State of Texas: Failing Grade in the Murder of Daniel Underwood

The State of Texas refuses to re-open and investigate a murder case in which the coroner stamped the death certificate as a suicide when new evidence and other information points to a calculated cold blooded murder.

On September 4, 2008, Daniel Underwood, 33, of Sulfur Springs, TX was murdered during an argument which took place with his live-in-girlfriend, Rebecca Nelson. According to witness Maria Harvick, Rebecca Nelson had her hand on the trigger and the sawed off shotgun went off. The bullet struck Daniel through chin up to his face and his head.

Does the girlfriend Rebecca Nelson immediately render aide to Daniel?

Does the girlfriend Rebecca Nelson immediately call 911?

Does the girlfriend Rebecca Nelson assist Daniel as he is chocking on his own blood?

The answer to all three questions is NO!

Does the girlfriend Rebecca Nelson cover and smear her own arms, face and clothing with Daniel's blood?

Does the girlfriend Rebecca Nelson tell the other person in the room when she pulled the trigger

to tell police Daniel shot his self?

Does the girlfriend Rebecca Nelson instruct the other person in the room to say to the police that she and Daniel were not arguing or in a struggle and that she was not near the gun when it fired?

The answer to all three questions is YES!

The evening of the shooting Rebecca Nelson was interviewed by police. Notice that in the video below she asksed the police for Daniel Underwood's wallet. First, they are not married. Second, the credit cards in Daniel's wallet are in his name only, not hers. He was her sole support. She never even owned a credit card. When she was denied the wallet, Rebecca Nelson asked again and they told her it would be up to his parents to return or work that out. Her tactics, for the momen, fail.

After she left the police station, she returned back to the home, while Daniel was being given his last rites and took everything from a laptop, pool sticks, and other items that could be pawned.

Listen to the interview on The Roth Show from August, 2011 featuring the witness Maria Harvick  and Daniel's's mother Donna Underwood. http://www.therothshow.com/demos/recent/hour2Aug2411.mp3

Because the Underwood family is unable to obtain assistance from the Sulphur Springs police department, Texas Rangers or the county, we ask for assistance from the Texas Attorney General's office.

Several months ago Statement Analysis Expert and Crime Wire consultant, Peter Hyatt, did a complete work-up on the case that also applies to the pattern of conduct in cases of intimate partner homicide. http://www.crimewiresite.com/danielunderwood.htm

With new information, and a witness who has come forward, herself attempting to meet with police and being denied, theAttorney General's office seems the best route to go for the case.

Daniel Underwood did not commit suicide, he was in my opinion, murdered!

Susan Murphy Milano is a staff member of the Institute for Relational Harm Reduction and Public Pathology Education as a educator and specialist with intimate partner violence prevention strategies directing prevention for high risk situations and cases.

 A national trainer to law enforcement, training officers, prosecutors, judges, legislators, social service providers, healthcare professionals, victim advocates and the faith based community and author.. In partnership with Management Resources Ltd. of New York addressing prevention and solutions within the community to the workplace. Host of The Susan Murphy Milano Show,"Time'sUp!" . She is a regular contributor to the nationally syndicated "The Roth Show" with Dr Laurie Roth and a co-host onCrime Wire. Online contributions: Forbes : Crime, She Writes providing commentary about the hottest topics on crime, justice, and law from a woman’s perspective, as well as Time's Up! a blog which searches for solutions (SOS) for victims of crime Susan is also the daughter of a Chicago Violent Crimes detective who murdered her mother before committing suicide.  

Intimate Partner Violence "Enemy Within the Walls"

A home is suppose to be a safe place. For two very special children, this past week, it would be their graves.

How many nights did mommy and daddy argue? Just before bedtime, how often did the children ask God to keep them safe before going to sleep? Most kids growing up in violent homes always whisper to God requesting "make daddy stop hurting mommy."

I remember kneeling at the side of my bed as a child reciting the prayer "Now I Lay me Down to Sleep."

Now I lay me down to sleep,

I pray the Lord my soul to keep,

If I shall die before I wake,

I pray the Lord my soul to take.

Did I have an understanding of the prayer as a child, no. Thinking about the words now sends chills down my spine. Many a day was spent believing morning would never come. Threats of my father starting the house on fire, followed by specific details of how he would commit the perfect crime and ultimately get away with murder if my mother ever decided to leave him. I can still hear his words, "who is going to believe you Roberta, I'm a cop, just remember that." That was his promise to her, one he would make good when she finally did divorce him in 1989.

For Molly Friedander, age 10, and her brother Gregory, age 8, they likely heard the arguing and violent brutal beating happening to their mother several hundred feet away. A child always knows the scent and feel of imminent danger. Paralyzed by fear, they remain in their room as they had likely done before during other fights, hiding under the covers until the fighting stopped.

After he beat Amy Friedander to death, Samuel walked down the hall first to Molly's room, he took direct aim, with his 12-gauge shotgun. The next bedroom door was Gregory's, he repeated the same. Afterwards, he went down to the basement and killed himself.

This tragedy should be a wake-up call for anyone ending a relationship. Do not think for one second, this cannot happen to you, or believe it can never get that bad, or ever result in murder. You are in for a rude awakening!

If Amy Friendander were here she would likely shout at the top of her lungs, "leave-while you can still get out with your life." But, she and her children, are no longer here. In her heart, Amy never imagined her husband would go that far and kill the entire family.

My mother also made similar mistakes. She allowed the fear to traumatize her to the point where she stayed and lived as a prisoner in her own home. My mother believed if she stayed, just until we were old enough and out of harms way, it would keep us alive. And, it did, but at a great cost to our own quality of life.

When she died I vowed to save lives and change how intimate partner crimes are handled. Because of my mother's murder some amazing tools have been created for a victims of violence. Proudly, thus far, every single woman and child who have come to me through the many years for assistance, are alive and well, living happy and productive lives. A lot of the information to leave safely can be found in the book,
Time's Up.

Time's Up! If you doing nothing but prepare the abuse video and affidavit prescribed in the
information provided below, you have taken a big step towards having your words stick if
something happened to you. Telling a close friend or family member about the terror and abuse
is not enough to make an arrest or prosecute in a court of law.

The month of October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Intimate partner violence occurs 365 days a year, 7 days a week. Perhaps doing something for those who you know are in a rocky or violent relationship is a start to how you can help others.

Providing information on what you need to do if you or someone you know is in a potentially violent relationship is done with the hope of saving lives. My work in the area of intimate partner violence prevention is a direct result of not being able to save my own mother back in 1989, killed by her police detective husband prior to committing suicide.

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!

One of the major reasons women stay in abusive relationships is fear. They are afraid of what will happen to them and their children if they leave. Sadly, their fears are often justified; statistics show that a woman is at the greatest risk for injury when she announces her plans or leaves an abusiverelationship. The book "Time's Up A Guide on How To Survive and Abusive and Stalking Relationship"is the prescription, if you will, that every person must obtain before they announce they are leaving. Below is an example from Chapter 4, one of many unique tools provided in the book. It is available on Amazon.com, or you can purchase via e-book or on a cd. If you have questions, the email address is: timesupforjustice@gmail.com

Before you decide that you have had enough and are ending the relationship, create for yourself the "Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit" and video (shown below).

If you do nothing else, please take one important step that if something does happen to you, if you do vanish like Stacy Peterson, Vensus Stewart, Rachel Anderson, Susan Powell, Lisa Stebic, or arefoundmurdered like Monica Beresford-Redmond, Franki Jacobson, Renee Pagel, Summer Inman,Kelly Rothwell and others where the person responsible has gotten away with murder that your voice and record of the abuse will be captured and recorded. Do it for you friends, family and loved ones. Do it for your children. Do it for you!

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

If you have questions, the email address is: timesupforjustice@gmail.com

This book doesn't merely discuss when you should leave or why you should leave, it tells you HOW you should leave. The book has step-by-step instructions how to covertly make a plan, set-up a safe escape, deal with financial issues, and the paperwork. Susan even takes you line-by-line through the process, the forms, the legal issues...she takes you by the hand, and, believe me, when you are being terrorized and you are an basket case, you don't need vague ideas, you need specific instructions. TIME'S UP can save your life and your sanity. If you need to get out, get this book before you make a mistake that could be fatal. It is money well spent.

On October 31, 2001--Technology is about to change the way victims of domestic violence and stalking will be able to document and video the abuse and potential threats against their lives. It is also a unique way, once the technology is used across the country, for abusers to think twice about making their spouse or girlfriend vanish without a trace. In her absence, if the victim has completed the process, called the "Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit" it will bring an arrest and a solid case for prosecutors.

THE GOAL OF THE TECHNOLOGY:

To significantly reduce the number of homicides and missing persons per year by
providing cutting edge technology and vital knowledge that will first give potential
victims a fighting chance, a strong voice, provide valuable non‐reputable evidence that
will aid in any investigations, eventual conviction, overruling “hearsay” laws, in the
worst case scenarios and provide a powerful deterrent against would‐be attackers.

To significantly reduce the costs incurred by law enforcement, the justice system and health
care services, including insurance claims, each costing taxpayers annually.

About the Conference

Nationally recognized Intimate Partner Specialist, Susan Murphy Milano, and Chet Hosmer of
WetStone Technologies, a wholly owned subsidiary of Allen Corporation of America are
partnering to bring a newly created technology that will revolutionize the way cases of intimate partner violence are handled at every level. The technology will be unveiled nationally October 31 at the Techno‐Forensic Conference in Myrtle Beach, SC. http://www.techno‐forensics.com/ - If you are interested in covering the event or writing a story please contact Delilah@imagine publicity.com or for more information call 843.808.0859


http://www.techno-forensics.com/session/intimate-partner-violence-growing-epidemic-how-technology-can-aid-law-enforcement-and-prosec

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

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

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

Laura Ackerson: A Heated Custody Battle and Intimate Partner Homicide

Laura Ackerson, from North Carolina, walked away from a violent and controlling relationship. The father of her two children kept her from friends and family during their time together. As with most victims of intimate partner violence, she was isolated from the world, and she was in a heated custody battle.

The last time she was ever seen was on July 12, 2011; then in a blink of an eye taken away. Her life abruptly ended, and the news confirmed, when law enforcement traveled to Texas on a tip and retrieved parts of her dismembered body that were scattered in a pond.

This beautiful mother of two will never again be able to kiss her children good morning or tuck them into bed at night, ever again. Sadly, we don't have to look very far for answers in these cases of intimate partner violence who "suddenly" goes missing that leads to homicide.

Two people were arrested and charged with her murder, the father of her children along with the person to whom he is currently married. They planned out the murder, how she would be killed, to the rental of a Uhaul trailer driven from North Carolina across state lines to Texas. The names of these 2 people, in my opinion, have no significance. They are simply cold blooded killers.

The solution to these crimes, before they turn deadly, is a prescription that incorporates the support of communities and a nation. We do not view intimate partner violence as a crime, even though laws were passed in every state making domestic violence and stalking a crime. Victims lives were lost in order for the law to get passed in each state. This means the ink used to sign the legislation by Governors across the country had a cartridge filled with the blood of those who died. A lot of victims had to die for proposed bills to be passed into law, including my mother, murdered by her Chicago violent crimes detective husband on January 19, 1989.

Not a lot has changed since I began working with victims and keeping them alive. The exception is more lives have been taken. How is that possible when we have so much in place? Services, shelters and tough laws are not enough for the victims of intimate partner homicide in today's world.

Those who abuse and take the threat further to murder believe they, the abuser, are invincible; often playing a clever game of "catch me if you can." Personally, living for 18 years in a crime scene allows you to witness firsthand the silence of the crimes, the offenders and the dynamics that take place behind closed doors.

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 through a divorce or custody battle. Where are Lisa Stebic, Susan Powell, Gail Palmgren, Kelly Rothwell, Angie Denise Tucker, Kimberly Langwell, Ida Dean Richard, Rachael Conger, Tracie Resiner, Stacy Peterson, Michelle Rust, Sandra Travis, Mary Badaracco, Star Boomer, Venus Stewart, Patty Vaughhan, Hope Meek, Tabitha Franklin, Jeri Duvall, Karen Joe Smith or Jacque Waller to name only a few?

Each of the aforementioned are currently missing, in my opinion, victims of intimate partner homicide.

Approaches to this deadly epidemic must be implemented if lives are to be saved. When a system continues to do the same old thing, the outcome will not change. As it relates to intimate partner violence, the prescription can begin with a training to prosecutors, law enforcement, mental health professionals, judges, hospitals and the community. The methods being taught in conjunction with the information located in the book "Time's Up" is not only saving counties across the country tax payer dollars, it is saving lives.

Know that if you are in a relationship that has a history of violence, simply mustering up the courage to confront the person and say it is over, without the proper tools, can cost you, your life!

The book "Time's Up A Guide on How To Survive and Abusive and Stalking Relationship" is the prescription, if you will, that every person must obtain before they announce they are leaving. Below is an example from Chapter 4, one of many unique tools provided in the book. It is available onAmazon.com, or you can purchase via e-book or on a cd. If you have questions, the email address is: timesupforjustice@gmail.com

Before you decide that you have had enough and are ending the relationship create for yourself the "Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit" and video (shown below).

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

******

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

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

Gail Nowacki Palmgren: Follow the Money Trail

The case of Gail Nowacki Palmgren, 44, and the mother of two children who went missing from Signal Mountain, TN on April 30, 2011, is still without answers as to her possible location. Her case continues to be categorized by law enforcement as a “missing person’s case.” This is disturbing to me when you factor the events or “pattern of conduct” prior to April 30, 2011.

First and foremost, it is important to note, Gail Palmgren is not here to defend herself. When her husband painted a picture of a wife and the mother of his children as having serious mental health issues and taking prescription drugs, he was using the same offender playbook as Drew Peterson did when Stacy Peterson vanished on October 28, 2007. This speaks volumes to the actions and statements of a boyfriend, spouse, or former lover in all intimate partner violence and potential homicide cases.

The husband, Matt Palmgren, worked for Blue/Cross Blue/Shield as the director of pharmacy programs. He was having an affair with a woman who also was employed at the company as a director of governmental product development by the name of Tammy Helton.

Blue/Cross Blue/Shield has since terminated both Helton and Palmgren. I found it odd that the girlfriend has consulted with a criminal lawyer. I can’t recall anyone, so early in a case doing this before, just because they were having an affair. In my opinion, it sends up a red flag. Hopefully the powers that be within the company have taken their computers and are holding them waiting until police come with a search warrant to retrieve conversations and perhaps information that could be important in the disappearance of Gail Nowacki Palmgren. This also should apply to cell phones and any other electronic equipment that was turned in to the company after termination. Expenses, receipts for gas, car or truck rental, and possible toll booths they could have used from the beginning of March thru May 3rd need to be captured. If they had company cars was there a GPS system on the car?

The police department in Signal Mountain, TN, should consider bringing in a more experienced team within the State to help them with this case. Time and potential evidence are all but vanishing. In cases of “intimate partner missing” you have to set aside professional egos. If Gail was in continuous contact with detectives by cell phone as she returned from the cabin in Alabama, why didn’t they meet her at the house? Why did detectives believe it was important to provide Gail with numbers to a shelter if they did not feel she was in danger? Gail allegedly reported to detectives from her cell phone on the road with the kids still in the car that she was scared and being followed.

When she dropped off the kids at home the husband was suppose to be there waiting for them. That did not happen. So she allegedly makes the appropriate call and leaves the home knowing an adult will be with them within a few minutes. But, with whom does she leave when she returns to her jeep? Is the person in the back seat of the jeep? Is it possible that someone is in the home waiting at the time she drops off the kids? Is she threatened?

When the neighbor tries to see how Gail is doing, she speeds off quickly. Was someone in the vehicle with her?

Detectives knew she was in fear, why didn’t they do a wellness check on her, or ask that she meet with them at the station or another location? Clearly someone dropped the ball.

The fact that the private investigator hired by Palmgren is a former law enforcement officer from Signal Mountain adds up to, in my opinion, smoke and mirrors for this case.

This is about money. If you follow the money and property at stake, the affair, in my expert opinion, you have motive.

So far the only ones acting responsibility have been Blue/Cross and Blue/Shield. Perhaps they would consider offering a reward for, what I feel is an individual and family member, if you will, of a company that insures millions of lives across America.To offer a reward leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible is important.

Law Enforcement needs to obtain a court order and go through 60 days prior from the date Gail vanished of cells phone records, including work and the kid’s phones. This also should include anything that could have been accessed during while they were employed at BlueCross and Blue Shield. Go to the post office and check the change of address done on April 30, 2011. Interview the private investigator hired by Gail.

A high powered executive’s wife from a fortune 500 company has vanished. Time’s Up!


Description of Gail’s Jeep

Gail drove a four-door maroon 2010 Rubicon Jeep Wrangler with a black soft top. The wheel cover on the back has the words “Life is Good” and a daisy painted on it. The trailer hitch has a picture of the Disney character Goofy on it, and the Jeep has Alabama tags that read “EAZY ST”.

Gail is 5’8” and weighs 135 pounds. She has blonde hair and brown eyes.

If you have any information about Gail’s disappearance or her whereabouts you are asked to call the Signal Mountain Police Department at 423-886-2123.

A Facebook page, "Bring Gail Home Now" has been created as a support for family and for news updates.

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 on Amazon.com, or you can purchase via e-book or on a CD. If you have questions, the email address is: timesupforjustice@gmail.com


Before you decide that you have had enough and are ending the relationship, create the "Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit" and video (shown below).

If you do nothing else, please take one important step that if something does happen to you, if you do vanish like Stacy Peterson, Vensus Stewart, Rachel Anderson, Susan Powell, Lisa Stebic,Kelly Rothwell or are found murdered like Monica Beresford-Redmond, Franki Jacobson, Renee Pagel,Summer Inman, and others where the person responsible has gotten away with murder, that your voice and record of the abuse will be captured and recorded. Do it for you friends, family and loved ones. Do it for your children. Do it for you!

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

Susan 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

Isabelle Zehender at Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/missing-persons-in-national/gail-palmgren-missing-husband-co-worker-terminated-at-bluecross#ixzz1Owa7NozWT

http://murphymilanojournal.blogspot.com/2011/05/gail-nowacki-palmgren-more-questions.html

http://murphymilanojournal.blogspot.com/2011/05/caravan-for-gail-nowacki-palmgren.html

TAGS:Gail Palmgren Missing: Husband, co-worker terminated at BlueCross - National missing persons, Storage Units, Rental Trailer Truck Companies, Moving Pods,