Police Officer Involved Domestic Violence.
Lighting a candle of remembrance for those who've lost their lives to domestic violence behind the blue wall, for strength and wisdom to those still there, and a non-ending prayer for those who thought they had escaped but can't stop being afraid.
...It's the second time [Judge Guido] Loyola has exonerated Lewis. In March 2008, Loyola, in another bench trial, cleared Lewis of harassment related to allegations he had fought with his ex-wife... That leaves one misdemeanor, a criminal mischief charge, related to allegations Lewis trashed his mother's home and fought with his Albany brother, who is an Albany police officer... In the past two years, Lewis has been arrested a half-dozen times on domestic violence and drunken driving charges...
JUDGE CLEARS COP OF DWI Lack of evidence cited in acquitting Officer John Lewis of drunken-driving charges
timesunion.com
By Paul Nelson
February 18, 2010
[Excerpts] Citing a lack of evidence, a City Court judge acquitted a jailed city cop of drunken-driving charges on Wednesday, marking the second time in the past two years that John Lewis has been cleared of misdemeanor offenses. "There was no indication that the vehicle was swerving, weaving or being operated in any way by a person that was impaired," said Judge Guido Loyola on Wednesday, recounting the evidence the prosecution presented... He also noted that the surveillance footage from a street camera failed to show clearly who was behind the wheel of a black sport utility vehicle that prosecutors had accused Lewis, 40, of driving when he slammed into a parked car on a city street... A then-rookie cop testified that he took Lewis home before the accident was investigated and a veteran lawman told Loyola he was distracted by witnesses at the scene, allowing Lewis to sneak away and appeal to the less experienced cops to get him out of there. It took police commanders another 90 minutes to get to the home of Lewis' mother to evaluate his condition that night, according to the testimony of various officers during the trial... Asked about trial testimony that officers on the scene turned off a police car video camera and microphones, Tiffany said, "Why would somebody want to turn off their cameras and microphones and what conclusions can you draw from that?" It's the second time Loyola has exonerated Lewis. In March 2008, Loyola, in another bench trial, cleared Lewis of harassment related to allegations he had fought with his ex-wife over custody of their young son. Last month, the district attorney's office dropped contempt charges against Lewis. That leaves one misdemeanor, a criminal mischief charge, related to allegations Lewis trashed his mother's home and fought with his Albany brother, who is an Albany police officer and who intervened. Horan said that will be also be a nonjury trial before Loyola on March 29. Once that case is resolved, felony charges will play out in county court. In the past two years, Lewis has been arrested a half-dozen times on domestic violence and drunken driving charges. An independent hearing officer who presided at an internal affairs disciplinary hearing will soon issue a decision that could result in his firing from the police force. Lewis is currently being held without bail at the Schoharie County Jail after facing a second DWI charge... Lewis, who Horan has said has a drinking problem, also pleaded not guilty to a 10-count indictment accusing him of using a former girlfriend's computer to hack into his ex-wife's e-mail accounts. He has filed a notice of claim contending the city conspired with his ex-wife to get him fired. In December, Lewis suffered a stab wound in Massachusetts, allegedly at the hands of his girlfriend. No charges were filed in that incident... Lewis' troubles with the department date back to 1998... [Full article here] [police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety new york state alcohol driving under influence while intoxicated steve flamisch, cbs6albany.com repeat hx teflon lethal]
They allow anonymous bloggers to post all kinds of garbage, accusations and comments,” [Pitt County Sheriff Mac] Manning said. “I hold The Daily Reflector accountable, in part, for this mess I’m in now...”
MANNING LETTER SPARKS HEAT IN SHERIFF'S CAMPAIGN
Greenville Daily Reflector Michael Abramowitz
February 18, 2010
[Excerpts] A “distorted” political poll, anonymous blog conversations and negative comments on local media Web sites about Pitt County Sheriff Mac Manning compelled the sheriff to publish a four-column paid response in The Daily Reflector on Wednesday, Manning said. At the same time, a consultant for Neil Elks, Manning’s opponent in this year’s Democratic primary election, told county residents to strap themselves in for a vigorous campaign. Manning said in the open letter advertisement that his political adversaries intend to capitalize on the Michelle Pollard case as part of an ongoing smear campaign to defeat him. Pollard, a former deputy, was convicted last month of obstructing a drug investigation. Additionally, the investigation of her husband’s death has been the subject of civil suits against the department. In an interview Wednesday, Manning said misleading blog comments about Pollard’s conviction and the 2005 death of Stacey Pollard were fodder for the poll questions. “The poll was based ... on misinformation and outright lies and insinuations that just aren’t true,” Manning said. The telephone poll of 559 likely Pitt County Democratic primary voters was conducted by Public Policy Polling of Raleigh. It was designed and conducted by Campaign Connections, a political consulting firm contracted by Elks, said consultant Brad Crone, the company’s president and founder... Elks could not be reached for comment but released a statement that said, “It’s a sad day in Pitt County politics when the sheriff has to purchase a (four-column) ad to try and clean his hands of a scandal he created”... Manning said he found the blogs and comments posted on The Daily Reflector and WITN Web sites personally offensive. “They allow anonymous bloggers to post all kinds of garbage, accusations and comments,” Manning said. “I hold The Daily Reflector accountable, in part, for this mess I’m in now, because when it comes from a reputable publishing company, it takes on an air of legitimacy and people think it must be true.” [Full article here]
CONTROVERSIAL POLITICAL POLL STIRS UP DEBATE OVER SHERIFF’S OFFICE IN PITT COUNTY
WNCT
By Arthur Mondale
February 17, 2010
[Excerpts] Its election season across the east and the campaign for a Sheriff’s Office is heating up. Current Pitt County Sheriff Mac Manning is already complaining about mud slinging, from the man who may end up running against him. It’s all about a political poll. “Mudslinging and negative politics is beneath the office of Sheriff. But if it’s hurled my way I will stand my ground.“ Sheriff Mac Manning is responding to a recent poll by Public Policy Polling, paid for by the man running against him, Neil Elks. The Sheriff says it capitalizes on the Michelle Pollard case in the upcoming election... Sheriff Manning fired back with a response letter published in Wednesday’s edition of The Daily Reflector, to set the record straight. In response to the 2006 death investigation of Stacey Pollard’s drowning: “Everything indicated that this was an accidental drowning, that’s what I believe then, that’s what I believe now. And I believe the physical evidence and all the circumstances indicate that,” Manning said... “When I left the scene I was under the impression that the State Bureau of Investigation would be called to assist in the investigation. As we all know, that never occurred,” Neil Elks said in a statement released to the media. And other claims including Manning promoting Pollard during her husband’s death investigation saying: “He promoted Ms. Pollard to Lt. Deputy after she had failed a polygraph test. That action alone makes me question the Sheriff’s integrity.” “The DA reviewed the case and informed me no criminal charges would be filed — if she lied why weren’t charges filed,“ said Manning.... This is the first time Elks has run for Sheriff’s Office, having served as a captain under Manning for four years, and hopes the current numbers will prove a reality. According to the Pitt County Board of Elections, Sheriff Manning is currently running unopposed. Neil Elks will hold a news conference Thursday at 10 am at the Town Common in Greenville. Then he plans to formally file against Manning. To get a look at the survey and Mac Manning’s response, just log on our website and type in the keywords: Sheriff’s Debate. [Full article here]
WHERE'S MICHELLE?
MICHELLE POLLARD NOW INMATE AT RALEIGH WOMEN'S PRISON
WITN
Jan 28, 2010
[Excerpts] The Department of Correction says it cannot say whether they're taking any different security measures because Michelle Pollard is former law enforcement officer. But we do know that Pollard is under administrative segregation... Pollard, who resigned just weeks before her indictment last summer, was convicted of two counts of obstruction of justice and one count of not performing duties of her office. Prosecutors say the former deputy tipped off the subject of an ongoing drug investigation... [Full article here] [police officer involved domestic violence law enforcement fatality fatalities murder accused north carolina unsolved unresolved repeat hx]
...At 6:45 p.m. [Milwaukie Police Detective] Thomas Garrett had been transported to the Clackamas County Jail and lodged for the related charge of Assault 4 (Abuse Prevention) – witnessed by children present – enhanced to a Class C Felony... Along with this incident, the NW law enforcement community has seen a tough week...
MILWAUKIE DETECTIVE ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT Thomas E. Garrett is accused with assaulting the mother of his child
Portland Tribune
The Clackamas Review, Feb 17, 2010
[Excerpts] A Milwaukie Police Detective was arrested Tuesday evening and accused with assaulting the mother of his child. Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Thomas E. Garrett, 36, of Portland. According to CCSO reports, a 30-year-old mother of four children who lives in unincorporated Milwaukie came to the sheriff’s offices in Clackamas to report the incident Tuesday morning at 8 a.m. She told detectives that Garrett assaulted her at her home, in front of at least one of her children, at 7 a.m.... Investigators said Garrett is the biological father of the woman’s one year old.... [Full article here]
MILWAUKIE DETECTIVE ACCUSED OF ASSAULTING MOTHER OF HIS CHILD
By Rick Bella, The Oregonian
February 17, 2010, 4:40PM
[Excerpts] A Milwaukie police officer is facing potentially career-ending charges, accused of assaulting the mother of his child while her other children watched... [Detective Thomas] Garrett, 36, of Southeast Portland, is a six-year Milwaukie police veteran. If convicted of the charge, a Class C felony, he would be barred from possessing a firearm, which would make it impossible for him to continue as a police officer. He was placed on immediate paid administrative leave. Detective Jim Strovink, Clackamas County sheriff's spokesman, said a 30-year-old woman acknowledged to be the mother of Garrett's 1-year-old child visited the sheriff's Clackamas-area headquarters at 8 a.m. Tuesday to report that reported that Garrett assaulted her with one or more of her three other children present... The woman did not require medical care, Strovink said... After conducting interviews, the sheriff's Domestic Violence Enhanced Response Team, with cooperation from Milwaukie police, arrested Garrett at work without incident. Oregon's domestic-violence laws require police to arrest a suspect accused of assault by someone who claims to be a victim. Physical evidence of an assault is not required... "As far as our experience with him, he's always done a commendable job as an investigator," said Officer Ulli Neitch, Milwaukie police spokeswoman... He has no disciplinary actions on file... Garrett was booked into the Clackamas County Jail on accusation of fourth-degree assault. He posted bond against $15,000 bail and was released... [Full article here]
MILWAUKIE POLICE DETECTIVE ARRESTED FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE It has been a very dark week for police in Oregon.
Salem-News.com
Feb-17-2010
[Excerpts] A Milwaukie Police detective was arrested for Domestic Abuse Tuesday morning, by deputies with the Clackamas Sheriff's Office. Clackamas Sheriff Spokesman Det. Jim Strovink, says a 30-year-old mother of 4 children; who resides in an unincorporated area of Milwaukie, approached the front counter of the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office to report an alleged incident of domestic violence... He says the desk officer summoned the assistance of the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, Domestic Violence Enhanced Response Team (DVERT). In answer to this request, a DVERT Detective and uniformed Clackamas County Deputy Sheriff responded to conduct additional interviews and pursue the allegations of this newly reported case of domestic violence. "This team of investigators conducted a number of interviews and compiled all their investigative results. In addition, these specialized investigators initiated direct contact with Milwaukie Police Department supervisors alerting them to the ongoing criminal investigation"... At approximately 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, Clackamas investigators responded to the Milwaukie Police Department, where they arrested Thomas Garrett; while he was working his shift... He says the case now goes to the Clackamas County District Attorney's Office for consideration. At 6:45 p.m. Thomas Garrett had been transported to the Clackamas County Jail and lodged for the related charge of Assault 4 (Abuse Prevention) – witnessed by children present – enhanced to a Class C Felony... Along with this incident, the NW law enforcement community has seen a tough week. An officer shot a suspect for running from a traffic stop, a man plunged 100 feet to his death running from a police traffic stop, a Washington trooper was shot in the head, a Roseburg officer was struck head-on during a police chase, a Clackamas veteran sheriff sergeant Murdered two women and shot a third before turning the gun on himself, and one of the state's top law enforcement officials with the AG's office was arrested over the weekend on assault and strangulation charges. [Full article here]
MILWAUKIE COP ACCUSED OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
KPTV
February 17, 2010[Excerpts] ...Deputies said they began an investigation and arrested [Milwaukie Police Detective Thomas] Garrett later that day on a felony charge of fourth-degree assault. He was arrested at work, booked into the Clackamas County Jail and then posted bail... Lisa Garcia lives across the street from Garrett and said she doesn't believe the allegations. "I don't think he's violent at all. If anything, he asked me to keep an eye on the house because she has come over, like, stalking him," she said. "She is a lot of drama, so I really don't think he did it." Garcia said neighbors had to call for help when the couple lived together. "The police had to come because she was breaking things inside his house. She was pounding on his door. My other neighbors called the police," she said. Garrett is scheduled to appear in court March 15. [Full article here] [police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety oregon]
...Tuesday, [Assistant Attorney General Susan] Gerber didn't appear in court for her arraignment on accusations of attempted fourth-degree assault, harassment and strangulation. Her attorney, Michael De Muniz, said Gerber had checked herself into in-patient treatment... Officers arrived at 12:15 a.m. Saturday to find [J.D.] with red marks around her neck and bruises on her arms...
OREGON ASSISTANT AG SUSAN GERBER CHARGED WITH ASSAULT, HARASSMENTThe Oregonian
By Aimee Green
February 15, 2010, 5:39PM
[Excerpts] Assistant attorney general Susan R. Gerber was arrested early Saturday morning in North Portland on accusations that she assaulted, strangled and harassed someone. It's unclear who Gerber, 40, is accused of victimizing, but the charges were listed as related to domestic violence on the Multnomah County jail log. Gerber works in Oregon Attorney General John Kroger's office, litigating cases involving inmates who are fighting their convictions and cases involving the state's Psychiatric Security Review Board... Gerber was booked into jail at 1:33 a.m. Saturday under accusations of fourth-degree assault, strangulation and harassment... Strangulation is impeding someone's airway and harassment is unwanted contact, including slapping that leaves a red mark... Gerber is a senior assistant attorney general, and has worked for the Department of Justice since 2001... [Full article here]
OREGON ASSISTANT AG CHARGED WITH ASSAULT, STRANGULATION AND HARASSMENT
Salem-News.Com
Tim King
Feb 16, 2010
[Excerpts] ...Spokesman Tony Green with the Oregon Attorney General's Office told Salem-News.com they don't have a comment to release at this time. "It is a matter that is being handled by the Multnomah County District Attorney's office. We will wait until that process is completed before commenting... [Full article here]
OREGON ASSISTANT AG SUSAN GERBER CHECKS INTO TREATMENT AFTER BEING ACCUSED OF STRANGLING AND PUNCHING HER WIFE
The Oregonian
By Aimee Green
February 16, 2010
[Excerpts] ...According to an affidavit filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court Tuesday, assistant attorney general Susan R. Gerber's wife of five years told Portland police that she'd confronted Gerber about an affair... [J.D.], 38, told police that she returned home and "started the process of changing the locks" when Gerber, 40, arrived home and began assaulting her late Friday night. A locksmith who knocked on the door of the condo said he arrived to see Gerber punching [J.D.] with a closed fist as Gerber yelled at [J.D.] to give her the phone she was holding. The locksmith said he went back to his car, heard arguing and looked through a window. He said he saw Gerber push [J.D.] against a wall and choke her. He then called 9-1-1. Officers arrived at 12:15 a.m. Saturday to find [J.D.] with red marks around her neck and bruises on her arms... [J.D.] said she couldn't breathe for a brief while as Gerber tried to strangle her... Tuesday, Gerber didn't appear in court for her arraignment on accusations of attempted fourth-degree assault, harassment and strangulation. Her attorney, Michael De Muniz, said Gerber had checked herself into in-patient treatment, but he declined to specify after the hearing what kind of treatment she is receiving. Gerber does have a history of alcohol abuse... Patrick Sweeney, an attorney for [J.D.], said his client had a no-contact order against Gerber, but [J.D.] would like the judge to lift it. [J.D.] hoped to visit Gerber in treatment. The judge declined to lift the order. Tony Green, a spokesman for the Oregon Department of Justice, said Gerber is still an employee, but that he couldn't provide more detail, such as whether Gerber has been placed on leave. [Full article here] [police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety public official power oregon state female homosexual lesbian]
...Relatives of Charlotte Grahn – who was shot by her husband, [Clackamas County Sheriff's Sergeant] Jeffrey Grahn\ – say she had feared her husband in the past and relatives had attempted to report his previous threatening behavior. If these statements are accurate, then the investigation into these shootings should include an examination of whether official reports about Grahn’s conduct were made, and whether police agencies responded appropriately to allegations against a fellow officer...
..."As I thought about this (murder-suicide)," [Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts] said, "words really can’t adequately describe the actions that Jeff Grahn took when he shot these three innocent women. It makes me sick. It makes me angry. And it makes me sad for the victims and their families"... Roberts said he felt personally betrayed by Grahn... Just last month, Sgt. Jeffrey A. Grahn taught a course with Trauma Intervention Programs, a nonprofit that offers emotional first-aid to people in crisis...
Kathleen Beth "Katie" Hoffmeister
Published in The Oregonian on February 17, 2010 Guestbook Obituary
Kathleen "Katie" Beth Hoffmeister
Obituaries for Feb. 17, 2010
The Gresham Outlook
By Calvin Hall
[Excerpts] ...A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at Greater Gresham Baptist Church, 3848 N.E. Division St... Gresham Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements. [Full article here]
DETAILS ARE EMERGING ABOUT THE THREE WOMEN VICTIMS
Submitted by KATU.com
Mon, 2010-02-15 00:39
REMEMBERING THE VICTIMS
The Oregonian
By Rick Bella rickbella@news.oregonian.com
February 16, 2010, 8:17PM
[Excerpts from sidebar] Fund for children: The Clackamas County Peace Officer's Benevolent Foundation has contributed $10,000 to jump-start a benefit fund for children of all of the victims in Friday's shooting rampage. Donations to the Charlotte Grahn Domestic Violence Fund can be made at any branch of Wells Fargo Bank... A benefit fund has been established to help Victoria "Vickie" Schulmerich, who remains hospitalized with a gunshot wound. Donations can be made to the Vickie Schulmerich Fund at any branch of Chase Bank. Memorial: A service for Kathleen "Katie" Hoffmeister will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Greater Gresham Baptist Church... [Full article here]
SHERIFF EXPRESSES DEEP SORROW OVER WHAT HIS DEPUTY DID
Submitted by KATU.com
Tue, 2010-02-16 18:37
[Excerpts] For the first time, we're hearing from the sheriff whose off-duty deputy went on a deadly shooting rampage at a Gresham bar. Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts said words cannot describe his sorrow... "It makes me sick," Roberts said. "It makes me angry. It makes me sad - for the victims and their families." Roberts said the county already has several anti-domestic violence programs for deputies but he said all of them will be reviewed to see what they can do better to try to prevent this kind of tragedy in the future. [Full article here]
BEFORE HIS OWN BURST OF VIOLENCE, CLACKAMAS DEPUTY WORKED IN TRAUMA INTERVENTION
The Oregonian
By Rick Bella rickbella@news.oregonian.com
February 16, 2010, 8:17PM
[Excerpts] Just last month, Sgt. Jeffrey A. Grahn taught a course with Trauma Intervention Programs, a nonprofit that offers emotional first-aid to people in crisis... For years before his own burst of violence, Grahn was a big supporter of Trauma Intervention Programs, ever since he saw first-hand how the volunteers helped trauma victims.... Sheriff Craig Roberts offered his condolences to all the families, saying that Grahn's rampage has caused him a lot of heartache. "It makes me sick. It makes me angry, and it makes me sad for the victims and their families," Roberts said at a Tuesday news conference. Roberts said he felt personally betrayed by Grahn, who began working at the sheriff's office in 1995, rising to sergeant in 2003. Roberts said Grahn's actions would cast a pall on the sheriff's office and the profession. The sheriff's office takes seriously any reports of domestic violence by deputies, Robert said, despite the fact that a conviction could mean the end of a law-enforcement career. Roberts said the sheriff's office has an employee-assistance program and a peer-support team to help deputies work through personal crises. The sheriff's office also works directly with a chaplain, who is available to offer counsel. In addition, deputies are required to attend seminars by Dr. Kevin Gilmartin of Oregon City, a nationally recognized expert on dealing with police stress. "I intend to review all of these programs, looking to see if there is anything we can do better," Roberts said. "This is a huge loss, and it hits right in law enforcement"... The Grahns' children are staying with family members. Staff writers Steve Mayes, Stephen Beaven and Stuart Tomlinson contributed to this report. [Full article here]
Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
GRESHAM SHOOTING’S LONE SURVIVOR CLINGS TO LIFE Women became friends through daughters, who were Barlow High School cheerleaders
The Gresham Outlook
By Mara Stine
Feb 16, 2010
[Excerpts] As one woman clings to life, the family of another woman killed in Friday night’s shooting at the M&M Restaurant and Lounge is praying for her survival. Victoria "Vickie" Schulmerich, 53, of Gresham, was shot in the back of her head by her friend’s husband in what police are calling a domestic dispute. The gunman, Jeffrey Grahn, 46, of Boring also shot his wife, Charlotte Grahn, 47, and her friend Kathleen "Katie" Hoffmeister, 53, of Gresham during the 9:47 p.m. shooting Friday, Feb. 12... Schulmerich, the only one to survive the attack, remains in critical condition at Oregon Health & Science University. She is in a medically induced coma in the Intensive Care Unit, and her family is optimistic that she’ll survive, said her cousin Liz Donaugh... "We’re just praying that everything is on our side," Liz said. "She will fight to get back with every fiber of her being...." ...Relatives also credit a bystander at the M&M Lounge with saving Schulmerich’s life. Mona Makela of Gresham left her safe hiding place under a pool table to help Schulmerich following the shooting. Makela applied pressure to Schulmerich’s head wound and turned the woman from her back onto her side, which doctors say likely saved her life. "We’re so grateful," Connie Schulmerich said, breaking down in tears. "She would have bled to death." The three women targeted in Friday night’s shooting became friends through their daughters, who were Barlow High School cheerleaders. Grahn’s brother, Walter Trapp Jr., of Oregon City described his sister – the youngest of six children – as a soccer mom who loved to fish, hunt deer and elk, and who was a country girl at heart. "She was just a good person," he said... Hoffmeister was a "wonderful woman," said Patrick Keep, her longtime friend and boss at Northwest Crane Service in Portland... "She was a dedicated and loyal friend," he said, recalling her infectious smile and deep love for her 20-year-old daughter... "She was upbeat. Loved everybody. She didn’t really have a mean streak in her body"... Schulmerich’s family describes her as an outgoing lover of food, fun and family with a huge circle of friends – all of which her relatives contribute to her Italian heritage and the family’s Southern roots in Baton Rouge, La. "We’ll be having an extra cup of gumbo for Vickie today," Liz said... Victoria "Vickie" Schulmerich, the only survivor of the shooting, works at the school as an educational assistant in the Early Childhood Program through the Multnomah Education Service District... The Clackamas County Peace Officers Association Benevolent Foundation [ccpobf.org.] has set aside $10,000 in a Wells Fargo Bank account entitled "Charlotte Grahn Domestic Violence Fund," which will assist the children of Charlotte Grahn and the families of Kathleen Hoffmeister and Victoria Schulmerich. Anyone may contribute to the fund at any Wells Fargo branch... [Full article here]
GRESHAM RISES ABOVE NIGHT OF DEATH, VIOLENCE
Bystander becomes lifesaver after bullets strike victims at M&M Restaurant
The Gresham Outlook
By Mara Stine
Feb 16, 2010
[Excerpts] ... Michael Friend, lay chaplain for Bikers for Christ, bowed his head, offering blessings and prayers. The crowd stands near the backdoor of the lounge... Mona Makela happened upon the scene... Feet firmly planted, his arms straight, elbows locked, he fired... She dialed 9-1-1 on her cellular phone and didn’t say a word for fear the gunman would hear her. Instead, she just let the line stay open... Makela saw that one of the women was still alive. “I didn’t want her to die alone... Please hang in there, please hang in there,” Makela told the woman, rubbing her shoulder, stroking her leg. “You’re going to be OK. Help is on the way.” The family of the surviving shooting victim credits Makela with saving her life... Makela has adopted a new mantra: Faith and fear. “You can’t have one if you’ve got the other, because faith is of God and fear is not,” she said. Others are turning their attention to the M&M’s traumatized owner, hoping to support her, and planning a benefit to help out the victims’ families. “People really rally around each other in this town,” Makela said. “And that’s not going to change.” [Full article here]
COUPLE DIDN’T FOLLOW THROUGH WITH PLANS TO GET A DIVORCE
The Gresham Outlook
By Mara Stine
Feb 16, 2010
[Excerpts]
Divorce attorneys representing Jeffrey and Charlotte Grahn are shocked that the husband shot and killed his wife, plus shot two of her friends and committed suicide, in a Gresham lounge Friday, Feb. 12. Jeffrey Grahn, a Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office sergeant, was off duty when he used his personal .40-caliber Glock to fatally shoot his wife at the M&M Restaurant & Lounge. He then shot two of her friends, killing one of them and critically injuring the other, before turning the gun on himself. Charlotte’s attorney, Scott Downing of Gresham, said both parties wanted to part ways, but Jeffrey filed the divorce papers first in August. Jeffrey was having an affair with a coworker and moved in with the other woman... But Jeffrey later moved back in with his wife... "I believed he was hopeful for a reconciliation with his wife," said Jeffrey’s divorce attorney, Rebecca Schaleger... On Jan. 7, the case was dismissed due to a lack of activity, Downing said. Jeffrey’s divorce attorney suggested he close out the case, but he said no. The financial strain the divorce would have caused was of concern for both Jeffrey and Charlotte... "It’s not the end of the world," Schaleger said. "But I guess it was to him"... Schaleger said the couple was not on her radar of contentious divorces, mainly because they agreed on custody issues... She never saw any indication that issues of jealousy, control or abuse plagued the marriage. Downing, however, said his client feared her husband. She was worried for her safety, as well as her financial security... Charlotte’s brother, Walter Trapp, said his brother-in-law Jeffrey had a violent temper and was a control freak. He recalled how on two occasions Jeffrey, angry that he lost a fish while angling, threw his cellular phone into the Columbia River. His sister never reported her husband to police for fear it would only escalate the situation, Trapp said... But while Charlotte never reported her concerns, Trapp said one of their sisters called police six times to voice hers. When nothing came of it, the family assumed it was because the couple lived in the same jurisdiction where Jeffrey worked. Meanwhile the couple’s four children, ages 13 to 23, are struggling to understand why relatives are planning two separate funeral services for their parents. "They’re having a hard time distinguishing why they aren’t going to be buried together," Trapp said. [Full article here]
SHERIFF RELEASES FEW NEW DETAILS DURING PRESS CONFERENCE
The Gresham Outlook
By Jim Hart
Feb 16, 2010
[Excerpts] ...Obviously distraught by what he called a "tragedy," Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts tried to make some sense of the actions of Deputy Sgt. Jeffrey Grahn, who lived with his family in Boring.... Roberts spoke cautiously during a news conference Tuesday afternoon. "As I thought about this (murder-suicide)," he said, "words really can’t adequately describe the actions that Jeff Grahn took when he shot these three innocent women. It makes me sick. It makes me angry. And it makes me sad for the victims and their families... (Hiring) is a year-long process," he said. "It includes an extensive background check of any kind of history related to (domestic issues), including a psychological exam. After being employed, deputies have fringe benefits that include counseling, peer support and a chaplain. Roberts said he had mandated attendance by all deputies at family violence training provided by a nationally recognized speaker, and asked family members to attend portions of the training. "We intend to review all of these programs," he said, "and see if we can do anything better." Under Roberts’ watch, according to Clackamas County Sheriff’s Det. Jim Strovink, the department has made it a priority to do everything possible to prevent family violence. Strovink detailed the annual workshops on domestic violence and child abuse promoted by the Sheriff’s Office over the past 10 years. Roberts put into perspective the situation with Sgt. Grahn. "The more you think about it," Roberts said, "(Grahn) should have been out there protecting women. But he was the one committing the crime. He betrayed the trust the community placed in him, and he betrayed the trust (his fellow officers) placed in him, and he’s betrayed the trust I’ve placed in him"... "Ten years ago," he said, "we began a direct focus on family violence issues. We even offered training about how to deal with domestic violence within law enforcement." According to Roberts, the department’s current focus is to support the families of the victims. He, therefore, wouldn’t answer questions about whether Grahn had exhibited any warning signs before this incident or whether he had sought counseling... Roberts also wouldn’t answer questions about whether department staff had overlooked information given by Grahn family members, warning about Grahn’s violent attitudes. "This thing just happened Friday (four days earlier)," he said in response to a question. "We’re trying to take a look at everything that has happened so far, and I want to make sure we look at all the details. I don’t want to make a comment on something I’m not 100 percent sure on. We’re doing a thorough review, and we’ll be able to come back and make comments later." [Full article here]
HEED WARNING SIGNS OF ABUSE
The Gresham Outlook
Feb 17, 2010
While it is still too early to draw definite conclusions, what we know so far about Friday night’s shootings point to an extreme case of domestic abuse. Relatives of Charlotte Grahn – who was shot by her husband, Jeffrey Grahn, at the M&M Lounge – say she had feared her husband in the past and relatives had attempted to report his previous threatening behavior. If these statements are accurate, then the investigation into these shootings should include an examination of whether official reports about Grahn’s conduct were made, and whether police agencies responded appropriately to allegations against a fellow officer... Such abuse can be difficult to detect and investigate, because too often the victims are unwilling or feel they are unable to come forward. But the importance of reporting suspected abuse is clearly and tragically reinforced by Friday night’s shootings... [Full article here] [police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety fatality fatalities murder suicide oregon state fear terror tragedy double murder sucide]
...[Ex-Bingham County Sheriff's Deputy Gabriel] Morris was charged with two counts of aggravated murder after he was believed to have shot his mother, Robin Anstey, 62, and her boyfriend, Roberty Kennely, 48, multiple times... Again, Gabriel Morris is considered armed and dangerous... [Wife] 34-year old Jessica Morris and the child are now considered to be endangered themselves... Law enforcement in Oregon believes Gabriel Morris is somewhere in the southern United States and possibly heading east to either Florida or Louisiana. The family was last seen in Mesa, Arizona last week. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bingham County Sheriff's Office at (208) 785-4440...
GABRIEL CHRISTIAN MORRIS America's Most Wanted Report a Tip
[Excerpts] Ore. Murder Suspect On The Run With Wife, Child Residents of Bandon, Ore., are reeling from a double homicide that's shocked the seaside community. Authorities tell AMW that on Feb. 8, 2010, two local residents, Robin Antsey and her boyfriend Robert Kennelly, were murdered in their home. The suspect? Robin's son, Gabriel Morris... Both were shot multiple times with a handgun that cops say Morris took with him on the run. Gabriel Morris is 33 years old, 6 feet tall and weighs 160 pounds. He's believed to be traveling with his wife and young daughter. Jessica Morris is 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighs 160 pounds and has brown hair and blue eyes. Police say she may have dyed her hair and cut it short. Kalea Morris is 3 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 40 pounds. Cops say after the murder, Gabriel Morris fled with his family to a friend's house and borrowed their car, a silver Ford Taurus with Oregon plates YRK-052. By the next day, authorities say the Morrises had already driven to San Diego, Calif. From there, they headed to Mesa, Ariz., and stayed with a friend for a few days. Mesa police were able to find video of Gabriel and Jessica Morris at a local business. If you've seen Morris or any member of his family, call 1-800-CRIME-TV. Remember, you can remain anonymous. Wanted For: Aggravated Murder , Bandon , OR ; Feb 10, 2010 (Information valid as of February 16, 2010) [Full article here]
BLACKFOOT MAN ACCUSED OF MURDER COULD APPEAR ON “AMERICA’S MOST WANTED”
Local News 8
By Aman Chabra
Feb 16, 2010
[Excerpts] ...Representatives from "America's Most Wanted" have contacted Bill and Rita Pope of Blackfoot, the in-laws of Gabriel Morris about the story appearing on the show. Morris has been on the run from Bandon, Oregon for more than a week with his wife Jessica, and the couple's daughter, Kaleah. "The show needs us to sign some release forms, but they say the story could run this Saturday," said Gabriel's mother-in-law, Rita Pope who says she will do anything necessary to get her daughter and granddaughter home safely.... The Pope's say they began to see some things in Gabriel's behavior that led them to believe his character was questionable... He left the Sheriff's Office to work at Gold's Gym in Blackfoot... "(Jessica) was doing her very best to rehabilitate him and turn him into the man she thought she married, but all of her efforts have proven in vain," he said. Law enforcement in Oregon believes Gabriel Morris is somewhere in the southern United States and possibly heading east to either Florida or Louisiana. The family was last seen in Mesa, Arizona last week. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bingham County Sheriff's Office at (208) 785-4440, or their local law enforcement office. [Full article here]
FORMER E. IDAHO SHERIFF DEPUTY SUSPECTED OF KILLING MOTHER IN OREGON
KMVT
Feb 16, 2010 at 6:22 PM CST
[Excerpts] A former eastern Idaho sheriff's deputy is suspected of killing his mother and her live-in boyfriend in Oregon. Gabriel Morris was a Bingham County patrol deputy for 2 years starting in 2005, and worked at other jobs in the Blackfoot area... Jessica's parents, who live in eastern Idaho, say they're unsure if their daughter and grand-daughter are in danger. Rita Pope, Jessica’s mother says, “If Gabe did this to his mother, I'm sure that he didn't tell Jessica that he did it”... [Full article here]
SUSPECT IN OREGON KILLINGS SPOTTED IN MESA
East Valley Tribune
Mike Sakal
February 15, 2010
Updated: February 16, 2010 - 12:59PM
[Excerpts] Authorities in Oregon have issued a warrant for the arrest of a double-murder suspect who was spotted in Mesa and considered to be armed and dangerous, according to the Coos County (Ore.) district attorney. Coos County sheriff's deputies were contacted by Mesa police investigators after Gabriel Morris, 34, and a car fitting the description he was driving was spotted at a business in Mesa through video surveillance Feb. 10, said Coos County District Attorney Paul Frasier. He did not say specifically where Morris was allegedly spotted. Morris was charged with two counts of aggravated murder after he was believed to have shot his mother, Robin Anstey, 62, and her boyfriend, Roberty Kennely, 48, multiple times... A witness also saw Morris with two handguns that day. "If anyone sees him, we would hope they do not approach him, but to call police," Frasier said... [Full article here]
"BIZARRE" DISAPPEARANCE OF JESSICA MORRIS IS CAUSE FOR CONCERN
Story Published: Feb 11, 2010 at 6:52 PM PST
By Tim Novotny KCBY News
Video
[Excerpts] COOS BAY, ORE - With her husband the main suspect in a double homicide in Bandon, those who have worked with Jessica Morris, at her job or on a fundraiser, say they are concerned for her safety. 33-year old Gabriel Morris was last seen with his wife and their four year old child at about 9:30 p.m. Monday night, February 8th. That's the same night police believe he killed a man and woman in Bandon. 34-year old Jessica Morris and the child are now considered to be endangered themselves, even though police believe she could also be driving the vehicle they were last seen with. For folks who have come to know Jessica in recent months, the sudden disappearance is definitely cause for concern... Again, Gabriel Morris is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. [Full article here] [police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety fatality fatalities murder idaho state kidnap be on the lookout manhunt]
..."She came here around 8:30 last night. She was crying and had marks on her where he had slapped her. She said she couldn't leave cause he had the car. At 1:30 this morning, I heard her screaming for him to turn her loose and he used dirty words, if she (expletive) tried to leave he'd beat her (expletive) eyeballs out"... Investigators say it is too early to determine if the shooting was in self-defense...
Video: At urging of family Candy McGuire who had fled after shooting her husband Edwin, turned herself in. Reporter spoke with Candy's aunt who lives next door.
CORRECTIONS OFFICER ARRESTED IN SHOOTING
2/8/2010, 5:49 p.m. CST
The Associated Press
[Excerpts] A Russell County corrections officer has been charged with first-degree assault after police say a domestic dispute ended with her husband shot in the abdomen Monday. Thirty-four-year-old Candy McGuire is accused of shooting her 42-year-old husband at their home. Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones says deputies responded to the home at 7:17 a.m. and found the unidentified victim suffering at least one gunshot wound... [Full article here]
RUSSELL COUNTY CORRECTIONS OFFICER ACCUSED OF SHOOTING HUSBAND NOW IN CUSTODY
By Alan Riquelmy
Feb. 08, 2010
[Excerpts] A Russell County corrections officer accused of shooting her husband in the abdomen early Monday is in custody. Candy McGuire, 34, allegedly shot her 42-year-old husband during a domestic dispute... Deputies were called to a home at 7:17 a.m. CST and found the man alone in the house... The man was taken to The Medical Center in Columbus. Jones said he was responsive when he left Lee County for Columbus. The sheriff added that the man told deputies he was shot with a medium-caliber gun. McGuire turned herself in at the sheriff’s office around noon CST, Jones said. She hasn’t yet been charged... [Full article here]
RUSSELL COUNTY CORRECTIONS OFFICER CHARGED WITH SHOOTING HUSBAND
By Press-Register staff
February 09, 2010, 6:45AM
[Excerpts] Thirty-four-year-old Russell County corrections officer Candy McGuire faces an assault charge after a Monday morning shooting incident that injured her 42-year-old husband, the Opelika-Auburn News reports... Edwin McGuire was reported to be in critical condition after surgery at Columbus (Ga.) Regional Medical Center [Full article here]
CORRECTIONS OFFICER ALLEGEDLY SHOOTS HUSBAND
WSFA
Posted: Feb 08, 2010 7:32 AM PST
Updated: Feb 10, 2010 9:11 AM PST
[Excerpts] Around 7:15 Monday morning, a 9-1-1 call was made to the Lee County Sheriff's office from inside the home on Lee Road 574. Forty-two-year-old Edward McGuire told the dispatcher his wife has just shot him in the stomach... A few hours later, at the urging of her family, 33-year old Candy McGuire turned herself in to detectives and has since been released from jail on bond. Sheriff Tommy Boswell tells News Leader 9 McGuire is a Russell County Corrections officer, and has been a good employee... Sheriff Boswell says McGuire will be placed on administrative leave if charges are filed. "She did not want her face on television but says the couple had a violent relationship and had been fighting all night," said McGuire's aunt who lived next door to the couple, "She came here around 8:30 last night. She was crying and had marks on her where he had slapped her. She said she couldn't leave cause he had the car. At 1:30 this morning, I heard her screaming for him to turn her loose and he used dirty words, if she (expletive) tried to leave he'd beat her (expletive) eyeballs out. Then, when I woke up this morning, the sheriff's cars pulled up there"...Investigators say it is too early to determine if the shooting was in self-defense... [Full article here] [police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (ipv) abuse law enforcement public safety lethal alabama state female phenix city smiths station]
...It's the second time [Judge Guido] Loyola has exonerated Lewis. In March 2008, Loyola, in another bench trial, cleared Lewis of harassment related to allegations he had fought with his ex-wife... That leaves one misdemeanor, a criminal mischief charge, related to allegations Lewis trashed his mother's home and fought with his Albany brother, who is an Albany police officer... In the past two years, Lewis has been arrested a half-dozen times on domestic violence and drunken driving charges...
