The arraignment on April 27th did not occur and no date has been set yet to begin trial. However, some members of the family met with the DA’s office yesterday to talk about developments in the case. We learned that due to the more than twenty boxes of evidence taken from Michael Jackson’s home the crime labs are backed up and not all of the evidence from Norma’s murder have been processed. It’s interesting how things interrelate. We were also informed that there is a possibility of Isabelle Celas only being convicted of a “crime of passion” in which her sentence would be a mere 6-11 years! The DA’s office informed us that there is evidence to prove premeditation and they are working on ways to get it admissible into court while maintaining the maximum sentence possible for Miguel Celas.
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A preliminary hearing for the three accused of Norma’s murder was held today in San Luis Obispo at 1:57pm. It lasted nearly 3 hours. Those who testified included officers who translated confessions by the accused along with detective Mike Wasley, responsible for solving the case. Isabelle Celis and Javier Chavez seemed reserved and kept their eyes focused on the judge, attorneys, witness, and floor most of the hearing. Miguel Celis, on the other hand…

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The next arraignment will be on April 27th. At the hearing, trial dates will be set.
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A new preliminary hearing date has been set for April 06. Celas has a new attorney.
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It was discovered late last week that a three foot high wooden cross was placed in the location where Norma’s body was found.

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A preliminary hearing was scheduled for today with all three suspects attending. The hearing was not held as the attorney of Celas dropped the case claiming “conflict of interest.” No further details have been provided. The DA has informed us that the case will most likely go to trial this winter.
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San Jose Mercury News | 12/09/2003 | News briefs from California’s Central Coast

Please note that not all statments in the news media are true. See my other posts for clarification.
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At 11 o’clock this morning we had a wonderful funeral service for Norma at the Paso Robles chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Program was as follows:

Jay Packer . . . . . . . . . . Invocation
Pres. Steve Nelson . . . . Speaker
Tim Alatorre . . . . . . . . Piano Solo
Michelle Cordova . . . . . Eulogy
Bishop Kim Kunz . . . . . Closing Remarks
Rick Cordova . . . . . . . .Benediction

The chapel and all overflows were completely full and my initial estimate is that there were over 500 people in attendance. Friends, family, co-workers, and many strangers who were moved by Norma’s story. Although the last few days have been rainy and there is to be rain for the rest of the week, there was not a cloud in the sky today.

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Norma’s three murderers were arraigned today in San Luis Obispo at 8:30am. All three entered a plea of not guilty. Although they have already given signed confessions the DA informed us that it is normal to enter a not guilty plea so that the case goes to trial and they can try to reduce there sentence.
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“Our” detective came by the house at around a quarter to 7 this morning, ecstatic to let us know that there had been two arrests the prior night, and a confession. Finally, some definite answers into what happened to Norma. Norma’s assailant, Isabelle Celas, confessed to a social worker, as she was fleeing the county, what she had done. The social worker then informed the police and three warrants were issued. One for Celas, her son Miguel, and another man living with the family. Both Celas and the third man have been arrested but the location of Celas’ son is still unknown.
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