It’s been more than nine years since a Fallbrook family of four disappeared, leaving authorities stumped. The discovery of the family’s SUV near the U.S.-Mexico border led many — including law enforcement — to suspect they left the country. Nearly four years would pass before the remains of the McStays — Joseph, 40, Summer, 43, and sons Gianni, 4, and Joey Jr., 3 — were found, their bodies buried in shallow graves outside Victorville, more than 100 miles from their home, in November 2013. A year later, authorities arrested Charles “Chase” Merritt, a business associate of Joseph McStay. Merritt was charged with four counts of murder. He pleaded not guilty. Joseph McStay sold indoor water features and fountains, and often hired Merritt, a welder, to craft them. Prosecutors say Merritt had been dipping into McStay’s business account. Merritt’s attorneys pointed the finger at another McStay associate.
It’s been more than nine years since a Fallbrook family of four disappeared, leaving authorities stumped. The discovery of the family’s SUV near the U.S.-Mexico border led many — including law enforcement — to suspect they left the country.
Nearly four years would pass before the remains of the McStays — Joseph, 40, Summer, 43, and sons Gianni, 4, and Joey Jr., 3 — were found, their bodies buried in shallow graves outside Victorville, more than 100 miles from their home, in November 2013.
A year later, authorities arrested Charles “Chase” Merritt, a business associate of Joseph McStay. Merritt was charged with four counts of murder. He pleaded not guilty.
Joseph McStay sold indoor water features and fountains, and often hired Merritt, a welder, to craft them. Prosecutors say Merritt had been dipping into McStay’s business account. Merritt’s attorneys pointed the finger at another McStay associate.