John Hunter: No. The victims mother, Alison Steele, is at center right. The defense says that while Mark Howerton is no angel, he also isn't a killer. Peter Van Sant: Has your belief that your daughter was beaten in any way been changed by what was presented at trial? During cross-examination, defense attorney John Hunter grilled Jett Birchum about what he says he saw that day. Allison Steele: Not in the slightest. John Hunter: He had got the golden ticket. Once Howerton stepped out of the room, Officer Lewis went in. Nancy Kramer is the executive story editor. Peter Van Sant: The medical examiner says the cause of death is complications of blunt force face and head trauma and the manner of death is homicide. Your chance of being a victim of murder in Luling may be as high as 1 in 25,810 in the northwest neighborhoods, or as low as 1 in 31,901 in the southwest part of the city. Or, "Have you heard from her?" Ehrig says shes seen everything from flying dishes to dark shadowy figures, and even said her espresso machine glowed in the dark on one particular night. The processional ended at Luling's Eagle Memorial Stadium where Manning once played football. And he gives Cayley some, he gives me some. Luling is safer than 11% of the cities in the United States. This is moderately more dangerous than the rest of the United States, but still about average. Beats her to death in a rage-filled murder. ". The population was 5,080 at the 2000 census. And it looked like they were havin' an intense conversation. John Hunter: That's a very significant point in my mind. John Hunter: The idea that it was open-and-shut is a mistake. Luling, TX 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor Lexipol. The Haunted Cafe | Luling Ledger Cayley's mother Alison Steele and stepfather Lawrence Baitland were told there was no hope for recovery. The 2019 crime rate in Luling, TX is 233 (City-Data.com crime index), which is comparable to the U.S. average. I've never punched her no. Nowadays, its habitats, conservation and education. The only person who could counter Howerton's story was dead. The trial begins with prosecutor Alessandra Cranshaw's opening statement. I just had a bad feeling in the back of my head when she stopped snoring So, I looked over at her like "Cayley, Cayley." First published on September 19, 2020 / 11:07 PM. Here we are. Austin, TX 35 Austin, TX . Use our free directory to instantly connect with verified First Degree Murder attorneys. JETT BIRCHUM: Yes, sir. Luling, TX | Data USA Howerton was reportedly enraged, and he wasn't about to go away. Taylor Clement: The one of us like smiling at prom is my absolute favorite picture. He testified that he saw Howerton and Cayley "having an intense conversation" and Cayley "trying to create space" and "get away." 18 Year Old Texas Firefighter Shot & Killed According to our research of Texas and other state lists, there were 84 registered sex offenders living in Luling as of March 04, 2023. Father-in-law shot amid dispute between estranged couple in Luling - WDSU Right? It's frustrating that the jury doesn't know about it. Home Size. Mandadi was unresponsive when first responders saw her. But during the cross-examination, John Hunter challenges Dr. Dana's conclusions, suggesting it was the medical staff and not Mark Howerton who created much of that bruising. Next to John Hunter in court is Birchum's attorney. Peter Van Sant: Mistrial. And she did. It had been two long days since an unconscious Cayley Mandadi was life-flighted to Kyle, Texas. Then, three months later, her autopsy report was released. 2023 FOX Television Stations, Vigil being held for Caldwell County double-murder victims, Two people shot to death in Caldwell County, Austin man arrested in Caldwell County double murder, Luling residents pay respects to two murdered teens, Jesse Wilson: Adoptive mother arrested in boy's death in Arizona, Texas AFT unveils legislative priorities to retain teachers, help students, Rodeo Austin kicks off with annual BBQ cook off, Stillwater police shoot and kill 'active shooter' suspect, Kellyanne Conway, husband getting divorce, Watch: New video from Hubble space telescope captures asteroid-smashing debris from successful DART mission, South Carolina traffic stop leads to drivers brain tumor diagnosis, Girl Scouts victim of theft in South Austin; no girls injured, Dead woman found tied up, wrapped in tarp in abandoned Monroe County building, sources say, Austin Pets Alive! JOE GOODWIN: He breaks out a bag of Molly. Read on. Officials said more than 50 9mm cartridge cases were found on the scene. I knew how I wanted the place to feel, Ehrig said. ALESSANDRA CRANSHAW: Is that a skull fracture? Yeah. The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Luling is 69 to 1. And as the trial begins, John Hunter says he has evidence that will surprise the jury. Peter Van Sant: If you can undermine Dr. Dana, you can at least create reasonable doubt. And he said, "She can't talk right now," and then hung up the phone. The sterile, assembly-line service of caffeine slingers such as Starbucks is synonymous with coffee in America, but in a town like Luling (pop. (The US average is 35.4) NOTE: Click on the links below to see charts for each crime category. Read more about us. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. There will be no verdict. JOHN HUNTER: She had been worked on within an inch of her life. The couple partied heavily, drinking and taking MDMA, a drug known as Molly or ecstasy. He didn't try to commit suicide. "The community of Luling is very tight-knit, they're extraordinarily supportive of one another, they're definitely shepherding over this family and helping them through this difficult time, said Martin Ritchey, Homeland Security director for the Capitol Area of Governments. John Hunter: The impact, I think, can't be understated. JOHN HUNTER: And that differs from the testimony that you gave to the grand jury, doesn't it? Come on . The funeral came to a close with a final salute from twin rows of first responders. Mother's boyfriend arrested in Luling the week of boy's deadly beating It turns out he was on probation for a drug charge at the time of Cayley's death. Cayley told Birchum she would break up with Mark Howerton at the Mala Luna Music Festival. John Hunter: Exactly, it calls into question his credibility completely. But I want Cayley's story to be used to help other people. Lawrence Baitland: I describe him as a monster to people. People who live in Luling generally consider the southwest part of the city to be the safest for this type of crime. At first I just figured it was an old building, Ehrig said. In fact, Dr. Anderson tells the jury that Cayley's autopsy photos indicate her brain bleed may have been caused not by a beating, but perhaps by a fall at some point when she was not in Mark's car. Hunter and Vivek Jampala are defending Howerton. Authorities in Texas did not immediately suspect something may have been terribly wrong when police were first notified of an abandoned car on Salt Flat Road in Luling last week, The car belongs to 21-year-old Texas State University student Jason Landry, who has not been seen since last Sunday, when he left the San Marcos [] Get breaking news alerts in the FOX 7 Austin News app. MARK HOWERTON [police interview]: After we had sex, like she still talked to me for 5, 6, minutes afterwards That's when she was like, "I'm not feeling good," but then she just passed out. Mark Howerton initially cooperated with investigators, allowing police to search his Mercedes, where they found a gun and marijuana. In court, Morgan Sampson, Cayley's roommate, recounted a disturbing incident that happened just a few weeks before Cayley's death. Howerton, of Tyler, Texas, is accused in the death of 19-year-old Trinity University cheerleader Cayley Mandadi, of League City, Texas in October of 2017. At Cayley's desk, Alison Steele has tirelessly worked to turn her grief into action. Bryan Haynes was arrested for murder after telling others he shot two aliens dressed as firefighters, Duty Death: Klayton Manning Compare the best Second Degree Murder lawyers near Luling, TX today. There are things that I hold that I don't tell anybody. A bodycam image of Mark Howerton outside of Cayley Mandadi's Trinity University apartment after a neighbor called campus police. So, then we got in the vehicle. But the judge says it's too late to call the new witness. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. And then, just a few hours into jury deliberations, the defense receives a shocking phone call that could impact the outcome of the trial. Alison Steele: Hey, we're not done yet. Dr. Stanley Handshy was working in the emergency room at Edgar Davis Hospital in Luling when Howerton drove Mandadi to the ER on Oct. 29, 2017, after leaving the Mala Luna Music Festival in San Antonio. Former Luling, Texas Police Department Officer Guy Bruce identifies the suspect, Mark Philip Howerton, during his murder trial in the Bexar County 144th State District Court, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019. I mean you want her to be your best friend. John Hunter: Any time that your client doesn't go to prison, it's a victory, no matter what the facts are, no whatever what the circumstances. She told her ex-boyfriend, Jett Birchum, that she wanted to get back with him. ALESSANDRA CRANSHAW: Cayley is covered with bruises from head to toe I believe that you will have no reservations about finding this defendant guilty of the offense of murder. The defense says medical staff didn't see any on Cayley's face evidence, John Hunter claims, that Mark Howerton never punched her. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. Luling, TX Arrest Record Search. Luling, TX Murder Rates and Murder Maps | CrimeGrade.org He's here because the photos may implicate Birchum in serious crimes. Peter Van Sant: It questions his credibility. This is a carousel. Reader's comment : I enjoyed your piece on the Luling Bathhouse. I was arranging baskets in the back, and one of them flew across the room and hit me on my side, said Melissa Pullen, a waitress at the caf. Find Your Attorney. Details coming out of Texas indicate that last night, 1808 hours deputies responded to the 4400 block of Tenney Creek Road near Tilmon (SE of Austin) for a call of two subjects "down." When deputies arrived, they found two dead people, 18-year-old Volunteer Firefighter Klayton Manning and a male juvenile, Theresa Dawn Williams, 46 - Hondo, TX - Has Court or Arrest Records I think hes attached to her, Peck said. GoFundMe accounts have been set up to help families with funeral expenses. This is an oil town, and our patrons want fried chicken, Peck said. A Luling woman and her daughter were headed for breakfast when they passed directly in front of the city's Public Safety Headquarters and saw a man pull up behind a police car and shoot Detective. 26 acres lot. And then turn and walk away.". Friends and family created a memorial outside Luling High School to honor Manning, who had just graduated with the Class of 2020. She had no heartbeat, no pulse, no blood pressure, Handshy told the panel. What caused the injuries? Cayley Mandadi Case: Boyfriend Mark Howerton Charged With Murder But this is what had to be. JOHN HUNTER: No one saw anything that transpired between Mark Howerton and Cayley Mandadi that evening on the 29th. FOX 7 Austin was told that Manning wanted to be a firefighter in San Marcos. [Puts his hands in his lap.]. Are you happy? Here's this person. I went to coffee shops in San Marcos and Wimberly, and talked to the people who worked there.. Interactive chart of the Luling, Texas murder rate (i.e. "Did she fall out of an airplane? Of those, 35 were for violent crimes such as murder, rape, and robbery. Violent crimes in Luling are 118% higher than the national average. Produced by Chris Young Ritzen and Ted Gesing. We have a lot of mementos here , Peter Van Sant [pointing to words above Cayley's desk]: I love this saying, "You will forever be my always.". Theresa's ethnicity is unknown, whose political affiliation is currently a registered Democrat; and religious views are listed as unknown. That's a contusion. John Hunter | Defense attorney: I think that there were problems with her relationship with Jett. I researched old newspaper clippings, and spoke to one of the original Jacobs living sons, and he told me.. JOHN HUNTER [at bench]: We had no idea this person existed. Howerton said they then stopped at a Valero gas station parking lot where they had make-up sex. "He was the funniest kid ever, he'd light up the room he'd walk into. June 12, 2021 / 11:23 PM It was higher than in 74.8% U.S. cities. LOCKHART, Texas (KXAN) One man is dead and another was arrested after police said a road rage incident turned into a stabbing Thursday night. 3 bedrooms (16 homes) $245,115. 9. Now in the state of Texas, when someone between the ages of 18 to 64 goes missing, an emergency text will go out to the community. See the Story Ward 1 residents raise concerns at City Councilmeeting, City known for unique water towers gainsanother, City of Luling approves plat for newhotel. Shes crazy, she likes everything, Howerton said in the video. Lawrence Baitland: We didn't know if it would be quick. DR. WILLIAM ANDERSON: Three separate observers did not see any injuries to the facial area when she arrives at the emergency room. Howerton, of Tyler, Texas, is accused in the death of 19-year-old Trinity University cheerleader Cayley Mandadi, of League City, Texas in October of 2017. The Medical Examiner ruled that Cayley had died from blunt force face and head trauma. Manning served as a firefighter with the Southeast Caldwell County Volunteer Fire Department (SECCVFD), and had planned to attend the TEEX Fire Academy later this year held at Texas A&M University in College Station. I've shoved her. As Ehrig sat pouring over the restaurants finances one evening in her back-room office, she said she heard loud bangs originating in the main part of the shop, but could not find their source. I love coffee, so it just seemed like the thing to do.. CCSO arrested Bryan Haynes, 34, on charges of capital. Alison Steele: There is no doubt in our minds what happened. The blue suit. Murder. It's one of the most important features of the case. Soon after they arrived, Howerton told Goodwin he and Cayley were going to get drinks. And we need the system to work. Is the examiner wrong? Then, friend Dominique Hussain received an ominous Snapchat. Howerton, of Tyler, Texas, is accused in the death of 19-year-old Trinity University cheerleader Cayley Mandadi, of League City, Texas in October of 2017. ALISON STEELE [in front of audience giving speech]: CLEAR Alert, as you are going to see, is a game changer. This story originally aired on September 19, 2020. ALESSANDRA CRANSHAW: She was just starting out her life. Jett Birchum was a Trinity football player and fraternity brother. Debbie Peck, a waitress at the shop since it opened and longtime friend of Ehrigs, said staff and patrons grew more sure they were in the midst of a possible haunting as time went on. Lawrence Baitland: We all know as adults that that's just manipulation. Instead, Hunter says, Howerton was much more concerned about Cayley. Everyone saw it, Pullen said of one instance. Rebel Wilson says she was banned from Disneyland over a selfie. Visiting the museum and the mill is free, and tours can be reserved in advance by calling 512-227-1724. 2 bedrooms (5 homes) $164,790. Some of those friends now nervously wait to testify in the trial of the man charged with Cayley's murder, Mark Howerton. But their roadside sexual encounter turned rough very rough. He's a grade A predator. That's when Mark rushed Cayley to the nearest hospital. John Hunter: The treating physician at the Luling hospital approached this as a drug overdose. He also said Mandadis injuries easily could have occurred while doctors were trying to revive her. Peter Van Sant: The pictures could be picking up detail that had to do with the organ donation, and not a potential assault? At some point, Cayley stopped breathing. Luling City Market was founded by the Craig family in 1981 and has been family owned and operated for over 40 years, bringing the distinct Central Texas Barbeque style to the city. This isn't even my house. The violent crime rate in Luling is 844.2 per 100,000 people. See all La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Luling 184 from $67/night Best Western Plus Longhorn Inn & Suites 80 from $67/night The Ainsworth House Inn 42 But it's encouraging because if things don't work out, this is the kind of thing that might get the courts to pay attention. The funeral for both Manning and Robinson will be held Thursday, June 18 at the Luling Eagle Memorial Stadium at 10 a.m. It was hard to believe that just days before, things seemed to be going well for Cayley. Select the option or tab named Internet Options (Internet Explorer), Options (Firefox), Preferences (Safari) or Settings (Chrome). Cayley's neighbor, Caro Cortez, describes what she heard next door while Cayley was away. John Hunter: And she was finding herself spending a lot more time with Mark. Mandadi, a student at Trinity, was pronounced brain dead Oct. 30, 2017, and died Oct. 31 after she was removed from life support. We're gonna pick this back up again . Somewhere along the way, Howerton said they stopped at a Valero gas station and had rough make-up sex in the parking lot.. After saying that, Coach Dix presented Robinsons family with his jersey. It wasn't the post-mortem organ donation that did this to her. Now, he is covering Cayley's murder trial for Courthouse News. In addition, we also have 2 Animal Control Officers. Luling Zedler Mill Paddling Trail will . Luling is a city located in Caldwell County Texas.With a 2023 population of 5,656, it is the 377th largest city in Texas and the 6121st largest city in the United States. Some persons listed might no longer be registered sex offenders and others might have been added. A badly decomposed body found in the Guadalupe River last week has been identified as a 16-year-old from South Texas, hushing speculation that the body could have belonged to missing Texas State student Jason Landry.. Guadalupe County deputies were called out last week to an area on the Guadalupe River near Seguin, just 20 miles from Landry's last known whereabouts near Luling in central . and help to honor America's fallen firefighters. But Steele says it was typical "young" love and by sophomore year they were on again, off again. ALESSANDRA CRANSHAW: Now who answered when you FaceTimed Cayley? Mark Philip Howerton, 24, stands in the Bexar County 144th State District Court during the beginning of his murder trial, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019. Haynes is being held in the Caldwell County Jail with a $500,000 bond on a capital murder charge. At around 5:15 a.m., officers responded to a report of a shooting at a . Howerton pleaded not guilty to all the charges and was released on bail. Luling, TX is a small town in Central Texas once highly populated as an oil town. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Luling Police Department | Luling, TX - Official Website JOHN HUNTER: There is no evidence that Mr. Howerton caused this death at all. JOHN HUNTER: In a situation such as this, it's possible that someone sustained a minor head injury and by result of the MDMA it became a fatal condition? An emergency room doctor told a jury Tuesday that a 19-year-old Trinity University cheerleader was more dead than alive when her boyfriend brought her to a hospital on a Sunday night two years ago. It showed that Cayley died from blunt force face and head trauma, and labeled as a homicide. Earlier Tuesday, jurors heard an audio recording of Howerton and also saw a body camera video interview of him in which he tells officers that the couple argued after they left the music festival when Mandadi saw an ex-boyfriend there. When officers asked him if the sex was consensual, he said yes. TYLER, Texas (KETK) - Tyler police are investigating a double murder after a shooting at a LaQuinta hotel late Tuesday night. Lawrence Baitland: She never left the vehicle for 5 or 6 hours, you know? The state begins its case with paramedic Sharyl Lane, who was driving an ambulance up to the Luling hospital that night when a vehicle suddenly appeared in her rearview mirror. Lawrence Baitland: And then once he was trapped into that storyline, he repeated it for the grand jury as well. Friends say Howerton later smashed Cayley's laptop on the street. Source: Public Records Home Facts Friends and family are gathering to celebrate the lives of Southeast Caldwell County volunteer firefighter Klayton Manning and his cousin Landin Robinson. Luling homes for sale range from $12.9K - $7.58M with the avg price of a 2-bed single family home of $443K. She was snoring, like she was breathing, then she just stopped snoring, Howerton told officers on the video. Lynching of Nathan Bird March 7, 1902 By Lynching in Texas Staff City: Luling, Texas County: Caldwell County Race or Ethnicity of Victim: Black Gender of Victim: Male Age of Victim: 49 Alleged Crime: Protecting his son Manner of Death: Shot Source of Information: NAACP 30 Years of Lynching Images Map + Leaflet | OpenStreetMap | CartoDB