As I mentioned, this is the first time I've attended a court session for a murder trial. Since this happened in Modesto and the court house is less than 5 miles away, I couldn't think of a single reason not to go. I wanted to arrive early, anticipating a larger crowd than actually ended up being there. This probably stems from watching coverage of larger trials like the Casey Anthony & Jodi Arias trials. This trial could get as big as those by the time it begins. It certainly was as heinous, if not more than then the above-mentioned murders. There hasn't been a lot of publicity around this story either and I'd imagine by the time it begins things will change.
I arrived at the courthouse at 7:45AM even though the court session didn't start until 8:30AM. I wanted to be sure I got a good seat in the gallery and didn't know how crowded it would be. As I was standing on the steps of the courthouse there were maybe 12 other people in line. I scanned the crowd for people who looked like they could be relatives of either the Martinez's or the Crews'. There were a few that appeared they could be there for Martinez but really no way to tell. This wasn't the only defendant appearing in court this morning after all. I'm a rookie, rookie mistake. Either way I was excited to be there. I knew I'd recognize Amanda's sister Kimberley if she attended. After all, they are identical twins. Looking at Kimberly would almost be like looking at Amanda herself.
Around 7:50AM, a large white Sheriff bus passed and disappeared into underground parking, followed by AM. Although there were benches outside the courtroom I was too nervous to sit - I wanted to be one of the first inside to get a good seat as I'm hard of hearing and I really wanted to get a look at this (alleged) mass murderer. While waiting for the doors to open I noticed Kimberley Crews walk in - she was standing right across from me with a gentleman who I am not familiar with. It could have been her husband or boyfriend or brother. I'll have to do more research on the family to see if she's married and to whom. Kimberley looks a little different than she did in the 2015 photos that were published when this story broke but you can still definitely see it's Amanda's twin.
She was greeted by a tall blond lady who I thought had to be on the prosecution team by the way she carried herself. Another tall older gentleman joined them and they huddled together and they seemed to be filling Kimberley in on some information. While waiting for Courtroom 8 to open, a handful of detainees were shuffled into another room to await their court appearances. It's a strange sight when it's real and not on television. The courtroom doors finally opened and I was the first one in. I didn't know which side was the prosecution side and which was the defense side. I gambled and went to my right and sat I the first row that was not roped off (second row). Kimberley Crews and the man who accompanied her and another woman sat in the same row as I was in. I didn't know if the woman was Amanda & Kimberley's mother so out of respect I asked her if they needed the whole row and she said they did not. I've never seen their mother so I don't know that it was in fact her - it could have been an aunt or just about anybody.
Seconds after people were seated the side door opened and in walked Martin Martinez. I'm telling you, this is one scary looking individual. Gone is the close cropped clean cut hair and now he has hair down to the middle of his back, a full beard and mustache. You wouldn't know it was the same person as shown in the initial mugshot or other photos published of him in better times. He looked like a man who has been living in the wilderness with no access to grooming materials. He looks heavier. His public defender looked overwhelmed, but he has every right. What a case he has to defend. Jurors don't take kindly to killers of babies, children, girlfriends or ex girlfriends, mothers and nieces or any other family members for that matter.
To be completely honest, I couldn't really tell you what this very brief hearing was about. It was very difficult to make out what they were saying - the microphones were not on and I'll need to buy a 'miracle ear" if I attend again. I believe there was a request for another continuance - one side needs more time for preparation. With a case as large and complex as this one involving so many victims, it's understandable. I believe the next court appearance was slated for December 18th. Plenty of time for me to get my "miracle ear" so I can hear more of what's going on!
I wish there was a current photo of Martin Martinez to share with you. He's just scary looking. I can see the evil that lurks inside of him. I hope if he is truly guilty, he never gets out of prison. Here's a look at the people he (allegedly) took away from their loved ones and families (I could not find a photo of his niece online but will keep searching):
This is Dr. Amanda Crews. From all accounts she was an excellent doctor, a great friend and all around good person. What could she have done to set off the kind of rage that erupted that July 2015 night? She deserved a lot more life and had a lot more to give which makes this whole thing senseless.
You can see the sadness in the face of Amanda's ex husband Timothy Ripley in this photo. He is another victim who had his two precious children ripped out of his life forever. I feel for him and hope he has a good support system to help him through this.
Kimberley Crews, Amanda's twin sister certainly feels the pain and loss of not only her sister, but her nieces and nephew. That's almost too much to take. I hope she has support in place as well. God be with you all. There's no way to tell when the trial(s) will start and what kind of awful details they will have to sit and listen to. Stay strong and reach out for help if need be. You have a community behind you.
If you get the chance to read the original criminal complaint against Martinez, please do so. It's a window into the crime at the Nob Hill location.
http://www.stanct.org/sites/default/files/Martinez%201.pdf
If this link fails to work, go to search engine and type in Stanislaus County High Profile Cases.
You will see the site - click on it and you will see there are 2 separate cases pending against Martinez (one for Timothy Ripley and one for 5 counts of murder in the Nob Hill killings). View case #1498584. Click on #1 Complaint. It's a 3 page document outlining some of the case details such as the special enhancements for using a knife and laying in wait.
Until next time....I'm so sorry I don't have much information on Martin's mother or niece - both of which were also victims. I'm going to follow his through
