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PINNED POST. CLICK HERE: Keeping these 3 videos of officer-involved domestic violence fatalities on top. Blog best navigated from computer.

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Saturday, May 30, 2009

[WI] Then-Deputy Hutchins gets 20 years for shooting girlfriend and 12 year old girl

...[Former Milwaukee County Sheriff's Deputy Thomas] Hutchins' attorney, Bridget Boyle, said Hutchins fired several shots at the door lock because he wanted to see if [his then-girlfriend Petria] Dent was all right. Dent, who was in the courtroom gallery responded loudly: "He shot me in the face! What does she mean he wanted to see if I was OK?...

FORMER DEPUTY SENTENCED TO JAIL TIME WISN.com
May 28, 2009
[Excerpt] A former Milwaukee County sheriff's deputy will spend 20 years in prison for shooting his girlfriend and a 12-year-old girl. Thomas Hutchins pled no contest to shooting the woman in the face during an argument at her Northside Milwaukee condo in December. She ran to a neighbor's house, where Hutchins fired through the door, shooting a 12-year-old inside... [Full article here]

FORMER SHERIFF'S DEPUTY SENTENCED IN SHOOTINGS
Today's TMJ4
Dan O'Donnell
May 28, 2009
[Excerpts] ...Thomas Hutchins, 40, had pleaded no contest to two charges of first degree reckless injury and one count of endangering safety through the use of a dangerous weapon in January. According to a criminal complaint, Hutchins and his then-girlfriend Petria Dent got into a violent argument... When she threatened to call police, Hutchins shot her in the face and then followed her as she ran to her neighbor's home. When Dent locked the front door behind her, Hutchins fired several shots. Three bullets struck a young girl in the leg and hand. "It's only pure luck that he's not facing two counts of reckless homicide," said Deputy District Attorney Patrick Kenney. Dent has undergone five surgeries since the incident, and the girl still has heavy scars. She and several of her siblings who were home at the time of the incident are still in therapy. [Full article here]


FORMER DEPUTY SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS FOR SHOOTING THAT INJURED TWO
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
By Marie Rohde
May. 28, 2009
[Excerpts] ...Milwaukee County Circuit Judge David Borowski sentenced Hutchins to 10 years in prison and five years of extended supervision on each of the injury counts to be served consecutively, and two years in prison followed by two years of extended supervision to be served concurrently on the third count. According to records and testimony, Hutchins went to the home of his girlfriend, Petria Dent, 32, with a gift for their child just before Christmas. The couple soon argued; he said it was over Dent spanking the girl. Dent said he slapped her and that she defended herself by striking him with a candlestick. Hutchins denied slapping her, saying her attack was unprovoked, and he shot her out of fear for his safety. He also said she had threatened to call the police, and he feared his job would be endangered... Hutchins' attorney, Bridget Boyle, said Hutchins fired several shots at the door lock because he wanted to see if Dent was all right. Dent, who was in the courtroom gallery responded loudly: "He shot me in the face! What does she mean he wanted to see if I was OK?"... [Deputy District Attorney Patrick] Kenney noted that Dent's two children were in the home when she was shot, as were several other children in her care. There were a number of people in the second home as well. All the children are receiving therapy and are still fearful... [Full article here]

Previous posts:
3 VIDEOS FROM DECEMBER 2008:



[police officer involved domestic violence law enforcement shooting attempted murder secondary victim wisconsinl]

[FL] In behalf of Officer Guillen who confessed to sexual battery of 7 year old in his home, "He's done a great job"

..."He has never been disciplined by the Bal Harbour Police Department," Bal Harbour Police Chief Thomas E. Hunker said. "He's done a great job."


BAL HARBOUR OFFICER ACCUSED OF MOLESTING CHILD
MiamiHerald.com
By Rodolfo R. Roman and Robert Samuels
May 28, 2009
A Bal Harbour police officer was arrested Thursday and accused of molesting a 7-year-old girl, police said. Rene Guillen, a five-year-veteran who works with the city's motorcycle unit and who has a clean police record, was charged with sexual aggravated battery on a minor... He confessed... "He has never been disciplined by the Bal Harbour Police Department," Bal Harbour Police Chief Thomas E. Hunker said. "He's done a great job." [Full article here]

BAL HARBOUR OFFICER SEXUALLY ASSAULTED CHILD, POLICE SAY
Sun-Sentinel.com
By Doug Phillips
May 29, 2009
...Guillen provided a full confession, according to a statement from Miami-Dade police. Information released by police allege that the 7-year-old girl was sexually assaulted while visiting Guillen's residence on the evening of April 25, 2009. Further details were not provided... Guillen has been suspended from the Bal Harbour Police Department without pay... [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence law enforcement miami dade county child children rape florida]

[CT] Norwich Police Lt. Blanchette allowed the respectability of "RETIREMENT"?

In the OUTRAGEOUS RESOLUTION of Norwich Police Lt. Michael R. Blanchette's heroin-connected scandal - AN OFFENSIVE-TO-ALL "RETIREMENT" WITH PENSION - only one of the two recent articles BOTHERS to mention Lt. Blanchette's prior domestic case in a short blurb - at the end:
...In 2004, Blanchette was arrested on domestic charges related to allegations he was harassing his estranged wife. The charges were later dismissed when he agreed to go to counseling.

Previous post:
[CT] DV charges erased, Lt. Blanchette moved on to other crimes
- Riddle: Keep a cop that breaks the law and what do you get?

It's crazy that this officer is getting the package he is, after his heroin-related escapades, ESPECIALLY (WATCH THIS) BECAUSE he has threatened that if he DOESN'T get the golden egg he is going to
SING
on what he knows about the department! He THREATENS, and then GETS the respected exit of retirement? But this is a blog on officer-involved domestic violence, so HERE I'm even more disgusted. In 2004 it wasn't just a domestic "harassment" incident as the recent article says. He should have been fired years back. The more recent charges should have been against a civilian ex-cop Blanchette, not a current police lieutenant with sworn powers of arrest, paid by the city to pose as someone of public trust - representing the whole Norwich Police Department.

You KEEP a cop that commits crimes and you have a badged criminal. Keeping him says more about the chief and brass than the individual criminal cop. It looks bad on every Norwich police officer - but I say it's on the chief.

Please see the article excerpts that I have included from 2004 that follow (below) these recent news excerpts.

NORWICH POLICE OFFICER AGREES TO RETIRE
Lieutenant demoted, suspended 40 days

Norwich Bulletin
By Greg Smith
May 27, 2009
[Excerpts] Nearly two and a half years after embattled former Norwich Police Lt. Michael R. Blanchette last wore his uniform, the city has come to an agreement to ensure he never does again. Under an agreement reached with the city, Blanchette will be able to seek retirement benefits with the city’s Personnel and Pension Board, but he will be demoted from lieutenant to patrol officer and receive a 40-day suspension, Police Chief Louis J. Fusaro said Wednesday. The announcement comes at the end of an internal investigation into, among other things, Blanchette’s drug possession arrest last year, Fusaro said. The retirement would be retroactive to April 25 and the suspension would be served by Blanchette forfeiting $12,000 in accrued leave payments he would have been eligible for at the time of his retirement... In response to a Freedom of Information request made by The Norwich Bulletin in March, Fusaro on Wednesday released 64 pages of heavily redacted documents pertaining to the internal investigation into Blanchette’s arrest, and other matters. Some of the documents are indecipherable because of the redactions, but include allegations from suspected drug dealers that Blanchette bought, used and sold heroin and was stealing from drug dealers outside the city... In a May 29, 2008, letter Blanchette expressed his intention to retire with his full 20-year pension and warned that he would conduct a “protracted fight with the news media, and civil courts should you decide to try and deprive me of my retirements benefits”... Blanchette said he had maintained documented information about what he considered mishandled disciplinary problems and prepared his own news releases... In 2004, Blanchette was arrested on domestic charges related to allegations he was harassing his estranged wife. The charges were later dismissed when he agreed to go to counseling. [Full article here]

NORWICH COP WILL RETIRE AS PART OF SETTLEMENT TIED TO INTERNAL PROBE
Lt. Blanchette had alleged links to drug dealers, users

The Day
By Claire Bessette
Published on 5/28/2009
[Excerpts] Despite citing several valid reasons to fire former city police Lt. Michael Blanchette following an investigation into his alleged association with drug users and dealers, Chief Louis Fusaro said Wednesday that the department instead reached a settlement that included a suspension, a demotion and immediate retirement... Michael Blanchette was charged with possession of a controlled substance, but later pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of disorderly conduct and paid a $100 fine. But the internal investigation also included two separate earlier incidents - one while Blanchette was on duty and one while off duty - in which Blanchette “exercised extremely poor judgment,” the chief wrote... In a March 5, 2009 letter to Blanchette titled “proposed termination from employment,” Fusaro said Blanchette's long tenure on injury leave dating back to January 2007 was cause to terminate his employment because he no longer could perform his duties. Fusaro also cited several disciplinary allegations and accused Blanchette of threatening to release information to the media that “would have the effect of casting disrepute on the department without regard for the truth or veracity of the information to be released.” In the letter, Fusaro described Blanchette's actions as showing insubordination, incompetence, “untruthfulness” and interference with an internal investigation. Fusaro Wednesday declined to comment on the settlement or the documents that were released... A week after the Blanchettes were arrested, local and New York police arrested two men in Norwich for possession of more than two pounds of heroin purchased at the same Bronx apartment. One of those suspects, identified as “D,” told police during interviews that “Michael Blanchette has used heroin for several years”... Mocek cited Blanchette for insubordination for his continued close association with his brother, “a known narcotics user and felon,” and for his continued association with other individuals of dubious reputation... [Full article here]

FROM 2004:

Police officer arrested in domestic fracas
Three incidents culminate in multiple charges
Norwich Bulletin (CT)
Greg Smith
February 19, 2004
[Excerpts] City police have arrested a veteran ranking officer following an investigation into allegations of domestic abuse made by his estranged wife. Lt. Michael R. Blanchette, a supervisor in the department's training division, was arraigned Wednesday in Norwich Superior Court on multiple charges of first-degree criminal trespassing, second-degree harassment, disorderly conduct and one count of breach of peace... [Deputy Police Chief Warren] Mocek directed Blanchette not to go to this wife's home and to obtain a police escort when picking up his children. Feb. 15, Daneen Blanchette contacted police to report Michael Blanchette at her residence. He was arrested Tuesday... Blanchette's wife claimed in her statements to police that he verbally and emotionally abused her and on one occasion pushed her and spit in her face. She also charged he entered her home without her permission several times when she was not home. She also claimed that Blanchette "has become increasingly unpredictable in his behavior and she is afraid to go to sleep at night." It was not unusual, she said, for Blanchette to call her residence up to 100 times a day...

Officer faces domestic disturbance charges

The Day
By Eileen Mcnamara
February 19, 2004
...[Warren] Mocek, the deputy chief, told Michael Blanchette not to go to his wife's home "pending the outcome of this investigation." ... Two days later, Daneen Blanchette told police, her husband came to her home uninvited at 3:30 p.m. and knocked repeatedly on the door, yelling, "I'm not leaving"...

Arrested Norwich officer turns weapons in; duty status uncertain
Police lieutenant accused of harassing his estranged wife
The Day (New London, CT)
By Claire Bessette
February 20, 2004
Police Lt. Michael Blanchette turned in his duty firearms and some personal firearms Tuesday in the wake of his arrest on domestic disturbance charges. It remained unclear Thursday whether Blanchette will be allowed to return to active duty. Blanchette, who was promoted to lieutenant in September 2002, is using vacation time for the rest of this week... [Deputy Police Chief Warren] Mocek said THE DEPARTMENT HAS NO SET POLICY FOR HANDLING ARRESTS OF OFFICERS, AND NO AUTOMATIC REQUIREMENT THAT OFFICERS BE PLACED ON ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE. EACH CASE IS REVIEWED SEPARATELY BASED ON THE CHARGES AND THE OFFICER'S ACTIONS, HE SAID...

Officer to enter family violence program to get charges dropped

The Day
By Paul Choiniere
April 29, 2004
Norwich Police Lt. Michael R. Blanchette, arrested in February on allegations he harassed and intimidated his estranged wife, agreed Wednesday to enter the state's Family Violence Education Program, a move that should lead to his criminal charges being dropped. THE PROTECTIVE ORDER FILED AGAINST BLANCHETTE WAS ALSO MODIFIED TO ALLOW HIM TO CARRY A GUN WHILE ON DUTY... IF BLANCHETTE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES THE PROGRAM, AIMED AT PREVENTING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, THE CHARGES WILL BE DROPPED...

Arrested cop gets gun back
Norwich Bulletin
Thursday, April 29, 2004
By GREG SMITH
A Norwich police lieutenant, arrested on domestic violence charges, COULD GET HIS GUN BACK AS EARLY AS THIS WEEK AND LEAVE LEGAL TROUBLES BEHIND WITHIN A YEAR. LT. MICHAEL BLANCHETTE, 38, APPEARED IN DANIELSON SUPERIOR COURT WEDNESDAY WITH HIS WIFE, DANEEN, at his side...

This blurb from 2008 shows how the domestic charges were resolved:

DEA joins investigation of Norwich cop
State's attorney's office also involved in probe of police lieutenant, brother as New York drug connection is alleged The Day, CT
By Claire Bessette
6/26/2008
...In 2004 Blanchette was arrested on domestic disturbance charges after his estranged wife told police he had repeatedly harassed her, entered her home uninvited and shoved her. The charges were dismissed after Blanchette agreed to attend classes and counseling...

[police officer involved domestic violence law enforcement connecticut repeat offenders teflon]

[KY] Update on Sgt. Kenny Riley's girlfriend assault : A demotion, a week off from work, and - the charges were dropped?

...Authorities say [Daviess County Sheriff's Sgt.] Kenny Riley, 41, violated the department's policy...

WHAT POLICY WAS THAT?

FROM THE LAST POST:

...Sgt. Kenny Riley, 41, was charged with fourth-degree assault/domestic violence... [Rileys's girlfriend] said Riley grabbed her in their living room, ripping her shirt, and she ran upstairs and called 911. Officers noted she had "redness on her right side," and she said she was unsure how she got the mark... Riley told officers [his girlfriend] had been drinking and was attempting to drive to Denny's. He said as she was walking toward the door to leave, he grabbed her by the shirt, and it ripped.

I almost missed this, but thanks to the commenters on the last Riley post I started poking around...

Kentucky Deputy Demoted
May 15, 2008
A Daviess County Sheriff's Office employee accused of assaulting his girlfriend has been demoted to deputy from sergeant. Authorities say Kenny Riley, 41, violated the department's policy. Riley was suspended for a week without pay. Charges against him were dismissed. Riley works security at the courthouse. [Link]

[police officer involved domestic violence law enforcement sheriff's deputy sergeant teflon kentucky]

Friday, May 29, 2009

[IN] Hoping Sgt. Downey's wife runs for higher ground now

...On Sunday May 17, Downey's wife told police her husband threatened to hurt her animals. She called right back and told them to disregard the call. In December, Downey's wife told police her husband assaulted her.... In April, 2008, a third-party caller told police Downey's wife was having problems with the off-duty officer...

There are those who loose their cool and writhe in remorse. And then there are those who think they can do what they want and get away with it. Sgt. Downey appears to take no responsibility, seems to feel free to do it again, blames others for the trouble he's in, and it would be no surprise if he pretends to reconcile - but only to get in a better warring position with intent of "winning" in the end. Now, it's a battleground, with weapons and strategies. I can feel the dangerous ideas running through his head from here... It doesn't take a psychic.

Previous post:
[IN] South Bend Police Sgt. Eric Downey contesting the wife-battery and dui charges against him - IT WAS THE FOURTH CALL FROM SGT. ERIC DOWNEY’S HOME IN THE PAST 13 MONTHS... MRS. DOWNEY TOLD OFFICERS HE PINNED HER ON THE BED, THEN HELD HER DOWN IN A CHAIR — BEFORE SHE STARTED TO FIGHT BACK. BUT SGT. DOWNEY TOLD OFFICERS A VERBAL ARGUMENT ESCALATED TO HIS WIFE HITTING AND CHOKING HIM FIRST... DOWNEY'S NEXT COURT DATE IS MAY 26...

SOUTH BEND POLICE OFFICER PLACED ON PAID LEAVE AFTER BATTERY, OWI CHARGES
WSBT
May 28, 2009
[Excerpts] SOUTH BEND - A South Bend police officer has been placed on paid administrative leave after being charged with domestic battery and operating a vehicle while intoxicated. The South Bend Board of Public Safety also removed all of Sgt. Eric Downey's police powers. He will work in the chief's office until the investigation is complete... This wasn't the first time police were called to the officer's home. On Sunday May 17, Downey's wife told police her husband threatened to hurt her animals. She called right back and told them to disregard the call. In December, Downey's wife told police her husband assaulted her. Police sent that case to the Family Violence Unit. In April, 2008, a third-party caller told police Downey's wife was having problems with the off-duty officer. The probable cause documents in this latest incident say Downey grabbed his wife's wrists so hard he caused injury and pain. Downey has filed a formal complaint against all officers on the call for excessive force and false arrest. He says he filed an additional complaint against one of the officers for intimidation and provocation... [Full article here]

Twittered: South Bend Police Sgt. Downey placed on paid leave after domestic battery, OWI charges - http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/46381327.html
[police officer involved domestic violence law enforcement repeat indiana]

[OH] Deputy Kirk, who assaulted his wife, is fired. It appears to be a commendable, swift decision, but sad too.

Please pray for them both.
Their lives and unrest continue.
This is a fragile time.

...[Clinton County Sheriff Ralph] Fizer said Kirk's case was handled like all other such cases for anyone else. "He was given due process. Our officers are held to higher standards," he said. "They have a Code of Ethics they are held to"...

This sheriff doesn't play. The article of the abuse and arrest was only three days ago, and already the investigation is done enough to know what they wanted to do.

Previous post:
[OH] Deputy Chris Kirk attacks, injures his wife, and was bailed out the next day - She suffered bruises to her arms and back. Kirk was held in jail for one night, and then released on $2500 bond after a court appearance. Kirk is on administrative leave pending the outcome of a report from a disciplinary hearing officer...

SHERIFF'S DEPUTY CHARGED WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
WNEWSJ
Rose Cooper, County Editor
5/29/2009 12:35:00 AM
[Excerpts] A Clinton County sheriff's deputy, who was recently charged with domestic violence for allegedly attacking his wife, was fired Wednesday following an internal investigation and a disciplinary hearing. Chris Kirk was arrested May 13 after his wife, Misty Kirk, filed domestic violence charges with the sheriff's office, said Clinton County Sheriff Ralph D. Fizer Jr. Fizer said Kirk's wife suffered visible injuries during an altercation on May 11. She had bruises to her arms and back... A temporary protection order was also filed. The domestic violence case is still pending in court, Fizer said... Kirk was immediately placed on administrative leave pending the disciplinary hearing and the internal investigation conducted by Lt. Brian Edwards, chief detective with the sheriff's office. Fizer said John Hosler, director of Clinton County Job & Family Services, was appointed disciplinary hearing officer. During the May 20 hearing, Fizer said Kirk could call witnesses on his behalf... "He does have a right to appeal. He has 10 days to file with the State of Ohio Personnel Board of Review in Columbus" Fizer said Kirk's case was handled like all other such cases for anyone else. "He was given due process. Our officers are held to higher standards," he said. "They have a Code of Ethics they are held to"... Kirk received the American Red Cross Hero award in March for rescuing two boys who were trapped in raging creek waters last year. [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence law enforcement terminated shiny sheriff zero tolerance ohio]

[CAN] RCMP Officer Woodrow locked up the woman his domestic violence was with. Police were flown into the scene.

ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE SGT. WAYNE NEWELL, MEDIA RELATIONS OFFICER, REGARDING RCMP CONSTABLE JAMES WOODROW:

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS A PROBLEM IN OUR SOCIETY AND WE WON’T TOLERATE IT, ESPECIALLY BY OUR OWN MEMBERS... HE IS NOW FACING CHARGES OF ASSAULT, SECTION 266 OF THE CRIMINAL CODE AND ONE COUNT OF FORCIBLE CONFINEMENT, 279 OF THE CRIMINAL CODE... THE DISPUTE STARTED IN THE OFFICER'S HOME... THE OFF DUTY RCMP OFFICER TOOK IT UPON HIMSELF TO ARREST THIS WOMAN, SHE WAS PLACED IN THE CELLS. THAT OBVIOUSLY CAUSED MUCH CONCERN... THERE WAS NO MEDICAL ATTENTION SOT[SP] IMMEDIATELY, I DON’T KNOW IF SHE’S GONE SINCE OR NOT. BUT THE INJURIES INVOLVED BRUISING AND SCRATCHES AND THAT TYPE OF THING...

Photo is of RCMP Newell. Woodrow's arraignment is POSTPONED UNTIL OCTOBER 7th!

OFF-DUTY MOUNTIE ACCUSED OF HITTING NAIN WOMAN, PUTTING HER IN LOCKUP
CBC News
May 28, 2009
An off-duty Mountie in northern Labrador is accused of assaulting a woman and then later arresting her and putting her in the Nain lockup, the RCMP said Thursday. Const. James Woodrow was arrested Wednesday and remained in custody overnight. He appeared in circuit court in Nain on Thursday afternoon on charges of assault and forcible confinement. "These are serious [charges]," said Sgt. Wayne Newell, who speaks on behalf of the RCMP in Newfoundland and Labrador. "Obviously, the RCMP does not tolerate any degree of domestic violence, and when it involves one of our own, it is certainly not a good thing. "It's something that we're not very proud to report but we have to report it." Newell said other members of the force learned of the dispute at about 2 a.m. on Tuesday. Because the complaint involved a member of the detachment, RCMP officers from other locations flew in. He said the investigation showed that the dispute started in the officer's home. "The off-duty RCMP officer took it upon himself to arrest the woman. When it ended up outside, he placed her in cells for the evening - that's [the] forcible confinement charge," Newell told CBC News... Newell said the woman had minor injuries and has been offered counselling. On Thursday afternoon, a circuit court judge in Nain released Woodrow on conditions to keep the peace and have no contact with the complainant... [Full article here]

RCMP MEMBER CHARGED WITH ASSAULT ON WOMAN IN NAIN Radio Briefs, oksociety.com
by CKOK
May 28, 2009, 2:44 pm
[Excerpts] Off duty Nain RCMP Officer James Woodrow has been charged with one count of Assault and one count of Forcible Confinement and he will be appearing in court at 1:30 pm this afternoon in Nain. On our AtjiKangitut show this afternoon we will be speaking with Wayne Newell who is the Media Relations Officer with the RCMP in St. John’s about this case... Wayne Newell: Yes, on May 26th at around 2:00 in the morning the RCMP officers who were on duty in Nain responded to a disturbance involving an off-duty RCMP officer and a Nain woman... he is now facing charges of assault, section 266 of the criminal code and one count of forcible confinement, 279 of the criminal code. These are very serious allegations obviously and we take them very seriously. Any type of domestic violence is a problem in our society and when it’s one of our own it’s particularly troubling... This just occurred of course and there is the potential for further charges. I haven’t reviewed all the potential charges but those are the two that are obvious at this time. If there’s others that come to mind that are applicable they would be laid too. And we have to remember that there is a separate and parallel internal investigation taking place as well and there are obviously sanctions that could be placed on the officer for breach of the RCMP Act for conduct unbecoming of an Officer... RCMP officers saw what was going on, and they saw the disturbance, so the exact circumstances is something that is before the courts, we can’t go into the full details of things but obviously it will all come out in court... The injuries were minor in nature. There was no medical attention sot[sp] immediately, I don’t know if she’s gone since or not. But the injuries involved bruising and scratches and that type of thing... Our members are expected to obey the law and to be seen to be obeying the law and when cases like this come into play then it’s certainly troubling, there’s no question about it. But we have to be seen to do things right as well, and in this case we made an arrest and the charges are applied. Domestic Violence is a problem in our society and we won’t tolerate it, especially by our own members. In this case there is a separate internal investigation I don’t want to pre-judge the investigation yet, but the consequences could include up to dismissal. So these are serious things that have taken place. But they are isolated incidents. Our members in Nain and in all communities in this province go about their duties in protecting people every day, they do an excellent job. Unfortunately, we’re made up of human beings who sometimes make mistakes and that’s the case here I believe, a mistake was made and the important thing is that we take appropriate remedial action and we work with the communities and try to do the job before us. The actions of one or two don’t represent the values of everybody in the organization this is just an isolated incident and we hope that it is not seen as a blanket thing that everybody acts this way... [Full article here]

"UPDATE ON RCMP OFFICER'S ARRAIGNMENT"
Radio Briefs, oksociety.com
by CKOK
May 28, 2009, 3:17 pm
RCMP member James Woodrow just finished his appearance in court and OKalaKatiget was there. Woodrow was scheduled to enter a plea, but now his Arraignment has been postponed until October 7, 2009 at 9:30 am in Nain because of lack of documentation. He has been charged with one count of assault and one count of forcible confinement against a woman in Nain. Judge William English presided over the case and said Woodrow would be released on conditions of undertaking including that he keep the peace and have good behavior, reside in Corner Brook and remain away from the victim. So on October 7th, Woodrow will enter his plea in Nain. [LINK]
[police officer involved domestic violence law enforcement canada abuse of power]

Thursday, May 28, 2009

[FL] The 1 year old that REINSTATED Avon Park Police Officer James Parker was babysitting - "Baby Hope" Kaedyn Short - has died

..."Baby Hope has lost her life... An innocent little baby girl who could not even defend herself. Why, why has this happened? What went wrong?"...

Previous post:
[FL] Officer Parker - reinstated after domestic violence - now accused of putting girlfriend's toddler in critical condition
- ...Parker was also arrested in June 26, 2004 on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge involving his former wife. He entered into a diversion program and the States Attorney's Office eventually deferred prosecution. Parker, then 27, was reinstated in late July 2004 after completing a two-day suspension without pay... When Parker attended his arraignment on July 19, 2004, his ex wife withdrew charges... A deferred prosecution agreement was signed in lieu of Parker attending an anger management program for 12 weeks. All criminal charges were dismissed after he successfully completed the class...


What will it take before officer-involved domestic violence is taken seriously? It is NOT a private matter or moment's mistake. Officer Parker's domestic violence past was waved away. He even appears to have been allowed to get out of attending the anger management class. If his charges had been handled as the crimes they were instead of as character infractions, would little Kaedyn Short be alive today? Most young mothers would trust their police officer boyfriend to watch the baby - but I believe most would not let an EX-officer, fired for domestic violence, watch their child.


Largely, systems in place to determine police discipline and fitness, along with the court system, are too often aligned to give domestic abusing law enforcement officers a break. Do those same systems spend as much time, money, power, and energy on keeping the officer's NEXT victims safe from him or her?

Donations may be sent to Children's Services Foundation at P.O. Box 7125, Sebring, FL 33872-0103. At the bottom of the check, write "for Baby K fund." All donations in Children's Services' name are tax deductible

CHILD ALLEGEDLY INJURED BY AP COP DIES
Kaedyn Short died this morning
Highlands Today
Brad Dickerson
Published: May 27, 2009
[Excerpts] A 22-month-old girl who authorities say was severely injured by Avon Park police officer James Parker died from her injuries today. Kaedyn Short passed away at 9:38 a.m. at a hospice home where she was being cared for in her final days, according to a Highlands County Sheriff's Office press release. Short was the daughter of Parker's former live-in girlfriend and had been on life support for some time after being hospitalized for multiple bruises and an apparent skull fracture March 29. On May 4, attorney Richard Pipkin, speaking on behalf of Short's mother, had told a court room gathered for Parker's bond hearing that the child was being taken off life support. If she did live, doctors said she would be a vegetative state, the attorney had added. On March 29, deputies with the sheriff's office were called to Highlands Regional Medical Center after Short, then 20 months old, was being brought into the emergency room with multiple bruises on her body and an apparent skull fracture. Her mother was at work at the time of the incident and Parker was reportedly watching the child... At Parker's May bond hearing, sheriff's office Det. Tyrone Tyson said there was evidence of older injuries on the child, including a two-month-old fractured right collarbone and a broken elbow, which occurred about a week prior to March 29. Parker was charged with aggravated child abuse, domestic violence related, and remains in the Highlands County Jail in lieu of a $250,000 bond... [Full article here]

If the domestic violence past of officers is wiped from the record for the sake of his or her career - how can someone like the mother of Kaedyn see what was coming her way? How would she know he finagled out of his anger classes or that the classes had even been recommended for him - when he is ALL DRESSED UP WITH A BADGE AND A GUN BLENDING IN WITH ALL THE DECENT COPS WHO GET UP EVERYDAY AND DON'T COMMIT CRIMES, BUT ARE COMMITTED TO STOPPING CRIMES? How does the next victim

know?


It's a very cruel and costly deception. Especially at moments like this.

Where's Kaedyn? A fruit of diversion and second chances for an officer's career?

This is NOT one of those hindsight is 20/20 situations. I am the storykeeper. This is almost predictable - that someone else will be hurt by the abuser who believes that they can offend and get out of it.

Too often their anger grows arrogant.

BABY IN PARKER CASE HAS DIED
newssun.com
By ED BALDRIDGE ed.baldridge@newssun.com
Trey Christy
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
[Excerpts] Avon Park police officer James Parker may face more serious charges after the 22-month-old infant he allegedly abused died Wednesday morning, several weeks after being taken off life support... “We will look at the facts and see what we believe is appropriate,” Assistant State Attorney Steve Houchin said Thursday when asked about the possibility of upgrading the charges to murder. “It depends on what facts develop from law enforcement and the medical examiner. We will take the appropriate action when we have that information.” According to Houchin, an autopsy was being performed by the District 10 Medical Examiners Office Thursday. The Department of Children and Families is also included in the investigation... [Full article here]

It is TRAGICALLY REDUNDANT now on this blog to post the injuries and deaths committed by officers given favor instead of punishment, breaks instead being fired. Let these officers who can't control themselves find a job that does not feed into their already-displayed immaturity. When you keep them, the department and courts contribute to not only creating a monster of sorts - but ruining even the officer's life. Look at Officer Parker now. Who would want to be in his place? He NEEDED intervention - whether he liked it or NOT. Was letting him not be charged, clear his record, and be reinstated REALLY a break for him? Looks like it broke him and many others instead.

How many lives are imploding with little Kaedyn's death?

This is so sad.

COMMUNITY MOURNS FOR CHILD WHO DIED FROM ABUSE
Highlands Today
Brad Dickerson bdickerson@highlandstoday.com
Published: May 28, 2009
[Excerpts] Dana Gonzalez has been "just an emotional wreck" since learning Thursday morning that 22-month-old Kaedyn Short had died. The Avon Park massage therapist said she and a lot of her clients, who are nurses, have been keeping the young child in their prayers after news of her injuries first hit in late March. That spiritual support is something she hopes will continue now more than ever. "We need to be in prayer for the family," Gonzalez said, adding that she has been following the story, but does not know Short or her mother. The young child died almost two months after authorities say she was severely injured by Avon Park police officer James Parker... Gonzalez, who is a member of the Avon Park League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), plans to attend a candle light prayer vigil Monday night in honor of Short, also known as "Baby Hope"... In an emotional e-mail, Avon Park LULAC president Patricia Austin said, "our hearts hurt," after the news of Short's passing was announced. "Baby Hope has lost her life," Austin said in the e-mail. "An innocent little baby girl who could not even defend herself. Why, why has this happened? What went wrong?" In addition to the candlelight vigil, Monday's LULAC meeting will focus on the issue of recognizing police brutality and abuse... Donations may be sent to Children's Services Foundation at P.O. Box 7125, Sebring, FL 33872-0103. At the bottom of the check, write "for Baby K fund." All donations in Children's Services' name are tax deductible... [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence fatality fatalities child children murder law enforcement florida]

[UK] From across the sea, goodbye to Police Officer Claire Howarth

..."OFFICERS HAVE BEEN IN TEARS"...

CHESHIRE POLICE OFFICER MARTIN FORSHAW IS IN JAIL ON SUSPICION OF KILLING HIS MANCHESTER POLICE OFFICER FIANCE CLAIRE HOWARTH

POLICE OFFICER ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF MURDERING WPC LOVER
Russell Jenkins
May 7, 2009
[Excerpts] ...Chief Superintendent John O'Hare, from Greater Manchester Police's Rochdale division, said that Miss Howarth was well respected and popular. He said: "Claire had been handpicked to undertake a challenging role as a community beat manager and she was someone I had identified as an officer with the potential to go far in Greater Manchester Police and make a real difference. Our thoughts are with Claire's family and friends at this very difficult time and they are absolutely distraught, as we all are.nIn November 2008 a member of the public wrote to Greater Manchester Police's internal newspaper, Brief, to thank Claire for helping her 12-year-old daughter deal with school bullies. The letter praised Claire for being a 'total credit to your force and we feel privileged to have people like her out there looking after us'"... [Full article here]
'KILLER' WEDDING
The Sun
By BEN ASHFORD
Published: 09 May 2009
[Excerpts] WPC Claire Howarth was weeks away from marrying the cop suspected of murdering her, it emerged last night... A post mortem revealed Claire - who was due to take sergeant's exams - died from a blow to the head, likely from a blunt weapon. Detectives suspect Forshaw battered her during a row at home in Tottington, Gtr Manchester, then rammed her car into a tree and placed her at the wheel... Floral tributes were left at the couple's home yesterday. A colleague said: "Officers have been in tears." Sources claimed Forshaw has refused to answer questions. [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence law enforcement fatality fatalities united kingdom]

[CO] Ex-Boulder Police Officer Dileo kills wife Liz, son Chris, and himself

A former firefighter and Boulder police officer who fatally shot his wife and son before killing himself Monday had threatened his family members in the past... Philip Frank Dileo, 61, left a simple set of instructions on what to do with the bodies before gunning down his wife, Elizabeth Schwarzenbach-Dileo, 63, and their son, Philip Christopher Dileo, 23...

Neighbors Say Boulder Shooting Suspect Was 'Crazy, Dangerous'
Police: Shooter Was Former Boulder Officer
The Denver Channel
POSTED: 7:14 pm MDT May 27, 2009
UPDATED: 12:16 am MDT May 28, 2009
Former neighbors of a man accused of a double-murder-suicide that shook a Boulder neighborhood this week say the shooter was a "crazy" and "dangerous" man who harassed them and even threatened to kill them several times. CALL7 Investigators have learned, the harassment was so bad, one of the neighbors was granted a restraining order... The CALL7 Investigators confirmed there are three reports filed with the Boulder county sheriff for harassment in 2006 and two officer information reports filed in 2005 and 2006 involving neighbors. Boulder police said they have had one contact with this family before. In 2005, Elizabeth Schwarzenbach-Dileo came to the police department to talk with an officer about the legality of purchasing a gun because her husband had made threats against her. There are indications that he previously threatened their son, as well, police said... [Full article here]



Police: Boulder shooter threatened family before
Suspect was a former Boulder cop, Aurora firefighter
The Daily Camera
By John Aguilar (Contact)
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
A former firefighter and Boulder police officer who fatally shot his wife and son before killing himself Monday had threatened his family members in the past, police said Wednesday. Philip Frank Dileo, 61, left a simple set of instructions on what to do with the bodies before gunning down his wife, Elizabeth Schwarzenbach-Dileo, 63, and their son, Philip Christopher Dileo, 23, at the family’s Boulder home early Monday, according to Boulder police... Although several neighbors remembered Philip F. Dileo as friendly and outgoing, public documents paint a darker picture — of a man who believed he was repeatedly wronged by Boulder’s public institutions... Megan Stinson told Channel 7 on Wednesday that he talked often about his wife and son, and said he was a dying man. “Just let me die with my family that I love,” Stinson recalled Dileo saying... “It’s sad to hear about what happened to his wife and son,” Brandon Stinson told the Camera. “But I have to say when I heard about it on the news, I was not surprised at hearing what happened”... [Full article here]


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[AL] Officer Chevis Finley charged with shooting death of Broderick Rashad Dixon - "fighting over a woman"

...Irondale Police say that the men were fighting over a woman... Dixon was shot several times...

Brighton officer on leave after arrest
myfoxal.com, WBRC
27 May 2009
A Brighton police officer was placed on leave Wednesday night after he was arrested and charged with murder. 22-year old Chevis Raymond Finley was arrested Friday and booked into the Jefferson County Jail. He has been accused of shooting 27-year old Broderick Dixon in the parking lot of the Enclave at Mountain Brook Apartments in Irondale. Irondale Police say that the men were fighting over a woman. Finley has been a Brighton Police officer for less than a year, and was off duty at the time of the shooting. [LINK]

Brighton officer a suspect in Irondale slaying
Birmingham News
Posted by Jeremy Gray
May 27, 2009 9:24 PM
A 22-year-old Birmingham man charged with murder in a Friday morning Irondale shooting death has been a Brighton police officer for about a year, Brighton Mayor Angelo Hinkle said tonight. Chevis Finley was booked into the Jefferson County Jail Friday night on $75,000 bond. Hinkle said Finley is on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Lt. Norman Stapp of the Irondale Police Department on Friday said Finley and the victim, Brodrick Rashad Dixon, 27, of Helena were visiting a woman at the Enclave at Mountain Brook apartments. Dixon was shot several times... Finley was released on bond on Monday, according to court records. A hearing has been scheduled in Jefferson County District Judge Sheldon Watkins' court on June 15. [Full article here]

[CA] San Francisco Fire Department's "private matter"


[police officer involved domestic violence abuse law enforcement female public safety San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White department]

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

[WI] Time out for a hero: Elm Grove Police Officer John Krahn



"...When I saw him he was in agony, pain. His leg was bent back and he just yelled at me and said, get the kid out of the car..."

[CO] "Resigned" (shoulda-been-fired) Officer Stafford gets out of dv-related felony in plea deal

...The felonies and criminal mischief charge were dismissed as part of Tuesday's plea deal,..

Previous posts:
  • [CO] Officer Stafford arrested: Harassment, stalking, official misconduct & criminal mischief related to dv - ...He was arrested by the Boulder County Sheriff's Office on suspicion of harassment/stalking, official misconduct and criminal mischief related to domestic violence. The harassment count is a class 5 felony... Police also took 13 guns from Stafford's home for safe keeping, including rifles, pistols and a shotgun... "I will be watching you like a hawk"...
  • [CO] Update on Officer Stafford stalking, official misconduct case - ...Stafford, while driving an unmarked Lafayette police truck equipped with warning sirens, gave the woman’s boyfriend a ticket for weaving. Stafford then sent the woman a text message that said, “Your boyfriend just received a ticket, ha ha,” according to the arrest affidavit... In June, the woman told police, Stafford called her boss at Sonic and told him to fire her because she was stealing money and dating an employee. She also told police Stafford sent her text messages while she was at work that indicated he was watching her...
FORMER LAFAYETTE OFFICER PLEADS GUILTY TO MISCONDUCT
Stafford was facing felony stalking
By Zak Brown (Contact)
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
BOULDER, Colo. - A former charged with stalking his ex-girlfriend and giving her new boyfriend an unwarranted traffic ticket pleaded guilty Tuesday to misdemeanor criminal mischief and official misconduct. James Edward Stafford, 34, was arrested by the Boulder County Sheriff's Office in July on suspicion of felony stalking, harassment, official misconduct and criminal mischief related to domestic violence. The felonies and criminal mischief charge were dismissed as part of Tuesday's plea deal, according to court records. Stafford, who resigned from the Lafayette Police Department in March, was sentenced to five years probation and ordered not to have contact with the victims in the case. His guilty plea means he can't be certified as a law-enforcement officer in Colorado. Police cleared the ticket that Stafford issued his ex's boyfriend last July. Stafford's attorney did not return a message seeking comment Tuesday afternoon. [LINK]
[police officer involved domestic violence law enforcement abuse of power colorado]

[IA] Officer Michael Dobson arrested for various domesitic abuse, assault charges including intimidation with a weapon

WATERLOO OFFICER FACES DOMESTIC ABUSE CHARGES
wcfcourier.com
May 20, 2009
DYSART - According to Dysart Police, a Waterloo police officer has been arrested in Tama County. Michael Dobson turned himself in to Dysart police Monday afternoon. Police have not said what led to Dobson's arrest. He is charged with intimidation with a dangerous weapon, first-degree harassment, misdemeanor charges of domestic abuse, obstruction of emergency communication, assault and interference with official acts. Dobson was taken to the Tama County Jail, with bail set at $15,000. Dobson has been a Waterloo Police officer since 1995. [LINK]

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Tuesday, May 26, 2009

[MA] PREGNANT WIFE OF 6'4" SUPER HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING POLICE OFFICER MOSLEY SAYS NO ASSAULT HAPPENED

...Mrs. Mosley said she left and did call police. She did not call because of the argument, but would not say exactly why she called police. “I called police for a different reason,” she said...

I want to say right off the top that there is nothing in the news that I read that reported injuries or any indication that Officer William Mosley has lost control of his temper. If he has, it's not in the news. Also, because this is a blog and not a newspaper, I can tell you that there is a woman in the newspaper earlier this year and last year, by the same name as Officer Mosley's wife that has some charges of her own. I don't know if it's the same person so I won't post them here now. If it is her I also don't know if the charges are legitimate or a set up. I hope though that they both get help on how to get along while they have to parent together - whether they make up or go their separate ways.

I know how hard divorce can be.

WIFE OF CITY OFFICER TO SEEK DISMISSAL OF DOMESTIC CHARGES Worcester Telegram & Gazette
By Scott J. Croteau scroteau@telegram.com
May 26, 2009
[EXCERPTS] WORCESTER — A city police officer will appear in court tomorrow after he was arrested and arraigned last week for allegedly assaulting his wife. Police Officer William D. Mosley, 32, of Ashmore Road, is facing charges of aggravated domestic assault and battery and threatening to commit a crime in Central District Court. The charges stem from a May 19 incident outside his home involving his wife, Stacey Mosley. In an interview today, Mrs. Mosley said Officer Mosley never assaulted her and the whole incident has been “blown out of proportion” by police. She plans to ask for the criminal charges to be dismissed in court... Mrs. Mosley, who is five to six months pregnant, told police that Officer Mosley yelled at her and stated he didn’t want her at the home, the records state... “He did not drag me. He did not assault me... It was a verbal argument.” Mrs. Mosley said she left and did call police. She did not call because of the argument, but would not say exactly why she called police. “I called police for a different reason,” she said... Police Chief Gary J. Gemme said Officer Mosley is on restricted duty and is currently assigned to the Service Division. Citing department policy, Chief Gemme said the officer’s firearms license has been temporarily suspended, as is the case in any type of domestic incident [Full article here]

OFFICER MOSLEY COMES UP IN ANOTHER CASE WHERE HE SHOWS UP, OFF DUTY, FOR AN ATTORNEY-FRIEND'S DOMESTIC SITUATION:

IS THE PROOF, AND THE TRUTH, IN THE COFFEE?Worcester Telegram & Gazette
Dianne Williamson dwilliamson@telegram.com
December 18, 2008
[EXCERPTS] Kevin Larson insists that he never wanted his estranged wife arrested when he called police after she threw coffee on him during an argument in front of their home. Kristina Larson, meanwhile, insists that she “tripped in a hole” on the sidewalk and the cold coffee flew from the thermos and all over her husband’s white dress shirt... Suffice it to say that the Larsons are in the midst of a bitter divorce. And this sort of nonsense doesn’t typically make the newspaper, except that Ms. Larson alleges that her husband, a local criminal lawyer, used his friendship with a Worcester cop to have her arrested... Mr. Larson acknowledged this week that the coffee was cold. He also admitted that he called his friend, Worcester Police Officer William Mosley, on his cell phone, but claims he only wanted the number for police dispatch. Records show that Mr. Larson did call the police non-emergency number at 10:40 a.m. to say that his wife had thrown coffee on him. He wasn’t hurt and the coffee wasn’t “that hot,” he told police, but he wanted to make a report. Meanwhile, in a burst of self-confession and perhaps anticipating that her husband had beaten her to the punch, Ms. Larson called police, too, on her way back home and dutifully reported that she had just spilled coffee on him. Shortly after, a uniformed Officer Mosley and a fellow officer showed up at the house in a cruiser. THEY WERE OFF DUTY but working an overtime detail, according to Police Chief Gary Gemme. “I think he was checking to see if I was all right,” Mr. Larson ventured. Uh-huh. Also on the scene was an officer who was supposed to be there, and Ms. Larson was arrested and charged with domestic assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (hot coffee). Except that both parties agree that the coffee was cold and speculate that police simply assumed it was hot... “I was arrested only because my husband has connections and he told them to arrest me,” she said. But Sgt. Kerry Hazelhurst, a police spokesman, noted that domestic violence laws require police to make an arrest when even the slightest instance of abuse is alleged, and he said that Officer Spinelli responded appropriately... [Full article here]

BOXING:

BOXING `SHOWDOWN' TO BENEFIT YOUTHSWorcester Telegram & Gazette (MA)
Kathleen A. Shaw
Thursday, May 6, 2004
[EXCERPTS] WORCESTER -- The well-known and not-so-well-known of Worcester will converge on the Palladium on Main Street tonight for the annual ``Downtown Showdown II'' boxing match. The tickets, at $20 each, sold out long ago, said LAWYER Anthony M. Salerno, one of the organizers... Worcester police Officer Will Mosley will square off against state Trooper Robert Krom in what is called ``The Battle of the Blue." Mr. Mosley is 6 feet 4 inches tall and Mr. Krom rises to 6 feet 7 inches tall, Mr. Salerno said, noting it might be called "The Battle of the Giants"...

SIX PACK FOR GARCIA, GONZALEZ
Worcester Telegram & Gazette (MA) -
Author: Bud Barth
COLUMN: BOXING NOTES
Sunday, February 11, 2007
[EXCERPT] ...William Mosley , 30, super heavyweight - A Worcester police officer , Mosley won the Rocky Marciano Tournament about four years ago, according to Garcia, and is one of the three local favorites to capture a title next week, Lowbridge and Edwin Rodriguez being the others...

WORCESTER OFFICERS SET TO BOX IN LONDON Police to box 'across the pond'
Worcester Telegram & Gazette
By Milton J. Valencia
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
[EXCERPTS] For Police Officer Andrew "A.C." Cravedi, boxing is about the excitement. For Officer William D. Mosley, it's the passion. '"I train seriously now, it's like a lifestyle to me," he said. The two partners on the police beat are part of an effort to establish a Worcester Police Department boxing team, and will pioneer that cause when they travel to London on Friday to fight police officers on that city's metropolitan force... "They're going to be representing Worcester police," said Officer Nathan Reando, of the gang unit, who is spearheading efforts to form the Worcester team.... Officers Cravedi and Mosley leave for London tomorrow, and fight Friday as heavyweights... In their day jobs, they're partners on the 3-11 p.m. shift, patrolling the Pleasant and Chandler streets area. They have different styles on the job, with Officer Cravedi being the diplomat and Officer Mosley being the enforcer. Officer Cravedi likes to call it "verbal judo." "I'm not tolerant of too many excuses," Officer Mosley said. "If a situation calls for more diplomacy, he's the man... There's going to be knockouts," Officer Mosley predicted. [Full article here]
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[OH] Deputy Chris Kirk attacks, injures his wife, and was bailed out the next day

CLINTON COUNTY DEPUTY CHARGED WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
local12.com
5/26/2009 Last Update: 10:10 am
A Clinton County Sheriff Deputy faces charges of domestic violence for allegedly attacking his wife. Chris Kirk was arrested on May 13th. Detectives say on May 11th, Kirk injured his wife during some type of altercation. She suffered bruises to her arms and back. Kirk was held in jail for one night, and then released on $2500 bond after a court appearance. Kirk is on administrative leave pending the outcome of a report from a disciplinary hearing officer. The couple has no children. [LINK]
[police officer involved domestic violence law enforcement ohio]

[NYPD] No longer here with us - NYPD Forensic Investigator Michelle Lee

...Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly described her as a “very talented young woman”...

New York Police Forensic Investigator Michelle Lee was murdered so horribly that I have not included the details in the news excerpts below. It angers and sickens me. The links are there if you need to know... but for me, a life was stolen leaving a wake of sadness to those who knew and loved her.

NEWS EXCERPTS FROM APRIL 28 TO MAY 24:

SEX-SLAY SHOCKER

New York Post
By Murray Weiss, Larry Celona and ERIN CALABRESE
Last updated: 2:26 pm
April 28, 2009
[Excerpts] An NYPD crime-lab worker yesterday wound up on the other side of the microscope - the possible victim of a sex slaying similar to the ones she would typically be investigating... There were no signs of forced entry, and nothing seemed to be missing... Nor were there any signs of a struggle... In her job as a criminalist, Lee tested powders, and ran hair and fiber analyses in the department's Queens lab. "She was extremely nice, extremely professional," said an officer who worked with her. "She asked lots of questions." Lee became an intern in the lab after graduating from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and was hired full time in September... Cops are looking to interview some of Lee's ex-boyfriends... [Full article here]


CSI: NY MOURNS
Lab Pals Probe Slay Of Co-Worker

New York Post
By Murray Weiss, Ikimulisa Livingston & Larry Celona
April 29, 2009
[Excerpts] ...Stunned colleagues from the NYPD's crime-scene unit spent yesterday and Monday painstakingly scouring every inch of forensic expert Michelle Lee's Queens apartment... For anything to send to the lab... There was no sign of forced entry, nothing appeared to be missing, and there was no evidence of a struggle... [Full article here]

COP-LAB REWARD OF 12G
New York Post
By Murray Weiss
April 30, 2009
[Excerpts] The NYPD put up a $12,000 reward yesterday for information that helps them solve the brutal slaying of a crime-lab worker... "The case obviously caused great concern and upset throughout the department," Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said. "I can assure you this is very aggressive investigation"... They believe ... her killer wanted it to look like she had been tortured or had been the victim of a sex crime... [Full article here]

FORMER BEAU GARY MCGURK BUSTED IN GRISLY SLAY OF NYPD CSI MICHELE LEE
NYDailyNews.com
BY Nicole Bode and Alison Gendar
Friday, May 22nd 2009, 2:35 AM
[Excerpts] An ex-boyfriend who conned thousands of dollars from his NYPD girlfriend was arrested Thursday in her grisly murder... He was arrested Thursday night at his mother's house in Woodside, Queens, and is being held at the 108th Precinct stationhouse on second-degree murder charges... Investigators were afraid McGurk would flee to his native Ireland and escape justice... She kept the relationship secret from her parents and friends, but laid out McGurk's seduction campaign in her diary, police sources said. The brazen student told Lee he was broke and suffering from cancer, and that he could not afford or get medical insurance, so she gave him money. Investigators don't believe Lee was the first to fall for McGurk's con job. McGurk was a "professional student" who bilked unsuspecting young women to bankroll his life in the U.S., they said... It was unclear if the violence came to a head because the money was drying up and she asked to be repaid, or because she learned the illness was a hoax and grew tired of his games, sources said... [Full article here]

I CHOKED HER DURING SEX, GARY MCGURK, SUSPECT IN NYPD CRIMINALIST MICHELLE LEE'S MURDER, TOLD COPS
NYDailyNews.com
BY Nicole Bode
Saturday, May 23rd 2009, 1:22 AM
[Excerpts] ...At his arraignment in Queens Supreme Court yesterday, McGurk denied killing the beautiful 24-year-old - with whom he had had an on-again, off-again sexual relationship since approaching her at the CUNY John Jay College gym in 2004, where he played soccer. Sources said McGurk bilked thousands of dollars from Lee, who was hired by the NYPD in September for her dream job as a criminalist scouring for forensic clues. "He denied it to me, he denied it to my partner, he denied it to police," McGurk's lawyer, Ron Rubinstein, said. "Hopefully the truth will come out." McGurk was ordered held without bail yesterday on a second-degree murder charge. [Full article here]

CSI RUSE IN NYPD GAL'S SLAY SCENE
New York Post
By Murray Weiss, Kirsten Fleming and Dareh Gregorian
May 23, 2009
[Excerpts] A creepy con man charged with murdering his criminalist ex-girlfriend used his forensic expertise to try covering his tracks... Gary McGurk, 23, portrayed Michelle Lee as being into kink, and he intentionally left behind "a psychopathic crime scene to throw them off his trail," a police source said. "He was pulling pieces from all sorts of different crimes into one scene." The misdirection didn't work, thanks to "substantial" DNA evidence and McGurk's statements to investigators... He pleaded not guilty yesterday and was ordered held without bail... After prodding from detectives, McGurk admitted he lied to Lee about having cancer to swindle cash from her. "I absolutely lied about the cancer. It was a means to an end for me," he said... Lee's father, Sam, said, "It's a bit of a relief that someone has been caught, but this is only the beginning of the case." [Full article here]

NYC FORENSIC COP FOUND STABBED
Using the same investigative techniques NYPD cop was learning, authorities arrest her ex-lover in the case.
Associated Press
Colleen Long
May 24, 2009
[Excerpts] Michelle Lee’s career was solving crimes. Working as a forensic investigator for the New York Police Department, she was training to do the type of “CSI” work made famous on television. But the 24-year-old became a victim of a crime herself... Using the same investigative techniques Lee was learning, authorities on Friday arrested her ex-lover Gary McGurk in the case, charging him with second-degree murder... His attorney, Joseph Corozzo said his client was innocent. “This is a gruesome crime, but my client is not responsible for it,” he said. “We look forward to seeing the purported evidence in this case.” Lee had recently moved out of her parent’s home and was living in Sunnyside, Queens, a quaint neighborhood of working-class families. She started working for the NYPD last September and was training in forensic investigations at a police lab analyzing evidence like hair samples, drugs, gunshot residues and bodily fluids. She was going to specialize in narcotics. Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly described her as a “very talented young woman”... McGurk, a 23-year-old Irish-born student at John Jay Criminal College, was apparently the last person to have contact with her, and his statements kept changing, investigators said... After he started dating another girl, their relationship cooled but they still spoke regularly. They chatted online the Saturday before she was found dead. And he was apparently upset investigators didn’t contact him immediately, according to court documents... McGurk was charged Friday by District Attorney Richard Brown with second-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon. He maintains his innocence. “If I were to have done this to Michelle I would not only embarrass myself but I would also embarrass my family,” McGurk said, according to court documents. “I did not go into her apartment. She had company. You don’t like it but you accept it.” He is due in court June 4. He faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted. In his court statements, McGurk said he is scheduled to graduate May 28, but he wasn’t sure he could handle the life of a forensic psychologist. [Full article here
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