"Cowardly Killer's Club"

This past Monday on the associated press wires from columbus township, Michigan beings like this:" If Phillip Parsons was having financial or other troubles, he didn't let on to his friend, Russ Whittaker, as they cut trees or talked about high school sports.

"Great people. Great people," according to a neighbor who knew the now slain family, while shaking his head in disbelief.." Then the article goes on to say "People can say whay they want he was good with the kids"

Please some send me a case of vomit bags. That is what I feel like doing each time I read that a parent, spouse or estranged human being from a relationship that has ended or when a marriage is on the rocks. The story is about a tragedy of yet another family slaughtered. And an abuser's last act of control is to kill what they believe they own. Similar to owning a car, house or weapons.

Such a fantastic all around guy that he shots his wife Gina Parsons, 34, was shot multiple times and found in the couple's bed. Parson's son, Sean, and his wife's son, Andrew Davis, were each shot once and found in their bedrooms. The boys, both 14-year-old high school freshmen. And the wonderful husband and father then killed himself.

Then hours earlier not far from where Gina, Andrew and Sean were disovered in another town over, in the upscale Lakes of Milford subdivision in northwest Oakland County,Michigan police found the bodies of Joseph Peter Valentino II, 61 who killed himslef after murdering his wife, Lucille Champoux Valentino, 60.

When I read a sheriff's comment on both cases, I did not agree with his remarks:
"It would appear that, with the tough economic times, people are desperate and resorting to things such as this," said Macomb County Sheriff Mark A. Hackel. "It's an act of desperation."

In my opinion it is a premeditated act of cold, cowardly power and control. Tragedies can be spun in all different directions. But, the fact remains these cowardly killers had a choice to walk away regardless of what ever they may have been facing in their lives. Or they could have simply taken their own life. It is when they kill the wives and innocent children that defines them as the cowards they were while masquerading as "good loving individuals" on earth.

Sheriff's "Regret" is a Disturbing Trend

Today the murder trial in Florida continued for Juan Mendez who is accused of killing his estranged wife Whitney Mendez and mother in-law Lorena Stone in 2006.

Just when I thought the trial could go either way, that perhaps the prosecutor had a chance to win the case, it all changed when sheriff's Sgt. Walter Ryan was on the stand. During his testimony he told the jurors he "regretted not doing more work as the lead detective investigating the homicides of Whitney Mendez and her mother, Lorena Stone."

Assistant State Attorney Cynthia Ross asked Sheriff Ryan if he investigated the case as fully as he should have. "Looking back now," Ryan said, "regrettably, no." Ryan testified he didn't collect house phone records because he was told by the phone company that only billable calls - collect or long distance - are stored. But Ryan also said he didn't collect call records of cell phones found in the house. "I never got the cell phone records," Ryan testified. "I wish I had."

It is painfully obvious that many are to blame for a sloppy homicide investigation. From recovery of cell phone records, witness interviews, court document files, text message records to domestic violence calls to the home. The police are rarely, if at all properly trained in domestic violence homicide investigations and that was made very clear today, during the trial. Also, the prosecutor basically allowed the case to go cold for nearly a year before an investigation could be re-ignited.

For a successful prosecution in any domestic violence homicide case, expertise and knowledge are crucial for those standing in the aftermath of a bloody battlefield.

Perhaps when the trial concludes the prosecutor will invite me down for an intense day of training so that in the future their jobs will be easier and justice can actually be served!

I am not in any way trying to be sarcastic or disrespectful to anyone fighting for justice. With 20 years of experience in all types of homicide as it relates to family violence and stalking why not turn to someone that can make or break a case. Granted, I would not know where to begin when it comes to sex crime cases involving children, but, I do have the ability to teach others succesfully, by enhancing their skills in this area.

If you are interested, the trial is being broadcast live on court tv and also via twitter here's the link: http://twitter.com/newspresscourts

"Disconnection in the Courtroom"

Continuing this week on Courtside television is the live trial of Juan Mendez whom on July 24, 2006 was charged with second degree murder in the deaths of his wife Whitney Mendez, 19 and mother-in-law Lorena Stone.

Whitney Mendez obtained a court order of protection and the prosecutor played a video tape (before she was murdered) from one of the hearings where Juan Mendez in typical abuser form made accusations against his wife before a judge in an attempt to shift the violence in the home to a story which amounted to nothing more than a pathetic excuse about his actions the day he came into the home and why he got upset with his wife.

What disturbed me about the trial is when I learned friends of Whitney did not come forward for almost a year saying "they were afraid Juan was going to hurt them" or their families. The trial appears to be weighing heavily on "hearsay evidence." Mostly from friends and co-workers whom are on the stand testifying to what Whitney disclosed about the abuse while she was alive. Allegedly, she told those close to her that she was in fear for her life and was not able to leave her abusive husband.

The couple have a young son whom was not harmed and in my opinion spared (because he was a boy) during the gruesome murders. If this was a random act of violence it is likely the child would have also been killed. As I watched Juan Mendez all decked out in a crisp white shirt, suit, and tie his body language told the story of many abusers in a court of law sitting pretty and smug hoping to get away with murder.

What I did not understand is why those close to Whitney Mendez remained silent for so long? Why they did not come forward immediately after learning the news that their friend and her mother were found murdered? Why didn't they go to authorities?

The power that an abuser has over a friend or family member often transfers onto others as in this case and the cycle of intimidation and, of second hand abuse repeats to others. As a receiver of information or a witness to a crime when a person does nothing, they empower the abuser whom ultimately wins.

I was not able to watch the entire trial today, because I didn't have time and frankly, what I viewed was enough to determine this case is clearly in the hands of the jurors. With the stage of the courtroom already set by a well dressed man accused of murder, holding his head high as though he wouldn't stomp a bug with the sole of his shoe and a beaming air of confidence along with a skilled defense team representing him. Unfortunately, the case does not appear to be going all that well for the a prosecutor.

When a prosecutor is unable to connect the facts of a case on behalf of crime victims a disconnect is likely to happen with the jurors. I hope for the lives of these women forever silenced, I am wrong.

"Clay County Florida Community Remains in Danger"

Thus far the person responsible for the murder of 7 year-old Somer Thompson has yet to be apprehended by authorities. Since I first learned from sources how this child died it is of great concern to me, that this indivdual still, responsible for murdering Somer, remains at large.

In checking the area where the family lives, I am disturbed by the fact there are 19 offenders whom live in a one mile radius of the home. A predator living just 0.4 miles from the home and school according to the Florida Offender neighborhood registry listing a few of the offender addresses literally backs up to the court yard of the school. One predator can actually climb over their fence and into the school yard. Isn't that in violation of probation? Isn't an offender required by law not to live a minimum 1000 feet from any school? Where are the parole agents? Who is monitoring these dangerous pedators?

During a vigil for Somer Thompson just hours before her body was discovered in a garbage dump sources whom attended the virgil aledge there was a man covered up in a windbreaker (the weather was in the mid 80's), baseball cap and possible marks or scratches to the face just standing around at the gathering. So while police were trying to locate the young girl no one thought about the fact that this man could have actually shown up and possibly was right there before their eyes. Perhaps a news camera crew or an individual with a video of the that night could look and see if they captured those in attendance that evening.

The siting of the man was reported but apparently according to sources it was not followed up for a few days. Then within 48 hours of Somer's murder a neighbor was followed suspiciously by someone in a truck. She dialed 911, but was blown off for being paranoid. A week later detectives made a report of the incident.

According to Jaemi Levine, Founder and President of Mother's Against Predators Orange County has become a ghost town. The parks, playground's and neighborhood's are empty. It is as though everyone all vanished. People are remaining in their homes. The community absolutely terrified."

This man responsible is still out there. Mothers Against Predators is curious as to why the Orange County Police Department have not released the photo's of "Absconded" offenders whom are no longer living at their registered address to America's Most Wanted and other news outlets.

The community and the family of Somer Thompson have been spared the gruesome details of how this precious gift of life was murdered. Maybe they need to be told? Maybe the community needs to demand answers? And maybe by informing the community and the media a predator can be removed from society so that another child does not have to die!

Rap Sheet As Long As Toilet Paper Strikes Again!

In 1994 3-year-old Devin Brewer of Oakland, California was beaten to death by Curtis Martin III. The child he murdered with his fists was the child his then-girlfriend.

This low-life piece of garbage was allowed to plead the murder of the 3-year old down to voluntary manslaughter and was only sentenced to 11 years in prison. He also has a rap sheet about as long as a roll of toilet paper from robbery, burgalry to weapons charges. Did someone miss the 3 strikes and you are out prison rule? Clearly this dangerous repeat felon was going to strike again. Over the weekend his was arrested.

This past weekend his current girlfield Zoelina Williams was found fatally beaten and her body discovered with a bullet in her head. On Sunday police disovered what looked like her 17-month old child Jashon's body found floating near by dead in the water.

What do I have to say to get people to understand that once someone is an offender, they will do it again. No amount of rehabilitation on this planet will change an individuals violent, controlling and deadly actions.

Believeing that a person with whom you are romatically involved or married too, if they are abusive or have served prison time, you need to get your head out of the clouds and realize you will wind up seriously injured or killed yourself if you do not get the hell out of that toxic and dangerous relationship.

Predicting the behavior of another person is very difficult, especially if the person has promised not to become abusive again. Often it is our hope that things will get better that makes the assessment of risk even more difficult. There are several factors in assessing dangerousness.

These factors suggest a greater risk of continued and/or severe violence. If you can see any of these in your abuser, seriously consider and understand that the abuse will not go away, that it may very well get worst, and that you will never be able to control the situation well enough to ensure your own protection. If you see the first risk factor AND any of the others, then you should know the risk's that you can be severely injured or killed increases greatly.

Does your partner has a prior history of domestic violence (that is, partner has been violent with you previously, or has been violent in other relationships this includes family members)

Partner is extremely possessive and jealous :

The person has “possessive beliefs” – that is, strong feelings of ownership about their victim – the risk of fatality doubles. An “insanely jealous” partner may be extremely dangerous – especially if he/she comes to believe that you are not “faithful” or that you are intending to leave.

Partner threatens to kill you or others in your life if you ever leave the relationship:
This is the third most powerful predictor of fatality. While not everyone who threatens to kill their partners follows through with the threat, most of those who do kill have threatened to do so. Take any and all threats seriously. This is not a game. I do not care if the person said it while they were drunk or high-it still counts as a serious threat.

Partner believes you his wife or girlfriend has betrayed him (or her).If the person abusing you views you as having rejected him or her in preference for another partner or for independence, you are at greater risk.

Partner knows you are attempting to leave.If you are in the process of leaving be very careful. The risk of leaving without a concrete safety plan in place increases your chances of remaining alive.This factor represents the dangerousness inherent among some individuals who have a longstanding pattern of criminal behavior. Watch out for partners who have a history of criminal charges against people (like battery, assault).

Be extremely careful when partners appear to have no conscience and no remorse for causing pain to others.If any of these factors are present, there is an increased risk of violence:· Social services has become involved in your family. Your partner believes that you have more status or power than he/she does.

Your partner has lost a job. The legal system is involved in your partner’s life.

You are pregnant or there has been a recent birth of a child.

Your partner has access to weapons.

You are preparing to leave.

Your children are about to be removed.

Your partner is actively seeking information regarding your location.What does this all mean? It means that all violent partners do not come in some neat package with a warning label attached to their shirt collar. It means that hunk of a man with deep gazing green eyes who makes your knees weak can be a dangerous partner in a relationship and breaking from that spell of lust/love is a difficult undertaking. Given that we can often under-estimate the level of danger to ourselves, it is time you take seriously the personal safety for you and your children. Go to the library and pick up a copy of Defending Our Lives or Moving Out Moving On and begin formulating a plan.

At the library find out if there are tapes on self defense that you can watch in a private room in the library.

Doing nothing will get you killed, and then Time's Up!

Behind The One Way Mirror: Robin Sax

Veteran prosecutor Robin Sax is a former deputy district attorney who was with Los Angeles County Distrist Attorney's office specializing in sex crimes against children. Robin has witnessed first hand the devastating toll these crimes take on innocent children, some so young they are barely able to see the top of a kitchen counter.

When we watch Nancy Grace or Larry King on CNN talk about the latest abduction, murder or sexual assualt against a child the general public doesn't see much other than what is being reported on a crime. We hope and pray when a child is found the person responsible is brought to justice. But, beyond that society doesn't think much more about the justice system unless the case is being covered in the news or televised. Then we see the talking heads debating the strength and outcome of the case. And cases involving children are never televised.

Up until a few months ago Robin Sax was the "heartbeat" for justice when in came to prosecuting child sexual assault cases. Now with her new book titled "It Happens Everday inside the life of a Sex Crimes D.A.", readers will gain insight into a world only prosecutors understand, that is until, now.

Robin provides a view in this amazing book of what goes right and what also go wrong in the prosecuting of these cases. And in a language all her own Robin Sax tells readers like it is within the system. A legal system that unless we make changes, the very children whom we are trying to protect that will lose in the end.

Dividing the book into two parts, she begins with "Behind the One-Way Mirror," which deals with the investigation portion of child sexual assault. She defines exactly what constitutes sexual assault and then presents the ingredients of what makes a case "fileable." She also explains why some cases never get filed.

In the second part, "Behind the Counsel Table," Robin sheds light on the whole court process. She discusses a range of issues, including mandatory sentencing, plea bargains, unsupportive parents, using children's testimony to prosecute the perpetrator, DNA evidence, the importance of corroboration, and the weaknesses of the jury system.

Her first authored book equally important for all parents is "Predators and Child Molesters" with a forward written by Marc Klaas, Klaas Kids Foundation.

To me being safe is more important than buying the lastest fashion or spending money on items you really don't need. Safety of our children is easier when we take the time to pick up information and learn as parents how to keep our kids safe. Robin Sax's information is similar to "boot camp guide for parents. Hey maybe that should be the title of her next book!

Either way the books are available in books stores and on Amazon.com. If your local library does not have a copy or two on their shelves politely ask the librarian to order it. Tell them Susan suggested it!

"Battlefield"

Wednesday around 4:00 pm, Teresann Moore was kidnapped and taken to by her estranged husband to his apartment. Neighbors heard screams and called 911. Within minutes the streets were lined with responding officers. Upon arrival officers heard shots fired from the apartment complex.

Then her estranged husband opened fire from his balcony while screaming he would kill any officer who came closer. An officer was shot in the hand by the 38 year-old Randall Moore.

Luckily, the couple's 8 month-old baby boy was at day-care. Police stormed the apartment and found Teresann dead and took Moore into custody.

Theresann was an Air Guard veteran and she had completed three missions in Iraq. She was a member of the 132nd Fighter Wind based out of Des Moines. All her training sadly could not and did not prevent her death.

Often people married to violent offenders are not prepared to deal with continued random acts of violence once the relationship ends. In this case, and I am only guessing, this woman obviously felt that once she was divorced he would leave her alone.

Similar to a ticking bomb, a person leaving, from the moment they say the words "the relationship or marriage is over" to the time they walk out the door, a victim must be on their guard around the clock. Because as I have said before, ending a relationship is the most dangerous time and a plan for all around safety must be implemented immediately, otherwise as we see in this tragedy, it will cost your life!

Prayers to the family and friends and for the wounded police officer.