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

Sheila Deviney Case and The Garvin County Prosecutor Greg Mashburn

Sheila Deviney, 30, died on Jan. 6, 2004 when her trailer house, located about one mile east and one mile south of Maysville, Oklahoma, burned to the ground. She was murdered. It should be no surprise that Sheila was married to an abusive controlling man. They had a court date scheduled the next day. According to eye witnesses, her ex-husband was at the trailer, although divorced, and by law not allowed on the premises, he and another friend destroyed evidence and took items from the home.

Initially her death was ruled accidental. It was only because of her parents, Susan and David Deviney, that the ruling was changed several months later to arson and homicide after a state investigation into cloth and carpet samples near Deviney’s body showed traces of ignitable liquid.

This is a tragic case where the Prosecutors office, the medical examiner and the sheriff doing their “good old boy routine dance” covering up for a murderer. The ex-husband is a former Oklahoma college football star who is now raising the children.


Sheila Deviney, in my opinion, was killed by her former husband.

Just last week Oklahoma County District Attorney Greg Mashburn. Maybe, as the current Prosecutor, Mashburn could blow off the dust on the Shiela Deviney unsolved murder case and do his job. Now there is a concept!

Greg Mashburn took an oath when he was elected into office by the people...... it included justice.

For Shiela Deviney justice is a word that has little meaning to a family that has fought a blind and deaf criminal justice system within the State of Oklahoma.

How To Leave and Survive Abusive and Stalking Relationships

With so many high-profile cases of missing women in the news, unsolved, suspicious deaths and cold cases where victims seeking a divorce have vanished without a trace or found murdered, I am urging everyone to speak out by spreading the word that a prescription for safety is now available. The video below is one key ingredient to a victim's safety.

I often hear women involved in domestic violence say, “I cannot leave or I'm unable to even pack a bag and sneak it to the car.” Another common problem is when a woman says, “He is constantly watching me, stalking me or he has a tracker on my computer, cell phone or vehicle.”

For most victims the fear of getting beat up or even killed by their significant other if they are caught trying to leave can be paralyzing. Most victims of domestic violence and or stalking do not realize that the person in the relationship is committing a crime. Domestic violence and stalking is against the law.

But for those fearful or unable to seek service from a domestic violence shelter provider, there is a book available that will take a victim from living in fear to a plan, with a roadmap to safety.

The abuser has a plan to control, manipulate and harm. A victim must have a plan that involves being ten steps ahead of their husband or boyfriend when they cannot call police or seek services outside the home because it could be too dangerous for the victim and her children.

Remember, the most important step a victim must do is prepare before they announce the relationship is ending. If something does happen, if you or a loved one suddenly goes missing like Stacy Peterson, Vensus Stewart, Rachel Anderson, Susan Powell, Lisa Stebic, or are found murdered like Monica Beresford-Redmond, Franki Jacobson, Renee Pagel and others, where the person responsible has gotten away with murder, the victim's voice and record of the abuse will be captured and recorded (see below). Do it for your community, friends, family and loved ones.

Do it for the children.

If you are a victim do it for you!




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

Ignoring Justice

The trial for Drew Peterson has been set for June 14, 2010. My less then favorite dickless wonder will finally stand trial for the murder of his third wife Kathleen Savio. In my opinion, the trial will be a tough road for prosecutors. Many mistakes were made from the beginning with the Bolingbrook police department while she was alive. Kathleen Savio fought an uphill battle for help as a victim of abuse. Under the old Will County administration domestic violence was treated with blatant disregard. Victims similar to Kathleen were literally kicked out of the courthouse and onto the streets.
State’s Attorney James Glasgow has been picking up the mess of mishandled cases left by the previous administration under the reign of former Will County State’s attorney Tomzak since he took office.

lf there was ever a blatant disregard for the life and safety of an abuse victim, it was Kathleen Savio. When her body was discovered in an empty bathtub on March 1, 2004, it marked failure by a legal system sworn to uphold justice and victory for an abuser whom 3 ½ years later in my opinion, would kill again.

When the trial begins in June the courthouse steps will be lined with camera crews and reporters covering the case. The local and cable news stations will be providing viewers with a blow by blow account of every remark, snicker, sneeze and free give-a-ways from chicken wings to personalized pens to those who get the correct camera angle of the shiny and just manicured legal defense attorney representing his client.

Now a Prosecuting States Attorney will attempt to seek justice for a victim of police involved domestic violence who lost her life back in 2004, in the very system that ultimately caused her death.

The “Mammone Monster:” A Killing Machine

Sporting a style fashioned from the movie “No Country For Old Men’s” savage killer, James Mammone III has been found guilty of three murders and several other charges. Not just any run of the mill murder of a stranger for money, not a murder for sex, and not a murder of passion, but a cold blooded, calculated and premeditated act of a killing machine carrying out a spree of violence against his own children and family.

In June of 2008 Marcia Eakin (Mammone) filed for an order of protection and James was arrested on a charge of domestic violence, and according to the court records he made threats to kill her. This order was still in force on June 8, 2009 when James Mammone decided it was time to carry out his murder plan that had been in the works for a year. His motive was to "inflict emotional pain" upon his ex-wife, and how better to do that than to kill the very beings that were her life, her children, her mother, the man she was dating, and ultimately Marcia herself.

Question for the judges and attorneys who may be reading this: "Should a person who is under an order of protection, has made threats to kill, and has been arrested for violence, be granted unsupervised visitations with their children? How did someone convicted of domestic violence have access to weapons?"

The marriage between James and his wife, Marcia, was over. Marcia had to file for divorce in secret, keeping all knowledge and documentation away from James and their home. James discovered her plans and, according to her trial testimony, he said to the children, "It was time for mommy to go to her grave" as well as telling Marcia "If you leave me, I will kill you and the children." Marcia was granted the divorce and moved to a location that was undisclosed to James for her safety per the divorce agreement. The visitation exchanges of the children, 3 and 5, were ordered to be made at the home of Margaret Eakin, Marcia's mother.

The day of June 8, Marcia and James met at her mother's, exchanged the children and she played tennis with her friend, Harold Benjamin Carter. She started receiving text messages from James in rapid succession, asking her to meet him and the children for ice cream, then escalating to a level that seriously concerned Marcia and her friend. Marcia called 911 when he told her he "was ready to die for my love tonight." The final text message from James read, "Last chance."

While Marcia and her friend, along with police and other personal friends were scouring the area searching for his car, James Mammone, according to his plan, took his two children, strapped in their car seats, to the parking lot of the Westminster Community Church and brutally stabbed each one of them in their necks. But he was not finished with this night of terror.

He then drove to the home of his children's grandmother, found her in a bedroom and shot her, then beat her with a metal lamp. Her husband, Marcia's father, escaped being killed by minutes, according to Mammone himself.

As all of this horror is playing out, Marcia had no idea what was transpiring. She and her friend return to her home. At around 5:30 am, James Mammone is found pouring gasoline all over the truck belonging to Harold Benjamin Carter and trying to set it on fire. Marcia once again alerts 911, saying that he also was trying to get into the house. You can hear the call HERE. Mammone fails at setting the truck on fire, and leaves the area with his two dead children still strapped in their car seats.

Police finally caught up with James Mammone entering his own driveway. He was cooperative at the time of his arrest and confessed to the killings because he wanted to "inflict deep emotional pain upon his ex-wife."

James Mammone lost his power and control over his wife and children, but in the final, desperate act of exerting his "manhood" he willfully became a killing machine, the "Mammone Monster," in the same way Matthew Schneider did when he murdered his ex-wife, Brandy Schneider in the same Stark County, Ohio area just weeks ago. Brandy also lost her life to a system which doesn't take "protection" seriously and allows women and children to die needlessly at the hands of a proven abuser.

There are many steps along the process of escaping a violent relationship that victims should be given clear and concise instruction on how to keep themselves and their children safe. It should be the standard when anyone has applied for an order of protection, has been hospitalized for injuries inflicted, or even when police are called to a home. Women (men) and children do not need to die at the hands of a manipulative, controlling abuser.

"Battlefield"

Wednesday around 4:00 pm, Teresann Moore was kidnapped and taken to by her estranged husband to his apartment. Neighbors heard screams and called 911. Within minutes the streets were lined with responding officers. Upon arrival officers heard shots fired from the apartment complex.

Then her estranged husband opened fire from his balcony while screaming he would kill any officer who came closer. An officer was shot in the hand by the 38 year-old Randall Moore.

Luckily, the couple's 8 month-old baby boy was at day-care. Police stormed the apartment and found Teresann dead and took Moore into custody.

Theresann was an Air Guard veteran and she had completed three missions in Iraq. She was a member of the 132nd Fighter Wind based out of Des Moines. All her training sadly could not and did not prevent her death.

Often people married to violent offenders are not prepared to deal with continued random acts of violence once the relationship ends. In this case, and I am only guessing, this woman obviously felt that once she was divorced he would leave her alone.

Similar to a ticking bomb, a person leaving, from the moment they say the words "the relationship or marriage is over" to the time they walk out the door, a victim must be on their guard around the clock. Because as I have said before, ending a relationship is the most dangerous time and a plan for all around safety must be implemented immediately, otherwise as we see in this tragedy, it will cost your life!

Prayers to the family and friends and for the wounded police officer.

"Bloody Facts"

The recent appointment of Lynn Rosenthal as the "Czar" for domestic violence is rather disturbing to me as an advocate, author, violence expert and homicide survivor. What purpose does this newly created White
House post really serve regarding the lives of battered women and their children?

So far this position appears to be nothing more than Ms. Rosenthal talking phone calls from legal advocates and survivors that have enough cell phone minutes to vent their anger and frustration in a sixty minute phone conversation only to be informed that their one-on -one discussion will be relayed to Vice-President Biden, the champion of Senate hearings and funding through the years for services and programs across the country.

Perhaps Ms. Rosenthal could use her rather large monthly expense account to fly around to the survivors of murder victims and their families such as Suzan Annette Sowlers-Fuller a former resident of Bakersfield, California. I say former because she was murdered. Ms. Rosenthal could begin her field trip by going to the court house and reading the transcripts on the case. From there she could arrange to meet with the Prosecutor in the case and review those documents, including the order of protection and the ridiculous bond amounts set in this case. Afterwards, I suggest she personally visit the home where both Suzan Annette and her mother Sharon were murdered by Robert Fuller on August 8, 2009.

Finally, Lynn Rosenthal should meet with Suzan's two daughters, ages 8 and 5, perhaps at their favorite ice cream shop to delicately discuss firsthand accounts of their young lives through the day of the murders. When speaking to these children, who are unable to sit in a booth and have their feet touch the floor, she should look them each in their eyes and explain why the system failed their Mommy.

This is not easy to do from behind a White House desk (you have to leave it once in a while).  Lynn Rosenthal must head into the battlefield. I can certainly donate a video camera if their is no budget in the WhiteHouse to record testimony for these tragedies. There is nothing like the testimony of a child, who watched as the bullets hit their mother, then grandmother's bodies. Or copies of the actual crime scene photos and morgue reports, to boil ones blood into taking action.

Effective action is what I have been doing for over 20 years with results that save lives, perhaps Ms. Rosenthal could pass that on the next time she meets with Vice-President Biden. I apologize if I sound sarcastic, I am far too busy with those victims I am desperately trying to keep alive so I don't have to inform a family their loved one is dead or tell a child "mommy is in heaven," because the system ignored them.

The Susan Murphy Milano Show- Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at 3:00 PM Central Time

Two little girls ages 5 and 8 have literally had their lives turned upside down in the last 87 hours since their mother Suzan Annette Sowlers-Fuller and Grandmother Sharon Sue Cannon were killed, before their eyes.

The very system that was supposed to protect their mother and grandmother likely aided in their murders when they failed to upgrade the case and properly charge the estranged husband.

In those 87 hours the girls have lost their in what I refer to as their "country." A place where they each learned to ride their first horse. Where the girls learned how to roller skate down the drive-way, they each played their first game of hopscotch. At night their mom would read them a bedtime story, they would say their prayers and then Suzan or Annette as she liked to be called would kiss her daughters goodnight.

In a matter of moments, gone. They can never return, because, their warm safe world, has vanished. Since Saturday they have been whisked from strange beds, to people with badges to interviews with forensic investigators, appearances in court and questions from strangers who are unable to tell the girls why their mommy is dead.

The order of protection is a document to track the abuse, nothing more. Leading experts are commenting that these cases do not often end in murder when a victim obtains a court order. Well perhaps those experts need to examine these cases a bit closer. Many women do not obtain a court order for fear of being killed. A woman for numerous reasons decides on various factors usually not disclosed to others that prevents her from seeking assistance. It is more of a damn if you do and damn if you do not decision on the part of each victim.

On The Susan Murphy Milano show, we will discuss the various obstacles highlighting this tragedy in hopes that those listening will learn what direction they need to take when faced with imminent danger. This is also a case of "maternal deprivation abuse" that ended in murder. Simply, the father and killer hijacked the children from their mother. We will be joined on the show by Claudine Dombrowski a leading expert in the area of mothers without custody. And a we will be joined by a close relative and friend who was in daily contact with both women who died.

Date : 8/12/2009

Time: 4:00 PM EST 3:00 PM CST 1:00 PM PST

Call-in Number: (347) 326-9337

Show Link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/susanmurphymilano

If you miss the show, please remember you can listen by turning up the volume on your computer and the show will automatically play until our next show on August 19, 2009 when our special guest will be divorce attorney Jennifer Weiss. And she will take your questions live, during the show.

Drew Peterson is Arrested For Murder

The break in the murder of Kathleen Savio in 2004 arrived today at 5:45PM when Illinois

State police arrested Drew Peterson a short distance from his home.

Bond has been set in this case at $20 Million Dollars.

The 2004 case was re-opened with fresh new eyes. The world watched as Kathleens body was exhumed and another autopsy was ordered. Investigators and The Will County State's Attorney have worked around the clock for 18 months investigating the case.

This case also could not have materialized without the persistance and cooperation of the Kathleen Savio and Stacy Peterson family. Along with neighbors like Sharon Bychowski who not only lived next door to Stacy Peterson, but, contributed important information during the investigation.

"One Little Act of Violence"

Amanda and George were engaged to be married this summer, when Amanda father became critically ill. Amanda's parents were divorced and she was the only child born into the marriage.
Amanda put her life on her to take care of her father, postponing the wedding.

Amanda, an executive with a major financial institution, said that George was romantic, sensitive and attentive during their 4-year courtship. Without having a reason, he would send her flowers at work and he was always there for her.

Three weeks ago Amanda's father died, she was devastated. Even George could not console her. In an effort to comfort Amanda, George insisted they get married right away. When Amanda did not respond the way George expected, he screamed at her. Later apologizing for his outburst.

Several days past and Amanda had yet to set a firm date. George snapped. The couple had a loud, ugly screaming match. George grabbed Amanda by the shoulders and violently shook her. With her head pinned up against the wall, George thrust Amanda's head into the sharp corner of the livingroom wall. The pounding into the wall caused Amanda's head top open and bleed. "Oh my God, I'm so sorry. Please lets get into the car and go to the emergency room," said George.

Amanda said she was too stunned to do anything other then comply with George and go to the hospital. He insisted on going into the treatment room with Amanda. But a nurse intervened
and said because George was not a blood relative, he had to be seated in the waiting room.
The nurse took pictures of Amanda's injuries before the doctor came in to stitch her up.
An hour later 2 police officers came into the treatment room to take her statement. The nurse at the hosptial had contacted the police. George was placed under arrest when he would be held until the next morning for a bond hearing before a judge.

When Amanda and I met we discussed George's background. Had she married him, the violence would have no doubt escalated. Amanda did not connect George's violent childhood.
He grew up in a home where violence was common. His own mother was treated as though she did not matter. This set the stage for George to follow in his own father's footsteps.
Amanda wisely decided to end the relationship the first time George became violent.

Far too often when victims allow men to talk them into overlooking "one little act of violence", whether it is an argument, or you have been punched or slapped, just once. You may not get a second chance.

There are no "little"acts of abuse. Each time their is an outburst or a threat of bodily harm, it could lead to serious injury, or death.

You may not see yourself in danger. You may read stories of women murdered and think to
yourself, "I have everything under control. That will never happen to me."

Think again! Please before you decide to leave your relationship seek the services of a mental heath professional. Contact the National Coaltion Against Domestic Violence at
1-800-799-SAFE, asking for a referal to a counselor. Read up on the subject . See yourself in these situations. Go to the library and pick up a copy of "defending Our Lives, getting away from domestic violence & staying safe. Go to http://www.peace4themissing/ and join the abuse support group. Join me every Wednesday at 3:00PM Central Time and listen for suggestions on how to leave.

But do something about changing the control and abuse you surround yourself with like a dangerous toxic drug. I assure, someone will be on the other side waiting to find a way out.

If my mother were here, she would tell you , no one deserves to live in fear. But my mother is not here. She lost her life to domestic violence.

The Book Time's Up will be available at Amazon and in bookstores, July of 2009.

This book is a guide to survival for anyone considering leaving an abusive relationship with life saving strategies including current technology abusers use to track their victims. It gives anyone in an abusive relationship the tools to leave with your life. It provides detailed, step-by-step information and describes what steps need to be taken before a victim announces they are leaving or filing for divorce in order to ensure a safe departure from the abuser (the book lays out how to survive, how to get police to respond, legal options, creating important changes in your life to be safe, creditors, daycare, technology strategies). It also describes the importance of creating an evidentiary abuse affidavit and your own safety video.

"Hell of a Nice Guy", says Neighbor. Please!

This tragedy is disturbing on many levels. First, they have yet to print the cowards name in the newspaper. One would think after taking an axe and murdering your estranged wife who was a correctional officer, at the very least his name would be mentioned in the context of the media articles.

The cowardly man without a name also took an axe to his step-daughter. She lived for several hours. And later died.

Numerous signs point to difficulties between the two--from a neighbor who gives an account that the husband was having a difficult time after they seperated. To the slain woman filing for divorce in January. And the sheriff's office confirms "the woman had a restraining order against her husband. He wasn't supposed to be on the property, and right now no one knows why he was."

To the haunting messages scrawled with red spray paint on the house and an outbuilding show clear signs of desperation. "Staying in a hotel...running out of money," reads one. "Could not find help...no where to go," reads another hand painted sprayed message.

And then we have then neighbors could not believe the news. "Couldn't be doing something without him wanting to help, he's just a hell of a nice guy you would have never thought would do this, says Joe Kaszycki, a neighbor.

This "guy" is not different than all the hundred's of thousands of others who decide ending a relationship equals murder.

You can have all the mental experts in the world form their opinions and the outcome will be the same. There is no magic "solution" in curing anyone who solves their anger issues with murder. You can blame their childhood. You can point to the fact that this man snapped because the loss was too difficult. But it will not bring this woman or any murder victims back.

Instead of sugar coating this epidemic. Handle these tragedies no diffently than covering the war over in Iraq. A war not easily won in American homes across the country. Where placing a band aid on a boo boo to stop the bleeding will do nothing.

We must be bolder in the messages sent to women right now, who are still alive. Living with abuse. Afraid to leave for fear they will be killed.

If we want to save lives, we must remove the false white picket fences that surround these homes. Perhaps gather a large collection of crime scene photo's and video tapes of the bloody home, the victim and then at the morgue similar to presentations on aftermath of drunk driving prevention . Taking the video and photo's into the community so they are able to see first hand what really goes on in their perfect neighborhoods.

And just maybe, we will save a few million lives!

Turning Tragedy Into Triumph

After my mother was killed by my father, I felt completely helpless and absolutely furious. I knew my mothers murder could have been, and should have been, prevented.

Today twenty years later, not much has changed, except, women are dying at the hands of those who profess to love them at epidemic proportions. And, sadly, the deaths have included, the children.

In murders within the past 24 months, the majority of these women were in the process of leaving. Some were filing for divorce, Some filed court orders of protection. Some were moving to an apartment . While were moving in with family and friends. In my opinion, the victims , those killed, were not provided the proper tools to stay safe.

I know I cannot bring my Mother, back. But, I have learned important ways and created tools for those involved in a violent realtionship to either leave safely and or provide documentation so the person responsible does not walk free in society and literally get away with murder.

Whether, the person is in law enforcement, the military or he's Bob the mechanic. If you are reading this and you work with someone or are related to a person in a violent relationship, do something take action by arming yourself with knowledge and safety strategies that work in conjuction with seeking courts orders of protection and divorce.

It is dangerous when you don't have a strategic plan of action. At home or in the workplace. I lecture and teach all over the country. As a published Author,I welcome invitations from human resource professionals, nurses association, health care facilities, mental health professionals, corporations, places of worship, community groups, universities, law schools in educating and providing important tools that saves lives. Together, we can change lives!

I can be reached by email at contact@movingoutmovingon.com or by inquiry at:

2205 S. Wolf Road

#196

Hillside, Il 60162

New York Knicks Son : A Witness to Murder

Nova Henry, just 24 years old and her 9-month old baby daughter Ava were shot dead around 6 p.m. in her West side Chicago apartment on Saturday. Her 3 -year old son, unharmed, witnessed the killings.

Police are saying the suspect is a “known acquaintance” in the murders. It is a person with whom Nova recently ended a relationship with whom she took out a court order of protection against.

In addition, according to 2005 courts records, New York Knicks Baskeball center Eddy Curry is the father of the 3-year old boy. Nova Henry had filed not one but 2 seperate parentage petitions, one in 2005 for the son and another in 2008 claiming Ava Henry, the baby was also the daughter of the $9.4 million dollar a year star.

A little background on the loving father Eddy Curry he is married to Patrice and the father of four other children. He claimed he was not the father of the couple's latest out of wedlock "love child" who was murdered with her mother.

The basketball player was also hit with a sexual harassment lawsuit two weeks ago. A former male employee is claiming Curry made sexual advances towards him.

Hopefully, Eddy Curry will step up and meet his responsibilities and raise the now motherless 3-year old son.

The order of protection is nothing more than a legal paper trail. Hopefully in this case it will lead to the arrest of the person responsible because the information is in the sheriff's data base.

And, I have yet to see any information on this person by name in the news or if Chicago police have him in their custody.

Maybe Eddy Curry, the "cheat on his wife and family man," can catch a flight to Chicago and be with his son. It is the least he can do.

Bloody Begining For 2009

We begin the New Year with many casualities in the silent epidemic of domestic violence. We can't ignore the facts. These tragedies are not isolated incidents. There are others I did not list because police have not officially determined the cause of death. If you believe this is not your problem, you are incorrect. When the police respond to a call for help or a crime scene who do you think pays for those visits? You Do as a taxpayer. When fire, rescue squards and swat teams respond to a sitation, We Pay For That, Too! Until we begin as a nation to see this a real crime, expect the death toll to rise. If you are a church member consider asking your church to start an awareness program. Go to a city council meeting and ask if information can be sent to households in the community on how to be safe in an abusive environment. Check with the local school board in your area and ask if there are programs for teen domestic violence and perhaps a parent outreach. We all have a voice when it involves prevention, lets use it!

A tragic discovery over the weekend began with 3 children ages 2,4 & 8 knocking on a neighbors doors asking for something to eat. The oldest informed the neighboor his "Mom's legs were covered in blood." Another child, just 9 months old, screeming from behind a locked bedroom door. The children had been in the apartment for approximately 3 days. Upon entering the apartment, the neighbor was hit with the foul stench of death. The baby continued to scream. The door was locked. he kicked it in to find the baby covered in blood and badly soiled.

The bodies of Hannah Crowe 26 and Julian Wallulatum 21were discovered Saturday after the older children asked a neighbor to help.

In North Carolina on New Years day-- Officials say a standoff with a man believed to have killed his ex-wife and two other women in western North Carolina ended when the man killed himself early Friday morning.

Buncombe County Sheriff's Office spokesman Lt. Ross Dillingham said that Richard Heatwole killed his ex-wife, Angela Heatwole. The other victims were Divina Gracia Agulto, 44, who is believed to have rented a room from Richard Heatwole; and Lesley Curtis Moore Keogh, 43, who was found dead on the porch of her home . Then the serial killer abducted his two children ages 6 and 10. When the Swat team arrived Richard Heatwole was holding his two children hostage. Thank God he did not harm them. During the standoff, he took his own life. The children were found safe.

In California on New Years day, Investigators found the bodies of Gabriela Galvan, 33, and her 50-year-old live-in boyfriend, Lino Farias, in El Cajon.

Neighbors say the couple appeared to have a good relationship and can't believe this happened. James Christman says the couple only moved in a few months ago.

In Monteal Canada a Father and Mother of 3 small children ,who had lost their jobs decide to kill their children and then themselves in a suicide pack. The mother survives. Her three children and husband are dead. Police charge her in their murders.

In Arizona, a man murdered a woman and then committed suicide.

In Indiana an angry husband guns down his estranged wife in an apparent murder-suicide that happened in broad daylight with children present. The man drove his vehicle into his estranged wife's vehicle on a street before shooting her about 11:30 a.m. Monday. Police responding to the scene found 37-year-old Ella Minix dead in her vehicle and her husband, 40-year-old Jonathan Minix, dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in his vehicle a short distance away. Police say the Winamac couple were recently separated. Hines says two children, ages 10 and 13, also were in the woman's car but neither one was injured.

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.

Moving Out Moving On: Divorce and Your Options

Going through a divorce is time consuming and costly.

Your credit status changes with the snap of a finger. And with little to no financial resources it can be difficult.

Moving Out, Moving On is a workbook that assists you in protecting your financial assests by altering credit card and financial institutions.

It helps you understand your options in divorce no matter who files the paperwork with the court. Most importantly, the book will save you thousands of dollars in lawyers fees.

It is your legal roadmap within a very confusing system. And the book offers important direction if you are in an abusive relationship.

To order you copy just go to Amazon.com.

One Woman's Fight For Justice

Finally, Safe, begining her new life, a woman's right to live her life without the threat of violence makes the front page of the Chicago Tribune. On November 17, 2008, In a Will County Illinois Courthouse, this courageous woman will step foot in the courtroom, for justice. Below is the prepared for the judge, prior to the sentencing of her ex-husband John Samolis. A convicted felon for violating a court order of protection after his release from Stateville Illinois Correctional facility.

My name is Regan Martin Samolis:

For years we were abused and battered by John Samolis. I didn't know how to get away and be able to protect my children. Then he raped me and beat me so severely the law put him away. That allowed me and my children to get help. It wasn't easy but it was much better than the abuse we had suffered. We've been in therapy ever since.

My children and I suffer from nightmares and anxiety. He had made us feel like we were nothing. He continues to threaten us. He's taken a huge part of our lives and terrorized us and tortured us. He took away our hope for a future.

Therapy has helped us immensely. But I will always look over my shoulder and fear him. I know he wanted to kill me. He has told me so many times.

He has an explosive temper and as the children grew he beat them, more and more. I've sat in therapy and listened to my son's tell about how they hid for hours under the dirty laundry to escape a beating from their father. They told the therapist how they were beat with video cables. His anger increased and escalated as the boys grew.

John was not just abusive he was also neglectful. A few weeks before my youngest son turned 3 he fell 3 stories while under my husbands care. Chase ruptured his spleen, kidney and had severe internal injuries. He almost died.

John Samolis was severely beaten as a child. I don't want my children to grow up to be like him. I could see the effect his abuse had on them. I wanted to leave but was afraid. I am still afraid of him, so are my children.

We lost our home, we had to relocate and had to file bankruptcy. Attorney fees have cost me thousands for the divorce and transport permission. Therapy has been very costly, though worth every cent. I am the sole support of my children. We live with my mother and stepfather who help me care for them.

It's been very difficult losing everything and moving. But with the help of family and therapy we are much better off and looking forward to the future. Nothing was as bad as the abuse.

Please help us, by making John Samolis accountable for his actions. Don't let him keep on ignoring the law. He has broken every OP. He thinks he can manipulate the system.

Please give us time to heal and grow as a loving family. Help me to protect my children, their safety is my highest priority. I want my children's voices heard. They deserve equality and freedom from abuse. Please look at the drawings they did for their therapist, please read the therapists letter. Please read my Victim’s Impact Statement and look at the Timeline of abuse.

I am proud of my children for having the courage to tell the therapist about the abuse they suffered. It is not their fault their father beat them and me. It's not my fault he raped and beat me and continues to stalk and harass me. You have the power to help stop this from happening again, please protect my children and me.

Demanding Justice

Wendy Thibeault

She was loved by so many in her community. Her death would devastate residents in the small town located in Cortland County, not far from Syracuse, New York.

Wendy Thibeault was a kind gentle woman, yet hated by one person so enraged that on Memorial Day, Charles Randy Thibeault, strangled her to death.

Wendy endured years of abuse. Gathering all her strength, filing for an order of protection in April of 2008, seeking legal assitance to end the abuse and marriage was not enough, as in many cases of a violent partner relationships.

On July, 17, 2008, Cortland County District Attorney David Hartnett, announced the formal indictment for Randy Thibeault.

Is the legal system in Cortland County able to find a jury who will be able to carry out justice against one of their own long-time residents?

If they do not convict Charles Randy Thibeault, for the murder of his wife, then they too, will be just as guilty in the strangulation death of Wendy.

Domestic Violence is a crime. Wendy Thibeault, was forced to join a bloody club whose membership across the country, grows in numbers with lightening speed.

Criminal Factors in Family Violence Crime

Amanda Groves had separated from her husband last summer. In her early thirties, the marriage just was not working. Amanda claims there was no abuse. Her husband did not exhibit the signs we see or read about in the aftermath of an abusive relationship. Amanda did not anticipate her husband Billy would threaten and stalk her after he moved out of the home. But he did. With each day they were apart, he became increasingly angry and abusive. After Billy damaged her car, she went to court to obtain an order of protection believing it would make Billy stop his threatening and abusive behavior. Amanda did not have a plan. She did not think it would escalate further. She, like thousands of others in this country who separate, divorce or end a dating relationship often do not have a strategy for their own safety. The criminal mind with these offenders is a reactive reflex to loss of power and control in their lives.

Anytime when someone is rejected and hurt in a relationship, that individual will do anything to reclaim their life. Including murder. Within a short amount of time, Billy was planning out the murder of Amanda. It is more than "If I cannot have her no one can". It is a criminal element within their mind taking the relationship and ending it forever on their terms.

We do not associate the criminal path abusers take in relationships where the parties are involved with one another, because they are known to one another. Quickly, society and law enforcement places it in the neat easy category of "domestic violence". Often treating the crime from the onset with less importance. Herein lies the problem for victims who are often left to fight the abuser and the system at the same time, all alone.

On the morning of September 29, 2007, as Amanda was returning home, Billy was waiting for Amanda in the home the couple once shared.
"The only thing I could remember was all the flashing from the gun," Amanda said.
"(Billy Groves had) no violent behavior -- (he) never treated me wrongly," Amanda said.
According to Groves, she never feared her husband until they separated.
"The arguments started getting worse," Groves said. "A lot of things between us were very nasty. It was a side of him that I had never seen before. That's when the stalking started."
"(He was) walking up and down my street," Groves said. "He always would just so happen to be somewhere on my way to work -- the gas station, the bank -- somewhere conveniently in my path."
The stalking turned physical when their paths crossed in a park in early August. According to Groves, Billy followed her and a friend to the park and beat them up.
"That's when I got the protection order," Groves said. "The prosecutor didn't feel that they should press charges at that point. (I) don't understand that."
After that, she said that Billy Groves made his presence known every day.
According to a civil protection order granted on Aug. 13, Billy Groves was ordered to not come within 500 feet of his wife. Just over a month later, he violated every stipulation of the order.
"As soon as I pushed the door open, he started firing," She said. "I (turned) to run. The first shot hit me in the doorway of my house."
The bullet entered Amanda's back. It just missed her spine and severed her liver into two pieces. She made it to her driveway before falling to the ground. Amanda said that she played dead and waited for the shooting to stop.
"He did kick me repeatedly in the face while I was in the driveway before he ran back in the house," according to Amanda.
More gunshots followed and then there was silence
Police found Billy Groves in the house. He was dead, with a semiautomatic weapon in his hand.
After spending four of six weeks in the hospital with a coma and multiple surgeries to repair her liver, Amanda Groves learned that Billy killed himself.
According to Amanda, Billy Groves made a videotape the night of the shootings. She described him as acting calm while mentioning he was going to shoot and kill her.
"He said he was doing what she thought, in his heart, was right," Amanda Groves said.
She wonders whether things would have changed if Billy were arrested after the incident that took place in the park.
"I did everything I was supposed to do," Groves said. "The protection order did nothing but give me a false sense of security."

Now that she is back to work, Amanda is trying to put the terror behind her. Even in surviving, there are challenges. Amanda Groves lost her house because she could not work and victims' assistance was not enough. She is soon going to have another surgery.

Yes, an order of protection is a false sense of security. A band aid of sorts, briefly covering or borrowing more time to prepare, get out and save your life. To learn more about being safe go to http://www.movingoutmovingon.com/ and print off the safety plan. And get a copy of "Defending Our Lives, getting away and staying safe". Either at Amazon or your local library.

You can also email us with your questions, strategies and options with your situation. If you need immediate assistance please comtact the domestic violence hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.

(Source link-http://www.10tv.com/live/contentbe/EPIC_shim.php?story=sites/10tv/content/pool/200709/1396609613.html )

Judge Antonio Viviano Denies Murder Victim Order of Protection

A Judge rejected request for restraining order against husband by woman killed in murder-suicide......

Just a couple of weeks ago a Detroit Judge denied Maria Djelaj and other members of her family a court order of protection. Perhaps it would not have stopped a bullet. But, the Judge heard this case, and read the pleading, he will have to live with the blood stained gavel for however, long he presides over these types of hearings. I am not blaming the Judge. But a legal justice system, badly in need of revamping, is the only solution .

All the discussions surrounding this murder will not bring back Maria Djelaj , Beloved mother of Gina, Valentina, John and Kristina Djelaj. Until the criminal justice system begins to see this as a crime, you can continue to expect many more funeral services to follow.

3/21/2008 -Christina Stolarz / The Detroit News
SHELBY TOWNSHIP -- On March 10, just hours after appearing in court with her husband for a divorce hearing, Maria Djelaj filed court papers seeking a restraining order against him.
"He came straight in my face and said, 'I will break every bone in your body,' " she wrote in the request for the personal protection order.
The request was denied by Circuit Court Judge Antonio Viviano a day later, in part because Djelaj did not raise the issue during the hearing that had just occurred, county officials say.
Nine days later, she was dead -- shot by her husband, Djerdj Djelaj, who then turned the gun on himself. The couple, who had four children, were found in a Chrysler minivan behind St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church on Schoenherr north of 21 Mile.
"It is a tragedy and it's sad that this couldn't be resolved through the court system," said Roberta Sarkis, Maria's divorce attorney. Macomb County Medical Examiner Dr. Daniel Spitz confirmed Thursday that it was a murder-suicide; there was no evidence of a physical altercation.
The toxicology report is due back in about 10 days.
Maria Djelaj, 38, died from two gunshot wounds -- one to the head and one to the chest -- from a 9 mm handgun.
Djerdj Djelaj, 47, was found -- still breathing -- in the driver's seat with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He died early Thursday morning at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Clinton Township.
Viviano could not be reached for comment Thursday. But county spokesman Phil Frame said Viviano did not grant the protection order because it had not been mentioned at the divorce hearing and there did not appear to be a need to act on it immediately.
"A lot of times (personal protection orders) are granted after a hearing. That would have been a good chance to raise that issue," he said. It's not clear whether the order would have made a difference, said Carmen Wargel, director of community development for the Mount Clemens-based nonprofit Turning Point, which supports domestic violence victims.
Turning Point's office for personal protection orders served 2,500 people in 2007, Wargel said. About 58 percent of the county's domestic orders were denied last year, she said. "Judges sometimes, they don't feel the PPO meets the standard for the law," she said. "They feel they need to have a higher standard for restricting someone's rights."