Jonathan Foster -- Deceased 12/24/10 -- Mona Yvette Nelson Charged with Capital Murder

Nan11 . . . yw and glad you are following this trial/case!

Accused killer takes stand

By Cindy Horswell | August 13, 2013 | Updated: August 13, 2013 12:18pm
Houston Chronicle  - Houston, TX

Mona Nelson, the accused killer of a 12-year-old boy, testified Tuesday that she never felt free to leave when officers brought her in for hours of questioning at Houston police headquarters.

"They would say you are free to go if you want to," Nelson said, adding that when she moved toward the door investigators would say "hold on, just give us a few more minutes." This happened before she was officially arrested in the Christmas eve 2010 disappearance and death of Jonathan Foster.

Read more and view picture gallery:

http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Accused-killer-takes-stand-4728872.php?cmpid=hpts#photo-5034150

Trial begins in 12-year-old Houston boy's death

Associated Press
Posted on August 13, 2013 at 4:32 PM

KHOU (CBS) - Houston, TX

HOUSTON (AP) — Attorneys for a woman on trial this week in the capital murder case of a 12-year-old Houston boy who disappeared Christmas Eve 2010 are fighting to have statements she made to investigators suppressed, claiming they were coerced.

Mona Nelson, 47, has pleaded not guilty in the death of Jonathan Foster, a Houston fifth grader. His badly burned body was found stuffed into a culvert.

Read more:

http://www.khou.com/news/national/219473331.html

Judge approves use of most evidence in kidnapping, murder trial

August 13, 2013
Updated at 06:37 PM today

by Deborah Wrigley
KTRK (ABC) - Houston, TX


The trial is now ready to begin, and late Tuesday, a judge ruled most of what the suspect told investigators can be used in the trial.

Snipped:

Late Tuesday, JUDGE JANNINE BARR allowed nearly all the statements to stand, except for those given after Nelson asked for a lawyer. The defense was not pleased with the ruling, but it's what KTRK legal analyst Joel Androphy expected.

"This is a foregone conclusion that she's gonna lose this suppression, and if she goes to trial before the judge, she's gonna lose and get the max amount of punishment, which is life," Androphy said.

If Nelson is convicted, she could face a life sentence.

Opening statements are set to begin Wednesday.

Read more and view video:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=9205206

Trial testimony in Mona Nelson's trial is set to start on Wednesday, 8/14/13.

I think all of the mainstream news media in Houston will cover this trial. In my opinion, we should see articles and/or local (Houston) newscasts detailing or hi-liting each day's testimony.

Keep in mind that the TV folks will probably do a 2 to 3 minute story on local newscasts. Let's hope videos of newscasts pertaining to the trial will be posted on the homepages.

Just my  opinion!

Andy Kahan, City of Houston Mayor's Office Victim Assistance Director (Victim Advocate at Mayor's Office/Houston Police Dept), posted the following on his Facebook page:

Andy Kahan

Yesterday via HoustonChronicleCommunity. (posted 8/12/13)

Will be attending the trial of the murder of 12 year-old Jonathan Foster.

https://www.facebook.com/andy.kahan.9?hc_location=timeline
Facebook - Andy Kahan

~~~~~

For your info, Andy Kahan was of assistance to Mary Gifford, Jonathan's maternal grandmother, shortly after Jonathan was found and thereafter.  He was with Mary during some media interviews and especially the day of Jonathan Foster's Memorial Service on January 4, 2011.  I attended the beautiful Memorial Service in Houston and urn burial in Pearland, TX.

Prior to the service, the Houston media interviewed Mary as well as her son and Jonathan's maternal uncle, Glenn Scrimsher in the church annex. Jonathan lived with Glenn, his wife and family in Missouri prior to moving to TX.

Reporters from the major Houston TV stations, i.e., ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, KIAH (Ch 39) and the Houston Chronicle were at the Memorial Service.  I hope they will cover this trial . . .  we shall see what coverage they will allocate for the Mona Nelson trial (Jonathan Foster murder case).

For several months, Jonathan Foster was featured on Reality Chatter's homepage (prior to the redesign of the homepage).

This is the Link:

http://www.realitychatter.com/t3011-jonathan-paul-foster
RC - Jonathan Paul Foster


Jonathan Paul Foster

Mystery of boy's death remains as capital murder trial looms

By Brian Rogers
Legal Affairs Reporter - Houston Chronicle
Houston, TX

August 12, 2013 - 4:29 PM CDT



Jonathan Foster


Prosecutor Connie Spence says she knows who kidnapped and killed 12-year-old Jonathan Foster on Christmas Eve two years ago.

What she does not know is how or, perhaps more maddening, why.

"There is just is no motive," Spence said. "There are some things only Mona will know, why and how, but based on the evidence, we have put together a pretty accurate picture of what did happen."

Spence will try to convince a judge that Mona Nelson, 47, is guilty of capital murder when the two-week trial begins Monday.

Read more:

http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Mystery-of-boy-s-death-remains-as-capital-murder-4721855.php?t=c85ffe5036



Mona Yvette Nelson: Charged with killing 12-year-old Jonathan Paul Foster in Houston.
Photo courtesy Houston Police Department

Video includes snippets of Mona Nelson during her testimony (pre-trial) but no audio. Good recap!
~~~~~

Murder trial for woman accused of killing boy, 12, begins

Published On: Aug 13 2013 10:28:06 AM CDT  
Updated On: Aug 13 2013 09:40:52 PM CDT

By Phil Archer
KPRC (NBC) - Houston, TX


HOUSTON -  
A judge has ruled some of the statements made by a woman accused of murdering 12-yr-old Jonathan Foster in December 2010 won't be allowed in court.

Mona Nelson is accused of killing Foster in December,2010. She and her attorney claimed police coerced a confession from her by depriving her of sleep and medical care while questioning her at her home and at police stations for 17 hours.

Nelson’s attorney asked Judge Jeannine Barr to throw out five  statements made by Nelson to police after a security camera  allegedly recorded the boy's body being thrown from Nelson's truck in the 1600 block of Childress Street on December 28th, 2010.

Read more and view video (2:07):

http://www.click2houston.com/news/murder-trial-for-woman-accused-of-killing-boy-12-begins/-/1735978/21446266/-/a17wqbz/-/index.html

Opening statements begin in kidnapping, murder trial

Updated at 10:33 AM today - 8/14/13

KTRK (ABC) - Houston, TX


Snipped:

Opening statements began at 10am. We have a camera in the courtroom, and will bring you updates throughout the day.

Read more and view video:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=9205594

Prosecutors in murder trial say they will show how boy died

By Cindy Horswell | August 14, 2013
Houston Chronicle - Houston, TX


Prosecutors promised Wednesday they could show how, but not why, accused killer Mona Nelson callously ended the life of a 12-year-old boy after he disappeared on Christmas eve 2010.

Snipped:

However, the victim's mother, Angela Davis, standing in the hallway and wearing a button with a picture of her red-headed son, said she had no idea why Nelson would want to kill her son. "The only thing I can say is that my justice will be given when she meets her maker. There's no telling why she would do this. She's just pure evil. She let Satan command instead of God.''

Read more:

http://www.chron.com/default/article/Prosecutors-in-murder-trial-say-they-will-show-4731832.php

Opening arguments begin in trial of woman accused of killing 12-year-old boy

by KHOU.com staff
KHOU - Houston, TX

Posted on August 14, 2013 at 11:06 AM

HOUSTON—Opening arguments are underway in the trial of a woman accused of kidnapping and killing a 12-year-old Houston boy on Christmas Eve in 2010.

Snipped:

Meanwhile, the boy’s family still has many questions.

“The family, the parents, and the grandparents that I’ve dealt with extensively on this, they feel like they got sucker punched,” said Andy Kahan, Victim Advocate for the city of Houston.

Read more and view video:

http://www.khou.com/news/local/Opening-arguments-begin-in-trial-of-woman-accused-of-killing-12-year-old-boy-219574481.html

Prosecution: No motive for murder of 12-year-old boy

Updated at 04:32 PM today - 8/14/13

KTRK (ABC) - Houston, TX
by Deborah Wrigley

HOUSTON (KTRK) --  More than two years after the burned body of 12-year-old Jonathan Foster was found, the woman accused of killing him is finally on trial. But the one main question in the case may never be answered

Snipped:

Jonathan's mother Angela Davis was the first witness called to the stand. She delivered heart-wrenching testimony in which she spoke of a phone call she received at work on Christmas Eve. A manager said it was from her babysitter, but Jonathan didn't have one. She called and a strange woman answered. She could hear her son in the background and then the line went dead. When David returned to the duplex where she and Jonathan were staying with a friend, no one was home.

"I ran up and down the street banging on doors, standing in the parking lot, hollering my son's name," she testified


Read more & view video:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=9205594

Testimony begins in trial of woman accused of killing boy
Prosecutors Wednesday outlined circumstantial evidence against Mona Nelson

Author: Phil Archer, Reporter
KPRC (NBC) - Houston, TX

Published On: Aug 14 2013 11:23:26 AM CDT  
Updated On: Aug 14 2013 10:04:12 PM CDT


HOUSTON -  
Angela Davis says the last time she saw her son, he was happy. It was Christmas Eve, 2010.

Davis cried softly on the witness stand Wednesday as a prosecutor showed her the Christmas present she gave the boy the morning before he disappeared; a Scooby-Doo container filled with candy.

Snipped:

But prosecutors say phone records and witnesses statements prove David Davis was not involved in the murder.

Snipped:

Prosecutors will continue putting on witnesses Thursday. The trial is expected to last two weeks.

Read more and view video:

http://www.click2houston.com/news/opening-statements-begin-in-trial-of-woman-accused-of-killing-boy/-/1735978/21464700/-/s6shh7z/-/index.html

Opening arguments begin in trial of woman accused of killing 12-year-old boy

by KHOU.com staff
KHOU (CBS) - Houston, TX

Posted on August 14, 2013 at 11:06 AM
Updated today at 7:07 PM


Snipped:

Wednesday was an emotional day in court as Jonathan’s mother took the stand.

Angela Davis fought back tears as she talked about the last time she heard her son’s voice, on Christmas Eve 2010.

Davis was on the stand for nearly two hours.

But the one main question that everyone has been asking was not answered: Why did this happen?

Nearly three years later, in the trial’s opening statements attorneys said there is still no motive for the killing.

Snipped:

It is not clear who all will be testifying in the trial, or if Nelson will take the stand.

Read more and view video:

http://www.khou.com/news/crime/Opening-arguments-begin-in-trial-of-woman-accused-of-killing-12-year-old-boy-219574481.html

Mother describes effort to save her slain son

By Cindy Horswell  
Houston Chronicle - Houston, TX

August 14, 2013 | Updated: August 14, 2013 9:57pm


Angela Davis told a gripping story Wednesday about receiving cryptic phone calls from her 12-year-old son and a strange woman, racing home on her motor scooter that stalled and then breathlessly running the last 100 hundred yards on foot to her north Houston duplex.

But after fumbling with her key, she finally opened the door that Christmas eve in 2010 only to discover that her son had vanished seconds earlier.

Ominous phone calls

A half glass of cold milk sat on a table. Cartoons blared from the television and a computer game was loaded and ready to play. But the tin box filled with Tootsie Rolls left behind was what brought tears to Davis' eyes and made it hard for her to continue testifying in the capital murder trial of Mona Nelson, the woman accused in the killing of her red-headed fifth-grader, Jonathan Foster.

"It was a family tradition to pick one present to open before Christmas," she said, and her son had selected the candy from all the gifts, including a Wii game, that still sat unopened under the glowing lights of her tree.


Read more:

http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Mother-describes-effort-to-save-her-slain-son-4731832.php

Mona Nelson's 'dirty' shirt used as evidence at murder trial

August 15, 2013
Updated at 04:50 PM today

by Katie McCall
KTRK (ABC) - Houston, TX


HOUSTON (KTRK) --  On Wednesday, the mother of a little boy who was allegedly kidnapped and later turned up dead had to relive that day in court. On Thursday, Jonathan Foster's grandmother had to do the same.

In tears, Mary Gifford testified about Foster, her grandson, coming home to Texas after living with relatives in Mississippi and Missouri in 2010.

Snipped:

Foster's stepfather, David Davis, also testified Thursday. He admitted he's hit the boy's mother in the past, but he loved her son and never harmed him. He was ruled out as a suspect in this case after being questioned by police for 12 hours. He established his whereabouts the night the boy disappeared and is a key witness as the state continues to try and prove how Nelson is the only person who could've committed this crime

Read more and view video:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=9207626&rss=rss-ktrk-article-9207626

Thank you, Ann - Tx, for all these links.

I've just read every single one of them and listened to the videos.

I'm glad that the judge ruled that all her statements to the police can come in except the one she made after telling LE that she wanted an attorney.  What I wouldn't give to be able to have transcripts of them!

It bothers me that the state can't come up with a motive.  (I know they don't have to prove one.)

Maybe it is a good thing that the alleged murderer elected trial by judge.  The defense seems to be zeroing in on the fact that she had no motive.  Possibly they may have confused a jury, but I don't believe it will work at the 'bench trial.'

Still--after five interviews with her--I can't help but wonder why they couldn't come up with something regarding a motive.  Apparently, she (Mona) told the first lady that answered the phone where Jonathan's mother worked, that if she didn't put his mother on the phone, her son (Jonathan) wouldn't be there long.

I'm sure LE must have questioned Mona about that.  I wonder what she had to say?  This is kind of frustrating.

It's so sad--she allegedly burned him so bad with her welding torch that the pathologist couldn't find a cause of death.  And they have evidence that links the carpet she wrapped him in right to her house. (And maybe much more than that.)

As this woman has a considerable police record, including aggravated robbery (for which she got 10 years probation)--it looks like she understands all too well what to say when questioned by law enforcement.

It's interesting, too, that the state hasn't asked for the death penalty; although that might be a good thing when all is said and done.  At least no one can say that the state shot high, hoping for a lesser.

Justice for sweet Jonathan!!

Stepdad of boy, 12, found dead testifies at murder trial
Defense claims David Davis was angry when his new wife brought her son to live with them in November 2010

Published On: Aug 15 2013 06:20:08 PM CDT

KPRC (NBC) - Houston, TX


Snipped:

Davis said after Angela and her son moved out he wanted her back, and still saw them both. He last saw Jonathan the afternoon he disappeared , Christmas Eve, 2010.

“I told him I loved him and I’d see him in a little bit. His mom was on the way home,” Davis said.

Read more & view video:

http://www.click2houston.com/news/stepdad-of-boy-12-found-dead-testifies-at-murder-trial/-/1735978/21488436/-/13h5ulo/-/index.html

Murder suspect points finger at victim's stepfather

By Cindy Horswell
Houston Chronicle - Houston, TX

August 15, 2013 | Updated: August 15, 2013 9:07pm


The lawyer for Mona Nelson - accused of the 2010 kidnap-murder of a 12-year-old boy - sought to undermine the prosecution's case Thursday by pointing an accusing finger at the boy's stepfather.

From his opening remarks when the trial started, defense attorney Allen Tanner has described stepfather David Davis as "the one with a motive to kill the boy."

At the same time, prosecutor Connie Spence acknowledged in her opening that she would only be able to show how the murder defendant, Nelson, killed the boy but "not why" she did it.

Davis, wearing a memorial button with a picture of the murdered boy, took the stand Thursday and portrayed himself as being thrilled at having a second chance to become a father to a son at age 55. Especially, he said, since he'd already raised three daughters.

Read more:

http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Murder-suspect-points-finger-at-victim-s-4736912.php

Stepfather of boy kidnapped, killed on Christmas Eve takes stand


by KHOU.com staff
KHOU (CBS) - Houston, TX

Posted on August 15, 2013 at 7:07 PM





HOUSTON – The stepfather of a little boy kidnapped and killed on Christmas Eve 2-and-a-half years ago has testified in the murder trial of Mona Nelson.

The stepfather has been the target of most of the questions and some members of the family said they suspected him from the beginning.

Read more and view video:

http://www.khou.com/news/crime/Stepfather-of-boy-kidnapped-killed-on-Christmas-Eve-takes-stand--219856651.html

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/video?id=9208552
KTRK (ABC) -  Houston, TX   --   8/16/13

Video: Stepfather to testify in capital murder trial

The stepfather of the 12-year-old victim is testifying in the capital murder trial of Mona Nelson

Testimony resumes in kidnapping, murder trial

August 16, 2013
Updated at 10:48 AM today

KTRK (ABC) - Houston, TX


HOUSTON (KTRK) --  Testimony continues today in the Mona Nelson capital murder trial.

Read more & view video:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=9208528

The updated video from KTRK (ABC) 11 am NEWS (CDT) has not been posted to their Homepage yet.

The 11am News started with coverage of the Mona Nelson trial.

The reporter said Jonathan Fisher vs Jonathan Foster.  Said more than once.  Shame on him for not getting the name correct.  Hopefully, they will correct before posting the video report.

David Davis, Jonathan Foster's stepfather, is back on the stand and being cross-examined by the Defense (A. Tanner).

As expected, Tanner is attempting to "point the finger at Davis."

It is noted that David Davis is not on trial; Mona Nelson is on trial!

Per the reporter, David Davis had access to torches where he worked and knew how to use.

David Davis denied slapping Jonathan Foster.

The bartender from the "ice house" testified also and indicated David Davis was there.

No link available because video not posted yet.  I watched the KTRK News (Houston) on TV.

Thanks for the update, Ann _ Tx!

I'm glad they are noting that the step father is not on trial, but I do find him to be an unsympathetic character.

I believe he did more than just knock Jonathan's hat off his head, but that doesn't make him the murderer.

I hope they soon return the focus to the defendant.

Victim's stepfather testifies in capital murder trial

August 16, 2013
Updated at 01:47 PM today

by Simon Gutierrez
KTRK (ABC) - Houston, TX

HOUSTON (KTRK) --  A man who was once a suspect himself is on the witness stand in the murder trial of a woman, charged in the death of a young boy.

Snipped:

On the stand again today was Jonathan Foster's stepfather, David Davis, one of the prosecution's key witnesses.

Snipped:

On Friday morning, he testified he was upset that Angela Davis had an affair, that he sent threatening text messages to the man she had been involved with, and admitted trying to scare him.

Read more & view video:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=9208528

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/video?id=9209123
KTRK (ABC)  - Houston, TX    8/16/13


VIDEO: Victim's stepfather testifies in capital murder trial

The judge tossed out a piece of evidence that could have helped the prosecution's case

Stepfather of boy testifies against woman accused of killing him

Published On: Aug 16 2013 05:57:12 PM CDT
 Updated On: Aug 16 2013 07:13:18 PM CDT

KPRC (NBC) - Houston, TX


HOUSTON -  
Dramatic testimony Friday in the case of a murdered 12-year-old boy.  That child's stepfather took the stand, testifying against the woman who is accused of killing the child.

Snipped:

Sergeant Roger Chapel testified he questioned Nelson about how the carpet ended up in her trash. Nelson's attorney's fought hard to keep her answers from being allowed into evidence, but they were overruled by the judge.

"Once her confession comes in, it's no longer circumstantial evidence. Once her confession comes in she's going to be convicted based on her own words, her own testimony, her own admission," said Brian Wice, Local 2 Legal Analyst.

Snipped:

Testimony resumes Monday morning at 10am. Prosecutors are expected to present a videotape they're calling a key piece of evidence in their case against Nelson.

Read more & view video:

http://www.click2houston.com/news/stepfather-of-boy-testifies-against-woman-accused-of-killing-him/-/1735978/21503544/-/r3p84oz/-/index.html

Evidence ties slain boy to defendant

By Cindy Horswell | August 16, 2013
Houston Chronicle - Houston, TX


Prosecutors on Friday held up a gray sweatshirt, decorated with Looney Tunes cartoon characters, identical to a missing shirt that Angela Davis said belonged to her slain 12-year-old son.

With eyes blurred with tears, Davis had earlier told the court how her red-headed fifth-grade son, Jonathan Foster, danced with joy when she initially gave him the sweatshirt a few weeks before he was kidnapped on Christmas Eve 2010. He swore he would always wear it, she said.

But Houston police investigator Roger Chappell testified the sweatshirt, introduced as evidence Friday, was found stuffed in a trash can outside the apartment of the boy's accused killer, Mona Nelson. It also had drops of Nelson's blood splattered on the back, prosecutors said.

This sweatshirt, a burned area rug that a cadaver dog indicated had the scent of a dead body, and some singed twine similar to what had bound the boy's arms were pulled from that trash can.

Read more:

http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Evidence-ties-slain-boy-to-defendant-4739442.php

Evidence thrown out in capital murder trial of woman accused of killing boy

August16, 2014
Updated at 07:08 PM today

KTRK (ABC) - Houston, TX

HOUSTON (KTRK) --  A judge tossed out evidence against a woman accused of kidnapping and killing a little boy. That move comes as the defense continues to cast suspicion on the child's stepfather. The jury also heard from the man who placed Mona Nelson at the scene of the boy's abduction, but that may not matter.

Snipped:

The judge agreed, suppressing the lineup as the evidence she'll consider. While that might have mattered to a jury, this is different.

Read more & view video:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=9208528

Maybe it is a good thing (for the sake of future appeals), that the judge won't allow the 'line-up' evidence.

I feel for LE in that, though; because I remember when she was first being arrested.  As we saw pictures of her, we were all questioning if [she] was a female.  She wore her hair in what I would describe as a brush cut, and she did look very masculine.

I understand that they couldn't have put her in a line-up of males; so what were they to do?

They still have the fact that the witness saw the gray truck in the driveway that afternoon.

One thing that struck me was that he said he saw the defendant leaving, but nothing was said about Jonathan being with her.

I wonder how she got him out of the duplex?

(There is no doubt in my mind that she did this.)

Since this trial started, I have noticed various mainstream media in TX reporting about the trial (not every day though). Most use AP, Houston TV station affiliation or reference back to a source such as the Houston Chronicle (below example).

http://www.ketknbc.com/news/accused-killer-points-finger-at-childs-stepfather
KETK (NBC) - Tyler, TX

POSTED: Monday, August 19, 2013 - 6:00am
UPDATED: Monday, August 19, 2013 - 6:14am

Mona Nelson is accused of killing Jonathan Foster on Christmas Eve 2010

Nan 11, there is no doubt in my mind Mona Nelson is guilty.  Too bad the State of Texas is not seeking the death penalty.  For the horrific, heinous murder of Jonathan Foster, Mona Nelson deserves the death penalty.

It does not surprise me at all that she and her defense attorney, Allen Tanner, are pointing the finger at David Davis.  They are trying to create reasonable doubt and it "just won't fly!"

Just my opinion!

~~~ Justice for Jonathan Foster ~~~

Watching our local news on TV - KTRK (ABC) @ 11 AM.  Anchor said testimony in the Mona Nelson trial continues today.

Katie McCall, reporter, is in the court room and will have a "live" update from the court house in the second half of the news segment.

 News is from 11 am - 12pm.  So . . .  the update should be after 11:30 a.m.    Hopefully, the video update will be posted to the Homepage later.

For those not in the greater Houston area and can't get KTRK news on TV, here is a Link to the KTRK Live Stream of the 11 am News:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/live
KTRK (ABC) - Houston, TX  -- Live Stream --Local News

I need to leave for Houston and will be back later this evening.  Just want  to quickly post this.

Katie McCall, a seasoned reporter with KTRK (ABC), did an update.

Two officers with Houston Police Dept. testified this morning.  Pictures of Jonathan's charred remains were shown.  He was found face down in the bar ditch (culvert) and his hands were tied behind his back with twine similar to what was found at Mona Nelson's home.  Also, remains wrapped in carpet like found at Nelson's home.

FBI agent will testify today.  FBI was called in when the charred remains were found.

Here is a Link to an earlier article.  KTRK might update this article and post an updated video later:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=9211071
KTRK (ABC) - Houston, TX   8/19/13 -- 09:57 AM

Capital murder trial of woman accused of killing Houston boy continues today


If this is not updated, then the Katie McCall report will appear on the Homepage as a new article.  You can check here ever so often:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/index
KTRK (ABC) - Houston, TX  -- Homepage

Trial of woman in Houston boy's killing opens 2nd week

Jonathan Foster's body was found in Dec. of 2010

Published On: Aug 19 2013 09:59:12 AM CDT
KPRC (NBC) - Houston, TX

Snipped:

Prosecutors have begun presenting physical evidence linking Nelson to the child.

Nelson has chosen to have a judge decide her case instead of a jury.

We'll have more from the courtroom tonight on Local 2 News at 4, 5 and 6.

Read more:

http://www.click2houston.com/news/trial-of-woman-in-houston-boys-killing-opens-2nd-week/-/1735978/21521038/-/eaqjenz/-/index.html

Detective recalls what was found in murder suspect's trash can

August 19, 2014
Updated at 06:03 PM today

by Katie McCall
KTRK (ABC) - Houston, TX


HOUSTON (KTRK) --  Investigators are taking the stand, testifying about what they found in the case of a 12-year-old boy kidnapped and murdered in December 2010.

Snipped:

Foster's body was found in a ditch, burned beyond recognition, and Miller described seeing a lot of leaves around the body. When he went to Nelson's property, he said the same kind of leaves were everywhere, along with a strong odor of burning.

Snipped:

But it was a child's size large Looney Tunes sweatshirt pulled from Nelson's trash can that Detective Miller later took to Foster's mother:

He testified, "I immediately displayed the sweatshirt and asked if she'd seen it before. She said that she had. She told us that was her son Jonathan's sweatshirt."


Read more and view video:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=9211071

Homicide detective testifies in trial of woman accused of killing boy

The woman's attorney has tried to cast doubt on the boy's stepfather but from the beginning detectives have said she is the only suspect in the case

KPRC (NBC) - Houston, TX
Published On: Aug 19 2013 05:29:16 PM CDT   Updated On: Aug 19 2013 06:12:47 PM CDT


HOUSTON -
Testimony entered its second week in the trial of a woman accused of kidnapping and killing a 12-year-old Houston boy.

Snipped:

Homicide detective Mike Miller also took the stand, going over what he said are discrepancies in Nelson's statement to investigators.

Miller testified the former boxer gave investigators several names of people she was with when Foster disappeared. Yet Miller said when he spoke to those people Nelson's timeline didn't add up.

Read more & view video:

http://www.click2houston.com/news/homicide-detective-testifies-in-trial-of-woman-accused-of-killing-boy/-/1735978/21532050/-/erln0/-/index.html
~~~~~

Note: The video is from the local 4 PM News today - 8/19/13.

On Websleuth's a few days ago, an inquiry by a member was made if there is a tombstone at Jonathan Foster's grave.  Another member posted a Link with pic on what she or he found on the Internet.

http://www.websleuths.com/forums/showpost.php?p=9757030&postcount=83
Websleuth's - Comment #83
~~~~~~~~~

I would like to provide the following info:

This is the marker provided by Carnes Funeral Home (Texas City, TX) the day Jonathan's urn (remains) was buried on January 4, 2010 (the day of Jonathan's Memorial Service.)

The pic below was added to the Find a Grave website on 6/13/2011.  Since that date, it is possible that a tombstone has replaced the Carnes Funeral Home marker.



Added by: Lisa R. Franklin
6/13/2011


Jonathan is buried in South Park Cemetery in Pearland, TX:



South Park Cemetery in Pearland, Texas
Added by: Jodi Bash
4/17/2012


Source:
 http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=pv&GRid=63475927&PIpi=43863876
findagrave.com - Jonathan Paul Foster
~~~~~



Source:  

http://www.southparkfunerals.com/location/about/cemetery.html
South Park Funerals - Cemetery

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=63475927
findagrave.com - Jonathan Paul Foster - Memorial

Jonathan Paul Foster



Added by: Marie K


Added by: Lisa R. Franklin
6/13/2011


Added by: Lisa R. Franklin
6/13/2011


Jonathan Paul Foster

Birth:  Nov. 9, 1998
Texas, USA
Death:  Dec. 24, 2010
Houston
Harris County
Texas, USA

Jonathan Paul Foster was born on November 9, 1998.
He was a bright, happy child with big blue eyes and strawberry-blonde hair. He loved to climb trees, play video games and play baseball.
Jonathan was sadly taken from this world on December 24th, 2010.


Don't grieve for me now, for now I'm free.
I'm following the path God paved for me.
I took God's hand when I heard the call;
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I found that place at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss.
Ah, yes, these things, I too, will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief;
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me -
God wanted me now, God set me free.



Cause of death: homicide

 
Burial:
South Park Cemetery
Pearland
Brazoria County
Texas, USA

Created by: Marie K
Record added: Dec 29, 2010
Find A Grave Memorial# 63475927

Defendant 'unnerved' after identifying her truck on video

By Brian Rogers
Houston Chronicle - Houston, TX

August 19, 2013 | Updated: August 19, 2013 9:18pm


Investigators testified Monday thatMona Nelson seemed "unnerved" after watching surveillance video of a pickup stopping near a north Houston culvert and a person dumping what police believe was the body of Jonathan Foster, a 12-year-old abducted hours before on Christmas Eve 2010.

"It looks like mine," she reportedly told detectives after seeing grainy video with a person in a white shirt maneuvering in the dark between the bed of the truck and the ditch where the boy's charred body was found four days later.

Snipped:

There is not a jury because of an unusual request from Nelson, who formally requested that guilt or innocence be decided by the judge. If convicted of capital murder, Nelson will be sentenced automatically to life without parole, per state law. Prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty.

Read more:

http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Defendant-unnerved-after-identifying-her-truck-4744841.php

Thanks again for all these great updates!

This sweet, sweet child--I have trouble accepting what was done to him.

I agree with the LE person in one of the videos when he describes the defendant as a cold, soulless killer.

The info about the chicken bones is upsetting, too.  As she ate, do you suppose she threw the bones on his charred remains?

I'm getting the picture that this woman is the lowest form of life.  How can one human being do this to another--and to a child at that.

I wish the reporters would stop saying the prosecution has no motive.  For one thing, they don't need to prove motive.  I think that is why they didn't ask for the death penalty, so they wouldn't have to; but I may not be correct on that.

And second, it just makes her look all the worse in my books.  If she had no motive, that leaves some bizarre reason like she just didn't like the look of the child, or she did it to sate some sick desire of her own.

How unbearably horrible.

Rest in peace, sweet Jonathan!  Justice is coming!

Hi, Nan11 . . .

Re the updates, you are welcome.

No one has disclosed why the State is not seeking the death penalty. I would certainly like to know.

In TX, the State does not have to prove motive to seek the death penalty.

As I stated before, Mona Nelson deserves the death penalty. A low form of life that is a cold blooded killer (my opinion). How could any one do this to an innocent, defenseless child! What a monster!

If she is found guilty and I think she will be, she will be sentenced to life without parole per Texas law.

Per KPRC (NBC), they wil lhave more from the courtroom on the 4, 5 and 6 pm News today.
~~~~~


Trial continues for Mona Nelson who's accused in boy's murder
A cadaver dog expert was on the first on stand Tuesday

Published On: Aug 20 2013 11:12:50 AM CDT

KPRC (NBC) - Houston, TX



Mona Nelson


HOUSTON -  
Prosecutors will continue to try to get a conviction in the Mona Nelson trial. A cadaver dog expert was on the first on stand Tuesday.

Read more:

http://www.click2houston.com/news/trial-continues-for-mona-nelson-whos-accused-in-boys-murder/-/1735978/21543144/-/69nk87z/-/index.html

VIDEO:  Evidence from police dogs takes center stage in trial

Capital murder trial testimony centers on police dogs detecting human remains

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/video?id=9212734
KTRK (ABC) - Houston, TX   - 8/20/13

Capital murder trial focuses on police dog evidence

August 20, 2013
Updated at 12:22 PM today

KTRK (ABC) - Houston, TX


HOUSTON (KTRK) --  FBI agents are scheduled to take the stand sometime this week in the capital murder trial of Mona Nelson.

They are expected to testify about the evidence removed from her home following the brutal murder of 12-year-old Jonathan Foster.

Read more and view video:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=9212280

Capital murder trial focuses on police dog evidence

August 20, 2013
Updated at 05:07 PM today

by Katie McCall
KTRK (ABC) - Houston, TX


HOUSTON (KTRK) --  Cadaver dog experts took the stand Tuesday, testifying in the capital murder trial of Mona Nelson -- a woman accused of killing a 12-year-old boy. They were specifically addressing bloody carpet that investigators say was found in Nelson's home.

Snipped:

Her lawyer, Alan Tanner, filed a motion to exclude hours of statements she made to police, but the judge allowed them.

Snipped:

Earlier in the day, two cadaver dog experts, HPD K-9 unit Sergeant Jeffrey Bickel and his wife Janae testified that three different dogs trained to detect dead bodies reacted strongly to a box of burned carpeting at Nelson's home.

Sgt. Bickel testified, "There was a very strong odor of human remains there."

Read more and view video:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=9212280

Nelson denies involvement in 12-year-old's disappearance, death

By Brian Rogers
Houston Chronicle - Houston, TX

 August 20, 2013 | Updated: August 20, 2013 7:04pm


The woman accused of abducting and murdering 12-year-old Jonathan Foster told investigators in a videotaped interrogation that she did not know she was dumping the boy's charred body into a culvert, but said she smelled something sweet while unloading a trash can from the back of her pickup.

On the video shown during Mona Nelson's capital murder trial Tuesday, Nelson first denied having anything to do with the boy's death, then blamed his stepfather for the crime.


Snipped:

She said she was flagged down by Foster's stepfather David Davis, and a friend of his she did not know. Nelson said the men asked her to help them haul something away. After driving around in an industrial area near the Hardy Toll road, she said, Davis talked on the phone while she helped the other man dump a city trash can in a culvert.

Police initially suspected Davis, but he was cleared after detectives obtained video of him sitting in a bar that day and checked his cell phone records.

The disposal of the boy's body was captured on grainy surveillance video and shows only one person, dressed as Nelson was dressed that day, taking something out of a Ford F-150 truck.

Read more:

http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Nelson-denies-involvement-in-12-year-old-s-4747472.php

Capital murder trial focuses on police dog evidence

August 20, 2013
Updated at 05:07 PM today

by Katie McCall
KTRK (ABC) - Houston, TX

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=9212280
~~~~~

In the video report by Katie McCall during the 5pm CDT News (above Link), she indicated there would be more about the video statement Mona Nelson gave to HPD at 6:30 p.m.

As of this time (posting), the video from the 6 pm News has not been posted to KTRK (ABC)'s homepage.  Perhaps it will be posted later today (8/21/13).

I recorded the 6 PM News (8/20/13).  The report from Katie McCall starts at 6:28 pm. Prior to her report, the Anchor Gina Gaston stated that Mona Nelson gave a 1 hour 18 minute statement to police (HPD -Houston Police Dept).

Katie McCall said tomorrow (which is now today, 8/21/13) three people who are going to testify are from out of town and are Expert Witnesses.  They will be testifying out of order.  Then it is expected the remainder of the taped interview with Mona Nelson and HPD will be played.

Part of Katie McCall's report:

From the Nelson Video Statement - December, 2010:

Mona Nelson:  "I jumped out and just manhandled it...  I grabbed it and dumped it over the side and it went over."

12 year old Jonathan Foster's body was charred beyond recognition and found face down in the grass with no can in sight.  Homicide detectives did not buy Nelson's story but there is one part of her statement that they did believe and that was the unique odor she said was coming from the can.

Mona Nelson - December, 2010:  "It was like a sweet smell, not like a candy sweet, but a smell I'd never smelled before."

Sgt. Brian Harris testified that he investigated 8 cases that involved the burning of a human body and said Mona Nelson had precisely identified the smell that occurs when human flesh is burned.

Sgt. Brian Harris - HPD Homicide:  "It's almost like a sweet, sweet mesquite smell and it's been consistent on all of these burned bodies.

I was thinking I know exactly what she's talking about.  I was thinking she's describing Jonathan."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The above is  partial info from Katie McCall's report starting at 6:28 pm ( from a segment of the 6 pm News I recorded via TV on Tuesday, 8/20/13.)  Therefore, I have no Link.  However, here is a Link to the Homepage of the source, KTRK (ABC) - Houston, TX:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/index

I am hoping the video from the 6 pm News (8/20/13) will be posted by KTRK today, 8/21/13.