Stella Michelle Ray:Intimate Partner Homicide

Stella Michelle Ray, 36 was gunned down in cold blood on Wednesday. She was a high school teacher at Caddo Mills High School in Greenville Texas. The mother of 3 was being stalked by her former husband. In the car with her, strapped in their car seats, Stella's children ages 2 and 3. She was on the phone with law enforcement just before she was shot.

He killed Stella, the mother of his children over custody issues. This was a cold blooded and planned out murder. After the shooting , he surrendered to authorities a few hours later. The coward will be in court today. Micah Brown has been charged with first degree murder.

Prayers to the family during this very difficult time.

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/

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 Talk http://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.

Given the circumstances in this tragedy it is a miracle the children are alive.

Deadly Silence and Intimate Partner Relationships

There are far too many cases when a woman suddenly vanishes without trace because of intimate partner violence in their marriage or relationship. The husband or boyfriend in the current or former relationship is angry it is ending. A victim prepares to leave is filing or already has filed for a divorce. The woman often tells a close friend or family members "if something happens to me" tell the authorities it was "him."

That is called hearsay and it will not hold up should a person "suddenly vanish"as anything other than repeating something second hand. Those possibly responsible quickly become silent and uncooperative with authorities. In many cases they quickly lawyer up. Stopping the epidemic is the key to holding accountable one of our nation's most deadly crimes: Intimate Partner Violence and Stalking that leads to homicide.

Before anyone says they are ending the relationship; they must complete the abuse affidavit and video as exampled below:

The Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit: A Victim’s Voice(c)
Domestic violence or intimate partner victims now are able to provide information, in their own words, about the fears, dangers, experiences they have had at the hands of their abuser. The" Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit" or "EAA" records victim's stories, histories, and experiences which are preserved and stored on their behalf. These videos will provide answers to the many questions, allegations, and fears that arise when a person has disappeared, gone missing, or been found dead.

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

Numerous cases, such as missing mother Susan Powell of Utah, Kelly Rothwell of Florida, and women like Stacy Peterson, where the victim’s police officer husband is the person of interest, is the classic example of the benefits of this type of evidence. If Stacy Peterson, or any woman found murdered or is missing, had done an Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit, ON TAPE, from following the information in the “Time’s Up" book on a flash drive, they would be able to describe:

- threats made against her life or wellbeing, including details of how the perpetrator would carry out the threat
- incidents of past abuse that the victim has endured
- admissions or comments made to her about other victims or people abused
- where evidence or weapons would or could be located
- possible alibis that the perpetrator would make up in his defense (including identification of people who could be co-defendant’s or co-suspects)
- portray visible injuries or marks

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

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

Amy Leichtenberg:The Silent War: Mothers Without Custody

The last time Amy Leichtenberg saw her two boys alive, that motherly instinct took over and she knew something was not right. The father of the boys was acting strange when they met at the police station for the exchange of Jack and Duncan. Amy refused to hand over her boys on March 7, 2009, an officer threatened her if she didn't give them to their father, she would be arrested for not complying with a judge's according to her lawyer.

This week is the anniversary of the boys murders.

I am deeply disturbed by the escalating number of parents murdering their own families. as police discovered 9-year-old Duncan (left) and 7-year-old Jack(right) were found murdered in rural Putnam County, IL. Their father was found dead not far from where his car was left. According to police sources, the boys' father had a rope around his neck when he was found.

Amy Leichtenberg filed orders of protection against Michael Connolly more than once after his repeated physical and emotional abuse in the later years of their marriage. Amy filed for divorce that year and moved out of their home. In a 2006, a petition for a protective order against her husband was filed, saying that his "controlling and obsessive behavior" included threats to kill himself and others along with a series of bizarre demands he made of her. Within a 15-month period, Connolly violated the orders of protection 57 times.

In 2007, Amy was awarded full custody of the boys with Connolly given supervised visitation. According to court reports from the family visitation center, Connolly's behavior was dangerous enough to temporarily cease all visits with the boys. In my experience, when a family visitation center terminates interaction between parent and child, it sends a red flag of danger. Connolly, the ever witty and clever abuser, was able to resume visits when his psychiatrist sent a "sympathy letter" to the judge "if my client is able to spend more time with his sons, Mr. Connolly's depression and outbursts would lessen."

The judge, who is still on the bench, responded by setting a series of "behavioral guidelines." This included obtaining employment, housing and continued therapy.

"(He) tells me if I ever take the boys away he will hunt me and my parents down and cut us open," Amy Leichtenberg, then known as Amy Connolly, stated in the 2006 petition seeking an order of protection. Amy said during their marriage Connolly had tried to isolate her from her family. A common characteristic among abusers.

Despite the 57 violations of the protection orders, dangerous behavior and deadly threats, McLean County Judge James Souk"rewarded" Connolly unsupervised visitation with his sons.

Connolly filed numerous motions with the court, basically wearing the judge down. Despite pleas from Amy and her lawyer, which were ignored. This mother’s plea for supervised visitation was dismissed without regard to serious safety concerns.

There is an automatic presumption that it is in the best interest of a child “regardless of court orders”, prior violence or threats, to maintain visitation with both parents. Victims of domestic violence face a double edged sword. Either expose their children to imminent danger, or defy the court system refusing to allow visitation. Like so many others before her, Amy tried to deal with a violent relationship in a family court environment.

In family court the two parties are presumed to be on a level playing field--law abiding individuals who have a disagreement over a private family matter. A core assumption of family law is that family disputes are not criminal disputes. As such, there are few safeguards built into the family court system to protect against the criminal dynamics that dominate family disputes in cases of family violence. In addition, the accusations the victim makes in family court, no matter how serious, carry no more authority than one person's say so. One of the most serious consequences is that when a family violence victim opens a case in family court against her abuser, the abuser is given equal opportunity to fight back against the victim's accusations, often because the abusers past is not an issue. Unless, of course, he is brought in from county or state prison sporting an orange jump suit and leg shackles.

There are lawyers and men’s groups who argue using domestic violence with a broad brush is not a reason to deny fathers visitation with their children. Accusing mothers of lying or making up stories to keep fathers’ from their children.

Under the current laws, a parent without custody is entitled "reasonable visitation." There is a high burden of proof as evidenced in this case when a court refuses to take into account dangerous abusers pose to their children.

Until we place the issue of labeling these cases as a "private matter" or an isolated incident, expect the death toll among children to rise. Expect the courts to continue to ignore clear and present danger signs when a victim of violence seeks a divorce.

Remarkably, Amy Leichtenberg, under the circumstances is doing fairly well for a mother whom lost her entire world.

When she and I talk she says " I will not let that monster who destroyed my life, win. That's what he wanted you know, (she says with great conviction) , he thought without my kids I would wither and die. Well I hope he is rotting in hell someplace for what he did and I am going to make each day on earth count, for my kids. For other parents so they won’'t have to endure what I have. I am going to get laws past so that a person who is not mentally stable like their father was, has no access to children. The same way a predator is dealt within the justice system and denied contact with children." And, today, two years later, Amy Leichtenberg is changing the dysfunctional legal system that, in my opinion, allowed her children to lose their lives.

Amy Leichtenberg will never again hear the laughter of her boys Jack and Duncan. Amy will never wait in the kitchen as the boys run in after school only to run out again to play before it gets dark. Amy will never prepare another favorite meal of macaroni and cheese. Those day's are gone. The lights that once burned brightly from within her life, are now but a memory.

On Amy Leichtenberg's Facebook page she writes:

"I wish I could turn back the hands of time...I am so sorry Duncan and Jack...I love you both to the heavens and back"

It would be nice if people reading this could take a moment and send an inspiring email or words of comfort to this remarkable mother, who needs for all of us to keep her in our daily prayers. Emails to Amy can be sent to our address here: timesupforjustice@gmail.com and we will forward them on to her.

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 Talk http://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 Chicago detective father who murdered her mother before committing suicide.

The Roth Show: Krishona Townsend Search Live From The Crime Scene at Ground Zero

The “Annie Oakley of the Airwaves” and
the “Jane Wayne of Justice”

The Roth Show!

Wednesday evenings from 6-8pm ET, 3-5pm PT, Dr. Laurie Roth and Susan Murphy Milano highlight injustice, featuring up to the moment discussions on what’s going wrong!

Monica Caison of CUE Center for Missing Persons
http://ncmissingpersons.org

Reporting directly from the search for Krishonda Townsend, Monica Caison will bring us an up to the minute report from Mineral Wells, TX.

Krishonda Townsend was last seen on July 4th, 2010 at 7:p.M. She left home in Perrin,Texas and went to a friends house on US Highway 180 West in Mineral Wells Texas. She was driving her gray and purple 1997 Toyota.

Krishonda texted her mother via cell phone at 12:10 A.M and said she was on her way home.

She has not been seen or heard from since.

Her 1997 Toyota was located on July 6th, 2010 in the 800 block of SE 3rd Ave in Mineral Wells.

To read about Krishonda’s case and the hundred's of comments regarding her killer (s) attempt at staging her disappearance to make it look like an abduction read about it here : Krishonda Leanne Townsend: A Victim of Intimate Partner Violence ?

http://therothshow.com

The Roth Show is a nationally syndicated talk show hosted by Dr. Laurie Roth, Ph.D., and stands on principles and leading the charge for the legions of Americans who are saying “Enough Already!”

$50,000 Reward for The Murder of Sheila Deviney

Once again, the family of Sheila Deviney continues to fight to have her "murder" case opened and investigated in Garvin County, Oklahoma.

This evening on Intimate Partner Homicide Investigation with Sheryl McCollum, Holly Hughes and Susan Murphy Milano we learned the Deviney family is being charged by the state to preserve blood and tissue samples; important evidence in a murder case that according to Shannon Kile spokesperson for The Eleventh Commandment has never been submitted to OSBI by Acting Sheriff Steve Brooks because "he doesn't want to make it political, but he will do what he can after the November 2nd election."

Has anyone bothered to inform the Acting Sheriff that it has been 7 years and its plain unexcepatable! Perhaps the current "acting sheriff" should consider getting off their behind (in my opinion) and open up the damn case. The person or group of individuals responsible for the murder of Sheila Deviney is still roaming free among those that Acting Sheriff Brooks took an oath to serve and protect. That in an of it self is a crime!

If this were your loved one, wouldn't you demand justice? Why have the elected officials in Garvin County been allowed to sweep this under the rug? Well actually there is no more rug it went up on flames and chemicals used the day Sheila Deviney was murdered. Yes folks, she was murdered. A fire was set in various locations throughout the home that morning. The photo's of the crime scene tell the truth which is more than I can say about those in the position of power.

Sadly this case is all too common. Victims of intimate partner violence who seek custody of their children and have taken steps to end a relationship before, during or as in Sheila Deviney's case after a divorce are silenced by their abusers.

There is a $50,000 reward being offered to anyone who comes forward with information that will put the killer(s) behind bars. But first, the good people of Garvin County need to start demanding answering because as of now there is no case being investigated. The county has an "acting sheriff" whom in my expert opinion has exhibited zero pride and intergrity for service. If this were his child, heads would like roll. But it is not. How does anyone ask to be voted into an office where justice is defined by being a "career politician."

David and Susan Deviney are long standing members in Garvin County. They only ask, as you would if this were your child, for justice. Join them along with The Eleventh Commandment to make sure Sheila Deviney's voice is heard and her case re-opened now, not 7 weeks from today with more empty promises from career politicians. Politicians whom in my opinion are allowing a killer to live among you and get away with murder.

Sheriff Steve Brooks is invited to be a guest on Intimate Partner Homicide Investigation, Monday, September 27, 2010 at 9:00 PM Eastern/ 8:00 PM Central we will continue with yet another case, the murder of Tom Horton. He can email us to confirm at IPHInvestigation@gmail.com or simply call into the show at 347-326-9337.

Intimate Partner Homicide Investigation: Hosts Holly Hughes, Sheryl McCollum and Susan Murphy Milano-Monday August 2, 2010 at 9:00 PM EST

By Holly Hughes, Sheryl McCullom and Susan Murphy-Milano

Tonight on "Intimate Partner Homicide Investigation"along with our show sponsor Websleuths.com a case of murder, cover-up, violence, stalking and negligence.

On January 6, 2004, the burned body of Sheila Deviney was discovered. In 2006, after a grand jury investigation her death was changed from "accidental" to homicide. According to the State Fire Investigators report several fires were started in various locations within the home.

No surprise the day before the fire on January 5, 2004, Sheila Deviney was in family court with her former husband Tyson Hendrix. Between orders of protection, verbal threats of murder, warrants for failure to pay child support and custody of the children, the motive points to only one person. Yet, Greg Masburn the District Attorney in Garvin County, Oklahoma has refused to review the facts in this case. And refused to bring this case to a grand jury for an indictment. Interesting words on the website of DA Greg Masburn "The District Attorney must strive to seek justice, protect our communities,and represent those who have been the victims of crime." Have they forgotten about Sheila Deviney?

Holly Hughes former Atlanta Prosecutor turned defense attorney, Sheryl McCollum, Director of Cold Case Investigative Research Institute and Susan Murphy-Milano, Violence Expert and Author of the new book "Time's Up" have joined forces to bring new eyes to cases of intimate partner homicide. Intimate Partner Homicide Investigation gives these cases a front and center seat instead of a back door crime occurring behind closed doors.

The show is sponsored by the interactive crime and news site Websleuths.com

To listen to the show live for Monday August 2, 2010, and participate in the chat room, the direct link for the show is HERE

We will take your call live. The number to call in with questions :

The number is 347-326-9337

Do you have a case you would like us to consider for a future show? Or you would like to contact us? Please contact us via our email address at IPHInvestigation@gmail.com

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

New Handbook: "How To Get Away With The Ultimate Murder"?

Another woman vanishes. This time the young mother of 2 children, ages 3 and 5, while walking to the mailbox in front of her parents home, still in her pajamas, is abducted.

Venus Stewart has been missing since the morning of April 26, 2010. If you have learned anything from this site it is that I do not jump to conclusions. There are many cases of missing women and those found murdered that you do not see written about here because of various information I am unable to obtain about the case at the time. And sticking my neck out without the facts or restricted information is not healthy to the victims nor their families. But, bringing their case,s whenever possible, to the public's attention and those who are in a relationship with an abusive person is the very least we can each do in hopes of preventing another tragedy.

My work and expertise is based soley on 20 years with these cases of intimate partner violence, police officer abuse within the home, stalking, domestic violence and homicide.

The case of missing Venus Stewart has many scratching their heads, with the exception of law enforcement and few others, myself included. The estranged husband was in another state and by car he would have had to drive 13 hours there (maybe he rented a car or borrowed one) and 13 hours back by the time police questioned him after Venus was abducted.

Lets get out my note book on this case-

Fact: the couple was going through a divorce;
Fact: the couple was going through a major custody battle;
Fact: Venus moved out of the marital residence in Virgina and into her parents home in Michigan;
Fact: The couple had 2 children;
Fact: Vensus Stewart had obtained numerous police reports;
Fact: Vensus Stewart had obtained a minimum of 2 orders of protection from a judge;
Fact: She told friends and family she was in fear for her life from this man;
Fact: According to Venus and in court orders of protection she informed the courts her life was in danger.

It is possible that someone was hired by the estranged husband the day Vensus was abducted. This reminds me of another recent case where the person of interest was in another location, a casino, gambling, at the time of the murders. Allegedly, a month before the shooting, Johnny Borizov hired his best friend, Jacob Nodarse to kill Angela and her parents. The evening of the shooting, Borizov was at a Joliet casino, captured on casino video, which he could conveniently claim as an air-tight alibi. According to sealed DuPage County court documents, Angela and Borizov had been scheduled to appear at a hearing a week after the killings. To read the case go here.

Police are looking for a man, in the Venus Stewart disappearance, who people in the rural town saw hanging around the day before and thought it was suspicious. And police have issued a sketch of the man. Could this person have been hired by the estranged husband to help the day Venus was abducted? At this point, no one seems to know that answer.

Now, if I am an angry abuser, not wanting the person with whom I am in a realtionship with to leave, and I have a violent temper, I am going to boil over like hot liquid on a stove. And, as an abuser, I have a lot of time to think out a plan of action. I am going to threaten the person where no one else can hear me. I will make a victim's life unbearable in mediation meetings with mental health evaluators, while sitting dressed neatly and showing the world what a wonderful person I am. The moment the session is over I will shoot those looks of "now you did it" and "you are going to pay for this." Next, as custody is being determined, as an abuser I am outraged and say to myself, "she is not getting away with this alive."

I then, as the abuser, figure out where to get that "handbook" available to members only in an e-book format that the recently formed "secret society of abusers" are all reading titled, "How to Get Away With the Ultimate Murder," author unknown.


For some abusers, in my expert opinion, the "handbook" has worked in cases where the victim has vanished without a trace. There must be a chapter in the "handbook" on how to correctly lawyer up, as you will notice each "person of interest" no longer cooperates with authorities, often hiring a fairly skilled defense attorney, almost immediately. The legal hired gun acts as the shield or the mouth piece for the only person, once again in my expert opinion, behind the vanishing act of their loved one.

Isn't it rather strange that the victim is often the mother of their children, estranged wife or former girlfriend. And, more often than not, they are going thru a divorce or custody battle. And, yes, I need to mention that a person is innocent until proven guilty.

Every single one of these cases has a common theme, the person has been erased from the planet. And a common theme does not make one guilty of the crime. But, it is highly unusual that the person with whom the relationship has ended does not have a motive. The facts, although circumstantial, do carry a lot of weight, but, often not enough for a grand jury indictment unless you have a body.

So, I offer the following suggestions to law enforcement in this case where the "handbook" has obviously been downloaded:

• First obtain a search warrant for all computers both business, personal, close friends and perhaps those of a relative, too.
• Gas receipts, credit cards used within that time period must be gathered.
• Unusual purchases at hardware and drugstores.
• Where was the person 72 hours prior to the abduction? Were they at work? Did they call in sick?
• Bank withdrawals within a two week period prior to her being taken.
• Cell phone activity needs to be captured between the time of the abduction and the following 36 hours after the abduction.

I will close with the words I copied today from a post at  Websleuths  following this case:

"I think that many women who've had an abusive spouse in their past may somewhat identify with Venus. She left her abuser, did what was RIGHT, and yet she's currently missing and her abuser is the only named person of interest in the case.

I give Venus kudos for, against all odds, leaving her abuser and getting her children out of that environment. There is no telling what her poor daughters have witnessed in the past. Worse, it can't be as awful as what they're experiencing now and will in the future...everything that we know about spousal abuse has come to fruition in this case. And as a result, these two girls will probably grow up motherless, but at least knowing that their mother mustered the courage to get them out of an abusive situation, even though it cost her life."

Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact Michigan State Police White Pigeon Post at 269-483-7611 Rockford Regional Dispatch Center, 616-866-6666.

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

"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/

"Officers Wife is Still Missing With a Foul Smell in The Air"

Stacy Peterson has been missing since October 28, 2007. Friends and family continue to search for her. Below is a post that ran on November 1, 2007 in the early stages of the case. It was also before the legal camp marshmallow roasters served up burnt chicken wings and the media wizzards who turned this tragedy into a full blown circus.

Like a bizzare episode from the old television show Twin Peaks, Officer Peterson a 29 -year veteran with the police department is trying to convince the world that his missing wife left him for another man. Stacy has two small children ages 2 and 4. Mothers with young children are not likely to just up and leave their kids. When wife #3 was found dead in a bath tub, and she had obtained a court order of protection against Peterson. The police did not have enough evidence at the time to charge anyone with murder. Now there are reports swirling around like a bad piece of burnt toast. Officer Peterson is now saying his wife's mother up and left when Stacy was 15 years of age and has never been seen since. The Officer indicated it runs in the family. The Law Enforcement email and commentary information sites are having a field day with this one. They all believe the Officer (Drew Peterson) had something to do with Stacy Petersons disappearance and all wished and pray for her safe return, if that is even possible at this point.

As the special investigator appointed on this case is re-opening wife #3's "accidential death." In cases like these it is very difficult for me to remain nuetral when so much points to Officer Peterson. I pray to God that she just shows up. But, someone like this doesn't just disappear into thin air. In my opinion, she would have contacted her family so they would not worry and most importantly, she would have taken her children!

(From The Chicago Tribune 11/1/2007)
A Bolingbrook police sergeant whose wife has been missing since the weekend told the Tribune on Wednesday he believes she simply left him for someone else.Sgt. Drew Peterson, 53, said in an interview at his home that when he spoke with his wife, Stacy, 23, on the telephone Sunday night "she said she was leaving."State police said Stacy's cell phone has not been used since Sunday night."I believe she's safe," he said, his voice cracking with emotion. "Sorry, I get choked up about it. I believe she's with someone else, but I believe she's safe."Peterson, unshaven and exhausted, said his wife's disappearance has been overblown by the news media. The case has drawn national attention."The media is flaring it up," he said. "I still have to answer and meet with people with a cloud hanging over my head. I still have to live with the aftermath of the media hype."Peterson, the mother of two young children, was last seen dressed in a red jogging suit about 10 a.m. Sunday by her husband, a 29-year veteran of the Bolingbrook department.

Hebeing Peterson told authorities she had left home to meet with a relative and help rehab a home. But she never showed up for that meeting. One person close to Stacy Peterson doubted Wednesday afternoon that she would have voluntarily left her children.Her family spent Sunday trying to reach her by phone, Bolingbrook Police Lt. Ken Teppel said. When they couldn't, they went to the Illinois State Police early Monday to report her missing. Teppel said there were no signs of foul play and investigators are treating the disappearance as a missing person case.He said state police are investigating the case because it involves a member of an officer's family.

Stacy Peterson is Drew Peterson's fourth wife. A previous wife, Kathleen Savio, 40, was found dead in an empty bathtub in her Bolingbrook home on March 1, 2004, officials said.At the inquest hearing, Will County Coroner Patrick O'Neil said Savio drowned. Although the bathtub was dry, her hair was wet when she was discovered and her fingertips were wrinkled from being in water.

Investigators speculated the water must have drained from the tub and a coroner's jury ruled the death accidental. State police also investigated Savio's death. No charges were filed.Will County State's Atty. James Glasgow, who was not in office at the time of that case, said Tuesday he wants to review the Savio file."I was not the state's attorney when this case was processed, so for purposes of this investigation, this is being relooked at," Glasgow said, adding the jury's ruling at the 2004 inquest was not binding on his office.He declined to discuss what, if any, connection there might be between the Savio case and the search for Peterson, saying only "there are some unusual circumstances in the 2004 [Savio] case."A relative of Savio said Savio was nearing a divorce settlement at the time she died.Glasgow would not say whether authorities have identified persons of interest in Peterson's disappearance, noting it is a missing person case, not a criminal investigation.

"Right now, we're at the very preliminary stages of the investigation and that kind of comment would be inappropriate," he said. Peterson is a student at Joliet Junior College, where she is majoring in pre-nursing. She is described as white with brown hair and brown eyes, about 5-foot-2 and 100 pounds.Drew Peterson said he first met Stacy when she was 17 and he was 47."When I met Stacy, she was working at SpringHill Suites [in Bolingbrook]," he said. "We just hit it off, and one thing led to another. It wasn't something I planned. It was a very romantic time. It was very exciting."

Contact Information on the Stacy Peterson case
Illinois State Police District 5 - Tip Line 815.740.0678
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
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Drew Peterson's latest "Hemorrhodial Discharge"

For several weeks news surfaced that former ex-wife Vicki Connolly (once married to Drew Peterson) and step-daughter Lisa Ward had planned to write a book about the former Bolingbrook Sergeant now behind bars for allegedly murdering wife #3 Kathleen Savio. Officially, the announcement was made by Lisa Ward on ABC’s Good Morning America program.

Similar to a “hemorrihodial discharge” the legal team representing Peterson quickly had their media dispatchers issue a press release pertaining to the “private correspondence” that my favorite legal marshmallow roaster sent to Connolly, Ward and USA Today Journalist and Co-author, Michelle LeFort. Detailed information and news on the entire Peterson case(s) can be found over at Justice Café.

The press release included the demands likely sent via certified letter to all 3 women-below is a synopsis:

"As I assume that Ms. Ward and Ms. Connolly are not aware, Ms. Michelle LeFort had entered into a written contract to collaborate and co-write a book about the life story of Drew Peterson from Mr. Peterson’s perspective in February of 2008. Ms. LeFort breached her agreement and then withdrew from this collaboration agreement in March of 2008. In withdrawing from the collaboration agreement, Ms. LeFort agreed that any work she did concerning the life story of Drew Peterson belonged to her collaborating author, who still owns those rights."Therefore if such a book is written, shown, marketed, or published, this office will pursue vigorous legal action to protect and enforce our clients rights."We demand that Ms. Ward and Ms. Connolly cease and desist from working with Ms. LeFort regarding any part of the life story of Drew Peterson, and we further demand that Ms. LeFort cease and desist from any project which concerns the life story of Drew Peterson."
The letter concludes with “Ms. Ward and Ms. Connolly are absolutely free to tell their story, just not with Ms. LeFort as the author.”

The first question I have is why release this in the first place? The correspondence was obviously private and if the Co-Author is in some type of contractual dispute the lawyers can either work it out or file suit in a court of law before a judge, not the public.

Given the alleged abuse that step-daughter Lisa Ward endured, she, like so many others, are often silenced and paralyzed for years after being victimized. It's no surprise to me, as a former police officers daughter growing up in a violent household and working with thousands of abuse cases for more than 20 years, that she would wait until now to talk.

Think about it for a moment. Drew Peterson has been a free man since Kathleen Savio’s death. It would be 18 months and a lot of chicken wings later, before the Will County State’s Attorney’s office received an indictment from a grand jury to charge Peterson. In May of 2009 he is charged and arrested for Kathleen’s murder. If I am a victim I would immediately think that the person who allegedly harmed me is going to make bail and be released back out onto to the streets. So I would wait a bit as many victims have to be sure that the individual cannot harm them before they attempt to come forward.

Years ago I was involved in a case where a woman by the name of Gail McGrew was shot 5 times in the Fine Arts Building in downtown Chicago and survived. Little did we know while she was recovering that the offender had committed murder 5 years prior in the State of Ohio. He escaped during extradition, changed his name and moved to Chicago and met Gail a couple years later. Gail believed because he escaped before he could do it again. Fearing for her life and living with permanent disability after the shooting she felt if he came after her she would not be able to get away, again. I know this sounds crazy but in a clever move she married him just long enough to be sure that he would be behind bars forever. When she knew for certain that he would never escape again, she divorced him.

In my opinion, Lisa Ward and her mother remained silent until it was safe for them to come forward. Stacy Peterson and Kathleen Savio will never have that opportunity. But, if this continues to keep Stacy and Kathleen in the news then those who attempt to discredit and try every voice that comes forward, I say Bravo!