Why? Prosecuting Attorney Talley Smith testified that James directed Molly from her home 20 minutes away to the low water creek crossing, where he shot her in the back of the head. He also asked for a new trial, claiming his defense attorney was ineffective and didn't present all of the evidence in support of his case. Molly worked at Burrell Behavioral Center in Moberly. However, James' actions destroyed two families; the family of his victim, Molly Watson, and his own. At around 16, she moved to Olympia, WA to live with her older sister, Iris. You can see the victim impact statements here. "[He said] he's very sorry for the affair, but he insists that he was not the killer," she said. Apart from that, Molly also had a son, Declan, from a previous relationship. She was even planning to get married in two days! "The evidence will also show that wedding planning was going swimmingly, that he was participating in the wedding plan," Kirsch said. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? At this point, the authorities decided to look closely at James and his involvement in the murder. WebMcSparen discovered the body of 35-year-old Molly Watson. How we can build a clean and renewable future. As the title suggests, ABCs 20/20: Murder of Molly Watson delves into the story behind why she was killed and the shocking secrets that came to the fore in the aftermath. Heres the bottom line: You now have to face the consequences of your actions, and I hope you now have to face them every day of your life.. The film follows a young womans spiritual journey through the crucible of her marriage. The brand of ammunition found in Addies home matched an empty box located at the crime scene, a firearms expert testified at trial, according to Fox 2 News. A search of Addies home revealed his 2000 Mercury Sable matched tire tracks found at the scene. Prosecutors tried to connect Addie to Watsons death through two key pieces of evidence: Prosecutors also pointed to text messages from the week before Watsons death as evidence of the defendants duplicitous behavior, describing some as fake alibi texts and others as flat-out lies to Watson. They married and had 2 children, son, Daniel Dale and daughter "It just seemed like something he would do to fix a problem. ", Watch the full story on "20/20" FRIDAY, Jan. 7 at 9 p.m. Addie had been married for more than two decades to Melanie Addie when he killed Watson in 2018. James Addie has long maintained his innocence, but his ex-wife said she believes he is capable of murder. They were planning to get married and had applied for a marriage license two days before Molly was found dead. The worst decision she made, however, was believing in and trusting James. James was initially sentenced to 20 years for the armed criminal action charge. Here is the bottom line. Beetem also ordered a sentencing assessment report. HAPPENING NOW: The James Addie trial continues today as more people take the stand. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? The victim impact statement from Molly Watsons son Declan is POWERFUL! Investigators said James Addie was in a seven-year relationship with Watson and was engaged to marry her two days after he killed her. Declan shared photos of himself with his mom to show the judge before Addies sentencing. 20/20 features interviews with Tim Watson, Watsons brother; Patsy Dent, Watsons aunt; Jodi Lindberg, Watsons cousin; and prosecutors Talley Smith and Katharine Dolin. WebTheir son Declan was born during a previous relationship. Furthermore, the attorney told the media that nothing could bring Ms Watson back to her family, who loved her very much. The statement concluded: In a way, you took something from both of us. Powered by. Carter Funeral Home Molly's parents saidAddie never asked them for her hand in marriage. Despite being unmarried and a young mother, Watson had a past that would have made her a perfect match for her fiance. The man turned out to be Mollys fianc, James Addie. The freedom to work when and how I want WATCH COURT TV LIVE: https://www.courttv.com/title/court-tv-live-stream-web/?trk=YouTube WATCH TRIALS ON DEMAND: https://www.courttv.com/programming/trial-archives/?trk=YouTube I WANT MY COURT TV: https://www.courttv.com/where-to-watch/?trk=YouTube Their reaction to the shooting. Have you ever wondered about Molly Watsons parents? She was set to get married to 51-year-old James Addie, two days later. Why dont the Electoral College and popular vote always match up? He was convicted of first-degree murder in April 2021 and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus 10 years, in July. Survivors include her parents, Tim She was the youngest girl of 6 children, 4 older sisters and her baby brother. We were done," she said. Molly loved her son and spending time with family. How did the GameStop stock spike on Wall Street happen? While he did not take the stand at his trial, he read a statement in court during his sentencing. All Rights Reserved. "I seen the lights flashing in the driveway, so I didn't hesitate to open the door. The defense informs the court that Addie intends to invoke his right to remain silent when responding to questions for the assessment report about the facts of the case. Watson was the daughter of Tim and Sandi Watson of Huntsville, Missouri, mother of Declan Davis Johnson, sister of Timothy E. Watson III and aunt to his children, her obituary says. "If he would just say that, I know it's not going to help anything, but why kill her? If so, this article will help you. She had been shot at point-blank range in the back of the head. Investigators in Monroe County say 51-year-old James Addie killed 35-year-old Molly Watson two days before the scheduled wedding. Bubba revealed: "Dad's favorite team was the Yankees. At around 10 PM on April 27, 2018, a passer-by called 911 after noticing a dead body on a rural road near an intersection in Middle Grove. Sometimes I think maybe she was just scared to walk away.". Molly Watson Dec. 30, 1935 - Jan. 8, 2020 Molly, Mom, was born in Yakima, WA. State prosecutors and the defense gave their opening statements Monday morning around 9:30 a.m. Assistant State Attorney General Katharine Dolin brought up multiple points. According to the opening statements, Addie had a separate cell phone he used to communicate with Molly. Married man guilty in shooting death of secret fiance - Court TV What is Molly Watsons religion? He claimed to be planning her funeral at the same time as his wedding. Melanie Addie filed for divorce from her husband just weeks after he was arrested, according to the Courier Post. On April 27, 2018, everything seemed normal, Melanie Addie said, and her husband "seemed like he always did.". Declan wrote that his mom made good decisions for him, and that she only made one real, wrong decision: trusting Addie. Molly Watson was two days away from marrying her lover of seven years, James Addie, when a motorist found her dead body on a rural Missouri road. It took the jury only 2 hours to find James Addie guilty of first-degree murder and armed criminal action in Molly Watsons death. Do you have a burning question about her zodiac sign? As investigators dug deeper, they uncovered a web of deceit spun by Addie for seven years that would have unraveled if the wedding had happened as planned. One was to Florida that she said James Addie told her was for work, and one was a trip to Mexico that she said he told her was a getaway with friends. Molly and James Addie had dated for seven years and were set to wed two days before her murder. Before knowing all of the relevant facts, law enforcement jumped to a conclusion.". You took one of the most important people in my life away from me. His father, Gerry Watson, had other plans. He had an affair, and that's OK? But her fianc James Addie was living two lives, Dolin said. She had been dating James Addie for about seven years, and he had been working as a lieutenant of the Moberly Prison. However, if youre curious about her religion, you can read about her background in this article. The Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney issued a statement following the sentencing. She also had a sister, Heather, who died in infancy. There was an error processing your request. He was sentenced in July to Addie is facing charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action. Unfortunately, Watson didnt know that Addie led a double life: he was married to Melanie Addie and lived with his kids in a rural Missouri home. On Monday, the state called the witness, Glenn McSparren, to the witness stand. USA Distributor of MCM Equipment declan watson son of molly watson The prosecution contended that James lured Molly to the desolate location before shooting her in the head. James Addie Now: Where Is Melanie Watsons Convicted Killer Today in 2022. You now have to face the consequences of your actions, and I hope you know have to face them every day for the rest of your life.. Melanie Addie said she went to bed, and woke up at 2 a.m. to the sound of James Addie snoring next to her. So, if youre curious to find out more regarding this case, weve got you covered. Molly never hurt a flea. Although her religion is not public knowledge, we know that she practices Christianity. Her body was found outside of her car on a rural road in Monroe County, Missouri, with a single gunshot wound to the back of her head, according to authorities. It wasn't anything bad about golf as a "He had always been very hard on me about how a wife should act and how life should be, and then he did this. ", WATCH LIVE: Closing Arguments in MO v. #JamesAddie https://t.co/tnYdPcDRMU pic.twitter.com/sXd50NjrV8. It took three years for Addie to face trial. Addie and Watson were reportedly romantically involved for seven years before their April 29th wedding date. Sentencing has been set for June 29, 2021. The authorities arrived there, and the deceased was identified as Molly Watson. He was sentenced in July to life in prison without parole plus 10 years. Kirsch also addressed how there is no "scientific standards" to back up the tire prints found at the scene. Why are people hesitant to trust a COVID-19 vaccine? But Docs far-ranging influence goes well beyond just folk and bluegrass. Molly's family has an online donation page, which her brother said, "100 percentof donations will go towards funeral expenses.". "He was a pretty selfish person He could be controlling and intimidating it could be challenging," Melanie Addie said. WebMolly Watson. "Jim had an affair with someone he actually loved. Addieis scheduled to be in court for a criminal motion hearing on May 22 in Monroe County. There was a problem saving your notification. The verdict came after three days of evidence and testimony in the state capitol of Jefferson City. Melanie Addie was called to testify against Addie at his trial, which she said was "just horrible.". Molly, whos in love with a handsome man, struggles to find peace in her new life. Watsons body was discovered April 27 near a creek bed in a rural area of Monroe County. Molly's older brother, Tim Watson Jr., said he also plans to be present during the trial. "James was living two separate lives and set those two lives on a collision course," Dolin said. But just days before the planned big day, she was found murdered on a rural county road in Middle Grove, Missouri. @KOMUnews pic.twitter.com/RajbEZIA0x, Patterson Fallis (@PFallis_TV) April 28, 2021. She finished high school there. You took away my mom from me. Simple Product Dolin says Addie was living two lives. Officers found out his wife knew nothing of his relationship with Molly, which had been going on for about seven years. James pleaded: I discussed numerous things with him that he said he would take under his advisement as far as evidence to show this or evidence to show that. "Forensic searches of Molly's phones indicated that the day before she was murdered, she was looking for Melanie Addie's obituary," prosecutor Talley Smith said. When he called 911, he said to check her pulse, but he already He can sentence the defendant to less than 20 years on armed criminal action but he cannot exceed the jurys recommendation. Motorist Glen McSparren could not identify Addie as the man McSparren said he saw at the crime scene 30 minutes before finding Watsons body; nor could McSparren identify the mans car. STATE CLOSING: "The defendant was a coward when Molly was aliveand he was THE coward when he could not look her in the eye when he killed her. Addie Watsons first wife, Melanie Addie, was married to James Addie when Molly Watson was found dead. I ask the jury not to have mercy on him.. James Addie traded his corrections officer uniform for a jumpsuit when he was convicted in the murder of Watson. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Roughly ' and that would be an argument. I just ask, plead with the jury, to give this monster the max sentence possible. Watsons autopsy was conducted by Dr. Carl Stacy, a forensic pathologist and faculty member at the University of Missouri. He tries to understand the big picture. However, Addies guilt seemed clear from the outset. CENTRALIA - Tim Watson Sr. said he can recount exactly how he found out about what happened to his daughter, 35-year-old Molly Watson. "She didn't know that he was married either. While nothing can bring Ms. Watson back to her family who loved her very much, society can send the strong message that violent crime will not be tolerated. "I never really knew his work friends [so it] seems plausible," she said. Although he played golf on the weekends, he had dreamt of his son going on to play baseball and becoming the best the world had ever seen. Mollys parents did not object to Mollys decision to marry Addie, but they trusted her to make her own decisions. 20/20: Murder of Molly Watson delves into the story behind why she was killed and the shocking secrets that came to the fore in the aftermath. Two days before Mollys death, James had applied for a marriage license. A Monroe County man charged with murdering his fiancee was sentenced Monday to life in prison plus a decade. Hes a mature, considerate, thoughtful person. Watsons family members also spoke at his trial. He also asked for a new trial, and said his attorney was ineffective and did not present all of the evidence in his support. Molly Watson had her dream wedding planned down to the last detail. Interestingly, Molly Watson was pregnant while they were divorced. @CourtTV And she knows that," Tim said. He did have an affair. Exhibit A to that effect would be I Am a Pilgrim: Doc Watson at 100 (FLi Records/Budde Music), a multi-artist tribute compilation released around the time of Watsons birthday last month.I Am a Pilgrim has contributions from a lot of the artists youd expect covering And the planning of the April 2018 wedding to Molly Watson set those two lives on a collision course, Dolin tells the jury. She was set to get married to 54-year-old Addie, two days later. It took three years for Addie to face trial. In April 2018, the discovery of Molly Watsons body late one night spurred on an investigation that had James Addie at the center. You can watch the victim impact statements here. He'd look down when you talked to him. Molly Watson was two days away from marrying her lover of seven years, James Addie, when a motorist found her dead body on a rural Missouri road. "I guess because I wasn't supposed to see it," Melanie Addie said. Previous KOMU 8 reporting says that Addie was set to illegally marry a second woman. What's next for abortion rights in America? Prosecutors say she died from a gunshot wound to the head. Very short responses," Tim said. Exhibit A to that effect would be I Am a Pilgrim: Doc Watson at 100 (FLi Records/Budde Music), a multi-artist tribute compilation released around the time of Watsons birthday last month.I Am a Pilgrim has contributions from a lot of the artists youd expect covering In the years after Mollys murder, Tim had lost their mother and father. Declan wrote that his mom made good decisions for him, and that she only made one real, wrong decision: trusting Addie. Melanie Addie was never in a serious car accident, officials said. James told the police that he went to visit a friend on the night of April 27, but the friend wasnt home. WebShe was born December 15, 1982 in Moberly to Timothy E. and Sandi L. (Davis) Watson. "I looked at him as someone I didn't want back.". Multiple evidence claims were brought up in the prosecutors opening statements, including matching tire tracks in the mud by Molly's body, a bloody t-shirt Addie's daughter recognized, and a statement from Addie's daughter who said her dad got home later than he originally stated. Molly was in deep love with James Addie, a guard at the correctional facility. I don't want to be in a position where I'm hurting him," she said. Everything we know, Who is Tessa Thompson dating? Mistrial was declared on Oct. 23, 2020 because Cole County was not able to assemble a jury due to COVID-19. She later moved to Tacoma, WA where she met Charles Gerald Collier, AKA Jerry. Addies DNA wasnt found on the t-shirt, and was it really so hard to imagine why Watson might have a shirt from her fiances home? Katherine Dolin read Declans statement in court. Kirsch also addressed how Addie still participated in the upcoming wedding planning. Posted at 12:17 PM, April 29, 2021 and last updated 11:55 AM, June 7, 2021, 4/27/21 MO v. Addie: Biggest Moment of Day 2, 4/28/21 The Daily Sidebar: Testimony Ends in James Addie Trial, 4/29/21 Prosecution: James Addie Threw Molly Away Like A Piece of Garbage, 4/29/21 Defense: Your Doubts Are Reasonable That James Did Not Kill Molly, 4/29/21 Rebuttal: James Addie Knew How That Day Was Going to End, From the Bench with Judge Ashley Willcott, Jury Hears Tammy Daybells Voice in 911 Call, Doomsday Cult Mom Murder Trial: Chad Daybells 911 Call, Surviving Roommate Agrees to Interview With Kohbergers Attorneys, Best Friend Murder Trial: Juror Raises Concerns About Bias, Jury sees disturbing crime scene photos of Molly Watsons body, which was partially unclothed from being dragged out of her car and into the road, Jury hears 911 call from motorist who discovered Molly Watsons body about 30 minutes after driving by her car and encountering a man who said something, Evidence photos of wedding relics around Molly Watsons home provide heartbreaking insight into the couples relationship and suggest she was really looking forward to her wedding, The defendants ex-wife testifies she had no idea he was cheating on her for seven years, The defendants daughter, Emma Addie, provides a different timeline for his whereabouts night of Watsons slaying, one that places him outside of his home around the time Watson is believed to have been killed, Emma Addie also testifies that she made the T-shirt that was found in a field near the crime scene covered in Watsons DNA, Event planner testifies Watson sent her an email five days before the couples wedding saying Addies ex-wife had died over the weekend after enduring a car accident four months earlier during Christmas, Data from Watsons iPhone shows her talking on the phone to Addie while she drove from her home to the site where her body was found, Investigator attempts to connect .22-caliber projectile found in Watsons head with .22-caliber rounds found in Addies home, Two jail inmates testify Addie said he was in custody for putting someone face down in a ditch, Defense rests without putting on a case; defendant declines to testify, Medical examiner shares cause of death: contact gunshot wound to the back of the head, Firearms and toolmark examiner testifies that ammo from defendants home is consistent with brand of ammo that would typically come in empty ammo box found in field next to victims phone, Firearms and toolmark examiner testifies that tire tread cast from crime scene is consistent with tire on defendants car, Both sides delivered their closing arguments, A t-shirt his daughter made that was found in a field along with the victims cell phone covered in the victims DNA and gunshot residue, A tire track at the crime scene that according to a state forensic examiner shared enough characteristics with a tire from the defendants car to be considered a match. The family knew that she was in a years-long The prosecution rubber-stamped James Addies first-degree murder conviction when they proved premeditation. James Addie, 56, was convicted in 2021 of first-degree murder and armed criminal action for the death of 35-year-old Molly Watson. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. Cell phone evidence showed Addie was the last person to speak to Watson as she drove from her home to the site of her death. Furthermore, two inmates testified that James talked to them of putting someone face down in a ditch.. Instead, her fianc was found guilty What comes next after Texas school shooting? James Addies pictured in his uniform in 2005. Glenn described the suspicious mans vehicle and it was similar to James car. "There is no way that I could have done this crime," he told the court. Molly Watson could have celebrated her third wedding anniversary Thursday if she were still alive. There was an error processing your request. 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She then decides to take matters into her own hands to try and find out whether or not shes in love with him. His ex-wife said on the show she did not know about the murder or her husbands affair, but said she believed he was capable of murder. Jason Crafton, who works for the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Lab, testified this morning that the tire impression found at the scene matched the tire from Addies car. I know she'd devote everything, right there, for me. ", WATCH LIVE: Closing Arguments in MO v. #JamesAddie https://t.co/tnYdPcDRMU pic.twitter.com/sXd50NjrV8. ABC 20/20 is looking into the case in a new episode airing tonight, Friday, January 7, 2022, at 9 p.m. Eastern time. Molly's mother, SandiWatson, said her daughter didn't know Addiealready had a wife. ; . Melanie Addie had been married to James Addie for 23 years when police arrived. "It was 2:30 in the morning," he said. Addies lawyer said he did not kill her and urged the jury to see reasonable doubt in the states case. At the time, the 35-year-old worked at Burrell Behavioral Center in Moberly and lived in Huntsville, Missouri. About 30 minutes later, Melanie Addie said she saw police lights outside. Crime / Courts, News, Politics / Govt July 10, 2021. 2nd Impeachment Trial: What this could mean for Trump, Presidential transition of power: Examined, How Donald Trump spent his last days as president, How Joe Biden's inauguration will be different from previous years, Trump challenges the vote and takes legal action, 2020s DNC and RNC are different than any before, Power Trip: Those Who Seek Power and Those Who Chase Them, Leave No Trace: A Hidden History of the Boy Scouts, Keeper of the Ashes: The Oklahoma Girl Scout Murders, The Orphans of COVID: America's Hidden Toll, X / o n e r a t e d - The Murder of Malcolm X and 55 Years to Justice, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. "He would get off work at 3 [p.m.] and usually he would get home at 5 and I would say, 'Why are you always so late? Wow. Melanie Addie said that she learned about James affair after police showed up at her house in late April 2018. MONROE COUNTY, Mo. Here are some interesting facts about Mollys parents. Instead of telling the truth, Addie killed Molly. Court TV field producer Emanuella Grinberg contributed to this report. "It was just mind-boggling. Web33K views, 93 likes, 9 loves, 119 comments, 20 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from COURT TV: WATCH: "You took away my mom from me." Melanie Addie said she never suspected her husband was having an affair, and thought her ex-husband was dedicated to his family. Col. So, if youre curious to find out more regarding this case, weve got you covered. The only firearm found in the investigation was one resting in plain sight in the defendants home, and it contained no DNA evidence. Her engagement ring and marriage license were found in her car, as well as a photo album of Molly in Florida. Powered by. Defense attorney T.J. Kirsch said the state jumped to a conclusion because Addie was having an affair. Thankfully, her zodiac sign is unknown, but it might be a good indication of her personality. "It didn't seem right. "Maybe he'll actually tell us why he thought he had to do that," Tim said. James Addie did not take the stand at his trial, but read a statement in court at his sentencing, in which he read a love letter to the woman he had been convicted of killing. The charge of armed criminal action in Missouri carries a minimum sentence of three years. Addie became the key suspect in Mollys murder. Have the latest local news delivered every morning to start your day informed. 24/7 LIVE gavel-to-gavel coverage, in-depth legal reporting, and expert analysis of the nations most important and compelling trials. He is currently working to appeal his conviction. Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. He also wrote a letter that was read before the court. Error! The defendant was a coward when Molly was alive, and he couldnt tell her the truth, and he was the coward when he couldnt look her in the eye when he killed her, he said. WebApr 29, 2021 569 Dislike Share COURT TV 438K subscribers WATCH: "You took away my mom from me." James Addie, 56, was convicted in 2021 of first-degree murder and armed criminal action for the death of 35-year-old Molly Watson. While initial reports stated that her injuries were consistent with blunt force trauma, it was later confirmed that Molly was shot in the back of the head with the bullet still lodged in her skull. She was an amazing, smart and beautiful person, the letter said. Molly loved her son and spending time with family. Prosecutor reads a powerful victim impact statement written by Investigators said James Addie was in a seven-year relationship with Watson and was engaged to marry her two days after he killed her. 54-year-old James Addie has been convicted of first degree murder and armed criminal action for the April 2018 death of Molly Watson, his fiance. Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. Details about her prison release, Was Audrey Hale born a male or female? Hes a very easy Success! According to court documents, his wife of 22 years said she wasn't aware of Addie'sother relationship with Molly. Prosecutors alleged Addie was living two lives on a collision course that came to a head with his impending marriage to Watson. He said he left the scene to go to his mother's house and returned to the site approximately 20 minutes later to find only one vehicle. Addie shed tears before Emma took the stand, but it didnt change her testimony.
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