[TX] IT'S NOT THE FIRST TIME HARRIS COUNTY DEPUTY HINES ACCUSED OF SEX CRIME

This is not a domestic violence case but I'm posting it because the brave rape survivor has something to say and she is welcome to use this platform: EXCERPT: ...Although this was not the exact outcome Shanita Terrill wanted, she hopes it will encourage other women in similar situations to speak up and come forward. "Tell the truth and don't hide it if it happened. Speak on it, because everybody needs to know, and there's probably more victims that it would help out there"...

AND IT'S NOT THE FIRST TIME.

‘HE [HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPUTY MICHAEL HINES] SHOULD HAVE HAD JAIL TIME’: Victim speaks out after former Harris County sheriff’s deputy pleads guilty to attempted (???) sexual assault
The former officer was sentenced to six years of probation and has to register as a sex offender for the next 10 years.
Huffington Post
Lucio Vasquez
Posted On August 29, 2023, 2:19 PM

PHOTO CAPTION: Shanita Terrell talks about Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Hines’ guilty plea during a press conference on August 29, 2023.

A woman who says she was sexually assaulted by a Harris County sheriff’s deputy three years ago spoke out for the first time on Tuesday — two months after the former officer pled guilty.

According to court documents, Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Hines was working security at a club in Midtown called The Address on Feb. 23, 2020. Court documents say Hines was in uniform and using a county squad car when he put Shanita Terrell in the front seat of the car under the guise of taking her home.

The next morning, Terrell woke up in her bed with pain and went to a hospital, where she was tested with a rape kit that found Hines’ DNA, according to court records. Hines was eventually charged with attempted sexual assault and pled guilty in June. He was sentenced to six years of probation and has to register as a sex offender for the next 10 years.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Terrell said the last three years have been “devastating,” and added that she believes Hines got off easy.

“I don’t feel like it was fair. He should have had jail time,” Terrell said. “I can’t trust no one. And when it’s time for me to call the cops, I don’t think I would because I’m scared. Like, would it happen again? Like, is it okay to go to officers?”

This comes after a Harris County Grand Jury declined to charge Hines with sexual assault of a child in 2018, according to court documents. Four year later, Hines pled guilty to assaulting a family member after a separate incident, which resulted in the former officer being sentenced to three months of probation.

During Tuesday’s press conference, Kallinen said the Houston Police Department prohibits their officers from working security for bars and clubs, and added that he believes the sheriff’s office should follow suit.

“When officers work in clubs, the clubs are basically getting to buy that governmental immunity,” Kallinen said. “You have to prove that there’s a pattern of practice and oftentimes the bar, based upon the law, can just slide out of it by saying ‘oh, they were doing legal work and so we’re not liable.'”

Kallinen is representing Terrell in a lawsuit filed Feb. 2022 against Hines and the club. On Tuesday, Terrell said that she’s trying to “make sure this never happens again” while she tries to “just move forward with life.”

“Just trying to heal, process. Trying to be at ease,” Terrell said. “That’s all I can do.”[LINK]


VICTIM SAYS FORMER DEPUTY WHO PLEADED GUILTY TO ATTEMPTED SEX ASSAULT 'SHOULD HAVE HAD JAIL TIME'
Rosie Nguyen Image
ByRosie Nguyen KTRK 
Tuesday, August 29, 2023

Former deputy's rape victim disappointed that he avoided jail time

A three-and-a-half-year ordeal came to a close for a Houston rape victim who accused an off-duty deputy of raping her. Even with things resolved, she said she's not happy with how her attacker was punished.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- For the first time, the victim in an attempted sexual assault case involving a former Harris County sheriff's deputy is speaking out publicly. This comes more than two months after Michael Jarell Hines pleaded guilty and was ordered to six years of deferred adjudication.

According to the civil lawsuit filed by Shanita Terrill, Hines was off-duty but working security in his deputy uniform on Feb. 23, 2020, at The Address, a bar and event venue in Houston's south side. She claimed that after having a few drinks that evening as a patron, Hines and another deputy did not allow her to go home and put her in the front seat of Hines' squad car.

Terrill said that she does not remember the events that followed that night and woke up the next morning with pain in her vaginal area. The documents stated she went to the hospital, had a rape kit administered, and the DNA of the semen found on her undergarment belonged to Hines.

In a Tuesday press conference with her attorney and several retired members of law enforcement, Terrill expressed how the incident has impacted her life.

"I can't trust no one, and when it's time for me to call the cops, I don't think I would because I'm scared. Like, would it happen again?" Terrill said. "I feel just a lot of emotions, dealing with everyday life, being fearful, coming out and wondering if somebody's watching me or stalking me. You never know what's going on."

The Harris County Sheriff's Office said Hines was hired by the agency on Jan. 13, 2014. His criminal record shows he faced a charge of sexual assault of a child under 17 in September 2018. But his case was no-billed, meaning that a grand jury decided not to move forward with the case. HCSO explained that's why Hines was not suspended during that time.

Hines' employment subsequently ended with HCSO on May 5, 2021. He was charged with attempted sexual assault in Terrill's case on Aug. 10, 2021, and pleaded guilty. On June 26, the judge placed Hines on deferred adjudication for six years. This means he will be placed under probation and required to follow a long list of conditions, including registering as a sex offender and prohibited from using a firearm.

"He was wearing this weapon when he assaulted her (Terrill). That's a part of the coercion, to be not only in the uniform but then having the weapon, that gun," Randall Kallinen, Terrill's attorney, said.

HCSO did not provide a comment in response to this case.

Hines' records also showed that he pleaded guilty and was placed on three months of deferred adjudication on May 24 in another case for assault of a family member on July 18, 2021.

Although Hines won't be able to expunge any of these charges from his record, Terrill and others at the press conference said they're disappointed he might not get any prison time for the crimes he's committed.

"I partly got something done. It wasn't all the way justice. I don't feel like it was fair. He should have had jail time," Terrill said. "Full justice for me looks like taking away everything, making sure that he never has a chance to hurt anybody else."

"The system is treating him (Hines) with kid gloves and gave him deferred adjudication. If he successfully completes it, he has no conviction. We're talking about abuse of power and the fact that the system does not clamp down on these individuals, so they can continue doing criminal things," Augustin Pinedo, a former probation officer and past LULAC district director, said.

Hines' lawyer, Stanley Broussard, said he had no comment on the statements made during Tuesday's press conference. But he wrote in part, "I will say that this has been an unfortunate event in both this young lady's life, as well as Mr. Hines'. I wish both of them nothing but peace and wholeness going forward."

Although this was not the exact outcome Terrill wanted, she hopes it will encourage other women in similar situations to speak up and come forward.

"Tell the truth and don't hide it if it happened. Speak on it, because everybody needs to know, and there's probably more victims that it would help out there," she said.

Terrill's civil lawsuit against Hines and The Address is still pending.[LINK]

[MO] EX-GREENWOOD TOP COP GUILTY OF FELONY ASSAULT OF COURAGEOUS EX WIFE

"IT IS BECAUSE OF THE COURAGE OF THIS VICTIM..."

Clay County Missouri Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson:

"This verdict sends a clear message that Clay County will hold perpetrators of abuse accountable no matter who they are without fear or favor. It is because of the courage of this victim that we are here today. This woman was brutally assaulted and suffered significant physical injury. She was then subjected to emotional and psychological manipulation and control by her abuser. Despite this, she bravely spoke up and fought for the justice she deserves. She endured victim blaming and public maligning in the pursuit of truth. We hope today’s verdict can finally bring her peace and closure."

[EXCERPTS] A Clay County jury found former Greenwood Police Chief Greg Hallgrimson guilty Tuesday of felony first-degree domestic assault. The guilty verdict for the 53-year-old came in relation to a case involving Hallgrimson and the abuse of his ex-wife in 2020. Hallgrimson was sentenced to probation in 2021 after beating a man who tried to drown his own baby in 2018... A sentencing hearing for the domestic abuse case has been set for Oct. 20, 2023. [LINK] 

Note: I love reading the prosecutor's words and at the same time have to give honor here to those who spoke up and paid the price or didn't survive. There is no certain way. Props to those also who protected themselves by quietly escaping. The wife of former Greenwood Police Chief Greg Hallgrimson had opportunity, made a decision, and pushed it through. She is added to our prayers for her future safety and healing.

[tags police officer, top cop, police chief, policy, officer involved domestic violence, oidv, law enforcement, public safety, missouri state politics, shiny penny, hero, example]

[FL] MIAMI-DADE POLICE OFFICER PEREZ PUNCHED HIS WIFE IN THE HEAD WITH A CLOSED FIST.

On Thursday Miami-Dade Police Officer Andres Perez III was arrested for punching his wife in the head with a closed fist. Perez was charged with battery, given a piddly $1,000 bond that he paid, and is not in jail. 

How injured is she? Is she safe? Why is this about him and not them?

Does she matter?

Praying for both.

Hopefully they are both receiving what they need during this time. 

Oh check this. From an article on Perez punching his wife:

...Miami-Dade Police Interim Director Stephanie Daniels said it was “disheartening” to learn that one of her officers was arrested following a domestic violence incident. “Police Officers are held to a higher standard; this type of behavior will not be tolerated,” Daniels said. “Any actions that may hinder the public’s confidence in law enforcement is unacceptable” Daniels did not confirm whether Perez would be disciplined or terminated.... 

Really? The Miami-Dade Police Director that she's standing IN FOR just got into a domestic SHOOTING incident with his wife, and that's WHY Stephanie Daniels IS interim. Do her high standard words apply to Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez as well? No article or even opinion piece has dared to say that Director Ramirez should be held accountable for (allegedly) brandishing a weapon in public and putting it in his mouth, lying about that in collaboration with his wife Jody to the officers who responded /risked their lives, pulling rank when confronted by officers, my observation - a little slurry when proclaiming to responding officers that he's police director, almost surely driving while intoxicated, and lying to investigators after the fact - hindering an investigation. 

SIDENOTE: News agencies are using that Perez threw a McDonalds hamburger at his wife in the title of their articles as click bait, and because of this the comments where the articles are posted on social media are followed by mostly jokes and word play about the burger - not about that a punch to the side of the head like the punch she recieved, could have killed her. 

Domestic violence is a crime,

not a personal or personnel matter,

and never a joke.

[tags police officer, sheriff's MDPD, policy, officer involved domestic violence, oidv, intimate partner violence, abuse, law enforcement, public safety, police tactics, tactical training, florida state politics, history, hx, preferential treatment, dv is not a civil issue it is a crime, trauma, child abuse, terror, Miami-Dade County, Miramar, Broward County, Crime, finances and infidelity, Andres Perez III, Hialeah, injury, injurious,scary, frightening]

[FL] Miami Police Chief Manny Morales on his own mental health maintenance

Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales opens up about how he has been seeing a psychologist every month for years and he hopes other officers will continue doing the same.

Miami Police Chief Manny Morales on [his own] mental health, on Facing South Florida with Jim DeFede

CBS Miami (Click for video)

Morales: Jim, I don't have enough facts or feel comfortable about talking about the incident surrounding Director Ramirez other than the fact that my thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family. I can tell you from beginning my 30th year in law enforcement that this profession can be unforgiving, both on family, on your mental health, and your personal well-being.

So, as a preventive measure, for many years now, I have subscribed to doing psychological therapy. I mean all police departments, whether it be Miami-Dade or the City of Miami, we have an incredibly robust employee assistance program. We recognize the stressors that are on our brave men and women each and every day. So, I personally have a monthly checkup with my psychologist, just to kind of sit down, do a little bio-feedback, and get some insight into how i'm feeling and my mental well-being as a whole.

Reporter: When did you start doing that and was there something that prompted you to start doing that?

Morales: So, many of us experience personal problems. For me, it started with having marriage problems and relationship problems, and that kind of let into couple's counseling and I absolutely initially saw the benefit of it. We did family counseling together, and that was almost 20 years ago.

And then as it evolved and I started to professionally develop and ascend through the ranks, that stress becomes a lot heavier and it weighs in on you. As a preventive measure, like I said before, I subscribe to monthly sessions. 

Reporter: Whether you're feeling anxiety or not, right? Just a matter of, you just sort of like, you just do a little tuneup every month? 

Morales: Yes, I personally feel that if you wait till the stressors are on you and you are getting to the feeling where you are aleady beginning to feel uncomfortable with yourself, it might be past the point of prevention, right? Now, it might be the point of taking care of it instead of preventing to get to that. So for me, as an outlet, I get there and I talk. Sometimes I sit down and feel perfectly fine, and once we start talking, issues will come up. 

Voiceover: you can see the rest of Jim's interview with Miami Police Chief Manny Morales this Sunday (tomorrow) on Facing South Florida. Its at a new time. 8:30 right after CBS News Miami Morning Addition. 

[NC] WILMINGTON POLICE OFFICER DARYL WARREN CHARGED W/INTENT TO KILL GIRLFRIEND HAS SHADY PAST

ALSO HIS EX WAS DENIED A PROTECTION ORDER LAST YEAR. HOW SCARED DOES A WOMAN HAVE TO BE BEFORE HER LIFE IS WORTH PROTECTING. HOW CAN SHE BE SAFE IF THE COURTS FEAR HARMING AN ABUSER'S CAREER. WHERE CAN SHE GO? NOW HE FLOORS HIS TRUCK TO MOW DOWN HIS NEW WOMAN.
WHO AND WHAT MADE HIM FEEL INVINCIBLE?

WILMINGTON POLICE OFFICER CHARGED WITH ‘INTENT TO KILL’ FIRED

Jul. 31, 2023 

[EXCERPTS] Darryl Warren was fired from his position at the Wilmington Police Department on Monday, July 31... Warren is accused of hitting his girlfriend with a car while driving while impaired... The termination memorandum from Chief Donny Williams to Warren says that a pre-disciplinary conference was held on Monday, during which Warren was “made aware of” the rules violations alleged by an internal investigation and the possibility of disciplinary action. The POLICIES which were violated were “2.05- Obeying the Law”, “2.18- Use of Alcohol While Off Duty” and “2.25- Standard of Conduct”... He appeared in court Monday on the [CRIMINAL] charges of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and assault on a female... he was initially charged after the July 25 incident with DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED and RECKLESS DRIVING TO ENDANGER. The DA requested a $1 million bond for Warren, but IT WAS DENIED BY JUDGE R. RUSSEL DAVIS... bond was set at $100,000... JUDGE DAVIS PREVIOUSLY DENIED THE MOTION FOR A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTIVE ORDER FILED AGAINST WARREN BY HIS EX-WIFE LAST YEAR. [FULL ARTICLE HERE.]

WILMINGTON POLICE OFFICER CHARGED WITH DWI, RECKLESS DRIVING AFTER CRASH NEAR COSTCO

July 26, 2023 

[EXCERPTS] An off-duty Wilmington police officer faces charges after a crash involving a pedestrian near Costco... The NC Highway Patrol says Darryl Warren, 39, was making a u-turn on Gingerwood Drive when he ran off the right side of the road and hit a woman and a parked vehicle. Investigators say Warren and the women he hit knew each other, she was previously his passenger before she got out of his truck to walk. The 34-year-old woman was taken to the hospital... Warren was arrested and taken to the New Hanover County Detention Center where he submitted to a BREATH ANALYSIS. HE REGISTERED .10 BAC and was charged with DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED and RECKLESS DRIVING. “We immediately notified the Highway Patrol and the State Bureau of Investigations and we started an internal investigation.” Wilmington Police Chief, Donny Williams, said. The officer has been placed on administrative leave as of yesterday.” [FULL ARTICLE HERE.]

NEW CRIMINAL CHARGES FOR WPD OFFICER WITH QUESTIONABLE RECORD

July 31, 2023 

[EXCERPTS] ...Prosecutors asked a judge for a $1M bond for Wilmington Police Department officer Darryl Warren, saying they BELIEVED HE INTENDED TO KILL THE WOMAN... Judge R. Russel Davis, who previously heard a protective order case brought by Warren's ex-wife, rejected that request... Warren knew the woman... she had been a passenger and was struck by Warren after she got out of his vehicle. We also know that HE BLEW A .10 BAC — AND I’VE HEARD THAT WAS ABOUT TWO HOURS AFTER THE INCIDENT, so he was definitely quite intoxicated... Witnesses who called for help described a pretty brutal scene. Warren allegedly struck a tree and another vehicle trying to hit her. One caller specifically described Warren flooring the accelerator trying to run her down... On the criminal side, Warren was charged with several misdemeanors and felonies when he was in his late teens, EARLY TWENTIES, ABOUT 15-20 YEARS AGO, AND THOSE INCLUDE BREAKING AND ENTERING, MAKING THREATENING PHONE CALLS, AND POSSESSION OF A STOLEN FIREARM... he went on to serve in the Army, so that probably helped mitigate things when he was hired at WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH PD, where he worked for about five years... Warren approached the SHERIFF’S OFFICE FOR A JOB BUT THEY WEREN’T INTERESTED, BUT WPD HIRED HIM IN 2020... Two years ago Warren’s wife filed for a divorce, and a year after that she applied for a restraining order. According to the court filing, WARREN SHOWED UP, BANGING ON HER DOOR, AND MAKING THREATS... THE JUDGE DIDN’T GRANT THE ORDER... According to Warren’s personnel records from the city, he wasn’t put on leave... The truth is, Warren’s track record puts him in a grey area. With the exception of that one misdeamer, he HASN’T BEEN CONVICTED OF ANYTHING, and, as frustrating as this is for victim’s advocates, SOMETIMES LAW ENFORCEMENT DOWNPLAYS ISSUES STEMMING FROM DIVORCES... [YA THINK?] [FULL ARTICLE HERE.]

EX-WIFE OF OFFICER ACCUSED OF CRASHING INTO PEDESTRIAN MOTIONED FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTIVE ORDER AGAINST HIM

Jul. 28, 2023

[EXCERPTS] ...Accusations from Warren’s ex-wife: ...WARREN’S EX-WIFE FILED A MOTION FOR THE ORDER in July 2022, aiming to legally PREVENT WARREN FROM ASSAULTING, FOLLOWING, HARASSING, OR INTERFERING WITH HER OR HER CHILDREN... “HE WAS BANGING/KICKING THE DOOR. THREATENING MYSELF AND THE OTHER ADULT IN THE HOME”... Per the motion, she called law enforcement and New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded; it says that SEVERAL CHILDREN WERE IN THE HOME WHEN THE ARGUMENT TOOK PLACE AND HEARD HIM YELLING, CUSSING, AND MAKING THREATS. The motion was denied by Judge R. Russell Davis because she “failed to prove grounds for issuance of a domestic violence protective order.” WECT reached out to Warren’s ex-wife. SHE DID NOT DENY ANY OF THE REPORTS OF A HISTORY OF ABUSE BUT DID NOT WANT TO MAKE ANY STATEMENTS DUE TO HER FEAR OF HER EX-HUSBAND’S RETALIATION. [I'M SKIPPING THE SECTION: "A REPORTED ARGUMENT DURING A YOUTH FOOTBALL GAME AT VETERANS PARK" THAT ALLEGEDLY INVOLVED A GUN BECAUSE WARREN WA NOT EVER DIRECTLY SINGLED OUT AS THE BRANDISHER.]... Port City Daily also reported that, back in 2002, he was charged in Durham for RESISTING A PUBLIC OFFICER and SIMPLE POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE VI CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES which the district attorney “dismissed without leave.” PCD says he was CHARGED WITH FELONY BREAKING AND ENTERING LATER THAT YEAR, a charge which he pleaded guilty to after it was reduced to a misdemeanor. Per PCD, the DA also DISMISSED A CHARGE OF FELONY POSSESSION OF A STOLEN FIREARM IN 2005 and a CHARGE OF MAKING A THREATENING PHONE CALL to a male in 2006... [FULL ARTICLE HERE.]

911 CALL: WILMINGTON POLICE OFFICER 'FLOORED IT' BEFORE HITTING PERSON

Jul 28, 2023

[EXCERPTS] After an off-duty Wilmington police officer was charged with driving while impaired after allegedly striking a person with a truck, several witnesses who called 911 reported the PERSON WAS HIT ON PURPOSE... Multiple 911 calls were made with people saying it looked intentional. One caller reported that he saw a guy in a silver or gray truck run over a woman. "I don't know if the dude's crazy or what," the caller said to the dispatcher. The caller reported that someone got out of the truck and ran across the road past IHOP and Best Western. He continued and said people from Costco went outside to assist and talked about how the driver hit a tree and another parked car trying to run the person over... The caller continued and said the person who was hit got in the back seat of the vehicle and the driver was talking to the person. Warren was travelling south on Gingerwood Drive in his 2014 Toyota Tundra and made a U-turn to go north. The highway patrol reported he didn't make a complete turn and ran off the right side of the road and struck a person... Another person who called 911 said it looked like the strike was on purpose. The caller said THE DRIVER TURNED THE TRUCK AROUND AND "FLOORED IT" and flew up onto the grass. She said the front fender was off the truck by the hotel. "He just stopped in the middle of the road and made an illegal U-turn. His wheels were squealing and everything when he turned and just drove right up on the curb." Another 911 dispatcher got a call from a person who said THE VICTIM WAS IN A BACKSEAT HURT AND THAT THE DRIVER HAD A GUN ON HIS HIP... [FULL ARTICLE HERE.] [tags police officer, sheriff's deputy, sgt, lieutenant, policy, officer involved domestic violence, oidv, intimate partner violence, abuse, law enforcement, public safety, attempted homicide, teflon, repeat hx, usur, unsolved unresolved, lethal, deputy, children, terroristic threatening, north carolina state politics]

[FL] TOP COP RAMIREZ SHOOTS HIMSELF IN FRONT OF WIFE AFTER COPS LEAVE HIS EARLIER DOMESTIC

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava tweet:

“All that matters right now is Chief Ramirez’s wellbeing, and I join his family, his loved ones, and all his Miami-Dade police department and Miami-Dade county family in praying for his swift recovery.”

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister: 

“The sheriff’s office stands united with a profound sense of compassion and concern for our colleague who has experienced such a traumatic event...”

Miami-Dade Police Department email:

“Please continue to pray for his comfort and healing during these upcoming days...”

Isn't his wife who was in the car with him worthy of concern, care and prayer too?

HEAD OF MIAMI POLICE SHOOTS HIMSELF ON BUSY HIGHWAY AFTER DOMESTIC DISPUTE

Alfredo ‘Freddy’ Ramirez in critical but stable condition after shooting following earlier altercation attended by Tampa officers

Mon 24 Jul 2023 

[EXCERPTS] 

The head of Florida’s largest police department was in critical condition at one of the state’s hospitals on Monday after shooting himself on a busy interstate following a domestic dispute.

Alfredo “Freddy” Ramirez, director of the Miami-Dade police department, and his wife, Jody, had earlier been asked to leave the JW Marriott hotel in Tampa’s downtown, where he was attending a sheriffs’ association conference... Officers were called to the hotel to investigate a report of a couple arguing and a man pointing a gun at himself. A statement provided to the Guardian said officers identified the man as Ramirez, but after talking to him and a woman with him, determined there was “no evidence of a crime or immediate danger” and left. However, after leaving the hotel, the 52-year-old Ramirez pulled over on the side of interstate 75 and shot himself in the head... Ramirez’s wife [Jody] was with him in their car and called 911... Ramirez underwent surgery early on Monday and was described as being in critical but stable condition... The Miami Herald reported that Ramirez called [Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine] Cava on Sunday night after the [reported gun] episode at the hotel. A spokesperson for the mayor confirmed the call had taken place but did not divulge what they discussed. The Herald saw an internal email from the Miami-Dade police department that urged officers not to make the 275-mile journey to show their own support. “Please continue to pray for his comfort and healing during these upcoming days,” the email said. The shooting under investigation happened on the first day of the Florida Sheriffs Association’s four-day summer conference at Tampa’s JW Marriott hotel, which attracts more than 500 law enforcement leaders from around the country... [LINK]

Suicide or attempted suicide is one trigger pull away from murder.
[tags police officer, fearful wife, trauma, sheriff's deputy, sgt, lieutenant, top cop, police chief, policy, officer involved domestic violence, oidv, intimate partner violence, abuse, law enforcement, public safety, attempted suicide, lethal terroristic threatening, police tactics, tactical training, florida state politics, recant]

"Every death investigation should be considered a homicide until..."

 

IF ONLY!!!

“Every death investigation should be considered a homicide until it’s proven differently.”  

~ Vernon Geberth,
Former Commanding Officer of the Bronx Homicide Task Force NYPD and author of Practical Homicide Investigation  
tags police officer involved domestic violence, oidv, intimate partner violence, abuse, law enforcement, cop, deputy, public safety, attempted homicide, homicide, double murder suicide, lethal fatality, fatalities, murder, state politics, deputy, children, terroristic threatening, police tactics, tactical training, teflon, repeat hx, usur, female perp, female perpetrator, lgbtqi

[MA] TRAGIC SAID-SUICIDE OF DEVOTED MOM ARIANA, WIFE OF EPD OFFICER SUTTON

'Devoted' Mom And Wife Of Mass. Police Officer Dies By Suicide Days After Giving Birth To Twins - “Despite her relentless efforts to seek help,” loved ones said that Ariana Sutton felt “the burden of postpartum depression”
June 2023
[EXCERPTS] Ariana Sutton, of Norton, died by suicide on May 31 after giving birth to twins nine days prior... The 36-year-old, whose "greatest joy was spending time with her family," shared three children with Easton police officer Tyler Sutton... Her husband’s brother, Jason Sutton, described Ariana as a "very gentle, kind human being. Ariana wanted these kids so badly... She lived to be a mother"...
[Full article here]

Ariana (Kampanelas) Sutton

May 11, 1987 — May 31, 2023

Norton, Massachusetts

Ariana (Kampanelas) Sutton, 36, a resident of Norton, passed away unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. She was the wife of Tyler Sutton, Easton PD. Daughter of Charles H. and Paris P. (Chaloge) Kampanelas of Easton. Born in Stoughton and raised in Easton, Ariana was a graduate of Oliver Ames High School, Class of 2005. She continued her education at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia PA where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Education; Class of 2009.

Ariana, along with her sister, co-owned Starline Academy for the Performing Arts in Stoughton for the past 8 years after working there for five years prior. She was a member of the Greater Brockton Dance Teacher’s Association and former member of the Impact Dance Company in Boston. Ariana thrived at inspiring children with the joys of dance and was an avid animal lover. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her daughter Melody. 

In addition to her husband and parents, Ariana is survived by her children, Melody Ki and newborn twins, Everly Irene and Rowan Stephen Sutton. She is the granddaughter of Socrates J Chaloge. She is the sister of Rayna A. Flaherty and her husband Daniel of Walpole and aunt of Colin and Jocelyn Flaherty. She is the daughter-in-law of Christine S. Sutton of Easton and the late Stephen W. Sutton. She is also the sister-in-law of Kiley Sutton, as well as Jason and his wife Catherine Sutton. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, students, and a beautiful close circle of friends since childhood, who all loved and adored Ariana.

Funeral Service will be held at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 457 Oak St., Brockton on Tuesday, June 6 at 11 AM. Visitation and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ariana‘s memory may be made via GoFundMe.

https://www.farleyfh.com/obituaries/ariana-sutton

tags postpartum, police officer involved domestic violence, said suicide, alleged suicide, unsolved unresolved, usur, alleged, oidv, law enforcement, cop, deputy, public safety, suicide, fatality, fatalities, massachusetts state politics, deputy, children, usur, said-suicide,

[TX] Houston Police Officer Chowdhury free on bond after shooting his wife in the face

When police and emergency services responded to the call of a shooting just before 1 a.m. Monday they found the wife of a Houston Police officer had been shot in the face. An AR-15 assault rifle lay on the floor. She was rushed to a trauma center and into surgery, expected to live. Many are praying for her recovery and strength.“The officers attempted to gather the wife's statement before going into surgery; however, she was not willing to provide a statement ONCE SHE HEARD the officers were with the Houston Police Department,” only telling them that the shooting was unintentional. Her husband of 1 year, HPD Officer Galib Chowdhury, told police he accidentally shot his wife while protecting their apartment from an intruder. He was questioned and then arrested. Yesterday Chowdhury was charged in court with aggravated assault of a family member with serious bodily injury. His bond was set at $125,000, he bonded out, and the court issued a protective order in which Chowdhury cannot go within *200 feet of his wife (well within rifle-range, which can be 1000 yards). Chowdhury is relieved of duty but not officially fired, and is being investigated by the HPD Special Investigations Unit, Internal Affairs Division and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. The AR-15 was recovered from the apartment... [HPD Chief Troy] Finner said HPD doesn't issue rifles, but that it could be a rifle that was self-purchased and registered through the agency...

$125,000 BOND SET FOR HPD OFFICER WHO SAYS HE ACCIDENTALLY SHOT HIS WIFE DURING A BREAK-IN 
 June 13, 2023
[EXCERPTS] The Houston police officer accused of shooting his wife in the face told authorities it was an accident that happened while someone was breaking into the couple's apartment. Police don't believe that story... Officials say angry text messages sent by Chowdhury to his wife, Sadaf Iqbal, the night of the shooting and evidence in the couple's apartment lead them to believe this was no accident. Police say Chowdhury told them someone broke into the apartment, and as he fired at the suspect, his wife got in the way... When police looked at his wife's phone, they claim to have seen several angry messages sent to Iqbal earlier in the night. A pile of clothes on hangers were also found on the apartment floor with and a suitcase nearby... Officers say they also saw an AR-15 on the apartment floor... "The complainant was shot in the eyeball, right eyeball and a cheek bone fracture, and multiple fractures to her hand and fingers. Officers determined that the crime scene did not match the description of what allegedly happened"...  [Full article here]

COURT DOCS REVEAL NEW DETAILS ABOUT HPD OFFICER ACCUSED OF SHOOTING WIFE IN HER FACE
June 13, 2023
[EXCERPTS] The off-duty Houston police officer accused of shooting his wife in her face is currently being held on a $125,000 bond at the Harris County jail... Court documents state that Galib Waheed Chowdhury, 31, told investigators he shot his wife on accident after she got in the way of him shooting at an intruder... Detectives said Chowdhury's story didn't add up after they found no damage to the apartment and discovered demeaning text messages that were sent to his wife just before the shooting... "The officers attempted to gather the complainant's statement before going into surgery. However, she was not willing to provide a statement when she heard the officers are with Houston Police Department"... An AR-15-style rifle was recovered from the apartment during HPD's investigation. Chowdhury was immediately relieved of his duties and is expected back in court on Wednesday...  [Full article here]

HPD OFFICER ACCUSED OF SHOOTING WIFE IN FACE SAYS IT WAS ACCIDENTAL, WIFE REFUSES TO GIVE STATEMENT TO POLICE 
June 13, 2023
[EXCERPTS] ...[Houston police officer] Galib Waheed Chowdhury, 31, was charged with aggravated assault of a family member with serious bodily injury. A judge set his bond at $125,000... HPD and emergency officials with the Houston Fire Department responded to reports of the shooting at the Westerly Apartments located in the 10300 block of Clay Road at around 12:45 a.m... They arrived to find a 30-year-old woman, later identified as Chowdhury’s wife, suffering from gunshot wounds to the face and hand... Chowdhury told investigators the shooting was accidental... Chowdhury did not provide a description of the alleged suspect or say where the person went, and officers did not find any damage... Text messages Chowdhury allegedly sent to his wife before the shooting were shared during court. Prosecutors said he appeared upset and told her to pick up the phone. He called her a “b----” and wanted to know where she was... “The complainant stated to medical staff that her husband, the defendant, shot at her but that it was an accident”... Chowdhury has not been officially terminated. That decision is left up to the chief. [Full article here]

WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT GALIB WAHEED CHOWDHURY, THE HOUSTON OFFICER ACCUSED OF SHOOTING WIFE IN FACE
June 13, 2023
[EXCERPTS] ...The following details were shared when Chowdhury appeared before a Harris County judge in probable cause court... Chowdhury reported the shooting and allegedly told the call taker he shot his wife while he was attempting to shoot someone who was breaking into their apartment... According to documents read in court, Chowdhury told the first responding officer, “We just got home. Apartment was open. Someone tried to break into the apartment. Someone got in. Tried to break in. I shot. She got in the way.” Later, he told another officer, “We had just gotten home about 30 minutes ago. The doors were unlocked. We were having a conversation. She went to open the door. I heard some loud boom. There was a voice I didn’t understand, I don’t know, and she got in the way”... Surveillance footage obtained from the leasing office showed that Chowdhury arrived home at 11:50 p.m. His wife arrived home at 12:27 a.m... “The officers attempted to gather the complainant’s statement before going into surgery; however, she was not willing to provide a statement once she heard the officers were with the Houston Police Department,” a clerk read aloud during the probable cause hearing. “The complainant stated to medical staff that her husband, the defendant, shot at her but that it was an accident”... She gave officers consent to review the contents of her cellphone... The following are some of the text messages Chowdhury allegedly sent his wife shortly before the shooting.
“Wow, sh*t wife.”
“Pick up, b****.”
“I need to know ETA.”
When officers met with Chowdhury at the police station to get a statement from him, Chowdhury asked for an attorney and refused to provide a statement... The incident is being investigated by the HPD Special Investigations Unit, Internal Affairs Division and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office... Investigators appear to believe the shooting could be a possible case of domestic violence. HPD Chief Troy Finner addressed the subject during a press conference... “Once you put that patch on and that badge on, you’re a police officer, and I expect you to conduct yourself at all times as a police officer. I’m very troubled on some things that we know now... I don’t want people to forget about the great, great work that thousands of officers do every day. And this the exception rather than the rule and I want to stand on that but at the same time I think it’s important for the public to know there’s accountability here at HPD.” [Full article here]

ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING? HPD OFFICER, HIS WIFE SAY IT WAS. INVESTIGATORS THINK OTHERWISE.
June 13, 2023
Updated: 5:29 AM CDT June 14, 2023
[EXCERPTS] ...According to court records, he made bail Tuesday night. He was due back in court on Wednesday at 9 a.m. A judge ordered Chowdhury to be on GPS monitoring as part of his bond conditions... According to what came out in court, Chowdhury called 911 claiming that he fired a rifle at an intruder inside he and his wife's Clay Road apartment but accidentally shot his 30-year-old wife in the face... Chowdhury is accused of sending "angry" texts to his wife before the shooting, according to a magistrate. Some of that exchange was read aloud in court... Before [HPD], he was a pharmacy technician up until 2017, according to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. According to a letter that was sent by the board, he gave up his license in order to avoid disciplinary action. The letter doesn't go into the allegations... Members of his family said they're devastated and are praying for everyone involved in the situation... Chowdhury's defense attorney, Nicole DeBorde, said the evidence will prove what really happened. "We believe this was, indeed, a terrible accident," DeBorde said... [Full article here] 

UPDATE:

NEW DOCS RELEASED ON HPD OFFICER ACCUSED OF SHOOTING WIFE IN FACE
[EXCERPTS] Houston police officer Galib Chowdhury's wife[Sadef Iqbal] initially told investigators he shot his wife, Sadaf Aqbal, in the face by accident... Both Chowdhury and Iqbal initially told investigators that the shooting was an accident. But Iqbal changed her story after Chowdhury was charged, saying she went along with the story because she was afraid Chowdhury's position as a police officer would prevent him from being charged.... officers found used syringes and doses of Clenbuterol, a stimulant drug "typically abused by bodybuilders and athletes" and "associated with significant adverse... neurological effects"... Side effects of Clenbuterol can include sweating, agitation and anxiety... His next court appearance is Aug. 22, with bond set at $125,000... [Full article here]

tags police officer involved domestic violence, oidv, intimate partner violence, abuse, law enforcement, cop, deputy, public safety, attempted homicide, lethal, texas state politics, terroristic, police tactics, weaponry, assault rifle, tactical training,

[OR] MCSO DEPUTY WENZEL GOT 3 CHARGES DROPPED AND ONLY 35 DAYS AFTER "EXTREME" DV ON WIFE

...HE PUSHED HER TO THE GROUND."HE PUNCHED HER IN THE FACE, PUT HIS ARMS AROUND HER NECK, AND SQUEEZED UNTIL SHE STRUGGLED TO BREATHE. HE TOLD HER HE WAS GOING TO KILL HIMSELF. SHE FEARED FOR HER LIFE... 

TATICALLY ASSAULTED,
FEARING FOR LIFE,
AND NOW LIVING
IS COMPLICATED. 

MULTNOMAH COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPUTY ACCUSED OF “EXTREME” DOMESTIC ASSAULT - Larry Wenzel was suicidal and on an alcoholic binge when he choked his wife...
February 10, 2023
[EXCERPTS] Larry Wenzel, 52, a deputy at the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, was arrested Jan. 31 for allegedly punching and then choking his wife. He was indicted on charges of felony assault earlier this week, and is currently in Clackamas County Jail. He lives in Gladstone, according to court records... Wenzel had been on an “alcoholic binge” for two days when his wife finally had enough of the insults and intimidation, prosecutors said. She told him she was going to stay in a hotel. At that point, she told police, "Wenzel’s face went white and HE PUSHED HER TO THE GROUND."HE PUNCHED HER IN THE FACE, prosecutors say, PUT HIS ARMS AROUND HER NECK, AND SQUEEZED UNTIL SHE STRUGGLED TO BREATHE. HE TOLD HER HE WAS GOING TO KILL HIMSELF. SHE FEARED FOR HER LIFE... WENZEL HAS HAD A HISTORY OF PROBLEMS WITH ALCOHOL. He pleaded guilty to a DUII in 2020...
https://www.wweek.com/news/courts/2023/02/10/multnomah-county-sheriffs-deputy-accused-of-extreme-domestic-assault/

MULTNOMAH COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPUTY RESIGNS AFTER PLEADING GUILTY TO DOMESTIC ASSAULT - Larry Wenzel was suicidal and on a drinking binge WHEN HE STRANGLED HIS WIFE.
March 02, 2023
[EXCERPTS] Larry Wenzel, 52, has resigned from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office after pleading guilty to strangling and assaulting his wife. He we sentenced to 20 DAYS IN JAIL and two years of probation. He is prohibited from owning a firearm and resigned his position as a Multnomah County sheriff’s deputy while in jail... "The UNDERLYING ALLEGATIONS ARE VERY CONCERNING IN THE EXTREME," Clackamas County prosecutor Daniel Paul told a judge at a court hearing Feb 1.
https://www.wweek.com/news/courts/2023/03/02/multnomah-county-sheriffs-deputy-resigns-after-pleading-guilty-to-domestic-assault/

EX-DEPUTY IN MULTNOMAH COUNTY GETS 35 DAYS IN JAIL FOR ASSAULT, STRANGULATION
Mar. 09, 2023
[EXCERPTS] A Multnomah County Sheriff''s deputy who resigned last month after he was arrested on allegations of domestic violence has been SENTENCED TO 35 DAYS IN JAIL AS PART OF A PLEA DEAL... Clackamas County prosecutors charged the 53-year-old with strangulation, fourth-degree assault, coercion, menacing and harassment. "HE PUSHED HER TO THE GROUND, HIT HER IN THE FACE MULTIPLE TIMES, AND THEN GOT ON TOP OF HER AND PUT HIS HANDS ON HER NECK, SQUEEZING"... HE RESIGNED IN LIEU OF FIRING Feb. 16, ENTERED GUILTY PLEAS TO THE FIRST TWO CHARGES AND SAW THE REMAINING THREE DISMISSED AS PART OF A PLEA DEAL... "I just want to take responsibility for my actions," Wenzel said prior to sentencing. "I want to put this behind me, help (the victim) put this behind her so she can do whatever she wants to do"... Wenzel will remain on supervision for two years while undergoing drug and domestic violence treatment, with no contact with the victim without prior approval from his parole officer, the judge ordered. He had previously gone through a diversion program for DUII in 2020...
https://www.oregonlive.com/crime/2023/03/ex-deputy-in-multnomah-county-gets-35-days-in-jail-for-assault-strangulation.html
tags police officer, sheriff's deputy, corrections, correctional, officer-involved, domestic violence, abuse, oidv, intimate partner, ipv, law enforcement, public safety, lethal, teflon, oregon state, politics,

[MA] DETROIT POLICE OFFICER MARIA MARTIN KILLED IN COP ETHINGTON MURDER-SUICIDE

Detroit police Matthew Ethington shot his girlfriend Detroit police Maria Martin multiple times, killing her, then fatally shot himself. "...Sources also said there were some domestic issues between them, but nothing that would suggest a murder-suicide..."

DETROIT POLICE KILLED IN MURDER-SUICIDE DESCRIBED AS 'MODEL OFFICERS' BY CHIEF
February 21, 2023
[EXCERPTS] Sources told FOX 2 that Maria Martin and Matthew Ethington II went through a recent breakup before Ethington is accused of shooting Martin and then himself in Livonia. Both were Detroit police officers, who the department's chief described as "model officers"... Detroit police Chief James White said nothing in the records of two officers killed in a murder-suicide could have foreshadowed what happened... SOURCES ALSO SAID THERE WERE SOME DOMESTIC ISSUES BETWEEN THEM, BUT nothing that would suggest a murder-suicide would be the outcome. The pair had two children together, including a 1-year-old who was home at the time. That child was not harmed... White said the department is looking at what can be learned from this tragedy...
https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/detroit-police-killed-in-murder-suicide-described-as-model-officers-by-chief

BABY WAS HOME DURING DETROIT COPS' MURDER-SUICIDE IN LIVONIA
A police report obtained through an open records request sheds new light on the deaths of Matthew Ethington and Maria Martin.
Feb 27, 2023
[EXCERPTS]  A 1-year-old boy was home last week when his father allegedly fatally shot his mother before turning the gun on himself, according to a police report from the Livonia officer who found the bodies and the crying child inside their townhouse... Officers on Feb. 19 discovered the wailing boy wandering around the master bedroom in a dirty diaper while the bodies of his parents, Matthew Ethington and Maria Martin, were in the living room near two handguns and multiple spent shell casings... Livonia Officer William Doster had just responded to a false alarm run at about 12:17 p.m., "when I noticed that a gold minivan began following me and honking its horn," he wrote in his report. "I pulled into Rotary Park and stopped my patrol vehicle to check with the driver." The woman identified herself as Martin's mother... "(She) informed me that she had last spoke to her daughter on the phone at approximately (6:30-7 a.m.) this morning and that she could hear Maria and Matthew arguing before the phone call abruptly ended"...
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2023/02/27/baby-was-home-during-parents-murder-suicide/69949281007/

SLAIN LIVONIA WOMAN WAS DEDICATED MOTHER, BRAVE POLICE OFFICER
March 16, 2023
[EXCERPTS] Maria Martin's family and colleagues say she didn't do things halfway. She was, they say, a loving mother to her two sons, a dedicated sibling to her brothers and sisters, and a courageous officer for the Detroit Police Department who wanted to make a difference in the world... Martin was a dedicated mother who frequently talked about her two sons, one of whom was the son of her boyfriend, according to Detroit police Lt. Andre Walker, Martin's supervisor. Walker described her as the kind of parent who would do anything for her children...
https://www.hometownlife.com/story/news/2023/03/16/slain-detroit-police-officer-remembered-as-good-mom-and-brave-cop/70015833007/

GOFUNDME [no longer accepting donations]
Honor Maria Martin.
$4,973 raised
Aujanea Martin is organizing this fundraiser.
Today I lost my sister 02/19/23 due to domestic violence she never spoke on it to nobody she stayed quiet bro sis you could have told me bro I love you I would have helped stop letting these man be little break y’all to the man that killed my sister bro your a coward, how could you? you broke me you took my sister away from me I lost my sister I will never be the same I’m hurting I will never see my sister again, I passed my driver test yesterday my sister was so happy for me now she gone worst pain in the world bro I can never call you, she left two kids behind idk how to tell my nephews you gone I love you MARIA MARTIN I WILL NEVER STOP. till we meet again big sis GONE make you proud you didn’t even get to see me walk across the stage I’m doing this for you. lil sis gone make you proud I love you MARIA MARTIN SO MUCH I WILL NEVER STOP loving you I will make sure your kids know their mom was an super hero. I love you I will never forget you?? you taught me so many things get your rest big sis it’s gone haunt me everyday I never seen the signs this not goodbye it’s see you later
https://www.gofundme.com/f/kyv23s-help-bury-my-sister

tags police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence abuse law enforcement public safety, murder suicide, children, dv hx, lethal fatality fatalities murder, michigan state politics, deputy,

[MA] OFFICER STALZER ARREST, ACCUSED OF PUSHING PREGNANT WIFE TO THE FLOOR

ACTON POLICE OFFICER STEVEN STALZER PLACED ON PAID LEAVE, ACCUSED OF ASSAULTING HIS PREGNANT WIFE

NEWS EXCERPTS

Acton Police officer Steven Stalzer was arrested early this month following a domestic incident in which he was accused of pushing his five-month-pregnant wife to the ground. He was charged with domestic assault and battery and assault and battery on a pregnant person in the incident. He was arraigned in Concord District Court Monday, released on personal recognizance, ordered to not abuse the victim, and placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the case. Stalzer had to turn in his badge and service weapon, his license to carry was revoked, and his personal firearms were removed from his home by police. Stalzer’s next court date is scheduled for July 10.

[NC] Officer Tavaraz-Rodriguez committed murder suicide on wife Yenitza Arroyo-Tavarez

Yenitza Arroyo Tavarez /Torres

May 11, 1978 - April 28, 2023 

SBI INVESTIGATING DEATHS OF FAYETTEVILLE POLICE OFFICER AND WIFE AS A MURDER-SUICIDE

According to the preliminary autopsy report from the medical examiner's office, Mrs. [Yenitza] Arroyo-Tavarez died due to multiple gunshot wounds and Mr. [Fayetteville Police Officer Domingo] Tavarez-Rodriguez died from a single gunshot wound.

Posted Yesterday 

https://www.wral.com/fayetteville-police-officer-wife-found-killed-inside-home/20841784/

'IT'S STILL SHOCKING': DAUGHTER MOURNS LOSS OF MOTHER KILLED IN APPARENT MURDER-SUICIDE BY FAYETTEVILLE POLICE OFFICER

[EXCERPTS] The daughter of a woman shot and killed in an apparent murder-suicide says there were signs of trouble in her mom’s relationship... “It’s still shocking... She’s not here... [He] was like a very jealous man and controlling”... [Yenitza Arroyo-Tavarez] Torres called 911 about a domestic violence issue days before her death... 

“I just want to remember her just happy." 

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/its-still-shocking-daughter-mourns-loss-of-mother-killed-in-apparent-murder-suicide-by-fayetteville-police-officer/ar-AA1aUCj8 

GOFUNDME - Funeral expenses for Yenitza Arroyo Torres - $1,350 raised of $5,000 goal

"Hello my name is Doris I am the daughter of Yenitza Arroyo Torres im currently making this Gofund for my mothers funeral expenses and costs she sadly passed away on April 28th in the most tragic way it was so unexpected that I had to come to the community for a little help iam grateful with anything you guys can donate everything will go for her funeral costs and shipment to Puerto Rico where she will be layed to rest I wanna thank every one that has kept my family in there prayers it truly means a lot she was loved by so many people and that gives me a little peace in my heart god bless you all"

https://www.gofundme.com/f/funeral-expenses-for-yenitza-arroyo-torres 

HER FACEBOOK: Yenitza A Tavarez

Dream without fear. Love without limits.

Lives in Fayetteville, North Carolina

Yenitza leaves behind a daughter and two sons and Domingo leaves 1 son and 3 daughters.

tags police officer,FATALITIES,politics,lethal,LAW ENFORCEMENT,double-homocide,public safety,officer-involved,domestic violence,fatality,murder-suicide,sheriff's deputy,north carolina state,

[NY] Macedon Police Chief Elmer Fish shot, killed Ida Phelps, then himself. - 1918

 

[Excerpts] Besides being Chief of Police of the Village, [Elmer] Fish was the representative of the Standard Oil company and prominent member of the Baptist church... he was a member of the [Palmyra branch of] Modern Woodmen of the World... The clothing was of good quality and showed evidences that they were persons of some refinement... It is presumed that Fish shot the woman [Ida Sigler Phelps] through the head and then turned his revolver on himself and fell at her side...

(I don't know how it's known that Ida chose death.)

NEWS OF MACEDON [p. 5]
The Fairport Herald, NY, Wed. 29 Jul 1918
(Transcribed on 7 Mar 2009 by Karen E. Dau of Rochester, NY)
The remains of Elmer Fish, whose body was found near Spencerport last week, were taken to Clifton Springs for burial. He leaves his wife and two young daughters; a sister, Mrs. William Stevenson of Macedon, and a brother Frank, of Palmyra. Mrs. Elmer Phelps leaves her husband and two little boys, of Macedon, and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Sigler, of Canandaigua. The remains were taken to Canandaigua and the funeral was held from the chapel in Woodlawn cemetery Saturday afternoon, Rev. A. E. Allison of the Macedon Universalist church officiating. 

(An account of the double death is found on page six.)

MACEDON ELOPING COUPLE FOUND DEAD [p. 6]
Disappeared from Home July 8 and Found in Spencerport Woods Sixteen Days Later

The bodies of Elmer Fish, police constable of the village of Macedon, and Mrs. Elmer Phelps were found in a little hollow in a dense part of the woodland on the farm of Myron Adams, three and one-half miles west of Spencerport, Thursday afternoon. According to report, the man and woman eloped from their homes on July 8. They had been seen in each other’s company for some time before the elopement. Both were married. Fish's wife and two girls and Mrs. Phelps' husband and two boys are still in Macedon. The couple lived in the same street, across the way from one another.

Besides being chief of police of the village, Fish was the representative of the Standard Oil company and prominent member of the Baptist church and Mrs. Phelps was a member of the Universalist church. Reports from Macedon were to the effect that the couple had left their homes on July 8. and that efforts to learn their whereabouts had not succeeded.

The body of the woman lay face upward on the ground close beside that of the man. She had been shot. One arm was folded over her breast, the other had fallen to her side with her hand almost touching that of the man, as if the couple had made an effort just before death overtook them to clasp hands. The light weight dark coat which she had been wearing and which evidently she had taken off just before the fatal shot was fired, had been thrown loosely over her shoulders. But few clues which might lead to the identification of the couple were found.

One of the most promising was a nickel badge which the man wore inside of his coat. The badge was inscribed: “Chief of Police.” The man also wore on his finger a ring which showed that he was a member of the Modern Woodmen of the World. In his pocket was a brand new notebook, and a billfold, also two $1 bills. A handkerchief was marked with the initial "E." A lavendar [sic] necktie was marked with the firm name of Lebrecht & Jones, Palmyra.

The revolver with which the shots were fired was so rusty that it was opened with difficulty. Three exploded shells were found in the magazine. It was found between the couple. Coroner Thomas A. Killip said that as near as could be ascertained there was no evidence of any shots, other than the two which caused death having taken effect.

The wound which caused the death of the man was a single shot through the temple on the left side. A similar wound and in the same locality had killed the woman. It was evident from the state of decomposition in which the bodies were at the time they were found that the couple had been dead at least ten days.

Charles Allen, who lives near the Colby Street Woods, said that about two weeks ago, he saw a strange man and woman going toward the woods. The woman was dressed in dark clothing, and so was the man. The woman carried an umbrella, and the fact that an umbrella similar to the one Mr. Allen saw the woman carrying was found near the spot where the bodies were, leads to the belief that the couple seen by Mr. Allen were the same as the couple found Thursday.

Both were of large build, the man being 5 feet 10 inches tall, and perhaps weighing in the neighborhood of 175 pounds. The woman was but little shorter, probably 5 feet 9 inches tall, and weighed possibly 150 pounds. The clothing was of good quality and showed evidences that they were persons of some refinement.

The woman wore two gold rings and a gold bracelet. She had been dressed in a dark suit, white shirtwaist, white shoes and white stockings. Pinned on the shirtwaist was a small gold watch. In a pocketbook was 14 cents in coins. There were no marks on her clothing to tell who she was, or where the clothing had been purchased.

Like the woman, the man was dressed in dark clothing of good quality. He wore small shoes with patent rubber soles.

Coroner Killip had the bodies sent to Walker's undertaking shop in Spencerport. According to what Adams, who found the bodies, told Coroner Killip, he had for the last week noticed an offensive odor on different occasions while walking through the woods near where the bodies were found. Thursday afternoon he determined to make a thorough search of the woods to learn the cause. He had not searched long when he came upon the bodies.

The spot which the couple chose to carry out their death pact in is almost in the center of a large wooded tract. The woods are dense and the undergrowth is quite heavy. The woods are about two miles from the B., L. & R. Railway. It is probable that the couple left the trolley line where it is nearest the woods and walked there. A Macedon correspondent under Friday's date wrote as follows:

Tongues were busy in the little community of Macedon yesterday when the tragic love affair which resulted in the suicide pact between Mrs. Ida Phelps, wife of Elmer Phelps, and Police Chief Elmer Fish of Macedon [sic]. The bodies of the illfated couple, which were found on Thursday in a woodland near Spencerport, were removed yesterday from the undertaking rooms in Spencerport. The remains of Mrs. Phelps were taken to Macedon, and Fish’s body was removed to Clifton Springs.

It was reported tonight that the body of Mrs. Phelps, although in an advanced state of decomposition, had been positively identified in Macedon by friends who recognized the jewelry which she wore.

Although they had been implored to sever their relationship time and again by mutual friends, the couple had been unable to do so; and they evidently reached the conclusion that death was better than life under the circumstances. So they went to Spencerport, entered the woodland on the Mylo Adams farm, and made an end of it all. It is presumed that Fish shot the woman through the head and then turned his revolver on himself and fell at her side. Their hands were almost touching when their bodies were found by Mr. Adams.

While it was generally known that there was an attachment between Chief Fish and Mrs. Phelps, the news of the double tragedy came to the village as a distinct shock. After the efforts of their friends their open meetings ceased for a time; but it was learned that they had continued to meet in secret.

It was learned today that about ten days before the couple left their homes on their last journey together, they met with an automobile accident, when the machine which Mrs. Phelps was driving and in which Fish was riding turned turtle. Neither was injured to any extent. That accident when meetings between the two were supposed to have ceased, set the village tongues to wagging again, and it is thought that it may have had a bearing on the subsequent elopement and agreement to die.

So far as can be learned, neither Mrs. Phelps nor Chief Fish left any message behind when they went away together. How long they had been gone when they died, will remain a mystery probably, as the state in which the bodies were found precludes more than a surmise as on how long they had lain in the woods. It was learned today that they left Macedon on July 8 and they were seen on that day boarding a trolley car to Rochester.

One of the two children of Mrs. Phelps is being cared for by an aunt who lives in Macedon, and the other is with its grandmother in Canandaigua. Mrs. Fish left Macedon soon after the disappearance of her husband, taking her two children with her to Clifton Springs, where she is living with her mother. Coroner Thomas A. Killip of Monroe County said tonight that it was unlikely that he should [would] conduct an inquest in the case. The funeral of Mrs. Phelps will take place tomorrow at 3 o'clock from the chapel of the Woodlawn cemetery in Canandaigua.

Chief Fish was in the neighborhood of 35 years of age, and Mrs. Phelps was about 25 years old.

https://nyscu.org/Archives/Universalist%20Memory%20Garden/Universalist%20Memory%20Garden%20P/Phelps,%20Ida%20(Sigler)%201918.pdf 

The Fairport Herald., July 31, 1918, Page 6, Image 6, 1873-1925. Image provided by: Rochester Regional Library Council.

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Democrat and Chronicle
26 Jul 1918, Fri · Page 14
...The man wore a dark suit striped with a light color and a plaid cap full at the top in the fashion of those that chauffeurs wear. In his .pocket, besides two one-dollar bills and some change, were some keys resembling those which were used in the operation of old-fashioned acetylene tanks on automobiles. The woman, who had dark hair, wore a dark skirt, with a white shirtwaist, white stockings and white rubber-soled shoes. Each wore an open-faced watch and the woman several bracelets and rings. A black umbrella with a curved wooden handle was found nearby, as well as a black jacket...

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OBITUARY

Mrs. Elmer Phelps
From Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, 29 July 1918
Canandaigua, July 29 - The funeral of Mrs. Elmer Phelps, recently of Macedon, was held from the Woodlawn cemetery chapel in this city yesterday afternoon at 3 o'clock with a Universalist clergyman from Macedon officiating. Mrs. Phelps was found dead in a woods near Rochester, together with the dead body of Chief of Police Elmer Fish, of Macedon. She was 25 years of age. Previous to her marriage some years ago, she resided in Canandaigua and was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Sigler of South Main street. She is survived by her husband and two children, 4 and 6 years of age.

TAGS: police officer, sheriff's deputy, officer-involved, domestic violence, abuse, oidv, intimate partner, ipv, law enforcement, public safety, lethal, fatality, fatalities, murder, suicide, florida state, politics, usur, infidelity, cheating, suicide pact, alleged, historical