Grand Jury Convening?

[Researcher]

The Darkside/Planet Huff (which has excellent coverage along with "Riehlworldview") has a tip re possible Grand Jury which may involve at least one (Kevin) if not 2 of the skateboarders (Jesse Schultz):
http://www.planethuff.com/darkside/

Richmond Police Department's media spokesperson confirmed to me today that a grand jury was convening in the case of Taylor Behl's disappearance. I asked her if this was only related to Taylor's disappearance and not Ben Fawley's pornography charges. She confirmed that it was only related to Taylor.

The spokeswoman could not tell me anything more.

Richmond Police Department's media spokesperson confirmed to me today that a grand jury was convening in the case of Taylor Behl's disappearance. I asked her if this was only related to Taylor's disappearance and not Ben Fawley's pornography charges. She confirmed that it was only related to Taylor.

The spokeswoman could not tell me anything more.

Originally posted by MarilynB
Richmond Police Department's media spokesperson confirmed to me today that a grand jury was convening in the case of Taylor Behl's disappearance. I asked her if this was only related to Taylor's disappearance and not Ben Fawley's pornography charges. She confirmed that it was only related to Taylor.

The spokeswoman could not tell me anything more.

Find out if it's the Richmond Grand Jury or the Multi-Jurisdiction Grand Jury.

They have a couple of different functions.

If it's the Multi-Jurisdiction Grand Jury, they are largely investigative in nature and will subpoena evidence and witnesses. They also have the power to grant immunity for testimony.

Sounds to me like they have someone not cooperating with the investigation, but not enough information to formally call them a suspect and/or able to convince a judge to issue warrants or subpoenas.

[nibblet]

Well, if the skateboarders had something to do with the disappearance of Taylor then all I have to say is GOOD DOG CHESS for picking up that scent!

More information coming out about the skateboarders should be interesting. I still think Ben is involved somehow. If one day we find out Ben, for some reason, was not involved, guess what? He admitted having sex with a 17-year old so he will never be off the hook for inflicting damage to Taylor's well-being.

NBC just posted this -- perhaps someone can tell from the description which grand jury it is. Otherwise I'll call Richmond police tomorrow and find out for sure.

"The investigation into her disappearance began with campus police. Richmond police and the FBI then joined in. And now, sources tell News4 that there are plans to have a grand jury investigate the disappearance of the student.

The grand jury investigation will provide for interrogation by prosecutors, witness testimony under oath and penalties for those caught lying.

"The stakes are higher, and so you would think that the leads that come from a grand jury have more credibility than if it came simply from statements made to a police officer when somebody is not under penalty of perjury," said Steve Shannon, a Fairfax County prosecutor and member of the Virginia House of Delegates."

It gives me a good feeling that Richmond is not
wasting any time on this case. It does concern
me that VCU held on to it maybe too long though.
I saw Taylor's poster in a Sam's Club today and
on a bulletin board that is in the employee's lunch room of a very small nursing home on the East
coast. I am hoping and praying that she just decided to take off and try to figure out what she wants from life. Perhaps she felt close enough to
turning 18 that she went ahead and made the leap. Could she maybe have sold or likely traded her car for cash or other? Let's just hope so.

[nibblet]

Originally posted by Blades

Back at you Blades. Why don't you write something instead of rolling your eyes. I'm entitled to my opinion as are you and everyone on this board.

I just interviewed Kevin, the skateboarder and he will be testifying tomorrow in the brick court house on Marshall Street. Does anyone know if that address means that it is a particular grand jury?

Originally posted by MarilynB
I just interviewed Kevin, the skateboarder and he will be testifying tomorrow in the brick court house on Marshall Street. Does anyone know if that address means that it is a particular grand jury?

That would be the regular circuit court in Richmond.

Manchester Circuit Court (across the river) handles the Multi-Jurisdiction Grand Jury.

Sounds like they're working on an indictment, instead of just an investigation.

Well, it would seem it is the Multijurisdictional Grand Jury that will be investigating this.

I thought they only met on the Southside, but I guess they can meet anywhere they want. LOL

Times Dispatch Story

Looks like they're using it as an investigative tool, instead of looking at a particular suspect.

From the article:

Sources close to the case said the panel is not being convened with a specific suspect in mind. Rather, investigators hope that the legally binding nature of the proceeding will compel witnesses to answer questions they may not have willingly, or completely, answered during previous conversations with police.

"A lot of people are getting squirrelly on us," said one source close to the case. "The grand jury is an effective tool."

Another important aspect to look at in regards to the Multi-Jurisdiction Grand Jury is that it takes authorities from at least two different jurisdictions to have a case taken on by this Grand Jury.

I'm wondering if it's the FBI and the RPD, or if there is another jurisdiction that could be involved.

If one of the fine researchers can find out what jurisdictions filed the appropriate paperwork, it could give some insight to what's going on and possibly shed light on the breadth of the current investigation.