Youssef Megahed Arrested Again After Being Acquitted?

Is a man really innocent until proven guilty? If a man is acquitted, why is he still treated as if he were convicted? Gary Meringer is a Florida man who may wonder the answer to such questions. a federal detention center two hours away to visit Youssef Megahed. Gary Meringer served on a jury as a foreman. He visited a federal detention center to visit Youssef Megahed and perhaps get a few answers.

Meringer was foreman of a jury which spent a month hearing charges against Megahed. In the end, they voted to set the defendant free. However, despite Megahed being acquitted of charges of possessing and transporting explosives, he was arrested again. Now, the U.S. government wants him deported because the Egyptian-born Megahed is believed to be a "terrorist" in violation of his immigration status. Meringer could not believe that Megahed was arrested again after the acquittal. Many in the Muslim community believe that Youssef Megahed is a victim of profiling. Some call for President Obama to intervene.

President Obama has publicly called for an end to what he called the "cycle of suspicion."
Some argue he should start with releasing Megahed. Megahed legally immigrated to the United States from Egypt in 1998 at the age of 12. Two years ago he was an engineering student at the University of South Florida. Megahed and Ahmed Mohamed were pulled over on a highway, near Charleston, South Carolina, for speeding. At the time, police found PVC pipe with potassium nitrate inside, along with detonator cord inside one of Mohamed's bags. Mohamed claimed the materials were for homemade model rockets. Youssef Megahed allegedly had no knowledge that the materials were in the car.

Mohamed's laptop computer contained research on rockets and propellants and how to manufacture them. Mohamed pleaded guilty to providing material support to terrorists and is serving a 15-year prison sentence. Megahed went to trial and was found not guilty on two charges of possession and transportation of explosives. He was later set free. Should he remain free?

Update 2-18-10: To comment any further on this story, you will need to email legalpub@legalpub.net. Unfortunately, spammers otherwise dominate the thread and abuse the privilege.

Allison Mohney, Luke Lovins, Erin Ford, Kristian Ophof Serve As Examples Of Why We Must Hug Our Children Each Day And Treasure Our Time With Them.

When ever a teen dies, the loss seems so tragic. It seems like such a waste of an innocent life. Unfortunately teens die every day. Their tragic deaths can leave holes in the lives of the families that they leave behind. Today, I learned of the tragic demise of a teen who I had a pleasure to have known. This morning a head-on collision in Hendricks County, Indiana plucked her from this earth leaving those who knew and loved her to wonder why.

Allison R. Mohney was only 18. She lived in Pittsboro with her mom and dad. Allison had recently graduated from high school. She had been a member of the band and was active in her high school play. Allison was active in her church. She had many dreams for the future. Allison's grandparents were to celebrate their 50th anniversary this weekend. She had a steady boyfriend and a future that got brighter with each passing day. You could not find a more honest or loving teen. At 8:40 a.m. Allison was driving the families Chrysler PT Cruiser. For some unknown reason, her vehicle apparently crossed the center line of U.S. 136 just west of Pittsboro near County Road 201 East. The result was a fatal collision with a car driven by Ann E. Scott, 36, Pittsboro. Ironically, the Scott family is also members of the Pittsboro United Methodist Church that Alli and her family attended.

Hendricks County Sheriff’s Capt. Bryan Tremper is investigating the accident. He currently does not know why Allison's car crossed the center line. There is no indication of alcohol. The PT Cruiser was so badly destroyed that a vehicle malfunction will be hard to eliminate as a cause of the accident. Allison had big weekend plans that she will never live to fulfill. She leaves behind a teenage brother, a mother and a father who will forever have an empty place at their close knit family table.

Ann E. Scott was also injured in the accident. She was transported by helicopter to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Ann's most severe injuries are believed to be with her legs. Ann had two children in her car. While the children were taken to Methodist Hospital by ambulance, it is believed that they will fully recover from their injuries. Ann's husband was apparently driving in front of his wife's Chevy Blazer and witnessed the accident in his rear view mirror.

Four other traffic accident related deaths have occurred in Hendricks County this week. Three of the deaths involved people way to young to leave this earth. Luke Lovins, 21, and Erin C. Ford, 20, died in a two-car accident Saturday on I-70. Kristian A. Ophof, 16, was killed in a two-car accident on North Raceway Road in Hendricks County.

Eddie Kramer's Loss Overshadowed By Michael Jackson's Death and Legal Woes Postmortem?

While the world mourns the stealing of Michael Jackson's life, another victim's loss goes virtually obscured in the media frenzy. Eddie Kramer, a New Bedford, Massachusetts man, who lost an arm and a leg is a true crime victim. Some one stole Eddie's motorized wheelchair thus robbing him of his mobility and independence. How low can criminals get?

Life is not all bad. Folks are pitching in to buy Eddie Kramer a new wheelchair. Eddie Kramer always parked his wheelchair on the back porch. One day he woke up and it was gone. What brand of manure would stoop so low as to steal a wheel chair? A motorized wheel chair costs around seven thousand dollars. But for a man with only one arm and one leg, it is a necessary expense.

Eddie does not want any one's sympathy. What he wants is clearly written on a sign by his house which reads: "Please return my wheelchair." Anyone with information about the chair can call 508-324-5489.

This is not to minimize the legal woes surrounding the death of Michael Jackson. It is merely to recognize a man's troubles that would otherwise be buried in the small print. So, as the world mourns the loss of THE KING OF POP and the death of sex symbol Farrah Fawcett, let's also recognize other's losses that may not be so well publicized in the media.

Update 2-4-10: Michael Jackson's personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, is negotiating with prosecutors on plans to surrender. Murray will be charged with numerous felonies related to Jackson's death. Murray will likely be arraigned at the courthouse near the Los Angeles International Airport at 1:30 p.m. PT (4:30 p.m. ET) Friday.

Does Emily Horne Give Credence To Marriage Strike Advocates?

Maybe she just likes weddings. Or maybe, she is a girl who just can't say no. Regardless the case, Emily Horne finds herself in hot water these days. After all, she is accused of polygamy. At the ripe old age of 30, Emily has been married five times. It may not be a record, but it may be illegal. Her most recent wedding was to 25-year-old Ashley Baker in 2007. Despite the wedding, Emily never technically divorced her first husband.

If Emily never divorced hubby #1, then the former escort and bartender never technically married her last four husbands. So why did Ashley Baker fall for Horne so quickly? Could it be that she told him that she had cancer? Fortunately, for Emily, she doe not have cancer. But can you imagine the honey moon? Let's get to know one another. How many men have you been with?

For Emily, her moment of truth apparently came during a train ride to Scotland. During the romantic ride, she apparently shared with Ashley her newspaper clippings. She apparently confessed to serving jail time in 2004. Ashley Baker's initial reaction is not well known. But he must have at least once loved Emily as her name appears in a tattoo on his neck. (Compare that to the poor teen age girl who woke up with over 50 stars tattooed on her face. 56 stars on Teen's face.) Furthermore, Ashley remained with Emily for 10 months. So the feelings must have been real, right?

Emily Horne is likely to serve some real jail time. In the mean time she is being treated for bipolar disorder. She has told the press that she is genuinely sorry for any hurt feelings. The question that one has to ask is what the heck were all these guys thinking? Are men really this gullible? For our Marriage Strike Advocate readers, there seems to be an opportunity to pick up a few supporters! Marriage Strike Link.

Kelly Nolan's June of 2007 Murder Remains A Mystery.

Something does not add up with the June 2007 murder of Kelly Nolan, a 22-year-old college student in Wisconsin. Kelly Nolan had been bar hopping that night. She had met friends at a bar in Madison, Wisconsin. She and three girlfriends spent most of the the night in a State Street bar in Madison. At around 11:30 p.m., Nolan's friends left her to go home. Nolan chose to go to another bar. Later in the morning hours, Nolan disappeared. Two weeks later her body was found in a wooded area on private property 11 miles from where she'd last been seen.The death was labeled a homicide but no cause of death was revealed. The Madison Police Department.
says the case can be solved; however, the trail is cold and no arrest seems likely in the immediate future.

Nolan's last contact with anyone was a cell phone call to her sister in the early morning. Cell phone pings led police to search the area where they found her body on July 9, 2007.
An employee of Amy's Cafe in Madison, apparently met Nolan at another nearby bar called the Lava Lounge. A witness apparently told police that the employee and Nolan walked out of the bar together because another male bar patron was harassing Nolan. Supposedly, the employee of Amy's walked out with Nolan, but then Nolan went back into the bar to use the bathroom. The problem is that no one has an accurate description of the alleged male patron. Furthermore, surveillance video fails to show any "person of interest" talking to Nolan. For more details see:
Nolan family's web site

A $10,000 reward is available for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for Kelly Nolan's death. Madison Police Department remains open to information by calling (608) 266-6014.

Update 6-13-11: Another young woman, Lauren Spierer was apparently abducted after a night of partying. LINK.

Update 2-25-13: It was requested that we not let our readers forget Kelly Nolan.  No chance we would. Kelly has been gone for five and a half years. She was murdered after spending a night out with friends The murderer of the 22-year-old UW-Whitewater student has yet to be identified. John Summers was one of two lead detectives on the case.  He retired in July of 2010 form the Madison Police Department and is now a special agent with the Cold Case Unit of the state Department of Justice's Criminal Investigation.  Since his retirement he has discussed the discovery of Kelly's body found in a wooded area 10 miles away from where she had last been seen. 

Detective Dave Gouran, who took over the investigation, and Detective Lorie Anderson have vowed not to let the case grow cold. Yet time may be an enemy to the discovery of the truth. Gouran told the press that "...some good suspects had been disproven. You can spend a lot of time and effort on really good-looking leads."  Kelly's family has spoken little publicly since the July 9, 2007 discovery of their daughter. Obviously they are devastated by the loss of their daughter.
In January 2008 Joel Marino, 31, was stabbed by a former UW-Madison student during a robbery in his West Shore Drive home.  In April 2008 UW-Madison junior Brittany Zimmermann, 21, was stabbed and strangled in her West Doty Street apartment. Zimmermann's killer has not been found; however, at this point there is no evidence that it is connected to Kelly Nolan's death.

On the night Nolan disappeared, she went to Memorial Union before heading Downtown with friends.  Shortly after Kelly's disappearance, an employee of Amy's Café allegedly told the State Journal he started walking Nolan home from the Lava Lounge, 461 W. Gilman St., toward her Mifflin Street apartment. This man left Kelly after they allegedly ran into another man who had been at the Lava Lounge.  The employee of the Cafe is not a suspect. The person Nolan left with is unknown. In sum, no current suspects or persons of interest. The case is old, but not forgotten.

Young Gun Jason Desiderio Overturns Calvin Eugene Wells Sentence

Typos are not always bad. Sometimes, they actually can benefit a defendant. For example, Calvin Eugene Wells of Akron was sentenced to ten years in prison back in October 2005 after being found guilty of possessing more than 100 grams of cocaine (first-degree felony.)
Ten years was the appropriate sentence if he possessed 100 or more grams of cocaine. However, while serving time, Wells discovered a stray word on the verdict form. The form read:
"We, the Jury, find the Defendant Guilty of the offense of POSSESSION OF CRACK COCAINE. We, the jury, further find that the amount of crack cocaine WAS in the amount exceeding ten one hundred (100) grams as charged in the indictment."
The word "ten" is extraneous and changes the meaning of the juries finding.Wells told his attorneys of the error, but no one was able to reduce his sentence until he was represented by Jason Desiderio. Desiderio was shocked that the previous attorneys did not help Wells get a reduced sentence.

Under Ohio law, the jury form must state either the degree of the offense or the circumstances that would make it a higher offense in order for an enhanced sentence. A three-judge panel of the Ohio Court of Appeals unanimously agreed with Desiderio: "The form is unclear, and we cannot determine what the jury understood 'ten one hundred (100) grams' to mean. It certainly could have meant an amount exceeding one hundred grams, but it is possible that the jury believed the form actually meant an amount exceeding less than one gram." (Judge Eve Belfance written opinion.)

Consequently, Wells should not have been convicted of anything more than a fifth-degree felony. Thus the maximum sentence for a fifth-degree felony is one year. (Wells already had served four.) Unfortunately for Wells, he was wanted in Morris County, New Jersey, on a November 2000 sheriff's warrant for violating his probation for drug and weapons convictions. Extradition is being sought in New Jersey. Unfortunately for Wells, Desiderio is not licensed in New Jersey.
That is probably good news for the prosecution, because Desierio is on his way to becoming the Clarence Darrow of this decade.

Albuquerque Denny's Is Site Of Teen Slaying

As long as the memory can recall, it has always sucked working at a fast food places and inexpensive restaurants. The pay is typically minimum wage, the work is hard, management's expectations are typically too high and the customers are generally unappreciative. Yet teens do what teens have to do. Now the family of a teen slain while working at Denny's in Albuquerque has found out just how awful the job can be.

Apparently four armed men burst into the Denny's and committed armed robbery and at least one of them shot and killed a teen age girl. Police spokeswoman Nadine Hamby says "multiple" armed suspects rushed the packed northwest Albuquerque restaurant at about 9:30 a.m. Saturday.A female employee of the restaurant was shot and killed.Two people have been detained." Officially, it is not clear if the detainees are formal "suspects" in the robbery. A police tactical team has surrounded a home in the northwest part of the city where other potential suspects may have fled There are a total of at least four potential suspects. It is believed that the same individuals committed 10 more armed robberies in Albuquerque during the past year.
Two individuals were detained within minutes of the crime Saturday on suspicion of murder, kidnapping, robbery and child abuse. (Child abuse charges will likely be levied because at least five children were in the restaurant when the crime occurred.)

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The two detainees who are believed to be suspects are in their late 20s to early 30s. They are from South America. Their names have yet to be released. Police are working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. At the time of the crime, at least four masked men with rifles and handguns burst into the restaurant around 9:30 a.m. They demanded money. During the incident, the teenage employee was fatally. Her name has yet to be released. The robbers took an undetermined amount of cash.

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10 similar robberies have occurred in the Albuquerque area in the past year. This was the first shooting. 100 restaurant patrons were traumatized by the incident, including at least five children. Unlike the family of the slain teen, the others will likely recover from the incident.

Roger Hamilton Beaten Over 76 Cent Sandwich While David Harold Earls Gets Only A Year For Rape Of A Four Year Old!

Some times people take matters into their own hands. The hungry steal and the out raged become violent. For example, 24 year -old Roger Hamilton of Oklahoma City told police that he was attacked for his bologna and cheese sandwich. Talk about one hungry perpetrator. Apparently Hamilton was sitting on a bus station bench Wednesday. As Hamilton was about to put mayonnaise on his sandwich, another man began staring at him. (Perhaps the assailant was just concerned about Hamilton's cholesterol level?) The man who was staring at the sandwich then started punching Hamilton in the mouth. The assailant grabbed his sandwich and fled. Hamilton sustained a swollen lip and a bloody face. The police report listed the value of the sandwich at 76 cents. The attacker remains at large; however, if you do come across the suspect, by all means, direct him to a food kitchen.

In Oklahoma, the public has become outraged over David Harold Earls' plea agreement which allows Earls, an ex-convict accused of raping a 4-year-old girl, to a sentence of only a year. Some lawmakers are calling for the removal of the judge (Thomas Bartheld) who approved the deal. Mean while, the attorney general is investigating a new set of abuse allegations. Earls, 64, pleaded no contest to first-degree rape and forcible sodomy. Rape usually carries a sentence of five years to life.But 19 years of his 20-year sentence are suspended under his plea agreement.

The locals are upset. But Prosecutors claim that they only agreed to the plea bargain because the testimony of the 5 year old girl is some what contradictory. At one point, the 5 year old victim ran out of the room and did not want to talk to investigators. On other occasions the victim has said that she does not recall what happened.

From the publicity, new accusations have surfaced. An estranged relative came forward to make a new allegation of a past rape. The stale allegations may be used in another case against Earls if a more recent victim comes forward. Attorney General Drew Edmondson may consider reviving a case against Earls involving the girl's brother. Those charges were dropped when the 5-year-old boy changed his story. Testimony from children in criminal cases is often a problem.

Earls is no stranger to prison. He served 10 years for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and was released in 2006. At the time of the alleged rape, Earls was baby-sitting the two children. The children's mother was at a second job. District Attorney Jim Bob Miller told the press that the plea deal was necessary and accepted with the approval of the girl's family. The chance of an Earls acquittal apparently warranted the deal since a forensic exam of the girl found evidence of a sexual assault, but none of Earl's DNA. Without DNA or reliable eye witness testimony, Earls may have been acquitted. More can be read at http://www.newsok.com/

Thomas Parkin Has A Great Defense To Charges He Impersonated Irene Prusik

He has a defense. Say what you want about Thomas Parkin, the 49-year-old New York man impersonated his dead mother, but his case is winnable. For the last six years, Parkin has apparently represented himself to be his 77 year old mother, Irene Prusik. Sometimes this was in paper work (like a power of attorney or trustee) and other times in person (such as a stuntman or body double .) Apparently Parkins is accused of collecting more than $100,000 in his mother's name.

Surveillance video allegedly depicts Thomas Parkin dressed as his mother at a DMV office on April 29. (The blond wig, red sweater, sunglasses and scarf demonstrated a deficiency in fashion.) Parkins allegedly collected more than $52,000 in Social Security benefits and another $65,000 in city rent subsidies. Mhilton Rimolo, 47, is accused of being his accomplice. Mhilton pleaded not guilty to 47-counts of a grand jury indictment (including perjury, grand larceny, conspiracy, forgery and criminal impersonation.) Brooklyn District Attorney Charles J. Hynes appears to be ready to set an example for impersonators. Bail was set at $1 million each. If convicted, each could be sentenced up to 25 years in prison.

Let's keep things in perspective.  It is not like Parkin killed his mom. Afterall, Irene Prusik died in September 2003. Case report. But questionable conduct by Parkin may extends to the time his mom was still living.  For example, in 1996, Prusik apparently gave the deed of a building his mom owned in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn to her son. By 2000, Parkin was apparently in debt over some bad reality investments. Perhaps by forging his mother's death certificate with a false Social Security number and birth date, he sought to keep his financial security blanket alive? Since she was already apparently "helping him" with his finances, how natural for him to continue to collect her Social Security. Similarly, why not sue in her name? Afterall, the defendant bought mom's building in a foreclosure action. Say what you must about our legal system; however, this litigation is apparently how authorities discovered Parkin's alleged wrong doing.

Sources suggest that an investigation began in 2008 after the civil defendant claimed that "Prusik"and Parkin (Not so ironically one in the same) were filing false affidavits against him. Prusik of course had a great defense, after all, she had been dead for five years. Parkin on the other hand, well his defense is a bit more complicated. During the investigation, Parkin and Rimolo agreed to have investigators meet Prusik at the building in dispute. Parkin showed up dressed as his mother, wearing a red sweater, lipstick and an oxygen mask. Authorities were on to Parkin at that time.

But the accusations may not be without a defense. Parkin has told authorities, "I held my mother when she was dying and breathed in her last breath, so I am my mother." And there you have it Legal Eagles. Truth is an absolute defense! And the truth here may well be that the defendant is delusional and incapable of the mens rea necessary to commit the crimes as alleged!

5-6-2013 Update:  Thomas Parkin was convicted May 3 on charges including grand larceny and mortgage fraud. He was sentenced to 13 2/3 to 41 years in prison.

Has Missing Child Steven Damman Turned Up 54 Years After His Disappearance? Unfortunately Not.

Missing kids do turn up alive. Sometimes it just takes time. For example, more than a half-century after toddler Steven Damman was snatched in New York, he apparently has surfaced, alive and well. For over fifty years, Steven's parents Jerry and Marilyn Damman wondered what happened to their 2-year-old son. Steven Damman and his sister disappeared from outside a Long Island bakery in 1955. His baby sister was found just around the corner. But Steven vanished.

John Barnes, a 56 year old Michigan man, has come forward and claims that he is the missing child previously known as Steven Damman. He claims that he has credible evidence that would link him to the missing boy. The Michigan man's identity is believed to be John Barnes. The FBI is conducting DNA testing. Preliminary DNA results did not rule out the relationship. Thus expectations are very high. Final DNA testing will either confirm the match or return the family back to square one. In the mean time, Jerry Damman is a 78 year old parent who lives in Newton, Iowa. He is anxiously awaiting confirmation that he once again has a son. Jerry and Marilyn apparently divorced in 1957. Steven had a scar on the chin and an arm fracture as a two year old. Such findings on John Barnes (if present) should have provided clues even back in the 50's.

John Barnes apparently grew up thinking he didn't look like the family that raised him. He apparently began researching missing persons cases and thus learned about the Steven Damman disappearance. He apparently has been seen by who he believes is his baby sister Pam. Pam apparently thinks he looks like her dad, Jerry. John Barnes thinks he looked like his mom when they were both 21 years old. Let's hope DNA matches and there is a happy family reunion.

Update 6-19-09: The DNA tests are back early. No happy ending on this one. DNA test results reveal that John Robert Barnes is not the Long Island, New York, boy who went missing 54 years ago. Steven Damman remains an unsolved vanishing. DNA samples from Barnes and Pam Horne (Steven Damman's sister) analyzed by the FBI Lab in Quantico, Virginia, determined that they do not share the same mother. (Does that mean they could share the same Dad? After all, it is almost Father's Day!)

7-16-09: After a moment of public attention, the case once again slips back into the cold files...

Was Amber Dubois A Victim of Human Trafficking? Update: Amber's Remains and Chelsea King's Murder Related?

Reader: Why have you not covered the Amber Dubois disappearance? They need help now more then ever to find her.

Legal Pub: It is difficult to cover every interesting story and still personally try jury trials. But since you asked, here goes:

Amber Leeanne Dubois is the 14 year old California girl who disappeared on her way to school in February. Surveillance video from Escondido High School shows a mysterious red truck which may have been involved in the abduction. A witness believes Amber had been walking with a tall dark skinned boy shortly before her disappearance. A friend of Amber's apparently told police that she had started chatting with two boys on the Internet approximately a week before her disappearance. Amber's mom, Carrie McGonigle, monitored her daughter's Internet activity. She recognizes that Amber could have been lured by someone she met on the internet.

Recently Amber's parents have closed the center that was the staging ground for search efforts. The cost of maintaining the center was not justified by the handful of volunteers who were coming to the center. The center's electric and telephone bills simply were becoming cost prohibitive. That is not to suggest that the search for Amber will stop. After all, Amber DuBois was not the type of kid who would go anywhere without telling her parents or friends. The search will continue with a small group of dedicated volunteers. If you want to help, you can go to Amber's website: (http://www.bringamberhome.com/) Maurice DuBois, Amber's father, promises that the search will continue and it shall.

In the mean time, if any one saw Amber who was walking to Escondido High School or a red truck by the school on February 13, 2009, contact police. If you want to know more about Amber, here are some links: Amber's childhood. BringAmberHome.com

After watching the movie TAKEN, one has to wonder if there is in fact a real life human trafficking ring that sells young girls in an under world sex trade. Police admit that a human trafficking problem does in fact exist around San Diego. They have not publicly said that they think Amber was abducted by such a ring. However, if in fact Amber was abducted for such a purpose, she may still be found alive or she may some day escape.

Human trafficking is a multi-dimensional threat: it deprives people of their human rights and freedoms. It is a global, not a local problem. Human trafficking is a universal health risk thought to be associated with organized crime. Human trafficking has a devastating impact on victims and their families. Furthermore the impact of human trafficking undermines the safety and security of our freedoms. It needs to be stopped. In the short term, let's start with finding Amber. In the long run, let's cripple the human trafficking problem with harsh legal punishment and sentences.

Update 1-30-10: Due to excessive spam by investblog, comments are closed. You may thank them by never clicking on their spam or giving them any business. For readers with additional input feel free to email at legalpub@legalpub.net

Update 3-1-10: Amber's family is taking the search to a new level. Amber's father Moe used donations from Wes Adams and Tom Wilhelm of GP Color Imaging in North Hollywood, CA, for a great new look for his truck. The new wrap features beautiful large images of Amber, as well as her website address and tip line phone number. The wrap was installed by two Vinyl Graphics Professionals, Rob Nell and Al Gonzalez of Kingsize Installers in Bellflower, CA. Please consider patronizing such vendors for their kind acts.

Update 3-3-10: Amber Dubois family joined in the search of missing 17 year old Chelsea King. That search, however, is now apparently over. It is being reported that authorities believe that Chelsea's body was found in a shallow grave. A registered sex offender has been arrested in connection with Chelsea's murder. The same suspect may also have assaulted a 22 year old jogger in December in the same Rancho Bernardo Community Park on the northern edge of San Diego. Capt. Jim Collins said that evidence has linked 30-year-old John Albert Gardner III to both park related cases. However, there are other reports that a swab taken from the elbow of the Colorado woman did not match Gardner's DNA. Gardner is held without bail for investigation of murder and rape in the King. Gardner pleaded guilty in May 2000 to molesting a 13-year-old female neighbor. The neighbor girl was physically assaulted before escaping. Gardner served five years in prison after prosecutors rejected a psychiatrist's advice to seek stiffer punishment. Gardner had no significant prior criminal record before the 2000 incident.

Chelsea King was a straight-A student at Poway High School. She ran cross-country and volunteered in the peer counseling program. Prior to moving to California, she lived in Naperville, Illinois. At this point, there is no definite connection between King's murder and amber Dubois disappearance other than her family volunteered to help in the search. Yet there are some who feel there may be a connection. In the mean time, keep in mind that all suspects are innocent unless otherwise proven.

Update March 8, 2010: The remains of Amber DuBois, the California-area 14-year old girl who was missing for more than a year, have been found. Skeletal remains were found early Saturday in Pala -- a rural, rugged area in northern San Diego County, California. Identification has been confirmed according to Police Chief Jim Maher of Escondido, California. Suspicion is growing that Amber's murder is related to the murder of Chelsea King. John Garner proclaims that he is innocent of all charges related to King's murder and presumably of any involvement in Amber DuBois' death.

Tyler Weinman Accused Of Being Florida Cat Killer?

Tyler Weinman, an 18 year old Florida man, was arrested and charged with 19 counts of animal cruelty, four counts of burglary and 19 counts of improper disposing of an animal's body.
He will undergo a psychiatric evaluation to see why he has allegedly killed a number of pet cats. A corrections officer told Local 10 that this morning Weinman is scheduled to appear before a judge. Furthermore, there may be others implicated in the cat slayings.

Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay have experienced slaughterings of many feline pets. Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle will be looking into whether any additional suspects are implicated in the killings.

Weinman certainly could be innocent. If you put in stock in the validity of Myspace or Facebook, he actually listed himself as one of more than a thousands of people hoping to “Catch the Cat Killer." Weinman's neighbors never suspected him of any wrong doing. While his parents are divorced, he visits both mom and dad. His father's house has a sticker that reads: "Cat Finder, In case of a fire please rescue the cat.”

But there must be some evidence that led Circuit Judge Darryl Trawick to sign the arrest warrant for Weiman. Miami-Dade police report that there have been 33 cases involving dead cats since April. Nineteen dead cats have involved animal cruelty in Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Kendall. Other warrants involving other suspects are anticipated.

The reward for information leading to the arrest of the cat killer or killers was $12,000. It is not certain who or how many people will be standing in line to collect the reward. But one thing is certain, the local residents are not going to put up with their pets being tortured. Neighbors Unite Against Killings.

In the mean time, Tyler Weinman is to be considered innocent unless otherwise proven in a court of law.

Johanna Ganthaler and Eithne Walls Meet Their Destiny ~by Seeker

Fate... Some argue we make our own fate. Others argue our destiny is inevitable. There were some movies about narrowly escaping death only to be struck down in an effort to correct the mistake. Such appears to be the real life case of Johanna Ganthaler. Joanna, missed the Air France flight that crashed into the Atlantic last week. Unfortunately, a week later she was killed in a car accident.

Johanna Ganthaler and her husband Kurt were vacationing in Brazil. They were scheduled to fly into Paris May 31 on Air France Flight 447. Fortunately for Johanna and Kurt, the couple missed boarding the flight after arriving late to the Rio de Janeiro airport. Consequently, the couple were not on the fatal flight. However, in a twist of fate, the two were involved in a car accident in Austria. Johanna Ganthaler was killed and Kurt was seriously injured. Times Online.

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Air France Flight 447

Eithne Walls, also died in the fatal plane crash known as "Flight 447." It is likely a movie will document her life and tragic ending. Eithne was a beautiful 28-year-old Irish doctor. She had recently joined the ophthalmic team at the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital in Dublin in January. Eithne had always dreamed of being an eye doctor. On the way to realizing her dreams, she was a performer with Riverdance. She spent a year on Broadway before medical school. While she made her own fate in that her dream came true, Eithne, like us all, was still accountable to her ultimate destiny.

Did Extremism Cause James W. von Brunn To Kill Stephen Tyrone Johns?

Extreme views on any subject can fuel disaster. James W. von Brunn, an 88-year-old Maryland man, may be another example of this recipe for tragedy. James has a history of ties to white supremacist groups. He is considered a suspect in Wednesday's fatal shooting at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Holy Western Empire web cite has writings by James von Brunn and a biography. They are not flattering. Neither is von Brunn's history.

James served six years in prison for trying to "arrest" members of the Federal Reserve Board in 1981. After his conviction, he blamed his conviction on "a Negro jury, Jew/Negro attorneys" and "a Jew judge," according to his Web site, Holy Western Empire.
James apparently has a long history with neo-Nazis and white supremacists. He's written inflammatory criticism of Jews and African Americans.

Von Brunn was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He graduated from Washington University in 1943. He served as a Navy officer in World War II. Subsequently he worked as an advertising artist. But sometime in the 1970's he adopted extremist "neo-Nazi" attitudes.Brunn's history with neo-Nazis . His wife divorced him because of his racist views.

In December 1981, von Brunn entered the central bank's Washington headquarters armed with a pistol, a shotgun, a knife and a mock bomb. James entered under the disguise of a photographer. He was subdued by security guards as he attempted to flee. He claimed to have planted a bomb; however, no bomb was found. Jame' motivation at the time was "high interest rates" which he thought was triggering the recession. James was convicted and sentenced to 11 years in prison for attempted kidnapping, second-degree burglary, assault and weapons charges. von Brunn's criminal record

More recently, von Brunn questioned the authenticity of President Obama's birth certificate. (Some argue that President Obama was born overseas and therefore would be constitutionally ineligible to hold office.) Yet no one foresaw that von Brunn, 88, would shoot up the museum. Now Von Brunn is in critical condition after being shot by a security guard. Stephen Tyrone Johns, a security guard, was killed in the shooting. . Witness describe shooting.

The FBI believes the shooting was done by one man, suspect James von Brunn. However, he is to be presumed innocent unless otherwise proven in a court of law.

Can Stephanie Lazarus Survive The Resurrection Of Murder Charges Associated With The Death Of Sherri Rasmussen?

It is not just men who make huge miscalculations. For example, veteran Los Angeles Police Detective Stephanie Lazarus, may be an example of equal opportunity to be stupid enough to think she would not get caught. Lazarus is suspected of murdering an ex-boyfriend's wife. The murder allegedly took place in 1986. Now 23 years later at the age of 49, Lazarus is charged with capital murder. She was arraigned on Tuesday. Stephanie Lazarus.

Charges were filed after a sample of her Stephanie's DNA matched DNA taken from the scene of a 1986 murder. The DNA evidence allegedly places Stephanie at the February 24, 1986 murder scene of 29-year-old Sherri Rasmussen. Rasmussen was beaten and shot. Her husband, John Ruetten, found Sherri's body in the living room of their Van Nuys condominium.

Sherri had been shot multiple times. Lazarus had a relationship with Ruetten before his marriage to Sherri. Lazarus is being held without bail. Lazarus is innocent unless otherwise proven in a court of law!

Sabrina Stanek Struck And Killed As She Tries To Warn Constantine Toncz To Slow Down? Update 9-6-11

Do cars and trucks kill? Not really. It is people who drive reckless that kill. When people are killed in car accidents, it is tragic. Perhaps there is no better example of tragedy then what occurred in Gwinnett County, Georgia. Sabrina Stanek, a mother of two, was trying to tell a driver to slow down when she was struck and killed on Belmont Lane in Lawrenceville. According to Ashley Hawk, Constantine Toncz, 39, was driving the Ford pickup that struck and killed her friend. Toncaz had allegedly been driving down the road faster then the 25 mph speed limit several times that Sunday night. Stanek, 25, ran out to the side of the road to wave him down. But Toncz apparently ran off the road and hit her. Sabrina was crushed between the front of Tonez truck and another truck parked off the street.

According to Ashley Hawk, Constanine Toncz thought he had hit a garbage can. Toncz then parked his truck at the end of the road, and allegedly ran away. (Toncz may have certain defenses. For example, he may have merely ran to his home to call 911 as has been suggested by B.H. in the comments.) He was apprehended a short time later. TOM REGAN: Woman Run Over, Killed

Sabrina Stanek was the mother of Cira and Cody, ages four and five. Toncz has been charged with felony vehicular homicide, DUI, and felony leaving the scene of an accident. Keep in mind, that all of the above are merely allegations. Toncz is to be considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Update 6-29-11: A reader has informed us that the case will be tried on August 29, 2011. Hopefully we will all be kept informed.

Update 9-6-11: A reader has informed us that the defendant was convicted of a felony and received a sentence which will require him to serve around 8 years. See the September 5 comment for details.

Did Korena Roberts Stash Heather Snively In The Crawl?

Korena Roberts, a 28-year-old Oregon woman, told neighbors that she was expecting a child. The thing is, she didn't tell them how she expected to get the child. Rescue crews arrived at Korena Roberts' home in response to a call of a newborn in distress. Upon their arrival, EMTs found Roberts' boyfriend unsuccessfully trying to revive a baby. According to the Sheriff's office, Roberts claimed that the baby was hers. Blood was found at the scene. The baby was pronounced dead at the hospital. Physicians also confirmed that Ms. Roberts had not recently delivered a child. (Roberts is pictured above in a photograph courtesy of the Washington County Sheriffs Department.)

After searching Robert's home, Deputies found the body of 21-year-old Heather Snively in the crawl space. Authorities believe that Snively was pregnant at the time she was attacked. Snively is believed to be the mother of the infant. An autopsy will attempt to determine how the baby was delivered, and whether he died before or after delivery. The timing of the baby's death may determine whether Roberts faces two charges of murder or just one. CNN affiliate KPTV has more information for those interested. In the meantime, keep in mind that Korena Roberts is to be considered innocent unless otherwise proven in a court of law.

Abdulhakim Muhammad Guns Down Pvt. William Long And Wounds Pvt. Quinton Ezeagwula

Has the enemy taken the fight into our country? Based on Abdulhakim Muhammad's recent rampage, some believe it is so. Yet apologists will contend its simply an isolated incident of madness. Muhammad, the 23 year-old Tennessee man suspected in Monday's attack on a recruitment center in Little Rock, Arkansas doesn't deny the shooting. But his attorney, Jim Hensley, claims that his client's actions are a result of being brainwashed and tortured while imprisoned in Yemen. But keep in mind, Abdulhakim Muhammad originally told police he had "political and religious" motives for the shooting.

Abdulhakim Muhammad was formerly known as Carlos Bledsoe. He is charged with murdering Pvt. William Long, 23, of Conway, Arkansas, and wounding Pvt. Quinton Ezeagwula, 18, of Jacksonville, Arkansas. Muhammed convert to Islam. In 2007 he went to Yemen to teach English and learn Arabic. He married a Yemeni. He went to prison on a visa violation and allegedly was detained with some Islamic fundamentalists.

Muhammad.

Muhammad Plea

Mohammed AlBasha, a spokesman for the Yemeni Embassy, denies that Muhammad was tortured or brainwashed. "...the process of radicalization can take a number of years, not a couple of weeks," Albasha refuted. "In January, Muhammad returned to Nashville. An FBI agent allegedly threatened Muhammad with surveillance and to "do everything we can to cause you trouble," according to attorney Hensley.

Muhammad was working in the family business in Nashville, driving a sightseeing van just before the shooting. Some one said, "give peace a chance." Meanwhile, Muhammad is charged with a state count of capital murder and 16 counts of engaging in a terrorist act by firing into an occupied building. Muhammad, is of course, to be considered innocent until otherwise proven in a court of law.

So Is April Tinsley's Killer Smarter Than The FBI? Update 12-22-11

So is the killer of April Tinsley really smarter than the FBI? The killer has apparently laid down a challenge to the FBI, in essence, catch me if you can. Let's see what we can do to help the FBI. First, a little background. On April 1, 1988, eight year old April Tinsley was playing with her friends in Fort Wayne Indian when she was abducted, raped and killed. The murder was never solved.

In March of 2004, a 5-year-old girl found a note tucked inside a plastic bag in a basket used as a flower pot. The note read,"Hi Honey I Been watching you. I am the same person that kidnapped an Rape an kill Aproil tinsely here is a present foR yo you are my next vitem." A used condom was also found in the bag. Authorities believe that this is not the first clue left by the killer.
He apparently scribbled a message in crayon on a barn in 1990. He also allegedly left four notes for other children in the Fort Wayne area several years later. the notes contained condoms and/or Polaroid photos of the killer's body. The FBI Child Abduction Response Deployment (CARD) team is attempting to reopen the investigation. FBI: April Tinsley: Part 1
FBI: April Tinsley, April Tinsley

DNA evidence from April's body and from the condoms does not match any known suspect to date.The FBI behavioral profile of the killer is as follows: A white male currently in his 40s or 50s who prefers and desires sexual contact with children. The offender likely has "strong ties" to northeast Fort Wayne and Allen County. If you have any information on the Tinsley case, call the Fort Wayne police at (866) 602-7745 or contact your nearest FBI office.

10-26-09 Update: In the interest of Halloween, a sketch of the killer constructed from hypnosis has been added courtesy of Video Guy. The sketch is not necessarily accurate and is likely out dated.

Update 11-25-11: Not much new in this case. However, in the comments, Profiler has posted in the comments what he or she believes is a profile of the perpetrator. If anyone has any information, call (866) 602-7745.

Update 12-22-11: Here is a previous profile of the perpetrator: LINK.

Do our local experts agree?

Update 7-17-18:  The answer is no! DNA testing is smarter than this killer.  Police apparently got their man when they arrested John D. Miller earlier this week.  Miller confessed to raping and killing the 8-year-old victim.  This solves the 1988 cold case.

The comment thread is truly awesome.  The profile picture is pretty close to Miller's actual appearance. To be clear, this killer is not smarter than the police! Furthermore, DNA testing is smarter than this killer. For those that do not know, police apparently got their man when they arrested John D. Miller earlier this week. Miller confessed to raping and killing the 8-year-old victim. This solves the 1988 cold case.

Fort Wayne Police and Indiana State Police detectives had John D. Miller under surveillance at his mobile home in the 13700 block of Main Street in Grabill. Contrary to some of the poster's theories, he lived alone.

On July 6, police secretly collected trash from Miller’s residence which included three used condoms. Indiana State Police Laboratory analyzed for DNA. On July 9, Indiana State Police lab confirmed that the DNA profile extracted from the condoms in Miller’s trash matched the DNA profiles of the condoms found in 2004 and the DNA found in Tinsley’s underwear. Game over. Fort Wayne Police Det. Brian Martin and Indiana State Police Det. Clint Hetrick arrested Miller at his home. When police asked him if he knew why they wanted to talk with him, Miller reportedly said, “April Tinsley.”

Could Liza Murphy Have Just Walked Away From Her Life?

Is it possible that a person can be so fed up with her life that she simply walks away and disappears? Some claim that is exactly what 42 year old Liza Murphy did on August 19 2007. From what we can tell, Liza had an argument with her husband. She then apparently walked out of her home in Emerson, New Jersey without taking her purse, her cigarettes, her cell phone or her three children. There has been no trace of Liza since that August 19, 2007 day.

Murphy' was reported missing the next day. Sophia Stellatos, Liza's mother, told the press,"In my heart, I fear the worst, that my daughter is gone." Police searched a reservoir near her home, but nothing was found. Cadaver dogs apparently caught her scent near the George Washington Bridge, but nothing further. To make matters worse, Joe Murphy, Liza's husband, apparently tried to commit suicide a few days after Liza disappeared by walking in front of a fire truck. Joe Murphy recovered from his injuries, but apparently on advice of counsel would no longer cooperate with investigators.

Joe has no criminal record and no history of violence. His attorney, Joseph Rem, has said that there is no evidence of any physical violence in the marriage. He added to the press that his client has not been named as a suspect or even a person of interest. Police confirm that the Murphy home and vehicles were forensically analyzed and their is no evidence of a struggle discovered.

Liza would now be forty four. Her family and friends claim that she would never have left her three children voluntarily.They claim she was a heavy smoker and would have never taken off without her cigarettes

Sources do say that Liza Murphy and her husband were having marital problems. Liza's mother has described Joe Murphy as possessive of his wife, never allowing her to go out with her friends. The Murphy's children are 15, 13 and 10 years old now. Joe Murphy has full custody. Liza's parents apparently have not seen their grandchildren since shortly before their daughter disappeared.

Could Liza have jumped in an act of suicide? Liza apparently had been diagnosed with depression and was on medication for fibromyalgia. It is also possible that she may have been accosted after she left home that day. Or, it may be possible that she wanted to repress her current life and start all over. From what the Emerson Police have discovered to date, anything is possible.

In the mean time, if you know anything about "Name: Liza Murphy (Stellatos) DOB: 5/2/1965 Height: 5′2″Weight: 120 lbs. Law seen wearing blue denim short, a grey zippered sweat shirt, a brown tank top, and brown flip-flops," than please call Emerson Police.

Update 1-20-2015:  The husband of Liza Murphy  was arrested after investigators discovered he allegedly entered the country illegally. He is accused of living under a false identity for more than two decades.  Apparently, Paschal Delahunty, a 51-year-old Irish immigrant has been in the United States since December 1990 using the false name of Joseph Murphy. Paschal Delahunty apparently had a New Jersey driver’s license and other government documents under the name of Murphy.

Meanwhile, the investigation into the disappearance of his wife, Liza Murphy, remains open.  Liza was last seen Aug. 19, 2007 at her Broad Street home, where she reportedly had an argument with her husband.  Liza apparently left on foot around 2 p.m. that day without taking any money or her cellphone.  Five days later, Delahunty was hit by a fire department vehicle in what may have been a suicide attempt.  ABC News.  Authorities never found Liza Murphy.  

Delahunty has never been named a suspect in his wife’s disappearance.  

The tip lines:  201-226-5532 or  201-262-2800.

Florida Football Player, Janoris Jenkins, Gets Tazed ~by Gator Hater

Gainesville Police saw UF cornerback Janoris Jenkins punch another man in the head shortly after 2 a.m. on Saturday. Police tasered Jenkins when he continued fighting. Jenkins then unsuccessfully tried to run away. Jenkins was charged with resisting arrest without violence. Jenkins posted bail later that same Saturday. (How does a college kid raise bail money so quickly?)

Jenkins told police the fight started because he thought someone was going to steal the gold chain around his neck. (Where does a college kid get money for a gold chain?) Jenkins is represented by attorney Huntley Johnson. Johnson says his client acted in self-defense and prosecution should be deferred or charges dismissed. (How does a college kid afford such a good attorney?) Jenkins was named to the freshman All-SEC team last season.

A University of Florida’s athletic association spokesperson said no action has been taken. (Indeed, what lack of action is he referring to as it seems several things apparently have happened behind the scenes?)

Gator Hater

Does Michael Hicks Serve As An Example of Man's Inherent Weakness? ~by Blond Bombshell

I will spare you the picture. Not likely that my followers would be impressed anyway. Talk about initial lack of judgment. Can he be saved by brilliant lawyering? The Department of Justice recently initiated its quest to stamp out unsanitary freight elevators. Apparently, Michael Hicks, a Michigan man, was charged in a U.S. District Court complaint with "urinating in the freight elevator of an Internal Revenue Service building in Detroit." According to the charging information, the Defendant allegedly relieved himself in the lift "on numerous occasions." He was apparently apprehended after federal agents installed surveillance cameras in two freight elevators.

Initially one ponders how one individual would have the opportunity to soil freight elevators on more then one occasion. The alleged perpetrator apparently had access to the freight elevator because Hicks was an IRS contract employee. Hicks allegedly "admitted to frequently urinating" in one of the elevators, " according to Special Agent Delmaria Scott's complaint. As a result of the urination, the IRS allegedly incurred a cleaning expense in excess of $4,500. For more details see:

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2009/0527091wizz1.html

While we are reminded that all suspects are innocent until otherwise proven guilty in a court of law, one can not help but feel, that if in fact Hicks is guilty, then it may just be one more example of a guy not being able to keep it in his pants!

Shell