Murder trial keeps wound open Murder trial keeps wound open (November 19, 2004)

Victim's partner tries to cope

By Jon Wiener

More than a year after 77-year-old Doris Condon died in a burglary-gone-wrong, her long-time companion Des Telmond is still angry.

Telmond returned home last Oct. 25 to find Condon lying unconscious on the floor. When she died the following month from the injuries she sustained in the attack, Telmond's voice quavered as he quietly swore vengeance on those responsible.

The $10,000 reward he and his brother offered helped police capture three suspects. When he testifies at their trial, scheduled to begin Monday in Palo Alto, Telmond may finally have a chance to make good on his promise.

Telmond's life has changed considerably in the last year. He now lives alone in the Jardin Avenue home that he shared with Condon for decades. He also said he has lost 34 pounds from the emotional stress.
No longer brother and sister?

One thing that has not changed in Telmond's life is his relationship with Lilia Olayo, who has worked as a housecleaner for him for several years. Prosecutors believe that it was while accompanying her that her brother David Olayo familiarized himself with the house and decided to rob it.

He is accused of entering the house along with Enrique Chavez and severely beating Condon when she surprised them. A third man, Jose Sosa, was seen waiting in a nearby car, and is believed to have been the getaway driver.

Telmond has continued to employ Lilia Olayo despite her ties to the defendant. Telmond said it was awkward for her at first, but he convinced her to keep working for him. Lilia was on vacation in Mexico and unavailable to comment for this story.

"Just because your brother or sister does something, it doesn't mean you did anything," said Telmond.

The case has split the Olayo family. Lilia's testimony against David at a hearing in August helped bring the case to trial, and she has been subpoenaed to testify again. Telmond said that he recently asked Lilia how her brother was doing, and she responded, "I don't have a brother."
Defendants could face separate trials

All three defendants have their own attorneys. Sosa, who is not accused of entering the house, has hired Jeff Parrish and is expected to be awarded a separate trial.

Public defender Ed Nino, who is representing Chavez, said he is planning to file a severance motion Monday, when jury selection is scheduled to begin.

But Olayo's lawyer, Chris Mattison, said she would like her client to stand trial together with Chavez.

"I think it would be better for David to be sitting with Mr. Chavez, because [Chavez] looks a little worse, frankly," said Mattison.

Judge Diane Northway will determine whether to hold separate trials. If she grants Parrish and Nino their motions, Chavez will likely be tried first.

@email:E-mail Jon Wiener at jwiener@mv-voice.com

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