Police Officer Involved Domestic Violence.
Lighting a candle of remembrance for those who've lost their lives to domestic violence behind the blue wall, for strength and wisdom to those still there, and a non-ending prayer for those who thought they had escaped but can't stop being afraid.
Barbara Sheehan is facing trial for killing her former New York City Police Sergeant husband, Raymond Sheehan. Although many attest to her years of abuse we trust our courts to decide justice. I am concerned that the defense's concerns can be so easily brushed aside - by the judge in question himself.
Supreme Court Justice Arthur Copperman
The judge in the case of a Queens woman accused of fatally shooting her ex-cop husband is aiding prosecutors - meeting them on the sly and preparing a ruling in their favor before they even asked for one, explosive court papers charge....
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Retired NYPD Sgt. Sheehan killed by bruised & broken wife Barbara - ...The couple frequently argued, neighbors said, and she was seen with what appeared to be a broken nose and bruises while praying in church on Sunday... "There were all these times when she would come back here with a black eye or a cut on the head. She would cover for him and say she fell"...
SLAY JUDGE STANDS FIRM
New York Post
By WILLIAM J. GORTA
Last Updated: 10:48 AM, September 24, 2009
Posted: 3:30 AM, September 24, 2009
The judge in a Queens murder case who's been accused of siding with prosecutors refused to recuse himself yesterday while throwing every name in the book at the defense lawyer who made the startling allegation. "No matter how contentious, belligerent, hostile, arrogant and disrespectful defense counsel has been and continued to be, the court will remain impartial and finds no legitimate reason for disqualification," Queens Supreme Court Justice Arthur Cooperman wrote in a decision yesterday...
ATTORNEY TESTY BUT I'M FAIR, SAYS JUDGE IN TRIAL OF QUEENS WOMAN ACCUSED OF KILLING COP HUSBAND
New York Daily News
BY Thomas Zambito Thursday, September 24th 2009
A judge in the trial of a Queens woman accused of killing her cop husband said Wednesday he can be impartial - even though the defense lawyer is "belligerent" and "hostile." Supreme Court Justice Arthur Cooperman turned down a request from lawyer Michael Dowd to recuse himself from the murder trial of Barbara Sheehan. Sheehan, 46, is accused of pumping 11 bullets into the back of her husband, NYPD Sgt. Raymond Sheehan, while he was shaving in their Howard Beach home on Feb. 18, 2008. Dowd has blasted Cooperman's handling of the case and accused him of talking to prosecutors behind his back... [Full article here] JUDGE ON DA'S SIDE: DEFENSE
New York Post
By WILLIAM J. GORTA
Last Updated: 10:34 AM, September 14, 2009
Posted: 4:15 AM, September 14, 2009
The judge in the case of a Queens woman accused of fatally shooting her ex-cop husband is aiding prosecutors -- meeting them on the sly and preparing a ruling in their favor before they even asked for one, explosive court papers charge. The papers also say that prosecutors badgered defendant Barbara Sheehan during a July 28 court-ordered psych exam, following her into the bathroom and reminding her of her religious beliefs. Lawyers for Sheehan last week filed the blistering accusations in the Appellate Division against Supreme Court Justice Arthur Cooperman... Sheehan's lawyer, Michael Dowd, accuses Cooperman of having a prohibited "ex parte" communication - talking to lawyers from one side without the other side's lawyers present. Dowd also said the judge came to court armed with a written decision for a request that the prosecution had yet to make...
"How could you have a written decision when you hadn't heard it?"
"Because I'm prepared," Cooperman said.
"Judge, it defies credibility," Dowd responded... Sheehan, who says she was violently abused by her husband, Raymond, says she became "very . . . upset" when Pomodore referred to her beliefs. Aldea denied tailing Sheehan to the bathroom, saying she escorted her there and then needed the facilities herself... [Full article here]
By the time Kristin Longo and her husband, Utica police Investigator Joseph Longo Jr., appeared in divorce court Monday afternoon, she already had been living in fear for her safety... Attorney George Massoud had expressed such concerns to the state Supreme Court judge... Less than four hours after appearing in court Monday, 39-year-old Kristin Longo was dead...
FRIENDS AND FAMILY REMEMBER KRISTIN LONGO Utica Observer Dispatch By COURTNEY POTTS Observer-Dispatch Posted Sep 29, 2009 @ 04:02 PM Last update Sep 29, 2009 @ 06:31 PM [Excerpts] In the hours after Kristin Longo’s death Monday, her friends and relatives struggled to come to terms with what had happened... As a lifelong resident of the Mohawk Valley, Longo, born Kristin Mary Palumbo, touched many lives in the area... those who knew her described the former nurse as kind, outgoing and, above all else, a devoted mother... "She loved her family and friends so much... She was a ‘mom-on-the-go,’ always running for those kids. I remember one time she came and got her color on her head, then ran out to bring one of them to their tutor… plastic cap and all." Longo’s grandmother, [VP] of Frankfort, said her concern for other people was evident even at a young age... "Would do anything for you if she could, if you needed her" Longo graduated from Mohawk Valley Community College in 2000 with an associate’s degree in nursing, and later worked as a school nurse at Kernan Elementary in the Utica school district... She also is a 1987 graduate of Notre Dame High School... Funeral arrangements for Longo are being handled by the V.J. Iocovozzi Funeral Home in Frankfort but were incomplete as of Tuesday evening. Her husband’s funeral arrangements are being handled separately through the Matt Funeral Home in Utica. [Full article here]
KRISTIN MARY PALUMBO LONGO V.J. Iocovozzi Funeral Home Excerpts from her [online condolences] ...Kristin was taken way to soon and I am so sorry... I attended ND with Kristin and I remember that she always had a smile on her face... I graduated Nursing school with Kristin and have worked with her through the years. Words can not describe what a beautiful person she was... Stay strong for each other... Prayers are going up daily for all of you in the Name of Jesus... I attended high school with Kristen, and we had just gotten back in touch with each other in the last three years. She was a kind and caring soul, completely devoted to her children. I looked forward to maintaining and strengthening our friendship in the coming years... Kristin was a wonderful mother and an amazingly loving and caring human being... Kristin was an extraordinary young woman. She was dedicated to her children and felt totally loved and supported by her family... I worked with Kristin at St. Lukes Maternity not so long ago and just want to say that in the short time I spent with Kristin I found her to be a wonderful, caring person who loved her family dearly... She was a great Nurse at Kernan School and a delightful person to know. She will be with her children every day of their lives and they will live on in her always. May angel's wings carry you to rest... Kristen did not deserve this and I feel that the system failed her... She should have had people around her at all times to protect her... God Bless this beautiful family and love to all of you.. I'm just beside myself as the whole community is... KRISTEN WAS A MOTHERS DELIGHT AND A WONDERFUL PERSON... She touched a lot of people over the course of her short life. She will not be forgotten...
LONGO VIOLATED COURT ORDER WKTV.com By JOLEEN FERRIS Sep 30, 2009 at 5:38 PM EDT Utica Police Investigator Joseph Longo, Jr. should not have been at his Cosby Manor Road home in Deerfield on Friday... Kristin Longo's attorney, George Massoud, says his client had exclusive use and possession of the home, and that while Longo's presence there would not have led to his arrest, he would have been held in contempt of court. Massoud says Kristin Longo had a 'refrain from' order against Longo. The attorney says the wording and protection offered is similar to a restraining order, stating that Longo must refrain from stalking, harassing or otherwise menacing his wife. State Police, who are investigating the crime, say that neither they nor Oneida County Sheriff's deputies had ever responded to the Longo's Deerfield home for any kind of domestic dispute... [Full article here]
TROOPERS: UTICA POLICE INVESTIGATOR LONGO KILLS WIFE, SELF IN DEERFIELD Utica Observer Dispatch By Rocco Laduca and Courtney Potts Sep 29, 2009 [Excerpts] Whatever drove Utica police Investigator Joseph Longo Jr. to stab his wife to death before then fatally stabbing himself inside their Deerfield home Monday afternoon may forever remain a mystery. After one of Longo’s young sons discovered his injured parents upon returning home shortly before 4 p.m., his father was alive long enough to mutter to a state trooper that he had killed his 38-year-old wife, Kristin Longo, before turning the knife on himself... As a result, four children now are without their mother and father, the Utica Police Department once again finds itself having to cope with the shockwaves of tragedy, and the questions behind what went wrong that day may never have easy answers. "We will do an investigation and try to determine why he did what he did, but it’s certainly going to be difficult," state police Troop D. Capt. Frank Coots said during a news conference Monday evening outside the Longos’ 10508 Cosby Manor Road home. "Joe’s the only one who knows"... The Longos have four children – two boys ages 9 and 17, and two girls ages 13 and 15... Coots would not confirm which son walked in upon his dead mother and injured father. The child then ran to a neighbor, who called 911... Himself shocked by Longo’s actions, [Utica police Chief Daniel] LaBella then offered the department’s sympathies to the family and friends of the real victim in this tragedy – Kristin Longo and her children. The police department, no doubt, will experience the grief of losing another member more than two years after Utica police Officer Thomas Lindsey was murdered in 2007, LaBella said. But Lindsey’s death occurred under very different circumstances, and this time the department also has to cope with a troubling reality – that a police officer took another person’s life.
While LaBella said no signs existed
that Joseph Longo was troubled or capable of such behavior, he cut short any attempt to discuss whether the pressures of police work played a role in this incident. "That had nothing to do with this," LaBella said sharply. LaBella had worked with Longo for about five years, and he was an excellent officer, he said. According to O-D archives, Joseph Longo had received awards from the Utica Police Department several times for honorable or meritorious service, most recently in 2008 and 2009. He also served as the liaison between the police department and school resource officers in the Utica school district. While there was no record of any police agencies responding to the Longo residence for any prior domestic incidents, Coots said police will explore whether any trouble had developed between the couple that might shed light on this tragedy. "There are going to be a lot of questions of why" Coots said. [Full article here]
OFFICIALS: LONGO’S WIFE FILED DIVORCE PAPERS BEFORE STABBING 11 a.m. news conference planned by Utica police Utica Observer-Dispatch By ROCCO LaDUCA Sep 29, 2009 [Excerpts] Investigator Joseph Longo Jr.’s service weapon was taken from him after an incident at a Utica school, Utica police Chief Daniel LaBella said in a press conference this morning.Utica police His wife had filed divorce papers 10 days before he fatally stabbed her and then killed himself Monday inside their Deerfield home... Kristin Longo, 39, had taken the first step in divorce proceedings on Sept. 18, but confidentially restrictions prohibited officials from releasing any additional information on the matter Tuesday. The Longos also had a matter scheduled in Oneida County Family Court earlier on Monday, state police officials confirmed, but the court’s chief clerk said she was advised to not comment at this time... "We will follow up on any type of issues that might be outstanding that might have contributed to this," state police Troop D Capt. Frank Coots said Tuesday morning. "Obviously, based on what happened, he was a human being that was under a great deal of emotional stress... And when people are under stress and emotions are high, people will do irrational things."... One of the Longos’ young children then discovered what had happened upon returning home shortly before 4 p.m.... Longo Jr. died at about 4:30 p.m. at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center. A medical examiner is currently performing an autopsy Tuesday morning to determine Longo Jr.’s cause of death, police said, and Kristin Longo’s autopsy will be performed later today... During a news conference at the scene Monday night, Utica police Chief Daniel LaBella said that Longo Jr.’s police employment played no role in what happened. However, Longo Jr.’s conduct was being reviewed by the police department late this summer as it related to his work as a police liaison to the Utica School District, Superintendent James Willis said Tuesday. In late July, the police department removed Longo Jr. as a liaison to the district’s school resource officers... Willis would not elaborate on the nature of that information, but he said that it had come to the attention of the school district at the same time that another individual contacted the police department separately sometime in July. The department then contacted the school district before school officials had an opportunity to contact police, Willis said. "The police department was reviewing his compliance with practices and procedures in his official capacity," which included his work as a police liaison with the district, Willis said... LaBella would not comment on that matter at this time. Willis said Longo Jr. never posed any concern to the welfare of the school’s children or faculty.Instead, he said Longo Jr. fulfilled an important role in maintaining the flow of information between the police department and school resource officers... [Full article here]
DIVORCE PAPERS FILED AGAINST DETECTIVE WHO KILLED WIFE, HIMSELF WSYR-TV Last Update: 1:18 pm [Excerpts] ...During a news conference Monday, it was revealed [Utica Police Department Detective Joseph] Longo, Jr.’s service weapon had been taken away from him following an incident at a Utica school he worked in... State Police Capt. Francis Coots says it's still unclear if the couple had a history of violence, but he does say the two were having marital problems. "They were still married. I can't comment exactly on … the extent of their break up, but we know right now that they were certainly having some difficulties," says Coots... [Full article here]
COLLAPSING IN GRIEF, TEENAGE DAUGHTER OF DETECTIVE WHO STABBED HER MOTHER TO DEATH THEN KILLED HIMSELF IN THEIR FAMILY HOME Daily Mail - Carol Driver By Carol Driver Last updated at 6:29 PM on 29th September 2009 Inconsolable and distraught, teenager [C.L.] collapses with grief after being told her parents are both dead... Officers say the motive behind the actions of Joesph Longo, who had worked at the Utica Police Department for 13 years, remains a mystery. Yesterday, there were emotional scenes of grieving in the neighbourhood as friends and relatives learned of the tragedy. Family members were seen collapsing to the ground in tears and screaming. Utica Police Chief Daniel LaBella said colleagues of Longo were also in shock. He offered the department's sympathies to the 'real victims', Kristin and her children, at a media conference outside the Longos' home. He added: 'Joe's the only one who knows [what happened]. Right now, the police department has to mourn together and help us to heal though this event. We're going to pull together and get through this. We're going to take this day to day'... [Full article here]
INVESTIGATOR HAD GUNS PULLED BEFORE MURDER/SUICIDE WKTV.com By Joleen Ferris Sep 29, 2009 [Excerpts] Utica Police say that Investigator Joseph Longo was under considerable stress in the weeks before he murdered his wife and killed himself. State police found the couple Monday afternoon in their Deerfield home. Kristin Longo, 39, had been stabbed to death, while Joseph Longo remained alive... On Tuesday, Utica Police Chief Daniel LaBella - Longo's former partner of five years - said that the department had pulled Longo's gun about a month ago, stemming from an incident at Proctor High School. LaBella said Longo allegedly pulled his weapon while working security at the school. Ironically, Longo's disciplinary hearing for that incident was supposed to happen Tuesday morning, September 29 at 11 a.m. Instead, Longo's former boss and partner held a news conference at that time regarding the tragic incident. Chief LaBella also confirms that Longo did appear in Oneida County Family Court Monday, and that he was despondent over situations regarding his marriage. Court documents show the two had several recent court appearances regarding apparent divorce proceedings and settlements. Chief LaBella says the department saw Longo suffering and made counseling available to him, and that Longo was in the process of taking advantage of the counseling. Still, LaBella says he never saw this coming. "The police department here did everything possible," LaBella said. "We could not have prevented this in any shape or fashion. I've known Joe for a number of years and his wife and if you were to ask me if I'd seen this coming I would have to say honestly, no. I don't think anybody-anybody seen this coming." As far as mourning the former investigator, LaBella says, yes, Longo had a long, distinguished career at the Utica Police Department. But LaBella says Longo forfeited the right to any honor that goes with that when he murdered his wife, leaving their four children without parents. The chief says the department is starting a fund drive for the couple's four children, whom he says are the real victims in this tragedy. [Full article here]
AUTOPSIES REVEAL THAT JOSEPH LONGO, JR. STABBED HIS WIFE 13 TIMES, HIMSELF MORE THAN 20 WKTV By JOLEEN FERRIS Sep 29, 2009 [Excerpts] Autopsies on the victims of Monday's murder-suicide in Deerfield reveal that Utica Police Investigator Joseph Longo, Jr. stabbed his wife, Kristin, 13 times, before stabbing himself more than 20 times. New York State Police Captain Francis Coots says Kristin Longo's wounds were to the back and abdomen, and that Joseph Longo's wounds were to the abdomen.He says
Kristin Longo had defensive wounds,
but that it's not clear at what point those were inflicted... [Full article here]
COPING WITH TRAGEDY wktv.com By Evan White Sep 29, 2009 [Excerpts] As relatives of Joseph Longo Jr. and his wife Kristin continue grieving, another family is grieving, the Utica Police department. Longo Jr. was a member of the Utica Police Department for more than a decade, now more than a dozen officers are seeking the help of Chaplain Joseph Salerno. "I think people feel very conflicted right now why this happened what motivated Joe to do what he did and we know he did something that goes against the very impression that he embraced," said Salerno... What can be said to comfort those who worked so closely with Longo, ones who knew him as well as some relatives may have? "You try to respond as personally as you can, the major thing I do is just be present, so if anyone needs to speak to me on a personal basis I'm there... Trust me police officers don't hug readily, but in this instance, I think the first thing we do when we see each other is a handshake and a hug and are you doing ok and are you feeling ok and do you need to talk through anything." [Full article here]
WORD OF MURDER-SUICIDE ESPECIALLY HARD FOR POLICE CHIEF NewsChannel 9 WSYR - 4 hours ago September 29, 2009 [Excerpts] More details are coming out about the marital troubles of a Utica Police Department detective accused of killing his wife and then himself. Investigator Joseph Longo's estranged wife, Kristen Longo, had filed divorce papers just a week and a half ago. Their home was also for sale. The couple had also been in family court just hours before Monday's incident. Word of the murder-suicide is especially difficult for Utica’s police chief. Chief Daniel LaBella knew the Longos well, which is why he says this is so hard for him. He was Joseph's partner for five years in the early ‘90s, and could see the changes in his former partner. "There was an internal investigation with Investigator Longo, and his weapons were taken away prior to the incident as well as some counseling that was under way. He needed to deal with some stressful situations in his life," says LaBella... LaBella says no one could have predicted what they say happened... "I've known Joe and Kristen for a number of years on a personal basis, but me being police chief, you have to be effective and can't look at relationships as anything other than that in this time of crisis"... Because of what investigators say happened there, you won't see something like a police funeral or anything like it; the Utica Police Department just wants to close this chapter quietly. "Joe was a distinguished police officer for 14 years, but he forfeited a lot of the honors to come with our profession when he committed the terrible, terrible act of homicide," says LaBella. LaBella says while the department will pull together to move on, the couple’s four children are the real victims... State Police Capt. Francis Coots says it's still unclear if the couple had a history of violence, but he does say the two were having marital problems. "They were still married. I can't comment exactly on … the extent of their break up, but we know right now that they were certainly having some difficulties," says Coots... [Full article here]
ATTORNEY: LONGO’S WIFE FEARED FOR HER SAFETY Police investigator had lost gun, Proctor position Observer-Dispatch By Rocco Laduca Posted Sep 29, 2009 @ 10:52 AM Last update Sep 29, 2009 @ 08:58 PM [Excerpts] By the time Kristin Longo and her husband, Utica police Investigator Joseph Longo Jr., appeared in divorce court Monday afternoon, she already had been living in fear for her safety, her attorney said Tuesday. Attorney George Massoud had expressed such concerns to the state Supreme Court judge... Less than four hours after appearing in court Monday, 39-year-old Kristin Longo was dead, stabbed 13 times in her back and upper chest by her husband inside their Deerfield home... In one instance, Longo Jr. reportedly pointed his weapon at a security officer at the high school and said, "stick ‘em up"... In a second allegation, it was reported that Longo Jr. had threatened to harm himself with his weapon... Longo Jr. had been up in the DA’s Office just two hours before he killed his wife sometime between 3:30 p.m. and 3:50 p.m. Monday. "He was up here happy, waving, talking, just being Joe" McNamara said... "There’s absolutely nothing in this world that justified what Joe did. This makes it impossible for us to mourn his death and to be sorry for him," McNamara said. "He turned himself into a murderer"... Yes, Longo Jr. was a police officer, LaBella said, but he also is a killer. Several officers who wore black mourning bands on their badges Tuesday were ordered to remove them until the department decides how to respond as a whole, LaBella said. Still, he added, special attention was being offered to those officers who might have been particularly close to Longo Jr. and troubled by his death. As Longo Jr.’s partner for five years, LaBella is among those both "saddened and angered" by the tragic shadow that has now darkened the investigator’s career... "He had a very distinguished police career, and he was my friend, but he forfeited that honor as far as what police officers stand for every day when he committed that horrible, terrible homicide," LaBella said. "The victims here are Kristin and her four children, and they’re the ones who deserve our sympathies." [Full article here.]
ATTORNEY: LONGO’S WIFE FEARED FOR HER SAFETY Police investigator had lost gun, Proctor position Observer-Dispatch By Rocco Laduca Posted Sep 29, 2009 @ 10:52 AM Last update Sep 29, 2009 @ 08:58 PM [Excerpts] By the time Kristin Longo and her husband, Utica police Investigator Joseph Longo Jr., appeared in divorce court Monday afternoon, she already had been living in fear for her safety, her attorney said Tuesday. Attorney George Massoud had expressed such concerns to the state Supreme Court judge, as well as other agencies, he said, and that day’s proceeding ultimately became the last opportunity to keep her safe... On Sept. 18, Kristin Longo had taken the first step toward divorcing her husband, officials said. Ten days later, it was too late. Less than four hours after appearing in court Monday, 39-year-old Kristin Longo was dead... "As an advocate for Kristin, from my point of view, any and all steps were taken on her behalf in the courthouse and otherwise to protect her from what occurred," Massoud said. But, he added, "Ultimately, there was a failure someplace." Interviews with several law enforcement officials Tuesday illustrated that concerns recently had arisen about Longo Jr.’s personal and professional life. About a month ago, the Utica Police Department had ordered Longo Jr. to stay away from his wife and the Cosby Manor Road home whenever he was on duty, city Police Chief Daniel LaBella said. Then several weeks ago, Longo Jr.’s department-issued weapon was taken away in light of incidents that occurred when he was working at Thomas R. Proctor High School this summer and concerns over "everybody’s safety," LaBella said. Longo Jr. then was removed from his duties as a police liaison to the Utica School District and reassigned to desk duty, LaBella said. He also was offered counseling to cope with his emotional stress, and an internal disciplinary hearing was scheduled. That proceeding was to take place Tuesday – the day after the fatal stabbings, LaBella said. Still, LaBella said Monday’s crime, which Longo Jr. confessed to before he died, was shocking. "The Police Department here did everything possible. We could not have prevented this in any shape or fashion," LaBella said. "I've known Joe for a number of years, and his wife, and if you were to ask me if I’d seen this coming, I would have to say, honestly, no. I don't think anybody – anybody – seen this coming." CONCERNS Although Longo Jr. was known as a jokester throughout his career, the Police Department became concerned when an anonymous caller reported his questionable behavior with his firearm at Proctor High School, LaBella said. In one instance, Longo Jr. reportedly pointed his weapon at a security officer at the high school and said, "stick ‘em up," said Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara, who was made aware of the allegation. In a second allegation, it was reported that Longo Jr. had threatened to harm himself with his weapon, McNamara said. When Utica police told McNamara of the allegations, he said they did not appear to be criminal in nature. In the incident involving another officer, particularly, McNamara said an anonymous person reported Longo Jr. was just fooling around and never intended to scare anyone. Still, McNamara advised the Police Department to complete its investigation and then provide the DA’s Office with a final report after the final disciplinary hearing. "Obviously, the threat to kill himself did concern me because anytime someone threatens to do harm to their self, it causes you to pause and think," McNamara said. But like LaBella, McNamara said the Longo Jr. that killed his wife was nothing like the Longo Jr. they had long known. In fact, Longo Jr. had been up in the DA’s Office just two hours before he killed his wife... "He was up here happy, waving, talking, just being Joe," McNamara said. "There was nothing that screamed out that this person was a ticking time bomb – nothing. Unfortunately, good people do bad things... This makes it impossible for us to mourn his death and to be sorry for him," McNamara said. "He turned himself into a murderer." DEPARTMENT TORN Now, the Police Department must struggle with how to appropriately respond to the loss of a fellow member. Yes, Longo Jr. was a police officer, LaBella said, but he also is a killer. Several officers who wore black mourning bands on their badges Tuesday were ordered to remove them until the department decides how to respond as a whole... LaBella is among those both "saddened and angered" by the tragic shadow that has now darkened the investigator’s career.... "He had a very distinguished police career, and he was my friend, but he forfeited that honor as far as what police officers stand for every day when he committed that horrible, terrible homicide," LaBella said. "The victims here are Kristin and her four children, and they’re the ones who deserve our sympathies." [Full article here]
STATE POLICE: STAB WOUNDS TOTALED MORE THAN 30 Utica Observer-Dispatch Posted Sep 29, 2009 @ 04:51 PM Last update Sep 29, 2009 @ 04:56 PM UTICA — State police said on Tuesday afternoon that the preliminary autopsy reports indicate that Kristin Longo sustained 13 stabs wounds and Joseph Longo received 20. Kristin had wounds to the front and rear of her torso as well as defensive stab wounds to her hands. Joseph's self-inflicted wounds included cuts to his wrist, abdomen and throat. [Full article here]
IN THE MIDST OF SADNESS, COMMUNITY WRAPS THEIR ARMS AROUND THE CHILDREN Utica Daily News Dana C. Silano 09/30/2009 04:00:00 am [Excerpts] In the wake of Monday's suicide/homicide, not a conversation could be had without the mention of concern for the four children who lost their parents in one of the area's most tragic incident in recent history. Police officials and community service providers turned their attention to helping the surviving children of Utica Police Investigator Joseph Longo and his wife Kristin... At the scene of the murder-homicide Monday, State Police Captain Frank Coots told the media the children would be offered help through victim services at the Oneida County District Attorney's Office... Teresa Tate, the founder of Survivors of Law Enforcement Suicide, lost her police officer husband to suicide back in 1989. Since then she has been working with SOLES to help bring awareness to the issue of police suicide and comfort the families involved. "For the children, you have to be able to offer compassion, sensitivity and support," Tate said. "You have to give them hope that they're going to grieve through this with the support of the local community"... [Full article here]
DEATHS Utica Observer-Dispatch Posted Sep 29, 2009 @ 08:57 PM ...Longo, Joseph Anthony, Jr., 41, of Utica, died September 28, 2009. Arrangements by The Matt Funeral Home, Utica. Longo, Kristin Mary Palumbo, 39, of Utica, died September 28, 2009. Arrangements by V.J. Iocovozzi Funeral Home, Inc., Frankfort... [LINK]
KRISTIN MARY PALUMBO LONGO V.J. Iocovozzi Funeral Home Utica - Kristin Mary Palumbo Longo, 39, of 10508 Cosby Manor Rd passed away unexpectedly Monday, September 28, 2009 in her home. Her funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the V. J. Iocovozzi Funeral Home, Inc., 203 Second Ave. Frankfort and are incomplete at this time. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Kristin’s online memorial page by going to www.iocovozzifuneralhomes.com. [LINK]
GUIATREE HARDAT - 1984-2007 murdered by NYPD Police Officer Harry Rupnarine
"...She was just too wonderful for words; there are not words in the Eng. language that would express the sadness and pain, that I'm going through right now; the nights that I can't sleep because I'm replaying our last conversation in my head; or the last time I saw her; or just everything ... that makes me cry until I have headaches, and swollen eyes..."
[NY] Officer Harry Rupnarine shot, killed girlfriend Guiatree Hardat - ...“He was always pestering her and not giving her room to breathe"... They had just broken up, sources said. Hardat was walking a few steps ahead of Rupnarine and, at one point, he was heard yelling, "Give me your SIM card, bitch"...
COP SLAY SHOT 'POINT-BLANK' New York Post By William J. Gorta September 15, 2009 The transit cop charged with murdering the woman who spurned him, shot her point blank in the back of the head -- not in a vain attempt to protect her from muggers, as he had claimed, prosecutors told a Queens jury yesterday. Harry Rupnarine shot [Guiatree] Hardat in May 2007 on Atlantic Avenue in Woodside "at close range . . . which resulted in her immediate death," said ADA Jack Warsawsky. Defense lawyer Tammy Harris said Rupnarine was trying "to protect the woman he loved from two knife-wielding thugs who tried to rob her." [LINK]
R.I.P Guiatree Hardat jaysterh89 May 27, 2007 "the slideshow i made for my sister's memorial" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lql64CYK6bE
Youtube Comment from MassiveGT May you soul rest in peace... Just know Vishal still loves you gui...ur always in his heart....and always will be ...and he will never forget you... he told me this with tears in his eyes...the funny thing is that i didn't know and when he? told me all i could remember is when i first met you n u served me dhal n rice that was funny... R.I.P Love Carlos
FIND TWO GUYS WITH A KNIFE, HE TOLD OFFICERS New York Daily News By Scott Shifrel And Robert F. Moore Saturday, May 12th 2007, 4:00 AM The NYPD transit cop charged with killing his girlfriend on a Queens street tried to blame the fatal shooting on "two guys with a knife," according to transcripts of his statements to police... "I'm on the job," pleaded Rupnarine, who is assigned to the NYPD Brooklyn transit bureau task force... "Please get those guys who robbed me"... The disgraced cop's defense attorney, Sanford Talkin, argued unsuccessfully for bail, telling Judge Suzanne Melendez that his client, a Guyanese immigrant, had ties to the community and was not a flight risk. "He's not going to run," Talkin said, adding that cops in the courtroom were willing to post Rupnarine's bail... [Full article here]
MOM'S DAY OF GRIEF Returns home to view daughter's body New York Daily News, NY BY MIKE JACCARINO AND ADAM LISBERG Monday, May 14th 2007, 4:00 AM A grief-stricken Brooklyn mom spent Mother's Day viewing the body of her precious daughter who was gunned down last week - and cherishing the Mother's Day cards that contained her daughter's last words to her. "Even though you are so far away, we love you. Come back soon," wrote 22-year-old Guiatree Hardat before sending her mom on a trip to her native Guyana last week... "He shattered my daughter's dreams," Dabby Hardat somberly told the Daily News at her Cypress Hills, Brooklyn, house before heading to a funeral home to see her daughter's body. The mother said she never approved of her daughter's romance with NYPD transit cop Harry Rupnarine, 37, who tried to pry her away from her family and ignored her parents' curfews - and who carried a gun for work. "He is not up to my standards, and not what I wanted for my daughter. This wasn't the guy for her," Dabby Hardat said. "I was always scared of the gun. It's a feeling a mother has for her daughter, whether or not something is good for that child. It was like a sign." She said she was afraid for her daughter, a beautiful Queens College nursing student who met Rupnarine when he asked for her number while working on a J train platform. "He was abusive to me on the phone," Dabby Hardat recalled. "He would tell me, 'I know you don't want me. I know you want to get another man for Guiatree.' And on two or three occasions, he told me, 'If I don't get Guiatree, then no one else gets her.'"... [Full article here]
"Why did the police employ him?" Dabby Hardat said. "When he was in a bad mood, he could have blown anyone away. I blame the city. If they didn't issue him a gun, he wouldn't have been able to shoot Guiatree. Because they're desperate for police officers, they hire anybody," she said.
KIN BLAST BRASS OVER GAL'S SLAY New York Post, NY By Erin Calabrese and Larry Celona May 22, 2007 The parents of slain beauty Guiatree Hardat said the NYPD - desperate for new recruits - is partly to blame for the shooting death of their 24-year-old daughter, allegedly gunned down by her cop ex-boyfriend on a Queens street. The Post reported yesterday that Officer Harry Rupnarine's Police Academy instructor had tried, according to a source, to kick him out of the academy for disruptive behavior, but was overruled. A man like that, Hardat's mother said, should never have been issued a weapon. "Why did the police employ him?" Dabby Hardat said. "When he was in a bad mood, he could have blown anyone away. I blame the city. If they didn't issue him a gun, he wouldn't have been able to shoot Guiatree. Because they're desperate for police officers, they hire anybody"... Hardat's parents said they would not rule out a lawsuit. [Full article here]
CITY WORK FORCE A ROGUES' GALLERY 400+ ARRESTS INCLUDE HIDDEN CASES New York Post (NY) MELISSA KLEIN, JANON FISHER and BRAD HAMILTON September 23, 2007 [Excerpts] ...A Post review of arrest records and agency data also shows that at least 80 of the 418 city workers locked up this year were NYPD employees. They include Officer Harry Rupnarine , who allegedly killed his former fiance with his 9 mm service Glock when she yelled at him, "Get away from me! I hate you." And many more cops might have been busted this year, but the NYPD refused to disclose its official tally... Questions raised by The Post about how the city learns of employee arrests and how it disciplines arrested workers revealed a flawed and inconsistent system... each department sets its on rules on the matter. Most require self-reporting of arrests. Some, like the Mayor's Office, don't... [Full article here] ...I couldnt even tell her sister it was going to be all right because deep down inside i knew it wasnt. I know things will never be the same without her...
Adriana Taylor Buffalo, NY Guiatree Hardat my cousin my blood my sister i lover so much..she didnt deserve this.And i strongly do feel that Rupnarine should be sentence to death and not a life time in prison.He took an innocent life someone who meant the world to many people he should be punished.What nonsense that he was robbed..how can you accidently shoot your love on a street that brights?No excuses he did the crime and he should be hung!!
Adriana Taylor Buffalo, NY She was smart,caring,loving,funny,hype r and someone u can always count on..now she's gone and he's living its not fair..He should be dead.The grief her dear mom and dad an lil sis Jyoti is going through no one would know the pain..but they are like my second family through thick and thin i love them all ......and now she's gone and i feel empty inside..such a beautiful young lady taken so quickly.you'll always be remember i miss yur smile and warm hugs ...I hope that guy dies!!
Nitin Ramkumar Georgetown, Guyana she was soo funn...she always use to help me out wenever i needed...i loved her...and ill miss her alottt...hope that idiot whoever did this is sentenced to death... he killed someone that wudda madee such a different in this world...well all miss u guiatree and my sincere condolences to family.. and jhoti jus hang in there its gunna be ok
Shafeeza Ibrahim Georgetown, Guyana ...im so sorry for her..she seriously didn't deserve this..that boyfriend has a cruel mind...if i ahd de chance i'd kill myself...i would like too extend my dseepest sympathy to all the relatives and friends of the Guiatree Hardat in this their time of grief..may her soul rest in peace..from the Ibrahim's family Essequibo Coast, Guyana
Simeon Buffalo, NY I miss u still cant believe it but every one keeps saying yes i dont want to accept the truth but reality is your gone and we really love u and miss you.
Prashant Rambaran Georgetown, Guyana This is by far a tragic and demoralizing moment for all who have known this wonderful being. Guiatree was a lovely person. Extremely friendly and always full of life. It is the worst thing for a young and vibrant person as guiatree was to come to such an abrubt end. The heartless, ignorant, ruthless, cold blooded killer responsible for taking guiatree's life deserves only the harshest of treatment later resulting in death. My sympathy to her family especially Jyoti. Hang in there. Guiatree would want all to be strong and hopeful.. Rest in peace Guiatree
Rishi Georgetown Guyana Georgetown, Guyana Guiatree and I worked together for a couple of months at NBIC before she migrated, and the short time I knew her she was very fun smart and always smiling this is very sad and hard to believe she will be Missed dearly by me and Sherry. Rest in Peace. My sympathy to her family. HE SHOULD BE HUNG !
Shane Ali Balintore, UK I went to school with Guiatree and consider her a sister. I met her whole family last year in NY when i visted her. She is in my thoughts everyday. This guy didnt even deserve to breathe the same air she did. My god i hope he gets life. I am still in denial. I remember her always smiling, us poking fun at each other, or going to have a chinese. I love her so much. and i am taking this hard. May her soul rest peacefully. I know she has taken a peace of us with her because she contributed so much to our own lives. Guiatree we will miss you dearly.
Victor Wilkinson Jamaica, NY Even though I didn't know Guiatree that well, I'm still heart broken. I hope this murderer gets whats coming to him. Jyoti, sweet heart, I'm here for you, stay strong baby. Mr. and Mrs. Hardat my prayers are with you. Never give up. I love you all.
Asia Lansing Alvada, OH Guiatree was a really nice girl. Her dad and my mom are cousins. I met her for the first time in florida during august last year...her parents and everyone welcomed me and my mom and brother with open arms..i loved being with them and jyoti..i love them both very much and when i heard what happened i couldnt function properly in school.. i jus kept crying and crying. i coulnt believe it..she was soo nice and pretty and i loved her soo much... everytime i think about it i just feel like crying.. i still can't believe it happened... she was a terrific person...
Garry Boodhan Edgewater, FL Well people I dont know where to start... First and formost, on behalf of all of guiatree's family and friends.. i would like to thank everyone who has paid their respect to her. Funeral arrangements are being made for Thursday. As soon as i find out the address i will post it. Guiatree is my cousin. Even though prior to her moving to the US from Guyana I didnt know her personally. For the short time we did spend together they were very memorable ones. It's very sad that this happened to her out of all people... Out of all the people in this world why her?? She had brains... She had beauty.. She had a huge heart.. She had a good head on her shoulders and most of all She had a plan.. She was making the most of her family's journey to the U.S. Me and Guiatree grew up on 2 totally different parts of the earth so lifes roads were taking us in 2 totally different directions but deep down inside we were the same!! Guiatree, Without a doubt you will be missed by many. I wish i could hug ur boney little self right now.. Harry whatever your last name is, You should be hung!! But honestly death would just be a easy way out for you. It would just be an easy esacape for the coward he is. He deserves to spend every last minute of his life behind bars scared for his life!!! He deserves to live in fear for the rest of his life because of what he has done to my cousin!! I hope his stay in NYS correctional facility is as bad as they say it is!!... I just feel like cursing. I wish I could see him. This is the worst feeling in the world!! It sucks knowing that no matter what I do, it cant change what he did. I couldnt even tell her sister it was going to be all right because deep down inside i knew it wasnt. I know things will never be the same without her.
Amelia Guyana Georgetown, Guyana I still cant believe what has happened she was my close cousin and she didn't deserve to die like this. My entire family is grieving and her family 2. I miss her so much that words cannot describe. I wish it wasn't at all true but life goes on. We, her family in Guyana are all missing her. I still cant believe. There so much that I want 2 say. We will always remember her especially her smile. She had the biggest smile.I'm praying 4 d family Miss u cous R.I.P. Gui We will always remember her. Don't have the strenght to say anything else. Take care of my aunt & uncle Jyoti. Missing u Gui. R.I.P. Cous
Ranie NY Queens Village, NY My deepest sympathy goes out to the Hardat family. I was a friend of Guiatree and met her last Sept...She "never" missed an occasion to call me, Christmas, my bday, Valentine's Day...she was so very sweet and thoughtful... and will be missed. I hope she finds a peaceful place in heaven to rest...
Garry Boodhan Orlando, FL this was a mass email sent out by her sister Jyoti. This is Jyoti Hardat, the little sister of Guiatree Hardat. I am just writing this little note to let you all know of the events that have happened. Guiatree was fatally shot on Thursday, 10th of May, 2007 by her fiance. She is no longer with us. God please bless her soul and let her rest in peace. The viewing of the body will be held on Tuesday 15th of May and the funeral will be the following day. I will keep you all updated concerning the time and place of the events. You can reply to this email because i will be checking it regularly. or you can reply to me directly at preti_angel@hotmail.com At this point in time, I cannot say much more. The wound is still fresh in my heart and mind. Sincerely, Jyoti Hardat
Jyoti Hardat Brooklyn, NY May 14, 2007 I'm Gui's sister. Thank you all for your comments and condolences. it means alot to us..gui was indeed a very blessed individual and it was a blessing jus having her in our lives. her life was short but the lives she has touched are countless. i love u gui..so much... my big sis, my guiding angel... i love u from the depths of my heart. u were my life, u r my life and u will always be my life. YOU MAY BE GONE, BUT IN MY HEART, YOU LIVE ON... R.I.P Tweety(Gui)...i love u
Sherry New York, NY I couldn't believe this and I'm still having a hard time...Gui was one of my dearest friends...she has always been there for me...always made me smile...hmm she always had a smile on her face! We would say the nuttiest things to each other and be down right blunt and honest and know it's ok to do it..anything I had bothering me I could approach her and expect to hear something to make me feel better...and she could have done the same. I don't know what to say...but I hope she gets justice!... this guy should feel every ounce of pain & guilt possible... death is too much of an easy way out for him!... We will all miss you Gui... so much... you'll remain in my heart...
Nina Brooklyn NY Queens Village, NY This is such a sad story, but also to common. Since when does a man feel that he has the right to hurt the woman he is with. Why do we women have to live in fear of the person we are suppose to be in love with. Be a man and if you are in pain take yourself out of it ! Kill yourself !!! Not the person that does not love you anymore. This guy does deserve the death penalty ! He does not deserve bail I hope the judge does not grant bail he needs to live the rest of his life in jail.
ATIYA RAMBACHAN Alberttown, Guyana I LOVED MY COUSIN SO MUCH,SHE WAS THE FUNNIEST ONE IN THE FAMILY. I HAVEN'T SEEN HER IN TWO[2]YEARS AND I WAS PLANNING ON HAVING A GOOD TIME WHEN SHE CAME IN AUGUST. BUT THAT KILLER JUST TOOK HER AWAY FROM ALL OF THE PEOPLE WHO LOVED HER. I DO HOPE HE IS PUNISHED SEVERLY. I WISHED HE WAS SHOT IN THE FACE JUST AS HOW HE SHOT MY COUSIN. I WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO MY LOVING AUNT AND UNCLE AND ALSO JYOTI. LOVE U ALL!
Kavita - Guyana Georgetown, Guyana My Sincere condolences to Aunti Debbie, Uncle Hardat, Jyoti and the rest of the family and friends.I share in your moment of grief. My prayers are with you. Have faith, god is always in charge.
Cristian Russo Buenos Aires, Argentina I can only send my condolence to the family. I know Guiatree´s father, Sukhdeo , who´s a fine working man, and father who deserved not, this tragedy. I hope this whole thing lays into God´s reason.
Shellown Persaud Los Angeles, CA Gui and I have been close friends for many years and in the past week I've felt every emotion from shock, anger, frustration, and sadness for this tragedy and what it has done to her parents, sister, family, and friends, hate for the monster who took her away from us all, and appreciation and joy to have had such a wonderful friend. I have given up trying to understand why this happened because it's God's will. Somehow knowing that this is all God's will doesn't provide any comfort at this time. My condolences go out to all those who lost Gui. I love you sweetheart. May you rest in peace.
Shiv from Radioguyana Toronto, Canada I knew guiatree since she was at QC. very smart and happy person. She does not deserve this. IT really hurt me to know gui had to go this way. I remember calling GUI and pretending to be a radio Dj just to keep her smiling. Only fews days before she died she signed my guest book and she was so happy i finally got to be a real one. WHEN i am down she always there to talk to...GUI was a real friend who i will miss... MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE>>>> WILL MISS YOU "SAPODILLA BROWN" GIRL....
Shakti Singh Toronto, Canada Gui and i went to high school together. She was like a really really good friend of mine. We beacame closer when i returned to guyana in 2005. She was always such a fun loving happy person. I can hardly ever remember a time not seeing her smiling. Gui you will be dearly missed. I am still in shock. I totally cannot believe that someone would do something like this to such a nice person. He should be hanged and done twice over again. i hope he gets the death sentence.. We will all miss u dearly ... u ma gurl
Mohalani Chatterdeo Tunapuna, Trinidad and Tobago I met Guiatree when she first started Queen's College in Guyana. I was in my fifth year, we were preparing for the QC Hindu Society's Phagwah Programme. Gui found me on hi5 a few months back and her words were: "I don't know if you remember me?" I did. I know she looked up to me... and I pledge to make something good of my life in her name and put a smile on her face. RIP Guiatree. You touched so many lives with your charm... you have no idea the impact your death has had on people all across this globe. My prayers are with you, your family and your friends. Justice will be served, even if we don't get to see the justice we want, I know that your murderer cannot run from his Karma.
Ange R - Guyana Tunapuna, Trinidad and Tobago Gui was one of TWO of my best friends, and in some respects we will always be, because there is no one that can take her place. She has a special place in my heart that she will keep forever. She was just too wonderful for words; there are not words in the Eng. language that would express the sadness and pain, that I'm going through right now; the nights that I can't sleep because I'm replaying our last conversation in my head; or the last time I saw her; or just everything ... that makes me cry until I have headaches, and swollen eyes ...(sighs)
I just want to APPEAL to all you guys that are advocating that the f-cker should get death. STOP IT! STOP IT RIGHT NOW! Don't you see that's what he wants, he wants to die without paying his debt to society; he doesn't want to face the tons of lives that he has ruined; he wants to die like a coward.
A coward that doesn't tell a beautiful YOUNG WOMAN of 22, that he's so old he'll be collecting pension soon. NO, MY FRIENDS IN GRIEF, let him live on to face all the torment and grief that we are feeling now, and will be facing on our quiet days years from now.
LET HIM LIVE. DON'T MAKE THIS EASIER FOR HIM. PLEASE.'Cuz we all know that if he ever comes out of jail, someone wil drop him, better one of us than them?....
Gui, Chicky, I love you and miss you so much. I hope that there is some cosmic interruption in the universe and you are returned to us all ...
Dillon DeRamos nyc Brooklyn, NY To the hardat family, my deepest condolences and i just hope that in time you can mend things and keep on moving forward because thats the only way gui would have wanted it. Gui was a spectacular person, funny, bold confident and just a plain ole sweetheart. Her passing has left a void in many hearts that can never be filled. The most moving and sad part about this entire incident is simply the fact that gui never knew how important she was and how many lives she touched by just being herself, Gui...you were so loved and needed by so many..... If only we could turn back the hands on time and change things. I know so many people who would have gladly taken a bullet for gui and i'm one of them. To her parents who she would always refer to as pops and mudds, me and ange both know how much she loved you guys and appreciated everything you did, of course Jyoti was her little starlet. Please dont have any regrets about gui coz she treasured you all and would have never traded you guys for anything. she adored you all and whereever she is, i know she'll be smiling and looking over you until you all meet again, til then i wish you the strength to continue on and plz Jyoti if you read this feel free to contact me if you need anything.. anything at all.. me and ange are here for you..plz dont ever be shy Unlike most people i'll hold back from commenting about that monster.. he's not worth my time.
Kiran Mattai Georgetown, Guyana Guiatree was a fun loving and friendly person, and whatever happened to her makes one question the phrase- 'everything happens for a reason.' I knew Guiatree through Jyoti when she would come to dancing,and then at QC as well. For the week that we all stayed together In NY, it was more than just being friends....it was fun, sisterly and definitely a memory worth keeping. There was never a time she didnt have a smile on her face and that's been the general consensus about Guiatree. Im glad that I did meet Guiatree and for the time I, as well as my sister and entire family knew her, we are grateful for such. We hope her soul rests in peace and that her family be able to achieve some comfort in knowing that their daughter and sister, for the short time she lived, lived with FULL energy. we are all still shocked here, but we pray that the justice system places a penalty on this man who so mercilessly and in a moment of selfishness, took this girl's life, as well as a family's dream. RIP Guiatree
Sheena P Georgetown, Guyana I met Guiatree thru Ange, Im one of Ange's best friend too... I was so shocked when I heard the sad news and up to this day I still can't believe that happened to her. She was so beautiful. I remember I would tease her about Sapodilla Brown as her screen name. I remember how she was so caring, everytime I had a depressing screen name up she would be one of the first to ask me whats wrong, if Imran and I are ok... Imran, my bf.. went to skool with Gui and everyday I would print out the news and give him to read. He too just cant believe that she's gone. Guiatree, don't worry dear... if the law doesn't give that mo'fo what he deserves, god will... its a pity though you had to go this way but we all know god takes his good children to be with him and you're in the sweet and loving arms of the lord. To the family of Guiatree..her mom, sister Jyoti, Dad and other friends and family.. I just want to say I deeply regret this sad moment and my deepest sympathy to you.
Iasha B Georgetown, Guyana well..i met guiatree through my cuz ange when i used to visit her millions of times at Q.C...ange and gui were inseparable most of the time and gui has a sense of humor that was out of this world...she had so many jabs and low blows for everyone..jus a wonderful young lady...i know how much ange loves her and she will be missed by so many people...who wouldve thought that out of all the people in the world...it would be our dear fren guiatree...i will surely miss those days when she used to pop up at the court and we would go walkin all over town...hmh...time will heal the pain and hurt we all feel but you will always be remembered Gui..i know where u r..u are goin to be well taken care of..and for the bastard that did this...he cannot run from Allah's punishments...i assure you....justice will be served...love n miss u gui...
Kelvin B-Guyana Georgetown, Guyana I must admit that i'm very sadened by what happened to my good friend.. i have known her since first form and we came all the way to sixth form together.. and this is not the way we expected her to go... we were supposed to grow old together then pass away from some natural cause..however, im very angry at that raksha who took the life of my beautiful friend ... we'll miss u Gui.. u always be remebered.. to your family i pray that God give u the health and strength to move on after such a tragedy.. God bless.. and i hope that justice is served.
Anonymous Jamaica, NY I was a witness to everything that happened. However, I saw it from afar as I was in moving car and was unable to do anything. I tell you that she tried to get him off her, if this is any kind of relief to the family she fought him. I saw when he pointed the gun to her face and she tried to fight him as she screamed and he shot her, but by the time we drove in reverse to try to help or stop him it was to late, we just happen to find her body cover with blood to her head. I must tell you that she was a courageous individual and I offer my deepest condolences to the family. I can[n't] bear to pass by the place she was murder, even though she was a stranger to me I am extremely sadden as she was a strong soul, whose life was robbed. Once again my condolences, especially to her mother, it must be ea difficult time for her.
Arpana Alberttown, Guyana Guitree was a very sweet girl. She always had a smile on her face and was always a pleasant person to be around. On behalf of my colleagues of Centralised Support Unit (Angie, Marcella, Carlos,Sunil, S avi ,Indi, Ava, Denese, Michelle, P arasram and many others whose lives she had touched), we extend our heartfelt condolences to Guitree's family and her loved ones. She will be missed. Worry not, Justice will be served if not by the people then by God. MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE.
Troy Brooklyn, NY I still cant believe shes gone. We go to the same mandir. He dad thought me much about being a camera man and he sister, Jjoyti thought our youth group how to dance and perform during fund raiser's. I cant belive Harry did this. He seemed like a nice nice guy when we talked in mandir. But i guess you never know what someone is capable of until its done. Guiatree was robbed of her future. Who knows how great of an individual she would have been. I miss her dearly.
Priya Stone Mountain, GA Guitree is my cousin and I will miss her very much. This is the worst experience any family should have to go through. But my friend used to say to me, if god brings you to it, god will bring you through it. We all pray that her soul rest in peace and hope that my uncle and family will get throught this much stronger in will. They will need it for the trial.
Ashwini Nagreadi Georgetown, Guyana Guiatree was my cousin. She was a very sweet and unique individual just like everybody else but there was just a different touch of life when it came to her. You would only be able to know that if you were around her and had dealings with her. Her smile and laughter was one that could have turned any sad atmosphere into an unforgettable one. She was always of help to me and my sister. She was just the type we loved to be around, fun, smart and most of all knows her boundaries. Guiatree, you may have left us, but with momories that we will always cherish and will never ever be able to forget. You were and will always be sweet to us. We love you Guyo and we always will. Sincere condolences to my Aunty Debbie, Uncle Sukh, my sweet cousin Jyoti... stay sweet and hang in ther.... This is from the Nagreadi's Family wishing you all the best and try to live on for whatever has happened has happened but ofcurse we will never be able to forget. Guiatree was sweet and will always be. As for Harry i am not God and do not have the right o determine what will happen to him but i do hope and pray that he finds himself in such a situation in life that he lives to regret and grieve for what he has done to my very sweet and adorable cousin. R.I.P Giuatree.... love ya!!!!
Aruna Georgetown, Guyana Guiatree was such a sweet, caring and fun loving individual. I still cannot believe her life was snatched in such a cruel manner. She was truly one of a kind. My first friend in high school, Guiatree made me feel welcome in a place where I knew no one else. She was very special and it's sad to talk about her in past tense, but the little time she spent with us we will forever remember for she touched our lives in such a special way. To Uncle Hardat and family you guys are in our thoughts and prayers. May her soul rest in peace.
DS - New York Flushing, NY I have known Guiatree for couple of years. I first met her and her sister when she came to NY from Guyana to acommpany her sister for a show. She was a great person who was always there to listen to what you have to say. She have touched many lives including mine. I just want Jyoti to now that i still remember you guys and when i heard what happened to gui i was shocked and hoped that this guy is sentenced to death. RIP Guiatree aka tweety or cowtree
Anil Ramnath Georgetown, Guyana Guiatree my cousin and sister always wear a smile even on a bad day. What has happen is very tragic and heartbraking for the family and friends and its something that will never overcome by this family..knowing that Harry has ripped many hearts in this family. She was too good for him and thats what he can't accept. Now that this dreadful act has been committed, i trust and hope that justice will prvail and Harry will get what he deserved for such an act beacuse Guiatree can not be replaced for us especially to her mom, dad and sister. Justice must be given!!!! [police officer involved domestic violence law enforcement fatality fatalities murder new york]
...Retired troopers told of a July 23, 1987, incident in which [1st wife] Starr Ann Holbrook shot at him with a state police-issued gun as he arrived home from work... [2nd wife] Joni Holbrook's attorney Jesse Williams says this is not a coincidence...
WOMAN WHO REPORTEDLY SHOT FORMER COLDWATER MSP TROOPER FACES PRELIMINARY EXAM TODAY
By Don Reid
The Daily Reporter
Sun Sep 27, 2009, 09:19 PM EDT
[Excerpts] Defense attorneys for Joni Holbrook, the wife of former Coldwater Michigan State Police (MSP) Trooper Sgt. Melvin Holbrook, who is charged with his Aug. 10 murder, want further information about circumstances of a 1987 Branch County shooting. The Traverse City Record-Eagle reported Saturday a retired former fellow trooper told investigators then wife Starr Ann Holbrook shot at him with a MSP-issued gun on July 23, 1987 at their Coldwater area home. She missed... [Full article here]
THERE IS NEW INFORMATION INTO THE SHOOTING DEATH OF A MICHIGAN STATE POLICE SERGEANT.
upnorthlive.com
By Roxanne Werly
Friday, September 25, 2009 at 2:42 p.m.
[Excerpts] The incident report obtained by 7 & 4 news reveals Michigan Police Sergeant Melvin Holbrook's ex-wife shot at him twice in 1987. No one was hurt in the 1987 shooting and according to the report the sergeant did not want to press charges. The couple divorced in 1992 and Holbrook remarried in 1999. In August Sergeant Holbrook was shot and killed at his Benzie County home. Joni Holbrook has admitted to shooting and killing her husband... Joni Holbrook's attorney Jesse Williams says this is not a coincidence. He says he's concerned why charges weren't filed when the first shooting took place and concerned with the lack of an investigation. Williams says had it been investigated properly his client, Joni Holbrook, would not be in the situation that she is in today... [Full article here]
HOLBROOK PROBE REVEALS 1987 SHOOTINGPolice seargent's then-wife allegedly shot at him twice
BY ART BUKOWSKI
abukowski@record-eagle.com
Published: September 25, 2009
[Excerpts] In July 1987, the then-wife of Michigan State Police Sgt. Melvin Holbrook turned his service weapon on him and fired two shots, an incident that preceded by two decades Holbrook's shooting death, allegedly by another wife. Details of the 1987 shooting in Branch County emerged from police interviews and document searches during a probe of Joni Holbrook, who's accused of shooting Melvin Holbrook to death as he slept early Aug. 10... Melvin Holbrook was not injured in the 1987 incident, and his then-wife, Starr Ann Holbrook, was not charged with a crime. Police investigating Holbrook's death contacted several former staffers at the state police post in Coldwater, where Holbrook, 53, served after graduating from police recruit school in 1986. Retired troopers told of a July 23, 1987, incident in which Starr Ann Holbrook shot at him with a state police-issued gun as he arrived home from work. The couple was separated at the time, reports indicate, and Starr was at his Coldwater residence. Melvin Holbrook arrived home shortly before 11 p.m., according to a supplement he filed with the original 1987 police report. As he was in the driveway emerging from his car, he saw his wife step outside with his service revolver. She shot and hit the driveway seconds after he got back in his car and backed up, according to the report... She fired a second time as he drove away and headed back to the post to report the incident. He didn't request criminal charges... Starr Holbrook recently acknowledged to a Benzie County Sheriff's investigator that she was involved in the incident... A retired trooper told investigators "it was clear from statements made by (Melvin) Holbrook that his wife had become upset upon finding out" he had been dating another state police trooper. [Full article here]
Thursday, September 24th 2009
