..."He pushed the door open and beat her for an hour and a half, choked her, slammed her head against the wall," said Maria West, the victim's older sister. She said her younger sister is fearful and in shock after the incident... The victim's family members say their brother-in-law had help from Megan Duffy...
FAMILY FEARS FOR VICTIM AFTER DOMESTIC ASSAULT
WCAX
By Kyle Midura midura@wcax.com
October 12, 2011
[Excerpts] A Vermont firefighter is facing charges, accused of attacking his estranged wife. Erik Mears allegedly admitted to police that he pulled the phone cord in their Berlin trailer Friday night to prevent his wife from calling for help. Amanda Mears turned to Facebook to get a frantic message out to her twin sister in Rhode Island. "He pushed the door open and beat her for an hour and a half, choked her, slammed her head against the wall," said Maria West, the victim's older sister. She said her younger sister is fearful and in shock after the incident. The victim's family members say their brother-in-law had help from Megan Duffy, 32. West says the pair "(told) Amanda not to worry, her boys would be taken care of once they disposed of her body"... the victim told officers the assault took place in front of the estranged couple's young children... Reports indicate Erik Mears had snorted pills and drank that night... A Berlin firefighter at the time of the alleged incident, he resigned shortly after prosecutors charged him with aggravated domestic assault and two misdemeanors. A substitute judge released him with no bail because it was his first offense. Monday, prosecutors will go back to court, arguing he should be held without bail. "I'm not happy that he was released from jail and he should still be in jail," said West. West said they're installing a new security system at the home. But, she added that they're uncomfortable with the fact that they'll have to leave their sister's side in order to return to their respective families and work. [Full article here]
BERLIN POLICE ARREST MAN ON DRUG CHARGES
Times Argus
By Jenna Pizzi
October 12, 2011
[Excerpts] A Berlin man was arrested on drug-related charges last month, according to Berlin Police Department. Erik Mears, 28, was arrested on charges of possession and dispensing a regulated drug on Sept. 29. Police would not say what kind of drug Mears was charged with possessing. The charges came as police were investigating a report of a possible domestic assault and learned Mears was in possession of the regulated drug. Mears is expected to appear in Washington County Criminal Court in early November. [Full article here]
FROM ONLINE COMMENTS:
...I think that something should be done this is absolutely ridiculous whats stopping him from killing her now? this is ridiculous that judge is out of control... IS THIS WHAT OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM HAS COME TOO? any other person wouldn't be out on no bail they have like a million dollars bail. thats wrong he could kill and just might. He was on drugs and whos to say he wont be or isnt right now. and hes livign in OUR home towns. Hes walking our streets. thats not a good thing.. just think about it...
...I think that the system failed this woman and her family. Letting this man out of jail is asking for a tragedy. Wake up people! This is the way that women die every day!!!...
...And, what about the female who was with Eric?...
...he should be locked up jus like anybody else would be hold him wit no bail do pass go go strait to jail...
...the judge who released him with no bail should be locked up!!!...
MEGAN DUFFY WAS ERIK MEARS' (alleged) ACCOMPLICE.
I wonder how many druggie Megan Duffy's that attend crimes there are in tiny Vermont:
WOMEN BEHIND BARS
WCAX, Waterbury, Vermont
Darren Perron
June 20, 2007
[Excerpts] Megan Duffy can't wait to move out of this small room that she shares with four other women... The 28 year-old is nearing the end of her sentence for a third drunk driving offense and smuggling narcotics into jail. She calls the Dale Correctional Center home for now. "I miss my kids. I haven't seen them in two years. I miss my grandma," Duffy said, choking back tears... Corrections officials hope she'll also be a good, law-abiding citizen. [Full article here]
POLICE BREAK UP MAJOR BURGLARY RING - Court Documents: At Least 50 Homes Hit
WPTZ
By Matt Lawfer
May 6, 2010
[Excerpts] Police said they have broken up a major burglary ring in Washington and Orange counties. Prosecutors said 31-year-old Megan Duffy cut her hair and dyed it blond to avoid being caught by police. Duffy has pleaded not guilty to six burglary charges... She has a felony record including a DUI 3rd," said Washington County State's Attorney Tom Kelly. Police said Duffy even stole money from her own grandmother and traded it out of state in exchange for drugs. [Full article here]
HOMELESS WOMAN CHARGED IN RASH OF BURGLARIES: Police Say Woman Responsible For 50 Break-Ins
boston.com
May 10, 2010
[Excerpts] ...Prosecutors say Megan Duffy could ultimately be charged in as many as 50 break-ins... [Full article here]
RURAL NEIGHBORS FIGHT DUXBURY BURGLARY WAVE
stowetoday.com
Nathan Burgess
Aug 16, 2010.
[Excerpts] At about 2 in the morning, Louis Haslam of Duxbury heard voices in her house... she saw two shadowy figures bolting outside to a nearby van... The van was linked to Megan Duffy, a homeless woman connected to a number of burglaries in Vermont... [Full article here]
STATE VS. DUFFY, MEGAN
Court Calendar for Orange Criminal Division5 Court Street · Chelsea, VT 05038
Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 1:30 PM in Room 1
[Excerpts]
451-10-10 Oecr/Criminal - Restitution Hearing
25-1-11 Oecr/Criminal - Sentencing Hearing
179-5-11 Oecr/Criminal - Sentencing Hearing
349-9-11 Oecr/Criminal - Status Conference
Atty(s): Sandra A. Nelson & William J. Porter
Cases heard by Harold E. Eaton, Jr.
[LINK]
Facebook: Erik Mears
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence ipv abuse law enforcement public safety lethal vermont politics alcohol drugs fear preferential]
I am sooo thankful that you have all this information in one place! It's absolutely ridiculous what the judicial system in barre are doing to Amanda, she's scared to be at home at night.. it's terrible. After all these crimbes committed by Megan Duffy I am absolutely baffled that she is OUT of jail!
ReplyDeleteThey need to be locked up what is the Judge thinking?
ReplyDeletei was a victim of domestic abuse growing up as a child watching my mother be beatin then in my first marriage for 15 years i escaped and now im abuse free physically but emotionally damaged forever and so are my children dont let this man walk free he has this rage and has let it loose he needs help and should be getting it not out on the streets to harm again
ReplyDeletewhat is with the state of VT>!!!!!! is that crazy or what? Why because he was on the Fire Dept., it gives him special privliages to kill his wife! First time is ok,you can try again then we will take action??? WTF
ReplyDeleteHe has since been released after the appeal on Thursday, free to roam and work until the actual court date. Who knows when that will be!! This is absolutely appalling!
ReplyDeleteThis makes me sick...that nasty looking shaved headed girl should be locked up for life and so should he...I hope for this girl and he's kids the both get locked up! Nobody deserved this treatment!
ReplyDeleteThis whole situation sickens me. I don't understand why Domestic Abuse isn't taken more seriously. If Erik had to be released from jail, he should still go to drug rehabilitation or something. When you're on those types of drugs like what he is on, the person is very dangerous. They become unpredictable and in some cases, very violent. I don't understand Barre at all. The system complains 'bout the people on the streets yet it's the system that is putting them there back in society. What I don't understand is why is this classified as first offence aggravated assault? What 'bout what these two people had in the trunk of their car? Wouldn't THAT be considered pre-meditation of attempted murder? As much as this judicial system sickens me physically, I'm not the least bit surprised. Obviously, the country doesn't care anymore about stuff like this. I mean, Casey Anthoney got away with murder of her daughter, so, I'm really not surprised of the outcome of this case or of any other cases that have turned-out this way.
ReplyDeleteAny of have the ball the same ur name. Let's see im right here come ands get me. U think im bad maria west amanda mears and in position of three high powered riffles stolen from my house. By the way if they do or do not have them and sold them they will be looking at prison time. They have might OD won the battle but war is far from over. We have all serial numbers to them so they can not Renie that. Also I pressed charges for destructionof property for cutting the wiredto the furnace
ReplyDeleteWell look who it is Erik! You wannt throw stones expect bull dosers after what you put our family through! The furnace wires had to be cut you idiot because it was leaking carbon! If you would like to say things like this public, you better think twice because you do not want to hear what I have to say! I have pictures of my sister that I can post bruised from head to toe! And you tell people you didn't do anything! HA! Should I send you a fucken bill for the christmas presents our family spent so the boys could have presents or should I send you a bill for all the food we put on the table for them? And your worried about guns?
ReplyDeleteGROW UP ERIC MEARS-ALL YOU CAN THINK ABOUT ARE GUNS! SHOWS WHERE YOUR HEAD IS AT!YOU SHOULD BE IN JAIL.TALK ABOUT BALLS --YOU SHOULD GET SOME! I WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOU DO TO A GUY WHAT YOU DID TO YOUR X-WIFE AND CHILDREN! NO ONE IS AFRAID OF YOU ERIC MEARS --YOU JUST DIDN'T MESS WITH THE RIGHT PERSON!
DeleteMaybe it's not Erik. Don't you have to know how to spell and be literate to be an officer?
ReplyDeleteLooks to everyone here that the only one that can't spell is erik! However so nice of his family to write for him and cover up. By the way he is stating a coment directly to amanda above, big no no.
ReplyDeleteI THOUGHT YOU COULD NOT THROW THREATS ON THIS SIGHT?? ERIC MEARS CAN! I DARE YOU TO POST THIS!
ReplyDeleteErik wasnt an officer he was a fire fighter in training...he was forced to resign after he did that to his wife and children!!
ReplyDeleteI think the bad boy got his hand slapped for posting threats,,yes you heard me --"just slapped" after posting threats!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteHow did Erik die?
ReplyDeleteErik J. Mears
Obituary
BARRE - Erik J. Mears, 30, of Washington Street, passed away Thursday, June 27, 2013, and was met by his grandfather Warren DeForge and the Lord...
Published in Times Argus from June 29 to July 2, 2013
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/timesargus/obituary.aspx?n=erik-j-mears&pid=165575639&fhid=23411
I am trying to be strong but as each day passes I miss you more and more. I love you so much!!!
ReplyDeleteposted by Sara Young 3 days ago
Ginny and Mo, most of my childhood has memories with Erik and you in them. I will always remember "Emily's the monster" and "Pat, can I have some toast?" I'm praying for you and sending my love. Erik will be remembered as a good friend, great father, and that adorable little red headed boy. XOXO.
posted by Emily Winauski 4 days ago
Our deepest thoughts are with Eriks family... Erik made me laugh on sooo many occasions...Along with two great looking sons- rip- my man-
posted by Dylan N Shelley Newton 6 days ago
To my baby brother. I'm going to miss you so much. Sara, Kelly and I are children are going to miss you. The last time we saw you you were playing a game with Gabriel, Jack and Henri. You had your nephews laughing so hard I thought they were going to pee their pants. Thank you for being such a good person, dad and uncle. We MISS AND LOVE YOU!!!!
posted by Keri Smith 6 days ago
He was a wonderful Dad, and He will be forever loved and missed by his sons, as well as any one who knew Erik!
posted by Rachel Putvain 6 days ago
Kelly and family, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. Your in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
posted by Sarah Bolio 7 days ago
Erik was an amazing son, brother, father and uncle. Most of all he was so proud to a firefighter! He touched so many lives and will be missed by many. I miss my baby brother!
posted by Kelly Mears 7 days ago
I miss him so much
posted by Jillian Miller 8 days ago
http://www.gofundme.com/3fbkpg
Created by Jeremy Miller on June 28, 2013BARRE, VTFunerals & Memorials 2
My brother in law Erik Mears passed away unexpectedly. I have known Erik for more than half my life. Erik had a huge heart was loved by many and will be dearly missed. He had tow beautiful boys that loved him dearly. Erik is also survived by three sister and his Mother and Father.
Erik's passing came as a huge shock to all of us and most know how difficult it is to lose someone so close. We are now faced with the tremendous burden of funeral and burial arrangements. I want to do my small part and help this family by alleviating any stress possible by raising money to pay for the overwhelming cost that occurs when a love one passes.
Please help me help the Mears family in this extremely painful time. Thank in advance for anything you can do, god bless.
http://www.gofundme.com/3fbkpg
I would venture to guess, after reading all these articles and comments, both good and bad (and we ALL, each of us, are capable of both...we are all human)that Erik's passing was somehow related to a drug overdose, maybe even mistakenly, or maybe he did take his own life. After reading these very harsh hurtful comments, if I were Erik, I would probably want to hang myself. YES, there are so many problems with the system, for sure...But let's be real - Erik was the youngest child with 3 older sisters. Without identifying myself, I can honestly say that I knew his family, parents too. I think all the kids have had struggles - and likely due to the environment they grew up in. I am not damning his family in any way - I live in a glass house. I KNOW my family is certainly not perfect...we have histories of mental illnesses and substance abuse too. Nature and nurture both add to the adult we become. I truly believe both elements shaped Erik, and maybe he struggled more than some. I see one of my nephews in Erik, and it saddens me. Life IS HARD. And let me tell ya, this stupid redneck small town mentality does NOT help, with people jumping down your throat, gossiping just for fun, and even making up more crap as they go along. I KNOW - I LIVE IT! Get a divorce in Barre and suddenly everybody is spreading smack around town about you, AND just making everything worse. IT DOES want to make you curl up in a ball and die! I feel terrible for everybody involved - Erik's friends and family, his ex-wife and her friends and family, and mostly, the innocent children - born into this vicious cycle once again....To the Mear's - I am so sorry you lost Erik. I too remember him, his energy, his red hair, how he tortured his sisters (in fun)...And to Amanda and her family - I am so sorry for all you have gone through too. PLEASE, if there is anything to learn from this....LOVE THOSE BOYS WITH ALL YOU HAVE - ALL OF YOU, PLEASE FIND SOME PEACEFUL MIDDLE GROUND. I CAN PROMISE YOU THAT ERIK IS LOOKING DOWN, AND FEELING VERY SORRY FOR WHAT HAPPENED - EVERYTHING. He knows what his shortcomings were, and can now clearly see how much he lost. Even though his body is gone, his spirit is still here. Talk to him, he will hear you. Every time you get the chills or some weird deja vous feeling, please know that it IS Erik. God has forgiven him...please, find it in your hearts to do the same. Trust me, I am somewhat of a clairvoyant and know this. Erik loves all of you, and is sorry. But please do not grieve. Just remember the good times, all of you. Cherish his good qualities. Love each other, forgive, move on. Keep him in your hearts. He wants you ALL to move on, be happy, learn from his mistakes. And love those little angels. Raise them well. I am so sad and sorry to have just read his obituary. I am praying for all of you. But please know that Erik is at peace now...finally.
ReplyDeleteHow did eric die?
ReplyDeleteYour guess is probably right.
DeleteEric was a good guy most of the time!! Everyone makes mistakes!! I know for a fact when he was sober he felt awful for what he did in fact he cried on my shoulder more than once. I just pray his children grow up to live long happy lives an smile when they think of there dad!!!
ReplyDeletehi im one of the children im 16 now he was a fucking monster to my mom
ReplyDelete