He matched the description of the man the other resident saw around 3 a.m. at the murdered womans door and had a wide window of suspicion around him, the lawsuit alleges. Most people left Jinaga's apartment after 9pm to move to another apartment. Fair said the lawsuit, obtained by Atlanta Black Star, is the closest thing to justice I can get.. Fairs 23-page complaint, filed last month by his attorney, Ryan Dreveskracht, contends police and prosecutors botched the probe and wrongly targeted him because he was a Black man with a criminal record, despite evidence implicating Jinagas then-neighbor, who is white. In every community across Washington, families are facing the challenge of accessing and affording long-term care. Then, due to inexcusable delays in Fairs trial and prolonged pretrial detention, he spent more than nine years in the King County Correctional Facility as an innocent man, in conditions of inhumane confinement that are well known to have a detrimental effect on mental health, the suit contends. The Mysterious Death of a Young Mom Found Unresponsive in Her Bathtub, Inside the Case Against Bryan Kohberger: Legal Experts Weigh in on Idaho Murders, Will Bryan Kohberger Face Death Penalty if Convicted of Idaho Murders? In the apartment complex's trash bin, was a bag containing Jinaga's Halloween costume, a bloodied robe, a discarded bottle of motor oil, and the bootlace. Theyre still crying about it 10 years later and they will be for the rest of their lives because it was such a horrible thing.. Do we know he would have routinely passed her door going in and out of his apartment? Unidentified male DNA was also found on a bruise on Jinagas wrist. Some guests were rowdy, but nothing out of the ordinary, it says. After her graduation, she got a job as a software engineer at EMC, in a suburb of Seattle. They messed up, he said. Fairs DNA was found on Jinagas robe and a roll of duct tape that was likely used to tape her underwear inside her mouth like a gag. Her fingers and nails were cleaned and then covered in toilet bowl cleaner, and there was a heavy scent of bleach throughout the house. He went on afterwards, he got his degree, hes never had a crime., Fair, who had only met the neighbor at the party that night, said prosecutors immunity deal was just another biased action taken to strengthen the case against him that backfired, because the neighbor didnt even implicate me, he implicated himself.. All the while, Fair, whose family was unable to foot his seven-figure bail, said he had faith he would one day walk away free from a charge alleging he murdered Arpana Jinaga, 24, in her Redmond apartment after a Halloween party in 2008. Eight Years in Jail With No Conviction: Emanuel Fair Files Lawsuit Potts had not known Fair for a long time. It was the second time Fair had been tried in connection with Jinagas killing: The first time, in 2017, the jury deadlocked and a mistrial was declared. There was potential there that was just taken away., Citing pending litigation, a city of Redmond spokesperson declined to comment about Fairs lawsuit on behalf of Coats and the citys Police Department. The second trial was in 2019, where he got a not-guilty verdict. He replied: If youve done it before, youll do it again.. I fear and I worry that someone else may become a victim at some point in time, Ehlert said of Fairs acquittal during the 2020 interview. The county, police department and Coats filed a response to Fairs initial complaint refuting the claims. Jinaga, a 24-year-old software engineer from India, had attended Rutgers University, won an international software award and was a rising star at the Bellevue company where she worked. Ive been away for so long, I dont believe in holidays no more, he said. Because of this, a judge limited the scope of questions the man could be asked during the trial. If her rape was that violent he'd have had SOME scratches or scars. She. At his second trial, a jury found him not guilty. Was Kyle Rose ever questioned as a suspect? Investigators focused on Fair after seeing him in photos of the party. According to residents of the apartment, Johnson appeared interested in Jinaga. Ehlert also defended an immunity deal with the suspected neighbor, and the decision to solely prosecute Fair for first-degree murder with sexual motivation a charge that hinged mostly on trace DNA collected from a crime scene teeming with genetic evidence linked to multiple people. Episode 213: Interview: Emanuel Fair, Found Not Guilty of Murder after After a background check revealed Fairs criminal record, including a third-degree child rape conviction, Fair quickly became the new prime suspect despite leads about the neighbor and other viable suspects, the suit states. Jinagas father had asked a family friend to check in on her after she missed scheduled calls with family from India. All the while, Fair, whose family was unable to foot his seven-figure bail, said he had faith he would one day walk away free from a charge alleging he murdered Arpana Jinaga, 24, in her. Fair said the lawsuit, obtained by Atlanta Black Star, is the closest thing to justice I can get.. One juror said that when the jury began its deliberations on June 6, the 12-member panel was evenly split: Four thought Fair was not guilty, four thought he was guilty, and four were undecided. However, phone records show that he was making many phone calls between 2am and 5am, including to Potts. He matched the description of the man the other resident saw around 3 a.m. at the murdered womans door and had a wide window of suspicion around him, the lawsuit alleges. A tech prodigy from an early age, Arpana seemed poised to achieve great things in life. Just to set the record straight. Fair and Johnson had actually just met that night. In the apartment, there was a strong smell of bleach, and also bleach stains were found. The lawsuit alleges there was heavy drinking at the party of 40 to 50 people. I dont think he killed Arpana. It was a party, Fair was all over her apartment like EVERYONE ELSE. Remembering Arpana Jinaga - this was the memorial DVD that was played at her funeral on October 6, 2008 in Bellevue, Washington. We were limited in the way we were able to argue the case and we have to live with that We try cases and we accept we have to prove everything beyond a reasonable doubt. She had a keen interest in engineering and won several innovation competitions. As her next-door neighbor this would have been obvious. At some point during the night, partygoers recall Jinaga getting into an argument with a male, who made a race-related comment. Convicted sex offender charged in brutal 2008 Redmond homicide They also failed to look for evidence of a missing bootlace. Maybe they were running out of time (had to be somewhere? During the party, [Fair] was accidentally hit in the mouth and had a bloody lip, so he used a tissue in Ms. Jinagas apartment; he likely used her bathroom during the party where her robe hung; he may have touched the duct tape holding decorations during the party; and photographs show he touched Ms. Jinaga and others while posing during the party. As a teenager, Jinaga won a top prize in an international computer programming competition. But of course, I imagine it must have been loud disturbance to kick in a door, which was apparently never reported. On Oct. 30, 2010, Fair was placed in a Seattle holding cell while detectives gathered more evidence against him for the 2008 sexual assault and murder of a 24-year-old software engineer and Indian immigrant named Arpana Jinaga. Johnson has denied any involvement in Jinagas death. The lawsuit also says Fair threw garbage in the dumpster where the robe and other items were found while helping with party clean up. And the other DNA found was found on a robe that was likely in hanging in her bathroom, maybe he dried his hands on it while using the bathroom. If you would like to share your thoughts or experiences in relation to this story, please email the reporter or, Fire on Lake City Way in Seattle raises smoke, flooding concerns, WA to end masking requirement in health care, correctional facilities, Tacoma woman refusing tuberculosis treatment continues to face arrest, Be bolder to get light rail done, expert panel tells Sound Transit, Driver makes U-turn, hits pedestrian near Pioneer Square, police say. All the while, Fair, whose family was unable to foot his seven-figure bail, said he had faith he would one day walk away free from a charge alleging he murdered Arpana Jinaga, 24, in her. Redmond police Lt. Brian Coats vividly recalls all that he learned about Arpana Jinaga, a Redmond woman who was strangled in her apartment in 2008, her body doused with bleach, toilet-bowl cleaner and motor oil in an apparent attempt to destroy DNA evidence of rape. The party lasted until the early hours. According to court documents, Johnson called Jinaga around 3 a.m. but did not mention that to the police during his interview. Suspect: With Matthew Shaer, Eric Benson, Matt Baglio, Ashley Fantz. Legal Expert Weighs In, Idaho Murder Victims' Families React to Suspect's Arrest: 'Such a Blessing and Relief', 'She Had No Idea': Sister of Idaho Victim Reacts to Claim that Suspect's Phone Pinged Near House 12 Times, Parents Charged with Murder After 4-Year-Old Son Dies from Alleged 'Exorcisms', Idaho Killings: Surviving Roommate Saw Alleged Killer Wearing Black Clothes and a Mask, Affidavit Says. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Another apartment complex resident committed suicide just days after Jinagas death, and his DNA was reportedly never compared to the crime scene. Jinagas phone and digital camera were missing from the scene and never recovered. Arpana Jinaga Memorial on Vimeo Coats is now a captain in the department. Second trial in killing of Redmond woman ends with not-guilty verdict Her other immediate neighbor, Kyle Rose, said he heard growling sounds around 8 a.m. Replies analysing and speculating over the mystery and possible explanations are encouraged. So what else can they do but to continue to point their finger at me?. Several people were at the party before Jinagas murder, so the scene was full of various DNA samples. At age 20, Jinaga moved from her native India to the United States and quickly found success. Johnson also said that he had driven to Canada on the day after the Halloween party and that he had been denied entry. He used the bathroom on one occasion. Arpana Jinaga Unresolved https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/law-justice/after-nearly-11-years-and-two-trials-killing-of-redmond-woman-remains-unsolved/, https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/woman-found-dead-in-redmond-was-slain-police-say/, https://www.courts.wa.gov/content/petitions/96468-8%20Petition%20for%20Review.pdf, https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/emanuel-fair-trial-lawsuit-dna-murder-charge-1330251/, https://static1.squarespace.com/static/59393415bebafb202cc26aba/t/5f0237f32005f03d23c6d73a/1593980918922/Defense-Motion-to-Compel-Source-Code.pdf. According to court documents, a neighbor who did not attend the party reported seeing a man with olive complexion and light stubble standing in Jinagas doorway, talking to someone inside around 3 a.m. Fair went inside Potts apartment between 2:30 and 3 a.m. after listening to music with Jinagas immediate neighbor Cameron Johnson. Jinagas bruised body was discovered covered with a cloth on Monday, Nov. 3, 2008. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. I just want to be myself., The Seattle Times closes comments on particularly sensitive stories. Potts covered for Fair because he had a warrant out for not updating his address with his parole officer. The party started like many others. The neighbor initially neglected to tell detectives about phone calls he made to Jinaga at 3 a.m. Later on the morning of her slaying, he drove to the Canadian border and attempted to cross it without a passport but was denied entry. Fair was initially arrested for not updating his address with his probation officer. But it seems Jinaga would quickly move on and return to enjoying the party. I think he may have been involved; I think he may have lied to us, Ehlert said of the neighbor. The DNA on the motor oil and fleeing to Canada seems highly suspicious to me. Fair spent six of the nearly nine years in jail, held by a seven-figure bond, isolated for 23 hours a day awaiting trial. At some point, though, things turned tense. After the party wound down, Jinaga was seen returning to her apartment about 3 a.m.; investigators believe she was killed at about 8 a.m. Nov. 1. Brian Coats, who led the investigation into Jinagas murder as a detective 13 years ago. Contribute to Atlanta Black Star today and help us share our narratives. On Oct. 31, 2008, 24-year-old Arpana Jinaga dressed up in a Little Red Riding Hood costume and prepared for a Friday night to remember. "It's a series about cutting-edge science and mislaid justice, race and policing, and the kinds of weighty choices that cops and prosecutors make every day," Wondery states in a release. On Oct. 30, 2010, Fair was placed in a Seattle holding cell while detectives gathered more evidence against him for the 2008 sexual assault and murder of a 24-year-old software engineer and Indian immigrant named Arpana Jinaga. This is weird. The following Monday, her body would be discovered inside of her apartment, the victim of an apparent homicide. He and Jinagas next-door neighbor who became a suspect in her slaying discovered her locked door had been kicked in and found her nude body on her bedroom floor. Best Arpana Jinaga Podcasts (2023) - Player Cameron Johnson: a neighbour of Jinaga: he showed up to the party in Jinaga's apartment late. From the beginning, it was a complex case, complicated by the fact so many people had attended the party the night before she was killed, said Coats, the Redmond police lieutenant. He scrubbed his phone after questioned about the call and could easily have hung around and taken time to clean her apartment/scrub the crime scene because their apartments shared a balcony and him taking out trash wouldn't strike anyone as weird or noticeable. She had it all going on, Coats said. Most of the partygoers reportedly referred to the chocolate-skinned man as the Black guy in his police file. Most of the partygoers reportedly referred to the chocolate-skinned man as the Black guy in his police file. It contends Fair was asleep at his friends apartment when Jinaga likely was attacked, and that he didnt attempt to leave the area: He helped clean up outdoor areas after the party and stayed with his friend at her apartment for two more days. . His first trial, in 2017, ended in a hung jury because one juror said Fair looked like a thug with tattoos on his hands. The jury in the second trial acquitted him. He had a prior history of violent sexual crimes. To contaminate evidence, Jinagas hands had been doused in blue toilet-bowl cleaner and her body covered in motor oil. . Detectives interviewed Fair three times in jail before the district attorney recommended a first-degree murder against him. Maybe he sneezed or coughed while using it. Some guests were rowdy, but nothing out of the ordinary, it says. Fair was staying with his friend Leslie Potts on Oct. 31, 2008, in Valley View Apartments when he attended the party that Potts and other neighbors organized. Im out, Fair said. Jinaga, a 24-year-old software engineer from India, had attended Rutgers University, won an international software award and was a rising star at the Bellevue company where she worked. Cameron should have been the #1 suspect. The court documents detail negligence by detectives and the outsourcing of a famous psychic medium to opine on the case. Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. DNA evidence was linked to three men and. To get in one of those cheap hollow core doors (if thats what the apartment had) by kicking, you dont need to kick a hole through, just knock it out of the lock. However, when Fair emerged as a suspect, his treatment can only be viewed as racial discrimination, his attorneys allege. A Review of the 2008 Murder Mystery of Indian immigrant, Arpana Jinaga My guess would be drugs. He told detectives he had a desire to explore. Canadian officials said Johnson tried to blow through the gates. Around 3 am, Jinaga left a gathering in a ground-floor apartment and returned to her apartment on the third floor. . This is only a fraction of the evidence exonerating Emanuel which was wide-ranging and persuasive. I always knew I was going to get out; I just didnt think it would take as a long as it took, Fair, 38, said last month. The DNA on her neck was microscopic and wasn't necessarily a match, it just couldn't be excluded. She and several other residents in the complex opened the doors to their apartments for what was to be a night of fun. They act on impulse, not ration. At his second trial, a jury found him not guilty. In August 2009, a man named Emanuel Fair was interviewed by police. He also heard a thud on the floor but figured she was alright when he heard water running shortly after the noise. Jinaga and other tenants he hadnt met were co-hosting a large Halloween party in several units. Poor victim was surrounded by shady people it seems. Investigators focused on Fair after seeing him in photos of the party. Now working a security job and living with friends in Renton, he said hes often depressed, carries guilt for a younger brothers emotional troubles and avoids going out. Fairs attorneys contend that some of the DNA evidence was not an exact match. Someone else murdered the young software engineer. Coats ran a background check on the Fair and found the rape charge. Fairs lawsuit contends the probable cause affidavit used to support the murder charge omitted multiple facts, including that several other mens DNA also was found on crime scene evidence and items found in the dumpster. Residents said Fair appeared relaxed when he hung out at Potts apartment for three days over the weekend. 14 years ago. Ehlert, in the 2020 interview, noted prosecutors were barred from including some key evidence at trial: Fairs past convictions and the possibility that he and the neighbor acted together in Jinagas killing because there wasnt evidence to support that theory a decision upheld by the state Court of Appeals after Fairs first trial. Some of the potential suspects were not interviewed. Everyone seemed to have a good time, the lawsuit alleges. After hosting her event, software programmer, Arpana Jinaga, was found dead inside her home. The prosecutors office also provided an uncut hourlong recording of an interview of former Chief Deputy Criminal Prosecuting Attorney Erin Ehlert in 2020 for a true crime podcast called Suspect, which examined the case. 'I'm Out, But I'm Not Free': Man Sues After Spending More Than Eight Potts, Jinaga and two others neighbors decorated and opened up their units to allow partygoers to go in and out freely. In it, Ehlert stood firmly by the prosecuting teams decisions. His DNA was on the roll of duct tape found on the couch, not the tape that covered her face and according to the podcast there's a photo of him using the duct tape to hang up decorations so yea he touched it they already know that. Coats was asked during the podcast if the prior conviction was significant to his investigation. Sunshine2018/BT - He made calls to a few friends, including apparently pocket-dialing Potts. 'Suspect' is a true crime Halloween whodunnit mystery for the books
Safeway Lawsuit Payout, Dodge Ram Sliding Rear Window Replacement, Articles A