HomeMy WebLinkAboutCP-21-CR-2091-2003COMMONWEALTH
BLAINE MASON NORRIS
IN RE:
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CP-21 -C R-2091-2003
MOTION OF DEFENDANT TO SUPPRESS EVIDENCE
BEFORE BAYLEY, J.
OPINION AND ORDER OF COURT
Bayley, J., March 31, 2004:--
Defendant, Blaine Norris, is charged with: criminal homicide (murder in the first
degree),1 criminal conspiracy with Brian Thomas Trimble to criminal homicide,2 criminal
conspiracy with Brian Thomas Trimble to insurance fraud,3 and criminal attempt to
insurance fraud.4 Defendant filed a motion to suppress evidence seized as a result of
execution of four search warrants. A hearing was conducted on March 2, 2004. We
will review the warrants seriatim.
I. DEFENDANT'S APARTMENT -- SEARCH WARRANT ISSUED ON
APRIL 17, 2003 BY JUDGE RICHARD A. LEWIS OF THE 12TM JUDICIAL
DISTRICT- DAUPHIN COUNTY
1 18 Pa.C.S. § 2501, 2502(a) and 306.
2 18 Pa.C.S. § 903 to Section 2501 and/or Section 2502.
3 18 Pa.C.S. § 903 to Section 4117.
4 18 Pa.C.S. § 901 to Section 4117.
CP-21 -C R-2091-2003
The affidavit of probable cause for the issuance of this search warrant sets forth:
IDENTIFY ITEMS TO BE SEARCHED FOR AND SEIZED:
1. Any and all computer systems, including desktops, laptops, Hand held
[sic] computers, and associated equipment and peripherals. Computer
hardware, including, but not limited to central processing units (CPU's),
monitors, keyboards, laptops, hard disk drives, floppy disk drives, tape
drivers, CD-ROM/CD-DVD drives, thumb drives, external zip drives, and
any and all external peripherals including scanners, digital cameras, and
video cameras. Any and all software and computer manuals located in
the residence. Any and all floppy disks, CD-ROM disks, rewritable CD
disks, memory cards, or devices capable of electronic media storage.
SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF PREMISES AND/OR PERSON TO BE
SEARCHED:
The residence of Blaine Mason Norris, White male individual, DOB: 11-
08-1977; SSN: 321-66-8809; address residing: 817 N. Second Street,
Apt. # 3, Harrisburg, PA 17102.
AFFIDAVIT OF PROBABLE CAUSE:
On the date of January 10, 2003, at approximately 8:10 PM, the body of
Randi Lee TRIMBLE was discovered in the garage of her residence at
221 Wood Street, East Pennsboro Township, Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania, by her husband, Brian Thomas TRIMBLE, when, allegedly,
he returned home from having dinner with a friend, Jason SHANK, in
Lancaster County.
An autopsy was performed on the body of the victim on Monday, January
13, 2003 by Dr. Saralee FUNKE, a Forensic Pathologist. She was
assisted by Cumberland County Coroner Michael NORRIS. According to
Dr. FUNKE, the victim died of multiple stab wounds and strangulation,
and that the cause of death was homicide. There were at least twenty-
seven (27) stabs and cuts on the victim's body, including a deep, gaping
gash into the right side, not the front, of the victim's neck, that displayed
what appeared to have been outward tearing.
During a search of the residence for forensic evidence by investigators, a
scuba-type knife in a black, plastic scabbard was found in the basement.
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Brian Thomas TRIMBLE told investigators that this knife belongd [sic] to
him, although he did not scuba dive. Brian Thomas TRIMBLE even told
investigators that the five holes in the handle were finger grips, so that the
knife wouldn't slip out of one's hands underwater. This knife was
submitted to the Pennsylvania State Police Crime Lab for analysis. Jeff
WAGNER, a Forensic Chemist with the Pennsylvania State Police Crime
Lab traced a full-size drawing of this knife and gave this drawing to
investigators.
Investigators met with Coroner Michael NORRIS and he advised them
that, even though the wounds were of different sizes, they could have
been made by the same weapon, and the size difference was probably
due to movement of the knife, as in slicing while stabbing. He also said
that some of the wounds displayed a twisting of the blade. Investigators
then showed him the life-size drawing of the seized knife, and he thought
this weapon could possibly have made the wounds. He faxed the drawing
of this weapon to Dr. FUNKE, and Dr. FUNKE told him that this weapon
could have caused the wounds made to the body of the victim, Randi Lee
TRIMBLE.
While investigators were at the residence of the victim, the computer,
located in a room used as a study, was seized and a search warrant was
obtained for its contents. The computer was submitted to Thomas
TARSAVAGE, a computer crime investigator for the Pennsylvania State
Police, who advised investigators that he found in the files of the
computer a download that he described as "recent," and he turned over a
printed copy of this download, entitled, "Hit Man On-Line." This 54-page,
on-line articles [sic] appears to be a condensed version of a book written
by a person known as Rex FERAL, and published by PALADIN PRESS.
The author calls his work a "technical manual for independent
contractors," a euphemism for what is commonly referred to as a hit man,
or murderer for hire. In this on-line article the author advises that he
prefers a firearm as a weapon of choice, but, if an alternative is
necessary, he describes a certain type of knife that he recommends,
along with the reason for his choice. He describes this knife as having a
six-inch blade, double-edged, and the blade should have a serrated
section, for making efficient, quiet kills. The double edge, combined with
the serrated section and the six-inch length will ensure a deep, ragged
tear, and the wound will be difficult, if not impossible, to close without
prompt medical attention. The scuba-type knife, found in the victim's
residence, and claimed by Brian Thomas TRIMBLE as belonging to him,
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CP-21 -C R-2091-2003
had a double-edged blade, with a serrated section, although the blade
was four (4) inches in length, instead of the six (6) recommended by the
author.
The author advises to "twist the knife before you withdraw (it)." The
author then advises, "Movies and ficticious [sic] stories like to show the
cutting of the victim's throat as a slice from ear to ear. However, this is
not the best, or preferred method. Using your six-inch serrated blade
knife, stab deeply into the side of the victim's neck and push the knife
forward in a forceful movement. This method will half-decapitate the
victim, cutting both his main arteries and windpipe, ensuring immediate
death." This part of the instruction is consistent with the wound on the
right side of the victim's neck, even though the perpetrator failed to slice
the main arteries of the victim.
The on-line manual also speaks of staging a burglary, such as
investigators believe was done in this case, in order to conceal the true
motive for the homicide. There was ransacking throught [sic] the home of
the victim, but no indications of a true burglary. The author also advised
to wipe fingerprints from everything, including the weapon used. No
fingerprints were found in this investigation. The author tells the reader to
"drag the body out of the view of windows and doors so that discovery can
be delayed." Patterns in the blood in which the victim was found lying,
clearly indicate that the victim was dragged about four (4) feet, from one
area to another.
The author of this "manual" offers encouragement to a would-be murderer
by telling him that law enforcement, by their own admission, clear little
more than twenty (20) percent of reported crimes, and, of those arrested,
less than half are convicted. He states "....the American Justice System
is so bogged down in technicalities, overcrowded jails, plea bargaining,
and a host of other problems that even if charged with a serious crime, we
can rest assured that the law is on our side and rarely that of the victim."
Pennsylvania Computer Crimes Investigator Thomas TARSAVAGE told
investigators on the date of April 16, 2003, that Brian Thomas TRIMBLE
sent the internet link to this download, "Hitman On-Line," to the computer
of Blaine Mason NORRIS on the date of January 2, 2003, eight (8) days
prior to the murder of Brian Thomas TRIMBLE's wife, Randi Lee
TRIMBLE, and four (4) days prior to a visit by Blaine Mason NORRIS to
the residence of Brian Thomas TRIMBLE, 221 Wood Street, East
Pennsboro Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, on January 6,
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CP-21 -C R-2091-2003
2003, when Brian Thomas TRIMBLE took off work and stayed at home.
Blaine Mason NORRIS was seen by a neighbor leaving Brian Thomas
TRIMBLE's residence in the early afternoon of January 6, 2003, and,
when confronted by investigators about this visit, Blaine Mason NORRIS
at first tried to deny it happened. During a Grand Jury appearance, for
which he was subpoenaed, Blaine Mason NORRIS admitted that he was
at Brian Thomas TRIMBLE's residence on January 6, 2003, saying that
this must have been the day they both went to lunch at Taco Bell.
Your Affiant is requesting that this search warrant be sealed because this
continuing investigation is a matter before the Fourth Cumberland County
Investigating Grand Jury, and this affidavit contains information known
only to investigators and the Grand Jury, and disclosure of such
investigative information at this time would seriously impair the ability of
the Commonwealth to garner truth [sic] testimony from witnesses who will
be subpoenaed to appear befoe [sic] the Grand Jury.
Defendant maintains that all evidence seized pursuant to the execution of this
warrant must be suppressed because:
a) in the affidavit of probable cause, no nexus is made between
Defendant's personal computer and related items and the other
allegations pertaining to the killing;
b) the police never aver why they are seeking Defendant's
personal computer and related items;
c) the police fail to even aver that the items sought are connected
with any criminal activity;
d) by contrast, for example, in the affidavit of probable cause of
the search warrant executed on Brian Trimble's apartment on May 10,
2003, the police make a detailed connection between their allegations
and his personal computer and related items, and specifically state why
they are seeking them;
e) there was a lack of probable cause/insufficient probable cause
to justify the issuance of the aforesaid warrant; and
f) the warrant is facially defective because the date of application
is "04-14-2003" and yet the affidavit of probable cause cites information
received on April 16, 2003, two days later.
In Commonwealth v. Waltson, 555 Pa. 223 (1998), the Supreme Court of
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Pennsylvania stated that:
Probable cause is determined based on the totality of the circumstances.
The totality of the circumstances test is satisfied where the police officers
have a reasonable belief that the items to be seized are related to
criminal conduct and that those items are presently located in the place to
be searched.
·.. a warrant must describe the place to be searched and the items
to be seized with specificity, and the warrant must be supported by
probable cause.
The affidavit for the search warrant sets forth information provided by Brian
Thomas Trimble, which is against his penal interest, that he conspired with defendant
for defendant to kill his wife. Investigators discovered that the killing occurred in a
manner resembling suggestions in an on-line article "Hitman On-line" which Trimble
sent on-line to defendant eight days before the murder and four days before defendant
visited the Trimble residence in furtherance of their conspiracy to kill Trimble's wife.
The nexus and parallel between the article and the homicide involved the manner in
which the victim was killed, the way in which the victim's home was ransacked with no
indication of a true burglary, that there were no identifiable fingerprints recovered, and
that the blood patterns showed that the victim was dragged from one place to another.
The search warrant sought only the seizure of defendant's computer and related
systems for which there was probable cause to believe that there would be evidence of
the conspiracy to commit homicide between defendant and Trimble.5
5 On May 14, 2003, the police obtained another search warrant issued by Judge Lewis
to access the computer equipment seized upon the execution of this search warrant on
April 17, 2003.
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CP-21 -C R-2091-2003
As to defendant's assertion that the search warrant is facially defective because
of the date put on the application, testimony was taken at the hearing on March 2,
2004. Detective Kurt Vogenreitter testified that the April 14, 2003, "Date Of
Application" on the search warrant was a typographical error. The date was actually
April 17, 2003, the same date Detective Vogenreitter swore both the application for the
search warrant and the affidavit of probable cause before Judge Lewis, the date that
Judge Lewis issued the search warrant, and the date that the warrant was served.
Pa.R. Crim. P. 206, which sets forth the contents of an application for a search warrant,
does not require that it be dated. Rule 205, which sets forth the contents of a search
warrant, requires only that the date and time of issuance be set forth. Even the
omission of the date and time of issuance of the search warrant will be considered fatal
only if it deprives a court of the ability to review the propriety of the issuance and
execution of the warrant. Commonwealth v. Vegley, 780 A.2d 605 (Pa. 2001);
Commonwealth v. Schilling, 312 Pa. Super. 43 (1983). Clearly, in the present case
the typographical error as to the date of the application is of no legal significance.
II. DEFENDANT'S APARTMENT - SEARCH WARRANT ISSUED ON
MAY 9, 2003 BY JUDGE LAWRENCE F. CLARK, JR. OF THE 12TM JUDICIAL
DISTRICT- DAUPHIN COUNTY
The affidavit of probable cause for the issuance of this search warrant sets forth:
IDENTIFY ITEMS TO BE SEARCHED FOR AND SEIZED:
Records, journals, diaries, notes, electronic data, photographs, video,
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CP-21 -C R-2091-2003
digitial [sic] images, letters, audio recordings, written recordings, visual
depictions, either by hand and/or electronically recorded that describe, or
are associated with the murder of Randi Trimble. A duffle type bag, dark
in color, dark or black clothing, including cammoflauge [sic] masks to
cover the face, hand gloves of a cloth material and/or hand gloves of a
rubber or latex material, a knife and a strap-on knife sheath secured by
two straps, a semi-automatic .22 caliber handgun.
SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF PREMISES AND/OR PERSON TO BE
SEARCHED:
a [sic] red brick three story building at the Southeast corner of the
intersection of Forester and N. 2® St., Harrisburg City. The building is
marked 817. Within this building I request to search an apartment located
the second floor accessed from the rear of the building by a steel stair
structure, no other apartments on the second floor can be entered in this
fashion.
AFFIDAVIT OF PROBABLE CAUSE:
On the date of January 10, 2003, at approximately 8:10 PM, the body of
Randi Lee TRIMBLE was discovered in the garage of her residence at
221 Wood Street, East Pennsboro Township, Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania, by her husband, Brian Thomas TRIMBLE, when, allegedly,
he returned home from having dinner with a friend, Jason SHANK, in
Lancaster County.
An autopsy was performed on the body of the victim on Monday, January
13, 2003 by Dr. Saralee FUNKE, a Forensic Pathologist. She was
assisted by Cumberland County Coroner Michael NORRIS. According to
Dr. FUNKE, the victim died of multiple stab wounds and strangulation,
and the cause of death was homicide. There were at least twenty-seven
(27) stabs and cuts on the victim's body, including a deep, gaping gash
into the right side, not the front, of the victim's neck, that displayed what
appeared to have been outward tearing.
Investigators met with Coroner Michael NORRIS and he advised them
that, even though the wounds were of different sizes, they could have
been made by the same weapon, and the size difference was probably
due to movement of the knife, as in slicing while stabbing. He also said
that some of the wounds displayed a twisting of the blade.
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CP-21 -C R-2091-2003
While investigators were at the residence of the victim, the computer,
located in a room used as a study, was seized and a search warrant was
obtained for its contents. Brian TRIMBLE told officers that the computer
belonged to him. The computer was submitted to Thomas TARSAVAGE,
a computer crime investigator for the Pennsylvania State Police, who
advised investigators that he found in the files of the computer a
download that he described as "recent," and he turned over a printed
copy of this download, entitled, "Hit Man On-Line." This 54-page, on-line
article appears to be a condensed version of a book written by a person
known as Rex FERAL, and published by PALADIN PRESS. The author
calls his work a "technical manual for independent contractors," a
euphemism for what is commonly referred to as a hit man, or murderer for
hire. In this on-line article the author advises that he prefers a firearm as
a weapon of choice, but, if an alternative is necessary, he describes a
certain type of knife that he recommends, along with the reason for his
choice. He describes this knife as having a six-inch blade, double-edged,
and the blade should have a serrated section, for making efficient, quiet
kills. The double edge, combined with the serrated section and the six-
inch length will ensure a deep, ragged tear, and the wound will be
difficult, if not impossible, to close without prompt medical attention.
The author advises to "twist the knife before you withdraw (it)." The
author then advises, "Movies and ficticious [sic] stories like to show the
cutting of the victim's throat as a slice from ear to ear. However, this is
not the best, or preferred method. Using your six-inch serrated blade
knife, stab deeply into the side of the victim's neck and push the knife
forward in a forceful movement. This method will half-decapitate the
victim, cutting both his main arteries and windpipe, ensuring immediate
death." This part of the instruction is consistent with the wound on the
right side of the victim's neck, even though the perpetrator failed to slice
the main arteries of the victim.
The on-line manual also speaks of staging a burglary, such as
investigators believe was done in this case, in order to conceal the true
motive for the homicide. There was ransacking throughout the home of
the victim, but no indications of a true burglary. The author also advised
to wipe fingerprints from everything, including the weapon used. No
fingerprints were found in this investigation. The author tells the reader to
"drag the body out of the view of windows and doors so that discovery can
be delayed." Patterns in the blood in which the victim was found lying,
clearly indicate that the victim was dragged about four (4) feet, from one
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CP-21 -C R-2091-2003
area to another.
The author of this "manual" offers encouragement to a would-be murderer
by telling him that law enforcement, by their own admission, clear little
more than twenty (20) percent of reported crimes, and, of those arrested,
less than half are convicted. He states "....the American Justice System
is so bogged down in technicalities, overcrowded jails, plea bargaining,
and a host of other problems that even if charged with a serious crime, we
can rest assured that the law is on our side and rarely that of the victim."
Pennsylvania Computer Crimes Investigator Thomas TARSAVAGE told
investigators on the date of April 16, 2003, that Brian Thomas TRIMBLE
sent the internet link to this download, "Hitman On-Line," to the computer
of Blaine Mason NORRIS on the date of January 2, 2003, eight (8) days
prior to the murder of Brian Thomas TRIMBLE's wife, Randi Lee
TRIMBLE, and four (4) days prior to a visit by Blaine Mason NORRIS to
the residence of Brian Thomas TRIMBLE, 221 Wood Street, East
Pennsboro Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, on January 6,
2003, when Brian Thomas TRIMBLE took off work and stayed at home.
Blaine Mason NORRIS was seen by a neighbor leaving Brian Thomas
TRIMBLE's residence in the early afternoon of January 6, 2003, and,
when confronted by investigators about this visit, Blaine Mason NORRIS
at first tried to deny it happened. During a Grand Jury appearance, for
which he was subpoenaed, Blaine Mason NORRIS admitted that he was
at Brian Thomas TRIMBLE's residence on January 6, 2003, saying that
this must have been the day they both went to lunch at Taco Bell.
Blaine Mason NORRIS told Det. Richard DOUGHERTY that on Friday
evening, January 10, 2003, the date of the murder of Randi Lee
TRIMBLE, he was in York having dinner with a friend Michelle CANTY,
and that he got there about 7:00 PM. A friend and co-worker of Blaine
Mason NORRIS, Ryan BAKER, has told Det. DOUGHERTY that he saw
Blaine Mason NORRIS at his apartment on that date, at 7:15 PM, at
NORRIS's apartment building. BAKER states that he left NORRIS's
building about 7:30 PM, enroute [sic] to Philadelphia, and noticed that
Blaine Mason NORRIS was departing in his vehicle at the same time.
BAKER knows this because on that date he was going to Philadelphia to
visit a friend, and when he left the building in which NORRIS lives, he
drove directly to Philadelphia, and phoned the friend, utilizing his cell
phone, to let her know he was on his way. When BAKER arrived in
Philadelphia, he phoned this friend again in order to make sure her front
door was open, as she lives in a bad neighborhood. But the first phone
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CP-21 -C R-2091-2003
call, letting the friend know he was on his way, was made at 8:32 PM,
according to Ryan BAKER's cell phone records, and the call to the friend
once he arrived in Philadelphia, was made at 10:15 PM. In speaking with
Michelle CANTY, with whom Blaine Mason NORRIS was to have dinner
on January 10, 2003, investigators learned that NORRIS showed up late
at her home. Another friend, who was also supposed to have dinner with
CANTY and NORRIS, Jennifer NEJMAN, was also late, arriving about
twenty (20) minutes after Blaine Mason NORRIS arrived. Jennifer
NEJMAN stated that she arrived at Michelle CANTY's home no earlier
than 9:00 PM on January 10, 2003, placing the arrival of Blaine Mason
NORRIS in the area of 8:40 PM. Investigators have reason to believe
that Randi Lee TRIMBLE was murdered between 7:15 and 8:10 PM on
January 10, 2003.
On the date of May 8, 2003, Brian Thomas TRIMBLE was scheduled to
meet with Chief of Detectives Les FREEHLING, Cumberland County
Office of the District Attorney, at 5:00 PM, for an interview. He was
accompanied by his mother, Wendy KEESEY, who sat with him during the
earlier stages of the interview. When confronted with certain
discrepancies in previous interviews with investigators, he finally admitted
to Chief FREEHLING, and then also to Det. Richard DOUGHERTY and to
your affiant, that he (Brian Thomas TRIMBLE) and Blaine Mason NORRIS
planned the murder of Randi Lee TRIMBLE, and that Blaine Mason
NORRIS did the actual killing of Randi Lee TRIMBLE.
According to Brian Thomas TRIMBLE, he got home from work at about
4:15 PM on the date of January 10, 2003, and, as was planned and
prearranged with Blaine Mason NORRIS, NORRIS arrived on foot at the
TRIMBLE residence, 221 Wood Street, East Pennsboro Township,
Cumberland County, Pa., about 4:30 PM.
NORRIS parked his car about two blocks from the residence and walked,
wearing clothes similar to those he wore to work that day, and carrying a
duffel bag, black in color, with blue and silver trim. NORRIS was let in the
TRIMBLE residence by way of the front door. Once inside, Blaine Mason
NORRIS took black sweat pants, or jogging-type pants, a black, hooded
sweatshirt, or sweat jacket, and black socks from the duffel bag and put
them over his street clothes. NORRIS then took latex gloves from this
bag and put them on, and then put cloth-type gloves on, over top of the
latex gloves. He also had a brown, cloth, cammoflauge [sic] design face
scaR, and put this over the lower portion of his face, covering his chin,
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mouth, and nose, similar to a hunting mask. NORRIS then attached a
knife in a sheath to one leg and a gun, described by Brian Thomas
TRIMBLE as a small caliber, semi-automatic, probably a .22 caliber.
Blaine NORRIS then proceeded to ransack the residence, simulating a
burglary. The plan between Brian Thomas TRIMBLE and Blaine Mason
NORRIS was for Brian Thomas TRIMBLE to leave for a pre-arranged alibi
meeting with a friend in Elizabethtown, Pa., and for NORRIS to wait in the
residence for the arrival of Randi Lee TRIMBLE. When Randi Lee
TRIMBLE arrived, both Blaine Mason NORRIS and Brian Thomas
TRIMBLE planned that NORRIS would take a green electrical extension
cord from the Christmas decoration, wrap this around the neck of Randi
Lee TRIMBLE, and strangle her until she was dead. It was planned
between Brian Thomas TRIMBLE and Blaine Mason NORRIS that Brian
Thomas TRIMBLE would then come home from his evening with his
friend, discover the body of his wife, and then call police.
A financial arrangement between Brian Thomas TRIMBLE and Blaine
Mason NORRIS was also planned, in which Brian Thomas TRIMBLE
would pay Blaine Mason NORRIS a substantial amount of money from the
life insurance policy of his wife, Randi Lee TRIMBLE, after TRIMBLE
received that settlement. Brian Thomas TRIMBLE would also pay Blaine
Mason NORRIS for his expenses incurred while carrying out this
conspiracy.
Brian Thomas TRIMBLE also related that he and Blaine Mason NORRIS
met approximately three (3) weeks after the murder, which occurred on
January 10, 2003, and at that time Blaine Mason NORRIS told Brian
Thomas TRIMBLE that, when Randi Lee TRIMBLE came home from work
and entered the dining room area of the residence, from the garage,
where she parked her car, Blaine Mason NORRIS surprised her and
attempted to wrap the electrical cord around her neck. He told Brian
Thomas TRIMBLE that the victim managed to get a hand between the
cord and her neck, thereby preventing complete strangulation, and also
that the victim managed to pull down the mask being worn by Blaine
Mason NORRIS, and that she did recognize him. Therefore, as Blaine
Mason NORRIS told Brian Thomas TRIMBLE, he had to finish the job.
Blaine Mason NORRIS told Brian Thomas TRIMBLE that he used his
knife and stabbed her until she was dead. He then took off the black
outer clothes, placing them in the duffel bag, took the duffel bag and left
the TRIMBLE residence. By prearrangement with Brian Thomas
TRIMBLE, he also took a diamond ring with a gold band, some other
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jewelry, including a gold heart with small red rubies, and cash. This was
meant to confirm that the murder was the result of a burglary gone bad.
Brian Thomas TRIMBLE also told investigators that, sometime after the
homicide, Blaine Mason NORRIS told him that he incurred $750.00 in
expenses, and would like to be reimbursed. Brian Thomas TRIMBLE
stated that he paid NORRIS this money, in increments of $200.00 or
more, beginning in the latter part of January, 2003.
Your affiant believes that certain articles, such as the diamond ring and
the jewelry, as well as the duffel bag, knife and sheath, and the face
mask, jogging-type pants, hooded sweatshirt and gloves, and the .22 cai
semi-automatic handgun may still be hidden at the residence of Blaine
Mason NORRIS, or in his vehicle. Additionally, financial records
pertaining to the transfer of the previously mentioned money from Brian
Thomas TRIMBLE to Blaine Mason NORRIS, such as deposit records, or
receipts indicating what the money might have been spent on, should also
be found within the NORRIS residence.
Your Affiant is requesting that this search warrant be sealed because this
continuing investigation is a matter before the Fourth Cumberland County
Grand Jury, and this affidavit contains information known only to
investigators and the Grand Jury, and disclosure of such investigative
information at this time would seriously impair the ability of the
Commonwealth to garner truthful testimony from witnesses who will be
appearing before the Grand Jury.
Defendant maintains that all evidence seized as a result of the execution of this
search warrant must be suppressed because:
a) the warrant fails to state the apartment number of Defendant's
apartment and thus lacks sufficient particularity as to the precise location
to be searched;
b) by contrast, for example, the April 17, 2003 search warrant
specifically states Defendant's apartment number and thus is particular;
c) the warrant merely avers that it is a second floor apartment
accessible by a steel stair structure; and
d) although identified as among the items to be searched for and
seized are "Records, journals, diaries, electronic date, photographs,
video, digitial [sic] images, letters, audio recordings, written recordings,
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visual depictions, either by hand and/or electronically recorded that
describe, or are associated with the murder of Randi Trimble [,]" the
affidavit of probable cause fails to mention any of these items, the police
never aver why they are seeking them, and the police fail to even aver
that they are connected with any criminal activity;
e) the warrant is overly broad;
f) there was a lack of probable cause/insufficient probable cause
to justify the issuance of the aforesaid warrant;
g) the affidavit contained stale information inasmuch as there was
a four-month span of time between the murder and the search, making it
highly unreasonable to expect to find the items sought to be searched for;
and
h) the police omitted the fact that the day prior to the search,
Trimble had informed them that all evidence to be searched for had been
destroyed and disposed of, thereby intentionally misleading the court as
to the likelihood that the items sought to be searched for in fact would be
found.
The application for the search warrant sets forth the specific description of the
premises to be searched as:
a [sic] red brick three story building at the Southeast corner of the
intersection of Forester and N. 2® St., Harrisburg City. The building is
marked 817. Within this building I request to search an apartment located
the second floor accessed from the rear of the building by a steel stair
structure, no other apartments on the second floor can be entered in this
fashion.
The application sets forth "Renter of this apartment, Blaine Mason Norris."
Defendant does not maintain that his apartment was not searched or that any other
apartment was searched along with his. The requirement for specificity in the place to
be searched is to ensure that the wrong place is not searched. See Commonwealth v.
Belenky, 777 A.2d 483 (Pa. Super. 2001). By identifying Norris' apartment as being
located on the second floor, being accessed from the rear of the building by a steel
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stair structure, with no other apartments on the second floor that can be entered in this
fashion, the application sufficiently described the apartment so as to preclude a search
of another unit. See In Interest of Wilks, 418 Pa. Super. 73 (1992); Commonwealth
v. Kaplan, 234 Pa. Super. 102 (1975). On these facts, not putting the apartment
number in the application does not render the warrant invalid.
As set forth in the affidavit of probable cause, on May 9, 2003, the police
obtained a confession from Brian Thomas Trimble that he conspired with defendant to
kill Randi Lee Trimble, and that defendant killed her in her home. Trimble had detailed
knowledge as to how this killing was going to be committed and how it occurred.
Various items were stolen by defendant from the home during the course of the killing.
Trimble told the police that sometime after the homicide, Norris sought $750 from him
for expenses which he paid him in increments of $200 beginning the later part of
January, 2003. On May 10, 2003, the day after the police obtained the confession,
they obtained this search warrant for defendant's home. Although the killing occurred
on January 10, 2003, there was probable cause to believe that some evidence of this
killing would be in the possession of defendant. In examining the scope of the warrant
as to the items to be searched for we are satisfied that it was not overbroad. The items
to be seized were the items Trimble described and only such documents and data that
may still have been in possession of defendant that was "associated with the murder of
Randi Trimble." This was not an open-ended warrant. The warrant clearly limited the
material that could be seized in the searches. See Commonwealth v. Bagley, 408 Pa.
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Super. 188 (1991 ).
In Commonwealth v. Stamps, 493 Pa. 530 (1981), the Supreme Court of
Pennsylvania stated:
It is well settled that for a search warrant to be constitutionally
valid, the issuing authority must decide that probable cause exists at the
time of its issuance. This determination must be based on facts described
within the four corners of the supporting affidavit, and closely related in
time to the date of issuance of the warrant. Otherwise, evidence of
criminal activity "... will become so attenuated with the passage of time
as to be nonexistent at the time the warrant is applied for and is issued."
Courts have been reluctant, however, to set a hard and fast rule as
to what constitutes staleness; such a determination must be made on a
case by case basis. Mere lapse of time between discovery of criminal
activity and issuance of the warrant will not necessarily dissipate probable
cause; a showing that the criminal activity is likely to have continued up to
the time of issuance of the warrant will render otherwise stale information
viable. (Footnotes omitted.) (Citations omitted.)
Under the circumstances of this case there was probable cause to believe that
evidence of the crime would still be discovered in defendant's apartment. We took
testimony on the allegation that the police, in the affidavit of probable cause, omitted
that one day prior to the search Trimble informed them that all evidence to be searched
for had been destroyed and disposed of, thereby intentionally misleading the court as
to the likelihood that the items sought to be searched for in fact would be found.
Trimble's detailed eighty-one page confession was made part of the record. Trimble
did not inform the police that the evidence to be searched for had been destroyed.
While he thought some of it may have been destroyed he did not know. Taking the
statement in its entirety, we are satisfied that the police legitimately concluded that
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there was probable cause to believe that the evidence sought to be searched for could
still be in defendant's apartment. The probable cause was not stale.
III. DEFENDANT'S VEHICLE -- SEARCH WARRANT ISSUED ON MAY 9, 2003
BY JUDGE LAWRENCE F. CLARK, JR. OF THE 12TM JUDICIAL DISTRICT -
DAUPHIN COUNTY
The affidavit of probable cause for the issuance of this search warrant sets forth:
IDENTIFY ITEMS TO BE SEARCHED FOR AND SEIZED:
Records, journals, diaries, notes, electronic data, photographs, video,
digitial [sic] images, letters, audio recordings, written recordings, visual
depictions, either by hand and/or electronically recorded that describe, or
are associated with the murder of Randi Trimble. A duffle type bag, black
in color, dark or black clothing, including cammoflauge [sic] masks to
cover the face, hand gloves of a cloth material and/or hand gloves of a
rubber or latex material, a knife and a strap-on knife sheath secured by
two straps, a semi-automatic .22 caliber handgun.
SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF PREMISES AND/OR PERSON TO BE
SEARCHED:
2000 Saturn, black in color, Pa. egistration [sic] ERT-7054
AFFIDAVIT OF PROBABLE CAUSE:
With the exception of the following additional paragraph, the affidavit of probable
cause in support of this search of defendant's vehicle is the same as the affidavit of
probable cause in support of the warrant signed by Judge Clark on May 9, 2003 for the
search of defendant's apartment:
PennDOT records were checked and your affiant verified that Blaine
Mason Norris is the registered owner of the 2000 Saturn, black in color,
Pa. Registration ERT-7054, the vehicle to be searched. Your affiant is
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aware based on his investigative experience that persons who engage in
contract killings often use their personal vehicle in the commission of their
crimes. In addition, this investigation has revealed that the vehicle to be
searched was driven to and from the scene of the crime on January 10,
2003.
Defendant maintains that all evidence seized as a result of the execution of this
search warrant must be suppressed because:
a) although identified as among the items to be searched for and
seized are "Records, journals, diaries, electronic date, photographs,
video, digitial [sic] images, letters, audio recordings, written recordings,
visual depictions, either by hand and/or electronically recorded that
describe, or are associated with the murder of Randi Trimble [,]" the
affidavit of probable cause fails to mention any of these items, the police
never aver why they were are [sic] them, and the police fail to even aver
that they are connected with any criminal activity;
b) the affidavit, by contrast, does specifically reference certain
articles such as jewelry, a duffel bag, knife and sheath, .22 caliber semi-
automatic handgun and financial records and made a probable cause
connection as to these items;
c) however, the police discovered none of the items set forth by
the police in the identification of items to be searched for and seized or in
the affidavit of probable cause;
d) the police did find, for example, a K-Mart register receipt which
cannot fairly be said to be among the items set forth by the police in the
identification of items to be searched for and seized and nowhere in the
affidavit of probable cause were store receipts even mentioned;
e) the warrant is overly broad;
f) there was a lack of probable cause/insufficient probable cause
to justify the issuance of the aforesaid warrant;
g) the affidavit contained stale information inasmuch as there was
a four-month span of time between the murder and the search, making it
highly unreasonable to expect to find the items sought to be searched for;
h) the police omitted the fact that the day prior to the search,
Trimble had informed them that all evidence to be searched for had been
destroyed or disposed of, thereby intentionally misleading the court as to
the likelihood that the items sought to be searched for in fact would be
found; and
i) although the warrant receipt indicates that the warrant was
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executed starting at 9:50 p.m., upon information and belief, the police
continued searching for and seizing items from Defendant's car after 10
p.m., making this an illegal and unconstitutional nighttime search which
was not authorized by the Court, the police advanced no reasonable
cause as to why a nighttime search should be authorized and, in fact, no
such reasonable cause existed (e.g., the warrant was issued at 3 p.m.
earlier that day about 1 mile from the car and, upon information and
belief, the police had possession of the car from shortly after 3 p.m.).
The police had probable cause to believe that defendant used his vehicle in
coming to and from the scene of the homicide. The analysis that was used to uphold
the legality of the May 9th search of defendant's apartment is applicable here to uphold
the May 9th search of defendant's vehicle. The documents and data to be seized were
limited to that "associated with the murder of Randi Trimble." The seizure of the K-Mart
register receipt is an example. As can be gleaned from the affidavit of probable cause
for the next warrant we will analyze, issued by Judge Lewis on May 14, 2003, the
receipt verified a purchase from K-Mart in Lancaster, on January 9, 2003, the day
before the homicide, of clothing similar to that described to investigators by Brian
Trimble as having been brought to the Trimble residence on January 10 by Blaine
Norris and used by Norris to put over his street clothes in preparation to commit the
homicide.
The warrant was issued at 3:00 p.m., May 9, 2003. A nighttime search was not
authorized. Pa.R. Crim. P. 205 provides:
Each search warrant shall be signed by the issuing authority and
shall...
(5) direct that the warrant be served in the daytime unless
otherwise authorized on the warrant, provided that, for purposes of the
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CP-21 -C R-2091-2003
rules of Chapter 200. Part A, the term "daytime" shall be used to mean the
hours of 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.;
Service of the warrant was made at 9:50 p.m. on May 9th. Because service was
made before 10:00 p.m., this was not a nighttime search. Commonwealth v.
Mazzochetti, 299 Pa. Super. 447 (1982).
IV. DEFENDANT'S COMPUTER ASSIGNED TO HIM BY HIS EMPLOYER-
SEARCH WARRANT ISSUED ON MAY 14, 2003 BY JUDGE RICHARD A.
LEWIS OF THE 12TM JUDICIAL DISTRICT - DAUPHIN COUNTY
The affidavit of probable cause for the issuance of this search warrant sets forth:
IDENTIFY ITEMS TO BE SEARCHED FOR AND SEIZED:
Search for and retrieve, download, view, & analyze information from all
computer systems hand held [sic] computers, and associated equipment
and peripherals, computer hardware, including central processing units
(CPU's), laptops, hard disk-photo disk/drives, floppy disk drives, tape &
zip drives/disks, previously seized during this investigation, and currently
in the possession of Trooper Thomas TARSAVAGE.
CD-ROM/CD-DVD/CD-DVD-R/mini DVD cassettes & drives & disks,
thumb drives, external zip drives, and all external storage
devices/peripherals, including, digital cameras, and video cameras, all
software, video and audio tape/disk storage devices, rewritable CD disks,
memory cards, or devices capable of electronic media storage, any and
all magnetic, optical or other storage media, CPU's, hardware, computer
peripherals, external and internal drives for electronically generated
documents, pictures & videos, which may contain information, archival
media, computer generated output in printed or electronic form, personal
business/financial records information, computer account information and
passwords relating to the internet and/or other on-line information
services, the history of all web sites visted [sic] and correspondence to
and from various site, emails, employment computers, personal
computers, laptop computers and Personal information devices which
may contain data relating to criminal activity and/or personal financial
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CP-21 -C R-2091-2003
history.
SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF PREMISESAND/ORPERSONTO BE
SEARCHED:
Dell computer and "shared drive" assigned to Blain [sic] Mason NORRIS,
owned by Capital Blue Cross, 2500 Elmerton Ave., Susquehanna Twp.,
Dauphin County, Pa., seized on 04-23-03, and presently located at
Pennsylvania State Police Department Headquarters, 1800 Elmerton
Ave., Susquehanna Twp., Dauphin County, Pa.
AFFIDAVIT OF PROBABLE CAUSE:
On the date of January 10, 2003, at approximately 8:10 PM, the body of
Randi Lee TRIMBLE was discovered in the garage of her residence at
221 Wood Street, East Pennsboro Township, Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania, by her husband, Brian Thomas TRIMBLE, when, allegedly,
he returned home from having dinner with a friend, Jason SHANK, in
Lancaster County.
An autopsy was performed on the body of the victim on Monday, January
13, 2003 by Dr. Saralee FUNKE, a Forensic Pathologist. She was
assisted by Cumberland County Coroner Michael NORRIS. According to
Dr. FUNKE, the victim died of multiple stab wounds and strangulation,
and the cause of death was homicide. There were at least twenty-seven
(27) stabs and cuts on the victim's body, including a deep, gaping gash
into the right side, not the front, of the victim's neck, that displayed what
appeared to have been outward tearing.
Investigators met with Coroner Michael NORRIS and he advised them
that, even though the wounds were of different sizes, they could have
been made by the same weapon, and the size difference was probably
due to movement of the knife, as in slicing while stabbing. He also said
that some of the wounds displayed a twisting of the blade.
While investigators were at the residence of the victim, the computer,
located in a room used as a study, was seized and a search warrant was
obtained for its contents. Brian TRIMBLE told officers that the computer
belonged to him. The computer was submitted to Thomas TARSAVAGE,
a computer crime investigator for the Pennsylvania State Police, who
advised investigators that he found in the files of the computer a
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download that he described as "recent," and he turned over a printed
copy of this download, entitled, "Hit Man On-Line." This 54-page, on-line
article appears to be a condensed version of a book written by a person
known as Rex FERAL, and published by PALADIN PRESS. The author
calls his work a "technical manual for independent contractors," a
euphemism for what is commonly referred to as a hit man, or murderer for
hire. In this on-line article the author advises that he prefers a firearm as
a weapon of choice, but, if an alternative is necessary, he describes a
certain type of knife that he recommends, along with the reason for his
choice. He describes this knife as having a six-inch blade, double-edged,
and the blade should have a serrated section, for making efficient, quiet
kills. The double edge, combined with the serrated section and the six-
inch length will ensure a deep, ragged tear, and the wound will be
difficult, if not impossible, to close without prompt medical attention.
The author advises to "twist the knife before you withdraw (it)." The
author then advises, "Movies and ficticious [sic] stories like to show the
cutting of the victim's throat as a slice from ear to ear. However, this is
not the best, or preferred method. Using your six-inch serrated blade
knife, stab deeply into the side of the victim's neck and push the knife
forward in a forceful movement. This method will half-decapitate the
victim, cutting both his main arteries and windpipe, ensuring immediate
death." This part of the instruction is consistent with the wound on the
right side of the victim's neck, even though the perpetrator failed to slice
the main arteries of the victim.
The on-line manual also speaks of staging a burglary, such as
investigators believe was done in this case, in order to conceal the true
motive for the homicide. There was ransacking throughout the home of
the victim, but no indications of a true burglary. The author also advised
to wipe fingerprints from everything, including the weapon used. No
fingerprints were found in this investigation. The author tells the reader to
"drag the body out of the view of windows and doors so that discovery can
be delayed." Patterns in the blood in which the victim was found lying,
clearly indicate that the victim was dragged about four (4) feet, from one
area to another.
The author of this "manual" offers encouragement to a would-be murderer
by telling him that law enforcement, by their own admission, clear little
more than twenty (20) percent of reported crimes, and, of those arrested,
less than half are convicted. He states "....the American Justice System
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CP-21 -C R-2091-2003
is so bogged down in technicalities, overcrowded jails, plea bargaining,
and a host of other problems that even if charged with a serious crime, we
can rest assured that the law is on our side and rarely that of the victim."
Pennsylvania Computer Crimes Investigator Thomas TARSAVAGE told
investigators on the date of April 16, 2003, that Brian Thomas TRIMBLE
sent the internet link to this download, "Hitman On-Line," to the computer
of Blaine Mason NORRIS on the date of January 2, 2003, eight (8) days
prior to the murder of Brian Thomas TRIMBLE's wife, Randi Lee
TRIMBLE, and four (4) days prior to a visit by Blaine Mason NORRIS to
the residence of Brian Thomas TRIMBLE, 221 Wood Street, East
Pennsboro Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, on January 6,
2003, when Brian Thomas TRIMBLE took off work and stayed at home.
Blaine Mason NORRIS was seen by a neighbor leaving Brian Thomas
TRIMBLE's residence in the early afternoon of January 6, 2003, and,
when confronted by investigators about this visit, Blaine Mason NORRIS
at first tried to deny it happened. During a Grand Jury appearance, for
which he was subpoenaed, Blaine Mason NORRIS admitted that he was
at Brian Thomas TRIMBLE's residence on January 6, 2003, saying that
this must have been the day they both went to lunch at Taco Bell.
Blaine Mason NORRIS told Det. Richard DOUGHERTY that on Friday
evening, January 10, 2003, the date of the murder of Randi Lee
TRIMBLE, he was in York having dinner with a friend Michelle CANTY,
and that he got there about 7:00 PM. A friend and co-worker of Blaine
Mason NORRIS, Ryan BAKER, has told Det. DOUGHERTY that he saw
Blaine Mason NORRIS at his apartment on that date, at 7:15 PM, at
NORRIS's apartment building. BAKER states that he left NORRIS's
building about 7:30 PM, enroute [sic] to Philadelphia, and noticed that
Blaine Mason NORRIS was departing in his vehicle at the same time.
BAKER knows this because on that date he was going to Philadelphia to
visit a friend, and when he left the building in which NORRIS lives, he
drove directly to Philadelphia, and phoned the friend, utilizing his cell
phone, to let her know he was on his way. When BAKER arrived in
Philadelphia, he phoned this friend again in order to make sure her front
door was open, as she lives in a bad neighborhood. But the first phone
call, letting the friend know he was on his way, was made at 8:32 PM,
according to Ryan BAKER's cell phone records, and the call to the friend
once he arrived in Philadelphia, was made at 10:15 PM.
Ryan BAKER and Dan BARTASH, who was with Ryan Baker on January
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CP-21 -C R-2091-2003
10, 2003, when both saw Blaine Mason NORRIS at his residence,
contacted investigators after midnight on April 24, 2003, and advised
investigators that they had been talking and checking records, and now
believe that it was between 8:00 PM and 8:15 PM when they saw Blaine
Mason NORRIS coming down the stairs of his apartment at 817 N. 2®
Street, Apartment 3, Harrisburg, Pa., on January 10, 2003. In coming to
this conclusion, they used the times of their cell phone call to
Philadelphia, just as they began their trip, as well as their arrival time in
Philadelphia as their criteria.
In speaking with Michelle CANTY, with whom Blaine Mason NORRIS was
to have dinner on January 10, 2003, investigators learned that NORRIS
showed up late at her home. Another friend, who was also supposed to
have dinner with CANTY and NORRIS, Jennifer NEJMAN, was also late,
arriving about twenty (20) minutes after Blaine Mason NORRIS arrived.
Jennifer NEJAMN stated that she arrived at Michelle CANTY's home no
earlier than 9:00 PM. The time supplied to investigators by Ryan BAKER
and Dan BARTASH, after they reconsidered their original story, in which
they saw Blaine Mason NORRIS at his residence on January 10, 2003
(8:00 PM to 8:15 PM) would support an arrival in York, Pa. at about 8:40
PM, or later. Investigators have reason to believe that Randi Lee
TRIMBLE was murdered between 7:15 and 8:10 on January 10, 2003.
On the date of May 8, 2003, Brian Thomas TRIMBLE told Chief of
Detectives Les FREEHLING, Detective Richard DOUGHERTY, and Your
Affiant, during an interview, that he did, in fact, participate with Blaine
Mason NORRIS in the planning and facilitating of the murder of
TRIMBLE's wife, Randi Lee TRIMBLE. As part of the conspiracy, Brian
Thomas TRIMBLE let Blaine Mason NORRIS into TRIMBLE's home the
evening of January 10, 2003. Blaine Mason NORRIS had parked his
vehilce [sic] about two blocks from TRIMBLE's residence, wearing clothes
similar to those he wore to work that day. He carried a black duffle bag
with him. Brian Thomas TRIMBLE let Blaine Mason NORRIS in the front
door, at which time Blaine Mason NORRIS removed several pieces of
clothing from his duffle bag, including black pants and a dark, hooded
sweatshirt, or sweat jacket, which he put on over his street clothes. He
also put on a camouflaged face mask over the lower portion of his face.
Blaine Mason NORRIS then ransacked portions of the residence, in order
to make it appear as a burglary gone bad, and Brian Thomas TRIMBLE
opened the kitchen window part way, and moved a settee in the sunroom,
to make it appear that a burglar had come in through that window. Brian
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CP-21 -C R-2091-2003
Thomas TRIMBLE then left his residence in order to meet a friend in
Elizabethtown, have dinner, visit some friends at the Park City Mall, and
then return home. The dinner meeting was designed as an alibi, Blaine
Mason NORRIS and TRIMBLE expected TRIMBLE to be the main
suspect, after Randi Lee TRIMBLE was killed. Blaine Mason NORRIS
remained in the residence, and waited for Randi Lee TRIMBLE to come
home from work at which time he strangled her and stabbed her multiple
times. There was also an agreement between Brian Thomas TRIMBLE
and the Blaine Mason NORRIS in which TRIMBLE would pay Blaine
Mason NORRIS for his expenses incurred as a result of the murder, and
would then pay him an agreed upon substantial sum of money from an
insurance policy settlement that Brian Thomas TRIMBLE expected to
receive after his wife's death. According to Brian Thomas TRIMBLE, he
has paid Blaine Mason NORRIS the money he owed him as expenses,
and he has paid him in increments of $200.00 and more, beginning in the
later part of January, 2003.
Investigators served a search warrant on the Saturn automobile owned by
Blaine Mason NORRIS, and discovered in it a receipt that verified a
purchase from K-Mart in Lancaster, on January 9, 2003, the day before
the murder of Randi Lee TRIMBLE, of clothing similar to that described to
investigators by Brian Thomas TRIMBLE as having been brought to the
residence of Brian Thomas TRIMBLE on January 10, 2003, by Blaine
Mason NORRIS, and put on by Blaine Mason NORRIS over his street
clothes, prior to, and in preparation of, the murder of Randi Lee
TRIMBLE. This purchase was made by Blaine Mason MORRIS utilizing a
credit card.
In addition to the previously mentioned link to "Hitman on-line," sent via e-
mail from Brian thomas [sic] TRIMBLE to Blaine Mason NORRIS,
investigators also know, based on interviews, and based on information
from Brian Thomas TRIMBLE, that Brian Thomas TRIMBLE and Blaine
Mason NORRIS have communicated with one another utilizing
computers, both at their workplace, Capital Blue Cross, and at their
homes, and that, since both Brian Thomas TRIMBLE and Blaine Mason
NORRIS can be considered computer experts, by the very nature of their
jobs, it is reasonable to believe that communication via computer has
been a frquent [sic] method of cummunication [sic] between them.
Based on all of the above, it is reasonable to believe that both Brian
Thomas TRIMBLE and Blaine Mason MORRIS have used their computers
for the transfer of information and documents that could be considered as
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valuable evidence in this investigation. Additionally, computers are the
repository for records and internet access, deleted e-mails, and deleted
documents, all of which may be evidence of the collusion of Brian Thomas
TRIMBLE and Blaine Mason NORRIS in the murder of Randi Lee
TRIMBLE. Investigators also know, by way of a Court-Ordered telephone
intercept, that Blaine Mason NORRIS kept his financial records on his
computer, inclduing [sic] bank accounts, credit card billing, as well as
other financial transactions, and these records will also supply valuable
evidentiary evidence in this investigation, based on the previously
mentioned credit card purchase of clothing similar to that used on the
night of the murder. Therefore, Your Affiant seeks from these computers,
and related peripheral items listed and carried on the application cover
page and continuation page, documents, internet web sites, e-mails, other
types of communications, financial records, and deleted documents and
e-mails, notes, memos, or any computer-based information relating to this
investigation.
Your Affiant requests that this search warrant be sealed because this
continuing investigation is a matter before the Fourth Cumberland County
Investigating Grand Jury, and this affidavit contains information known
only to investigators and the Grand Jury, and disclosure of such
investigative information at this time would seriously impair the ability of
the Commonwealth to garner truthful testimony from witnesses who will be
appearing before the Grand Jury.
Defendant maintains that all the evidence seized as a result of this search
warrant must be suppressed because:
a) the aforesaid computer systems, hand-held computers, etc.
were illegally and unconstitutionally searched for and seized from
Defendant's apartment on April 17, 2003, as alleged above;
b) the aforesaid affidavit of probable cause relied in part on a K-
Mart store receipt which was illegally and unconstitutionally searched for
and seized from Defendant's car on May 9, 2003, as alleged above; and
c) there was a lack of probable cause/insufficient probable cause
to justify the issuance of the aforesaid warrant.
For the reasons set forth in the analysis of the other search warrants these
allegations of an unlawful search and seizure are without merit.
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CP-21 -C R-2091-2003
AND NOW, this
suppress evidence, IS DENIED.
ORDER OF COURT
day of March, 2004, the motion of defendant to
By the Court,
Jaime Keating, Esquire
M.L. Ebert, Jr., Esquire
For the Commonwealth
William C. Costopoulos, Esquire
For Defendant
:sal
Edgar B. Bayley, J.
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COMMONWEALTH
BLAINE MASON NORRIS
IN RE:
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CP-21 -C R-2091-2003
MOTION OF DEFENDANT TO SUPPRESS EVIDENCE
AND NOW, this
suppress evidence, IS DENIED.
BEFORE BAYLEY, J.
ORDER OF COURT
day of March, 2004, the motion of defendant to
By the Court,
Jaime Keating, Esquire
M.L. Ebert, Jr., Esquire
For the Commonwealth
William C. Costopoulos, Esquire
For Defendant
:sal
Edgar B. Bayley, J.