Umar Patek: Another Trial Of The Century? Speed Freak Killers Victims Found?

NATIONAL NEWS:

Will this go down as another trial of the century or will it be viewed as a kangaroo court? Umar Patek, a.k.a. "Demolition Man," is the Muslim militant accused of building the bombs used in the 2002 Bali attack. His trial for "terrorism" is under way. Patek was captured in the same Pakistani town where Osama bin Laden was found. (Can we charge the local government in Abbottabad for harboring a known terrorist?)

Patek is the top suspect in the Bali nightclub bombings, which killed 202 people in 2002. Patek openly took credit for publicizing al-Qaida-linked terrorism in Southeast Asia. So far, three others have been tried and executed. The local terrorist chapter, Jemaah Islamiyah, has been stripped of its local leaders. However, Patek escaped Indonesian investigators and alluded authorities for nine years. Patek was finally captured in January of 2011. Patek had a $1 million bounty on his head at the time of his capture.

Patek is also suspected in several Christmas Eve bombings at churches in 2000 that claimed 19 lives. This guy is worse than Bin Laden. At least Bin Laden advised his children not to follow in his shoes. LINK.

The trial is being held in West Jakarta District Court.

LOCAL NEWS:

California: Before one concludes that all the nuts are overseas, consider the local findings in California. A prisoner led authorities to what appears to be a mass grave used by the "Speed Freak Killers." These two men were thought to have killed 10 people in the 1980's and 1990's. Approximately 300 bones were found near an old well close to Linden. Wesley Shermantine, who is on death row, led authorities to the grave. Besides bones, clothes, a purse and jewelrywere also found in the abandoned well.

Anyone who suspects that their relative may be among the victims may call 209-468-5087. DNA will be used to confirm the identity of the remains. Loren Herzog and Shermantine were labeled the "Speed Freak Killers" after their arrests in 1999. Burial locations are apparently in San Joaquin and Calaveras counties.

Shermantine was convicted of four murders and sentenced to death. Herzog was convicted of three murders and sentenced to 77 years to life in prison. Herzog's sentence, was subsequently been reduced to 14 years because his first-degree murder convictions were overturned because of flaws in obtaining his confession. Herzog was paroled in 2010. However, he subsequently committed suicide.

So far, 25-year-old Cyndi Vanderheiden, who disappeared in 1998 has been confirmed as one of the victims. 16-year-old Chevelle "Chevy" Wheeler, who disappeared in 1985, is also believed to be one of the victims.

Massachusetts: Allen Stilkey, a 40 year-old arm wrestling champ, is accused of killing his wife, Lisa Stilkey. Did she jump or was she pushed out a two-story window? Does it matter? Allen was charged with manslaughter and assault. The Boston Globe.

Update on Allen Stilkey 2-16-12: Allen Stilkey was arraigned Monday in Uxbridge District Court. It is alleged that Stilkey and his wife, Lisa, were involved in an argument. Lisa Stilkey may have thrown a pillow out a second-floor window of their Douglas home before jumping out herself in an attempt to get away from her husband. She suffered severe injuries and was pronounced dead early Friday at the hospital. Allen Stilkey was arrested and is held on $500,000 bail. Stilkey is to be presumed innocent unless otherwise proven in a court of law. LINK.

2-14-12 Valentines Day Special:

Don't date within the law office. If tempted, reread the prior sentence. If you are still not deterred, enjoy this link: http://thecareerist.typepad.com/thecareerist/2012/02/valentine-.html