Frank Dienes turns down plea deal, will face life in prison.

Big doings at the courthouse today.

Frank Dienes appeared with a shaved head in front of Judge John J. Russo this morning. Media reporters there expected Dienes to plead guilty to the murder of Joe Kopp in a sentencing deal ironed out between defense attorneys and the prosecutor's office. But when lawyers noticed that new sentencing guidelines going into effect this very day might reduce the time Dienes would spend in prison, things changed.

With the possibility of a longer stay in the hooskow ahead of him, Dienes declined the deal and asked for a jury trial (scheduled November 14). As such, Dienes faces three charges, including Aggravated Murder, which could put him in prison for the rest of his life. The death penalty is not an option in this case.

Outside the courtroom, I caught Dienes' attorney, Eric Nemecek, by the elevators. I explained to him that saying Dienes was "ruled out" as a suspect in Amy's case was untrue and asked him if he would like to correct that statement (which he has made repeatedly to the media) in the presence of cameras. He declined and ran around the corner to avoid more reporters asking questions.

For the record, AGAIN, Frank Dienes has never been ruled out as a suspect in the murder of Amy Mihaljevic. Please stop reporting otherwise.

Do I believe Frank killed Amy? I don't know. I do believe he merits close scrutiny by police, in light of the location of his family's farm in Ashland County, the fact that Joe Kopp told people he knew Frank killed her, and the fact that he did work at the Mihaljevic's home. Not to mention his ties to North Olmsted.

UPDATE: Fox 8 has a pretty good summation of today's hearing.

So does Paul Kiska at Channel 5.

***UPDATED*** What Nicole Knew

Though "Nicole" was only seen from behind in her Action News exclusive interview the other night, she has revealed her identity on Facebook.

Many people responded angrily to Nicole's comments about Joe Kopp during the interview. In response to these haters, Nicole took to the comments to give her side of the story, in the processes revealing her image and full name, Nicole Alexander. I spoke to Nicole, myself, several months ago with the agreement that I would keep her name confidential unless she decided to reveal her involvement.

Here's what Nicole had to say on Facebook:

I'm the one who turned Frank in. I witnessed much of the chaos that happened in that house. I'm not on anyone's side ~ all I have is the TRUTH and it needs to come out. Frank needs to take responsibility for what he did, and the Seven Hills Police need to stand up and be accountable for what they failed to do.

Later:

The main reason why I spoke up is because the police are basically getting away with the fact that they failed to serve or protect ANYONE in this situation. They were called numerous times. I, myself, pleaded with them to just remove Joe from the Dienes' home because I knew that someone, in the end, would end up losing their life. They laughed and stated that Joe had more rights to the Dienes' home then Frank and Char themselves had as the homeowner's. Just a word of caution to everyone: don't let anyone stay in your home for more than one night, for if they have a bag of clothing and a toothbrush -- they are considered a resident, and you yourself will lose all your rights. (According to the three Seven Hills police officers.) Everything is documented and on record -- so I'm sure that all will be revealed in the trial. There are four people that need to be punished for what happened to Joe, and the police are three of them.

Still more:

Frank's mom didn't pay me to say anything. First off, I don't even like the woman.....and she hates me for turning her son in. Secondly, there is nothing in this for me. My life is not going to change regardless of what I have to say on either end. There isn't any amount of money that I'd make up a story for. I want justice to be served just as much as everyone else does ~ the only difference is that I'd like it to be served along with a sidedish of the truth.

And...

I have no idea about the Amy M. case.....no idea at all. I personally cannot imagine him hurting a child.....but then again, people are capable of anything. I can't speak about something that I have no information about. Char was not at home the night Frank did this. She was with me. We went to dinner and a movie. And no, I'm not saying that to cover her ass ~ it's the truth. Frank told her that he kicked Joe out that night. We believed that until odd things started happening weeks later.

UPDATE:

Nicole keeps revealing more info on Facebook. Here are some more recent quotes:

I have not claimed Frank's innocence. He ISN'T innocent, he killed Joe......and the whole situation sickens me. I can only tell what I know. I can only share what I personally lived through and observed. I obviously didn't know Joe on the same level as you all ~ and that is NOT my fault. All I know of his prior living arrangements is that which came from direct conversations with him. Was Char involved in any way? Who the hell knows....besides her.

Also:

Regarding Joe's belongings.....I DID think that was odd. But from what I was told he was slowly moving things out, but he couldn't take it all at once. Questions began arising when weeks went by and I realized that so much of his stuff was still there. Like three semi's full of stuff! The basement was packed to the ceiling and their six car garage was full of his stuff as well. Frank began going through it and I asked what he was doing. I knew that something wasn't right when he began throwing everything away....and when he found Joe's money stash. I believe that was the moment that I knew in my heart that something was wrong. I knew Joe would not have left without taking his money.

Action News Spins Kopp Murder

This is unbelievably frustrating.

19 Action News is reporting an interview with another person who lived in Frank Dienes' home shortly before Joe Kopp's murder earlier this year. Their source, "Nicole," was the same woman who actually went to the police and told them Kopp was buried in the back yard. But now it appears Nicole may be defending Dienes' actions, saying Kopp was acting crazy and possibly threatening before Dienes shot him.

"I knew that something was going to happen to one of us."

And that's fine. Opinions are like assholes. Everyone has one.

What is unfair is how Action News goes on to talk about supposed "facts" of the murder. Here's the quote:

After a blow up where Joe refused to leave, Frank went into the basement, there was a fight and he shot Joe in the head. He buried the body and told his wife Char a month later.

This statement isn't bracketed in quotes and that's a big deal, because, as such, it's present as fact. But the only people who were there when the killing went down was Frank Dienes and Joe Kopp. It occurred when Dienes' wife was at the movies, which certainly seems to be more like premeditation and less like self-defense.

No. This is spin. The same Frank's high-priced lawyers have been putting out there.

Don't believe it.

The trial remains set for November 14, though I expect it will be pushed forward as lawyers for the defense delay, delay, delay.

Research

My collection of notes, interviews, videos, and photographs are now available to anyone who would like to research this cold case. Everything can be reviewed at the Special Collections office on the top floor of the Kent State library. Nothing can be checked out or copied, but you can view everything there.

Click here for a detailed list of what is available.