Stacy Peterson is Missing: Drew Peterson Owes the Nation Answers and an Apology

My favorite "Legal Marshmallow Roaster" from the Drew Peterson defense team is out in public making snow balls again, something that his client cannot do at the moment because he is locked-up in a Will County jail awaiting trial for the murder of his third wife, Kathleen Savio. The mother of his two boys was found, mysteriously, in a dry bathtub at the couple's former marital residence on March 1, 2004.



Today, December 14, from the desk of "I need attention central", a press release was issued by Peterson's attorney; the headline reads, (drum roll please):

"Drew Peterson demands apology from Illinois State Police."

Drew Peterson and his defense attorney are demanding that the Illinois State Police make a formal apology to Peterson because they think Stacy Peterson is alive. For the record, Stacy was reported missing by her sister, and not her husband.

The legal team is calling attention to, and citing, a recent case where Judith Bello, a wife and mother, was reported missing under suspicious circumstances 18 years ago. She recently called authorities to inform them she is alive. Just last week in another cold case where a husband was charged, 8 years later, the family begged law enforcement officials for help, and is similar to the murder of Kathleen Savio for which Drew Peterson will stand trial. 

While we are on the topic of apologies, Kathleen Savio's family deserves one from the State Police, State's Attorney and Corner's office (those on staff in 2004) and the entire Bolingbrook Police Department. Kathleen tried desperately to make them aware of her abusive situation and made several reports which were not followed up on properly.

Below are a few recent tragedies where husbands claimed their wives left on their own and don't wish to be located, or it was ruled an accident.

Husband Arrested in Cold Case Death
A man is arrested for his wife's death more than 8 years after it happened. The Goliad County Sheriff's Office tells us Delbert Mills is in jail tonight on a $5 million bond. Mills' wife, Patricia, died in 2003 after their home caught fire. Her case was re-opened last year by the Goliad County Sheriff after the victim's sister urged him to look into Patricia's death. Wednesday, December 7 2011,

MUSKOGEE, Okla. - Formal charges are filed against the husband of a woman who has been missing for 12 years. Jeff Grannon has been charged with first degree murder. February 28, 2011

2003 Cold Case: HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn.- A man accused of hiring a hitman to kill his wife nearly a decade ago was indicted by a grand jury on first degree murder charges Tuesday.Officials in Sumner County said that new evidence against Tyrone Tackett led a jury to believe that Tackett's wife Salena Tackett was deceased although her body has never been found. December 13, 2011

The legal defense team and the accused murderer continue to make a headline grabbing game at the expense of two women who were victims of violence, and, in my opinion, likely lost their lives as a result of officer involved intimate partner violence; this is pathetic. There is no physical evidence supporting the fact that Stacy Peterson is alive. 

Peterson's pattern of conduct in Stacy's case, is important, even months and years prior to when she was reported missing. Also important are the alleged calls placed by Stacy Peterson to the Bolingbrook police department that were dismissed, likely because Peterson was in charge of the hen house at the time.

On November 30, 2011, the Illinois Supreme Court ordered a lower court to reconsider whether 8 out of 14 hearsay statements should be allowed when Peterson finally stands trial for Kathleen's murder. Some statements regarding the murder of Kathleen Savio were made by Stacy Peterson to others shortly before she was, in my opinion, murdered. 

Now, when will Stacy's remains be recovered from where the clever like a fox serial offender hid her is the million dollar question. Four children without their loving mother(s) is a tragic fact!

I do realize by posting this that I am fueling the matter. But, in this case, it is important when you have a sworn officer of the court using the tragedies of one mother who was murdered, and another missing and waiting to be found, to drum up new business.

It is Drew Peterson who owes the world an apology!

Tip-line: Illinois State Police

815-740-0678

Illinois State Police Home Page

Website: findstacypeterson.net

email: findstacyann@aol.com





Susan Murphy Milano is a staff member of the Institute for Relational Harm Reduction and Public Pathology Education as a educator and specialist with intimate partner violence prevention strategies, directing prevention for high risk situations and cases.

She is a national trainer to law enforcement, training officers, prosecutors, judges, legislators, social service providers, healthcare professionals, victim advocates and the faith based community and author.. In partnership with Management Resources Ltd. of New York addressing prevention and solutions within the community to the workplace. 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. Online contributions: Forbes : Crime, She Writesproviding commentary about the hottest topics on crime, justice, and law from a woman’s perspective, as well as Time's Up! a blog which searches for solutions (SOS) for victims of crime

Stacy Peterson: Life Interrupted

"My mother finally had the courage to leave her violent, dangerous abusive police detective husband in 1988. Then in January of 1989, after they divorced, as my father continued to stalk and harass her, his final act of control as in many abusive relationships was to take her life and then kill himself. His theme song "If I can't have you no one will, don't test me on this cause you will die."

___________________________________________________________________________________

In the marriage of Drew and Stacy Peterson, she faced the same life threatening situation not only as a victim of abuse, but as the wife of a law enforcement officer, and she knew it. What she did not know was that Drew Peterson, in my opinion, would kill again. She believed Peterson loved her enough and because of her secret about Peterson, would not harm a hair on her head.

If was Drew Peterson was stupid enough to do anything to Stacy Peterson the truth about his former wife Kathy Savio would be her insurance policy for staying alive. That was her only mistake. The ace in her hand, if you will, that Stacy held, was not strong enough and what she knew for a fact about Kathleen Savio's murder would vanish with her on October 27, 2007. Like Stacy and Kathleen, documenting and capturing facts of the abuse that ultimately lead to both of these women being killed, would have been sustained them beyond the grave. The key for other women to remain alive is provided and spelled out step-by-step in the book “Time’s Up: A Guide on How to Leave and Survive Abusive and Stalking Relationships.” Offenders of intimate partner homicide, similar to Drew Peterson, would have been arrested by authorities, without as much as a blink because their words would be captured similar to a leaving will followed by a video, beyond the grave. Removing the so called “hearsay” conversations that most victims have with friends and family when the abuse or threats to their lives increases and they always tell someone before they vanish or are killed “if something happens to me, please know he did it.”

In the world of Drew Peterson, ever cocky and confident in his plan, he made certain that no one would figure he would have had anything to do with the disappearance of Stacy Peterson. After all, look at her family background. She grew up in a less than perfect home, as did many of us. She dreamed of a better life with the first person who showed her kindness and affection. That is appealing to anyone who was read fairy tale stories as a child, wishing their life, would begin, with a prince taking her away from everything that was unpleasant and evil.

As most victims of intimate partner violence, Stacy Peterson grew, over time, into a strong confident woman. When the abuse was no longer acceptable, she looked at her two young children, possibly thinking back on her own life and decided to make changes that did not include abuse, control and violence. She made plans to move forward, to not repeat the cycle of violence. For that, she is to be commended.

Although her remains have yet to be recovered, her life is important for other victims living in fear at this very moment. I would like to think that on angels wings Stacy Peterson brought me into her world in some way. The initial meeting after her death I would have with Pastor Neil Schori with whom she met in Naperville, IL and the partnership he, the church and I would form to stop the senseless killing of women involved in dangerous relationships across the county.

Now, 3 years have passed and no answers on where the remains of Stacy Peterson are buried. The answers, in my opinion, are in her actions while she was still alive, just as they were for Kathleen Savio, Roberta Murphy and others.

If each of these women were on a stage right now taking to you they would tell you “ when you do what you have always done, the outcome is the same. Look in the mirror at yourself, what do you see?”  What are you going to do about ending the abuse?  And although my mother, after 28 years had a taste of freedom out of the toxic and abusive environment, she would conclude her remarks to each of us and say "Time's Up." !

[Susan Murphy Milano is with the Institute for Relational Harm Reduction and Public Pathology Education. She is an expert on intimate partner violence and homicide crimes. For more information visit http://www.saferelationshipsmagazine.com/  She is the author of "Time's Up A Guide on How to Leave and Survive Abusive and Stalking Relationships," available for purchase at the Institute, Amazon.com and wherever books are sold.  Susan is the host of The Susan Murphy Milano Show, "Time's Up!" on Here Women Talk http://www.herewomentalk.com/ and is a regular contributor to the nationally syndicated The Roth Show with Dr. Laurie Roth  http://www.therothshow.com/) ]

Drew Peterson: The Chicago Sun-Times "Blood on the Rocks"

Once again, without any regard for Kathleen Savio or Stacy Peterson’s family the Chicago Sun-Times has printed another letter from former Bolingbrook police Sergeant and Serial Psychopath Drew Peterson. No surprise, it was hand delivered likely over a scotch on the rocks with a splash of soda in the bar at the East Bank Club by Peterson’s head legal marshmallow roaster and chicken wing salesman.

The defense team is going to great lengths to paint Peterson as a loving caring father. The language used in this latest letter is authored by a coward whom used his powers as a law enforcement officer, in my opinion, to practice his criminal expertise on one wife, then perfected his craft on the other.

Peterson begins his opening script with :” It’s been almost three years since my wife Stacy went missing with the Illinois State Police and the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office launching probably the largest, most obsessive and expensive investigation in U.S. history.” Notice how he uses “my wife” in his sentence. What he is really saying to the world is “my property Stacy.” That is how in my opinion a classic intimate partner killer references their disposed of property. In Drew Peterson’s sick mind, Stacy was nothing more than someone he "controlled and owned" of which he, again in my expert opinion, removed from the family because she was too much of a liability. Yes, Stacy knew too much and when Peterson discovered she had met with Pastor Neil Schori in August of 2007, he panicked and began putting his plan of action into place. Peterson knew Stacy disclosed to the Pastor that Drew murdered Kathleen. Can someone at the newspaper explain how did Peterson know she met with the Pastor? Simple, Peterson was having her followed, otherwise why would he leave a message for the Pastor immediately after Stacy’s meeting? Was Stacy’s cell phone rigged by Drew to trace her every move? Was there a GPS tracking device on her vehicle?

If you do not remember or have not seen the interview, please take the time to watch the 6:22 minutes of questions and response’s Pastor Schori provided to Greta with Fox News. Maybe Michael Sneed and the editors can watch it too. Just click HERE.

In the next line of the letter Peterson says “the investigation has thus far turned up rumors, gossip, hearsay and outright lies.” Fact is that Kathleen Savio was murdered. And for a fact Stacy Peterson “my wife” is missing and he is the only suspect.

Peterson continues ranting by saying how his family has been threatened and harassed, well what about Kathleen and Stacy? These two women, in my opinion, were silenced to death!

In Peterson’s first letter published last month statement analysis expert and investigator Peter Hyatt takes us into the dynamics of former officer, perhaps the newspaper would consider publishing Hyatt’s analysis rather than more victim slapping from a psychopath.

One of the more disturbing lines to me in Peterson’s letter: “My little girl Lacy Ann just started Kindergarten with her daddy unable to be at her first day of school.” What about Stacy? Her little girl has been without her mommy for nearly 3 years. You do not read Peterson's words in reference to Lacy “say our child” or “Stacy’s and my little girl.” Peterson uses “my” just as he describes “my wife Stacy.”

Again, not once has Drew Peterson ever shown real emotion or concern for Stacy Peterson. Now he is using with assistance of the legal marshmallow roaster; his family as the "defense crutch strategy.”

The final blow was seeing the photo of 5 out of the 6 children submitted by a psychopath to steer the public away from the facts: Kathleen Savio the mother of 2 of the 5 children in the photo is dead. And Stacy Peterson, the mother of the two youngest, Lacy and Anthony was denied the opportunity to be there for either of her children’s first day of school, forever!

If you are outraged by the Chicago Sun Times and their disregard for the families of Kathleen Savio and Stacy Peterson by making headlines of Drew Peterson's jailhouse letters, do your part and let them know by calling, emailing or faxing. Nothing will change unless action is taken. The columnist, Micheal Sneed and her editor, should know that by making decisions based on headlines and readership instead of integrity and ethics is one of the reasons the public fuels people like Drew Peterson."

Fax number to the Chicago Sun Times is 312-321-3084 312-321-3084

Michael Sneeds direct email address is : msneed@suntimes.com

Andrew Hermann, Managing Editor 312-321-3000 312-321-3000

Zach Finken, News Editor 312-321-3000 312-321-3000

[Susan Murphy Milano is with the Institute for Relational Harm Reduction and Public Pathology Education. She is an expert on intimate partner violence and homicide crimes. For more information visit http://www.saferelationshipsmagazine.com/  She is the author of "Time's Up A Guide on How to Leave and Survive Abusive and Stalking Relationships," available for purchase at the Institute, Amazon.com and wherever books are sold.  Susan is the host of The Susan Murphy Milano Show, "Time's Up!" on Here Women Talk http://www.herewomentalk.com/ and is a regular contributor to the nationally syndicated The Roth Show with Dr. Laurie Roth  http://www.therothshow.com/) ]

Drew Peterson Case: Defense Plays Possum

Once again, the lead legal marshmallow roaster on the Drew Peterson  defense team continued to strike below the belt in the search by Illinois State Police Investigators for Stacy Peterson in Peoria, Illinois. The legal roaster is asking a judge to require the State to provide the investigative reports related to the downstate dig.

The State police, by the way, received one hell of a hot lead into where Stacy Peterson, in my opinion, could have been buried.  I mentioned in an earlier post, if you follow the letter written and postmarked on November 12, 2007, just 16 days after Stacy vanished, you will likely find a body. In my opinion, the letter was Peterson’s way of providing the most valuable clue but it was missed until 33 months later when State Police received a more than solid lead.

No different than the chicken wings once offered to a handful of Chicago patrons and the media from the legal marshmallow roaster, he is behaving more like a human chicken, flapping his arms and mouth demanding to know what Illinois State Police uncovered during the search. It is doubtful the judge will grant the release of the reports as it does not relate to the impending murder trial, just days away, of wife #3 Kathleen Savio.

The Herald quoted my favorite marshmallow roaster as saying "The state police finally have it right," he said. "Stacy is playing possum."

The definition of a possum according to Wikipedia:

A possum (plural form: possums) is any of about 69 small to medium-sized arboreal marsupial species native to Australia, New Guinea, and Sulawesi (and introduced to New Zealand and China). The name derives from their resemblance to the opossums of the Americas. The term "possum" is also used in North America as a short form of "Opossum".
Possums are quadrupedal diprotodont marsupials with long tails. The smallest possum, indeed the smallest diprotodont marsupial, is the Little Pygmy Possum with an adult head-body length of 70mm and a weight of 10g. The largest is the Bear Cuscus that may exceed 7 kg. Possums are typically nocturnal and at least partially arboreal. The various species inhabit most vegetated habitats and a few species have adjusted well to urban settings.

He should know his own brain has been playing possum a long time now. And for the record, so has any reasonable legal defense of his client.

"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.

Drew Peterson's Latest Addictions?

Besides being addicted to power, control abuse and murder? Drew Peterson’s latest appetite includes burgers, fries and greasy pre-packaged chicken wings washed down with several vodka gimlets.

Last week Peterson took his dolls and dishes elsewhere when WGN’s Randy Miller said no way to plugging the pre-packaged food on his show. As most abusers, when someone doesn’t do as they are told, you get punished. So Peterson attempted to punish Randy Miller and stiffed him the day of the interview.

Imagine how often Kathleen Savio was punished for not doing as she was ordered. Yes I said ordered. I can’t imagine the humiliation when Kathleen learned her husband was involved with an underage child. Here she is a devoted mother of two boys trying to provide a home and life for she and her children while Peterson prances about town with someone old enough to be his daughter. How about Peterson’s fellow co-workers? Did they think what he was doing was repulsive? Most of all Drew Peterson was violating the law himself with a minor. I think they have a name for it, oh yes, RAPE. With whom he paraded in bars and restaurants. And don’t think for a moment Peterson didn’t put that old tin badge to use when a cocktail waitress would approach the underage minor and the over the hill cop to take their drink order. “It’s okay as he reaches in his pocket” ordering drinks for the two of them.

And after Kathleen was found “drowned” in her own bathtub minus water and blood you would think cops on the Bolingbrook police department would speak up and investigate the case properly. Or maybe they were silenced with Peterson’s charming threats. You know he has friends in high places. Including the former States Attorney Tomczak with whom Peterson had a lot of personal history.

As Peterson continues to invade the airwaves, 18 months after his current wife vanishes [remember he is still married]we don’t hear the voice of a grieving or concerned husband. Instead, Peterson is a bloody pitchman for food and some bar downtown desperate for warm patrons. You know people who are still among the living able to go to their homes and be with their children and family.

Sadly, that’s not the case for Kathleen Savio or Stacy Peterson. Each woman and mother, silenced in the prime of their lives.

Painting A Bloody Blue Picture?

Before the Robert Vanaman trial beings next week, attorneys on both sides gathered together one final time.

Vanaman, 40, a former Millville, NJ police officer is charged with his former wife Barbara's murder, criminal restraint, possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, tampering with evidence, hindering prosecution and obstructing the administration of law enforcement.

He was arrested in November 2006, more than six months after he fired two bullets into his Wife’s chest during a domestic dispute inside the kitchen of couple's home.

This case has taken a long time. I am concerned about this case in particular. This is a small town. The defendant Robert Vanaman is a respected member of the community. Vanaman comes from a law enforcement family. According to sources Barbara Vanaman was afraid of her husband. As most women married to an abuser are who happens to be a police officer. rarely are reports made after a dispute. Often as in this case, supervisors may have been called to the Wedgewood Court home, but, refused to make a report against their supervising Sargent. And of course records have vanished.

Barbara sought the advice of a divorce attorney. She had enough of the threats and ongoing abuse by her then husband "sweet" Robert.

The defense will attempt to use psychological records in an attempt to paint a picture that Barbara had mental health and anger issues. I am outraged when I see the same song played as it pertains to those women married to an abuser who carries a badge and a gun. This case is a perfect example. The victim’s life prior to her murder should have no significance in a court of law. And yet, it will be the center of attention in this case. It does not matter what she did or did not do. The fact is Barbara Vanaman is dead.

Did she have training to properly defend herself? Answer: No

Did she make Robert Vanaman pull the trigger? Answer: No

Did she go after Robert in the kitchen that afternoon? Answer: No

Did she try to leave her abusive relationship? Answer: Yes

Is Barbara Vanaman on trial? Answer: Yes

Kathleen’s Savio Interruption of Justice Continues as Will County Drops the Legal Ball

In March of 2008, I authored a post pertaining to an important legal strategy available to the Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow. The statue of limitations to bring federal charges against Drew Peterson expired, today.

Glasgow’s office held the key to a strong case against Drew Peterson. In using the United States mail to send insurance documents for payment on Kathleen’s bogus will, Peterson knowingly committed fraud. And he had clear motive. The 1981; case I cited had many similarities to Drew Peterson’s case. Ironically, Thomas York a Chicago police officer received 40 years in a federal prison.

Last week on Justice Interrupted Radio, Reporter Joseph Hosey and author of the book Fatal Vows, indicated, if the State’s Attorney’s office fails to charge Drew Peterson in the murder of Kathleen Savio in the next several weeks, Peterson walks.

Bringing federal; charges against Drew Peterson, in my opinion, was a slam dunk.
The Will County State’s Attorney’s office failed Kathleen Savio not once but 4 times.

First: When Kathleen she died in a dry bath tub because investigators forgot crime scene 101 procedures. Blood is thicker than water. It was impossible for the blood in that bathtub to have drained without the trained locksmith and police officer, Drew Peterson.

Second: Kathleen’s cries for help were denied by the very people sworn to serve and protect. Her case file hidden, on top of a filing cabinet. Found only after Stacy Peterson, vanished and Sue Domain, Kathleen Savio’s sister had copies of letters and court documents proving Kathleen fought to be heard.

Third: the Will County State’s Attorney’s office lost the keys when they failed to enlist the assistance of the US Attorney’s office in this case. Properly, charging Peterson with a federal crime.

Fourth: The ignorant injustice cost two women their lives.

In memory of Kathleen Savio a site dedicated to the lives of these women titled Peterson Story including case updates and posted a great article from the site Mothers Are Vanishing.

The Magic Carpet Ride to Murder

Today on the EIB Network, home of Rush Limbaugh he discussed the beheading of Assiya Hassan, 37 years of age and the mother of two children ages 4 and 6. Rush Limbaugh talked about folks in idiot land who are trying to spin the murder of Assiya by saying it is “Not Domestic Violence”. Labeling the removal of the woman’s head as “cultural” because in Muzzimmil Hassan’s native land and under Islamic religion it condones the beheading of women in his country.

I have a news flash for those who are turning their own heads away from the truth.

This Coward or “dickless” wonder as I refer to men who use murder as a way to solve their
problems is the lowest form of human pond scum.

I am confused as to why this murderer is only charged with second-degree murder?

He was arraigned by Orchard Park, NY Village Justice Deborah Chimes. And is currently in custody at the Erie County Holding Center. Have they taken away this flight risk’s passport?

Does Muzzimmil Hassan have a dual passport? With citizenship both in his native county and the United States if he makes bail without surrending his passport he will likely flee.

Why the murderer only charged with second degree? Is it for fear of political backlash from the Islamic Community in the United States? ( not aware Islamic laws applied)

If that is the reason for down grading the seriousness of this woman's murder, it is ridiculous !

Assiya filed a court order of protection in an American court. She filed a divorce in the United States . So it would appear her rights are being swept under a cultural flying legal carpet where the laws of Islam have no jurisdiction in the United States. Assiya's murder will likely be categorized on some statistical data as just another casualty in the war on domestic violence perpetrated homicide.

What is next? A parade for this superhero coward who has made headlines back in his own country?

I remember when they pulled out the red carpet for my own super hero father after he murdered my mom back in 1989. Complete with a farewell drumroll and bag pipes in his honor.

Twenty years later we continue to look away, justifying murder!

Legal Soap Opera Continues For Drew Peterson

According to a Press Release today by Author Derek Armstrong whose "Drew Peterson Exposed" released in October, obtained confidential juror comments. It seems that Peterson's legal strategy from my favorite legal roaster will be focusing on "vindictive prosecution" as a defense in the December 5th gun trial.

Leaked or just skillful detective work Author Armstrong obtained confidential juror comments from a mock trial held in Michigan.

CHICAGO – Drew Peterson’s defense team's strategy will focus on “vindictive prosecution” to keep their high-profile client out of prison, according to documents obtained by author and investigative journalist Derek Armstrong who covers the Peterson saga.

Armstrong says a mock trial was held at Michigan State University in advance of the real trial to take place early next month in which Peterson could go to prison for up to 5 years if convicted of possessing an illegal weapon.

Polygraphs Reveal the Shocking Truth About Stacy Peterson and Kathleen Savio, tracked down the juror source after interviews for the book indicated a mock trial was planned. “I continue to pursue the Drew Peterson case and I'm following up leads that I've obtained," Armstrong explained. “I assumed a mock trial would be staged at a law school, which led me to Michigan State University.”

Armstrong says he verified the information from copies of the eighteen juror questionnaires he legally obtained from one of the ‘jurors.’ Peterson's defense attorneys Joel Brodsky and Andrew Abood acknowledged the mock trial took place but declined to comment on the leak of the documents, Armstrong says. The "Vindictive prosecution” defense is being pursued because no other police officer has ever been charged for this offense. The defense says these charges are being brought only because Peterson is a suspect in the homicide of third wife Kathleen Savio and disappearance of fourth wife Stacy Peterson.

"The gun trial is more about charging Drew with something," Armstrong quoted Brodsky as telling him. According to the documents Armstrong obtained, the defense will pursue three arguments, including:• “vindictive prosecution”• “prior knowledge of the Bolingbrook Police Department that Drew Peterson used the AR-15 as a secondary duty weapon”• “State and Federal exemptions” for law enforcers.

Based on the juror questionnaires, Armstrong expects Drew Peterson to testify at the actual trial to take place Dec. 5. Jurors commented that his testimony was “convincing” or “compelling.” “In my private interviews with Drew Peterson for the book Drew Peterson Exposed, he boasts about his ability to testify convincingly,” Armstrong said. “It makes sense he’d testify.” Among those who voted “guilty,” the “vindictive prosecution” defense was rated as not convincing and the most common reason for the guilty verdict was “the defendant knowingly installed an illegal length barrel.” Mock jurors voting “guilty” considered the fact that the Bolingbrook Police Department knew the AR-15 was Peterson’s secondary duty weapon as “not important.” These jurors were more likely to regard the argument “that no other police officer has ever been charged for this offense” as not relevant.

The documents show that jurors were asked to rate the arguments of both prosecution and defense, then to render a verdict. All eighteen of the mock jurors stated in questionnaires, that they “were able to set aside any bias" against Peterson in the homicide of Kathleen Savio and the disappearance of Stacy Peterson in reaching their verdict. This lack of bias likely led to a defense decision to pursue a jury trial over a bench trial, Armstrong says. In the mock trial, a few jurors objected to closing arguments from the prosecution to the prejudicial statement that Drew Peterson “is a suspect in his wife’s homicide.”

Some jurors requested more information on why Drew Peterson gave his guns to his son Stephen and one asked for more testimony from the officers who initiated the warrant.

Demographics and psychographics of the jury included more men than women, and an equal mix of republicans and democrats, but there was no obvious trend between political affiliation, age or sex in verdicts. Just under half of the jurors were gun owners or members of the National Rifle Association, but no jurors had ever worked in law enforcement or the military. Five of the eighteen jurors, who came down with “guilty” verdicts, indicated a very solid presentation from the defense team, in their comments. Those coming down with a “not guilty verdict” pointed to “vindictive prosecution” as a key factor and that the People didn’t prove their case “beyond a reasonable doubt.” The prosecution statement “that just because it (the gun) was overlooked didn’t make it legal” was rated as the most effective argument for the people.

The defense’s arguments and opening and closing statements were overall rated, varying from simple “okay” ratings to “solid and on point” to “very convincing.”

Stay tuned as the "Legal Camp Marshmallow"team works their way around the monopoly board looking for that "get out of jail" free card.

Officer Friendly in a Not So Friendly Way

During the first half of June Officers listed below have been arrested for crimes related to their own personal family violence. Over at http://www.behindthebluewall.blogspot the site brings awareness to an issue that remains behind closed doors. For a police officers family, wives and children, they have no place to turn for assistance from a system that slaps the offender on hand who also happens to be in law enforcement, these are just a handful of the thousands across the country that are swept under the rug and never get reported.


RI] Sgt Ciresi, accused of wife assault, sent to prison on other crimes ...he allegedly slapped his former wife, Lisa Ciresi, at her parent's house at 36 Spicer St. during an altercation over the impending sale of their house on South Locust Avenue..____________________________

[CT] Judge Strackbein doesn't protect Officer Knight's son & assures cop this can be resolved ...Knight claimed he only restrained his son to avoid an accident while driving home and "wrapped his son up" at the house in self-defense... Knight told police he was disciplining his son - "acting in a parental intervention role." Judge Hillary Strackbein told Knight that after meeting with family relations officials and avoiding any further incidents, "things should work out"...
____________________________
[PA] Officer McCarthy's wife: "I thought he was going to kill me" ...McCarthy, the woman testified, reminded her he was a police officer and that he could kill her. "I thought he was going to kill me..."
____________________________
[NH] Chief Brougham's wife: I and my children need to be protected ...THE COURT PAPERS QUOTED THE WIFE AS SAYING, BROUGHAM CALLED AND DEMANDED TO SPEAK WITH THE CHILDREN BEFORE INFORMING HER THAT HE HAD A CAN OF GAS AND WAS PLANNING TO BURN THEIR HOME DOWN AROUND HIM...
____________________________
[CA] Update on Chief Gunderson's wife-rape charges & guns, guns, guns ...His attorney, Russell Clanton, contends that seeds of trouble were planted by the chief's former wife, now a Humboldt County sheriff's office dispatcher, who he says has plotted to poison Gundersen's relationship with his current spouse...
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[PA] Officer Turkos shakes off felony family assault charge since wife's bone didn't snap - A Dupont police officer faces charges for assaulting and threatening to kill his wife and stepson... She suffered a broken right arm and bruises on her legs. The 11-year-old complained of pain in his abdomen and neck... "I am the boss." He allegedly told his wife "I will cut you off at the knees" and "I'll kill him (stepson) and I'll kill you"... Turkos is expected to surrender on the charges in the next few days. "We know where he is; it's not like he's on the run"...
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[CA] Officer "Maes told her in Spanish not to tell them anything" ...Anthony Carl Maes, 51, Whittier, is expected to be arraigned Tuesday morning on one misdemeanor count of domestic battery with corporal injury and one misdemeanor count of dissuading a witness from reporting a crime...
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[OH] Nicole Ballenger pleads guilty in the killing her police officer husband Cedric ...POLICE WERE CALLED TO 725 BURLEIGH AVE. ABOUT 7:45 A.M. AND FOUND CEDRIC BALLENGER, 37, DEAD IN AN UPSTAIRS BEDROOM OF THE HOME HE SHARED WITH HIS EX-WIFE AND HIS CHILDREN - SHOT MULTIPLE TIMES... SHE TOLD A 911 DISPATCHER THAT SHE SHOT HER EX-HUSBAND AFTER HE RAPED HER... BALLENGER WAS EXAMINED AT A HOSPITAL BECAUSE OF THE RAPE CLAIM, POLICE SAID, BUT DECLINED TO REVEAL WHAT, IF ANY, EVIDENCE WAS FOUND...
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[CT] Stalking Detective Bruneau working on erasing his charges ...Bruneau is charged with 2 counts each of 2nd-degree stalking and 2nd-degree harassment... If Bruneau finishes the programs the charges would be wiped away... One message read, "I know where you live and I know where he lives... Tell the flavor of the month with you I took a good look. He ain't no match. Have a nice date"...
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[CA] To charge or not charge Ex-Sgt. Rodrigues who defiantly kept his guns? ...The former 25-year San Benito County sheriff's deputy was indicted by a grand jury in December 2007 with three counts of forcible rape, two counts of unlawful sexual penetration and one count each of spousal rape, attempted rape and domestic violence.
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[PA] Fire Battalion Chief Washabaugh's bloody girlfriend, arrest, and the new police dv policy ...Officers and paramedics found [CD] crying and distraught with a swollen nose, red marks on her throat and blood on her feet, chest and legs... She said Washabaugh held her face against a vent and pulled her arm behind her back as he repeatedly threatened to kill her... City officials in December signed a "zero-tolerance" policy on domestic violence involving police officers and vowed to expand those rules to all city employees. The expansion of the policy has not been done yet, but Huss said Washabaugh will be treated "in a manner consistent" with the city police policy...

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[MD] Senator Brinkley- No arrest. No charges. Sallie used his hands to hit herself? ...she attempted to grab his hands and hit herself in the face with them... Brinkley opted not to take a lethality screening, which law enforcement officers use to determine if someone is in lethal danger of domestic violence. Many political officials are referring to it as a private matter... The incident resulted in no criminal charges...
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[FL] Deputy Harris cleared as Tara recants and is arrested. ..."HE ATTEMPTED TO GUIDE HER OUT OF THE ROOM BY BUMPING HER CHEST TO CHEST, BUT SHE TRIPPED AND FELL IN THE HALLWAY, AN ARREST REPORT STATES."... WHO CAN THE VICTIMS OF OFFICER INVOLVED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN HERNANDO COUNTY CALL? NOT THE POLICE - SO WHO?
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NYPD Officer Chaudhry spots his ex - Car chase & armed confrontation - A jealous off-duty city cop burst past the security booth of a Long Island college Friday and confronted his ex-girlfriend and her new beau at gunpoint, police said. "I am a cop. Don't f--- with me. I'll shoot you"...
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[CA] Firefighter Zawacki dv arrest: His department has no specific policy ...An Orange County Fire Authority firefighter is back on the job just two days after being booked in county jail on suspicion of attacking his girlfriend... The OCFA does not have a specific policy regarding relieving employees from their duties following an arrest for domestic violence...
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[CT] Will Officer Orbegozo get away with this armed domestic attack too? - HE HAD JUST BEEN ARRESTED FOR ATTACKING A WOMAN - MAYBE THE SAME VICTIM AS THIS TIME (A FEMALE POLICE OFFICER) - 2 WEEKS EARLIER, BUT THE PROSECUTOR DECIDED TO NOT PROSECUTE HIM. NOW THE STILL-EMPLOYED COP FORCES A FEMALE POLICE OFFICER OUT INTO THE WOODS AND PISTOL WHIPS HER - AND NOW WHAT??? - NOW THEY ARE TRYING TO DECIDE IF THEY SHOULD SUSPEND HIM OR TAKE AWAY HIS WEAPON? THOSE ARE THE BEST OPTIONS THEY COULD COME UP WITH - AND IT TAKES TIME TO FIGURE THOSE OUT?
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[FL] Deputy Francis lost his job but what about being accountable for the actual CRIMES? ...The unlawful conduct case stemmed from a dropped domestic battery complaint. The conduct unbecoming case stemmed from the discovery of illegal firearm attachments... In November 2007, Francis and his live-in girlfriend argued and he pushed her down a flight of stairs, knocking her unconscious for several hours. Francis was arrested for domestic battery...
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[OH] The police lt. who had his wife Vickie Barton killed can't have a new trial - "IN THE PARLANCE OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS, VICKIE BARTON HAD BECOME A "COLD CASE." NOT A FRIEND, NOT A HEALER, NOT A DAUGHTER. A COLD CASE... THE TERM SOUNDS IMPERSONAL, NOTHING LIKE THE WOMAN WITH THE "WARM BROWN EYES" AND EVER-PRESENT SMILE REMEMBERED BY FORMER COLLEAGUES..."
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[UT] Ex-wife of "resigned" Sgt. Spencer: "What helps is he has a new victim..." ..."What helps is he has a new victim. He's done with me"... She called police on four occasions and police officers stood outside with her husband, laughing and joking, while she packed a bag to leave. She also tried to call 911 three other times, but her husband ripped the phone away and threatened a murder/ suicide while holding a gun to her head... Armando L. Gutierrez, Sr., who is Spencer's father-in-law, was outraged... "This was not justice — it was 'protect your own,"... Gutierrez's wife, Delsie, said she also feared that Spencer will hunt her daughter down and murder her once he is out...
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[FL] Deputy Sheila Grandison stabbed repeatedly by her husband ...The couple's eldest child told officers he heard his mother screaming, "Help me," then saw his father on top of his mother, stabbing her in the neck and back with a kitchen knife... "The child attempted to save his mother by attacking his father, who reportedly stated that he would cut him if he did not stop...
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[GA] Deputy Yancey says he killed the man who killed his officer wife Linda - I'm not going to say anything here about what I am thinking. What I think doesn't matter. I'll just let the law enforcement officers do their job, and I believe they are on this one, determined to find the answers to the questions. Condolences to all who love the people involved. Prayers are lifted for the Yancey children, Derrick and Linda's families, for the family of the man yet to be identified, and for truth and justice.
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[SC] Janie Johnson's police leiutenant husband "resigned" (for his dv offenses) before he killed them both ...Ms. Johnson told deputies she was struck in the nose and the gun was pointed at her and Mr. Delfino, according to the report. Both victims said Mr. Johnson threatened to kill them. Officers also noted Ms. Johnson was outside in the cold with no jacket or shoes and was visibly frightened...
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[ME] Officer Regan finally fired May 12th. Pleading not guilty to discharging a gun in the house? ...Brian Regan, 39, was indicted in May on charges of reckless conduct with a weapon and criminal threatening with a weapon, both Class C crimes, as well as criminal threatening, assault and two counts of domestic violence assault...
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[CA] Deputy Gonzalez - spousal battery & false imprisonment charges ...The deputy, identified as 27-year-old Joel Gonzalez, was booked into the county jail on suspicion of spousal battery and false imprisonment...
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[GA] Fired Police Sgt. Parker finally indicted for murdering wife, dispatcher Theresa ...The couple was going through a divorce at the time. There have been widespread searches to find the body. Parker has denied involvement in the murder of his estranged wife...
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[GA] Chief Bolton on murder of deputy's wife, Officer Linda Yancey - Dekalb's police chief [Terell Bolton] is talking about double homicide that's left two boys without a mother and a Stone Mountain community in mourning. 44-year-old Linda Yancey was killed Monday...
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[OH] While checking on the well-being of Prison Officer Hatfield's wife police found... - Middletown police found seven vials of anabolic steroid and 16 packs of anabolic steroid tablets Jan. 25 while conducting a welfare check on Hatfield's spouse...

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[NY] Fired, reinstated, arrested Officer Lewis arrested a 2nd time in 2 months ...Lewis is accused of grabbing and pushing his wife after she apparently tried to prevent him from leaving the home with their 1-year-old son... He allegedly grabbed her around the neck during a later encounter in his vehicle... In 1998, Lewis was fired by then-Mayor Albert Jurczynski on the recommendation of a hearing officer who said Lewis had a history of disciplinary problems... A state arbitrator reversed the hearing officer's decision...
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[WA] Officer Galusha allowed to resign before disciplined on attacking his officer-wife ...He is charged in Benton County District Court with two counts of assault, one with a domestic violence allegation... Witnesses told officers that Galusha dragged his 24-year-old wife after grabbing her hair and putting her in a headlock... He then "slammed her up against the wall twice"...
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[MD] 1/2 a mil bail for "former officer" Breeding's "various crimes ...Bond of a half-million dollars set on a former police officer [?] arrested Sunday night following a domestic assault was apparently determined out of concern for his personal safety and the safety of victims in cases pending against him... Officers noticed injuries to the victim consistent with the allegation... Various pending criminal cases [?] apparently also factored in the high bond continued by Price...
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[NC] Sheriff Holland stands by his firing Deputy Hoover before a conviction - "...AS SHERIFF, I AM OFTEN FORCED TO MAKE DIFFICULT DECISIONS WHICH CAN BE LIFE ALTERING. MY PERSONAL FEELINGS, FRIENDSHIPS, AND RELATIONSHIPS CAN NOT INFLUENCE THOSE DECISIONS... TO TERMINATE DEPUTY HOOVER'S EMPLOYMENT PRIOR TO A CONVICTION OR AN ACQUITTAL WAS BASED UPON THE NATURE AND EXTENT OF THE INFORMATION OBTAINED DURING THE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION. I TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THAT DECISION AND IS ONE I STAND FIRMLY BEHIND"...
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[OH] Officer Gearhart charged with [armed] menacing - A Columbus police officer faces criminal charges after he became involved in a family fight last week in Circleville...
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[GA] Linda Ann (Thomas) Yancey - "I will never forget that beautiful smile of hers" - The wife of a DeKalb County sheriff's deputy was laid to rest Saturday. Linda Yancey was shot and killed in her Stone Mountain home Monday... The Thompson sisters said no one at Saturday's funeral was focused on the police investigation. Their focus was strictly on Yancey's life and memory. "She's a good person and I know she's in a better place now...
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Mother of Officer Maselli's murder-suicide victim, Shirley Fontanez, is suing - The mother of a teenager fatally shot by a Manhattan cop last year says she was repeatedly harassed after telling top cops that one of their own was dating her underage daughter, a lawsuit claims...

Colleen Dwyer Will Be Greatly Missed

In Colorado a couple weeks ago, Colleen Dwyer was gunned down in her home. Her two kids both under the age of six, were in the home when their father murdered Colleen.

The man who took her life, husband, Russ. If you take a look at the memorial lawn sign you see his name boldly printed out on the handmade sign with personal remarks like a badge of honor. With hand written words "You are loved Russ," "you will be missed Russ", You were a great man, Russ". Pleezze...... How shameful to all who participated in that sign!

Paying tribute to a murderer is all it really says to me. In this neighborhood where a woman was gunned down like a wild animal neighbors and friends are making excuses for what Russ Dwyer did.

People who knew this "Coward" attribute his behavior and actions to serving in the military, as if that was the reason for murder. When are people going to understand that being in the military or any job for that matter, has no bearing on who they are or why they pull a trigger and kill those in their lives.

Any person man or woman who intentionally takes another life does so with careful thought and planning. They are angry and frustrated at the loss of control.

Colleen was also directed to the Domestic Violence Enhanced Response Team. Which by the way without serious hands on training and true understanding can often be no more than lip service to a deadly situation victims face. And because of the nature of the threat, the most Russ Dwyer who have been charged with is a misdemeanor. Placing a band-aid on a volcano like injury is ineffective in my opinion. A growing epidemic for which I would gladly lend my war battle experience in redeveloping.

Of all the comments regarding this murder-suicide the only one that I feel sums up this tragedy is written on a comment site by Colleen McLuckie, Chicago she wrote:

"I am saddened by the fact that our legal system so pathetically failed to serve and to protect Mrs. Dwyer, and disgusted by the show of solidity made to a man who had a history of domestic violence. That his service to his country is now being used to explain away his crimes is a slap in the face of every American war veteran, male and female, who has returned home from serving his/her duty and continued to live a productive and honorable life without, as one neighbor stated, believing it to be "okay to take it out on their wives". No man who shoots a mother point-blank within shouting distance of her children, then, in the ultimate act of cowardice, turns the weapon upon himself, should ever be classified as "a very great man".

To read more here's the story link:http://www.kxrm.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=111659

I understand when I place resources, many people who visit the blog comment and say "what's the point". If services and assistance can help just one person, that is all that matters. Victim services are available twenty-four hours a day seven days a week. They provide direction to housing, legal and counseling in a safe environment. Please if you or someone you know is in this type of situation, contact 1-800-799-SAFE or visit them online at http://www.ncadv.org/

Or if you prefer, you can contact me directly at http://www.movingoutmovingon.com/

Drew Peterson: Camp Sticky Marshmallow Updates-Day #134

It is day 134 and Stacy Peterson who vanished on October 28, 2007, now considered a "potential homicide victim" has yet to be found.

This past weekend the headline in the tribune read- Investigations into Kathleen Savio's death could have political implications
Coroner's election rival, woman's relatives say probe was handled poorly--Excerpts From Article

The second investigation into the death of Drew Peterson's third wife and a new autopsy indicating she was murdered have rekindled smoldering hostilities between former and current state's attorneys and fueled a challenge to Will County's longtime coroner.

At the time, then-State's Atty. Jeff Tomczak was gearing up for what would become an acrimonious and losing election rematch with Democrat James Glasgow. Tomczak, a Republican, had won their 2000 matchup with help from an army of political workers sent by his father, Chicago water department official Don Tomczak, but the rematch played out against the backdrop of Don Tomczak's federal corruption trial.

During that time, the investigation into Savio's death went nowhere, and questions about whether her case was adequately investigated have now intensified.

Why aren't heads rolling? Politics and murder? What else has Will County botched up because of politics. Do we have to wait for more missing, or vanished bodies or relatives to literally beg for a proper investigation?

All this hand holding in Will County I think now the US Attorney's Office needs to step in and close this dance card.

The family of both Kathleen Savio and Stacy Peterson need to contact the US Attorneys Office as well as the media. In my opinion, there is enough fire power in the forged doctored will and statements made by the "Suspect" for the State to make an arrest.

Doesn't anyone find it odd that 134 days later, everyone is still holding hands?

134 Days, have passed and only one person has told the world "Stacy is where she wants to be".

To learn more about the case and current news please visit http://www.findstacypeterson.com/