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I am upset with Nascar and Travis Kvapil's team owner, Ron Devine and BK Racing. Travis was arrested for assault and false imprisonment Tuesday, Oct 8. Allegedly he grabbed his wife, Jennifer, by hair and pulled her into the bedroom and proceeded to hit her in head when she tried to get away.
This is Domestic Violence Awareness Month yet Nascar is avoiding the bigger picture. Apparently BK Racing is supporting Domestic Violence Awareness Month yet they and Nascar decided to allow Travis to continue racing. Although they, NASCAR, did say they were going to monitor the case as it unfolds. Guess what, Travis’ next court date isn't until mid Nov and by then this year of racing will be over. What happens with next season? We will see. I admit over the years I’ve cheered Travis as his career evolved. But not again. I have been a huge fan of Nascar racing for many many years.
According to one media report, here's what Travis had to say . . .
"Obviously, I'm embarrassed about the situation," he said. "I don't like the negative effects it's brought on. So I apologize to NASCAR, my team, supporters of my team, my fans anyone else who was impacted by what happened Tuesday night."
Okay, he apologized to Nascar and his team but where was the apology to his wife and children. Yes, his children, whether they witnessed the assault or not are affected by it. He's embarassed? Poor baby. What about his wife's feelings? He says he want to focus on his family and racing. Perhaps he is more concerned, more focused for his racing career than his family.
According to the arrest report, Jennifer suffered no serious injuries. Obviously the person documenting the arrest report knows little about domestic violence so I disagree, she suffered and is still suffering. That is serious! I think Jennifer and Nascar talking heads should read 'Time's Up' by Susan Murphy Milano. They would learn about DV and how it effects the victims. Physical harm isn't the only outcome of DV. I have to appreciate that the Judge informed Travis he could not go back home. I hope he doesn’t ignore that order.
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
The Death of Melissa Dawn Huggins-Jones
Monday might May 13, 2013 Melissa text her friend back in TN around 11:30 PM and told her Mother’s Day had been hard because she didn’t have her 12-year-old son with her. The son had stayed back in TN to finish out the school year but her daughter, age 8, had come with her to N.C. when she moved to start a new life after her divorce. Melissa and her daughter had been in the apartment approximately 2 weeks. Their’s was the only occupied apartment in the newly developed subdivision. Melissa had worked at a bank in TN but I don’t know where she worked in Raleigh or if she was working. Sadly, Tuesday morning her daughter found her mother dead and walked over to the construction site and asked for help. The construction worker who went to the apartment said Melissa was in a bed, blood was everywhere and she was cold. CPR was of no use. Investigators are saying Melissa was murdered.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Grant Ruffin Hayes ‘a.k.a. Grant Haze’ and Amanda Perry Hayes and the Murder of Laura Jean Ackerson
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Little is known evidentiary wise on what law enforcement has to prove their case against Grant Ruffin Hayes (also spelled Haze) and his wife Amanda Perry Hayes. But what we have learned is Grant emailed Laura Jean Ackerson on July 13 and told Laura to meet him for a visit with her children. The two had gone through a harsh custody battle for the two boys. On July 15 an allegedly frustrated Grant called his mother and advised Laura had not shown and the boys were in the car and hot. Another version of this story is Laura took the boys to Grant on July 13 for a visit. She was going out of town on a business trip. On July 18 Laura was reported missing by Chevon Mathes; Laura was a co-owner of Go Fish Graphic Design in Kingston, NC with Chevon. A couple days after Laura was reported missing her car was found in Raleigh, NC parked at an apartment complex about 400 yards from where Hayes and his wife lived.
As the investigation moved forward LE discovered Grant had made some interesting transactions. He had purchased several large ice chests and rented a small U-haul trailer. Then he and his wife and children made a trip to Richmond, TX to the home of Amanda’s sister. Raleigh police contacted the TX police for assistance with the investigation. Parts of a dismembered body, 60%, was discovered in Oyster Creek and was later identified as being the remains of Laura Jean Ackerson. Raleigh investigators traveled to Texas and assisted with the search. Apparently Grant had taken a small boat out onto the creek during the visit and had loaded the items from the trailer onto the boat. Access to the boat and creek was about 100 yards from the sister’s home. The U-Haul was returned to a dealer in TX. The sister is said to have stated Amanda was there when the boat was loaded. Whether this means she assisted with loading the boat and/or went out in the boat with Grant, I do not know. What makes me curious is how Amanda, the lady Grant announced was his soul mate could have helped with the murder and dismemberment then taken his and Laura's childre and traveled to Texas with him to dispose of Laura’s body. Wouldn’t she realize he wasn’t the sweet gentle man he claimed to be if he became so violent he murdered Laura then so coldly dismembered the mother of his children? Is she so cold and blinded by love she helped him?
Grant had said he named both his children after himself. The oldest is Grant but the youngest is named Gentle because Grant is a gentle man. This self image contradicts when Laura’s friends and family say about him; they say he was very controlling and violent, that his and Laura’s relationship was volatile. The two was in a very contentious custody battle for full custody of the children. Allegedly, police believe Laura was killed and dismembered at Hayes apartment on July 13 then placed in the coolers. Grant Hayes and his wife are under a no bond hold in NC.
What makes me even angrier is that Grant Hayes is using the legal system. District Judge Jacqueline Brewer appointed an attorney, Jim Freeman in 2011, but in September of 2011 decided he wanted a new attorney and was assigned Mike Klinkosum. Then in November of this year he again filed a motion stating he wanted a new attorney. Both these attorneys cited ethical issues in defending Grant Hayes; Judge Donald Stephens granted the motion but told Hayes it was his last time he could do so.
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Little is known evidentiary wise on what law enforcement has to prove their case against Grant Ruffin Hayes (also spelled Haze) and his wife Amanda Perry Hayes. But what we have learned is Grant emailed Laura Jean Ackerson on July 13 and told Laura to meet him for a visit with her children. The two had gone through a harsh custody battle for the two boys. On July 15 an allegedly frustrated Grant called his mother and advised Laura had not shown and the boys were in the car and hot. Another version of this story is Laura took the boys to Grant on July 13 for a visit. She was going out of town on a business trip. On July 18 Laura was reported missing by Chevon Mathes; Laura was a co-owner of Go Fish Graphic Design in Kingston, NC with Chevon. A couple days after Laura was reported missing her car was found in Raleigh, NC parked at an apartment complex about 400 yards from where Hayes and his wife lived.
As the investigation moved forward LE discovered Grant had made some interesting transactions. He had purchased several large ice chests and rented a small U-haul trailer. Then he and his wife and children made a trip to Richmond, TX to the home of Amanda’s sister. Raleigh police contacted the TX police for assistance with the investigation. Parts of a dismembered body, 60%, was discovered in Oyster Creek and was later identified as being the remains of Laura Jean Ackerson. Raleigh investigators traveled to Texas and assisted with the search. Apparently Grant had taken a small boat out onto the creek during the visit and had loaded the items from the trailer onto the boat. Access to the boat and creek was about 100 yards from the sister’s home. The U-Haul was returned to a dealer in TX. The sister is said to have stated Amanda was there when the boat was loaded. Whether this means she assisted with loading the boat and/or went out in the boat with Grant, I do not know. What makes me curious is how Amanda, the lady Grant announced was his soul mate could have helped with the murder and dismemberment then taken his and Laura's childre and traveled to Texas with him to dispose of Laura’s body. Wouldn’t she realize he wasn’t the sweet gentle man he claimed to be if he became so violent he murdered Laura then so coldly dismembered the mother of his children? Is she so cold and blinded by love she helped him?
Grant had said he named both his children after himself. The oldest is Grant but the youngest is named Gentle because Grant is a gentle man. This self image contradicts when Laura’s friends and family say about him; they say he was very controlling and violent, that his and Laura’s relationship was volatile. The two was in a very contentious custody battle for full custody of the children. Allegedly, police believe Laura was killed and dismembered at Hayes apartment on July 13 then placed in the coolers. Grant Hayes and his wife are under a no bond hold in NC.
What makes me even angrier is that Grant Hayes is using the legal system. District Judge Jacqueline Brewer appointed an attorney, Jim Freeman in 2011, but in September of 2011 decided he wanted a new attorney and was assigned Mike Klinkosum. Then in November of this year he again filed a motion stating he wanted a new attorney. Both these attorneys cited ethical issues in defending Grant Hayes; Judge Donald Stephens granted the motion but told Hayes it was his last time he could do so.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Her Name is Susan Murphy Milano and She Will Not Die
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In case you are wondering if I’ve lost all my marbles, the answer is no. Susan has given her life to others, helping them, holding their hands and seeing they stay safe from abuse. If you need more information on her and why she will not die, I will enlighten you. Susan is a nationally known expert and advocate for women who is being or have suffered domestic abuse. She is a published author of four books. All wrote without thoughts of herself and how they could help her. They were written with helping others in mind.
Defending Our Lives: Getting Away From Domestic Violence & Staying Safe
Moving Out, Moving On, centered on relationships going wrong.
Time’s Up: A Guide on How to Leave and Survive Abusive and Stalking Relationships
And her more recent book ‘Holding My Hand Through Hell’ which details her life and the abuse suffered at the hands of her cop father. Her father killed Susan’s mother and then committed suicide.
Holding My Hand Through Hell is another book that can help others as well.
Time’s Up: A Guide on How to Leave and Survive Abusive and Stalking Relationships is one of the most important books ever written for domestic and intimate partner abuse victims. Inside it, in chapter 4, is the Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit. This affidavit can, has and does save lives. The EAA as it’s called, and thanks to apple, is also available on your apple phone as an app. When victims fill out the forms and make a short video they keep a copy with someone trustworthy. If anything should happen to them, the copy is sent to local LE. But, no one who has filled out the EAA and made the video has died. Another testament to Susan. Women on her watch do not die. The EAA gives prosecutors the evidence needed to charge and prosecute the offender. If that offender is indeed the spouse or intimate partner, it handles the question of arguments of hearsay evidence at trial.
Although her focus was on abused women, the EAA and indeed Susan’s books can help men who are being abused also.
Have you read enough praise of her yet? If not, here is more:
The Women's Bar Association of Illinois honored Susan with the Women with Vision award for Community Service. She was also awarded in Illinois with Public Citizen of the Year Award by the National Association of Social Workers Illinois Chapter. And she was honored by being inducted into Women's Hall of Fame in Chicago. Susan had lobbied for the Illinois Stalking Law and the Lautenberg Amendment - the amendment was for a domestic violence offender gun ban.
No although Susan is battling cancer, she will not die, ever. Despite the fact that her earthly body will die, she will not. Too many people love her and her vision. She will be remembered and her unfailing work throughout her life will go on. Many advocates exists. And after Susan discovered she had cancer she passed her baton to Pastor Neil Schori. Susan met Pastor Schori after Stacy Peterson disappeared and was presumed deceased. The EAA became reality in her mind after their conversation. And Susan doesn’t give herself credit for the EAA becoming reality; she gives it to Stacy Peterson.
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In case you are wondering if I’ve lost all my marbles, the answer is no. Susan has given her life to others, helping them, holding their hands and seeing they stay safe from abuse. If you need more information on her and why she will not die, I will enlighten you. Susan is a nationally known expert and advocate for women who is being or have suffered domestic abuse. She is a published author of four books. All wrote without thoughts of herself and how they could help her. They were written with helping others in mind.
Defending Our Lives: Getting Away From Domestic Violence & Staying Safe
Moving Out, Moving On, centered on relationships going wrong.
Time’s Up: A Guide on How to Leave and Survive Abusive and Stalking Relationships
And her more recent book ‘Holding My Hand Through Hell’ which details her life and the abuse suffered at the hands of her cop father. Her father killed Susan’s mother and then committed suicide.
Holding My Hand Through Hell is another book that can help others as well.
Time’s Up: A Guide on How to Leave and Survive Abusive and Stalking Relationships is one of the most important books ever written for domestic and intimate partner abuse victims. Inside it, in chapter 4, is the Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit. This affidavit can, has and does save lives. The EAA as it’s called, and thanks to apple, is also available on your apple phone as an app. When victims fill out the forms and make a short video they keep a copy with someone trustworthy. If anything should happen to them, the copy is sent to local LE. But, no one who has filled out the EAA and made the video has died. Another testament to Susan. Women on her watch do not die. The EAA gives prosecutors the evidence needed to charge and prosecute the offender. If that offender is indeed the spouse or intimate partner, it handles the question of arguments of hearsay evidence at trial.
Although her focus was on abused women, the EAA and indeed Susan’s books can help men who are being abused also.
Have you read enough praise of her yet? If not, here is more:
The Women's Bar Association of Illinois honored Susan with the Women with Vision award for Community Service. She was also awarded in Illinois with Public Citizen of the Year Award by the National Association of Social Workers Illinois Chapter. And she was honored by being inducted into Women's Hall of Fame in Chicago. Susan had lobbied for the Illinois Stalking Law and the Lautenberg Amendment - the amendment was for a domestic violence offender gun ban.
No although Susan is battling cancer, she will not die, ever. Despite the fact that her earthly body will die, she will not. Too many people love her and her vision. She will be remembered and her unfailing work throughout her life will go on. Many advocates exists. And after Susan discovered she had cancer she passed her baton to Pastor Neil Schori. Susan met Pastor Schori after Stacy Peterson disappeared and was presumed deceased. The EAA became reality in her mind after their conversation. And Susan doesn’t give herself credit for the EAA becoming reality; she gives it to Stacy Peterson.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
There Was Time To Save Karen's Life
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Yes, there was time and a way to save Karen’s life.
Karen Denise Thomas was married to Terrence Thomas for 12 years before he choked her to death, drove to a bridge then dumped her body in the Loosahatchie River. On Oct 12, 2012 Terrence falsely filed a missing person report on his wife saying she had left but had not said where she was going. On Monday the 15th her car was found in the parking lot of the Garden Ridge store. On Thursday the 18th her body was discovered floating face down in the Loosahatchie River. After her body was found and Terrence was questioned by police and admitted he’d strangled his wife and dumped her body.
Terrence is charged with first-degree murder and false offense reporting. And set to be arraigned Monday, Oct 22, 2012.
Her life could have been saved. Allegedly, over the 12 years of marriage upwards of 6 domestic violence reports were made. Sadly, no charges were ever made. So there was no prosecution. This is a case of what I call, domestic blinders, the ol’ rose-colored glasses syndrome. The victim likely thought it was all her fault, he was a good man, it won’t happen again, I upset him.
Had Karen read Susan Murphy Milano’s books, in particular ‘Time’s Up: A Guide on How to Leave and Survive Abusive and Stalking Relationships’ she may have saved her own life. She could have utilized Chapter 4 and gotten out safely. She’d have learned she wasn’t at fault- She was the one being abused because she’d have learned what an abuser is and how they abuse. And if her friends and family had read the books they’d have seen what was happening and recognized it for what it was. They’d have recognized Terrence for what he was, a potential killer.
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Yes, there was time and a way to save Karen’s life.
Karen Denise Thomas was married to Terrence Thomas for 12 years before he choked her to death, drove to a bridge then dumped her body in the Loosahatchie River. On Oct 12, 2012 Terrence falsely filed a missing person report on his wife saying she had left but had not said where she was going. On Monday the 15th her car was found in the parking lot of the Garden Ridge store. On Thursday the 18th her body was discovered floating face down in the Loosahatchie River. After her body was found and Terrence was questioned by police and admitted he’d strangled his wife and dumped her body.
Terrence is charged with first-degree murder and false offense reporting. And set to be arraigned Monday, Oct 22, 2012.
Her life could have been saved. Allegedly, over the 12 years of marriage upwards of 6 domestic violence reports were made. Sadly, no charges were ever made. So there was no prosecution. This is a case of what I call, domestic blinders, the ol’ rose-colored glasses syndrome. The victim likely thought it was all her fault, he was a good man, it won’t happen again, I upset him.
Had Karen read Susan Murphy Milano’s books, in particular ‘Time’s Up: A Guide on How to Leave and Survive Abusive and Stalking Relationships’ she may have saved her own life. She could have utilized Chapter 4 and gotten out safely. She’d have learned she wasn’t at fault- She was the one being abused because she’d have learned what an abuser is and how they abuse. And if her friends and family had read the books they’d have seen what was happening and recognized it for what it was. They’d have recognized Terrence for what he was, a potential killer.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
The Domestic Violence Incident of Joshua Franklin
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Thursday, October 11, near 5 P.M. in Leon County, Florida on Wekewa Nene Road , Robert J. Simmons-Godwin and Latonya Askew were killed. The two had gone to one of Latonya’s friends, Tamisha Berger boyfriend’s home after she received a call and plea to come and pick up Tamisha. Tamisha had informed Latonya that her boyfriend, Joshua Franklin, had hit her. When Godwin and Askew arrived at Franklin’s home he met them with a gun in hand and began shooting. Franklin then left the home and in his rush to get away ran over Godwin’s body. Askew was shot twice.
I do not know if LE had previous calls from Tamisha concerning any violence toward her by Franklin but the Leon County, Florida law enforcement is treating this shooting as a domestic violence situation. Apparently Mr. Franklin does have a volatile personality, he has a history with police and was on probation for armed robbery and carrying a concealed firearm.
Joshua Franklin is now in jail with no bond and charged with murder and gun related accounts.
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Thursday, October 11, near 5 P.M. in Leon County, Florida on Wekewa Nene Road , Robert J. Simmons-Godwin and Latonya Askew were killed. The two had gone to one of Latonya’s friends, Tamisha Berger boyfriend’s home after she received a call and plea to come and pick up Tamisha. Tamisha had informed Latonya that her boyfriend, Joshua Franklin, had hit her. When Godwin and Askew arrived at Franklin’s home he met them with a gun in hand and began shooting. Franklin then left the home and in his rush to get away ran over Godwin’s body. Askew was shot twice.
I do not know if LE had previous calls from Tamisha concerning any violence toward her by Franklin but the Leon County, Florida law enforcement is treating this shooting as a domestic violence situation. Apparently Mr. Franklin does have a volatile personality, he has a history with police and was on probation for armed robbery and carrying a concealed firearm.
Joshua Franklin is now in jail with no bond and charged with murder and gun related accounts.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Drew Peterson: His Own Saboteur?
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His own Saboteur? Yes I think so. Drew Peterson wanted it all, his very young sweetheart and the mother of his children dead. From all I have read and heard of Kathleen Savio’s death. I think he went about making exactly that happen. He announced what he wanted when asked how he was doing or how his day was. And he vocalized ‘I’d be better off dead’ then changed that status to ‘no, I’d be better off if Kathy (Kathleen) was dead.’ Drew went about his cake baking ‘go ahead, make my day’ plan when he attempted to hire a hit man. He stirred the cake mix when that plan fell through and he dressed in dark clothing - probably so he could hide in shadows and not be recognized if neighbors viewed him entering Savio’s home. Then Drew poured the mix in a baking pan when he came home to Stacy still wearing dark clothing and throwing more clothing in the washing machine. That clothing was female clothing that didn’t belong to Stacy. The cake baked as he coached her before she was interviewed by LE with him present. He stuck a toothpick in it to check for doneness when he corrected her during that interview and dumped it on a cake rack when he made her afraid for her own life as he told her he killed Kathleen. Drew wanted all his money to stay in his control and he wanted his children under his mind-bending control.
Yes. I do believe Drew Peterson killed his ex-wife, Kathleen Savio, he announced it and carried it out with precision. Although he hasn’t been tried in court with the disappearance of Stacy Peterson, I also believe he was responsible for her disappearing and alleged death. To me, it isn’t an alleged death, it is murder.
I just pray the jury seated in the trial sees behind the defendant’s lies with all testimony heard in court, in particular that of Pastor Neil Schori and finds him guilty as charged.
Drew Peterson is a talker and a braggart and he talked and bragged about his crime.
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His own Saboteur? Yes I think so. Drew Peterson wanted it all, his very young sweetheart and the mother of his children dead. From all I have read and heard of Kathleen Savio’s death. I think he went about making exactly that happen. He announced what he wanted when asked how he was doing or how his day was. And he vocalized ‘I’d be better off dead’ then changed that status to ‘no, I’d be better off if Kathy (Kathleen) was dead.’ Drew went about his cake baking ‘go ahead, make my day’ plan when he attempted to hire a hit man. He stirred the cake mix when that plan fell through and he dressed in dark clothing - probably so he could hide in shadows and not be recognized if neighbors viewed him entering Savio’s home. Then Drew poured the mix in a baking pan when he came home to Stacy still wearing dark clothing and throwing more clothing in the washing machine. That clothing was female clothing that didn’t belong to Stacy. The cake baked as he coached her before she was interviewed by LE with him present. He stuck a toothpick in it to check for doneness when he corrected her during that interview and dumped it on a cake rack when he made her afraid for her own life as he told her he killed Kathleen. Drew wanted all his money to stay in his control and he wanted his children under his mind-bending control.
Yes. I do believe Drew Peterson killed his ex-wife, Kathleen Savio, he announced it and carried it out with precision. Although he hasn’t been tried in court with the disappearance of Stacy Peterson, I also believe he was responsible for her disappearing and alleged death. To me, it isn’t an alleged death, it is murder.
I just pray the jury seated in the trial sees behind the defendant’s lies with all testimony heard in court, in particular that of Pastor Neil Schori and finds him guilty as charged.
Drew Peterson is a talker and a braggart and he talked and bragged about his crime.
Friday, June 8, 2012
The Death of Janet Christiansen Abaroa
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On April 26,2005 police received a call from Raven Abaroa that his wife was injured. When they arrived at the home, they discovered Janet Abaroa dead on the bedroom floor with large amounts of blood on the floor, the wall and a side door of the home. She had been stabbed in the chest. Their 6-month-old son was uninjured. Her husband, Raven, told them he’d come home from a soccer game and found her. Police began investigating the murder, and retained a search warrant to seize numerous items from the home. Including knives, the clothing Raven was wearing, financial statements, a pawn shop ticket and a check book. The autopsy showed Janet was pregnant.
Within a week, Raven retained an attorney.
Police continued to investigate the murder but remained more quiet than open to the media about progress. A few months later Raven Abaroa was offered a plea deal on another matter, embezzlement from the company he and Janet worked. A charge had been lodged against him in Feb of 2005. In September of that same year, Raven accepted the plea deal and pled guilty. He was sentenced to two years probation plus had to pay back near 10 thousand dollars. The police also began searching through the Abaroas’ email accounts. In the meantime Raven was mum about his wife’s murder and a few weeks after Janet’s death Raven moved to Utah to raise his son. Over a year after Janet was killed, the police began looking into a new lead involving computers, one was missing from the home. Police believe Janet had known her killer since no evidence of a break in was discovered.
Two years later, Raven met a woman named Vanessa Pond. In 2008 he asked her to marry him. But on the day of her bridal shower Raven became violent with her. He threw her down and pushed her around. Vanessa did an internet search on him and discovered a video of him opening a knife in front of Janet while talking about how he liked to collect knives. Vanessa was disturbed by the video. Raven told her he didn’t collect knives or have a fascination with them. Vanessa continued with her plans to marry Raven. Her parents confronted Raven asking if he’d killed his wife but all he’d say was he loved his wife. He didn’t deny or directly admit it.
Vanessa said on their wedding night, Raven was drunk and talked about how mad he was after Janet died. She said he kept saying how mad he was. She said he then cuddled up close to her and said, 'I promise I'll never hurt you.' Vanessa stated she didn't know how to take that. During the marriage, Raven had mood swings, he’d curse and call her names telling her how he hated her and didn’t care if she died. One comment he allegedly said to her is very telling to me.
He said, ‘you know what, I want to hit you so bad, and I can't get in trouble for it any more.’ She said she was in the bathroom and he pushed her and wouldn’t let her out. Vanessa said when Raven left, he grabbed Kaiden (his and Janet’s son) and said, come on, we have to go. Mommy doesn’t want us anymore.
It would be 2010 before police in NC would arrest Raven Abaroa for the murder of his wife, Janet Christiansen Abaroa. Raven fought extradition from Idaho but that is a battle he couldn’t win. Raven was brought back to Durham and Judge Stephens set a 5 million-dollar bond on him.
The police decided they needed Janet’s body exhumed for further testing. Allegedly they wanted to take fingerprints, casts of her hands and to see marks made on her skeleton by the weapon and to check if she was wearing contact lenses.
Raven Abaroa refused to sign the consent but Janet’s family did give permission and a Chambersburg, Pa., Judge ordered her remains exhumed.
Raven Abaroa’s trial has been set for Oct 2012. He still maintains he was at a soccer game when his wife was attacked and murdered.
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On April 26,2005 police received a call from Raven Abaroa that his wife was injured. When they arrived at the home, they discovered Janet Abaroa dead on the bedroom floor with large amounts of blood on the floor, the wall and a side door of the home. She had been stabbed in the chest. Their 6-month-old son was uninjured. Her husband, Raven, told them he’d come home from a soccer game and found her. Police began investigating the murder, and retained a search warrant to seize numerous items from the home. Including knives, the clothing Raven was wearing, financial statements, a pawn shop ticket and a check book. The autopsy showed Janet was pregnant.
Within a week, Raven retained an attorney.
Police continued to investigate the murder but remained more quiet than open to the media about progress. A few months later Raven Abaroa was offered a plea deal on another matter, embezzlement from the company he and Janet worked. A charge had been lodged against him in Feb of 2005. In September of that same year, Raven accepted the plea deal and pled guilty. He was sentenced to two years probation plus had to pay back near 10 thousand dollars. The police also began searching through the Abaroas’ email accounts. In the meantime Raven was mum about his wife’s murder and a few weeks after Janet’s death Raven moved to Utah to raise his son. Over a year after Janet was killed, the police began looking into a new lead involving computers, one was missing from the home. Police believe Janet had known her killer since no evidence of a break in was discovered.
Two years later, Raven met a woman named Vanessa Pond. In 2008 he asked her to marry him. But on the day of her bridal shower Raven became violent with her. He threw her down and pushed her around. Vanessa did an internet search on him and discovered a video of him opening a knife in front of Janet while talking about how he liked to collect knives. Vanessa was disturbed by the video. Raven told her he didn’t collect knives or have a fascination with them. Vanessa continued with her plans to marry Raven. Her parents confronted Raven asking if he’d killed his wife but all he’d say was he loved his wife. He didn’t deny or directly admit it.
Vanessa said on their wedding night, Raven was drunk and talked about how mad he was after Janet died. She said he kept saying how mad he was. She said he then cuddled up close to her and said, 'I promise I'll never hurt you.' Vanessa stated she didn't know how to take that. During the marriage, Raven had mood swings, he’d curse and call her names telling her how he hated her and didn’t care if she died. One comment he allegedly said to her is very telling to me.
He said, ‘you know what, I want to hit you so bad, and I can't get in trouble for it any more.’ She said she was in the bathroom and he pushed her and wouldn’t let her out. Vanessa said when Raven left, he grabbed Kaiden (his and Janet’s son) and said, come on, we have to go. Mommy doesn’t want us anymore.
It would be 2010 before police in NC would arrest Raven Abaroa for the murder of his wife, Janet Christiansen Abaroa. Raven fought extradition from Idaho but that is a battle he couldn’t win. Raven was brought back to Durham and Judge Stephens set a 5 million-dollar bond on him.
The police decided they needed Janet’s body exhumed for further testing. Allegedly they wanted to take fingerprints, casts of her hands and to see marks made on her skeleton by the weapon and to check if she was wearing contact lenses.
Raven Abaroa refused to sign the consent but Janet’s family did give permission and a Chambersburg, Pa., Judge ordered her remains exhumed.
Raven Abaroa’s trial has been set for Oct 2012. He still maintains he was at a soccer game when his wife was attacked and murdered.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Mode's Been on Hold but I Do Care
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Spouses are still killing spouses. Boyfriends are still killing girlfriends and vice-versa. Children are still being abused and killed. Police officers are still being shot and killed. It’s a deplorable circle. So, I’ve been slack on my blog. My mode is on hold. A couple trials I’ve watched in the recent months and the verdicts or sentencing really gave me the humbug feelings so I haven’t wanted to write about any other case. Then along came the disappearance of Kelli Bordeaux and I really felt my posting on crimes mode go more downhill. Kelli, a PFC combat medic, is still missing with whereabouts unknown. Two people from the establishment she visited the night she disappeared have been arrested on unrelated charges but no one has been arrested in connection with her disappearance.
The short version:
Fort Bragg officials reported Kelli’s status on Monday, April 16, 2012, she had not shown for work. Family members did not know where she was and law enforcement was notified. LE received information during their investigation that Kelli could be in danger. The last known place Kelli was seen alive is Froggy Bottoms bar. While at the bar she was seen conversing with a man. No reason is known why she went to the bar. The only real truths anyone has are questions. Why did Kelli decide to go to the bar on Friday April 13? Where is Kelli? Is she safe? Did she willingly disappear for reasons of her own? Did Kelli drink the 4 shots and 4 beer paid for on her tab? She was seen leaving the bar after 1 AM on April 14. The man she was speaking with while at the bar, is known sex offender Nicholas Holbert. Holbert has since been arrested but not in relation to Kelli’s disappearance. Police and volunteers have since done numerous searches in that area , including checking a pond, but come up empty. Family members nor her husband have heard from her.
Just when I thought the mode to write and post more on domestic violence and other crime had returned. I am once again thrown for a backward loop. Little is known at this time but in Columbus, Ohio police receive a tip of a man plotting murder for hire. Surveillance was set up and apparently evidence surfaced because they arrested Angel Javier Benitez on conspiracy to commit murder. The alleged victim was his wife.
Of course another case catches my eye today too. One that sounds to have been personal since he only shot the man. Ramundo Zerate, Jr. and his family drove home from a Mother’s Day celebration at the Tomball area park in Magnolia, Texas. When the family arrived home, a man got out a car and shot Mr. Zerate once in the head and again in the abdomen. The man apparently followed them home.
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Spouses are still killing spouses. Boyfriends are still killing girlfriends and vice-versa. Children are still being abused and killed. Police officers are still being shot and killed. It’s a deplorable circle. So, I’ve been slack on my blog. My mode is on hold. A couple trials I’ve watched in the recent months and the verdicts or sentencing really gave me the humbug feelings so I haven’t wanted to write about any other case. Then along came the disappearance of Kelli Bordeaux and I really felt my posting on crimes mode go more downhill. Kelli, a PFC combat medic, is still missing with whereabouts unknown. Two people from the establishment she visited the night she disappeared have been arrested on unrelated charges but no one has been arrested in connection with her disappearance.
The short version:
Fort Bragg officials reported Kelli’s status on Monday, April 16, 2012, she had not shown for work. Family members did not know where she was and law enforcement was notified. LE received information during their investigation that Kelli could be in danger. The last known place Kelli was seen alive is Froggy Bottoms bar. While at the bar she was seen conversing with a man. No reason is known why she went to the bar. The only real truths anyone has are questions. Why did Kelli decide to go to the bar on Friday April 13? Where is Kelli? Is she safe? Did she willingly disappear for reasons of her own? Did Kelli drink the 4 shots and 4 beer paid for on her tab? She was seen leaving the bar after 1 AM on April 14. The man she was speaking with while at the bar, is known sex offender Nicholas Holbert. Holbert has since been arrested but not in relation to Kelli’s disappearance. Police and volunteers have since done numerous searches in that area , including checking a pond, but come up empty. Family members nor her husband have heard from her.
Just when I thought the mode to write and post more on domestic violence and other crime had returned. I am once again thrown for a backward loop. Little is known at this time but in Columbus, Ohio police receive a tip of a man plotting murder for hire. Surveillance was set up and apparently evidence surfaced because they arrested Angel Javier Benitez on conspiracy to commit murder. The alleged victim was his wife.
Of course another case catches my eye today too. One that sounds to have been personal since he only shot the man. Ramundo Zerate, Jr. and his family drove home from a Mother’s Day celebration at the Tomball area park in Magnolia, Texas. When the family arrived home, a man got out a car and shot Mr. Zerate once in the head and again in the abdomen. The man apparently followed them home.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Brandon Preciado and Domestic Abuse
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Brandon Preciado is a young 29- year-old police officer for Long Beach. Sadly, he already has a long list of domestic violence charges lodged against him. Eighteen of them at this time. But I’m concerned he will not pay the way he should for his actions.
Although his wife, Yessenia, told the court of his abusiveness, she is reluctant to testify against him at trial. Yessenia told the court how he used his police department-issued flashlight to threaten her and about his wrapping a belt around her throat. She related how he threatened her with death. "Prepare to die," he allegedly told her. He’d bit her face. And on many occasions’ Brandon would hit her in the face. Yessenia has endured a bloody nose many times, hits with his baton, his fist and a broom and threats with a hammer.
Perciado is due in court March 18 for arraignment. He is on administrative leave from the police department. I am praying he actually goes to trial and Yessenia testifies to the horrors she has endured. Most likely, a good lawyer could get him off otherwise on a plea deal. Brandon has pled not guilty.
I hope Yessenia has heard of and read Susan Murphy Milano’s book ‘Time’s Up’ and takes action to protect herself should Brandon be set free. ( And that is a scary thought) To me, he appears to be a bomb waiting to explode. Yessenia could be in range of the flashback if she doesn’t utilize the help Susan’s book can provide her.
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Brandon Preciado is a young 29- year-old police officer for Long Beach. Sadly, he already has a long list of domestic violence charges lodged against him. Eighteen of them at this time. But I’m concerned he will not pay the way he should for his actions.
Although his wife, Yessenia, told the court of his abusiveness, she is reluctant to testify against him at trial. Yessenia told the court how he used his police department-issued flashlight to threaten her and about his wrapping a belt around her throat. She related how he threatened her with death. "Prepare to die," he allegedly told her. He’d bit her face. And on many occasions’ Brandon would hit her in the face. Yessenia has endured a bloody nose many times, hits with his baton, his fist and a broom and threats with a hammer.
Perciado is due in court March 18 for arraignment. He is on administrative leave from the police department. I am praying he actually goes to trial and Yessenia testifies to the horrors she has endured. Most likely, a good lawyer could get him off otherwise on a plea deal. Brandon has pled not guilty.
I hope Yessenia has heard of and read Susan Murphy Milano’s book ‘Time’s Up’ and takes action to protect herself should Brandon be set free. ( And that is a scary thought) To me, he appears to be a bomb waiting to explode. Yessenia could be in range of the flashback if she doesn’t utilize the help Susan’s book can provide her.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Donald Greenslit and The Death of Stacie DeSantis-Dorego
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From what I can gather the fire department and police were called to a home in Johnston, Rhode Island. Smoke was billowing from a chimney and neighbors were concerned. When the firefighters arrived, they found Donald Greenslit standing in the driveway screaming profanities, saying he didn’t need them, he was just burning wood in his fireplace. Firefighters put out his fire but what they found wasn’t just wood burning. They discovered the remains of a dismembered female wrapped in cloth and burnt. The deceased was found to be 39-year-old Stacie DeSantis-Dorego mother of Greenslit’s two small children Jake, 5; Lily, 3 and another daughter Mackenzie, age 14. The children were at home when Greenslit allegedly killed and dismembered then attempted to destroy her body but thankfully didn’t witness the events that led to her death. The police also discovered Donald wasn’t supposed to be at the home. He’d committed a couple DV incidents against Stacie and a no contact order had been issued on him. Now Donald is charged with her murder, violating the no contact order and child abuse. Child abuse because he endangered the children with smoke inhalation when he attempted to destroy Stacie’s body by burning it in the fireplace.
Donald Greenslit confessed to killing Stacie but he says it was self-defense because she attacked him. I hope he never sees sunshine without stripes hindering his view from behind bars. This is a case I will keep an eye on so my readers and, me too, will know when it goes to trial. Stacie was a wonderful young lady who was an aspiring writer and loved her children. She deserves justice. Stacie said her children were her soul. I wish I had gotten to know her better. My deepest and most sincere condolences go out to her children, family and friends.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Police Oficer deaths
I’d started 2011 with a piece on police officer deaths. Sadly the year was horrific for LE. More officers were killed in 2011 than 2010. I pray 2012 is a better year for all officers. But too, I pray less, lots less officer related intimate partner crime is committed during this year. Both these, the murders of officers and DV crimes are horrible for LE everywhere. Sadly on New Year Day this year I read of a park Ranger killing in Mt Rainier National Park. Her husband and children get to spend their year with a huge hole in their heart without her to fill it.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
The Police Officer Related DV Death of Leslie Morin
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Sometimes police officers break the law. On Monday, December 12, 2011 Jose Gonzales III, an officer with the Alice, Texas police department broke the law in a big way. He committed the ultimate sin. Murder. Jose was dressed for work when he drove to the home in Annaville where his ex girlfriend and common law spouse Leslie Morin was staying with her son and mother. Leslie and her mom hid in the closet when Jose arrived but he broke the door and entered the home, pulled her from the closet and shot her numerous times before taking their 8-year-old son and leaving. Leslie had left Jose, ending their relationship approximately two weeks earlier.
Gonzales fled to a home in Alice but LE was able to talk him into freeing the child and finally giving himself up to them. He exited the home with hands in the air to face his punishment. At least he gave up voluntarily and didn't start a gunfight with other officers. Or shoot himself.
Leslie's father, a pastor, has allegedly stated the family has forgiven Jose. I wonder if Leslie's mother is included in that statement. I don't know if I could. Her daughter was shot in front of her. Multiple times. That's rage. Allegedly no known domestic violence happened in the couple’s home prior to Leslie’s leaving. But surely something happened to cause her to fear for her life and leave. Subtle hints from him perhaps?
Jose Gonzales has been charged in the murder and given $250,000 bail. He, according to his lawyer, can't afford that bail. Good! The lawyer says Jose is still in shock and is emotional. Yeah, well, his son and Leslie's other child are likely still in shock and emotional also. Too late for regrets Mr. Gonzales!
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Sometimes police officers break the law. On Monday, December 12, 2011 Jose Gonzales III, an officer with the Alice, Texas police department broke the law in a big way. He committed the ultimate sin. Murder. Jose was dressed for work when he drove to the home in Annaville where his ex girlfriend and common law spouse Leslie Morin was staying with her son and mother. Leslie and her mom hid in the closet when Jose arrived but he broke the door and entered the home, pulled her from the closet and shot her numerous times before taking their 8-year-old son and leaving. Leslie had left Jose, ending their relationship approximately two weeks earlier.
Gonzales fled to a home in Alice but LE was able to talk him into freeing the child and finally giving himself up to them. He exited the home with hands in the air to face his punishment. At least he gave up voluntarily and didn't start a gunfight with other officers. Or shoot himself.
Leslie's father, a pastor, has allegedly stated the family has forgiven Jose. I wonder if Leslie's mother is included in that statement. I don't know if I could. Her daughter was shot in front of her. Multiple times. That's rage. Allegedly no known domestic violence happened in the couple’s home prior to Leslie’s leaving. But surely something happened to cause her to fear for her life and leave. Subtle hints from him perhaps?
Jose Gonzales has been charged in the murder and given $250,000 bail. He, according to his lawyer, can't afford that bail. Good! The lawyer says Jose is still in shock and is emotional. Yeah, well, his son and Leslie's other child are likely still in shock and emotional also. Too late for regrets Mr. Gonzales!
Friday, November 4, 2011
The You Shoot Me, I'll Shoot You Back . . . Later, Mindset
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I get upset anytime I read of children being the innocent victim of violence. Drive by shootings happens daily across this country. Durham, NC is no exception and that was proven in a harsh and violent way recently.
On the afternoon of Oct 23 Troy Lee Howard and two children 1-year-old Au-Nestii Hagans and 3-year-old Anaryiion Hagan were struck by bullets in a shooting on Driver Street. The children were inside their home and Howard was outside at a neighbor’s home. When police arrived they were told '3 masked men' drove up in a car and began shooting. However, at that time the police did not know if Howard was the intended victim or not.
Apparently a few days earlier on Oct 17, Tavarez Brown of Spruce Street was on Fern Street when he was the target of a shooting. Allegedly the shooting was perpetrated by John Tarver. So Brown decided you shoot me, I'll shoot you back. Later. So, on the Oct 23rd Tavarex Brown allegedly gathered his buddies, Jaunarais King and Arthur Clendenning and drove over to Driver Street and began shooting at John Tarver. The bullets missed Tarver but did hit the 2 children who were inside their nearby home. John Tarver shot back but his bullet struck Troy Lee Howard instead of his intended victims.
Residents of the neighborhood complained that shootings were becoming commonplace yet noone would give names of anyone who could have been involved. When police made a public plea -Help us help you - they received tips of possible shooters’ names.
Now, after the arrest of the alleged shooters, it seems a cousin of the victim Troy Howard says Arthur Clendenning was not a part of the foray of the 23rd. Allegedly Clendenning was at a home across the street from the Hangan's house. Even mom of the children. Dominique Hagans, says he couldn't have been one of the 3 shooters in the car because he was with her sister across the street and was the one who called to report the shooting. (Okay fine, but was he involved any way in some other manner such as contacting Brown and advising Tarver was outside his home?) I'd like to know how long he had been at Chandria Myers home. Had he arrived at the time the shootings happened or was there already? He could've been in the car, exited, then hotfooted it over to Myers home to make himself a part of an after the fact reaction and not the shooting action. Remember folks LE was told the day of the incident there were 3 Masked Men in the car - So if it wasn't Clendenning in the car, who else was involved?
The sad fact of all this is, all four of the accused have previous convictions on drug charges and Arthur Clendenning, Tavarez Brown and Jaunarais King also have convictions for carrying a concealed weapon. Brown was convicted of a couple assault charges previously. He was on probation. John Tarver was also on probation. Had all four still been in jail perhaps these children and Mr. Howard would not have been shot.
Even sadder is that two small babies were victims’ of others violent lifestyles. I am glad Mrs. Hagans is moving her children away from that street. They need to move forward and not be afraid in their home. I 100% agree with her comment as stateed in http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/10294259/
- "People just need to sit down and think about their actions sometimes. They actually don't affect (just) themselves. They affect other people (and) other people's families and children."
I'm also glad tips came in to police. I hope each of those involved goes to prison and serves a long full sentencing term without parole and is not given a short term sentence then probation. It's time to stop the violence in that neighborhood. Apparently two previous shootings occurred there over last 6 months when the victims were sitting on their porches. The residents need to move past this, whether Clendennings is an innocent bystander of the incident where Howard and the children were shot or not. He has a violent past so let him deal with his own legal problems and take back your streets! Gather neighbors and friends and make a pack to involve police with cleaning up the neighborhood of violent offenders. Keep the tips coming. Make it known, If you come on our street, to our neighborhood with your weapons and intent to harm, we'll turn you over to police - Then you are on your own. If the people believe Clendenning wasn't one of the shooters and knows who the alleged 3rd person in the car was, they need to call LE and advise them. After all, the police can't read minds. Let the cops do their job.
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I get upset anytime I read of children being the innocent victim of violence. Drive by shootings happens daily across this country. Durham, NC is no exception and that was proven in a harsh and violent way recently.
On the afternoon of Oct 23 Troy Lee Howard and two children 1-year-old Au-Nestii Hagans and 3-year-old Anaryiion Hagan were struck by bullets in a shooting on Driver Street. The children were inside their home and Howard was outside at a neighbor’s home. When police arrived they were told '3 masked men' drove up in a car and began shooting. However, at that time the police did not know if Howard was the intended victim or not.
Apparently a few days earlier on Oct 17, Tavarez Brown of Spruce Street was on Fern Street when he was the target of a shooting. Allegedly the shooting was perpetrated by John Tarver. So Brown decided you shoot me, I'll shoot you back. Later. So, on the Oct 23rd Tavarex Brown allegedly gathered his buddies, Jaunarais King and Arthur Clendenning and drove over to Driver Street and began shooting at John Tarver. The bullets missed Tarver but did hit the 2 children who were inside their nearby home. John Tarver shot back but his bullet struck Troy Lee Howard instead of his intended victims.
Residents of the neighborhood complained that shootings were becoming commonplace yet noone would give names of anyone who could have been involved. When police made a public plea -Help us help you - they received tips of possible shooters’ names.
Now, after the arrest of the alleged shooters, it seems a cousin of the victim Troy Howard says Arthur Clendenning was not a part of the foray of the 23rd. Allegedly Clendenning was at a home across the street from the Hangan's house. Even mom of the children. Dominique Hagans, says he couldn't have been one of the 3 shooters in the car because he was with her sister across the street and was the one who called to report the shooting. (Okay fine, but was he involved any way in some other manner such as contacting Brown and advising Tarver was outside his home?) I'd like to know how long he had been at Chandria Myers home. Had he arrived at the time the shootings happened or was there already? He could've been in the car, exited, then hotfooted it over to Myers home to make himself a part of an after the fact reaction and not the shooting action. Remember folks LE was told the day of the incident there were 3 Masked Men in the car - So if it wasn't Clendenning in the car, who else was involved?
The sad fact of all this is, all four of the accused have previous convictions on drug charges and Arthur Clendenning, Tavarez Brown and Jaunarais King also have convictions for carrying a concealed weapon. Brown was convicted of a couple assault charges previously. He was on probation. John Tarver was also on probation. Had all four still been in jail perhaps these children and Mr. Howard would not have been shot.
Even sadder is that two small babies were victims’ of others violent lifestyles. I am glad Mrs. Hagans is moving her children away from that street. They need to move forward and not be afraid in their home. I 100% agree with her comment as stateed in http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/10294259/
- "People just need to sit down and think about their actions sometimes. They actually don't affect (just) themselves. They affect other people (and) other people's families and children."
I'm also glad tips came in to police. I hope each of those involved goes to prison and serves a long full sentencing term without parole and is not given a short term sentence then probation. It's time to stop the violence in that neighborhood. Apparently two previous shootings occurred there over last 6 months when the victims were sitting on their porches. The residents need to move past this, whether Clendennings is an innocent bystander of the incident where Howard and the children were shot or not. He has a violent past so let him deal with his own legal problems and take back your streets! Gather neighbors and friends and make a pack to involve police with cleaning up the neighborhood of violent offenders. Keep the tips coming. Make it known, If you come on our street, to our neighborhood with your weapons and intent to harm, we'll turn you over to police - Then you are on your own. If the people believe Clendenning wasn't one of the shooters and knows who the alleged 3rd person in the car was, they need to call LE and advise them. After all, the police can't read minds. Let the cops do their job.
Friday, October 14, 2011
The Topeka 8
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The past few days I have been unable to put feelings in word with this horrific event. Even now, I feel I haven't expressed myself the way I want over this. I feel I could never really do so but thought I must try to at least say something on the matter - for the victims’ sake.
Due to all I have read and heard about the sham of a city council and the mayor I call these 8 persons ‘Enablers’. ( And it’s hard to call them persons) They need tee-shirts printed, declaring ‘I am one of the Topeka 8 - You Do Not Count. The 8 are facilitators of domestic violence and in essence have become abusers themselves. It’s not alleged but a fact -the vote the 8 cast this month takes away the victims’ right to assistance with the horrors they face. It’s said 30 abuse suspects were freed after the decriminalizing of domestic violence. And I am angry. I hope the citizens of Shawnee County, Kansas are angry too. I have a right through the constitution to speak my opinion of these ‘things’ called Topeka mayor and council members and I am doing so. You, too, have a right to contact them and speak your anger about this demoralizing victims of domestic violence. The victims have been thrown to the wolves.
I laughed when I googled Topeka, Kansas and came across their city government pages.
http://www.topeka.org/tpd/crime_victims_assistance.shtml
Here is a list of what is on the page listed above:
Types of crime we can offer assistance with:
Domestic Violence
Burglary
Battery
Identity Theft
Robbery
Sexual Violence
Assault
Criminal Damage
Stalking
Child Abuse
Theft
Hate Crimes
Workplace Violence
Graffiti
All the above can bestruck through. Because You Do Not Matter. This list needs to be wiped off the web page because it’s a farce. None of the list is applicable now, not since the Topeka 8 legalized domestic violence in the name of allegedly saving money. Each one of the crimes listed are part of how abusers operate. Not all abusers, but far too many to not strike through the crimes listed. Women and children of Topeka Kansas and yes, even men are no longer protected.
I cringe when I think of a child in Topeka crying because mommy and daddy, or mom and her boyfriend are screaming at each other. I think, maybe the abuser hitting the child’s mommy- demoralizing her verbally as mom cringes in a corner. I think of an elderly person silently screaming inside, why are you doing this to me? I wonder if she is thinking, I am your mother while she is being screamed at, threatened or hit. Perhaps both the child or elderly citizen reaches for a phone then yanks their hand back as if being struck by lightning because it dawns on them- There’s No One to Help. No One Cares. I Do Not Count. You want the names of the Topeka 8 abusers who do not care about the children or elderly, nor the spouses, girlfriend/boyfriend who are abused? Warning! Be ready to be shocked, Women Are On The List. Go Here: http://claudinedombrowski.blogspot.com/2011/10/topeka-voted-tonight-to-decriminalized.html
Keep this abuse by the mayor and members of the city council forefront in the news. Do Not Forget come election time.
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The past few days I have been unable to put feelings in word with this horrific event. Even now, I feel I haven't expressed myself the way I want over this. I feel I could never really do so but thought I must try to at least say something on the matter - for the victims’ sake.
Due to all I have read and heard about the sham of a city council and the mayor I call these 8 persons ‘Enablers’. ( And it’s hard to call them persons) They need tee-shirts printed, declaring ‘I am one of the Topeka 8 - You Do Not Count. The 8 are facilitators of domestic violence and in essence have become abusers themselves. It’s not alleged but a fact -the vote the 8 cast this month takes away the victims’ right to assistance with the horrors they face. It’s said 30 abuse suspects were freed after the decriminalizing of domestic violence. And I am angry. I hope the citizens of Shawnee County, Kansas are angry too. I have a right through the constitution to speak my opinion of these ‘things’ called Topeka mayor and council members and I am doing so. You, too, have a right to contact them and speak your anger about this demoralizing victims of domestic violence. The victims have been thrown to the wolves.
I laughed when I googled Topeka, Kansas and came across their city government pages.
http://www.topeka.org/tpd/crime_victims_assistance.shtml
Here is a list of what is on the page listed above:
Types of crime we can offer assistance with:
Domestic Violence
Burglary
Battery
Identity Theft
Robbery
Sexual Violence
Assault
Criminal Damage
Stalking
Child Abuse
Theft
Hate Crimes
Workplace Violence
Graffiti
All the above can be
I cringe when I think of a child in Topeka crying because mommy and daddy, or mom and her boyfriend are screaming at each other. I think, maybe the abuser hitting the child’s mommy- demoralizing her verbally as mom cringes in a corner. I think of an elderly person silently screaming inside, why are you doing this to me? I wonder if she is thinking, I am your mother while she is being screamed at, threatened or hit. Perhaps both the child or elderly citizen reaches for a phone then yanks their hand back as if being struck by lightning because it dawns on them- There’s No One to Help. No One Cares. I Do Not Count. You want the names of the Topeka 8 abusers who do not care about the children or elderly, nor the spouses, girlfriend/boyfriend who are abused? Warning! Be ready to be shocked, Women Are On The List. Go Here: http://claudinedombrowski.blogspot.com/2011/10/topeka-voted-tonight-to-decriminalized.html
Keep this abuse by the mayor and members of the city council forefront in the news. Do Not Forget come election time.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Religiously Motivated Medical Deaths Among Children
There is a tension between competing rights in cases that involve faith-based medical treatments. The First Amendment declares religious liberty and the states' duty to protect the welfare of children are competing issues. As advances in medicine evolved into an accepted science, claims of religious liberties became more prominent. With time, public views on the matter have supported that the courts are the place to solve such matters; particularly when they result in the death of a child. Subsequently, the court has become the foundation on which these tensions are resolved, or in many states, unresolved. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, nearly 30 states have specific exemption laws that permit parents to allow their children to die if they were using prayer as treatment. You don't need to have a criminal justice degree to understand the complications that this controversial topic has caused within the legal system of America.
Although public consensus seems to favor decisions of the courts to punish these parents, there are many places in the United States where the laws simply do not support that opinion. This is a cause for concern in the state of Idaho where two children have recently died as a result of faith-based healing beliefs.
In fact, according to an online article from the KATU by Dan Tilkin, in March of 2011, two very sick children died in Caldwell, Idaho. The children were from two separate families and likely died from pneumonia, although the medical examiner is not sure since they were never actually taken to a doctor. The article stated that “for more than 99 percent of the community of Idaho, not taking their children to a doctor when he or she is sick could be considered a crime.” For one group, however, it is perfectly legal in Idaho for parents to choose prayer as treatment for sick children, even if they are gravely ill. If the child dies, the parents are not prosecuted. Idaho is not the only state that has been in the news for children falling victim to their family's belief system.
The same issue surfaced in Oregon in 1998. Reports from an Oregon newspaper reported that of 78 children buried in the Followers of Christ church graveyard, 21 most likely would have lived with medical treatment; something as simple as a prescription for antibiotics. The cemetery may represent one of the biggest concentrations of faith-healing related fatalities in decades.
However, the laws are changing in Oregon. In the past two years, Oregon has prosecuted two couples for failing to provide medical care for dying children. Two other couples are currently awaiting trial for criminal mistreatment and second-degree manslaughter. It has taken decades, but the state is finally addressing the issue of neglect among faith-healing parents. Both prosecutors and lawmakers endorsed a bill on Feb. 21, 2011 that removes special protections for parents who use faith-healing instead of providing medical treatment for their children. The bill was a response to the aforementioned Followers of Christ, an Oregon church with a long history of children dying from treatable medical conditions. On March 10, 2011, the bill passed unanimously.
To have children die needlessly in a society that has become so medically advance seems counterproductive. Although we do have religious freedom and the right to choose, many of these children do not have the mental capacity or the ability to choose for themselves. They can make that choice as adults. Meanwhile states should protect these children just as they protect the lives of every other resident of the state. All in all, its important to be respectful to a group's religious beliefs, but when it can become a danger to an individual or members of society sometimes actions must be made.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Bill Phillips and Fred Bailey's Domestic Abuse Assaults
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These victims certainly need Time’s Up: A guide on How to Leave and Survive Abusive and Stalking Relationships by: Susan Murphy Milano
Bill Phillips was arrested for domestic assault Saturday, August 7, 2011. Seems Mr. Phillips didn’t want to leave the home after an argument and his wife asked him to because he proceeded to physically struggle with his brother. Mr. Phillips was summarily taken to jail and placed under a 10,000. dollar bond. The sad news is, allegedly Phillips’ son advised them he was scared his dad would get his guns and he feared for his own safety. Mr. Phillips had done so in the past apparently.
After his arrest, and free on bond Phillips went back to his wife’s home. This time he didn’t hang around to battle; he took her car without her permission. Again, LE was contacted and they came to the rescue. The police were still at the residence when Bill Phillips called his wife. Phillips allegedly seemed distraught (poor guy) and threatened to kill himself. The police put out a call to be on the lookout for him. He was spotted in Union Co., and police followed him to a bridge where he stopped the car, exited and proceeded to climb over the railing. An officer was able to get close enough and grab him before he jumped. Phillips was again charged, this time in Union Co., with Violation of Conditional Release then taken to the hospital for a possible mental evaluation. (Yep, mental evaluation - that works to solve the problem every time! Yes. I am being sarcastic.)
Mr. Phillips is an ex school board member. Sure glad to see he is an ex! I wouldn’t want such a man (I hesitantly use ‘man’ there) deciding anything connected to my children’s schooling.
Hopefully when he is released from the hospital his bond will be forfeited and his wife and son can breathe a sigh of safety relief. But I certainly will not hold my breath to see if that happens. Mr. Phillips allegedly has committed domestic abuse in the past: he also, allegedly had issues with drugs in both Knox and Union Counties. He admitted taking Ambien pills and Lexipro the day of the DV incidents.
Equally important is that it seems domestic assault in Knox Co. TN is nothing more than a misdemeanor!
I give you the alleged case of Fred Bailey's intimate partner assault as an example.
Fred Bailey and his girlfriend, Kelly Hoffman, began arguing in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Aug 9, 2011. Kelly attempted to leave the motel where they lived but Fred prevented her from doing so. At some point that day she was able to lock herself in a room but Fred’s anger allegedly hadn’t abated so he kicked the door in causing bodily injury to her and causing her to have seizures. Later that day, Kelly was able to escape and asked a neighbor for help. Police were called and Kelly was transported to the hospital. Mr. Bailey fled, allegedly taking a shotgun and 22 rifle with him behind the motel where he crawled under a camper.
LE called in K-9 but when the dog bit him, he threatened to shoot the dog. The standoff began and negotiators talked with him for around two hours before he gave up. Fred Bailey was taken for treatment for the dog bite then to jail and charged with domestic assault. He was placed on a 15,000. dollar conditional bond but didn’t bond out. (guess he was broke) Bailey goes for arraignment today but - What court division will he be taken too? Misdemeanor! What happened to the threatening an officer? ( A K-9 dog is a police officer too.) What happened to flight from arrest? Since when is domestic assault of any kind a misdemeanor?
A domestic assault that caused bodily injury is more than a misdemeanor to me! And I just bet many victims who have been physically harmed during an intimate partner violence attack would beg to differ with it being considered a misdemeanor too!
Please someone advise Bill Phillips’ spouse and Kelly Hoffman about Time’s Up. Susan Murphy Milano’s book is a roadmap for assistance with how to safely remove yourself (and your children) from toxic intimate partner relationships. It can help save lives!
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These victims certainly need Time’s Up: A guide on How to Leave and Survive Abusive and Stalking Relationships by: Susan Murphy Milano
Bill Phillips was arrested for domestic assault Saturday, August 7, 2011. Seems Mr. Phillips didn’t want to leave the home after an argument and his wife asked him to because he proceeded to physically struggle with his brother. Mr. Phillips was summarily taken to jail and placed under a 10,000. dollar bond. The sad news is, allegedly Phillips’ son advised them he was scared his dad would get his guns and he feared for his own safety. Mr. Phillips had done so in the past apparently.
After his arrest, and free on bond Phillips went back to his wife’s home. This time he didn’t hang around to battle; he took her car without her permission. Again, LE was contacted and they came to the rescue. The police were still at the residence when Bill Phillips called his wife. Phillips allegedly seemed distraught (poor guy) and threatened to kill himself. The police put out a call to be on the lookout for him. He was spotted in Union Co., and police followed him to a bridge where he stopped the car, exited and proceeded to climb over the railing. An officer was able to get close enough and grab him before he jumped. Phillips was again charged, this time in Union Co., with Violation of Conditional Release then taken to the hospital for a possible mental evaluation. (Yep, mental evaluation - that works to solve the problem every time! Yes. I am being sarcastic.)
Mr. Phillips is an ex school board member. Sure glad to see he is an ex! I wouldn’t want such a man (I hesitantly use ‘man’ there) deciding anything connected to my children’s schooling.
Hopefully when he is released from the hospital his bond will be forfeited and his wife and son can breathe a sigh of safety relief. But I certainly will not hold my breath to see if that happens. Mr. Phillips allegedly has committed domestic abuse in the past: he also, allegedly had issues with drugs in both Knox and Union Counties. He admitted taking Ambien pills and Lexipro the day of the DV incidents.
Equally important is that it seems domestic assault in Knox Co. TN is nothing more than a misdemeanor!
I give you the alleged case of Fred Bailey's intimate partner assault as an example.
Fred Bailey and his girlfriend, Kelly Hoffman, began arguing in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Aug 9, 2011. Kelly attempted to leave the motel where they lived but Fred prevented her from doing so. At some point that day she was able to lock herself in a room but Fred’s anger allegedly hadn’t abated so he kicked the door in causing bodily injury to her and causing her to have seizures. Later that day, Kelly was able to escape and asked a neighbor for help. Police were called and Kelly was transported to the hospital. Mr. Bailey fled, allegedly taking a shotgun and 22 rifle with him behind the motel where he crawled under a camper.
LE called in K-9 but when the dog bit him, he threatened to shoot the dog. The standoff began and negotiators talked with him for around two hours before he gave up. Fred Bailey was taken for treatment for the dog bite then to jail and charged with domestic assault. He was placed on a 15,000. dollar conditional bond but didn’t bond out. (guess he was broke) Bailey goes for arraignment today but - What court division will he be taken too? Misdemeanor! What happened to the threatening an officer? ( A K-9 dog is a police officer too.) What happened to flight from arrest? Since when is domestic assault of any kind a misdemeanor?
A domestic assault that caused bodily injury is more than a misdemeanor to me! And I just bet many victims who have been physically harmed during an intimate partner violence attack would beg to differ with it being considered a misdemeanor too!
Please someone advise Bill Phillips’ spouse and Kelly Hoffman about Time’s Up. Susan Murphy Milano’s book is a roadmap for assistance with how to safely remove yourself (and your children) from toxic intimate partner relationships. It can help save lives!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
The Alleged 'Twilight Rapist' Billy Joe Harris Is Going on Trial
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Billy Joe Harris, the accused Texas Twilight Rapist, is headed to trial in Jackson County, Texas. He is charged with rape of a 59 year-old disabled woman on January 8, 2011; and he’s charged with home invasion of that home; also a home burglary where evidence was recovered from December 4, 2010.
On September 12, 2011 jury selection will begin. This is his first trial and hopefully will set the tide flow for others to come. Harris’ lawyer, Alan Cohen, for the Jackson Co., trial is wanting DNA samples reexamined. Cohen is questioning the chain of custody handling of the samples and wondering if there could be contamination. DNA has linked Harris to 6 of the rapes of elderly women in Texas. He is also charged with numerous counts of home invasion, burglary, and assault. His alleged crime spree of terrorizing elderly citizens spanned 2 years and through 9 counties, from Jan 21 2009 until his capture Jan 8 2011. DNA and other forensic evidence were collected at numerous scenes; which is a good thing since the victims are elderly and their memories could naturally fade. The DNA links him to five of the assaults in Bell, Falls, and Leon counties and in Yoakum. Yoakum is where the first rape occurred on January 21, 2009. His second alleged rape in Yoakum in Feb of 2009 is when they collected DNA samples.
Oddly, Mr. Harris worked for the prison system in Texas for years so he should’ve known crime doesn’t pay. He was a food service manager and corrections’ officer for different TX prisons between 1999 through 2010. I don’t think if he is found guilty of crimes in which he is accused his food service business will be responsible for seeing he’s well fed. When Harris was in court recently for the Falls County charges he allegedly yelled bible verses and rolled his head. ( An insanity attempt? Remember, Harris allegedly told Quanell X that someone apparently broke into his home and stole his clothing then spread his DNA all over the place. I say he can play dumb-dumb if he wants, I have no sympathy for him)
His Falls County lawyers’ Hoagie Karels and Stan Schwieger entered not guilty pleas to the charges. All his lawyers in each town and county have an uphill battle, (hopefully a losing one) DNA, forensic evidence and the fact missing items from the home invasions were discovered in Harris’ home screams guilt to me.
Yoakum, TX seemed to be the Twilight Rapist favorite crime center. In that town alone he had allegedly perpetrated 2 rapes, an assault, 3 home invasions and 2 attempted burglaries. In the rape of Feb 27 2009 and the assault on November 9, 2009 DNA was collected. Allegedly one victim in Yoakum is also the one raped on 2 different occasions and it’s believed he attempted a third attack but she had moved. All the rapist victims were between 59 and 91-years-old.
my previous post on Twilight Rapist:
http://tigresspenssurmisals.blogspot.com/2010/01/texas-twilight-rapist.html
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Billy Joe Harris, the accused Texas Twilight Rapist, is headed to trial in Jackson County, Texas. He is charged with rape of a 59 year-old disabled woman on January 8, 2011; and he’s charged with home invasion of that home; also a home burglary where evidence was recovered from December 4, 2010.
On September 12, 2011 jury selection will begin. This is his first trial and hopefully will set the tide flow for others to come. Harris’ lawyer, Alan Cohen, for the Jackson Co., trial is wanting DNA samples reexamined. Cohen is questioning the chain of custody handling of the samples and wondering if there could be contamination. DNA has linked Harris to 6 of the rapes of elderly women in Texas. He is also charged with numerous counts of home invasion, burglary, and assault. His alleged crime spree of terrorizing elderly citizens spanned 2 years and through 9 counties, from Jan 21 2009 until his capture Jan 8 2011. DNA and other forensic evidence were collected at numerous scenes; which is a good thing since the victims are elderly and their memories could naturally fade. The DNA links him to five of the assaults in Bell, Falls, and Leon counties and in Yoakum. Yoakum is where the first rape occurred on January 21, 2009. His second alleged rape in Yoakum in Feb of 2009 is when they collected DNA samples.
Oddly, Mr. Harris worked for the prison system in Texas for years so he should’ve known crime doesn’t pay. He was a food service manager and corrections’ officer for different TX prisons between 1999 through 2010. I don’t think if he is found guilty of crimes in which he is accused his food service business will be responsible for seeing he’s well fed. When Harris was in court recently for the Falls County charges he allegedly yelled bible verses and rolled his head. ( An insanity attempt? Remember, Harris allegedly told Quanell X that someone apparently broke into his home and stole his clothing then spread his DNA all over the place. I say he can play dumb-dumb if he wants, I have no sympathy for him)
His Falls County lawyers’ Hoagie Karels and Stan Schwieger entered not guilty pleas to the charges. All his lawyers in each town and county have an uphill battle, (hopefully a losing one) DNA, forensic evidence and the fact missing items from the home invasions were discovered in Harris’ home screams guilt to me.
Yoakum, TX seemed to be the Twilight Rapist favorite crime center. In that town alone he had allegedly perpetrated 2 rapes, an assault, 3 home invasions and 2 attempted burglaries. In the rape of Feb 27 2009 and the assault on November 9, 2009 DNA was collected. Allegedly one victim in Yoakum is also the one raped on 2 different occasions and it’s believed he attempted a third attack but she had moved. All the rapist victims were between 59 and 91-years-old.
my previous post on Twilight Rapist:
http://tigresspenssurmisals.blogspot.com/2010/01/texas-twilight-rapist.html
Monday, August 1, 2011
Two Recent Cases: Spouse/Boyfriend Allegedly Couldn't or Didn't Want To Let Go
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In Houston, TX at the home of Robyn Hightower, a 22 year-old mother of 3, an apparent argument broke out over the phone between her and her abusive boyfriend, Ervin Jones, of several years. It’s said Robin wanted to end the relationship and move on with her life. Allegedly Ervin wasn't wanting to let go and later that same night stormed into the home. It’s said that another argument ensued and several shots were fired, one hit Robyn in the chest, causing her death. Ervin fled the scene.
Robyn's brother, standing outside the home with the children, heard the gunshots and ran into the home. Robyn was lying on her stomach in a pool of blood. He grabbed his sister up and rushed her to the hospital but she died a little later.
Ervin was later discovered at a gas station with a gunshot wound and was transported to the hospital. Whether or not he was accidentally shot during a struggle or deliberately is unknown. But one weapon was found inside the home. He was charged with murder in Robyn’s death. Ervin has a long history of violence, including assault of 2 female family members and murder of a man in 1989.
A mother of 2 and school teacher, Irene Mickens, had apparently filed for divorce from her controlling husband in hopes of moving on with her life. But, ( the buts always show up) on Tuesday July 12, 2011, her estranged husband and father of her 7 and 5 year old children, called her. Allegedly he told Irene in that call their daughter was seriously ill. Irene drove to his apartment in Sandy Springs but her daughter wasn't there, Jamal Mickens was and he had a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun.
Both their bodies were later found. Irene had been shot in the head.
Of note: I think Jamal and Irene's relationship was doomed from the beginning. He allegedly controlled her movements, who she was in contact with and who she couldn't see. She had filed for divorce and a restraining order in 2009 but had stopped it and tried to make a go of their marriage. Jamal had gone to anger management classes.
But back in November of 2010 she decided it was over and again filed for divorce. At that time she moved in with her sister in Charlotte and began putting the pieces of her life back together.
Both of these cases are tragic and examples of how bad relationships spin out of control. Had both read and utilized Time's Up: A guide on How to Leave and Survive Abusive and Stalking Relationships by Susan Murphy Milano just maybe their lives could've been saved. Why is it always too late? This book needs to be available to all victims and/or potential victims of domestic violence.
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In Houston, TX at the home of Robyn Hightower, a 22 year-old mother of 3, an apparent argument broke out over the phone between her and her abusive boyfriend, Ervin Jones, of several years. It’s said Robin wanted to end the relationship and move on with her life. Allegedly Ervin wasn't wanting to let go and later that same night stormed into the home. It’s said that another argument ensued and several shots were fired, one hit Robyn in the chest, causing her death. Ervin fled the scene.
Robyn's brother, standing outside the home with the children, heard the gunshots and ran into the home. Robyn was lying on her stomach in a pool of blood. He grabbed his sister up and rushed her to the hospital but she died a little later.
Ervin was later discovered at a gas station with a gunshot wound and was transported to the hospital. Whether or not he was accidentally shot during a struggle or deliberately is unknown. But one weapon was found inside the home. He was charged with murder in Robyn’s death. Ervin has a long history of violence, including assault of 2 female family members and murder of a man in 1989.
*****************
A mother of 2 and school teacher, Irene Mickens, had apparently filed for divorce from her controlling husband in hopes of moving on with her life. But, ( the buts always show up) on Tuesday July 12, 2011, her estranged husband and father of her 7 and 5 year old children, called her. Allegedly he told Irene in that call their daughter was seriously ill. Irene drove to his apartment in Sandy Springs but her daughter wasn't there, Jamal Mickens was and he had a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun.
Both their bodies were later found. Irene had been shot in the head.
Of note: I think Jamal and Irene's relationship was doomed from the beginning. He allegedly controlled her movements, who she was in contact with and who she couldn't see. She had filed for divorce and a restraining order in 2009 but had stopped it and tried to make a go of their marriage. Jamal had gone to anger management classes.
But back in November of 2010 she decided it was over and again filed for divorce. At that time she moved in with her sister in Charlotte and began putting the pieces of her life back together.
Both of these cases are tragic and examples of how bad relationships spin out of control. Had both read and utilized Time's Up: A guide on How to Leave and Survive Abusive and Stalking Relationships by Susan Murphy Milano just maybe their lives could've been saved. Why is it always too late? This book needs to be available to all victims and/or potential victims of domestic violence.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
James David Clarke and the Alleged Murder of Amber Chantel Elkins
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Amber Chantel Elkins, a 20-year-old mother from Spring, Texas has been missing since July 24, 2011. Events in the search for her moved quickly.
On Monday July 25, 2011 in the early morning hour (around 3:30 a.m..) Amber’s mother, Shani Kilpatrick received a call from Amber’s cell phone but allegedly said she missed the call because she was asleep. She called the number back about an hour later and a man answered but hung up and turned the phone off. ( one report says Amber’s father received a call from her Sun evening and when he tried to call her back got no answer) After the hang up call Shani received strange text messages from someone saying they were Amber and stated she needed gas money.
Later that morning a man contacted LE to report a vehicle with a window smashed out and blood inside parked at a car wash. As law enforcement began searching for the owner they discovered it was registered to Amber and she was due in court Monday and had not shown. Amber was in a custody battle with Frank Ferrata for her 9- month-old daughter, Ava Nicole. Frank said that it’s heartbreaking because Ava calls for her mama and is too young to understand. He and Amber had lived in Midway, TX until she moved back to the Houston area.
Amber also had a new boyfriend named James David Clark, age 31, and on Saturday, July 30, 2011 Harris County law enforcement arrested him and charged him in her death. The police say they have enough evidence to charge him.
James Clarke allegedly has a long history with LE dating back several years.
At this time, Amber’s body hasn’t been found. But, Texas Equusearch has been in Spring and Humble doing an extensive search for her. The search status has changed from missing person search to recovery.
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Amber Chantel Elkins, a 20-year-old mother from Spring, Texas has been missing since July 24, 2011. Events in the search for her moved quickly.
On Monday July 25, 2011 in the early morning hour (around 3:30 a.m..) Amber’s mother, Shani Kilpatrick received a call from Amber’s cell phone but allegedly said she missed the call because she was asleep. She called the number back about an hour later and a man answered but hung up and turned the phone off. ( one report says Amber’s father received a call from her Sun evening and when he tried to call her back got no answer) After the hang up call Shani received strange text messages from someone saying they were Amber and stated she needed gas money.
Later that morning a man contacted LE to report a vehicle with a window smashed out and blood inside parked at a car wash. As law enforcement began searching for the owner they discovered it was registered to Amber and she was due in court Monday and had not shown. Amber was in a custody battle with Frank Ferrata for her 9- month-old daughter, Ava Nicole. Frank said that it’s heartbreaking because Ava calls for her mama and is too young to understand. He and Amber had lived in Midway, TX until she moved back to the Houston area.
Amber also had a new boyfriend named James David Clark, age 31, and on Saturday, July 30, 2011 Harris County law enforcement arrested him and charged him in her death. The police say they have enough evidence to charge him.
James Clarke allegedly has a long history with LE dating back several years.
At this time, Amber’s body hasn’t been found. But, Texas Equusearch has been in Spring and Humble doing an extensive search for her. The search status has changed from missing person search to recovery.
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