2021-05-14 08:20
A PERSONAL STORYMy Trials & Tribulations detailing my cancer journey.I was recently diagnosed with metastatic urothelial carcinoma of the retroperitoneal lymph nodes.04/26/21 Day 1: Day… Read More
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Sprocket & Company In Depth, True Crime Reporting
2021-05-11 12:43
The previous post can be found HERE.When I last left off, I was being referred to an oncologist.OncologyIt's December 7th, over three months since the CT Urogram showed I had enlarged lymph… Read More
2021-05-08 03:32
The previous post can be found HERE.I left off my story mentioning the CT Urogram.Settling Into a New JobI'm about five weeks into my new job. I still can't believe my good fortune. I… Read More
2021-05-01 08:30
The previous post can be found HERE.Day 1 Wrap-upOverall, it went pretty well. I felt good after the initial infusion and accomplished some gardening. I cut back the last small section of ov… Read More
2021-04-26 10:07
Hello T&T readers. It's been awhile since I've posted. I'm back to write about another trial. However, this is a trial of a different sort. It's my own trial.Today I start a regime… Read More
2020-03-02 01:34
Close-up: Sprocket & Matthew McGoughBackground: DDA Shannon Presby, Judge Perry, Mark Overland© by artist Thomas Broersma, all rights reserved. March 1, 2020Last Friday, I had dinne… Read More
2020-02-27 13:27
Fabio Sementilli Source: HairTalk.comFebruary 27, 2020I was unable to attend the pretrial hearing in the Sementilli/Baker murder trial on February 18. Monica Sementilli and Robert Baker are… Read More
2020-01-12 00:25
Fabio Sementilli Source: HairTalk.comJanuary 9, 2020Happy New Year everyone. Judge Coen's clerk opened the door to Dept. 101 around 8:25am. Not long after it opened the courtroom started fil… Read More
2019-11-14 04:28
Fabio SementilliSource: HairTalk.comNovember 13, 2019I almost didn't make it to the hearing on time. I was held up at the 9th floor Los Angeles County Sheriff's security station. I'll talk a… Read More
2019-11-12 15:49
We have another guest post from T&T contributor David in Tennessee!Judge Rejects New Trial for Lemaricus Davidson in Christian-Newsom Torture-Murder CaseOn Friday, November 8, 2019, Judg… Read More
2019-10-31 17:15
Sherri Rasmussen & John Ruetten, 11/23/1985New Show on Sherri Rasmussen MurderNew show airing on HLN Originals, November 3, 2019 at 8pm ET. As part of HLN's series DEAD WIVES CLUB, a new… Read More
2019-10-18 18:29
Michael Thomas Gargiulo, 2008The day of his arrestOctober 18, 2019The LA Superior Court has announced a verdict has been reached in the penalty phase of the case. The verdict will be read in… Read More
2019-10-17 18:40
Fabio Sementilli, murdered 1/23/2017Source: HairTalk.comOctober 16, 2018Taking public transportation into downtown Los Angeles is always a chore for me and can take up to two hours or longer… Read More
2019-09-09 21:53
Fabio SementilliPreious post on this case can be found HERE.NOTE: I apologize for the lateness of this post. I've been under the weather with a head cold and cough. Sprocket.UPDATE: Correcte… Read More
2019-08-22 21:06
Michael Thomas Gargiulo, June 2008August 22, 20192:05 pm KTLA is reporting that Gargiulo was found sane when he murdered two women (Ashley Ellerin, Maria Bruno) and attempted to murder a thi… Read More
2019-08-15 17:04
Michael Thomas Gargiulo, June 2008 August 15, 2019The Los Angeles Superior Court's Public Information Office states that a verdict has been reached in the Gargiulo trial. The verdict will be… Read More
2019-08-13 17:00
Eric Boyd, at his murder trialGUEST ENTRY by DAVID in TENNESSEE!NOTE: This post will be updated throughout the day. SprocketAugust 13, 20199:54 AM PTThe jury has just asked a question… Read More
2019-08-13 16:34
Christopher Newsom & Channon ChristianGUEST ENTRY by DAVID in TENNESSEE!August 12, 2019As Day 5 begins, the prosecution reads into the record Adrienne Mathis testimony in the 2008… Read More
2019-08-11 04:23
Eric Boyd at his murder trialPhoto Credit: knoxnews.comGUEST ENTRY by DAVID in TENNESSEE!August 10, 2019I have watched the trial on live stream all four days.Friday was the fourth day of tes… Read More
2019-08-09 03:15
Christopher Newsom & Channon ChristianGUEST ENTRY by DAVID in TENNESSEE!August 8, 2019Today was Day 3 of the trial of Eric Boyd for his part in the Christian-Newsom murders.The cr… Read More
2019-08-08 05:05
GUEST ENTRY by DAVID in TENNESSEEAugust 7, 2019Here is a video report by Jamie Satterfield of the Knoxville News Sentinel.I watched the testimony of George Thomas on live stream by Court TV… Read More
2019-08-07 19:01
GUEST ENTRY by DAVID in TENNESSEE!This is a short update by David in TN on the Eric Boyd Trial. SprocketAugust 7, 2019This is a summary of the first day of testimony from the Knoxville ABC a… Read More
2019-08-04 21:42
Christopher Newsom, Channon ChristianGUEST ENTRY by David in Tennessee!ERIC BOYD UPCOMING TRIALTomorrow (Monday) jury selection begins in the trial of Eric Boyd for his role in the torture… Read More
2019-07-16 17:33
Tuesday, July 16, 20198:29amI arrive on the 9th floor just in time. Judge Coen's courtroom is already open with defense and prosecutors inside. Judge Coen is off the bench, over by the clerk… Read More
2019-06-06 05:25
June 5, 2019Ten years ago today, Stephanie Lazarus was arrested for the murder of Sherri Rae Rasmussen Read More
2019-06-02 21:25
May 2, 2019Michael Gargiulo Trial - Opening Statements, Morning Session, Part INOTE: I was using my laptop to take notes during opening statements. I accidentally had auto-correct switched o… Read More
2019-05-21 23:47
May 21, 2019The 9th FloorI arrive on the 9th floor around 8:19 am and I'm already tired. I haven't been sleeping well of late and the nearly 2 hours of travel time to get to court is not eas… Read More
2019-05-07 04:35
Michael Thomas Gargiulo, June 6, 2008May 6, 2019Eleven Years From Arrest to Opening StatementsOne of the questions I often receive about the Michael Gargiulo case is, Why did this case take… Read More
2019-05-04 03:59
Earlier today, the Los Angeles Times published a Q&A with Matthew McGough on his new book, The Lazarus Files: A Cold Case Investigation.Matthew has two upcoming book signings where he wi… Read More
2019-04-30 15:12
The Lazarus Files: A Cold Case Investigation, by Matthew McGoughOn sale today from Henry Holt, Matthew McGough’s long awaited book, The Lazarus Files: A Cold Case Investigation. A Jour… Read More
2019-04-27 15:59
Michael Thomas Gargiulo, Arrested 6/6/08.April 27, 2019Here is a status update on the pending Michael Thomas Gargiulo murder trial. ChargesGargiulo is charged with two murders (Ashley Elleri… Read More
2019-04-18 07:21
T&T EXCLUSIVEStephanie Lazarus In Her Own Words (Part IX, 4/18/85)In 1986, Sherri Rasmussen was murdered in her Van Nuys home.23 years later, in 2009, LAPD Detective Stephanie Lazarus wa… Read More
2019-04-18 07:07
T&T EXCLUSIVEStephanie Lazarus In Her Own Words (Part VIII, 4/16/1986)In 1986, Sherri Rasmussen was murdered in her Van Nuys home.23 years later, in 2009, LAPD Detective Stephanie Lazaru… Read More
2019-04-16 16:41
T&T EXCLUSIVEStephanie Lazarus In Her Own Words (Part VII, 4/15/1986)In 1986, Sherri Rasmussen was murdered in her Van Nuys home.23 years later, in 2009, LAPD Detective Stephanie Lazarus… Read More
2019-04-09 17:16
Stanley Mosk Courthouse, downtown Los AngelesApril 5, 2019I arrived on the 5th floor of the Stanley Mosk Courthouse a little before 10am. I was late to court. I had gotten all the way to the… Read More
2019-04-05 10:44
Stanley Mosk Courthouse, downtown Los AngelesApril 4, 2019Closing arguments were presented to the jury today.Note: What follows is a very short summary of closing arguments. I will hav… Read More
2019-04-04 19:23
UPDATE 12:20pm: Corrected for spelling. Sprocket My friend Matthew McGough did a Q&A with journalist Elon Green, which was just published in MEL Magazine. Matthew's book also recently re… Read More
Explosive Accusation By DDA Beth Silverman, Moments After Testifying In Francis V. City Of LA (LAPD)
2019-03-30 16:20
Stanley Mosk Courthouse March 29, 2019 Today’s most dramatic moment came in the afternoon session. This morning, if someone had told me that this event happened without witnessing it m… Read More
2019-03-28 18:10
Jennifer Francis testifying at Lazarus' trial, Feb. 2012; Nels & Loretta Rasmussen in the gallery.© 2012 by Thomas Broersma ([email protected]). All rights reserved by… Read More
2019-03-27 20:02
Clara Shortridge-Foltz Criminal Justice CenterDowntown Los AngelesMarch 27, 2019 It wasn't until around 7am this morning that I realized that I had totally forgotten about today's hearing. I… Read More
2019-03-17 20:51
T&T EXCLUSIVEStephanie Lazarus In Her Own Words (Part VI, 3/17/1986)In 1986, Sherri Rasmussen was murdered in her Van Nuys home.23 years later, in 2009, LAPD Detective Stephanie Lazarus… Read More
2019-03-11 17:21
Stanley Mosk Courthouse, Downtown Los AngelesMarch 11, 2019Jury selection begins in the civil case of Jennifer Francis v. City of Los Angeles (LAPD). This case is related to the Stephanie La… Read More
2019-03-07 11:00
T&T EXCLUSIVEStephanie Lazarus In Her Own Words (Part V, 3/7/1986)In 1986, Sherri Rasmussen was murdered in her Van Nuys home.23 years later, in 2009, LAPD Detective Stephanie Lazarus wa… Read More
2019-03-04 18:12
Previous post can be found HERE.GUEST ENTRY by DAVID IN TENNESSEE!This is a guest entry by our long-time contributor David in TN. SprocketFebruary 28, 2019Oh Thursday, February 28, 2019, Jud… Read More
2019-03-03 11:13
T&T EXCLUSIVEStephanie Lazarus In Her Own Words (Part IV, 3/3/1985)In 1986, Sherri Rasmussen was murdered in her Van Nuys home.23 years later, in 2009, LAPD Detective Stephanie Lazarus w… Read More
2019-03-02 01:40
The previous post on this case can be found HERE.Michael Thomas GargiuloMarch 1, 2009 This is a short post to let T&T readers know that I attended the pretrial hearing today. Judge Fidle… Read More
2019-02-25 11:00
T&T EXCLUSIVE Stephanie Lazarus In Her Own Words (Part III, 2/25/1985) In 1986, Sherri Rasmussen was murdered in her Van Nuys home.23 years later, in 2009, LAPD Detective Stephanie Lazar… Read More
2019-02-24 13:00
T&T EXCLUSIVEStephanie Lazarus In Her Own Words (Part II, 2/24/1985)In 1986, Sherri Rasmussen was murdered in her Van Nuys home.23 years later, in 2009, LAPD Detective Stephanie Lazarus… Read More
2019-02-21 20:00
Previous post can be found HERE.Fabio Sementilli, murdered January 23, 2017.Photo Credit: dearhairdresser.ca February 21, 20198:28 AMI arrive at the elevator bay of the Clara Shortridge-Folt… Read More
2019-02-19 16:32
T&T ExclusiveStephanie Lazarus In Her Own Words (Part I, 2/19/1985)In 1986, Sherri Rasmussen was murdered in her Van Nuys home. 23 years later, in 2009, LAPD Detective Stephanie Lazarus… Read More
2019-02-15 21:07
The previous hearing on this case can be found HERE.Michael Thomas Gargiulo, booking photoJune 2008. February 1, 2019I was late getting out the door this morning. It now takes me a hour-and… Read More
2019-02-07 21:16
Christopher Newsom, Channon ChristianMurdered January 2007February 7, 2019T&T is grateful to have guest contributor David in Tennessee provide an update on the Christian- Newsom ca… Read More
2019-02-04 03:56
Sixteen years ago. Remembering Lana.Photo courtesy Lana's sister, Fawn Clarkson Edwards.All rights reserved.She was kind, generous, talented and stop your breath beautiful. Killed by an egot… Read More
2019-01-24 23:24
On January 28, best selling author Michael Connelly launches his true crime podcast, Murder Book, highlighting murders the mainstream media mostly ignored. The podcast is free. The first pod… Read More
2019-01-18 21:02
The previous hearing on this case can be found HERE.LAPD Booking PhotosJanuary 17, 2018It's been a very wet week in LA County. We've been hit by a heavy rainstorm for four days, threatening… Read More
2018-12-17 21:03
The previous hearing on the case can be found HERE.Fabio SementilliSource: Hair Talk.comDecember 13, 2018Going to Court & Sprocket NewsI'm trying to get used to having to spend more time… Read More
2018-11-15 13:29
Previous post can be found HERE.Michael Thomas Gargiulo, Arrested in June, 2008November 2, 2018Personal Update:It's been a few days since I vacated my home of 21 years. I am in temporary hou… Read More
2018-10-17 17:04
Previous post can be found HERE.Ocober 2, 2018Fabio SementilliIt's after 8:00 am when I arrive on the 9th floor. Mr. Simmrin arrives around the same time I do. I politely ask Mr. Simmrin if… Read More
2018-08-13 20:05
The previous post can be found HERE.Michael Thomas Gargiulo 2008August 10, 2018I take the train into downtown Los Angeles. I think I have enough time to get a couple fried eggs in the cafete… Read More
2018-08-05 05:47
Previous post can be found HERE.LAPD Booking PhotosJuly 30, 2018I arrive on the 9th floor at 8:15 am. Baker's defense attorney Michael Simmrin is here sitting on the bench at the very end of… Read More
2018-06-29 02:45
Previous post can be found HERE.Fabio Sementilli Source: Dearhairdresser.caJune 28, 20187:40 AMI get to court early today. I hang out on the 5th floor waiting until 8 am when the securi… Read More
2018-06-18 20:55
Previous post can be found HERE.Michael ThoamasGargilo, June 2008June 8, 20088:30 AM The 9th Floor, Dept. 106I'm in the gallery with two other reporters. CBS 48 Hrs. Producer Greg Fisher is… Read More
2018-06-07 03:20
Previous post can be found HERE.LAPD Booking PhotosJune 5, 2018
I took the train into downtown LA today. Having a senior TAP card now makes a huge difference in my travel budget… Read More
2018-05-12 19:46
Thursday, February 1, 2018Potential New CasesI wasn't really planning on going into downtown LA on Thursday since there is a Gargiulo hearing on Friday. However, once I got the sales taxe… Read More
2018-05-10 00:16
Previous post on the case can be found HERE.Fabio Sementilli Source: Dearhairdresser.caMay 9, 2018It was a very quick hearing today. It's 8:15 am when I arrive on the 9th floor of the d… Read More
2018-05-02 19:20
Stanley Mosk Courthouse, downtown Los Angeles.Source: www.lacourt.orgUPDATE 12:30 pm correction in speaker's name from Taylor to McNicholasUPDATE 9:25 am minor spelling errors corrected. Spr… Read More
2018-04-27 16:46
This page was last updated on xx at xx. SprocketROBERT LOUIS BAKER & MONICA SEMENTILLI QUICK LINKSCASE #BA452975Murder of Fabio Sementilli, 49, on 1/23/2017MAJOR PLAYERSJUDGE: Ronald Coe… Read More
2018-04-27 16:20
This page was last updated 04/27/18 at 7 am PT. Sprocket Main Quick Links Page can be found HERE. BAKER & SEMENTILLI CASE DOCKETBaker LASD Booking #5016213Sementilli LASD Booking #5… Read More
2018-04-27 05:57
Previous hearing can be found HERE.Michael Thomas Gargiulo, date unknown April 26, 2018What a long day today was. And it started off so well. When I arrived on the 9th floor, I was greeted w… Read More
2018-04-21 00:27
Previous post can be found HERE.Michael Thomas Gargiulo, 2008April 20, 2018The Gargiulo hearing that wasn't lasted about 30 court seconds today. Although a hearing was scheduled for today, s… Read More
2018-04-20 08:02
.Fabio Sementilli, murdered 1/23/2017.Source: dearhairdresser.ca posted 5/20/16 April 19, 2018I had not planned on going into downtown Los Angeles today. I was mentally gearing up for the Ga… Read More
2018-02-05 02:19
Previous post on this case can be found HERE.Michael Thomas Gargiulo, booking photo, 2008.UPDATE: edited for clarityFebruary 2, 2018I arrive in downtown LA around 8am. That's plenty of time… Read More
2018-02-03 22:39
Thursday, February 1, 2018Catching Up With The Sprocket HouseholdWednesday afternoon I felt as if a weight had been lifted. I had been working a good part of the day going through every 2017… Read More
2018-01-29 00:49
GUEST ENTRY by DAVID in TENNESSEE!Judge Richard BaumgartnerOn the bench; date unknown. Former Knox County Judge Richard Baumgartner, 70, died on January 23. He presided over the trials… Read More
2018-01-12 22:22
Previous post on this case HERE.Michael Thomas Gargiulo Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept.January 12, 2018PART III arrive on the 9th floor of the Clara Shortridge-Foltz Courthouse in downtow… Read More
2018-01-12 17:56
Michael Thomas Gargiulo, date unknownPrevious post on this case HERE.January 12, 2018PART I In court this morning, Michael Gargiulo amended his guilty plea to add not guilty by re… Read More
2017-12-05 21:33
Personal StoriesCity: Los Angeles, CABasin: San Fernando ValleyI took the above photo about 30 minutes ago by stepping onto my street in front of my house and pointing my camera at the weste… Read More
2017-11-08 17:30
This is an update of a post from 2009. SprocketLauren Sarene Key, summer 2000.Seventeen years ago today, in the early afternoon of November 8th, four-year-old Lauren Sarene Key ended up dea… Read More
2017-10-19 02:57
Lauren Sarene Key, 4UPDATE 7:30 PM - See belowOctober 18, 2017Today, the California Courts of Appeal affirmed the conviction of Cameron Brown on first degree murder charges in the death of h… Read More
2017-09-11 05:32
Michael Thomas Gargiulo in 2008 after his arrest.Previous post on this case HERE.September 8, 2017I’m on the train to downtown Los Angeles for a pretrial hearing in the Gargiulo… Read More
2017-05-05 20:31
March 17, 2017I'm on the 9th floor of Criminal Justice Center in downtown Los Angeles waiting for Dept. 106, Judge Larry Paul Fidler's courtroom to open. Several members of Gargiulo's defens… Read More
2017-03-01 07:43
February 28, 2016For those of you living in a cave, eccentric real estate heir Robert Durst (of The Jinx fame) was arrested in Louisiana on March 14, 2015. His arrest was initiated by a murd… Read More
2017-02-27 22:29
4-year-old Lauren Sarene Key, murdered by her biological fatherCameron John Brown on 11/8/2000.The website for the California Courts, Appellate Court Case Information indicates that Cameron… Read More
2017-02-18 00:27
UPDATE 1:00 pm February 17, 2016Today will be my fourth day at the Airport Courthouse, attending a pretrial hearing in the Robert Durst murder case. There was a preconceived notion that the… Read More
2017-02-14 21:25
UPDATE 1:00 PM minor spelling corrections and (?) notations about name spellingsFebruary 14, 20178:40 AMTestimony from two prosecution witnesses is expected today in order to memorialize the… Read More
2017-02-13 21:14
February 13, 2017Talking Points Memo is reporting:One of Jerry Sandusky's adult sons faces multiple charges of sexual offenses involving children, more than five years after the former Pen… Read More
2017-02-09 01:00
February 8, 2016T&T recently obtained motions filed by the people in the Robert Durst Case. You can read the documents through the embedded links below. They have been added to the Rober… Read More
2017-02-03 19:41
Lana's niche at the Hollywood Forever CemeteryPhoto courtesy Lana's friend, Cathy ByrdFourteen years ago today Lana Clarkson was murdered in the foyer of music producer Phil Spector's Alhamb… Read More
2017-01-06 22:18
UPDATE NOTE 2:15 PM - Editing of entry for spelling/clarity later tonight. Sprocket.Friday January 6, 20178:25 AMI'm here at the Airport Courthouse for a pretrial hearing in the Robert Durst… Read More
2016-12-19 06:36
Friday December 16, 2016 I'm back at the downtown criminal court building for the second time this week. The LA County Sheriff's website indicated that Gargiulo's next hearing was on Decembe… Read More
2016-11-08 14:36
UPDATE 11/8/16The LA Times reported the next pretrial hearing in the Durst case is scheduled for February 15, 2017. The LA County Sheriff's inmate locator website indicates Durst is currentl… Read More
2016-11-05 15:48
November 3, 2016Just when things seem to be on a solid footing, life throws you a California earthquake. We've had some difficult challenges the last 18 months. Those challenges have kept me… Read More
2016-08-29 22:11
Lauren Sarene Key, date unknownLauren Sarene Key was murdered a few months after her 4th birthday. She would have been 20 years old today. Lauren was thrown off of Inspiration Point… Read More
2016-08-11 19:35
Cameron Brown, during his third murder trial.Photo Credit: Pool Photo, Associated PressFull case coverage HERE.Prior post on the case HERE.August 11, 2016BackgroundAfter three trials a… Read More
2016-08-11 19:34
Lonnie Franklin, Jr., May 5, 2016 Photo Credit: Pool Camera/VideoFull T&T Case Coverage HERE.Prior case post found HERE.UPDATE: Daily News - City News Service, Terri Keith report.UPDATE:… Read More
2016-07-29 19:42
Michael Thomas Gargiulo, in custody, date unknownJuly 14, 2016It's been awhile since I've had the chance to update everyone on the Gargiulo case. Not a lot has changed, except that Gar… Read More
2016-06-10 05:22
Lonnie Franklin, Jr., verdict 5/5/16(Barbara Davidson/Los Angeles Times via AP, Pool)NOTE: Day Two, Part I of Closing Arguments can be found HERE. NOTE: Day One, Part II of Closi… Read More
2016-06-08 06:55
l-r: Extra deputy, behind, Judge Kennedy's bailiffLonnie Franklin, Jr., center, Deputy Sargent Westphal, rightPhoto Credit: Pool Camera, Al Seib, LA Times Continued from Day 9, Part I......T… Read More
2016-06-08 06:55
l-r: Extra deputy, behind, Judge Kennedy's bailiffLonnie Franklin, Jr., center, Deputy Sargent Westphal, rightPhoto Credit: Pool Camera, Al Seib, LA TimesPrior post can be found HERE.T&T… Read More
2016-06-06 17:41
Lonnie Franklin, Jr., in custody, 2015Photo Credit: Pool CameraMonday June 6, 20169:08 AMI'm still out in the hallway of the 9th floor of the downtown Criminal Justice Center. All the… Read More
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