Jessica Chané Waldron Murder Trial begins on Wednesday

I received a message today from Chané's Stepfather saying that the murder trial is expected to start tomorrow.

He asked that any friends that could attend the trial to do so as a sign of support for Chané and her family.

The court is located at Frank Crowley Courts Building, 133 North Riverfront Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75207.

A Great Day to be Downtown: Statler Hotel Sold, Cleanup Begins

As you may know, last week the Statler Hotel was sold to San Antonio-based Ricchi Investments.

That company may sound familiar because they previously purchased the LTV Tower at 1600 Pacific with intentions to renovate. The initial plan for Ricchi is to clean the building inside and out and make it ready for development. Even during the press conference, you can see stacks of various items and fixtures that have likely been there since the hotel closed over ten years ago. After all of the prep work is done, Ricchi will decide what is the best use for the building. No longer will the Statler look like an eyesore.

Personally, I'm ecstatic. For the first time since I moved here I have a positive answer for everyone that asks "What's going on with that building?" It's really a sign that Downtown Dallas is a desired place to be.

Mayor Caraway led the celebration. Also pictured (left-right) are John Crawford, CEO of Downtown Dallas Inc, and Leo Trevino, head of Ricchi Investments.




Here, Councilman and Mayoral Candidate Ron Natinsky is holding an original copy of Conrad Hilton's book. He is pictured (left-right) with Former Councilwoman Veletta Forsythe Lill, Crawford, Trevino, and Mayor Caraway. Councilman Natinsky helped to broker the deal with the seller and Ricchi by personally flying to Hong Kong to meet with the Statler's now-former owner. Former Councilwoman Lill was the main political force behind the Mercantile Place redevelopment and Main Street Garden.

This is yet another positive development in Downtown Dallas. There are several buildings being redeveloped and hundreds of more apartment units (many affordable) in the core of the City.

Jessica Chané Waldron Murder Trial begins Next Week

After almost two years, the trial for the murder of Chané Waldron is now here.  I got this note from Chané's Stepfather and I wanted to pass it on. It reads as follows: 


Friends and Family, The time has finally arrived to see if the system will provide justice for our darling Chané.


The trial, which has been rescheduled a number of times over the past 2 years, is set to begin on Monday March 7, 2011 at the Frank Crowely Courts Building, 133 North Riverfront Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75207. 


At this point we’re not sure which day the jury will be picked, but that should happen on Monday or Tuesday. We are praying that the trial will conclude by Friday, March 11th, but you never know how long a jury will deliberate. 


If you would like to support in person, the most important times to be present during the trial are: 1.) Opening argument/Beginning of trial to show the jury a strong presence, 2.) Closing Arguments, 3.) Sentencing - to confirm strong support and presence. 


We appreciate all of the love and support that has been sent our way over the past 23 months and want you to know how much your kindness and prayers have filled our hearts. Please continue to keep us in your prayers and also pray for justice. Love, Mom & Pops