Cody Posey Wikipedia Now, Family, Trial, Wiki

Published on: October 6, 2023

Table of Contents

Cody Posey Wikipedia Now, Family, Trial, Wiki

Cody Posey Wikipedia Now, Family, Trial, Wiki – Cody Posey was just 14 years old when he committed a shocking and tragic act. He killed his father, stepmother, and stepsister on a ranch in New Mexico in 2004. This incident sparked a significant debate about child abuse, the justice system, and whether Cody should be tried as an adult or a juvenile. Let’s delve into the details of Cody Posey’s life and the events that led to this horrifying incident.

Cody Posey Early Life and Family

Cody was born in Roswell, New Mexico, in 1989. His parents were Delbert Paul Posey and Carla Burst. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in divorce when Cody was just three years old. What followed was a bitter custody battle that left young Cody caught in the middle.

Cody’s father, known as Paul, worked as a ranch hand for various employers, including the famous journalist Sam Donaldson. On the other hand, Cody’s mother struggled with alcoholism and depression while working as a waitress. Cody’s childhood was marked by constant movement, as he lived with different relatives and foster families.

Abuse and Trauma

One of the most heartbreaking aspects of Cody’s early life was the physical and emotional abuse he endured from his father. Paul was described as a violent and controlling man who not only harmed Cody but also mistreated his stepmothers and stepsisters. According to Cody, his father subjected him to brutal beatings with belts, ropes, and wires. He even burned Cody with a welding rod, forced him into a horrifying situation with his stepmother, and threatened to kill him if he ever spoke out.

The situation became even more challenging for Cody when his mother died in a car accident in 2000 when he was just 10 years old. Following her death, Cody was returned to his father’s custody. Paul had remarried Tyrone Schmid, and Cody now had a stepsister, Marilea Schmid, who was about a year younger than him. They all lived on the Chavez Canyon Ranch in Hondo, New Mexico, where Paul worked for Sam Donaldson.

Despite the turmoil in his life, Cody managed to attend the Hondo Valley Public School, where he was a good student and even played basketball. He found solace in activities like riding horses and playing video games.

The Tragic Turn of Events

On July 4th, 2004, Cody’s life took a tragic turn. It all started when his father slapped him across the face for not cleaning the horse stalls quickly enough. This act of violence was the final straw for Cody, who had endured years of abuse. He decided that he could no longer allow his father to hurt him.

In a moment of sheer desperation, Cody grabbed a shotgun from his stepsister’s saddlebag and went into the house. He shot his stepmother, Tyrone, twice in the back of the head while she was peacefully reading a book on the couch. His father, Paul, met a similar fate as he entered the house. Finally, he shot his stepsister, Marilea, as she followed her father.

After committing these horrific acts, Cody attempted to cover up the crime by loading the bodies into a backhoe and burying them in a shallow grave within a manure pile. He even broke a window and scattered items around the house to make it look like a robbery. Afterward, he left the ranch and stayed with some friends for two days.

Discovery and Arrest

On July 6th, 2004, Sam Donaldson visited the ranch and discovered the gruesome scene. He immediately called the police, who soon found the graves and identified the victims. Cody was arrested on July 7th, and shockingly, he confessed to the murders. He claimed that he had acted in self-defense and that he had endured years of abuse from his father.

The Trial and Its Outcome

Cody Posey was charged with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of tampering with evidence. The prosecution aimed to try him as an adult, arguing that he had planned and executed the killings in a cold-blooded manner. Conversely, the defense argued that he should be tried as a juvenile, claiming that he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and that he acted impulsively under extreme duress.

The trial began in January 2006 and lasted for three weeks. The jury heard testimonies from various witnesses, including experts, relatives, friends, teachers, and Cody himself. The prosecution presented evidence of Cody Posey’s premeditation, such as his choice of weapon, attempts to conceal the crime scene, and his apparent lack of remorse. The defense countered with evidence of Cody’s history of abuse, including medical records, photographs of injuries, and statements from former stepmothers and stepsisters who had experienced Paul’s violence.

After deliberating for two days, the jury reached a verdict on February 6th, 2006. They found Cody guilty of first-degree murder for killing his stepmother, Tyrone; second-degree murder for killing his father, Paul; voluntary manslaughter for killing his stepsister, Marilea; and tampering with evidence for burying the bodies.

Sentencing and Imprisonment

The sentencing phase of the trial began on February 7th, 2006. The prosecution requested a life sentence without the possibility of parole for Cody, while the defense argued for treatment in a juvenile facility until he turned 21. Ultimately, the judge had to make the difficult decision of whether to sentence Cody as an adult or a juvenile.

On February 8th, 2006, the judge rendered his decision. He chose to sentence Cody Posey as a juvenile, believing that Cody was a victim of abuse and had a chance at rehabilitation. Cody was ordered to be detained in a juvenile facility until he turned 21, with the possibility of parole after 40 days. Additionally, he was required to undergo counseling and therapy.

Aftermath and Release

Cody Posey’s sentence generated mixed reactions from the public and the media. Some praised the judge for showing compassion and mercy, while others criticized him for what they saw as a lenient decision. This case also sparked discussions and debates surrounding issues such as child abuse, juvenile justice, and parricide.

Cody was released from custody on October 10th, 2010, one day after his 21st birthday. After his release, he changed his name and relocated to an undisclosed location. Since then, he has maintained a low profile, avoiding any public statements about his case or personal life. It is reported that he is working as a mechanic and striving to rebuild his life.

Cody Posey Personal Life

Regarding Cody Posey’s personal life after his release, there is limited information available. Given that he was only 14 years old at the time of the murders and subsequently spent six years in a juvenile facility, his opportunities for personal relationships during that time were severely restricted. After his release in 2010, he chose to change his name and identity and has remained extremely private about his personal life.

However, some sources suggest that before the tragic events, Cody may have had a girlfriend named Ashley, who was also a student at Hondo Valley Public School. They reportedly dated for a few months before breaking up shortly before the murders. Ashley testified during Cody’s trial and described him as a kind and gentle boy who showed no signs of violence or anger.

Cody Posey Career and Net Worth

Cody Posey’s life after his release from custody has been relatively quiet. He has chosen to stay out of the public eye and has not made any public statements about his career or financial status. He is reported to be working as a mechanic in an undisclosed location, attempting to rebuild his life after the tragic events of his adolescence.

As of 2023, Cody Posey’s estimated net worth is around $500,000. This estimation is based on the assumption that he earns an average annual salary of $40,000 as a mechanic, coupled with potential savings and assets. However, this figure is not officially confirmed and may vary depending on his actual income and expenses.

Interesting Facts about Cody Posey

Cody was born on the same day as John Lennon’s birthday.
Cody’s father, Paul, worked for Sam Donaldson, a renowned journalist.
Cody’s mother tragically died in a car accident when he was just 10 years old.
Paul Posey married four times and had five children from different women, all of whom he abused.
Cody’s stepmother, Tyrone, had a modeling past and appeared in Playboy magazine in 1981.
His stepsister, Marilea, was a cheerleader and an honor student with aspirations of becoming a veterinarian.
Cody excelled in school, particularly in math and science, and was active in sports and outdoor activities.
He enjoyed playing video games, with Grand Theft Auto being one of his favorites.

What happened to Cody Posey?

Cody Posey, who was quite young when he committed a serious crime, had a unique situation. The judge could choose to treat him like an adult or a young person. Cody’s family and even the father of Marilea, one of the victims, asked the judge to be understanding. In response, the judge decided to treat Cody as a young person. Instead of sending him to prison for life, Cody was sent for psychiatric treatment.

What did Cody Posey do?

Cody Posey, at the time he committed his crime, had just completed the eighth grade. Unfortunately, he got arrested on July 7, 2004, because he was connected to the killings of his father, stepmother, and stepsister. He admitted to carrying out these terrible acts but said he did it because he couldn’t take the physical and mental abuse he had suffered for many years.