Showing posts with label NC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NC. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Human Trafficking Awareness
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month
From what I've been hearing, there's a need for greater awareness of HumanTrafficking
Most of us seem to think that such a thing does not happen here in America.
That's why I'm writing this, why this video was made, and why we have an awareness month.
This is not something that just happens "somewhere else" but closer to home than we like to think.
In Canada, Mexico, and even here in North Carolina.
Check it out.
http://www.wral.com/news/local/wral_investigates/story/10306854/
Thursday, November 15, 2012
15-Year Anniversary
By the end of this month, we will be observing the 15-year anniversary of when Debbie Key was last seen. The 10-year anniversary got a lot of attention, which I am still thankful for. (see slide show at the bottom of this page) This time around, I would like to point out some other significant events that have occurred in 1997.
1997 - Deaths
Perhaps most memorable are Mother Theresa and Princess Diana, but also were comedian Red Skelton, poet Allen Ginsberg, and the lovely Nicolette Larson.
Carrie Slaughterbeck may have become the first person to die from blue-green algae.
Not as well loved but also remembered is Anton LaVey, founder of the Church of Satan.
Let' not forget the entire congregation of Heaven's Gate, with the appearance of the Hale-Bop Comet, on March 26, 1997
Other Anniversaries in '97
Vampire fans in the US and UK have observed the 100-year anniversary of when Bram Stoker (a favorite author of mine) published "Dracula," the novel that made him famous. (1897)
And in Roswell, New Mexico, a festival was held in celebration of the 50-year anniversary of the alleged UFO crash that made that town famous. (1947)
Other Events
Another favorite author of mine, Kathy Reichs won the Ellis Award for her first novel, "Deja Dead." This author's work was the inspiration for the TV series, "Bones."
The first mass protest against Scientology took place in Clearwater, Florida.
"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (the TV series, not the movie) began in 1997 and continued through 7 episodes. (1992 for the movie)
We do not live in the past. We get on with our lives and strive to progress. But one of the best ways of doing this is by learning from our history.
As for Debbie Key, at the present time I am not aware of any plans to commemorate the coming date, but I would not be surprised if any of our friends were to show up at that parking lot across the street from the Jade Palace Chinese Restaurant on Main Street in Carrboro, NC. It's been known to happen before around this time, and if you ask me, I'd say to enjoy a good Chinese dinner at Jade Palace is a good enough reason to go there anyway. Should an impromptu gathering occur, that's likely where it will be.
Holiday Season is approaching.
Peace on Earth. Good Will to People.
1997 - Deaths
Perhaps most memorable are Mother Theresa and Princess Diana, but also were comedian Red Skelton, poet Allen Ginsberg, and the lovely Nicolette Larson.
Carrie Slaughterbeck may have become the first person to die from blue-green algae.
Not as well loved but also remembered is Anton LaVey, founder of the Church of Satan.
Let' not forget the entire congregation of Heaven's Gate, with the appearance of the Hale-Bop Comet, on March 26, 1997
Other Anniversaries in '97
Vampire fans in the US and UK have observed the 100-year anniversary of when Bram Stoker (a favorite author of mine) published "Dracula," the novel that made him famous. (1897)
And in Roswell, New Mexico, a festival was held in celebration of the 50-year anniversary of the alleged UFO crash that made that town famous. (1947)
Other Events
Another favorite author of mine, Kathy Reichs won the Ellis Award for her first novel, "Deja Dead." This author's work was the inspiration for the TV series, "Bones."
The first mass protest against Scientology took place in Clearwater, Florida.
"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (the TV series, not the movie) began in 1997 and continued through 7 episodes. (1992 for the movie)
We do not live in the past. We get on with our lives and strive to progress. But one of the best ways of doing this is by learning from our history.
As for Debbie Key, at the present time I am not aware of any plans to commemorate the coming date, but I would not be surprised if any of our friends were to show up at that parking lot across the street from the Jade Palace Chinese Restaurant on Main Street in Carrboro, NC. It's been known to happen before around this time, and if you ask me, I'd say to enjoy a good Chinese dinner at Jade Palace is a good enough reason to go there anyway. Should an impromptu gathering occur, that's likely where it will be.
Holiday Season is approaching.
Peace on Earth. Good Will to People.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Human Trafficking in NC
Are the days of slavery really over?
Or is slavery just wearing a different outfit now?
Human trafficking is no longer something that happens "somewhere else" but is going on right here in North Carolina. In fact, NC is now in eighth place in the US in number of cases reported. (That puts us in the top ten, Folks!) Trafficking victims have been reported in Greensboro, Charlotte, Greenville, Raleigh, and Durham. That brings it pretty close to home for us here in the Chapel Hill/ Carrboro area.
Senator Ellie Kinnaird, our former mayor of Carrboro, (we are so proud of her!) sponsored the first anti-human trafficking law in our state in 2006. She is currently working to raise awareness at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte.
An estimated 18,000 to 20, 000 victims of human trafficking are in the US today.
The US Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 defines human trafficking as;
"the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or commercial sex services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion, for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery."
Last year NC became one of the first states to introduce mandatory training in human trafficking for law enforcement. NC Coalition Against Human Trafficking, or NCCHAT, (shouldn't that be NCCAHT?) and the Carolina Women's Center pushed for and provided training sources for this effort.
Last August the Salvation Army of Wake County opened its anti-human trafficking program, and since then have worked on 19 cases assisting victims. They still have a heavy case load.
What can we do to help? Glad you asked! First we should learn what human trafficking looks like, and how to read the warning signs. For that we have Polaris Project.
http://www.polarisproject.org/human-trafficking/recognizing-the-signs
Learn how we can take action.
http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/empower/
And here is the Polaris Hotline, a toll-free number to call for more info, training, or to report a case.
1-888-3737-888
Special Thanks to;
Amanda Keener - news correspondent
Andrew Castle - director for World Relief Durham
Claire Chu - spokesperson for Polaris
for calling the news to our attention, and providing us with this information
Here are some more news stories you may want to see.
http://www.wral.com/news/local/wral_investigates/story/10306854/
http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/special-reports/9-investigates-human-trafficking-happening-charlot/nN2X4/
Or is slavery just wearing a different outfit now?
Human trafficking is no longer something that happens "somewhere else" but is going on right here in North Carolina. In fact, NC is now in eighth place in the US in number of cases reported. (That puts us in the top ten, Folks!) Trafficking victims have been reported in Greensboro, Charlotte, Greenville, Raleigh, and Durham. That brings it pretty close to home for us here in the Chapel Hill/ Carrboro area.
Senator Ellie Kinnaird, our former mayor of Carrboro, (we are so proud of her!) sponsored the first anti-human trafficking law in our state in 2006. She is currently working to raise awareness at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte.
An estimated 18,000 to 20, 000 victims of human trafficking are in the US today.
The US Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 defines human trafficking as;
"the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or commercial sex services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion, for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery."
Last year NC became one of the first states to introduce mandatory training in human trafficking for law enforcement. NC Coalition Against Human Trafficking, or NCCHAT, (shouldn't that be NCCAHT?) and the Carolina Women's Center pushed for and provided training sources for this effort.
Last August the Salvation Army of Wake County opened its anti-human trafficking program, and since then have worked on 19 cases assisting victims. They still have a heavy case load.
What can we do to help? Glad you asked! First we should learn what human trafficking looks like, and how to read the warning signs. For that we have Polaris Project.
http://www.polarisproject.org/human-trafficking/recognizing-the-signs
Learn how we can take action.
http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/empower/
And here is the Polaris Hotline, a toll-free number to call for more info, training, or to report a case.
1-888-3737-888
Special Thanks to;
Amanda Keener - news correspondent
Andrew Castle - director for World Relief Durham
Claire Chu - spokesperson for Polaris
for calling the news to our attention, and providing us with this information
Here are some more news stories you may want to see.
http://www.wral.com/news/local/wral_investigates/story/10306854/
http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/special-reports/9-investigates-human-trafficking-happening-charlot/nN2X4/
Thursday, May 31, 2012
FDK now 5 years old.
Friends of Debbie Key first appeared on the Internet on June 1st, 2007.
The first website about Debbie was called "Debbie Key - Murder Victim" and was done by Jackie Helvey in 2006. Jackie is probably known by every musician and artist in the Chapel Hill/ Carrboro area, but is best known for the website Carrboro.Com.
http://www.carrboro.com/
I thought Debbie's story deserved more than one page, and so in May of 2007 I bought the URL and hired Judith Gadd of Star WebWorks to create FDK.
http://www.starwebworks.com/
I am very grateful to Judith for all the support and encouragement she has given me.
Our first year got off to a very good start with the news coverage of NC Wanted, and the 10-year anniversary candlelight vigil. But more than anything else, it was the blog "Who Killed Theresa?' by John Allore that really got it off the ground. There is a rather uncanny parallel between the stories of Debbie Key and Theresa Allore that got everyone's attention. From there the website seemed to take off on its own momentum.
The most rewarding thing for me about doing this was connecting with people like John Allore, Todd Matthews, Doreen Prior, Monica Caison, and our special friend 'Anon', who have each been a blessing to me. Through these new friends I have become more aware of the plight of missing persons, the heartbreak of victim's families, the people who are doing something about it, and the insane laws that fail to keep dangerous people locked up.
I really hate it whenever I hear people say, "I don't think there's anything we can do about it." before they even try. If I can make a positive example to anyone, I will consider it karma payed forward for all I have received.
Special thanks to everyone who has helped me along. I hope you know who you are.
The first website about Debbie was called "Debbie Key - Murder Victim" and was done by Jackie Helvey in 2006. Jackie is probably known by every musician and artist in the Chapel Hill/ Carrboro area, but is best known for the website Carrboro.Com.
http://www.carrboro.com/
I thought Debbie's story deserved more than one page, and so in May of 2007 I bought the URL and hired Judith Gadd of Star WebWorks to create FDK.
http://www.starwebworks.com/
I am very grateful to Judith for all the support and encouragement she has given me.
Our first year got off to a very good start with the news coverage of NC Wanted, and the 10-year anniversary candlelight vigil. But more than anything else, it was the blog "Who Killed Theresa?' by John Allore that really got it off the ground. There is a rather uncanny parallel between the stories of Debbie Key and Theresa Allore that got everyone's attention. From there the website seemed to take off on its own momentum.
The most rewarding thing for me about doing this was connecting with people like John Allore, Todd Matthews, Doreen Prior, Monica Caison, and our special friend 'Anon', who have each been a blessing to me. Through these new friends I have become more aware of the plight of missing persons, the heartbreak of victim's families, the people who are doing something about it, and the insane laws that fail to keep dangerous people locked up.
I really hate it whenever I hear people say, "I don't think there's anything we can do about it." before they even try. If I can make a positive example to anyone, I will consider it karma payed forward for all I have received.
Special thanks to everyone who has helped me along. I hope you know who you are.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Tribute to Eve Carson
'Twas the week before Christmas when I got the news that Lovette had been sentenced to life w/o parole. Somehow the news seemed to brighten my holiday. It's kind of strange that putting someone away can make someone happy, but sometimes it does.
When it comes to prosecuting dangerous offenders, there are three things that piss me off more than anything else.
ONE - The totally outrageous excuses the defense comes up with, that a self-respecting individual would never think to use for himself.
"He wasn't raised properly, badly toilet trained, didn't get enough chicken soup, etc. This is the one we should feel sorry for, not the victim."
TWO - The equally outrageous attitude that says the "rights" of such offenders are more important than the lives of our children.
"Yes it's too bad your daughter was so brutally murdered, but the important thing now is to make sure the killer gets another chance in life."
THREE - Blaming the victim.
"She shouldn't have gone out dressed like that."
During the trial of Eve Carson's killers, I didn't see much of that.
Not that I'm complaining, but I wonder why.
Perhaps because unlike so many other murders that have hit the news, the victim was a person already known in Chapel Hill before she was murdered.
And no one dared try to suggest she might have been at fault.
It seems if you know anything at all about Eve Carson, it would be very difficult to find something negative to say about her. You will find proof of this in how well she is being remembered.
When Atwater was at trial, he pleaded guilty. This may have been the first smart thing he had ever done. The most surprising thing to me about it was that he had shut up his lawyer who was trying to gain sympathy with a sob-story of his life. Even the defendant was tired of hearing it, it seems, and he wanted to get it over with. "I'm guilty, dammit!"
But when Lovette went to trial, he pleaded not guilty. That didn't work for him.
This was one murder I have taken very personally. Although I now live in Chatham County, I still consider myself a Chapel Hillian, having lived in this town longer than anywhere else. Eve Carson was "one of us."
Some fiends came into our town and killed one of our people. They must die.
My feet have tread on the pavement where Eve's body was found. I know that neighborhood very well. This was too close to home for me not to take it personally.
Whenever I'm in Chapel Hill, I always like to walk across the UNC campus. The Student Union is a fun place to hang out. You can pick up a copy of the Daily Tar-Heel there, and read posters about upcoming events. I couldn't swear to it, but I think I once saw Eve there. Didn't she have an office in that building? Eve was the kind of person who tends to get noticed.
I recall someone saying how unfair it is that the pretty missing and murdered persons get so much more attention, when it's just as tragic when it happens to someone not so attractive. I agree, this is true, but to that let me say that every cause has their poster children.
Oh, and there's one more thing to consider.
Eve Carson was also beautiful on the inside.
I don't think it's very likely I'll ever find anyone who will disagree with me on that.
I was walking across the campus the day after her murdered body had been identified. I saw a lot of people crying. I saw grown men with quivering lips and tearful eyes.
I felt an impact I will never forget.
Now there's a memorial garden to Eve on the campus. It's between the Student Union and the Campus "Y." I like to go there. It feels good to know Eve Carson will be remembered.
It's hard to think about this when reading about the trial of her killers, but then again, it's hard not to. (Does that make sense?) It seems to me that people who used to be opposed to the death penalty were now for it. Some thought that maybe just this once we should bring back public hanging. Speaking of poster children, Atwater and Lovette were said to be the perfect pair to campaign for this cause.
Sentencing Lovette will not bring Eve Carson back to us, nor will it un-do any of the pain we had to bear, but it was the best thing we could hope for.
Do I dare believe that our society has evolved to the level where we finally have a reasonable sense of priorities when trying a killer? No one pleaded this time for a second chance, as we all know how many chances have been used up. They should have already been in jail on the night of the murder. It was this very case that prompted our state governor to write the Probation Reform Bill. This much needed improvement came at the cost of a promising young life.
Is there anyone who knew Eve who did not love her?
I don't think so.
When it comes to prosecuting dangerous offenders, there are three things that piss me off more than anything else.
ONE - The totally outrageous excuses the defense comes up with, that a self-respecting individual would never think to use for himself.
"He wasn't raised properly, badly toilet trained, didn't get enough chicken soup, etc. This is the one we should feel sorry for, not the victim."
TWO - The equally outrageous attitude that says the "rights" of such offenders are more important than the lives of our children.
"Yes it's too bad your daughter was so brutally murdered, but the important thing now is to make sure the killer gets another chance in life."
THREE - Blaming the victim.
"She shouldn't have gone out dressed like that."
During the trial of Eve Carson's killers, I didn't see much of that.
Not that I'm complaining, but I wonder why.
Perhaps because unlike so many other murders that have hit the news, the victim was a person already known in Chapel Hill before she was murdered.
And no one dared try to suggest she might have been at fault.
It seems if you know anything at all about Eve Carson, it would be very difficult to find something negative to say about her. You will find proof of this in how well she is being remembered.
When Atwater was at trial, he pleaded guilty. This may have been the first smart thing he had ever done. The most surprising thing to me about it was that he had shut up his lawyer who was trying to gain sympathy with a sob-story of his life. Even the defendant was tired of hearing it, it seems, and he wanted to get it over with. "I'm guilty, dammit!"
But when Lovette went to trial, he pleaded not guilty. That didn't work for him.
This was one murder I have taken very personally. Although I now live in Chatham County, I still consider myself a Chapel Hillian, having lived in this town longer than anywhere else. Eve Carson was "one of us."
Some fiends came into our town and killed one of our people. They must die.
My feet have tread on the pavement where Eve's body was found. I know that neighborhood very well. This was too close to home for me not to take it personally.
Whenever I'm in Chapel Hill, I always like to walk across the UNC campus. The Student Union is a fun place to hang out. You can pick up a copy of the Daily Tar-Heel there, and read posters about upcoming events. I couldn't swear to it, but I think I once saw Eve there. Didn't she have an office in that building? Eve was the kind of person who tends to get noticed.
I recall someone saying how unfair it is that the pretty missing and murdered persons get so much more attention, when it's just as tragic when it happens to someone not so attractive. I agree, this is true, but to that let me say that every cause has their poster children.
Oh, and there's one more thing to consider.
Eve Carson was also beautiful on the inside.
I don't think it's very likely I'll ever find anyone who will disagree with me on that.
I was walking across the campus the day after her murdered body had been identified. I saw a lot of people crying. I saw grown men with quivering lips and tearful eyes.
I felt an impact I will never forget.
Now there's a memorial garden to Eve on the campus. It's between the Student Union and the Campus "Y." I like to go there. It feels good to know Eve Carson will be remembered.
It's hard to think about this when reading about the trial of her killers, but then again, it's hard not to. (Does that make sense?) It seems to me that people who used to be opposed to the death penalty were now for it. Some thought that maybe just this once we should bring back public hanging. Speaking of poster children, Atwater and Lovette were said to be the perfect pair to campaign for this cause.
Sentencing Lovette will not bring Eve Carson back to us, nor will it un-do any of the pain we had to bear, but it was the best thing we could hope for.
Do I dare believe that our society has evolved to the level where we finally have a reasonable sense of priorities when trying a killer? No one pleaded this time for a second chance, as we all know how many chances have been used up. They should have already been in jail on the night of the murder. It was this very case that prompted our state governor to write the Probation Reform Bill. This much needed improvement came at the cost of a promising young life.
Is there anyone who knew Eve who did not love her?
I don't think so.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
RIP Zahra Baker
Sorry folks.
Those who have been reading this blog know that I often include something about the holidays as they arrive. Now I have let Halloween and Thanksgiving go by without adding anything new. Instead, I have been trying to keep up with the case of Zahra Baker, a child who went missing from Hickory, NC in October.
This story kept getting sadder the more I learned about it.
This is the saddest story I have ever tried to blog about yet.
I have decided to let YouTube tell the story to you instead.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
FDK Meets CUE
ON THE ROAD TO REMEMBER
MISSING PERSONS TOUR 2010
On Thursday, Aug 19, I've had the honor of meeting Monica Caison and Lisa Valentino, as well as Lisa's two children, and other members of the CUE staff who were too busy taking pictures for introductions.
The weather had co-operated beautifully. It had been drizzling that morning, but it stopped long enough before the gathering that we were able to do everything outside in the parking lot, including setting up a table with pictures, flowers, and candles, and the CUE Center's big sign. I was joined by my friends Joy, Steve, and Laurel. There was a great bunch of balloons (bio-degradable, I am told) which were released at the end of our gathering.
Monica's team arrived in a big white van, emblazoned on the sides with color pictures of about a hundred missing persons, arranged in the shape of a map of the United States. The same image is on the sign.
Reporter Katelyn Ferral with the News and Observer (Chapel Hill News) was on the scene. She promised to notify me when her story is printed.
Monica called for some group shots of us with our balloons by the big sign they had set up. Cameras were still ready when Monica asked if we wanted a moment of silence before releasing the balloons.
"We're not very good at being silent." Joy said.
"Except whenever we go by this parking lot."
I can certainly say the same for myself.
It was fun watching the colorful display of balloons going up, up, and away.
Lots of photos were taken, which I am looking forward to seeing and sharing.
I came home with some nice souvenirs, including a t-shirt, booklet, and DVD.
It makes me happy to know that Debbie is being remembered by new friends, as well as her old ones.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Looks like N&O did a good job for us! What do you think?
http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/08/20/636866/women-still-missing-not-forgotten.html#storylink=misearch
MISSING PERSONS TOUR 2010
On Thursday, Aug 19, I've had the honor of meeting Monica Caison and Lisa Valentino, as well as Lisa's two children, and other members of the CUE staff who were too busy taking pictures for introductions.
The weather had co-operated beautifully. It had been drizzling that morning, but it stopped long enough before the gathering that we were able to do everything outside in the parking lot, including setting up a table with pictures, flowers, and candles, and the CUE Center's big sign. I was joined by my friends Joy, Steve, and Laurel. There was a great bunch of balloons (bio-degradable, I am told) which were released at the end of our gathering.
Monica's team arrived in a big white van, emblazoned on the sides with color pictures of about a hundred missing persons, arranged in the shape of a map of the United States. The same image is on the sign.
Reporter Katelyn Ferral with the News and Observer (Chapel Hill News) was on the scene. She promised to notify me when her story is printed.
Monica called for some group shots of us with our balloons by the big sign they had set up. Cameras were still ready when Monica asked if we wanted a moment of silence before releasing the balloons.
"We're not very good at being silent." Joy said.
"Except whenever we go by this parking lot."
I can certainly say the same for myself.
It was fun watching the colorful display of balloons going up, up, and away.
Lots of photos were taken, which I am looking forward to seeing and sharing.
I came home with some nice souvenirs, including a t-shirt, booklet, and DVD.
It makes me happy to know that Debbie is being remembered by new friends, as well as her old ones.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Looks like N&O did a good job for us! What do you think?
http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/08/20/636866/women-still-missing-not-forgotten.html#storylink=misearch
Sunday, August 01, 2010
CUE Coming to Carrboro
The CUE Center for Missing Persons, as part of their annual 'On the Road to Remember Tour,' will be making a stopover to remember Debbie Key at the Jade Palace Restaurant in Carrboro, NC, on Thursday, August 19, at 11:30 AM.
For those who came late, The Cue Center became involved in Debbie's case after skeletons were found in Wilmington, NC, more than 10 years after Debbie's suspected killer stated in his confession that he dumped the body in Wilmington. The remains were later identified as those of Allison Jackson-Foy and Angela Rothen. NC Wanted has made an episode about Allison Jackson-Foy as well as one about Debbie Key. Jim Ware of Star News in Wilmington had written an article comparing the two cases.
http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20080621/ARTICLE/806210334
Links to the websites of Allison Jackson-Foy and CUE Center for Missing Persons are on the Links List. Special thanks to CUE Center.
----------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE - Aug 15
News report of this event by News 14 Carolina
http://charlotte.news14.com/content/nc_missing/629274/cue-center-road-tour-aims-to-solve-cases-in-north-carolina
For those who came late, The Cue Center became involved in Debbie's case after skeletons were found in Wilmington, NC, more than 10 years after Debbie's suspected killer stated in his confession that he dumped the body in Wilmington. The remains were later identified as those of Allison Jackson-Foy and Angela Rothen. NC Wanted has made an episode about Allison Jackson-Foy as well as one about Debbie Key. Jim Ware of Star News in Wilmington had written an article comparing the two cases.
http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20080621/ARTICLE/806210334
Links to the websites of Allison Jackson-Foy and CUE Center for Missing Persons are on the Links List. Special thanks to CUE Center.
----------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE - Aug 15
News report of this event by News 14 Carolina
http://charlotte.news14.com/content/nc_missing/629274/cue-center-road-tour-aims-to-solve-cases-in-north-carolina
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Now We Are Three
This is me and my friends during a gathering in beautiful downtown Carrboro. We may look a little older now, but you should still be able to recognize some of us.
Friends of Debbie Key appeared on the Internet for the first time on June 1, 2007. It was preceded by "Debbie Key: Murder Victim" which appeared December of 2005.
So far this year has been very encouraging, with three times as many website visits, and more comments than ever before.
In January there was an interview with News 14 Carolina with me, Chris, and Joy, and they decided to keep Chris and Joy. I keep telling myself this is okay, because our story is about Debbie, not me. I'll get my Andy Warhol moment someday.
This year my friends finally succeeded in convincing me to sign up for Facebook, and it wasn't easy for them. Eventually I was assured I wouldn't be attracting the creepy kind of visitors we've all been warned about. Indeed, I was much surprised to find how many people I know are already there. I am fond of the saying, "The friends of my friends are my friends." In Facebbook, this saying has taken on new meaning.
Perhaps the most exciting day for us this year was on March 29, with the news of the sentencing of Mr. Dalzell, and our favorite news reporters wanting to talk to us about it. I don't think we will be forgetting that anytime soon!
Another exciting event happened just a week ago, when Joy and I got to see our friend, John Allore, performing in "Eurydice," a play at the Carrboro ArtsCenter. YAY! That was fun!
This summer I'm looking forward to meeting with the CUE Center for Missing Persons when they have their "On the Road to Remember Tour."
I sure hope we keep those comments coming in, and not the kind I have to delete. Thanks to everyone for your support!
Monday, May 03, 2010
Madeleine McCann Anniversary
Madeleine McCann has been missing since May 3, 2007.
Her birthday is May 12, 2003. She was almost 4 years old when she went missing, and will soon be 7 if still alive.
Also known as Maddie, she went missing from Proia Da Luz, Portugal, while on vacation with her family, from the apartment where they were staying.
Here is the McCann's official family website
http://www.findmadeleine.com/
and blog.
http://findmadeleine.blogspot.com/
Here is a very nice tribute page made to Madeleine in Facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/search/?init=srp&sfxp=&q=madeleine%20mccann#!/pages/Madeleine-McCann/29095946153?ref=search&sid=1847184243.418146390..1
------------------------------------------------------------------------
IN OTHER NEWS;
Todd Matthews is 40 years old today. Mr. Matthews has done more for missing persons, I believe, than any other living individual I know. Happy Birthday, Todd! Keep up the good work!
The trial of Demario Atwater continues today here in NC for the murder of Eve Carson.
On Wednesday May 5, it will be 2 years since the murder of Ira Yarmolenko. There is a tribute page to her in Facebook as well.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=123464587668298#!/group.php?gid=13079847854&ref=search&sid=1847184243.3600478404..1
And tonight, Bill Tomsick goes on the radio to talk about getting NASA to help find missing persons. Get access here.
http://www.560thesource.com/
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Atwater Pleads Guilty
Demario Atwater pleaded guilty to avoid the death penalty. This may be the smartest move he has ever made. This works for us as well, for it will make the rest of the trial go a whole lot smoother. No more endless appeals. (Thank God!)
Life without parole - This is the best we can hope for.
Of course, I would rather see him at the end of a rope, but we know that will never happen. We may never see a punishment that will truly fit the crime. Still, if Eve's parents are pleased with the plea bargain, then I am happy for them.
I've read a lot of news articles about the results of the trial so far, and I've decided WRAL tells it best. Besides, they have some good videos too. Check it out.
http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/7442761/
BTW - Here's something I found in Topix.
http://www.topix.com/forum/city/durham-nc/T1FGV0CPI1U5A3C2H
I wonder who this "Mr Bill" character is. Any ideas?
Life without parole - This is the best we can hope for.
Of course, I would rather see him at the end of a rope, but we know that will never happen. We may never see a punishment that will truly fit the crime. Still, if Eve's parents are pleased with the plea bargain, then I am happy for them.
I've read a lot of news articles about the results of the trial so far, and I've decided WRAL tells it best. Besides, they have some good videos too. Check it out.
http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/7442761/
BTW - Here's something I found in Topix.
http://www.topix.com/forum/city/durham-nc/T1FGV0CPI1U5A3C2H
I wonder who this "Mr Bill" character is. Any ideas?
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Jamie Fraley Anniversary
Jamie Michelle Fraley went missing April 8, 2008, from Gastonia, NC. It has now been two years. Jamie was born March 5, 1986, and was 22 years old when she disappeared. She is one of two missing persons cases that occurred near the same time and place as the murder of Ira Yarmolenko. Search efforts have brought us more questions than answers, and her story is as bizarre as it is sad.
Jamie Fraley's story in America's Most Wanted,
http://www.amw.com/fugitives/case.cfm?id=60357
The Charley Project,
http://www.charleyproject.org/cases/f/fraley_jamie.html
Help Find The Missing,
http://helpfindthemissing.org/forum/showthread.php?t=4518
News 14 Carolina, (with video)
http://news14.com/charlotte-news-104-content/nc_missing/618564/family-of-missing-gaston-co--woman-asks-public-for-help
North American Missing Persons Network,
http://www.nampn.org/cases/fraley_jamie.html
and Project Jason
http://projectjason.org/forums/index.php?topic=2691.0
A month after Fraley went missing, on May 4, 2008, Jennifer Rivkin of Kings Mountain, NC went missing. Her borrowed car, unlocked with purse inside, was found in the parking lot of the Winner's Circle Bar & Grill in Gastonia, NC.
On May 5, 2008, the body and car of Ira Yarmolenko were found on the bank of the Catawba River in Mt. Holly, NC, which is near Gastonia, also in Gaston County.
Texas EquuSearch had planned a search for Jamie Fraley and Jennifer Rivkin in Gaston County on October of 2008, but they didn't follow through with that plan. Andrew Dalzell has been living in Stanley, NC in Gaston County since he left the Chapel Hill/Carrboro area, and later moved to Gastonia before his arrest last year. A South Carolina serial killer, Patrick Burns, ended up in Gastonia last summer, where he was gunned down by police on July 6, 2009. Gaston County sounds very much like an area Stephen King might write a story about. I have been there myself and can tell you first-hand there is something spooky about that area. I don't want to go back.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Dalzell Sentenced
From Asheville Citizen Times
-----------------------------------
Man gets 27 years in Buncombe Internet child sex sting
This time, they got their man.
A suspect cleared in the disappearance of a woman 12 years ago was sentenced Friday to nearly 27 years in federal prison for using the Internet to entice someone he thought was a Buncombe County girl to meet him for sex.
Andrew Douglas Dalzell, 33, pleaded guilty to the crime in U.S. District Court in Asheville.
Judge Martin Reidinger ruled he had to take Dalzell's confession to the 1997 slaying of Deborah Key into account in the sentencing even though a murder charge was thrown out when a state court judge ruled the confession was inadmissible.
Buncombe County sheriff's deputies charged Dalzell in February 2007 with solicitation of a child by computer after he initiated explicit chats with an undercover officer posing as an 11-year-old girl. Dalzell was arrested after he drove from Gastonia to the Asheville area to meet the girl.
Reidinger said he hoped the stiff sentence would serve as a deterrent to other potential child sex offenders.
“That's the sort of behavior that this society cannot tolerate,” he said.
Dalzell sobbed as he apologized for this crime.
“I made an extraordinarily bad judgment,” he said. “I am not a bad person. I love my mother, I love my wife, I love my baby. Being away from them hurts.”
A judge in Orange County threw out a 2004 murder charge against Dalzell after finding police fabricated an arrest warrant to pressure him into a confession.
Police said Dalzell was last seen with Key at a Carrboro pool hall just before her disappearance. Investigators in Carrboro never found a body or other physical evidence linking Dalzell to Key's disappearance, but in 2004 they saw a chance at a confession, Carrboro police Lt. John Lau said.
The opportunity arose after Dalzell asked officers for protection as he moved out of his Carrboro residence because he was afraid of being attacked by a local drug dealer, Lau said.
Officers spotted stolen property during the move, and detectives had also obtained what they said was evidence of him trying to solicit a minor girl to come live with him and his girlfriend, Lau said.
When Dalzell was arrested on larceny and solicitation charges, he was shown a fake arrest warrant charging him with murder, which prompted a confession.
“One and a half minutes into interview, he gave it up and admitted he strangled her,” Lau said.
In 2005, Orange County Superior Court Judge Wade Barber threw out the murder charge. Barber said officers “fabricated official court documents,” used deception and should have immediately informed Dalzell why he was being arrested.
http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100327/NEWS/303270031/&template=artiphone
-----------------------------------------------------------
Joy and I have been interviewed today by Beth Velliquette with the Chapel Hill Herald about this, who has written several news articles before about Debbie Key.
------------------------------------------------------------
CORRECTION - It was February 2009 (not 2007) when Dalzell was arrested in Buncombe County.
------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE - March 30
http://www.heraldsun.com/view/full_story/6880682/article-Former-slaying-suspect-sentenced-in-child-solicitation?instance=main_article
------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE - April 3
This story in 'Who Killed Theresa?'
http://theresaallore.com/2010/04/andrew-dalzell-they-finally-got-that-fcker/
-----------------------------------
Man gets 27 years in Buncombe Internet child sex sting
This time, they got their man.
A suspect cleared in the disappearance of a woman 12 years ago was sentenced Friday to nearly 27 years in federal prison for using the Internet to entice someone he thought was a Buncombe County girl to meet him for sex.
Andrew Douglas Dalzell, 33, pleaded guilty to the crime in U.S. District Court in Asheville.
Judge Martin Reidinger ruled he had to take Dalzell's confession to the 1997 slaying of Deborah Key into account in the sentencing even though a murder charge was thrown out when a state court judge ruled the confession was inadmissible.
Buncombe County sheriff's deputies charged Dalzell in February 2007 with solicitation of a child by computer after he initiated explicit chats with an undercover officer posing as an 11-year-old girl. Dalzell was arrested after he drove from Gastonia to the Asheville area to meet the girl.
Reidinger said he hoped the stiff sentence would serve as a deterrent to other potential child sex offenders.
“That's the sort of behavior that this society cannot tolerate,” he said.
Dalzell sobbed as he apologized for this crime.
“I made an extraordinarily bad judgment,” he said. “I am not a bad person. I love my mother, I love my wife, I love my baby. Being away from them hurts.”
A judge in Orange County threw out a 2004 murder charge against Dalzell after finding police fabricated an arrest warrant to pressure him into a confession.
Police said Dalzell was last seen with Key at a Carrboro pool hall just before her disappearance. Investigators in Carrboro never found a body or other physical evidence linking Dalzell to Key's disappearance, but in 2004 they saw a chance at a confession, Carrboro police Lt. John Lau said.
The opportunity arose after Dalzell asked officers for protection as he moved out of his Carrboro residence because he was afraid of being attacked by a local drug dealer, Lau said.
Officers spotted stolen property during the move, and detectives had also obtained what they said was evidence of him trying to solicit a minor girl to come live with him and his girlfriend, Lau said.
When Dalzell was arrested on larceny and solicitation charges, he was shown a fake arrest warrant charging him with murder, which prompted a confession.
“One and a half minutes into interview, he gave it up and admitted he strangled her,” Lau said.
In 2005, Orange County Superior Court Judge Wade Barber threw out the murder charge. Barber said officers “fabricated official court documents,” used deception and should have immediately informed Dalzell why he was being arrested.
http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100327/NEWS/303270031/&template=artiphone
-----------------------------------------------------------
Joy and I have been interviewed today by Beth Velliquette with the Chapel Hill Herald about this, who has written several news articles before about Debbie Key.
------------------------------------------------------------
CORRECTION - It was February 2009 (not 2007) when Dalzell was arrested in Buncombe County.
------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE - March 30
http://www.heraldsun.com/view/full_story/6880682/article-Former-slaying-suspect-sentenced-in-child-solicitation?instance=main_article
------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE - April 3
This story in 'Who Killed Theresa?'
http://theresaallore.com/2010/04/andrew-dalzell-they-finally-got-that-fcker/
Thursday, March 04, 2010
In the Garden of Eve
March 5, 2008, is a date that has been embedded in my brain. It has now been two years. Her killers have still not been to trial yet.
Writing about Eve Carson has always been difficult for me, whenever I try to be objective about it. Having been a Chapel Hill person for a long time, I tend to think of her as one of us. I may not have known her personally, but I knew who she was. She was the student body president of UNC. It was hard to pick up a copy of the Daily Tar Heel without being reminded of that.
But it wasn't until two years ago that I realized how much she was loved by just about everyone around here. I was walking across the UNC campus and saw so many faces in tears. I noticed everyone was moving towards The Pit. That was when the impact of what has happened really hit me for the first time, and I haven't completely recovered from it yet.
To this day I can not look at a picture of her smiling face without thinking about what has been taken from us, how much we have lost. I can still feel moisture forming in the corners of my eyes whenever I read about her. When I tried to write about her before I'd get too angry, or too bummed out to continue.
I got upset when I read some statement someone made about how it is always the pretty white female blonde victims that get all the media attention, and how unfair that is. People get murdered in Durham and Raleigh all the time, who don't get nearly as much attention. I say, hold on there, you're comparing a person who was well known and loved with people we never heard of before. It's not just looks we're talking about.
http://mojomom.blogspot.com/2008/03/eve-carsons-murder-gender-race-and.html
I don't think anyone would dare argue with me when I claim that Eve didn't get elected student body president on her looks. She may have turned quite a few heads, but what really made her popular was that she cared about people, and it showed. She didn't just give lip service to how much she cared, but demonstrated it in action. Her work speaks for itself.
Eve was the kind of person who would have forgiven the people who killed her a lot quicker than I ever will.
I was very surprised to read that the parents of Eve Carson are against the death penalty, considering what happened to their daughter. There was at least one survey that I know of that claimed more people in NC are in favor of the death penalty since her murder, and that people who used to be against it have changed their minds. I personally would gladly volunteer to assist in the executions if I were asked.
But when you think about the loving heart that Eve was well known for, it hardly seems fitting that we should honor her memory with such feelings of hatred.
There is now a memorial garden on the UNC campus in Chapel Hill, which was dedicated in Eve's memory today with a very nice turnout.
http://alumni.unc.edu/article.aspx?sid=7475
This does my heart good to know she will be remembered for a long time to come.
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Thank You News 14
Today is the day I've been waiting for.
News 14 Carolina has interviewed me and my friends, Joy and Chris, on the story of our missing friend Debbie Key.
For those of us who do not get this cable channel, you can see it here.
http://news14.com/charlotte-news-104-content/nc_missing/621666/friends-hope-new-information-will-lead-to-justice
News 14 Carolina has interviewed me and my friends, Joy and Chris, on the story of our missing friend Debbie Key.
For those of us who do not get this cable channel, you can see it here.
http://news14.com/charlotte-news-104-content/nc_missing/621666/friends-hope-new-information-will-lead-to-justice
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Groundhog Day
While folks in Pennsylvania have their Punxsutawney Phil, we in North Carolina have our Sir Walter Wally. Every year on this day, Wally makes his appearance at the NC Museum of Natural Science in Raleigh, NC, our state capitol.
40 days after Christmas, the second day of February marks the halfway point between the first day of winter (Solstice) and the first day of spring. (Equinox) Tradition holds that if this day is cloudy, spring will soon be here, and if this day is sunny, winter will prevail for another 6 weeks.
Some consider Groundhog Day an American holiday, but it didn't start here. In the Old World it is the European hedgehog who comes out of hibernation on this day to check on the weather. Being a small animal with his head close to the ground, he can't look up to see the sky, so he looks for his shadow on the ground to see if it's sunny or cloudy. German immigrants in Pennsylvania , finding there are no hedgehogs here, decided the American groundhog would make a suitable substitute.
February 2nd is observed as Candlemas in other parts of the world, and before Christian times it was called Imbolc. It is a time of celebration for the lengthening of days, and the new plants that appear when the snow is gone, a sign of new life.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Top Stories of 2009
I thought this would be a good way to start for January 2010.
May I present NC Wanted's Top 9 stories of 2009.
http://www.ncwanted.com/ncwanted_home/story/6736970/
You know, it really makes me feel good that the arrest of Andrew Dalzell is included in this list, along with the news stories of Kelly Morris, Shaniya Davis, and Jason Young.
I'd like to take this opportunity now to say that of all the news teams I've had the pleasure of contacting, NC Wanted has been the most supportive. Thanks again, you guys!
This year, I look forward to (finally!) blogging the murder trial of Eve Carson, which has been delayed so many times it's outrageous.
I keep thinking about how the killer of Anne Pressly of Little Rock, Arkansas, was tried and convicted less than a year (but close to it) after he was arrested. Perhaps NC should follow Arkansas's example. They don't mess around when it comes to murder. The trial lasted two weeks.
I have recently been contacted by News 14 Carolina, in Wilmington, NC, about Debbie Key. I'll let everyone know how it goes.
Special thanks to Monica Caison with the CUE Center for Missing Persons.
Here's hoping for a better year to come!
May I present NC Wanted's Top 9 stories of 2009.
http://www.ncwanted.com/ncwanted_home/story/6736970/
You know, it really makes me feel good that the arrest of Andrew Dalzell is included in this list, along with the news stories of Kelly Morris, Shaniya Davis, and Jason Young.
I'd like to take this opportunity now to say that of all the news teams I've had the pleasure of contacting, NC Wanted has been the most supportive. Thanks again, you guys!
This year, I look forward to (finally!) blogging the murder trial of Eve Carson, which has been delayed so many times it's outrageous.
I keep thinking about how the killer of Anne Pressly of Little Rock, Arkansas, was tried and convicted less than a year (but close to it) after he was arrested. Perhaps NC should follow Arkansas's example. They don't mess around when it comes to murder. The trial lasted two weeks.
I have recently been contacted by News 14 Carolina, in Wilmington, NC, about Debbie Key. I'll let everyone know how it goes.
Special thanks to Monica Caison with the CUE Center for Missing Persons.
Here's hoping for a better year to come!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
RIP Kelly Morris
The skeletal remains of Kelly Currin Morris have been found on November 17, 2009, near Creedmoor, NC. She was missing since September 3, 2008 from Stem, NC, in the same county of Granville. Her husband, William "Scott" Morris, was arrested shortly afterward. The number of people actively searching for her was very impressive. The search went on for 14 months.
The home in which Kelly shared with her husband and two children caught fire the day after she went missing, on September 4, 2008. Hours later, her car was found a mile away, with her purse and cell phone inside. The keys were in the ignition. SBI concluded the house fire was deliberately set. Scott Morris was always suspected of Kelly's murder, as well as arson, but as often happens, a lack of evidence kept him from being arrested - until recently. He is charged with first-degree murder and held without bond.
http://www.helpfindthemissing.org/forum/showthread.php?t=7546
In spite of massive search efforts, it took over a year to finally find Kelly's remains. Where they were found was at the Tar River Fox Pen, a 900 acre facility surrounded by an electric fence and barbed wire. It is believed the body was ravaged by the foxes and coyotes being kept there. There was only a skull and a few other bones, with a bed comforter. The skull included teeth, and ID was possible via dental records.
This discovery brought to public attention the controversial sport of wildlife "penning," in which wild animals are hunted by packs of dogs in a confined area, often getting torn to pieces. This is considered a cruel practice, and many groups concerned with animal rights, including the Humane Society of the United States and the Animal Welfare Institute, are seeking to have it banned in this state. There is an "NC Senate Bill 515" to stop wildlife penning, currently seeking public support.
http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/4812128/
A petition to support NC Senate Bill 515
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/stop-wildlife-penningsupport-nc-senatebill515
The home in which Kelly shared with her husband and two children caught fire the day after she went missing, on September 4, 2008. Hours later, her car was found a mile away, with her purse and cell phone inside. The keys were in the ignition. SBI concluded the house fire was deliberately set. Scott Morris was always suspected of Kelly's murder, as well as arson, but as often happens, a lack of evidence kept him from being arrested - until recently. He is charged with first-degree murder and held without bond.
http://www.helpfindthemissing.org/forum/showthread.php?t=7546
In spite of massive search efforts, it took over a year to finally find Kelly's remains. Where they were found was at the Tar River Fox Pen, a 900 acre facility surrounded by an electric fence and barbed wire. It is believed the body was ravaged by the foxes and coyotes being kept there. There was only a skull and a few other bones, with a bed comforter. The skull included teeth, and ID was possible via dental records.
This discovery brought to public attention the controversial sport of wildlife "penning," in which wild animals are hunted by packs of dogs in a confined area, often getting torn to pieces. This is considered a cruel practice, and many groups concerned with animal rights, including the Humane Society of the United States and the Animal Welfare Institute, are seeking to have it banned in this state. There is an "NC Senate Bill 515" to stop wildlife penning, currently seeking public support.
http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/4812128/
A petition to support NC Senate Bill 515
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/stop-wildlife-penningsupport-nc-senatebill515
Monday, December 14, 2009
Jason Young Arrested
It was three years ago last month when Michelle Young was found murdered in her home in the Raleigh area of NC, on November 3, 2006.
Her husband, Jason Young, was the prime suspect from the beginning, but a lack of physical evidence kept him from being arrested.
Today it finally happened.
http://www.ncwanted.com/ncwanted_home/story/6336335/?d_feature_story=1
Thanks NC Wanted!
You've just made my Holiday Season a little brighter!
Her husband, Jason Young, was the prime suspect from the beginning, but a lack of physical evidence kept him from being arrested.
Today it finally happened.
http://www.ncwanted.com/ncwanted_home/story/6336335/?d_feature_story=1
Thanks NC Wanted!
You've just made my Holiday Season a little brighter!
Thursday, November 05, 2009
To Solve a Cold Case
John Allore has written this up, with some input from me and Doreen Prior, and suggested that we all post this in our blogs.
Naturally, I agreed.
----------------------------------------------------------
How To run your own Cold-Case – Top Ten
Doreen Prior made an interesting comment recently that she was equally dialed in to unsolved cases in the Montreal region from the 70s. If you don’t know Doreen, she has been advocating longer than me for a resolution to the unsolved death of her sister, Sharron, http://www.sharronprior.com/ who was murdered in 1975. Doreen knows this process better than anyone. As well, Bill Widman has been actively seeking to solve the murder of his friend, Debbie Key. In the interest of helping other families who may be trying to conduct their own investigations, Doreen, Bill and I offer these top ten suggestions for conducting your own cold-case investigation:
1. Information Management – The Internet: If you can afford it, get a subscription to Lexis-Nexis. http://www.lexisnexis.com/
This will allow you to data mine old newspapers back to the early 80s. There’s gold in them hills.
2. Information Management – Your local library: Most major libraries keep copies of all regional newspapers on microfiche. For Theresa’s case I was able to have the Provincial Library in Quebec mail me microfiche of old newspapers like the Montreal Star, Photo Police, Allo Police to my local library in North Carolina! I know Doreen Prior also accessed local libraries for Sharron’s case. Newspapers offer you good information about activities in the area of investigation leading up to, and immediately after any murder.
3. Google is your best friend: http://www.google.com/alerts
I have Google Alerts set up for all key words associated with my sister’s death (names of regional towns, suspects’ names, the name of each regional police force). This is a good way to stay a step ahead of anything that may be relevant to your investigation.
4. Accessing public records: Things like medical records and autopsy reports… these are public information and readily available from your local medical examiner or coroner.
5. Makes friends with the appropriate law enforcement agency: In many circumstances a case grows cold due to perceived ineptitudes of the investigating police force. Despite the frustration you must ultimately make peace with the investigating force. Ultimately they are the only body that can bring the case to justice. Despite friction, you must work to find an understanding. This doesn’t mean you can’t continue to challenge the force, just realize that you must retain balance. Crime scene reports? Evidence? Primary information? All of this is in the hands of the investigating force. You must make amends if you hope to gain access to this information.
6. Psychics: Useful? As secondary evidence, possibly. Just realize that anything psychic / medium offers is not admissible as evidence. It can be a great resource (myself and Bill have used them), but be aware of their limitations. And don’t get strayed into kooky theories: you can see patterns in any amount of randomness. Remember that some things are a coincidence.
7. Network: Read everything. The internet is an incredible resource. Become familiar with advocacy and justice initiatives. Make friends, get educated, attend conferences.
8. Publicity: The media can be a great tool to get your story out. Remember one thing: ultimately they are exploiting you, so feel free to exploit them. “If it bleeds it leads”… and the stories the media usually are attracted to in cold cases are something gruesome or something very personal ( perhaps too personal for a crime victim… I always hated when they asked me about “closure”). Be professional, cautious and guarded. Don’t offer up anything you feel is crossing a line. You have a right to say, “no, that’s too far” with these people. Also, don’t feel bad if they don’t want to cover your story. I have spent many hours offering up angles to media (suspects, new information, a personal-interest moment, a tidbit that is relevant to a current case), if they aren’t interested, don’t take it personally. Move on. It’s a business. One of the main reasons myself, Doreen and Bill started blogs was to control the distribution of information. So you can start one too! That too is media attention!
9. Get support: Guess what? You’re only human. And very quickly you will reach a burnout threshold. Get help. Find something positive other than this cold-case that gives you energy ( a hobby, your family, a sport, your shrink). We’ve all been to the bottom. It’s no fun, but we will support you on your journey back up. One of the best things I did? Made friends with fellow victims and investigating colleagues on Facebook. At first this seemed counter-intuitive: I wanted to isolate my personal life from my cold-case life. In the end it was the right decision because it was healthy to see these people without the victim stigma, in a normal light: families, loves, interests.
10. If all else fails: Contact the Vidocq Society, http://www.vidocq.org/ a group out of the Washington area comprised of retired forensic and investigative experts dedicated to solving old cases. Slightly pretentious, but if you’ve exhausted numbers 1 – 9 at this point you have nothing to lose. A word of caution: Vidocq will only consider your case if you have support from your local police jurisdiction (so no coming here if you’ve got a beef with how the police screwed up your case).
Go forth and solve!
Naturally, I agreed.
----------------------------------------------------------
How To run your own Cold-Case – Top Ten
Doreen Prior made an interesting comment recently that she was equally dialed in to unsolved cases in the Montreal region from the 70s. If you don’t know Doreen, she has been advocating longer than me for a resolution to the unsolved death of her sister, Sharron, http://www.sharronprior.com/ who was murdered in 1975. Doreen knows this process better than anyone. As well, Bill Widman has been actively seeking to solve the murder of his friend, Debbie Key. In the interest of helping other families who may be trying to conduct their own investigations, Doreen, Bill and I offer these top ten suggestions for conducting your own cold-case investigation:
1. Information Management – The Internet: If you can afford it, get a subscription to Lexis-Nexis. http://www.lexisnexis.com/
This will allow you to data mine old newspapers back to the early 80s. There’s gold in them hills.
2. Information Management – Your local library: Most major libraries keep copies of all regional newspapers on microfiche. For Theresa’s case I was able to have the Provincial Library in Quebec mail me microfiche of old newspapers like the Montreal Star, Photo Police, Allo Police to my local library in North Carolina! I know Doreen Prior also accessed local libraries for Sharron’s case. Newspapers offer you good information about activities in the area of investigation leading up to, and immediately after any murder.
3. Google is your best friend: http://www.google.com/alerts
I have Google Alerts set up for all key words associated with my sister’s death (names of regional towns, suspects’ names, the name of each regional police force). This is a good way to stay a step ahead of anything that may be relevant to your investigation.
4. Accessing public records: Things like medical records and autopsy reports… these are public information and readily available from your local medical examiner or coroner.
5. Makes friends with the appropriate law enforcement agency: In many circumstances a case grows cold due to perceived ineptitudes of the investigating police force. Despite the frustration you must ultimately make peace with the investigating force. Ultimately they are the only body that can bring the case to justice. Despite friction, you must work to find an understanding. This doesn’t mean you can’t continue to challenge the force, just realize that you must retain balance. Crime scene reports? Evidence? Primary information? All of this is in the hands of the investigating force. You must make amends if you hope to gain access to this information.
6. Psychics: Useful? As secondary evidence, possibly. Just realize that anything psychic / medium offers is not admissible as evidence. It can be a great resource (myself and Bill have used them), but be aware of their limitations. And don’t get strayed into kooky theories: you can see patterns in any amount of randomness. Remember that some things are a coincidence.
7. Network: Read everything. The internet is an incredible resource. Become familiar with advocacy and justice initiatives. Make friends, get educated, attend conferences.
8. Publicity: The media can be a great tool to get your story out. Remember one thing: ultimately they are exploiting you, so feel free to exploit them. “If it bleeds it leads”… and the stories the media usually are attracted to in cold cases are something gruesome or something very personal ( perhaps too personal for a crime victim… I always hated when they asked me about “closure”). Be professional, cautious and guarded. Don’t offer up anything you feel is crossing a line. You have a right to say, “no, that’s too far” with these people. Also, don’t feel bad if they don’t want to cover your story. I have spent many hours offering up angles to media (suspects, new information, a personal-interest moment, a tidbit that is relevant to a current case), if they aren’t interested, don’t take it personally. Move on. It’s a business. One of the main reasons myself, Doreen and Bill started blogs was to control the distribution of information. So you can start one too! That too is media attention!
9. Get support: Guess what? You’re only human. And very quickly you will reach a burnout threshold. Get help. Find something positive other than this cold-case that gives you energy ( a hobby, your family, a sport, your shrink). We’ve all been to the bottom. It’s no fun, but we will support you on your journey back up. One of the best things I did? Made friends with fellow victims and investigating colleagues on Facebook. At first this seemed counter-intuitive: I wanted to isolate my personal life from my cold-case life. In the end it was the right decision because it was healthy to see these people without the victim stigma, in a normal light: families, loves, interests.
10. If all else fails: Contact the Vidocq Society, http://www.vidocq.org/ a group out of the Washington area comprised of retired forensic and investigative experts dedicated to solving old cases. Slightly pretentious, but if you’ve exhausted numbers 1 – 9 at this point you have nothing to lose. A word of caution: Vidocq will only consider your case if you have support from your local police jurisdiction (so no coming here if you’ve got a beef with how the police screwed up your case).
Go forth and solve!
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