Theranos Holmes trial updates: did she book a one-way flight to Mexico last year, or were the prosecutors reckless and wrong?

The latest skirmish between prosecution and defense. Did Elizabeth Holmes book a flight to Mexico with the intent to flee–or not? According to the prosecution last week, Holmes in December 2021 had booked a one-way ticket to Mexico that was scheduled for the end of January 2022. The departure date was after her conviction in early January that year [TTA 4 Jan 22]. Moreover, the prosecution claims that now revealed fiancé Billy Evans flew not only to Mexico but also to South Africa, and was out of the country for weeks.

The defense in its filing countered that Evans booked the flight in late December 2021 under her name. She had hoped to be acquitted and then free to attend a wedding of close friends in Puerto Vallarta in late January 2022. In the defense filing, “Once the verdict was issued, Ms. Holmes did not intend to make the trip.” She would also be unable, as any trip would require court approval, her passport was expired, and as is customary, in the possession of the District Court.

According to the defense, Evans visited Mexico for four days, returning to California across the Tijuana toll bridge with a credit card receipt. The Cape Town, South Africa flight was weeks later–20 February 2022 departing San Francisco via Newark, returning 4 March via United and in economy class.

Why are the travel plans being made public by the prosecution now? Why is Evans being pulled into it? Holmes has been convicted for a year, sentenced, and is currently appealing. The prosecution knew much earlier about Holmes’ booked-but-untaken flight to Mexico and asked the defense about them via email. When told, prosecutor Jeff Schenk thanked defense lawyer Lance Wade. “I suspected there was an explanation, and I look forward to receiving additional information tomorrow.” The next day from Schenk, “Thank you again for the background information, confirmation, and for addressing this situation quickly. I do not believe there is need for us to discuss this further.” 

The timing is interesting because the prosecution filing objecting to Holmes’ freedom on bail while on appeal had to be filed by 19 January for a hearing by Judge Edward Davila on 17 March [TTA 10 Jan]. Was this one ‘see, see?’ objection? Will there be more? Mercury News

Note: New York Air (737-300 above) is remembered fondly by your Editor as she was this airline’s ad manager for 3 1/2 years in her Life Before Telehealth. It ceased operations in early 1987, merged into Continental Airlines in an ill-starred event called ‘The Big Bang’. (No, we didn’t fly to Mexico — neither will Elizabeth Holmes for the next decade.)