2019-11-26 - Kruger Murders - DA Update and Press Conference

After making everyone wait for at least twenty minutes after this thing was supposed to start, Cassidy finally arrives from a side entrance. She is clearly made up for public consumption. Her hair is neatly styled into golden waves that frame her delicate features just perfectly. There is a sheen to her hair that almost creates an angelic appearance. Tempering that femininity is an austere manner and dress. Her heather gray suit is well tailored but is not fitted to give any accentuation to her figure. Her blouse is buttons fully to just below the neck. Her blazer is fastened. If someone were looking for justice and found Cassidy she'd probably serve.

"Thank you all for coming," the Assistant District Attorney begins, giving solemnity to the proceedings. "I'm here to announce that this morning the Gray Harbor County District Attorney filed charges against Mitchell Jay, Buster Larry and Reuben Donovan for the murders that occurred at the Sea View Suites on September 13." She judges the reaction of the reporters and says, "You all know that and have been referring to it as the 'Kruger Murders Case'.

"What I would like to do today is first tell you what we have charged and the potential consequences of those charges, and then give you a snapshot of some of the evidence."

Cassidy looks down to her notes and lays down a disclaimer before she continues, "I will tell you upfront - and I will probably mention it again - this is an on-going investigation. We are in the middle, not the end. We do have enough information to file charges and that is what we will be discussing today."

"The charges that we have filed are the following: we have filed two counts of violation of penal code section 32.030 - that's murder in the first degree - against each of the three who have been arrested in connection to this case.

"We have also filed, against each, one count of violation of penal code section 28.040 - criminal conspiracy, as a Class A felony - conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree.

"Against Reuben Donovan is added one count of motor vehicle theft - which is 56.020 of the Washington State penal code."

Cassidy paces herself by needlessly turning a page in her little portfolio and taking a breath.

"If found guilty they will each face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. If further investigation finds that aggravating factors exist - which the DA's Office and the GHPD strongly believe to be the case - that maximum sentence becomes a mandatory sentence.

"As this case deals with a capital offense and potential aggravating factors, I will be asking that bail be denied the defendants."

Cassidy looks up and scans the faces of the reporters and looks along the row of cameras. "We'd like to tell you a little bit about the why for these charges and give you a snapshot - and it is just that, a snapshot - of the evidence in this case. I'll tell you now that there is still much we don't know and, as I said, the investigation is still on-going - especially as regards suspected aggravating factors."

"I will now let Captain De la Vega give you some idea of the evidence collected against the defendants and how the investigation will be moving forward. Then we will open it up for questions."

Cassidy's collects her portfolio and steps to the side and back, making room for Ruiz.

The police captain actually showed up on time for this little shindig, which is saying something, considering how much he had to drink the previous night. Did he remember he had a press conference to make an appearance at with Cassidy fucking Bennet? No. No, he did not.

He's kitted out in full uniform today: black short sleeve tee shirt under a heavy weight jacket with GRAY HARBOR POLICE emblazoned across the back in silver. Dark cargo pants, heavy duty boots and a very loaded weapon holstered in his rig. He adjusts the brim of the cap on his head slightly, and pushes off the wall he'd been holding up when the ADA calls him out to speak. Shouldering his way through the smattering of reporters and concerned citizens, he clears a path up to the podium fairly easily on account of people generally not wanting to get in the way of a heavily armed and brutish looking cop coming through. The pair of them, de la Vega and Bennet, make a compelling team; and he knows it. Who doesn't like a little cute blonde to soften the mean-looking captain?

"Given that this is an active investigation," he begins, "there's only so much I'm permitted to speak on. I can however say that the murder weapon has been recovered, and based on security footage we were able to surveil and subsequently apprehend Jay, Larry and Donovan on the grounds of reasonable suspicion to commit a felony. What we also know at this time is that Buster Larry allegedly was paid a sum of money to kill the Kruegers." He flinches away slightly at the burst of camera flashes that that statement prompts, and continues, "Rueben's testimony, combined with security footage collected as evidence, confirms that he stole the car that was used as transport to the crime scene, and Mitchell was the driver of the Bulldog Security truck after the murders were committed. As far as the remaining investigation goes, as Ms. Bennet said, we will be pursuing charges against these men, and then seeking to obtain search warrants against someone I can't yet name whom we believe to be heavily involved. We'll be looking into whether additional charges are warranted, once we have more information. Thank you." He looks to Cassidy, in case she has anything else, then waits for the inevitable questions from the clamour of reporters.

Cassidy collects some hair in tracing the circle around her ear and tucks those strands into place. With her free hand she motions to the press pool and opens it up for questions.

Jessica raises her hand, stands, and starts talking, loudly, before anyone else can get a question in - she seems well-practised at this. "Jessica Flores, Grey Harbor Gazette. You mentioned that these suspects were paid by someone to commit the crime. Someone you may not be able to name but have just warned. Or is that the purpose of this? To shake and see what falls out?" The purse of her lips suggests she would not be impressed if that were the case. "Can you tell us a little about the suspects? You noted that they were breaking parole, what were they in jail for previously?"

She can pretend to check notes as well, flicking through the pad she is writing on for a moment. "Bulldog Security. Isn't that associated with the company building the new casino that has been halted due to a case that was going to use the victims as prime witnesses?"

Cassidy steps forward again, settling beside Ruiz so she can be before the microphone. "The purpose is to inform the public of the investigation and the arrests.

"The suspects were not in violation of any outstanding parole. If they have any relevant rap sheet, I'll let Captain De La Vega discuss that, as well as any further insights he would care to share on how the investigation will be moving forward."

"Nothing relevant to this investigation," de la Vega offers, leaning in slightly to offer his piece. "And yes, I can confirm that Bulldog Security is associated with the casino, and that construction has been temporarily halted for reasons I would prefer not to speculate upon at this time. As I've mentioned, this is an active investigation, and due process must be followed."

"There are rumors that it was a professional hit. This trio seem a bit sloppy for that. And it's unusual that three people would be involved if it was professional." As if Jessica will stop asking questions. "And no criminal record at all?" A sage nod to this information. "Is this in anyway related to the group who attacked the casino recently?"

"We won't be addressing rumors, Ms. Flores, or characterizing the suspects as other than capable and motivated to commit this crime," Cassidy explains calmly. "As we've said: this is an on-going investigation."

The ADA looks over the crowd and selects the next reporter for questions....and so it goes....