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Karmelo Anthony’s post-trial case will move forward under a new judge after the judge who presided over his murder trial was recused.
Update: Judge removed from Karmelo Anthony case
Karmelo Anthony’s fight for a new trial took a major turn Wednesday after the judge who presided over his murder trial was removed from the post-trial proceedings.
Visiting Judge Sid Harle granted the defense request to recuse Collin County Judge John Roach Jr. Anthony’s attorneys argued that Roach’s public comments following the conviction raised questions about whether he could remain impartial while considering the motion for a new trial. Harle ruled that the legal standard for recusal had been met.
Retired District Judge Michael Chitty has now been assigned to the case. He is expected to preside over Anthony’s motion for a new trial, which remains scheduled for Thursday morning despite briefly appearing as canceled on the court’s online calendar.
Anthony has not been granted a new trial. Wednesday’s ruling only determines which judge will decide that request.
Karmelo Anthony Seeks New Trial as Judge Recusal Hearing Approaches
By Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose
Karmelo Anthony is heading back to a Collin County courtroom just months after a jury convicted him of murder.
New court records show two major hearings scheduled for next week.
First, a judge will hear Anthony’s request to remove the judge who oversaw his murder trial.
Then, the court will take up Anthony’s request for a new trial.
The hearings come after a jury sentenced Anthony to 35 years in prison for the killing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf.
Karmelo Anthony Recusal Hearing Set for August 19
Karmelo Anthony. Collin County court records show a hearing on his motion to recuse is set for August 19, 2026, at 9 a.m.
Collin County court records show a hearing on Anthony’s motion to recuse is set for August 19, 2026, at 9 a.m.
The hearing will take place in the 494th District Courtroom at the Collin County Courthouse.
Court records list Judge Harle as the presiding judge for the hearing.
Anthony’s murder case originally went before Judge John R. Roach Jr. in the 296th District Court.
The defense now wants Roach removed from the post-trial proceedings.
The court will consider that request before it addresses Anthony’s bid for a new trial.
Motion for New Trial Hearing Set for August 20
The next major hearing is scheduled for August 20, 2026, at 9 a.m.
That hearing will focus on Anthony’s motion for a new trial.
Court records currently list the judge and courtroom as pending.
The two hearings could play a major role in what happens next.
Anthony’s attorneys want the court to overturn his conviction and give him another trial.
Anthony Convicted in Austin Metcalf Killing
Austin Metcalf is remembered by family, friends and the community as the Karmelo Anthony murder case continues through the Collin County court system.
The case began after a confrontation at a high school track meet in Frisco on April 2, 2025.
Anthony was 17 at the time.
Prosecutors accused him of fatally stabbing Austin Metcalf, 17, during the confrontation.
Anthony admitted that he stabbed Metcalf but argued that he acted in self-defense.
The case later went before a Collin County jury.
On June 9, 2026, jurors found Anthony guilty of murder.
The jury then sentenced him to 35 years in prison.
Court Records Show Case Is Under Appeal
The Collin County court system now lists Anthony’s case status as “Appealed.”
The case number is 296-83565-2025.
The online docket contains more than 300 case events.
Recent entries include an August 10 subpoena and the two upcoming hearings.
The appeal and new-trial effort mean the legal fight is far from over.
Why the Recusal Hearing Matters
The August 19 hearing comes first for a reason.
Anthony’s attorneys want another judge to handle the next stage of the case.
A ruling on that request could determine who hears the motion for a new trial.
That makes the recusal hearing an important step before the court considers whether Anthony should receive another trial.
Media Access Planned for August 19 Hearing
Collin County expects significant media and public interest in the hearings.
The county says only nine credentialed media seats will be available inside the courtroom for the August 19 hearing.
However, officials also plan to provide an overflow room with a video feed from the courtroom.
The county expects to release additional information about the August 20 hearing after the recusal hearing ends.
What Happens Next in the Karmelo Anthony Case?
The next two dates will be important.
August 19: Hearing on the motion to recuse.
August 20: Hearing on the motion for a new trial.
If the defense succeeds in its effort for a new trial, the case could return to a courtroom before another jury.
If the court rejects the request, Anthony can continue challenging his conviction through the appeals process.
Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose will continue reviewing the court record as new filings and orders become available.
Source
Collin County District Court records and the Collin County Public Information Office.
Brazoria County court records show a Feb. 1, 2027 trial date in the criminal case against former deputy Kevin Daniel Tippit. Mugshot photo credit: Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office.
Kevin Tippit trial date set in Brazoria County
Court records show prosecutors filed the case against Tippit on Aug. 6, 2026, in Brazoria County’s 239th District Court.
The docket lists several hearings before the scheduled trial:
Sept. 29, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. — Status hearing
Oct. 28, 2026 at 9 a.m. — Pretrial hearing
Jan. 21, 2027 at 9 a.m. — Announcement hearing
Feb. 1, 2027 at 9 a.m. — Trial
The court entered an Order for Pretrial Hearing and Setting Case for Trial on Aug. 12.
The February date remains the current trial setting. Court schedules can change as the case moves forward.
Former deputy released on bond
Texas Rangers arrested Tippit on Aug. 11.
Brazoria County court records show the judge set his bond at $250,000. Tippit later posted bond and was released from jail.
The court docket lists defense attorneys Guy L. Womack and Geoff L. Womack.
John Mendoza died after June police pursuit
John Gabriel Mendoza Jr., 18, was a Texas State University student who died following the June 1, 2026 shooting involving former Brazoria County deputy Kevin Daniel Tippit.
The criminal case stems from the June 1, 2026 shooting of John Gabriel Mendoza Jr.
Mendoza was 18 and attended Texas State University.
The incident began with a pursuit in Lake Jackson. The chase ended when Mendoza reached his home and pulled into the garage.
Tippit fired through the driver’s side window.
Radio traffic following the shooting captured Tippit reporting an “accidental discharge.”
Mendoza later died.
The Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office fired Tippit days after the shooting.
The Texas Rangers later investigated the case.
Grand jury indicted Kevin Tippit
Former Brazoria County Sheriff’s Deputy Kevin Daniel Tippit faces a charge of aggravated assault by a public servant in connection with the June 1, 2026 shooting of John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. Photo credit: Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office.
A Brazoria County grand jury indicted Tippit on the charge of aggravated assault by a public servant.
Court records identify the charge under Texas Penal Code 22.02(b)(2)(A) and classify it as a first-degree felony.
The case number is 106968-CR.
The next hearing is currently scheduled for Sept. 29.
Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose will continue following the case and any changes to the trial schedule.
If you’re traveling to Brazoria County for a court hearing, trial or visit, you can compare nearby hotel options through Hotels.com. Staying close to Angleton can make early court mornings a little easier.
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Port Arthur ISD says it is reviewing a reported corporal punishment incident involving a Memorial High School student and will also revisit its corporal punishment policy.
Texas schools can still paddle students — and one Port Arthur mother’s allegations raise questions
By Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose
A Texas mother says a football coach paddled her teenage son three times at school. Photos shared online appear to show significant bruising afterward.
The allegation may shock many parents.
However, Texas school corporal punishment remains legal in 2026.
Texas law allows public school districts to adopt policies that permit paddling and other physical punishment. Parents can prohibit the punishment, but they generally must give the district written notice.
The Port Arthur case now raises a larger question.
Where does school discipline end and physical injury begin?
Mother says football coach paddled her son
Grizzy’s Hood News reported the allegations Sunday after speaking with the student’s mother.
The mother said her son attends Memorial High School in Port Arthur.
According to the post, the teenager missed football practice Friday. His mother said she had recently suffered injuries in a serious car crash and could not provide transportation.
She said her son explained the situation to his coaches.
The mother alleges several adults later stood inside an office while her son bent over a table. She says a football coach then struck him three times.
She also alleges coaches cited other issues. Those included communication problems and wearing the wrong color football pants.
The mother says her son did not know someone planned to strike him.
A photograph published with the report shows dark discoloration and bruising on the student’s body.
Grizzy’s Hood News reported that the mother contacted police and filed a report.
The coach and Port Arthur Independent School District had not provided their accounts when the story appeared. No criminal charges had been announced.
The allegations have not yet received independent confirmation.
Texas law still allows corporal punishment in schools
This is the part that may surprise Texas parents.
State law specifically allows school districts to authorize corporal punishment.
The Texas Education Code defines corporal punishment as deliberately causing physical pain through actions such as hitting, paddling, spanking or slapping for discipline.
However, a school cannot simply decide on its own to start paddling students.
The mother’s claim that she never signed a consent form does not automatically prove the school violated Texas law.
The bigger question involves Port Arthur ISD’s own policy.
What does Port Arthur ISD allow?
Memorial High School belongs to Port Arthur Independent School District. It serves as the district’s high school.
The district directs students and parents to a Student Code of Conduct for discipline rules. Memorial’s school pages also explain that the code follows Chapter 37 of the Texas Education Code. (Memorial 9th Grade Academy)
What if a parent caused the same bruising?
The case also highlights an uncomfortable comparison.
Texas allows parents to use reasonable physical force to discipline their children.
Texas Penal Code Section 9.61 says a parent, stepparent or person acting in the role of a parent may use non-deadly force when that person reasonably believes the force is necessary to discipline the child or protect the child’s welfare.
That does not give parents unlimited authority to hurt a child.
Police can investigate physical discipline when officers believe the force may have crossed the line into criminal conduct.
Bruising alone does not automatically prove a crime. The child’s age, amount of force, circumstances and extent of any injury can all matter.
The same basic question should matter when an adult at a school uses physical punishment.
How much force is too much?
Paddling remains controversial in Texas
Texas has debated ending corporal punishment in public schools for years.
A Texas Tribune investigation previously found that nearly 13,000 Texas students received corporal punishment during the 2017-18 school year. The report also found that Black students and students with disabilities received corporal punishment at disproportionate rates.
Lawmakers have introduced proposals to restrict or eliminate the practice.
Still, Texas law continues to allow school boards to authorize it.
That means a practice many parents associate with another generation can still happen inside a Texas public school today.
Port Arthur ISD responds to corporal punishment controversy
Port Arthur ISD released this statement on August 18, 2026, responding to concerns about reported corporal punishment involving a Memorial High School student.
Port Arthur ISD responded to the controversy on Aug. 18, saying the district is reviewing the reported use of corporal punishment involving a Memorial High School student.
The district said corporal punishment is currently an authorized discipline technique under its Board-approved policy and Student Code of Conduct.
Under that policy, PAISD said parents do not have to give written permission before corporal punishment can be used. Instead, a parent who does not want corporal punishment used on their child must submit a signed written statement to the campus principal prohibiting it for that school year.
PAISD said it is reviewing the reported incident to determine what happened and whether district policies and procedures were followed.
The district also acknowledged concerns surrounding corporal punishment and said the Board of Trustees will revisit the policy to determine whether changes or additional procedures are appropriate.
Superintendent Dr. Mark Porterie said the district remains committed to student safety and to ensuring discipline is administered fairly and consistently.
The district’s statement did not announce any disciplinary action against the coach or any criminal charges related to the reported incident.
Should hitting students with a paddle still have a place in Texas public schools in 2026?
If you’re traveling to Houston for court, business or a weekend visit, you can compare hotels near downtown, the Harris County Criminal Justice Center and other Houston attractions through Hotels.com.
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Jodi Arias appears in court during proceedings in her Arizona murder case.
Jodi Arias court fight erupts over mystery evidence and looming deadline
By Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose
A new court fight in the Jodi Arias case centers on a looming deadline, health problems and an unidentified piece of evidence.
Arias faces a September 2, 2026 deadline to file her petition for post-conviction relief, or PCR petition.
Her attorney wants much more time.
Defense attorney Christopher Stavris asked the court to extend the Jodi Arias PCR deadline to January 29, 2027.
Prosecutors strongly oppose that request.
Now, newly reviewed court filings reveal another twist. Arias’ defense says it still awaits information about an item of evidence involving the State and/or Mesa Police Department.
The defense says it first asked about that evidence almost one year ago.
Jodi Arias PCR deadline sparks court battle
Stavris filed the extension request on June 16, 2026.
He told the court that several defense team members face significant health problems.
According to the filing, one key team member needs more than three months of surgical medical leave.
Another team member also needs surgical leave and can only work in a limited capacity.
The defense says two other team members face serious health problems that have slowed their work.
Another team member may need replacement because of ongoing medical issues.
Stavris argues those problems qualify as extraordinary circumstances under Arizona court rules.
He says his team cannot complete the necessary investigation before September 2.
Prosecutors say Arias has had enough time
Prosecutor Juan Martinez walks into court with a witness during Jodi Arias’s resentencing trial.
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office pushed back.
Deputy County Attorney Jordan Smith argued that Arias has already had years to prepare her petition.
Arias filed her PCR notice on February 11, 2021.
Prosecutors say the September deadline gives her more than five and a half years from that filing.
The State called the deadline realistic.
Prosecutors also argued that Arias could file her petition and seek changes later if new evidence develops.
The State took an even stronger position in its filing.
Prosecutors argued that failure to meet the September 2 deadline should support dismissal of Arias’ PCR notice.
Defense reveals unresolved evidence issue
In a June 25, 2026 filing, Jodi Arias’s defense said it was still waiting for a status update on an item of evidence first raised nearly a year earlier.
The defense responded on June 25.
That filing contains one of the most interesting details in the latest court battle.
Stavris says Arias still waits for a status update involving an item of evidence.
The filing does not publicly identify the evidence.
The defense says it first asked about the item almost a year ago.
Stavris also says the State and Mesa Police Department have communicated about the evidence.
However, he says the defense still does not know its status.
The defense sent another status request several weeks before filing its reply.
According to Stavris, nobody had answered that request.
Defense says records from 2021 remain outstanding
The defense also raised another issue.
Stavris says Arias submitted a public records request through the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office in 2021.
The office partially fulfilled that request.
However, the defense says some records remain outstanding.
Arias’ team submitted a narrower request in February 2026.
The defense hoped that move would speed up the process.
Stavris says prosecutors told the defense that they continue to process the request.
Those outstanding records now form part of the defense argument for more time.
Arias attorney says PCR investigation remains active
Stavris argues that post-conviction work requires more than reviewing old court transcripts.
He says PCR claims often require new investigation outside the original trial record.
That work can involve attorneys, investigators and experts.
The defense also challenged the State’s description of the affected team members.
Prosecutors referred to them as investigators.
Stavris says several of them serve as experts in specialized fields.
He argues that those experts play a critical role in developing possible PCR claims.
The defense also says it continues to conduct discovery and investigate possible claims.
Defense offers closed hearing with judge
Stavris told the court he could provide more information if the judge wants it.
However, he asked to present those details during a sealed, ex parte hearing.
That type of hearing could allow the defense to discuss sensitive investigative information without publicly revealing its strategy.
The filing does not disclose what claims Arias may eventually raise in her PCR petition.
State asks for oral argument
In a June 26, 2026 filing, prosecutors asked Judge Aryeh Schwartz to schedule oral argument on Jodi Arias’s request for more time, with any argument set for July 23 or later.
The fight did not end with the defense reply.
On June 26, prosecutors asked the judge to hold oral arguments about the requested extension.
The State said it needs time to contact next of kin who may want to address the court.
Prosecutors cited victims’ rights to a prompt and final conclusion of the case.
The State asked the court to schedule any argument for July 23, 2026 or later.
The filing says the prosecutor assigned to the matter planned to return from vacation on July 23.
Will Jodi Arias get more time?
The filings reviewed for this story show both sides digging in.
The defense wants until January 29, 2027.
The State wants the September 2 deadline to remain in place.
The defense points to serious medical problems, unfinished investigative work, outstanding records and unresolved evidence.
Prosecutors point to the amount of time Arias has already had.
The biggest unanswered question now centers on the judge.
These filings do not include a final ruling on the extension request.
That ruling could determine whether Arias must file her long-awaited PCR petition within weeks or gets several more months to prepare it.
The mystery surrounding the unidentified evidence also adds a new question to one of Arizona’s most closely watched criminal cases.
No ruling yet on Jodi Arias PCR deadline request
As of August 17, 2026, the Maricopa County Clerk of the Superior Court says there is no minute entry or court order yet ruling on Jodi Arias’s request to extend her September 2, 2026 PCR filing deadline.
A court operations specialist told Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose that she had sent everything currently in the case and did not see a minute entry or order addressing the extension request.
That means the September 2 deadline remains the current filing date unless Judge Aryeh Schwartz issues a new order.
Read the court filings: Below are the June 2026 filings in State v. Jodi Arias, including the defense motion for more time, the State’s response, the defense reply and the State’s request for oral argument.
Houston death row inmate set for November execution after $3.5 million diamond heist
By Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose
A Houston capital murder case that began with a multimillion-dollar diamond heist nearly 30 years ago is moving toward an execution.
Harris County court records show Reinaldo Dennes now faces execution on Nov. 19, 2026, at the Huntsville Unit.
The case dates back to Jan. 24, 1996. Prosecutors said Dennes helped carry out a robbery that left Houston jeweler Janos “Johnny” Szucs dead and security guard David Copeland seriously wounded.
The thieves took more than $3.5 million in diamonds and about $200,000 in cash, according to court records.
The diamonds have never been recovered.
Harris County records show execution date
A Harris County court filing lists Nov. 19, 2026, as the execution date for Reinaldo Dennes. Source: Harris County District Clerk.
Court records show prosecutors filed a proposed execution order, death warrant and notice on June 23, 2026.
Those documents listed Nov. 19 as the proposed execution date.
However, the copies filed in June did not contain the judge’s signature.
The Harris County docket later recorded new activity on Aug. 14. Those entries included an execution order, a death warrant and an execution date of Nov. 19, 2026.
The order directs the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to carry out the execution sometime after 6 p.m. in Huntsville.
Dennes has remained eligible for execution since December 2020, according to the state’s filing.
Prosecutors say robbery involved months of planning
A Harris County court filing says more than $3.5 million in diamonds and $200,000 in cash were taken during the 1996 robbery. The filing also describes alleged planning involving a firearm silencer. Source: Harris County District Clerk
The court filing describes a detailed plan that started before the January 1996 robbery.
Prosecutors said Dennes knew Szucs through previous business dealings. Dennes also worked as a jewelry dealer in the same office building as Szucs and Copeland.
According to the filing, co-defendant Francisco Santos Rojos introduced Dennes to Antonio Ramirez.
Prosecutors said Dennes asked Ramirez to build a firearm silencer from a sketch.
Ramirez built the device and later modified it after Dennes complained that it made too much noise, according to the filing.
Court records say Dennes eventually tested the silencer inside his office.
Witness backed out before robbery
The filing says Dennes and his brother, Jose Alberto Dennes, approached Ramirez on Jan. 18, 1996.
Prosecutors said they asked Ramirez to participate in the robbery.
According to the filing, Dennes planned to obtain the surveillance tapes. Ramirez would take the diamonds. Jose Alberto Dennes would shoot the jeweler.
Ramirez realized why Dennes wanted the silencer and asked him to return it, according to the court record.
Dennes refused.
Ramirez later traveled to Ecuador and was outside the country when the robbery happened.
Neither the firearm nor the silencer was ever recovered, according to prosecutors.
Cleaning employee helped provide access
Court records also identify Estrella Martinez as a cleaning employee at the office building.
Prosecutors said Martinez had a romantic relationship with Dennes.
The filing says Martinez agreed to allow Dennes and his brother into the building through a loading dock entrance after business hours.
Dennes bought Martinez a cell phone so he could tell her when to open the door and when to distract the security guard, prosecutors said.
The filing says Dennes warned Martinez that he would have to shoot the guard if she failed to distract him.
Prosecutors said Dennes postponed the robbery for two days before moving forward on the third day.
Security guard survived shooting
Security guard David Copeland later testified about the attack.
According to the filing, Dennes approached Copeland and told him, “I have something I want to show you.”
Prosecutors said Dennes then shot Copeland in the chest.
After Copeland fell, Dennes shot him again in the back.
Copeland survived but suffered partial paralysis.
The filing says Copeland later heard sounds consistent with someone removing video recording equipment from the security booth.
Jeweler found dead with five gunshot wounds
Police later found Szucs dead inside his seventh-floor office.
Court records say he suffered five gunshot wounds.
Investigators found no signs of forced entry.
When authorities opened Szucs’ safe, they discovered the diamonds and roughly $200,000 in cash missing.
The filing also says Szucs regularly wore a five-carat pinky ring.
That ring disappeared too.
Investigators never recovered it.
Prosecutors said the stolen diamonds would equal approximately $7.2 million today when adjusted for inflation.
Ballistics evidence connected the shootings
Harris County court records say Janos Szucs was found with five gunshot wounds and that investigators linked bullets and shell casings to the same firearm. The filing also says $3.5 million in diamonds, $200,000 in cash and a five-carat pinky ring were missing. Source: Harris County District Clerk.
Investigators recovered shell casings from the building lobby, a field between Dennes’ home and the office building, and other locations.
A firearms examiner concluded that bullets recovered from Szucs, Dennes’ office and the lobby came from the same firearm, according to the filing.
The weapon was either a Taurus or Beretta 9mm handgun.
Police later searched Dennes’ office.
Officers found either a Taurus 9mm semiautomatic handgun or an owner’s manual for one, according to the court record.
Prosecutors also used landline and cell phone records to support testimony from Ramirez and Martinez.
Dennes left Texas after the killing
The filing says Dennes and his brother traveled to Florida after the crime.
They later went to the Dominican Republic for several days.
Prosecutors also said Dennes bought a new sports car shortly after the killing.
Prosecutors told jury about earlier diamond robbery plot
The court filing also describes another robbery plot from November 1995.
Prosecutors said Dennes targeted diamond courier Albert Ohayon.
Dennes allegedly knew Ohayon through previous employment and believed he would carry between $500,000 and $1 million in diamonds.
Two men recruited for the robbery entered the wrong house, according to the filing.
They invaded the home of another family instead.
The filing says the men terrorized a couple and their 9-year-old daughter for about two and a half hours before fleeing with property and the family’s vehicle.
Jury convicted Dennes of capital murder
A Harris County jury convicted Dennes of capital murder on Aug. 28, 1997.
Court records show the trial judge sentenced him to death on Sept. 4, 1997.
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals later affirmed the conviction and sentence.
Dennes continued to challenge his conviction through state and federal courts.
The state’s 2026 filing says reviewing courts found no due process violations that blocked his execution.
Nearly $4 million in diamonds and cash still missing
The execution date closes one chapter in a case that has remained active for decades.
One mystery remains.
Investigators never recovered the more than $3.5 million in diamonds taken from Szucs’ safe.
They also never recovered his five-carat pinky ring.
Dennes is scheduled for execution on Nov. 19, 2026, in Huntsville.
If you’re traveling to Houston for court, business or a weekend visit, you can compare hotels near downtown, the Harris County Criminal Justice Center and other Houston attractions through Hotels.com.
Court records, breaking news and long reporting days mean I spend plenty of time working from my phone and laptop. I keep a few travel and reporting essentials with me, including portable chargers, phone accessories and compact gear that fits easily in my bag.
My Italy Adventure: Rome, Sardinia, Hotels, Excursions and Travel Essentials
Italy has been on my travel list for a long time, and this September I’m finally making the trip.
My itinerary takes me from Rome to Sardinia and back to Rome, with historic sights, beautiful beaches, boat excursions and plenty of walking along the way.
I’m sharing where I’m staying, the excursions I’m planning and some of the travel gear I’m packing in case you’re planning your own Italy adventure.
My Italy Itinerary
I arrive in Rome on September 3 and will spend several days exploring the city before heading to Sardinia.
My itinerary includes:
Rome: September 3–6 Sardinia: September 6–10 Return to Rome: September 10 Final night near Rome Fiumicino Airport before flying home
Planning a Vacation? Kathy Chrappa Can Help
I’ve worked with Kathy Chrappa at Dream Vacations, and she has more than 25 years of experience helping travelers find vacations that fit their budget and travel style. Whether you’re planning Europe, a cruise, or a tropical getaway, having someone help with the details can save time and reduce stress.
The location was a major reason I chose it. I wanted to stay close to central Rome so I could walk to restaurants, shops and major attractions without spending too much time dealing with transportation.
Staying near the Trevi Fountain also puts me in one of the most recognizable areas of Rome.
Rome is packed with history, architecture, food and famous landmarks.
I expect to do a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes will be one of the most important things in my suitcase.
My Rome Excursions
I already have several must-see Rome experiences planned for this trip.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
I’m taking a hop-on hop-off bus tour to get a good overview of Rome and see more of the city without having to walk every mile. It will also give me the flexibility to stop at different landmarks along the way.
Vatican City
A visit to Vatican City is also on my itinerary. I’m excited to see the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica and some of the incredible history and artwork found throughout the area.
Colosseum
No trip to Rome would feel complete without seeing the Colosseum. I’ll be visiting one of Rome’s most famous landmarks and learning more about its history while exploring the surrounding ancient ruins.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Rome’s cobblestone streets make comfortable shoes especially important.
One of the biggest reasons I chose Sardinia is the water.
I’m especially excited about exploring the La Maddalena Archipelago, an area known for islands, beaches, coves and incredibly clear Mediterranean water.
La Maddalena Boat Excursion
A boat trip around La Maddalena is one of the excursions I’m looking forward to most.
The excursion should give me a chance to see parts of the islands that are much easier to experience from the water.
What I’m Packing for Sardinia
Beach and boat days require a completely different set of essentials than sightseeing in Rome.
I want items that work for sightseeing in Rome, walking around Sardinia and spending time on boats and beaches.
Some of my Italy travel essentials include:
Comfortable walking shoes Lightweight backpack Water shoes Snorkel gear Waterproof phone pouch Small dry bag Portable charger European travel adapter Sunglasses Refillable water bottle
Follow My Italy Trip
I’ll be sharing more from Rome and Sardinia as I travel.
I plan to show you the hotels, excursions, beaches, food and places I visit along the way.
I’ll also share what I loved, what I would do differently and whether the hotels and excursions were worth the money.
If you’re planning your own Italy trip, I hope my experience helps make your planning a little easier.
Affiliate Disclosure
This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a qualifying purchase or booking through one of these links, at no additional cost to you.
Lee Gilley remains in Italy as his extradition case faces another court hearing.
Lee Gilley Extradition Hits New Roadblock as Italian Court Questions Texas Death Penalty Guarantees
By Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose
A new ruling from Italy could delay Lee Gilley’s return to Houston.
The Turin Court of Appeal wants stronger guarantees from the United States before it decides whether to extradite Gilley.
The Italian court raised two major concerns. It wants answers about the death penalty and life without parole.
Gilley faces a capital murder charge in Harris County in connection with the death of his pregnant wife.
He remains accused and has not been convicted.
Christa Bauer Gilley, whose husband Lee Gilley is charged in connection with her 2024 death. Photo: Facebook
Italian Court Questions Death Penalty Assurances
The Turin Court of Appeal issued its order on July 17, 2026.
An Italian legal publication released details of that order on Aug. 12.
The court reviewed information connected to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
According to the Italian court’s order, Harris County prosecutors indicated that they had not requested the death penalty.
However, the Italian judges found that statement did not clearly rule out a future request.
That distinction matters in Italy.
Italian law does not allow extradition when a person could face the death penalty without firm guarantees that prosecutors will not seek or carry it out.
The Turin court now wants additional assurances from the U.S. government.
Life Without Parole Also Raises Questions
The Italian judges also raised concerns about a possible sentence of life without parole.
The court reviewed European human rights standards that address whether a life sentence must include some meaningful chance for review.
The judges want more information about what options Gilley could have if a Texas court sentenced him to life without parole.
The extradition case remains unresolved while Italy waits for those answers.
Harris County Court Records Show Bond Revoked
Lee Gilley is charged in Harris County in connection with the death of his pregnant wife. He remains in Italy while extradition proceedings continue.
A review of Harris County District Clerk records shows major changes in Gilley’s Texas case after he left the country.
The records show that Gilley originally posted a $1 million bond in October 2024.
The court required GPS monitoring before his release.
Court records also show that Gilley surrendered his passport on Oct. 22, 2024.
Judges continued to impose pretrial supervision and bond conditions during 2025 and early 2026.
Judge Granted Emergency Travel Request
The Harris County docket shows another important development on April 1, 2026.
The court granted an emergency request to travel.
The docket does not explain the full terms of that order on the public activity page.
Public reporting later showed that Gilley traveled through Canada before reaching Italy.
Authorities allege he used false Belgian travel documents while traveling to Milan.
Italian authorities detained him after discovering problems with those documents.
Bond Revoked and Capias Issued
The Harris County case changed quickly after Gilley left the United States.
Court records show a May 5, 2026 motion hearing with the result:
An alias capias directs authorities to take a defendant into custody.
“Bond Revoked Alias Capias Issued.”
The docket also shows bond denied entries on May 4 and May 8.
The current case summary lists Gilley as not in custody in Harris County.
It also shows his bond as denied.
Gilley Missed Houston Court Settings
Christa Bauer Gilley and Lee Gilley on their wedding day. Photo: Facebook
Court records show Gilley missed several settings after his departure.
The docket lists him as absent from a May 21 status conference.
It also lists him as absent from a June 5 status conference.
The court reset that hearing for Sept. 15.
On July 29, attorneys filed a motion for a show cause hearing.
The court held that hearing on Aug. 3.
The docket again lists Gilley as absent.
Next Harris County Hearing Set for September
Gilley’s next Harris County setting is scheduled for:
Sept. 15, 2026 at 9 a.m.
The docket identifies the hearing as a status conference in the 497th District Court.
Judge Peyton Peebles currently presides over the case.
Gilley’s capital murder case remains active.
What Happens Next in Italy?
The biggest question now sits with the United States.
The Turin Court of Appeal wants clear guarantees about the punishment Gilley could face in Texas.
The court specifically wants clarity on the death penalty.
It also wants answers about life without parole.
Until those questions receive satisfactory answers, Italy could delay a final extradition decision.
That leaves Gilley’s Harris County prosecution in limbo as his next Texas court date approaches.
Lee Gilley Case Timeline
Christa Bauer Gilley and Lee Gilley on their wedding day. Photo: Facebook
Oct. 2024: Harris County files the capital murder case.
Oct. 2024: Gilley posts a $1 million bond and surrenders his passport.
April 1, 2026: Court grants an emergency request to travel.
May 2026: Gilley leaves the United States and later reaches Italy.
Soon after, on May 5, 2026: Harris County court records show his bond revoked and an alias capias issued.
Three days later, on May 8, 2026: Court records show bond denied.
July 17, 2026: Turin Court of Appeal issues an order seeking additional U.S. assurances.
July 29, 2026: Motion for show cause hearing filed in Harris County.
Aug. 3, 2026: Show cause hearing held. Docket lists Gilley as absent.
Aug. 12, 2026: Italian legal publication releases details of the Turin court order.
Sept. 15, 2026: Next Harris County status conference scheduled.
The Bottom Line
Lee Gilley’s extradition now depends on more than whether Italy believes Texas has a valid criminal case.
Italian judges want firm assurances about what could happen if Gilley returns to Houston and receives a conviction.
The death penalty remains the biggest issue.
The Harris County docket also shows that Gilley’s legal situation changed sharply after he left the country.
His bond is now denied. A capias remains tied to the case. His next Houston court date is Sept. 15.
The Italian extradition fight could determine when, or whether, he returns to Harris County to face the capital murder charge.
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Mitchell Wasek faces felony charges in Travis County as his defense challenges evidence and seeks dismissal of the indictment.
Buc-ee’s Co-Founder’s Son Fights Felony Case as New Court Hearing Nears
By Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose
The criminal case against the son of a Buc-ee’s co-founder is heading back to court.
Mitchell Wasek now wants a judge to suppress evidence in his felony child pornography case. His defense also wants the indictment dismissed.
Court records reviewed by Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose show a pretrial hearing set for August 18, 2026, at 1:15 p.m. in Travis County’s 167th District Court.
The latest filings reveal a significant new legal fight.
Mitchell Wasek Case Update: Defense Challenges Evidence
Wasek faces a felony charge of possession of child pornography in Travis County.
The current court docket lists the offense as a second-degree felony.
His attorney filed a motion to suppress on April 14, 2026.
The docket describes the filing as a:
“Motion to suppress evidence obtained by theft and breach of computer security.”
The wording raises a major question.
What evidence does the defense want thrown out, and how was it obtained?
The court docket does not answer that question by itself.
The actual motion could provide those details.
Defense Also Wants Indictment Dismissed
Another filing could have an even bigger impact on the case.
On June 2, 2026, Wasek’s defense filed a motion asking the court to dismiss the indictment.
The stated reason:
An expired statute of limitations.
The judge has not dismissed the case based on the docket reviewed for this report.
The State also requested several subpoenas that same day.
One went to Detective Keith McManus.
Court records show that subpoena was executed on June 5.
Pretrial Hearing Set for August 18
The next scheduled hearing could determine what happens with those defense challenges.
The Travis County Odyssey Portal lists a:
Pretrial Hearing August 18, 2026 1:15 p.m. 167th District Court
The hearing could bring new arguments over the evidence and the defense request to dismiss the indictment.
It could also provide the clearest update yet on where the case stands.
Wasek Also Faces 21 Invasive Recording Counts
Mitchell Wasek faces felony charges in Travis County as his defense seeks to suppress evidence and dismiss the indictment.
The child pornography case came after an earlier investigation involving allegations of secret recordings.
The Travis County District Attorney’s Office announced in May 2024 that a grand jury returned six indictments against Wasek.
Those indictments contained 21 counts of invasive visual recording involving 13 alleged victims.
Prosecutors said the alleged recordings occurred over roughly two years in Travis County.
Those cases also remain listed in Travis County court records.
Wasek has not been convicted of the allegations discussed in this report. He remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Why the Buc-ee’s Name Draws Attention
Arch Aplin remained in contact with investigators as questions continued about the Rebecca Beard case timeline.
Mitchell Wasek is the son of Buc-ee’s co-founder Don Wasek.
That connection has pushed the criminal case into headlines across Texas.
It also creates an unusual overlap with another story I have covered extensively.
Not because the criminal cases have anything to do with each other.
My reporting has also examined conflicting information in historical records about when Aplin last saw Becky and who investigators reported seeing at the Excalibur Club around the time of her disappearance.
Again, there is no known connection between Mitchell Wasek’s criminal case and Rebecca Beard’s murder case.
The common thread is that both stories involve members of the families behind one of Texas’ most recognizable brands.
Related Rebecca Beard Coverage
Exclusive: Arch Aplin Responds to Rebecca Beard Question
Nearly 40 years after Rebecca “Becky” Beard disappeared from Freeport, Texas, her family is still searching for the answer that matters most.
Where is Becky?
Rebecca “Becky” Beard disappeared in March 1986. Her family continues searching for information that could help locate her remains.
Now, her family wants the public to hear information from a woman known as “Rio.” Her account includes disturbing claims about what may have happened to Becky and where someone may have taken her remains.
However, an important warning comes with Rio’s story.
According to Becky’s family, prosecutors recently presented information involving Rio to a Brazoria County grand jury. Family members say the grand jury took no action.
Becky’s family also says the Brazoria County District Attorney’s Office told them investigators did not consider Rio a credible witness.
I am not presenting Rio’s statements as established facts.
Still, Becky’s family believes parts of her account could contain accurate information. They hope releasing these details reaches someone who knows what happened or where to find Becky.
Who Was Rebecca “Becky” Beard?
Rebecca “Becky” Beard pictured with her daughter before Becky disappeared from Freeport, Texas, in March 1986.
Becky Beard was 22 years old when she disappeared after spending the night at the Excalibur Club in Freeport on March 1, 1986.
She never came home.
Investigators have never recovered her body.
Years later, Paul Taylor Jr. pleaded guilty in connection with Becky’s death. Despite that conviction, her family has spent decades trying to find her remains.
That search continues today.
Who Is the Witness Known as Rio?
Cherie “Rio” Starr stands near Tammy Rose’s Jeep during an interview connected to the Rebecca “Becky” Beard investigation.
During my investigation, I tracked down Cherie “Rio” Starr, a woman who has provided an account of events surrounding Becky’s disappearance.
Rio made several specific and disturbing claims. Some involve what allegedly happened to Becky’s body and where people may have taken her remains.
Investigators have not established those claims as fact.
According to Becky’s family, the district attorney told them authorities did not find Rio credible.
Still, one reason the family has not completely dismissed her story is that some details appear to connect with information they already knew about Becky’s life before she disappeared.
The Galveston Weekend in Becky’s Planner
Becky Beard’s personal planner contains entries documenting events and trips in the weeks before her March 1986 disappearance.
One detail deserves closer examination.
Becky kept a planner. An entry documents a weekend trip to Galveston from February 14 through February 16, 1986, just weeks before she disappeared.
Becky was dating Beaver Aplin at the time.
Rio described an incident involving Aplin during which she said he got down on his knees with a dozen roses, jewelry and bottles.
That detail caught the family’s attention because Becky’s mother, Linda Barnes, already knew about Becky’s Galveston weekend.
Linda recalled Becky returning from the trip and throwing away roses.
Her mother asked her why she was throwing them away.
According to Linda, Becky did not want to talk about it.
That does not prove Rio’s account.
It does, however, raise a question for the family: How much of Rio’s story, if any, could be independently verified?
Becky’s planner documents the Galveston weekend. Her mother remembers the roses. Rio later provided an account involving roses and the man Becky was dating.
The family believes those details are worth examining rather than ignoring.
Family Says Evidence Was Presented to a Grand Jury
A remote dirt road in the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge near the area where witness Cherie Lynette “Rio” Starr claims Rebecca “Becky” Beard was buried.
Becky’s family says prosecutors recently presented evidence involving Rio to a Brazoria County grand jury.
According to family members, the grand jury took no action.
They also say the district attorney told them authorities did not consider Rio a credible witness.
Those details matter.
Rio’s claims are not established facts.
I am not presenting them as proof of what happened to Becky.
Instead, the family wants to know whether someone else can independently confirm any part of her account.
Why Release Rio’s Story?
There is a simple reason.
Becky still has not been found.
Almost four decades have passed since she disappeared. People who were young adults in 1986 are now much older. Some witnesses have died. Properties have changed. Memories have faded.
That makes information from people who were there increasingly important.
The family understands authorities have questioned Rio’s credibility. They also understand that a grand jury took no action after hearing information related to her account, according to what family members say they were told.
Still, they cannot get past the possibility that one detail could be true even if other parts of a witness’s story are not.
The Galveston weekend is one reason they continue asking questions.
Someone May Remember Something
Texas Department of Public Safety missing person bulletin for Rebecca “Becky” Beard, who disappeared in 1986.
Maybe you were at the Excalibur Club.
Maybe you knew Becky, Paul Taylor Jr., Beaver Aplin or Rio.
Maybe you remember the Galveston weekend in February 1986.
Maybe you heard a conversation afterward.
Or perhaps you know something about a location connected to the case.
The family isn’t asking people to speculate. They are looking for firsthand information that can be independently checked.
If you know something, even if it seemed insignificant at the time, consider coming forward.
After nearly 40 years, Becky’s family isn’t looking for rumors.
They are looking for Becky.
Carol Mize shows areas she has searched while continuing to look for answers in the 1986 disappearance of her sister, Rebecca “Becky” Beard.
This article is part of my continuing independent investigation into the disappearance and death of Rebecca “Becky” Beard. Statements attributed to witnesses represent their accounts unless independently corroborated. The inclusion of any person’s name does not imply criminal conduct or involvement in Becky’s death.
