Convicted Murder Joseph Kerekes Reaches Out

After the recent premiere of "King Cobra" - a salacious movie directed by Justin Kelley, based on our true crime book "Cobra Killer". I unexpectedly heard from one of the convicted murderer's, Joseph Kerekes, who's character was played by the world-renowned actor, James Franco,

Joe wanted to know if I would be willing to post a few new pictures of him and Harlow Cuadra, that had never been seen before by the general public...

I said ' sure, why not? '... so here they are, as odd as it may seem:

Joseph Kerekes &; Harlow Cuadra

Joseph Kerekes in Prison

Harlow Cuadra in Prison

Buy the Book...

' When he was called to testify in court, Joe Kerekes sat mute about the murder of Bryan Kocis. Outside of court, he told the authors of Cobra Killer that he and his partner Harlow Cuadra went to Pennsylvania with "a job to do" that included the murder of a key rival.'

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International Sales:

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Harlow Cuadra Loses his Appeal... Again.

From the Times Leader:

"Convicted murderer Harlow Cuadra believed he deserved a new trial because his defense lawyers were ineffective and failed to present evidence his partner was the actual killer.

The state Superior Court on Friday rejected Cuadra’s request for relief, upholding his life sentence for the brutal slaying of Bryan Kocis on Jan. 24, 2007.

A Luzerne County jury — after a three-week trial before former judge Peter Paul Olszewski Jr. in March 2009 — convicted Cuadra, 33, with killing Kocis, 44, inside Kocis’ Dallas Township home he set ablaze in an attempt to cover up the murder.

Prosecutors alleged Cuadra and his partner, Joseph Kerekes, 41, planned to kill Kocis, their rival in the pornography industry.

Kerekes pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison.

Cuadra sought relief for his conviction claiming his trial lawyers, Joseph D’Andrea and Paul Walker, were ineffective and failed to object to several questions by Olszewski. Cuadra also claimed his trial lawyers failed to introduce evidence that Kerekes was responsible for Kocis’ murder.

D’Andrea and Walker were appointed to defend Cuadra three months before the trial that ended with the jury conviction on March 12, 2009.

The appellate court ruled questions by Olszewski in the presence of the jury were neither bias or prejudicial toward Cuadra.

“The trial court’s questioning of Cuadra merely clarified Cuadra’s narrative of the events surrounding the homicide and the actions of Joseph Kerekes,” the Superior Court ruled.

Cuadra testified in his own defense that he was inside Kocis’ house modeling for a position with Kocis’ company, Cobra Video, when a jealous Kerekes rushed in and killed Kocis.

Olszewski asked Cuadra if he saw Kerekes holding a knife and if Kerekes carried anything inside Kocis’ residence.

Cuadra further argued his trial lawyers failed to show the jury he was under duress claiming Kerekes was dominant and abusive in their relationship.

Defense strategy taken by D’Andrea and Walker during the trial attempted to convince the jury Kerekes was the killer, not Cuadra. A duress defense would have suggested Kerekes forced Cuadra to kill Kocis, which wasn’t offered during the trial.

The Superior Court ruled the two separate defense strategies would have confused the jury.

Cuadra’s conviction has been upheld by the Superior Court on direct appeal on Oct. 14, 2010."

The entire court's opinion can be found here.

Still No News...

After 7 months since my last post, there is still no new news to report in regards to Harlow Cuadra's fight for a new trial. One reliable source tells me that they "haven't seen anything get filed. PCRA's can go on for years".

So it looks like the waiting game will just continue.

Filed Yesterday...

Harlow Cuadra makes National Headlines Again...

From local newspapers like The Times Leader and Citizens Voice, to national affiliates like the San Diego Gay & Lesbian News and Associated Press... Harlow's attempt at getting an appeal really seems to be making the rounds. Ironically, I've been covering the story on this blog since 2009, and then there's the original that was created in 2007. It's Déjà vu.

In the PCRA Petition and subsequent filings, Harlow's attorney, Demetrius Fannick, brings up the following arguments:

1. Harlow's trial attorneys, Paul Walker and Joseph D'Andrea, did not have sufficient time to prepare for his defense.
2. Co-defendant Joseph Kerekes is the actual killer.
3. Witnesses testified Kerekes was an abusive boyfriend and business partner and controlled Harlow.
4. Walker and D'Andrea did not raise a duress defense due to Kerekes' controlling power over Cuadra.
5. Disqualification of attorney Demetrius Fannick from defending Cuadra after Fannick had met with Kerekes in jail. Cuadra and Kerekes had separate defense strategies.
6. Trial Judge Peter Paul Olszewski Jr. permitted prosecutors to play for the jury a video of Cuadra lifting weights.

Here's my two cents on the matter:

1. During this most recent hearing, D’Andrea stated: “Time did not play a factor in the preparation of this case." I would see no reason for him to lie. Though I would agree that a couple of months seems rather short to prepare for a Capital Murder Trial, it's also quite evident that the attorneys' didn't have much to work with.
2. According to the trial transcripts, neither side really pushed Kerekes when he came into court and double-crossed Cuadra. He said, "I don't want to talk and hurt my parents" and that was it. Other than Harlow making the claim that Joe's the killer, there really isn't any factual proof.
3. Not much effort was made to paint Cuadra as anything other than a prostitute - most of the character witnesses they had were people who really didn't know him.
4. I find Fannick's argument of duress odd. I agree with the notion that you really only argue that if you are going to admit the act - which Cuadra likely won't do. Not to mention the fact that it was stated by his own trial attorneys' that Cuadra was "not forthcoming" about even being at the scene until the trial.
5. The disqualification of Demetrius Fannick was justified. Fannick refused to take the stand, under oath, to testify that he didn't discuss the case with Kerekes - enough said.
6. According to my past and current interviews with several jurors, the "Big House Gym" video really didn't sway their decision. In reality, would it even matter? After all, it was the defense that showed the Black's Beach video showing Harlow throwing a football 'like a girl' - you can't have it both ways.

With the above, and the fact that Harlow took the stand and admitted to being at the scene of the crime, witnessing the murder, and even helping to loot and burn the house - I don't see a new trial being granted.

- PC

Harlow Cuadra's Hearing Today...

Another day... another hearing - with apparently more to follow.

 

According to my sources, what happened during today's hearing is that Harlow Cuadra's attorney, Demetrius Fannick, attempted to tear apart the original trial lawyers' strategy, questioning whether they had adequate preparation and why they didn't, for example, try to argue that Cuadra had been under duress.

 

The attorneys responded that they were well prepared, duress is only a defense for those admitting to having committed an act (which Harlow did not), and that Cuadra was "not forthcoming" about even being at the scene until the trial.

 

Supplemental filings are due from the defense by January 20th and the DA 10 days after that. No decision was made today, and the judge did not schedule a date for the next hearing.

 

I'll post news links if/when they become available.

Report from The Times Leader

.

Remember Joe?

 

While sources tell me that there hasn't been an official list of witnesses submitted by Demetrius Fannick or the DA's office, those familiar with the case have suggested that it shouldn't be a surprise if Harlow Cuadra's former partner in crime, Joseph Kerekes, makes a visit to Luzerne County soon. Whether this is for him to testify at Harlow's upcoming PCRA hearing, or to simply be interviewed, remains to be unknown at this time.

I'll update this post accordingly.

-PC

Now we wait until January...

As we all know, Harlow Cuadra's PCRA hearing has been delayed again due to the holidays. Here's Demetrius Fannick's motion for a delay (which the DA also agreed), and the judge's order granting the motion and setting a new date of January 3, 2014:.

 

 

 

Harlow's hearing will be Delayed Again...

Sources tell me that Harlow Cuadra's attorney, Demetrius Fannick, filed a motion in court today to have the hearing delayed until after Thanksgiving, due to having difficulties in contacting witnesses because of the holiday weekend. No new date has been set.

 

I should have a copy of the motion shortly and will post it when it's received. This thing has been delayed so many times, I've actually lost count.

 

-- PC

Harlow makes a Brief Appearance...

Convicted murder Harlow R. Cuadra did make a very brief appearance in court today. His appeal hearing has been continued to later this month, due to his attorney Demetrius Fannick requesting more time (again). I'll post the exact date when it's given to me.

 

You can also find a brief mention about it at WNEP News Channel 16, the Times Leader and Citizens Voice.

Update 11/13/2013: Sources tell me that the next hearing is scheduled for November 27, 2013 at 9 AM in court room 5. Fannick argued that Harlow should have received a mental health evaluation during his first trial, and the judge promptly rejected the motion.

The Story that Never Ends... or... Will It?

Convicted murder Harlow Raymond Cuadra has his PCRA hearing coming up on Tuesday, November 12, 2013.

Originally filed on May 3, 2012, Cuadra is seeking a new trial due to "duress", claiming that mistakes were made before and during the first jury trial in March 2009 that ended in a first-degree murder conviction for the brutal slaying of Bryan Kocis. ( Harlow's partner in crime, Joseph Kerekes, had already plead guilty and was sentenced to life in prison).

 

On May 20, 2013. Harlow Cuadra's attorney, Demetrius Fannick, stated that some new issues had surfaced during an interview with Harlow over the weekend, and that he needed more time to file a supplemental brief to his existing PCRA. The Honorable Judge, Fred A. Pierantoni, III, granted Fannick's request and told him that he must file any additional court papers by July 3. and that prosecutors must respond by Aug. 5. ( I will try to have these posted before the hearing on Tuesday).

 

It appears that Cuadra has already been transferred to the Luzernne County Correctional Facility and he will likely be at the courthouse for the hearing.

 

We'll keep you posted.

Update 11/12/2013: Sources tell me that Fannick had apparently requested more time from the judge about two weeks ago and the judge granted his request. So... I'll try to find out when the new hearing date is and will let everyone know.

 

 

Harlow Cuadra's PCRA Hearing...



Harlow Cuadra 05/20/2013
(Times-Leader photo used with permission)

Harlow Cuadra's PCRA hearing which was scheduled for today, has been continued (again) because his attorney, Demetrius Fannick, said some new issues came up during an interview with Harlow this past weekend, so he needs to file a supplemental brief to his existing PCRA. The hearing has been  moved to November 12, 2013 because of Judge Pierantoni's schedule. (Hugo Selenski's death penalty trial is supposed to start next month and will take awhile, plus other scheduled cases).

More information about Monday's hearing can be found at the Time-Leader. 

Sources Tell Me...

Harlow Cuadra's PCRA hearing is "still scheduled for May 20 before Judge Fred Pierantoni. PCRA hearings are routine and normally non-newsworthy, but this one may have some fireworks".

Guess we'll see!

Update 05/09/2013: I'm told that Harlow will be attending the hearing.

Who's Zoomin Who?

Either Joseph Kerekes is a serial killer... or serial liar...

 

I'm posting a portion of a multi-page letter that Joe wrote back in 2011, which was given to me by a confidential source. Certain names have been redacted as well as phone numbers. I'd also like to add that this correspondence is nothing like the original face-to-face  interview  Joe did with co-author Andrew Stoner in 2009 for our book :

There's a couple of other pages that follow and I'll post them later.

-- PC

Harlow Cuadra's Original PCRA Filing

Here's a copy of the original PCRA that attorney Demetrius Fannick filed on Harlow Cuadra's behalf back in May 2012 (click on the pictures/pages for a larger view):

 

 

Now We Wait Until May...

Harlow Cuadra's PCRA hearing has been continued until May 20, 2013. Ironically, the original petition was filed on May 3, 2012.

Michael Melnick filed a motion last week to disqualify Harlow's attorney Demetrius Fannick (pictured above). The motion was withdrawn by Shannon Crake, who prosecuted Cuadra with Melnick. Crake is now handling the PCRA from the DA's office. She recently returned from maternity leave and needs more time to catch up.

Cuadra Claims `Duress', Seeks Retrial...

That's the headline from the February 21, 2013 story at The Times Leader. According to reporter Ed Lewis:

 

"Luzerne County prosecutors want convicted murderer Harlow Cuadra to stay put.

Cuadra, 31, is seeking a new trial, claiming mistakes were made before and during the first jury trial in March 2009 that ended in a first-degree murder conviction. He was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole after the jury was unable to unanimously impose the death penalty.

 

State police at Wyoming and Dallas Township police had alleged Cuadra, of Virginia Beach, Va., killed Bryan Kocis, 44, inside Kocis' Midland Drive home in Dallas Township that was set ablaze on Jan. 24, 2007.

 

A co-conspirator in the case, Joseph Kerekes, 39, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in December 2008 and was sentenced to life in prison with no parole.

 

Investigators said Cuadra and Kerekes, who were partners in an escort business and website pornographic production company, planned the killing of Kocis, whom they considered their main rival.

 

Issues Cuadra raised in his petition for post-conviction relief include:

 

* His lawyers, Paul Walker and Joseph D'Andrea, did not have sufficient time to prepare for his defense. Walker and D'Andrea were hired in December 2008, about 90 days before the trial began.

* Kerekes was the actual killer.

* Witnesses testified Kerekes was an abusive boyfriend and business partner and controlled Cuadra.

* Walker and D'Andrea did not raise a "duress" defense due to Kerekes' controlling power over Cuadra.

 

* Disqualification of attorney Demetrius Fannick from defending Cuadra after Fannick had met Kerekes in jail. Cuadra and Kerekes had separate defense strategies.

* Trial Judge Peter Paul Olszewski Jr. permitted prosecutors to play for the jury a video of Cuadra lifting weights.

 

Prosecutors claim they had a right to have Fannick disqualified from defending Cuadra because Cuadra and Kerekes wanted separate trials due to their antagonistic defenses.

 

Although Fannick was disqualified to defend Cuadra for the first trial, he is representing him in an attempt for a new trial.

 

Prosecutors also claim Cuadra never raised the "duress" issue when he testified in his own defense.

 

Cuadra is serving his sentence at the State Correctional Institution at Coal Township in Schuylkill County. He is scheduled to appear before Judge Fred Pierantoni III on March 15."

It's Those Things that Make You Go... Hmm...

While we await the next likely delay in Harlow Cuadra's attempt for a new trial... I thought I'd post a small portion of a prison letter that was sent by Joseph Kerekes back in 2012. If nothing else, it's entertaining reading and has never been seen before:

Don't forget that you can buy the only published book that covered the case at CobraKiller.com

The Delays Continue...

Convicted murder Harlow Cuadra's PCRA hearing has been delayed yet again... I first reported about this back in May 2012 when it was supposed to occur on November 7, 2012, it was postponed to January 31, 2013, and now it's been moved to March 15, 2013.

 

I'll update this again in March (or sooner) to let you know what became of the hearing, or more likely... what the 'next' date is going to be.

- PC