[GA] ACCPD Police Officer Britt jailed for terroristic threatening and family violence

From news: On June 20th Athens-Clarke County Police Officer Robert Ellis Britt was arrested and jailed on making terroristic threats and family violence, both felonies. Deputies say they obtained a recorded phone call between Britt and his wife in which Britt threatened the wife's boyfriend - to "put a bullet through his forehead," and do the same to her.

From Athens-Clarke County Police Department press release: “In accordance with ACCPD policy Britt has been placed on administrative leave pending a preliminary review of the facts in this case.”

Are the threats also the "family violence" or is there more to what's going on?

Is he out? With or without guns? Does his wife have protection? Her friend?

I pray that all are able to stay safe.

[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence ipv abuse law enforcement public safety lethal Barnesville terroristic threatening georgia state politics]

[VA] Petersburg Officer Whitley and woman arrested on domestic assault.

PETERSBURG OFFICER PUT ON LEAVE AFTER ARREST FOR DOMESTIC ASSAULT
June 19, 2019
Following an investigation, authorities arrested a Petersburg Police officer Tuesday for domestic assault. The Petersburg Police Facebook page says that officer Trenzas Whitley has been detained and that “an emergency protective order was issued.” Whitley was put on administrative leave after the arrest as the Petersburg Police Department awaits the outcome of the court proceedings. A woman named Caitlyn Davis was also arrested for domestic assault and an emergency protective order was issued. It is unclear at this time what connection Whitley and Davis have... [Article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence ipv abuse law enforcement public safety virginia state politics]

[CA] Amanda Jensen: “No, don't do this!”

Los Alamitos Police Capt. Rick Moore fatally shot Westminster City Clerk Amanda Jensen and then shot himself. Dispatchers had received a 911 call just after 7:15 p.m. Sunday from Jensen asking for police assistance, but the line went dead. As officers arrived, witnesses said they heard Amanda yell, “No, don’t do this” and then multiple gunshots. Over the prior 9 months Garden Grove police had responded to Jensen’s house in that city three times on domestic calls.

Amanda Jensen called being city clerk a “dream job.” She worked at Westminster City Hall for 11 years. In her off time, she was a troop leader for the Girl Scouts of Orange County and served as event chair for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event in Garden Grove. Amanda is survived by her parents and 3 children who she loved with all her heart.

Westminster City Councilwoman Margie Rice:
"I'm very, very saddened about Amanda's death. It's very personal to me. She was my friend. We worked together for 11 years. She was always smiling and always ready to help anyone. When I got the news, I just kind of fell apart, to tell the truth, because she was such a fine young lady. It's a great loss to the city, a great loss to the families. My heart just breaks for her parents and her."

Assistant City Manager Chet Simmons:
“I’m still in shock. I was devastated when I heard. She was one of those people who is always thinking of everyone else first."

Councilman Sergio Contreras:
"It’s painful. It’s like losing a family member. It’s absolutely tragic."

POLICE CAPTAIN, CITY CLERK FOUND DEAD WITH APPARENT GUNSHOT WOUNDS AFTER SEAL BEACH STANDOFF: POLICE
JULY 17, 2017
[Excerpts] A Los Alamitos police captain [Rick Moore] and a city clerk [Amanda Jensen] have been identified as the man and woman who were found dead inside a Seal Beach apartment Monday morning following an hours-long standoff... The line was disconnected at some point during the call, which was made around 7:20 p.m.... Officers arriving at the scene surrounded the apartment building and evacuated nearby homes while a SWAT team responded to a possible barricade situation... Hours later, police entered the apartment and discovered the deceased man and woman... The relationship between Moore and Jensen was not immediately known, but several neighbors told KTLA that the two had just moved to the building four months ago, and had a number of domestic disputes during that time... [Full article here]

FOR SWAT TEAM, A SEAL BEACH SHOOTING BECAME PERSONAL WHEN CAPTAIN WAS FOUND DEAD
July 18, 2017
[Excerpts] ...At the scene, not long after 8, [Los Alamitos Police Chief Eric Nunez] had learned that one of his captains was involved and pulled his officers off of the case... “I saw them suiting up and knew I did not want my guys on the entry team with a possibility of having to confront their own police captain”... From September to June 3, Garden Grove police responded to Jensen’s house in that city three times on domestic calls... “All (of the calls) involved their relationships and arguments”... In one of the calls, Moore was listed as the victim, with Jensen referred to as the victim in the other two. No one was ever arrested... The Police Department has no plans at the moment to hold a memorial for the captain. Nunez said he wants to wait until the investigation provides some clarity about what happened inside the apartment. “There are one of two ways this went down,” Nunez said. “One way and we’d honor his service. The other would be reprehensible and not worthy of the uniform.” [Full article here]

INVESTIGATION CONTINUES INTO DEATHS OF POLICE CAPTAIN, CITY CLERK IN SEAL BEACH APARTMENT
July 18, 2017
[Excerpts] ...Los Alamitos Police Capt. Rick Moore, 49, and Westminster City Clerk Amanda Jensen, 37, suffered apparent gunshot wounds, according to Sgt. Michael Henderson, spokesman for the Seal Beach Police Department... Police received a call about 7:20 p.m. Sunday from a woman in an apartment near 7th Street and Central Avenue who requested officers’ assistance, authorities said. The call was then disconnected.... Officers quickly surrounded the apartment and the SWAT team responded... As city clerk, Jensen, a Garden Grove resident, was responsible for administering local elections, and maintaining records of business and official actions taken in Westminster... [Full article here]

2 BODIES FOUND IN SEAL BEACH APARTMENT ARE THAT OF A LOS ALAMITOS POLICE CAPTAIN AND WESTMINSTER’S CITY CLERK
July 17, 2017
A Los Alamitos police captain and Westminster’s city clerk were found dead early Monday morning when a SWAT team entered an apartment with the help of a robot, hours after police got a distress call and gunshots rang out... The bodies of Capt. Rick Moore, 49, of Seal Beach and City Clerk  Jensen, 37, of Garden Grove were discovered at about 2 a.m... Shelley Hasselbrink, the Los Alamitos mayor, said Moore was “a terrific police officer... We’re a small city. So everyone knows each other”... [Building maintenance man] Greg Meier said the man’s girlfriend visited him and there had been some type of conflicts between them in the past: “It’s been a volatile relationship.” Jensen’s death is devastating for Westminster, officials there said. She had worked in the Westminster City Clerk’s Office for 11 years, as a deputy clerk and then as the assistant city clerk. She became the head of the office in 2015...  [Full article here]

WESTMINSTER CITY CLERK AND LOS AL POLICE CAPTAIN DEAD IN MURDER-SUICIDE?
July 18, 2017
[Excerpts] Westminster’s city clerk and a Los Alamitos Police Department captain were found shot to death in a Seal Beach apartment early Monday. Police investigators are not yet saying if it was a murder/suicide. But witnesses told the Orange County Register that Amanda Jensen was visiting her boyfriend Rick Moore and that they heard her yell, “No, don’t do this” and then multiple gunshots... Dispatchers received a 9-1-1 call just after 7:15 p.m. Sunday from Jensen asking for police assistance at an apartment in the 100 block of 7th Street, but the line went dead. As officers arrived, witnesses reportedly told them they had heard the gunshots. A police perimeter was set up around the apartment and surrounding area due to fears a barricaded suspect might be inside. However, after hours of no response coming from inside, SWAT officers forced their way in and found the bodies around 2 a.m... they had been dead since around 7:30 p.m. Sunday... [Full article here]

POLICE SAY LOS ALAMITOS CAPTAIN SHOT EX-GIRLFRIEND, THEN HIMSELF
July 20, 2017
[Excerpts] A Los Alamitos police captain fatally shot his ex-girlfriend three times with a personal firearm and then killed himself with that weapon... The Orange County Coroner’s Office on Thursday completed autopsies... the 17-year Los Alamitos officer used his personal .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun, not a police-issued firearm... The investigation is ongoing, Henderson said, and a formal report and toxicology results are still pending... Earlier Thursday, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office announced it had looked into two cases of potential domestic violence [between] Moore and Jensen. Allegations could not be corroborated, said Michelle Van Der Linden, spokeswoman for the District Attorney’s Office, and no charges were filed. Van Der Linden said the DA’s Office was aware of “several incidents” between the pair in the past. Police responded to Jensen’s Garden Grove house three times from September to June 3... About a year earlier, on June 8, 2016, Westminster police received an anonymous letter asking officers to investigate Moore on suspicion of domestic violence, Van Der Linden said. Officials have not released what was in the letter. DA investigators followed up by interviewing Moore and Jensen. “Jensen stated that Moore never hit her and that she injured herself during a verbal argument, resulting in self-inflicted bruising and other injuries,” Van Der Linden said. In the interview, Jensen also mentioned a previous instance when “Moore had physically assaulted her, and she provided a photo showing a bruise as supporting evidence.” She later recanted, and Moore denied the allegations. “We could not file on either case as neither could be proven beyond a reasonable doubt,” Van Der Linden said. It is “a heartbreaking tragedy.” [Full article here]

CITIES STUNNED BY LOSS OF AMANDA JENSEN
July 24, 2017 04:27pm
[Excerpts] The cities of Westminster and Garden Grove continue grieving the loss of Amanda Jensen, who was shot to death by her ex-boyfriend in his Seal Beach apartment last week, authorities said. Jensen, 37 and a mother of three, was the city clerk for Westminster and a resident of Garden Grove. "I'm very, very saddened about Amanda's death," said Westminster City Councilwoman Margie Rice. "It's very personal to me. She was my friend. We worked together for 11 years. She was always smiling and always ready to help anyone. When I got the news, I just kind of fell apart, to tell the truth, because she was such a fine young lady. It's a great loss to the city, a great loss to the families. My heart just breaks for her parents and her"... Police were called to Jensen’s Garden Grove home three times from September, 2016 to June 3 of this year, each time for domestic disputes. Twice, Jensen told police that Moore had struck her. The June 3 incident was investigated by the DA. It turned into a “She said, he said” case, authorities said, and there was not enough evidence to pursue charges. About a year earlier, the DA investigated after Westminster police received an anonymous letter asking them to investigate Moore for domestic abuse. The DA interviewed Moore and Jensen. Jensen stated that Moore had never assaulted her, authorities said. Amanda Jensen called being city clerk a “dream job.” She worked at Westminster City Hall for 11 years. In her off time, she was a troop leader for the Girl Scouts of Orange County and served as event chair for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event in Garden Grove... [Full article here]

WESTMINSTER HOLDS VIGIL FOR LONGTIME CITY EMPLOYEE SHOT AND KILLED IN SEAL BEACH APARTMENT
August 2, 2017
[Excerpts] The clock tower at the Civic Center here became an epicenter of grieving, reflection and remembrance Wednesday night in the face of tragedy. A vigil was held there in honor of Amanda Jensen, 37, a Garden Grove resident, mother of three, and the city clerk of Westminster... On Wednesday, Aug.  2, Westminster held a candlelight vigil for their employees, with mourners gathering outside the Civic Center. City Manager Eddie Manfro and an official of a center for domestic-violence survivors opened the ceremony. Then, the microphone opened for anyone who wanted to share stories of Jensen, who had worked for the city for 11 years and as the city clerk since 2015. [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence ipv abuse law enforcement public safety lethal fatality fatalities murder suicide repeat hx california state politics]

[US][MD] FBI Agent Raynor murdered Donna Fisher, then killed himself in front of police officers

FBI Special Agent David Raynor's murder-suicide stole the life of his estranged wife Donna Fisher and changed her family forever. "Donna is survived by her two children..."

...Anne Arundel County Police Lt. Ryan Frashure told us officers witnessed Raynor’s turning his gun on himself on 7 March 2018: "There is nothing in the investigation that turned up evidence indicating it’s anything other than a domestic-related suicide. When our officers confronted [Raynor], he committed suicide in front of our officers. He was given verbal commands to drop the weapon, and when [officers] were approaching him, that’s when he put the gun to his head." ...The couple had been in the midst of divorce proceedings and, Frashure said, were “having serious domestic issues.” The week they died they were in court fighting over custody of their 10-year-old daughter...

FBI AGENT, WIFE DEAD IN MURDER-SUICIDE, POLICE SAY
March 7, 2018
[Excerpts] Authorities in Maryland say an FBI agent [David Raynor of Annapolis] and his estranged wife  [Donna Fisher of Crownsville] have died in a murder-suicide...the FBI agent and his wife were discovered outside the home. Each had stab wounds. The man also had what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police said officers went to the home after a woman called 911 on behalf of another woman who “was being threatened by her recently estranged husband”... [Full article here]

POLICE: FBI AGENT IN CROWNSVILLE MURDER-SUICIDE HAD NO HISTORY OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

[Excerpts] ...54-year-old David Raynor, an FBI veteran of 22 years, stabbed his estranged wife, Donna Fisher, before ending his life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Baltimore officially ruled Fisher’s death a homicide and Raynor’s death a suicide Thursday... Raynor and Fisher, whose bodies were found near Fisher’s Crownsville home, were embroiled in a divorce and custody case underway this week... Raynor owned “firearms and ammunition believed to be in excess of 125 guns, rifles, grenade launchers and the like”... Police had never been called to either Fisher’s home in Crownsville nor Raynor’s home in Annapolis for reports of domestic violence... In filings, there were no accusations of any violent tendencies, with much of the proceedings focused on custody of their 10-year-old daughter and the value of the home... [Full article here]

FBI SPECIAL AGENT KILLS WIFE, SELF IN ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, OFFICIALS SAY
Mar 07 2018
[Excerpts] ...The Anne Arundel County Police Department said it responded to a domestic assault in the 500 block of Arundel Boulevard in Crownsville at about 8 a.m. Authorities said the 911 caller stated a woman asked that they alert police because her estranged husband, identified later by officials as 52-year-old [FBI Special Agent] David Raynor, had threatened her... When officers arrived at the scene they said the woman, identified as 54-year-old Donna Fisher, was found suffering from stab wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Raynor, of Annapolis, was found suffering from stab wounds and a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to officials. He was also pronounced dead at the scene... [Full article here]

EXCERPTS FROM SNOPES:
...Anne Arundel County Police Lt. Ryan Frashure told us officers witnessed Raynor’s turning his gun on himself on 7 March 2018: "There is nothing in the investigation that turned up evidence indicating it’s anything other than a domestic-related suicide. When our officers confronted [Raynor], he committed suicide in front of our officers. He was given verbal commands to drop the weapon, and when [officers] were approaching him, that’s when he put the gun to his head." ...The couple had been in the midst of divorce proceedings and, Frashure said, were “having serious domestic issues.” The week they died they were in court fighting over custody of their 10-year-old daughter. [Full article here]

DONNA FISHER OBITUARY
January 29, 1964 - March 7, 2018
[Excerpts] It is with heavy heart and deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear sister, mother, and friend Donna Lynn Fisher. Donna's life ended tragically on March 7th, 2018 in Crownsville, Md, she was 54. Taken without notice. We all weep for Donna and the beautiful person that was and for the future that was stolen. Words can never express the grief, the shock and the pain we feel for the loss of such a special person who touched the lives of so many. Her abundant love, her endless dedication to her children, her amazing empathy and her commitment to making the world just a bit more fun, happy and meaningful; Donna leaves behind a life that was memorable, faithful, and profoundly impactful to all of us who had the privilege to call her Mom, sister, and friend. Donna is survived by her two children ... whom she dedicated her life to and loved more than anything in the world... We all love and will miss our Donna so very much... [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence ipv abuse law enforcement public safety lethal fatality fatalities murder suicide maryland state politics arsenal custody children divorce]

[PA] Detective Pearson's attempted murder, arson and false imprisonment dv charge 2004

He is still with the PD. (?)

Choosing to not post his mugshot.

DETECTIVE ARRESTED AFTER ALLEGEDLY TRYING TO CHOKE GIRLFRIEND WITH BELT
Jun. 29, 2004
[Excerpts] A Philadelphia police detective was arrested Saturday for allegedly trying to choke his girlfriend with a belt... Darryl Pearson, 36, has been suspended with intent to dismiss... Police were called to an apartment on Devon Street near Roumfort Road in East Mount Airy at about 4:20 a.m. on Saturday after reports of a woman screaming. Pearson tried to wrap a belt around ____'s neck and to set the carpet on fire, police said. Pearson was arrested and charged with false imprisonment, attempted murder and arson, police said...

DETECTIVE SUSPENDED AFTER HE IS ARRESTED IN ASSAULT
Jun. 29, 2004
[Excerpts] A Philadelphia police detective was ordered suspended for 30 days yesterday by Police Commissioner Sylvester M. Johnson and will face dismissal after his arrest over the weekend on charges that he assaulted his girlfriend... Pearson, 36, allegedly attempted to wrap a belt around ____'s neck, police said. He also tried to set a carpet on fire, police said. He was charged with attempted murder, arson and false imprisonment.

DETECTIVE ARRESTED AFTER ALLEGEDLY TRYING TO CHOKE GIRLFRIEND WITH BELT
29 Jun 2004
[Excerpts] ...Darryl Pearson, 36, has been suspended with intent to dismiss, said police spokeswoman Officer Sheila Smith...

JUDGE DISMISSES CHARGES AGAINST POLICE DETECTIVE
10 Sep 2004
Family Court Judge Genece E. Brinkley yesterday dismissed attempted-murder and arson charges against a Philadelphia police detective yesterday after his alleged victim, his girlfriend, failed to appear in court. Assistant District Attorney Gina Smith said her office would rearrest Darryl L. Pearson, 36...

2005 - article states that ["...[Darryl] Pearson is no longer on the force..."]
Source: No-beard policy for cops cost city 3I6G, Philadelphia Daily News, By Jim Smith (smithjm@phillynews.com), 17 Aug 2005, Wed, Page 8

2018 - "DARRYL PEARSON is employed with City of Philadelphia, Police Department. The position title is DETECTIVE..." The annual salary is $85,656.00 in 2018. YTD Overtime Gross $90,294.61
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence ipv abuse law enforcement public safety lethal repeat hx teflon pennsylvania state politics]

After Husbands' Suicides, 'Best Widow Friends' Want Police Officers To Reach For Help

Article excerpts from:
After Husbands' Suicides, 'Best Widow Friends' Want Police Officers To Reach For Help
NPR
June 9, 2019
[NICOLE RIKARD] got a phone call from one of John's lieutenants. "Well, John is gone. And it appears to be self-inflicted," the lieutenant told her. "And I said, 'What the f*** are you talking about?'" Nicole says that the night before, she and John had talked about their weekend plans...
KRISTEN CLIFFORD... "I went inside and I saw a bunch of notes. His police identification, his driver's license, everything laid out very neatly, methodically. ... And I ran down the hallway to our bedroom and the door was closed. And there was a note on it that said, 'I did it. Do not enter. Call 911.'"...
MELISSA SWAILES... "That haunts me, that image of seeing the person that you love more than anything... That man slowly became a different person"...
ERIN GIBSON... "There was trouble in the marriage because he was drinking a lot at the end"... He had been named in a lawsuit... "And this ate him alive. So whenever he was home he was drinking... I have memories of him pacing the floors just pacing, pacing, pacing, back and forth. And it was frightening"...
The women hope that by speaking openly about their husbands, they can help remove some of the stigma and encourage police officers to seek regular mental counseling. Melissa says it should be routine, like officers regularly training with firearms... [Full article here]

Wife. Officer.
Erin Gibson. Sgt. Liberty Lake WA Police officer Clint Gibson
Melissa Swailes. Los Angeles CA Police officer David Swailes
Kristen Clifford. Nassau County NY Police Officer Steve Clifford of New York.
Nicole Rikard. Asheville NC Police Sgt. John Rikard.
[police officer involved depression suicide took his own life service weapon suicidal law enforcement public safety lethal fatality fatalities washington california new york north carolina state politics]

[NYPD] Not forgetting murdered New York Police Officer Milta Ruiz Bruetsch

New York Police Officer Milta Ruiz Bruetsch was shot to death October 29, 1985 in the driveway of her brother's house by her husband, New York City Transit Police officer John Bruetsch. "The couple had been married 11 months and the relationship had been stormy from the start, with police often called to their apartment." He also had a history with domestic incidents from his previous marriage but had not been charged. Milta and John Bruetsch had a four-month-old child together. 

NATIONWIDE ALERT FOR COP ACCUSED OF KILLING WIFE
October 30, 1985
[Excerpts] ...Authorities said the fugitive, John Bruetsch, 39, a New York City Transit Authority policeman, killed his wife, New York policewoman Milta Bruetsch, after he went to her brother’s home Tuesday in hopes of winning a reconciliation. She had moved out of their Bronx home three weeks earlier. On Tuesday, an argument broke out and Bruetsch dragged his 22-year-old wife to his car, shot her when she tried to flee and then shot her twice more in the back as she lay on the pavement, poice said. He then fled... The couple had been married 11 months and the relationship had been stormy from the start, with police often called to their apartment... Ed Silberfarb, a transit authority spokesman, said Bruetsch had been suspended twice, in 1978 and 1979, for violating a court order barring him from visiting his first wife. During his 17-year career, he had eight "derelictions" for minor offenses such as being late. He also had eight commendations. [Full article here]

A FUGITIVE TRANSIT OFFICER ACCUSED OF FATALLY SHOOTING HIS WIFE
Oct. 31, 1985
[Excerpts] A fugitive transit officer accused of fatally shooting his estranged wife, a New York City policewoman, was captured Thursday... Kenneth Gribetz, the Rockland County district attorney, said John Bruetsch, 39, was arrested just after 9 p.m. for the Tuesday shooting death of his wife, Milta... In New York on Wednesday, police with a search warrant raided Bruetsch's apartment, seizing a .25-caliber automatic pistol, two rifles and a shotgun, Gribetz said. Bruetsch, a 17-year veteran of the Transit Police, allegedly followed his wife, from whom he was separated, to the Piermont home of her brother, Francisco Ruiz, also a New York policeman. He then dragged her out into a driveway and shot her four times. The couple had a four-month-old child, who was not harmed... [Bruetsch] was suspended three times for 30 days each and was close to being fired... Bruetsch joined the transit force in 1968 and his wife joined the city force Jan. 4, 1984. Bruetsch is divorced from his first wife, Barbara, and was charged in 1978 and 1979 with violating court orders barring him from visiting her. [Full article here]

A  COMMENT:"I was a rookie cop in the same NSU 8 training unit with Milta. I remember boyfriend at the time John always showing up at her assigned post to check up on her. I used to joke with her about how jealous he was and that he didn't trust her because he was so much older. I didn't think he would kill her over it. Milta was such a sweet person. In the couple of years that I knew her we became good friends along with my ex-wife who also was a rookie officer with us. I still miss her."

TRANSIT OFFICER IS ARRESTED IN SHOOTING DEATH OF WIFE
November 1, 1985
A New York City transit police officer accused of fatally shooting his estranged wife, a Bronx police officer, was arrested... According to the police, Mr. Bruetsch, who had been living in the Bronx, went Tuesday to the house at 59 Piermont Place, where his wife, Milta, 22, had been staying with her brother, Frank Ruiz, a New York City policeman. A relative of the victim, Rodolfo Rosado, who also lives at the Piermont Place address, told the police that the couple had argued. The police said he recalled watching Mr. Bruetsch drag his wife to his car, shoot her once as she tried to flee and several times as she lay on the pavement, and then flee... A spokesman for the transit police, Edward Silberfarb, said Officer Bruetsch, who has been on the force 17 years, had a "checkered record." He said it included eight commendations and four "serious incidents," three of which resulted in temporary suspensions from duty. During 1978 and 1979, Officer Bruetsch was accused of twice violating a court protection order that prohibited him from visiting his former wife, Barbara. They have three children. On one occasion, Barbara Bruetsch said her former husband had threatened her with a gun. Officer Bruetsch was suspended for 30 days without pay but was not brought up on criminal charges after his former wife refused to testify against him... He said the department had sought to have Officer Bruetsch dismissed from the force on three different occasions. "But to dismiss a cop once he's passed his probation period, you have to have a strong case"... [Full article here]

JURY SELECTION IN TRIAL OF OFFICER
July 28, 1986
[Excerpts] Jury selection is to begin Monday in the trial of a Transit Authority police officer accused of fatally shooting his wife... The transit officer's attorney, Jack Evseroff, said he would argue that his client was not responsible for his actions... [Full article here]

OFFICER SAYS HE DOES NOT RECALL KILLING WIFE
August 17, 1986
[Excerpts] ...Officer Bruetsch, 40 years old and a 17-year veteran of the New York transit police force, took the stand this week and testified that he does not remember dragging his wife, Milta, from her brother's home in Piermont, N.Y., and shooting her five times... Milta Bruetsch, an officer of the New York City Police Department, who was 22, had moved from the couple's Bronx apartment three weeks before the shooting to the Rockland County home of Francisco and Wanda Ruiz, her brother and sister-in-law. They, too, are New York City police officers... Two psychiatrists, Dr. Stanley Portnow and Dr. Daniel Schwartz, who were called by the defense, testified that the defendant was probably in an "altered state of consciousness" and unaware of what he was doing when he shot his wife as she tried to flee. The prosecutor, Harvey Eilbaum, Rockland County's chief assistant district attorney, maintains that John Bruetsch intentionally killed his wife when she refused to come back to their Bronx apartment... Mr. Eilbaum told the jury that the defendant shot his wife once in the side as she tried to get out of his car and then shot her four more times as she lay on the ground... A clinical psychologist from the Bronx who had seen John Bruetsch on several occasions after he was married, Dr. Jacob Jaffe, testified that he had warned the officer that his "commanding approach" to his wife was driving her away. Dr. Jaffe, a defense witness, said he had been trying to get his patient to control his anger. On his last visit, a week before the shooting, Dr. Jaffe said that Officer Bruetsch had said he had told his wife that if she did not return, "I would put a bullet through her head and a bullet through my head." At the time, Dr. Jaffe said, the threat "seemed more reaction and frustration than something he would actually do." [Full article here]

NYC TRANSIT COP CONVICTED IN WIFE’S DEATH
August 22, 1986
[Excerpts] A jury today convicted a New York City transit policeman of second-degree murder in the shooting of his estranged wife, a New York police officer... He faces up to 25 years to life in prison when he is sentenced on Oct. 2... Bruetsch’s lawyer, Jacob Evseroff, claimed in his closing arguments that his client shot his wife because he was obsessed with her. "Unwillingly, she was driving him crazy," he said. Bruetsch testified that he loved his wife and did not remember shooting her. He pleaded innocent by reason of insanity and was held on $10 million bail. Prosecution psychiatrists testified that Bruetsch had a history of violence toward women. [Full article here]
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence ipv abuse law enforcement public safety teflon repeat hx lethal fatality fatalities murder new york state politics cop on cop]

[MS] Police Officer Kinne charged with killing girlfriend Dominique Clayton

Oxford Police Officer Matthew Kinne is charged with killing Dominique "Lucy" Lashelle Clayton, mother of 4. According to the attorney rather than the current charge of murder, Kinne should be charged with capital murder. It's put forward by the Clayton family attorney that she may have told Kinne she's pregnant and that initially the police told her family that Dominique had committed suicide. Family quickly dismissed that by showing her connection to their officer. The attorney also mentioned that although Dominique was found in bed shot in the back of her head, her phone and wallet that she always keeps with her were found in the car. (Question while I'm writing this is why are officers being told to resign or be fired?)

NEWS EXCERPTS:

BOY FINDS MOTHER SHOT TO DEATH INSIDE FAMILY HOME, POLICE OFFICER CHARGED WITH MURDER
May 21, 2019
[Excerpts] A Mississippi mother was found shot death inside her home, and a police officer has been charged with her murder. The victim, Dominique Lashelle Clayton, was home alone Saturday because her four children were spending the night with their uncle. When they came home on Sunday, her eight-year-old son went inside with hopes of luring his mother out for a prank. He came back outside alone and told his family she was dead... Shyjuan Clayton said her sister was having an affair with Matthew Kinne, an officer with the Oxford Police Department. He has been charged with murder in the case... "(He was) real possessive and stalking her... kept sneaking in her house I guess he did this so he wouldn’t have to tell the wife. He bought my sister a car and kept it in his name," Shyjuan continued. "He was about to get her a house... My sister didn’t deserve to have this done to her. My sister has four kids. Her kids have to grow up without a mom." [Full article here]

MAN CHARGED IN MISSISSIPPI MOTHER'S MURDER FIRED FROM OXFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
May 22, 2019
[Excerpts] The man who is being charged in the murder of a Mississippi mother has been fired from the Oxford Police Department... The Oxford Board of Aldermen terminated Matthew Kinne from his position with the police department Tuesday night. Kinne is accused of shooting Dominique Clayton, 32, to death inside her home... According to Dominique Clayton’s sister Shyjuan, Clayton and Michael Kinne were involved in an affair, and the incident stemmed from a “domestic situation.” Friends told FOX13 Dominique Clayton was shot in the back of the head during a domestic situation... [Full article here] https://www.fox13memphis.com/top-stories/man-charged-in-mississippi-mothers-murder-fired-from-oxford-police-department/951127318

DOMINIQUE CLAYTON'S CHILDREN'S FUND
Click here

TEMPERS FLARE AFTER COP CHARGED WITH MISSISSIPPI MOTHER'S MURDER APPEARS IN COURT
May 22, 2019
[Excerpts] Tempers were high after the police officer charged with murdering a mother of four appeared in court for the first time... Family members told FOX13 they were upset that the judge appeared to be lighthearted about an affidavit going missing. Judge Howorth had joked when officers had to take a break to find the charging affidavit. Clayton’s family called that motion insensitive, along with the fact that bond will be further discussed between the state and Kinne’s attorney. The judge told Kinne that because he is an authority figure as a police officer, normally that would entitle him to a “probable cause hearing.” However, the judge then said he doesn’t feel that applies because murder is not in a police officer’s job description... Clayton’s mother also spoke following the hearing, voicing her frustrations about the bond situation. She also said that there was no justice from police. “Put a bullet in the back of her g** d*** head, and executed her,” Bessie Clayton said. “And they laughing (in court)… and they discussed with him what his bond should be? We need help in Oxford.” Family claims Kinne was on duty when he allegedly killed her, saying he came through the bushes and shot her in the back of her head after sneaking in the back... Interim Oxford Police Chief Jeff McCutchen said the department learned on Sunday that Matthew Paul Kinne - an Oxford police officer - was possibly "involved" with Clayton. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation took over the case... [Full article here]

'WE DON'T WANT ANYBODY TO COVER IT UP': OXFORD OFFICER CHARGED WITH MURDER
May 22, 2019
[Excerpts] A north Mississippi police officer is charged with murder in the death of a woman that he was romantically involved with. Oxford Police Officer Matthew Kinne has been charged with murder by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation... In Mississippi, before police officers, teachers and certain other people can be arrested for crimes committed while they are on duty, a prosecutor is supposed to present evidence of probable cause to a judge. [Lafayette County Circuit Judge Andrew] Howorth set a Wednesday hearing to consider whether that law applies, writing that state officials say Kinne "was not in performance of official duties as a law enforcement officer at the time of the alleged murder."... [Full article here]

MOTHER OF OXFORD MURDER VICTIM SPEAKS OUT
May 22, 2019
[Excerpts] ..."A police officer that we pay to protect and serve, park his patrol car, go in the the bushes, go into my daughter house and point blank execute her? You want him on the street? You want him as your neighbor? No,” said Bessie Clayton, mother... Matthew Kinne is charged with murdering her 32-year-old daughter, Dominique Clayton. Oxford Police's interim police chief says their former colleague, Matthew Kinne, is a danger to society..."Kinne committed murder. We do not want him out and we support them (the Clayton family) and we will stand by them,” said Jeff McCutchen, Oxford Police Chief... The family says she was shot while sleeping. Oxford police confirmed that Kinne and Clayton knew each other early in the investigation. Her family says they had been dating for about a year with Kinne paying for many of her expenses. "He was doing things he couldn’t afford to do. The only way he could see out was to kill my daughter,” Bessie Clayton said... "He need to never to see the light of day again. And I hope he die and burn in Hell,” she said... [Full article here]

JUDGE PRESIDING OVER MISSISSIPPI MOTHER'S MURDER CASE RECUSES HIMSELF AFTER DEMANDS FROM FAMILY
May 23, 2019
[Excerpts] ...Judge Andrew Howorth recused himself from the case involving the murder of Dominique Clayton on Thursday, one day after her accused killer – Matthew Kinne – appeared in court for the first time. Family members told FOX13 they were upset that the judge appeared to be lighthearted about an affidavit going missing. Judge Howorth had joked when officers had to take a break to find the charging affidavit.... According to the document, members of Clayton’s family “requested (or made demand) that the undersigned judge ‘get off this case’... [Full article here]

FAMILY OF MURDERED OXFORD MOTHER WANTS DEATH PENALTY ‘BY FIRING SQUAD’
MAY 24, 2019
The family and attorney for Dominique Clayton, a 32-year-old mother of four who was shot dead at her Oxford home May 19, said they will  seek the death penalty for the man accused of the crime if he is convicted. Matthew Kinne, an Oxford police officer, was arrested in connection to the crime two days after Clayton was killed... Because of the nature of the crime, attorney Carlos Moore, who has been on the job for one day, said he will be seeking the death penalty if Kinne is convicted of the crime. For the death penalty in Mississippi, the murder must be classified as a capital murder, meaning another felony was committed to lead to the murder. Moore said he thinks that's the case here.... "We believe that Ms. Clayton did not let him in her home; we believe she was asleep when he got there," Moore said. "So how did he get in? If he burglarized her home and then committed murder - I believe that's capital murder, and capital murder would deserve the death penalty... Mississippi made it the law that we can execute people by firing squad... This man needs to be executed by firing squad for what he did if he is found guilty in a court of law”... [Full article here]

MAYOR TANNEHILL: NO ACTION TAKEN REGARDING SUSPENSION OF MORE OPD OFFICERS
May 28, 2019
[Excerpts] Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill denied rumors that other police officers may have been suspended or terminated in connection with the murder of Dominique Clayton, a mother of four who was fatally shot May 19... Oxford police officer Matthew Kinne was terminated from his job at the Oxford Police Department on May 21; however, rumors developed that several OPD officers were either fired or suspended for unknown reasons that were somehow connected to Clayton’s murder... “From the time this tragedy occurred, Oxford Police Department called for outside assistance from the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation to handle the criminal investigation,” Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill explained in the statement. “On behalf of the city of Oxford, I contacted Attorney General Jim Hood … and requested that his office conduct an internal investigation … These two entities will complete thorough investigations with the full cooperation and support of the Oxford Police Department and the city of Oxford... Dominique Clayton was a mother, daughter, sister and friend and I simply cannot imagine the pain her family is dealing with right now. We extend our deepest sympathies to Dominique’s family and friends. It is my prayer that this tragedy will unite us as a community. The most important focus right now is seeking justice for Dominique Clayton.” [Full article here]



OXFORD MAYOR SAYS STATE INVESTIGATING POLICE DEPARTMENT AS CLAYTON MURDER SHAKES CITY
MAY 28, 2019
[Excerpts] ...Tannehill also said that the mayor and Board of Aldermen have not suspended or terminated any other officers, aside from [Oxford police officer Matthew] Kinne... [Full article here]

ATTORNEY: TWO OXFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT OFFICERS RESIGNED IN AFTERMATH OF DOMINIQUE CLAYTON'S DEATH
May 29, 2019
[Excerpts] An Oxford officer charged with murder and now Local 24 News is learning two Oxford Police officers have resigned. The Mayor of Oxford and Police Chief are not saying much, but Carlos Moore, an attorney for Dominique Clayton's family says two Oxford Police officers resigned several days after Dominique was found murdered... A family member of Dominique Clayton shared a text message from one of the officers who resigned.  It said, "I resigned just a little bit ago. All of this mess has cost me my career. Was told to resign or risk being fired and immediately put on administrative leave." The Oxford Police Department would not confirm the resignations, only saying it was a personnel matter... Moore says his team is reviewing evidence to determine if they will file a civil lawsuit. [Full article here]



EXCERPTS FROM ATTORNEY PRESS CONFERENCE:

"The family also wants to know why did certain members of Oxford Police Department initially tell them that their loved one committed suicide. That was so shocking, and the farthest from the truth. The mother had spoken to her daughter about 6 or 7 p.m. the night before she was found dead and she was totally happy and full of life - but the initial reaction from a member or two of Oxford Police Department to tell the family she committed suicide - that had to add insult to injury. And the family immediately told them no - she was dating a cop. Check the car in her driveway. It's registered to a cop, Matthew Kinne. So some of the evidence was so convincing they couldn't deny it and so we're happy that he was immediately arrested and that he is now held behind bars, where he belongs for a long long time. I hope he never sees the light of day if he is convicted of this crime. We know everyone is presumed innocent in America so he deserves to go through the criminal justice system, but if he is convicted we want the ultimate penalty for Matthew Kinne...

... Oxford was somehow complicit and this murder if they somehow enable if their policies somehow contributed to this death with a hold everyone responsible including the city of Oxford... If Oxford contributed to the kill, they will have to pay the bill...

...We have been told that she was trying to leave him. We've been told that she thought she was pregnant and told him as much. So there are several motives, potential motives, why he did what he did...

... We do know that her phone was always by her side but when she was found dead her phone was in her car, and her wallet. That's not her normal MO (modus operandi/habit). She normally always had her phone with her...

... We do know that they did date. I have not spoken with the family about how they met but we do know that she was in security, she was a security guard for a period of time. She worked around law enforcement, and had dated other law enforcement officers before Kinne..."

[US] Police Officer Rivas murder suicide against wife Lourdes Vasquez Ramos, 2004

POLICE SAY PUERTO RICAN COP KILLED WIFE, THEN HIMSELF
The Orlando Sentinel
July 25 2004
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- A police officer shot and killed his wife before committing suicide at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Puerto Rico's capital, police said Saturday. Jose Luciano Rivas, 39, used his regulation 9 mm handgun to shoot Lourdes Vasquez Ramos, 41, Friday night, police said. He shot himself minutes later. Luciano Rivas, who belonged to the police's Rapid Action United Forces, was staying at the hotel while participating in a forum.
Article here

Transcribed:

Police Officer Kills Wife, Commits Suicide

San Juan - A police officer shot and killed his wife before committing suicide at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Puerto Rico's capital, police said Saturday. 

Jose Luciano Rivas, 39, used his regulation 9 mm handgun to shoot 41 year old Lourdes Vasquez Ramos on Friday night, police said. He shot himself minutes later. 

Luciano Rivas, who belonged to the police's Rapid Action United Forces, was staying at the Ritz Carlton in San Juan while participatin in a forum about community pharmacies.

Police said witnesses heard Luciano Rivas arguing with his wife, who was heard screaming before several shots rang out. 

Police found Luciano Rivas and his wife by an elevator on the fifth floor of the hotel. Luciano Rivas had shot himself in the head and died instantly. His wife, with a bullet wound in the left cheek was rushed to a hospital, where she died.

Image source:

News-Press (Fort Myers, Florida) 26 Jul 2004, Page 8

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