News articles about Natalynn Lea Miller.

Published Date:
Published Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Fresno, CA -- Visalia police have charged a 25 year old Visalia man with murder after a toddler's death Sunday afternoonPolice say emergency crews were called to a Visalia apartment complex around 5:40 p.m.and found 3 and a half year old Natalynn Miller unresponsive. They arrested her mother's boyfrind, Ryann Jones, after an autopsy revealed the girl had died as a result of blunt force trauma.

Published Date:
Published Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Visalia, CA-A South Valley family is devastated at the loss of three and a half-year- old Natalynn Miller.

Visalia Police say rescuers arrived at the apartment Natalynn lived in with her mother and mother's boyfriend, to find the toddler unresponsive and not breathing on Sunday evening.

Investigators say she couldn't be saved, and Natalynn was pronounced dead at the hospital.

"The child died as a result of blunt force injuries to the head and body area," Sergeant Steve Phillips said.

Published Date:
Published Date: Thursday, March 26, 2009

We are learning new details about the man suspected of killing a South Valley toddler.

According to Tulare County court records, the suspect in the case, 25-year-old Ryan Jones, is not new to law enforcement.

Jones served 45 days in jail for misdemeanor charges of corporal injury to a spouse, stemming from an arrest on April 27, 2008.

Jones is accused of beating 3-year-old Natalynn Miller to death over the weekend. Natalynn was the daughter Jones' girlfriend, and is said to have been babysitting her at the time of the incident.

Published Date:
Published Date: Thursday, March 26, 2009

In tears, a grieving father speaks out after the suspicious death of his 3-year-old little girl, Natalynn Miller.

Published Date:
Published Date: Friday, March 27, 2009

Memorial services will be held on Friday for a Visalia girl who police say was beaten to death over the weekend.

Natalynn Miller will be laid to rest following services at 1:30 p.m. at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel in Visalia.

Published Date:
Published Date: Saturday, March 28, 2009

Ryann Jones entered that plea late Friday afternoon in Tulare County. He's accused of fatally injuring his girlfriend's daughter, Natalynn Miller, while babysitting her last Sunday.

Visalia police are also looking into the possibility that Natalynn may have been abused in the past.

Jones's family is standing by him, and so is natalynn's mother. His bail has been set at two million dollars.

Published Date:
Published Date: Friday, May 1, 2009

Tulare, Calif. (KMPH News) - Inside the Tulare home where 3-year old Natalynn Miller once lived there's a candle burning in her memory.

"If I live to be one hundred, I will never forget her," said Troy Miller, Natalynn's father.

Miller is inviting members of the community to light a candle in his daughter's honor on Saturday and to remember other children who lost their lives to violence.

Published Date:
Published Date: Saturday, May 2, 2009

Visalia - At the Visalia park where Natalynn Miller used to love to play, dozens of mourners lit candles, and family members recalled the happy memories she made there.

"Even though Natalynn's gone, she can speak," said Mark Henderson, a friend of Natalynn's father, who organized the vigil.

He says his daughter is speaking for all those who lost their lives to violence.

"Just be as vigilant as possible, know who you leave your children with," said Troy Miller, of the advice he'd give to parents.

Natalynn was killed in March, allegedly, by her mother's boyfriend.

Published Date:
Published Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Tulare County, Calif.{} (KMPH News) - Five months after the death of a Visalia toddler the child's own mother is now in custody in connection with her murder.{} Nicole Lee was booked into the Bob Wiley Detention Facility in Tulare County Tuesday afternoon.{} The 29-year old is the second person arrested for the death of three and a half year old Natalynn Miller.

Published Date:
Published Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Nicole Lee Mugshot

A South Valley mother, whose toddler died just five months ago, plead not guilty Wednesday in connection with{}the child's{}death.

Published Date:
Published Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2013

On day one of the trial against Ryann Jones, jurors were shown photos of the grassy area where first responders tried to resuscitate Natalynn Miller, inside the apartment and photos of her bruised body. Action News has chosen not to air the graphic pictures.

Visalia Detective Jared Hughes testified he was the first on scene back in March of 2009. He described Natalynn as cold and lifeless.

Published Date:
Published Date: Monday, November 25, 2013

During cross examination, defense attorneys questioned Miller on whether daughter spun herself around a lot.

Published Date:
Published Date: Saturday, December 14, 2013

Ryann Jones is on trial for murder with special circumstances, for the death of Natalynn Miller.

Autopsy photos were shown along with bruises all over the child. Prosecutors say these injuries were solely at the hands of Ryann Jones. But defense attorneys say the child fell off a dresser, may have been injured during CPR, or may have choked to death.

Published Date:
Published Date: Friday, December 20, 2013
Visalia, ca -- Jurors found Ryann Jones guilty of second degree murder and of assault on a child causing death.
Ryann Jones was on trial for murdering his girlfriend's daughter, 3-year-old Natalynn Miller.

The jury found Jones guilty of second degree murder and assault on a child causing death and not guilty of first degree murder.

Published Date:
Published Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2014

A Tulare County judge sentenced Ryann Jones to 25 years to life in prison for child abuse causing death.

Natalynn Miller died more than five years ago from what prosecutors called blunt force trauma.

Published Date:
Published Date: Friday, May 23, 2014

Testimony continued Thursday in Nicole Lee's trial. She is the mother of 3-year old Natalynn Miller, who authorities say was beaten to death at the hands of Lee's boyfriend, Ryan Jones. Jones was convicted and sentenced to the girl's 2009 murder late last year.

Published Date:
Published Date: Friday, May 30, 2014

Jurors heard from the mother of a South Valley toddler on Friday, who died after she was beaten to death.

Published Date:
Published Date: Tuesday, July 15, 2014

During the sentencing on Tuesday, Lee's attorney requested a new trial based on statements by her now deceased daughter, Natalynn Miller.

Published Date:
Published Date: Wednesday, May 17, 2017

THE PEOPLE, Plaintiff and Respondent, v. NICOLE MARIE LEE, Defendant and Appellant.

Court of Appeals of California, Fifth District.

Filed May 17, 2017.

Published Date:
Published Date: Wednesday, May 17, 2017

THE PEOPLE, Plaintiff and Respondent, v. RYANN LYNN JONES, Defendant and Appellant.

Court of Appeals of California, Fifth District.

Filed May 17, 2017.

Published Date:
Published Date: Monday, July 10, 2017

"CACJ CALIFORNIA ATTORNEYS FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE Please respond to: July 10, 2017 JOT-TNT. PHILIPSBORN Law Offices of J.T. Philipsborn The Honorable Jorge E. Navarrete 507 Polk Street, #350 Clerk, California Supreme Court San Francisco, CA 94102 Supreme Court of California 455 Golden Gate Ave., Ground Floor San Francisco, CA 94102 Re: People v. Ryann Lynn Jones, S242855 (Fifth Appellate District, Case No. F068996; Tulare County Superior Court No.

Published Date:
Published Date: Sunday, July 16, 2017

Ryann Lynn Jones 2017 Appeal.

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Monday, January 21 2019

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    10:11pm

    Ryann Lynn Jones 2017 Appeal.

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    9:55pm

    "CACJ CALIFORNIA ATTORNEYS FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE Please respond to: July 10, 2017 JOT-TNT. PHILIPSBORN Law Offices of J.T. Philipsborn The Honorable Jorge E. Navarrete 507 Polk Street, #350 Clerk, California Supreme Court San Francisco, CA 94102 Supreme Court of California 455 Golden Gate Ave., Ground Floor San Francisco, CA 94102 Re: People v. Ryann Lynn Jones, S242855 (Fifth Appellate District, Case No. F068996; Tulare County Superior Court No. VCF219203) LETTER BRIEF OF CALIFORNIA ATTORNEYS FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN SUPPORT OF PETITION FOR REVIEW FILED BY RYANN LYNN JONES, PETITIONER (CALIFORNIA RULES OF COURT, RULE 8.500(g)) Dear Mr. Navarrete: This letter, permitted by the California Rules of Court, Rule 8.500(g), is submitted by California Attorneys for Criminal Justice (hereafter ‘CACJ’) in support of the Petition for Review filed by Ryann Lynn Jones (hereafter referred to as ‘Petitioner’). Identification of Anzicus Curiae CACJ is a non-profit California corporation, and a statewide organization of criminal defense lawyers. CACJ is the California affiliate of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the largest organization of criminal defense lawyers in the United States. CACJ is administered by a Board of Directors, and its by-laws state a series of specific purposes including “to defend the rights of persons as guaranteed by the United States Constitution, the RECEIVED JUL 102017 CLERK SUPREME COURT CACJ CALIFORNIA ATTORNEYS FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE Constitution of the State of California, and other applicable law,” and the improvement of “the quality of the administration of criminal law.” (Article IV, CACJ By Laws). CACJ’s membership consists of approximately 1700 criminal defense lawyers from around the State of California and elsewhere, as well as members of affiliated professions. For more than 35 years, CACJ has appeared before this Court as an amicus curiae on matters of importance to the administration ofjustice, and to its membership.’ Interest of CACJ in this matter A significant number of CACJ’s members are regularly involved in the representation of individuals who are pursuing appeals of convictions, sentences, and judgments obtained against them in the many trial courts of the State of California. CACJ has among its past Presidents several of the State of California’s most distinguished, and prolific, criminal case appellate and post-conviction counsel who have practiced in California over the past 35 years or so. Among these past Presidents, as well as among CACJ’s members, there are lawyers who have helped administer some of the largest institutional offices for appellate counsel handling indigent appellate matters in California courts. Also represen CACJ CALIFORNIA ATTORNEYS FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE CACJ is lodging this letter to support the Petition for Review filed on June 29, 2017, by Petitioner to support Petitioner’s quest for the Court to...

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    THE PEOPLE, Plaintiff and Respondent, v. RYANN LYNN JONES, Defendant and Appellant.

    Court of Appeals of California, Fifth District.

    Filed May 17, 2017.

    Attorney(s) appearing for the Case

    Stephen Greenberg , under appointment by the Court of Appeal, for Defendant and Appellant.

    Kamala D. Harris and Xavier Becerra , Attorneys General, Michael P. Farrell , Assistant Attorney General, Daniel B. Bernstein and Craig S. Meyers , Deputy Attorneys General, for Plaintiff and Respondent.

    <case_text>

    NOT TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE OFFICIAL REPORTS

    California Rules of Court, rule 8.1115(a), prohibits courts and parties from citing or relying on opinions not certified for publication or ordered published, except as specified by rule 8.1115(b). This opinion has not been certified for publication or ordered published for purposes of rule 8.1115.

    OPINION

    PEÑA, J.

    INTRODUCTION

    Defendant Ryann Lynn Jones was acquitted of first degree murder of three-year-old Natalynn Miller but was found guilty at the conclusion of a jury trial on December 20, 2013, of second degree murder (Pen. Code, § 187, subd. (a);1 count 1) and assault causing the death of a child (§ 273ab, subd. (a); count 2). The jury found not true a special circumstance allegation for torture alleged in count 1. On February 19, 2014, the trial court sentenced defendant to prison for a term of 25 years to life for assault causing the death of a child and to a term of 15 years to life for second degree murder, which was stayed pursuant to section 654.2 The court granted...

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    9:29pm

    THE PEOPLE, Plaintiff and Respondent, v. NICOLE MARIE LEE, Defendant and Appellant.

    Court of Appeals of California, Fifth District.

    Filed May 17, 2017.

    Attorney(s) appearing for the Case

    Susan K. Shaler , under appointment by the Court of Appeal, for Defendant and Appellant.

    Kamala D. Harris , Attorney General, Gerald A. Engler , Chief Assistant Attorney General,Michael P. Farrell , Assistant Attorney General, Daniel B. Bernstein and Craig S. Meyers , Deputy Attorneys General, for Plaintiff and Respondent.

    <case_text>

    NOT TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE OFFICIAL REPORTS

    California Rules of Court, rule 8.1115(a), prohibits courts and parties from citing or relying on opinions not certified for publication or ordered published, except as specified by rule 8.1115(b). This opinion has not been certified for publication or ordered published for purposes of rule 8.1115.

    OPINION

    PEÑA, J.

    INTRODUCTION

    After a jury trial, defendant Nicole Marie Lee was found guilty on June 9, 2014, of felony child abuse of her three-year-old daughter, Natalynn Miller (Pen. Code, § 273a, subd. (a); count 1), after Lee's boyfriend, Ryann Lynn Jones, beat Natalynn to death.1 The jury also found true a special circumstance that defendant committed willful harm resulting in her daughter's death (§ 12022.95). On July 15, 2014, the trial court sentenced defendant to prison for the midterm of four years on count 1 plus a consecutive term of four years for the special allegation. The court granted total custody credits of six days.

    On appeal, defendant contends: (1) the trial court erred in admitting autopsy evidence and photographs of Natalynn, (2) the...

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    8:50pm

    During the sentencing on Tuesday, Lee's attorney requested a new trial based on statements by her now deceased daughter, Natalynn Miller. The prosecutor argued against a new trial say Nicole Lee wanted a future with Ryann Jones at the expense of her daughter. The judge denied the request.

    Lee's attorney then asked for leniency and empathy in sentencing, saying she suffered the ultimate loss.

    In the end, Nicole Lee was sentenced to 8 years in prison for child endangerment that lead to the murder of her daughter. Lee was handcuffed in court and taken into custody to serve her prison sentence.

    Nicole Lee's boyfriend, Ryan Jones, was sentenced to 25 years to life in December 2013 after being found guilty of second degree murder and assault on a child. Jones beat 3-year-old Natalynn Miller to death in 2009 while he was babysitting her at an apartment complex in 

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    8:33pm

    A Tulare County judge sentenced Ryann Jones to 25 years to life in prison for child abuse causing death.

    Natalynn Miller died more than five years ago from what prosecutors called blunt force trauma.

    Before sentencing Jones, Judge Joseph Kalashian said he was convinced by the evidence that Jones killed the child in a fit of rage. He also talked about Jones' prior battery conviction where he abused a former girlfriend.

    Before the sentencing, Jones' attorney tried to ask the judge for a new trial, but was denied.

    "The law is that the presumption favors defense council's strategic choices during the course of trial," said defense attorney Phillip Cherney.

    Jones was handed down the maximum sentence after a jury convicted him of second-degree murder in the beating death of his girlfriend's daughter, Natalynn Miller.

    Before his sentence, the victim's family's impact statements became heated. Natalynn's father, Troy Miller, started yelling and cursing at Jones. The judge asked him to stop.

    "She used to tremble whenever his name had to be brought up or she had to speak anything about him. She would tremble in fear just talking about him, and he's supposed to be this loving guy, oh he's gonna take such great care of Natalynn, oh and he's stepping up to be a big dad and a good friend. [Expletive] you! You're [expletive]!" said Troy Miller.

    Prosecutors say back in March 2009, Natalynn was killed at the hands of Jones, and that she suffered continual abuse by him leading up to her death. Witnesses testified she called Jones a "monster."

    On Wednesday, Judy Plowman cried as she talked about all the moments she will miss with her granddaughter.

    "Many nights I lay awake unable to sleep wishing I could have her back for just one hour, long enough for one more glimpse of her smile, her sparking blue eyes, her giggle," said Plowman.

    "I don't think there's any mathematical formula or equation that you could use to calculate the pain that has been caused," said Troy Miller.

    Natalynn Miller would have been 8 years old today.

    Ryann Jones' attorneys are already filing an appeal for the case.

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    8:26pm
    Visalia, ca -- Jurors found Ryann Jones guilty of second degree murder and of assault on a child causing death.
    Ryann Jones was on trial for murdering his girlfriend's daughter, 3-year-old Natalynn Miller.

    The jury found Jones guilty of second degree murder and assault on a child causing death and not guilty of first degree murder.

    Jones was accused of beating his girlfriend's daughter to death in 2009. Authorities say he committed the crime while he was babysitting the child at an apartment complex in Visalia.

    Prosecutors say Natalynn's injuries were solely at the hands of Ryann Jones. But defense attorneys say the child fell off a dresser and may have been injured during CPR or may have choked to death.

    Jones is facing 25 years to life in prison.

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    8:13pm

    Ryann Jones is on trial for murder with special circumstances, for the death of Natalynn Miller.

    Autopsy photos were shown along with bruises all over the child. Prosecutors say these injuries were solely at the hands of Ryann Jones. But defense attorneys say the child fell off a dresser, may have been injured during CPR, or may have choked to death.

    The last picture Natalynn took with her father a few days before she died was the final picture the prosecutor showed to jurors. Even though she was just three, she said the toddler loved taking pictures and cuddling with dad.

    But Deputy DA Brenda Broker said Natalynn was left in the care of the last person her father wanted her with, Ryann Jones.

    "This man, that she wanted nothing to do with. It was the last face that Natalynn saw before she was tortured and killed," Broker said.

    Defense attorneys said many witnesses who have taken the stand have been biased and exaggerated their statements. Jones attorney, showed jurors two sports balls as an example of how stories evolve.

    "But everything began to change dramatically. So that the golf ball sized bump on her head became the size of a baseball," Jones' Attorney Phillip Cherney said.

    Prosecutors said even though Jones was only in a relationship with Natalynn's mother for less than a year, he hated the toddler and was jealous of her. Those who saw Natalynn in the days leading to her death, did not notice any major injuries, but did testify the little girl had some bruises.

    Jurors were told Natalynn's death was painful.

    But defense attorneys said Jones heard a sound he assumes was Natalynn falling from something and also noted she was clumsy. Jones attorneys are also claiming proper tissue samples weren't taken during an autopsy and Natalynn's injuries may have been caused by emergency responders.

    Natalynn's mother was in court Friday to support Jones. She is also facing a judge next year on charges of felony child endangerment.

    By Sontaya Rose

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    2:59pm

    During cross examination, defense attorneys questioned Miller on whether daughter spun herself around a lot.

    "She would kind of play around but she wouldn't spin herself around until she was completely dizzy I've never seen her do that before," Miller said.

    After Natalynn's father took the stand, jurors heard from family friend and Natalynn's caretaker, Jessica. She testified about bruises she would see on the 3-year-old.

    Rosales became emotional at times when asked about Natalynn and also when prosecutors showed her a picture Natalynn drew for her the day that she died. Rosales testified that the 3-year-old's behavior started to change after Ryann Jones and Natalynn's mother, Nicole Lee, had been dating for a few months.

    "To me she seemed scared to go over there," Rosales said. "She didn't want to go to the monster's house."

    Rosales said she accidentally documented some of Madalynn's injuries because she liked to take pictures of the girl sleeping while she was babysitting her. Jurors were shown photos of injuries to the girl's head, cheek and lip and what looked like burns to her shoulder and ears. Rosales testified that one time Natalynn blamed one of her injuries on Jones the other times she'd refuse to tell her how why she was bruised.

    "She was quiet she had her head down like this," Rosales said.

    Rosales testified she told Natalynn's mother about the injuries. During cross examination Rosales admitted to defense attorneys that Natalynn ingested marijuana from a bag while she was watching her. Defense attorneys also showed jurors a happy picture of Ryann Jones, Nicole Lee and Natalynn Miller.

    Before Jessica Rosales' testimony her brother Ernesto took the stand and talked about a statement Jones made to him about Natalynn.

    "That she was a little girl and that he had no use for her around him," witness Ernesto Rosales said.

    Jone's trial is expected to last six weeks. If convicted on all charges he faces the death penalty.

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    1:16pm

    On day one of the trial against Ryann Jones, jurors were shown photos of the grassy area where first responders tried to resuscitate Natalynn Miller, inside the apartment and photos of her bruised body. Action News has chosen not to air the graphic pictures.

    Visalia Detective Jared Hughes testified he was the first on scene back in March of 2009. He described Natalynn as cold and lifeless.

    "She was pale in the face," said Hughes. "Her hair was wet and a light colored blue shirt that was soaking wet."

    Hughes testified that Jones -- Natalynn's mother's boyfriend who was caring for her at the time mentioned something about a bath tub but gave few details. Action News was not allowed to show his face in court. Hughes also said when paramedics arrived and began cutting off her clothing, he noticed numerous bruises.

    There were so many bruises that once Natalynn was pronounced dead at the hospital, Dr. Kealani Sine says she ordered internal tests.

    Dr. Kealani Sine explained, "I was concerned that it was non-accidental trauma and requested that a skeletal survey and CT scan be performed."

    During cross examinations, defense attorneys questioned emergency responders' methods of CPR, suggesting that force used during the resuscitating procedure, including what's called "back blows" to the child, may have caused Natalynn's injuries.

    Jurors also saw pictures of what appeared to be vomit and blood on the kitchen counter.

    Natalynn's mother, Nicole Lee, is also facing felony child abuse charges because prosecutors believe she knew about the abuse to her daughter. Her trial is next may.

    Wednesday, jurors will hear the recorded interview of Ryann Jones with police.

    By Jessica Peres