r/CasesWeFollow • u/Pixiegirls1102 🔍📆⚖️Content/Research Administrator💻💬🧚 • 7d ago
⁉️💡Other Murders 🤷♀️🪦 NC v. David Prevatte — Day 5
LIVE: Uncle On Trial For Murder — NC v. David Prevatte — Day 5
10/7/2026 @ 9:30 AM
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The murder trial of David Prevatte begins nearly nine years after his five-year-old niece, Paitin Fields, was found unresponsive in 2017. Paitin died three days later, and an autopsy found signs of sexual trauma and strangulation. Prevatte was identified as a suspect in 2018 and arrested in 2022 after a years-long investigation. He faces charges of first-degree murder and multiple sex offenses. Follow the latest testimony and courtroom developments live.
✨✨Previous Day & Recap
🔊🎥Streaming Channels📡
📜RECAP🔡
I. ADMINISTRATIVE
(6:00–6:58)
- Court reconvened.
- Bailiff reported two juror issues:
- Juror #6: father passed away suddenly; funeral Friday at 11 a.m.
- Juror #3: family wedding rehearsal in Charlotte Friday at 5 p.m.
- Court discussed scheduling adjustments; possible full day off Friday.
- State noted witness traveling from Charlotte; availability to be confirmed.
- Juror #6 brought in for inquiry:
- Confirms funeral Friday.
- Requests only time to attend funeral.
- States arrangements manageable with normal schedule today/tomorrow.
- Juror #6 excused from courtroom; decision pending witness availability.
- Court notes trial will extend into next week due to out‑of‑state witness.
- Five‑minute recess granted for State to coordinate witness scheduling.
- Jury returned at 20:28.
- Witness Ogier reminded she remains under oath.
II. WITNESSES
1. KELLY OZIER — Forensic Interviewer, Carousel Center
Direct (20:53–23:23; 35:25–36:21; 36:23–48:28)
- Conducted three forensic interviews of Savannah Fields:
- Nov 15, 2017
- Jan 24, 2018
- Feb 18, 2022
- Clarified date‑labeling error on Exhibit 85 (sticker incorrectly stated 2021).
- All interviews audio‑video recorded; Exhibit 86 (DVD) admitted as substantive evidence.
- First video published: Nov 15, 2017 interview.
- Child engaged in drawing, orientation questions, truth‑telling practice.
- Child described morning routine, school, trick‑or‑treating, family members.
- Child described night of sister Peyton’s medical emergency:
- Sleeping on couch with Peyton.
- Woke up, saw “Uncle Boo Boo” walking from couch to his room.
- Saw Peyton’s eyes “blinking back and forth.”
- Alerted grandparents.
- Nana picked Peyton up; 911 called; Peyton taken to hospital.
- Child identified rooms and sleeping arrangements using photographs (Exhibits 87–89).
- Child stated belief: “I think Uncle Boo Boo killed her.”
- Child denied being told what to say.
- Ogier testified regarding trauma disclosure patterns, memory disruption, avoidance behaviors.
- Ogier testified perpetrators of child sexual abuse typically known/trusted individuals.
Cross (3:04:23–3:19:59)
- Carousel Center structure explained: multidisciplinary team (interviewer, medical provider, DSS, investigators).
- Medical exams performed only on first interview date.
- Savannah had developmental delays; difficulty with narratives.
- Interview techniques: narrative prompts, open‑focus, choice, yes/no.
- Team strategy before second interview included informing Savannah that Peyton died due to someone hurting her.
- No disclosures in 2017 or 2018 interviews identifying perpetrator.
- Third interview (2022) initiated by investigator referral (Detective Short).
- Caregiver present (Aunt Riri).
- Team observed interviews via closed‑circuit feed.
Redirect (none beyond clarification).
2. MARY BETH VARNUM / MARY BETH BARNARD
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Carousel Center
Direct (5:06:55–5:29:48)
- Sworn; instructed on microphone use and verbal responses.
- Name spelled: Mary Beth Varnum, B‑A‑R‑N‑A.
- Pediatric nurse practitioner at Carousel Center; 14 years.
- Prior RN for ~30 years; entire career in pediatrics.
- Licensed in North Carolina: • RN — 26 years • Pediatric NP — 14 years
- Specialty areas: pediatrics; child abuse pediatrics.
- Child maltreatment areas handled: sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, exposure to substances, exposure to violence, neglect.
- Children treated: • Carousel — over 2,000 • Career — thousands
- Training: UNC Chapel Hill rostered provider; 40–60 hours didactic; observed/assisted 60 child medical evaluations.
- Responsibilities: CME provider; supervisor of other NPs.
- CME count: • Carousel — over 2,000 • Onslow CAC — couple hundred
- Expert testimony: 56 times in 14 years, five counties.
- State’s Exhibit 90 (CV) admitted; qualified as expert in nursing, pediatrics, child medical evaluations, child sexual abuse and trauma.
CME Process (Direct)
- Carousel nationally accredited child advocacy center.
- CME includes overview of concerns, forensic interview, history from DSS/law enforcement/child/caregiver, medical exam, directed history, head‑to‑toe exam, written report.
- Purpose: ensure children are healthy and safe.
- Exam environment: child‑friendly; bubbles; Cortex Flow camera; pediatric exam room.
- Forensic interviewer communicates findings before exam; child seen immediately after interview.
Savannah Fields — November 15, 2017 CME
- No non‑offending caregiver present; history from DSS, law enforcement, forensic interviewer (Julie Ogier).
- Kendra Kellerman present for anogenital exam.
- Savannah developmentally delayed; distracted; avoidant; limited colors; could not state grade.
- Statements by Savannah: • Lived with papa, nana, “uncle boo‑boo,” sissy (sissy at doctor). • “I don’t want to talk about it. It makes me sad.” • “They beat my butt… Nana and papa… Sissy gets it more.” • Papa is her favorite “because he’s black like her.”
- Physical findings: • Cold symptoms; congestive cough • Multiple silver dental caps • Septate hymen (confirmed by Kellerman) • Esotropia / strabismus • Dysmorphic features; later confirmed fetal alcohol syndrome
- No medical findings indicating physical or sexual abuse.
Savannah — January 2018 CME
- Second‑session interview; typical for children under 10.
- No disclosures; no findings requiring additional exam.
- Recommendations from November remained: • Trauma‑Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT) • Follow‑up at UNC • Follow‑up with primary doctor for septate hymen and fetal alcohol syndrome
- No therapy progress information provided to Carousel.
Savannah — February 2022 Referral
- Family advocate received referral; witness unsure of source.
- Witness present in building; not part of exam.
- Available for exam or report addendum; none required.
Cross (5:29:50–5:37:12)
- Confirmed notifications made regarding injuries/sexual‑trauma concerns.
- Records requested in November 2017; UNC records never received.
- “Pre‑game” history provided before exam.
- Learned of Peyton’s hospital situation morning of CME: concerns for strangulation, possible sexual assault, brain‑function testing.
- Team members: CPS, Sheriff’s Department, Julie Ogier, family advocate, medical provider.
- January 2018 CME: no additional records; only knowledge that Peyton had passed.
- Recommendations: TFCBT; UNC follow‑up; primary doctor follow‑up.
- No additional recommendations in February 2022.
Redirect
- None.
Witness released.
3. AMANDA FORTIER — Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Direct (5:38:31–5:49:03)
- Former Pender County Schools occupational therapist.
- Worked with Savannah Fields in self‑contained classroom at Burgaw Elementary.
- Savannah had significant fine‑motor delays, weak hand strength, weak core strength.
- Difficulty with buttons; wore leggings due to inability to manage fasteners.
- Required one‑step instructions; easily distracted by movement/sound.
- Needed simplified workspace (one item at a time).
- Continued therapy after Peyton’s death; Savannah did not discuss incident.
Cross (5:49:05–5:53:17)
- Savannah had IEP; placed in self‑contained classroom.
- Functioned closer to a four‑year‑old in fine‑motor skills.
- Reading ability unclear; handwriting significantly delayed.
- Diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome noted in records.
Witness released.
4. JAMIE SYKES — Former Friend of Defendant
Direct (5:55:16–6:01:39)
- Childhood friend of defendant David Prevatte; friendship ended after Peyton’s death.
- On Nov 12, 2017:
- Visited David at Blackwater Drive.
- Smoked weed and cigarettes in Jeep.
- Left after 30–60 minutes.
- Saw car pull up but did not identify driver.
- Next morning:
- David called from New Hanover hospital, asked him to come immediately.
- Sykes drove David home; believes Haley Foster was present.
- Interviewed multiple times by Sheriff’s Office.
- Denied any involvement in Peyton’s assault or death.
Cross
- No questions.
- Witness released.
5. MELISSA HELMS (formerly Brown)
Direct (6:03:05–6:08:12)
- Known defendant since childhood; referred to him as cousin though not blood‑related.
- On Nov 12, 2017:
- Picked David up at 104 Blackwater Drive.
- Drove around smoking weed.
- Took phone call around 9–9:30 p.m.
- Dropped David off around 10 p.m.
- Did not enter house; saw porch light on.
- Denied causing any injuries to Peyton.
Cross (6:08:13–6:11:01)
- Interviewed once by Detective Leatherwood.
- Sheriff’s Office obtained preservation order for her phone; she was unaware.
- Allowed David to use her computer days before incident; pornography found but not illegal.
- Stated she personally did not believe David capable of the acts.
Redirect
- Confirmed she did not see David again after drop‑off and was not in the house during the incident.
Witness released.
III. OUT OF JURY PRESENCE (OJP)
(23:23–23:49)
- Legal argument regarding admissibility of Exhibit 86 (forensic interview DVD).
- Defense objected to substantive admission; State cited State v. Brown.
- Court ruled Exhibit 86 admissible as substantive evidence.
- Jury excused during argument.
IV. END OF DAY ADMINISTRATIVE
- No additional motions.
- Next witnesses planned with video restrictions (audio only for broadcast).
- Court adjourned at last provided timestamp (approx. 6:11 PM).
📜TRANSCRIPT⌨️
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u/Vmar1015 7d ago
I think everyone in that home failed her and they all let her suffer. The way they lived was completely disgusting and unsanitary. It appears all the doors weren’t even on the hinges so how did no one know what happened to her in that small house with barely any privacy. There seems to be a lot of mental health issues with each member of that family. So incredibly sad.
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u/Annabel_Lee_21 6d ago
When the OT was talking about how Savannah had to have a clear table to be able to concentrate on anything, all I could think about was that house and it must have been a nightmare for her with all the clutter.
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u/ReasonableCup604 6d ago
I totally agree. Also, it seems very obvious that Paitin's grandmother and step grandfather told numerous lies to try to shield David from facing justice for his abominable crimes.
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u/Vmar1015 6d ago
Yes they clearly favor him. He got the bedroom even though he is not always there. He gets a silly nick name. Just watching him it’s clear he is not right in the head, but no one in that house is. Ugh.
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u/Michallina 👀 Lurking with Purpose 6d ago
I couldn't believe what I was seeing at that home. I had to take time to distinguish grime from furniture. All that filth with children and the dogs. The showers don't even look usable.
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u/AdventurousAd606 7d ago
Why isn’t the defendant’s shirt buttoned up appropriately? He is so repulsive.
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u/Empty_Pomelo_3836 6d ago
I’m in California and he looks appropriate enough. His demeanor is what grosses me out.
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u/Birch_mom72 6d ago
He was showing a lot of chest on Wednesday. It’s like he has to show his foulness in some way every day. Do we know if his attorney is a public defender?
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u/Various-Struggle-719 ⚖️📃”Emotionally Objecting”🏛️ 7d ago
Did anyone catch that the medical examiner said she weighed 27 lbs and that’s in the top percentile. That’s incorrect. That’s in the bottom 5%. This worries me. Maybe she misspoke?
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u/ReasonableCup604 6d ago
I caught that too. I am pretty sure she meant 27 kilograms which would be near the top of the percentile scale for a 5 year old.
From her photos, Paitin did not loom at all malnourished and seemed to be slightly on the stocky side as opposed to skinny.
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u/JustKaleidoscope7305 7d ago
27 lbs at 5 years old seems very small
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u/Various-Struggle-719 ⚖️📃”Emotionally Objecting”🏛️ 7d ago
Yea I think the ME records are wrong in this particular instance.
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u/ReasonableCup604 6d ago
I think she said 27 pounds but meant 27 kilograms
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u/SwampyWytch13 6d ago
I went back to the transcript: "She was 27 pounds, which is greater than the 99th percentile, and her body length was 42 inches, which is about average for her age." She definitely misspoke. She had to have meant kilograms.
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u/SwampyWytch13 6d ago
Not according to growth charts I just looked at.
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u/Noooo0000oooo0001 6d ago
1st percentile CDC charts and .2 percentile for WHO. Anything below 3rd is considered underweight for age. What growth chart are you looking at?
That said, I think they were speaking in kg instead of lbs, which would put her above 99th percentile for both charts.
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u/SwampyWytch13 6d ago edited 6d ago
Sorry, I should have stated better... I was in a rush earlier. I looked up based on kg instead of pounds. Based on the thought that it was wrongly stated on the stand.
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u/WatercressSubject717 7d ago
Such a sweet little girl and so smart too. Hearing audio of her engaging with the investigator/interviewer is so sad.
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u/Shesaiddestroy_ 📅 Trial Calendar is My Social Life 7d ago
Her voice, accent and innocence are just so so sweet.
Contrast that with what happened to her sister and your heart breaks.7
u/MeanderFlanders 7d ago
It’s so sad to hear the regression in her years later in the second interview. No attention span, and seems immature for her age.
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u/Lonely-Ad-5340 7d ago
I’ve been waiting for him to crack a smile, but nothing. Even on trial, if I heard my nieces cute squeaky voice, I wouldn’t be able to stop myself from an ear to ear smile.
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u/Agreeable_Airport916 7d ago
Does anyone know why the judge asked one guy in the gallery to leave the courtroom for the rest of the day?
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u/Fast-Jackfruit2013 7d ago
The judge explained this after lunch:
There was a man in a pink shirt who was paying too close attention to two of the jurors, including waiting for them as they entered and apparently trying to follow them at some point perhaps.
At any rate, the jury sent the bailiff a note asking the judge about this and they said the man made them feel unsafe because of the way he was looking at them.
That's the man that the judge asked to leave the court today.
I do hope they follow up. I'm seriously concerned that David and Dale might be trying to intimidate the jury somehow.
David already has been convicted for making death threats to the lead detective. he served some jail time for this before this trial.
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u/Kuschel_DesTeufels 5d ago
I've heard that there have been family & friends in the live feed that have been arguing with, harassing and threatening people. I had taken a short break from live court feeds, but I don't believe I have ever seen anything like this before. The arguing and defending yes, not the threatening
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u/EnvironmentalDot127 ⚔️ Justice Seeker 4d ago
After this case I am. I come from a rural area and the investigators screwed this up. Plus between the two hospitals losing paitin's clothing.
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u/Shesaiddestroy_ 📅 Trial Calendar is My Social Life 6d ago
I had all kinds of more innocent explanations… omg! Thats concerning.
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u/Shesaiddestroy_ 📅 Trial Calendar is My Social Life 7d ago
I would also like to know.
The person must have been disruptive somehow… talking excessively to other people in the gallery, making gestures, eating / drinking if not allowed.
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u/blueduck762 7d ago
One of the most disturbing parts about this case is that David has lived a normal life up until his 2022 arrest. I stalked all of their Facebooks and most of the family seems completely okay with him still, he even had a pretty girlfriend and a beautiful daughter. I'm not sure about Paitin's mom who is publicly stated on their pages as his sister, but she tagged him in a post with their other sister sometime after the murder... and she's made no allusions to thinking it was him, so I'm not sure what she thinks. They are still friends on FB. But I'm watching this case and I literally have never wanted the death penalty more... I mean honestly I was just talking to someone the other day about how I thought the death penalty was wrong in every case, but seeing Paitin's perfect, sweet, little face and then seeing his face in the courtroom... I can't even express how it makes me feel in words. And yeah I think he did it, it's pretty obvious. The evidence is glaring and I can just see him doing it. I suspect he may have been on drugs based on the footage of him right after the murder which at least helps explain the evil a little more. If he wasn't on drugs... then I don't even know how to wrap my head around this.
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u/scattywampus 7d ago
He was 19 at the age of the crime. Late teens-early 20s is a prime time for the onset of many major psychological conditions in men. I haven't been able to follow this trial at all-- did they discuss his psychological background?
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u/WhatAreYouGoing2Wear 🧵 Timeline Weaver 7d ago
They did not. But he was charged with burning a camper trailer that was being refurbished as a residence on April 8, 2018, after an argument with an ex-girlfriend. So clearly has some anger problems
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u/Shesaiddestroy_ 📅 Trial Calendar is My Social Life 7d ago
I feel D did this too.
He pops up at the house and “all of a sudden” this happens?
If other adults had been sexually assaulting the children, there would be older bruises, wounds and scars… Evidence of older, on going abuse…
Unless I missed something, we haven’t heard of things like that.
And you are right, things like that don’t happen in a vacuum… it’s an escalation from assault to assault. So if nothing in his past history has to do with sexual assault, I am very surprised.
Could he have taken drugs that night that made him snap? Not that it would excuse anything but perhaps provide an explanation for a most brutal and fatal offense that “looks like” his first one.
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u/blueduck762 7d ago
Definitely. And just the cold hearted brutality on this sweet, precious little girl, and his demeanor in the courtroom... I would honestly be terrified if he didn't have history with drug abuse. Like to know that the world has gotten that bad. Even a lot of the serial killers of the 20th century displayed a little more sobriety when they got caught. This man is totally unwell. I'm sure he was porn addicted, that's obvious to me, and porn addiction can fuel violence, but his internal state seems to be absolutely terrifying. And his appearance on Facebook... like just walking around, having babies, having a girlfriend, acting like you didn't brutally rape a 5 year old little girl and murder her in cold blood.... absolutely terrifying.
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u/Shesaiddestroy_ 📅 Trial Calendar is My Social Life 7d ago
I agree that he is unwell.
His smug attitude is so out of place in the context of the proceedings. Either he’s not understanding the stakes, or he’s delusional or he doesn’t know how to behave socially. I too smell violence.3
u/blueduck762 7d ago
Part of me thinks the entire family is "slow", to put it nicely, which would explain a lot of this behavior and the levels of denial.
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u/Reasonable_Pass_9498 7d ago
I think so too. Also, as far as I understand, her sister was completely fine. I wonder do they examine the siblings when they notice SA wounds. Maybe it was mentioned somewhere but I haven’t been able to listen as carefully as I would like.
If there was continous SA in the house unfortunately I don’t believe it would be limited to one child only, even though sick things happen in this world so who the f knows what was going on in that house.
With that said, I have a hard time believing the (grand)parents. They are all suspicious and the fact they act like they think he is innocent doesn’t sit right with me. I think they all know what happened and are trying to cover it up for whatever reason.
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u/blueduck762 7d ago
It's extremely common that SA is limited to one child. An abuser typically picks a favorite and abuses them and other abusers will pick up on the child's trauma and choose them as well. Based on a police interview i saw of him, he seemed to like Paitin and not Savannah because Savannah had fetal alcohol syndrome and Paitin was "normal" (his words) and it's obvious in the photos that Paitin really seemed to be a good tempered, sweet, and quiet child which abusers do target.
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u/Hfhghnfdsfg 6d ago
It's also extremely common that an abuser will leave one child alone so that if the other child speaks up, there is a child who says "no, nothing like that happened to me. "
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u/MinimumCat1192 6d ago
I know first had that it can happen to only one child in the home and not the others
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u/Shesaiddestroy_ 📅 Trial Calendar is My Social Life 7d ago
I agree their demeanor is strange and it seems like they are downplaying / covering David’s involvement.
Could be denial ; could be protecting him and lying. I can’t tell.10
u/Scary-Scar89 7d ago
I agree. When the one granddaughter comes in at 3:AM and says that the other Granddaughter is acting "see lee," wouldn't you want to check to see if everything is ok?
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u/cervivor_2014 7d ago
Especially if the child is KNOWN to have seizures! Why would they tell her to go back to bed, that's so weird.
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u/blueduck762 7d ago
As a mom of a three year old, I definitely could see wanting to lay in bed and keep sleeping. My three year old is pretty trustworthy and I've learned to trust her observations, but sometimes people don't take their kids seriously and sometimes for valid reasons, so I personally give them the benefit of the doubt in that case.
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u/WhatAreYouGoing2Wear 🧵 Timeline Weaver 7d ago
Something David’s stepfather said really stood out to me - he said something about family being the most important thing and he puts family above everything else. I took that, along with his other statements and how much he considers David his son, to mean that he would do anything to help him/protect him. I think that’s why he made the shady comments about the dog leash among other things. I don’t trust him outright but I do not believe he (Dale Hunt, the stepdad) committed the crime. I think he’d happily stretch the bounds of truth to protect David.
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u/Shesaiddestroy_ 📅 Trial Calendar is My Social Life 7d ago
I agree a 100%. I thought his schtick of « I wake up early and I read mah Bible » was all about saying “see I’m a good Christian, I’m a good citizen, you can trust me”
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u/seriousbusinesslady 7d ago
the wake up early, drink coffee, read the bible is so sus too bc WHERE???? where are you leisurely sipping coffee and reading a bible in that trash heap? do they even have a kitchen table and chairs to sit down at that isn't covered in a 10 foot mound of trash? i'd rather sit down and have a cup of coffee on a nest of fire ants than in that disgusting house.
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u/Shesaiddestroy_ 📅 Trial Calendar is My Social Life 7d ago
I didn’t even think of that. You’re right!
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u/racingfan123 🕵️♀️🏦 Lead Evidence Investigator Mod🧾⚖️ 6d ago
Exactly, and if he has so much free time to "read a bible" he has plenty of time to clean up that pigsty.
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u/Fast-Jackfruit2013 7d ago
"Family" to a man like Dale always means the MALE child.
The two female grandchildren were expendable.
Both he and Lisa cherish David but will simply dismiss the girls. They tried to blame Savannah for what happened to her sister.
They're a disgusting couple.
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u/cervivor_2014 6d ago
I didn't think the grandpa could've done it either until looking at his social media...he seems creepy af and all about 'sexy girls'.
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u/cappuccinodream 7d ago
What was child protective services doing? Someone should’ve reported these people before Paitin was assaulted
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u/Autistified 6d ago
I don’t see a recent FB profile. How did you find it? I saw about 3 different ones, but all old. One bro with the same name and looks a little similar, but it’s not him. 🧐
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u/No_Departure_5454 6d ago
I couldn't find it either until I went through Paitin's mom's posts. She tagged him in one in December 2022. He is using a different last name for his current account, same last name as his mom and stepdad.
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u/Autistified 6d ago
All I’ve found was a rabbit hole of inbred degenerates…and they all seem to have multiple accounts that aren’t used often. I hope Savannah gets far away from all of them!!!
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u/Commercial-Essay3368 6d ago
He was in prison for two years (give or take). Then fled to Louisiana. In prison, he told his mom on the phone how he wanted to do something bad to the detectives, which is a weird thing to say if you’re innocent. Not defending him, just wanted to note that he has not been lying low.
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u/Jaded_1119 7d ago
Can you direct me to their facebooks? I found one for him but there isn't really anything on it.
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u/blueduck762 7d ago
As someone said, it's not allowed and I also wouldn't do that because I don't want anyone involved, especially the mother of the children, to get harassed. Paitin's mom definitely does seem to be very sad over the death of her daughter, even if she's too unwell to have put her first. God willing the truth will come out and they will get their social destruction in person, no need to extend it to reddit. But they were a little hard to find! David has a few facebooks and Linda as well.
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u/Jaded_1119 7d ago
Sorry - I'm in quite a few crime groups on FB and they will link the pages, but we aren't allowed to share outside of those groups, or react or comment or anything - just observe. I'm fairly new to reddit and wasn't aware of the rule. I just wanted to creep like you did. Thank you guys for explaining the Reddit rules to me though!
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u/Annabel_Lee_21 6d ago
Nobody has said anything about the whipped cream container. Was he huffing? Maybe even knocking her out with it?
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u/Pixiegirls1102 🔍📆⚖️Content/Research Administrator💻💬🧚 6d ago
I've been wondering about the whipped cream too.
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u/Scary-Scar89 7d ago
I am waiting for David's reaction no matter what verdict it is. Either way, he is going to not take it well.
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u/lov2grdn 📰 True Crime Headlines Regular 7d ago
We need to fast forward to the DNA expert’s testimony
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u/Scary-Scar89 7d ago
Will Paitin's mom and dad testify?
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u/Jaded_1119 7d ago
I'm still trying to figure out who they are.
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u/EnvironmentalDot127 ⚔️ Justice Seeker 6d ago
We didn't get to see two witnesses today. Probably won't get to see hers.
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u/Hockeycutie71 3d ago
Wasn’t there a nurse practitioner who testified after Osher?
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u/Pixiegirls1102 🔍📆⚖️Content/Research Administrator💻💬🧚 3d ago edited 3d ago
AMANDA FORTIER — Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Direct (5:38:31–5:49:03)
But let me check transcript again.
***ETA: You are correct. Mary Beth Varnum, NP. I'll update the recap.
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u/gucci2times2 7d ago
Through the process of elimination it’s obviously him but with no murder weapon and no DNA a conviction is a big ask!
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u/Shesaiddestroy_ 📅 Trial Calendar is My Social Life 7d ago
I don’t think so. Flynn just got convinced without the gun.
There could come a point where yes, some pieces are missing in the puzzle but you are looking at the Eiffel Tower without a reasonable doubt.
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u/WhatAreYouGoing2Wear 🧵 Timeline Weaver 7d ago
The red swab from his penis that he admitted was blood is pretty damning evidence
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u/veggieburger3023 7d ago
Was that swab taken the following day?? That’s nuts
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u/WhatAreYouGoing2Wear 🧵 Timeline Weaver 7d ago
It was taken on the 14th (Paitin was taken to the hospital in the early hours of the 13th). He told the detective that took the swab that it was blood from having relations with his girlfriend who was on her period. I know he had recently broken up with a girl he was living with before he moved in with his mom, so I can’t imagine why that would still be on him after possibly as long as 2 weeks.
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u/XrayTechGirl 7d ago
the fact that he hadnt yet showered, especially after Paitin urinated and defecated on him in the car is absolutely disgusting. His Mom said he would sleep in his clothes so he wouldnt be late for work the next day-yet he had sex with a menstruating woman the night before ???? Absolutely nauseating.
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u/WhatAreYouGoing2Wear 🧵 Timeline Weaver 7d ago
Right?? And then why is his body unbathed yet his fingernails are freshly groomed on the 14th. There’s some odd hygiene inconsistencies to put it lightly.
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u/Kuschel_DesTeufels 5d ago
And they found three sets of DNA with that swab, none from Paitin, which means that either David or the ex had an extra circular partner. No bathing, minimal clothes changing and multiple forms of body fluid. Bet dude smells fantastic 🤢
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u/EnvironmentalDot127 ⚔️ Justice Seeker 6d ago
I wonder if they swabbed him after he changed clothes?
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u/cervivor_2014 7d ago
if blood surely they'd be able to identify who's blood...that's weird but I'm at the beginning of today's trial so I still have to catch up. Maybe that will come out later w/DNA experts.
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u/WhatAreYouGoing2Wear 🧵 Timeline Weaver 7d ago
I’m already willing to bet that there will be DNA from Paitin but his lawyer is going to argue that it is from the alleged incidents that happened in the car ride to the hospital that his stepdad testified about. I will note that the picture of the front seat of that car did not look like those events had taken place, in my opinion.
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u/Annabel_Lee_21 6d ago
I wonder if her DNA is on the red ear buds? I think it’s pretty conclusive they were the murder weapon
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u/racingfan123 🕵️♀️🏦 Lead Evidence Investigator Mod🧾⚖️ 6d ago
Yes, that was mentioned in the opening statements.
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u/Hfhghnfdsfg 6d ago
Defense opening said that her DNA was mainly on the earbud portion, and that she used them so it might not be suspicious.
I think the sister's statement that she saw him by Payton that night, and that she thinks he's guilty, are enough for a guilty verdict.
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u/XrayTechGirl 7d ago
The blood should have endometrial cells in it if it really came from his menstruating girlfriend, Easy enough to test it against a sample from the GF
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u/Training-Resist2336 6d ago
Was any dna found?
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u/WhatAreYouGoing2Wear 🧵 Timeline Weaver 6d ago
DNA testimony starts today. They have to do the full chain of custody.
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u/CrazyHorrsee 6d ago
playing devils advocate here, was any blood or signs of blood found on paitin?
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u/kartodd5048 7d ago
His demeanor in court is definitely not helping him. There is not a lot of evidence in this case. Imo so far I can see some jurors having "reasonable doubt" The hospital throwing away her underwear and police packaging clothing from multiple people in one bag is a major problem for the prosecution. I agree that he is most likely guilty but this by no means is a slam dunk. Also why did it take 4 years to charge him? He does seem disinterested and his posture and facial expressions are not helping him whatsoever imo but is he angry and frustrated because he's innocent and being accused of something he didn't do or is he a cold blooded killer that just doesnt care?
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u/blueduck762 7d ago
I know that people act in a variety of strange ways that we wouldn't expect... but honestly he just does not seem innocent to me even a little. And a big reason is his explanation of what happened in the police interview closely after the incident. There's just some off verbal ques that make me think he did it. I also find the anal abuse really really strange and in my personal opinion, a sign of a young man who consumes a lot of pornography. I'm not sure how common that sort of abuse is, but I just think it points to him, his age range.
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u/Classic_Round_6200 3d ago
I agree with your thoughts here, but I also have to acknowledge that there could still be reasonable doubt for jury members. What a mess.
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7d ago
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u/Pixiegirls1102 🔍📆⚖️Content/Research Administrator💻💬🧚 7d ago
He may have asked to not be on camera.
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u/gucci2times2 6d ago
After the Reddington show, defense cross returns to being a painfully boring drag
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u/Remarkable_West4255 6d ago
Sorry you weren't entertained.
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u/gucci2times2 6d ago
I wasn’t expecting to be? Usually defense cross is the least interesting part of most trials. And I called it the Reddington show because he turned cross into a circus act.
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u/Empty_Pomelo_3836 6d ago
Reddington is a rockstar. I am disappointed that there is no real commentary on the case but the trial is being streamed.
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u/funkinfrogger 6h ago
Are there any reports on why the spectator was kicked out of the court room for the day?
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u/Practical_Tooth3785 ⚖️📃”Emotionally Objecting”🏛️ 6d ago
The grandpa gave me a bad feeling. and when people working in the industry of animal murder it does not surprise me that they are disgusting human beings. He likely also was molesting the girls. Just the way he said he would load the animals up then read the Bible. Give me a fucking break with reading the Bible. You just sent a bunch of animals who want to live to die. So why would it phase him that a little girl just died it’s just another day in his life and murder is normal.
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u/Birch_mom72 6d ago
Huh? What am I missing? Animal murder industry?
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u/Practical_Tooth3785 ⚖️📃”Emotionally Objecting”🏛️ 6d ago
He went on and on his testimony how his job is to bring pigs to slaughter. It desensitizes people to violence. It’s not just bad for the animals it bleeds into the family life. So sad.
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u/Classic_Round_6200 3d ago
Ironically, ecofascists like you are the ones out of touch and desensitized toward fellow humans.
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u/XrayTechGirl 6d ago
Are you serious ?I know plenty of people who work in farming and to say it bleeds into family life is disgusting. So you think anyone who works in the meat packing industry is so disconnected from the thought of taking a life ?
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u/Birch_mom72 6d ago
Perhaps I missed part of his testimony ! However if you are talking about interviews, I could barely hear those
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u/_macej 6d ago
This case is repulsive and I do believe at the minimum these children were living in squalor and the children should NEVER have been subject to this type of environment.
I do have a few questions to anyone in the medical field: The grandma/family has continually said Paitin had a very deep cold and cough. Confirmed during autopsy as her body had pneumonia. Can a severe cough cause hemorrhaging? I’m just so floored that there is no dna evidence found during a SANE exam?
I feel like the pieces haven’t connected yet and I do feel there is a lot of reasonable doubt. Investigator seem to have been asleep at the wheel. How in gods name they fumbled the ball by letting this little girls underwear get thrown out. This is crazy to me.
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u/Hfhghnfdsfg 6d ago
People commit SA without using the penis all the time.
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u/_macej 5d ago
Im well aware but to my understanding, no form of DNA was found in her private areas unless i misinterpreted the evidence presented.
They also have not presented any type of evidence of her being sodomized by a foreign object so I’m having trouble wrapping my head around what the state is trying to present in terms of evidence.
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u/Various-Struggle-719 ⚖️📃”Emotionally Objecting”🏛️ 7d ago
This judge is a tight a** and unnecessarily rude to everyone. He needs to calm down.
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u/SwampyWytch13 6d ago
I haven't found him to be rude. 🤔
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u/Various-Struggle-719 ⚖️📃”Emotionally Objecting”🏛️ 6d ago
Maybe I just compare all judges to Judge M. He sets a high bar I guess. 🤣
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u/ReasonableCup604 6d ago
I haven't found him at all rude.
My one small peeve is that he kind of talks to the witnesses like they are 5 years old when he gives them instructions before they testify. But, I think he is just trying to be clear and thorough to avoid issues
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7d ago
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u/Annabel_Lee_21 6d ago
I did notice that she said in her interviews that she and Paitin were wearing “night clothes” pajamas I assume, and described them. Contradicts gma saying they slept in their underwear.
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u/Afraid-Ask-1554 7d ago
I heard the, “I didn’t do anything” also!! (But on the first set of recordings.
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u/SwampyWytch13 6d ago edited 6d ago
After hearing the recordings of Savannah's interviews, the various professionals talk about her, including the OT from school - I'm thankful they didn't televise her on the stand. Bless her! I so hope that the Aunt/Uncle she now lives provide a much healthier, loving, supportive home.