Homeland Security News: A "Did You Know" Top Ten Ten List

Homeland security news

1. Scientists have discovered that by injecting a virus known as a bioluminescent reporter phage into a suspected sample of anthrax, the phage causes the anthrax to glow. In the past, testing for anthrax took a minimum of 24 to 48 hours. This new method of anthrax detection can be completed as quickly as five hours.

2. The same technology used to study layers of paint on ancient art is now thought to be a better method of detecting explosive material than the body scanners used at airports. The procedure uses electromagnetic radiation, like those used in kitchen ovens, and the infrared rays used in TV remote controls. It’s believed that this technology may soon replace the full body scanners.

3. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations Nogales Tunnel Task Force (yes, there is a tunnel task force), recently discovered a tunnel that stretched from an abandoned home in Nogales, Mexico to an occupied house across the border in Arizona. Tunnels such as this one are used to smuggle drugs, weapons, and people, across the border into the U.S. Officials have discovered approximately one tunnel per month since 2010. In the past, agents have had to physically inspect the tunnels by walking or crawling through. Now, robots are used to conduct the dangerous inspections, searching for threats.

4. Two days ago, Governor Jay Inslee of Washington State signed legislation,  the Dream Act of Washington State, that offers financial aid to students who were brought into the U.S. illegally by their parents.

5. The Department of Homeland Security has abandoned its mission to create a national license-plate database. They’d asked for bids from private contractors to develop a database that would have contained over a billion records, including those of private, law-abiding citizens. However, the fear of having no means to safeguard the information of innocent citizens outweighed the benefits.

6. A Stanford University report shows that huge offshore wind farms could greatly reduce the power of hurricanes. For example, a group of 78,000 offshore turbines could have reduced the strength of Hurricane Katrina by up to 79 percent.

7. Researchers at the University of Liverpool have shown that WiFi networks can be infected by viruses that can move through businesses and homes in densely populated areas, totally undetected.

8. Homeland Security is not limited to investigating terrorism cases. In addition, they investigate human trafficking, child sexual exploitation, contraband smuggling, money laundering, gang enforcement, and intellectual property rights violations, among other crimes. They even work narcotics-related investigations. The department currently operates 68 offices in nearly 50 countries.

Gee, we needed one more agency that does what ten others already do, right?

9. Hot dry weather has prompted the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to ask high-capacity water facilities in 32 counties to implement voluntary water conservation measures.

So, Homeland Security is also in charge of telling us to what level our water glasses should be filled?

10. Politicians can stop patting themselves on the back for the drop in crime rates since their peak in the 1990’s. Instead of the “tough on crime” stance, scientists believe the lower crime rates are a direct result of taking lead out of gas and paint. No longer exposed to lead-based car exhaust and house paint, people gradually began to commit fewer crimes. Well, so says the report “The Crimes of Lead,” Chemical & Engineering News.

Is it possible that politicians may have “painted” themselves into a corner with the “lock-em-up-and-throw-away-the-key mandatory minimum sentencing, even for minor offenses, that now has prisons bursting at the seams? Say it ain’t so…

 

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Reid Fontaine and Michael Jones: Till The Cows Come Home

Reid Fontaine

There’s no doubt that cows have gentle, kind eyes. That’s the nature of the beast. They’re basically passive animals with one thing on their mind, food. And that’s perfectly understandable because they have nothing else to do. They don’t get cable in their barns. They have no means of recharging a Kindle. And their social lives with members of the opposite sex is basically nonexistent. Sure, once in a while a farmer’ll play matchmaker and hook them up with a studly bull from out of town, but as far as dating goes, that’s about it.

Well, those boring and lonely days ended last week for a few dairy cows in Herkimer County, New York. Two men, Michael Jones, 35, and Reid Fontaine, 31, were caught on surveillance footage having sex with several dairy cows inside a barn.

Reid Fontaine (left) and Michael Jones (Picture: New York State Police)

The dairy farmer became suspicious when his cows appeared anxious and weren’t producing a normal amount of milk. That’s when he installed the camera.

Finally, the cows had something to smile about.

The surveillance footage showed Fontaine having his way with the cows while his buddy Michael Jones filmed the bovine-human porn. That’s right, one watched while the other…well, you know.

The two were arrested and charged with misdemeanor sexual misconduct.

This tail tale reminds me of my own experience with humans who found members of the opposite species far too attractive to pass up. Some of you, I’m sure, have either read this or heard me tell the story. Since it goes hoof in hoof with this incident, I thought I’d re-post it in conjunction with this latest barnyard love story. Here goes…

Takin’ Bacon: The Big Investigation – A True Story

I call this “tail” Takin’ Bacon, and it’s a true story . . . really, it is.

Crime-solving is not always as easy as television would have us believe. Sometimes police officers really have to work hard to get to the bottom of a particularly complex crime. Cops, an ever resourceful bunch, use a variety of means to crack each of their cases, and one truly odd series of events comes to mind when I think about using odd crime-solving techniques.

As most of you know, I was a police detective for many years, and part of my job was to solve major crimes, such as murder, rape, and robbery. Sure, I paid my dues early in my career by writing tickets and directing traffic, but my real passion was the puzzle-solving that’s associated with tracking down a murderer.

Before most detectives are allowed to investigate the more serious crimes, though, they’re normally assigned to easier-to-solve, less intricate cases, such as bad checks and stolen tricycles. One of my introductory cases was unusual to say the least. My boss, a gruff and tough-as-rusty-nails sheriff, dispatched me to get to the bottom of a rash of stolen hogs. No, not the cool and expensive motorcycles—real pigs, as in walking pork chops.

Someone was stealing live four- or five-hundred pound porkers directly from a farmer’s hog farm, and they were taking at least one or two each weekend. The pigs (hundreds of them) were kept in many buildings on the large farm, so my partner and I thought the best way to nab these guys was to wait inside one of the elaborate hog parlors until the criminals arrived to do their dirty deed. Our plan was simple; when the crooks entered the building we would jump up, turn on the lights, and nab the rustlers in the act of felony pig-napping.

Friday came, and just before dark we entered one of the hog shelters and sat down on a pair of upside down five-gallon buckets. We were ready for, well, whatever. I soon discovered that the stench of pig feces and other foul goodies were overwhelming. I also learned that pigs are sneaky, and they have very cold and very wet noses.

We’d been hanging out for nearly two hours when we finally heard someone open a door and come inside. My partner and I both drew our weapons and waited, allowing the thieves enough time to begin the act of stealing. We wanted to catch them with ham hocks in hand.

There was a period of time where we heard two voices, but they were muffled by the sound of low pig grunts and oinks. We figured they were being selective, choosing just the right pigs to bring them the most money at the market. Then, a bright light flashed. Then another flash, followed by another and another. I realized, detective material that I was, that the bad guys were taking pictures. Confused by their actions, but anxious to catch the guys, we couldn’t stand it any longer. We jumped up, aimed our Beretta 9mms in the general direction of the thugs, and switched on the lights.

I was shocked, to say the least, when I saw that one of the young men was standing directly behind a female pig (a sow, as they’re properly addressed) with his pants down around his ankles.

I was even more shocked when I realized he was actually having sex with a big, fat, female pig, and his buddy was taking pictures of him while he did it. They both stopped what they were doing, in mid-action, and looked toward us. Each man had the same deer-caught-in-the-headlights expression.

(Not the actual suspect)

(Not the actual victim)

We immediately placed the two crooks under arrest and took them to the sheriff’s office for processing (that’s “booking” to laypeople.) During my questioning of the guy who’d been literally caught with his pants down, the embarrassed animal lover confessed to stealing over one-hundred pigs from several different farms over the past few weeks, and that they’d taken their “booty” to hog markets and sold them for a nice profit.

At the end of his confession, the pig-stealer shook his head and asked how we found out they were going to be there that night. He added that they’d been extremely careful not to leave behind an evidence trail of any kind.

I smiled because the perfect answer crept forward from that goofy spot in my head. I looked at the guy and said, “How did we know you were coming? It’s simple, the pig squealed on you.”

He just shook his head slowly from side-to-side. After all, what could he have said to justify his little affair with Petunia?

I really should mention that the thief was married, and he wasn’t practicing safe sex with his porcine partner, if you know what I mean. So, if you’re ever having a bad day, just be really thankful that you’re not married to this guy. Unless you don’t mind that he’s literally bringing home the bacon.

By the way, I learned that the purpose of the pig pornography (each man photographed the other having sex with a pig) was insurance so that neither of the two men would tell on the other, or face having the photograph sent to family members.  What I didn’t understand was why they felt the need to have a barnyard affair each time they stole a pig. Wouldn’t one photo be enough?

Perhaps you’ll think of this curly little “tale” the next time you’re tossing a few pork chops on the grill…

*By the way, it is a felony in Virginia to have sex with an animal. Here’s the code section. I think you’ll find it interesting, to say the least.

Crimes against nature; penalty.

A. If any person carnally knows in any manner any brute animal, or carnally knows any male or female person by the anus or by or with the mouth, or voluntarily submits to such carnal knowledge, he or she shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony, except as provided in subsection B.

B. Any person who performs or causes to be performed cunnilingus, fellatio, anilingus or anal intercourse upon or by his daughter or granddaughter, son or grandson, brother or sister, or father or mother is guilty of a Class 5 felony. However, if a parent or grandparent commits any such act with his child or grandchild and such child or grandchild is at least 13 but less than 18 years of age at the time of the offense, such parent or grandparent is guilty of a Class 3 felony.

C. For the purposes of this section, parent includes step-parent, grandparent includes step-grandparent, child includes step-child and grandchild includes step-grandchild.

 

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Castle: Room 147 – A Good Cop/Bad Cop Review

Castle: Room 147

 

Writing these Good Cop/Bad Cop reviews over the past few years has been quite interesting, to say the least. Melanie and I write our individual sections without reading the other’s. Then they’re pieced together and images are inserted. Sometimes our view of the episodes are sort of close while other times we couldn’t be further apart if we stood on different planets. This week, I think I’m on Saturn and she’s on Mars.

How about you? Do you stand with Melanie, or do I bring out the Soft Scrub and try to wipe away those pesky rings before you arrive?

Melanie Atkins

Another good episode this week. Not great, but pretty darned good. A weird case, trouble in Alexis-land, and a wonderful moment between Alexis and Kate. Throw in Castle over the moon about the odd turns in the “story” that was their case, and I had to smile. Never mind the cringe-worthy statements from Lanie at the crime scene. I’d like to know how in the world she checked the victim’s liver temp when his shirt was still tucked in, but I digress.

As you know, I’m along on this ride to dissect the relationship part of the show. This episode did not disappoint. After we got a brief view of our victim at the Best Traveler’s hotel, Kate and Rick wake up to the smell of coffee and go investigate. They obviously believe they’re alone in the loft. Don’t know where Martha is, but I’m assuming she was out. Not only do they find a steaming cup of java on the counter, but Alexis pops up and scares them both to death. Turns out she spent the night because her tutoring job went late and she couldn’t get a train. Rick urges her to move back in since she and Pi the fruitarian broke up and she’s living alone now, but she resists, claiming she has to fulfill her lease.

Alexis’ decision bothers Rick, and he tells Kate he doesn’t understand why the girl won’t come home. Sure, Alexis said she wants to fulfill her lease, but he believes something else is going on. He’s also worried she’s burning the candle at both ends. Between school, her work-study program, and tutoring for extra money, she’s exhausted. Rick’s a good dad, so naturally he is concerned. Kate’s stark reaction to his insistence that something other than the lease is keeping Alexis from coming home told me Kate believes she may be the reason. That Alexis doesn’t want to interfere in Kate’s relationship with Rick, or that maybe the girl no longer believes the loft is her home.

As one, then two, and finally three seemingly ordinary people confess to the crime, Kate continues to ponder the situation with Alexis. We get a quick glimpse of a one-sided phone conversation with an anonymous person, and at first I assumed the call had to do with the case. Turns out, however, that Kate had taken the bull by the horns and called Alexis to set up a meeting at a coffee shop.

I’ve wanted to see Kate and Alexis bond for a long time now, but Alexis dove into her relationship with Pi around the time Kate and Rick got engaged and pretty much ignored Kate. Maybe she had trouble accepting the fact that her dad was in a real relationship, or maybe she was truly angry he had asked Kate to marry him without telling Alexis first. Who knows? Whatever happened, Alexis has finally morphed from a spoiled brat into a driven young woman, and I couldn’t be happier. I was also thrilled by her reaction to Kate’s concern that she was the reason Alexis didn’t want to come home. Kate also gave Alexis some great advice: “What you’re actually doing is punishing yourself,” Kate said. “This isn’t necessary. Your dad loves you. Your penance is paid.” She urged Alexis to at least think about it, and then she went back to work on one of the twistiest cases I’ve seen yet.

I did not guess the killer this week. Did any of you? Lee? I really thought the creepy doctor had something to do with it. He made the hairs stand up on my arms. Yet lo and behold… well, if you watched the show, you know the culprit. Not the best story ending, but then again the writers only have forty minutes to solve the case. Someone had to have killed that poor guy.

My favorite part of the show, other than Kate’s heart-to-heart with Alexis, was the last scene… when Alexis knocked on the door and asked her dad if she could move back home.

Rick’s joy at the prodigal’s return made me all gooey inside. Such a fabulous ending. I’m glad Alexis finally came to her senses and rejoined their happy family. Love. It!

Lee Lofland

Before we dive into the show, how many of you instantly thought of Led Zeppelin when you saw the EHI company logo?

Ah, so you’re not a Zep fan. Well, a very similar symbol appeared on the band’s untitled fourth album, known as Led Zeppelin IV. Singer Robert Plant said that in lieu of a title each of the band members decided to choose a symbol that best represented them. The logo we saw on the show last night was pretty darn close to the image selected by Zep bassist John Paul Jones. The symbol is believed to stand for someone who is confident and competent. Jones’s symbol has been seen on the cover of a book about the Rosicrucians, a religious cult in the middle ages. Perhaps Castle writers selected their image because of the cult-like workings of EHI. Maybe so.

The four symbols selected by the four band members of Led Zeppelin. Left to right – Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, John Bonham, and Robert Plant.

Okay, on to the case. One word. Pitiful. More words—one of the worst cases we’ve seen on the show…ever. I’m sure the ghost of Agatha Christie is on her way to the set of Castle to haunt the snot out of that place. Personally, I hope the NYPD is also on the way, but to arrest everyone connected with this episode, because we were robbed of a decent ending!

Marlowe and company told a quirky story that was sort of fun, but then dished out a killer without the first sign or clue that she could’ve/would’ve been the villain of the episode. Thankfully, they didn’t stray from the boilerplate script because Denene and I both decided the actor-woman was the murderer when she first appeared on screen. I think Marlowe has each killer attend a “guilty look” school before filming the episode. This character definitely gave us “the eye” when she appeared in the early scene at the theater. I think even she was amazed that Beckett and Castle discovered her identity because there wasn’t a single tidbit of evidence pointing in her direction.

Of course, the school of red herrings were there to throw us off track, and they were a fun part of the show.

But, Lanie… I think she’s been sniffing far too much formalin, and it’s beginning to pickle the part of her brain in charge of common sense. For example…

How could she possibly guess the size of the round that killed the victim of the week, when all she had to go on was a red spot on the dead guy’s shirt?

She said to Beckett, “Judging by the size of the entry wound I’d say it was a small caliber handgun.”

Well, not only can her Ouija Board tell her the size of the round, it now predicts the type of weapon used. Why not a .22 rifle? Why not a big and heavy .357 with a ten-inch barrel, but loaded with .38 rounds? It’s possible.

You cannot tell anything by looking at a red spot on a shirt other than it’s wet and has a hole in it. That’s it. Besides, without removing the shirt and/or conducting an examination, you couldn’t even be absolutely sure there was a wound beneath the red spot.

I finally figured out why we never see Lanie from the rear. I’m fairly certain there’s one of those pull rings back there that we used see on talking dolls. Marlowe pulls Lanie’s string and she says…

Okay, let’s put this lividity thing to rest once and for all. Lanie, Marlowe, and the rest of you out there in CastleLand, please read this section if don’t read anything else (I know a few of you read this blog, so there’s no excuse for these errors).

Even Castle knows better.

Lividity (sigh) is the pooling of blood at the lowest areas of the body. The process starts as soon as the heart stops beating. Picture yourself holding a garden hose, aiming a stream of water at your prize-winning onions. Suddenly, the water stops flowing (you forgot to pay your water bill). What happens to the water in the hose? It no longer has the pressure to send it to your garden (like a heart pumping blood throughout the body), so gravity takes over and pulls it to the lowest section of the hose.

Likewise, when the heart stops beating, blood is pulled (by gravity) to the lower areas of the body, where it begins to leak into and stain the tissue there. That stained tissue takes on a purplish color. If the victim is found lying face up, the back, and the back of the extremities will present the purple coloring. If the victim is lying face down, the chest, stomach, etc. will exhibit the purple tint.

So how do investigators and medical examiners know if lividity is present? THEY LOOK AT IT. THEY INSPECT THE BODY.

And, to inspect those areas what needs to happen? THE CLOTHING MUST BE REMOVED.

There is absolutely no way Lanie could offer any kind of information about the presence of lividity on this week’s dead guy. No way. Unless, of course, she’s wearing her x-ray specs.

Same thing for the liver temperature. Can’t check it without at least, as Melanie pointed out, pulling the shirttail from the pants.

So, my writer friends, are we good on lividity?

I thought so.

Oh, Beckett, it’s BOLO (Be On The Lookout), not APB. You had it right for so long, but have somehow slipped back into your old and evil ways.

I guess the relationship aspect was okay this week, but the case? Not so much.

By the way, what happened to the intelligent Castle, the guy who thought like Holmes and Poirot, and was able to solve these odd cases? Instead of the old Castle, we now have a fourth Stooge—Moe, Larry, Curly, and Castle. At least he did come up with the refrigerator door/water bottle thing. Still, the slapstick, dumb guy routine is wearing a bit thin.

However, Pi is gone and that’s a good thing. A really good thing.

So we’re done with this episode, and we hope to see you here again next week. Until then, here’s a song from the Led Zeppelin IV album. Any idea what its (the song) connection is to me?

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From Police Officer To Star Chaser

From police officer to star chaser

Once upon a time in a galaxy far, far away, police officers were often required to chase fleeing bad guys. In those days officers actually had to use an automobile (a metal and plastic box mounted on four round rubber wheels) to roll very fast—well, fast for those contraptions—to catch crooks who were also rolling across concrete or asphalt pathways in an attempt to escape capture.

Neither of the two—good and/or bad guys—logged successful missions 100% of the time. Often these pursuits, as they were called, ended in violent crashes where death was sometimes a part of the failed attempt to get away, or, in the case of the police, an arrest of the runaway suspect.

Fortunately, technology, as is often the case, saved the day. A company called StarChase devised a system that, when deployed, allows GPS technology to take over a pursuit. No longer would law enforcement officers risk their lives and the lives of others while following a bad guy on a convoluted and high-speed trek to his hideout.

StarChase’s Pursuit Management System consists of a cannon-like launcher mounted inside the grill of a patrol car, and a push-button control panel operated by the driver or passenger of the police vehicle. The launcher, which uses compressed air to propel non-lethal tracking tags, can also be operated by remote control.

Launcher mounted inside the grill of a police vehicle

Tags are loaded into the launcher.

Officers depress the launch button to activate the system, sending a tag toward the fleeing vehicle.

Tag on its way to a suspect’s car

The tag adheres tightly to the target vehicle.

Once deployed, the tags relay GPS locations/coordinates using wireless phone networks. Dispatchers monitoring the transmissions are able to follow the vehicle remotely in real time using any computer terminal loaded with the tracking software. The dispatcher can then relay the target vehicle’s locations to patrol officers.

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Friday’s Heroes: Remembering The Fallen

Friday's Heroes - Remembering the fallen officers

 

You gave your all to protect and serve us, and for that we are eternally grateful.

 

Eddie Maurice Hamer, 36

Hardeman County Tennessee Sheriff’s Office

January 27, 2014 – Vehicle crash

 

Deputy Sheriff Jonathan Scott Pine, 34

Orange County Florida Sheriff’s Office

February 11, 2014 – Gunfire

 

Correctional Officer Amanda Baker, 24

Scotts Bluff County Nebraska Detention Center

February 16, 2014 – Strangled by an inmate

 

Officer Juan Gonzalez, 33

California Highway Patrol

February 17, 2014 – Vehicle crash

 

Officer Brian Law, 34

California Highway Patrol

February 17, 2014 – Vehicle crash

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Violence and Murder: The Black and White Of It All

Violence and murder

There’s an unwritten rule here at The Graveyard Shift, and that’s to avoid the controversial topics of religion, gun control, politics, and racism. It’s not that those topics aren’t important to me, because they are. And, sure, I have my personal beliefs and opinions like everyone else. But this blog is mostly in place to bring you factual information regarding law enforcement and criminal investigations. This is a place where you can visit and leave the heated discussions behind.

However, there are times when law enforcement crosses paths with the controversial topics, and the subject of racism v. justice is what prompted today’s post.

The criminal case of Michael Dunn recently ended with Dunn being found guilty of three counts of attempted murder. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on the 1st degree murder of 17-year-old Jordan Davis. Dunn is white and Davis was black.

For those of you not familiar with the case, here’s a brief recap. Dunn and his wife stopped at a local convenience store to get gas for their car. They parked at the pumps beside an SUV occupied by four black teens. Music coming from the SUV was loud, in the way that many young people like to play their tunes. Apparently, the song selection was rap—it’s believed that Dunn referred to it as “thug music.” Dunn asked the teens to turn down the music and what happened next is where Dunn’s story does not match the accounts of witnesses.

Dunn, a 47-year-old software engineer, claims one of the teens displayed a weapon. In response, Dunn drew his pistol (he had a concealed weapon permit) and began firing into the SUV. In all, Dunn fired 10 rounds into the teens’ vehicle. Jordan Davis was struck by one of the rounds and died. No weapon was found in the SUV or in the possession of the passengers, including Jordan Davis.

Dunn claimed he fired in self defense. Was he acting in defense of himself or others? Was his action a case of premeditated murder? Well…

First of all, it seems that somewhere and somehow along the road to 2014, the word “thug” has become a derogatory term equal to the “N” word. I must not have received the memo to that effect, because I use thug as a blanket term to describe crooks, gangsters, bad guys, bank robbers, and, well, you get the idea. The word thug, to me, is not related to any race.

Next, we can’t have a discussion about the Dunn case and others like it, while tip-toeing around racial issues, pretending they don’t exist, and while fearing we’ll hurt someone’s feelings. I’m sorry, but those feelings are nothing new. In fact, they were first hurt a long time ago, and a great example of that is in the photo at the top of the page. I don’t think I need to explain how degrading and hurtful it must’ve been to that young man who was only allowed to quench his thirst at a “Colored Only” fountain. By the way, the location of that image was in Halifax, N.C., not far from the Va./N.C. border along I95.

Was Dunn’s shooting racially motivated? Some say it was, while others say it wasn’t, and I don’t think it takes a rocket scientist to know the majority of who believes what. And that brings us to the big question…WHY? Is it that whites absolutely hate people of color? Do people of color hate whites because they’re white. Or is it that the hatred and distrust stems from the way people were treated many years ago, long before we were born. Another question at the top of the racial question list is, “Do cops target black people, especially young black men?” If so, why?

I can’t begin to speak for others and their beliefs and knowledge of racial issues. I can only speak to what I’ve experienced and witnessed with my own eyes. What I observed during my career in law enforcement and the years since and those preceding (most of which was spent well below the Mason-Dixon line), is a basic lack of understanding of races and cultures other than our own. Sure, we may all live in the same towns and even in the same neighborhoods within those towns. HOWEVER, there are barriers that divide the races. Those barriers prevent us from completely understanding our differences. We’re confused because those on the other side of the barriers don’t do as we do and we don’t do as they do. And what is it that rears it’s ugly head when we’re unsure about something…FEAR.

Where there’s fear there’s often an overcompensation of our defense mechanisms and defensive posturing, and that’s often the case in the males of our species. Blacks and whites both often enter situations with chips on their shoulders, ready to “defend” their skin colors against all who dare to approach. In many instances it’s assumed that the a person of a different skin color is out to harm another of a different flesh tone.

We can pretend it doesn’t exist (prejudice) but it’s out there no matter how hard we all jump up and down and declare it’s not. Still, and I’ve seen it, a great portion of the racial divide is caused by the aforementioned fear. Self-induced, stereotypically-induced, ignorance-induced, historically-induced fear. And nothing but.

And that brings me back to Michael Dunn, a white man who encountered a group of four young black men. Davis “asked” the teens to turn down their music, but after a moment of discussion they refused. They liked the music and they liked it loud. Should they have turned it down? Well, maybe. But not because Dunn told them to turn it down. Instead, there’s more than likely a city ordinance that governs loud music and other noise pollution, and it is the job of the police to enforce the law. Not Mr. Dunn.

So the teens opted to leave the music as is. In response to their actions Dunn drew his weapon and shot at them, killing Davis. Would Dunn have fired into an SUV occupied by four white teens whose music, perhaps a Maroon Five song, was blasting at top volume? In my opinion, probably not.

Why do I think this incident occurred? Well, the loud music was being played on the other side of that imaginary barrier. To Dunn, he saw black kids playing their “thug” music and when confronted they bristled up because it was someone from the other side of the cultural barrier who’d demanded they reduce the volume. Dunn then felt threatened by people he didn’t understand, or he may even have been appalled that they (the black teens) had questioned his request/demand. So, a line was drawn in the sand at the precise location of “the barrier”.

Dunn, ignorant of reality, was probably scared of the black kids. And, his pride was possibly in jeopardy. Well, that and the fact that he seriously appeared to feel as if he were the victim in the incident.

Michael Dunn (L) raises his hands in disbelief as he looks toward his parents after the verdicts were announced in his trial in Jacksonville, Florida February 15, 2014.

Credit: REUTERS/Bob Mack/Florida Times-Union/Pool

The jury could not reach a verdict on the charge of 1st degree murder, and people are angry, crying that he got off because he’s white and there’s no justice for blacks. First of all, juries are charged with using only fact to reach their decisions. Race and opinion should never enter into the equation, unless, of course, race is an issue that was introduced as motive. In Dunn’s trial, it was not.

Next, to reach a guilty verdict for first degree murder, the prosecution absolutely must prove that the murder was premeditated, meaning that Dunn thought about and planned to kill Davis in advance of the shooting. In this case premeditation was not proven beyond all reasonable doubt. However, there is no set time frame when premeditation must occur. That planning and thought could actually be in as short a time period as it took for Dunn to go for his gun and then pull the trigger.

I imagine we’ll see Dunn tried again for 1st degree murder. After all, this one ended in a mistrial. The door to a new trial is wide open.

A smiling Michael Dunn talks with his lawyer Cory Strolla after the jury began their deliberations in Jacksonville, Florida February 15, 2014.

Credit: REUTERS/Bob Mack/Florida Times-Union/Pool

You know, until we, as intelligent humans of all races and cultures can come together to share and learn about one another, and to overcome the fears of what we don’t understand, well, I “fear” there’ll be scores of funerals and murder trials in the coming days, weeks, months, and years.

Remember, kids aren’t born despising and fearing other kids. Someone has to teach them hatred. Until then, they love everyone.

*For the record, I don’t like rap music. But not because it’s predominantly performed by people not of my skin color. Instead, it’s because it doesn’t sound like music to me. It’s noise with someone talking really fast about killing cops and and abusing women. You know, like the conversations in any and every cell block across the country.

I prefer four or five people who can actually sing a song and play an instrument. You know, like the Beatles or Led Zeppelin. Janis, The Temptations, Clapton, Aretha, The Oak Ridge Boys, etc. Hell, I’d take The Partridge Family over rap music…any day. Do I hate the people who enjoy rap? Of course not. Would I like to see it banned from the planet earth. Sure…and it couldn’t happen soon enough. And, please, take auto-tune with it.

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The 20 Most Infamous Celebrity Mug Shots of All Time

20 celebrity mug shots

Celebrities are often idolized, seen as perfect beings and role models. However, celebrities are far from perfect and the fall from grace can be a hard one. Below are 20 of the most infamous celebrity mugshots of all time.

1. Tim Allen

After rising to fame as the goofy yet beloved father of Home Improvement, Tim Allen was arrested in 1997 in Michigan for drunk driving. He pled guilty to DUI and was sentenced to a years probation and ordered to attend an alcohol and drug rehabilitation program.

2. Charlie Sheen

Sheen is a troubled actor who has been arrested more than once, this mugshot was taken on Christmas Day 2009 after a domestic incident with his then wife Brooke Mueller. Sheen was arrested and plead guilty to misdemeanor assault. He was sentenced to 30 days in a rehabilitation center, 30 days of probation and 36 hours of anger management counseling

3. Lindsay Lohan

Former child star Lindsay Lohan has far too many mugshots for a woman her age. This one was taken after being charged with felony theft of a $2500 necklace. Lohan plead not guilty and claimed she was borrowing the piece. She was on probation at the time and as a last minute plea deal for this case and others, she received 90 days treatment at a rehabilitation facility.

4. Paris Hilton

The socialite and former reality star was arrested in 2010 in Las Vegas for possession of cocaine. Hilton pled guilty to two misdemeanors and received a years probation, 200 hours of community service and was ordered to attend a drug abuse treatment program. She also paid a $2,000 fine.

5. Justin Bieber

The Pop star  was seemingly happy when arrested in Miami in 2014 for DUI and drag racing. Police allege Bieber admitted to smoking marijuana, drinking alcohol and taking prescription medication. Although the case is yet to be finalized, recent reports suggest he may take a plea deal due to the overwhelming evidence.

6. Jason London

The actor took this bloody and bruised mugshot in 2013 after being arrested for assault with intent to injure and disorderly conduct after a bar fight in Arizona. After initially claiming to be the victim, London pled guilty to disorderly conduct and was ordered to complete an alcohol education course. The judge agreed to erase the conviction at the completion of the course.

7. Yasmine Bleeth

The Former Baywatch star was arrested in 2001 in Michigan for possession of cocaine. She pled guilty and was sentenced to two years probation as well as 100 hours of community service.

8. Daniel Baldwin

Arrested in 2006 for stealing a friend’s SUV. When police searched his hotel room they discovered illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia. The charges were eventually dropped.

9. Robert Downey, Jr

Downey Jr was arrested in 2000 at the Merv Griffin Resort, Palm Springs for drug possession only months after being released from prison. He pled no contest and received drug rehabilitation and a 3 year probation. He also was dismissed from the hit TV show Ally McBeal and missed out on a role in the hit movie America’s Sweethearts.

10. Nick Nolte

At the age of 61, was arrested in 2012 on charges of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while driving near his Malibu home. He was found to be under the influence of GHB, commonly known as a “date rape drug”. He received three years probation and counseling. He voluntarily entered a rehabilitation center after the incident.

11. Mickey Rourke

In November 1997, actor Mickey Rourke was pulled over by police while riding a Vespa in Miami and arrested for driving under the influence. He was eventually sentenced to six months probation.

12. Phil Spector

Record producer and Phil Spector was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Lana Clarkson, whose body was found in Spector’s mansion. After two trials Spector was sentenced to 19 years to life imprisonment.

13. Vince Vaughn

Vaughn was arrested back in 2001 on charges of fighting in public. He was in North Carolina filming
“Domestic Disturbance” with fellow actor Steve Buscemi at the time. Buscemi was also involved and received
stab wounds. The charge was dropped after Vaughn pleaded no contest.

14. Lisa Robin Kelly

Kelly, famous for playing Eric’s sister Laurie on That 70?s Show, was arrested in March 2012 on felony charges of corporal injury on a spouse. She was released after posting $50,000 bail. The LA County DA later announced they did not plan to file charges. Lisa passed away in August 2013 after a long battle with addiction.

15. Kiefer Sutherland

Kiefer was arrested for DUI in 2007. He pled no contest and received a 48 day jail sentence.

16. Hugh Grant

Grant was arrested in 1995 for soliciting prostitution. After pleading no contest Grant received two years
probation, a fine of $1,180 and was ordered to complete an AIDS education program.

17. Mischa Barton

Barton was charged with DUI and possession of marijuana in 2007. She eventually took a plea deal to
avoid jail time and received three years probation, a fine and attended a three month alcohol education class.

18. Andy Dick

Andy was arrested in 2008 for drug possession and sexual battery after exposing the breasts of a 17 year
old female. Dick plead guilty to misdemeanor battery and marijuana possession and was sentenced to three years probation, received a small fine and was ordered to wear an alcohol monitoring bracelet for the period of one year.

19. Michael Jackson

MJ was famously charged with conspiracy to commit child abduction, false imprisonment, extortion,
committing lewd acts upon a child and other charges. In 2005 Jackson was found not guilty of all charges after a lengthy trial. Jackson passed away in 2011.

20. Robert Ritchie

Better known as Kid Rock, Ritchie was arrested for misdemeanor assault in 2005 after getting into a fight with a strip club DJ. He pled no contest and received an 11 month suspended sentence.

* Today’s blog post and images courtesy of ARRESTRECORDS.com

 

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Dr. Katherine Ramsland: Confessions of a Female Serial Killer

Confessions of a female serial killer

 

Confessions of a Female Serial Killer

With sudden dramatic confessors, it’s best to verify before you buy

by Katherine Ramsland

I wrote about Miranda Barbour last week, here, concerning the murder that she and her new husband, Elytte, had committed together last November. For kicks, they’d lured a man to his death with a Craigslist ad. I used their case to describe how two (or more) people can develop a sixth sense about each other for violence. They have a “mur-dar” radar.

Troy LeFerrara, 42, responded to the ad. They picked him up and Elytte used a cord to incapacitate him while Miranda repeatedly stabbed him. They dumped him, cleaned the van and went to a strip club to celebrate Elytte’s birthday. Their phone call to the victim led police to them, and they’ve been awaiting trial.

Over the past weekend, Miranda, 19, said that not only was she guilty of the LeFarrara murder but she’d been killing with a satanic group since she was 13. Supposedly, she’s “lost count after 22.” If let out, she would kill again. Needless to say, this confession has created a flurry of media reports about this “female serial killer.”

But let’s keep in mind that, at this time, Barbour has admitted guilt for one murder for which there is evidence. She’s not yet a confirmed serial killer. Given the brutality of it, we can accept that she’s killed before and perhaps her stories will be validated soon, as law enforcement works with whatever she gives them. However, until then, we should remember the lessons from past cases.

Robert Charles Browne made headlines in 2006 when he claimed he’d murdered forty-nine people, becoming America’s most prolific known serial killer. But when he beat by one the record set by “Green River Killer” Gary Ridgway, his confession triggered skepticism. Was he just grabbing for notoriety?

In 1995, Browne had pled guilty to the 1991 murder of thirteen-year-old Heather Dawn Church. Five years later, he sent cryptic notes to Texas prosecutors that suggested more victims: “The score is you 1, the other team, 48.”  (Now he sounds like the Zodiac.) He admitted he’d been killing since 1970, in nine different states. Yet he provided specific information in less than half of the cases, and often his leads failed to turn up a body.

It defies reason to confess to something you did not do, especially murder, but some ambitions override reason: notoriety, for example, gamesmanship, and even self-aggrandizing. 

H. H. Holmes went on trial in Philadelphia in 1896 for a fatal insurance fraud. He insisted he was innocent but for $10,000 proclaimed himself the world’s most notorious killer, claiming 100 victims before reducing that number to twenty-seven. “The newspaper wanted a sensation,” he whined, and before stepping into the post-conviction noose, he admitted to only two. The truth was probably much worse, but he left us without answers.

The most infamous confessor was Henry Lee Lucas, arrested in 1983. He estimated he’d killed 100 people, but after much attention he raised that number to over 350 in twenty-seven states. Dozens of lawmen came to Texas to close their open cases, providing Lucas with outings and meals, but suddenly he recanted. Then he insisted he’d been forced to recant, confusing everyone.

“I set out to break and corrupt any law enforcement officer I could get,” Lucas said. “I think I did a pretty good job.”  When he died in 2001, the full truth went with him.

Dr. Steven Egger, Professor of Criminology at the University of Houston–Clear Lake and author of The Killers among Us, had interviewed Lucas.

“It was difficult to tell when Lucas was lying,” Egger admits. “In some cases I might ask him to talk about an average killing and it seemed to me that what he said came from his imagination; he’d just thought it up. He was convicted of eleven homicides, so he was a serial killer, but he did blow a lot of what I call ‘smoke and mirrors’ and played a lot of games.”

Egger advocates verifying whatever serial killers say, one case at a time. “Most of them are psychopaths and they’re good at lying. I don’t place a lot of stock in my interviews with them.”

It’s hazardous to be gullible, especially for investigators hoping to close open cases. They might inadvertently reveal details, allowing offenders to play them for fools. As well, they could waste limited resources.

However, there are also hazards in dismissing these offenders, notably that they might stop providing details.

The bottom line is this: Even skilled investigators may not spot a clever liar with a selfish agenda. Sorting out truth takes time, patience, sleuthing, and the corroboration of facts. Above all, it requires the ability to avoid a rush to judgment that might trigger mistakes.

Whether Miranda Barbour is a unique new satanic female serial thrill-killer remains to be seen. She could easily set some records of her own, but it’s too soon to say.

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Dr. Katherine Ramsland has published 44 books and over 1,000 articles, and recently had a #1 bestseller on the Wall Street Journal’s nonfiction list. She teaches forensic psychology and criminal justice at DeSales University in Pennsylvania and offers trainings on psychological aspects of investigations. She writes a blog, “Shadow Boxing” for Psychology Today, speaks widely on serial killers and psychopaths, and is a frequent commentator on crime documentaries. She has appeared on 20/20, 48 Hours, Larry King Live, and numerous cable programs.

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