VA CODI BIGSBY: Missing from Hampton, VA - 31 Jan 2022 - Age 4 *GUILTY*

FBI joins search for missing Hampton toddler

During the press conference, Chief Talbot said Codi's dad said he woke up Monday morning and found his son was missing. The father said he looked all over and Codi was nowhere to be found.

www.wtkr.com

Hampton Police search for missing 4-year-old last seen in his home near Buckroe area around 2 a.m.​

Hampton Police need the public's help in locating a missing 4-year-old boy.

4-year-old Cody Bigsby was last seen in his father's home at 2 a.m., Monday.

According to police, around 9 a.m., they were called to the 100 block of Ranalet Drive for a missing juvenile. When they arrived at the scene they spoke with Cody's father who said he was last seen in his home.

Police describe Cody as a 4-year-old boy, approximately 3 feet tall. He was last seen wearing all black clothing and Spider-Man flip-flops.

4-year-old Hampton boy missing and endangered, police say

The search of a Hampton neighborhood for a 4-year-old boy who went missing overnight from his father’s home turned up no sign of the boy as of late Monday afternoon, according to police. Codi…

www.dailypress.com

Cody Bigsby was reported missing at 9:06 a.m. from a residence in the 100 block of Ranalet Drive, in the Buckroe Beach neighborhood. Bigsby’s father told police that the boy was last seen in the residence at around 2:00 a.m. Monday, according to the Hampton Police Division.


MEDIA - CODI BIGSBY: Missing from Hampton, VA since 31 Jan 2022 - Age 4

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Doctor says Cory Bigsby ‘competent’ to stand trial — but judge will hear counterarguments

A doctor has determined that Cory Jamar Bigsby, who was indicted last week in the death of his missing son, Codi Bigsby, has been restored to competency following treatment at a state mental facili…

www.dailypress.com

By PETER DUJARDIN | pdujardin@dailypress.com | Staff writer
PUBLISHED: June 14, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. | UPDATED: June 14, 2023 at 2:23 p.m.

HAMPTON — A clinical psychologist has determined that Cory Jamar Bigsby has been restored to competency following treatment at a state mental facility in recent months.

But his lawyers are challenging the finding, and a judge has scheduled a hearing to resolve the dispute.

Bigsby, 44, was indicted last week in the presumed death of his missing son, Codi Bigsby, who Hampton prosecutors contend was killed in June 2021, when he was 3 years old.

<snip>

Two doctors who previously evaluated Bigsby disagreed on whether he is competent to stand trial — that he understands the legal proceedings against him and can assist his lawyers with his defense. Under U.S. Supreme Court case law, charges can’t go to trial unless a defendant is deemed competent to face them.

Given the difference of opinion between the two doctors, Circuit Court Judge James Hawks in March ordered Bigsby sent to a state hospital for further evaluation and restorative treatment.

Bisgby checked into the Southern Virginia Mental Health Institute, in Danville, on April 14 and was evaluated by a third doctor — clinical psychologist Dr. William McKenna — on May 30. At the end of a six-page report, McKenna concluded Bigsby is indeed competent.

“Competence requires a factual and rational understanding of legal proceedings, as well as an ability to assist counsel,” McKenna wrote in the June 1 report. But Bigsby “showed good factual knowledge of basic legal issues,” and his mental condition “does not grossly distort” his ability to “rationally appreciate the proceedings against him.”

“He is able to communicate reality-based information to his attorney,” McKenna added, saying he believes Bigsby “presently is competent to stand trial.”

But Bigsby’s attorneys disagree.

“For the doctor to say he was restored, I don’t think it was a thorough report,” Curtis Brown, a lawyer for Bigsby, told Hawks. “I think it was done hastily.”

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Judge orders another mental competency hearing in Cory Bigsby case, father charged in Hampton son's death

Cory Bigsby was brought to the Hampton Courthouse Wednesday to discuss his ability to stand trial and to be arraigned on new murder charges.

www.wtkr.com

By: Penny Kmitt , Julia Varnier , Kelsey Jones
Posted at 1:00 PM, Jun 14, 2023
and last updated 5:02 PM, Jun 14, 2023
HAMPTON, Va. — Cory Bigsby appeared in Hampton Circuit Court on Wednesday to discuss his ability to stand trial and to be arraigned on new murder charges related to his missing son, Codi Bigsby.

<snip>

Wednesday morning was Bigbsy's first court appearance since he was sent to Eastern State Hospital for mental health treatment. During court, it was decided that another competency hearing will take place after his attorneys challenged a mental evaluation that shows he is competent to stand trial.

Following the hearing for Bigsby's over 30 child neglect and abuse charges, the Hampton father was arraigned on two charges related to Codi's alleged death.

<snip>

However, Bigsby’s attorney Amina Matheny-Willard and the Bigsby family believe Codi is still alive. Some family members believe the now 5-year-old is being trafficked.

"Codi is alive," said Tandaleyia Butler, Cory's sister. "I'm going to continue to believe that until otherwise is shown to me."

The family added that they had seen Codi within that seven-month time frame between June and January, specifically once in September.

"He's been at my house during that time," said Butler.

Butler and fellow family members also claimed to have seen photographs of Codi from that time period, but said they could not share the photos with us.

"I'm not able to share them with anyone," said Glenn Hinnant, Cory's uncle.

Additionally, Matheny-Willard and the Bigsby family believe that the new murder charges stem from a letter Bigsby allegedly wrote inside the Hampton Roads Regional Jail in August.

While they wouldn't share the contents of the letter, they do believe he was coerced by officers to write it.

"They did what they could to coerce a statement from him," said Matheny-Willard.

They also believe Bigsby has been mistreated inside of the jail, leading to his mental incompetency. Matheny-Willard says they plan to file a federal lawsuit.

"His current condition is a result of what they did to him in that jail," she added.

Hampton Roads Regional Jail's response on the allegations are as follows:

“The Hampton Roads Regional Jail is the element of the Criminal Justice System responsible for the detention, care, and custody of persons committed by the judicial arm of the law. We do not engage in the criminal investigation of crimes or suspected crimes of those committed to our care. Under no circumstances do we coerce, invite, ask, or suggest that persons committed to our care volunteer any information concerning their legal proceedings. However, should a person committed to our care voluntarily provide information concerning their case, or any legitimate criminal case, we, as law enforcement officers, are obligated to report the same to the Commonwealth’s Attorney for further investigation. At no time was Mr. Bigsby, mistreated or coerced into making any statement concerning his missing child while in our custody.”

Bigsby will appear back in court on Wednesday, June 21 for a bond hearing regarding his new murder charges. A date has not yet been set for the mental competency hearing.
https://www.wtkr.com/news/court-documents-detail-why-judge-ordered-mental-evaluation-for-cory-bigbsy

 

[Guess Who]

If family members know that codi is alive, wouldn't they want to show proof so his dad wouldn't be facing these very serious charges? How does this make any sense?

 

[Mel70]

Me personally, Have never heard of someone's competency being restored. IMO This guy knew the entire time his actions and that he did it. The excuses now are so ridiculous.

 

[GrandmaBear]

What is it with this case, this man and his defenders?

Isn't this the case that had ALL judges in that county recuse themselves?

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Father accused of killing Codi Bigsby granted bond, released from jail

Cory Bigsby, the father who has been indicted on charges in connection to the death of his 4-year-old son, Codi, was granted bond Wednesday morning.

www.wavy.com

by: Courtney Ingalls, Kiahnna Patterson
Posted: Jun 21, 2023 / 10:48 AM EDT
Updated: Jun 21, 2023 / 12:32 PM EDT

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) – Cory Bigsby, the father who has been indicted on charges in connection to the death of his 4-year-old son, Codi, was granted bond Wednesday morning.

10 On Your Side was in the courtroom and says that Bigsby was granted bond and Bigsby’s attorney, Amina Matheny-Willard, says the bond will total about $80,000 for all charges.

The judge says Bigsby will then be released on house arrest to his older daughter in Norfolk. There will be several conditions under this release, including that he can not have contact with his other young children who live out of state. He will also have a curfew and will not be able to leave the home unless it’s for a doctor’s appointment or court appearance.

Matheny-Willard asked the judge the seal Bigsby’s daughter’s name and address for fear of harassment.

Bigsby’s attorneys told the judge that the Commonwealth has not presented any evidence of murder and that there is no body, therefore he is entitled to bond.

Two of Bigsby’s family members also took the stand to tell the judge that they will travel from Maryland to make sure he comes to court.

Hampton Commonwealth’s Attorney, Anton Bell, tells 10 On Your Side that the judge’s bond decision is based on a change in circumstance since Bigsby has been in jail for over a year.

The judge made this decision even though all the continuances were asked for by the defense. Bell says the prosecution has always been ready to try the case and that was called out in court today, but the judge maintained his decision.

The judge said that Bigsby will not be released until he is given an electronic monitor.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Father accused of killing Codi Bigsby granted bond, released from jail

Cory Bigsby, the father who has been indicted on charges in connection to the death of his 4-year-old son, Codi, was granted bond Wednesday morning.

www.wavy.com

by: Courtney Ingalls, Kiahnna Patterson
Posted: Jun 21, 2023 / 10:48 AM EDT
Updated: Jun 21, 2023 / 12:32 PM EDT

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) – Cory Bigsby, the father who has been indicted on charges in connection to the death of his 4-year-old son, Codi, was granted bond Wednesday morning.

10 On Your Side was in the courtroom and says that Bigsby was granted bond and Bigsby’s attorney, Amina Matheny-Willard, says the bond will total about $80,000 for all charges.

The judge says Bigsby will then be released on house arrest to his older daughter in Norfolk. There will be several conditions under this release, including that he can not have contact with his other young children who live out of state. He will also have a curfew and will not be able to leave the home unless it’s for a doctor’s appointment or court appearance.

Matheny-Willard asked the judge the seal Bigsby’s daughter’s name and address for fear of harassment.

Bigsby’s attorneys told the judge that the Commonwealth has not presented any evidence of murder and that there is no body, therefore he is entitled to bond.

Two of Bigsby’s family members also took the stand to tell the judge that they will travel from Maryland to make sure he comes to court.

Hampton Commonwealth’s Attorney, Anton Bell, tells 10 On Your Side that the judge’s bond decision is based on a change in circumstance since Bigsby has been in jail for over a year.

The judge made this decision even though all the continuances were asked for by the defense. Bell says the prosecution has always been ready to try the case and that was called out in court today, but the judge maintained his decision.

The judge said that Bigsby will not be released until he is given an electronic monitor.

THEY caused the delays!

This whole case is WEIRD. Has been from the start. All the judges recused themselves and now we have one letting him out??!!!

What does family members coming from Maryland to see to it he goes to court mean? NOTHING. They aren't there watching over him, they live elsewhere! That's a stupid remark imo. So wow they get to Norfolk from Maryland and find he isn't there. Oh whoops, our guarantees mean nothing, didn't realize we couldn't guarantee we'd get him there since he isn't even with us to begin with to know we can!! Oops, sorry judge.

And $80k???

THIS means he will be free until tried (unless he gets in trouble) and if the defense keeps getting delays granted that could mean he will be free for years.

So sorry Codi. Our system sucks and gets worse every day.

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Local activist group to host Ride for Justice for Codi Bigsby July 30

The group, “We are Codi’s Voices,” is hosting a Ride For Justice event for the young boy on July 30 at 11 a.m.

www.wavy.com

by: KaMaria Braye
Posted: Jul 5, 2023 / 07:30 AM EDT
Updated: Jul 5, 2023 / 07:30 AM EDT

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) – It’s been nearly a month since Cory Bigsby was charged with murdering his son Codi, but a local activist group continues to search for the 4-year-old and is hosting an event to bring awareness to his disappearance.

The group, “We are Codi’s Voices,” is hosting a Ride For Justice event for the young boy on July 30 at 11 a.m. The event will begin at the Williamsburg Premium Outlets Mall and will end at the Hampton Soccer Complex, where a fence is dedicated to Codi.

The group organizer, Nancy Strickland, says more than 300 people are scheduled to attend with police escort. She says the ride is about 40 minutes long, but the group says effort is needed to find little Codi.

“We will ride to Codi fence in Hampton. And we will have tents set up we will be serving food. There will be music and just for us to all gather in, say a prayer for Cody. And everybody can get this get this word out that he’s still missing,” Strickland says.

Cory Bigsby is out on bond even though prosecutors believe he murdered and hid Codi’s body.

 

[Mel70]

JUST WTF?!!! Electronic monitoring. What could possibly happen?. Who let's out a POS like this on bail?! And withholding the location of his body!!! So how did he deserve bail?!!! Well this couldn't possibly give him an opportunity with help to change things. Nooooo....He seems like an O.K. guy. He promised to not break any rules. And his family made promises too. For a grown man. I see no problem. FFS! WHAT ABOUT CODI?!!!

 

[GrandmaBear]

There is something really wrong in this case. Judges all recusing themselves and NOW a judge letting a murder defendant out on bond. He was only just charged for murder recently, in JUNE. He lets him out even though all the delays with the other charge were caused by the defense.

There sure are a lot of judges either scared of him or he has something over, or who are his buddies. I'm not sure the reasons for all the judge issues otherwise...

Something smells... I wonder if anyone in his family is someone important or something, not saying it is, just trying to figure out what is up here... It seems to maybe be the family's guarantees and claims that influenced this judge in his decision?

On the other hand maybe the judge isn't impressed with the prosecution's case but then why hasn't he thrown it out?

I'm telling ya, something smells. Very odorous.

Poor child.

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Cory Bigsby could face two separate trials

Cory Bigsby, the man accused of killing his 4-year-old son Codi Bigsby, may be facing two trials instead of one.

www.wavy.com

by: Alyssa Ranker
Posted: Jul 6, 2023 / 05:44 PM EDT
Updated: Jul 6, 2023 / 09:35 PM EDT

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) – Cory Bigsby, the man accused of killing his 4-year-old son Codi Bigsby, may be facing two trials instead of one.

Bigsby reported his son missing in January 2022, though officials believe he killed Codi in June of 2021. Bigsby was indicted by a grand jury on charges of murder and concealment of a dead body.

Bigsby also faces charges of child abuse and neglect of his four young sons, including Codi, however those charges are not related to Codi’s disappearance.

In a letter to the judge presiding over the case, Bigsby’s lawyer asked the judge to separate the child abuse and neglect charges from the murder charges. She stated that these charges “are two separate cases, and they should be treated as such.”

Bigsby is due back in court on Aug. 25 for another competency hearing. His lawyer stated in the letter she hopes to start the abuse and neglect trial by the end of October and asks for the murder trial to take place early 2024.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Hundreds attend motorcycle ride honoring missing Hampton boy Codi Bigsby

Sunday, a group of bikers took off on their motorcycles from Williamsburg, riding to Hampton in honor of Codi Bigsby, 4, who was reported missing in January 2022 and hasn't been found.

www.wtkr.com

Hundreds attend motorcycle ride honoring missing Hampton boy Codi Bigsby​

A motorcycle ride took off from Williamsburg on Sunday morning in honor of Codi Bigsby, a four-year-old boy who was reported missing in Hampton 18 months ago.

"A Ride For Justice, Codi Bigsby" was organized by a group called "We are Codi's Voice," led by Nancy Strickland. More than 250 people signed up for the ride, Strickland told News 3 last week.

By the time Sunday morning arrived, the turnout appeared to smash that earlier number.

Hundreds of people gathered at Williamsburg Premium Outlets; the beginning of a route that went to a memorial near the boy's home, known as the "Codi fence," before wrapping at the Retired Armed Forces Club in Hampton.

“I thank every one of these people that has shown love for this baby," said a tearful Strickland of the turnout.

She says money raised through t-shirt sales and donations will be sent to the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children in Codi's name.

"Cody gets justice. It’s gonna go to the next child that needs justice and we’re going to do this for the next child and it’s going to be an honor of Codi," said Strickland.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Statement by father in 4-year-old boy’s presumed death came in exchange for meeting with family, lawyer says

An attorney for Cory Jamar Bigsby is contending that Hampton Roads Regional Jail officials promised him a visit with his family if he agreed to provide the statement that’s now being used to …

www.pilotonline.com

Statement by father in 4-year-old boy’s presumed death came in exchange for meeting with family, lawyer says​

An attorney for Cory Jamar Bigsby is contending that officials at the Hampton Roads Regional Jail promised Bigsby a visit with his family if he agreed to provide the statement that’s now being used to prosecute him in his son’s disappearance.

That statement must be tossed from the pending murder case as being improperly obtained, lawyer Amina Matheny-Willard asserts in a motion filed Friday.

Bigsby provided the written statement to a jail correctional officer in the summer of 2022 while he was locked up on a series of child neglect charges involving his sons — one of whom, Codi, remains missing. Bigsby is now charged with second-degree murder in the 4-year-old’s presumed death.

But regional jail officials strongly denied the allegations, saying “at no time were any promises of any kind made to Mr. Bigsby in exchange for a statement regarding his charges.”

“We have nothing to gain by soliciting any details regarding the allegations against Mr. Bigsby and would consider it an encroachment on the Hampton’s Commonwealth Attorney’s case,” jail spokeswoman Sharon Scott said in a statement. “It would involve us in a situation that has nothing to do with our mission.”

That mission, she said, is providing housing and a safe environment for inmates.

Matheny-Willard on Friday filed a motion to suppress Bigsby’s Aug. 3, 2022 statement, saying he felt isolated from his family and wrote it only after a promise that he would be allowed to see them for a lunchtime visit two days later.

The motion says the Hampton Roads Regional Jail’s assistant superintendent, Lt. Col. William Anderson, reached out to Matheny-Willard on July 24 of that year “to express concern about Cory Bigsby’s mental health.”

Anderson also told the lawyer he “wanted to arrange a Hardee’s Luncheon so that (Bigsby’s) family could spend some time with him,” the motion adds.

The family agreed, and the meeting went forward Aug. 5. Five of Bigsby’s family members picked out meals from a Hardee’s menu, with jail officials ordering out and picking up the tab.

But the timing of the meeting is “curious,” Matheny-Willard’s motion asserts.

“It appears that the representatives of the jail told (Bigsby) that he would need to write a statement,” it contends. “The representatives at the jail then asked him what he wanted in exchange for a statement. Mr. Bigsby’s response was likely that he wanted to see his family.”

Bigsby wrote the statement Aug. 3, two days before the family’s jailhouse visit. The Hardee’s luncheon was “seemingly … a tit-for-tat so that he would give his captors what they wanted,” the motion contends.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Pretrial motions give glimpse into Bigsby defense

Bigsby’s attorney submitted a motion seeking to block presentation of any statements he made while in police custody.

www.wavy.com

Pretrial motions give glimpse into Bigsby defense​

Cory Bigsby was coerced into falsely admitting he killed his own son in exchange for being able to eat lunch with his family — after being subjected to treatment that amounts to torture, his attorney argues in paperwork filed earlier this month in Hampton Circuit Court.

Ahead of Bigsby’s upcoming trial, his lawyer, Amina Matheny-Willard, submitted a motion seeking to block presentation of any statements he made while in police custody.

In it, she argues that Bigsby’s rights were violated when he was initially interrogated by police on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, 2022. The document includes excerpts from a series of interviews that stretched on for approximately seven hours, in which Bigsby asks repeatedly for a lawyer and is ignored.

“[T]hese statements were obtained in violation of Mr. Bigsby’s Fourth (4th), Fifth (5th), Sixth (6th), and Fourteenth (14th) Amendments to the United States Constitution and Article 1 Section 10 of the Constitution of Virginia…” it reads.

Matheny-Willard also alleges that Bigsby told investigators he was tired and wanted to end the questioning more than 20 times.

According to the document, Bigsby was read his Miranda rights while in Hampton Police Headquarters just after 2:30 p.m. Jan. 1. The last interview concluded around 4:45 a.m. the following morning.

“F.B.I Agent Ludovico mistakenly refers to Codi as ‘Cory.’ Mr. Bigsby corrects her, and F.B.I. Agent Ludovico apologizes and says it’s 1 o’clock in the morning and she’s tired,” an excerpt from the interview marked 12:28 a.m. Feb. 1 reads. “Mr. Bigsby says that’s how he feels and indicates he has been up way longer than she has.”

“Mr. Bigsby tells F.B.I. Agent Ludovico: ‘You know what will help me. If you let me get some rest and we can do anything we need to do tomorrow,” another entry, marked 1:52 am, reads. “That’s the way to help me, and to find my child, that’s first and foremost.”

In arguing to support the motion, Matheny-Willard alleged that police attempted to extract a confession from Bigsby through extraneous interrogation and sleep deprivation, and then by holding him indefinitely on a series of unrelated charges.

“It was clear to Mr. Bigsby shortly after he entered the Hampton Police Department what the people who had authority over him wanted from him,” the paperwork reads. “The HPD in conjunction with the F.B.I. were not able to wrangle a false confession out of Mr. Bigsby while he was there, so he was unjustly charged with multiple felonies solely in an effort to secure a false confession.”


The trial is set to begin Nov. 6, with a pretrial hearing on Oct. 31.

 

[Summer_Breeze]

More than 20 officers, jail guards called for suppression hearing in Bigsby case

About two dozen police officers and jail guards are being called to a hearing next week on whether statements Cory Jamar Bigsby Jr. made while locked up should be allowed into evidence at a pending…

www.pilotonline.com

By PETER DUJARDIN | pdujardin@dailypress.com | Staff writer
PUBLISHED: October 31, 2023 at 6:54 p.m. | UPDATED: November 1, 2023 at 12:26 a.m.

HAMPTON — About two dozen police officers and jail guards are being called to a hearing next week on whether statements Cory Jamar Bigsby Jr. made while locked up should be allowed into evidence at his pending murder trial.

About 18 officers and guards packed a Hampton courtroom Tuesday after Bigsby’s lawyer subpoenaed them for a hearing on whether to suppress — or bar from the forthcoming trial — statements Bigsby made at the Hampton Roads Regional Jail in August 2022 and December 2022.

The officers included Norfolk Police Chief Mark Talbot — Hampton’s chief of police when the Bigsby investigation began — and Col. William J. Anderson, the deputy superintendent at the Hampton Roads Regional Jail, as well as several police detectives, jail captains and guards.

Circuit Court Judge James Hawks ended up postponing the hearing until next Wednesday because one crucial witness — the jail guard who spoke with Bigsby the most — has COVID-19 and couldn’t attend.

But as Hawks glanced around the crowded courtroom, he asked one of Bigsby’s attorneys, Amina Matheny-Willard, why she needed so many witnesses for a suppression hearing.

“I would like to avoid the inconvenience to all of these uniformed public servants,” said Hawks, a retired Portsmouth judge appointed to the case.

Matheny-Willard maintained she needed all of them back next week. “I try cases differently,” she said, adding that she was hired by Bigsby’s family “to put on a case.”

In the end, Hawks didn’t block her from having the officers and guards at the hearing, which could make for a lengthy hearing next Wednesday. In fact, Matheny-Willard told Hawks the hearing could run into a second day.

<snip>
Hawks said he would allow the attorney to put the officers on the stand, but said he won’t be changing his ruling on a prior motion to suppress. At a lengthy hearing in October 2022, Bigsby’s lawyers contended statements he made while in custody — such as how he left his four young boys at home unattended — should be barred from the trial on the child neglect charged.

But Hawks ruled against the defense on that. Though police might have improperly ignored Bigsby’s request for an attorney, Hawks ruled that any statements Bigsby made before that request would be allowed into evidence at trial.

“That ruling carries forward,” he said Tuesday.

Hawks also granted a defense motion to postpone the jury trial that was slated to begin next week. That came after Matheny-Willard said she had not yet completed her review of the “voluminous” prosecution documents turned over in July. A new trial date will be set next week.

Also next week, Hawks will consider a prosecution request to allow one key trial witness — Codi’s 6-year-old brother — to testify on camera rather than being in the courtroom.

 

[GrandmaBear]

More than 20 officers, jail guards called for suppression hearing in Bigsby case

About two dozen police officers and jail guards are being called to a hearing next week on whether statements Cory Jamar Bigsby Jr. made while locked up should be allowed into evidence at a pending…

www.pilotonline.com

By PETER DUJARDIN | pdujardin@dailypress.com | Staff writer
PUBLISHED: October 31, 2023 at 6:54 p.m. | UPDATED: November 1, 2023 at 12:26 a.m.

HAMPTON — About two dozen police officers and jail guards are being called to a hearing next week on whether statements Cory Jamar Bigsby Jr. made while locked up should be allowed into evidence at his pending murder trial.

About 18 officers and guards packed a Hampton courtroom Tuesday after Bigsby’s lawyer subpoenaed them for a hearing on whether to suppress — or bar from the forthcoming trial — statements Bigsby made at the Hampton Roads Regional Jail in August 2022 and December 2022.

The officers included Norfolk Police Chief Mark Talbot — Hampton’s chief of police when the Bigsby investigation began — and Col. William J. Anderson, the deputy superintendent at the Hampton Roads Regional Jail, as well as several police detectives, jail captains and guards.

Circuit Court Judge James Hawks ended up postponing the hearing until next Wednesday because one crucial witness — the jail guard who spoke with Bigsby the most — has COVID-19 and couldn’t attend.

But as Hawks glanced around the crowded courtroom, he asked one of Bigsby’s attorneys, Amina Matheny-Willard, why she needed so many witnesses for a suppression hearing.

“I would like to avoid the inconvenience to all of these uniformed public servants,” said Hawks, a retired Portsmouth judge appointed to the case.

Matheny-Willard maintained she needed all of them back next week. “I try cases differently,” she said, adding that she was hired by Bigsby’s family “to put on a case.”

In the end, Hawks didn’t block her from having the officers and guards at the hearing, which could make for a lengthy hearing next Wednesday. In fact, Matheny-Willard told Hawks the hearing could run into a second day.

<snip>
Hawks said he would allow the attorney to put the officers on the stand, but said he won’t be changing his ruling on a prior motion to suppress. At a lengthy hearing in October 2022, Bigsby’s lawyers contended statements he made while in custody — such as how he left his four young boys at home unattended — should be barred from the trial on the child neglect charged.

But Hawks ruled against the defense on that. Though police might have improperly ignored Bigsby’s request for an attorney, Hawks ruled that any statements Bigsby made before that request would be allowed into evidence at trial.

“That ruling carries forward,” he said Tuesday.

Hawks also granted a defense motion to postpone the jury trial that was slated to begin next week. That came after Matheny-Willard said she had not yet completed her review of the “voluminous” prosecution documents turned over in July. A new trial date will be set next week.

Also next week, Hawks will consider a prosecution request to allow one key trial witness — Codi’s 6-year-old brother — to testify on camera rather than being in the courtroom.

If anyone wants to commit a crime in this area and have a good chance of getting away with it, you know the day to do so.

I seriously doubt 20 officers, etc. have direct knowledge on this and she will probably use most for generalities and even if they did or if for generalities, you don't need 20

Such a new level of defense b.s. these days. There's a lot I could say on this but just don't have the time or oomph for it. I will say who knows how much money his family has but a this rate of overkill by his attorney, she will run them out of money fast for her services. Also, the judge told her he will not revisit his former decision and how many of those subpoenaed relate to her hope to attempt to do that?

Codi's brother should absolutely be allowed to testify via camera and ALL children should. No child should be subject to a courtroom nor to be in the presence of defendants such as this and what they suffered or saw done by the defendant to a loved one (allegedly) and in this case, his own father.

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Statements in court allegedly reveal how Cory Bigsby killed, disposed body of 4-year-old son

A Hampton Roads Regional Jail officer claimed Bigsby admitted to disposing his 4-year-old son Codi's body.

www.13newsnow.com

Author: Allison Bazzle, 13News Now Staff
Published: 12:08 PM EST November 8, 2023
Updated: 6:37 PM EST November 8, 2023

HAMPTON, Va. — Disturbing details were revealed during a hearing on Cory Bigsby's murder charges Wednesday that describes how the Hampton father allegedly killed and disposed of his 4-year-old son Codi's body.

During a motion to suppress Bigsby's hearing on Wednesday, the prosecution put multiple Hampton Roads Regional Jail officers on the stand who shared seemingly contradictory statements allegedly made by Bigsby.

One officer testified that he was on duty on Aug. 3, 2022. He said Bigsby shouted out to him and the officer wrote the following statement with Bigsby dictating it to him: "I found my son unresponsive, tried CPR, I could not revive him."

In the note, the officer on the stand alleged Bigsby said he tried several times to revive Codi and asked God to save him. Bigsby allegedly said he realized Codi wasn't coming back and "put him in a trash bag, put it in the car and it sat for three days. "

A second officer took the stand and testified about a statement she got from Bigsby.

She claimed Bigsby said that on Jan. 30, 2022, he stepped out of his apartment to get items from his car. When he returned, he found Codi at the bottom of the steps unresponsive from what he claimed was a fall. Bigsby allegedly said he did CPR several times and stepped outside and prayed.

The officers testified that Bigsby revealed he put Codi in the car, drove to Garrett A. Morgan Boulevard, and buried him.

A third officer testified they found a letter in Bigsby’s jail cell in his notebook where Bigsby allegedly admitted to killing Codi. The officer said Bigsby wrote he hit Codi’s head on the floor, hit him with his fists, put him in the fridge, and buried him. The letter said it happened on June 18, 2021, a few months before he reported Codi missing.

The Hampton father reported his son missing in January 2022. This past June, prosecutors filed charges against Bigsby for his son’s murder.

The hearing lasted about eight hours on Wednesday without a judge ruling. Cory Bigsby’s defense attorneys are asking the judge to keep some witness testimony and statements Bigsby made inside Hampton Roads Regional Jail out of the upcoming murder trial.

Judge James Hawks said he will give the defense team an hour on Thursday morning to wrap up their evidence. Then, he will decide whether the prosecution can use the evidence at trial.

The judge also ruled on Bigsby's defense team's motion to push back his trial during Wednesday's court date. The murder trial is now set for March 4-8, 2024. The judge originally set the trial for this week but pushed it back at the request for more time from Bigsby's defense team. The attorneys picked new court dates this morning.

Matheny-Willard also asked the judge to require one of Bigsby's sons to testify in the courtroom. Prosecutors are planning to put the child on the stand in another room and broadcast that into the courtroom through a TV screen. However, the defense team said the child is not a victim in this case and can testify in the courtroom. Still, the judge ruled to allow the broadcasted testimony at trial.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Statements in court allegedly reveal how Cory Bigsby killed, disposed body of 4-year-old son

A Hampton Roads Regional Jail officer claimed Bigsby admitted to disposing his 4-year-old son Codi's body.

www.13newsnow.com

Author: Allison Bazzle, 13News Now Staff
Published: 12:08 PM EST November 8, 2023
Updated: 6:37 PM EST November 8, 2023

HAMPTON, Va. — Disturbing details were revealed during a hearing on Cory Bigsby's murder charges Wednesday that describes how the Hampton father allegedly killed and disposed of his 4-year-old son Codi's body.

During a motion to suppress Bigsby's hearing on Wednesday, the prosecution put multiple Hampton Roads Regional Jail officers on the stand who shared seemingly contradictory statements allegedly made by Bigsby.

One officer testified that he was on duty on Aug. 3, 2022. He said Bigsby shouted out to him and the officer wrote the following statement with Bigsby dictating it to him: "I found my son unresponsive, tried CPR, I could not revive him."

In the note, the officer on the stand alleged Bigsby said he tried several times to revive Codi and asked God to save him. Bigsby allegedly said he realized Codi wasn't coming back and "put him in a trash bag, put it in the car and it sat for three days. "

A second officer took the stand and testified about a statement she got from Bigsby.

She claimed Bigsby said that on Jan. 30, 2022, he stepped out of his apartment to get items from his car. When he returned, he found Codi at the bottom of the steps unresponsive from what he claimed was a fall. Bigsby allegedly said he did CPR several times and stepped outside and prayed.

The officers testified that Bigsby revealed he put Codi in the car, drove to Garrett A. Morgan Boulevard, and buried him.

A third officer testified they found a letter in Bigsby’s jail cell in his notebook where Bigsby allegedly admitted to killing Codi. The officer said Bigsby wrote he hit Codi’s head on the floor, hit him with his fists, put him in the fridge, and buried him. The letter said it happened on June 18, 2021, a few months before he reported Codi missing.

The Hampton father reported his son missing in January 2022. This past June, prosecutors filed charges against Bigsby for his son’s murder.

The hearing lasted about eight hours on Wednesday without a judge ruling. Cory Bigsby’s defense attorneys are asking the judge to keep some witness testimony and statements Bigsby made inside Hampton Roads Regional Jail out of the upcoming murder trial.

Judge James Hawks said he will give the defense team an hour on Thursday morning to wrap up their evidence. Then, he will decide whether the prosecution can use the evidence at trial.

The judge also ruled on Bigsby's defense team's motion to push back his trial during Wednesday's court date. The murder trial is now set for March 4-8, 2024. The judge originally set the trial for this week but pushed it back at the request for more time from Bigsby's defense team. The attorneys picked new court dates this morning.

Matheny-Willard also asked the judge to require one of Bigsby's sons to testify in the courtroom. Prosecutors are planning to put the child on the stand in another room and broadcast that into the courtroom through a TV screen. However, the defense team said the child is not a victim in this case and can testify in the courtroom. Still, the judge ruled to allow the broadcasted testimony at trial.

I'm sorry but what vermin he is. Version number three is probably closest to the truth. But late in the game.

Defense gets delay, imagine that.

Yes, a child should get to testify without facing in person PHYSICALLY their own father, killer or abuser. He77 I'm not sure an adult should have to. Defense team says that child is not a victim? I BEG TO DIFFER.

 

[Mel70]

I'm sorry but what vermin he is. Version number three is probably closest to the truth. But late in the game.

Defense gets delay, imagine that.

Yes, a child should get to testify without facing in person PHYSICALLY their own father, killer or abuser. He77 I'm not sure an adult should have to. Defense team says that child is not a victim? I BEG TO DIFFER.

They are always caught in the middle. And effected in some way.

 

[GrandmaBear]

They are always caught in the middle. And effected in some way.

Yep and are a victim despite the defense/his own father saying otherwise.