He was within 20 minutes of getting on a plane for Tucson, Arizona, when he was arrested.. I wont tell you about my appointment. As a mom, I couldnt even begin to fathom knowing that your childs out there or not out there, Suhr told 20/20 in an exclusive interview. She said she feels some relief that Lucas won't be out on the street to manipulate any more women., Saxton hopes that people remember Kelsie Schelling as a little girl with a really big heart, a really big smile, a really big laugh, beautiful eyes, [and a] lover of animals, lover of children. They planned to meet but at the last minute, Wilkins told Saxton she was in the hospital and could not come. Lucas said they met up again the following morning and that he brought Schelling to Parkview Medical Center, where she went inside the hospital and emerged a short time later, saying Im not pregnant. In the following days, her parents and friends said Schellings texts continued to contain uncharacteristic punctuation and curt responses. The search for Tibbetts and the . Michelle Chostner prosecuted the case alongside senior prosecutor Kyle McCarthy, and Alex Baker, an Assistant Attorney General in the Colorado Attorney Generals Office. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Plus, a baggage claim sticker leads to an arrest after human remains were found in two suitcases on the side of a Denver road in December (30:07). That Saturday morning, Saxton said her whole world just unraveled., All of her friends started contacting us saying, We've been trying to reach Kelsie and we can't reach her, Saxton said. Its hard to explain, Torres said, Its definitely a person, emotional bond. The Oscars will air on ABC and can be streamed on ABC.com and the ABC app as well as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV or FuboTV. Her body has never been found. Then you can take her back home., Sara Lucas allegedly responded: What happened? and, Are you OK? to which Lucas responded, Yeah. Former FBI agent and ABC News contributor Brad Garrett said Marcus story aligns with how many other scams work. You ready for a smoke and a pancake?, Hell yeah. SearchWorks catalog "We're very thankful for this outcome, but in the end I didn't get Kelsey back, and that's what I wanted more than anything," said Schelling's mother, Laura Saxton shortly after the verdict was read. Suhr said Lucas had lied to police when he claimed he was with Schelling in her car after the evening of Feb. 4, 2013 -- he had moved her car himself, Suhr said. If its really what happened Im so sorry you had to go through that alone, Lucas said in a text to Schelling. Lucas said Schelling told him before she came to Pueblo that she was pregnant and had gone to a doctor for an ultrasound. A murder conviction without a body is an instance of a person being convicted of murder despite the absence of the victim's body. I knew once her car was found that something horrible had happened, because there's just no way that she would've gone somewhere and left her car, Saxton said. Colorado Bureau of Investigation's Forensic Scientist Collin Knaub takes the stand next and has worked for CBI since 2010. Saxton said she remembered asking investigators if these items were in the vehicle when it was recovered and she was told they were not. Just wait and see for yourself, Lucas allegedly says in the texts. That man, Donthe Lucas, was convicted for her murder and sentenced to life in prison on Monday. Some of Schellings close friends also testified that Lucas was abusive. She said she doesn't have her phone, and she said she'll be getting ahold of you.. -- It's been over eight years since Laura Saxton's 21-year-old pregnant daughter Kelsie Schelling vanished. Hours later she vanished. Binet asked Lucas if there was any chance Schelling might have left her phone with him. Watch the full story on "20/20" FRIDAY at 9 p.m. Lucas had pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges. In an intake questionnaire at the doctor, Tatesaid there was a question asking whether the respondent hasone sexual partner or many. The homicide trial of Donthe Lucas, accused of first-degree murder in the 2013 disappearance of his pregnant girlfriend, Kelsie Schelling, resumed Monday with the testimony of Colorado Bureau. He said theyd spoken early that morning when Schelling arrived in Pueblo and their interactions continued through the following morning. Next on the witness stand was Kathleen Tate, a medical doctor who handled Schellings original OBGYN visit on Feb. 4. Warner Bros. Entertainment | -- It's been over eight years since Laura Saxton's 21-year-old pregnant daughter Kelsie Schelling vanished. Jury finds Donthe Lucas guilty of first-degree murder in death of Donthe Lucas was charged with killing his 21-year-old girlfriend, Kelsie Schelling, who was pregnant at the time. Follow below: 4 p.m.: In a bombshell revelation, prosecutors called a former Pueblo County Jail inmate who claims that Donthe Lucas said investigators would never find Kelsie Schelling's body. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. / CBS Colorado. She did say that he called once from jail, but they ultimately never spoke again. She'd driven down from Denver to Pueblo to meet her boyfriend Donthe Lucas, who had. Lucas said Schelling then dropped him off at his house and left. When all this got combined with Donthes former home catching fire just weeks after officers searched it for evidence, he was charged and arrested for his former girlfriends mysterious murder. She drove to Pueblo that night to meet him, explaining that he had told her to come. In February 2013, Kelsie Schelling was very happy to find out she was eight weeks pregnant, according to ABC News. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Lucas, according to Torres, directs her to go to Walmart. 1 In February 2013, Kelsie Schelling was very happy to find out she was eight weeks pregnant, according to ABC News. Eric Bravo said. There were some clothes, Kelsies car, and the defendants backyard, but the key pieces of evidence were cell phone data. However, even when the two moved away to pursue their respective careers, they continued dating up until the moment Kelsie disappeared. Im very grateful that our paths crossed and God took us to this moment.. Binet asked Lucas if he had any idea where Schelling might be, to which Lucas replied: Honestly, Im not too sure. Laura Saxton, Schelling's mom, took the stand again and testified that Schelling's car was never in California. The defense argued it was a missing persons case. Updated June 10, 2022 ABC's '20/20: Kelsie Schelling,' as the title suggests, is an episode that chronicles the 2013 disappearance and murder of 21-year-old Kelsie Schelling from Denver, Colorado. But at 11:10 p.m., Lucas had still not arrived at Walmart. Donthe Lucas claims Kelsie Schelling's father killed her - KKTV Using cell phone data from Lucas and Schellings phones, the prosecution believes both phones were in the same location as the texts were being exchanged. I never was.. I lied from the jump. Lucas also told police that he and Schelling went to the Walmart to get snacks before she made the drive back to Denver. She had just seen her unborn child on an ultrasound, and she sent that photo to her on-again/off-again boyfriend. She texts him at 11:18 p.m., saying she has arrived at the meeting spot. "20/20" Finding Kelsie (TV Episode 2021) - IMDb You dont have to marry me. Her mother, Laura Saxton, also knew about their tumultuous alliance. The defense also had Walker confirm that she could not tell the jury whether the trends she discussed were present in Lucas and Schellings relationship and could not say if any specific acts of domestic violence took place between them. During the interview, Lucas admitted to moving Schelling's car specifically, driving it from the Walmart where they were supposed to meet to a nearby medical center where it was later found. Donthe Lucas. She also informed us that Donthe admitted to her to being the one on the video dropping Kelsie's car off at [the] hospital.. In May 2016, just after 20/20 covered Schellings case, Pueblo Police Capt. Torres detailed a text from Lucas to Schelling just before noon that said, Um, yeah you can if you werent scared to get fired. Text messages show he first instructed her to go to a specific Walmart on the south side of town. 3 p.m.: Laura Saxton, Kelsie Schelling's mother, recalled the last time she saw her daughter, which was eight years ago as of Tuesday. How to Build a State? Emmanuel Chandler was arrested for Martinez's death. I moved the car, Chostner said. Disturbing Details About Kelsie Schelling's Partner And Murderer Sinnema said Lucas told him that Schelling returned later that morning, again to discuss their relationship. It was the most emotional moment in the courtroom today by far, watching a mother look at these remnants of her daughter. Kelsie Schelling's mom opens up about guilty verdict in daughter's And even if it's not the answer I wanted, the community heard it and they know what happened., The jury reached a unanimous decision on their first vote, a juror later revealed to 20/20.. There was no deals like that.. Petrvvajc zhada epizoda 4. sezna 4. However, 20/20 learned that in March 2013, a woman named Roxann Wilkins reached out to Schellings mother through the Facebook page, saying she used to date Lucas and he had confessed to her that he killed Schelling and where her body was. From the moment she realized Schelling was missing, Saxton led the fight to find her daughter. KRDO NewsChannel 13 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation. I will support you whether Donthe is in the picture or not in the picture. Donthe Lucas convicted of murder in death of Kelsie Schelling We also spoke to Martinez's cousin exclusively. Romantic interest of Lucas' retakes stand: Lauren Suhr, who now lives in Washington but lived in Colorado Springs in April 2016, took the stand virtually again Wednesday morning. Kelsie Schelling Disappearance 2020 Update | Westword We received the information from the Pueblo landfill that there was some video evidence of a vehicle being there. Leave me alone, Lucas said. The theory would explain the lack of a murder weapon. I have no idea about no Megan or no kidnapping or anything like that, the man told 20/20. I had no clue anybody was supposed to be exchanging nothing for a human being If I did know, I would not have been involved in this situation.. Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. Dont text me. Yet, there was still someone else who said Lucas had confessed vital information: Lauren Suhr. Kelsey Ann Smith (May 3, 1989 - June 2, 2007) was an Overland Park, Kansas teenager who disappeared on June 2, 2007 and was murdered that evening. The defense in Lucas' trial rested on Monday without calling any witnesses. Her beloved daughter disappeared less than two weeks before her 22nd birthday on February 4, 2013. When the time came, Saxton even took the stand against her daughters killer. Kelsie Schelling Murder Trail Guilty Verdict Update | Westword Suspect in death of woman scheduled to testify in Kelsie Schelling Suspecting foul play, police accelerated the investigation. The prosecution argued that Lucas didnt want his pregnant girlfriend to have their unborn baby, so he plotted and killed her before it could happen. ABC 20/20: Mom fights to bring pregnant daughter Kelsie Schelling's Schelling goes to work that evening and she and Lucas continue to argue over text. Privacy Policy | On the day she reportedly disappeared, GPS on her phone showed it traveled to the same location in Pueblo as Lucas' phone. Schelling replied that she did want Lucas to accompany her to the doctor until I realized thats the last place you wanted to be.. PUEBLO, Colo. (KDVR) After numerous delays in the trial of the man accused of killing Kelsie Schelling in 2013, Donthe Lucas was found guilty by a jury in in a Pueblo courtroom. No blood was detected in #Schelling's car. Saxton testified that she wasn't happy with the Pueblo Police Department's investigation, saying they weren't willing to coordinate with her on searches to try and find Kelsie. As freshmen, while she was a psychology student, he was an athlete who dreamed of being a professional basketball player. It was years before he went to trial for Schellings murder. Lucas told Binet he and Schelling had not been on the best terms in recent months, as they wanted different things. But Lucas claimed when they spoke later, Schelling ended up telling me shes not pregnant. Trace #DNA of #Lucas was found inside a pair of gloves and two sweatshirts. The Economic Update with Tatiana Bailey Ph. Kelsie Schelling wouldve turned 30 this year. Feb. 4, 2013, was the last time Schelling was seen. . ABC 20/20: Mom fights to bring pregnant daughter Kelsie Schelling's KELSIE SCHELLING: Donthe Lucas found guilty in murder trial for death There are no cameras allowed in the building and no live reporting from the courthouse. Suhr said she always knew what she was doing, trying to gather information about Schelling, and never fell in love with Lucas. Silly, she was so silly., I miss being silly with her, Saxton added. Severe Weather You couldn't see what kind of vehicle, you couldn't tell who was in the car, Pueblo police Capt. Just had to make sure I was right. He said that Schelling had called him early that morning from a private number and said he told Schelling she needed to get in touch with her family members because they were worried about her. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. In this week's True Crime Daily Podcast: An update to the Colorado cold case murder of missing pregnant woman Kelsie Schelling (1:50). This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Morning Forecast After years of waiting for him to go on trial for her disappearance, the disturbing details about Schelling's relationship with Lucas were finally revealed more than eight years later during a Colorado court trial in 2021, with Lucas charged with her murder. Lauren Suhr, a young single mother who didnt know Kelsie Schelling or her family, was so moved by Schellings story that she decided she would try to get information on Schelling, on her own initiative, from Donthe Lucas. We wanna bring her home with us, her and Cadry both. "Kelsie Schelling was feloniously killed when Donthe Lucas committed first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or manslaughter against Kelsie and Sara Lucas and Lucas acted as. There was no sign of her in the apartment, and that's when we called the Denver police.. Lucas also admitted to Suhr that he was the person seen in the Walmart surveillance footage and that he moved the car to St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center. In partnership with I didn't want to get in any deeper than I had already gotten into.. Though it might have taken four years for Donthe Lucas to be arrested and charged for the murder of Kelsie Schelling in December 2017, there were a number of observations made by those who knew the couple that raised a few flags. Nevertheless, after just three hours of deliberation, on March 8, 2021, a 12-member jury found him guilty of first-degree murder, and the judge sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole. His book charts the interlinked ontology and theory of subjectivity constructed by iek at the intersection of German idealism and Lacanian theory. Wish you would have told me you knew it was very likely to happen so I could be prepared. In most scams, they're compartmentalized, Garrett said. According to her, Schelling had gotten confirmation of her pregnancy on the day she disappeared. Lucas claimed he and Schelling then went to the South Side Walmart so Schelling could grab some snacks before driving back to Denver. Moreover, only a day earlier in Denver, Schelling's doctor had told her that the baby was healthy. Kelsie Schelling: Found or Missing? Is She Alive or Dead? - The Cinemaholic On February 4, 2013, Schelling went to a local Walmart in the town of Pueblo, Colorado, where she planned to meet up with Lucas and tell him about her new pregnancy but according to interview footage taken in 2017, Lucas told investigators that the night had taken a different turn (via Fox 21 News). They alleged that when she left Lucas at the Walmart, she was going to meet up with a drug dealer. Born February 18, 1991, the 21-year-old from Denver, Colorado, was eight weeks pregnant when she decided to visit her boyfriend, Donthe Lucas, at the Home of Heroes in Pueblo. But soon, Kelsie started confiding in her friends that her boyfriend was physically abusive and exhibited other toxic behavioral traits. From the. Its really hard to find words to use for it, because its so awful. In cross-examination, Lucas attorneys sought to discredit Walkers testimony by pointing out she has testified for prosecutorial bodies about trends in domestic violence more than 75 times in the past, and only testified on behalf of the defense in one prior case. Donthe Lucas in court for Kelsie Schelling's murder. Dont worry. You probably wouldnt believe me if I told you anyway so you can see for yourself.. She questioned her daughters boyfriend Donthe Lucas on the phone herself, organized community searches as the case went cold and followed up on leads through the Help Find Kelsie Facebook page -- including one that claimed the young expectant mother was still alive. At 9:56 p.m., she texts again, saying, Almost there. Chostner says there was more evidence to work with in 2017 versus 2013, and enough that gave him the confidence to press charges. New5's Colette Bordelon reports that the District Attorney has confirmed that Martinez was going to testify for the prosecution this week that Lucas confessed to her that he killed Schelling. In the texts, Lucas implies Schelling had asked him to come to her OBGYN appointment the following day the day of her disappearance saying he wanted to go with her and noting it seemed like Schelling wanted him to go. And even though investigators were unable to locate her body or a crime scene, by late 2017, they had managed to gather enough evidence to charge Donthe for her murder. Though it was likely frustrating and painful for Kelsies family, he believes it led to a successful conviction. Eight years after his girlfriend went missing, a Colorado man has been convicted of first-degree murder in her death. They found out that hed withdrawn $400 from her bank account. [He said] that [she] was his best friend and he had nothing to do with it, and then he would just shut down and start crying hysterically and get upset, Suhr said. Geo resource failed to load. I mean, it's a sad story. For years, Donthe maintained that he had nothing to do with Kelsies disappearance and had no idea where she could be. March 3 Fugitive Finder: Pueblos most wanted, Increase in Shigella cases, drug-resistant infections, Remembrance ceremony for Divide woman missing since, Disneyland fan sets record for most consecutive, Biden had cancerous lesion removed, no further treatment, Brothers convicted of killing groom hours after wedding, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. During the trial, investigators had revealed troubling information about Schellings possible whereabouts. I plan to make things work. @KOAA. Police decided then that they would write an arrest warrant for the robbery to catch him before he left town. Schelling, and Hegel. Some of her friends testified to the physical abuse, and cell phone data showed Kelsies phone was in the same area as her killers in the days after authorities believed she had been killed. The defense pushed a narrative that Schelling was addicted to drugs. Circumstantial and forensic evidence are prominen Ive been here over an hour just waiting., Schelling didnt show up to work on Feb. 5, and a worried co-worker tried calling her. 21-year-old Kelsie Schelling was two months pregnant when she drove from Denver to Pueblo to see her former boyfriend Donthe Lucas. Circumstantial evidence is every bit as good as any other kind of evidence, said Jeff Chostner, the district attorney for Pueblo County, We were able to put this case together through circumstantial evidence. Shortly before noon, other texts are exchanged between Lucas and Schellings phones, which the prosecution alleges were not actually sent by Schelling. Apart from that, there is also CCTV footage that shows him driving Kelsies car and withdrawing $400 from her bank account the morning after she vanished. He just says, If I hear from her, I'll let you know, Saxton said. Watch 20/20 Season 43 Episode 19 Finding Kelsie Online - ABC Schelling, 21, went missing in 2013 after driving from Denver to Pueblo to see Lucas. DENVER - A Pueblo County jury found Donthe Lucas guilty Monday of first-degree murder in the 2013 death of his girlfriend, Kelsie Schelling, after just a few hours of deliberations. Months turned to years without answers. Text messages showed the emotionally abusive relationship Kelsie was in. Though they have strong suspicions thats where Kelsie Schelling is, authorities say it would be next to impossible to conduct a systematic search of the landfill for her remains. I've been here over an hour just waiting." Schelling didn't show up to work on Feb. 5, and a worried co-worker tried calling her. After Torres, the prosecution called to the stand Jennifer Walker, the executive director of the Crisis Center a nonprofit organization in Douglas County that address domestic violence. He told her that he and Schelling would do drugs together, like cocaine. Are you still coming (down to Pueblo) after work? Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Colette Bordelon reports that the District Attorney has confirmed to her that Martinez was going to testify for the prosecution this week that Lucas confessed to her that he killed Schelling. Court rules state that no outside communication can happen inside the courtroom, but we will update this article with new details when they're available. Im sorry for hanging up on you … I truly am. The Pueblo landfill said there was evidence of a car at the dump and Lucas' cell phone data suggest he could have been there the night of Feb. 4, 2013. Once the money was exchanged, then this courier person would go and get Kelsie and bring her back to the McDonalds, Saxton said of the instructions she received. Laura Saxton Her last confirmed text message was sent to Lucas at 11:18 p.m. There's no body, no murder weapon, no crime scene. Sinnema said he spoke to Lucas that evening and Lucas told him Schelling had come to see him in the early morning hours of Feb. 5. Binet said yes, but noted while an individual wanting to disappear might try not to leave a trail, they are most often not very successful.. However, Kadie, Megan Lancasters sister-in-law, did make her meeting. @KOAA, Kelsie Schelling's mother is called to the stand again. I never want to give up on trying to bring her home. she said. However McCarthy said, there was no deals made about charges he would get to plead to, time he would get to serve. Kelsie's mother Laura Saxton can barely hold back the tears. 20/20 was there when Marcus went to collect the cash in 2015 -- with Lancaster and an undercover reporter using a hidden camera and microphone. Her last confirmed text message was sent to Lucas at 11:18 p.m. On Monday, he was sentenced to life in prison. Su gemela permanece en grave estado, Ahora puedes vivir en un crucero por US$ 30.000 por ao. However, due to technical difficulties, nobody in the public or the reporters pool could see or hear what was said or asked. Investigators have said he took $400 out of her account on that day. The 21-year-old from Colorado had already announced to family and friends. Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link. Schelling didnt show up to work on Feb. 5, and her worried co-worker Savannah Heggie tried calling her. What if she is still out there somewhere? Saxton said. The jury convicted Lucas after approximately four hours of deliberation. Its getting harder to come back, I dread the trips but I know I have to do it, she said. I love you very much and you know it. Eric Bravo took over the case with the help of Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) agent Kevin Torres. Well, there certainly were evidentiary problems, Chostner said. In cross examination, Tameler asked Binet if, in his time with the missing and exploited persons unit, hed encountered people who intentionally disappeared to get away from their lives, and if such people tend to make sure they dont leave indicators to where they might be going. So-called jailhouse snitches are often considered to be not credible as jurors often ask what that witness may have received in return for testifying. Now that she is gone, Ive had to turn into a fighter, Saxton told 20/20.. Kelsie Schelling disappeared after driving down from Denver to Pueblo on February 4th, 2013. Schelling tells Lucas at 11:21 a.m. that shes finished her appointment. ABCs 20/20: Kelsie Schelling, as the title suggests, is an episode that chronicles the 2013 disappearance and murder of 21-year-old Kelsie Schelling from Denver, Colorado. Apparently she had a miscarriage yesterday.. We know that that's his thoughts and feelings about it. I just thought, What if shes been out there and I couldve found her and we havent?. During the holiday season in 2012, Schelling surprised her family with news that she was pregnant. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. I know that that is a long shot than anybody [sic] would even try to help us with that., Saxton said the thought of her daughters body being left there is just the worst possibility to me, because he discarded her like garbage. He said Lucas confessed to the killing. She said based on her evaluation, Schelling was, in fact, pregnant at the time of her disappearance. Torres said in the surveillance video showing the cash withdrawal, Schelling cannot be seen in the vehicle.