McStay Family Murdered: Will Desert Graves Yield Their Killers?
Deserted in the Desert
Gianni Family Photo
Gianni Martelli McStay had rock star hair at only 4years old. His little brother Joseph, affectionately nicknamed Chubba- did as well. They both rocked a beanie like no other little dudes.
Chubba Family Photo
Gianni and Chubba were as inseparable in life as they were in death when they were recovered in a shallow grave in the Mojave Desert on November 11.
Their parents, Joseph, 40 and Summer McStay, 43, were located in a separate grave nearby.
A 3rd gravesite was found-but empty. A protected source not authorized to speak to the media has confirmed that at least one of the parent’s remains was bound by an electrical cord.
While formal DNA comparisons and autopsy protocols are pending, the manner of death in all four victims have been declared homicides.
Just about 50 yards off the intersection of Route 15 and Quarry Rd the family that San Diego County Sheriff’s Department (SDCSD) believed was “likely” voluntarily missing on their own and living in Mexico, was recovered in a 30 hour excavation process. An off road motorcycle enthusiast called the San Bernardino County Sheriff when he came across what he suspected was human remains.
Last April SDCSD forwarded the McStay case to the FBI based on their conclusions that the McStay’s had McGone to Mexico, following a lengthy complaint of their handling of the case by Patrick McStay, Joseph’s Father. Troy Dugal, previous lead investigator of the McStay case, appeared on several news and cable television programs over the last three years explaining there was “overwhelming” circumstantial evidence the family of four that was pictured crossing the border into Tijuana, Mexico the evening of February 8th, 2010 was in fact, the McStays.
Following the recovery, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office will maintain jurisdiction of the investigation.
Frenemies.. Frenethieves.. Friends.. Family or Cartel?
Who brutally murders innocent children and dumps them in a hole they dug in the desert?
Logically- someone who is very familiar with the area. Of course it is just as shocking and horrific to murder anyone, but it takes a specific brand of evil to murder a baby. Make that two.
There is absolutely no evidence whatsoever that either Joseph or Summer McStay had any ties to drugs, associates with ties to drugs or cartel, at any time. None.
Contrary to a top selling book on the case, “No Goodbyes” by Rick Baker, there has never been any evidence whatsoever that Summer McStay was some sort of closeted psychotic and homicidal type. The book goes on to malign members of both Joseph and Summer’s families and in some cases outright accuses same of extortion or stealing. Baker’s subsequent public theory is that Summer murdered Joseph and everyone should be looking for her and the boys in Mexico.
Not surprisingly , Baker has requested Amazon pull his book from available stock and has offered refunds to prior purchases. Popular online sleuth sites previously promoting “No Goodbye’s” have since either deleted it’s hundreds of posts endorsing Baker, or moved them to a member’s only private viewing area.
Albeit obtusely, Baker does touch on a troubling and serious abuse allegation concerning Joseph McStay’s oldest son from his first marriage, Jonah, and his step-father, Michael McFadden. He writes summer filed a complaint with Child Protective Services after she and Joseph recorded a conversation with Jonah and placed a copy of same with a private party for safekeeping. Blinkoncrime.com has been able to independently verify that is accurate, but that the investigation was not known to be completed until shortly after the McStay’s disappearance. Under California probate law, Jonah would be an heir to the McStay estate or as otherwise provisioned in the instance of an existing will.
Interviewed by Laura Ling for E! Investigation, Joseph McStay’s web administrator Dan Kavanaugh claims he was the first to become concerned. In Baker’s book, he refers to him as a suspect and details how he alleges he was funneling cash from McStay’s business account before he or anyone else knew the family was missing. Kavanaugh has an unrelated open criminal matter in San Diego County according to court records.
Chase Merritt- Joseph McStay’s business partner in his water fountain design and installation business was the last number ever dialed from his phone at 8:28PM on February 4th. Merritt joined McStay in a lunch meeting earlier that afternoon where they discussed a proposal for a very large car wash chain to feature custom fountains in each facility. According to family friend MacCargar McGyver, McStay was very excited about the opportunity. Merritt claims he passed a voluntary lie detector test, and that he was adamant that Joseph McStay would never have taken his family to Mexico and has always believed they met with foul play.
McGYver spent several days leading up to February 4th at the McStay home due to a painter Summer hired not returning to complete the job. McGyver introduced Summer and Joseph and by all accounts was a close confidant of the couple.
Patrick McStay, Joseph’s Father living in Texas has had some harsh words for the investigation into the disappearance of his son, daughter in law and grandsons.
“…most botched, inept investigation I’ve ever seen in my entire life.”
He also believes very strongly that the list of suspects with motive to kill his family members is very short. Three, to be exact.
He said the department didn’t even bother to contact him to tell him his son’s remains had been found.
“I got a message from someone [on Thursday] on Facebook telling me to go and read an article,” McStay said. “The minute I read the article, I knew it was him.”
“I have exhausted and have so much information on three possible persons of interest. All have a motive.”
The three individuals are not connected to each other, but all of them seem like likely candidates. Patrick says one of them seems to be a particularly likely suspect: he’s a wealthy man with a long rap sheet that includes charges of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon and burglary. McStay says he, too, has a motive for killing his son.
Although Mr. McStay did not reference him by name, he may be referring to Michael James McFadden, who was arrested in July 1998 and charged with attempted murder and a litany of other felonies including great bodily harm to a child:
459/460(a) PC – Burglary 07/16/1998 02/25/2000 Dismissed
422 PC – Assault 07/16/1998 02/25/2000 Dismissed
273.5(a) PC – Domestic Violence 07/16/1998 02/25/2000 Dismissed
12022.7(d) PC – Infliction of great bodily injury on a child under the age of five … 07/16/1998 02/25/2000 Dismissed
422 PC – Assault 07/16/1999 02/25/2000 Dismissed
240 PC – Attempt to inflict violent force on another person. 07/16/1999 02/25/2000 Dismissed
245(a)(1) PC – Assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm 07/16/1998 01/18/2000 Pled Guilty
12022.7(d) PC – Infliction of great bodily injury on a child under the age of five… 07/16/1998 02/25/2000 Dismissed
422 PC – Criminal Terrorist Threat 07/16/1999 01/18/2000 Pled Guilty
664-187 PC – Attempted Murder 07/16/1998 02/25/2000 Dismissed
You will note some of the charges are from 1998, others 1999 on the anniversary date, McFadden successfully negotiated a plea agreement and only pled to criminal terroristic threats and assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm. Both felonies.
In the complaint he lodged against the detectives in SDCSD, Patrick McStay specifically references failure to interview key suspects he provided to LE directly.
Given the location of the bodies, it would seem that whoever is responsible would at least want investigators to think McFadden was involved. As a self-proclaimed mountain bike “racer”, McFadden has participated in several bike events in various locations all along the Route 15 Mojave corridor. SBCSO says they will be re-interviewing everyone in the case and have no suspects.
There have been no named suspects to date and the investigation is ongoing. Memorial or Funeral arrangements for the McStay’s have not yet been announced . LATE EDIT: The family and friends of the McStay family will gather at the grave site in Victorville, on Joseph’s McStay’s birthday.
To be continued in Part 2: Analysis of the last day of their lives points to involvement by someone they knew.
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1,681 Comments
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blink writes:
EIP was born from an earlier venture ( Naturally DP) that ended up being sued for patent/trademark issues. Iirc, Joey, Michael and Patrick McStay were all parties to that effort.
—–
I am wondering when the company became an on line based company. Finances can be handled differently when the source of payment of on line, through paypal etc.To me, this would open up the possibility of at least being able to move money around in a way that would not be as easily traced as it would if you were dealing with direct check payments for specific services. On line scams are rampant, ponzi set ups are easily facilitated in such a scenario. So IF the fountain business had originally operated out of a store of sorts, I am wondering what the difference was between pre on line biz and post website sales.DK seemed sure that the work he had done on the website was directly responsible for an increase in business.
———————
blink writes:
I could be wrong here, but I think the instant projections of the business in Feb 2010 far surpassed any earlier potential.
—-
If that is so, why would business have such an upswing at that point in time, what had changed? Why was the business expanding, was it just because of the quality of their product? We have all seen the emails that indicate the degree of dissatisfaction DK expressed at not beniffiting more.
———
blink writes:
I have had the unfortunate experience of working a case where a young adult with mild autism was murdered for his XBOX. Anything is possible.
——-
Yes. We need to figure out what the xbox was in this case.It is clear that the murderer(s) had a value system that defies human logic….
Few things who- and all great questions, btw.
Because this is an ongoing criminal investigation, I am going to limit what I post publicly on what I know and have verified as it relates to specifics and speak in general terms.
In my prior agency days, I have significant experience in web site design, build, SEO and merchant accounts in various industry. Mostly client facing on my end, with the management of team build in my firm. At that time, we almost exclusively outsourced the SEO portions of the program because google was not google yet, lol.
With the addition of merchant accounts and transaction availability EIP was able to process orders independently for non-custom pieces. Joey had established contractors and vendors in place for those needs and he dealt with them directly.
At the time of the disappearance, according to a quote from DK, the business had just hit it’s highest sale month of over $100K. I don’t know how he is arriving at the number considering just one order (Saudi) was over $80K.
Because of the interface of sales channels and monetary transactions built into the site, there is coding involved and without the appropriate code guard software or monitoring of same, it is likely DK had access to know what was being processed whether Joey wanted him to know that or not. In fact, I am pretty close to making an allegation that someone was tinkering with the SEO of the eip site prior to, and following the disappearance. I don’t know if that is relative to the murders or not.
The online business was primarily merchant accounts and because of the size of the custom orders in relation to what one would have been able to process online at the time, was primarily biz checks. As you know, those transactions must feed the merchant account. Overall, was Joey’s business worth enough to someone to kill him and his family, including two toddlers? I don’t see that considering the risk to reward ratio and it would seem to me that such a plan fails when he is reported missing, etc.
Do I think the business as a front with it’s network of import/export reach and legitimacy might be worth it if it included the illegal stuff that DK, Schneider, Gillens, Quintero et al were tied to? To someone, yes, possible.
But again, there was no way of knowing that the investigation would quite literally stall for years and look at the mess it made.
This was a highly organized criminal incident. I continue to believe it is at least in part financially motivated, but it is also entirely personal.
I continue to entertain the possibility that Joey was set up by something going on around him ( through the biz) he was either unaware of, or had recently become aware of and was looking to do something about it.
What I do know is that multiple people with a motive exist in this case that have outright lied about things relative to it. So does that mean that there is collusion as to helping themselves with cash and possessions that did not belong to them but have no culpability in the actual disappearance and murder?
Maybe. I can say with certainty it will elongate the resolution of this case.
B
having said all that in my previous post of Jan 2 at 2;33 am, please understand I am NOT intentionally finger pointing at DK. I am using him as an example of how a person can want more than just money- he obviously also wanted recognition and some kind of status for what he considered his invaluable contribution- but somehow it doesn’t fit that he could or would orchestrate a hit. His hands were all over the accounts as soon as the McStays disappeared and surely he would know how that would look.
I really do feel that the murder(s) had an emotional investment in wiping out everyone, and though they would profit to a degree financially, their hatred was more than the $$ involved.
—- to leap out of the box completely- could this have been something that began as a confrontation that escalated into physical violence, and the remaining members of the family had to be killed to prevent any witnesses.
Yes, I believe that is a possibility that has not been ruled out. I remain convinced the lack of real preparation to convince anyone that the couple left on their own might indicate that. It is my opinion that the currently withheld crime scene information will also provide insight.
B
SD channel 8- who is Vick Johansen said he quit claimed his Big Bear home to Summer which he bought for 220,000. Later that same year the house was sold for 400,000 ish- Zillow. What happened to that money? How often did VJ and SM communicate ?
Summer bought his share out. The only confirmation I have seen about their contact was an alleged email he sent in Dec 2009.
B
This crime was likely financially based, but its gruesome nature (killing the children) suggests that there was great anger. This would suggest to me that the killer would most likely be someone who felt cheated or ripped off in the past, and would not necessarily benefit financially in the future. If this is the case, then the primary target would likely have been the last to be killed so that he (or she) could watch the others die.
GD- it has been my greatest fear since their recovery. Here is what I tell myself as a professional- there is no physical evidence of a struggle in the home or vehicle. The time of night, coupled with the long drive and the fact that there was opened cold medications left in the vehicle- I choose to believe by some means the boys were rendered unconscious and had no idea what was going on. I say this also because the boys were buried together, not bound, and it could indicate a degree of care and/or remorse on behalf of the offender- as ridiculous as that sounds to a layperson. I realize the proximity and the advance preparation lends itself to an alternative scenario but I will have to wait to see what was gleaned from the scene.
B
—- to leap out of the box completely- could this have been something that began as a confrontation that escalated into physical violence, and the remaining members of the family had to be killed to prevent any witnesses.
If Joey Mcstay never made it home, I see this as a real possibility.
With someone just hinging their bets that Summer was the only one would report him missing that day. Would have been much easier for LE had she called and said my husband never came home. If this is how it happened with McStay confronting someone, things going out of hand him being killed….I think the Mexico searches red herrings
It bothers me that if Michael and Susan felt it was their “mission” to run Joey’s business in his absence, why not pay his mortgage so he did not lose the home?
I agree and if what has been put out there is true and they made some profit in anyway, why not use that to keep his house, why not rent out the house to keep it? This house seems like it would not have been hard to keep and in the end would have been a great asset later on to sell and split re Jonah and Summers family. If they sold stuff, took money why did it not go toward keeping this house when the auto pay stopped and if they thought he was alive really why not save the mans house? If rented it seem could have been done for very little money per month.
If The McStay’s deaths did not result in immediate and sizable financial gain for those left behind, did the elimination of the MCstays protect something that was already in place before death, a situation that would have been jeopardized if any of the McStays remained alive?
Like someone wanting to stay out of jail, for life? If money is a motive not only gain but what about someone feeling being really wronged? The money makes this a tangled mess, hoping LE can find a motive that existed prior to them going missing. Because if they are looking for financial gain afterword it is a mess.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/mar/29/e-mails-link-mcstays-mexico-authorities-say/
Brugos said that because of its angle, the surveillance tape does not show people getting into the car, and that it is also difficult to identify the vehicle.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/mcstay-241230-michael-family.html
Michael McStay, Joseph’s brother, said a video from a neighbor’s home security camera shows the family leaving their Fallbrook house at 7:47 p.m. that day in their white Isuzu Trooper
http://www.mcstayfamily.org/isuzu-vi…7pm-feb-4-2010
Michael Mikey McStay
The neighbor wants to remain anonymous. There are two camera angles. 1. From the 2nd Floor eave aiming down to see who would be entering a side gate. 2. One under the eave at mezzanine level (Approx. 9′) to see who’s at the front door. Both… cameras are for home security, but are motion activated. The lights of the Isuzu Trooper triggered the system to turn on, and the top of the wheel down is all that is shown. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE WHO WAS INSIDE.
http://www.sanclementetimes.com/view…ance=eye_on_sc
According to McStay’s brother, Michael, the tape shows the family heading out together. “The tape shows everyone getting in the car at 7:47 p.m.,” he said. “They actually went out to eat that evening, and I am positive that the car in the driveway is the Isuzu.”
march 24th 2010
http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/mar/23/investigators-following-leads-case-missing-silverd/
According to McStay’s brother, Michael, the tape shows the family heading out together. “The tape shows everyone getting in the car at 7:47 p.m.,” he said. “They actually went out to eat that evening, and I am positive that the car in the driveway is the Isuzu.”
http://www.michellesigona.com/2010/0…their-getaway/
“Michael told me he has video from his brother’s neighbor of the evening they left their home. “The car was backed into the driveway, and it was making a left out (of the driveway), you cannot see who is in it, they pulled out at 7:47 p.m., and his last phone call was 8:48 p.m”
Baker, No Goodbyes, pages 68-69.
We do know that at 7:47 p.m., a neighbor’s
surveillance video captured the McStays’ Isuzu Trooper
pulling out from the driveway, but the angle of the
camera only shows the vehicle’s tires and doors. We
cannot see the windows or who is in the vehicle. We
confirmed that Joseph had driven the Trooper to his
lunch meeting with his business associate, so it is
assumed he was at home and driving.
Did the neighbor’s cameras record the Trooper
returning that evening? According to Mike, a “glitch
in the neighbor’s computer systems left no surveillance
footage from midnight February 4 through late on
Monday night, February 15.” But this is not an accurate
statement. I spoke to the neighbor, and she confirmed
to me that her computer systems were not down from
midnight of February 4 through late Monday night,
February 15, as Mike has previously stated. Why would
Mike not tell the truth about the video cameras?
03-02-2013, 02:45 AM, Justice Quest
Courduroy (Jason Parmalee, Michael McStay family friend)
Yes, Mike misspoke on this. It was not broken nor did it malfunction. The Tape ran out the night of the fourth and the neighbor in question was on vacation that week. So there is no way it would have caught anything. Nor, is it feasible to blame LE for not subpoenaing the ‘tape’ when it did not exist.
I don’t get when people ignore the facts faced in front of them. Or can’t look at things objectively instead of taking what people tell them for truth at face value.
http://investigation.discovery.com/missing-persons/mcstay-missing-update.htm
Michael said he has video from his brother’s neighbor of the evening they left their home. “The car was backed into the driveway, and it was making a left out (of the driveway), you cannot see who is in it, they pulled out at 7:47 p.m., and his last phone call was 8:48 p.m.; they could have been running out for food, they could have been running somewhere to pick up something from Craigslist,” said Michael. Sometimes Summer bought and sold items on the Internet.
Why are there so many different versions of this surveillance video? The tape never ran out because there is no tape. The security system is linked directly to the neighbor’s computer hard drive. The neighbor was not on vacation, nor was her surveillance system not operating in February of 2010. It is reported that Michael offered to purchase the computer’s hard drive from Michelle, the neighbor. Michael has about 20 seconds of the Trooper leaving the driveway, on a copy given to him by Michelle. Why did Michael become emotional on a former forum when he learned that his wife, Erin, had released information about the existence of the surveillance video? Why has Michael reported so many different versions of the surveillance video? The surveillance video from the driveway on February 4th is an extremely significant item of evidence.
I legitimately have no clue what the issue is that the facts of this case seem to be a convoluted mess. It certainly can be a variety of things- I do know that Mike McStay feels the press has misquoted him in a general sense, but I could not say exactly when and where and he has not attempted to correct any statements I am aware of- even when given the opportunity to do so, as I understand.
B
Is there any life insurance policies involved ? If either JM or SM had life ins policy that noone knew about, can LE find that info?
They were both insured and to my knowledge LE is in receipt of that information.
Jonah would be the beneficiary on Joey’s unless he has a will stating otherwise subject to probate- and Mrs. Aranda would be Summer’s- same caveat.
That said, this is going to be a probate cluster of major proportion- I can tell that weeks ago.
B
what makes ppl think there was the advanced digging of the graves? The Izusu being parked 4 days later suggests to me that the perp had to scramble to bury. Perhaps having to wait till sunday , when he could steal, borrow a bobcat ? Was the Isuzu searched by cadaver dogs ?
Lanni says:
January 2, 2014 at 2:22 pm
—- to leap out of the box completely- could this have been something that began as a confrontation that escalated into physical violence, and the remaining members of the family had to be killed to prevent any witnesses.
I have been thinking the same thing as a possibility, with Summer meeting up with Joey to either help diffuse the situation or it may have been something that really set her off. This confrontation would have taken place somewhere closer to their home and not in Victorville, IMO.
Blink, I can’t find where you said it, but way back there somewhere you thought the discovery of the graves was not an accident. Do you still feel this way? If true, seems like this is how the case will solve?
I do, and yes.
B
blink writes:
So does that mean that there is collusion as to helping themselves with cash and possessions that did not belong to them but have no culpability in the actual disappearance and murder?
————
I think it is entirely possible that Susan, Mike, DK were “helping themselves with the cash possessions” etc after the fact, without having any direct involvement in the murder. But I also think that finding out WHY they felt entitled to do so would provide insight into the world of Joseph and Summer McStay. There must be something that existed in their world that left them vulnerable to such a heinous crime. PLEASE know I am NOT blaming the victim here, not saying they brought it on themselves. I am asking what it was in McStays life that put them in proximity with murderers.
—
during the Arias trial, a concept was discussed on this site- that of ” confirmation bias”. The concept of “confirmation bias” is the idea that a person looks for information within a case that will confirm the opinion they already hold. We saw that with La Violette’s interpretation of Alexander’s emails- she used them to confirm her already existent idea that verbal abuse constituted domestic violence.
In this case, SD seemed to disregard the possibility of homicide and seemed to seek confirmation of their idea that it was a voluntary missing scenario. Looking at grainy videos of a family and declaring it to be proof that the McStay’s were voluntarily missing is a perfect example of confirmation bias. Even if it HAD been the McStay’s, there is NOTHING in that video that proves they were voluntarily missing, period.
We still have no evidence of a vast fortune that came into anyone’s hands after the McStay’s disappearance. The point I am making here is that it is important to avoid confirmation bias when looking at the financial aspects.
I think the reason WHY anyone involved would take money and or possessions from McStay before or after their demise is actually more important than the amount itself.
This crime was likely financially based, but its gruesome nature (killing the children) suggests that there was great anger. This would suggest to me that the killer would most likely be someone who felt cheated or ripped off in the past, and would not necessarily benefit financially in the future. If this is the case, then the primary target would likely have been the last to be killed so that he (or she) could watch the others die.
Never even considered this and find it horrific. Hope not and do not think so.
Some interesting comments I read from Patrick McStay on his FB page. He has compiled many documents and files about the case which I suggest reading. https://www.facebook.com/groups/search4mcstays/files/
Here are a few comments:
Patrick McStay: “You might ask Michael he and his Mother were frinds with DK. He and his mother had DK run EIP when Joey went missing even though they and no one else had any authority over EIP.
January 16, 2012 at 4:05pm · Like ”
I find this really interesting. Did MM and his Mother also tell DK to sell the business? Didn’t seem like Joey talked to Mike that much.
Makes me really sad to think that Mike and his mom basically looted Joey and Summer’s home and sold his appliances. Just think about that- who the hell does that? Could you imagine going missing and your own family is ripping out your dishwasher to sell?! Regardless if you think your family is coming back or not-there is NO excuse for doing that.
Patrick regarding DK selling the business in exchange to relieve a debt- a HUGE debt. Maybe they said they would kill him if he didn’t repay it and he came up with a plan. I would like to know when he planned his trip to Hawaii. To me, that just makes him look more suspect-getting far, far away from the crime.
“The $100,000.00 that I was told by the one partner was what DK (he said) owed them. Not any cash paid just a past debt. He said, when I asked, “then you gave him some cash and relieved the other indebted amount”. He said yes. As I understood it the cash DK would have received would not have been a large sum. Now a large sum I’m sure varies from person to person, I took to be something less than $20,000.00, probably not even the much.” January 21, 2012 at 11:35am · Like
I keep going back to all of the calls between Joey and Chase. And that his number was the last one Joey (or someone called). Why does Chase seem to be getting such a free pass? Big deal that he supposedly passed a lie-detector test and went bankrupt and wouldn’t have gained anything from this crime.
I feel he knows much, much more. Maybe he was threatened and won’t talk because he knew that the family was wiped out the day after it happened when JM never contacted him at all. And he doesn’t want to be killed himself.
As I have stated previously Scout- I have no doubt whatsoever that the finances played a role in the disappearance and murders of the McStay family.
There is no question whatsoever that Susan and Michael sold belongings to include appliances and they helped themselves to assets of EIP without any legal right to do so. They transferred funds, and acted as owners of a business not registered in their names nor was any of the business registrations updated with the state. Did they file an annual report? Federal or State taxes for these transactions, etc?
Not only that, according to the EIP registrations, Patrick is listed as a principal through 2010 so he is going to have standing now that this is a probate issue wrt to EIP in addition to co-executor or executor of Joey’s portion of his estate- Jonah is a minor. The only thing we have to go by are Susan and Michael’s public statements and I definitely recall Susan discussing the pending foreclosure on the house after stating they had tried to keep his business going and that it had been “booming” at the time of the disappearance. I mean, what was the mtg payment on a $330K house? 1500? Claiming to using access to keep the business going and then selling off assets is very incongruent for me if you truly believe they are missing voluntarily or met with foul play, imo.
DK was recently quoted saying that he was working with Susan and Michael- and he specifically referenced paying a welder- I took that to mean Chase Merritt. In that statement he literally is saying.. we all benefitted financially and we were all involved in those transactions. Is he the desperate dude looking to play the collusion card? I don’t know.
I think Patrick has done an amazing job researching and compiling data that calls very much into question in his efforts to locate his son, daughter in law and grandbabies.
B
The discovery of the graves was exactly one year from the date of the craigslist ads.
Seems like a huge coincidence.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/search4mcstays/files/
2/6/10 – Request initiated – money from bank account to paypal acct in amount of $2000.00 USD
2/9/10 – $2000 balance landed in paypal acct. bank transfer complete
2/18/10 – e-check payment to XXXXXXXXX@gmail.com $3000USD. Transaction ID SRW06714LNXXXXXXX
2/18/10 = Bank account transfer initiated 2/15/10 is now complete in amt of $2000USD
Additional transactions:
Feb 8,9: Someone ordered a copy of Joseph’s Quickbooks accounting program four days after the disappearance and before they were reported missing.
Feb 12: Someone changed the mailing address on Joseph’s Wells Fargo business account.
Feb 15, Someone transferred $3,000.00 from Joseph’s Paypal account into Dan’s account
Feb 17: Susan asks MyGyver to find bank account statements while at the house (the house was a crime scene)
Feb18: Someone transferred $2,000 from Joseph’s bank account into his PayPal account
Feb 18: Someone transferred another $2,000.00 from Joseph’s Paypal account into Dan’s account
Patrick and several people who helped him have produced a very detailed account of the illegal financial transfers that took place with Joey’s bank accounts. The transfers, using Joey’s passwords, began within 48 hours of the family’s disappearance and nine days before the family was reported missing. Someone knew, with a degree of confidence, that Joey would not be returning because a new copy of Quickbooks was ordered on February 8th for EIP. This was also the day the Trooper was found in San Ysidro. For several years, some of these initial transactions have been attributed to Dan Kavanaugh. If Dan was in Hawaii during this period of time, it would have been difficult for him to have made these transactions and receive the new Quickbooks purchase that was mailed to the 328 Avenida Cabrillo address. Was someone attemtping to implicate Dan in these early transactions or did he make these electronic transfers from Hawaii? Dan does admit involvement with Joey’s financial accounts and EIP ownership after his return from Hawaii, but what about these initial transactions? How many people knew between February 4th and February 6th that Joey wouldn’t be returning?
Blink,
I read his mortgage (their mortgage) per month was a mere $1,200. Even in an inland less expensive area I am pretty sure rent on a home that size would cover that amount.
Its very possible it could even have been rented and extra $$ income per month from rent.
Is their some legal reason they would not be able to rent this home? I mean the law did not stop them from all else they did? Could they not have found a way to rent it and simply pay the mortgage from the rent, costing them little to nothing. Would something stand in their way? Something that did not stand in their way in all their other actions?
Truth
Some clarification regarding triggering the video system at the neighbors residence. There are two types of sensors that may be used to trigger something to be activated. One is motion only and the other is light only. I have both types mounted on the outside of my garage and house. The garage sensor is light and the house sensor is motion. When the light level from the sun reaches a certain low level which can be set, the light fixture being controlled turns on and at dawn when the light level reaches the preset level, it turns off.
The motion sensor does not depend on light. It is strictly motion and it turns on a light and keeps it on for five minutes. This happens day or night. I have witnessed a lot of animals being caught in the motion sensor area where the light turns on.
Our youngest daughter has a video system at her home that is triggered by movement or it can be set to record constantly. It has motion only when set to that activation. The camera feed is to a hidden hard drive that also has the ability to be downloaded to a DVD. In addition, there is a little 9 inch flat screen monitor where the actual camera in real time may be monitored. There are several. The hard drive will store several days of video prior to beginning rewrite over a disk area.
You stated that the sensor was triggered by the lights from the vehicle. I would think it was triggered by a motion sensor that was triggered when the car began to move. If the angle of the motion sensor was positioned for a wider area, then it could have been triggered by movement of people getting into the vehicle.
At this point, I would not trust anything reported by Michael or Susan McStay without verification from other sources.
Blink Says-
legitimately have no clue what the issue is that the facts of this case seem to be a convoluted mess. It certainly can be a variety of things- I do know that Mike McStay feels the press has misquoted him in a general sense, but I could not say exactly when and where and he has not attempted to correct any statements I am aware of- even when given the opportunity to do so, as I understand.
B
Perhaps but if one compares videos he speaks himself and contradicts himself. It is what got lots of people really freaked out about him. But Blink isn’t it possible LE TOLD HIM not to release certain info and then he had to improvise and can’t remember since its not the facts.
I have said that it is possible that his comments were tempered by input from LE, a private eye, or even an attorney. Yes. I also know he feels he has been misquote on occasion. It could also be that he is a non LE person and making some assumptions. All of the above. I think the characterization that people are freaked out about him is a bit unfair. That said, the attachment to McFadden over his own Father is beyond bizarre for me. The preference both Susan and Michael McStay had for Jonah’s Mother over Summer is also. I don’t really know anyone who would favor a woman who got pregnant with another man’s child while married to her own under any circumstances. Having interviewed several close to BOTH at the time off the record, I can tell you Joey was absolutely devastated over it.
B
Scout says
I keep going back to all of the calls between Joey and Chase. And that his number was the last one Joey (or someone called). Why does Chase seem to be getting such a free pass? Big deal that he supposedly passed a lie-detector test and went bankrupt and wouldn’t have gained anything from this crime.
I feel he knows much, much more. Maybe he was threatened and won’t talk because he knew that the family was wiped out the day after it happened when JM never contacted him at all. And he doesn’t want to be killed himself
Scout I have asked myself the same. How do we know he had nothing to gain, when we do not know all that could have been going on? Maybe he had his family and his life to gain? Maybe he had something to loose? What I find odd is that Mike M clearly points to him in the video Watts took with Tim Miller. He does this several times, so I would not say he got a free pass. But then MM goes into business with CM and the various versions of what happened with that also make ones head spin. CM seeming to distance himself saying he only finished the jobs that he and Joey had yet to complete. Something about him going to Saudi to complete a fountain and using his own money? It being a matter of honour? Well that’s a turn around from rip off reports that exist about him. CM seeming to indicate he wanted nothing else to do with MM and his mom except to finish jobs Joey had outstanding. MM claiming CM did some wrong to him and his mother. I can see how LE would just like to put everyone on a poly and I feel that in the interest of finding the killer and getting rid of other wrong doing, anyone asked should just submit. Yet Merrit alludes that folks declined.
Blink- You had mentioned info needed on the painter that quit? I had also wondered because around the time the family went MIA a handyman went MIA and his truck was found burned out. However Patrick McStay has commented on this painter. From his facebook.
(The Painter) He was in Las Vegas and he claimed his truck broke down on the way back. He had to get his truck fixed and couldn’t get back in time. They knew him as he had done other work for them in the past.
linkage please.
B
@ lanni …. I live in Hollywood and pay almost $1,300 for a small 1 bedroom apt. You’re right, they should have rented it out. I wonder why Summer’s family didn’t step in?
I think that Michael and Susan took control of things, and I don’t think the Aranda’s had the means to on their own. It was contentious and as I understand it continues to be.
B
who- that arrest was Oct 1?
B
GJ
May 12, 2010 at 10:05 am | Permalink
“Who the xxxx are these two women who want to speculate they know more than FBI agents and detectives who do this for a living. You TV watching morons, get a clue, Michael and the family and those of us that actually spoke with Joe on a regular basis are instructed to keep information discrete. xxxx the way you two type out blantant statements you might lead to more here say. Get a clue and support the family or butt out; your not helping matters with your conjecture. Very Shady xxx xxxxxxxx, who the xxxx are you to judge? Of course Michael knows more than you he is his brother and we were the ones to report them missing. Where the xxxx were all of you back then. If it was not for Mike, D and myself no one would have know as quickly as we did that they were gone. Read there idiotic comments below and barr them from this site.”
http://www.mcstayfamily.org/sighting-in-baja/comment-page-1#comments
The comment above comes from the McStay Family website. The website is owned and maintained by Michael McStay.
I am very confused about this comment made by Guy Joseph, a close friend of Joey McStay. Guy is saying that he, Michael McStay, and Dan Kavanaugh knew very early that Joey and his family were missing. How would Dan Kavanaugh know that Joey and his family were missing if Dan was in Hawaii? I am wondering how “quickly” Guy, Dan, and Mike knew that Joey and his family where gone. Did they also know that the family wouldn’t be returning?
How do you know this was made by Guy Joseph? I agree those are his initials, and he definitely knew DK, but is there something I am not seeing confirming it is him?
B
Chase Merritt is writing a book.
EXCLUSIVE: McStay family husband feared his wife was POISONING him before they disappeared and were found dead in desert, claims explosive new book
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2533474/EXCLUSIVE-McStay-family-husband-feared-wife-POISONING-disappeared-dead-desert-claims-explosive-new-book.html#ixzz2pS7IpeXZ
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
Blink says
I have said that it is possible that his comments were tempered by input from LE, a private eye, or even an attorney. Yes. I also know he feels he has been misquote on occasion. It could also be that he is a non LE person and making some assumptions. All of the above. I think the characterization that people are freaked out about him is a bit unfair. That said, the attachment to McFadden over his own Father is beyond bizarre for me. The preference both Susan and Michael McStay had for Jonah’s Mother over Summer is also. I don’t really know anyone who would favor a woman who got pregnant with another man’s child while married to her own under any circumstances. Having interviewed several close to BOTH at the time off the record, I can tell you Joey was absolutely devastated over it.
B
I meant freaked out in the sense that SOME people actually took this and then leaped to him as a suspect (when his stories were different but before it was learned of any financial gain).
The McFadden issue is beyond strange, however Mike seems to be saying that this relationship being good is what allows him contact with Jonah. It seems to me Mike is very hurt (prior to even Joey going missing) and had issue with Patrick that predate all this, seems he feels neglected in a big way just based on his comments about his kids and his dad just not making attempts. It is to bad if this is the case he could not put that down.
Blink says
I can tell you Joey was absolutely devastated over it.
Yes, I heard he wanted to remain married and offered to raise the baby as his own.
Blink says
That said, the attachment to McFadden over his own Father is beyond bizarre for me.
Can you elaborate, do you really think it is an attachment? I know that Mike now wants no speculation on who did this and I assume it has to do with exactly that, McFadden. Could this all have to do with Jonah and protecting him? I note there was some contention that Patrick had not bothered to contact Jonah and it does seem from comments on his face book that Mike McStay really seems to feel that in accusing McFadden in the news and at this time, is bad for Jonah. Then we have Susan from the very start asking if Jonah is safe. Why would she have asked that so early on (prior to LE even finished the warrant) unless perhaps she had her own concerns about McFadden and her grandson. It just seems to me from what I have read that Michael at least his take on the situation with McFadden and Patrick is that Patrick (unlike Mike) is not thinking of Jonah first. While Mike says Joey would want Jonah and his well being everything to do with that well being put first in this situation. I tend to write to much but I am asking is there evidence that more exists in the relationship Mike has with McFadden (or Heather) other than him acting out of a desire to do just that, put Jonah first, be able to see him and pick him up and make sure that Jonah is ok.
I will answer you this way. I know for a fact that McFadden lied to members of the McStay family as to the details of his criminal felony conviction. That includes Michael McStay. Based on a source I will not name, I also know that Michael learned about the truth of those charges here, and when incontrovertable proof was offered to support same to him, he refused to review or accept it.
I do believe he cares about Jonah and how this is affecting him, but as I have stated previously, based on Michael’s own comments, the financial tie to the McFadden is deserving of appropriate scrutiny. They blame Patrick for this, however, I have never seen a quote from Patrick alleging McFadden is or was a suspect by name. The research and fact check report from my piece had no involvement from anyone subjective and came directly from the Orange County Clerk.
I personally do not feel Patrick should be alienated from his family or the Memorial because he believes appropriate investigation was not preformed, and is sincerely hoping it will be now. This is is his beloved son, his DIL and his grandbabies. How does that make him a bad guy?
LE 101 dictates that anyone Patrick pointed out whether anonymously or by process of elimination should and will expect to be interviewed in this case. Michael said it himself- E V E R Y O N E is a a suspect. That’s correct LE course. Everyone ( meaning the short list of POI’s developed by relevant evidence) will be interviewed until and if possible, exclusion. There absolutely was a CPS Investigation. McFadden threatened Summer and Joey. The results of that investigation were not known until February 4th according to Dugal.
I would caveat that by saying since their was primary agency affiliation by the FBI for a time- they have a bit of a different investigative track ( I will not expand on that if asked, sorry).
Lastly, I don’t claim to know the exact reasons for the breakdown in this family but I do know it happened very soon after the disappearance, and this recovery should have been the thing that made all that insignificant and put the focus on unity and memorializing Joey, Summer and the boys. The reality is even in very close families, this sort of grief has the opposite effect.
B
Blink Says,
I think that Michael and Susan took control of things, and I don’t think the Aranda’s had the means to on their own. It was contentious and as I understand it continues to be.
B
This is heart breaking to me. When I think of the various video’s and stories I read the Aranda’s family mostly wanted sentimental items, like photos or Summers favourite vase. Were too deep in grief and shock (and mystery not knowing)to even put splitting of assets on their agenda (unless I missed it). This family has handled themselves well. Summer’s sister when asked if she would write a book said something like she had no right to, why did people think they had the right to tell Summer (and the families) story when the family had not had a chance to tell it themselves (before they were found) saying basically it was not her story to tell. Unless I have missed something I feel they have been wronged not only in the financial sense but more so in the heartbreak sense to discover your daughters items have been sold of via craigslist? Before one had the chance as the family with equal rights to see if they wanted items, as said in their case seems for sentimental reasons. If true it sounds like it must have really added to their ordeal. Must they also have wondered how the other side could act in this manner, did they know something that the Aranda’s did not.
Such a strange case and so many questions about actions taken.
This is the entire post regarding Guy Joseph. I provided the full link in my original post.
http://www.mcstayfamily.org/fallbrook-flyer-distribution
GJ
May 12, 2010 at 10:05 am | Permalink
Who the hell are these two women who want to speculate they know more than FBI agents and detectives who do this for a living. You TV watching morons, get a clue, Michael and the family and those of us that actually spoke with Joe on a regular basis are instructed to keep information discrete. Hell the way you two type out blantant statements you might lead to more here say. Get a clue and support the family or butt out; your not helping matters with your conjecture. Very Shady Kim Thompson, who the hell are you to judge? Of course Michael knows more than you he is his brother and we were the ones to report them missing. Where the hell were all of you back then. If it was not for Mike, D and myself no one would have know as quickly as we did that they were gone. Read there idiotic comments below and barr them from this site.
B.
May 9, 2010 at 12:30 pm | Permalink
Why is your family running and from who? Why would they do this? This does not make sense. If, it is them and they ate a restaurant??? then they are not missing but gone on their on free will. But, the question remains…if this was them, why all of the sudden do they pack up and leave without a trace? They must know people are searching for them..and worried. This seems as strange as the story itself.
Kim Thompson
May 10, 2010 at 7:34 pm | Permalink
I have to agree with B. Something is not right and several of actual reasons are being left out intentionally. Very shady. Be honest Michael. You know more than is thus far made known.
leslie in the high desertleslie in the high desert
May 12, 2010 at 3:47 pm | Permalink
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
“GJ
May 12, 2010 at 10:05 am | Permalink”
I am aware of only one friend of Joseph who had the initials GJ. That would be Guy Joseph.
http://www.mcstayfamily.org/fallbrook-flyer-distribution
This post was made on the McStay Family Website on May 4, 2010, In three and a half years, there has been no attempt to remove this post from the blog, if there was an imposter with the the initials GJ who portrayed himself one of “those of us that actually spoke with Joe on a regular basis are instructed to keep information discrete”. Michael McStay owns the website, maintains the website, and approves the posts.
“If it was not for Mike, D and myself no one would have know as quickly as we did that they were gone.”
I can’t imagine that Michael McStay or any member of the
McStay family would permit this post to remain on the family blog if GJ was an imposter claiming to be Guy Joseph, or if incorrect information was being posted on the blog by someone claiming to be GJ or Guy Joseph. I can’t imagine that Michael McStay or the McStay family would allow a poster named GJ to claim intimate knowledge of the family’s disappearance, if they didn’t know that GJ was in fact, Guy Joseph.
“we were the ones to report them missing.”
I honestly can’t imagine why Michael McStay would allow this post to remain on the McStay Family blog if someone other than Guy Joseph aka GJ, himself, was claiming to be one of the persons who reported Joey and his family missing.
GJ is claiming to be someone who had daily contact with Joey McStay and who received specific instructions to keep information discrete. GJ is claiming to have had intimate knowledge of the family’s disappearance along with Mike McStay and D (Dan Kavanaugh). Guy Joseph was a close friend of Joey McStay. The McStay family has never disputed the post made on their family blog.
I was under the impression that this blog explored important and accurate information, unlike the uncited chit chat on other forums. My citations go directly to the McStay family website where Michael McStay is the webmaster. It doesn’t get much closer to home.
As an additional point of interest, Guy Joseph was employed as an Account Manager with Percision Fire Systems from February of 2009 until November of 2011. Michael McStay knew exactly who was working for him at Percision Fire Systems and who was posting on the McStay Family blog. Michael McStay knew exactly who had been told to keep information discrete and who had been involved with the release of information about the family being missing. Michael McStay knew that GJ was Guy Joseph.
My sincere apologies for misinterpreting that the purpose of this blog was to provide accurate and important information. The citation and information that I provided is accurate and important to this homicide.
“Truth”- as you point out, I asked for verification because we deal in “truth” here which means verification. Be prepared to do so in such instances and you did to my satisfaction. The snark for being asked to I will do without in the future, thank you.
That said, I agree that Guy Joseph, who was once a biz partner with Joey in an electronics business posted that. I also think this guys home and possessions going up in flames twice in 2 years is tragic. The fact that he claims he worked for Michael is possible, but how about that irony?
B
FYI, Guy Guy = Guy J = Guy Joseph = GJ
Guy Guy
December 11, 2013 at 9:32 am | Permalink
Me the wife and Joshua will be attending.
Let me know if I am included in the paddle out. I can paddle out on the board Joe bought for me just to be a bro he was and always will be.
Guy J.
http://www.mcstayfamily.org/mcstay-memorial-and-beach-paddle-out-san-clemente-pier#comments
I guess the board made it out of the fire (s). Glad to hear it.
B
According to the UK Daily Mail, Chase Merritt is releasing a book this year, and here is a link to some of what he is saying…I am guessing Chase Merritt is giving the Daily Mail some kind of exclusive? He alleges that Summer may have been poisoning Joey. My first thought is, what kind of creep writes an exploitive book about someone he knew and whose entire family was executed, sick.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2533474/EXCLUSIVE-McStay-family-husband-feared-wife-POISONING-disappeared-dead-desert-claims-explosive-new-book.html
It is my understanding the DM paid Merritt for this piece, and one other.
B
Lanni says:
January 4, 2014 at 1:02 pm
Blink says
That said, the attachment to McFadden over his own Father is beyond bizarre for me.
Can you elaborate, do you really think it is an attachment? I know that Mike now wants no speculation on who did this and I assume it has to do with exactly that, McFadden. Could this all have to do with Jonah and protecting him?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hi Lanni, Blink, and all. There was so much activity going on behind the scenes after this family went missing, and almost all of it could be viewed as suspicious by some folks. Gosh, I hope this is solved.
Double Sigh Grace. I agree. Nobody is going to like the comparisons I am about to make in this case with all this infighting and false information.
B
I see that Chase Merritt is cashing in on the deaths. He’s writing a book in which he trashes Summer. He’s nothing but a scammer and flim flammer IMO. Exclusive article at DailyMail.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2533474/EXCLUSIVE-McStay-family-husband-feared-wife-POISONING-disappeared-dead-desert-claims-explosive-new-book.html
Unfortunate considering he was at the home for dinner the week before the disappearance and ate her food. It concerns me this man is intentionally attempting to deflect facts. I can assure you, this family did not dig their own graves in anticipation of food poisoning.
I mean, didn’t he feel ill following a meeting with Charles Merritt?
Seriously. The disrespect of these brutally murdered victims is sadistic.
B
Blink says
I do believe he cares about Jonah and how this is affecting him, but as I have stated previously, based on Michael’s own comments, the financial tie to the McFadden is deserving of appropriate scrutiny. They blame Patrick for this, however, I have never seen a quote from Patrick alleging McFadden is or was a suspect by name. The research and fact check report from my piece had no involvement from anyone subjective and came directly from the Orange County Clerk.
I believe Michael was referring to a news story by channel 8 and Patrick has not as far as I know named McFadden by name but brings up that he has three suspects and brings up the record, plus an email McFadden sent to him or posted on face book.
Mike McStay seems to really be falling apart and I feel for him. I did not see Jonah at memorial at least not with family. Its all sad.
And Mike seemed to make effort to connect with Aranda’s you seem to be right – his stepdad gave him lots of support or ex step dad.
I would caveat that by saying since their was primary agency affiliation by the FBI for a time- they have a bit of a different investigative track ( I will not expand on that if asked, sorry).
I think I understand how it Is a different ballgame and as far as the interview part may glean more.
Then again McFadden with his mail to Patrick, is making his own bed.
One almost has to think McFadden is innocent in the murders or else he would not rant on the internet, either that or he has no impulse control, feels he is above the law.
I missed the money ties to McFadden, other than some flooring MM claimed Jonah wanted for his room. One would think if McStay is looking the other way or taking McFadden’s side for money ties, the money would benefit him McStay and not the other way around?
Patrick McStay
I just received this message from Michael McFadden and find it very interesting!
Michael McFadden
Keep running your mouth about me loser. I’m about to expose you to the world as the despicable broke down loser you are.
Sent from Messenger
Lanni- respectfully- I need a link to source material or I cannot post it.
B
That said, the attachment to McFadden over his own Father is beyond bizarre for me.
Telling isn’t it ? Of course, not all attachments are made through good will.
Blink Says
I personally do not feel Patrick should be alienated from his family or the Memorial because he believes appropriate investigation was not preformed, and is sincerely hoping it will be now. This is is his beloved son, his DIL and his grandbabies. How does that make him a bad guy?
I understand you have more facts but from listening to Mike McStay it seems that Patrick was already alienated and alienated himself from his family? I do not think he is a bad guy but I can see his sons pain in relationship to (at least according to Mike M.), the choice Patrick has made to alienate himself from them.
Lanni- I can only say that Patrick is aware of his ability to address information at BOC and it is his sole choice not to.
B
Jonah made it to the beach good news.
link please.
B
I think Chase needs to be looked into further. He seems almost as bad as DK if you read what some people have said on Ripoff report as well as his convictions. He was the last person to see JM, knew Victorville well (lived 12 miles from there at one point and burglarized a home there just miles from the graves). He appears to be a career criminal though for some reason people have this sympathetic view of him. There were sooo many calls between them in the last few days-some back to back and just minutes apart-were they fighting? Did JM uncover something Chase was doing with EIP or something else?
Could he have had an offshore account somewhere and funds were being taken from EIP (from DK) and to the account after the family was killed? Someone mentioned St. Kitts and that is definitely shady. Why St. Kitts?
DK also said this about taking the money from the EIP paypal account. “I actually transferred it (the money) to myself with Mike’s knowledge,” he said. “None of that money went to me. That money went to vendors, welders and manufacturers.” Was the welder Chase? Did DK approach Chase before the McStay’s were killed and they planned something, anything? Starting a new business? Taking money from EIP? They are both thieves and like my momma always said “birds of a feather flock together”.
Could Chase have also been upset like DK that he wasn’t being compensated enough for his role in EIP? Was he stealing money from EIP and JM found out about it? He sure had no problem stealing money from other people among all of his Burglary charges etc. All just speculation but this CM guy seems just as suspect as DK. His alibi is flimsy. JM’s last call to him seems set up-did he leave his phone at his home so it pinged where he was ‘watching a movie’. Authorities said there were “a couple of inconsistencies” in his lie detector test.
From Ripoff Report: http://www.ripoffreport.com/r/Waterfalls-By-Chase/San-Dimas-California-91776/Waterfalls-By-Chase-WILL-TAKE-YOUR-MONEY-AND-RUN-BAD-BUSINESS-San-Dimas-California-147597
Submitted: Wed, January 11, 2006 Updated: Wed, January 11, 2006
Reported By: — Northridge California
Waterfalls By Chase
577. Covina Blvd.
San Dimas, California
U.S.A.
Phone: 909-971-0479
Web:
Category: Outdoor Furniture & Equipment
“I just wanted to let everyone know what a HORRIBLE company this is. Their owner, is Charles (also known as Chase) Merritt. He doesn’t know how to run his business, or the meaning of customer service. He sells and manufactures high-end and VERY expensive indoor and outdoor waterfalls to the general public as well as to people who want to buy wholesale from him and retail his product.
Waterfalls by Chase and Chase Merritt took my money, and never delivered my waterfall after weeks of Chase lying to me about it. My wife and I were so upset about this. We spent over $3000.00 on this thing! He is a jerk, and was very rude and unprofessional. He never returned my calls, and when I went in to his office, the only person in his “office” had no idea who I was, and she had nothing on file for me. This was not her fault, as she had only worked there a while, and didn’t know much about past clients. His office suite was extremely dirty, and it smelled like feces and urine. The floors were very visably dirty, and the walls were covered in grime and dirt. It was absolutely DISGUSTING! I can’t believe he could actually call that a business. I drove around and noticed many things about his shop that were not OSHA compliant.
I researched this company some more, and I have discovered he had ripped off clients for thousands of dollars, all over the USA. I have high connections, and I was priveledged to receive the following information. I also was informed that there are currently many lawsuits filed against him, but he doesn’t pay what is demanded of him. Even after it being ordered by a court of law. This man is a con-artist, and nothing more. I also found out he had past emplyoees whom he stole tax money from, as well as not paying some of them out for their last weeks of work. He actually took tax money from employees paychecks, and never paid it to the IRS! From the people that I have contacted or become aware of, he owes about $200,000 or more in money he has stolen. From attending trade shows and Home and Garden shows, I have also been told that he likes to copy other people’s ideas and waterfalls. I spoke to MANY distraught people that have not had good experiences with this company. Do yourself and your pocketbook a favor, and DO NOT BUY WATERFALLS FROM WATERFALLS BY CHASE or CHASE MERRITT.
Dan
Newport, California
U.S.A.”
And and one more…
1/11/2006
http://www.ripoffreport.com/r/Waterfalls-By-Chase/San-Dimas-California-91773/Waterfalls-By-Chase-Charles-Merritt-ripoff-Fraud-San-Dimas-California-171395
“I have just read a report about Charles Merritt, AKA Waterfalls by Chase and wanted evreyone to know that I was also a victim of Charles Merritt. I hired him to do a custom water feature at a shopping center. He delivered some of the materials and disappeared with $31,000.00. I have been trying to reach him ever since. All phone numbers have been disconnected. Like Dan, from Newport Beach, I agree, Do Not Give Charles Merritt your money, he will take it and dissappear! The man is a FRAUD! He frequents Home and Garden Shows, so beware!
Natasha
Northridge, California
U.S.A.”
Here is a comment/post from someone after CBS 8 aired a story on CM. He found some court cases against him. http://www.cbs8.com/story/24245580/mcstay-murder-mystery-who-is-chase-merritt
Chase Merritt also has a rather suspicious CIVIL criminal history which isn’t referenced in this news report or anywhere else. How could this fountain business have been doing so well if Merritt was in and out of court being chased for money; during this time? This is from the San Bernardino County Superior Court CIVIL website. He was living like a squatter and not paying rent in both 2009 and 2011 (notice the missing year wherein he wasn’t freeloading was the year the McStays disappeared). Bank of America was chasing him in 2011 and then someone named ABAYOMI ADEPOJU sued him in 2012 and Merritt didn’t even show up in court to defend himself against those charges so he lost by default.
Oh! Wait! I keep forgetting…according to Merritt he was still a youngster during this time period so he shouldn’t be held accountable for his past transgressions a year later – now that he’s an “old man”. Yeah, right…
Read on:
Party Name Type Case Name Category Case Number Filed
MERRITT, CHARLES DEFENDANT SEYMOUR -V- JARVIS Unlawful Detainer <$10,000 (Resident) Limited UDRS1100055 01/07/2011
MERRITT, CHARLES DEFENDANT HOMECOMING I V. JARVIS Unlawful Detainer $1,500 <$5,000 (imaged) SMCVS1202230 09/13/2012
"Court records show Merritt is a two-time ex-con with a criminal history that includes burglary, grand theft, petty theft, receiving stolen property, criminal trespass, and several arrest warrants."
ADULT HISTORY
DATE CHARGE DISPOSITION (MAX SENTENCE)
02-04-77 Burglary 66 days in jail
07-28-77 Petty theft 60 days in jail
10-24-78 Criminal trespass 30 days in jail
11-18-78 Burglary 2 years in prison
04-16-85 Receiving stolen property 365 days in jail
02-04-87 Receiving stolen property 16 months in prison
05-21-88 Receiving stolen property 14 days in jail
06-17-88 Parole violation
04-02-01
Burglary
Grand theft
180 days in jail
"For the past three decades, Merritt has lived in and around Los Angeles and Victorville.
According to public records, Merritt once lived in Apple Valley, Calif., about 12 miles away from the site where the McStay family was found buried in shallow graves.
Merritt also used a mailing address in Oro Grande, Calif., according to a pair of 2011 traffic citations obtained by CBS News 8. The address listed on the traffic tickets is six miles away from the McStay grave sites. And 35 years ago, Merritt was convicted of burglarizing a house located at 15854 Kewanee in Apple Valley, Calif., just five miles away from the McStay grave sites."
And another Ripoff Report for Chase Merritt dated Sat, January 10, 2009-
Waterfalls And Fountains: I Design 4u – Chase Merritt Stolen Money – No Product Delivered. FRAUD. See Old Reports. Pomona California
Wasn’t surprised to see other reports of this guy on here. He should not be allowed to do business anywhere. He plays a good honest game, but you should beware of doing business with Chase Merritt. He’s a fraud and you will lose your money.
I learned the hard way.
I see on the other reports he is called Charles Merrit too.
Last known Address:
I Design 4U
1649 E Mission Blvd Suite C,
Pomona, CA 91766
(909) 620-1010
Good luck contacting him. I’m sure he owes you money if you are reading this.
Anonymous
Los Angeles, California
U.S.A.
“He plays a good honest game.” Interesting.
In terms of writing a book, it can be seen as finsncial opportunism (and what’s wrong with that if a going concern failed) or getting some facts out.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2533474/EXCLUSIVE-McStay-family-husband-feared-wife-POISONING-disappeared-dead-desert-claims-explosive-new-book.html#ixzz2pS7IpeXZ
imo Merrit was the likely closest make to Joey, the likliest for Joey to confide in.
In the pics, Joey has deteriorated & appears ill.
Without more info, I’d attribute his look to drugs.
He could have had a mitochondrial disease, or cancer. Or simple paranoid schiz.
For sure his brother & mother & ex know more than they are saying.
But if Chase identified with & liked Joey, I can see his wanting to get Joey’s side, as he knew it, out.
Here’s the thing Rose- there is no evidence Summer would or could poison him in the first place. She is in that grave right next to him. I guess it is true if I thought Chase had something to offer in that regard, but I KNOW he never shared that with LE, and is attempting to profit now- I have an issue with that.
It is tantamount to saying maybe Summer was not the greatest cook and making the leap toward intentional poisoning- to what end? They lived with Joey’s Mother for 2 months before they moved into the home when this was going on and as I said, Chase was the last dinner guest at the home- and he ate her food so how serious is this accusation? Chase and Summer had an argument that evening about her holistic approach- specifically he felt strongly that she needed to vaccinate the children.
The videos he uploaded days before the disappearance showed a happy man making his wife a latte with his little man. I personally do not believe that he pulled off the road because he was not feeling well the day of his disappearance and I would offer when that statement was made, Susan Blake was pretty open that she was not a fan of Summer’s. The theory that Summer was responsible for something that happened to him seems silly now considering the true outcome.
Not to get into that whole discussion- but as you know paid interviews of witnesses can certainly effect an open case. Maybe that’s the point.
B
“Seriously. The disrespect of these brutally murdered victims is sadistic.”
B
The lack of respect for this family (especially Summer) has always been appalling to me…and even worse now that their bodies have been found! This latest article and the allegations by this supposed ‘friend’ who, up until now has kept completely silent, is the worst I have seen so far…it is truly disgusting.
Joey had an asthma condition. Perhaps he was drinking coffee while using an over the counter Primatene Mist inhaler. This combination produces the symptoms described.
Definitely possible. I would also add that as I understand it, an assertion was made that Joey picked up a script for Amox. This has never been verified to my satisfaction and I do know if he did, it was not found. Sinus issues and middle ear infections are all commonly known to present similar symptoms.
I would also offer, I have a friend that had what we called a mystery illness for a full year before we could talk him into seeing a Dr. He ended up having Minere’s disease. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menieres-disease/basics/symptoms/con-20028251
B