Titus & Ryan Case Tuesday, July 18th Courtroom Opinions and Notes July 18, 2006

Tuesday, July 18th, 2006, was another courtroom appearance for Craig Titus and Kelly Ryan. Here is a synopsis on what happened, based on the courtroom opinion notes from an observer... Craig was there. Kelly was there. Anthony Gross was there. Craig and Kelly were holding hands, even though they were handcuffed. It looked like Kelly's family was there also, but very quiet in the back. I think they were in the courtroom for about an hour or so. Craig has a goatee now, and Kelly - well, didn't know she wore glasses, but she did today. The most memorable thing that was noted was that Craig kind of got into it with the DA right when he was presenting some legal arguments. Why Craig can't control himself, and said something makes people wonder? Of course the D.A. was saying something like Kelly was actively involved in the homicide and all. It sounded like that the DA was saying that Kelly did most of the serious crimes, and Kelly put the morphine into Melissa, and that is when Craig yelled out loud in front of everybody "No she didn't. I am tired of them saying that." The judge said to Craig that if you do not calm down, you will be out of here. And Craig got a little teary eyed. This occurred when Kelly's lawyer said that she wasn't the active player in this. The DA said no way - she participated. But Craig not in control, makes him look bad. The judge denied everything they wanted. The lawyers were arguing some obscure stuff, not really talked much about the actual murder charge. The lawyers wanted the kidnapping charges to go away, It looks like they got nothing. Are the lawyers in a tough situation? Looks like it. This judge is a more conservative judge. She is completely pro law enforcement, and a hardass perhaps. Rumors are that she is a harsher sentencer than other judges. She was elected, ousting a former liberal judge who was a left-winger or so. She said she would be tough on all crimes if elected and it looks like she is. Of the 23 district court judges here in Las Vegas, she is considered perhaps one of the top three in being harsh and hard. Tough for Craig and Kelly. Still, there is no proof of cause of death on Melissa. They were arguing today on what charges they will stand for. Whether it will be murder or murder with the use of a deadly weapon (enhanced). The difference between the two is 20 to life versus 40 to life. Big difference if convicted. It is double for the second charge if they use that one. So does it matter if one did it or the other? Perhaps not? We hear that there is a Felony Murder Rule, which means even if you didn't mean to kill someone, or not directly involved, you can be prosecuted for murder. But the behavior after the fact brings them down in the case. Anthony Gross was in the courtroom also. I thought there was a plea agreement with him, but it looks like there is not. What is his role in this? Is there more to the story? More soon...

Titus & Ryan Case Glenn Puit's article in Las Vegas Review Journal July 19, 2006

Defendant yells at prosecutor during court appearance - Titus takes issue with comments about wife Slaying suspect Craig Titus exchanged words with a prosecutor Tuesday during legal arguments over whether a murder charge against the bodybuilder and his wife should be dismissed. The tense moment unfolded as Clark County prosecutor Robert Daskas told District Judge Jackie Glass that Titus' wife, fitness champion Kelly Ryan, was an active participant in the slaying of Titus and Ryan's personal assistant, Melissa James, in December "It was Kelly Ryan herself who was involved in the fight with Melissa James," Daskas said. "It was Kelly Ryan who used a Taser or stun gun (on the victim). ... It was Kelly Ryan herself who injected Melissa James with morphine." "No she did not!" Titus suddenly yelled out. "Well, let's ask Mr. Titus who did it," Daskas said, looking directly at Titus. "I'm getting tired of him saying that," Titus said. Glass warned Titus that if he continued to act out, he would be removed from court. Titus promised to behave. The episode came as attorneys for Titus and Ryan sought dismissal of murder, conspiracy, arson and kidnapping charges against the couple in James' death. Glass declined to dismiss any of the charges. Afterward, defense attorney Steven Boozang said Titus' outburst was because of his client's frustration over the false charges lodged by prosecutors and Titus was simply sticking up for his wife. The episode marks the second time in recent months that Titus has been involved in an awkward display in court. During a bail hearing in April, Glass ordered Titus and Ryan be held without bail while awaiting trial. Titus shook his head and laughed loudly. Titus and Ryan are charged with killing James, 28, then burning the body in the back of Ryan's car off state Route 160. Ryan is a 33-year-old past Fitness America champion and Ms. Olympia runner-up, and Titus is a 40-year-old past place-winner of international Mr. Olympia competitions. An acquaintance, Anthony Gross, is accused of being an accomplice by helping them burn James' body. Gross, 23, remains under house arrest after posting $13,000 bail. He was charged with accessory to murder and third-degree arson. A witness, Megan Pierson, has told a grand jury that Titus and Ryan talked about James' death and using a Taser on her. Pierson said Ryan talked about the victim being beaten and drugged, and said Titus later mimicked choking the victim. In statements to police, Titus and Ryan denied wrongdoing, saying they found the victim overdosed on drugs in their car. They panicked and burned the body off Sandy Valley Road. Gross has also pleaded innocent to the charges. In court Tuesday, defense attorneys said the charges against the couple are flawed. They argued that there is no proof that James was kidnapped, as prosecutors allege; that the grand jury proceedings against the couple were faulty; and that there is no evidence that a deadly weapon was used in the crime. The defense noted that the Clark County coroner's office has been unable to determine a cause of death for James. But Glass ruled the charges of murder, kidnapping, conspiracy and arson should stand, and that the case should go to trial. Glass also refused to dismiss arson and accessory charges against Gross. Trial for all three is scheduled for January. --> Pictures are by Gary Thompson.