The court heard testimony about the events surrounding the death of Charlise Mutten, allegedly at the hands of her mother, Kallista Mutten, and her partner, Justin Stein. Stein claimed that Kallista Mutten was heavily under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident, and that he was unaware he was transporting Charlise’s body in a barrel in the tray of his Holden Colorado utility. Throughout phone calls and conversations with prison guards, Stein denied any involvement in Charlise’s death and claimed that it was Kallista Mutten who shot their daughter twice. He expressed frustration at being charged with murder and stated that he wanted to clear his name in court.
Stein’s interactions with two prison guards shed light on his state of mind following Charlise’s death. He repeatedly denied any responsibility for the murder, claiming that it was Kallista Mutten who pulled the trigger. Despite being faced with the prospect of serving jail time, Stein maintained his innocence and expressed confusion over why he was being charged with murder. He thanked the prison guards for allowing him to vent and emphasized that he was not the one responsible for Charlise’s death.
Police investigations revealed that Stein’s fingerprint was found on a gun that was excavated from a Mount Wilson fire trail. The gun was among two firearms that were stolen by Stein and Kallista Mutten from a home in Mount Wilson in August 2021. This evidence further implicated Stein in the events leading up to Charlise’s death. Detective Sergeant Bradley Gardiner testified about these findings during the trial, providing a link between Stein and the stolen firearms that were recovered by police.
The trial before Justice Helen Wilson continues to unravel the details surrounding Charlise Mutten’s tragic death. The testimony presented in court sheds light on the events leading up to the incident, including Kallista Mutten’s alleged drug use and erratic behavior. Stein’s claims of innocence and denial of any involvement in Charlise’s murder are juxtaposed with forensic evidence linking him to the stolen firearms. The court will need to weigh the evidence presented, including witness testimony and forensic findings, to determine the truth behind Charlise’s death and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
The conversations between Stein and the prison guards offer a glimpse into the emotional turmoil and confusion he experienced following Charlise’s death. Despite his protestations of innocence, the forensic evidence presented in court may paint a different picture of his involvement in the events leading up to the tragedy. The prosecution will need to convincingly link Stein to the crime in order to secure a conviction, while the defense will likely seek to cast doubt on the evidence and witness testimony provided against him. The trial is likely to continue to unravel the complex web of events surrounding Charlise Mutten’s death, offering a clearer understanding of what truly transpired on that fateful day.
