By: Susan Murphy Milano
The ink on the divorce papers were barley dry on March 6, 2003, when Gina Haskell of Gilbert Arizona divorced her husband of twenty years. Within a year Gina Haskell would change her name and become Gina Tapley. She married Michael Tapley from Snow Flake Arizona. Together they made their home on a forty acre parcel Michael had owned for a number of years prior to their marriage.Michael Tapley was a kind, gentle and simple man. He loved and lived his life to the fullest. Michael's passions were Lady his dog of ten years, his motorcycle and his pick-up truck.
Why am I telling you any of this? The family continues to seek answers in this case of intimate partner missing likely a result of a homicide and we need to spread the word.
Because Michael Tapley is not just missing, family and friends believe he was murdered and the Snow-Flake Arizona Police Department refuse to look at important information that would arrest the person or person's responsible for his death.
Sadly, the law enforcement in Snow Flake is not equipped to properly investigate this case. So I thought along with others, we would get the ball rolling in the right direction. Numerous Internet missing have posted information and reached out for help, only to have doors slammed in their face by the local sheriff's office.
On February 15, 2008, Gina and Michael were reported missing. On or about March 1, 2008 Gina showed up back home, without Michael. Sometime during her trip Gina dropped off Michael's dog at her Mother's home. Michael never went anyplace without his dog, ever.
Gina and the dog did not get along, Michael would never have left lady with her.
On March 10, 2008 the one hundred and fifteen pound Gina arrived at the Snowflake Taylor Police Department on Main street and spoke with Officer Joseph Baca. The comments in the report are as follows:
"Gina Tapley walked into our lobby and requested to talk to an officer."
Officer Notes: "I was aware that she and Michael were reported missing and that NCSO was looking for them. I brought Gina into the training room and had her sit down and asked how I could help her. I sat and listened to Gina while waiting for a detective to arrive. Gina net with Detective Roger Stevens. There was an interview.
at 9:28:59 Disposition- CLOSED.
Police closed the case on the missing couple and refused to open a missing persons or an investigation on Michael Tapley. Wow, they close the case because they do not have the man power and believe the lies that last person to see Michael alive was feeding them.
Have I mentioned that while this woman was married her husband filed two orders of protection against her?
Michael Tapley also petitioned the courts in Maricopa County, AZ for an order of protection on August 9, 2005. But, the couple reconciled and Michael dropped the action.Michael Tapley was preparing to divorce his hot tempered and abuser wife according to family and friends.
Gina's story is that while visiting her family she dropped Michael off at a casino. This also is not possible. In addition, police never checked Gina's handgun to see if it hand been recently fired. She was a fantastic shot. And the truck alleged important blood evidence on the bumpers and tire' s were removed and destroyed by the brother-in-law of Michael Tapley, who also happens to work at a tire store, according to sources.
The success of these cases depends on the public's assistance. Maybe you saw something suspicious and are apprehensive about coming forward. All tips are called in remain confidential. If you can assist and be a siren for justice by sending email's, post information on the Internet, twitter, carry this on other sites, it would go a long way in Michael's case.
Perhaps consider sending an email asking for an investigation into this case we will begin with the Arizona State Police. Please send emails to RVanderpool@azdps.gov . Roger Vanderpool is the Director of the Arizona State Police. Or call 602-223-2365 and ask that someone please investigate the case of Michael Tapley.
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 | Michael Alan Tapley age: 51 Michael has been missing Since 2-15-08. Last seen leaving work as a school bus driver in Snowflake, AZ. May have travelled to Kansas City, MO, with his wife and dog in their black Ford F-150. He wears glasses and always carries a black fanny pack. He may have been wearing a black leather jacket and black leather cap. Please call Navajo County Sheriff's Office with any information. |
Susan is the author of "Time's Up: A Guide on How to Leave and Survive Abusive and Stalking Relationships,"Moving out, Moving on, and Defending Out Lives. Susan is the host of The Susan Murphy Milano Show, "Time'sUp!" . She is a regular contributor to the nationally syndicated "The Roth Show" with Dr Laurie Roth and a co-host on Crime Wire.
1 comment:
It's not often that we bear witness to the details of an intimate partner homicide in which the female has blood on her hands ...and tires literally!
While I lived in Maricopa County (Phoenix),where they use "big city methods," I'd venture to say that Snow Flake is no bigger than it's name and officers would rather fold up their tent and go home for dinner than deal with a homicide committed by a female.
Michael's photo reminds me of a lost soul.. only looking for the simple pleasures in life. 'Too bad that he may have met his fate with a master manipulator. Talk to the ex-husband , I say!
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