crime, interrupted

48 Hours Mystery: No Way Out

2008-02-01T07:48:00.000-08:00

(Photos courtesy of Louise Bashi, press contact, CBS News: Top-Mabel and Sal Mangano decide not to evacuate the nursing home, leading to the deaths of 35 residents; Bottom-a lone wheelchair sits in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina at St. Rita's Nursing Home.)

Everyone remembers the numerous tragedies that resulted from Hurricane Katrina. This week on 48 Hours Mystery, they take a deeper look into the case of Mabel and Sal Mangano, caregivers at St. Rita's Nursing Home and their decision to not evacuate their residents.

COUPLE WHO FAILED TO EVACUATE ST. RITA’S NURSING HOME WHERE 35 DIED AFTER HURRICANE KATRINA SPEAKS FOR THE FIRST TIME ABOUT THEIR DECISION ON "48 HOURS MYSTERY" SATURDAY, FEB. 2, 2008 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT)

“WE LOST PEOPLE THAT WE LOVED, BUT THE DECISION IS MADE AND WE CAN’T GO BACK AND CHANGE IT,” SAYS MABEL MANGANO.

“WE HAVE A STIGMA THAT’S GOING TO FOLLOW US FOR A LONG TIME.”

Among the countless stories of catastrophe from Hurricane Katrina, perhaps one of the most horrific was that of St. Rita’s Nursing Home in St. Bernard Parish, where 35 elderly residents drowned because their caregivers decided not to evacuate the home.

In the days before Katrina hit, numerous evacuation warnings were issued in the New Orleans area, but over the years many residents had grown accustomed to storm warnings and were reluctant to leave. Among those who chose to stay were Sal and Mabel Mangano, who ran St. Rita’s. Their failure to evacuate resulted in the death of over half their patients. Subsequently, the Manganos were charged with 35 counts of negligent homicide for those that perished and 24 counts of cruelty to the infirm for those who survived. They faced over 200 years in prison if convicted.

“We lost people that we loved, but the decision is made and we can’t go back and change it,” says Mabel. “We have a stigma that’s going to follow us for a long time.”

The couple did not testify at their trial and until now, has refused to speak publicly about why they didn’t evacuate. In their first and only interview, Sal, 67, and Mabel, 65, tell 48 HOURS MYSTERY that, at the time, they believed they were doing the right thing by staying. In the absence of a direct evacuation order of St. Bernard Parish, the Manganos claim they considered the warnings to be just that – warnings.

“If it was mandatory, we felt like they would have come to help us, and we would have evacuated,” says Mabel.

“We don’t know how many would pass away by doing an evacuation. For 20 years we’ve never lost a resident during a hurricane,” says Sal.

The couple also claims that it was the breakage of the levees that killed their residents and not the actual hurricane. “The hurricane came that night and it was windy,” explains Mabel. “The parking lot didn’t have any water in it…So we felt real good the morning of the hurricane. We felt like, ‘God, it’s gone. We have made it. All of our residents are safe.’” Then, she says, “I heard them say, ‘The water is coming.’”

“Everything just happened so fast. Whoever was right there, you try and grab them,” Sal describes. “If they was in a wheelchair or the wheelchair turned over, as fast as it came in the building, they drowned within a matter of just a bit. It was horrible.”

Prosecutors maintain that the absence of a mandatory evacuation order was merely a technicality and that the Manganos were to blame for the deaths, a sentiment shared by the family members of those lost. “What’s sad is it could’ve been avoided,“ says Joe Galladoro, son of one of the victims. “We placed our faith and our trust in them...They betrayed that trust that we had.”

Now, two years after Katrina and five months after the trial many find it hard to forgive the Manganos. Others question whether the couple should still be held accountable for what was ultimately a larger breakdown among government officials and design mistakes by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer, who built the failed levee system.

Harold Dow reports on the Manganos and their trial on 48 HOURS MYSTERY: "No Way Out," on Saturday, Feb. 2 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. This broadcast is produced by Paul Ryan and Sara Rodriguez. Peter Schweitzer is the senior producer and Al Briganti is the executive editor. Susan Zirinsky is the executive producer.

For a video preview of this episode, click here.

48 Hours Mystery: Trigger Point

2008-01-28T10:06:00.000-08:00

Drew and Jenny Eisenman, in happier days.
(photo courtesy of Louise Bashi, press contact for CBS News)

This week's 48 Hours Mystery is on a special night with an all new episode. The episode highlights the case of Jenny Eisenman and her side of the story regarding the murder of her husband, Drew. Thanks to Louise Bashi once again for sending all the details. The episode airs Tuesday, January 29th. Check broadcast times in your area.

A SWEET, SOFT-SPOKEN WIFE AND TEACHER KILLS HER HUSBAND – WAS IT SELF DEFENSE OR MURDER?

"48 HOURS MYSTERY" ON TUESDAY, JAN. 29, 2008

In May 2004, Jenny Eisenman shot her husband Drew six times, killing him instantly, an act she claimed was self-defense. Drew was handsome, athletic and fun, while Jenny was slender, pretty and sweet. Living in Houston , both shared an interest in children and education – Jenny was an elementary school teacher, while Drew was a high school basketball coach. But behind the scenes, their fairytale relationship was quickly deteriorating. Jenny discovered that Drew was having an affair while she was pregnant with their first child. Worse, when their son was born, Drew brought his mistress to Jenny’s hospital room to hold the baby. Jenny and Drew separated a few months later.

Both Drew and Jenny attempted to maintain a civil relationship for the sake of their son, but all that changed one night in May 2004 when police were summoned to Jenny’s apartment after a frantic 911 call in which she admitted to shooting Drew. Expecting to find a homicide scene, police were in for two surprises – a pristine apartment with no sign of struggle or blood and the discovery of Drew’s body outside on the curb stuffed into a storage tub, the same one used to store the family Christmas tree.

Jenny claimed the shooting was an act of self defense against a brutal beating, and told police that Drew had abused her repeatedly in the past. Despite numerous bruises on her legs, police were convinced otherwise. They discovered there was something Jenny didn’t tell them: about an hour after the shooting she had gone to Wal-Mart to pick up spackle and paint to hide the bullet holes. But it was a series of provocative and sexual emails that Jenny sent Drew during the time that he was allegedly abusing her that helped convince a jury that this was not an act of self defense.

Although it would seem that this would be the end of the story, it is far from it. Did Jenny kill Drew in self defense or was it a calculated murder? Jenny Eisenman speaks on camera for the first time and tells her story to 48 HOURS MYSTERY.

Richard Schlesinger reports 48 HOURS MYSTERY: "Trigger Point," on Tuesday, Jan. 29 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. This broadcast is produced by Marcelena Spencer and Jenna Jackson. Judy Tygard is the senior producer and Al Briganti is the executive editor. Susan Zirinsky is the executive producer.

For a preview of the broadcast, please click here.

Wouldn't You Like To Know?

2008-01-23T22:50:00.000-08:00

A convicted murderer is set free because of a Supreme Court ruling. He's spent most of his life in and out of the prison system. He's free and clear to go where he chooses. He will have no supervision, no rehabilitation.

He's moving to your state.

Do you want to know? Do you think you have the RIGHT to know that a man who killed a single mother in 1977 -resides in your state? Do you think you have the RIGHT to know that this same man, who attempted to molested his stepdaughter during a prison visitation and attempted to ellicit phone-sex from her on another occasion-could potentially be your neighbor?

Ross Renecker could very well become your neighbor, if you live in Arizona.

Some people may say Renecker has served his time, and a man-supposedly dying from cancer-should be able to live out the rest of his life in peace. If you were to ask Frances Stubberfield's family, and hear her story-you may change your mind.

I only heard of this case because of Mark Horner and his blog "Beyond 90 Seconds". If not for him, I may have never heard the potential danger that Arizona residents like myself could face-until it was too late. In order to get the bigger picture- especially if you live in Arizona-you should listen to his interview with the victim's son, Scott Stubberfield.

Then answer the question:

Wouldn't you like to know?

Sources: Mark Horner-Beyond 90 Seconds
Yakima Herald-Republic

There's Still Time To Vote!

2008-01-23T08:24:00.000-08:00

If you haven't voted yet for your favorites in true crime, there's still time!

You can find all the details on the 2007 Capote Awards at Los Angeles Times best selling author Corey Mitchell's blog- In Cold Blog.

I was not nominated this time around, but I have to say that it is such an honor to be listed alongside of so many tremendously talented authors and bloggers!

Go Vote!

48 Hours Mystery: "Secrets In Palm Beach"

2008-01-18T11:34:00.000-08:00

Top- Linda Fishman

Bottom- Michael Jamrock, Linda's nephew and suspect in her murder.

Once again, I am pleased to present this preview of another episode of 48 Hours Mystery. This week's episode highlights the case of murdered Florida socialite Linda Fishman. All preview information, photos, and video provided by Louise Bashi, press contact for CBS News-unless otherwise noted.

A FLORIDA SOCIALITE IS FOUND STANGLED UNVEILING A SECRET LIFE OF DANGEROUS LOVERS AND A BOMBSHELL NO ONE WAS EXPECTING.

"48 HOURS MYSTERY" ON SATURDAY, JAN. 19, 2008

Palm Beach, Fl invokes images of wealth, sun and beauty, but on February 7, 2003 a sinister side of this town exposed itself when Linda Fishman, a beloved socialite known for her kindness, generosity and outgoing personality – who spent a lot of time there – was found murdered in her nearby home.

After working for years as the chief court administrator in Hartford , CT , where she met her husband Judge Milton Fishman, Linda moved to Boca Raton when he died unexpectedly of heart failure. Determined to make a fresh start Linda inserted herself in to the Palm Beach social scene, where the vivacious socialite developed a reputation as a caregiver to everyone from her nephew to her hairdresser.

It was this benevolence that police believed was the ultimate cause of her death. But who would want Linda dead? At first, they suspected her nephew, Michael Jamrock, a popular DJ at local radio stations. With a shaky alibi and questionable financial situation compounded with his odd behavior in the wake of his aunt’s death and a failed lie detector test, authorities had a powerful case. So powerful in fact that Michael’s own family began to question his involvement too.

As police dug deeper, however, they discovered that this socialite had a secret life – one filled with dubious younger men. But Linda’s murder remained unsolved until investigators received a bombshell anonymous letter that would turn this case on its head.

Troy Roberts reports 48 HOURS MYSTERY: "Secrets in Palm Beach ," on Saturday, Jan. 19 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. This broadcast is produced by Mary Noonan. Anthony Batson is the senior broadcast producer and Al Briganti is the executive editor. Susan Zirinsky is the executive producer.

Finally Some Relief For Chandler

2008-01-12T15:50:00.000-08:00

Finally, the community of Chandler, Arizona can rest a little easier knowing that a violent sexual predator allegedly responsible for the sexual assaults of 5 girls between 12 and 14 years old has been arrested. He is believed to be the elusive "Chandler Serial Rapist".

A press conference that took place about 2 1/2 hours ago with the Chandler Police Department confirmed that they arrested 39 year old Santana Batiz Aceves in the attacks. Aceves, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, had similar clothing in his vehicle that matched descriptions by victims. Also, DNA swabs matched evidence taken from the attacks. Aceves was living under the alias "Ricardo Ramirez Lopez".

Aceves, an illegal immigrant, was working as a heavy equipment operator, and living in the same area as an attempted attack on November 8, 2007. He has a wife, a son, and a daughter. I'm unaware at this time of their legal status. Surely, Aceves' legal status adds more fuel to the fire regarding the hot-button issue of immigration.

No matter what Aceves' legal status is, this case is about one thing only: The victims. The young girls who have been violated in their own homes. The focus should be on what this creep allegedly did, and on justice for the victims. While I can certainly agree that his legal status is an important element in the case, it usually ends up overshadowing the issue of the major aspect of the crime, and the victims.

I can only imagine the relief of this community that this creep has finally been caught and is off the streets. Tonight, they will rest a little bit easier.

Source(s): eastvalleytribune.com; azcentral.com; azfamily.com

Additional Information: [azfamily.com] Press Conference Video; Chandler PD press release [pdf]

He Needs A New Girlfriend Now.

2008-01-11T16:47:00.000-08:00

Looking a man? Okay, well he's not exactly a "man", other than the chronological sense, but he's back on the market, nevertheless.

Matthew Henry Fleming, 22, may be just the guy you're looking for. Of course, you may have to get used to him blaming you for leading the police on high-speed chases. You would also have to be understanding of his twenty-some prior charges and convictions. Here's a snip from azcentral: [full article]

Chandler police have arrested a man they believe fled from officers while driving drunk in south Chandler - then crashed the vehicle, jumped into his girlfriend's lap and told police she was the driver, court records show.
Police arrested Matthew Henry Fleming, 22, Wednesday on suspicion of unlawful flight, endangerment and DUI, police said.

You never know, he could be a great catch. Then again, there may be a long wait....

Sorry, ladies.

Beyond 90 Seconds

2008-01-11T11:18:00.000-08:00

It is my pleasure to share with you a blog from a friend, award-winning journalist, television news reporter, and acclaimed author of September Sacrifice-Mark Horner. While Mark's blog is actually "not-so-new", he recently dusted off the cobwebs and brought it back to life!

Mark has made appearances on numerous television programs, such as Dateline NBC and A&E's "American Justice".

Mark's blog is called "Beyond 90 Seconds" and is sure to be a hit with true crime readers! Please take a moment and check it out!

Enjoy!

Happy (Belated) Blogiversary!!

2007-12-26T11:02:00.000-08:00

I'm about 2 weeks late on commemorating the first anniversary of this blog, "Crime, Interrupted". Generally speaking, I am a procrastinator. This time however, the delay was not due to my procrastinating nature, but rather for a reason that has brought much happiness to myself and my family. My parents took a cross-country RV ride from NY (upstate) to Arizona, so that they could spend the holidays with me, my husband, and our kids. The day they came into town was the same day as my blogiversary, December 14th. The last Christmas I spent with my parents was 10 years ago, and the last time I saw them was when they visited in 2000. My son, at the time was 2 months old. Since then, I also had a daughter, whom they had not seen in person, only in pictures.

On December 14, 2006, one of my debut blog entries consisted of the Kanye West/Evel Knievel lawsuit. Since that time, the suit was settled, the two men put their animosity behind them, and sadly-- Evel Knievel passed away, as did Kanye West's mother.

My biggest thanks and gratitude goes to you, the reader, obviously for reading. I cannot express enough the appreciation that I have for all my readers. Thank you!!

It Must Take A Lot Of Gall.....

2007-12-19T13:39:00.000-08:00

Imagine you are having a routine surgery. You're in the operating room, unconscious, oblivious to what is taking place. Of course, what should be taking place is your surgery. The surgery that Sean Dubowik went in for was supposed to be gall bladder surgery-which he got-along with much more. Here's a snip from the AZcentral website:

A Mayo Clinic Hospital surgeon in training used a cellphone to photograph a patient's genitals during surgery and now may face disciplinary action and a patient's attorney. Dr. Adam Hansen, chief resident of general surgery at the Phoenix hospital, admitted to Mayo administrators he snapped the photo during a Dec. 11 gallbladder surgery on patient Sean Dubowik, whose penis bears the tattooed slogan, "Hot Rod."

Please read the full article here.

Judging by the numerous comments on the article, I guess most people think this doctor should not lose his job. And since Mr. Dubowik is a strip club owner and has a tattoo on his penis, then how dare he be upset that someone take a picture of it while he's unconcious and is unable to consent to such a photo.

That, of course, is sarcasm-because I don't think it's ever "okay" to take a picture of someone's genitals while they are unable to consent, no matter what the person does for a living, and no matter what is tattooed on that region. Only Mr. Dubowik knows how truly violated he feels. Just because he owns a strip club and has a penis tattoo, doesn't mean that he's not human, and can't feel humiliation.

What do you think?

This Week's "48 Hours Mystery": Castro Valley's Jane Doe

2007-12-14T07:58:00.000-08:00

Once again, I would like to bring your attention to a case featured on "48 Hours Mystery". You may remember seeing the recontruction of the young girl who was found brutally murdered in 2003. This 48 Hours Mystery episode takes you through the process of the reconstruction, highlights the determination of a cop who was haunted by this case from the beginning, the outrage of a community, and finally the identification of the victim. Please check your local listings for broadcast times. The show is on an hour earlier this week!!

Left to Right: Reconstruction of "Jane Doe"; Yesenia Nungaray/"Jane Doe"; Miguel Castaneda, potential suspect.
(Thanks to Louise Bashi, CBS News press contact, for providing the photos.)

A COP’S OBSESSION, A COMMUNITY’S RESOLVE, A FORENSIC SCULPTOR AND A 48 HOURS BROADCAST HELP IDENTIFY A MURDERED GIRL THEY CALLED JANE DOE--- BUT WILL POLICE FIND HER KILLER?

"48 HOURS MYSTERY" ON SATURDAY, DEC. 15

On the night of May 1, 2003, a teenage girl’s body was found in a trash bag left behind a restaurant in peaceful Castro Valley , Calif. The gruesome discovery became one detective’s obsession and touched the entire community, which came to call the young girl “ Castro Valley ’s Jane Doe.”

With no identity, the chances of tracking down Jane Doe’s killer were slim. Following countless leads, police eventually turned to forensic sculptor Gloria Nusse who embarked on an incredible effort over several weeks, to recreate Jane Doe’s face. Armed with this lifelike construction, police hoped to track down the victim’s identity, an effort that was fruitless, until suddenly the tide turned.

After the relentless efforts of the authorities and the local community, and a tip after a 48 Hours broadcast, police finally caught a break that led them to Yahualica , Mexico , a bereaved mother and a potential suspect.

Now, knowing the identity of their beloved Jane Doe, will police find their killer, and close the case that has haunted them for five years?

Harold Dow reports 48 HOURS MYSTERY: "The Girl Next Door," on Saturday, Dec. 15 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT)** on the CBS Television Network. This broadcast is produced by Clare Friedland. Judy Tygard is the senior producer, Al Briganti is the executive editor and Susan Zirinsky is the executive producer.

To preview this week's episode, please click here.

Tonight on 48 Hours Mystery: Fugitive Esther Reed

2007-12-01T09:23:00.000-08:00

Top: Esther Reed, using Brooke Henson's identity; Bottom: The real Brooke Henson, still missing. (Photos provided by Louise Bashi, press contact for CBS news)

I apologize for being so late on this, as many projects and other life "goings-ons" have taken up a large portion of my week. So, for those interested in watching this week's episode of 48 Hours Mystery (CBS), here are the highlights of the episode sent to me via email from Louise Bashi. Thanks, Louise :)

INVESTIGATORS THOUGHT THEY TRACKED DOWN A MISSING SOUTH CAROLINA GIRL TO AN IVY LEAGUE SCHOOL , BUT DISCOVERED INSTEAD, A YOUNG CON WOMAN WHO IS OUTSMARTING THEM ALL

"48 HOURS MYSTERY" ON SATURDAY, DEC. 1

In the summer of 2006, Lisa Henson received the call that she patiently waited seven years for - police had found her missing niece, Brooke, enrolled at Columbia University and were on their way to meet her. But just as Henson's greatest hope was realized, it was quickly dashed when police discovered that the woman they had found was not Brooke. In fact, they had stumbled onto the trail of Esther Reed, a young woman who is still outsmarting them all.

Esther Elizabeth Reed disappeared from her Seattle home in the summer of 1999, right around the time of Brooke Henson's disappearance from her home in Travelers Rest, S.C. While Brooke was a free spirit, Esther was a sullen teen, a gifted chess player whose intelligence far exceeded her age and, as police would uncover, one whose life became a cross-country con of fake identities and frustrated dreams.

From Seattle to Arizona to California , Chicago , Boston and New York , among others, Reed has reinvented herself as a career chess player, a debate champion and even an Ivy League student attending Columbia and Harvard Universities . Over the course of her journey, Reed has used at least four different names, seduced military personnel, and allegedly stolen over $100,000 in student loans.

With a federal indictment and the Secret Service on the hunt, Reed, a high school dropout remains one step ahead, giving authorities a run for their money. "She is not Esther Reed. She is not Brooke Henson," says John Urquhardt a Sergeant with the King County Sheriff's Office in Seattle , Washington , "but she is somewhere and she is somebody."

Now, 48 HOURS MYSTERY launches its own investigation in conjunction with local police, private investigators, friends and family, and obtains exclusive interviews with one of Esther Reed's victims, a number of former lovers, an ex-con in Chicago, and a medical student who remained best friends with Reed for years, never suspecting what she was really up to. Additionally FBI consultant Frank Abagnale, whose exploits as a phony pilot, lawyer, and doctor inspired the motion picture "Catch Me If You Can," weighs in on the case.

Peter Van Sant reports 48 HOURS MYSTERY: "Capture the Queen," on Saturday, Dec. 1 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. The broadcast is produced by Miguel Sancho. Chris O'Connell is the associate producer. Peter Schweitzer is the senior producer. Al Briganti is the executive editor. Susan Zirinsky is the executive producer.

You can find the video preview here.

Shevy Wright--One Wish

2007-11-20T08:09:00.000-08:00

With so much death, destruction, and evil in the world, I thought it would be nice for once to write about a story about something sad, yet heart-warming. It's not too often that we hear about the good things that our law enforcement do. A great number of people focus on putting down our officers of the law-they aren't doing enough, they are corrupt-blah, blah, blah....the list goes on.

They take an oath to protect all citizens. They risk their lives, see things that everyday people wouldn't wish to see in a million years. Shevy Wright took that oath also. He took the oath in front of the Chief of the Chandler (Arizona) Police Department, as any officer would-amid his fellow officers and other public officals. He had a uniform and other police equipment, as well as his own personal locker. His badge number was #1018. Yes, Shevy was a full-fledged member of the Chandler Police Department.

Shevy had one of his greatest wishes come true-to be a police officer. A nine-year-old little boy wished for one thing- to put away the bad guys just like his fellow officers.

It all started with a diagnosis of a brain tumor in December 2006, a Disney World trip provided by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and eventually the Chandler Police Department caught wind of Shevy's wish to be a police officer.

Sadly, Shevy lost his battle with his tumor. It was one "bad guy" that he couldn't catch, and that no one could protect him from.

Shevy's short life should serve as an example that the people that protect and serve us are human. They are hard-working individuals that really do want to make a difference, protect the community, and make wishes come true.

Rest In Peace Shevy, and may your memory continue to serve what "community" is all about.

If you are interested in sending your condolences to Shevy's family, there is an online guestbook available here.

Shevy Wright, left, with Chandler Police Chief Sherry Kiyler
(photo from the chandlerpd website.)

Sources: azcentral.com; kpho.com

This Week's "48 Hours Mystery": The Madeleine McCann

2007-11-16T10:17:00.000-08:00

First, a personal note to everyone. My apologies for the light amount of blogging lately. I've had really crazy work hours lately, and I'm also trying to work on a couple other projects as well.

Left to Right:
Jane Tanner, McCann family, composite of alleged kidnapper.
(Courtesy of Louise Bashi, CBS News)

I received an email from Louise Bashi, the press contact for CBS News about an exclusive episode of "48 Hours Mystery". This week's episode covers the Madeleine McCann case. While I haven't blogged about the case before this time, I thought you all would be interested in this episode.

48 HOURS EXCLUSIVE

“I MIGHT HAVE SEEN MADELEINE BEING ABDUCTED,”
SAYS JANE TANNER, ONE OF THE McCANN DINNER COMPANIONS THE NIGHT OF MADELEINE’S DISAPPEARANCE

Private Investigator Says He is 100% Sure Maddie is Alive

“I never in a million years thought it could have been Madeleine…It was just complete shock and complete horror that I might have seen Madeleine being abducted,” says Jane Tanner in her first public interview to be broadcast on 48 HOURS MYSTERY reported by Peter Van Sant on Saturday, Nov. 17 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

In this exclusive interview, Tanner, one of the McCanns’ friends and dinner companions at The Tapas Restaurant the night of Maddie’s disappearance, describes catching a glimpse of an oddly dressed man carrying a child. “I just saw somebody walking across the top of the road…that person was carrying a child,” she recounts. “I could tell it was a child…I could see the pajamas and the feet.” Tanner initially thought nothing of it, but is now certain that she saw the abduction in progress.

Tanner goes on to say that she told police what she saw that same night. “As soon as the police arrived, they were brought to the apartment and I told them what I’d seen…And then the CID (Criminal Investigative Department) people arrived a little later I again told them exactly what I’d seen.” Her description even led to an artist’s rendering distributed by the family a month ago.

Tanner strongly supports the McCanns, saying they had nothing to do with Madeleine’s disappearance, “We know Kate and Gerry well. We know that there’s no way that what the media are saying is true. It’s just madness.”

Francisco Marco, a Spanish private investigator hired by a supporter of the McCanns, expresses a similar sentiment, claiming to have answers the whole world has been waiting for. “We’re 100% sure that she is alive. We are sure she was abducted. We are very, very close to finding the kidnapper.”

In addition to these explosive revelations, 48 HOURS has acquired information from a highly placed source in the investigation who discloses that Portuguese police are now not investigating homicide by Kate and Gerry McCann as a possibility. 48 Hours has also learned from police sources that the DNA is inconclusive and will not solve this case. 48 Hours also went undercover, hiring top US private investigator Joseph Moura, who has handled cases in Portugal . Moura unearthed eyewitness accounts that contradict both the local investigators’ and the McCanns’ versions of the events of May 3.

What really happened the night Madeleine McCann vanished? Are the McCanns and their friends telling the entire truth? Are authorities close to catching someone?

48 HOURS MYSTERY: WHERE’S MADDIE? is produced by Doug Longhini, Joe Halderman, Liza Finley, Avi Cohen, Patti Aronofsky and Peter Henderson. Al Briganti is the executive editor. Susan Zirinsky is the executive producer.

This 48 HOURS report was prepared in cooperation with the BBC and Sociedade Independente de Comunicaco Sa/TV of Portugal . CBS’ 48 HOURS program and BBC’s Panorama are prepared independently.

There is also a video preview of the episode. It's an episode you won't want to miss with never before seen footage of Kate and Gerry McCann.

In The Year 2037

2007-11-07T13:41:00.000-08:00

Taegen Elise McKinney

She would have and should have been able to celebrate her second birthday on November 11th. In 30 years, she probably would have been a beautiful, married woman with children of her own-celebrating her 32nd birthday. That was all taken away from little Taegen McKinney. Now her killer, Jose Garcia will have, at the very least, the next 30 years of his life taken away.

Jose Garcia pleaded guilty to child abuse in the stomping death of Taegen McKinney. He will be eligible for parole in the year 2037. In the year 2037, Jose Garcia will be 49 years old. No "spring chicken" by any stretch--but still young enough to live a productive life, when and if he gets out.

Taegen, on the other hand, as well as her family will never get that opportunity. Her Daddy will never get to walk her down the aisle, and give her away to her would-be husband. Her Mommy will never get the chance to give her advice or hold her when she's mending a broken heart. There will be no groundings for sneaking in late from a date. There will be no praise for good grades, no punishment for bad grades. All these moments--good, bad, and otherwise--have been taken away.

In September, I had the pleasure to go to Sahuarita, AZ and help out with the rally for Taegen's Law. It was an experience that I will never forget. I am grateful to have been able to help out in any way to honor Taegen's memory.

Taegen's family have a website in her memory. There is also a petition for tougher laws for child abusers and killers. Even though Taegen's killer is where he belongs, her family still needs help from everyone. This shouldn't have to happen to another family.

Sources: KOAT.com
memory-of.com
i-petitions.com

Paging Doctor Peter Normann--Stat!

2007-10-30T08:49:00.000-07:00

Dr. Peter J. Normann

The whole story sounds like a bizarre science fiction film, but for the families of Dr. Normann's victims, it's all too real. A doctor, performing liposuction procedures, loses 3 patients in a seven month period. One death occurred in December 2006, another in April 2007. The latter death resulted in restricting Normann's medical practice. Yet even after the restrictions, Normann-- with the assistance of a homeopathic doctor named Gary Page, was allegedly the cause of yet another death in July 2007.

Both Normann and Page were barred from practicing medicine.

What's bizarre still is Normann's "medical staff", which according to the Arizona Medical Board, included a "license massage therapist, a former restaurant owner, two former pre-school teachers and his mother" .

Two of the families of the deceased patients have filed lawsuits against Normann. But Normann is nowhere to be found. He disappeared shortly after his license was revoked.

These families deserve justice for their loved ones, and they deserve compensation for the barbaric practices that destroyed their lives.

Someone knows where he is. If it's you, do the right thing and turn him in to the authorities.

Sources: Arizona Republic, azcentral.com; Arizona Medical Board.

Four Corners Creep Of The Week: "The Cream Of The Creep"

2007-10-29T09:27:00.000-07:00

So, just who is the creepiest creep of all? This week, you get to decide just who is the biggest creep out of all our Four Corners Creeps thus far.

If you would like a recap of who exactly you are voting for, just click here. Then come back and cast your vote!!

48 Hours Mystery Highlights Dr. Stidham Murder Case

2007-10-25T10:57:00.000-07:00

I first found out when the 48 Hours Mystery show highlighting the Dr. Stidham murder case from reading Tucson Citizen reporter A.J. Flick's blog about the Stidham case.

I also received an email with a profile of the upcoming episode, which I would like to share.

Dr. Brian Stidham with his son

Dr. Brian Stidham with Dr. Bradley Schwartz(R)

(Logo and Photos provided by Louise Bashi, press contact for CBS News)

A BELOVED CHILDREN’S EYE DOCTOR IS BRUTALLY MURDERED IN TUCSON REVEALING A SHOCKING WEB OF SEX, DRUGS AND REVENGE ON "48 HOURS MYSTERY" ON SATURDAY, OCT. 27

Brian Stidham was a beloved family man and a talented eye surgeon who graduated with honors from Harvard Medical School. The 37 year-old doctor’s career was taking off when he moved his family from Texas to Tucson for a position alongside a renowned surgeon named Dr. Bradley Schwartz. But Stidham’s promising life was cut short in October of 2004 when he was found murdered in the parking lot outside his office. Stabbed 15 times, Stidham’s death shook the town to its core. The results of the subsequent investigation contained shocking revelations about Dr. Schwartz, involving sex, drugs and an insatiable hatred of Dr. Stidham. Schwartz had been living a secret life that included extramarital affairs, and an addiction to Vicodin. When he was indicted on drug charges, his new partner, Dr. Brian Stidham, decided to launch his own successful practice. Schwartz became enraged and blamed Stidham for stealing his patients and staff. For years, Schwartz was consumed by rage and a desire for revenge. Detectives believe Schwartz hired a hitman to kill his former partner on the night of October 5, 2004, but he cunningly established an alibi by going on a date at the time of the murder. Lead investigator Jill Murphy recalls “some of the witnesses that came forward had told us that Dr. Schwartz had said that he would not have committed the murder himself, that he would have someone do it for him.” This story of an unquenchable hatred and obsession for revenge that ends in murder is reported by Peter Van Sant, on 48 HOURS MYSTERY, this Saturday, Oct. 27 ( 10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

“An Eye for an Eye” is produced by Ian Paisley, Joe Halderman, and Lourdes Aguiar. Anthony Batson is senior producer and Al Briganti is the executive editor. Susan Zirinsky is the executive producer.

For a video preview, go to the following link 48 Hours Mystery: Eye For An Eye.

Many of you already know that Dr. Brian Stidham was my daughter's eye doctor. He performed her first eye surgery in June 4, 2004, four months before his brutal murder.

Four Corners Creep Of The Week: The Rude Lady

2007-10-23T08:17:00.000-07:00

Votes were a little slow last week, but overall Michael Anthony Douglas, as you can see is definitely an alleged creep.

I apologize for the delay on this week's creep. Things have been busy, busy, busy......

This week's creep is not a creep that is once again "ripped from the headlines", but rather one that I had encountered yesterday. So, for the purpose of this story, she shall be called "The Rude Lady" AKA "The Money Order Lady".

It may not be a crime in the literal sense, but I will let you all decide if she is a creep or not. Okay, on with the story.....

Every day I stop at the local convienence store on my way to get my son from school to purchase a drink. The afternoons are still pretty warm here, so nothing beats an ice cold beverage. Apparently, the gentleman behind me felt the same way. Enter "The Rude Lady". She had just stepped in line in front of me and the gentleman. She had a list that she handed to the cashier, different amounts for different money orders. Her list contained approximately 6 separate money orders.

Now, don't get me wrong, I don't mind waiting in line. But if you have ever been in line behind someone getting a money order, you know they take awhile. I leave in plenty of time to account for a long line or any other mishap that could delay me in picking up my son from school.

The cashier kindly asked the lady- and I stress kindly because she really was very polite and professional about it-if she would mind letting me and the gentleman go ahead of her, given the fact that we both only had a soda each that would take about 30 seconds for her to ring up and just send us on our way. Of course, any normal person-myself included-would have said "sure". The Rude/Money Order Lady, with the maturity of a six-year-old said this:

"Why should I? I was here first."

So as you can see, basic courtesy and human kindness are running rampant in these parts. If it was a crime, I would charge her with failure to get a bank account, or if I wanted to get even, I would just charge her with a 5 pound bag of ice upside her head.

But I'm a nice person.

And, just to add for the record, if it wasn't for those ridiculous plastic straw wrappers that are impossible to get off of your straw-I would have been in line first. SO THERE!!!

Stupidity and Another Innocent Victim

2007-10-22T08:43:00.000-07:00

Sunday is the only day that I work in the morning, due to my husband's work schedule. I mainly work in the evenings. Because of this fact, there are some co-workers that I only see on Sundays.

When one of my co-workers was dropped off by a vehicle, which was not the vehicle he normally drives or arrives in, I was a little curious and admittedly-nosy. So I asked him where his car was.

He had crashed his car. He was speeding and totalled it. Of course, naturally, I had to ask if he was drinking and driving. He said he was, and also added that he had spent 3 days in jail, and had a court date. If I had more time, I probably would have said more. I probably would have mentioned the fact that he had a little baby. I probably would have asked him how he would feel if he had killed someone. I probably would have asked him how he would feel if some drunk person had run down him and killed someone, like his child, or his child's mother. But, I didn't. I sure plan to, though.

There's another case though that needs to be heard. Another innocent victim, a little girl. Her story is in the news, but yet she is another victim whose name we do not know. Here is a snip of the online article from the Arizona Republic.

Police say Wilson Gilberto Alba-Cano, 27, was the driver in a hit-and-run accident that killed a 5-year-old girl Sunday afternoon in south Phoenix. Alba-Cano, was reportedly intoxicated, when he collided with another vehicle at Seventh Avenue and Roeser Road, Phoenix police spokeswoman Stacie Derge said.

Another innocent victim of an alleged drunk driver. And the guy just drove away, until he plowed into a fence, it seems.

I hate to be a pessimist-- but already knowing how easily these drunk drivers get off, only to do the same thing over, and over--I can already see a probable defense for this guy. Another quote from the article:

Police said it appears that some of the children in the truck were not wearing seatbelts.

Of course, when you have four children, ages 3-7, it's not okay for them to be riding in a vehicle without seatbelts. That doesn't excuse the alleged drunk driver from killing this little girl. She is still the victim here. But of course, the justice system usually finds a way to blame the victim.

Source: Arizona Republic

A Birthday In Heaven

2007-10-18T11:11:00.000-07:00

Five years ago today, Ariana Socorro "NaNa" Payne was born. For those who have been following Ariana's case, you know that Ariana is not with us in the physical sense to celebrate. If you haven't been following the case, you can find several past posts about both Ariana and her older brother, Tyler here.

I would like to take this opportunity to ask everyone to take a moment of silence in honor of Ariana, Tyler, and every other child that has lost their lives- whether it's from abuse, accident, or disease. Thank you.

I can imagine that Ariana is in heaven, coloring and watching Scooby Doo movies with Tyler! God Bless You, and Happy Birthday, little angel!

Carnival Of The True Crime Blogs #98

2007-10-18T09:35:00.000-07:00

Want to know what your favorite crime bloggers are talking about this week? Then please visit the True Crime Blogroll Homepage for this week's carnival!!!

Little Girl Dies From Gunshot Wound (Updated)

2007-10-16T08:50:00.000-07:00

At 5:00 a.m. this morning, most children in the surrounding area of Southwest Tucson would still be sleeping. Still in dreamland for a couple more hours before the morning rush of breakfast, washing up, brushing teeth, getting backpacks ready.

For one little girl and her family, it didn't quite go that way. Instead, the 6-year-old little girl was rushed to University Medical Center with a gunshot wound. Here's a snip from the Tucson Citizen:

Sheriff investigators have determined shots were fired outside the home, in which there were two adults ad three children.

The girl was sleeping on the couch and apparently was hit by a bullet that went through the home's front door.
She was alive when sheriff deputies arrived around 5 a.m. and airlifted to a local hospital, Ogden said.
She was taken to University Medical Center, said Tracy Koslowski of the Drexel Heights Fire District.

No more information has been released at this time, but this is very close to my neighborhood so needless to say I will be following closely. The complete article can be found here.

I really hope they find these sub-human creatures that did this to an innocent little girl who should have been going to school this morning with the rest of her peers. I am just disgusted and heartbroken for this little girl's family.

**UPDATE**- 10:45 a.m.

According to the updated article in the online version of the Arizona Daily Star the little girl's name is Analissa Monares-Leon, 6. Police are still looking for potential suspects in this case.

Deadly Weapons, Innocent Lives, and Intent

2007-10-15T12:27:00.000-07:00

When we think of deadly weapons, we usually think of guns, knives-things of that nature.

What about your car? Would you ever consider your car a “deadly weapon”? Your car, in and of itself, may not be a deadly weapon, but add alcohol to the driver-“ammunition”, if you will-suddenly the car becomes a dangerous, deadly weapon.

We have the DUI task-force and checkpoints out every holiday. We have organizations such as Mother’s Against Drunk Driving. Both are great in their efforts.

What concerns me is the amount of DUI’s a person is able to rack up, and serve little or no time in jail. What concerns me is how, I could go into a room full of strangers, intentionally fire a gun, killing or attempting to kill as many people as possible and be charged with multiple counts of murder, as well as attempted murder. Yet, a person who gets behind the wheel of a car intentionally drunk, on a street full of strangers, driving aimlessly, killing innocent people-they are charged with manslaughter or second-degree murder. Let’s not forget the word “intent”. If you drink to the point that you are legally drunk, then drive, it should be a given that you intend to take an innocent person’s life. Doesn’t this warrant a harsher punishment?

In the last couple weeks, we have seen our community mourn the loss of Julia Sunderlin, an innocent woman, performing an everyday task in her life-walking her dog. The people that allegedly killed her, perfect strangers, were allegedly drunk and on their way to buy more beer. They are charged with manslaughter in this case. Had they walked up to her on the side of the road, shot and killed her, they would more than likely be charged with first-degree murder.

Intent.

There are more than enough examples of multiple DUI offenders. There are more than enough examples of ridiculous sentences that DUI offenders receive after killing an innocent person, again-perfect strangers.

A car with a drunk person behind the wheel is a deadly weapon. Nobody gets behind the wheel drunk, involuntarily. A punishment should fit the crime.

Think intent.

Four Corners Creep Of The Week: Michael Anthony Douglas

2007-10-15T09:10:00.000-07:00

**NOTE: **This entry is edited to note that the child victim is 21 days old, NOT 21 months old. Thanks again to Kathy for catching my error!

Well, by the looks of the poll, I think that most people would agree that Michelle Tufts is pretty creepy.

Let's move on to this week's alleged creep. His name is Michael Anthony Douglas, 23, of Colorado Springs, CO. He's accused of smacking his 21 day-old baby on the side of his head and causing injuries. The child is in critical condition, according to this article at the Rocky Mountain News website.

Just as a personal note, I'm getting a little tired of hearing about these creeps that hit and beat babies because they cry. That's how babies- who have no other way of communicating-tell you that they need something, or something is wrong. It's up to you to figure out what that is most of the time. If you can't figure out what to do then you need to do one of two things: Either hold and comfort the baby until they stop crying, or if you feel yourself breaking down, put the baby in a safe place, such as their crib, leave the room, have someone else take him or her---whatever you have to do, other than hitting the child or putting them in another unsafe situation. Stop beating on defenseless little babies that have no communication skills. Jerks.

Carnival Of The True Crime Blogs #97

2007-10-11T08:15:00.000-07:00

This week's Carnival is being hosted by Steve Huff at True Crime Weblog. Happy reading!!

Four Corners Creep Of The Week: Michelle Tufts

2007-10-08T11:50:00.000-07:00

Well, last week's poll was strongly in favor of Douglas Burns, the dog assaulting-picture taking-Wal-Mart developing-creep, being just that-a creep. One-hundred percent creepy, to be exact.

And so we move on to this week's potential creep.

Meet Michelle Tufts, 30, Also known as "Pixiedust", according to her MySpace profiles, which can be found Here and Here (the second one is now set to private). She's "lonely" and just wants "someone to touch". So, instead of finding an adult to cozy up to, she instead decided that it would be a better idea to molest an eight year old boy.

Apparently, the boy is somehow related to her, too.

Creepy or Not?

Source: Las Cruces Sun-News.

Update: "Creep" Pleads Not Guilty

2007-10-08T11:03:00.000-07:00

Remember Robert Ashley? . He's the former substitute teacher, AKA "Four Corners Creep", that allegedly likes to film little girls, "under the skirt".

Well, there's an update. Robert Ashley, who apparently admitted to police that he is a pedophile, likes little girls 8-9 years old, can't relate to women, and has a "foot fetish", pleaded not guilty to charges of voyeurism and child abuse Friday, October 5th according to this article on KOAT .

There is an accompanying video next to the article.

In this related article, at the same site, a APS dispatcher was fired for giving the principal of the school where Ashley was working, some really bad advice. Here's a snippet from the article.

When the principal watched the tape, deputies said it contained video shot up a young girl's skirt.
The principal called APS dispatch to report the finding . The dispatcher said Ashley's rights had been violated and that the bag must be returned to him.

(Begin sarcastic rant):

Of course, we wouldn't want to violate the rights of a sick cretin that likes to film under little girl's skirts. After all, he's an adult, so obviously his rights are more important. And shouldn't he be able to have his video camera, his weapon of choice, if you will, so that he can continue to film up innocent children's skirts, or as Ashley would have us believe--their feet?

(End sarcastic rant)

Really, I don't care if he is filming little girl's feet, their ears, their shins--whatever. It's all the same to me. He allegedly admits he is sexually stimulated by filming their feet. It's disgusting. Anyone that would hear about what the principal viewed, and give advice like this really should have their head examined, and in my opinion--deserves to be fired.

Giselle's Story

2007-10-04T08:20:00.000-07:00

Giselle had spunk. She was a typical, healthy 5-month-old dog, energetic, and everything you would expect from a dog her age. One of my co-workers, a roommate of Giselle's owner, told me she was the "best and sweetest dog-ever".

Giselle's owner, who is also a co-worker of mine, had just adopted Giselle, a yellow lab, from a local animal shelter a couple months ago. Her friend and roommate had just got a bassett hound pup, and she wanted to get a dog herself. She talked about Giselle constantly, and loved this dog completely.

On September 25th, around noon, her roommate was planning to walk her bassett hound, Elliot. Giselle quickly escaped out of the open doorway, and took off.

Giselle's owner, her boyfriend, and roommate looked for Giselle as much as they could, to no avail. They thought she wouldn't be back. Talking to her roommate at work the same day, she suddenly recalled that Giselle had one of those chips that they sometimes put in animals in case of an incident such as this. It sounded promising that Giselle would be found.

Later that night, around 10:30 pm, Giselle's owner and her boyfriend would find her. They found her in a wash about a couple blocks away from their house, in a wash near Stone and Roger Road. (For those who don't know what a "wash" is--it's a dry river bed).

Giselle was unconscious. She was extremely hot. They rushed her to an animal hospital, where Giselle was treated.

This is where it gets really disturbing. When Giselle was found, she smelled of alcohol, one of her eyes were swollen shut, and she had an open sore near her neck. She was urinating blood. It appeared that whoever Giselle came in contact with that day, had beaten her badly. The injuries were not consistent with being hit by a car. The vet told Giselle's owner that she had suffered blunt force trauma and that her brain would not likely recover. She would have brain damage, but would live.

Five days later, Giselle died.

When you really think about it, Giselle's story really tells a lot about our society. The fine line between abusing animals and killing humans is too common to ignore. If you look into the history of serial killers, you will find a large majority had abused animals before moving on to killing people.

When will the person or persons that abused and tortured Giselle move on to humans?

No-Good Samaritans

2007-10-03T10:33:00.000-07:00

An elderly man finishes his grocery shopping and awaits a bus to take him home. Suddenly, a truck comes plowing through the parking lot, striking the man, scattering his groceries everywhere. The driver of the truck speeds away, into the darkness.

Horrified onlookers run to aid the obviously injured man, while they wait for help to arrive. His groceries, mangled and destroyed, still lay in the parking lot.

Sounds great, right? People helping others in a time of need, doing what any good samaritan would do? Well, it would be, if that's what had actually happened.

But, that's not what happened.

One person went to help the elderly, bleeding victim.

The others? They stole his groceries.

A man, a fellow human being, lays dying on the ground, and they steal his groceries. The man is dead. According to the article here in the Arizona Republic, the man that was helping the dying man, also had his groceries stolen.

The Mesa Police have identified the owner of the truck as Alan Flores-Ocon, 23.

The driver who swerved up onto the westbound curb of Main and hit the victim fled in pickup truck. Police recovered the truck at a nearby apartment complex but the suspect escaped. The truck is registered to Alan Flores-Ocon, 23, and police want to question him.

If Flores-Ocon was the one driving the truck and struck this man, that's bad enough. But what is worse is the lack of compassion for another human being, one who need their help. Instead, they helped themselves. Disgusting excuses for human beings.

Carnival Of The True Crime Blogs #96

2007-10-03T08:20:00.000-07:00

Welcome, once again, to the Carnival Of The True Crime Blogs. It is my pleasure to host this week's edition!

We start this week's carnival with a new addition to our blogroll, Sarcastic Crime. It's a fascinating blog, complete with a podcast! Please be sure to stop by their blog and welcome them to the TC blogroll! This week, Sarcastic Crime has jumped on board to talk about a subject that has the whole world talking, Chester Arthur Stiles: Wanted! Dead or Alive (or Dead...). You can read another entry about the case from one of our other blogs, Missing and Murdered Children. The newest entry on this case is Fugitive from Justice--Chester Arthur Stiles. Great job keeping this story out there, and hopefully this guy will be caught soon!

Our next entry is from the blog sensation, In Cold Blog. What could be worse than a "mother" assaulting her own flesh and blood? Michelle Gray answers this question with her entry, Faces Of Depraved Indifference.

Another example of a great "mother", can be found as we hop over to Bonnie's Blog of Crime. This time, "mom" was running out of places to snort her coke. Find out where she decided to snort here, with Bonnie's entry called-- Wendy Cook: What a shining example of motherhood-NOT!

Speaking of bad parents, our last entry comes from the blog, Parents Behaving Badly. There's certainly no shortage of parents who are basically breeding cavities, but this bizarre tale, Woman's nude stargazing ends with son's death., shows that the shortage doesn't seem to be stopping any time soon.

That's the carnival for this week! Hope you have enjoyed and thanks for stopping by!

Four Corners Creep Of The Week: Douglas Burns

2007-10-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

Well, the results of last week's "Creep of the Week" are in and, as expected the results were overwhelmingly in favor of Scott Clark being a creep. Of course, there's always the one person who doesn't think he's a creep, but......ya know, opinions.....everbody's got one. However, I must add that this isn't the first time Scott Clark has had a legal entanglement involving our feathered friends. Seems he has a "fowl" past involving poultry. I would also like to send out a special "thanks" to Soobs for this link. So for now, Clark is free on bail and awaiting his court hearing later this month.

Now, keep your vomit bags handy for our next creep. Just a warning......

Meet Douglas Burns, 54 (sorry, no picture available at this time). He's awaiting a hearing later this month to determine whether he will have to register as a sex offender. He pled guilty back in July to cruelty to an animal with sexual motivation.

Apparently, he didn't see anything wrong with sexually assaulting a dog, taking pictures, and getting said pictures developed at Wal-Mart.

You can read the rest of his story in this article from the Arizona Republic.

Thanks for voting!!

Four Corners Creep Of The Week: Scott Clark

2007-09-24T09:20:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who took part in the poll about Robert Ashley! For the most part, as you can see from the screenshot of the results, most people think that Robert Ashley is "As Creepy As They Get". As for the one person who voted that Ashley is "Not Creepy"--I really hope that was a joke (although not a really funny one). Sorry--grown men who find 8-9 year old little girls "sexually attractive", ARE creepy.

Now, on to our next nominee....

Meet Scott Clark, age 26. His latest trip to St. Paul, Minnesota allegedly left him with a little craving for duck. He could have found a decent restaurant, but apparently he didn't want to go much further than his hotel lobby........

You can read all about Clark's despicable deeds in this article from the Rocky Mountain News.

Don't forget to come back and vote!!

It Won't Happen To Me.

2007-09-22T15:33:00.000-07:00

I don't claim to be a poet by any stretch of the imagination, but I wrote this primarily for the message. Thanks for letting me share it with you all.

I saw you today,
With your infant on your lap;
Only going up the street,
And besides,
He's taking a nap.

It won't happen to me.

I saw you today,
Leave your child in the car;
Only going in for a sec,
And besides,
The doors are locked.

It won't happen to me.

I saw you today,
Drop your child off at the park;
There's a strange man lurking,
But it's not after dark.

It won't happen to me.

I saw you today,
After your grocery trip;
Doors wide open,
Kids playing in the trunk.

It won't happen to me.

Danger can happen,
Up the block,
In a car that's locked,
In the daylight of a park,
In the car trunk.

It can happen to you.

They needed more beer.......of course.

2007-09-21T10:06:00.000-07:00

I think it takes a special brand of idiot to decide to make a "beer run" around 8:00 A.M. when children are on their way to school, people are on their way to work-just minding their own business, going along their daily business.

In fact, I don't agree with drinking and driving at any time of day. I just think anyone that's blasted out of their minds, getting in their vehicle in the early morning hours to get more beer, is....well, a big idiot.

So, you're probably eager to meet these two alleged beer enthusiasts, eh?

Well, here is Kenneth Marlette, 37, who--strangely enough bears a striking resemblence to Uncle Fester of the Addams Family (no offense to Uncle Fester, of course!)

Then there's his lovely fiancee', Audrey Klosterman, 26, pictured below.

I don't really have much to say about her.......yet. But she does have a MySpace account.

According to her profile, you may notice, she is "busy". Well, she's busy, alright-busy being held at the Pima County Jail, along with her drinking buddy/fiance, Kenneth. They are each being held on second degree murder charges with $500,000 bond each.

But it was just a normal morning for Julia Sunderlin, a 50 year old woman who routinely walked her beloved dog, Gertie, along the roadside of Sabino Canyon Road in Tucson, Arizona. That is, until the dynamic duo came along. According to news reports, Marlette and Klosterman allegedly began arguing while driving to get more beer, Klosterman apparently grabbed the steering wheel and veered the van off the road, where Julia and Gertie were walking. The van hit Julia with such a force that she bounced off the windshield and struck a nearby power pole. Gertie died underneath the van. Julia passed as well.

[Julia Sunderlin (from her myspace page)]

Here's a wake-up call for all the nutjobs that think they can control their driving while they are drunk. You can't. You take not only your life in your hands, but innocent people--strangers. You don't have the right to do that. You don't have the right to determine the fate of other people. I have an idea--if you run out of alcohol, beer, whatever----go to freaking BED! Is it really that hard? Don't go out and get MORE beer. It's that simple. Drink at home--stay HOME. If you really need more beer--send someone that's f***ing sober for crying out loud!! I don't want you out on MY streets killing MY family or someone I care about. Heck, I don't even want your dumb ass out there killing people I don't know or don't like. Call me crazy.

Julia was seemingly well liked. She was just one of those people who seemed to touch alot of people. Apparently, she was from England, considered a "free-spirit", and a die-hard Rolling Stones fan. According to her Myspace profile, she has a son, and a grandchild, whom she had not yet met. Julia had a lot of life left in her. A life taken away because two people needed "more beer".

Carnival Of The True Crime Blogs

2007-09-20T08:36:00.000-07:00

Once again, it's time for the Carnival Of The True Crime Blogs! If you're wondering what your favorite true crime bloggers are up to this week, then head over to The Cellar and check it out!

Four Corners Creep Of The Week: Robert Ashley

2007-09-17T11:30:00.000-07:00

Before we go on to our new "creep" this week, here are the results of last week's poll:

So, 83% of the people that participated in the poll think that Tommy Soza is as creepy as they get, for allegedly beating up on an old lady with a baseball bat. That's great news.

Now on to this week's creep!

Meet Robert Ashley. Robert Ashley allegedly likes to take "under the skirt " pictures of elementary school aged little girls. Apparently he is also sexually attracted to 8 and 9 year old girls. The scariest part? He was a substitute teacher. Now he's in jail.

Here's a couple articles to help with your decision-making.

KOAT article

Albuquerque Tribune article

Taegen's Law Rally

2007-09-17T08:28:00.000-07:00

Saturday, September 15th was a hot day in Sahuarita, Arizona with the temperatures soaring to the 100 degree mark before noon. But the heat was overshadowed by the mission at hand--getting signatures for Taegen's Law.

I was fortunate enough to be able to participate in the rally, and it is truly an experience I will never forget. The people I met there, my new friends, were just all incredible people.

I arrived shortly after 9:00 A.M. to help my friend, Chrissi, and her husband, P.J. set up for the rally, which was held at the Walmart in Sahuarita. The staff at Walmart were very supportive, helping to set up tables and umbrellas, to help shade at least some of the sun's searing rays. We were soon met by Jamie Hallam, mother of Ariana and Tyler Payne, and her best friend, Tara, as well as her father, Richard. I had previously only met Jamie briefly, at the memorial service for Ariana and Tyler, so it was nice to be able to speak with her and meet Tara and Richard.

Everyone who participated, some of them whose names I can't recall, were really working hard. It really was a team effort. Considering the size of Sahuarita, a town about 20 miles south of the southside of Tucson, the results were incredible. We were able to get over 500 signatures in just a couple hours.

The efforts obviously would not have paid off if it wasn't for the people that signed the petition. Their support and willingness to listen and sign was exhilarating. They came that day to shop for what ever needs they had, and left hopefully making a difference in a child's life. The majority of people we were able to come in contact with were more than happy to sign. It's a great mark for humanity.

I posted a few pictures from the rally on my Myspace, if anyone is interested in seeing them.

TCB Carnival

2007-09-12T09:26:00.000-07:00

(Graphic courtesy of Lilo at Lost In Lima, Ohio)

It's Wednesday, and you know what that means! The week is half over, but more importantly, it's-- Carnival time!

This week's carnival is brought to you by Corey Mitchell over at In Cold Blog. Please be sure to check out what our superb band of crime bloggers have in store for you this week!!

Four Corners Creep Of The Week: Tommy Soza

2007-09-10T11:12:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

I have decided to start a new weekly segment to this blog called "Four Corners Creep Of The Week". Each Monday, I will dedicate a post to some of the most creepiest criminals. If you have a "creep" you would like to nominate, please feel free to drop me a line via the contact information at the top of this blog. The only qualifications are they have to be in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, or Utah, and of course they have to be "creeps". Also, there will be a poll to coincide each week, called "The Scale Of Creepiness". You can rate how creepy you think the individual is. Results of the poll will be posted on the next week's edition.

So, on to our first weekly edition of "Four Corners Creep Of The Week."

HE LIKES TO HIT ELDERLY LADIES WITH BASEBALL BATS

Meet Tommy Soza, 17, sought by the Tucson Police Department for allegedly beating a 77 year old woman with a baseball bat. The incident occured on July 22, but with no leads, the police are requesting the public's help.

Here are a couple news stories from Tucson Citizen and video of the victim from KVOA.com, talking about the attack.

Now it's your turn to decide how "creepy" Tommy Soza really is.

The Killing Of Mia Henderson--Part Two

2007-09-08T12:01:00.000-07:00

NOTE TO READERS: This blog entry was orignally started on Saturday, 9/8, but due to other circumstances, I was unable to finish it and post it until today- Monday, 9/10. My apologies for the delay in posting.

By now, most people know what led up to the murder of Mia Henderson, an eighteen year old freshman at the University of Arizona. Her roommate, Galareka Harrison, also eighteen and a freshman at UA, is being held at the Pima County Jail with a $50,000 bond.

It wasn't long after they became roommates at the Graham-Greenlee dorm that Mia Henderson suspected Galareka Harrison was stealing from her. Her Social Security card, her CatCard, missing money--all led to Mia filing a theft complaint with the UAPD.

It's about as bizarre as it can get, the actual crime itself. The Arizona Daily Star posted the probable cause statements on 2 pages: Page 1 and Page 2. There are also several articles on this case.

Before the Myspace account of Mia Henderson was switched to private, it was clear that there were many people that cared deeply about her. Her friends left messages about how much they loved her, were going to miss her, and their disbelief about what happened to her. Some had somewhat jokingly hoped there was a 'Myspace in heaven'. Not surprisingly, Galareka Harrison has a few supporters on her Myspace.

Two young, intelligent women have lost their future. They both had a bright future ahead of them, but one had it taken away brutally. The other took that and her own future. It was all about money and possessions. A sad tragedy for both girls that could have been avoided.

Utah Mine Tragedy Scammer

2007-09-08T10:19:00.000-07:00

With just about any tragedy, a community will come together and help, volunteer whatever services they can give to show their love and support. Sometimes, they ask the community to donate what they can- cash, clothing, and other goods or services. The majority of the time they are legitimate services, ones that are going to directly help the victims, loved ones, or a community as a whole.

Then you have the people that crawl out of the woodwork to use a tragedy to their own advantage. People like Hope Ellison.

Who really knows what Hope Ellison was thinking when she allegedly went from door to door collecting cash and checks from unsuspecting victims of a scam involving the Crandall Canyon Mine tragedy in Utah. She's just another person added to the list of people who make it difficult for legitimate charities to receive donations. Because of people like her, people are less trusting of giving their money and their time to the people that really need it.

Obviously, the people that were scammed are victims and would consequently be less trusting in the future. Most of these people probably donated against their better judgement because they didn't want to be seen as cold-hearted. Usually, legitimate charities, trust funds, etc., have bank accounts where you can go into any specifically named bank (Wells Fargo, for example) and donate directly. Then you will know that your donation is going directly to support that particular cause or person. If you still feel uncomfortable giving money, there are other ways to help just about any cause. Giving your time, canned goods, water, are good ways to help as well.

You don't have to be distrustful.........just cautious.

Taegen McKinney Rally--ARIZONA

2007-09-07T08:28:00.000-07:00

The life of Taegen Elise McKinney was tragically taken on April 15, 2007, allegedly by her babysitter's boyfriend. Now the family and supporters of Taegen have started a "National Rally Across America". The rally, is being used to raise awareness to the public about not only Taegen's Law, but child abuse as well.

At this time, I am only able to post the rally information for ones that are taking place in Arizona. It is my understanding that all the rallies across America are taking place on Saturday, September 15th.

RALLY FOR TAEGEN'S LAW: YUMA, ARIZONA

DATE: Saturday, September 15, 2007
TIME: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
LOCATION: Southgate Mall; Yuma, Arizona

RALLY FOR TAEGEN'S LAW: SAHUARITA, ARIZONA

DATE: Saturday, September 15, 2007
TIME: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
LOCATION: Walmart off of Duval Mine Road; Sahuarita, Arizona

If you live close to these areas and would like to attend to show your support for Taegen's family, please do.

The Killing Of Mia Henderson-Part One

2007-09-06T08:47:00.000-07:00

When I first heard the news about a stabbing that took place in the early hours of Wednesday, September 5th in a dorm at the University Of Arizona, the details were few and far between. My first instinct was to call a friend of mine that I had been working with since her senior year in high school. Although the reports had stated that the girls involved in the altercation were both 18, my instincts and worrisome nature got the better of me, and I left her a text message asking if she was okay, and what I had heard that the news was reporting. She assured me she was 'fine', but had seen a police car in the area. Our conversation continued throughout the morning, off and on. In one text message, she recalled walking past the Graham-Greenlee Dormitory saying she saw 'a cop standing by the door'.

The majority of the students were either oblivious or only heard that there was a stabbing. In a text message from my friend around 11:30 am, she stated :

"I actually didnt know what happened until u
said something."

She seemed shocked to find out that the girl, Mia Henderson, was dead.

Message boards on the local online newspapers have commenter's questioning if the U of A did enough to alert students as to what had occurred in the dorm. The stabbing here was described by UAPD as "isolated and contained". Some made comparisons to the Virginia Tech killings, also in the beginning, described in a similar manner. Luckily, it turned out that it was an isolated incident. But the parallels are hard to ignore, especially in the beginning when no one knew what was going on. It's chilling to think what "could have" happened.

Did the U of A do enough to inform students of what was happening at Graham-Greenlee? I don't know. There was an e-mail alert sent out to students, and from what I can gather, the students are responsible for checking their campus e-mail accounts for these types of alerts. But is an e-mail really enough in the times that we live in? The times where "isolated" incidents sometimes turn into larger tragedies?

NOTE: This is Part One of a series about the tragic death of Mia Henderson.

Carnival Of The True Crime Blogs

2007-09-05T08:46:00.000-07:00

Once again it is my pleasure to present The Carnival Of The True Crime Blogs, hosted by yours truly.

In our first entry, we haveBonnie's Blog Of Crime with the sad and bizarre case of Ben Perkins-Link, a young man with a bright future, lured by a "friend", only to be brutally murdered with a metal pipe.

Next up, we have Lilo from Lost In Lima, Ohio setting the record straight with some Crime Library Readers about her feelings toward admitted pedophile, Jack McClellan.

Trench Reynolds of MyCrimeSpace fame, has another blog along the same lines, called
craigscrimelist. This particular entry shows you that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Especially, as Trench points out, if the dealings take place at Starbucks!

In our final entry, the guys at CrimeRant talk about the latest in the Lisa Montgomery case and her newest defense. You may remember Lisa, accused of kidnapping Bobbie Jo Stinnett,cutting her unborn baby from her womb, and leaving her to bleed to death.

I hope you have enjoyed this edition of the Carnival!

**A special thanks to Lilo, for the graphic.**

Where is Camille Cleverley?

2007-09-04T11:45:00.000-07:00

Source
Camille Cleverley should have been starting her senior year at Brigham Young University today. Instead, she is missing. She hasn't been heard from since this past Thursday, and her family and friends are mystified.

A purple and silver bike, along with her wallet, are the only items believed to be in Camille's possession at the time of her disappearance. She informed no

There May Be Bears........

2007-09-04T08:38:00.000-07:00

Christopher Hewitt wouldn't take "No" for an answer when he allegedly lured two young men to Neff's Canyon in Utah. The metal pipe he carried was for protection from bears. Or so Ben Link and Seth Coleman thought.

For whatever reason, Christopher Hewitt allegedly hit both Ben and Seth with the pipe. Seth was able to escape with minor injuries, but Ben was not so lucky. He was beaten to death

Carnival Of The True Crime Blogs

2007-08-30T08:45:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is carnival time once again! This week's carnival is hosted by Bonnie, at Bonnie's Blog Of Crime. There are a lot of great entries this week from your favorite crime bloggers, so head over and check it out!

Remembering Ariana and Tyler Payne - Part Two

2007-08-22T14:49:00.000-07:00

For those that have been following my blog entries about the Ariana and Tyler Payne case, I would like to take the time to give you links to their online obituaries so that you can express your condolences, if you wish. As stated in my previous entry on this case, the memorial service will take place this Saturday, August 25th.

Ariana Payne

Ariana's Obituary

Tyler PayneTyler's Obituary

Taxi Ride To The Sky

2007-08-22T14:16:00.000-07:00

A few months back, I blogged about a couple who took a taxi ride from New York to Arizona. The retired couple wanted to spare their pets from the trauma of an airplane ride. If you don't recall the entry, it was titled "Hack Job" . Sadly, Betty Matas has passed away in Sedona, Arizona. She was 71. My deepest condolences to her husband, Bob Matas. A sad ending to a heartwarming story.

Remembering Ariana and Tyler Payne

2007-08-20T11:13:00.000-07:00

The release of the remains of Ariana Payne by the Pima County Medical Examiner's Office has put her mother in a difficult situation. The body of her son and Ariana's brother, Tyler, have yet to be found. Therefore, sadly, she must bury her young daughter, and have a memorial service, without Tyler.

The memorial service will be for both Ariana and Tyler. It will take place this Saturday,

The Babysitter

2007-08-20T09:17:00.000-07:00

Frank Gutierrez

Sex offenders often prey on the needs of others in order to perpetrate their crimes. Their most common methods are either striking a romantic relationships with single mothers or to simply become a helpful friend in their already hectic lives. It's called "grooming".

The latter method may start with a friendly "hello", an offer to help carry groceries, water plants

Carnival Of The True Crime Blogs

2007-08-16T15:08:00.000-07:00

Lilo from Lost In Lima, Ohio is up this week for the carnival. As always, a great job by Lilo! Be sure to check out what's going on at all your favorite true crime blogs!

Happy Holiday, Southpaws!

2007-08-13T13:31:00.000-07:00

Today is National Left-Handers Day. I am left-handed.

In a nutshell, I have spent the last 31 years of my life having absolutely no clue that there was a holiday specifically devoted to left-handed people. As a "lefty", I have no idea how to feel about that. I don't know whether to feel bitter that noone ever told me, or betrayed by my fellow lefties. Maybe I should just be happy that I found

Taegen McKinney: "Lil' Butterfly"

2007-08-09T14:38:00.000-07:00

Taegen McKinney was just 17 months old when her babysitter's boyfriend allegedly murdered her. Her brief time on Earth has touched the hearts of many. Here is a video tribute to Taegen someone made that I wanted to share.
Rest In Peace, "Lil' Butterfly". Justice will come soon.

Because I Sweat

2007-08-09T10:45:00.000-07:00

I really have to laugh a lot of times when I hear the excuses that some people use for their behavior. Not because it's funny, but because it's pathetic. Such is the sad tale of a Catholic priest caught jogging naked in Colorado.

The Rev. Robert Whipkey told officers he had been running naked at a high school track and didn't think anyone would be around at that time of day, a police report

Carnival Of The True Crime Blogs #87

2007-07-25T00:15:00.000-07:00

This week, I am proud to be hosting the Carnival Of The True Crime Blogs. So, let's just jump right in to it!

First up, we have Bonnie's Blog of Crime. Bonnie brings us an update in the deaths of a prominent doctor's wife and his two daughters in her entry, Update: Deadly Home Invasion in CT, Suspects named.

Next we have Lilo, from Lost In Lima, Ohio. She brings us the story of one father's

Chandler Serial Rapist: Under Pressure

2007-07-24T10:52:00.000-07:00

NOTE: To see previous posts on this topic, please click here .

Recently, the Chandler Police Department confirmed that three of the five known victims of the "Chandler Serial Rapist", are positively linked by physical evidence. The latest attack in June and the two previous attacks in January of this year are the ones that are confirmed to be linked. Their determination in solving this crime

Plane Nuts

2007-07-20T14:53:00.000-07:00

Within the next week, I will be boarding an airplane headed to Las Vegas to celebrate my 15th wedding anniversary. I've never been there before, so it should be an interesting trip. Other than the usual pre-boarding stuff, I am hoping for an uneventful flight. I just want to get on the plane, go to Vegas. When our stay is over, I want to get on the plane, and go back home. That's how I'm hoping

Lives Forever Changed

2007-07-18T12:25:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share this video with my readers who share my passion for the rights of children, and the fight against child abuse.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Carnival Of The True Crime Blogs #86

2007-07-18T09:31:00.000-07:00

It's carnival time again! This weeks Carnival Of The True Crime Blogs is hosted by Bonnie at My Life Of Crime. There are a lot of great entries this week (like when is there not?), so drop by and check it out!

Justice For Ariana and Tyler Payne?

2007-07-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

Ariana and Tyler Payne (photo courtesy of Jamie Hallam)

Note from the blog author: This is my 50th blog entry to date. To commemorate the occasion, I am writing this entry about a case that I am very passionate about and is very close to my heart.

On January 20, 2006, Jamie Hallam sent her children, Ariana and Tyler to visit with their father, Christopher Payne. Although they had

Bad News For All You Cannibals Out There

2007-07-13T00:28:00.000-07:00

Some things just go without saying. This should be one of them. Just in case, it's something all would-be cannibals should read.

Eating humans is hazardous to your health.

Non Appetit!

Source: azcentral.com

Dear Lilliana: Children And Pets Are NOT Game Pieces!

2007-07-12T09:36:00.000-07:00

I'm a little hostile this morning, but that's because I get sick of hearing about women who are willing to put their children (and in this case, a pet, too) in harm's way, all because a man wants to leave them.

A puppy is dead after Maricopa County sheriff's deputies said a woman arguing with her boyfriend tried to keep him from driving away by placing her children at either end of his moving

This Week On MSNBC

2007-07-12T00:30:00.000-07:00

This week MSNBC presents two shows that will surely grab your attention. The first one is a classic tale of mystery and "whodunit". The second, one of my favorites-To Catch A Predator. You won't want to miss it!

MSNBC Reports Anatomy of a Murder THURSDAY, JULY 12th, 2007 , 10 PM, EST

Who killed Melva Niell, a quiet, respectable, sweet lady 82 years young? Police found her bed splattered with

Introducing: A.J. Flick

2007-07-05T11:35:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to introduce A.J. Flick, a friend and all-around great reporter for the Tucson Citizen, in Tucson, Arizona. She has graciously agreed to post a guest blog about the Dr. Bradley Schwartz/Ronald Bruce Bigger trials. She has been covering the tragic death of Dr. David Brian Stidham since it occurred on October 5, 2004.

A.J.'s newest project, a blog called "Motion to Express" can be

Blogging the Schwartz/Bigger trials

2007-07-05T11:29:00.000-07:00

Hello to everyone in the True Crime blog world! My name is A.J. Flick. I'm a reporter for the Tucson Citizen covering criminal justice -- basically, all the murder and mayhem that happens in the Old Pueblo.

As some of you know, on Oct. 5, 2004, a young, popular children's eye surgeon was brutally stabbed to death, shocking the community. Then, when another eye surgeon -- who used to be the

A Recommendation

2007-07-05T10:53:00.000-07:00

Since the disappearance and death of Amber Hess, I have been seeing a significant traffic increase to my blog. While all my readers are welcomed and appreciated, I just want to direct attention to another site.

I have noticed a few comments directed to the Hess family, with readers sending condolences. Of course, the comments are very nice and heartfelt (and welcomed). However, I cannot be

This Week On MSNBC

2007-07-02T12:53:00.000-07:00

NOTE: I am pleased to present to my readers these upcoming specials on MSNBC. This will be a regular feature on my blog.

MSNBC Special Deadly Mission- Thursday, July 5th, 10 PM

Diane Zamora and David Graham were high school sweethearts and among the nation's best and brightest- until they were convicted of a heinous and gruesome murder. The so-called "Texas Cadet" murder case was one of the

Three Weeks Ago: Chandler Serial Rapist

2007-06-29T16:27:00.000-07:00

NOTE: If you are interested in reading my first entry regarding the Chandler Serial Rapist, please click here.

Three weeks ago on a warm June evening in Chandler, Arizona, a man simply known as Jim and his wife sat on their front porch while their fourteen year old granddaughter was seemingly safe in their mobile home. Jim had no idea of the terror going on in his home or that his

I Just Don't Like You

2007-06-27T09:55:00.000-07:00

A lot of developments have been happening in the Amber LeAnn Hess case. Amber's car was found, her body was positively identified, and two 16-year-old boys have been arrested for her murder.

The boys, Nicolas Castillo and Todd Hoake, were known to Amber, and at a press conference a little while ago, the parents of Amber revealed that Todd was like family. A very good, platonic friend of hers.

1,936 Miles

2007-06-26T10:17:00.000-07:00

For those that don't think that child sexual predators are dangerous, manipulative, freaks-listen up.

I don't know too many people, other than family, a few friends, and a few people I have admired from afar, that I would travel 1,936 miles for. That is approximately a 28 hour drive, if driven nonstop. Yet, there are some, so desperate to meet and have sex with young children and teens, that

UPDATE: Body Found May Be Amber Hess

2007-06-26T00:50:00.000-07:00

*To read my original post on the Amber Hess case, go here .

Her car is still missing and Amber Hess is still listed as missing. But a badly burned body found in Florence, Arizona may be Amber.

Pinal County sheriff's officials said Monday that they couldn't positively identify Amber LeAnn Hess, 17, although items at the scene are linked to her family's house, where there was blood and other

Vanished: Amber LeAnn Hess

2007-06-25T15:13:00.000-07:00

Amber LeAnn Hess, 17
On Friday, June 22nd, the parents of Amber LeAnn Hess, 17, left for a weekend getaway. They came home Sunday, June 24th to a nightmare. There was no sign of the Queen Creek, Arizona teen. Her car is missing and their gun is missing. Blood left behind in the home suggests foul play. Local news footage shows an obviously distraught Candy Hess, Amber's mother. She pleads

Chandler Serial Rapist

2007-06-11T15:11:00.000-07:00

(Composite of alleged Chandler Serial Child Rapist:
Hispanic male, speaks English with a Spanish accent, in his 30's, approximately 5'6" in height, muscular build, with black hair, hazel eyes, and a thin mustache. Since a 5th attack has occurred, police believe that this is the composite that resembles the suspect the most.)

The City of Chandler, Arizona is a large growing suburb of Phoenix,

For The Missing

2007-06-11T06:02:00.000-07:00

A new site has been added to the blogroll, courtesy of Stephen McCaskill of Crime Scene Blog. For the Missing is a repository for missing cases all over the country. If you have a loved one that is missing, you can visit For The Missing, where you will find contact information and submission guidelines. I plan to contribute as much as possible to this site to help in the fight to bring the

The Surprise

2007-06-07T11:52:00.000-07:00

Amy Ricks had a "surprise" for her husband, Joel. This according to an article at ksl.com

Amy Ricks, 34, allegedly told her husband she had a surprise for him at a relative's condo. Police say she then put a blindfold on him and hit his head with a hammer as she spun him around.
When her husband took off the blindfold, he saw sleeping bags, a knife and plastic bags nearby. He ran and called

Carnival Of The True Crime Blogs #79

2007-06-06T11:47:00.000-07:00

Want to see what your favorite true crime bloggers have in store for you this week? Good! Then head on over to Crime Scene Blog where you can get the latest from this week's host, Stephen McCaskill.

Excuses, Excuses

2007-06-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

You hear it all the time- from serial killers, child molesters, murderers.

The excuses.

'I came from a broken home'; 'I was high on drugs'; 'I was molested'; 'I had a rough childhood'.

'I was abused' .

While I believe that children learn by example, I also believe that when you reach adulthood, you have a choice as to whether or not you are going to allow yourself to repeat that past. I know

Hey, Good Lookin', Whatcha Got Cookin'?

2007-06-04T08:30:00.000-07:00

Moms.

For decades they've been cooking, cleaning, taking care of kids, and trying their best to instill family tradition and values for their children. You may find when your children are very young, that motherhood is a thankless, yet very rewarding occupation. The kids run around, make messes, closely trailed by Mom in a never-ending cycle of trying to diminish chaos, in an ill-fated attempt

Carnival Of The True Crime Blogs #78

2007-05-31T10:20:00.000-07:00

This week's carnival is being hosted by Lilo at Lost in Lima, Ohio . There are a lot of great submissions this week, as always, so please check them out!

"My" View

2007-05-30T10:48:00.000-07:00

My usual routine after work includes checking in on the internet and then, settling in to watch Larry King Live until I finally drift off to dreamland.
Last night, I was once again bombarded by the Rosie O'Donnell/Elisabeth Hasselback/View debacle. Once again, I saw "The Donald" speaking out with his hilarious, yet seriously spoken views. (No pun intended) Honestly, if it wasn't

Updates

2007-05-28T11:26:00.000-07:00

I have several updates on several different cases that I have been blogging about.

The Ariana and Tyler Payne Case

The autopsy report regarding the death of Ariana Payne showed injuries that happened before her death. A broken shoulder, several broken ribs, and a fractured vertebrae. More details about how Christopher Payne gained access to the storage locker where Ariana's body was found and

The Women's Room

2007-05-28T10:23:00.000-07:00

If you suddenly find yourself with the overwhelming urge to stop by a local university and masturbate, I have a tip for you:

DON'T DO IT IN THE RESTROOM OF THE OPPOSITE GENDER!!!

This is exactly what Ryan Seese is accused of doing. Ryan, works in some capacity, for the FBI-although a spokesperson is not confirming that he is an actual agent.

It all started when a cleaning lady went about

Vinnette Zudell Jones

2007-05-22T11:19:00.000-07:00

"Life teaches me new things about myself and about the human race, but still I remain the same sweet, sensitive person though the sad little girl still lives inside."

The quote above is from 32-year old Vinnette Zudell Jones' MySpace account. Vinnette was a promising graduate from Pima Medical Institute in the field of dentistry. On Sunday, May 20th-that dream was cut short by a bullet. Vinnette

Answering Ken

2007-05-19T17:42:00.000-07:00

There are times when I have to wait a few days before writing about a story. The reason being because I have to wait and calm down long enough so I can get my thoughts down, with a reasonable amount of coherency. Otherwise, it sounds like rambling.

Anyone that knows me, knows that the protection of our children is very important to me. So, when I read about people, agencies, and such that are "

Carnival Of The True Crime Blogs #76

2007-05-16T10:14:00.000-07:00

(Graphic courtesy of Harding)

It's that time again--Carnival time!! This weeks host is Harding over at T.O Crime , so head on over and check out all the great blogs!

Umm....what are you still doing here? Shouldn't you be over checking out the Carnival?
Okay, well, since you're still here I might as well plug my new Crime, Interrupted forums again. A link is available in the sidebar and it

New Features

2007-05-14T13:05:00.000-07:00

I thought I would take a moment to let everyone know about a couple new things I have added to the site that you may or may not have noticed! The first one is a "shoutbox". You can leave me messages if you would like to let me know how you like the site, support, etc.

Also, I have started a small forum which you can get to via my sidebar. It's under construction, so there's more to come!

Thanks!

Guadalupe Antonio Chavez

2007-05-07T11:46:00.000-07:00

While searching for more information about the Cynthia Tureman case, I came across this story about Guadalupe Antonio Chavez.

Chavez, age 36, is a registered sex offender, a Level 3 sex offender, in fact--the highest level. Chavez should have been at his Apache Junction, Arizona address; but he wasn't. He was in Scottsdale, living with his girlfriend and her two children-one of which was an 11-

11 Days

2007-05-03T08:18:00.000-07:00

When Reina Gonzales, alleged child abuser in connection with the Ariana and Tyler Payne case, was released from jail on April 20th, she had to meet several conditions or face going back to jail. One of those conditions was that she had to meet with a Pretrial Services officer every Friday. Gonzales' attorney argued that she was not a flight risk and had long standing ties to the Tucson area. So,

Cynthia Tureman-Not Your Typical Baby Abandonment Case?

2007-04-30T10:30:00.000-07:00

When I think of cases where young women dump their newborn babies, I think of a young teenage girl who thought she was in love, had sex, and caught up in the moment-became pregnant. Suddenly, the one she thought loved her wants nothing to do with her; he doesn't even think the kid is his. Scared, alone, unable to tell her parents because of fear-she does the unthinkable-she delivers the child and

The Principal's Wife

2007-04-26T08:37:00.000-07:00

Carrie McCandless used to be a teacher at Brighton Charter High School in Colorado. Her husband is the principal of the same school. But last fall, after school officials found out Carrie McCandless had sexual contact with a 17-year old student, she was fired.

The sexual contact took place during a class trip. Of course, not wanting to risk spending a large amount of jail time she could be

Carnival Of The True Crime Blogs

2007-04-18T13:35:00.000-07:00

Graphic courtesy of: LiLO I am pleased to announce that the "Carnival Of The True Crime Blogs #72" is being hosted this week by Jules at The Cellar . There are a lot of great submissions, as always, so click over and check them out!!

Intolerance In Our Society

2007-04-14T17:08:00.000-07:00

As a True Crime blogger, there are few things these days that shock me. As a mother of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder, this--shocked and outraged me. Yes, what you are seeing is a petition. It's a petition to "Kick Autistic Retards out of America".

I found this via a MySpace bulletin and decided to check it out. I have to admit, I don't always have the time to check all my bulletins, but

"Hack" Job

2007-04-09T10:02:00.000-07:00

This story is not a crime, but I'm a sucker for a somewhat heart-warming, cross-country traveling story.

So, you've decided to retire and move out of the Big Apple to the dry heat of Arizona. You could pack up all your stuff, your animals, rent a U-haul and head on out. Ahhh, but you don't drive. Okay-so catch a plane, right? Wrong! You just don't feel right leaving your pets in the air cargo

A New Search

2007-04-06T13:30:00.000-07:00

The Tucson Police Department is once again searching the Los Reales Landfill for the remains of five-year-old Tyler Payne. The new search is based on a tip they received that he was put in a dumpster at the U-Store-It storage facility, where his sister Ariana Payne was found decomposing in a plastic tub in one of the units.

I am praying that they are able to find Tyler so that his family can

The boys who cried wolf

2007-04-03T15:15:00.000-07:00

Imagine you are accused of sexually assaulting your daughter's 16-year-old friend and another 16-year-old boy. The evidence against you seems overwhelming. There's DNA, there's clothing that belongs to you in the boy's possession. Your friends and neighbors are in disbelief. They thought they knew you. They spent time in your home. Your kids hang out together. People that don't even know you are

Dirty Laundry

2007-03-28T11:55:00.000-07:00

If you have a washer and dryer in your home, you can breathe a little easier knowing that you don't have to deal with Timothy Schreiber. You can also be grateful that you don't work at the Clean Center Laundry Mat.

Schreiber, labeled a Sexually Violent Predator, spent a few days scoping out places to use the bathroom. He would go into two separate businesses. He would take his time using the

Marsh Madness

2007-03-22T23:57:00.000-07:00

Yet another stellar example of why I am losing faith in the human race is Diane Marsh. However, there are two people that would probably consider Marsh a humanitarian, or their hero of sorts. What a kind woman, she takes in homeless people. She took in Flower Tompson and her common-law husband, Mark Moss.

Too bad Marsh didn't have the same consideration for her five-year-old son, Brandon

crime, interrupted

48 Hours Mystery: No Way Out

48 Hours Mystery: Trigger Point

Wouldn't You Like To Know?

There's Still Time To Vote!

48 Hours Mystery: "Secrets In Palm Beach"

Finally Some Relief For Chandler

He Needs A New Girlfriend Now.

Beyond 90 Seconds

Happy (Belated) Blogiversary!!

It Must Take A Lot Of Gall.....

This Week's "48 Hours Mystery": Castro Valley's Jane Doe

Tonight on 48 Hours Mystery: Fugitive Esther Reed

Shevy Wright--One Wish

This Week's "48 Hours Mystery": The Madeleine McCann

In The Year 2037

Paging Doctor Peter Normann--Stat!

Four Corners Creep Of The Week: "The Cream Of The Creep"

48 Hours Mystery Highlights Dr. Stidham Murder Case

Four Corners Creep Of The Week: The Rude Lady

Stupidity and Another Innocent Victim

A Birthday In Heaven

Carnival Of The True Crime Blogs #98

Little Girl Dies From Gunshot Wound (**Updated**)

Deadly Weapons, Innocent Lives, and Intent

Four Corners Creep Of The Week: Michael Anthony Douglas

Carnival Of The True Crime Blogs #97

Four Corners Creep Of The Week: Michelle Tufts

Update: "Creep" Pleads Not Guilty

Giselle's Story

No-Good Samaritans

Carnival Of The True Crime Blogs #96

Four Corners Creep Of The Week: Douglas Burns

Four Corners Creep Of The Week: Scott Clark

It Won't Happen To Me.

They needed more beer.......of course.

Carnival Of The True Crime Blogs

Four Corners Creep Of The Week: Robert Ashley

Taegen's Law Rally

TCB Carnival

Four Corners Creep Of The Week: Tommy Soza

The Killing Of Mia Henderson--Part Two

Utah Mine Tragedy Scammer

Taegen McKinney Rally--ARIZONA

The Killing Of Mia Henderson-Part One

Carnival Of The True Crime Blogs

Where is Camille Cleverley?

There May Be Bears........

Carnival Of The True Crime Blogs

Remembering Ariana and Tyler Payne - Part Two

Taxi Ride To The Sky

Remembering Ariana and Tyler Payne

The Babysitter

Carnival Of The True Crime Blogs

Happy Holiday, Southpaws!

Taegen McKinney: "Lil' Butterfly"

Because I Sweat

Carnival Of The True Crime Blogs #87

Chandler Serial Rapist: Under Pressure

Plane Nuts

Lives Forever Changed

Carnival Of The True Crime Blogs #86

Justice For Ariana and Tyler Payne?

Bad News For All You Cannibals Out There

Dear Lilliana: Children And Pets Are NOT Game Pieces!

This Week On MSNBC

Introducing: A.J. Flick

Blogging the Schwartz/Bigger trials

A Recommendation

This Week On MSNBC

Three Weeks Ago: Chandler Serial Rapist

I Just Don't Like You

1,936 Miles

UPDATE: Body Found May Be Amber Hess

Vanished: Amber LeAnn Hess

Chandler Serial Rapist

For The Missing

The Surprise

Carnival Of The True Crime Blogs #79

Excuses, Excuses

Little Girl Dies From Gunshot Wound (Updated)