[SC] Not letting Molly Wrazen's death die - The 11-year-old who heard a woman screaming for help couldn't be accessed by investigators (?)

...AGENTS LEARNED THAT AN 11-YEAR-OLD BOY COMING BACK FROM SCHOOL SUPPOSEDLY HEARD A WOMAN SCREAMING "HELP" FROM THE APARTMENT BUILDING WHERE [MOLLY] WRAZEN DIED. BUT WHEN AGENTS FINALLY CAUGHT UP WITH THE BOY'S MOTHER, SHE SAID THE CHILD HAD MOVED OUT OF STATE AND COULDN'T REMEMBER DETAILS OF THAT DAY... 

POOF?

WEBSITE FOR MOLLY: 
Who murdered Molly Wrazen in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina?

Previous posts:

• SC Officer Hembree's fiance Molly Wrazen murdered [43 comments] - November 3, 2003, Mt. Pleasant Narcotics Police Officer Justin Hembree's 911 call started like this: "I just walked in my apartment," he said quickly. "She's got a bullet in her chest apparently, there's a hole in her chest, there's a gun beside her, and she's not breathing"...
• [SC] Don't write-off the death of Officer Hembree's girlfriend just yet - “It seems to be somewhat illogical to say we’re closing the case and to say at the same time there are so many unanswered questions”... The county coroner refused to go along with police findings and held a rare coroner’s inquest to determine how Wrazen died. A jury ruled Wrazen was murdered...
• Blogger looks for lessons in Molly Wrazen's life and death - ...people who love you do not belittle you, demean you, physically man-handle you, hurt you or put you down...

Below is an article from 2006. It's old yeah, but a commenter on an earlier post last night mentioned the 11year old and I think that good enough reason to make a whole new post (this one) for Molly.

There is someone who is upset that we don't drop the whole thing.

Too bad. 

TOPIC: INSIDE THE WRAZEN CASE FILES
Documents shed light on probe, add to mysteries
The Post and Courier
By Tony Bartelme and Glenn Smith
Published on 09/19/06[Excerpts] ...This investigation was more thorough than the one immediately after Wrazen's death. In that one, SLED agents failed to interview witnesses and failed to properly gather forensic evidence. It was botched so badly that SLED Chief Robert Stewart fired the agent assigned to the case and reprimanded two supervisors. But the second investigation, like the first, still failed to answer the most puzzling questions in the case: Why would Wrazen, a popular 28-year-old pharmacist, kill herself while making extensive plans to move and find a new job? Why was she buying thousands of prescription painkilling pills off the Internet in the months before her death? The second investigation did turn up intriguing leads. At one point, agents learned that an 11-year-old boy coming back from school supposedly heard a woman screaming "help" from the apartment building where Wrazen died. But when agents finally caught up with the boy's mother, she said the child had moved out of state and couldn't remember details of that day... Tests after Wrazen's death showed no signs of painkillers in her system. Her bank accounts showed no unusual deposits. So the question remains: If she wasn't using the painkillers and wasn't profiting from them, why was she buying them? During the second investigation, agents also scrutinized Hembree's movements the day of Wrazen's death. Hembree, a narcotics officer with the Mount Pleasant Police Department, said he left for work at about 10:30 a.m. and didn't return until about 6 p.m. and found Wrazen. His supervisors vouched for his whereabouts, as did his partner, Michael Lynch. Lynch told investigators that Hembree acted no differently that day than any other. If Hembree had been involved in a homicide, "I think I would have noticed that in one second," he told investigators. Lynch took a polygraph test, and an examiner found no signs of deception. Then, Lisa Mills, a manager at Hembree's apartment complex, told investigators that Hembree paid his rent in person on the afternoon of Wrazen's death, a statement that contradicted comments from Hembree and his partner. Mills also remembered that Hembree was less talkative than usual and had his head down. She said that a few days later, after Wrazen's death, Hembree came in again and pointedly told her that he was on a stakeout that day. "It bothered me because I knew he had been on property that day because he handed me his check, and I had talked to him, and he had given me a totally different story." But, several months later, Mills told investigators that it was possible that Hembree paid his rent the morning of Wrazen's death, not in the afternoon... Several friends and colleagues told investigators they were concerned about Hembree's behavior toward Wrazen, and that he used his position as a police officer to control her... But many of Hembree's friends and family painted a much different picture of the couple. They said the two were happy together... Two months before Wrazen's death, she and Hembree went to Florida to get married... Just two hours before the ceremony, however, they called off the wedding... After returning to South Carolina, Wrazen began making plans to go back to Florida. Without telling Hembree, she leased an apartment near Jacksonville and had several job interviews... Investigators learned that during the trip to Florida, Wrazen stopped at a hospital to buy painkillers. Hembree said he had no idea this happened... [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety fatality fatalities murder suicide south carolina state coverup unsolved unresolved]

[SC] Officer Hembree's fiance Molly Wrazen murdered

November 3, 2003, Mt. Pleasant Narcotics Officer Justin Hembree's 911 call started like this: "I just walked in my apartment," he said quickly. "She's got a bullet in her chest apparently, there's a hole in her chest, there's a gun beside her, and she's not breathing."
After Molly's death, investigating agents delivered a report to Charleston County Coroner Susan Chewning: The circumstances were "most consistent" with suicide.

In the following investigation experts testified that Wrazen didn't have gunpowder on her hands and also that the fatal bullet was fired upward into her chest, extremely rare in suicides. Deliberating for only 40 minutes, the six-member jury determined Wrazen was a victim of homicide, but declined an option to name a suspect.

On the day of the ruling, the lead agent investigating Wrazen's death left his job. Two of his superiors were issued reprimands for not following proper procedures. Hembree was placed on paid leave, but now (as of this writing in November of 2005) is back to work.

The attorney general could file charges, decline to do so, or ask for further investigation.

One of Molly's friends: "One of the last times I spoke to Molly, she, in fact, had said to me Justin was stalking her, he was coming to her pharmacy all the time, and he was making it difficult to make a break with him. This relationship was an ongoing problem, particularly on his side. But, in typical Molly, she said, 'I am just so afraid he is going to do something to hurt himself.' That just shows you the type of person she was - always thinking about someone else and someone else's well-being."

FROM OBITUARY:
Molly Wrazen, 28, of Mount Pleasant, S.C., formerly of Laflin, Pa., died Monday, November 3, 2003. Her body was discovered at the residence of an acquaintance. Born September 12, 1975, in Kingston, Pa., a daughter of Robert J. and Ann M. Sharkey Wrazen. She resided most of her life in Laflin, Pa. She was a graduate of Bishop Hoban High School, Class of 1993 and received her degree in pharmacy from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy in 1998, where she earned Dean's List recognition. A licensed pharmacist, she was employed by Kmart and CVS Pharmacies in South Carolina. She was a member of the SC Pharmacological Society and the Chi Omega Sorority of the University of Pittsburgh. Surviving, in addition to her parents are a sister: Kerry Wrazen of Columbia, S.C.; a brother, Jason Wrazen of Minneapolis, MN; paternal grandmother, Agnes Wrazen of Laurel, MD.
SEE WEBSITE:
Who murdered Molly Wrazen in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina? www.mollywrazen.com

TO THE FAMILY: I am so sorry.

[SEARCH THIS BLOG FOR ALL MOLLY WRAZEN POSTS:
http://behindthebluewall.blogspot.com/search?q=molly+wrazen]

Officer back to full duty as shooting probe continues
The Associated Press
November 03, 2005

A narcotics officer placed on administrative leave while the death of his former fiancee is investigated is back on full duty with the Mount Pleasant Police Department.

"I think 23 months of administrative leave is ample time to investigate and reach a decision," Chief Roddy Perry wrote in an e-mail to Mac Burdette, the town administrator.

Narcotics officer Justin Hembree returned to full duty last week.

Two years ago Wednesday, Hembree found 28-year-old Molly Wrazen's body in the bedroom of his apartment. She had been shot once in the chest with Hembree's gun.

Investigators first treated the death as a suicide, but her friends and family later hired their own lawyer and investigators.

A coroner's jury later determined Wrazen's death was a homicide. The inquest found failings in the State Law Enforcement Division investigation and as a result, one investigator was fired and others reprimanded.

A state-federal task force is now investigating and last summer, a new report was delivered to state Attorney General Henry McMaster.

In an e-mail released to The (Charleston) Post and Courier, Perry wrote he was unofficially told by those near the investigation that Hembree passed three polygraphs, the victim had gunshot residue on her hand and nothing new had been uncovered indicating involvement by the officer.

Hembree's attorney Andy Savage said there is no reason he should not return to duty.

"I know of nothing that has been uncovered, other than emotional statements saying that he was involved," Savage said.

There is no deadline for finishing the investigation, which centers on the death and initial SLED investigation, McMaster's spokesman Trey Walker said.

Prosecutors have not briefed Perry on the particulars, he added.

Wrazen, who worked as a pharmacist, broke her relationship with Hembree days before her death and was preparing to move to Florida where she had found another job, according to friends and family.

They wondered why the gun was found cocked and why she would take her life after making such plans.

After her death, it was discovered Wrazen was buying painkillers over the Internet and that some were sent to Hembree's apartment.

Investigators haven't said why she was buying the pills. An autopsy found she wasn't taking any painkillers.

The family's attorney, Tim Kulp, wondered whether the police weren't acting too soon.

"Hembree's return to full duty would be confusing to our community," he said, noting town officials have repeatedly said they would allow state authorities to handle the matter.
[tags police officer involved domestic violence, oidv, intimate partner violence, abuse, law enforcement, cop, deputy, public safety, homicide, lethal fatality, fatalities, murder, SOUTH CAROLINA state politics, deputy, teflon, usur, unsolved unresolved, alleged suicide]

Blogger looks for lessons in Molly Wrazen's life and death

...people who love you do not belittle you, demean you, physically man-handle you, hurt you or put you down...

"MOLLY'S LESSON"
From Blog: Martial Thoughts
[Excerpts] In surfing the web I came across an interesting web site [http://www.mollywrazen.com] dedicated to a murdered woman named Molly Wrazen. The site lays out compelling evidence that Molly was murdered by her ex-boyfriend/ fiance who just happened to be a police officer. The site details even further what very much appears to be a cover-up by the police of the murder. This is a sad story that I hope people read... Molly was a nice, professional woman with no enemies. Then she became involved with Justin and her life was never the same, nor would it continue. So were there signs that Molly could have taken note of that may have saved her life?... You see, from what is written it appears Molly never looked at the situation from any perspective other then her own. She didn't consider her assailant may not be playing by the same rules... she could not imagine anyone behaving as her boyfriend did. I must believe that she kept thinking he would change, see how unreasonable he was being and leave her alone. If only she could get him to understand that she didn't want to be with him. She was ignoring or couldn't see the fact that he thought of her as a possession, a puppet for his pleasure. This innocence and lack of perspective surely served as a factor in placing her in harms way... I want to make it clear that I am not placing any blame on Molly, by all accounts she was a person we all wish we could call friend. I am hoping that by writing this I will raise awareness of Molly's lack of justice (read her story) and that in posting this someone will read this and realize their own situation so they can escape Molly's fate. Life is to short to spend your time in a negative and potentially abusive relationship. Regardless of what you may believe, have been told or the experiences you have had, people who love you do not belittle you, demean you, physically man-handle you, hurt you or put you down. People who love you show you support, protect you, nurture you and help you to succeed in life. Many times we may feel we cannot move on or like Molly we didn't want to hurt the feelings of the other person...
[FULL BLOG ENTRY HERE]

2 EXCELLENT ARTICLES:

• What happened to Molly? Young pharmacist found dead in apartment, SLED says death 'most consistent' with suicide, Coroner not certain, considering rare inquest, The Post and Courier, Tony Bartelme and Glenn Smith, 05/23/04
• Inside the Wrazen case files. Documents shed light on probe, add to mysteries, The Post and Courier, Tony Bartelme and Glenn Smith, 09/19/06

ON GOOGLE DOCS:

• [SC] WHAT HAPPENED TO MOLLY WRAZEN, MT. PLEASANT POLICE OFFICER JUSTIN HEMBREE'S GIRLFRIEND?

WEBSITE FOR MOLLY:

• Who murdered Molly Wrazen in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina?

PREVIOUS ENTRIES ON THIS BLOG:

• Thursday, November 03, 2005 - SC Officer Hembree's fiance Molly Wrazen murdered
• Thursday, September 28, 2006 - [SC] Don't write-off the death of Officer Hembree's girlfriend just yet

CHURCH PRAYING FOR MOLLY: Christ Our King Parish http://www.christourking.org
[police officer involved domestic violence law enforcement fatality fatalities murder south carolina unsolved or unresolved justin hembree]

[U.S.] Too Many Said-Suicides of Law Enforcement Officer's wives, girlfriends, dates, and ex's

It happens too frequently that women in the lives of public safety officers or public officials are said and believed, even without an investigation, to have killed their self.

I will be adding names to this post that I still have in my files - women who were said to have taken their own life - some were declared to be suicides - even on the same day, some never publicly identified, some proven through the courts to have been murdered, some "undetermined" forever.

All loved. All missed. All never forgotten.

JASMIN NICCOLE CEELY
"Investigators have not been able to determine if the death of a McComb police officer's wife was a suicide or homicide..." [MS] "NIKKI" CEELY SHOT DEAD WITH COP HUSBAND'S SHOTGUN, BUT - WHAT? (Husband is Frank Ceely)

MICHELLE O'CONNELL

[FL] St. Johns County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy Banks called 911 to report that his girlfriend, Michelle O'Connell had shot and killed herself. The initial very short news article gave no names: "The girlfriend of a St. Johns County sheriff's deputy died overnight in an apparent suicide... it was the deputy's service weapon that was involved.." Investigators were quoted in that article as having had *believed* the deputy – that he was in another part of the house at the time the gun was fired. See PBS Frontline / New York Times page with link to online documentary and related articles [[[ HERE ]]].

MELISSA MESSINEO VARRONE

[NY] Rotterdam Police Officer told police his new wife Melissa Messineo Varrone fatally shot herself - At her husband Anthony Varrone's word of what had occured, Melissa's death was ruled a suicide 1 day after it happened. Her family says she would never have left her son, the love of her life. FROM NEWS: "State police said a 26-year-old woman died Saturday in her Floral Avenue home from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. No charges were filed stemming from the incident... The Times Union is withholding the name of the victim as a matter of privacy..."

MOLLY YOUNG

[IL] Over 25,000 people would like a deeper investigation into the said-suicide of Molly Young - Carbondale Police Dispatcher Richard “Richie” Minton's lovely right-handed ex-girlfriend Molly Young died by a gunshot wound to the top left side of her head in his residence after he texted her to come over around 3 a.m. Minton says Molly killed herself. There were no fingerprints on the gun, no residue on their hands, there were bruises on her body, scratches on his body, and many other concerning dynamics. I am typing this in July of 2013 and Minton, who lawyered up the morning of Molly's death, has still not cooperated with the police investigation. [See Justice For Molly Facebook group]

ANGIE KOLHAGEN [MI]

Detroit Police Officer William "Billy" "Z" Zeolla's girlfriend Angela "Angie" DeWald Kolhagen was said to have killed herself at their residence with Zeolla's service weapon. Neither of their names were reported in the news, though the event itself briefly was. "During the initial search of the property, police spent several minutes in the backyard. Sources told Fox 2 that is where the victim shot herself before the officer carried her to the front of the house. Several police vehicles responded to the scene. Neighbors said the response time was very fast." Video: [M]I Detroit officer's girlfriend fatally shot in apparent suicide 

CARLI ANNE BITTERMAN DENNIS

[PA] Dallas Township Police Officer Jeffrey Dennis said he didn't kill his wife Carli - that Carli had shot herself. Carli's best friend said Jeff Dennis told her that Carli died because of what she did to him. Another witness said Dennis threatened to shoot her and make it look like she did it. Jeff Dennis was convicted. He can't possibly understand whose life he stole.[Photo is of Carli and her mother]

SHARI BETHEL CARTMELL

[TN] Nashville Police Officer Deon Cartmell called 911 to report that his wife Shari Bethel Cartmell was shot. Officer Cartmell first said that Shari shot herself, that he didn't do it, but he ended up giving conflicting accounts about what occurred. He was convicted for 2nd degree murder. Video: [TN] Officer Cartmell Reports Wife Shari's Death - "...My sister was not suicidal..."

CHELSIE MARIE RAIDIGER

[AZ] Chelsie Raidiger is said to have used her deputy boyfriend's service weapon to kill herself - As stated in news: "Chelsie Raidiger, 22, took her own life almost a year ago by firing a handgun into her chest... Raidiger lived in a Vail home owned by her boyfriend, Michael Kleinberg, who was reportedly in Ohio at the time of her death. Kleinberg is an Oro Valley Police Department officer - and Raidiger used his duty weapon to end her life..."

CATHERINE WEILAND

[IL] Chicago Police Sgt. Steven Lesner says that Catherine Weiland killed herself with his service weapon while he was in her bathroom. He washed his hands before he was checked for gun shot residue and no fingerprints were taken from the weapon. His fellow officers did swab the gun for DNA but they never provided the results to the state crime lab. The city’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications has declined to release the recording of his 1:42 a.m. 911 call. The detective assigned to lead the investigation played on a police union sports team with Lesner. The State Police say they were never given Lesner’s clothing to test for gunshot residue and Catherine wasn’t examined to determine if  there had been sexual contact.

MARLO SANDRA YNIGUEZ GALLAGHER

[WA] Tenino Police Chief  Sean Gallagher’s wife Marlo died of a shotgun blast to the head at their home in Lacey. Investigators quickly concluded that the gunshot wound was self-inflicted and the police lieutenant spokesman told the media that he doesn’t know who owns the shotgun that killed Marlo. She and her husband were the only people in the home at the time of her death. Sean immediately moved in with his Yelm Police officer girlfriend - who was also Marlo's friend - and they have since married. 

THE SAME DAY, ONE HOUR'S DISTANCE FROM MARLO:

SUSAN MCMAHON

[WA] Fire Marshal's wife Susan McMahon said to have committed suicide by engulfing herself in flames at her ex-husband's home - Susan was found on the ground outside of a backyard shed that was fully engulfed in flames. The residence was her ex-husband's - where she had been staying with him. Her body was covered 100% with burns. Her husband, King County Fire and Rescue [IKCFR] Deputy Fire Marshal Melvin “Mel” McMahon was said to not be home at the time assistance was called for. Mapquest shows his station is 2 minutes from home and it was his station that first responded to the fire. Susan's name was never published in the news, and her husband was referred to only as a firefighter. Within 1 day, Susan's death was ruled a suicide.

BRITTANY MAXWELL 

[TN] 25 year old Murfreesboro Police Officer Brittany Maxwell was found dead in her residence. She is said to have been dating a fellow officer from her department and that relationship was not going well. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation was called to investigate her death but details were not made known and it is handled as a suicide. Many do not believe Brittany did not kill herself, and that it's completely out of charachter for many reasons - her dispostion, strength, upcoming plans, selfless projects for the less fortunate --  but it appears the case is closed and decided. Brittany started The Christmas Tree Project to collect artificial trees for those children and families who otherwise would not have a tree.

GEORGIA SKANDON 

1910

[Susanville, CA] "A coroner's jury returned a verdict today to the effect that Mrs. Georgia Skadon, wife of Under Sheriff Skadon, committed suicide. Mrs. Skadon's body was found on a bed Saturday with a rope about her neck. Death was caused by strangulation." Date of death 4 June 1910 [San Francisco Call 7 June 1910]

DETROIT POLICE OFFICER TABITHA MCCREE

News reports didn't mention directly that Tabitha's husband Jaimy McCree is a Detroit Police officer, but he is. EXCERPTS FROM ARTICLES: A female police officer died today after she shot herself following an argument with her husband. Tabitha McCree, 37, argued with her 44-year-old husband Jaimy at the Southwest District at 11 a.m., police officials said. McCree, who was off duty, then took her car and went to a secluded area near West Vernor Highway and St. Anne Street where she got out of the car and shot herself in the stomach. "It was a self-inflicted gunshot wound," said Detroit Police Chief Ella Bully-Cummings... Jaimy McCree initially was a suspect in his wife's death, but investigators have since backed off that theory... Soon after, sources began saying that McCree, who had been taken to Detroit Receiving Hospital, told police that her husband, who is also on the force, may have shot her...

POLICE OFFICER AMY RUFF

[IL] Wayne Police Officer Amy Ruff, wife of DuPage County Sheriff’s Hazardous Device Unit Commander Jim Ruff, was found dead in their DuPage County home near West Chicago. About 20 police cars came to the scene and spent close to 20 hours there. The Major Crimes Task Force of her husband's sheriff's department is the main investigating agency and told the media that Amy appears to have shot herself and released no other details. Amy's boss Wayne Police Chief Dan Callahan would not discuss any details, and the DuPage County coroner's office made no official statement. Amy, mother of two daughters, had been with the Wayne Police Department for 10 years.

TIANNA RICHIE

[GA] Fired a week before the shooting - for steroids - ex-Cobb County Police Detective Tracey Richie told police that his wife Tianna took her own life by shooting herself in the Temple with his service revolver. He was also suspended recently for "a boisterous" fight with her and the report concluded "All accounts indicate you are exhibiting intense anger towards your wife." Tianna's family say they believe that she was murdered. “She was strong-willed. Very caring, and loved her kids, I mean, immensely loved her kids, and we don’t believe she’d do that without at least leaving some kind of note.” Family said she has no history of depression.

MEGAN OWEN BARRY

[VA] Fairfax County Sheriff Stan G. Barry's wife was found shot to death in their Centreville home, and police investigated the case as a suicide. Barry called police and reported a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The sheriff said he had stepped outside briefly and returned to find his wife lying fatally wounded inside. Megan Owen Barry was an associate at the Falls Church and Richmond offices of the Reed Smith law firm and had been working as a lobbyist at the state Capitol.

PA TAMI MAYKUTH 

Tami L. McNeese Maykuth, wife of Ambridge Pennsylvania police officer Joseph Maykuth, was said to have been found dead by her husband in the family van parked outside of their home, and her death was ruled by the coroner to be a suicide - shooting herself in the chest. Her husband Joseph, weapons instructor and armorer for Ambridge Police, took his own life 3 months later by shooting himself also in the chest and also in a vehicle - leaving a note never made public. They are survived by 3 children.

NYPD OFFICER SONIA GARCIA

[NYPD] Sgt. Alexis Chaparro was the only one in the house when fiance' Officer Sonia Garcia was fatally shot, but he claimed he didn't do it. "He said he heard a shot and found her in the bedroom.” Even though responding officers stated at the scene that they didn't believe it was a suicide, Chaparro wasn't charged until six months later. He pleaded down to first-degree manslaughter and was sentenced to a mere 10 years with credit for time served. Sonia is the mother of two beautiful daughters.

TERA CHAVEZ 

[NM] Albuquerque Police Department officer Levi Chavez's department-issued Glock was found next to his wife, Tera Chavez's, body and her death was considered suicide. Tera's family said they never believed she killed herself. APD Officer Chavez was indicted, stood trial and was acquitted of Tera's murder. He has yet to face a civil wrongful death trial in January of 2014. This is a complex case in that many others are accused of having some role in events before and after Tera's death.

JENNIFER MARIE WEBB AND UNBORN BRAXTON 

[MI] Buena Vista Township Police Officer staged Jennifer Marie Webb's suicide, causing also the death of their unborn son Braxton James Donald Webb - Jennifer was Pregnant with Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth "Ken" Bluew near-full term son when he staged Jenny's suicide at a gun range. Responding officers had some doubts so turned the case over to Michigan State Police. Bluew was charged and convicted of 1st-degree premeditated murder, assaulting a pregnant individual intentionally causing miscarriage or stillbirth of a fetus or embryo, and two counts of possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Bluew was given a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole for murder plus 65 to 100 for the additional crimes.

CYNTHIA RUTH WALLACE WELCH 

[LA] "Shreveport police officer [Michael Welch]'s gun believed used in suicide... Shreveport police are at the scene of a suicide on the west side of town, one in which an officer's wife died... Police spokesman Randy Patrick said the victim used a Glock and that efforts are now under way to determine whether it was her husband's service weapon. At 9:20 am there were 10 Shreveport police units on the scene..." In one of the several articles about his domestic violence incidents with another woman after his wife's death, it stated that "Welch is a widower. His wife died this past January in what was determined to be a suicide using Welch's department-issue pistol. Cynthia Welch, 30, was found in the bathtub of the couple's mobile home with a gunshot wound to the head...

POLICE OFFICER MICHELLE HAYWARD

[FL] Many who knew Tarpon Springs Florida Police Officer Michelle Hayward don't believe that she committed suicide. Michelle had reported that her ex-boyfriend, Tarpon Springs Police Sgt. John Spatz punched her in the stomach when he came to pick up his clothes. No arrests were made. Charges of misdemeanor battery were forwarded against both of them. Both were put on paid leave for about 10 days then reinstated before the prosecutor's inquiry was even completed. Days later Michelle was found dead by gunshot. Police said that it was self-inflicted.

HARRISON COUNTY JAIL COMMANDER CHRISTINE BRITTON

[IN] Believing Harrison County Sheriff's Deputy John Britton when he tells 911: "My wife shot herself..." - Harrison County Indiana Sheriff's Deputy John Britton called 911 to say that his wife, Harrison County Jail Commander Christine Britton, had shot herself. He said they were arguing, she had threatened to kill herself, he said he told her to go ahead and do it and then left his weapon on the bed. There is only his side of the story because the dead can't testify and Deputy Britton was was found guilty only of assisting a suicide. Video: [IN] Deputy Britton 911 call "My wife shot herself..."

LORI MEULMAN DEKLEINE

[MI] Lori DeKleine, wife of Holland Michigan Police Officer Ken DeKleine, said days before her death that if she comes up dead, to investigate her husband. Amid a "bitter divorce and custody battle" While being allowed to repeatedly violate Lori's protection orders against him, Ken convinced others Lori was suicidal and unstable in preparation of executing his plan. He laid in wait and ambushed her. He didn't expect a fight - that would leave her bruised and him bitten. He also made some technical miscalculations of the staged suicide scene, was charged, convicted of murder and given life in prison without parole.

NATALIE WAGNER

[WI] Shorewood Police Officer Natalie Wagner was killed by shotgun blast in the presence of her boyfriend Milwaukee Police Officer Michael Quigley. Quigley was cleared (and then changed his name to Michael Patrick Austin). From Natalie's parents, Melinda and Robert Wagner: "The Milwaukee Police Department proclaimed Natalie's death a suicide within three days. Later, when we read their reports, we discovered that they did no fingerprinting and collected no blood evidence. The senior fingerprint expert, who was called at home to come to the scene, was turned away at the door. He later told a friend of his, 'This whole thing stinks.'"

VASHTI FORREST SEACAT

[KS] Sedgwick County Sheriff's deputy Brett Seacat claimed his wife Vashti Forrest Seacat killed herself - but was convicted - Vashti filed for divorce 16 days before her death. Her husband, claimed Vashti wrote a suicide note, set a fire in their home, and then fatally shot herself down the hall from their two young sleeping sons. Vashti's sister said that Vashti had plans for the future, loved her children and would never commit suicide. Brett was found guilty of  first-degree murder, aggravated arson and two counts of aggravated child endangerment. Brett Seacat was a police trainer for the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center at the time of Vashti's murder.

[Everyone on this page is so much more than a victim of suicide or murder; they are loved, and missed.]

JENNIFER AYDIN PICCINI

[PA] Which version of what happened to officer's wife Jennifer Aydin Piccini is true? -  When I first read news about Jennifer Aydin Piccini's death, my impression was her husband was a police officer, she went to his station, he wasn't there, that she had a confrontation with "police" and then fatally shot herself. After reading everything that I could find it seems the stories don't mesh. Most news reports didn't point out that the number of police present during her fatal wounding was two, OR that one of those two officers was her husband.

PATSY TINSLEY BRADLEY

is said to have committed suicide but few believe it. Ex Woodfin NC Police Chief Pete Bradley was convicted in March 2007 of assaulting his wife Patsy in their Biltmore Forest home, about a month before Patsy Bradley died of what officials assume, but haven't officially ruled, was suicide. At the assault trial prosecutors said Pete Bradley struck Patsy in the head leaving a lump the size of a golf ball. Officers said they found Patsy Bradley that day scared and crying in her car at a neighbor's house.

LISA KORESSEL

[CA] 22-year-old Orange Police Department Dispatcher Lisa Koressel  died of a gunshot wound to the head in a remote area of Riverside County while said to be target practicing with her husband, 23-year-old Buena Park police officer William Koressel. Riverside County Sheriff's Department  investigated it as a suicide at her husband's word, and concluded that Lisa died almost instantly. Friends and former co-workers of Lisa expressed disbelief that she had killed herself. William Koressel told investigators that Lisa Koressel's gun "had been removed from the scene, from where she was." The gun was located in their car.

AMANDA GRAHAM BARKER

[NC] Amanda Graham Barker, Dispatch Supervisor
 is said to have shot herself with her Red Springs Assistant Police Chiefs' service weapon - Amanda was living with and engaged to Red Springs Asst. Police Chief Kevin Locklear, when he called 911 and reported that Amanda had shot herself in the head while he was in another room. It was his service revolver. Amanda was a dispatch supervisor for Cumberland County EMS and mother of 2. In 2009 Locklear was fired from his position as police chief of the Raeford Police Dept. after he was charged with the 2007 injurious assault of his then-wife.

MOLLY WRAZEN

[SC] What happened to Molly Wrazen? - Mt. Pleasant Narcotics Officer Justin Hembree's 911 call started like this: "I just walked in my apartment, She's got a bullet in her chest apparently, there's a hole in her chest, there's a gun beside her, and she's not breathing." ... Experts testified that Wrazen didn't have gunpowder on her hands and also that the fatal bullet was fired upward into her chest, extremely rare in suicides. Deliberating for only 40 minutes, the six-member jury determined Wrazen was a victim of homicide, but declined an option to name a suspect...

CATHRYN MOORE
[FL]Daytona Beach Police Officer Chris(topher) Reeder said his girlfriend Cathryn Moore shot herself with his weapon while he was in the shower. Before there was an investigation, police were already saying it looks to be what Officer Reeder said it was. “A policeman whose girlfriend killed herself with his service weapon was issued a written warning for leaving his gun unsecured.”  Cathryn was studying for her nursing degree at Daytona State College. Cathryn was well known throughout her life for her great love of animals, especially her beloved horse, Moonlight, and her two dogs, Brandy and Keoke.

LYNDA JEAN CONRAD WALKER 

[PA] Police Sgt Walker's wife Lynda did NOT commit suicide 30 years ago. Now he gets short jail term. Montrose Pennsylvania Police Sgt. John David Walker was arrested in 2012 for the 1983 murder of his wife Lynda Jean Conrad Walker. Lynda's death had been ruled a suicide even before her autopsy was performed. In 2011 the grand jury had Lynda Walker’s body exhumed, she was re-examined, and found to have died by homicide. Sgt. Walker was allowed a plea deal in 2014, escaping trial and a possible life sentence, pleading "no contest" to voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to serve 2 to 4 years in a county jail. Information from Sgt. Walker's next wife helped police reopen the case. She said Walker told her that investigating police had no evidence BECAUSE he obtained the evidence police seized from the scene many years ago... DOD Nov. 13, 1983.

VALARIE FIORENZA

[MA] “Our daughter, Valarie Fiorenza... Her body was found hanging from a floor joist in a basement storage room in the home of her estranged live-in boyfriend, Saugus Police Officer Paul R. Bennett. The Saugus Police Department was the investigating agency and proclaimed the death a suicide even before the autopsy. The newspapers and TV were not contacted, because the police did not want anyone to know that Valarie's body was found in the home of a police officer." Valarie's death came 3 days after filing a restraining ordder against Officer Bennett.

KAREN FLORES 

[AZ] PimaCounty Sheriff's Deputy Luis Lopez called in to authorities to report his girlfriend Karen Flores had killed herself, shooting herself in the chest with his service weapon. Tucson Police investigated it initially as suspicious, and Lopez was terminated one day after the alleged suicide - for failing to successfully complete his probationary period. Lopez and Flores were involved in a fight before the shooting, and at the scene Lopez was reportedly uncooperative with deputies when asked where the gun was. His father had to direct police to the gun in a back room. [That's it.]

SANDRA KAYE GILL 

[AR] Sandra Kaye Gill was murdered by her husband, Ex-Fordyce Police Chief Paul Douglas “Doug” Gill, who had tried to stage it as a suicide. Doug Gill said the he found Sandra in bed with a gunshot wound to her head. He called 911 and said that he thought his wife had killed herself. Interviews with those close to Sandra said that she had a vacation planned, was working on a graduate degree, was expecting a grandchild, had strong religious beliefs, hated guns, and had never fired a weapon. Her husband was found guilty of 1st-degree murder and was sentenced to 40 years in prison.

YVONNE MANSFIELD  

[OK] Yvonne Hart Mansfield of Altus died of a gunshot wound to the head and her husband, Jackson County sheriff's deputy James Mansfield sustained a gunshot wound in his hand. James called 911 and said his wife had shot herself. The gun used was James Mansfield's service weapon. Police said it wasn't determined who discharged the weapon. Jackson County Sheriff Morris Roberts said: "James has been a good employee." and that if the investigation clears Mansfield, he will be welcome to come back to work. Someone close to her: “We loved her dearly and miss her so much. The 2 year old child was her son, not James Mansfield's. The ER nurses told me James reeked of alcohol that night.”

POLICE OFFICER PAMELA POWELL

[KY] Jefferson County Police Officer Pamela Dawn Powell appeared to investigators to have been shot in her sleep with her own service weapon. Her husband Robert "Bobby" Powell first claimed she had committed suicide, then claimed they had a suicide pact but that he just couldn't follow through when it was his turn. Pamela Powell's sister said "He's lying. She would never commit suicide," that her sister had been planning to leave him and had already packed her daughter's clothing. Robert was sentenced to life in prison.

[Not forgotten] ELEANOR JAMES
[NC] Long time wife of Police Chief Jesse James - chief of Burlington and then Charlotte, Eleanor James was ruled to have killed herself. She was found “shot once in the chest by a bullet that passed through her body and lodged in the mattress of her bed. Coroner Dr. W. M. Summerville ruled the death a suicide.” Chief James stepped down from his Charolette job a year earlier. He and Eleanor had two sons, 11 and 16 years old.

JAN MARIE WRIGHT
[OH] According to Columbus Police Officer Richard Wright, his wife Jan Marie Wright - a Rural Metro Ambulance driver, died of an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound to her chest. Wright, had argued with his wife before the shooting. He says he got in his car, placed the gun in the middle, sat in the driver's seat, and that Jan entered the passenger side, grabbed the gun and was shot in the upper chest during a struggle for it. "My wife went to get my gun from me, and she shot herself..." Jan's stepfather said investigators should have given Wright a polygraph test. Wright pleaded guilty to first-degree misdemeanor negligent homicide and got 6 months in jail.

ARIANA SUTTON (2023)
Ariana is said to have killed herself due to postpartum depression 9 days after giving birth to twins. Excerpts news: The 36-year-old, whose "greatest joy was spending time with her family," shared three children with Easton police officer Tyler Sutton, per her obituary... Her husband’s brother, Jason Sutton, described Ariana as a "very gentle, kind human being. Ariana wanted these kids so badly... She lived to be a mother"...

AMANDA MEDINA

[NM] 24-year-old Albuquerque Police officer Frank Baca Jr. called 911 reporting hisgirlfriend, 24-year-old Amanda Medina, had just committed suicide by shooting herself. The weapon was Officer Baca's service weapon. I would love to know about her life or have a photo of her. Amanda lived in Las Vegas, New Mexico.

KATHY FERGUSON

[AR] Kathy Ferguson, ex-wife of Arkansas State Trooper Danny Ferguson and then-current girlfriend of Sherwood Police Officer Bill Shelton, was found dead of a gunshot wound to the right temple in Sheldon's home. Officer Bill Shelton, who is said to have found Kathy dead, allegedly shot himself once in the head at her grave a month later.


THERESA FLANNERY 
Theresa, a lieutenant with the NYPD, was found in her apartment with two gunshot wounds to her head... Long Island cops believe she shot herSELF in the face. Bleeding and in pain, she put the gun behind her ear and pulled the trigger yet again, striking herSELF in the back of the head. Friends and family say, NO WAY. The New York Post reported that Lieutenant Flannery had broken up with her husband, also a police lieutenant, was dating a city police officer who is married. Neighbors had heard a commotion, breaking glass and two shots.

LAURA RAWLS
[FL] Police officer's wife Laura Rawls said to have killed herself with husband's service weapon (1957) "The 43-year-old wife of a Miami police officer took her own life early today, police reported. The victim was identified as Mrs. Laura Rawls, of 3021 NW 1st St. She was found dead, lying on her bed, at 7 a.m. by her husband, Officer E. J. Rawls, police department drunk-o-meter technician...

DORIS THOMPSON SHRYOCK
[OH] Kettering Police Chief's Wife, Doris Thompson Shryock, Said-Suicide - 1974 - On September 5th, 1974 Doris Thompson Shryock died by a gunshot wound to the head. Kettering Police Chief John Russel Shryock says she told him she was going to kill herself and that she has had "complete mental disorientation" since a car accident years prior to her death. One month after her death the chief sued the driver in that accident for $300,000.
[unsolved, unresolved, faked usur, police, officer involved, domestic violence, oidv, intimate partner violence, ipv, abuse, law enforcement, public safety, lethal, fatality, arkansas, arizona, california, florida, georgia, illinois, indiana, kansas, kentucky, louisiana, massachusetts, michigan, new mexico, new york police, north carolina, oklahoma, pennsylvania, south carolina, tennessee, virginia, washington, wisconsin state politics, united states, attorney general, special class of crime, perpetrator, cop on cop, nypd, nyc, alleged suicide, said suicide, Trooper Danny Ferguson was co-defendant with President Bill Clinton insexual harassment lawsuit by Paula Corbin Jones]