McStay Family Murder Trial: Prosecutors Want Jurors to View CNN Interview With Defendant

Charles Merritt was led out of the courtroom after his arraignment, where he pleaded not guilty in the slayings of the McStay family. (Credit: Los Angeles Times)

by: Los Angeles Times

Posted: Feb 10, 2019 / 11:55 AM PST

Updated: Feb 10, 2019 / 11:55 AM PST

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Months before he was arrested on suspicion of murder in 2014, Charles “Chase” Merritt told a CNN reporter he was “definitely the last person” whom Joseph McStay saw.

Now, jurors tasked with deciding whether Merritt killed McStay and his family — who lived in San Diego County — may be allowed to see that television interview for themselves.

Last week, San Bernardino Superior Court Judge Michael Smith gave prosecutors the OK to play the recording for the panel, so long as prosecutors can get someone on the stand to authenticate it as a true representation of the interview.

Merritt, 61, is charged with killing business partner McStay, 40, as well as McStay’s wife Summer, 43, and the couple’s young sons, Gianni, 4, and Joey Jr., 3.

Read the full story on LATimes.com.