Remembering Kathleen Savio a Casualty in the War of Officer Related Intimate Partner Homicide

Two young boys, ages nine and eleven, lost their loving mother Kathleen Savio on March 1, 2004. Her death was an accident, they were told. Seven years ago today, in my opinion, she was murdered.

Never again will their mother greet the boys in the morning when they wake. In the afternoon when they return home from school, Mom will not be waiting for her boys. She will never again ask either of her sons "How was your day at school?" She will not be in the kitchen preparing dinner while they do their homework.

And Mom will no longer kiss them on the cheek, wishing each of her boys sweet dreams, as she had done thousands of nights.

I realize the photo's from the crime scene when Kathleen Savio's body was found will never be released and kept under seal from the public. For three reasons:

1st-If you saw these particular photo's you would know by viewing them that she was beaten. Brusises covered her back, torso, arms, shoulders, stomach and legs. From the naked eye there was no doubt this was not an accident, Kathleen Savio was murdered.

2nd- The way her body was positioned in the tub is something commonly taught at the police academy, dipicting a staged crime scene.

3rd-Those investigators who looked away by not documenting her murder, thinking they were doing their fellow buddy in blue a favor, caused the killing of yet another innocent victim of war Stacy Peterson.

I for one would like the names of these so called investigators along with former State's Attorney Tomczak to be gathered together for a formal Senate investigation hearing for the "war on intimate partner homicide." I realize it will do nothing to give Stacy Peterson, who vanished on October 28, 2007 and is still a missing person. or Kathleen Savio whom Peterson is now awaiting trial for her murder back their lives. But it will do so much to prevent future casualities in this war. Peterson is a social and psychotic nightmare of the worst kind, and we can learn a great deal in talking, reviewing, analyzing and finally implementing procedures many on the book "Time's Up," proven to be effective saving lives while addressing what has and hasn't happened since the murders of these two women.

If law enforcement and the legal system had done their jobs back in 2002, when Kathleen Savio asked for help, perhaps she would still be alive today. At the very minimum had those on the crime scene conducted their investigation properly, Drew Peterson would have been arrested for her murder.

We mark the anniversary of her death as a way to sound the sirens for justice to those married to law enforcement officers whom fight to the end, silenced by a system where the brotherhood of the badge continues to send innocent women to their graves.

Kathleen Savio deserved so much more, may she rest in peace.

One day the legal system will embrace the messenger utilizing proven strategies and implement the prescription for change that will enforce the laws while at the same reducing the number of murders without anyone's ego getting bruised. As always, and in confidence, I can be contacted via email 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

A Police Officer is Asking: Who Killed My Wife?

On June 23, 2001, in Lansing Michigan Bernita Sims was with her daughter at the zoo when a "so called" snipers bullet took her life.

As a 20-year violence expert in intimate partner homicide, specializing in law enforcement predators whose loved ones are murdered, this is the first time where a police officer and husband of the deceased actually authors a book about his wife's murder titled "Who Killed My Wife: The Unsolved Murder of Bernita White." In my opinion Sgt. Detective Artis White, the only person of interest beat this drum of guilty a bit too loudly. Nine years, too long for this cowardly tin badge predator to continue as a free man.

The facts in this case although circumstantial, after 9 years, continue by an abusive angry husband to scream murder. As in the majority of these unsolved cases, a prosecutor has a difficult time bringing this type of case before a jury because they are unable to place the suspect or person of interest at the scene of the crime. Perhaps Artis White hired someone to do the job? Maybe someone out there has information but has been silenced for fear they or a family could be harmed? A lot of what I see in this case is without having access to the files.

Artis White could not be placed at the crime scene where Bernita was shot, or could he have been there but because of all the comotion by the time investigators asked Bernita's husband he or someone else provided a "good enough" alibi? Is Artis White a weapons expert? Is he a skilled marksman? Was Artis White in the military and have investigators gone back to his service records ? Is there a possibility that the murder of Bernita Sims mirrored a case that Artis White worked on? So many questions and yet still not enough answers to make an arrest.

Was Atris White involved in another relationship at the time of her murder? Did the statements Bernita made to family members include her saying "if something happens to me make sure you take care of my children"?

According to articles I read on the Internet and on the site Behind The Blue Wall, Bernita Sims was in an abusive violent relationship. Just one month prior ro her murder, she had told friends and family she had had enough and filed for divorce. She made statements to others that her police officer "husband was going to kill her."

In my opinion, the title of this bozo's book should be" Yea I Killed My Wife: How I Got Away With Murder." Below is a synopsis of the book written by a man whom in my opinion must not get away with murder. If you have any information on this unsolved, case please contact the number at the bottom of the post. Or if you remember something that day, if you were in the park or at the zoo before or after the shooting and you have never spoken about that day, please come forward. Bernita's life should have more meaning than some cowardly act by a man in my opinion, sworn to serve and protect, and ultimately is able to get away with murder.

Who Killed My Wife?

The Unsolved Murder of Bernita White
By Artis L. White
My name is Artis White and I am the author of “Who Killed My Wife?”- The Unsolved Murder of Bernita White. “Who Killed My Wife?” is a true story. It is about my wife, Bernita who was killed with a high powered rifle while walking with our daughter in a crowded zoo in Lansing, Michigan. The murder, which occurred on June 23, 2001, has not been solved, and that is the premise of my book. Bernita’s murder is the most publicized and highly profiled murder case in Lansing, Michigan’s history. Over 9000 investigative man-hours, 500 people interviewed, 20 subpoenas and search warrants and an 11-man murder task force has come to a screeching halt. As a detective sergeant for the Michigan State Police and husband of the victim, naturally, I expect to be investigated for the murder. But, my 14 years as a police officer and 11 years as a husband/father of two young daughters, never prepared me for this situation. This case is unique in the sense that detectives remain baffled as I, the author and police officer, remain on a “Short list of suspects”.
“Who Killed My Wife?” is a combination of personal interviews, surveys, police documents and my own account. The book explains what happens behind the scenes when local and state police departments compete for exclusive jurisdiction over a case. “Who Killed My Wife?” also describes what happens when details are overlooked and mistakes are made during a police murder investigation. The reason I wrote this book is twofold. Firstly as a police officer and husband, I MUST find the truth and report it. I cannot rest until the killer is revealed. Secondly, I feel it is important for the average citizen who is not familiar with police work to understand that when police investigators make mistakes, the impact is universal. The reader can understand my personal trauma is not only local but also global.
Anyone who is interested in true crime will be interested in this book. The book is reported as: “Captivating as told through the eyes of a husband and the heart of a father with the knowledge of a trained investigator.” “Who Killed My Wife?” is a must read book for anyone willing to learn the truth. The truth is there…find it!
“Who Killed My Wife?”
By Detective Sgt. Artis White
ISBN 0-9722480-0-5
Price $12.95 148 Pages
Trade paperback, 6X9, index

You can read more about “Who Killed My Wife?” at http://www.artisticexpressions.org
“Who Killed My Wife?” is available at http://www.artisticexpressions.org or by contacting:
Artistic Expressions LLC
5115 Deanna Dr.
Lansing, MI 48917
Phone: 800 231-7959


If you have any information that could help police solve this cold case, call Crimestoppers at 483-stop. There's up to a $1,000 dollar reward for any tip that leads to an arrest.

The Crime Wire Team Debuts Tonight June 1, 2010 on Blog Talk radio at 9:00 PM EST and 8:00 PM CST

Tonight is the debut show of "Crime Wire."

An elite team of veteran investigation experts along with noted crime consultants, television legal analysts and attorneys often featured on the popular news programs for families of violent crime to find answers and seek justice. The Crime Wire team Vito Colucci Jr Private Eye and author, Denny Griffin retired Investigator and Author and Susan Murphy Milano Violence Expert and Author are there-- On top of the crime -- at the top of their game.

Guetss include: Gene Cervantes of Citizens Against Homicide and our consultant Bill Sullivan to talk about the role of medical examiners and coroners in death investigations, how their decisions impact the investigation and victims' families, and what the family can do if they disagree. We know this is a very important issue for families of unsolved and suspicious crimes.

Also joining us on the show defense attorney Mickey Sherman, Fox News Legal Analyst and Author Lisa Wiehl and noted Prosecutor Donna Pendergast.

The number to call in with questions or comments is 1-646-478-0982. And as always you can email us with suggestions, cases and comments at our email: thecrimewire@gmail.com

Link to Listen to the show Live http://www.blogtalkradio.com/crimewire

Time: 9:00 PM EST and 8:00 PM CST

Date: June 1, 2010

If you miss the live broadcast you can download to your ipod or computer by going to www.blogtalkradio.com/crimewire

The Vanishing Women:Mothers, Sisters and innocent lives, lost!

Today is Mother's Day. Instead of celebrating the love of a mother far too many families with motherless children will be visting gravesites across the county. As they place flowers and photo's on the headstone and grave tears of confusion and anger will roll down their cheeks as they stand trying to claim a memory or happy thought about her while she was alive. As the family holds hands in prayer silently they wonder what could they have done to prevent the tragedy?

The list is long consisting of women murdered in their own homes, stalked, missing in action if you will because their life was lost in the war against abuse, power and control. With pleas's for help from the judical system and their community often falling on deaf ears.

Many women are still out there waiting to be found by their families and bring them home. In honor of their lives it is important to list these amazing women, my mother included. I remember after my mom was murdered and a stranger or someone who barely knew me said " out of this tragedy you will triumph." At the time the wounds and emotions still raw I likely responded by barking back to the individual "what a cold and inappropriate statement, you have no clue what I am going through or feeling, my life is forever altered." I was wrong because I was angry, hurt and devasted by the loss of the one person I loved most with all my heart, my mother. From these women's tragedies we can change the course of survior for those among the living as they live in fear and wait for someone to extend a hand offer support to end the war with their children and lives intact.


So to Cindy Bischof, Crystal Brame, Heather Malloy, Rachel Anderson, Stacy Peterson, Paige Birgfeld, Brandy Schneider, Tara Grinstead, Carli Dennis, Heather Malloy, Monica Beresford-Redmond, Tera Chavez, Mercedes McCalley, Army Lt. Holley Wimunc, Charlotte Grahn, Lacey Gaines, Rosa Lisowski, Suzanne Gratton, Barbara Vanaman, Colleen Dwyer, Theresa Parker,Bethanie Dougherty, Denise Taylor, Maria Djelaj, Rose Cobb, Lisa Stebic, Kathleen Savio, Nancy Cooper, Renee Pagel, Selina Johnson, Lisa Freiberg, Karen Skellas, Sgt Sonia Garcia, Rachel Conger, Roberta Murphy, Jan Roseboro, Wendy Theibeault, Linda Yancey, Adelina Weber, Dawn Brossard, Tiffany O'Shell, Jennifer Vodermann, Mary McGinnas, Jessie Davis, Amy Mullins, Nailah Franklin, Elena Cole, Hannah Crowe, Ronda Reynolds, Melissa Lightsey, Isol Cotto, Debbie Rediess, Amy Yager, Lori DeKleine, Caran Renee Coward, Irma Rodriguez,Natasha Hall, Sharon Kleinsasser, Marie Bruce, Officer Patricia Williams, Sandra Twist, Tracy Judd, Amber Weigel, Antoinette Ross, Kathryn Maxwell, Officer Caran Coward, Susan Powell, Elizabeth Mangiatini, Gina Parsons, Zoelina Williams, Jessie Roponi, Cristi Lynne Hall, Karen Kahler, Ashley Ann Sullivan, Marcia Eakin Mammone, Brenda Canosa, Cheryl Wynn, Franki Jacobson, Susan McFarland, Sandra Viramontes, Shari Cartmell, Whitney Mendez, Nova Henry, Kellisue Ackernecht, Rose Maynard, Alice Morrin, Suzan Annette Sowders-Fuller, carla Westholfen, Kathryn Maxwell, Kristin Longo, Keitha Turner, Katherine Garner, Kelly Currin Morris, Makasha Colonvega, Vensus Stewart, Assiya Hussan, Robin Lee Miller, Amy Duh, Claira McDermott, Sgt. Melanie Lee, Kathryn Minton Tucker, Yolanda Bindics, Laci Peterson, Jennifer Jacobb, Connie Channey, and to the thousands of others whom I did not list here, you are forever in all of our hearts. Happy Mother's Day!


[*The women highlighted in blue were officer related deaths]

Been there, done that…” Susan Murphy- Milano has turned a tired phrase into demonstrable realism through the gift of her newly published book, "TIME'S UP: A GUIDE ON HOW TO LEAVE AND SURVIVE ABUSIVE AND STALKING RELATIONSHIPS

A Special Place in Hell For Killer With A Badge?

A cop whom according to reports and former officers working along side of him "should have been stripped of his commission as a law enforcement" officer long ago. A departments rank and file that looked the way over an anrgry and controlling cop on Friday evening cost two people and possibly a third their lives.

Charlotte Grahn filed for divorce in August of 2009. She was afraid of her husband a Clackamas County, Oregon deputy sheriff. Charlotte believed if she pressed charges for the beatings he would get fired from his job. And that would only make Jeffrey Grahn more violent. But others knew like Sheriff Craig Roberts and on a private site for law enforcement someone in the know commented:

"Unfortunately the guy had been unstable for quite a while and the Boss chose to ignore it. This is not a surprise for those who had to work with Grahn.

When you're married, have kids, choose to get a girlfriend in the courthouse, that ends up getting you moved from the courthouse to graveyard patrol. When you suck as a Patrol Sgt. because none of the troops trust you, then you divorce your wife, but can't control her afterwards..... God speed Charlotte, you were an angel to put up with him.
Grahn...rot in hell!!"

Another law enforcement officer on site said:
"Suffice it to say that for those of us that had to work with this SOB, this was no surprise. Ask yourself why senior guy's who could hold day shift for the rest of their careers would bid off to nights when Grahn bid days?"

Charlotte was out for the evening with two of her girlfriends and a local establishment in town. Jeffrey Grahn walked in and the couple began to have a heated discussion. She went outside to get away from him. He shot her in the parking lot. Then this piece of grabage went back inside and shot the pther two women and the table. Kathleen Hoffmeister died instantly and Victoria Schulmerich is in critical condition fighting for her life. After shooting all three women Jeffrey Grahn committed suicide.

Now, three children are orphans because a small town refused to see that Jeffrey Grahn had no buisiness as a sworn law enforcement officer. They all knew that this guy was trouble. They all knew he was dangerous and yet his remained in a position of authority. Grahn could not deal with the fact that his wife was no longer under his private lock and key.

Because the police department and the union looked away they need to be held accountable. The Grahn children and the surviving families of the two victims shot likely have a lawsuit to file in the near future. The Attorney General John Kroger office needs to hire a special task force and make approppriate command changes within this depatrtment. A state-wide protocol should be considered and implemented for officers going through divorce. As in this tragic case the rank and file including the employee's within the department must be held accountable.

No one was willing to take action and come forward when Grahn started exhibiting strange behavior.

On Friday, February 12, 2oo9, the brotherhood of the badge kept it's code of silence and innocent lives were hijacked all in the name of shear ignorance.

Why Does Drew Peterson Need A Lawyer?

(please note the website for Stacy Peterson is no longer available please go to the bottom of the page for information)

In keeping this weeks attention on the Stacy Peterson case below is a post that ran back on November 20, 2007.

Seems rather odd to me. In my opinion why does one who proclaims to the world he knows nothing, and yet, knows for a fact and states firmly and with certainty "Stacy is where she wants to be" and yet, he pleads on national television for a lawyer? While no formal charges, yet, have been filed against anyone.

So why does a person who claims they are innocent require a lawyer?
That is the million dollar question!

The fact is Stacy Peterson is still missing. Please let's all say a prayer that she is found soon!

Name: Stacy Ann Peterson Height: 5'2" Weight: 100 lbs Age: 23 Hair: Brown Eyes: Brown

Stacy has been missing since 10/28/07.

You can help by passing out or creating flyers. Showing up and helping in the search. If you know anything, please call the numbers below.
Contact Information
Illinois State Police District 5 - Tip Line 815.740.0678
Texas Equu Search - Tip Line 877.270.9500
E-Mail Family of Stacy Petersonfindstacypeterson@gmail.com
Find Stacy Peterson Myspacewww.myspace.com/findstacypeterson
NBC 5 Chicago
ABC 7 Chicago
CLTV
Fox News Chicago
CBS 2 Chicago

"New Poster Boy"

Below is a post on the Stacy Peterson case that ran on November 14, 2007. This week marks the 2 year anniversary since she went missing.

The Peterson case(s) have two alledged victims, now has made Peterson, who moments ago resigned from the Bolingbrook Police Department the "National Poster Boy" for narcissitic passive aggressive behavior.

For years that title was held solely by Charles Stewart, the Boston man who murdered his lawyer wife on October 23, 1989 and accused someone else of the crime. Ultimately, he took his own life. But if you recall Stewart behaved in the same way as Peterson, in every interview, cold and without any emotion. The Cowardly Former Officer Drew Peterson now holds the title. And proudly, I might add.

In my opinion, it was clear from the NBC interview with Matt Lauer that Drew Peterson lives in a black and white world of his own. Obviously he hasn't been able to find a lawyer willing to take the case without some major up front cash retainer. So he decided to ask for one on national television like he was asking for a cancer specialist to treat his disease.

I highly doubt a bank would lend the bozo ten cents against his home. According to Will County Clerks Office, Peterson bought his home on 12/29/2003, for $227,000 with no money down and refinanced in 2005. And on 12/23/2003 he recorded the sale of the home with Stacy A. Peterson. And I do not believe he is able to borrow, legally against his children(s) trust funds. He may be able to get his hands on his pension or borrow against it that is probably an option at this point and the reason he may have resigned.

Other Stories referenced:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-peterson_13nov13,0,6934274.story?coll=chi_tab01_layout

November 10, 2007: Cop Suspended, Named Suspect In Wife's Disappearance
November 9, 2007: Body Of Peterson's 3rd Wife To Be Exumed
November 8, 2007: Neighbor Who Found Savio Speaks Out
November 8, 2007: Peterson's Friend: 'We All Know She's Dead'
November 8, 2007: Coroner Doubts Peterson's 3rd Wife's Autopsy Results
November 7, 2007: Drew Peterson Visits Will County Courthouse
November 7, 2007: Volunteer To Help Find Stacy Peterson
November 6, 2007: Smaller-Than-Expected Crew Continues Search For Peterson
November 5, 2007: Texas Team To Help Search For Peterson As Hope Wanes
November 4, 2007: Second Search For Bolingbrook Mom Kicks Off Sunday
November 2, 2007: Peterson's Sister: Stacy 'Feared For Her Life'
November 2, 2007: Missing Mom's Husband Has 'Nothing To Hide'
http://www.topix.com/wire/city/bolingbrook-il
http://www.nbc5.com/
http://gretawire.foxnews.com/tag/sgt-drew-peterson/

"Stacy Peterson is Stll Missing"

Today marks the 2-year anniversary for the missing Bolingbrook woman Stacy Peterson. The post below ran on 11/15/2007, 19 days after Stacy Peterson vanished off the planet. If you have a moment please head over to the Women In Crime Ink site today for my post on the Stacy Peterson case titled "Silenced."

Missing Since 10/28/2007
Name: Stacy Ann Peterson Height: 5'2" Weight: 100 lbs Age: 23 Hair: Brown Eyes: Brown
Stacy has been missing since 10/28/07. You can help by passing out or creating flyers. Showing up and helping in the search. If you know anything, please call the numbers below.

Contact Information
Illinois State Police District 5 - Tip Line 815.740.0678
Texas Equu Search - Tip Line877.270.9500
E-Mail Family of Stacy Peterson findstacypeterson@gmail.com
Find Stacy Peterson Myspace www.myspace.com/findstacypeterson
NBC 5 Chicago
ABC 7 Chicago
CLTV
Fox News Chicago
CBS 2 Chicago
http://www.topix.com/wire/city/bolingbrook-il
http://gretawire.foxnews.com/tag/sgt-drew-peterson/

"Murder Behind The Badge"

As a former police officers daughter, I know firsthand the fear and trauma associated in living with a man that used his badge, ultimately committing murder. In the 5th grade our class was given an assignment to write a poem about our lives. I wrote:

This man who drinks and carries a gun, each night he’d come home it would be no fun.

That badge, that gun, we have no place to run.

In my 20 years advocating police perpetrated homicide the horrors of living with a violent abusive police officer, those committing unspeakable acts of murder were, until now, silently buried with the victims.

Finally, Author and former detective and Women In Crime Ink Contributor Stacy Dittrich has written Murder Behind the Badge profiling police officers who kill for love and money, to the ones who kill over simple personnel complaints; included among other are the stories of Drew Peterson, Bobby Cutts, Ken Dekleine, Richard DiGuglielmo, and Lawrencia Bambenek.
These are stories of the men and women who abused their power, took human life, and will forever pay the consequence.

This book is a must read for police officers entering the academy to criminal justice students and those whom desire the truth within the "blue world."

Murder Behind The Badge is available now for pre-order at Amazon.com

"Motive Equals Murder"

It is not difficult to see how many girlfriends, wives and mothers who have vanished or are murdered with the only possible suspect; the person with whom they were romantically attached. It does not take Dick Tracy or a rocket scientist to figure out where the trail of blood goes, cold or not, it is almost always points to person in their life. Or if it does not, it should.

Women living vibrant productive lives suddenly labeled in a crime file cabinet or drawer opened when a lead is followed up or a family member is calling into police headquarters for updates and possible answers.

There are few experts in the field of domestic violence perpetrated crimes. The reclutance to look at a husband or boyfriend as a suspect can depend on the size of the town, available manpower, the prosecutors office and investigative skills among other issues. There are so many unsolved murders I listed a few where the cartoon character of Dick Tracy lives as solving these cases are not a language the police headquarters in these towns appear to speak.

November 29, 1991 was the last time that Mary Jane Zich was seen alive. She and her daughter, Desiree, had just returned to their Toledo, Ohio home after visiting her parents for Thanksgiving. While on her visit, Mary Jane discussed the violence in her marriage to Tom Zich and told her parents that she was planning on divorcing him. According to reports to police given by Tom at the time, she received a phone call, left the house and didn't return, leaving 3 year- old Desiree behind.

Sandra Travis was living in a violent marriage when she disappeared July 31, 2005 from Mayfield, Kentucky, a rural area near the borders of Illinois and Tennessee. Sandra took a lot of punches over the years from her husband, Bobby Travis, probably another man who treated his wife as a piece of property, there to do his bidding, no caring for the way she felt. Someone needs to look under the trailer where she disappeared from that evening. Maybe the Illinois State police can over ride the prosecutor who does not have much experience in obtaining a search warrant.

Renee Pagel was killed on August 5, 2006. She was a grade school teacher and a registered nurse. According to friends, Renee feared for her safety from her estranged husband. 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 Mayberry police have yet to arrest Michael Pagel. This is shear ignorance on the part of the investigators.

On August 19, 2007, it's reported that Liza Murphy just up and walked out of her home after an argument with her husband, Joe Murphy, leaving behind her cell phone, cigarettes, all forms of identification, and most importantly, her three children, now 15, 13, and 10.
Liza Murphy and her husband were having marital problems, her family said. Stellatos described Joe Murphy as possessive of his wife, never allowing her to go out with her friends. She said he was even jealous if she spent time with her parents.

In October of 2008, Kellisue's Ackernecht’s case isn't very different from several other missing mother's cases, filled with frustration and brick walls. Other similarities include investigating the husband, but in this case local Johnstown law enforcement has stated that Jayson Ackernecht is not a person of interest nor a suspect in Kellisue's disappearance. In fact, Jayson has told reporters the same thing Drew Peterson claims, that she ran off with another man, and like Drew Peterson, it seems Jayson is taking steps to move on with his life. Again, after reviewing documents and speaking to family members this is a cookie cutter case that needs to be solved.


Sometime's it can take years, but a family even without locating the remains of their loved one finds partial closure when an arrest is finally made in a case. Yesterday, for the family of Tracey Tetso they were given a great gift when the missing woman's husband Dennis Testo was indicted and arrested for her murder. On March 6, 2005, married 5 short months,Tracey disappeared from her Rosedale home in Baltimore.

Once case out of thousand's where a family is themselves alive to participate in justice. Let us hope everyone else who is waiting for that unexpected phone call on that an arrest will be made or the reamins of their loved ones's happens within their lifetime.

Afterall, while these women's lives did not mean anything to the person they were with, they did have great importance to many others whose faces you do not see or voices you do not hear because they are too busy searching and doing what they can to bring their daughter's home.

Fatal Vows

In case you missed todays show with News Reporter and Author of Fatal Vows: The Wives of Sgt. Drew Peterson by Joseph Hosey, the link is below. We discussed not only the tragedy of Kathleen Savio and Stacy Peterson but what you need to do to be safe in an abusive relationship. Also on the show Police Perpertated Domestic Violence Advocate Susan Rhoades.

"Fatal Vows" The Drew Peterson Case 4/8/2009 - SusanMurphyMilano on Blog Talk Radio

A new show airs weekly every Wednesday at 3:00PM Central Standard Time. Next weeks guests include Heather Thompson and Diane Rosenfeld from Harvard Law School.

Troopers Wife Didn't Stand a Chance

In Marblehead, New York, 49-year old Isol Cotto took steps to end her abusive relationship with her abusive husband, a 53 year- old retired cop.

William Cotto was angered by his wife's actions. She filed charges with police and a court order of protection against him on 12/30/08. Police were ordered to confiscate all his weapons and Cotto posted a measly $500 bond and walked free.

Cotto was angry because his wife, Isol wanted a divorce.

The next day, New Year's eve morning, William Cotto shot his wife in cold blood before taking his own life.

We can make up all kinds of excuses to describe this cowards actions. Some will say he was depressed. Others who knew him or were related to this bozo will point to his loving devotion and kindness. Or we will hear about how he wasn't himself, it was an unfortunate tragedy and may he rest in peace.

Very few will say the words "cold blooded killer". Or use a term such as "coward" to describe this person's actions.

Isol Cotto's murder should have more importance than to be packaged neatly as another murder suicide. Killed by a man who planned her death, because she had the courage to say no more. She was not going to continue being a victim. And for approximately twenty-four hours, she was on her way to becomming a success survivor.

But, men like William Cotto, still allowed special advantages because he was in law enforcement was not going to allow his wife to have the last word. In his eyes, she embarrassed and disgraced him when Isol Cotto filed charges and secured an order of protection. Which in this case as in most is nothing more than a legal paper trail with the court system.

The system failed Isol Cotto. First, the police for not going that extra mile in securing her safety.

Secondly, the judge for such a low bail amount of $500.

Third, additional weapons owned by Cotto were not surrendered to police. He probably told them he was going to use the shotgun and go hunting. Or perhaps they did not think it was that important to investigate further.

When law enforcement and the legal system respond to a police officers wife for assistance, they are in over their heads.

Procedures when dealing with officer related crimes must change. Services for families must be developed and implemented for officers wives and children.

Women have less than a chance to move forward in their lives, with their lives when married to anyone in law enforcement.

You train officers to serve and protect both large and small communities across the county.

How about government acknowledging the dangers of being married to trained killers?

At least provide a special door for an officers wife to enter, so she can at the very least, have a fighting chance to survive.

Condolances to a Cold Blooded Killer and His Badge

Let us all play the violin strings in memory of yet another tin badge coward who murdered his wife in cold blood. On Sunday morning in Forth Worth Texas a “decorated” police officer murdered his wife, Makasha Colonvega, 34, while their young children were present in the home.

Another glorified newspaper write-up about a cold blooded man, who was a police officer.

The children will never recover from this traumatic event. It will be with them for the remainder of their lives. Makasha Colonvega was just 5 months shy of completing her medical residency to become a doctor.

To those who tell you or say they knew this tin badge killer oh "so well". Or that he was under stress or having "problems", do not know the devastating lives these cowardly tin badge officers, lead, behind closed doors.

As the daughter, from a law enforcement family, whose detective father murdered my mother before taking his own life, the continued praises sung by those who worked and knew him well, continue after nearly twenty years.

There is no place for the wife of a law enforcement officer to turn when they require assistance. They are not provided important training on difusing situations which can be life threatening to they and their kids.

If a Police Department is going to teach officers to be effective on the streets, shouldn't those who marry these men be provided similar training?

It would, afterall, save their lives.

Atlanta Georgia Judge Condone's Officer Murder?

BY SUSAN MURPHY MILANO

In Dekalb County Georgia last week, Judge Anne Workman allowed Former Dekalb County Sheriff Deputy Derrick Yancy to post bond and return home. This is difficult to comprehend after the murder of his wife Linda Yancey and a day laborer for whom he is accussed of murdering on June 9, 2008.

Did I mention that Yancey is a former corrections officer who escorted prisioners to and from lock up in the very same building for nearly seventeen years?

Where is Bill O'Reilly? He should be jumping all over this judge's behind. Judge Linda Workman has allowed Yancey to return home as he awaits for his trial. If this were anyone other than a law enforcement officer they would not receive bond.

In addition, the former sheriff is also taking care of the couple's 8-year old son. Family and friends are outraged at this politicial blunder.

In my opinion, it is likely Yancey will request a bench trial in his home away from home. He will possibly be acquitted by a friendly judge no doubt and be allowed to return to duty.

There is no justice when a system fails to follow the law.

In my expert opinion Judge Anne Workman needs to be removed from the bench where she has just slapped victims like Linda Yancey whose voices have been silenced because of an officer related murder.

As the daughter from a police officers family whose father murdered my own mother, I am outraged!