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http://www.ozarksfirst.com/story/d/story/updated-info-amber-alert-issued-for-10-year-old-ha/32179/uPxmTKgUq0C-6Of5dSez9g

Date: 2/18/2014 16:48
This is an Amber Alert, the Springfield Missouri Police Department has issued an Amber Alert that occured at 3247 west Lombard at 4:48 pm on 02/18/14. Abducted was Hailey Owens a white female 10 years old.
 The suspect vehicle is a gold 2008 Ford Ranger Missouri registration 1YF454. The vehicle was last seen southbound on Scenic from Grand in Springfield, Missouri. The suspect is a white male, no further description is available.
 The victim, Hailey M. Owens is a white female 10 years old, 5 foot 2 inches tall, weighing 90 pounds with long brown hair, brown eyes and pierced ears. Owens was last seen wearing blue jean shorts and purple sandals.. .
Please Contact Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810

http://www.ozarksfirst.com/story/d/story/updated-info-amber-alert-issued-for-10-year-old-ha/32179/uPxmTKgUq0C-6Of5dSez9g

2/18/14


UPDATE:

More information has been released about the suspect wanted in connection to the abduction of Hailey Owens.

The suspect is described as a 45-year-old male, with gray hair and an unshaven face.

The suspect vehicle may have a second Missouri registration of 1YS454, along with 1YF454.


SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Springfield Police Department is looking for a suspect in connection with a child abduction.

According to Springfield Police Department spokeswoman Lisa Cox, police were dispatched to a child abduction call around 4:50 p.m. on W. Lombard.

Ten-year-old Hailey Owens was approached by an unknown person and pulled into his vehicle.

Police say Hailey was walking near her home when a white male - possibly in a gold ford ranger pickup- grabbed her and took her.
They say they do believe this is a random act and, as far as they know, Hailey is not familiar with this man.

Police say they'll continue searching into the night.

"We are very concerned about this and are taking it as legitimate abduction is the way we are working it," says Lt. Robert Pitts with the Springfield Police Department. "We have no reason to believe it has anything to do with any other crime in the area from what we are understanding this is a random act."

The suspect is a white male and may be driving in gold 2008 Ford Ranger with a license plate number of 1YF454 or 1YS454.

The vehicle may be en route to an address in Ash Grove, Mo.

Hailey is described as skinny with sandy-blonde hair and wearing jean shorts and purple sandals. ::snipping3::

http://www.ozarksfirst.com/story/d/story/updated-info-amber-alert-issued-for-10-year-old-ha/32179/uPxmTKgUq0C-6Of5dSez9g

Hailey Owens

http://www.missourinet.com/2014/02/18/amber-alert-hailey-owens-age-10-springfield-photo/ (http://www.missourinet.com/2014/02/18/amber-alert-hailey-owens-age-10-springfield-photo/)

UPDATE: Suspect description in Amber Alert for Hailey Owens, Springfield
February 18, 2014 By Jessica Machetta

hailey 2Suspect description:

    Age now: 45
    Sex: Male
    Hair: Gray
    Weight: White
    Description: Unshaven face.

The Springfield Missouri Police Department has issued an Amber Alert for a girl who went missing at 3247 West Lombard at 4:48 p.m.

Abducted was 10 year old Hailey Owens.

http://wnow.worldnow.com/story/24759107/amber-alert


AMBER ALERT: Missouri Girl Abducted, Suspect Believed To Be En Route For OK
Posted: Feb 18, 2014 9:16 PM CST Updated: Feb 18, 2014 10:27 PM CST
By Ashton Ghaemi, News9.com - email
 

SPRINGFIELD, Missouri -

The Missouri Highway Patrol (MHP) issued an amber alert Tuesday night following an abduction in Springfield, Missouri.

According to MHP, 10-year-old Hailey M. Owens was abducted around 4:48 p.m. Tuesday afternoon in Springfield, Missouri.

Owens was last seen wearing blue jean shorts and purple sandals. She is 5'2", 90 pounds, has brown hair, brown eyes and pierced ears.

The suspect is a white male, age 45 to 55, 6'1", 200 pounds and has grey hair. He is believed to be driving a gold, 2008 Ford Ranger Pickup with Missouri tag number 1YF454.

The suspect is believe to be en route to Oklahoma.

If any contact is made or you have any information, call 911 immediately.

Thankyou Texasmom for posting the pics, my photobucket has been giving me fits of late.   

They seem to be gathering info on this perp, hoping they have good leads and catch him quickly and Hailey is found safe and un-harmed, beautiful little girl.

(I don't believe this is the actual suspect vehicle, but is what it might look like)

http://www.molottery.com/media/news_release.jsp?articleId=5751

 ::snipping3::

(http://d3s8rvessr4n6a.cloudfront.net/2008-ford-ranger-fx4-off-road-gold-in-ivel-kentucky-99254861392851215.jpg)

SUSPECT VEHICLE
Year:  2008
Make:  Ford
Model:  Ranger
Color: Gold
License Plate:  Missouri, 1YF454 or 1YS454

I pray they find her quickly.

Your welcome, BabsKats!

Hope they find this precious little girl safe and soon!

I understand about photobucket, it's more trouble than it's worth sometimes.

I just linked the pictures here from the article page.

If you don't know how, hopefully this will help for future reference.

(Right click on the picture, select "copy image location", paste it here, highlight the link, and click on the "insert image" icon above...it's right below the "i" for italics.  Preview to make sure it works before you post...some don't but most will from my experience.)

http://www.kctv5.com/story/24758656/amber-alert-issued-for-10-year-old-girl-out-of-springfield

AMBER ALERT: Stranger abducts 10-year-old Springfield girl
Posted: Feb 18, 2014 7:31 PM CST Updated: Feb 18, 2014 9:34 PM CST
By Laura McCallister, Multimedia Producer - email
By DeAnn Smith, Digital Content Manager - email

 ::snipping3::

Police said Hailey M. Owens was abducted in the area of Lombard Street and Laurel Avenue about 4:48 p.m. while walking to a friend's home. A man about 45 years old apparently abducted her. The two may be traveling in a 2008 gold Ford Ranger pickup with Missouri license plate 1YF454 or IYS454.

Witnesses reportedly chased the vehicle and the child's mother says the man who grabbed her is a stranger to the family.

Hailey is about 5'2" tall and weighs about 90 pounds. She has long brown hair, brown eyes and pierced ears. She was last seen wearing blue jean shorts and purple sandals.

Authorities have released an updated description of the man. He is described as between 45 and 55 years old with gray hair. His face was unshaven. He is roughly 6'1" tall and 200 pounds.

The Amber Alert was extended just before 9:30 p.m. Tuesday to include Kansas and Oklahoma. Missouri authorities have alerted Oklahoma troopers that the man may be traveling to that state.

 ::snipping3::

At least one witness described the abduction to authorities. The man and his wife were in their garage enjoying the evening when the horror of the man luring the girl close to his vehicle and then snatching her unfolded.

The man ran after the truck unsuccessfully while his wife focused on remembering the license plate number and calling 911.

 ::snipping3::

Praying for Hailey here too! 

Still no name or picture of the suspect that I can find.

If the tag is right, hopefully they will get that information out soon!

I was hoping that when they came up with a description and possible locale that they knew who he was, kind of hard to tell though...........





Wow, again thanks Texasmom for picture posting info, love learning new things ...just getting so old its remembering for the next time........wrote your wonderful instructions down!

Oh, no.  Where is Hailey?

http://www.ozarksfirst.com/story/d/story/update-suspect-vehicle-suspect-located-in-springfi/32179/uPxmTKgUq0C-6Of5dSez9g

UPDATE: Suspect Vehicle, Suspect Located in Springfield; Hailey Still Missing
02/18/2014 06:17 PM
02/19/2014 12:15 AM

UPDATE: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Springfield Police Department has located the suspect vehicle and suspect wanted in connection with the abduction of 10-year-old Hailey Owens.

According to a post on the Springfield Police Facebook page, the vehicle and suspect were located at a residence in south Springfield, however Hailey Owens remains missing.

The suspect has been booked on kidnapping charges.

A command post has been set up at National and Bennett in Springfield with 30-40 officers searching for the girl. 

According to the post, police will continue to search throughout the night, or until Hailey is found.
 ::snipping3::

This doesn't sound good imo.   ::MonkeyNoNo::

Praying!

You're welcome BabsKats, glad I could help!   ::MonkeyKiss::

http://newsok.com/update-amber-alert-suspect-and-vehicle-located-in-springfield-mo-abducted-girl-remains-missing/article/3935007

UPDATE: Amber Alert suspect and vehicle located in Springfield, Mo; abducted girl remains missing
FROM STAFF REPORTS •  Modified: February 19, 2014 at 12:26 am •  Published: February 18, 2014

 ::snipping3::
A command post has been set up and 30-40 officers have begun an extensive search that will continue throughout the night, or until she is found.

If she still remains missing in the morning, SPD will host a news briefing at 6:30 a.m. in the Springfield Art Museum parking lot, 1111 E. Brookside Dr.
 ::snipping3::

https://www.facebook.com/SGFPolice

SGF Police - Springfield, MO
21 minutes ago

Thank you to all who have reached out, wanting to help in some way in the search for Hailey Owens. Coordinated volunteer search efforts are a possibility tomorrow. We will provide a press briefing at 6:30 am if she is not found before then. Follow SPD and City of Springfield social media for updates.

https://twitter.com/SGFPolice

Springfield PD ‏@SGFPolice  · 1h 

Suspect and vehicle located in South Springfield;
 abducted girl remains missing

I pray they find her tonight. Then they take this POS and hang him in the town square. That or let the family and friends have at him.  They aren't saying who he is or if he has any prior records.  ::MonkeyMad::

AMBER ALERT Issued in MO, OK, KS for Missing 10 Year Old Hailey Owens Kidnapped 2/18/14 in Springfield, Missouri (Update: Suspect in Custody)

http://scaredmonkeys.com/2014/02/19/ambert-alert-issued-in-mo-ok-ks-for-missing-10-year-old-hailey-owens-kidnapped-21814-in-springfield-missouri/

What kind of a brazen monster abducts a child in broad daylight in a residential area like this? I would most likely say this was not the first time this guy has done this.

Pray she is found safe.

If she still remains missing in the Wednesday morning, the Springfield Police Department will host a news briefing at 6:30 A.M.

Live: Police to hold news conference (6:30 a.m.)

http://www.kmbc.com/news/watch-kmbc-9-news-live-right-now/24440840

(http://scaredmonkeys.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Hailey-Owens_PD-Twwet.jpg)

 ::MonkeyTears::    ::MonkeyTears::      ::MonkeyTears::

KMBC is reporting that the body of 10 year old Hailey Owens has been found.

Family says abducted girl's body found

http://www.kmbc.com/news/amber-alert-issued-for-missing-girl-from-southwest-mo/24549338

http://www.kmbc.com/news/amber-alert-issued-for-missing-girl-from-southwest-mo/24549338
 ::snipping3::
Springfield police released a statement just before midnight Wednesday saying that a man had been taken into custody on kidnapping charges.

The suspect's name hasn't been released. Police said he was found inside a vehicle at a local home.

Witnesses told investigators a man in a gold-colored 2008 Ford Ranger drove down the street several times before approaching Hailey and pulling her into his truck around 5 p.m. Tuesday.


 
A news conference was scheduled for 6:30 a.m. Watch it live on KMBC-TV and KMBC.com.B


Read more: http://www.kmbc.com/news/amber-alert-issued-for-missing-girl-from-southwest-mo/24549338#ixzz2tlr9X6Uv

(http://scaredmonkeys.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Hailey-Owens_PD.jpg)

This morning’s 6:30AM Police press conference:

    The police have identified the suspect in custody as 45 year old Craig Michael Wood, charged with kidnapping.
    It is on an-going police investigation.
    The police made no mention of Hailey Owens’ body being found; however, parents have told media that they were informed their child has been found deceased.

 ::MonkeyTears:: ::MonkeyNoNo:: ::MonkeyTears::

So sad!

It was the first thing I heard on my local news this morning.

The suspect was in his truck when he was arrested and charged with kidnapping, but his identity has not been released?  Strange, imo.  Maybe they're just being extra careful?

I'd read in one of the articles last night that with the warm weather more kids were out playing when Hailey was abducted.  Sad, that a child can't walk down the street to see their friends anymore. 

God bless the heroic neighbors that saw what happened and tried their best to save Hailey. 

My thoughts and prayers are with Hailey's parents, siblings, and all who love her, as they grieve the loss of this precious child.

Praying for Justice, that it's swiftly applied, and sends a strong message to other monsters who look for any opportunity to abduct and murder innocent children.

Rest in peace, Hailey.   ::MonkeyAngel:: ::MonkeyTears::

http://www.ozarksfirst.com/story/d/story/updated-info-amber-alert-issued-for-10-year-old-ha/32179/uPxmTKgUq0C-6Of5dSez9g

TM ...

At the police presser this morning they identified the suspect in custody as 45 year old Craig Michael Wood.

Oh man.  I was really hoping they would find Hailey alive.  This really shows how quickly these monsters kill.   ::MonkeyTears:: 

Not sure if this is the one, but there is a Craig M. Woods referenced in Whiterpages that lives in Springfield, MO between the age of 40-44

http://www.whitepages.com/name/Craig-M-Wood/Springfield-MO/29c276b

The addresses are only about 5-6 miles away.



Actually there appear to be a couple of Craig M. Wood and Craig Michael Wood in Springfield, MO

http://www.whitepages.com/name/Craig-M-Wood/Springfield-MO/29c276b

He's on Missouri's case net file.  Looks like possession of a controlled substance back in 1990 and illegally taking a turkey (?) back in 2001.  I can't find him on a sex registry. 

https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet/cases/nameSearch.do

many prayers going out to this family . . . beyond sad . . .

I could not find on it either.

KJRH is reporting that this is the scumbag:

http://www.kjrh.com/news/local-news/amber-alert-girl-10-allegedly-abducted-by-stranger

(http://scaredmonkeys.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/craig-michael-wood-300x225.jpg)

So sad.  I wonder if he knew that there were other eye witnesses to the abduction and didn't just let her go?  ::MonkeyNoNo::

Rest in peace, Hailey  ::MonkeyAngel::  ::MonkeyTears::

Craig Michael Wood was found by police in the 1500 block of E. Stanford.

That appears to be where he lives.

http://www.spokeo.com/search?q=Craig+Wood,+Springfield,+MO&swp7=t106#:25665247151


Only lived about 5 miles away from where he abducted little girl: http://mapq.st/N9RlbX

Update V. om SM: http://scaredmonkeys.com/2014/02/19/ambert-alert-issued-in-mo-ok-ks-for-missing-10-year-old-hailey-owens-kidnapped-21814-in-springfield-missouri/

http://www.kjrh.com/news/local-news/amber-alert-girl-10-allegedly-abducted-by-stranger

Craig Michael Wood: Suspect in abduction of Springfield girl Hailey Owens arrested for murder
Posted: Feb 18, 2014
Updated: 34 mins ago

 ::snipping3::
By 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Springfield police say they received a tip that led them to Wood at a residence in town.  They initially believed he and Owens were heading to Oklahoma.
 ::snipping3::
Police say a search around the residence where Wood was found yielded evidence of foul play.  The FBI Evidence Response Team is now helping process the scene.

Witnesses told investigators Tuesday Wood drove down the street several times before approaching Owens and pulling her into his truck.

Springfield police expect to release more information about the case later this morning.

I've always heard that oftentimes the victim is dead within the first couple hours.  So, so sad.  I really thought this one would end differently.

Allegedly, this guy is a teacher.  If you read the comments May Thompson indicates he works at Pleasant View.

https://www.facebook.com/ky3news

i don't know that this is the same Craig Wood, but there is a Craig Wood listed on the Pleasant View website.

http://pleasantviewmiddle.spsk12.org/files/_rdHKc_/79418d41c0b4cda93745a49013852ec4/STAFF_LISTS_-_MIDDLE_SCHOOL.pdf

This is really sad.   ::MonkeyNoNo::  I had hoped Hailey could be found alive. 

http://www.ky3.com/news/local/springfield-school-district-confirms-suspect-in-girls-disappearance-a-faculty-member-offers-support-to-students/21048998_24557844

Statement from Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Norm Ridder:

Last night we learned the terrible news that one of our students had been abducted near her home. This morning our sadness is compounded by the recent developments in the case of Hailey Owens' abduction.

The suspect in this case, Craig Michael Wood, was arrested by Springfield Police Department. Wood has been employed by SPS since Aug. 18, 1998. He works as a paraprofessional and athletic coach at Pleasant View K-8 School. His employment has been suspended until this matter is resolved.

 ::snipping3::

http://www.springfieldmo.gov/webapps/news/getStory.jsp?relid=10220

February 19, 2014
News Release

For Immediate Release
 
Suspect named in child abduction case, investigation continues

4:48 p.m.
 Springfield Police responded to the 3200 block of West Lombard Street in reference to a reported child abduction.

Approximately 5 p.m.
 Officers obtained preliminary information from witnesses regarding vehicle description, license plate and a suspect. Based on this information, SPD was able to develop information leading to a potential suspect.

Approximately 6 p.m.
 SPD issued a news release and posted to social media information about the abduction, including suspect, victim and vehicle details.
 Following the AMBER Alert protocol, information was provided to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Work continued throughout the night with partners in all area law enforcement at the City, County, State and Federal level.

Approximately 7 p.m.
 A multi-state AMBER alert was issued and information was distributed to all area law enforcement agencies and media outlets, including the suspect description and a description of the suspect vehicle.

Approximately 8:30 p.m.
 Following up on a lead, investigators located the suspect vehicle at a residence in the 1500 block east of Stanford Street in Springfield. A subject, Craig M. Wood, 45, of Springfield, accompanied the investigators to police headquarters for questioning at that time.

Police also made an initial sweep of the property on Stanford in search of the victim.

Approximately 11:30 p.m.
 A group of about 30 investigators conducted a coordinated search of the area near the suspect's residence (1500 block of East Stanford). That search resulted in the discovery of evidence related to this case.

Wood was taken into custody and booked into the Greene County Jail.

Approximately 2:15 a.m.
 Based on evidence found, SPD obtained a search warrant for the residence. The FBI evidence response team arrived and is assisting with the search of the residence.

The investigation is ongoing at this time, with efforts focused on the Stanford property.

Throughout the investigation, SPD has kept the family apprised of ongoing developments.

The next media briefing will be at 11 a.m. at the Springfield-Greene County Public Safety Center, 330 W. Scott Street in Springfield.
 ::snipping3::

Has her body been found yet?  It is confusing.

 body has been found, believed to be Hailey's.

http://fox4kc.com/2014/02/18/amber-alert-issued-for-abducted-10-year-old-from-springfield/

, updated on: 12:06pm, February 19, 2014

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Springfield, Mo., police confirmed the body of Hailey Owens was located inside the home of Craig Michael Wood. Police named Wood, 45, as a suspect in her abduction in an earlier news conference.
Witnesses reported seeing Owens abducted by a man Tuesday evening shortly before 5 p.m.
On Wednesday morning, Springfield Public School Superintendent Dr. Norm Ridder said the suspect in Owens’ abduction was an employee of Springfield Public Schools. A statement on the school district’s website read in-part:
“The suspect in this case, Craig Michael Wood, was arrested by Springfield Police Department. Wood has been employed by SPS since Aug. 18, 1998. He works as a paraprofessional and athletic coach at Pleasant View K-8 School. His employment has been suspended until this matter is resolved.” Read the full statement here.
Just before 6 a.m. media reports indicated Hailey’s body was found, however police did not confirm this — or even mention it — in their first news conference. However, the Green County Sheriff’s website indicated Wood was being held on suspicion of first-degree murder. Police said the investigation is ongoing.
“The FBI sent their evidence response team down last night and they are assisting us with processing the crime scene at East Stanford St.,” said the investigator. Another news conference is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. ::snipping3::

so so sad, and he is a coach at an elem school



Press Confrence video
Police: Body of abducted girl likely found; kidnapping suspect mum; neighbor who chased truck speaks out
Police believe girl initially tried to ignore suspect
Feb. 19, 2014 12:33 PM   |   23 Comments
http://www.news-leader.com/article/20140219/NEWS12/302190065/craig-michael-wood-hailey-owens

Suspect in Girl's Murder a Coach at Pleasant View School
Brett Martin Brett Martin
02/19/2014 08:58 AM02/19/2014 09:13 AM
 ::snipping3::
Springfield R-12 school superintendent Dr. Norm Ridder issued this statement about Wood:

Last night we learned the terrible news that one of our students had been abducted near her home. This morning, our sadness is compounded by the recent developments in the case of Hailey Owens’ abduction.
 The suspect in this case, Craig Michael Wood, was arrested by Springfield Police Department. Wood has been employed by SPS since Aug. 18, 1998. He works as a paraprofessional and athletic coach at Pleasant View K-8 School. His employment has been suspended until this matter is resolved.
Hailey is a student at Westport Elementary School and last year she attended Bowerman Elementary School. 
I offer my support to Hailey’s family and to our SPS community. Students and staff at three of our schools are coping with this situation. To support these school communities directly impacted by this tragedy, I have assigned additional counseling staff and school police officers to be on hand until further notice.
We are fully cooperating with law enforcement officials as their investigation continues. Because this is an ongoing investigation, I will not be making any further comments about the situation at this tim
http://www.ozarksfirst.com/story/d/story/suspect-in-girls-murder-a-school-coach/38541/7ixaeeCM_0eVwhCcBJNjKQ

map Hailey home, crime scene
http://goo.gl/maps/4sNR1

somehow i dont think this is his first time, maybe fbi can find his dna
related to other crimes, i feel for the neighbors that helped, prob going
to live with, that dreaded what if...... for a long long time

http://www.ky3.com/news/local/breaking-news-man-charged-with-murder-in-case-of-missing-springfield-girl/21048998_24555750

 ::snipping3::

Police worked "multiple" crime scenes all night at 1538 E. Stanford St. and other places as they investigated the kidnapping and murder of 10-year-old Hailey.  She was taken from the 3200 block of West Lombard Street as she walked from a friend's home to her home two blocks away late Tuesday afternoon.  The family lives in the 3300 block of West Page Street.

At mid-morning Wednesday, police confirmed another crime scene related to this case is at Dutch Maid Laundry, 526 S. National Ave., near Elm Street.   That's a laundromat.  FBI agents were looking through the washers and dryers there.  They were there from about 3 a.m. until about 10:30 a.m., when the business reopened.

 ::snipping3::

I had the same thoughts, cw.  I don't believe he woke up one morning and decided to abduct and murder a little girl.   ::MonkeyNoNo::  Has he been flying under the radar?  Are there any previous incidents that were explained away?  I wonder if there was anything in his youth that was kept under wraps because he was a minor?  I wonder if there are victims of this predator that were afraid to speak out? 

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/police-jail-man-murder-charge-mo-abduction-22577905

ST. LOUIS February 19, 2014 (AP)


A body believed to be that of Hailey Owens was found Wednesday at a Springfield home owned by the suspect, Police Chief Paul Williams said at a news conference. Official confirmation won't occur until after an autopsy, but the chief said police "have a high degree of confidence" in the preliminary identification.

Police say Craig Michael Wood, 45, is jailed on suspicion of first-degree murder but formal charges have not been filed. The Greene County prosecutor is reviewing the case.

Hailey was walking to a friend's home in Springfield just before 5 p.m. Tuesday. Witnesses told investigators that a man in a gold, 2008 Ford Ranger drove down the street several times before abducting the child.

Wood was arrested late Tuesday inside a vehicle parked outside his small single-story home.

The Springfield School District said Wood is a coach and teacher's aide who supervises in-school suspensions at a school for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Hailey did not attend that school, and Williams said the two apparently didn't know each other.

"There's no connection that we've been able to determine at this time between the victim and the suspect," he said.

Williams said police have no idea of a motive for the killing. He said the suspect has not talked to investigators since his arrest.
 ::snipping3::

i added the Dutch Maid Laundry to map
http://goo.gl/maps/sd71D

Owner                
Wood, Craig M Etal
1538 E STANFORD ST
SPRINGFIELD MO 65804 1229

Owner Info Last Updated 7/31/2012
http://beacon.schneidercorp.com/Application.aspx?AppID=328&LayerID=3509&PageTypeID=2&PageID=2302&KeyValue=881230407002

http://beacon.schneidercorp.com/?site=GreeneCountyMO
or
click name or addy search tabs, takes you to beacon too
https://www.greenecountymo.org/assessor/

if there are other victims, hopefully they will speak since the perp is jailed now

I hope so, even though it may be very difficult for them and their families. 

http://www.wfaa.com/news/national/246138241.html
Body of missing 10-year-old found in southwest Mo.
February 19, 2014

ST. LOUIS (AP) — A grade school coach has been jailed on suspicion of first-degree murder in the abduction and death of a 10-year-old girl in southwest Missouri, police said Wednesday.
A body believed to be that of Hailey Owens was found Wednesday at a Springfield home owned by the suspect, Police Chief Paul Williams said at a news conference. Official confirmation won't occur until after an autopsy, but the chief said police "have a high degree of confidence" in the preliminary identification.
Police say Craig Michael Wood, 45, is jailed on suspicion of first-degree murder but formal charges have not been filed. The Greene County prosecutor is reviewing the case.
Hailey was walking to a friend's home in Springfield just before 5 p.m. Tuesday. Witnesses told investigators that a man in a gold, 2008 Ford Ranger drove down the street several times before abducting the child.
Wood was arrested late Tuesday inside a vehicle parked outside his small single-story home.
The Springfield School District said Wood is a coach and teacher's aide who supervises in-school suspensions at a school for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Hailey did not attend that school, and Williams said the two apparently didn't know each other.
"There's no connection that we've been able to determine at this time between the victim and the suspect," he said.
Williams said police have no idea of a motive for the killing. He said the suspect has not talked to investigators since his arrest.
The suspect's father, Jim Wood of Ash Grove, Mo., told The Associated Press that the girl's disappearance was "a tragedy" but declined further comment.
About 30 Springfield police investigators along with an FBI evidence response team searched the area near Wood's home Wednesday morning, as well as a nearby coin-operated laundry.
A records search shows Wood had little criminal history. He pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance in 1990 in Greene County and was fined $100.
 ::snipping3::
Hailey did not attend the school where Wood worked. She was a student at Westport Elementary School this year, and was at Bowerman Elementary School last year. Springfield, with 162,000 residents, is Missouri's third-largest city.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/02/19/missing-girl-abduction/5603679/
Body found is likely abducted Mo. girl, police say
February 19, 2014

 ::snipping3::
Evidence of foul play was found at the home, which the suspect owns, Williams said. Officers also were searching a laundry in connection with the case.

Wood does not appear to know Hailey, police say. And so far, Wood has refused to speak. No other suspects appear to be involved in the crime.

"I know an officer had to sit here all night 'til the FBI got here," said Tressa Brown, an attendant on duty at the laundry who initially was not allowed to report for work until officials finished their search. "He (the suspect) was washing away his evidence, I'm guessing."
 ::snipping3::
A Springfield Public Schools employee database shows Craig M. Wood was hired in August 1998 as a paraprofessional for in-school suspension. A current staff list on the Pleasant View Middle School website shows a Craig Wood working this year as well.

A witness, Carlos Edwards, told a News-Leader photographer that he saw the girl being abducted as he and his wife sat in the garage of their home. He said the girl had been visiting with a friend on the street and lived nearby.

The suspect drove up and down the street several times before pulling up to the girl and asking her if she knew the location of "Springfield Street" to get her closer to the truck before grabbing her, Edwards said. The girl was pulled through the open driver's side door, over the driver and placed in the passenger seat.
 ::snipping3::
Describing his shock while recounting what he saw, Edwards said he tried to run after the truck as his wife got the license number and called 911.

He spoke with concern about the girl and surprise that the man had grabbed the girl right in front of him.
"I can't believe he didn't see us sitting here in the garage," he said, explaining he heard the man talk to the girl.
 ::snipping3::

http://bostonherald.com/news_opinion/national/midwest/2014/02/body_found_believed_to_be_missing_missouri_girls
Body found believed to be missing Missouri girl's
February 19, 2014

 ::snipping3::
Springfield School District Superintendent Norm Ridder said in a statement Wednesday that Wood began working for the district in August 1998 and is a paraprofessional and coach at Pleasant View K-8 School. Ridder said Wood has been suspended since his arrest.

School spokesman Teresa Bledsoe later said that Wood was initially hired as a temporary employee who worked as a substitute teacher before he was hired full time in 2006. He has coached football at Pleasant View since 1998 and was also an assistant boys' basketball coach.

"He met all of our qualifications for employment," Bledsoe said, noting that the Springfield district has a more rigorous background check requirement than state law, with an additional screening designed to detect substantiated allegations of child abuse or neglect as well as any past criminal violations.
 ::snipping3::

 ::rhino::

Not to say this applies to everyone, but usually these positions are filled with people who aren't depending on one income, and/or have kids and want or need to have the same schedule etc.  As a whole paraprofessionals are underpaid imo.  They usually have a lot of extra "duties" (like playground, cafeteria duty etc) especially in elementary schools.  A coaching stipend would add to his pay, and if he drove a bus that might add more.   

http://paraprofessionalsalary.com/MO/1/salary/Paraprofessional-Education-Salary

(more at the link)

Missouri Yearly Paraprofessional Education Pay Statistics
Average Yearly Paraprofessional Education Salary   $16,136 - $24,205
Starting Yearly Paraprofessional Education Salary   $13,289 - $19,933
Top Yearly Paraprofessional Education Salary   $18,984 - $28,476

With approximately 16 years of service+coaching stipend?+bus driver?, he would have probably fell between the top wages listed above imo.

Does make me wonder if there was more to his choice of this profession considering his alleged crime.

 ::MonkeyNoNo:: ::MonkeyMad::

JMO

Absolutely! 

http://www.news-leader.com/article/20140219/NEWS12/302190065/craig-michael-wood-hailey-owens

Father of suspect in girl's abduction: 'He's my son, and he's in a lot of trouble.'
Police believe girl initially tried to ignore suspect
Feb. 19, 2014 2:54 PM

Craig Wood’s father, Jim Wood, didn’t know about the Amber alert on a 10-year-old girl who had been kidnapped Tuesday until he got home and found the police waiting for him.

“I heard last night about 7:10 p.m.,” Jim Wood told the News-Leader in a short interview. “I was out all day. I had my cell phone off. I didn’t see the Amber alert.”

Police were in the thick of an investigation of Jim’s son Craig, Jim’s truck, the missing girl.

“He’s my son, and he’s in a lot of trouble,” Jim Wood said today.
 ::snipping3::
Jim Wood said the truck belongs to him but Craig Wood, the oldest of his children, used it. He declined to say more for now, deferring to a possible further interview later.
 ::snipping3::

I don't know, this guy seems like an amateur, doesn't he?  Not a great planner and this doesn't seem like a well thought out or executed plan.  I was thinking it would be likely he hasn't done anything like this before. 

I don't understand why he continued his abduction when there were two witnesses watching him.  It doesn't make sense.  imo

I agree.  I was thinking he'd drop her off somewhere since he'd been seen.  But maybe he was "indisposed" for a while and didn't realize he'd been seen?  This case reminds me a bit of the Westerfield case.  He allegedly had never been a sexual offender, either.  I think maybe he watched a lot of child porn.  Maybe this guy has been, too, and decided to act out his fantasy?  I don't know.  Just really odd.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/body-missing-mo-girl-found-home-elementary-school-coach-cops-article-1.1620074

Suspected body of missing Missouri girl found in home of elementary school coach: police
Wednesday, February 19, 2014, 3:48 PM

(http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.1620070.1392842298!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_635/child-abducted-missouri.jpg)
Valerie Mosley/AP
A body believed to be that of Hailey Owens was found early Wednesday morning at the home owned by Wood, pictured. Official confirmation is pending an autopsy.
 ::snipping3::
"I can't believe he didn't see us sitting in our garage. It was right here. I could see him plain as day, I could see her plain as day," Carlos Edwards told News-Leader.com.

"He opened his door, he said come here for a minute. And as soon as she got within arm's reach he grabbed her up and threw her over him into the passenger's seat and he took off," Edwards said while visibly distraught.

RELATED: NEWBORN BABY FOUND ALIVE AFTER METH HEAD MOM RUNS OFF: WASHINGTON COPS

As Edwards chased after the pickup truck he said his wife called 911, providing authorities with the vehicle's license plate number and description of the man.
 ::snipping3::

possibly 2 hours spent with victim, i want to say more but its hard to express when
you see the time frame
5pm Tuesday,LE on it, 8:30pm Tuesday LE have him, between 5pm and 8:30pm he also
went to the laundromat, 25 minutes to wash, 25 minutes to dry, 15 minutes to drive
there 15 minutes to drive home, the drive home after abduction 15 minutes, ( i read chased
by a citizen, woods was doing up to 50-60mph)
give or take a few + - minutes, driving, clean up 1.5 hours from 3.5 hours is 2 hrs

-------------------

Timeline of events in Hailey Owens case

Posted: Feb 19, 2014 1:09 PM EST
Updated: Feb 19, 2014 1:14 PM EST
By Chris Oberholtz, Multimedia Producer - email
http://www.kctv5.com/story/24765582/timeline-of-events

  ::snipping3::

Here is a timeline of events in the case.

4:48 p.m. Tuesday - Springfield police responded to the 3200 block of West Lombard Street in reference to a reported child abduction.

Hailey was walking to a friend's home in Springfield. Witnesses told investigators that a man in a gold, 2008 Ford Ranger drove down the street several times before abducting the child.

About 5 p.m. Tuesday - Officers obtained preliminary information from witnesses regarding vehicle description, license plate and a suspect. Based on this information, Springfield police were able to develop information leading to a potential suspect.

About 6 p.m. Tuesday - Police issued a news release and posted to social media information about Hailey M. Owens' abduction, including suspect, victim and vehicle details.

Following the Amber Alert protocol, information was then provided to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

About 7 p.m. Tuesday - A multi-state Amber Alert was issued and information was distributed to all area law enforcement agencies and media outlets, including the suspect description and a description of the suspect vehicle.

About 8:30 p.m. Tuesday - Following up on a lead, investigators located the suspect vehicle at a home in the 1500 block east of Stanford Street in Springfield. A man accompanied the investigators to police headquarters for questioning at that time.

That suspect, Craig M. Wood, 45, of Springfield, was taken into custody and booked into the Greene County Jail.

Police also made an initial sweep of the property on Stanford in search of the victim.

About 11:30 p.m. Tuesday - A group of about 30 investigators conducted a coordinated search of the area near the suspect's home. That search resulted in the discovery of evidence related to the case.


About 2:15 a.m. Wednesday - Based on evidence found, police obtained a search warrant for the home. The FBI evidence response team arrived assisted with the search of the residence.

2:30 a.m. Wednesday - Springfield Police Chief Paul Williams says search crews found a body they believe is Hailey Owens inside the suspect's home.

About 5:30 a.m. Wednesday - Authorities notify Hailey's family that the 10-year-old girl's body had been found.

6:30 a.m. Wednesday - Springfield police name Wood as suspect.

7:30 a.m. Wednesday - Amber Alert canceled.

 ::MonkeyAngel::

(http://www.kspr.com/image/view/-/24549778/highRes/2/-/maxh/480/maxw/640/-/hlfnyl/-/Owens-Hailey.jpg)

Video at the link

Wow...another neighbor tried to help!  He remembers her smile.  ::MonkeyTears::

http://fox4kc.com/2014/02/19/man-who-chased-kidnapper-remembers-little-girls-smile/

Man who chased kidnapper remembers little girl’s smile
Posted on: 5:05 pm, February 19, 2014, by Michelle Pekarsky and Macradee Aegerter, updated on: 05:12pm, February 19, 2014

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — FOX 4 spoke to a Springfield man Wednesday who saw Hailey Owens, 10, moments before she was kidnapped and then followed her kidnapper before he lost him in traffic.

Ricky Riggins was just arriving home from work when he saw Hailey.

He remembers her smile.

“When I pulled in, she smiled at  me,” Riggins said. “I remember that. She was smiling.”

Then, moments later, Riggins heard his neighbor yelling frantically as he tried to stop the man who kidnapped Hailey.

Riggins jumped into action. While the other witness called police, Riggins tried following the kidnapper’s car.

“He had peeled out and was going really fast that way.  He was probably going about 60 on through here,” he said.

Riggins wasn’t able to keep up through the traffic and was saddened to hear the outcome, that Hailey was found dead inside suspect Craig Wood’s home.

Read: Police confirm 10-year-old’s body found in Springfield coach’s home

“He grabbed her, put his hand over her mouth and just yanked her in there,” Riggins said. Then concluded: “He is a monster.”

Police believe Hailey was killed between the hours of 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. Tuesday night.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.kansascity.com/2014/02/19/4834066/man-arrested-in-springfield-abduction.html

Body found in home of coach who was booked for murder in Hailey Owens abduction
February 19

 ::snipping3::
Wood’s father, Jim Wood of Ash Grove, Mo., said he spoke with his son Tuesday night but would not say whether it was before the arrest or give details about their conversation.

“The only thing I can tell you is that Craig is my son,” Wood said. “I can tell you it is just a tragedy. We’re stunned, for everybody who knows him.”

Jim Wood said Wednesday morning that he and his family planned to speak with their attorney before speaking further.

“I am not fully aware of all of the charges,” he said. “I’m kind of a little bit out of the loop. The family and friends are trying to make some appropriate plan.”
 ::snipping3::
It took police about three and half to four hours to track the vehicle to Wood’s residence. Police were watching the house when he drove up in the truck.

“At approximately at 8:30 p.m., investigators in the 1500 block of East Stanford Street following up on a lead related to potential suspects did locate the vehicle and a suspect in the vehicle,” Williams said. “At that time the subject accompanied the investigators to headquarters about the potential crime.”

Police tried to interview Wood, but he would not to speak with them.

“We don’t have answers to those questions as to motive or why it happened,” Williams said.
 ::snipping3::
Authorities have also searched the Dutch Maid Laundry on National Avenue in Springfield.

Attendant Tressa Brown arrived at work about 7 a.m. Wednesday and said agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation were inside combing for evidence. She said Wood is believed to have been using one washer and two dryers Tuesday evening.

“They took all of his laundry,” Brown said of authorities. “They took at least five bags of laundry.”

She said she didn’t recognize Wood or believe he was a regular customer. The laundry closes at 10 p.m. but doesn’t allow customers to begin washing their clothes after 9, so Brown said Wood must have been in before then.
 ::snipping3::
A Springfield resident has scheduled a candlelight march in honor of Owens for Saturday evening. Already, more than 1,000 people had reached out through social media saying they wanted to attend, said Joe Bridges, owner of JBE Entertainment, who is organizing the march down Commercial Street at 8 p.m. Saturday.
 ::snipping3::

 ::MonkeyNoNo::

http://www.news-leader.com/article/20140219/NEWS01/302190101/Craig-Michael-Wood-HAILEY-OWENS?odyssey=nav%7Chead

Suspect in past he had troubles with alcohol; later got college degree, minor in criminal justice
Feb. 19, 2014 5:15 PM

Old court documents for a man accused of the abduction of a Springfield girl reveal relatively minor past criminal charges, admitted substance abuse issues and a struggle in college due to partying.

He eventually got a bachelor’s degree in psychology, with a minor in criminal justice.
 ::snipping3::
Three convictions in Wood’s past — the most recent more than a dozen years ago — show issues with apparent substance abuse as well as a history of blackouts.

His most recent conviction was in 2001 for illegal taking of wildlife. Court documents say Wood used an unplugged shotgun while turkey hunting near Ritter Elementary.

A 1990 conviction, for possession of marijuana, reveals that Wood described some relatives as “a bunch of boozers” and himself struggled with alcohol. He said his parents never touched illegal drugs and did not drink to excess, but he described a more distant relative as an alcoholic.

He told officials at a court-ordered drug education program that he had had experienced 40 to 50 blackouts by the time he was 22.

He also described a past conviction — not detailed in the drug program assessment included in court documents — for careless and imprudent driving. He told officials he had originally been charged with driving while intoxicated in that 1987 case, but pleaded the charge down.

“Craig reports worrying about his drinking,” the assessment report notes. It also says Wood told drug program officials “but not so much with the dope because I never had any trouble putting it down.”

He also told officials he had “ a reputation” in high school and was suspended once.

Wood reported he was a 22-year old junior at then-Southwest Missouri State University at the time of the drug charge — 1990. He said he was studying criminal justice and psychology before he “just quit going” because he partied too much.
 ::snipping3::

Video at the link--neighbor who witnessed the abduction and ran after the truck to help Hailey
What a good person...bless him for his effort.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/02/19/missing-girl-abduction/5603679/

Abducted Missouri girl shot in head, police say
7:43 p.m. EST February 19, 2014

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — A middle-school football coach was charged Wednesday with first-degree murder in the death of a 10-year-old girl abducted the day before as she walked home from a friend's house.

Craig Michael Wood, 45, is accused of pulling Hailey Owens into his father's Ford Ranger pickup. Her body later was found in the basement of his home, shot at the base of her skull, wrapped in plastic bags and smelling of bleach, authorities said.
 ::snipping3::

 ::MonkeyTears::

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-usa-crime-missouri-charges-idUSBREA1J01C20140220
School coach charged with murder in Missouri girl's abduction
February 19, 2014

 ::snipping3::
Police found the registered owner of the truck, who identified Wood as the likely driver. They staked out the residence where Wood lived and questioned him when he got home. He was taken to police headquarters at about 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday and arrested three hours later.

Police said they found Hailey's body in a plastic storage tote in the basement of Wood's home with a gunshot to the head and ligature marks on her arms.

Wood is not answering questions from investigators about the alleged crime or motive.
 ::snipping3::

OMG  ::MonkeyShocked:: ::MonkeyShocked:: ::MonkeyTears:: ::MonkeyTears::

Sickening.

This is so sick on so many levels. Words can not even fit the sickness of this guy.

What an awful, awful end to such a short life.   ::MonkeyTears::

http://edition.cnn.com/2014/02/19/justice/missouri-amber-alert-death/

Missouri man charged in death of 10-year-old Hailey Owens
February 20, 2014 -- Updated 0149 GMT (0949 HKT)

(CNN) -- A southwestern Missouri man has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of 10-year-old Hailey Owens.

Craig Michael Wood, 45, of Springfield, was also charged with armed criminal action and child kidnapping, Greene County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Patterson told reporters Wednesday.

He praised the community's response to the case.

"It is a tragedy that it was not quick enough to save Hailey," Patterson said.

Wood is being held without bond.
 ::snipping3::

If there is anyone who has earned the death penalty, it is this scum bag murderer.

Rest In Peace Hailey ::MonkeyAngel::

I am sad & sick at heart that another child has lost her life. ::MonkeyNoNo:: ::MonkeyTears::

My 12 year old daughter is going on a field trip today.  I kept reminding her to stay with the group and not deviate and don't walk away with anyone she doesn't know, etc.  Things I've told her a million times.  It is such a fine line to walk when talking to your children. . . you don't want to make them anti-social paranoid people but they can't be too trusting either.  There are monsters amongst us. 

(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo242/Brandi-Monkey/WEATHER/Image174.png)

 ::rhino::  ITA New Monkey

At the link-- Video of news conference with Greene County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Patterrson
                     Craig Wood Probable Cause Document   
               
Murder, kidnapping charges filed in death of Hailey Owens
1:37 a.m. EST February 20, 2014

 ::snipping3::
Greene County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Patterrson held a Wednesday evening news conference about the charges against Wood.

"While they were tragically not able to save Hailey, I want to express my appreciation to the citizens who were aware and alerted law enforcement," said Patterson.

Two neighbors who witnessed the kidnapping are now struggling to live with the outcome. Ricky Riggins says he was sitting in his vehicle in his driveway when he heard his neighbor scream Tuesday afternoon.

"Yelling at her at the girl telling her to get away don't go to the truck, get away, get away and then he yelled at the man, let her go, let her go!" described Riggins.

The neighbors say they were too late.

"He opened the door and said hey come here, and grabbed her and my neighbor tried to grab her and he's like this far from getting her out of his hands," said Riggins.

Riggins then chased Wood in his vehicle, but couldn't catch up with him.

An AMBER Alert was activated a short time after the kidnapping. Witnesses were able to provide a good description of Wood, his vehicle, and the license plate tag, leading officers to Wood's home a few hours later.

Officers tracked the license plate tag to Wood's father, who said his son was driving the vehicle.

Two officers responded to Wood's home in the 1500 block of E. Stanford. A short time after they arrived in the area they saw a tan Ford Ranger matching the description of the suspect's vehicle pull into Wood's driveway.

The officers approached Wood as he got out of the truck, and noticed he had a roll of duct tape in his hand. When he saw the officers, he threw the duct tape into the bed of the truck.

Wood was taken to police headquarters to be interviewed, and police say he had two different stories about where he was during the kidnapping.

"These are very hard facts to talk about, I'm just glad that he is captured and we will be able to bring him to justice," said Patterson.

Police say Wood took Hailey four miles from where he abducted her to his home.

Officers did a safety sweep at Wood's home to look for Owens and noticed a strong scent of bleach. The odor got stronger as officers approached the basement, and they noticed the floor was wet.

Early Thursday morning a search warrant was granted to search Wood's home. Two crime scene technicians found two plastic storage totes stacked on top of each other.

Papers and documents were in the top tote, but Hailey's body was found in the bottom tote, wrapped in trash bags. Police say Hailey appeared to have a gunshot wound to the base of her skull, and ligature marks on her arms. A .22 caliber shell casing was found in Wood's basement.

Brittany Fuqua's daughter played with Hailey and says she had seen Wood in the neighborhood recently.
 ::snipping3::

 ::rhino::

Bumped

Craig Wood Charges and Probable Cause Documents
http://www.scribd.com/doc/208064156/craig-wood-probable-cause

In this case, an abduction of a child took place witnessed by three people who described the suspect, truck and gave a license plate number.  Why can't the police get the news out to the media while they are working on meeting the criteria for an Amber Alert?  It seems that there is a need to evaluate it...and consider the urgency of the situation.  jmho     

http://www.ky3.com/news/local/authorities-defend-2hour-delay-in-amber-alert-issuance-for-hailey-owens/21048998_24572856

Authorities explain 2-hour delay in Amber Alert issuance for Hailey Owens
POSTED: 10:58 PM CST Feb 19, 2014    UPDATED: 11:04 PM CST Feb 19, 2014

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - 
According to police records, about 114 minutes lapsed between the time Hailey Owens was kidnapped, to the moment the official statewide Amber Alert was issued.

“It was about as quick as we could get everything imputed, presented, they could verify and make the determination,” explained Springfield Police Chief Paul Williams.

Police say it was 4:48 pm Tuesday when they got the 911 call about the abduction. 5:00 pm is when officers arrived on scene.  However, it wasn’t until 6:31 pm the Missouri Highway Patrol received the appropriate documentation from Springfield Police requesting an Amber Alert.

“Within 11 minutes of receiving that information, that Amber Alert was broadcast not only within Missouri but in three states,” stated Sgt. Jason Pace, spokesperson for the Missouri Highway Patrol.

6:42 pm is when that alert finally went out across Missouri and three other neighboring states. At that point Hailey had been gone for almost two hours.  In light of that time frame, many in the community are wondering why it took that long.

“These questions arise with these types of Alerts, whether it is an endangered person alert, an Amber Alert,” Pace stated.

When it comes to Amber Alerts, it’s not as easy as just pressing a button every time an abduction report comes in.  Police say they have to verify an incident meets the criteria of issuing an alert, including confirmation an apparent abduction has occurred; confirming there is an imminent danger of serious injury or death for the victim; verifying the victim is a child under the age of  17; and the victim and suspect are known.
 ::snipping3::

Absolutely. 

And if he is sentenced to death, I hope it doesn't take 25 years to get it done!

JMO

 ::MonkeyNoNo:: ::MonkeyMad:: ::MonkeyTears::

 ::MonkeyAngel::

http://www.enquirerherald.com/2014/02/20/2921386/neighbors-unable-to-stop-missouri.html

Shock persists as southwest Mo. mourns slain girl
February 20, 2014 Updated 1 hour ago

(http://media.enquirerherald.com/smedia/2014/02/20/17/21/48-1ilKU.AuSt.55.jpeg)
CORRECTS LAST NAME OF VICTIM'S MOTHER TO BARFIELD INSTEAD OF OWENS - Stacey Barfield, mother of Hailey Owens, foreground left, is consoled by Sara Wells, as family member Teri Nord, right, arranges flowers left by well wishers Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014 near the site where the 10-year-old girl was abducted just blocks from her Springfield, Mo., home. Prosecutors have charged Craig Michael Wood with first-degree murder, kidnapping and armed criminal action in their girls death. Prosecutors says the fourth-grader's body was found stuffed in two trash bags inside plastic storage containers in the basement of Wood's Springfield home. She had been shot in the head.  ALAN SCHER ZAGIER — AP Photo

 ::snipping3::
Hailey's mother Stacey Barfield, aunt Sara Wells and a third relative gathered at the abduction site Thursday morning to retrieve some of the dozens of floral arrangements and stuffed animals left by well-wishers. Barfield broke down sobbing as she knelt beside the memorial.

"She's in heaven. With angel wings," Barfield told KYTV-TV. "At least she's not hurting."
 ::snipping3::

http://www.wibw.com/home/headlines/Officials-Issue-Amber-Alert-For-Missing-10-Year-Old-Missouri-Girl-246078651.html

Suspect In Hailey Owens' Death In Court Friday
Updated: Thu 4:01 PM, Feb 20, 2014

 ::snipping3::
Wood is expected to make his first court appearance on Friday. He was initially scheduled to appear Thursday, but that has been delayed.
 ::snipping3::

Damn, that probable cause statement is troubling.  Hailey was so close to not being his victim.  Really, really disturbing.  It was likely her response to his command to "come here a minute" that ultimately cost her.   ::MonkeyTears::

http://www.wfsb.com/story/24783162/missouri-coach-to-plead-not-guilty-in-girls-death

Missouri coach to plead not guilty in girl's death
Posted: Feb 21, 2014 12:12 AM CST
Updated: Feb 21, 2014 10:55 AM CST

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) - A middle-school football coach accused in the kidnapping and killing of a 10-year-old girl in southwest Missouri plans to plead not guilty, his public defender said in a brief hearing Friday.
 ::snipping3::
An autopsy is pending.

At the brief Friday morning arraignment, Public defender Chris Hatley said Wood plans to contest the charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping and armed criminal action in the fourth-grader's death.

Wood appeared via video from the Greene County Jail, where he is being held without bond. He spoke only briefly to answer several questions from the judge. Hailey's parents, older brother and five other family members also attended.

Assistant prosecutor Todd Myers challenged Wood's use of a public defender after he said police found evidence of a $1 million trust in Wood's name.

"I think he can afford his own attorney," Myers said.

Hatley replied that he appreciated the prosecutor's concern for Wood's rights but that "it's frankly none of his business."

Circuit Judge Dan Imhof said he would consider the matter. He scheduled a follow-up court appearance in March and a preliminary hearing in April.

Wood was a 16-year football coach at a middle school in Springfield, about 160 miles southeast of Kansas City. He also worked as a substitute teacher and teacher's aide overseeing suspensions.

Police said they found Wood holding duct tape as he left his father's pickup truck parked outside his home Tuesday night, just hours after Hailey went missing. Court records indicate the floor of the basement where the girl's body was found was still damp with bleach - presumably used to clean the crime scene.

Patterson has said he would consider seeking the death penalty.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.stjoechannel.com/story/d/story/suspect-in-hailey-owens-murder-appears-in-court/32310/b6yMABkehkm61t76i5HOHA

Suspect in Hailey Owens Murder Appears in Court
02/21/2014 10:58 AM
02/21/2014 11:01 AM

 ::snipping3::
Wood will be back in court on March 19. A preliminary hearing is set for April 7.

Hatley filed a motion to preserve all notes taken during the investigation that was granted.

Pure lunacy.

http://fox4kc.com/2014/02/21/court-finds-craig-wood-has-1-million-in-trust-fund-still-requests-public-defender/ (http://fox4kc.com/2014/02/21/court-finds-craig-wood-has-1-million-in-trust-fund-still-requests-public-defender/)

Court finds Craig Wood has $1 million in trust fund, still requests public defender
Posted on: 9:19 am, February 21, 2014, by FOX 4 Newsroom, updated on: 09:31am, February 21, 2014

 ::snipping3::
Wood, who appeared in court via video, did not enter a plea on Friday. When discussing Wood’s finances and whether he could afford an attorney, it was revealed Wood has over $1 million in a trust fund. Despite this, Wood still requested a public defender, which the judge granted.
 ::snipping3::

Maybe a motive for his bold abduction?   ::MonkeyNoNo::  ::MonkeyMad::

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/cops-child-porn-at-suspects-home-in-missouri-girls-killing/

February 21, 2014, 4:44 PM
Cops: Child porn at suspect's home in Mo. girl's killing

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Police say they have found child pornography at the southwest Missouri home of a middle-school football coach accused in the kidnapping and killing of a 10-year-old girl.

Search warrants released Friday by Springfield police say they found a three-ring binder containing pornographic photos of young children at the home of 45-year-old Craig Wood.

Officers also seized computers, cameras, 15 guns, 30 video recordings and a hat believed to have been worn by fourth-grader Hailey Owens.
 ::snipping3::

The affidavit at the link--warning: Graphic content

http://www.ozarksfirst.com/story/d/story/evidence-in-hailey-owens-murder-outlined/37587/fXWph6PcI0KCy7vyZ3R5Hw

Evidence in Hailey Owens Murder Outlined in Search Warrant
02/21/2014 12:14 PM
02/21/2014 12:23 PM

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- The search warrant served on the house where 10-year old Hailey Owens' body was found, turned up guns, ammunition, a bullet casing, bleach and duct tape.
That's according to the search warrant affidavit, filed late this morning at the Greene County Judicial Center.

The affidavit - attached above - (warning: Graphic content)  describes what Springfield police initially saw when they entered Craig Wood's home at 1538 E. Stanford early Wednesday morning, including the discovery of Hailey's body inside a plastic tub in the basement of the house.  Officers said they saw things in the house, including the body in the tub, so they backed out of the house and applied for the search warrant.

Among the items found in that search was a spent 22 caliber shell casing on the basement floor, evidence the basement had been cleaned with bleach, and more than a dozen guns with ammunition.

The affidavit also describes a three-ring binder containing images of child pornography, along with several pieces of notebook paper with stories written on them.  Police also seized a laptop computer, two video cameras, VHS tapes and DVDs and bedding.
 ::snipping3::
------------------
The affidavit:
http://www.ozarksfirst.com/media/lib/184/0/4/b/04bca7aa-6e3f-4ae4-8912-a5c0c1560a12/SEARCH_WARRANT_1538_E_STANFORD_FINAL__2_.pdf

 ::MonkeyTears::

New Monkey  :smt056

Justice is coming for our angel, Hailey.   ::MonkeyAngel::

http://www.ksdk.com/story/news/2014/02/22/hailey-owens-vigil-investigation/5729465/

Outpouring of community support continues for family of Hailey Owens
9:02 p.m. EST February 22, 2014

Strafford residents know the importance of community.

And when tragedy hit the town of less than 2,500 people this week, they did what they have always done. They stuck together.

Much of Hailey Owens' family on her dad's side has strong connection to Strafford. When the news came that the 10-year-old had been killed, the community members made a plan to help support the family.

Hailey's dad, aunt, grandmother and grandfather are expected to attend a Chili Supper and Fundraising Dinner in Strafford this afternoon. Community members and Strafford Fire Department firefighters started cooking chili Friday for the dinner. Donations of goods and services to be raffled and auctioned off to raise money for Hailey's family were still pouring in Friday evening.

Chandra Calhoun, Hailey's aunt, said she is overwhelmed by all the support.

"It blows my mind how one little girl can bring the world together," she said.

Duane "Odie" Lowery, Hailey's grandfather, said of his hometown: "Everyone gets behind everybody and supports whatever needs they need, especially in these types of situations. We're trying to do our part down here. It's rough on everybody."

"We have a good community," he said
 ::snipping3::

Videos at the links

http://www.ky3.com/news/local/video-more-than-10000-march-on-commercial-street-for-hailey-owens/21048998_24624538
Video: More than 10,000 march on Commercial Street for Hailey Owens
POSTED: 09:29 PM CST Feb 22, 2014

http://fox2now.com/2014/02/22/springfield-holds-vigil-for-hailey-owens/
Springfield holds vigil for Hailey Owens
Posted on: 5:36 pm, February 22, 2014, by Betsey Bruce, updated on: 10:20pm, February 22, 2014

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BhH_bjMCEAAPM0w.jpg)
Missourinet   @Missourinet 
From the vigil for HaileyOwens: RT @ctempleNL: Candle's raised. #HaileyOwens 
8:29 PM - 22 Feb 2014

http://www.news-leader.com/interactive/article/20140223/NEWS01/302230102/Hailey-Owens-killing-timeline?nclick_check=1

Timeline of Hailey Owens tragedy: Documents, police statements tell the story
1:55 AM, Feb. 23, 2014

 ::snipping3::
FEB. 18

4:48 p.m. Springfield police respond to the 3200 block of West Lombard Street in reference to a reported child abduction. Witnesses tell police they saw a young girl snatched from the street by a man in a truck. Witnesses tried to give chase, but the truck sped away too fast. Witnesses called 911 and tried to find the girl’s family.

5 p.m. Officers obtain preliminary information from witnesses regarding vehicle description, license plate number and the suspect’s appearance. Family identifies Hailey Owens as the missing girl.

6 p.m. The Springfield Police Department issues a news release and posts to social media information about the abduction, including the victim’s description and vehicle details. Following the protocol for issuing an Amber Alert, information is provided to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

7:07 p.m. A statewide Amber Alert is issued and information is distributed to all area law enforcement agencies and media outlets. The suspect’s description as well as the suspect’s vehicle make, model and license plate number are released to the public.

Based on the witness information about the license plate number, officers from the Missouri Highway Patrol contact the registered owner of the vehicle, Craig Michael Wood’s parents in Ash Grove. Wood’s father said the vehicle was Wood’s. Springfield officers go to Wood’s home at 1538 E. Stanford St., Springfield.

About 8:30 p.m. Wood arrives at his home in a truck matching the description and license plate number of the witnesses’ account at the abduction scene. Police doing surveillance there ask him to go to police headquarters for an interview. He is not told — and does not ask — why. At headquarters, Wood denies any involvement in the abduction. Officers note what appeared to be blood on Wood’s shirt. He does not leave police custody.

Also about 8:30 p.m. Officers do a safety sweep of Wood’s home. They note a strong smell of bleach throughout the basement, but find “no one in need of assistance,” according to Police Chief Paul Williams.

11:56 p.m. Springfield police announce a suspect is arrested and being held, but Hailey is still missing.

FEB. 19

1:28 a.m. A Greene County judge approves a search warrant for Wood’s home.

2:15 a.m. Two Springfield officers enter the home under the authority of the search warrant. They note several bleach containers throughout the home. They later write that they found a body consistent with Hailey’s size inside two garbage bags within a plastic storage tote in the basement. Authorities also find a .22 caliber bullet casing and a ball cap matching witness accounts of the suspect’s attire.

The county’s deputy medical examiner eventually responds to the scene and identifies a gunshot wound at the base of the child’s skull and ligature marks on her wrists.

3 a.m. Police inform the family of Hailey Owens that a body had been found at the suspect’s residence but cannot yet confirm who it is.

At about 3 a.m. Police go to the Dutch Maid Laundry near Elm Street and National Avenue. Authorities have acknowledged processing the scene in connection with Hailey’s case but have given no details as to why or what may have been found there.

6:30 a.m. Police publicly name Craig Michael Wood as the suspect. Records show he is held in the Greene County Jail on suspicion of first-degree murder but not formally charged. Prosecutors must review police allegations against him.

8 a.m. Amber Alert canceled

11 a.m. At a news conference, Williams confirmed a body was found at the Stanford Street home and said police believe it was Owens, though an autopsy would be needed to confirm her identity and cause of death.

3:45 p.m. Authorities ask for a second search warrant for Wood’s home, looking for “papers, letters, journals, diaries, etc. documenting criminal plans, activities and/or desires.”

6 p.m. Wood is charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action and child kidnapping. At a news conference, Prosecutor Dan Patterson publicly thanks the community and law enforcement for their efforts.
 ::snipping3::
 

I grew up in a small Missouri town southeast of Kansas City.  These rural communities are very, very tight.

http://www.kctv5.com/story/24804985/services-set-for-slain-10-year-old-missouri-girl

Services set for slain 10-year-old Missouri girl
Posted: Feb 24, 2014 9:55 AM CST
Updated: Feb 24, 2014 10:16 AM CST

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) -
Services have been scheduled for a 10-year-old Springfield girl who was abducted and killed last week.

The Springfield News-Leader reports visitation for Hailey Owens will be Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. at Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Springfield. The funeral will be Wednesday at 2 p.m., also at the church.
 ::snipping3::

 ::MonkeyTears:: Less than 4 hours.  She lived less than 4 hours after he stole her.  This can't be his first time.

http://www.ky3.com/news/local/new-judge-is-assigned-to-craig-woods-murder-case/21048998_24669632

New judge is assigned to Craig Wood's murder case
POSTED: 05:24 PM CST Feb 25, 2014    UPDATED: 07:14 PM CST Feb 25, 2014

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - 
A judge granted a defense attorney’s motion for a new judge for the case of a man accused of killing a girl last week.   Greene County Associate Circuit Judge Dan Imhof, who presided last Friday at the initial court appearance for Craig Wood, took himself off the case.  It’s now assigned to Associate Circuit Judge Jason Brown.
 ::snipping3::
Because of the change of judge, two hearings scheduled by Imhof are canceled. One was a hearing on March 19 to consider motions by prosecutors and defense attorneys and the other was a preliminary hearing on April 7. Brown will reschedule those hearings.

Wood is represented by a public defender even though a prosecutor thinks Wood may have a million-dollar trust fund that he could use to pay a private attorney.  The public defender says that’s none of the prosecutor’s business, and says Wood properly applied for a public defender and had his application approved.

Associate circuit court judges in felony cases rule whether there’s enough evidence to send cases to trial. Those judges also decide on appropriate bonds for defendants who are awaiting trial.

http://www.news-leader.com/article/20140225/NEWS12/302250120/Suspect-girl-s-kidnapping-slaying-held-away-from-other-inmates

Suspect in girl's kidnapping, slaying, held away from other inmates
Feb. 25, 2014 5:40 PM

The man accused of the kidnapping and homicide of a 10-year-old Springfield girl is being held in Greene County Jail alone and under close watch, jail staff said Tuesday.

Major Kevin Spaulding confirmed that Craig Michael Wood is being held apart from the general jail population.

Spaulding described it as “house alone, rec alone, close watch, three officer warning status.”

He further clarified that the “three officer” status means any time Wood needs to be moved within jail walls, three corrections officers have to accompany him.
 ::snipping3::
At this point in criminal proceedings, either side of the court case can ask for a change of judge. No reason has to be specifically given.

Wood’s attorney, public defender Chris Hatley, asked that the case been moved from Judge Dan Imhof’s courtroom. No reason was given in the motion.

The case is now set before Judge Jason Brown.

Mayor Bob Stephens addresses tragedy of Hailey Owens' death
February 24, 2014
News Release
http://www.springfieldmo.gov/webapps/news/attached/mayorHaileyTrans.pdf

http://www.springfieldmo.gov/webapps/news/getStory.jsp?relid=10283

i forgot the vid
February 24, 2014 at 4:35 pm
Mayor’s News Conference – February 24, 2014
http://cityview.springfieldmo.gov/mayors-news-conference-february-24-2014/

Rest in Peace, Hailey    ::MonkeyAngel::  ::MonkeyTears::

http://www.ksdk.com/story/news/2014/02/26/hailey-owens-funeral-child-abduction-kidnapping/5843987/

'Rest easy' Hailey ...Crowd formed before 10-year-old's funeral
Christine Temple, Springfield News-Leader 5:16 p.m. EST February 26, 2014

(http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/71d88118bb922002e680f3a2fd98c42d729766af/c=69-0-640-429&r=x404&c=534x401/local/-/media/KSDK/KSDK/2014/02/26//1393452597000-owens-funeral.jpg)

Roughly 100 people were gathered outside Ridgecrest Baptist Church before the funeral of Hailey Owens, the 10-year-old Springfield girl who was abducted and slain last week.

They were waving American flags and one woman was holding a sign that read "One more angel in heaven." Two other signs read "Fly high beautiful butterfly" and "Rest easy sweet angel."

PREVIOUS STORY: Thousands flood streets of Springfield for Hailey Owens' memory

The group created a human wall blocking the view of the church's entrance. About 20 motorcycles were also parked in front of the church.

Many in the group wore pink and purple, Hailey's favorite colors, according to her family.

Several motorists have honked as they drove past the church
 ::snipping3::

Obituary for Hailey Owens   ::MonkeyAngel::

http://www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=2435159&fh_id=12076

Hailey Owens
(August 18, 2003 - February 18, 2014)

(http://www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com/fh_live/12000/12076/images/obituaries/2435159.jpg)

Rest in peace, sweet Hailey.   ::MonkeyAngel::

Rest in peace, beautiful girl.  Godspeed.   ::MonkeyAngel::

 ::MonkeyNoNo::

http://www.kspr.com/news/local/questions-remain-in-hailey-owens-investigation/21051620_24805122

Questions remain in Hailey Owens' investigation
POSTED: 06:42 PM CST Mar 04, 2014

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - 
On a sunny and warm day two weeks ago, Hailey Owens disappeared. The 10-year-old girl was walking in her neighborhood to meet a friend. At 4:48 p.m, witnesses saw a gold Ford Ranger pull up to the girl. The driver grabbed her and sped off.

Police responded to the area around 5:00 p.m. Witnesses gave police accurate license plate information, description of the vehicle, and suspect description. Police ran the license plate and realized the truck belonged to Jim Wood.  According to court documents, police also determined at that time that Jim Wood had two "possible" sons who lived in Springfield. All three addresses were on file.

Troopers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol went to Wood's house in Ash Grove. According to published reports, troopers didn't make contract until after 7:00 p.m. -- two hours after Hailey was taken. Wood told troopers his son, Craig, drove the Ford Ranger.

Around 8:30 p.m., police went to the Stanford St. address where Craig Wood arrived shortly after. Officers took Wood to the police department and never let him go. Early the next day, officers found Hailey's body in the basement of Wood's house
 ::snipping3::
What's unclear in the court records is if police could have gotten to the Stanford address sooner. It's also unclear what police did from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. KSPR News sent a list of questions to the Springfield Police Department. Spokeswoman Lisa Cox provided this written response:

"In the immediate hours and days following the Hailey Owens abduction, the Springfield Police Department shared many facts of the incident with the public. However, in light of the investigation that is still very active, our investigators have determined that we have no further information surrounding this incident that we will be making available to the public until our investigation is completed."
 ::snipping3::

http://www.ky3.com/news/local/hailey-owens-murder-case-goes-to-3rd-judge/21048998_24803624

Hailey Owens murder case goes to 3rd judge
POSTED: 06:02 PM CST Mar 04, 2014    UPDATED: 02:11 PM CST Mar 05, 2014

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - 
The murder case against Craig Wood is now in the hands of third judge as it proceeds toward a preliminary hearing.  Wood is accused of kidnapping and murdering Hailey Owens, 10, on Feb. 18.

Greene County Associate Circuit Judge Mark Powell is now assigned to the case.  He's scheduled Wood's preliminary hearing for April 2.  That hearing is when a judge decides whether there's enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial.
 ::snipping3::

I hope there will be justice for Hailey Owens and her family.   ::MonkeyAngel::

 ::MonkeyTears::

maybe whatever records are here, could answer some of those questions
i found this site around 7pm EST 2/19/14, wish i had found it the day b4


http://www.springfieldcrimealert.com/police_scanner.php

http://www.ksdk.com/story/news/crime/2014/03/17/hailey-owens-parents-sue-accused-killer-craig-michael-wood/6527019/

Hailey Owens' parents sue accused killer
7:57 p.m. EDT March 17, 2014

The parents of a 10-year-old kidnapped and killed last month have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the man accused of murdering their daughter — calling the man's alleged actions "evil."

Stacey Barfield and Markus Owens, the biological parents of Hailey Owens, filed the suit in Greene County Friday seeking financial damages against Craig Michael Wood.

The petition says Wood was observed kidnapping Hailey on Feb. 18 and that the girl's body, with a gunshot wound to the back of the head, was found at Wood's home on Feb. 19.

The suit says Wood was either negligent in the handling of a loaded weapon or intentionally shot the girl, which is what prosecutors are arguing.

The petition says Hailey's parents have "suffered severely and in the future will suffer, by reason of the injuries sustained by and from Hailey Owens' death."

The suit seeks financial damages to cover costs associated with Hailey's death, but it also seeks punitive damages to "punish Defendant Wood and to deter him and others from like conduct."
 ::snipping3::

I don't blame Hailey's family for filing suit.  According to an article posted here previously, Wood has a million dollars at his disposal, yet applied for and was approved for a public defender.  Wood should pay for any costs associated with Hailey's death and punitive damages, imo.  Maybe we'll find out later what the stipulations are on his funds, and if it were my child, I would be doing anything and everything I could legally do to make his life harder and less cushy. 

 
http://www.ky3.com/news/local/new-judge-is-assigned-to-craig-woods-murder-case/21048998_24669632

New judge is assigned to Craig Wood's murder case
POSTED: 05:24 PM CST Feb 25, 2014    UPDATED: 07:14 PM CST Feb 25, 2014

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - 
A judge granted a defense attorney’s motion for a new judge for the case of a man accused of killing a girl last week.   Greene County Associate Circuit Judge Dan Imhof, who presided last Friday at the initial court appearance for Craig Wood, took himself off the case.  It’s now assigned to Associate Circuit Judge Jason Brown.
 
Because of the change of judge, two hearings scheduled by Imhof are canceled. One was a hearing on March 19 to consider motions by prosecutors and defense attorneys and the other was a preliminary hearing on April 7. Brown will reschedule those hearings.

Wood is represented by a public defender even though a prosecutor thinks Wood may have a million-dollar trust fund that he could use to pay a private attorney.  The public defender says that’s none of the prosecutor’s business, and says Wood properly applied for a public defender and had his application approved.

Associate circuit court judges in felony cases rule whether there’s enough evidence to send cases to trial. Those judges also decide on appropriate bonds for defendants who are awaiting trial.

I hope they get every single penny he has.  I think it's total bs he is allowed a public defender with a million dollar trust in his name.  Fleecing the system. ::MonkeyMad::

 ::MonkeyNoNo::

http://www.news-leader.com/article/20140318/NEWS12/303180087/Hailey-Owens-case-Defense-preparing-for-prosecutors-to-try-for-death-penalty-?odyssey=nav%7Chead

Hailey Owens case: Defense preparing for prosecutors to try for death penalty
Mar. 18, 2014 12:33 PM

The state’s Public Defenders Office has assigned two attorneys who specialize in capital offenses to represent the man accused of kidnapping and killing Hailey Owens.
 ::snipping3::
Christopher Hatley, the public defender who has been representing Wood since the case was filed, filed a motion Tuesday to withdraw from the case.
 ::snipping3::
Prosecutors have previously argued in open court that Wood should not have a public defender because they believe Wood is tied to a $1 million trust. But no document outlining the trust has been produced by either side as part of the public record of the case. Neither side has described it specifically either.

Wood is scheduled to appear before Judge Mark Powell on April 2 for preliminary and motion hearings.

Hailey’s biological parents, Stacey Barfield and Markus Owens, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Wood last week.

http://www.ozarksfirst.com/story/d/story/sexual-abuse-suspected-in-hailey-owens-case/36278/Z4teH2L-fkGUnjlXNIbs7A

Sexual Abuse Suspected in Hailey Owens Case
03/25/2014 05:06 PM 
03/25/2014 10:12 PM

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- New documents released in the Hailey Owens murder case show investigators with the Department of Social Services believe the 10-year-old was sexually abused after her abduction.

KOLR 10 News obtained the documents Tuesday by the Missouri Department of Social Service's Children's Division.

Craig Wood faces first-degree murder, child kidnapping and armed criminal action in Owens' Feb. 18 death. Her body was found in the basement of his Stanford Street home.

Many of the details in the 37-pages of documents are redacted, including any further information about why investigators believe Owens was sexually assaulted.
 ::snipping3::

Video at the link

http://www.ksdk.com/story/news/crime/2014/03/26/craig-wood-court-appearance/6937159/

Hailey Owens murder suspect in court
8:24 p.m. CDT March 26, 2014

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - The man accused of killing 10-year-old Hailey Owens learned today that he'll be allowed to appear in street clothes, in person, for hearings. But he won't see all the evidence the state has against him just yet.

A hearing this morning for Craig Michael Wood lasted about a half hour, with mostly procedural and fairness issues discussed.

In his first appearance in court other than an initial one by video, Wood was brought into Judge Mark Powell's courtroom about 10 a.m.

Wood, who is charged with first-degree murder, child kidnapping and armed criminal action, is 46. His birthday was Tuesday.

Hailey's family members, including her parents Jeff and Stacy Barfield and about a half dozen others, appeared in court to observe. About 50 people in all were present. Because the court room became crowded quickly, it is unclear if any of Wood's relatives were in attendance.

Wood, who worked as coach and teaching assistant for Springfield Schools until he was arrested in the killing, did not speak during the hearing.

The judge ruled on several motions filed by the prosecution and defense. Most involved how the case will move forward; no further revelations about evidence emerged.

A key argument, common in criminal proceedings, came from the defense. Wood's attorneys want to see specific evidence more quickly than the prosecution wants to present it.

A motion to have the prosecution produce evidence before an upcoming court action called a "preliminary hearing" was overruled. The defense will have to wait for that hearing, which was reset today for 10 a.m., April 24
 ::snipping3::

wait . . . wait . . . wait!

I don't know how these families deal with all the delays.

 ::MonkeyTears::

It must be very difficult for the families.  Hopefully, justice comes swiftly in this case.  Poor sweet Hailey...   ::MonkeyTears::

http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2014/04/21/will-incriminating-statements-craig-wood-tossed/7958921/ (http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2014/04/21/will-incriminating-statements-craig-wood-tossed/7958921/)

Defense fights for more information in Craig Wood case
11:59 a.m. CDT April 21, 2014

A judge this morning did not agree with a defense motion that statements made by Craig Michael Wood, the man accused of kidnapping and murdering a 10-year-old Springfield girl, be thrown out.

However, the issue could resurface during a Thursday preliminary hearing.

Prior to today, Wood's attorney, Patrick Berrigan, asked that all statements Wood made to police, both written and oral, be suppressed.

The defense also has asked that more evidence about the case be provided to the defense.

Wood's attorney wrote in the defense motion about the statements that Wood was suffering from "intoxication, emotional turmoil and psychological instability" when arrested.

Wood is charged with murder, armed criminal action and child kidnapping in the death of Hailey Owens, who was abducted from her neighborhood on Feb. 18 and found dead hours later.

Berrigan, an assistant public defender from the state's capital defense division, wrote that statements Wood made to police were coerced and that Wood wasn't properly advised of his Miranda rights.
 ::snipping3::
Today, Patterson said he doesn't intend to use Wood's statements as evidence in the preliminary hearing.

Berrigan, raised concern that Patterson might "change his mind" and use the statements Thursday.

Powell indicated Berrigan would be able to object at that point.

On another front, the judge is expected to decide within about the next 24 hours if four police officers called as witnesses for Thursday's hearing must bring reports Berrigan has requested.

Patterson said all four officers subpoenaed will be in attendance whether or not they're called to testify.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/politics/2014/04/21/lawmakers-hear-case-haileys-law/7964425/ (http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/politics/2014/04/21/lawmakers-hear-case-haileys-law/7964425/)

Lawmakers to hear case for 'Hailey's Law'
11:11 a.m. CDT April 21, 2014

Lawmakers are expected to consider "Hailey's Law" this week, named after the slain Springfield 10-year-old.

House Bill 2248, sponsored by Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Springfield, would integrate the Amber Alert system into MULES, the computer system used by Missouri law enforcement. The idea is to expedite the reporting of child abduction.

A hearing on the bill in the House Crime Prevention and Public Safety Committee is scheduled for Tuesday.
 ::snipping3::

 ::MonkeyNoNo:: ::MonkeyMad::

http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2014/04/22/charges-rape-sodomy-added-hailey-owens-case/8007539/ (http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2014/04/22/charges-rape-sodomy-added-hailey-owens-case/8007539/)

Prosecutor: Hailey Owens also suffered sexual attacks
12:08 p.m. CDT April 22, 2014

Craig Michael Wood, the man charged with kidnapping and murdering Hailey Owens, has now also been accused by the Greene County Prosecutor's Office of raping and sodomizing the 10-year-old.

According to a supplemental probable cause statement, the Greene County Medical Examiner determined through an autopsy that Hailey had injuries consistent with rape and sodomy.

The statement says that autopsy was conducted on Feb. 20.

Technically, Prosecuting Attorney Dan Patterson has filed a motion to amend the felony complaint against Wood, 46, to add first-degree rape and first-degree sodomy. Judges routinely approve such filings when the evidence fits.

The filing comes two days before Wood's preliminary hearing.

According to the amended complaint, the new charges would both carry maximum penalties of life in prison. However, the combination of charges Wood is facing could result in the death penalty.
 ::snipping3::

 ::MonkeyNoNo::

http://www.ky3.com/news/local/judge-postpones-craig-woods-preliminary-hearing/21048998_25638208 (http://www.ky3.com/news/local/judge-postpones-craig-woods-preliminary-hearing/21048998_25638208)

Judge postpones Craig Wood's preliminary hearing
POSTED: 10:17 AM CDT Apr 24, 2014    UPDATED: 11:12 AM CDT Apr 24, 2014

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - 
A judge granted a defense attorney's request to postpone the preliminary hearing for a man accused of kidnapping, raping and killing a 10-year-old girl two months ago.   That hearing for Craig Wood was scheduled for Thursday morning.

The Greene County prosecuting attorney filed a motion on Tuesday to amend the charges against Wood on Tuesday to add rape and sodomy to previously filed charges of first-degree murder and child kidnapping for the death of Hailey Owens.   The new charges were based on autopsy results from the Greene County Medical Examiner's Office, which arrived at the prosecutor's office on Monday afternoon.

Associate Circuit Judge Mark Powell approved the new charges on Thursday morning and then gave defense attorneys another month to prepare for the preliminary hearing, which is now scheduled for May 22.  At a preliminary hearing, a judge decides whether there's enough evidence to send a case to trial court.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.kansascity.com/2014/04/24/4979580/craig-wood-pleads-not-guilty-to.html (http://www.kansascity.com/2014/04/24/4979580/craig-wood-pleads-not-guilty-to.html)

Craig Wood pleads not guilty to raping, killing Hailey Owens in Springfield
April 24

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — A southwest Missouri youth football coach accused of kidnapping, raping and killing a 10-year-old girl has pleaded not guilty.

Forty-six-year-old Craig Michael Wood, 46, appeared Thursday in Greene County Circuit Court in Springfield. A preliminary hearing scheduled for Thursday was delayed until May 22.
 ::snipping3::

I know sometimes we wonder why a person will plead "not guilty" despite reliable witnesses and a mountain of evidence.  Here is an article I found in regard to another case that may help explain this.

http://blogs.findlaw.com/blotter/2012/02/why-do-guilty-people-plead-not-guilty.html
Why Do Guilty People Plead Not Guilty?
February 29, 2012

Mark Berndt, an elementary school teacher in Miramonte, Calif., recently pleaded not guilty to sexually abusing 23 students in his classroom. But authorities have photos depicting the abuse. They have testimony from current and past students. It seems like a slam-dunk case.

So why did Berndt plead as he did? Why do guilty people plead not guilty?

In one word: strategy.

To start, defendants have a Fifth Amendment right to avoid self-incrimination. They don't have to plead guilty -- even when they are. Instead, it is up to the prosecutor to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant committed the crime.

When the prosecutor has little evidence, it makes sense to plead not guilty. The defendant may have a very high chance of being acquitted at trial. But what about when the prosecutor has a lot of evidence, such as with Mark Berndt?

There are still very good reasons why guilty people plead not guilty in these types of situations. For one, it may force the prosecutor to offer a deal. Trials are expensive, even when the evidence is strong. A prosecutor may therefore be inclined to offer a lesser sentence to avoid the expense.

It's also possible the prosecutor's case isn't as strong as it seems. High-profile cases are often overcharged in response to public pressure. There's no reason for a defendant to plead guilty to murder when he's really only guilty of manslaughter.

A defendant may also plan to challenge some key evidence. For example, if the Berndt photos were obtained in violation of the Constitution, they could not be admitted at trial. This could ruin the prosecutor's case, leading to acquittal or fewer charges.

Ultimately, guilty people plead not guilty because it makes sense. They have a right, and their defense attorneys have a duty, to seek the lowest sentence possible.
 ::snipping3::

MufyBee, thanks for the information about pleading "not guilty."  It makes sense from the defendant's point of view/strategy.  He's facing a combination of charges that could result in the death penalty.  But we also have to remember how Hailey suffered and died and the pain and grief of her family...hoping for swift justice for Hailey.  ::MonkeyAngel::

You're welcome grace-land.  In the past, we've seen cases where there were multiple reliable witnesses or even video of a crime in which the defendant would plead not guilty and there would be such an uproar, because their guilt was so obvious.   Sadly sometimes the legal process doesn't seem to be working for the victim and I've sat and wondered where their rights are.  Even though we can't bring Hailey back, it would greatly reduce the added pain and suffering for her family and friends if Craig Woods would plead guilty and keep them all from having to live the nightmare again at trial.  JMHO

bbm ^^^   ::rhino::    ::MonkeyAngel::

 ::MonkeyNoNo::   ::MonkeyMad::

http://www.ozarksfirst.com/story/d/story/purple-pink-worn-for-hailey-owens-in-woods-trial/19744/mX48tJPApEy9ggG3uKcbzg
Handwritten 'Stories', One with Girl Named Hailey, Found in Wood's Home
05/22/2014 03:53 PM
05/22/2014 07:52 PM

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – During the preliminary hearing for accused killer Craig Wood, the judge ruled there was enough probable cause on all charges for Wood to go to trial.

Wood is on trial for the Feb. 18 abduction, rape and murder of Owens

In the preliminary hearing on Thursday, FBI Special Agent Jonathan Tucker described finding “writings” in the bottom drawer of a dresser in Craig Woods' home.

Prosecutors said the "stories" were fantasized depictions of violent sexual acts against young girls and were relevant to the case over defense objections.

At one point, Defense Attorney Patrick Berrigan and Greene County Prosecutor Dan Patterson argued at the bench over the merit of the writings being introduced into evidence.

Berrigan laughed quietly at one of the cases Patterson cited.

"I don't think this is anything to laugh about," Patterson said.

"Those are child sex cases," replied Berrigan.

"This is a child sex case," Patterson said.

When Berrigan asked if there were any specific names used in the stories, the agent replied that one story had an individual named "Hailey.”

In that moment there was total silence in the courtroom.

Several pornographic photos were also found in the folder containing those handwritten pages and the schedules of two students from Pleasant View Middle School. Pleasant View is the school where Woods was a football coach and teachers aide up until the time he was arrested.

Hailey Owens was not a student at that school.
 ::snipping3::
An arraignment has been set for June 20, 2014 at 8:30 a.m.
--------------------
http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2014/05/22/accused-haileys-case-hear-murder-rape-evidence/9443359/ (http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2014/05/22/accused-haileys-case-hear-murder-rape-evidence/9443359/)
Testimony: "Pornographic" journal had girl named Hailey
7:36 p.m. CDT May 22, 2014

Hailey's Playground--a place of healing, tribute and fun for children.   ::MonkeyAngel::

Video at the link
http://www.ky3.com/news/local/springfield-elementary-school-park-renmamed-after-hailey-owens/21048998_26216766 (http://www.ky3.com/news/local/springfield-elementary-school-park-renmamed-after-hailey-owens/21048998_26216766)

Springfield elementary school playground renamed after Hailey Owens
POSTED: 06:09 PM CDT May 28, 2014    UPDATED: 06:24 PM CDT May 28, 2014

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - 
A northside park was renamed in honor of ten-year-old Hailey Owens Wednesday.  The child's family says the park will be a place of healing following the kidnapping and murder of their loved one in February.

"When I first walked up and saw 'Hailey's Playground,' I wanted to cry, but then on the other hand there's no reason to cry now," said Linda Minor, Hailey's great grandmother.

Springfield's Westport Elementary School and the nearby Westport Park are two places where Hailey Owens spent much of her time.  The ten-year-old's life was was cut tragically short, prosecutors say, by a Springfield teacher's aide.

For Hailey's great grandparents, Rex and Linda Minor, there was comfort in Wednesday's tribute to their grandchild.

"It is so good to see how everybody has poured out their love for the family and for Hailey," Linda Minor said.

An archway painted in Hailey's favorite colors of pink and purple now welcomes children and families to 'Hailey's Playground.
 ::snipping3::
----------------
A beautiful poem...
 
http://www.ky3.com/news/local/video-greatgrandmother-of-hailey-owens-reads-emotional-poem/21048998_26215986 (http://www.ky3.com/news/local/video-greatgrandmother-of-hailey-owens-reads-emotional-poem/21048998_26215986)
Video: Great-grandmother of Hailey Owens reads emotional poem
The peom helped with comfort and healing
POSTED: 05:50 PM CDT May 28, 2014    UPDATED: 05:54 PM CDT May 28, 2014

 

http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article560321/Court-reporter-in-Hailey-Owens-murder-case-dies-before-finishing-transcript.html (http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article560321/Court-reporter-in-Hailey-Owens-murder-case-dies-before-finishing-transcript.html)

Court reporter in Hailey Owens murder case dies before finishing transcript
The Associated Press -
 06/16/2014 10:08 AM  | Updated: 06/16/2014 10:08 AM

 ::snipping3::
Longtime court reporter Jeanette Freeman died June 3 at her home of natural causes.
 ::snipping3::
Judge Dan Conklin, who will preside over Wood’s arraignment this week, said a transcript problem could prompt another preliminary hearing, but he is hopeful the questions can be worked out before that is necessary

http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2014/06/20/craig-wood-pleads-guilty/11050775// (http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2014/06/20/craig-wood-pleads-guilty/11050775//)

Prosecutor to seek death penalty in Craig Wood c]ase
10:02 a.m. CDT June 20, 2014

Craig Michael Wood entered a plea of not guilty today in all the charges against him in the killing of 10-year-old Hailey Owens. After the arraignment, the prosecutor filed a notice to seek the death penalty against him.
 ::snipping3::

If convicted, Wood could be sentenced to death. He sat silent as Patrick Berrigan, one of the defense attorneys, entered the pleas.

Wood, neatly dressed in a blue pinstriped shirt and khaki pants, appeared before Judge Dan Conklin in Greene County Circuit Court. He entered the plea during his arraignment.

Wood, 46, is charged with murder, kidnapping, rape, sodomy and armed criminal action in connection with Hailey's death.

The next court date is set for Aug. 26. The case is expected to take at least a year before it goes to trial.
 ::snipping3::

Thank you for the additional information and update grace-land.  It appears it will be a long road to justice for Hailey Owens and her family.  How awful for her family and friends to have to accept she was brutally murdered  but to have to continue to wait and then go through a trial a year later.  We can't turn back time and nothing will bring Hailey back, but Wood could have pleaded guilty and saved her family from having to go through a trial.  JMHO ::MonkeyNoNo:: 

Video at the link

http://www.ozarksfirst.com/story/d/story/hailey-owens-edwards-carlos-michelle-witness/67187/q7_2df1ffE6X7gI5jDBxXA (http://www.ozarksfirst.com/story/d/story/hailey-owens-edwards-carlos-michelle-witness/67187/q7_2df1ffE6X7gI5jDBxXA)

Hailey Owens' Witnesses Honored
07/01/2014 06:09 PM    07/01/2014 06:56 PM

Springfield Police Department recognizes two witnesses involved in the February abduction of Hailey Owens.

Two families in our community were united by this horrific crime.  Witnesses Carlos and Michelle Edwards sat beside Hailey Owens' family during the award ceremony in their honor.  Hugs, and words of appreciation were exchanged.

Carlos and Michelle Edwards witnessed the suspect throwing Hailey Owens into his truck on West Lombard Street.  The couple immediately took action and attempted to stop the man from taking Hailey. 
 ::snipping3::
Wood's next court appearance is set for August 26.  He is being held in the Greene County Jail without bond.

http://www.ky3.com/news/local/craig-wood-asks-for-new-site-for-trial-for-hailey-owens-murder/21048998_26768716 (http://www.ky3.com/news/local/craig-wood-asks-for-new-site-for-trial-for-hailey-owens-murder/21048998_26768716)

Craig Wood asks for new site for trial for Hailey Owens' murder
POSTED: 04:30 PM CDT Jul 02, 2014    UPDATED: 04:40 PM CDT Jul 02, 2014

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - 
A man accused of killing a 10-year-old girl wants his trial moved out of Springfield. Prosecutors oppose the request by Craig Wood.
 ::snipping3::
The attorneys will have a chance to present evidence to back up their assertions at a pretrial hearing scheduled for Aug. 26.  Conklin has not set a date for a trial, which likely is a year to two years away.
 ::snipping3::
Hailey's parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Wood in March.   So far, Wood represents himself in that civil case, which is assigned to Circuit Judge Michael Cordonnier.  Wood filed a motion on April 17 to have that case moved out of Greene County.  The attorney for Hailey's parents opposes moving that request for a change of venue.   Cordonnier has not scheduled a hearing on Wood's motion.

http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2014/07/07/officials-video-wood-day-abduction/12290503/ (http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2014/07/07/officials-video-wood-day-abduction/12290503/)

Officials have video of Wood on day of abduction
7:08 a.m. CDT July 8, 2014

Court filings in the case of a man accused of killing Hailey Owens reveal some of the evidence prosecutors have obtained, including video surveillance on the day of the alleged abduction.

In response to a request made by Craig Michael Wood's attorney, prosecutors say they have video surveillance of Wood at a Walmart Neighborhood Market, behind retail store Cosmic Fish and at Pleasant View Middle School.

The filing does not say at what times the videos captured Wood, whether it was before or after the time of the abduction.

The Walmart video is of the Neighborhood Market at 1320 S. Glenstone Ave., Cosmic Fish is at 1445 S. Glenstone Ave. and Pleasant View Middle School is at the corner of AA Highway and Old Buffalo Road.

Prosecutors also noted video of Wood being interviewed by police and copies of conversations Wood had while speaking on Greene County Jail phones.

Copies of all videos were sent to Wood's attorney on July 2, the document says.

The response came after Wood's attorney, Patrick Berrigan, filed a request for certain information. The request included a list of witnesses prosecutors plan to call, any written or recorded statements made by Wood and a transcript of the preliminary hearing.

The transcript of the preliminary hearing had previously come into question when the court reporter in the case, Jeanette Freeman, died. In their response, prosecutors say the transcript is "in the process of being prepared" and will be disclosed when it's ready.
 ::snipping3::

wait . . . wait . . . wait . . .

Justice is coming!   ::MonkeyDance::

http://5newsonline.com/2014/08/01/zach-holly-appears-in-court-for-supression-hearing/

Zach Holly Appears In Court For Supression Hearing
Posted 1:33 pm, August 1, 2014

Zachary Holly appeared at the Benton County Circuit Court annex in handcuffs wearing civilian clothes before 10 a.m. Friday (Aug 1). Holly’s attorney Madison Aydelott said he wants the judge to dismiss statements his client made to investigators.

Holly is charged with rape and capital murder in the 2012 killing of six-year-old Jersey Bridgeman in Bentonville.

The suppression hearing before circuit judge Brad Karen started around 10 a.m. and they took a break at noon.

During the first part of the hearing, three investigators were asked to take the stand. Both prosecutor Nathan Smith and defense attorney Aydelott took turns questioning them.
 ::snipping3::

 ::justice2nj2::

http://**/news/2014/aug/01/prosecutors-will-be-able-hollys-statements-against/?latest

Prosecutors will be able to use Holly's statements against him
Posted: August 1, 2014 at 4:41 p.m.

BENTONVILLE — Prosecutors will be able to use Zachary Holly's confession as evidence against him during his November murder trial.
 ::snipping3::

Klaas or Mods, please delete my last 3 posts...sorry, I posted them in the wrong threat.  TIA
I was sooo excited.  :oops:

http://www.kansascity.com/news/state/missouri/article1210856.html

Accused Springfield child rapist, killer Wood challenging child porn stories
08/13/2014 8:44 AM | Updated: 08/13/2014 11:01 AM

Attorneys for a man accused of killing a 10-year-old Springfield girl are arguing that evidence that could connect him to handwritten stories about child rape and sodomy should not be allowed as evidence in his trial.
 ::snipping3::
Prosecutors want to link the stories to Wood to show that he targeted Hailey. They allege one of the stories included the name “Hailey.” The stories detailed the rape and sodomy of a 13-year-old girl, according to police documents. Prosecutors introduced the stories as evidence during Wood’s preliminary hearing.

Judge Dan Conklin, who will preside over the case, will decide if the stories are permissible if the case goes to trial.

http://www.ksdk.com/story/news/crime/2014/08/27/craig-wood-hailey-owens-murder-case-jury/14670139/

Out-of-town jury to hear Craig Wood case
8:24 a.m. CDT August 27, 2014

GREENE COUNTY, Mo. - Court officials haven't yet decided when the man accused of killing Hailey Owens might go to trial, but it is slated to include a jury from outside Greene County and will probably last a month.

Prosecutors and the defense team for Craig Michael Wood, 46, have argued about whether the case should remain in Greene County, but Prosecuting Attorney Dan Patterson presented a plan in court Tuesday to keep the trial local and bring in a jury from another county. Attorneys for both sides will now negotiate to determine which county will be used.
 ::snipping3::
Patterson also asked Judge Dan Conklin to set a jury trial date for April, but Wood's attorney, Patrick Berrigan, objected, saying he's still waiting for evidence from prosecutors.

A previous piece of information the defense had requested was a copy of the transcript from a preliminary hearing. The transcript had come into question when the court reporter on the hearing died before the transcript was completed. Prosecutors said in a reply that another court reporter was able to finish the transcript, apparently resolving the issue.

Conklin expressed interest in getting a trial date blocked off, because both sides estimated the month time period for a jury trial.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.ky3.com/news/local/craig-woods-attorney-says-he-and-prosecutor-agree-on-change-of-venue-method/21048998_28210720

Craig Wood's attorney says he and prosecutor agree on change of venue method
POSTED: 04:03 PM CDT Sep 23, 2014    UPDATED: 06:14 PM CDT Sep 23, 2014 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - 
Pat Berrigan, the public defender representing the man accused of killing Hailey Owens last winter, says he and prosecutors have agreed on a change of venue location and method for the trial.  Berrigan won't say what that agreement is; he says it will be revealed at a motions hearing scheduled for Oct. 2.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2014/09/27/court-paperwork-craig-wood-student-photos/16366535/

Court paperwork: Craig Wood had other student photos
6:42 a.m. CDT September 28, 2014

Court filings make it clear that the former school employee accused of abducting, raping and killing young Hailey Owens had two other students' schedules and photographs — and pornographic writings using the girls' names.

Until asked about the filings last week, a spokeswoman for Springfield schools said the district was unaware of them.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.kmbc.com/news/platte-county-jury-to-be-brought-in-for-craig-woods-murder-trial/28375234

Platte County jury to be brought in for Craig Wood's murder trial
UPDATED 5:28 PM CDT Oct 02, 2014

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. —The trial of a man suspected of kidnapping and killing a 10-year-old girl will stay in Springfield but a jury will be brought in from northern Missouri.

Circuit Judge Dan Conklin ruled Thursday that Craig Wood will stand trial in Springfield in front of a jury from Platte County. Prosecutors said they plan to seek the death penalty if Wood is convicted.

"It's not uncommon for a death penalty case to be moved to another county to pick a jury," said Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2015/05/28/man-accused-killing-hailey-owens-gets-new-judge/28094619/

Man accused of killing Hailey Owens gets new judge
5:23 p.m. CDT May 28, 2015

(http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/46ba24930b36cb642dc927e06a2b724aaec922b8/c=16-0-260-183&r=x404&c=534x401/local/-/media/2015/05/28/Springfield/B9317518678Z.1_20150528182035_000_GF8ATU4NB.1-0.jpg)
(Photo: Greene County Jail)

More than a year after charges were first filed, a new judge has been assigned to the murder case against Craig Wood.

Wood, 47, is accused of kidnapping and killing 10-year-old Hailey Owens last February in Springfield.

Retiring judge Dan Conklin recused himself from the case Tuesday, and the case was assigned to Judge David Jones on Wednesday.

Conklin, who is set to retire in July, said ideally he would have kept the case until it could be passed to his successor, but he did not want to slow up the process anymore so he recused himself this week.

Wood is charged with first-degree murder, child kidnapping, rape, sodomy and armed criminal action. Prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty if he is convicted.

Wood's last court appearance was in October. A trial date has not yet been set.
 ::snipping3::

I hope the train is on track and rolling toward justice for Hailey. 

 ::HelloKitty::
Oh, I hope so too, MuffyBee.
 

 ::MonkeyNoNo::

http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2015/06/05/hailey-owens-trial-gets-third-judge-nine-days/28570735/

Hailey Owens trial gets third judge in nine days
6:17 p.m. CDT June 5, 2015

The man accused of kidnapping and killing 10-year-old Hailey Owens last February has a new judge assigned to his murder case, just nine days after the case changed judges the first time.

Craig Wood, 47, is charged with first-degree murder, rape, sodomy, child kidnapping and armed criminal action. The judge originally assigned to the case, Dan Conklin, recused himself from the case on May 26.

Conklin, who is set to retire in July, said he wanted to keep the case until it passed to his successor but was concerned the change could slow down the process.

The case was then sent to Judge David Jones, and a pre-trial conference was set for June 10.

On June 4, Thomas Jacquinot, one of Wood’s attorneys, filed a motion for change of judge, to be sustained without a hearing.

Jones sustained the motion Friday afternoon, and the case was assigned to Judge Thomas Mountjoy, the presiding judge of the 31st Judicial Circuit. The pre-trial conference date of June 10 was vacated, and a new date has yet to be decided.
 ::snipping3::

 ::MonkeyNoNo::

How can trading out judges (on the third one now) not affect the case?  What happened to a speedy trial?  I've seen so many times when defense attorneys use delay tactics time and again for their clients.  This is a possible death penalty case, so even if he were to be found guilty and given a death sentence, it would be appealed and it would be years and years before he received his sentence.  I've been seriously rethinking the death penalty because it can years of the victims family and witnesses coming back into court when the appeals come and such, not to mention the extreme expense the years of paying for attorneys for defense and prosecution.  I can see why the prosecution is considering the death penalty for Wood, since he (allegedly) not only took the life of an innocent 10 year old child, but for all the evil,  heinous acts he did to her when she was alive.  I don't believe a person that can do that is rehabilitative material.  If the court of law finds Craig Wood guilty, give him LWOP and let him stay behind bars.  JMHO

http://www.kspr.com/news/local/court-hearing-delayed-for-craig-michael-wood/21051620_34066868

Court hearing delayed for Craig Michael Wood
POSTED: 10:43 PM CDT Jul 08, 2015    UPDATED: 10:47 PM CDT Jul 08, 2015

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - 
Another delay in the trial of Craig Michael Wood, the man charged with killing a young Springfield girl.

This latest delay happened on Wednesday afternoon.

Wood is charged with killing 10-year-old Hailey Owens. He was scheduled to be in court Thursday, but that court court appearance has been pushed back after the prosecutor and the defense attorney agreed to the move.

Sex crimes are among the charges that Craig Michael Wood now faces, along with kidnapping and first degree murder of Hailey Owens.

A date of June 15th was set for the pre-trial conference. That court appearance was moved to July 9th, and now to August 17th. According to court documents, the August hearing will address the trial setting and any unresolved matters.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2015/08/17/trial-date-set-man-accused-killing-hailey-owens/31870481/

Trial date set for man accused of killing Hailey Owens
3:33 p.m. CDT August 17, 2015

A trial date has been set for the man accused of kidnapping and killing Springfield 10-year-old Hailey Owens — but it is still more than a year away.

A judge ruled Monday that the case against Craig M. Wood, 47, will go to trial starting Sept. 26, 2016.
 ::snipping3::
Judge Thomas Mountjoy compromised by scheduling the trial for Sept. 26 through Oct. 21 of 2016.

The trial date could potentially change, but Mountjoy urged the attorneys Monday to pick a time they were sure would work for the trial.

The first few days of that time will be dedicated to picking jury members. The trial will be heard in Greene County in front of a jury that is transported here from Platte County.

Wood's next court appearance is another pre-trial conference scheduled for next month.

Wood's attorney Thomas Jacquinot said Monday the case is "highly likely" to go to trial as talks of a plea agreement have been fruitless.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.ky3.com/news/local/judge-sets-trial-date-for-craig-wood-for-murder-of-hailey-owens/21048998_34765184

Judge sets trial date for Craig Wood for murder of Hailey Owens
POSTED: 04:01 PM CDT Aug 17, 2015    UPDATED: 05:36 PM CDT Aug 17, 2015

 ::snipping3::
Defense attorneys, prosecutors and the judge agreed months ago that Wood's jury will come from Platte County, on the north side of the Kansas City metro area near Kansas City International Airport, because of extensive publicity about Hailey's murder.  The trial will be in Springfield with a sequestered jury.
 ::snipping3::

Happy Birthday, dear Hailey.  ::MonkeyAngel::  Justice is coming...  ::MonkeyGavel::

http://www.kspr.com/news/local/remembering-hailey-owens-on-what-would-have-been-her-12th-birthday/21051620_34793084

Remembering Hailey Owens on what would have been her 12th birthday
POSTED: 10:28 PM CDT Aug 18, 2015    UPDATED: 12:06 AM CDT Aug 19, 2015 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -  Hailey Owens would have turned 12 on Tuesday.

Dozens of people in downtown Springfield enjoyed a charity concert to remember and celebrate a birthday. The rock band, "R-A-M" performed at Nathan P. Murphy's to raise money for Hailey's Angels. It's an organization which helps families who lost a child to violence, like Hailey Owens.

Early Tuesday evening, family and friends gathered for a special memorial with balloons.

A sea of support filled Hailey's playground.

"It makes you happy and at the same time sad, mixed emotions," said Jeff Barfield, Hailey's stepfather.

The playground is named after Hailey Owens, the Springfield girl kidnapped and murdered one-and-a-half years ago.

"Try to find a way to make it through and once you get around other people it helps because you're not left alone," he said.

He and Hailey's mother, Stacey Barfield, organized the gathering.

"Emotional. Most of the day you try to keep your mind off certain things and try to reflect through better memories and better days," he said.
 ::snipping3::
Hailey was kidnapped in February 2014. Police say her body was found in the home belonging to Craig Michael Wood. Wood is awaiting trial, charged with kidnapping and murder.

Jeff continued, "I know everybody wishes we can get it done quicker. We'd love to get it done quicker. But by taking the time they are, the prosecution is making sure when we get a guilty verdict it sticks and we don't get tied up in court in appeals for the next ten years.
 ::snipping3::

 ::MonkeyGavel::

http://www.ky3.com/news/local/judge-rules-murder-suspects-attorneys-cant-shield-strategy-from-prosecutors/21048998_35992020

Judge rules murder suspect's attorneys can't shield strategy from prosecutors
POSTED: 04:58 PM CDT Oct 22, 2015    UPDATED: 05:04 PM CDT Oct 22, 2015 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - 
Defense attorneys for a man charged with kidnapping, raping and killing a 10-year-old girl will not be able to shield their trial strategy from prosecutors.  A judge on Thursday ruled against a motion by Craig Wood’s attorneys that the attorneys called a “cry for relief.”
 ::snipping3::
Wood’s lawyers wanted, basically, a wall of privacy so they wouldn’t have to tell prosecutors what they’re doing as they get ready for trial.  They say they shouldn’t have to tip prosecutors on possible strategies that they might use.  Prosecutors argued defense attorneys are asking for something that is rarely allowed in Missouri courts.

Greene County Circuit Judge Tom Mountjoy rejected the defense’s request during a hearing on Thursday afternoon.  The judge said both sides need to work on a compromise, however, and asked defense attorneys and prosecutors to meet in private to try to hammer out a possible solution to this legal debate.  Mountjoy asked for the attorneys to send him a proposed order by Oct. 30.

The judge did rule in favor of the defense attorneys’ request to have their client examined by mental health experts without having to give details to prosecutors or anyone else.

Wood could face a death penalty if he’s convicted of first-degree murder. His trial is scheduled in Springfield for September 2016 with a jury from Platte County, on the north side of Kansas City.  The next pre-trial conference in the case is scheduled for Feb. 16.

http://www.kmbc.com/news/attorneys-for-hailey-owens-slaying-suspect-want-evidence/37613534

Attorneys for Hailey Owens slaying suspect want evidence
Published  12:47 PM CST Jan 24, 2016

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. —Attorneys for a southwest Missouri man charged in the death of a 10-year-old girl want copies of evidence they say could help the defendant.
 ::snipping3::
The Springfield News-Leader reports Wood's lawyers have filed a motion seeking video interviews police conducted in 2014 with four students at a school where Wood was a para-professional and coach. The motion says two of the students described Wood as "pretty cool" and "super nice."
 ::snipping3::
A trial's scheduled for Sept. 26 in Greene County, with a jury from Platte County. Prosecutors say they'll seek the death penalty if Wood is found guilty.

http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2016/01/28/hailey-owens-murder-craig-wood/79453984/

First step taken to demolish house where Hailey Owens was found
4:32 p.m. CST January 28, 2016

A first step has been taken to destroy the Springfield house where the body of Hailey Owens was found in February 2014. Once the house is torn down and removed, the lot will be turned into a community garden.

Asbestos removal has been completed, and the front yard of the 1940 bungalow at 1538 E. Stanford St. has been dug up to disconnect water and sewer lines, according to Malie Auterson, co-founder and board president of Springfield Community Gardens.
 ::snipping3::
Auterson has met with various people to determine what the garden will be like — including neighbors on Stanford Street, skilled gardeners throughout the city and the parents of Hailey Owens.

The parents have made it clear, she said, that they don't want the location used as a memorial to Hailey. That's because it marks where police believe Wood killed the girl.

"They are also very compassionate people and are aware of the wishes of the neighbors, who, to the best of my knowledge, are very thankful that we're doing this," she said.

It still has not been determined what will be done in the garden  — if anything — to acknowledge Hailey's life, she said.
 ::snipping3::

 ::MonkeyAngel::

http://www.ky3.com/news/local/hailey-owens-family-keeping-her-memory-alive-two-years-later/21048998_38047356

Hailey Owens' family keeping her memory alive two years later
POSTED: 05:36 PM CST Feb 17, 2016    UPDATED: 06:04 PM CST Feb 17, 2016
(http://www.ky3.com/image/view/-/38049016/highRes/1/-/maxw/240/-/aj5xuaz/-/Hailey-jpg.jpg)
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - 
It will be two years Thursday since Hailey Owens was taken away from her family and friends.  But despite her kidnapping and murder, her memory is still very much alive.

Of course Hailey Owens' family is missing her and this week is especially rough, but just like at this playground, her memory is very much alive.

The day Hailey Owens was kidnapped from her west Springfield neighborhood and many months after are a fog for her family.  But the support surrounding them after her murder was overwhelming.

"I still can't explain the feeling to walk out and hear that many people chanting her name," said stepfather Jeff Barfield at a news conference with reporters on Wednesday afternoon.

From the time she was taken until now, Hailey's smiling face has spread through the community.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2016/03/03/craig-wood-allegedly-told-police-theyd-find-hailey-owenss-body-his-basement/81263866/

Craig Wood testifies in pretrial hearing, admits meth use
12:13 a.m. CST March 4, 2016

Craig Wood, the man accused of killing Springfield 10-year-old Hailey Owens, took the stand briefly Thursday in a pretrial court hearing.

During cross-examination, Wood said he was high on meth during the time frame in which he is accused of kidnapping, raping and killing the girl.
 ::snipping3::
Wood's case is scheduled to go to trial starting Sept. 26.

http://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/attorneys-try-to-keep-evidence-out-of-wood-murder-trial

Attorneys Try to Keep Evidence Out of Wood Murder Trial
Published 03/03 2016 01:22PM
Updated 03/03 2016 01:22PM

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- The man accused of abducting and killing 10-year-old Hailey Owens is back in court today.

A hearing on defense motions began Thursday morning and is lasting into the afternoon.  During today's appearance Craig Wood's attorneys are arguing to exclude evidence and statements from Wood's upcoming trial.

They claim these statements and subsequent evidence obtained on February 18 and 19, 2014 were done so illegally.

During one of two discussions with Springfield Police officers Wood's allegedly told investigators Owen's body was at his home but Wood's attorneys claim he was not read his Miranda rights and had previously asked for an attorney.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2016/03/30/craig-wood-cant-view-video-teens-alone-judge-says/82419278/

Craig Wood can't view video of teens alone, judge says
3:12 p.m. CDT March 30, 2016

A judge ruled Wednesday that Craig Wood, the man accused of abducting and killing 10-year-old Hailey Owens, cannot be alone when watching videotaped interviews of four teenage girls.

As part of the investigation into Hailey's death, a detective with the Springfield Police Department arranged for the Child Advocacy Center to interview four teenage girls who had attended Pleasant View Middle School, where Wood was a para-professional and coach.
 ::snipping3::
Also at Wednesday's court appearance, Mountjoy gave prosecutors access to some information about expert witnesses visiting Wood at the Greene County Jail.

Mountjoy ruled that prosecutors could get information from the jail regarding dates and times that Wood was visited by the three expert witnesses hired by the defense — John Fabian a psychologist from Austin, Texas; Kent Franks, a psychologist in Springfield; and James Cantor, a psychologist from Toronto, Canada.

Patterson said in court Wednesday he believes Wood's attorneys will use the experts to try to show Wood had an unbalanced mental state, or "diminished capacity," at the time when he is accused of killing Hailey.

Berrigan said he is not sure whether or not the expert witnesses will testify at trial.

Another matter that was argued but not decided on Wednesday is whether or not prosecutors should have copies of Berrigan's reports from the expert witnesses.

The judge said he will decide soon whether to force Berrigan to give those reports to prosecutors.

Not discussed at Wednesday's court appearance was a recent motion by Wood's attorneys asking the court to throw out evidence obtained from Wood's house.
 ::snipping3::
Attorneys for both sides have been asked to submit their final arguments on that motion, in writing, to the judge by next week.
 ::snipping3::
A jury trial is scheduled for Sept. 26 in Greene County. A jury from Platte County will be brought in to hear the case. Prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty if Wood is found guilty.

http://www.ky3.com/news/local/Hailey-Owens-murder-case-Judge-rules-on-access-to-Craig-Wood-mental-health-records/21048998_38971560

Hailey Owens murder case: Judge rules on access to Craig Wood mental health records
POSTED: 02:57 PM CDT Apr 11, 2016 

 ::snipping3::
The court picked up an issue discussed late last month.  A judge ruled prosecutors can have access to psychological records from Wood's doctors who visit him the jail, but the court should review their notes first.  The defense is to provide the records by the end of May.  The jury trial is set to begin September 26th.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2016/07/21/judge-considers-delay-craig-wood-trial/87400840/

Judge considers delay of Craig Wood trial
5:23 p.m. CDT July 21, 2016

The attorneys representing Craig Wood asked at a court appearance Thursday that his trial be pushed back six months.

Wood, 48, is charged with murder, kidnapping and rape in connection with the February 2014 abduction and killing of Springfield 10-year-old Hailey Owens. Prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty if Wood is convicted.

Wood is scheduled to stand trial starting Sept. 26, but attorneys Patrick Berrigan and Thomas Jacquinot argued Thursday they needed more time to prepare a defense.

Jacquinot said the state public defender's office is overworked and understaffed. He said if the trial happened in September, he's worried Wood would not have effective counsel.

"Mitigation work in this case is not where it needs to be," Jacquinot said. "It's not even close."

Jacquinot said both he and Berrigan have been found to be ineffective in separate cases in their careers, and they don't want that to happen in Wood's case.

Greene County Prosecutor Dan Patterson, meanwhile, accused Wood's attorneys of engaging in purposeful delay. He pointed out the defense has missed several discovery deadlines set by Judge Thomas Mountjoy.

"It seems to me, we will be right back in this same position in six months if no one follows your orders," Patterson told the judge.

Mountjoy will decide whether or not to push the trial back. He did not announce a decision on Thursday.
 ::snipping3::
Wood's next court appearance has been scheduled for Aug. 11.

http://www.ky3.com/content/news/Judge-delays-trial-date-for-Craig-Wood-accused-in-death-of-Hailey-Owens-389551532.html

Judge delays trial for Craig Wood, accused of murder of Hailey Owens
By Chris Replogle |
Posted: Mon 8:19 PM, Aug 08, 2016  |  Updated: Mon 8:37 PM, Aug 08, 2016

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - The trial for the former teacher's aide and coach accused of kidnapping and killing Hailey Owens is delayed.

Craig Wood's jury trial was set to begin in Springfield on Sept. 26 with jurors from Platte County, on the north side of Kansas City That will not happen.

A judge granted a continuance in the case for attorneys for Wood. The murder trial now may be pushed back to May 2017.
 ::snipping3::

 ::MonkeyNoNo::  ::MonkeyMad::

http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2016/10/27/trial-man-accused-killing-hailey-owens-rescheduled-year-now/92848826/

Trial for man accused of killing Hailey Owens rescheduled to a year from now
3:58 p.m. CDT October 27, 2016

The trial for Craig Wood, the man accused of killing Springfield 10-year-old Hailey Owens in 2014, has been pushed back again.

At a court appearance on Thursday afternoon, Judge Thomas Mountjoy rescheduled Wood's trial to begin with jury selection on Oct. 23, 2017.

Wood's trial was originally scheduled for September 2016, then May 2017, and it is now set for a year from now.

The trial was pushed back the first time after Wood's defense attorneys said they wouldn't be ready, and it was pushed back again on Thursday because Wood's attorneys have a scheduling conflict with the May date.
 ::snipping3::
A jury from Platte County will be brought to Springfield to hear the case next year.

http://www.ky3.com/content/news/Prosecutor-asks-for-medical-expert-notes-from-mental-evaluation-on-Craig-Wood-413245013.html

Prosecutor asks for medical expert notes from mental evaluation on Craig Wood
Posted: Wed 11:28 PM, Feb 08, 2017  | 
Updated: Wed 11:57 PM, Feb 08, 2017

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.  The former Springfield teacher's aide accused of kidnapping, sexually assaulting and killing 10-year-old Hailey Owens was in court on Wednesday afternoon, as his attorney and the prosecuting attorney argued over expert witness disclosures.

Prosecutor Dan Patterson told the judge that the state is entitled to the full reports from two medical experts, whom the defense hired to examine and interview Craig Wood. The mental evaluations were performed in the event that a not guilty by reason of insanity plea is used by the defense in the upcoming capital murder trail.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2017/02/10/craig-wood-willing-take-life-prison-avoid-death-penalty-attorney-says/97746584/

Craig Wood willing to take life in prison to avoid death penalty, attorney says     
Published 2:45 p.m. CT Feb. 10, 2017 | Updated 3:11 p.m. CT Feb. 10, 2017

Craig Wood is willing to spend the rest of his life in prison if, in exchange, the Greene County prosecutor drops his pursuit of the death penalty, according to an exclusive interview with Wood’s attorney.

Patrick Berrigan, Wood’s attorney from the public defender’s capital case division, said he sent a letter to Greene County Prosecutor Dan Patterson on Oct. 31 telling the prosecutor Wood is willing to plead guilty to murdering 10-year-old Hailey Owens in 2014 and agree to a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

Berrigan told the News-Leader about the proposal Thursday. He said the crimes Wood is accused of committing — snatching Hailey off the street, taking her back to his house, raping her and killing her — are “terrible” and “egregious.”

Berrigan said what separates Wood from other people recently sentenced to death in this country — like church-shooter Dylann Roof in South Carolina — is remorse.
 ::snipping3::
Patterson said Friday that ethics rules prohibit him from publicly discussing possible plea negotiations.

"At this point, we are still proceeding with the prosecution of the case," Patterson said.

Stacey Barfield, Hailey’s mother, said after a pretrial court appearance Wednesday that it is difficult for her to sit through the proceedings.

Attorney David Ransin, who represents Hailey's parents, said Hailey’s parents want to avoid a trial, but the most important thing for them is coming to a resolution that is "air-tight."

“We want it done right,” Ransin said.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2017/04/20/mother-hailey-owens-asks-prosecutor-drop-death-penalty/100619792/

Mother of Hailey Owens asks prosecutor to drop death penalty
Published 2:29 p.m. CT April 20, 2017 | Updated 4:41 p.m. CT April 20, 2017

Correction: Craig Wood's age was incorrect in an earlier version of this story.

The mother of Hailey Owens said this week she does not want to sit through a trial.

The News-Leader reported earlier this year that Craig Wood — the man accused of kidnapping, raping and murdering 10-year-old Hailey in 2014 — is willing to spend the rest of his life in prison if, in exchange, the Greene County prosecutor drops his pursuit of the death penalty.

Stacey Barfield, Hailey's mom, told the News-Leader on Tuesday she wants prosecutors to take that deal.

"I don't want to go through the trial because I don't want to relive the nightmare," Barfield said. "I'm never going to be over it, but just re-seeing it is going to make it 10 times worse."
 ::snipping3::
Much of the recent court proceedings in the case have dealt with mental evaluations for Wood, and what rights prosecutors have to see notes from psychologists and to have their own psychologist interview Wood.

In Jefferson City, Stacey Barfield has teamed up with Wood's parents, Jim and Regina Wood, to advocate for legislation that would speed up Missouri’s Amber Alerts, which are issued for abducted children.

Craig Wood had a court appearance scheduled for Thursday. It has now been rescheduled to May 25.

http://www.ky3.com/content/news/Wrongful-death-lawsuit-settlement-reached-in-death-of-Hailey-Owens-420660643.html

Hailey Owens' parents settle wrongful death lawsuit with Craig Wood
Posted: Thu 4:26 PM, Apr 27, 2017  |  Updated: Thu 11:03 PM, Apr 27, 2017

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - The mother and father of Hailey Owens settled a wrongful death lawsuit for an undisclosed amount. The parents, Stacey Barfield and Ryan Owens, who are not married to each other, reached the settlement with Hailey's accused murderer, Craig Wood.

The settlement agreement approved by Greene County Circuit Judge Michael Cordonnier indicates some or all of the money paid to Barfield, Owens and their attorney comes from an insurance policy that Wood has.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.fourstateshomepage.com/news/attorneys-in-hailey-owens-murder-case-ordered-to-exchange-witness-lists/722087031

Attorneys in Hailey Owens murder case ordered to exchange witness lists
Posted: May 25, 2017 12:16 PM CDT
Updated: May 25, 2017 12:16 PM CDT

MISSOURI - Online Court records indicate that Judge Thomas Mountjoy granted the defendant’s motion for a “will call” list of people lawyers intend to put on the stand at the trial scheduled to begin in October.
 ::snipping3::
Wood’s next appearance in court is a pre-trial conference set for 9:30 a.m. June 28, 2017. He remains in the Greene County Jail without bond.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.kspr.com/content/news/Haley-Owens-accused-killer-wants-death-penalty-off-the-table--430159823.html

Hailey Owens' accused killer challenges Missouri death penalty law
By Sheena Elzie, KSPR News |
Posted: Thu 11:27 AM, Jun 22, 2017  | 
Updated: Thu 4:41 PM, Jun 22, 2017

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KSPR) - The man from Springfield who is charged with kidnapping, raping and killing 10-year-old Hailey Owens wants the death penalty taken off the table -- not just in his case but in all first-degree murder cases in Missouri.

Craig Wood’s lawyer filed a motion in Greene County Circuit Court this week with his arguments against the state's death penalty statutes. He laid out his case to remove the death penalty from this trial in a motion that covers 52 pages. If the Missouri Supreme Court would eventually agree with such a ruling, it would invalidate the Missouri laws on death penalties.

Wood is charged with kidnapping, raping, and killing Hailey in Springfield in February 2014. He's been in jail ever since, only leaving for court appearances. The reason that he targeted Hailey, a girl whom he apparently had never met, has never been revealed in court documents or pretrial testimony.

In court, prosecutors said they would seek the death penalty if they get a first-degree murder conviction. However, the families of Wood and Owens have both said they would favor having the request for a death penalty dropped because they think it would lead Wood to plead guilty. Wood would get a life prison sentence with no chance of parole if that occurs.
 ::snipping3::
Greene County Presiding Judge Tom Mountjoy will have to rule on the motion, and the former prosecuting attorney may be reluctant to make a ruling on the constitutionality of the Missouri death penalty. Those kind of rulings usually are made by a state appeals court or the Missouri Supreme Court.

Another hearing in Wood's case is scheduled for next week.

http://www.kspr.com/content/news/Victims-mother-testifies-against-death-penalty-for-daughters-accused-killer-431336163.html

Victim's mother testifies against death penalty for daughter's accused killer
Posted: Wed 11:17 AM, Jun 28, 2017  | 
Updated: Wed 4:41 PM, Jun 28, 2017

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.  The man charged with kidnapping and killing a ten year old girl is in court fighting to get the death penalty off the table.

Craig Wood's attorneys are trying to make the case with an unusual person on their side--the victim, Hailey Owens, mother.

Everyone at the hearing just left the court house, but when Hailey Owens mom, Stacey Barfield, took the stand, the man accused of killing her daughter kept his head down.
 ::snipping3::
Judge Tom Mountjoy has not decided on that.
Instead they’ve scheduled another hearing for next month about whether Craig Wood should face the death penalty.

Craig Wood is still scheduled to go on trial in October.

http://www.ky3.com/content/news/death-penalty-debate-craig-wood-case-437040453.html

Judge in Hailey Owens murder case hears death penalty arguments
Posted: Thu 4:10 PM, Jul 27, 2017  |  Updated: Thu 5:40 PM, Jul 27, 2017

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Defense attorneys for Craig Wood and Greene County prosecutors sparred in court on Thursday over Missouri’s death penalty law. Defense attorneys are trying to spare Wood from a possible execution if he’s convicted of kidnapping, raping, and killing 10-year-old Hailey Owens in February 2014 in Springfield.

Defense attorneys last month filed a motion asking Circuit Judge Tom Mountjoy to declare Missouri’s death penalty law to be unconstitutional because they say it doesn’t satisfy rulings of the U.S. Supreme Court.
 ::snipping3::
Mountjoy took the issue under advisement. He scheduled another pretrial hearing for Aug. 30 at 8:30.

Wood’s trial is set to start on Oct. 23. He’s offered to plead guilty to first-degree murder in exchange for Greene County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Patterson dropping his attempt to obtain a death penalty, which requires a trial and a recommendation from a jury.

http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2017/08/03/judge-makes-ruling-evidence-craig-wood-trial/537831001/

Judge makes ruling on evidence for Craig Wood trial
Published 4:17 p.m. CT Aug. 3, 2017

A Greene County judge ruled Wednesday against a motion filed by Craig Wood’s attorney to suppress evidence.

According to the ruling, statements made by Wood to police within hours of the kidnapping of Hailey Owens will be allowed as evidence in Wood’s trial.

Wood is accused of kidnapping, raping and killing the 10-year-old girl in February 2014.

At one point, he allegedly told police to “call off the search” and said “she is in a tote in the basement.”

Wood’s attorney wanted those statements and others excluded from the trial, the ruling said.

According to the ruling, the attorney argued that Wood was arrested without probable cause when he made some statements, he was not read his Miranda rights when initially questioned, his statements were coerced, police continued to question him after he asked for an attorney, and more.

Judge Thomas Mountjoy ruled against suppressing Wood’s statements as well as suppressing some physical evidence. According to the statement, Mountjoy cited, in part, the “rescue doctrine."

“When the rescue doctrine applies, an individual’s life is in the balance and law enforcement is doing everything in their power to find and literally save the life of the victim,” the ruling read.

Police were actively searching for Owens at the time they first questioned Wood, the ruling said, and officers are allowed to ask questions that could help them find a missing person.
 ::snipping3::

there for a minute i got worried, he would get miss trial
or worse, off on a tech until i read this


 ::justice2nj2::

 ::HelloKitty::

I was worried, too, until I read that sentence. 
 ::justice2nj2::

 ::MonkeyNoNo::   ::MonkeyMad::
http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2017/08/10/prosecutors-catch-craig-wood-laughing-friend-refusing-answer-psychiatrists-questions/553686001/

Prosecutors catch Craig Wood laughing with friend about refusing to answer psychiatrist's questions
Published 6:00 a.m. CT Aug. 10, 2017 | Updated 9:04 a.m. CT Aug. 10, 2017

After prosecutors paid more than $7,000 to fly in a psychiatrist for a court-ordered mental evaluation, Craig Wood — to the apparent ire of prosecutors — refused to answer her questions.

Wood, the man accused of kidnapping, raping and killing 10-year-old Hailey Owens, also found the court-ordered psychiatrist attractive, court records show.

Recently filed court documents show that in a phone call from jail Wood said that and more to Kenny Dishman, his high school friend and guitarist in Uncle Fudd, their bluegrass band.

It's unclear if either man knew the phone call was being recorded.
 ::snipping3::
Because Wood, 49, refused to answer the court-ordered psychiatrist, Greene County Prosecutor Dan Patterson has filed a motion asking for three things:

•that Wood's attorneys not be allowed to call their mental health experts as witnesses;
•that prosecutors be allowed to introduce evidence that Wood failed to comply with the court-ordered examination;
•and that Wood's attorneys — who are public defenders — be required to pay the expenses incurred by the psychiatrist.

According to the motion, the mental examination was supposed to take place on July 26.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2017/09/15/judge-considers-consequence-after-craig-wood-stonewalls-psychiatrist/671855001/

Judge considers consequence after Craig Wood stonewalls psychiatrist
Published 5:34 p.m. CT Sept. 15, 2017

Greene County Presiding Judge Thomas Mountjoy said Friday he needs more time to consider how to punish Craig Wood for possibly violating a court order.

Wood, 49, is accused of kidnapping, raping and murdering Springfield 10-year-old Hailey Owens in 2014.

Earlier this year, Mountjoy ruled that prosecutors could hire a psychiatrist to interview Wood at the jail.

But when prosecutors flew a doctor in from Boston in July, Wood allegedly refused to answer her questions — citing his fifth amendment rights
 ::snipping3::
Mountjoy said he needs more time to consider the evidence before making a ruling. He did say, however, that there would be consequences for Wood’s actions.

“It puts the court in a tough spot, but ultimately I think it puts the defendant in a tougher spot,” Mountjoy said.

The next hearing in this case has been scheduled for Oct. 4. The trial is scheduled to start on Oct. 23.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/judge-denies-request-to-dismiss-death-penalty-for-craig-wood/811511050

Judge Denies Request to Dismiss Death Penalty for Craig Wood
Posted: Sep 14, 2017 08:51 PM CDT
Updated: Sep 14, 2017 08:51 PM CDT

SPRINGFIELD Mo. - A Greene county judge has dismissed Craig Wood's attorney's request to take the death penalty off the table as a possible punishment on Thursday.
 ::snipping3::

 ::justice2nj2::
http://www.kspr.com/content/news/Mother-of-murdered-Springfield-child-speaks-out-444790053.html

"I want it done." Mother of Hailey Owens shares thoughts on Craig Wood trial
Posted: Fri 10:24 PM, Sep 15, 2017  |  Updated: Sat 9:32 AM, Sep 16, 2017
(http://media.graytvinc.com/images/690*387/OWENS14.jpg)
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.  The Springfield teacher’s aide and coach charged with murdering a 10 year-old Hailey Owens was back in front of a judge Friday.

Craig Wood will be facing the death penalty if convicted.

"I've been through a lot and everything. I'm glad people are still behind me," says Stacy Herman.

It's been years since her daughter, Hailey Owens was kidnapped and murdered.

"Their wish is that Mr. Wood, who knows what he did, expresses remorse, accepts responsibility and full accountability for his actions," says Herman's attorney, David Ransin.

Herman was against the death penalty as punishment but has since changed her mind.

"They're willing to go with that decision being made," says Ransin.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.ky3.com/content/news/Lawyers-argue-over-jury-pool-in-Craig-Wood-case-449482583.html

Lawyers argue over jury pool in Craig Wood case
Posted: Wed 4:31 PM, Oct 04, 2017
 ::snipping3::
A pool of 500 potential jurors from Platte County were tapped to go over questions to see if they qualify to serve. About half of them have already been cut based being against the death penalty. As the number dwindles the court is will look more closely at who would be a fair juror.
One already saying they would castrate Wood for what he's accused of doing.

The court plans to wrap up the pre-screening process. Then, a jury summons will go out to the few dozen selected to serve.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2017/10/04/lawyer-wants-craig-woods-gun-porn-pot-evidence-kept-out-upcoming-trial/731980001/

Lawyer wants Craig Wood's gun, porn, pot evidence kept out of upcoming trial
Published 5:30 p.m. CT Oct. 4, 2017
 ::snipping3::
In a motion filed last week titled "Motion in Limine: Guns, Sex and Drugs," Wood's attorney Patrick Berrigan asked the judge to keep evidence related to the following items found at Wood's home out of the trial: 18 guns, a variety of pornographic videos, baggies containing marijuana and assorted drug paraphernalia.

Berrigan argues the evidence is not relevant to the case and could cause the jury to be unfairly biased against Wood.

"The prejudicial effect of this 'evidence' far outweighs its probative value, if any exists," Berrigan wrote in the motion.

The motion says Hailey was killed with a .22-caliber gun, and only two of the 18 guns found in Wood's home are .22-caliber weapons.

Berrigan wrote that the gun evidence might cause jurors to view Wood as a "'gun crazy,' militaristic, dangerous or unstable."

In a separate motion, also filed last week, Berrigan asks the judge to prevent prosecutors from presenting evidence related to the purple folder seized from Wood's home.

The folder, which has already been the source of some litigation, reportedly contains hand-written fantasies about sexual encounters with minors and yearbook photos of four middle school girls who attended Pleasant View, where Wood worked.

That motion relies on the same logic that the evidence is more likely to make the jury biased against Wood than add value to the state's murder case.

The motion calls the purple folder evidence "incredibly inflammatory and irrelevant."

As of Wednesday afternoon, prosecutors had not yet filed their responses to these motions, according to online records.

There is a hearing scheduled for next week in the case. The trial is scheduled to start on Oct. 23.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/pending-info-for-jurors-in-craig-wood-case/834060330

Pending Info For Jurors In Craig Wood Case
Posted: Oct 12, 2017 06:47 PM CDT
Updated: Oct 12, 2017 06:47 PM CDT

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.-- A three-year-old murder case is getting closer and closer to a resolution. But not before selecting the jury who will ultimately decide the guilt or innocence of Craig Wood, the man charged with the 2014 kidnapping, rape and murder of ten-year-old Hailey Owens.

Today, Wood made one of his final courtroom appearances, before his trial begins later this month.

The pre-trial hearing was primarily used to lay out the structure for what information both the defense and prosecution felt the jurors should know going into a three-year-old case.

The hearing discussions ranged from making sure Wood appeared in street clothes each time he was present in court during his trial, to the prosecutor's request to exclude information regarding the child-pornography charges that now face Hailey Owens' former stepdad Jeff Barfield from being mentioned during Wood's trial.

And while that was one of a few motions passed by the judge in today's hearing, there were a couple of motions he says he'll need a little more time to decide on.

The first of these two motions was the defense's request to exclude from the jurors, information regarding the contents of a purple folder found at Wood's home.
 ::snipping3::
The judge says both motions will receive his ruling later after he receives copies of the material from the purple folder, and photos of the evidence from Wood's home.
 

thanks for the updates grace-land

 ::snipping3::  from above
The first of these two motions was the defense's request to exclude from the jurors, information regarding the contents of a purple folder found at Wood's home.
http://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/pending-info-for-jurors-in-craig-wood-case/834060330

hmmm i dont get it, a juror/s prob read this

Court paperwork: Craig Wood had other student photos
Stephen Herzog, SHERZOG@NEWS-LEADER.COM Published 11:00 p.m. CT Sept. 27, 2014 | Updated 6:42 a.m. CT Sept. 28, 2014
 ::snipping3::
The motion says the photos of students and their schedules, which police say they found in a purple folder in Wood's dresser, were of girls about the same age as Hailey and match names appearing in the handwritten pornographic stories, which prosecutors say involve the rape of young girls.
http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2014/09/27/court-paperwork-craig-wood-student-photos/16366535/

You're welcome, cw618! 
I'll have to check articles to see if the judge excluded the contents of the purple folder.

Finally...the trial!

http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2017/10/23/jury-selection-begins-today-and-other-details-craig-wood-trial/781620001/

Jury selection begins today — and other details of the Craig Wood trial
Published 6:00 a.m. CT Oct. 23, 2017

Jury selection begins today for the trial of Craig Wood — the man accused of kidnapping, raping and killing 10-year-old Hailey Owens in 2014.

Within the next few weeks, a jury will decide whether Craig Wood is guilty and, subsequently, whether he will live or die.

Wood is charged with five felonies: first-degree murder, armed criminal action, child kidnapping, rape and sodomy.

In order to prove Wood guilty of first-degree murder, prosecutors will have to show he deliberated before the killing.

Prosecutors are pursuing the death penalty for Wood if he is found guilty of murder.

There are several aggravating factors a jury considers when determining if the death penalty is appropriate, including whether the murder was "outrageously or wantonly vile, horrible or inhuman in that it involved torture, or depravity of mind."

According to the lawyers handling the case, here's how this process will play out:

On Monday, the prosecuting and defense attorneys, Wood and Judge Thomas Mountjoy will be in Platte County for jury selection.

Jury selection is expected to last a week. The initial pool of jurors started at roughly 500 and has already been whittled down through written questionnaires.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.ky3.com/content/news/Lawyers-expect-another-day-of-jury-questioning-in-case-of-Craig-Michael-Wood-452791773.html

Lawyers expect another day of jury questioning in case of Craig Michael Wood
Posted: Tue 11:19 AM, Oct 24, 2017  | 
Updated: Tue 12:00 PM, Oct 24, 2017

PLATTE CITY, Mo. -- Jury selection is going slow in the Kansas City area in the murder case of Hailey Owens.

Ex-Springfield teaching assistant and coach Craig Michael Wood could receive the death penalty in the kidnapping, rape and death of the 10-year-old girl. The crime happened in a Springfield neighborhood in February of 2014. Lawyers are pooling a jury from Platte County. The judge argued that is far enough away from Springfield to find people to who may not know anything about this case.

Our cameras aren't allowed inside the courtroom here in Platte County during the jury selection process. So far, about half of the more than 200 potential jurors have been questioned by prosecutors and defense attorneys. They were given very detailed information about what Wood is accused of doing to Hailey, including raping and sodomizing her, before he killing her.

Wood is in the courtroom as all of this is happening, sitting quietly, with a blank expression on his face. He is shaking his legs.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.ky3.com/content/news/Lawyers-struggle-seating-jury-in-Craig-Wood-case-453142373.html

Lawyers struggle seating jury in Craig Wood case
Posted: Wed 4:13 PM, Oct 25, 2017  | 
Updated: Wed 5:22 PM, Oct 25, 2017

PLATTE CITY, Mo. -- The struggle to get jurors seated for Craig Wood's murder case moves into day three.

The ex-Springfield coach and teaching assistant is accused of kidnapping, raping and then killing 10-year-old Hailey Owens. Attorneys say they are having a hard time finding a jury willing to overlook what little they know about this case to spare Craig Wood's life.
 ::snipping3::
This is just the first part of the questioning process. Potential jurors who make it past the death penalty qualifier round will move on to general questioning. The jury will be picked after that.

Wood's trial is still set to start Monday in Greene County.

http://www.ky3.com/content/news/Lawyers-say-jury-likely-seated-by-Friday-in-Craig-Wood-case-453366553.html

Lawyers say jury likely seated by Friday in Craig Wood case
Posted: Thu 11:27 AM, Oct 26, 2017  |  Updated: Thu 4:44 PM, Oct 26, 2017

PLATTE CITY, Mo. -- Lawyers believe they will have a jury seated, likely Friday, for the trial of Craig Wood, expected to begin Monday.

The ex-Springfield teaching assistant and coach is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 10-year-old Hailey Owens in February of 2014. Lawyers are questioning the jury pool in Platte County, just north of Kansas City. Attorneys on both sides are nearing the end of the questioning process.

Attorneys have asked potential jurors if they would consider a sentence of life in prison, without parole or death for Wood. He's accused of snatching Hailey Owens off the street, raping, sodomizing then killing her. This information has been made known to people in Platte County being considered to serve on the jury. Attorneys are working to find those who can be honest and fair when considering the evidence.
 ::snipping3::
Lawyers will question more jurors Thursday night. So far, 45 out of 500 have been qualified to sit on the jury. The lawyers say the jury could be seated by Friday. The trial in Greene County is still set to start Monday.

http://www.ky3.com/content/news/Lawyers-confident-jury-to-be-seated-Friday-in-Craig-Wood-case-453642273.html

Jury seated in the Craig Wood death penalty case
Posted: Fri 11:58 AM, Oct 27, 2017  |  Updated: Fri 4:37 PM, Oct 27, 2017

 ::snipping3::
The jury consists of seven women and five men. There were four alternates chosen too. Frances Watson reports one of those men of the primary jury asked to be excused after the judge read the jury instructions. Now the jury will only consist of three alternates. They all must listen to the case. The judge will only tell them who the primary jurors are during the deliberation process.
 ::snipping3::
Frances Watson spoke Friday to Wood''s father at the courthouse. He says he still supports his son. The jury will make their way to Greene County this weekend. The trial is expected to start Monday.

http://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/defense-attorney-tells-jury-craig-wood-murdered-hailey-owens/847517888

Defense Attorney Tells Jury Craig Wood Murdered Hailey Owens
Posted: Oct 30, 2017 10:04 AM CDT
Updated: Oct 30, 2017 11:22 AM CDT

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- The lead defense attorney representing accused murderer Craig Wood is not disputing Wood's guilt in the murder of a young Springfield girl.

Jurors were sworn-in and opening statements in the trial began at 9:00 a.m. at the Greene County Judicial Center.  Wood, 49, is charged with the abduction, rape and murder of 10-year old Hailey Owens.  A jury from Platte County, Missouri is hearing evidence this week.

Prosecutor Dan Patterson laid out the state's timeline and evidence against Wood, telling jurors they will hear how witnesses saw Craig Wood's pickup truck drive down the street where Hailey was walking on February 18, 2014, heard Wood ask her for directions, then
 saw Wood grab Hailey and throw her into his truck. 

Patterson said the witness, Carlos Edwards, chased the pickup, Patterson said, as his wife called 911.  Edwards gets the license number, and gives it to police.  Police track the truck to Wood's parents, and go to Wood's home.

Patterson told jurors Hailey was not found in the initial search by police, but after a search warrant was issued, her body was found in a plastic tub in the basement of Wood's home.  She had been shot to death.

In his opening statement, defense attorney Patrick Barrigan told the jury Craig Wood "did abduct, rape, sodomize and murder that girl. For the rest of his days, he’ll pay for it.  The only thing in dispute is whether this is a murder that happened after cool deliberation." 

Barrigan told the jury Wood's actions were an impulsive act, driven by an unhealthy sexual compulsion, meth and an irrational mind.
 ::snipping3::

cw618, it seems that the contents of the purple folder were not excluded by the judge.
Please read the live updates from the bottom to the top.

http://www.ky3.com/content/news/LIVE-UPDATES-Craig-Wood-Trial-begins-today-454092003.html

LIVE UPDATES: Craig Wood trial begins today
Posted: Mon 9:13 AM, Oct 30, 2017  |  Updated: Mon 4:37 PM, Oct 30, 2017

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Craig Wood is facing a jury trial for the death of kidnapping, rape and murder of 10-year-old Hailey Owens in February 2014.

Read below the court proceedings for day 1.
 ::snipping3::
9:40 a.m. Defense says meth found finally unleashed Woods long suppressed sexual urges. Whatever jury decides, Wood will respect their decision. Defense concludes.

9:37 a.m. In Wood's house, detectives find purple folder with stories he had written of sexual fantasies with young girls. His defense says they show he has an unhealthy sexual interest in young girls that doctors call paraphilic disorder. Stories have names of girls at Pleasant View Middle School, where Wood worked as a teacher's aid and coach. Girls were interviewed, and never felt uncomfortable about Wood.

9:30 a.m. Defense begins opening statement. Defense says repulsive act was caused by a meth and sexual addictions. Admits Craig Wood did in fact kidnap, rape and murder Hailey. Jury will have to decide if murder was premeditated. Says there is substantial evidence of a lack of planning. Defense says Wood did not disguise himself in any way, drove his own truck in broad daylight, window on Wood's truck was down. Wood knew people saw him.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/day-two-of-craig-woods-murder-trial-witness-testimony/848512120

Day Two of Craig Wood's Murder Trial: Witness Testimony
Posted: Oct 31, 2017 05:27 PM CDT
Updated: Oct 31, 2017 05:53 PM CDT

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.--The state is continuing to build its case against Craig Wood, who is accused of murdering Hailey Owens in 2014.

Monday the state called nine witnesses.  Prosecutor Dan Patterson played the 9-1-1 call made when the child was abducted and even showed photos of Hailey when she was found dead inside Wood's home.

As for the defense, Wood's attorney Pat Berrigan told the jury on Monday that Wood murdered Hailey Owens and claimed it was a crime that happened because he was on meth and because he has a mental problem. 

Tuesday it was all about the evidence that connects Wood to Hailey.

Greene County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Patterson instructed FBI Special Agent Jonathan Tucker Tuesday to identify pieces of evidence that were collected from Wood's home.

One of the first items was the Rubbermaid-style container in which Tucker and his team of agents found ten-year-old Hailey Owens' body.
 ::snipping3::
Also presented as evidence Tuesday, was Wood's often-referenced purple folder, containing fictional stories of sex with children and photos of teen girls who went to the school Wood was once employed by.

The material in that folder was then given to the jury for consideration.

But it's that purple folder that will likely be the base for the defense's claim that Wood's actions were the product of a long-standing mental illness, triggered by drug use.

Live updates during trial today..

http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2017/10/31/live-updates-second-day-craig-wood-trial/816473001/
Live updates: Second day of Craig Wood trial
Published 8:30 a.m. CT Oct. 31, 2017 | Updated 5:21 p.m. CT Oct. 31, 2017

http://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/photos-of-hailey-owens-handled-carefully-at-craig-wood-trial/849043159

Photos of Hailey Owens Handled Carefully in Craig Wood Trial
Posted: Nov 01, 2017 09:39 AM CDT
Updated: Nov 01, 2017 11:44 AM CDT

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- The third day of testimony in the murder trial for Craig Wood of Springfield began Wednesday with attorneys on both sides arguing over how many autopsy photos should be shown to the jury - and in what manner.

Update at 11:00 a.m.:  There was a weight in the courtroom as Chief Assistant Prosecutor Todd Myers called Tom Van De Berg of the Greene County Medical Examiner's office as his first witness of the day. Blue folders, were handed to jurors containing pictures taken of Hailey Owens' body at the crime scene.

Many jurors were visibly upset,  wiping away tears as he gave his 15 minute testimony.

Circuit court judge Tom Mountjoy gave specific instructions to the courtroom audience that any emotional outburst or visible signs of distress that could distract the jury were strictly prohibited.

It was for that reason that the pictures were handed to the jury in folders, instead of being shown on video screens for public viewing.
 
 The prosecution's second witness was Dr. Carl Stacy, a forensic pathologist currently at the University of Missouri.  He was the medical examiner of record in the Hailey Owens case.

He continued to detail the cause and manner of death for the 10 year old girl.  He concluded the cause of Hailey's death was a close range gunshot wound to the back of the head "in a homicide manner".  He also said there were significant signs of struggle and evidence of rape.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.ky3.com/content/news/Testimony-gets-graphic-in-Craig-Wood-trial-Wednesday-454489273.html

Prosecution, defense both rest in the Craig Wood case; closing arguments Thursday
Posted: Wed 12:56 PM, Nov 01, 2017  |  Updated: Wed 5:35 PM, Nov 01, 2017

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Both the prosecution and the defense rested Wednesday afternoon after a full day of expert witness testimony.

Closing arguments are scheduled for Thursday morning.

The investigator from the Greene County medical examiner's office described how Hailey Owens' body was found in the plastic tote in the basement. He was the one to remove her body and find a gunshot wound. He testified there was a small amount of liquid in the tub with a strong smell of bleach, and an FBI investigator determined it was bleach.

The forensic pathologist who performed Hailey's autopsy talked about her injuries, including the gunshot wound, injuries consistent with sexual abuse, and injuries to her wrists where investigators believe she was bound. Jurors received copies of the graphic evidence photos.

An FBI firearms analyst testified the type of bullet that killed Hailey matched those found at Wood's house. An FBI forensic examiner testified hairs found with Hailey's clothing in a dumpster matched those of Craig Wood. A DNA expert agreed the hairs matched Wood. An FBI forensic examiner testified about bodily fluids in the case. She testified Hailey Owens' DNA was found on the passenger side armrest of Wood's truck, and Hailey's blood was found on Wood's shirt.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.ky3.com/content/news/LIVE-BLOG-Day-3-Craig-Wood-trial-454448873.html
LIVE BLOG Day 3: Craig Wood trial
Posted: Wed 8:49 AM, Nov 01, 2017  |  Updated: Wed 3:40 PM, Nov 01, 2017

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. 3:40 Court adjourned for the day. The trial will start again Thursday morning at 9:00am with closing arguments and jury instructions on how to proceed with deliberations.
 ::snipping3::

Guilty of 1st degree murder!   ::MonkeyGavel::  ::justice2nj2::  ::MonkeyGavel::

http://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/craig-wood-found-guilty-of-1st-degree-murder-of-hailey-owens/849943248

Craig Wood Found Guilty of 1st Degree Murder of Hailey Owens
Posted: Nov 02, 2017 11:58 AM CDT 
Updated: Nov 02, 2017 11:58 AM CDT

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- A jury from Platte County, Missouri has found Craig Wood of Springfield guilty of the 2014 murder of 10-year old Hailey Owens.  The jury found Wood guilty of first degree murder, putting the death penalty into play during the sentencing phase.

The jury members heard three days of evidence by the state and no defense witnesses, then deliberated just one hour before returning their verdict.

The second phase of the trial to determine the sentence for Wood now begins.  Both prosecution and defense teams will present witnesses on this question.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.ky3.com/content/news/LIVE-BLOG-Craig-Wood-Sentencing-Phase-454736993.html

LIVE BLOG: Craig Wood Sentencing Phase
Posted: Thu 1:06 PM, Nov 02, 2017  |  Updated: Thu 3:31 PM, Nov 02, 2017

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. The jury reached a verdict after one hour of deliberations. The judge announced the jury finds Craig Wood guilty of first degree murder in the death of 10 year old Hailey Owens at about noon Thursday. Now, the sentencing phase of the trial begins.
---------------
3:15 Court adjourns for the day after attorneys argue over motions on how to proceed with sentencing. Defense asked to throw out an aggravating factor involving depravity of mind and torture; says it's vague and violates Wood's constitutional rights. Judge denies motion.

Defense asked to limit victim impact statements, doesn't want events like the candlelight vigil held for Hailey to influence the jurors. Judge to rule on this Friday morning.

State asked to limit the testimony of a Catholic priest who will speak on Wood's behalf. Prosecutor doesn't want priest to speak about the church's position on the death penalty as it may influence the jury. Judge agrees and will only allow the priest to testify as it petains to Wood.

Three instructions for the jury were discussed.

Court to resume at 9:30am Friday.
 ::snipping3::

 ::justice2nj2::

http://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/life-or-death-penalty-phase-begins-in-wood-trial/850662818

Life or Death - Penalty Phase Begins in Wood Trial
By: Daniel Shedd
Posted: Nov 03, 2017 11:20 AM CDT
Updated: Nov 03, 2017 11:26 AM CDT

 ::snipping3::
From his opening statement, it's the prosecution's belief that Craig Wood committed a crime worthy of the death sentence.

"Thank you for seeing through the excuses, this was not some drug fueled compulsion.  This was a deliberate man who thought about having sex with a child and then made it happen.  He made these choices.  He knows what he was doing, in the words of his friend and boss.  This was normal Craig," Patterson.

He also gave the jury a road map to the witnesses the jury will hear for the state's side.

Their first witness this morning was the mother of Hailey's best friend.    If you recall, the 10 year old was at her best friend's house prior to being abducted on Lombard Street back in 2014.

Patterson also emphasized words like torture, and how Wood brought her to his "dungeon".

Patrick Berrigan, Craid Wood's defense attorney plans on humanizing the man the jury convicted just yesterday. "Craig Wood is a bright guy but has lived a great deal of his life depressed medicating himself with alcohol and drugs.  He's never achieved anything close to his full potential and this failure has only made his depression worse."

The defense plans to call Craig Wood's parents, Jim and Genie Wood to the stand. They claim that the entire family has suffered from medical depression for years.  Berrigan also showed the jurors a letter written by a parent that Craig Wood coached while a teacher and football coach.

The defense didn't call a single witness during the testimony phase of the trial, but it was obvious that they plan on calling many friends and family to the stand.

Still, the jury has only 2 options for sentencing: life in prison without parole or death.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.ky3.com/content/news/Jury-hears-emotional-testimony-in-Craig-Wood-trial-454984623.html

Jury hears emotional testimony in Craig Wood trial
Posted: Fri 12:30 PM, Nov 03, 2017  |  Updated: Fri 4:47 PM, Nov 03, 2017
 ::snipping3::
The testimony Friday began with opening statements. The state focused on Hailey's torturous death. Prosecutors are asking the jury for the highest penalty the law will allow, death. The only other option is life in prison.

The defense talked about Craig Wood's inherited depression. Lawyers for Wood discussed his close relationship with his parents and frequent meetings with a priest. They asked the jury to spare his life.

The state then began calling witnesses to the stand. The mother of Hailey's best friend took the stand. She testified how Hailey's death has impacted her and her daughter.

"I had a gut wrenching feeling, so I jumped in the car and started driving around to try to find her," says Savanah Taylor, Hailey's best friend's mom.

She shared about the impact on her daughter, McKenzie.

"She's not the same girl no more. She's distanced herself away from her friends; she's distanced herself away from me, as far as she even moved out of our house and moved in with her father."

Hailey's teacher also testified about the loss she and Hailey's classmates felt.

"She just gave; she gave, to everybody. After, the next week, we were dealing with things at school, and we had a cubby that's about that big, and it was Hailey's cubby, and we took out all her books, and we gave back all the things she gave us, and it was full," says Tara Tharp, Hailey's teacher.

Hailey's great-grandmother and two aunts, one on her dad's side, one on her mothers side, took the stand, sharing their memories of Hailey and answering the state's questions about their suffering and grief.

"I heard my mom's phone ring, and I heard her scream. I will never forget."

The prosecution rested its case, and Craig Wood's father took the stand, sharing about everything from visiting his son in jail to Craig's childhood and young adulthood.
 ::snipping3::

Live updates from court today...
http://www.ky3.com/content/news/LIVE-BLOG-Craig-Wood-Sentencing-Phase-454736993.html
LIVE BLOG: Craig Wood Sentencing Phase
Posted: Thu 1:06 PM, Nov 02, 2017  |  Updated: Fri 5:32 PM, Nov 03, 2017

http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2017/11/04/3-big-moments-day-2-craig-woods-sentencing/832385001/

3 big moments from day 2 of Craig Wood's sentencing
Published 1:02 p.m. CT Nov. 4, 2017

On Saturday, Wood's defense attorneys called several witnesses to the stand. Here are three big moments.

Craig Wood's mother takes the stand

Craig Wood’s mother, Genie Wood, testified Saturday morning.

Genie Wood talked about raising Craig Wood and her son’s love for coaching football and spending time with the animals on her farm.

Genie Wood said it was heartbreaking to learn that Craig Wood was accused of killing Hailey in February 2014, but she still loves her son.

“He’s been loving and I love him,” Genie Wood said. “I don’t know what else to say about that.”

Genie Wood said she talks with her son on the phone almost daily.

Jurors hear from Craig Wood's friends
 ::snipping3::
Priest says Craig Wood is remorseful

Father Mike McDevitt, a Catholic priest, also testified Saturday.

McDevitt said he met with Wood's parents shortly after Hailey's death, and they asked him to meet with Wood.

Going forward, McDevitt said he regularly met with Wood at the Greene County Jail.

McDevitt said Wood never broke down crying, but he had tears in his eyes. The priest said he could see remorse.

Wood told McDevitt that his first few months in the jail were horrible and he had planned to kill himself, according to the priest.

Another conversation McDevitt recalled was after Wood was shown photographs of Hailey's body.

“He told me that he had to see the photographs from the autopsy and that was really hard on him," McDevitt said.

The priest said they would speak for 20 to 30 minutes and often end their visits with a prayer.

According to McDevitt, although Wood was not a regular churchgoer before coming to jail, his faith has grown since and it is genuine.

The penalty phase of the trial continues Monday at 8:30 a.m.

http://www.kspr.com/content/news/Convicted-killers-friends-shed-light-on-his-behavior-before-he-murdered-a-Springfield-child-455236983.html
Convicted killer's friends shed light on his behavior before he murdered a Springfield child
Posted: Sat 4:45 PM, Nov 04, 2017  |  Updated: Sat 7:11 PM, Nov 04, 2017

http://www.kspr.com/content/news/LIVE-BLOG-455578473.html

LIVE BLOG Day 3: Craig Wood Sentencing Phase
Mon 8:46 AM, Nov 06, 2017  |  Updated: Mon 12:17 PM, Nov 06, 2017
 ::snipping3::
---------------
12:14 Jury in deliberations.

12:07 State addresses the jury again. Dan Patterson tells them that Wood doesn't deserve mercy.

11:38 Defense begins closing arguments. Attorneys tell the jury that his parents are getting older and Wood will not be able to care for them. They say that by being alive in prison, Wood will suffer knowing this. They are asking for mercy for Wood, that his 49 years shouldn't be judge by the worst 50 minutes of his life.

11:20 Closing arguments begin. State says the aggravating circumstances far outweigh any mitigating circumstances and the jury should hold Wood accountable with the death penalty. Dan Patterson reminds jury how the murder has affected Hailey Owens' family, friends, classmates and teachers, how it changed the way people think of Springfield. Prosecution says Wood grew up in a supportive home, and says his parents have bailed Wood out of his lazy, self-centered life his whole life. Patterson plays Wood's interview with a detective, saying, "I don't have her." Defense makes objection, and judge and attorneys step out. Prosecution continues, Patterson saying he doesn't have the words to describe the terror that Hailey experienced.

11:10 Jury comes back to the courtroom to hear jury instructions and closing arguments.

10:35 Court taking another recess while making copies of jury instructions.

10:15 Court is back on the record finalizing jury instructions with attorneys.

10:00 The court goes off the record to discuss jury instructions. Closing arguments will happen once instructions are finalized.

9:50 Judge denies motions about death penalty's constitutionality.

9:20 Defense makes motion for life without parole because they claim the death penalty is cruel and unusual punishment and violates the 8th amendment. Motion denied. Defense makes motion for Instruction on Nonstatutory Mitigating Factors; defense brings up defendant's struggle with alcoholism and chronic depression. Judge denies. Defense Motion for Jury Instruction in Accordance with Section 565.032 also denied. Motion to Modify MAI-CR3d 31.444, 314.48, and 314.58 to Correctly Instruct the Jury on the Burden of Proof or, alternatively, to Impose a Sentence of Life without Parole based on the Unconstitutionality of Missouri's Death Penalty Procedures. Motion denied. Defense renews a motion claiming the death penalty violates the Constitution.
 
8:47 Defense has officially rested. The court will work on jury instructions, then do closing arguments.

8:40AM The defense does not plan to call any additional witnesses today and will soon rest it's case in the penalty phase. They had previously planned to call expert witnesses, and in that case, the prosecution would have had an expert witness as a rebuttal. Defense renews a motion for Craig Wood to address the jury without cross examination. The judge denies that motion. The defense also renews a motion for Hailey's mother to testify on behalf of the defense. The court previously denied the motion, and maintains that decision. Defense says Wood has decided not to testify, and asks that the court instruct the jury that his decision should not affect the jury's decision. The court will bring in the jury, inform them of the new decisions, then will take time to work on jury instructions.
 ::snipping3::

https://twitter.com/GBolognaNL

Giacomo Bologna‏Verified account @GBolognaNL · 1m1 minute ago 
Replying to @GBolognaNL

Breaking: The jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision about what sentence Craig Wood should face. Unclear whether he will live or die.

https://twitter.com/GBolognaNL

Giacomo Bologna‏Verified account @GBolognaNL · 1m1 minute ago 

There will be no sentence for Craig Wood today. Sentencing will take place in January, judge says.

Still waiting for justice...  ::MonkeyNoNo::

http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2017/11/06/jury-cant-come-unanimous-decision-craig-wood-sentence/836045001/

Jury can't come to unanimous decision for Craig Wood sentence
Published 4:56 p.m. CT Nov. 6, 2017

A jury could not come to a unanimous decision Monday on whether Craig Wood -- the man who killed 10-year-old Hailey Owens in 2014 -- should be sentenced to death.

The jury's decision was announced after more than four hours of deliberation.

Judge Thomas Mountjoy will sentence Wood on Jan. 11.

Prosecutors had argued Wood deserved the death penalty for kidnapping and raping Hailey, then taking her down to his basement and shooting her in the head.

A 12-0 decision was needed from the Platte County jurors for Wood to get the death penalty.

The jury found Wood guilty of first-degree murder last week. Under state law, the only punishments allowed for a first-degree murder conviction are life in prison and the death penalty.

A jury must find there is at least one “aggravating factor” to sentence someone to death. State law outlines several aggravating factors and Greene County Prosecutor said earlier in the trial that multiple apply to Wood killing Hailey, including that:

•Wood killed Hailey while committing other crimes, specifically kidnapping and raping her,
•Wood killed Hailey because she was a witness to her own kidnapping,
•And Wood’s actions were wantonly vile or inhuman
 ::snipping3::

http://www.ktts.com/news/local-news/jurors-in-springfield-murder-trial-for-craig-wood-could-not-decide-on-sentencing

Jurors In Springfield Murder Trial For Craig Wood Could Not Decide On Sentencing

Jurors could not make a unanimous decision concerning the man convicted of kidnapping, raping and murdering 10-year-old Hailey Owens in Springfield in 2014.

It will now be up to the judge to make the life or death decision. That decision will not be made until, possibly, January.

Judge Thomas Mountjoy says the defense has to file a motion for a new sentencing trial by December 1.  A hearing motion is currently set for December 11.  At that time, if the judge overrules that motion, he'll hand Wood his sentence.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2017/11/07/jury-foreman-describes-deliberation-craig-woods-punishment/840989001/

Jury foreman describes how jurors deadlocked over death penalty for Craig Wood
Published 5:00 p.m. CT Nov. 7, 2017 | Updated 5:04 p.m. CT Nov. 7, 2017
 ::snipping3::
The penalty phase of Wood's trial lasted three days. On Monday, the jurors heard closing arguments and went to deliberate.

For a jury to sentence someone to death for murder, it must find there was at least one "aggravating factor" as outlined in state law. The prosecutors presented several aggravating factors, including that the murder was "wantonly vile" and that Hailey was a random victim.

The jury decided "fairly rapidly," Meyerhofer said, that all the aggravating factors applied.

Then came the hard part: A secret poll about whether Wood should be put to death.

According to Meyerhofer, eight jurors voted for the death penalty, one for life in prison and three were undecided.

Jurors were passionate as they argued their opinion, Meyerhofer said, but always respectful.

At times, he said, pauses were taken so jurors could cool down.

“A significant amount of time was then spent on discussing — 'moral compass,' I think is the phrase that comes to mind,” Meyerhofer said. “What was your personal, moral compass telling you to do?”

After more than four hours of deliberation, Meyerhofer said it was apparent the jury was deadlocked.

Ten were in favor of death, Meyerhofer said, and two were for life in prison.

The mood, he said, was mixed.

"Clearly there were those that felt like justice had not been done for Hailey Owens," he said, but others put a lot of weight in the mitigating factors.

Wood's attorneys said the mitigating factors were a family history of depression, a loving relationship with his parents and that Wood could have a positive impact on his friends' lives — even from behind bars.
 ::snipping3::

 ::MonkeyNoNo:: ::MonkeyMad::
http://www.ky3.com/content/news/Lawyers-for-Craig-Wood-file-motion-for-new-trial-in-Hailey-Owens-case-467018633.html

Lawyers for Craig Wood file motion for new trial in Hailey Owens case
Posted: Thu 3:18 PM, Dec 28, 2017  |  Updated: Thu 4:11 PM, Dec 28, 2017

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Lawyers for Craig Wood are asking for a new trial in the case of Hailey Owens death.

In a motion filed by lawyers, Craig Wood argues he did not get a fair trial. The defense says too much evidence was allowed into the trial. Judge Thomas Mountjoy demanded the defense file a motion for a new sentencing trial by December 1. Now, a hearing on the motion will be held January 11. If the judge overrules that motion, it will go directly to sentencing.

Jurors found Wood guilty in November of first-degree murder. However, the jury could not come up with an unanimous decision on his sentencing. That meant the decision for punishment would be made by Judge Mountjoy.
 ::snipping3::
http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2017/12/27/attorneys-say-craig-wood-did-not-get-fair-trial-after-errors-judge/981585001/
Attorneys say Craig Wood did not get fair trial after errors by judge
Published 5:50 p.m. CT Dec. 27, 2017

http://www.ky3.com/content/news/Judge-sentences-Craig-Michael-Wood-to-death-in-Hailey-Owens-case-468859183.html

Judge sentences Craig Michael Wood to death in Hailey Owens case
Posted: Thu 3:59 PM, Jan 11, 2018  |  
Updated: Thu 5:24 PM, Jan 11, 2018

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- A Greene County judge has sentenced Craig Michael Wood to death for his murder conviction in the Hailey Owens case.

Judge Tom Mountjoy made his ruling just before 4 p.m.

Jurors found Wood guilty in November of first-degree murder. However, the jury could not come up with an unanimous decision on his sentencing. That meant the decision for punishment would be made by Judge Mountjoy.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article194343769.html

Former school worker gets death penalty in Missouri rape, murder of Hailey Owens, 10
January 12, 2018 08:14 AM

 ::snipping3::
“It is true that the death penalty should be reserved for the worst of the worst. This is that case,” said Greene County Prosecutor Dan Patterson during the proceeding, according to the Springfield News-Leader. Patterson added that the sentence was nothing to celebrate, but it gave some “measure of justice” to Hailey and her family.

Mountjoy referred to the “death of innocence” in explaining his decision to sentence Wood to death.

“God bless you, your honor,” Hailey’s step-grandfather cried.

Hailey’s mother, Stacey Herman, attended the proceeding and leaned on the shoulder of an investigator on the case, who wrapped his arm around her.

After learning his punishment, Wood took a drink of water before being led from the courtroom, the News-Leader reported.

Before sentencing Wood to death, Mountjoy denied motions from Wood’s attorneys that sought a new trial and called judge-imposed death sentences unconstitutional.

Hailey was walking along a Springfield street in 2014 when Wood, 49, pulled her into his truck as witnesses looked on. Some witnesses ran on foot after him, and one even got into a vehicle to chase the truck but lost sight of it.

Prosecutors said Wood raped Hailey before taking her to his basement and shooting her. Her body was later found in the basement.

She was essentially tortured in the last 45 minutes of her life, prosecutors said.
 ::snipping3::