Michael Tapley a Missing Person and Victim of Intimate Partner Homicide

By: Susan Murphy Milano

The ink on the divorce papers were barley dry on March 6, 2003, when Gina Haskell of Gilbert Arizona divorced her husband of twenty years. Within a year Gina Haskell would change her name and become Gina Tapley. She married Michael Tapley from Snow Flake Arizona. Together they made their home on a forty acre parcel Michael had owned for a number of years prior to their marriage.Michael Tapley was a kind, gentle and simple man. He loved and lived his life to the fullest. Michael's passions were Lady his dog of ten years, his motorcycle and his pick-up truck.

Why am I telling you any of this? The family continues to seek answers in this case of intimate partner missing likely a result of a homicide and we need to spread the word.

Because Michael Tapley is not just missing, family and friends believe he was murdered and the Snow-Flake Arizona Police Department refuse to look at important information that would arrest the person or person's responsible for his death.

Sadly, the law enforcement in Snow Flake is not equipped to properly investigate this case. So I thought along with others, we would get the ball rolling in the right direction. Numerous Internet missing have posted information and reached out for help, only to have doors slammed in their face by the local sheriff's office.

On February 15, 2008, Gina and Michael were reported missing. On or about March 1, 2008 Gina showed up back home, without Michael. Sometime during her trip Gina dropped off Michael's dog at her Mother's home. Michael never went anyplace without his dog, ever.

Gina and the dog did not get along, Michael would never have left lady with her.

On March 10, 2008 the one hundred and fifteen pound Gina arrived at the Snowflake Taylor Police Department on Main street and spoke with Officer Joseph Baca. The comments in the report are as follows:

"Gina Tapley walked into our lobby and requested to talk to an officer."

Officer Notes: "I was aware that she and Michael were reported missing and that NCSO was looking for them. I brought Gina into the training room and had her sit down and asked how I could help her. I sat and listened to Gina while waiting for a detective to arrive. Gina net with Detective Roger Stevens. There was an interview.
at 9:28:59 Disposition- CLOSED.

Police closed the case on the missing couple and refused to open a missing persons or an investigation on Michael Tapley. Wow, they close the case because they do not have the man power and believe the lies that last person to see Michael alive was feeding them.

Have I mentioned that while this woman was married her husband filed two orders of protection against her?

Michael Tapley also petitioned the courts in Maricopa County, AZ for an order of protection on August 9, 2005. But, the couple reconciled and Michael dropped the action.Michael Tapley was preparing to divorce his hot tempered and abuser wife according to family and friends.

Gina's story is that while visiting her family she dropped Michael off at a casino. This also is not possible. In addition, police never checked Gina's handgun to see if it hand been recently fired. She was a fantastic shot. And the truck alleged important blood evidence on the bumpers and tire' s were removed and destroyed by the brother-in-law of Michael Tapley, who also happens to work at a tire store, according to sources.

The success of these cases depends on the public's assistance. Maybe you saw something suspicious and are apprehensive about coming forward. All tips are called in remain confidential. If you can assist and be a siren for justice by sending email's, post information on the Internet, twitter, carry this on other sites, it would go a long way in Michael's case.

Perhaps consider sending an email asking for an investigation into this case we will begin with the Arizona State Police. Please send emails to RVanderpool@azdps.gov . Roger Vanderpool is the Director of the Arizona State Police. Or call 602-223-2365 and ask that someone please investigate the case of Michael Tapley.

If you believe you have information about Michael, please contact the investigating agency listed below, or your local law enforcement agency. If you wish you may also contact SARA and we will forward all appropriate information. Investigating Agency: Navajo County Sheriff Agency Phone: 928-536-7327

Michael Alan Tapley Missing Since February 15th, 2008 Snowflake, AZ age: 51 height: 5' 10" Hair Color: Brown Eye Color: Blue Weight: 180 lbs. Michael has been missing Since 2-15-08. Last seen leaving work as a school bus driver in Snowflake, AZ. May have travelled to Kansas City, MO, with his wife and dog in their black Ford F-150. He wears glasses and always carries a black fanny pack. He may have been wearing a black leather jacket and black leather cap. Please call Navajo County Sheriff's Office with any information. Police Details - Navajo County Sheriff's Office Deputy Roger Stevens 928-536-7327 - Report# 08-L01023

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Susan Murphy Milano is a staff member of the Institute for Relational Harm Reduction and Public Pathology Education. She is a specialist with intimate partner violence cases and prevention strategies and high risk cases and available for personal consultations through the Institute. She is also part of the team at Management Resources Limited of New York.

Susan is the author of "Time's Up: A Guide on How to Leave and Survive Abusive and Stalking Relationships,"Moving out, Moving on, and Defending Out Lives. Susan is the host of The Susan Murphy Milano Show, "Time'sUp!" . She is a regular contributor to the nationally syndicated "The Roth Show" with Dr Laurie Roth and a co-host on Crime Wire.

If you would like to schedule Susan Murphy Milano for interviews, please contact: ImaginePublicity PO BOX 14946 Surfside Beach, SC 29587 Phone: 843.808.0859 email- contact@imaginepublicity.com

The Media: Giving Hero Status to Killers

The days of Walter Cronkite delivering the nightly news during the dinner hour is but a distant memory. As a matter of fact, so is the family dinner hour; both replaced by "George Jetson" like technology . The cartoon, once a Saturday morning favorite in the early 1960's, featured everything from automatic buttons for prepared foods to hand held communication devices at a time when technology was in its infancy.

Although Walter Cronkite died in 2009, the integrity in which he delivered world news was important. For many Americans across the county during his television rein, he was the voice of integrity and trust. The world watched as he informed the country, removing his glasses, on live television as he tried to maintain his composure shortly after President John F. Kennedy was killed. In covering crimes like serial killer Richard Speck who killed 8 nurses in 1966, Cronkite delivered the tragic lives of Gloria Davy, Patricia Matusek, Nina Schmale, Pamela Wilkening, Suzanne Farris, Mary Ann Jordan, Merlita Gargullo, and Valentina Pasion with respect and human compassion. The victims of Specks crimes received attention, because they were important; the killer took a back seat in the news reporting of the murders. It was a time when the country cared about their neighbors. It was a time when you actually knew your neighbor and everyone who lived in your community.

With technology, our country, in my opinion, has lost everything we once held sacred. The newspapers have been replaced by the Internet and various social media sites. Criminals are now given hero like status on the major news networks. Victims who have fallen prey to killers are lost someplace in the headlines of 5 second sound bites. Talking heads have replaced serious journalists and reporters. And family members looking for loved ones or seeking justice believe that a mention or an on camera interview via Skype or in a studio from another location will get them closer to justice.

We have allowed what news we receive to be spoon feed to us without any regard for accountability. The days of Walter Cronkite have been replaced by scripted sound bites.

Don't get me wrong, a segment or a mention on CNN, HLN, the morning shows, The Huffington Post and others is great, but we need to also be more accountable in allowing that brand of reporting not to dictate outcomes and make criminals into celebrities.

How in the world do we go from watching a mother stand trial for murder of an innocent child to debating how much they will receive for exclusive book deals and appearances? In my opinion, the media opens the door for those types of opportunities and we fuel them when we watch the same rodeo circus on television, click a page on an Internet site or leave a comment of outrage.

On my radio show "Time's Up" we spoke with network television reporter and producer Steph Watts. He discussed what goes on behind the camera and how cases receive news coverage. Watts also offers sound advice for families of missing persons to receive attention in their cases.

The world of ever changing media and technology can be a vital tool in every aspect of our lives. But with that comes responsibility to us as consumers, our families, neighbors and community.

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Susan Murphy Milano is a staff member of the Institute for Relational Harm Reduction and Public Pathology Education. She is a specialist with intimate partner violence prevention strategies and high risk cases and available for personal consultations through the Institute.

Susan is the author of "Time's Up: A Guide on How to Leave and Survive Abusive and Stalking Relationships," Moving out, Moving on, and Defending Out Lives. Susan is the host of The Susan Murphy Milano Show, "Time's Up!" . She is a regular contributor to the nationally syndicated "The Roth Show" with Dr Laurie Roth and a co-host on Crime Wire.

Time Clock in Missing Person Cases

Last week Devin Ivey, 22, disappeared while with her husband from a budget motel in South Carolina on June 9, 2011. Her family immediately contacted law enforcement when they suspected something was wrong.

In many cases, when a person goes missing and they are married or in a relationship, friends and family can be hesitant to alert the authorities. The reason is the person is an adult and if they had little to no contact with the loved one they may wait it out for a few days, or sometimes weeks. In this case thank goodness the family acted immediately. Devin Ivey was a victim of intimate partner abuse that resulted in homicide.

Law enforcement wasted not one second looking for the young woman. The Cue Center for Missing Persons and their tireless volunteers were also called in for the search. The organization, headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina, assists thousands of families each year with support on what to do, how to get the word out for their loved one, and a 24-hour access to volunteers who are there for the families of the missing.

Locating Devin Ivey, in my opinion, was because of trained law enforcement working in cooperation, certified and skilled searchers and dogs trained, and also certified, to recover bones and bodies.

Recovery of Devin Ivey was from the Cue's Center for Missing Persons own "Oscar" a certified live scent dog, and certified volunteer searchers, Bernie Thornton and Connie Braddock.

The CUE Center is now in Valliant, Oklahoma where they will search for Hope Meek over the weekend. In part because one hell of a detective with OSBI continued to work this case. The leads and tips provided is why the CUE Center will be searching for her.

Hope Meek resided on Section Line Road in Valliant, Oklahoma with her husband and their three young children. Her husband told authorities that he saw Meek inside their home during the day on February 21, 2002. She has never been heard from again. She not reported missing for five days.

Time on a clock, especially in cases of intimate partner violence, means everything the moment someone goes missing. The success of finding Devin Ivey was because searchers and trained volunteers were brought in immediately.Most importantly, the case was registered with a missing persons organization.

Each day we hear or see missing persons cases involving wives, girlfriends and mothers, husbands, boyfriends and fathers. The families are frozen with trauma and the fear of not knowing what steps to take; especially as it relates to a spouse or significant other. They are often afraid to rock the boat with that person. A family does not want to believe the person with whom their loved one is in a relationship with could be capable of harm.

If you want to find a missing person, allowing the trail to go cold without trained searchers is, in my opinion, a crime. That is your loved one. Aside from making a missing persons report, if you are a family member, either register with a missing persons agency or request that law enforcement contact an organization immediately so you, as a family member, know what direction and steps you need to take. They will work with you and law enforcement to combine efforts on your behalf.  CUE Center for Missing Persons can be reached online at http://ncmissingpersons.org or by phone for assistance with registering your case.

The CUE Center is the "red cross" to search and recovery and depends on the public for support. The next time you apply for a Visa Card or when your current card is about to expire click the link below and know that each time you use the special Visa charge card it's a charge in searching for the missing:

http://www.ncmissingpersons.org/apply-for-a-visa-platinum-card-and-help-the-missing/

Monica Caison is the founder of the CUE Center for Missing Persons an organization dedicated to bringing home the missing, and giving resolution to families with a missing loved one. Monica and CUE do this through advocacy and physical ground searches all over the country without cost to the family. 


Monica works 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to help over 9000 familes since CUE’s inception in 1994. Even more remarkable, Monica never takes a paycheck!

F.E.A.R. in Intimate Partner Violence Relationships

Over the past few weeks while on the road I assisted many involved in intimate partner violence relationships to prepare the "Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit and Video." Preparing this in your own words (similar to a last will and testament)whether police have ever responded to your home AFTER an incident of violence is important prior to you announcing or ending the relationship. An abuser has a plan of attack, a victim must be ten steps ahead and have a plan in place. Those I met and helped prepare the documents were married for over 25 years, others just barely a year. They all shared a common bond, fear.

Fear of what will happen to their safety if they leave. Fear of not being believed by friends and family that the person with whom they had chosen to spend their lives with is indeed violent, dangerous and unpredictable. Fear of loosing their children. Fear of the unknown.

If you are involved in a intimate partner violence or stalking relationship I would like you to think about the feeling of fear. It does not wear well on anyone, and that includes you. The unknown in our lives should be an opportunity to soar through the skies, a source of delight and wonderment; it should not be overshadowed by the threat and focus of someone else’s rage. No one should have to live in constant fear, always dreading the sound of the car pulling into the drive, or the key turning in the lock.

The time has come for you to take control of your fear, to be the “Facilitator Ending the Abusive Relationship.”

Facilitate _v. _1. to make easier _2. to hold firm _3. to control the room

Ending _{n. 1.} to stop or halt _2. to finish

Abusive _{a. 1.} to mistreat or cause pain _2. to use wrongly _3. to berate or control

Relationship _{n. 1.} connection with another person with whom you will disconnect

You are going to be the F.E.A.R catalyst of your future. By focusing your energy, and putting forth a commitment, you will find that over time, your attitude will begin to change. As you uncover your inner strength, you will be empowered to be a success survivor.

From this day forward, each time you hear the word fear, it will have a new meaning in your life. Now when you feel its presence chill your blood, you will no longer be paralyzed. Instead, you will be energized as its presence serves as a source of fuel that is necessary for the success of your mission: to stop the abuse, to survive.

A person who uses coercion, manipulation, threats, or force to gain control over another person is an abuser. An abuser can be a man or a woman, someone you have a current relationship with, or someone with whom you once shared a past.

The face of domestic abuse is hidden behind many disguises, but the abusers all share a common trait: they need to control.

An abuser thrives on control, and will use any means available to maintain and exercise that control, even violence.

Violence at any level is intentional. In simple terms, what this means it that the abuser makes a conscious choice to control your life by using threats, intimidation, isolation and even force. When violence happens, it does not mean that the abuser has lost control; it means that the abuser wants to maintain power, and increase control over you.

Intimate Partner abuse (domestic abuse), whether verbal, emotional, financial or physical, only gets worse over time. Unless you take action to stop the violence, it will not go away. There is no magic wand to wave that will make it disappear. There is only one person who can stop the abuse, and that person is you.

Once you are threatened, hit, stalked, questioned in a controlling way, a second chance to save your life, is no longer an option.

“If you are reading this and find yourself in a similar situation, know that there are measures you must take before announcing the end of your relationship. These safety precautions can be found in the book, "Time's Up: A Guide on How to Leave an Abusive and Stalking Relationship" by Susan Murphy Milano. Don't take things into your own hands without expert guidance.” (Mothers Are Vanishing)

I cannot stress enough, 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, 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, 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 for yourself the "Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit" 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 arefound 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 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

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.

Crime Wire Investigates: Tonight 9:00PM EST

www.crimewiresite.com

Tuesday, February 1, 9pm ET

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/crimewire
Unsolved Murder of Lacey Gaines

Lacey Gaines was a beautiful young mother who was brutally attacked and murdered in Justice, IL on Dec. 7, 2009. However, justice has not come forth for Lacey, her murderer has not been arrested, and her son is left without his mother.

www.laceygaines.com

We will be discussing the murder of Lacey Gaines and will be joined by her Aunt, Cherry Simpson.

Missing Man, Michael Tapley

The last time anyone saw Michael Tapley was during President’s Day weekend last year. According to his wife Gina, they went on a trip to see her mother in Missouri. She dropped him off at a casino and never saw him again.

Joining us to discuss her brother is Kim Palmer who feels there is more to the story than what has been told.

To read more …..http://murphymilanojournal.blogspot.com/2008/10/justice-interrupted-michael-tapley.html

Be sure to keep up to date on featured cases and issues on our website:

http://crimewiresite.com

Join Susan each Tuesday night at 9pm ET with Author and former police officer, Dennis Griffin and Private Investigator and Author, Vito Colucci, Jr. as we feature cases of unsolved murder, botched investigations, missing persons and crimes in the news.

To Listen Live:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/crimewire

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A Letter to the Parents of David Hartley and the Media

When David Hartley was reportedly killed the tragic story of what supposedly happened on the lake that afternoon was told to the world by the last person to see David Hartley alive.

There are too many unanswered question about your son's death.  And after the holidays it is my hope that you the parents, perhaps with the direction of others in your community will seek answers and fight for the truth.  You owe it to your son, David.

The information below was released to the public 4 months before your son was killed. It is important to notice that the same story given by the sole survivor is similar as to the information released by authorities regarding the area.  They scared people on the lake and took money. They did not kill them.  Where people robbed took "photo's" is the same place the only survivor says they also went.  In the 911 call it was stressed what side of the water the tragic event took place.  Again, impossible.

It is very difficult to believe the person with whom we have come to know or take into our family is capable of causing harm.  I work on these types of cases everyday.  I have nothing to gain by pointing fingers or accusing anyone of any crime it serves no purpose. I work and am successful in saving lives, but learn from those who are silenced by those who profess to love them.

To the David's parent's the events of September 30, 2010, as told, are impossible.

On May 17, 2010 -Law enforcement agencies urging caution on Falcon Lake

Citing several armed robberies and attempted armed robberies on Falcon Lake in Zapata County, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office are strongly urging boaters on Falcon Lake to stay on the United States side of the lake and not venture into Mexican waters.  http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/director_staff/public_information/pr051810.pdf

Three reported incidents since " April 30" have raised concern among law enforcement officers in the Lake Falcon area. Two of the three incidents involved United States citizens who had gone into the Mexican side of the lake, passing the International Waters markers. Most of the incidents occurred in the Old Guerrero area, but it’s possible that other areas are a concern as well. Fishermen are advised to stay as far away as possible from any of the Argos-type fishing boats typically used as fishing vessels by Mexican fishermen. These boats have a large prow, a small outboard motor without a cowling and no identification numbers on the hull.Several bass fishing tournaments are scheduled for Falcon Lake during the next few weeks, and officials are concerned that they could be in danger if they cross into Mexican waters while they fish. One of the incidents occurred in U.S. waters. This weekend, Zapata County Sheriff Sigi Gonzalez, will discuss these concerns with bass tournament participants. He has been working with Texas Parks and Wildlife regarding security matters on Falcon Lake. The DPS Border Security Operations Center and the Fusion Center are working with Zapata County and Parks and Wildlife to review protective measures in the area.

The robbers are believed to be members of a drug trafficking organization or members of an enforcer group linked to a drug trafficking organization who are heavily armed and using AK-47s or AR-15 rifles to threaten their victims. They appear to be using local Mexican fishermen to operate the boats to get close to American fishermen.

• On April 30, five people in two different boats were fishing on Falcon Lake and went to the Old Guerrero area, where they were taking photos of the old church. While they were there, a boat with four heavily tattooed men approached the two boats quickly. The men identified themselves as “Federales,” but they were not wearing uniforms. The men boarded the boats, demanded cash and asked “where are the drugs?” The fishermen told the men that they had no drugs and were just fishing and taking photos. They ended up giving the men $200 cash-  www.txdps.state.tx.us

To the media I am asking that you assist the parents of David Hartley, it is the least you can do since providing a national platform from the only "witness" without checking details and facts.  And as you each understand the "devil is always in the details."    The world was given a story based on events similar to those on Falcon lake in prior months.  Obviously if this area was "so dangerous" why would there be a bass tournament?  Why not cancel the event it if it was going to cost lives?  Because there was no real danger only what was sensationalized in my opinion after the death of David Hartley.   In these types of cases they are called intimate partner homicides. This is where a spouse either a man or a woman related to the person missing or killed used other events in their story telling as they hope the person will never been found and if they are the truth of what really happened can not come back to them.  David Hartley's case can in my opinion be solved not by finger pointing, but with the facts and evidence. That is what myself and others provide to families and law enforcement.

The longer time passes the more difficult it will be to solve the case.  I am asking that you consider my words from someone who knows first hand these cases.  Although when my own mother was murdered in 1989, I was fortunate that her body was discovered within a few days.  And it was soon after I trained to work in this specialized area providing a balance for truth and justice in crimes involving the last person to see their spouse alive.

Finally, and more importantly, where is the body of David Hartley? 

I can reached at murphymilano@gmail.com  all communication received remains confidential.


Today from Peter Hyatt's Site: http://seamusoriley.blogspot.com/2010/12/to-family-and-friends-of-david-hartley.html

Peter Hyatt is an Investigator and an expert on Statement analysis, also called "statement validity assessment", "content analysis", "investigative discourse analysis", and "scientific content analysis" is a technique that can be used to detect concealed information, missing information, and whether the information that person has provided is true or false. Peter Hyatt's blog is http://www.seamusoriley.blogspot.com


For more on the case follow the links below:
http://seamusoriley.blogspot.com/2010/12/tiffany-hartleys-last-moments-with.html
http://seamusoriley.blogspot.com/2010/12/tiffany-hartley-call-to-action-part-3.html
http://seamusoriley.blogspot.com/2010/11/tiffanys-next-appearance.html
http://murphymilanojournal.blogspot.com/2010/11/tiffany-hartley-call-to-action-part-2.html
http://murphymilanojournal.blogspot.com/2010/11/tiffany-hartley-no-investigation-part-1.html
http://womenincrimeink.blogspot.com/2010/10/is-tiffany-hartleys-telling-truth-body.html

http://womenincrimeink.blogspot.com/2010/10/on-land-or-by-water.html

http://murphymilanojournal.blogspot.com/2010/11/tiffany-hartley-murder-in-mexico.html

http://murphymilanojournal.blogspot.com/2010/11/tiffany-hartley-murder-mexican-borders.html

[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 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/ ]