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Friday, March 3, 2006

[OH] Officer Blake quits force after killing wife Niema and lying during investigation

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[OH] Slain cop's wife Niema's mother: Don't let her die in vain

COP WHO KILLED WIFE QUITS THE FORCE
DATED: 03/03/2006
BY LAURA BORCHERS
2NEWS

EMBATTLED DAYTON POLICE OFFICER MICHAEL BLAKE HAS CALLED IT QUITS, ACCUSED BY INTERNAL AFFAIRS OF LYING ABOUT THE DEATH OF HIS WIFE. WHILE HE IS TECHNICALLY AN EMPLOYEE UNTIL THE END OF JULY, BLAKE WILL NOT GET PAID UNDER THE TERMS OF AN AGREEMENT HE SIGNED WITH THE CITY.

BLAKE SHOT AND KILLED HIS WIFE NIEMA TWO YEARS AGO DURING A VIOLENT ARGUMENT IN THEIR NORTH EUCLID HOME. BLAKE ARGUED HE ACTED IN SELF-DEFENSE, AND A GRAND JURY REFUSED TO INDICT HIM.

BLAKE ALSO MADE A PUBLIC APOLOGY TO HIS LATE WIFE.

"I'D LIKE TO SAY FIRST I WANT TO APOLOGIZE TO MY WIFE, NIEMA. NIEMA BABY, I'M VERY SORRY AND I TRULY HOPE YOU CAN FORGIVE ME FOR I HAVE TRULY FORGIVEN YOU. IT IS TRULY HARD TO ACCEPT WHAT HAS HAPPENED AND THAT YOU'RE REALLY GONE. THERE'S NOT A DAY THAT GOES BY THAT I DON'T THINK ABOUT YOU, MISS YOU, OR LOVE YOU," IS WHAT BLAKE READ TO THE MEDIA AT THE TIME OF THE STATEMENT.

BUT IN RECORDS OBTAINED BY 2NEWS, IT IS CLEAR CITY AND POLICE INVESTIGATORS KEPT PRESSING BLAKE FOR THE TRUTH. THE CITY FILED DISCIPLINARY CHARGES AGAINST HIM LATE LAST YEAR AFTER AN INTERNAL AFFAIRS PROBE.

IN THAT INVESTIGATION, INTERNAL AFFAIRS TOLD BLAKE HE WAS CHARGED WITH CONDUCT UNBECOMING AN OFFICER AND THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS HE HAD GIVEN INTERNAL AFFAIRS UNTRUTHFUL OR FALSE STATEMENTS.

AS PART OF HIS RESIGNATION AGREEMENT, BLAKE AGREED THAT HE WILL NOT ATTEMPT TO GET ANOTHER JOB WITH THE CITY OF DAYTON.

THERE HAS BEEN NO COMMENT FROM NIEMA BLAKE'S FAMILY.
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence ipv abuse law enforcement public safety lethal fatality fatalities murder ohio state politics teflon unsolved unresolved]

18 comments:

  1. AnonymousMay 04, 2009

    Mother Searches For Answers In Daughter's Death
    March 9, 2005
    WHIOTV.com.

    DAYTON, Ohio -- A grieving mother made an emotional plea for help two weeks after her daughter was shot to death inside her home.

    On Wednesday morning, Nevada Blake asked Dayton City Commissioners not to let her daughter die in vain. Niema Thompson-Blake, 30, died on Feb. 19 after police said she was shot by her husband, Dayton police officer Michael Blake.

    Nevada Blake believes Michael Blake murdered her daughter. She knows that city commissioners did not have the answers but she hopes they will put pressure on those who do.

    Nevada Blake said she is frustrated with the lack of action in the two weeks since her daughter's death.

    Michael Blake was handcuffed by officers at the scene and taken in for questioning. However, he was never arrested and so far county prosecutors have not filed any charges in the case.

    Sources told NewsCenter 7 that Michael Blake claimed his wife came at him with a butcher knife. Nevada Blake said that is not the case and said her daughter was a loving mother of three children.

    Nevada Blake also claimed that Michael Blake called two other people before he called police dispatchers. She said her daughter's marriage turned violent before her death.

    Dayton Mayor Rhine McLin was the only city leader who responded to Blake's plea. She said the city would do what it supposed to be done in this type of matter.

    Police Chief Julian Davis referred questions to the prosecutor's office. Authorities said prosecutors met once with detectives to review the case. It is possible that investigators may come back with new information or ask for charges to be approved. http://www.whiotv.com/news/4268008/detail.html

    ReplyDelete
  2. EXCERPTS FROM NEWS ON FEB 21, 2005

    A Dayton police officer has been released after he was questioned in Saturday's shooting death of his wife...

    ...A domestic disturbance preceded the fatal gunshot that resulted in the Saturday death of a Dayton police officer's wife...

    ...Blake called a police dispatcher at about 3:30 p.m. Saturday to report the shooting rather than calling 911. Niema Blake, 30, died later that evening...

    ... officer called in the shooting about 3:30 p.m. Saturday, police said. His wife, Niema, 30, was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital and Health Center. She died at 6:50 p.m., according to the Montgomery County Coroner's Office. The office did not release a cause of death, and officers have not discussed the nature of the wound...

    ...Niema Blake... died from multiple gunshot wounds...

    ...Michael Blake, 40, was placed on paid administrative leave...

    ...in domestic disputes in which two people argue and one dies, the other is "usually arrested.'... "That's an internal process that I will have to work out with homicide investigators," Davis said. "There were only two people there, and the wife is dead...

    ...Police said they never booked Officer Michael Blake after his wife was fatally shot on Saturday...

    ...The mother of Niema Blake, Nevada, said she is wanting some answers about why Michael Blake is not in jail and what happened...

    ..."What I deserve from Dayton Police is for them to sit down and give me some information. Tell me how my daughter died, tell me what caused my daughter's death," said Nevada Blake, Mrs. Blake's mother,..

    ..."...she is with the Lord. And that takes away from the tragedy of it all," Nevada Blake said. "That can give you joy in the morning."...

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  3. February 21, 2005

    ...Investigators said Michael Blake called a non-emergency police dispatch number after the shooting. Blake was taken into custody and questioned... However, he was later released without being arrested or booked, which is against department protocol...

    ...Police did not follow protocol when they responded to a weekend domestic disturbance that involved one of their officers and resulted in the shooting death of the officer's wife, Dayton police Director Julian K. Davis said Monday. Officer Michael Blake, 40, was put on paid administrative leave after Niema L. Thompson Blake, 30, was shot Saturday in their home at 1576 N. Euclid Ave. Blake was detained for questioning, but not arrested. "I wouldn't categorize it as a mistake. It's contrary to protocol," Davis said at a news conference after explaining that the shooting followed a domestic dispute between the Blakes...

    ...Niema Thompson-Blake’s family believes that she was a victim of violence again. Niema’s mother said that there have been instances in the past of domestic abuse. However, according to police reports, there have been no reports...

    ...According to the Dayton Police Department's General Order regarding police officer domestic violence: "Whenever a police officer domestic violence call does not result in an arrest, the on-scene supervisor will submit a written report explaining any and all reasons why an arrest was not made or a warrant was not sought." Davis said "the notification wasn't made," noting that neither he nor Assistant Chief of Police Wanda D. Smith were consulted by the officers who decided to release Blake. Davis said he has a staff member looking into why he wasn't informed and declined to comment further: "That's an internal matter"...

    ...Blake, who joined the department in March 1988, used his cell phone to notify police about the shooting, Davis said. Police were dispatched to the home at 3:30 p.m., according to a police incident report. "He didn't dial 911. He dialed directly to the dispatcher," said Sgt. Kenneth Lakin, public records administrator for the department's Internal Affairs Bureau. The tape of the call could not be released to the public because "we don't release anything that is a part of a criminal investigation." Niema Blake was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital where she died at 6:50 p.m., according to the Montgomery County Coroner's Office...

    ...A small group of women and children stood outside the county courts building Monday, holding signs protesting the decision to not arrest Blake. "If it was a regular person, he would have been in jail," said Tonya Munday, 29, of Richmond, Ind., who said she was a close friend of Niema Blake. "He's a cop. That's the only reason why," Munday said. Davis said he wants to assure residents that Blake is not receiving any favoritism from the department. "I am here to assure the citizens that the investigation (will be complete)," he said...

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  4. 'I just shot my wife; I think she's dead'
    Dayton police release transcript of officer's call to dispatcher
    By Kelli Wynn
    2/23/05
    Dayton Daily News
    [Excerpts] The voice was urgent and loud. "This is Blake. I just shot my wife. She pulled a (expletive) butcher knife on me. I think she's dead." Those were the first words Dayton Police Officer Michael A. Blake said Saturday when he called the department's dispatch operator from his cell phone. Screaming and crying, Blake asked the dispatcher to get a medic to 1576 N. Euclid Ave., where he lived with his wife of more than two years, Niema L. Thompson Blake. She later died after being taken to Good Samaritan Hospital. Police released the recording of two cell phone calls Tuesday. Dayton Police Director Julian K. Davis said he will not comment further on the shooting until the Montgomery County Prosecutor [Mathias H. Heck]'s Office decides whether charges should be filed, according to Sgt. Maurice Speaks, public information officer... Officers were dispatched to the scene at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, according to the police report. The recordings capture a tense scene in which an anguished Blake screams and cries as the dispatcher and police officers try to calm him. During the first call, the dispatcher says, "It's all right, Blake. Just calm down. I'll get you a crew there, all right?" Blake, crying and screaming, responds, "Oh God! ... Oh please ... a medic. ... This ain't right. This ain't right ..." The recording ends with some beeps, as if numbers are being pressed, and a loud noise in the background. Blake called dispatch again. He said, "Hey, she's still breathing. I hit her in the top of the head ... I'm not going to do anything. I didn't intend for this ... to happen. Come on! Come on!" When the dispatcher tells Blake that police are outside of his home, Blake says he doesn't want them to "spray me or Taze me." The tape also indicates that officers placed Blake on the ground before they handcuffed him.
    Voice: "Settle down, Blake!"
    After a commotion, Blake says, "Let me off the ... ground ... Can I get off the ground?"
    Voice: "Mike! ... Let us handcuff you, buddy."
    Blake: "Why?"
    Voice: "Just let us do it, man."
    Blake: "Can I get off the ... ground? ... If I thought I did something wrong, I would allow it ..."
    Voice: "Mike, I know that. Just let us do our job. ... You'd do the same thing to us, man."
    Blake was put on conditional suspension with pay Tuesday after an internal hearing with department staff members, his attorney and the Fraternal Order of Police, FOP president Lt. Randy Beane said... Detectives questioned Blake for several hours, then freed him, making no arrests. Department policy requires officers to make an arrest after a domestic violence clash or explain to superiors why they didn't. Dinneen said the protocol for handling domestic-violence cases is well-known throughout the police department and he does not know why the reporting requirements were not followed...

    ReplyDelete
  5. Niema Blake was being blamed for being murdered???

    Cop's wife charged in 1996
    Ex-boyfriend didn't pursue case against Niema Thompson
    By Lou Grieco
    Dayton Daily News
    2005_0225
    [Excerpts] ...[Fraternal Order of Police President Randy] Beane said that though her death is still under investigation... Michael Blake appeared to have a valid self-defense claim. "Do you always arrest the winner or the loser in a fight?" Beane said. "You've got to determine who was the aggressor. When the primary aggressor is deceased, the other person is not arrested...

    ReplyDelete
  6. [Niema Latrese Thompson-Blake]

    Slain woman remembered as teacher, friend, daughter
    Officer's wife mourned by 200 at funeral at Omega
    By Kelli Wynn
    Dayton Daily News
    ...Sonya Belcher, who said she was Niema Blake's children's baby sitter before she married Michael Blake, said Niema Blake was a sweet person: "She was a good woman. Senseless death." To know that Niema Blake "has gone to a better place" is comforting for Belcher, but something is missing. "A lot of people are sad," she said. "We're just feeling like we want justice now"...

    ReplyDelete
  7. David Blake, et al v. Michael Blake, et al
    Case Number: 08-3448
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Court: U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
    Nature of Suit: Civil Rights - Other Civil Rights
    Previous Case: ohsdce
    [Excerpt] Defendant - Appellees: MICHAEL BLAKE, Individually and in his Official Capacity as the City of Dayton Police Officer, CITY OF DAYTON and JULIAN DAVIS, Individually and in his capacity as the Director of the City of Dayton Department of Police and as Representative of the entire Department of Police and Director/Master of all defendants, including John and Jane Does...

    Friends Hold Vigil for Niema Blake
    WDTN-TV
    [Excerpts] Friends of a woman shot to death, want her husband, a Dayton police officer, behind bars. Wednesday night they took their plea to the streets. Holding hands and holding on to memories, friends of Niema Blake gathered outside the Montgomery County Courthouse... After answering officer's questions Blake was released. That move breaks police protocol and breaks her friend's hearts. "It's an outrage. We're upset because if he were any other man, any other domestic situation he would be behind bars" said Sylvana Mundane. "It's sad that this man is getting away with this."... And those women say they aren't going to keep quiet, on behalf of Niema and battered women. "There are a lot of Niema's out there who are abused by men. And they don't know. They are too naive to know that they are with someone who is dangerous." -- "Hopefully Niema will get justice in the end"... Meantime, a fund for Niema's three kids is set up at 5th-3rd Bank.

    EDITORIAL: Blake case demands outsider's look
    Dayton Daily News
    March 10th, 2005
    [Excerpts]
    There's another — and better — way to investigate the shooting death of Niema Blake, wife of Dayton Police Officer Michael A. Blake. Turn the probe over to police officials not associated with the department. Dayton's department shouldn't be investigating one of its own in these circumstances. Calling in an outsider for cases where the department's credibility can be reasonably questioned is just standard procedure... So far, the department has opted to conduct the investigation in-house and basic procedures were inexplicably ignored. Officers at the scene failed to notify Dayton Police Director Julian K. Davis that Officer Blake, who claimed self-defense, was immediately released from custody. Department policy requires on-scene supervisors to submit a written report to top commanders whenever a domestic violence call doesn't result in an arrest... This rule wasn't followed and not contacting the chief was bizarre. Then came irresponsible statements from Lt. Randy Beane, president of the Dayton's Fraternal Order of Police. He branded Officer Blake's wife as the "primary aggressor," even though the department's investigation was still pending. He tried to justify the decision not to keep Officer Blake in custody b... The International Association of Chiefs of Police has developed a model policy on domestic violence involving police officers. It recognizes that some research "indicates the possibility of higher incidence of domestic violence among law enforcement professionals" and, in the event of incidents involving police, "the integrity of the law enforcement profession and the community's trust are at stake." The policy suggests that a department may want an outside agency to handle such investigations. In light of all that's not been done by the book, Dayton's department needs outside help.

    ReplyDelete
  8. SLAIN WOMAN'S MOM PLEADS FOR PROSECUTION
    Dayton cop who killed wife needs to be charged, she says
    By Jim Bebbington
    jbebbington@DaytonDailyNews.com
    Mar 10, 2005
    [Excerpts] The mother of a Dayton woman slain by her husband, Dayton Police Officer Michael Blake, urged the city administration Wednesday to see that Blake is prosecuted... Niema Blake's mother, Nevada Blake, said Wednesday she is convinced her son-in-law is guilty of a crime but she thinks he is being protected by a weak Dayton police investigation into the case... "Michael Blake maliciously shot my daughter on the top of her head," Nevada Blake said in an emotional speech to the City Commission. "I implore you to take a closer look"... Mayor Rhine McLin told Nevada Blake, "Our hearts go out to the family and the city is going to do what it is supposed to do in this matter."

    Prosecutors Deny Criminal Charges Against Officer
    WHIOTV
    February 22, 2005
    [Excerpts] ...On Tuesday, prosecutors denied criminal charges against the officer, at least for now... On Monday, investigators were unable to determine if Blake was the aggressor in the dispute, which prompted police to release him. Investigators said Blake is cooperating with the investigation. They also said he is on paid administrative leave, while the investigation continues. Blake, along with his attorney said they are confident no criminal charges will be filed...

    cloud_writer
    Mar 16, 2005
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/police_dv/
    (Wondering why Niema's mother can't get a death certificate. Wondering why when Nevada, Niema's mom came out in an article and said Officer Blake, after shooting Niema, called TWO OTHER PEOPLE before calling work to tell them he had shot her - why there hasn't been another word on that. Wondering why, if Officer Blake was "defending" himself, why he had to shoot Niema multiple times OR why he had to shoot her fatally. Wondering if he DID call other people before calling work, OR if he had called 911, which he didn't, would Niema have had a better chance to live - since she didn't die until later in the evening. Wondering why there isn't more noise, questions, demands, or concern.

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  9. I still pray for justice for Neima because she was a great neighbor and a great mother. Just remember it's not over until justice is served.

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  10. Where is HE now?

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  11. Michael Anthony Blake. I will seek justice for NIEMA... if that means taking you out well then so be it. WATCH YOUR BACK.......... if she is not here why should you be. You took her away from 3children a mother family and friends. YOUR TIME WILL COME....

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  12. Police Officer-Involved Domestic Violence Network
    Thinking of Niema...
    https://www.facebook.com/PoliceDomesticViolence/posts/286438531423114




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  13. WOW this is a terrible story of what took place to this young lady and her family. It is even worse to find out that nothing was done about it.......

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  14. I can't believe that tub-of-lard got away with murder most foul! He should be in prison.

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  15. I wonder if he got a different cop job.

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