They had to wait a little more than two years until October 2021, for this moment: opening statements in the trial of Steven Pankey. Asked by Miller if there was physical abuse in her relationship with Pankey, Hicks answered yes. His now ex-wife, Angela Hicks, took the stand on Monday afternoon. When Pankey was near the urn, Sakulenzki recalled he said something, but she didnt remember the exact words he used. During the tense moment in the courtroom, Hicks said Viorsts commentary in the ViacomCBS 48 Hours program that aired in March sounded shady and rubbed her the wrong way. Officers told Hicks that Pankey was the one who claimed to have information involving Jonelles disappearance but refused to give the police anything until they gave him immunity, she said. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Greeley Mayor John Gates was on the witness list. Jim Matthews: You have to go on with life. Hicks reported that was the only time she saw that much emotion from Pankey, as he kneeled down to kiss the urn. He said his mother allegedly said multiple sets of shoe prints, which belonged to kids who came to kidnap Jonelle, were found in the backyard of the home. We just had a big group of friends. Viorst claims that he is Jonelle's killer. Prior to appearing in court Wednesday, Yost informed Viorst she had no desire to testify and felt like she didnt have anything to say that would make a difference in this case. Brett Kavanaugh, associate justice of the US's Supreme Court, has been serving in th Former CIA officer Matt Castelli is running for Congress in the NY-21 district. His father was a Youth for Christ leader, and Pankey claimedthat he came from a family with a long history of Who killed Jonelle Matthews? What her suspected killer Steve He faces two first-degree murder charges, two violent crime charges, and one second-degree kidnapping charge. On October 12, 2020 Steven Pankey was arrested for the nearly 35-year-old kidnapping and murder of 12-year-old Jonelle Matthews. Patti Aronofsky is the senior producer. It's exhausting. STEVEN PANKEY: In the little jail cubicle before coming up here, I was praying and I was thinking, God, maybe I shouldn't testify Because I'd be just telling more lies. DA ROBERT MILLER: How long were you driving as you flipped stations looking for news stories about Jonelle Matthews? On July 4, 2008, the couples youngest son, Carl, was murdered at age 20, and their family came together to celebrate his life with a memorial service. I'm telling you everything I know." Hicks had no recollection of Pankey being away the night Jonelle went missing or that night being different from other nights since her husband would come home anytime between 4-11 p.m. on most days, Hicks told Viorst. Richard Schlesinger: Do you believe that he was a threat to children in that church? Viorst will bring in new witnesses Thursday. ANGELA HICKS: He wanted me to read each article out loud to him. DA ROBERT MILLER: Describe what happens on December 21 at your house. Pankey is a person of interest in a cold case homicide out of If Pankey didn't kill Jonelle Matthews, then who did? Who is Steve Pankey He was suspicious of people and felt like everyone was always out to get him to the point where his dad made him go on walks to stop being so paranoid. In this article, we will look at the details of Ferdinand Marcos' first wife, Carmen Ortega, and his children. ANTHONY VIORST: Norris Drake had an interest in young girls who had recently reached puberty, exactly what Jonelle was, exactly. A group of Greeley residents worked hard to keep Jonelle's story alive. But denied he was obsessed with the news. STEVE PANKEY [to KMVT]: I contacted the FBI. STEVE PANKEY [to KMVT]: They've got full SWAT gear on. Pankey was even unaware of the gender and names of her children, according to a statement he made in January 2021, Miller said. Anthony Viorst: So, here's what I'll say It's our position that it was divulged by law enforcement. The detectives then left. Viorst questioned how Drake knew about Jonelles disappearance that morning, with it being unlikely he contacted his mother after leaving her house that night or before coming upstairs the following morning. Daviet further testified that Norris told her about a scenario he thought might have happened to Jonelle. Then she saw Hicks reaction to what Pankey said, and according to Sakulenzki, Hicks face was shocked and had a look that said, Drop it.. Kelly Werthmann: I mean, as a reporter, you start lookin' around tryin' to do some searching of who this person is. We're leaving before daylight tomorrow morning to go to Big Bear for Christmas.". Mitch McConnell is a U.S. Senate Republican Leader. Kelly Werthmann: I think it's, it's her word against his. Pankey became a suspect in Jonelles murder the same year her remains were discovered, after Greeley police investigators took steps to modernize the case. We were very involved in our church. The selection changes often, but if you love good Buying or selling a home is the largest financial investment most people ever make. that told me that I'd been named as a person of interest in this case by Mr. Pankey. Mr. Pankey wanted to be a person of interest. And this week, the authorities announced that Steven D. Pankey, 69, a former Greeley resident who now lives in Idaho, had been indicted on Friday on charges of first But Jonelle's family and friends could only attract that kind of attention for so long. And there was something odd about them. The search, Pankey said, came about a month after he gave police a DNA sample. STEVEN PANKEY: In the little jail cubicle before coming up here, I was praying and I was thinking, God, maybe I shouldn't testify Because I'd be just telling more lies. Greeley Mayor and former police officer John Gates knew Steven Pankey, and says he was not considered a person of interest in the early days when Jonelle first disappeared. After prosecutors finished up their direct examination of Pankeys ex-wife Angela Hicks, defense attorney Anthony Viorst had his chance to speak with the witness on Tuesday. Pankey was home with his family when Jonelle went missing, Viorst said, and he did not own a gun at the time. Olson said they found no criminatory evidence.. The interviewer in the 1989 video of Drake also addressed past comments reportedly made by him, these included that he knew Jonelle and noticed she was maturing. Additionally, she contacted friends with the Englewood police about the case a few weeks after her disappearance. Mark said he spent time with his dad at least once per week before his arrest in 2020. As the trial proceeded, Viorst questioned Hicks about the amount of cars the family had over the years, as well as how many guns Pankey had in his possession. Once back in Greeley, she says Pankey drove right past their house, straight to the grocery store, where he made her buy the local papers and search for news about Jonelle. Owner of Andersens Sales & Salvage for 62 years, Kenny Andersen took the stand to testify about a customer who was causing problems at his establishment in the mid-1980s. Pankey, a 2014 Constitution Party candidate for governor who also ran in the 2018 Republican primary, disclosed the investigation this week in interviews with the Idaho Statesman. Norris Drake died in 2007, but many thought Viorst's theory about him helped Pankey's case. How Many Games Are Played In The First Round Of The NHL Playoffs. "One lie leads to another.". The detective said there was very little record of the investigation. Despite 9:30 p.m. being the time Jonelles father arrived home to discover his daughter missing, Viorst indicated Drake could have left earlier than his mother reported. In response, Mark testified his father did not change and their relationship remained the same. Like that story he once told law enforcement about his father-in-law. He doesnt talk much about his mother, but generally gives the impression that he was raised in a very religious family. Anthony Viorst: There's no physical evidence whatsoever to connect Mr. Pankey to this crime. Richard Schlesinger: He wanted to run against a fellow church member? But over the years there was even more strange behavior, moments that, authorities believe add up to circumstantial evidence. but he took her he shot her. Richard Schlesinger: Well, at some point, your your name came outta that bucket of bizarre. I just wanted to not be married to him anymore, she said. She just loves the whole festivities of Christmas. Pankey made an unusual witness in his own defense. He lost, but Pankey still wanted to be sheriff somewhere. Has anyone considered Steve Pankey as His mother and sister lived across the street from the Matthews home, and he was at his mother's house the night Jonelle was taken. He has lived in the Aurora/Southeast Denver Metro area since 1965 and is an expert Getting ready for a yard project? Richard Schlesinger: You'd be the last people to whom something like this would happen, I would think. In the years after Jonelle disappeared, Drake was arrested on multiple unrelated misdemeanor charges. On the night Jonelle vanished, Drake was unaccounted for for several hours. And then on July 23, 2019, nearly 35 years after Jonelle's disappearance, police finally had that breaking news to share. Steven Pankey Indictment in Jonelle Matthews Murder Update Anthony Viorst: Well, here's what I'll say, Richard. Pankey said two Greeley detectives came to his condo around Aug. 15 and asked to interview him, but he told them that he would speak to them only if his attorney was present. STEVEN PANKEY: one lie leads to another. Although, later in life, Pankey started collecting guns, including an older gun given to him by his sister, Teri Barr. After being charged, he left the position. Just like that, Darla lost her childhood friend. And he said, no, not to his knowledge. The former Colorado man ran for governor in Idaho three times, losing in the primary elections. Who Is Steven Pankey Son Carl Pankey? Verdict And Update On Steven Pankey Part 2 Pankey said he wants his story to be heard in case he is arrested. So, I might be a little more cynical than the average person. And furthermore, Viorst told the jury that Pankey wasn't the only person who knew about those raked footprints. As Pankey faces conviction, Viorst argues there is evidence that points to Drake, who is now deceased, as the culprit in kidnapping and killing Jonelle. Steve Pankey and Angela Hicks' son, Carl, was murdered in 2008. Olsons suspicions arose because this information was referred to as hold-back evidence or controlled evidence, meaning investigators decided not to release it to the media or public as a way to narrow down suspects. Steve Pankey In her testimony, Hicks said she was unsure if the car functioned. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Kelly Werthmann: This was a moment that this community had been waiting for a long time. Around that same time, Steven Pankey, his young son and his wife, who was pregnant with their second son, also left Greeley. That night, Daviet and her brother Dave were home, while Drake borrowed Daves truck to go to his mothers house. The Pankey family bounced around from of course, you know, you think that's terrible, but lots of kids go missing, you know. During Statler's testimony, he indicated he received a call from Pankey three weeks after Jonelle's disappearance. Richard Schlesinger: I'm sorry, did you say an exorcism? WebWhat happened to Steve Pankey son? Anthony Viorst: I don't like to divulge my defense, you know, on national television but I don't think it's going to be any surprise when I tell you that they've got no motive whatsoever for this crime there's absolutely no indication Mr. Pankey knew this girl knew where she lived had any desire to kill her. In September 2019, just weeks after discovering the remains of 12-year-old Jonelle Matthews, the case that had been so cold for so long quickly heated up. Produced by Judy Rybak. 48 Hours: Who Killed Jonelle Matthews In 1984? - CBS Colorado At the time, Pankey and his former wife lived about 2 miles away. She recalled Pankey had a change of heart about Christy after Pankey was asked to leave the church. yes, I remember meeting him. By He was called to the scene. Pankey was seen in what was described by multiple witnesses as an orange-red vehicle over the years. Pankey told KMVT that he shared the information with the FBI, because he feared that somehow someone might be trying to implicate him in Jonelle's murder. Steve Pankey allegedly killed a 14-year-old girl from Greeley, Colorado in 1984. Richard Schlesinger: What do you think happened to your sister? They made headlines. BOISE (Idaho Statesman) A former candidate for Idaho governor says he is under investigation in the killing of a 12-year-old girl in Colorado 35 years ago. After hearing testimony from multiple witnesses, Steven Pankey took the stand. He mentioned Jonelle in a speech about missing children. ANGELA HICKS: He said, "get us ready to go. Anthony Viorst: It's not a good way. Jim Matthews: The number one interrogator west of the Mississippi. Hicks confirmed nothing was ever found on their property after law enforcement searched where Pankey was digging in their yard. Sakulenzki was the last to testify Tuesday. STEVE PANKEY [to KMVT]: I heard that a girl was missing from Greeley, Colorado. Greeley Mayor and former police officer John Gates knew Steven Pankey, and says he was not considered a person of interest in the early days when Jonelle first disappeared. The most Pankey families were found in USA in 1880. Jim Matthews: For the longest time I knew exactly what they were doing, and I respected it. He allegedly honked on his horn and flipped off church-goers standing outside. Miller confronted Barr about her statements of loving her brother and believing he didnt commit murder through questioning their closeness. And I think my jaw probably hit my desk, and I said, "What?". Ryan Horsley: I think that was his last-ditch effort, honestly. Barr claimed she believed that was in regards to her grandchildren. Steve Pankey found guilty in 1984 murder of Jonelle Matthews and we submit that he never knew where the body was because he didn't do this. Because Norris Drake got her to leave the house. Alleged Chinese spy, Christine Lee's son worked for MP Barry Gardiner and they are not related biologically. Richard Schlesinger: The problem is there's no physical evidence. A day before the service, Hicks said, she witnessed a bizarre moment. STEVE PANKEY [Idaho Statesman political ad]: I'm one of the people who wants to represent you. Fred Smith knows real estate. it just seemed really weird that he didn't have a grievance against our local sheriff And so just seemed like he was just running just to run. His son was friends with Pankey's son, Mark. Richard Schlesinger: I know that you're a politician and not a priest, but did he seem in need of an exorcism? White are the field producers. In addition to appearing in Weld District Court, Yost stated she had to go to court in North Carolina. 48 Hours: Steve Pankey Wife Angela Hicks & Death Of Son - What But he didn't give up the information. And they may have to do it all again. And I was an elementary principal. This story was originally published September 13, She made a correction to these statements during Wednesdays trial that he actually watched his adult neighbor, Susan. First published on March 27, 2021 / 11:03 PM. STEVE PANKEY [to KMVT]: They searched this place, they took my laptop . And then I'd say other things and he'd say, "well, that's bull nobody's going to buy that.". Jim Matthews: We knew that we wanted to give her a dignified burial and I'm not a real emotional person. Despite Viorsts difficulty advancing in his examination, Yosts testimony revealed the following information about Drake: In 1989, Yost had an interview with Greeley Police Detective Keith Olson in which she made statements that Drake looked at young girls in binoculars. Most of his reports were lost when files switched over to a computer filing program at the Greeley Police Department, including the search warrant and most of the interviews other than Drakes. And he calls Detective Jack Stotler and he identifies himself as a ordained Baptist minister. Though Jonelle was reported missing in 1984, it wasnt until July 23 of this year that her body was found, according to Greeley police. ANTHONY VIORST: So that's why there was no struggle, all right? WebPankey, 71, is on trial for the 1984 kidnapping and murder of Jonelle Matthews. She further testified Viorst left her a voicemail saying she had to cooperate with him. When Viorst asked her if she felt he was threatening or rude in the more recent times the two have talked, Yost responded: Recently, youve been nicer.. In a four-hour episode of the "Unfound" podcast recorded in November 2019, Pankey claims he was dating his accuser. DA MICHAEL ROURKE: The search for justice for Jonelle begins today. LOCAL NEWS REPORT: A major development to tell you about in a mystery that is more than three decades old. On July 4, 2008, the couples youngest son, Carl, was murdered at age 20, and their family came together to celebrate his life with a memorial service. He testified that in the past he had lied about his knowledge of the case. Ryan Horsley: To halt any investigation, to halt him getting arrested. It was December 1984 when 12-year-old Jonelle Matthews vanished from her family's Greeley, Colorado home. Judy Tygard is the executive producer. But apparently Pankey knew. Until a man living in Twin Falls Idaho, Steven Pankey, became a person interest. In his testimony, Olson said the case once again went cold, but he never excluded Drake as a suspect once the case was handed over to another person in early 1990. 2021 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. In August 2019, nearly 35 years after Jonelle vanished, Gloria and Jim Matthews were finally able to lay her to rest. This timeline indicated the family was watching The Cosby Show from 7-9 p.m. Olson testified he checked the TV guide and confirmed the times match up with the statements. The media interviews Pankey did in 2019 was another aspect Barr named when addressing his behavior. She loves presents. He's had periodic sort of spats with people because he is an irascible, prickly guy. In all, Pankey attempted seven runs for office. Daviet testified Drake went to his mothers house the next day, but he was discussing Jonelles disappearance before that with the Daviet siblings. Who is Stephen Banke Son Karl Banke? STEVEN PANKEY: I had never imagined Angie would be as big a liar as I am. Law enforcement records show that Pankey had other unrelated run-ins with Greeley police. She said a very emotional Pankey walked up A crew digging a pipeline in a remote stretch of land just southeast of Greeley had discovered human remains with a gunshot wound to the head. Mayor John Gates: I think that part might've fit into the no-brainer category. Steve Pankey trial: Ex-wife highlights defendant's fixation Right off the bat, Barr, Pankeys sister who is four years younger than the 70-year-old suspect, identified Pankey. Doreen Schechter is the producer-editor. For 23 years, Hicks was married to 71-year-old Steve Pankey, who was found guilty of kidnapping and murdering 12-year-old Jonelle Matthews in 1984. That's when I started losing it. Jim Matthews: They sent two or three detectives out and started searching the house for clues. Mr. Pankey loves the limelight all of the statements that he has made about his culpability have been, 'I didn't do it,'" Viorst told "48 hours" correspondent Richard Schlesinger as he prepped for the trial. Richard Schlesinger: What made that campaign a dumpster fire? Richard Schlesinger: Did your son ever see any unusual things at the Pankey house when he was over there? Hicks stated she does not remember if there was one car her husband drove more often than others. In 1977, when he was 26, he was accused of what he called date rape by a 23-year-old woman he was seeing. He gave the Statesman a copy of the search warrant, signed on Sept. 3 by Idaho Magistrate Judge Calvin Campbell. The Candidate for Governor Who Killed a Child: Whats He said he moved to Greeley in 1973. Kelly Werthmann: To not have that definitive answer It's frustrating. vice presidents for enrollment management and At the start of the day, defense attorney Anthony Viorst advised the court the main subject matter for the day would be the introduction of evidence that would tie Norris Drake into the narrative of Jonelles disappearance. Hicks said Pankey, over the years, would bring up Jonelle or react strangely when others did. Once youre accused of something like date rape, youre forever stigmatized, he said. Viorst asked if Pankey was ever unfaithful. Pankey, who resided in Idaho in the years leading up to his arrest, was a 33-year-old used car salesman living in Greeley with his then-wife and young son at the time of Jonelle's disappearance. It's emotional. Anthony Viorst: There was a sexual encounter. STEVEN PANKEY: It was just me trying to be a big man, be in the case, OK? And on October 13, 2021, a jury was seated and ready to hear the case. Carter and Pankey will begin at Stephens on Sept. 1. Jennifer Mogensen: I don't know specifics. They returned to Colorado on Dec. 26, 1984, he said, and heard the news of a missing child on the radio. In 2019, Hicks and Pankey also had several phone calls throughout August in which her ex-husband requested her not to speak with police if they reached out about the Matthews case, Hicks said during her time on the stand. WebPankey and Hicks lose their son In 2002, Hicks and Pankey finalized their divorce, and on July 4, 2008, their son Carl was murdered. It's just he is a strange guy. Hence, justice is yet to be served for Mathews. We were totally clueless about this guy. Before interviewing Drake on the record, Olson spoke with Drake, and he revealed he had knowledge about raked-over shoe prints in the backyard of the Matthews home the night Jonelle went missing. 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Jim Matthews: I just kept telling him, I said, "Listen, I'm telling you the truth. He was different from others and didnt get along with most people. Richard Schlesinger: What were the challenges facing the prosecution? They've got rifles and they're pointing them at me. On October 12, 2020, police arrested Steven Pankey for kidnapping and first-degree murder. Viorst asked if Pankeys behavior changed once he became a suspect in the case. Before stepping down from the stand, Pankeys sister confirmed she refused to talk about the case with police on April 15. Her comments brought up Pankeys connections to family friends of the Matthews family, according to Hicks. BOISE, Idaho Former Idaho gubernatorial candidate Steve Pankey is again claiming he's innocent. That was just one day after Jonelle disappeared. Pankey says the morning after Jonelle disappeared, he and his family left Greeley for five days. The attorney also told her she had to say what she reported to Olson in their 1989 interview while testifying on Wednesday, to create reasonable doubt in this case. Ryan Horsley: Yeah. Viorst began his examination by asking if Pankey had the right to defend himself during this trial, receiving a yes response from Hicks. But in reality, there was no sign of Jonelle. With nothing else to go on, investigators focused on Jim Matthews himself. Don't accuse me . Pankey said he had gone to church with many people who knew Jonelle Matthews family, but he did not. I was just kind of glued to the headlines this whole time on just his stories that they just didn't make sense. So, the defense clearly has to prove, yes, he's an admitted liar but he's not lying now. Anthony Viorst: That's the kind of thing that's happened to Mr. Pankey over the years. I said listen, "I have been very honest, I've been accessible to you any time you wanted, but I'm getting sick of this because I am innocent.". Steve Pankey trial: Matthews family denies knowing Pankey Richard Schlesinger: Would you let us talk to your client? But the most talkative person in this case had yet to be heard from. Fred Smith knows real estate. The selection changes often, but if you love good Buying or selling a home is the largest financial investment most people ever make. Anthony Viorst: I can't answer that because I can't get into his head but, but I do think it's a combination of sort of obsessive-compulsive behavior and you know, perhaps even mental illness. But when did he go missing? In the interview played in court, Olson was the first one to bring up the shoe prints. Mayor John Gates: I had met him in about the mid-1970s.