Hope Danielle Meek and Intimate Partner RedRum

When Hope Danielle Meek was finally reported missing it should be no surprise that her husband, Jerry, was the last person to see her alive. There is enough circumstantial evidence and motive, in my opinion, for charging her husband with Redrum.

The last call a family member received in February of 2002, from Hope, was that she could barely walk and had been badly beaten by Jerry. When family followed up to check on the mother of 3 small children, no answer. After 5 days of calling, police were contacted to do a wellness check on Hope Meek and went to the home only to be informed by the husband that she ran out to the store. Officers searched the home taking note that her contacts lens, credit cards, clothing and personal items were in tact. Her truck was parked outside the home. She never returned to her place of employment at the McCurtain County Sheriff's Department. Hope was close to completing her college degree in criminal justice.

A few days later, family reported her missing; not the husband, who quickly moved in another woman to the marital residence.

Hope Meek, as in all cases of intimate partner violence that leads to homicide, never leave their children.

Mothers who are also still missing: Stacy Peterson, Venus Stewert, Renee Pernice, Star Boomer, Patty Vaughan, Danielle Hill Alvarado, Lisa Stebic, Melanie Methanie, Kellisue Ackernecht, Rachel Conger, Shirley Clift, Peggy Diavonsky, Erika Cirioni, Rebecca Ware, Diane Corado, Susan Powell, the list of these missing mothers goes on and on. Each mother erased because of intimate partner homicide.

In my opinion, the pattern of conduct is clear in the vanishing of Hope Meek. Did law enforcement return to the house in a timely manner with a search warrant and forensic team to test for blood? The answer is no. In my opinion, they were disarmed by a dangerous legal predator, hell bent on power, literally giving action to the meaning "till death do us part."

An individual capable of this crime is almost always the last person that relatives, close friends and the community suspects. Why? Almost always they have set up their own version of story, telling it often, saying things such as: she ran away; money was missing; she just wasn't happy anymore; she ran off with another man; she is where she wants to be; she was depressed. Or the offender does the "poor me" pity party routine. People believe the person's version because they cannot fathom anyone they know personally capable of murder. But in these cases, divorce or walking away from the relationship is not an option in the world of an abusive partner; either a man or a woman.

Did this so called loving husband contact the police if she did indeed go missing? The answer no.

Did this caring individual lie to police? The answer is yes.

Did this loving person look for his missing bride of 4 years? The answer is no.

I do not expect Jerry Meek to confess to anything that includes where Hope Meek can be found, that would be too easy. But, someone else knows the truth. Likely someone with whom he has or is having a relationship with since Hope vanished.

An individual capable of Redrum does two things; kills and buries in a familiar environment and almost always gives a hint or a clue in word or action often overlooked by authorities. And they are most certainly, in my opinion, capable of killing again.

Now, before I receive those special emails from the offenders fan club and supporters telling me what a wonderful person you believe him to be, the facts in this case prove otherwise. Do the right thing, call in the tip that will lead to finding her.

Oklahoma Bureau of Investigations
Website dedicated to Hope Meek

Investigating Agency
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Valliant Police Department
580-933-4555
OR
Oklahoma State Bureau Of Investigation
800-522-8017

If you have any information on this case please contact CUE Center For Missing Persons using the contact form below or contact Cue Center at (910) 343-1131 24 hour tipline (910) 232-1687.

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

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.

"Arresting Developments"

In North Carolina Prosecutors announced they will be seeking the death penalty for the murder of Kelly Currin Morris, 28, the mother who vanished without a trace from her home in September of 2008.

In November of 2009, police recovered Kelly's remains and her husband was immediately arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

Meanwhile the remains of Bolingbrook, IL, mom Stacy Peterson who would have turned 26 years old yesterday has yet to be found. Friends and family continue to look for the mother and wife of former police Sgt. Drew Peterson. Today court continues while a Will County Judge is holding hearings and decides whether or not the hearsay evidence will be allowed in the trial for the murder of wife #3 Kathleen Savio for which Peterson was arrested and charged last May.

It seems my favorite legal marshmallow roaster was outside of the Illinois courthouse doing a public relations stunt by handing out pens with his name emblazoned on them.

What’s next, boxes of free chicken wings printed with the name and address of the law firm?

For up to date happenings on the Peterson case head on over HERE to the Justice Cafe' Site.

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?

The Dangerous Custody Game of Show and Tell

Janet filed for divorce about year ago, from her abusive and controlling husband. He would always attack Janet usually with his fists while the kids were asleep.

In her case because he was in law enforcement, Janet felt strongly that obtaining an order of protection was not an option. She had a false hope and sense of joy and relief once she moved out with her kids. Similar to many women leaving their abusers, feeling as though once the legal tie is cut and they leave with their lives like an empty suitcase, magically everything will be wonderful.

Janet did not consider the children and the potential battle ahead with visitation, safety and custody. Her former husband did not have much interaction with the children, until now, when the game of show and tell is important for the court appointed mental health evaluator and the children’s guardian ad litem to see the loving yet, dangerous father.

Now her husband views himself as an excellent father per the number of support letters sent in to the mental health evaluator by his employer, friends and relatives. Janet scratches her head in disbelief asking why strangers, most of whom she or the children has never met. are sending letters on behalf of her husband’s parenting skills. Letters from people who have only seen a photo of the boys on a desk in a squad room or as it accidently fell out of his wallet at a bar while reaching for cash. “Suddenly this dangerous man whom I am trying to break away from desires and is fighting,” says Janet, for 50/50 custody including being involved in every decision from after school activities to driving the kids to sleepovers. Janet, like so many other women, is discovering this is not a good thing for she or the kids.

Silently, when only she can hear, he leans into her neck and whispers "remember, tell death do us part baby, wise up or the only visits you will receive is the flowers on your tombstone."

Instead of the freedom she anticipated, Janet finds herself still shackled to her abuser permanently. Her abuser is now monitoring and controlling her life through her children with the assistance of professional paid strangers. (This is an example of the 1,500 emails we received from our show on June 24, 2009 to listen just turn up the volume on your computer and it will automatically play on this site)

On Wednesday, July 8, 2009, at 3:00PM Central Standard Time, join us as we discuss the dynamics of Mother’s Abused by Abusers with a helping hand from the legal community with Janice Levinson from Mothers Protective Alliance and Taylor's mother who has been fighting the system as thousands of other mothers for her children.

Email address: Contact@movingoutmovingon.com

Full Strength Prescription For Preventing Murder

[Defense Attorney Chiquita Tate 38 Years Old]

On February 20, 2009, police disovered the body of a woman who believed in the justice system so much Chiquita Tate had a tatoo on her back. She was a good lawyer. But she let her guard down when she let her estranged husband into her secure law offices. She was stabbed 38 times.

No surprises here, her husband was arrested and charged with her murder last week.

Chiquita had secured an apartment for herself and she was divorcing her husband. With whom police found enough evidence in her murder to finally make an arrest.

Nearly 80% percent of murders involving husbands, former and intimate partners in the United States occur either when the woman leaves the relationship or shortly afterward. Usually with a 24 month period.

This tragedy is important for anyone who is ending a relationship where like Chiquita there was a history of domestic violence. Yes it's good to get an order of protection but have a plan in place with the court order. If you do not it is like receiving half of a prescripton.

Never open a locked door to a person with whom you are ending a realtionship.

Never agree to meet the person to "talk things out."

Obtain a new cell phone number. Keep the old one and let it take messages. There is no law that says you have to respond in person or verbally on the phone.

Once you say to anyone who is abusive "I am ending the relationship or I am leaving", you better have an immediate plan in place. You cannot say anything about divorcing, seperating or leaving unless you are out of the residence or in a safe place where you cannot be contacted or located.

Thousands of women are being murdered. If you are involved in a violent abusive or stalking related relationship either current or former, you better have a full strength presciption for safety.

Look for answers on how to leave with your life my new show every Wednesday at 3:00 PM Central Standard Time.

Listen at your home computer. While you are at work. or download the show each week and listen to it on an ipod. Go to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/susanmurphymilano.com . The first show airs April 8, 2009.

For more information, please go to http://www.susanmurphymilano.com/. Or email me with your questions at kindlivingpress01@gmail.com

Is Joshua Fulgham Capable of Murder?

The human remains found in a back yard have been identified as a missing Marion County woman. Heather Strong, 26, and mother of 2 children, was last seen Feb. 15, leaving her job at the Petro truck stop in Citra.

The husband has been using Heather’s credit cards since she disappeared. What struck me as interesting was that friends of Joshua Fulgham claim he’s not capable of murder.

My question to the friends-If he was capable of beating and abusing his wife, it is likely he had something to do with her murder. Who else who know to bury her body in the backyard of her girlfriends mothers home? Clearly it was an individual who knew the area.

The woman’s husband is now in custody for using her debit card, after she was reported missing. The card was in his possession. He had used her debit card and charged hundreds of dollars of merchandise.

Fulgham has been arrested twice on charges he assaulted Strong. But friends said he's not a killer. "I really don't think he's done something like that," friend Brian Lotshaw.

On Heather’s MySpace Web site, she said that leaving Fulgham "is the best decision I've ever made."

Police said Fulgham and his new girlfriend are both considered persons of interest in the case.

Heather Strong lived in the town of MacIntosh, Florida. Perhaps once formal charges are brought against the person(s) responsible for her murder a program can be implemented to save the future women in this community. Married or in a relationship with an abusive partner. Creating a safety plan with a road map in memory of Heather Strong.

If you are in an abusive relationship prepare the abuse affidavit (example below) and video as provided in the book "Time's Up". Please visit my website at http:///www.susanmurphymilano.com. Or you can email me at murphymilano@gmail.com

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 also in partnership with Pamela Chapman and iAscend Programs.http://pamelachapmanl.biz Susan 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. She is a survivor- the daughter of a police officer family intimate partner homicide by her father who murdered her mother before committing suicide.

"Returning To The Scene of A Love Crime"

Delores Joseph, 31 and the mother of 3 children ages, 3,12 and 14, left her home and ran to the store. She told her children “I’ll be right back.”

On March 5, 2009 in a canal police discovered the 31 year mother, murdered.

Five days prior, police arrested Joseph’s husband, Dwayne “Keke” Joseph, on domestic violence charges stemming from separate incidents involving Delores Joseph. He is charged with aggravated assault, false imprisonment and second-degree battery are among the charges this coward faces.“According to news accounts the couple separated in September 2008, according to a letter from Delores Joseph’s family. Shortly afterward, Dwayne Joseph allegedly returned to the home and vandalized Delores Joseph’s car and then her rental car, the family letter stated.“Delores returned home one night, and Dwayne jumped out of the closet and attempted to assault her,” the letter stated. “Delores defended herself with an iron.”The couple eventually reconciled their differences until Feb. 7. While the two were leaving a Mardi Gras ball, he allegedly turned on her and began beating and choking her in the backseat of a car. One week later, Dwayne Joseph allegedly held Delores and her friend at gunpoint. The two were able to escape unharmed. Delores Joseph and her children spent three days at a shelter”

There are enough violent episodes in their relationship to see all the bells and whistles. Yes, I realize it is easy to say, because the woman is gone. But maybe somewhere in cyber land we can learn from this tragedy.

You may know a Delores, Mary, Roberta or Renee. This person could be a friend, relative co-co-worker or neighbor. Almost daily we read about these tragedies after the fact. What are we doing to help families in these situations? This issue of domestic violence perpetrated homicide continues to be an epidemic without adequate solutions on a case by case basis.

Women return back to the scene of the crime. “Returning home” they love the person who is abusing them. There are not in love with being beaten, kicked punched and almost killed. They love the person with whom they began their life’s journey. A woman thinks and believes the person will change. What they don’t see is that once they are chocked, kicked or a gun pulled to their temple, if they escape in one piece, they should never, ever return.

The abuser has already laid the foundation. The phrase, “if you leave, I will find you. If I find I will kill you is difficult for many women to believe. A woman doesn’t really see the person she loves being capable of murder. But how can they not see? On Friday’s Oprah show as they were discussing Rihanna and Chris Brown, she hoped the couple would seek professional counseling. That the couple would spend time apart and work through the problems. And Oprah and her panel made interesting observations in the matter. I wonder if the next we read about Rihanna the headlines will read “No More Music.”

My mother was no different. It didn’t matter much what my father did to her. In the end, just before he put the cold barrel of the gun to her head, she loved him. And, at the same time my mother feared him. But, she always said “I have things under control.” She did not. Nor do any of us in a violent relationship.

You cannot control the actions of another person. No one can.

But you can get out. All if you have to do is believe anything is possible.

A Father's Search For His Daughter

Yes, Christmas is a few weeks away. And since September 3, 2008, one family is praying for the recovery of their daughter's body to be found.

On the morning of the 3rd of September, a 28 year old mother of two children, vanished. And since that day her father and other volunteers have continued to search Kelly Currin-Morris.

Her children haven't seen her since the beginning of September --the same day she was reported missing was the same day their home was set on fire in Stem, North Carolina. Authorities ruled the fire that destroyed the home, arson.

Kelly's car was later found abandoned about a mile away. Her cellular phone, keys and purse were also found.

It should be no surprise that her husband, Scott Morris, has been named a person of interest by police. I know we hear and read about these cases and those possibly responsible sit back like the cowardly lions they are, waiting until law enforcement places them under arrest. Maybe you waited on Scott Morris a few months back at a hardware store and are afraid to come forward. Or you might be a friend or a relative who may have heard remarks that you thought odd, but disregared them as nothing. Then when Kelly turned up missing, you remained quiet. Any information a comment, a discussion you overheard is very important in this case.

Please consider contacting authorities.

Searchers in the area are also asking anyone with an abandoned well or quarry within a 40-mile radius of Stem to contact them at (919) 812-2310, or helpfindkelly@gmail.com, They also have asked hunters to report any articles of clothing they come across or other unusual finds to the Granville County Sheriff's Office.