During his trial in 2019, his ex-wife, Angela Hicks explained his odd behavior in her testimony as well. She described being forced to listen to news accounts about Jonelle's disappearance, and she told jurors about finding a piece of paper in Pankey's trash. Weld Judge Timothy Kerns advised the jury the allegations against Pankey cannot be used against him. All Rights Reserved. After his indictment, Pankey pleaded not guilty to the charges, choosing to take his case to trial while remaining in custody on a $5 million bond. According to state records, hell actually become eligible for parole on October 1, 2040, when hes in his late 80s. The average age of Once home, Pankey changed into coveralls and galoshes and said there were issues with the septic tank. His indictment also presented 26 reasons why Pankey was being suspected and accused of Jonelles abduction and murder. Greeley, Colorado, Mayor John Gates testified about learning that Steven Pankey had once named him a person of interest in the disappearance of Jonelle Matthews. [21] Mogensen said that while there had been sibling rivalry between her and Jonelle in 1984, Jonelle's killing eliminated the possibility for the two siblings to grow closer. or visit Help / Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) to discover more about the community. She remained missing for almost 35 years as her family and the police searched for her. What Happened During Steve Pankey's Trial For The 1984 Murder Of Jonelle Matthews? On December 20, 1984, Jonelle Matthews vanished from Greeley, Colorado, into thin air. The medical examiner also found out that the cause of death was a single gunshot wound straight to the head. Colorado lawmakers "belly flop" on water crisis, opting for further study of Colorado River over action, experts say, Colorado property tax relief: Polis, lawmakers reveal plan to ease skyrocketing tax bills, Kiszla: Avs embarrass themselves with silence about Valeri Nichushkin's mysterious absence following reported 9-1-1 call, Images, suicide note released in mall massacre, Avalanche's Stanley Cup defense sputters to end in Game 7 of first round vs. underdog Seattle Kraken, Kraken-Avs Game 7 Quick Hits: Philipp Grubauer gets last laugh on Colorado fans, Avs, Ask Amy: A gentleman ponders gender salutations, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. In 1984, a 12-year-old girl named Jonelle Matthews went missing in Greeley, Colo. They include minor and non-violent allegations, like accusations of creating a nuisance and harassment at a local bank. A crumpled-up piece of legal pad paper found in Pankeys trash can by Hicks also indicated information about the raked-over snow an important factor in the investigation due to the raked-over shoe prints being withheld from the public. [21] In 2008, Pankey's son was murdered. The third part brings his story from the 1980s to the present and discusses his political campaigns and life in Idaho. the average Pankey family member At about that time, a car stored on their property caught fire and the burned car "was disposed of at a salvage yard". He also brought up Pankeys interest in other murder cases, including two cases involving women named Mary Piece and Sarah Johnson. [21], Pankey knew he was a person of interest in September 2019 when he was interviewed by the Idaho Statesman. When Pankey came home in the afternoon on Dec. 21, 1984 the day after Jonelles disappearance he announced their family would go visit his family for Christmas in California. / CBS NEWS. next to their name to remove from the family tree. In 1997, Gloria Matthews received a letter from Vierra requesting permission to visit Jonelle. "This touched our. The jury found him guilty on making false reports to authorities, but they were deadlocked on the other kidnapping and murder counts. This statement contradicted his ex-wifes account, who told police that the California trip took place after the disappearance. She felt she had no choice but to tell her dad he was being too intrusive in her marriage. 'Dateline' Looks at the Case, Gloria Satterfield Died While Working for the Murdaugh Family Her Sons Want Answers, Where Are Lloyd and Marshall Barrus Now? In that instant, Hicks said all of a sudden the events of 1984 the car catching fire, the quick trip to California, the dumping of the dogs all came together in her mind. [5], Jonelle Matthews was born at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California, on February 9, 1972, to 13-year-old Terri Vierra. Its the new home of High Plains Bank in Wiggins. 48 Hours: The Kidnapping of Jonelle Matthews chronicles this strange disappearance and charts how and why the police came to accuse Steve Pankey. It wasnt until back in 1995, when they lived in Idaho, that Pankey made a statement that made Hicks blood run cold as she pieced together the events of December 1984. "The evidence in this case will prove that the defendant is guilty of murder in the first degree and second-degree kidnapping. The Matthews notified Vierra about what happened and the families became friends. [21], Pankey gave an interview to the Times-News and said he was being framed by the police because of his sexuality, identifying himself as a "celibate homosexual". Steve Pankey, a politician, a Christian, and Jonelle's murderer, acted in a bizarre and disturbing way in the time leading up to the death of 12-year-old Jonelle, immediately after it, and in . It was called Black Monday. [21], On October 13, 2020, Steven Pankey was indicted on charges of murdering and kidnapping Matthews. At the time, Hicks assumed Pankeys obsession stemmed from Russ Ross, a family friend of the Matthews who dropped Jonelle off at her home the night she went missing, possibly being under suspicion and the Sunny View Church of the Nazarenes name coming up in light of Jonelles disappearance. We are purposely breaking this one into three parts, the first will cover the crime, the second covers the background of the alleged perpetrator up through his time living in Greeley, Co. It was used by Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain and has since spread in use. On Dec. 20, 1984, according to a grand jury indictment, Mr. Pankey, armed with a gun, took Jonelle from her family's home and killed her during the course of the kidnapping. Prosecutors found the details about the day they left for their trip in a hurry to the days after they returned to be the most compelling parts of Hicks testimony. She called it an endless barrage of nothing real serious.. Saddam Hussein's forces had previously invaded the sovereign state of Kuwait and the focus of the operation was to remove his Iraqi troops from Kuwait. 22 birth, 7 death, 4 marriage, 27 divorce, View He does not believe in gun control of any kind and hoped that all gun laws would be repealed. Carl Wesley Pankey lived The statement did, however, added to a long list of suspicions Hicks had about Pankeys involvement. At the time of Jonelle's disappearance, Steven Pankey lived in Greeley, Colorado. @48hours. Steve Pankey is charged with killing Jonelle Matthews. Hicks felt like Rourkes cross-examination of Pankey cleared her fathers name. Connect with Trevor at (970) 392-4492, treid@greeleytribune.com or @treid71 on Twitter. Kiszla: One-hit wonders? With snow on the ground, Jonelle's father thought it unlikely that she would go far without shoes. Weld Assistant District Attorney Robb Miller described Hicks as a sweet, genuine person. Both Miller and Rourke agreed charges may have never been brought against Pankey without Hicks testimony to disprove his alibi around the time of Jonelles disappearance. He said he and his wife were home on the night of Jonelle's disappearance. Brought to you by Prairie Mountain Publishing, Sexually violent predator moves into Greeley community, Greeley police shoot, kill armed 24-year-old man Saturday, Windsor announces lineup for Movies in the Park and Summer Concert Series, Greeley, Weld County Death Notices for April 30, 2023, Greeley, Weld County Death Notices for April 29, 2023, Avalanches Stanley Cup defense sputters to end in Game 7 of first round vs. underdog Seattle Kraken, 'We're doing it for these families': Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity celebrates double home dedication, Broncos still have holes to fill on roster with 2023 NFL draft in the books, Greeley, Weld County Death Notices for April 28, 2023, Weld RE-1 School District principal named best of the year at middle school level, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Her disappearance became the talk of local and national news when in 1985, then-President Ronald Reagan even referenced the tragic case. The spacious, modern Trevor Reid writes and edits for the Greeley Tribune. The Matthew family didn't know Pankey. Walsh said they may file one or two more pleadings. He has lived in the Aurora/Southeast Denver Metro area since 1965 and is an expert Getting ready for a yard project? Pankey further explained that Sun Valley, a city in Idaho, was persecuting him because he wouldnt give them the information they wanted about the Jonelle case unless he received immunity first. Share what Carl did for a living or if he had a career or profession. Dolly lived to be 6 years old and produced 6 lambs. He says Norris Drake, whose mother lived across the street from Jonelle, is the killer. But it just was unnerving.. I think she obviously had some fears about doing it. Shortly after the rape charges, Pankey claimed that he was given disturbing information about members of the Sunny View Church of The Nazarene, where he himself was a member. I have no happiness or no sadness related to this. Harris argued during cross that Pankeys comment was strange, but it didnt lead to any kind of evidence. During that time, she felt concerned, but she also believed she did everything she could safely do. Also, within a week of returning home, Hicks went outside to check the area after she smelled smoke, only to find Pankey holding a shovel next to a burning car at the far back end of their property. In the 1990s, suspicions about Pankey's interest in Jonelle arose when he said something that immediately made Hicks want to research the case, she said. The spacious, modern Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Steve Pankey trial: Ex-wife highlights defendants fixation on Jonelle Matthews case, Weld DA announces community relations director position opening, seeks qualified candidate, Weld County could get hit with a legal challenge for not complying with a 2021 redistricting law, Florida was the most prized swing state for decades. Keeler: Avs fans, could we please skip Valeri Nichushkin, Nazem Kadri revisionist history? On Wednesday, September 4, 2019, police in Twin Falls, Idaho, searched Pankey's condo under a warrant that stated investigators had probable cause to believe that Pankey abducted and murdered Jonelle. That wont be true in 2024. She stated that Pankey listened to the radio for news about Jonelles disappearance on the drive home and forced her to read him news from newspapers on the same topic. In her testimony, she said their septic tank had just been replaced earlier that year and she didnt notice any issues. The jury voted to convict Pankey on a single misdemeanor count of making false statements to police, but was unable to come to a unanimous verdict on the kidnapping and murder charges. Pankey's former defense attorney Anthony Viorst told "48 Hours" about the bank incident. Jonelle was twelve when . After their divorce, Pankey and Hicks stayed in communication, which included chatting over the phone a few times per year and getting together for dinner at their oldest sons house. Hicks claimed to have heard Pankey muttering in response, accusing the minister of being a false prophet. During that time Hicks also referenced multiple legal filings, unrelated to Jonelle's disappearance and written by Pankey, that gave details about her case. Last year, his first trial ended with a hung jury on the kidnapping and murder charges, but he was convicted for false reporting after he admitted to lying to law enforcement about the case during his testimony. Jonelle Matthews was a 12-year-old American girl who disappeared near Greeley, Colorado, on December 20, 1984. Nobody ever came to me to ask, Hey, your husbands coming in and saying this, what do you have to say about it?. [2] Vierra had used a search consultant to help locate Jonelle. I was very relieved at that because my dad was just such a good, honest, kind man, and to have Steve use him like that was just horrible for me, Hicks said. She felt it was in Gods hands after she showed up and told the truth twice. In 2002, Hicks and Pankey finalized their divorce, and on July 4, 2008, their son Carl was murdered. The Matthews family regularly attended Sunny View after they moved to Greeley. My heart goes out to the Matthews family, and I am just heartbroken about what happened to Jonelle, Hicks said. But she did feel relief. For Hicks, Pankeys involvement in the case seemed more cut and dry, Hicks said, but the jurors were unaware of many compelling details she couldnt testify about due to rules of evidence. A few days after Jonelles disappearance, Pankey was approached by Hicks father, who worked at a cemetery in Greeley, he told interviewers. In 1991, by the time he was only 4 years old, on January 16th, Allied forces began the first phase of Operation Desert Storm. But theres still that element of this is the father of my children.. After the death of his son, Steve Pankey said what was needed was "A Third Great Awakening, revival, a return to the God of the Bible on God's terms". Now, the case has been put to rest thanks to the indictment of Steven Pankey, an Idaho resident. However, his retrial in 2022 resulted in the jury finding him guilty of not just false reporting but also second-degree kidnapping and first-degree felony murder he was found not guilty of first-degree murder. Jonelle Matthews? Hicks asked, trying not to show panic or any emotion. Hicks said it wasnt unusual for her husband to leave for the day in the early morning and not return until anytime between 4-11 p.m., which is why she couldnt recall what time he came home and what he was doing on Dec. 20, 1984, the day Jonelle went missing. She didnt say, I know he did it. She said, Heres what happened to me back in 1984 that really bothers me.. [10] At 8:15 PM, Jonelle arrived home in Greeley, Colorado, after getting a ride from her friend, DeeAnna Ross, and DeeAnna's father. Add family and friends whose lives he impacted. They are currently retired and living in Costa Rica. Jonelle went missing from her Greeley home on Dec. 20, 1984, after returning from her choir concert to an empty home. He requested Hicks grab copies of the Greeley Tribune and The Denver Post, she said. Hicks and her sister, Vanesa Sakulenzkia, who also took the stand Monday, both testified they stood near Carls urn when Pankey approached and kissed it. Pankeys lies about her father were unforgivable to Hicks because Pankey had already taken away her relationship with her father and removed him from her support system back in the early years of their marriage. The criminal indictment said that he "intentionally inserted himself in the investigation many times over the years claiming to have knowledge of the crime which grew inconsistent and incriminating over time". It charged that "he took Jonelle Matthews from her family home " and "shot Jonelle Matthews during the course of the kidnapping.". Following this, Pankey said a sentence that Hicks testified had heightened her worries about Pankeys involvement in Jonelles disappearance: I hope God didnt allow this to happen because of Jonelle Matthews.. Thats why she complied when he demanded she never speak to her father again. Beginning in Hong Kong then spreading to Europe, the crash then hit the United States. When Steve Pankeys son was murdered in 2008, his ex-wife heard him say in front of the urn, I hope God didnt allow this to happen because of Jonelle Matthews.. I just thought she was a really nice woman who didnt seem to have any ax to grind. (WLBT/Gray News) - A Mississippi family is searching for answers about what happened to their son after his remains were found in three separate places.Attorney Ben Crump is now . Steven Dana . Critics say theyll make bias worse. But he was the father of her two children, she said, so taking the stand against him came with complications. However, seeing her sisters face led her to stop questioning Pankey. The best home improvement jobs deserve the best materials. The home where Pankey lived with his family at the time of Jonelle's disappearance, pictured, was two miles from her home. [22][23], On October 13, 2020, Pankey was indicted on charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping in Jonelle's death. According to the forensic report, Matthews cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head. This was a tragic end to her story, and was only discovered when her body was found decades after her disappearance. Within 100 hours, American ground troops declared Kuwait liberated. Walsh asked Weld District Judge Timothy Kerns to set a status hearing in about six months to give the defense time to review the evidence in the case. After McDonald decided to break things off with Pankey, an incident occurred between the two of them that led to the arrest of Pankey. The things that people take for granted, like opening up your own mail, listening to music, going for a drive in the car if you want to, or reading a newspaper or reading a book, you have no idea how much I value that after being in a relationship where those things were denied to me, Hicks said. It was very, very frightening.. Pankey is serving his sentence at the Bent County Correctional Facility in Las Animas, Colorado. He has lived in the Aurora/Southeast Denver Metro area since 1965 and is an expert Getting ready for a yard project? A status hearing was set for 1:30 p.m. May 3. A jury found Steve Pankey, 71, guilty Monday morning of false reporting, first-degree murder and second-degree kidnapping. Devin Booker sulked. I guess the main thing I can say is relief was what went through my mind when the guilty verdict was read, Hicks said. Although Pankey never directly knew the Matthews family, his fixation on the church only showed his intent and motive behind the alleged crimes because he was bitter after they excommunicated him, according to prosecutors. The number one reason was the person who killed Jonelle will finally pay for it. One of the star witnesses in this case, Steven Pankey's ex-wife Angela Hicks, testified about what she says she witnessed while married to Pankey. Although no physical evidence could connect him to the case, he became the prime suspect in 2019. It's official: Jamal Murray, Nuggets are in Phoenix's heads now. Offers may be subject to change without notice. The family took off in the early morning hours of Dec. 22, 1984, causing Hicks to pack in a rush and Pankey to dump the dogs. She never saw her pets again. "NorrisDrake, ladies and gentlemen, knew that the footprints were raked," Viorst told jurors. 00:58. [4] Steven Pankey was sentenced to life imprisonment on October 31, 2022, after his arrest in 2020. The selection changes often, but if you love good Buying or selling a home is the largest financial investment most people ever make. It was around six and a half years later, on December 20, 1984, that Jonelle vanished from her Greeley home. Angela Hicks, Pankeys then-wife, told police how he took her on an unexpected trip right after the girls disappearance and that he also dumped the family dogs before the trip. [19][20] The forensic report listed Jonelle's cause of death as "a gunshot wound to the head".[13][21]. On Monday, a jury found Steven Pankey . He left the church around June of 1978, and in the summer of that same year, Jonelles loving parents became a part of the congregation. But, I mean, all of that was put aside because you have to be fair to the defendant, Hicks said. After almost 38 years, the mystery of what happened to Jonelle Matthews on Dec. 20, 1984 has been put to rest. That wont be true in 2024. However, it was more than a year later, on October 13, 2020, that the police announced Pankey had been indicted on charges related to first-degree murder and kidnapping in Jonelle's death. Pankey's trial began on Thursday, October 14, 2021, ultimately ending in a mistrial on November 4, 2021, due to a hung jury. When it comes to landscape Did you know Your Butcher, Frank has super tasty delicatessen salads? She died from a single gunshot wound to the head, prosecutors said. Daily, over 337 million Europeans use the euro. Vous pouvez modifier vos choix tout moment en cliquant sur le lien Tableau de bord sur la vie prive prsent sur nos sites et dans nos applications. In the early morning hours the next day, the family left for their trip. "[13], Jennifer Mogensen, Jonelle's older sister, said her family experienced "some closure" when they learned that Jonelle was murdered and she considers Pankey's arrest "another gift to our family". [4] Steven Pankey was sentenced to life imprisonment on October 31, 2022, after his arrest in 2020. The defense filed a couple of motions that were briefly discussed Wednesday, including one regarding the release of juror information and another objecting to expanded media coverage, which was granted to certain media companies over the course of the trial to allow photographs, video and audio recordings. It wasnt true, but she had to convince him to stay away for his own protection, she said. He stopped her on news coverage about a 12-year-old who had gone missing from her Greeley home. Update, May 18: Two attorneys Jessica Brazil and Peter Harris have been appointed to represent Steve Pankey. Once Jonelles remains were discovered in 2019, the police accused and arrested Pankey for the murder. GREELEY A former longshot Idaho gubernatorial candidate was convicted Monday of kidnapping and killing a 12-year-old Greeley girl who went missing nearly 40 years ago. A jury found Steve Pankey, 71, guilty Monday morning of false reporting . " I was home with my then wife and my 5-year-old son.". I had no knowledge.". Pankey, Hicks and their family members joined together later that year on Aug. 6, to celebrate their sons life on what was supposed to be his 21st birthday. when he died at the age of 20. "They've got full SWAT gear on," Pankey said in an interview with CBS affiliate KMTV and he said, "they took my laptop, cell phones, they took a bunch of pics ", A year after authorities searched Steve Pankey's home, a grand jury handed down an eight-page indictment against Pankey on October 9, 2020. It didnt make sense to me his digging in the yard, Hicks said. After the last time Hicks spoke to Pankey in 2019, she never wanted to speak to him again. dvelopper et amliorer nos produits et services. Tune into Dateline on Feb. 17 at 9 p.m. EST on NBC for the full story. The name of that college is unknown. So, every day just seems like there is going to be something to hopefully look forward to or to do. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Now, the case has been put to rest thanks to the indictment of Steven Pankey, an Idaho . When we share what we know, together we discover more. [13] She also said that after their return, Pankey forced her to read to him newspaper articles concerning the case. However, it was more than a year later, on October 13, 2020, that the police announced Pankey had been indicted on charges related to first-degree murder and kidnapping in Jonelles death. Since, other sheep have been cloned as well as horses, pigs, deer, and bulls. Select "Add Memory" to share stories and photos. Do you really think I would hurt her when she looked so much like you? Pankey responded. The former neighbor of the Matthews family/ex-gubernatorial candidate has since been sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole, meaning he could presumably go free one day. Within about two weeks, Hicks received two or three of these files, she said. Despite this, he will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars for kidnapping and murdering a defenseless young girl who never had the chance to grow up. An optical flaw was found within weeks of launch but was fixed within three years. Jonelle Matthews was a 12-year-old American girl who disappeared near Greeley, Colorado, on December 20, 1984. He never shared that with me. [17], A chokecherry tree was planted in front of Franklin Middle School in memory of Jonelle. Pankey, who has maintained his innocence . Details on the Broadwater County Sheriff Shooters. Pankey repeatedly claimed to have knowledge of the crime and had asked "for immunity in exchange for information". Steve Pankey, who is accused of kidnapping and murdering Jonelle, is accused of watching Franklin Middle School children walk home from school in the Weld County Grand Jury's indictment of Pankey. The retrial of Steven Pankey is scheduled for October 4, 2022. The tree died after a few years and a plaque inscribed with Jonelle's name disappeared. She then learned Pankey had gone to multiple law enforcement agencies over the years. Along with the rake statements, Hicks said he mentioned in the same conversation something about a false bottom of the casket. He explained, according to Hicks, that people can hide another body inside a casket and law enforcement would never guess to look there.
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