Gail Nowacki Palmgren: Beyond the Mountain Top

Dr. Gail Palmgren age 44, mother of 2 vanished from Signal Mountain TN, on April 30, 2011. Weeks before she was in the process of ending her marriage. Gail does what I have instructed victims of intimate partner violence to do for over twenty years, tell a trusted friend.

Gail Palmgren confides in Arlene Durham, her best friend. She gives her various items, paperwork to hold for safekeeping, keys to property, along with her verbal and email instructions to pick up a dvr at best buy. Because of various spyware applications on cell and her own personal computer Gail is unable to facilitate certain safety plans as it relates to leaving. Her best friend, Arlene gives Gail her laptop to use.

At the urging by Gail's relatives and Arlene, Matt Palmgren reports his wife missing. Arlene gathers everything given to her by Gail and goes to the police making every effort to tell them what she knows and hand everything over. The police response was dismissive. Signal Mountain Law Enforcement decide to turn a deaf ear.

How many of missing persons cases's involving women and mothers in the process of ending their dysfunctional and often violent relationship have to go missing before it is taken seriously by law enforcement?

The case is now 56 days-cold! Many a missed opportunity, erased by, in my opinion, incompetence in this particular missing persons case. Arlene Durham's only "agenda" is finding her best, Gail. She has important information in this case that I believe is of significance to what happened to Gail Palmgren. Speaking from experience, no one listened to my mother, or all those thousands, like her who go missing each day. The crime of intimate partner violence that leads to homicide is still dealt with in silence behind closed doors. I am one of the lucky ones to have been able to find my mother after searching for three days and take her to what resulted in a final resting place.

I vowed the day my own father murdered her that I would not allow another woman to be a statistic. Arlene Durham is doing the same as she shouts from beyond the mountain top for help in finding her best friend, Gail. That cry for help now includes the media.

Earlier today, on the show "Times Up" Arlene Durham was a guest on the live broadcast along with Robert H. Rarn, Retired Lt and Kim Anklin Criminal Analyst, principals in the firm Management Resources, Ltd., we discussed the missing person case of Dr. Gail Nowacki Palmgren.

"Do what you feel in your heart to be right- for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't. Eleanor Roosevelt"

The only goal is to find Gail Palmgren. If you or I were to go missing, I hope my best friend would do exactly what Arlene Durham is doing, shouting from beyond the mountain top, until we are found!

Below is the link to the show:

To download this podcast for use on your computer, mp3 player or any media device, right click Download Podcast and choose "Save link as"

Description of Gail’s Jeep

Gail drove a four-door maroon 2010 Rubicon Jeep Wrangler with a black soft top. The wheel cover on the back has the words “Life is Good” and a daisy painted on it. The trailer hitch has a picture of the Disney character Goofy on it, and the Jeep has Alabama tags that read “EAZY ST”.

Gail is 5’8” and weighs 135 pounds. She has blonde hair and brown eyes.

If you have any information about Gail’s disappearance or her whereabouts you are asked to call the Signal Mountain Police Department at 423-886-2123.

A Facebook page, "Bring Gail Home Now" has been created as a support for family and for news updates.

If you are in a relationship that has a history of violence, simply mustering up the courage to confront the person and say it is over, without the proper tools, can cost you, your life!


The book "Time's Up A Guide on How To Survive and Abusive and Stalking Relationship" is the prescription that every person must obtain before they announce they are leaving. Below is an example from Chapter 4, one of many unique tools provided in the book. It is available onAmazon.com, or you can purchase via e-book or on a CD. If you have questions, the email address is: timesupforjustice@gmail.com


Before you decide that you have had enough and are ending the relationship, create the "Evidentiary AbuseAffidavit" and video (shown below).

If you do nothing else, please take one important step that if something does happen to you, if you do vanish like Stacy Peterson, Vensus Stewart, Rachel Anderson, Susan Powell, Lisa Stebic,Kelly Rothwell or are found murdered like Monica Beresford-Redmond, Franki Jacobson, Renee Pagel,Summer Inman, and others where the person responsible has gotten away with murder, that your voice and record of the abuse will be captured and recorded. Do it for you friends, family and loved ones. Do it for your children. Do it for you!

Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit by Susan Murphy Milano from the Book "Time's Up" from Courage Network on Vimeo.

Susan 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 Talkhttp://www.herewomentalk.com/and is a regular contributor to the nationally syndicated The Roth Show with Dr Laurie Roth. Susan is a survivor- the daughter of a police officer family intimate partner homicide by her father who murdered her mother before committing suicide.

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 also in partnership with Pamela Chapman and iAscend Programs. http://pamelachapmanl.biz

Isabelle Zehender at Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/missing-persons-in-national/gail-palmgren-missing-husband-co-worker-terminated-at-bluecross#ixzz1Owa7NozWT

http://murphymilanojournal.blogspot.com/2011/05/gail-nowacki-palmgren-more-questions.html

http://murphymilanojournal.blogspot.com/2011/05/caravan-for-gail-nowacki-palmgren.html

TAGS:Gail Palmgren Missing: Husband, co-worker terminated at BlueCross - National missing persons, Storage Units, Rental Trailer Truck Companies, Moving Pods,

The Beat Stops Here: Officer Involved Family Violence

By Susan Murphy Milano

“Phil had a lot to drink,” he began, his red eyes showing the depths of his emotions. “This is difficult for me to discuss the details with you but your mother was found in the kitchen on the floor—she had been shot with a .44 Magnum. The bullet exited out her right eye and onto the kitchen table.” Tom took a deep breath. “After he shot her, your father took a towel and covered her face. He was found in the bedroom and had shot himself. Susan, when was the last time you spoke with him?” For reasons foreign to me, I felt enraged at the question.

“He murdered my mother! Your “superhero” partner murdered her and you want to know when I spoke to him last? You are just as cold and heartless as he was!” I stood up knowing I wanted no part of the conversation. “Susan, wait, calm down!" Tom also stood. “I know you’re upset but there’s no reason to speak to me that way!”

I spun around to face him, a man I’d known since childhood. My face, clearly showing the contempt I was feeling at that very moment, made my father's partner, Tom Flaherty stop in his tracks.

“Bullshit!” I shouted. “All you care about is your buddy and how you can cover up his mess one more time!”

Knowing he had no defense against the spew of accusations, Chicago Detective Tom Flaherty hung his head in shame and left the residence. I stood motionless, staring at the door, wondering if I should scream or cry—or both. I was in shock. My ultimate fears realized, I felt a sense of relief when the police Chaplin returned to speak with me.

“They are preparing to transport the bodies to the morgue,” he said in almost a whisper. “Someone from the police department will call you in the morning to assist you with the funeral arrangements. Susan, is there anything I can do for you?”

In 1989, officer involved homicide was covered up; considered a black mark against a police department. And any surviving family members who remotely speaks publicly is informed what will 'happen to them," if they do not listen. More then 20 years later, after the murder-suicide of my parents, Roberta and Phillip Murphy, nothing has changed. Police Departments release few details, if any, when a wife of a police officer calls 911 emergency assistance because her husband or significant other is abusing and threatening her very existance.

Once the media learn the person responsible for the crime was in law enforcement, the truth of how many calls a victim made for help, what supervior in the police unit she contacted, or how often officers responded to a call that ultimately lead up to the tragedy, is turned inside out by police departments like a badly stained pair of dirty underwear.

Instead of reporting the facts in these cases, we read stories of victim finger pointing or glorified obituaries on how a "veteran decorated officer" served their community with honor and courage.

The wives and girlfriends in a current or former relationship with a sworn law enforcement officer have had little to no services for assistance when attempting to end and safety leave their relationships, alive. That is until, now.

In 1989, I was scared to come forward to talk about my mother's murder. No one believed us as we attempted to seek help, until she was finally silenced at the age of 47, by my father. I realized that the there was nothing more to lose or fear, ignoring the threats to my own life if I continued speaking out and working with victims.

Each day, when I want to give up and say is it all worth it? Battling a legal system that clearly needs a new pair of glasses and likely has sudden vision and memory loss when I call or enter a courtroom with a victim whose life hangs by a single thread. It is my mothers legacy that pushes me to the dawn of each new day. It is why I am so passionate about ensuring that those whom need assistance to safely end the abuse, do so with their life still in tact. My work and services are based on being in the field with victims and their families. The expertise, over 20 years of being in courtrooms across the country and keeping, wherever possible, victims alive. With special emphasis and expertise on law enforcement and military families as it relates to inmate partner violence.

The book "Time's Up A Guide on How To Survive and Abusive and Stalking Relationship" is the prescription if you will, that every person must obtain before they announce they are leaving. Below is an example from Chapter 4, one of many unique tools provided in the book. It is available on Amazon.com, we can send it to you via e-book or on a cd. If you have questions, the email address is timesupforjustice@gmail.com

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

—Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit by Susan Murphy Milano from the Book "Time's Up" from Courage Network on Vimeo.

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 visithttp://www.saferelationshipsmagazine.com/ She is the author of "Time's Up A Guide on How to Leave and SurviveAbusive 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 Talkhttp://www.herewomentalk.com/and is a regular contributor to the nationally syndicated The Roth Show with Dr Laurie Roth

Clara Colon "Living on Hell Street"

"The injustice I have received because of my abuser being a law enforcement officer.......things have to change , laws need to protect victims" Clara Colon, Police Officer's Wife, Elizabeth, New Jersey"

Yesterday, on the second hour of the show "Time's Up", Clara Colon and Barry Goldstein discussed the hoops through which victims jump, especially those married to law enforcement, just to stay alive.

If you missed the show live you can listen to the archive here: http://herewomentalkradio.com/admin/files/SMM%202-10-2011%20ARC.mp3

"On October 29, 2010 I wrote a post titled"Murder in Progress: Elizabeth New Jersey." About a police officer's wife who found the courage, after 13 years of abuse and threats on her life and that of her children's lives, to press criminal charges against him. He is a commissioned police officer."

Preparing "The Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit"

Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit by Susan Murphy Milano from the Book "Time's Up" fromCourage Network on Vimeo.

For Private, Personal Consultations:

The Institute for Relational Harm Reduction is now offering private consulting on violent relationship strategies with Susan Murphy-Milano.

These sessions are designed for those involved in divorce proceedings, child custody or domestic abuse situations.

To schedule your appointment CLICK HERE

Known as the “Jane Wayne of Justice,” Susan Murphy Milano always stands up as a voice for those who are silenced in a world of intimidation and violence within their homes and in courtrooms across the country.

Tune in each Thursday from 2-4ET for great guests, interesting conversations, and information on important topics relating to justice for victims of crime, missing persons or unsolved cases.

Brought to you by Here Women Talk Network and broadcast by Zeus Radio.

To listen live: http://zeusradio.com/station/hwt/

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 visithttp://www.saferelationshipsmagazine.com/ She is the author of "Time's Up A Guide on How to Leave and SurviveAbusive 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 Talkhttp://www.herewomentalk.com/and is a regular contributor to the nationally syndicated The Roth Show with Dr.

Elizabeth New Jersey Violates Federal Law

"On October 29, 2010 I wrote a post titled "Murder in Progress: Elizabeth New Jersey." About a police officers wife whom found the courage after 13 years of abuse and threats on her life and that of her children's lives to press criminal charges against him. He is a commissioned police officer."

For the wife of any police officer whether they live in New Jersey, Chicago, Washington, Iowa, Florida or Kentucky, they all face a greater threat to their lives when they speak out as they end the relationship. On the post I wrote earlier I withheld the name of the victim. Tomorrow is the court date for this case. And the life of this officers wife and her 2 daughters is in grave danger.

Her name is Clara Colon. And, with good reason, she is in fear for her life. Earlier today Clara spoke with the prosecutor. She was informed that a plea deal has been reached and at 1:00 pm eastern time, on Friday January 14, 2011, Stafford Municipal Court in Judge Damin Murray's courtroom this case will not be tried. The officer will be charged with disorderly misconduct, pay a $500 court fine and go to anger management classes.

Clara Colon was allegedly told by the prosecutor that she was just a vindictive woman who is going through a divorce and you will not get anything and its all her fault.Then she asked Clara why she waited so long. Obviously, the prosecutor has little understanding, training or experience of the dangers involved as it relates to intimate partner violence and the legal system when your relationship involves a law enforcement officer.

The system in this case re-victimized and punished Clara Colon for pressing charges and asking the law to protect her. Suddenly a police report of facts has been replaced with a neat and tidy typed up report by fellow officers who are clearly not going to go up against the brotherhood of the badge. The assault and threats against her life with a weapon have been omitted from the "pretty report". In its place the word minor bruise on elbow. "He assaulted me, tried to kill me, but the brotherhood saved him."

There is still the investigation with the Internal Affairs Division in Elizabeth New Jersey but Clara said " what good is that, they are all his friends. And once he completes his "anger" classes if not before, his guns will be returned. "Hooray to the blue and the hell to the victim, your pain and suffering means nothing to the justice system. He will hunt me down and my daughters and murder us just like he has been threatening for over a decade."

No one changes overnight. "I want everyone to know, this man is a dangerous individual, that is being protected like the golden child by his supervisor/ brother who is a Lieutenant and others on the Elizabeth Police Department."

In real time we are seeing a dangerous pattern of conduct few officers wives survive. For women like my mother murdered by my police detective father she also echoed the exact same words. No one believed her while she was alive. They divorced after some 28 years of marriage. A few short months later, my father as do most abusive officers, made good on his promise.

So now what? Measures have been put in place for her safety since October and through the holidays, but it will not stop the bullet already marked with her name on it. There is no assistance for Clara or other women in her situation, we just wait and watch and ask why only after the tragedy.

But here is a question. Is Stafford Township in violation of a federal law? The Lautenberg Act says if you are convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony, you lose your job. Clara Colon's husband will plead guilty to a misdemeanor in court and yet he will retain his position as a sworn servant commissioned to serve and protect?

The Lautenberg Act:

In September of 1996, a federal law was passed which prohibits individuals -- including

police officers -- from owning or using a firearm if they have been convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense (18 U.S.C. § 925). This bill, widely referred to as the Lautenberg Act, was passed as an amendment to the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1996. By modifying the Gun Control Act of 1968, the Lautenberg Act expanded existing federal law that only barred gun ownership from those convicted of a felony offense to include those convicted of a qualifying misdemeanor domestic violence offense. The offense does not need to be designated as domestic violence within state law, but is covered under the Lautenberg Act if it involves the use or attempted use of physical force or threat with a deadly weapon and is committed against:

• a current or former spouse,

• a past or present cohabiting partner,

• a person with whom the perpetrator has a child in common

• a person with whom the officer has or has had a dating relationship

(Individuals with a felony or misdemeanor conviction for domestic violence are ineligible

to own firearms or ammunition even if the offense occurred before the law was enacted.)

When is the justice system going to stop punishing victims of intimate violence? Where are her rights? An officer takes an oath to serve and protect, but their families are immune from receiving protection from the system when their lives are endanger.

Unfortunately, we will have to wait until after tomorrow's hearing to begin plan "B" in this case.

All anyone is asking is for the justice system to stop kicking the lives and safety of women and children whose abusers are in law enforcement, to the curb like trash on garbage day!

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 visithttp://www.saferelationshipsmagazine.com/ She is the author of "Time's Up A Guide on How to Leave and SurviveAbusive 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 Talkhttp://www.herewomentalk.com/and is a regular contributor to the nationally syndicated The Roth Show with Dr. Laurie Rothhttp://www.therothshow.com/

Time's Up :For the Elizabeth New Jersey Police Department

After a dozen years of being told "I'm gonna blow your brains out tonight," a police officer's wife from Elizabeth, New Jersey has had enough. She has stood by and watched over the years as fellow officers did nothing to help her. Not once was a photo taken of an injury. Officers refused to take a report and arrest her officer husband after a violent rape. All in the name of the "brotherhood of the badge." The officers wife has been laughed at by responding officers, ignorned when she calls for help and at time's actually threatened "if you know whats good for you--you will just drop the charges."

Earlier today the officers wife filed for a divorce, "I refuse to live this way anymore,"she said to me. Her officer husband should have been served papers today and plans are in place for the officers wife to be out of the home. But that is not enough. Because fellow officers have aided the cowardly officer it may fuel him to create a situation where he feels invincible and is able to commit and get away with murder as we have seen in too many cases.

For this officers wife, up until now, she was being tortured in silence. Is there a chance she could be killed? My answer is yes.

I am doing everything in my power so that does not happen. There is a dangerous predator with a gun and a badge looking for his wife likely at this very moment and he must be stopped. For more on this breaking story go to "Murder in Progress: Elizabeth New Jersey"

(Susan Murphy Milano, is with the Institute for Relational Harm Reduction & Public Psychopathy Education for more information visit http://www.saferelationships.com/ and is the author of the new book "Time's Up A Guide on How to Leave and Survive Abusive and Stalking Relationships available for purchase at the Institute, Amazon.com and where ever books are sold. And she is the host of Time's Up on http://www.herewomentalk.com/ and she is a regular contributor to the nationally syndicated show with Dr. Laurie Roth on http://www.therothshow.com/)

Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit by Susan Murphy Milano from the Book "Time's Up" from Courage Network on Vimeo.