropped by a judge who said there wasn't enough evidence.

Friday, that decision was reversed.

Circuit Court Judge Richard Cooper decided to give the prosecution another chance to move forward with a case against Sean Phillips, who was not in court Friday. But not before hearing arguments from both sides.

The prosecution is relying on several key points they feel are enough to send the case to trial.

First -- Sean Phillips told a fellow inmate he got rid of the baby. Second -- a letter he wrote to Kate's mother, Ariel Courtland, saying he left the baby in a peaceful place, among other incriminating statements.

 ::snipping3::

Thanks for the update ka8lhi.  Lets hope they nail his butt and get the mother too.

Phillips only be tried once, so I hope there's enough for a conviction.  In my opinion, one of the problems is that the person Sean Phillips told he got rid of the baby is a fellow inmate.  Is the inmate trustworthy?  I've seen a couple cases lately where a fellow inmate reported they were told something and then later they recanted it. They sometimes do this in an attempt to lessen their sentence or get better treatment by cooperating.  And if Phillips has a good attorney, they may be able to work around the wording in the letter as in what the words intended and may be taken out of context blah blah blah.... (add defense attorney speak)

I'm with you though, GE.  Nail his butt and the mother too!   ::justice2nj2::

 

I'm confused...have they found her remains?

I don't think so.  I know they found her clothes.

Wait, he yanked on the car seat and Kate flew out and was injured?  Was she not buckled in?  Then he held her and cried but he doesn't know how long?  Long enough that she died without getting medical attention.  Then he wandered around but doesn't know where or for how long?  Then he left her somewhere 'peaceful' but has no idea where.  Next, he's so mad at himself he drives erratically without his seat belt, what a hero.  Okay, then he had to rewrite the letter to baby Kate's mom numerous times before mailing this one?  Did he need a few practice letters to get his story straight?  And he wants to blame Kate's mom?  But only partially, of course.

This guy is a nutcase.  Whoa be to the next woman who has his baby.  I don't know that he killed his baby on purpose but I don't believe this letter, that is for dang sure.

Oh yeah, then there's her little clothes they found.  Did those fly off her when he yanked on her car seat??