Hanging By A Thread

Today, Heather Thompson waits in fear counting the hours when the GPS device is removed from a man whom beat her with in an inch of her life 15 years ago.. With a piece of paper from the court prohibiting her ex-husband from having contact, she knows her life hangs by a thread.

Heather wrote today on her facebook page "The man who beat me for 3 1/2 hours then held me at gunpoint for 15 hours - the same man who mailed a death threat from prison stating that all 3 of you will die by hands (remember that we have two children together) will in a matter of hours be able to come my home or where my child attends college and no one will be the wiser. As of today, we have nothing but a piece of paper saying that he has to stay away."

"I have so many emotions running through me right now that I don't even know where to start. I am terrified for me and the safety of my children. I am angry that in a few hours he gains his freedom and I lose mine. I am angry and frustrated about the fact that he has taken away my ability to financially provide for my children. At 38 years-old I am unable to work fulltime due to the ongoing health issues that are all related to the years of abuse. I am tired, tired of the ongoing fight I've been fighting for the last 15 years to keep him in prison and everything that has gone along with ensuring our safety. "

Heather Thompson fought to keep this violent offender behind bars. When he continued communications with her from prison while under a court order prohibiting contact, this remarkable woman got the State to pay attention and additional time was added to his prison term. The anger built up over these years by this offender is similar to a bullet in its' chamber waiting to be fired. These violent men do not change. It is likely he will seek revenge on Heather for what "he feels and believe's she has done to him." Never mind how he wound up in prison in the first place. That is his property and often as a last act of control, an offender will sit and wait until the time is right. After all, in his mind he has had many years to decide, when, where and how.

Heather goes on to say "So what now? I will implement our safety plan and will be doing all I can to protect my family. I am asking that all of you who believe in the power of prayer, to please pray for our safety but also pray for Tommy(the offender). He needs your prayers even more than I do."

Like most victims, once they have moved on with their lives, they hope and pray that the person responsible for the violence will also find peace to move on with their lives.

Frankly, this will never be over for Heather Thompson and her family. She, will always have to watch her every move from a parking lot at a mall to filling up her car for gas at a quickmart.

Sugar Coating Crime

Tommy was in second grade and his older brother Angelo was in the sixth grade and each were looking forward to a thanksgiving holiday feast with their family in their illinois suburban home.

Early Wednesday morning, the day before thanksgiving their father baseball coach and "your average good guy" Thomas Mangiantini killed his wife, Elizabeth, 46, she was shot once in the head. The boys killed first, shoting his son Thomas Jr., 8, once in the head, and his other son, Angelo, 12, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds in the head. Afterwards the man took his own life.

Thanksgiving morning the lawn was still covered in crime scene tape and according to news acccounts a few families nearby changed their plans for the holiday making other arrangments for the day elsewhere.

The front pages of the Chicago papers likely moved the story of "President Obama pardons "Courage" (the turkey) in holiday ritual" changing the headline to the tragedy in bold face type " Dad, mom, 2 children found dead."

The man left a note in which investigators are" hopeful" will bring closure to the case---but I am not certain anyone will really know for sure what happend in this home, other then the obvious. A person whom is distraught in the last hours or moments of their life often leaves handwritten notes behind with the reasons for their actions? I have a news flash-you cannot go by what a person writes who is in this frame of mind. All they are really doing is explaining their personal view point. It is not the truth. So while the police are trying to analyze something a psycho killer wrote, the facts in the case, died with the murdered family members. Anyway you want to sugar coat this, it is still domestic violence homicide. Okay, police have never been called to the home. Neither parents sought legal services for divorce or separtion. I don't want police or the public to dismiss this as "the man had problems", he was "mentally ill", or whatever other lable someone wants to use.

He carried out a plan to execute his family. Was it because he was sexually abusing one or both of the boys and someone was going to let out their secret? Was it because Elizabeth had finally decided the marriage was over and after the holidays she was going to file for divorce?

Prayers to the friends and family left to cope with such a devasting crime.

It's Okay To Ask Your Kids Questions

It is likely over the next few days you will be with family and friends during the Thanksgiving holiday. If you have a teenager take the opportunity to have some quality discussions about school, whom they are hanging around with and if they are sort of dating someone find out what is going on in their lives. And if you have a moment please head on over and read the the post titled "Thanksgiving Tradition" by Anglican Priest Charles Moncrief over on the Time's Up Blog.

We never really pay attention or think much about our kids being in an abusive relationship. We tell them to stay away from strangers or never to put their drink down at a party, but, as parents do we ever ask and check in with our kids and their relationships? As a parent, why not consider printing a copy of this off and either sitting down with your teenager and discussing the questions listed below or lightly mention that you saw this on the Internet and thought it might be of interest and leave it at that. Maybe ask about their friends, if they suspect they are in an unhealthy situation at the moment. It's a way to open the door to discussing the topic.

Questions to really look and go over with your teenager:
Print this sheet off and write your ideas in the spaces. You can print this sheet from your browser (by pressing the 'print' button on the toolbar or selecting 'print' in the File menu.)
Write a list of the ways in which you think your boyfriend/girlfriend has been or is being abusive towards you.
___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________
Did you ever stop and think about your boyfriend/girlfriend and what they gain through their behavior? Does it make them a better person for controlling or hurting you? Maybe this is being done in their home and they think this is normal behavior? ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________
How has the way you are treated made you feel? Helpless, stupid, afraid to tell someone? ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________
How does or has the abuse affected you - how has it affected your confidence, your relationships, and your school studies or just your life right now.
___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________
How have the negative messages that your boyfriend/girlfriend has given you made you feel about yourself?
___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________
Do you think the abuse has consumed you completely?
___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________
If you break up:
Good points / what could I gain
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Bad points / what could I lose?
______________________________
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If you stay in the relationship:
Good points / what could I gain
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Bad points / what could I lose?
_____________________________
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What's your worst fear if you end the relationship right now?
___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________
What's your worst fear if you continue seeing this person?
___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________
Who can you talk to who could help, a parent, family memeber, school mate, teacher?
___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________
What personal strengths do you have to help you keep going?
___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________
Have you thought about steps you could take to try to change this situation?
___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________
What can you do to feel better and in a safe place (either in the relationship or after breaking up) ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________
What things can you do for yourself, to feel stronger? (spend more time with my friends, find a job, keep a journal,pay attention to your school work, etc.
___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________

Charging Ahead or Failing to Charge

After a family discovers a crime scene or reports a loved missing in cases where the spouse or former boyfriend is the likely the individual responsible for the murder or vanishing act it often creates an additional burden on law enforcement to follow through and properly investigate the case as a possible homicide.

In the case of Kelly Currin Morris, the 28-year-old mother of two, missing since September 3, 2008, police located her remains in a heavily wooded area last week. William "Scott" Morris (the husband)has been charged with first-degree murder and for burning a dwelling, shared by the couple and their children. It was burned down the day after Kelly was reported missing. He is being held without bond and likely will remain where he belongs, behind bars.

The law enforcement community did a remarkable job, otherwise William Scott Morris would still be a free man as we have often seen in other cases. It is not easy to investigate a case involving "intimate homicide."

Renee Pagel Case Still Unsolved

Still unresolved, and frankly outrageous, is the unsolved murder of Renee Pagel ,found stabbed to death in her bed recovering from surgery, (after donating aa kidney to a complete stranger) just days away from her divorce being finalized. According to close friends and relatives the grade school teacher and a registered nurse told others she was in "fear for her life." A week before her murder she changed the beneficiary of her life insurance policy from her estranged husband to a close family friend.

Her estranged husband, Michael Pagel, is the only person who has not voluntarily cooperated with police, nor has he provided an alibi to police for the night of Renee's murder. He retains custody of the couple's children.

As many women say when they are married to an abusive spouse, "if something happens to me, make sure people know it was not an accident." And, yet, in Rockford, Michigan detectives assigned to the case, in "name only," appear to have dropped the ball and the case file is sitting in a drawer collecting spiders, cob webs and dust.

Are cases like this more difficult because they already have the body, it's not that important, and no one is around to put pressure on investigating and ultimately charge the person responsible?

I realize a good defense attorney would attempt to kick a case like this to the curb. There would be media and a lot of mud slinging. But, a seasoned prosecutor would be able to win such a case and get a conviction.

Isn't the prosecutor the one who represents justice for the victim?

Can You Meet The Deadline?

Christopher Cooper raped and then murdered 9 month-old Monica Williams. He was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. On December 1, 2009, Christopher Cooper will appear before the Parole Board in Ohio asking to be released because "he so very remorseful for a crime committed" 30 years ago.


While he sits with his hand folded before the parole board, he is clean shaven, his nails sparkling and bright, looking like a shiny new penny, asking to be forgiven, hopeful the parole board will grant him a second chance.

We, this means you and I, have the opportunity to see that Christopher Cooper remains behind bars. I realize it is easier to email a request or a letter of protest, but, in this situation, a letter mailed with a stamp and a return address will have the impact needed to keep this man from being released on our city streets. Should he be released he may not be required to register as a sex offender as the crime happened 30 years ago. Regardless this man needs to remain in prison.

This week you will be with friends and family. Copying and paste this letter from thise blog (below) and set ip a little table near the food asking your guests before they fill a plate with food to take the letter, sign it, place it in the envelope, have the guest put their return address on the front and seal. Then place stamps on them and mail the next day at your local post office. On Sunday at church ask members to help you, hand them an evelope with the address, and a copy of the letter and ask them sign and mail it, be sure they put a return address on the envelope. Pass this on to the blogs you visit, facebook and twitter and enlist everyone''s help.

There is not a lot of time, Christopher Cooper will be before the parole Board on December 1, 2009.

Address Letter to: Ohio Board of Parole, Office of Victim Services

770 W. Broad Street

RE: Inmate Christopher Cooper A158707

Columbus, Ohio 43222. .

Remember each letter counts as one request regardless of the number of signatures on it. All letters need to be signed, dated, and include a return address on the envelope by Dec. 1, 2009

Letter: (also copy and paste the photo)


Ohio Board of Parole
Office of Victim Services
770 W. Board Street
Columbus, Ohio 43222

RE: Inmate Christopher Cooper #A158707

DATE: November ___, 2009

Dear Ohio Board of Parole:

I am writing to request that the Ohio Parole Board deny the release of Inmate Christopher Cooper who murdered and raped 9 month old Monica Williams in 1979.

Please deny parole for Christopher Cooper.

Sincerely,

________________


Again, picture from the blog of Monica Williams should also be included. And put a return addreas on the envelope.

"Cowardly Killer's Club"

This past Monday on the associated press wires from columbus township, Michigan beings like this:" If Phillip Parsons was having financial or other troubles, he didn't let on to his friend, Russ Whittaker, as they cut trees or talked about high school sports.

"Great people. Great people," according to a neighbor who knew the now slain family, while shaking his head in disbelief.." Then the article goes on to say "People can say whay they want he was good with the kids"

Please, somebody send me a case of vomit bags! That is what I feel like doing each time I read that a parent, spouse or estranged human being from a relationship that has ended or when a marriage is on the rocks. The story is about a tragedy of yet another family slaughtered. And an abuser's last act of control is to kill what they believe they own. Similar to owning a car, house or weapons.

Such a fantastic all around guy that he shots his wife Gina Parsons, 34, was shot multiple times and found in the couple's bed. Parson's son, Sean, and his wife's son, Andrew Davis, were each shot once and found in their bedrooms. The boys, both 14-year-old high school freshmen. And the wonderful husband and father then killed himself.

Then hours earlier not far from where Gina, Andrew and Sean were disovered in another town over, in the upscale Lakes of Milford subdivision in northwest Oakland County,Michigan police found the bodies of Joseph Peter Valentino II, 61 who killed himslef after murdering his wife, Lucille Champoux Valentino, 60.

When I read a sheriff's comment on both cases, I did not agree with his remarks:
"It would appear that, with the tough economic times, people are desperate and resorting to things such as this," said Macomb County Sheriff Mark A. Hackel. "It's an act of desperation."

In my opinion it is a premeditated act of cold, cowardly power and control. Tragedies can be spun in all different directions. But, the fact remains these cowardly killers had a choice to walk away regardless of what ever they may have been facing in their lives. Or they could have simply taken their own life. It is when they kill the wives and innocent children that defines them as the cowards they were while masquerading as "good loving individuals" on earth.

Sheriff's "Regret" is a Disturbing Trend

Today the murder trial in Florida continued for Juan Mendez who is accused of killing his estranged wife Whitney Mendez and mother in-law Lorena Stone in 2006.

Just when I thought the trial could go either way, that perhaps the prosecutor had a chance to win the case, it all changed when sheriff's Sgt. Walter Ryan was on the stand. During his testimony he told the jurors he "regretted not doing more work as the lead detective investigating the homicides of Whitney Mendez and her mother, Lorena Stone."

Assistant State Attorney Cynthia Ross asked Sheriff Ryan if he investigated the case as fully as he should have. "Looking back now," Ryan said, "regrettably, no." Ryan testified he didn't collect house phone records because he was told by the phone company that only billable calls - collect or long distance - are stored. But Ryan also said he didn't collect call records of cell phones found in the house. "I never got the cell phone records," Ryan testified. "I wish I had."

It is painfully obvious that many are to blame for a sloppy homicide investigation. From recovery of cell phone records, witness interviews, court document files, text message records to domestic violence calls to the home. The police are rarely, if at all properly trained in domestic violence homicide investigations and that was made very clear today, during the trial. Also, the prosecutor basically allowed the case to go cold for nearly a year before an investigation could be re-ignited.

For a successful prosecution in any domestic violence homicide case, expertise and knowledge are crucial for those standing in the aftermath of a bloody battlefield.

Perhaps when the trial concludes the prosecutor will invite me down for an intense day of training so that in the future their jobs will be easier and justice can actually be served!

I am not in any way trying to be sarcastic or disrespectful to anyone fighting for justice. With 20 years of experience in all types of homicide as it relates to family violence and stalking why not turn to someone that can make or break a case. Granted, I would not know where to begin when it comes to sex crime cases involving children, but, I do have the ability to teach others succesfully, by enhancing their skills in this area.

If you are interested, the trial is being broadcast live on court tv and also via twitter here's the link: http://twitter.com/newspresscourts

"Disconnection in the Courtroom"

Continuing this week on Courtside television is the live trial of Juan Mendez whom on July 24, 2006 was charged with second degree murder in the deaths of his wife Whitney Mendez, 19 and mother-in-law Lorena Stone.

Whitney Mendez obtained a court order of protection and the prosecutor played a video tape (before she was murdered) from one of the hearings where Juan Mendez in typical abuser form made accusations against his wife before a judge in an attempt to shift the violence in the home to a story which amounted to nothing more than a pathetic excuse about his actions the day he came into the home and why he got upset with his wife.

What disturbed me about the trial is when I learned friends of Whitney did not come forward for almost a year saying "they were afraid Juan was going to hurt them" or their families. The trial appears to be weighing heavily on "hearsay evidence." Mostly from friends and co-workers whom are on the stand testifying to what Whitney disclosed about the abuse while she was alive. Allegedly, she told those close to her that she was in fear for her life and was not able to leave her abusive husband.

The couple have a young son whom was not harmed and in my opinion spared (because he was a boy) during the gruesome murders. If this was a random act of violence it is likely the child would have also been killed. As I watched Juan Mendez all decked out in a crisp white shirt, suit, and tie his body language told the story of many abusers in a court of law sitting pretty and smug hoping to get away with murder.

What I did not understand is why those close to Whitney Mendez remained silent for so long? Why they did not come forward immediately after learning the news that their friend and her mother were found murdered? Why didn't they go to authorities?

The power that an abuser has over a friend or family member often transfers onto others as in this case and the cycle of intimidation and, of second hand abuse repeats to others. As a receiver of information or a witness to a crime when a person does nothing, they empower the abuser whom ultimately wins.

I was not able to watch the entire trial today, because I didn't have time and frankly, what I viewed was enough to determine this case is clearly in the hands of the jurors. With the stage of the courtroom already set by a well dressed man accused of murder, holding his head high as though he wouldn't stomp a bug with the sole of his shoe and a beaming air of confidence along with a skilled defense team representing him. Unfortunately, the case does not appear to be going all that well for the a prosecutor.

When a prosecutor is unable to connect the facts of a case on behalf of crime victims a disconnect is likely to happen with the jurors. I hope for the lives of these women forever silenced, I am wrong.

"Clay County Florida Community Remains in Danger"

Thus far the person responsible for the murder of 7 year-old Somer Thompson has yet to be apprehended by authorities. Since I first learned from sources how this child died it is of great concern to me, that this indivdual still, responsible for murdering Somer, remains at large.

In checking the area where the family lives, I am disturbed by the fact there are 19 offenders whom live in a one mile radius of the home. A predator living just 0.4 miles from the home and school according to the Florida Offender neighborhood registry listing a few of the offender addresses literally backs up to the court yard of the school. One predator can actually climb over their fence and into the school yard. Isn't that in violation of probation? Isn't an offender required by law not to live a minimum 1000 feet from any school? Where are the parole agents? Who is monitoring these dangerous pedators?

During a vigil for Somer Thompson just hours before her body was discovered in a garbage dump sources whom attended the virgil aledge there was a man covered up in a windbreaker (the weather was in the mid 80's), baseball cap and possible marks or scratches to the face just standing around at the gathering. So while police were trying to locate the young girl no one thought about the fact that this man could have actually shown up and possibly was right there before their eyes. Perhaps a news camera crew or an individual with a video of the that night could look and see if they captured those in attendance that evening.

The siting of the man was reported but apparently according to sources it was not followed up for a few days. Then within 48 hours of Somer's murder a neighbor was followed suspiciously by someone in a truck. She dialed 911, but was blown off for being paranoid. A week later detectives made a report of the incident.

According to Jaemi Levine, Founder and President of Mother's Against Predators Orange County has become a ghost town. The parks, playground's and neighborhood's are empty. It is as though everyone all vanished. People are remaining in their homes. The community absolutely terrified."

This man responsible is still out there. Mothers Against Predators is curious as to why the Orange County Police Department have not released the photo's of "Absconded" offenders whom are no longer living at their registered address to America's Most Wanted and other news outlets.

The community and the family of Somer Thompson have been spared the gruesome details of how this precious gift of life was murdered. Maybe they need to be told? Maybe the community needs to demand answers? And maybe by informing the community and the media a predator can be removed from society so that another child does not have to die!

Rap Sheet As Long As Toilet Paper Strikes Again!

In 1994 3-year-old Devin Brewer of Oakland, California was beaten to death by Curtis Martin III. The child he murdered with his fists was the child his then-girlfriend.

This low-life piece of garbage was allowed to plead the murder of the 3-year old down to voluntary manslaughter and was only sentenced to 11 years in prison. He also has a rap sheet about as long as a roll of toilet paper from robbery, burgalry to weapons charges. Did someone miss the 3 strikes and you are out prison rule? Clearly this dangerous repeat felon was going to strike again. Over the weekend his was arrested.

This past weekend his current girlfield Zoelina Williams was found fatally beaten and her body discovered with a bullet in her head. On Sunday police disovered what looked like her 17-month old child Jashon's body found floating near by dead in the water.

What do I have to say to get people to understand that once someone is an offender, they will do it again. No amount of rehabilitation on this planet will change an individuals violent, controlling and deadly actions.

Believeing that a person with whom you are romatically involved or married too, if they are abusive or have served prison time, you need to get your head out of the clouds and realize you will wind up seriously injured or killed yourself if you do not get the hell out of that toxic and dangerous relationship.

Predicting the behavior of another person is very difficult, especially if the person has promised not to become abusive again. Often it is our hope that things will get better that makes the assessment of risk even more difficult. There are several factors in assessing dangerousness.

These factors suggest a greater risk of continued and/or severe violence. If you can see any of these in your abuser, seriously consider and understand that the abuse will not go away, that it may very well get worst, and that you will never be able to control the situation well enough to ensure your own protection. If you see the first risk factor AND any of the others, then you should know the risk's that you can be severely injured or killed increases greatly.

Does your partner has a prior history of domestic violence (that is, partner has been violent with you previously, or has been violent in other relationships this includes family members)

Partner is extremely possessive and jealous :

The person has “possessive beliefs” – that is, strong feelings of ownership about their victim – the risk of fatality doubles. An “insanely jealous” partner may be extremely dangerous – especially if he/she comes to believe that you are not “faithful” or that you are intending to leave.

Partner threatens to kill you or others in your life if you ever leave the relationship:
This is the third most powerful predictor of fatality. While not everyone who threatens to kill their partners follows through with the threat, most of those who do kill have threatened to do so. Take any and all threats seriously. This is not a game. I do not care if the person said it while they were drunk or high-it still counts as a serious threat.

Partner believes you his wife or girlfriend has betrayed him (or her).If the person abusing you views you as having rejected him or her in preference for another partner or for independence, you are at greater risk.

Partner knows you are attempting to leave.If you are in the process of leaving be very careful. The risk of leaving without a concrete safety plan in place increases your chances of remaining alive.This factor represents the dangerousness inherent among some individuals who have a longstanding pattern of criminal behavior. Watch out for partners who have a history of criminal charges against people (like battery, assault).

Be extremely careful when partners appear to have no conscience and no remorse for causing pain to others.If any of these factors are present, there is an increased risk of violence:· Social services has become involved in your family. Your partner believes that you have more status or power than he/she does.

Your partner has lost a job. The legal system is involved in your partner’s life.

You are pregnant or there has been a recent birth of a child.

Your partner has access to weapons.

You are preparing to leave.

Your children are about to be removed.

Your partner is actively seeking information regarding your location.What does this all mean? It means that all violent partners do not come in some neat package with a warning label attached to their shirt collar. It means that hunk of a man with deep gazing green eyes who makes your knees weak can be a dangerous partner in a relationship and breaking from that spell of lust/love is a difficult undertaking. Given that we can often under-estimate the level of danger to ourselves, it is time you take seriously the personal safety for you and your children. Go to the library and pick up a copy of Defending Our Lives or Moving Out Moving On and begin formulating a plan.

At the library find out if there are tapes on self defense that you can watch in a private room in the library.

Doing nothing will get you killed, and then Time's Up!

Behind The One Way Mirror: Robin Sax

Veteran prosecutor Robin Sax is a former deputy district attorney who was with Los Angeles County Distrist Attorney's office specializing in sex crimes against children. Robin has witnessed first hand the devastating toll these crimes take on innocent children, some so young they are barely able to see the top of a kitchen counter.

When we watch Nancy Grace or Larry King on CNN talk about the latest abduction, murder or sexual assualt against a child the general public doesn't see much other than what is being reported on a crime. We hope and pray when a child is found the person responsible is brought to justice. But, beyond that society doesn't think much more about the justice system unless the case is being covered in the news or televised. Then we see the talking heads debating the strength and outcome of the case. And cases involving children are never televised.

Up until a few months ago Robin Sax was the "heartbeat" for justice when in came to prosecuting child sexual assault cases. Now with her new book titled "It Happens Everday inside the life of a Sex Crimes D.A.", readers will gain insight into a world only prosecutors understand, that is until, now.

Robin provides a view in this amazing book of what goes right and what also go wrong in the prosecuting of these cases. And in a language all her own Robin Sax tells readers like it is within the system. A legal system that unless we make changes, the very children whom we are trying to protect that will lose in the end.

Dividing the book into two parts, she begins with "Behind the One-Way Mirror," which deals with the investigation portion of child sexual assault. She defines exactly what constitutes sexual assault and then presents the ingredients of what makes a case "fileable." She also explains why some cases never get filed.

In the second part, "Behind the Counsel Table," Robin sheds light on the whole court process. She discusses a range of issues, including mandatory sentencing, plea bargains, unsupportive parents, using children's testimony to prosecute the perpetrator, DNA evidence, the importance of corroboration, and the weaknesses of the jury system.

Her first authored book equally important for all parents is "Predators and Child Molesters" with a forward written by Marc Klaas, Klaas Kids Foundation.

To me being safe is more important than buying the lastest fashion or spending money on items you really don't need. Safety of our children is easier when we take the time to pick up information and learn as parents how to keep our kids safe. Robin Sax's information is similar to "boot camp guide for parents. Hey maybe that should be the title of her next book!

Either way the books are available in books stores and on Amazon.com. If your local library does not have a copy or two on their shelves politely ask the librarian to order it. Tell them Susan suggested it!

"Battlefield"

Wednesday around 4:00 pm, Teresann Moore was kidnapped and taken to by her estranged husband to his apartment. Neighbors heard screams and called 911. Within minutes the streets were lined with responding officers. Upon arrival officers heard shots fired from the apartment complex.

Then her estranged husband opened fire from his balcony while screaming he would kill any officer who came closer. An officer was shot in the hand by the 38 year-old Randall Moore.

Luckily, the couple's 8 month-old baby boy was at day-care. Police stormed the apartment and found Teresann dead and took Moore into custody.

Theresann was an Air Guard veteran and she had completed three missions in Iraq. She was a member of the 132nd Fighter Wind based out of Des Moines. All her training sadly could not and did not prevent her death.

Often people married to violent offenders are not prepared to deal with continued random acts of violence once the relationship ends. In this case, and I am only guessing, this woman obviously felt that once she was divorced he would leave her alone.

Similar to a ticking bomb, a person leaving, from the moment they say the words "the relationship or marriage is over" to the time they walk out the door, a victim must be on their guard around the clock. Because as I have said before, ending a relationship is the most dangerous time and a plan for all around safety must be implemented immediately, otherwise as we see in this tragedy, it will cost your life!

Prayers to the family and friends and for the wounded police officer.

"Say It Ain't So Joe"

According to reports from various sources and even the man himself at a young age Michael Jackson was physically and emotionally abused by his father, enduring incessant rehearsals, whippings and name-calling. Jackson's abuse would as with the majority of our nations children whom suffer in silence affect him throughout his adult life.

Michael Jackson first spoke openly about his childhood abuse in a 1993 interview with Oprah Winfrey. He said that during his childhood he often cried from loneliness and would sometimes get sick or start to vomit upon seeing his father. A common theme shared by many abused children, including myself.

Joseph Jackson drank from the same hard cement pond as my own father. And I would never have come forward with my own "daddy dearest" journey if my father had not murdered my mother back in 1989.

Now there is a legal battle over the Jackson estate. Joseph Jackson believes he is entitled to a montly allowance in excess of $15,000 each month. Yes, he being Joe Jackson provided the "sperm" that ultimately created a mutil-billion dollar entity, but does that give a father with whom Jackson severed ties, removed from his will and prohibited his own children to have any connection with, a life time compensation annuity for what amounts to nothing more than a sperm donation? Jackson carefully created with his lawyers an estate plan of direction prior to his death. On purpose Michael Jackson omitted his father "sticky fingers Joe" from receiving anything that Michael created and worked for during his lifetime.

It seems apparent to me that Michael's got the last word. And in the world of any abuser that has lost control they will fight to their last dying breathe, because they, cannot tolerate losing!

Tracking Those In The Name of Justice

Intimate Domestic Violence Homicides is an Internet site providing a national compilation of daily news articles about family violence murder and suicides. "Most mornings I wonder when society is going to realize intimate violence makes victims of us all."

This important site is the brain child of Cathy Church whom is also the Executive Director of Access Justice NOW. The site also includes a google map chart indicting each tragedy. The site is important in bringing awareness to the plight of victims after a tragedy. And sadly, it is an important tracking information site of the men whom not only kill their spouse or girlfriend, but the children.

The site also advocates assistance for those who have been victims killed.

Do Not Let a Victim Die in Vain
If you have a family member, friend or loved one who has been killed because of intimate or domestic violence, do not let their death be in vain.
Access Justice Now, a non-profit dedicated to seeking justice on behalf of intimate and domestic violence victims, may be able to help.

Go to http://www.accessjusticenow.org/ and fill out the Legal Assistance form at the bottom of the home page if you feel the death of your friend or loved one could have been avoided had authorities taken steps to enforce the law.
Everyone Deserves Justice, Everyone!

Manhunt Continues for David Kromer

She was abducted from her home town in Sandusky, Ohio. Over the weekend in a field filled with debris a few states away in Erie, PA, the State police discovered the body of Carla Westholfen.

According to Erie officials the Erie Times News reported that the victim had a "number of wounds" that appeared to have been caused by a "sharp force instrument." The cause of death was listed as "suspicious."

Recently, the woman ended a relationship with a man she was dating by the name of David L. "Jody" Kromer ( shown below) 56, of Margaretta Township, Ohio. Police have issued a nationawide manhunt for this individual.

David Kromer is 6' 1" tall, weighing 210 pounds, he has blond hair and blue eyes. He is possibly driving a blue 2000 Jeep Cherokee with Ohio license plate DQW 3569 or Carla Westhofen's tan 2002 GMC Envoy with Ohio license plate AXS 6883.

Anyone one who has seen or has information about this case is asked to call the Erie County Sheriff's office at 419-625-7951. Police have issued warrants for David Kromer's arrest on charges of murder and kidnapping.

After Carla Westhofen ended the relationship and concerened for her safety she obtained a court order of protection. David Kromer violated that court court order and was arrested. He posted bond and likely continued to stalk Carla. In some situations obtaining a court order of protection or having the abuser arrested can anger the abuser. And when the person ends the relationships does not implement safety changes as it pertains to their residence, security alarms or mace, self defense the outcome can be deadly. If you are a victim it is important to have a personalized safety plan.

In addition, the National Domestic Violence coalition provides assistance to shelter, information and services free of charge in your afrea 24/7. Please before you secure an order of protection consider placing a call for steps you can implement, if you are able, prior to obtaining a court order. The number is 1-800-799-SAFE.

"Fire Starter"

Today, my colleague Delilah from the Internet sites Peace4Missing, Mothers are Vanishing and Time's Up discussed how one case in particular fueled awareness and change. That case is Stacy Peterson. All rolled into one here is a case where the person has vanished, she was married to someone in law enforcement, domestic violence was a constant theme, connected a prior wife of Peterson's whom was found dead in a bathtub, a crime scene compromised and a grand jury investigation swayed towards the side of politics by a former questionable State's Attorney whom took an oath of office and buried the truth for any hope of justice in the very soil with it's victim Kathleen Savio.

In outrage over Stacy's apparent murder, sites all over Internet were born. Peace4Missing came out of a need to do more for victims and their families, Where is Stacy, Jurorthirteen, Justice Interrupted, Mothers Are Vanishing, Peterson Story, Levi Page Show on Blog talk radio, Time's Up, Justice Cafe, LostNMissing, Murphy Milano's Journal, We Want Her Found, other sites such as Behind The Blue Wall and a Candy Rose that built an amazing time-line on the entire case.

The cable network shows such as Nancy Grace, Greta, Geraldo, Larry King, Jane Valdez-Mitchell, Dana Pretzer's Scared Monkeys radio, MSNBC and others who in discussing this case brought the issue and its' victims of murder and family violence into the homes of millions of American's.

The books written by reporter Joe Hosey "Fatal Vows"and Stacy Dittrich "Murder Behind the Badge." And the upcomming book "Time's Up" was fueled and written so that victims of violence would have a fighting chance to stay alive while leaving their abusers, to be released in 2010, because of the Stacy Peterson case.

The blogs and social networking sites too many to name written by such sites as the Coalition of Crime Bloggers, Help Find The Missing, Websleuths , Women In Crime Ink.

The Illinois Hearsay law was enacted after Stacy's disappearance.

Thousands of people most whom I have never met, have changed the lives of so many others, all because of one woman, Stacy Peterson.

Think of her someplace directing traffic if you will, from the heavens. She is not sitting on some beach roasting marshmallows or eating dryed out chicken wings. Stacy's voice is finallly being heard and the world is listening.

The Slaughter of Kathryn, Connor and Cameron Maxwell

In Fayetteville, North Carolina a community is trying to figure out why 47 year-old William Maxwell, a real estate developer and devout Christian murdered His wife Kathryn, son Connor 17 years-old and daughter Cameron all of 15 years-old before turning the gun on himself.

It is beyond human understanding why anyone would slaughter their entire family, especially someone with close ties to the community. Did William Maxwell wake uo one morning and decide to take the lives of his family? Was he suffering from mental illiness? Did his wife dicsuss the possibility of divorce? Was William Maxwell in financial trouble? No one yet, has an answer.

In these cases of family slaughter answers or excuses, especially when we know the family is often nothing more then a hidden label because of where someone lived, their education or what they did for a living. This community, in my opinion is trying to place a fancy lable on a package because the tragedy is beyond what anyone from that particular community is or could be capable of carrying out. As a society digesting the fact that this person committed murder is echoed in the comments I read on various message boards and one in particular"Billy, if you knew him loved his family. that's what makes this so tragic," said pastor John Cook.

Clearly this case is a wake call. We are faced with a national crisis that has reached epidemic proporations in this country. The slaughtering of family members has taken more lives then those lost in the Vietnman war.

The war in homes must be addressed state by state, city by city, one community at a time. But progress will not be made until we label and acknowledge the fact that this was murder, committed by a man whom is no different then that unsuspecting pillar in your communinty preparing to attend Sunday worship services this morning.

These people who slaughter their families hide behind the same designer shirt label just as sure as the mechanic whom repaired your car last week. They came in all different shapes, sizes and ethnicities, each capable of committing the most unspeakable crimes.

You can prevent a tragedy if you are willing to acknowledge that family homicide and domestic violence are real crimes. Learn the signs of trouble, abuse, stalking, domestic violence, get involved by holding community informational gatherings, post the information in the schools, business and places of worship. If you begin a dialogue you just might be surprised at how many lives will be saved in the process.

Preventing a Rape: Yours!

A few months ago a group of rapists and date rapists in prison were interviewed on what they look for in a potential victim and here are some interesting facts:

1) The first thing men look for in a potential victim is hairstyle. They are most likely to go after a woman with a ponytail, bun, braid or other hairstyle that can easily be grabbed . They are also likely to go after a woman with long hair . Women with short hair are not common targets.

2) The second thing men look for is clothing.. They will look for women who's clothing is easy to remove quickly. Many of them carry scissors around specifically to cut clothing.

3) They also look for women on their cell phone, searching through their purse, or doing other activities while walking because they are off-guard and can be easily overpowered.

4) Men are most likely to attack & rape in the early morning, between 5: 00a.m. and 8:30a.m.5) The number one place women are abducted from/attacked is grocery store p arking lots. The number two: office parking lots/garages.. Number three: public restrooms.

6) The thing about these men is that they are looking to grab a woman and quickly move her to another location where they don't have to worry about getting caught.

7) Only 2% said they carried weapons because rape carries a 3-5 year sentence but rape with a weapon is 15-20 years.

8) If you put up any kind of a fight at all, they get discouraged because it only takes a minute or two for them to realize that going after you isn't worth it because it will be time-consuming.

9) These men said they would not pick on women who have umbrellas, or other similar objects that can be used from a distance, in their handsKeys are NOT a deterrent because you have to get really close to the attacker to use them as a weapon. So, the idea is to convince these guys you're not worth it.

10) Several defense mechanisms he taught us are: If someone is following behind you on a street or in a garage or with you in an elevator or stairwell, look them in the face and ask them a question, like what time is it?, or make general small talk: 'I can't believe it is so cold out here,' 'We're in for a bad winter.' Now you've seen their face and could identify them in a line-up; you lose appeal as a target.

11) If someone is coming toward you, hold out your hands in front of you and yell STOP! or STAY BACK! Most of the rapists this man talked to said they'd leave a woman alone if she yelled or showed that she would not be afraid to fight back. Again, they are looking for an EASY target.

12) If you carry pepper spray yell I HAVE PEPPER SPRAY and holding it out will be a deterrent.

13) If someone grabs you, you can't beat them with strength but you can by outsmarting them. If you are grabbed around the waist from behind, pinch the attacker either under the Arm (between the elbow and armpit) OR in the upper inner thigh VERY VERY HARD. One woman in a class this guy taught told him she used the underarm pinch on a guy who was trying to date rape her and was so upset she broke through the skin and tore out muscle strands - the guy needed stitches. Try pinching yourself in those places as hard as you can stand it - it hurts.

14) After the initial hit, always GO for the GROIN. I know from a particularly unfortunate experience that if you slap a guy's parts it is extremely painful. You might think that you'll anger the guy and make him want to hurt you more, but the thing these rapists told our instructor is that they want a woman who will not cause a lot of trouble. Start causing trouble and he's out of there.

15) When the guy puts his hands up to you, grab his first two fingers and bend them back as far as possible with as much pressure pushing down on them as possible. The instructor did it to me without using much pressure, and I ended up on my knees and both knuckles cracked audibly.

16) Of course the things we always hear still apply. Always be aware of your surroundings, take someone with you if you can and if you see any odd behavior, don't dismiss it, go with your instincts!!!You may feel a little silly at the time, but you'd feel much worse if the guy really was trouble

a.) Tip from Tae Kwon Do : The elbow is the strongest point on your body If you are close enough to use it, do!

b.) Learned this from a tourist guide in New Orleans : If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you....chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

c.) If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.

d.) Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc, and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc.) DON'T DO THIS! The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go.. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.d.If someone is in the car with a gun to your head DO NOT DRIVE OFF, repeat: DO NOT DRIVE OFF! Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your Air Bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it. As soon as the car crashes bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.

e.) A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot or parking garage)

f.) Be aware: look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor, and in the back seat.) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.

g.) Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out.IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)

h.) ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. (Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!)

i.) If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) And even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, preferably in a zigzag pattern!i. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP! It may get you raped or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well-educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked 'for help' into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.j. Another Safety Point: Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last, and she called the police because it was late and she thought it was weird. The police told her'Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.'The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over. The policeman said, 'We already have a unit on the way, whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.' He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby.

While I do not agree with some of the information that I found in this post on the Internet, the purpose is to grab your attention and get you thinking about your own personal safety. Post this in the lunchroom where you work or in the center where your child attends daycare, your place of worship and in your community and on Internet blogs.

Also consider taking self defense classes from certified professionals in your area.

Bringing Home Tens of Thousands of Americans

Help Find the Missing Act
Have you heard about H.R. 3695, the "Help Find the Missing Act (Billy's Law)," introduced by Representatives Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Ted Poe(R-TX)? An amazing woman, mother, advocate for missing and unsolved murders, Janice Smolinski is the creator of this ground breaking legislation. Her son Billy has been missing since 2004.

This legislation will aid in filling the gaps in the nation's missing persons system and would help bring closure to the loved ones of the missing. It is no longer a rare occasion in which one may become a missing statistic. Every year tens of thousands of Americans go missing, never to be seen by their loved ones again. Additionally, there are also an estimated 40,000 sets of unidentified human remains that are being held or disposed of across the country. Sadly, because of gaps in the nation's missing persons systems, missing persons and unidentified remains are rarely matched. The Help Find the Missing Act (Billy's Law) is an effort to fix these gaps. We want to help families to have the resources so that we can lessen the burden on the system as well as bringing loved ones home for a proper burial.

Your help is important in the passage of this law. Please consider passing it around in your communities, at your place of worship, on grocery bulletin boards, doctors office, at your place of work, commuter train stations, blogs, facebook, websites and where you think someone will read and take action by signing the petition and creating a national movement for change.

We want to have the gaps closed that will enable families of missing to have one source to be able to search for their missing loved ones. Presently, there are no federal mandates in place to have one system in place. This complicates searches when the Government has a database and the FBI has a separate database. This leaves many cracks that those missing, or unidentified, can fall through.

Presently, there are many missing that may be left unattended in a morgue, unidentified. Fact is, 200 unidentified bodies are in Florida, right now from the 60's and 70's.
In Los Angeles, there are 4815 unclaimed. We want to help families to have the resources so that we can lessen the burden on the system as well as bringing loved ones home for a proper burial.
H.R. 3695 is a bill in which we are striving towards federal legislation, not state-to-state.
Please review the below and help by supporting H.R. 3695

This legislation is named after Billy Smolinski of Waterbury, Connecticut who went missing on August 24, 2004 at the age of 31. Billy's family knows all-too-well the systemic challenges in trying to find the missing. They quickly learned that while federal law mandates law enforcement report missing children, there are no such requirements for adults – or unidentified bodies. Compounding this problem is the fact that local law enforcement agencies, medical examiners, and coroners, often don't have the resources or training to voluntarily report these cases. Finally, even when missing adults and remains are reported, the wide-range of unconnected federal, state, local, and non-profit databases to help match the missing with unidentified bodies, makes finding a match an often insurmountable challenge.

Billy's Law builds upon recent efforts to address these issues by:
Authorizing, and therefore helping to ensure funding for, the National Missing Persons and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), which was created in July 2007 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide a missing persons/unidentified database that the public could access and contribute;
Connecting NamUs with the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) in order to create more comprehensive missing persons and unidentified remains databases and streamlining the reporting process for local law enforcement;
Creating an incentive grants program to help states, local law enforcement and medical examiners/coroners report missing persons and unidentified remains to NCIC, NamUs, and the National DNA Index System (NDIS);
Calling on the DOJ to issue guidelines and best practices on handling missing persons and unidentified remains cases in order to empower law enforcement, medical examiners and coroners to help find the missing.

Should you have any questions or needs, please contact Representative Chris Murphy (D-CT) or Ted Poe (R-TX).

Please click here to see the PDF of this very important bill. Afterwards, click here to sign and support this bill.

Endorsed By: National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, Fraternal Order of Police, National Associations of Police Organizations (NAPO), Connecticut Department of Public Safety, National Forensic Science Technology Center, National Center for Forensic Science, Destiny Search Services, Doe Missing Persons Network, Families of Homicide Victims and Missing Persons, Inc., Peace4TheMissing, Please Help Find The Missing Group, Project EDAN, LostNMissing Inc., Center for Hope David Lohr.

The legislation is Sponsored by Representatives Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Ted Poe (R-TX)
Current Cosponsors: Walt Minnick (ID-I), Ed Whitfield (R-KY)
We are appreciative of the endorsement for H.R. 3695 from the National Associations of Police Organizations. (NAPO). Please click here to read their endorsement letter.