crime, interrupted

48 Hours Mystery: No Way Out

2008-02-01T07:48:00.000-08:00

(Photos courtesy of Louise Bashi, press contact, CBS News: Top-Mabel and Sal Mangano decide not to evacuate the nursing home, leading to the deaths of 35 residents; Bottom-a lone wheelchair sits in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina at St. Rita's Nursing Home.)

Everyone remembers the numerous tragedies that resulted from Hurricane Katrina. This week on 48 Hours Mystery, they take a deeper look into the case of Mabel and Sal Mangano, caregivers at St. Rita's Nursing Home and their decision to not evacuate their residents.

COUPLE WHO FAILED TO EVACUATE ST. RITA’S NURSING HOME WHERE 35 DIED AFTER HURRICANE KATRINA SPEAKS FOR THE FIRST TIME ABOUT THEIR DECISION ON "48 HOURS MYSTERY" SATURDAY, FEB. 2, 2008 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT)

“WE LOST PEOPLE THAT WE LOVED, BUT THE DECISION IS MADE AND WE CAN’T GO BACK AND CHANGE IT,” SAYS MABEL MANGANO.

“WE HAVE A STIGMA THAT’S GOING TO FOLLOW US FOR A LONG TIME.”

Among the countless stories of catastrophe from Hurricane Katrina, perhaps one of the most horrific was that of St. Rita’s Nursing Home in St. Bernard Parish, where 35 elderly residents drowned because their caregivers decided not to evacuate the home.

In the days before Katrina hit, numerous evacuation warnings were issued in the New Orleans area, but over the years many residents had grown accustomed to storm warnings and were reluctant to leave. Among those who chose to stay were Sal and Mabel Mangano, who ran St. Rita’s. Their failure to evacuate resulted in the death of over half their patients. Subsequently, the Manganos were charged with 35 counts of negligent homicide for those that perished and 24 counts of cruelty to the infirm for those who survived. They faced over 200 years in prison if convicted.

“We lost people that we loved, but the decision is made and we can’t go back and change it,” says Mabel. “We have a stigma that’s going to follow us for a long time.”

The couple did not testify at their trial and until now, has refused to speak publicly about why they didn’t evacuate. In their first and only interview, Sal, 67, and Mabel, 65, tell 48 HOURS MYSTERY that, at the time, they believed they were doing the right thing by staying. In the absence of a direct evacuation order of St. Bernard Parish, the Manganos claim they considered the warnings to be just that – warnings.

“If it was mandatory, we felt like they would have come to help us, and we would have evacuated,” says Mabel.

“We don’t know how many would pass away by doing an evacuation. For 20 years we’ve never lost a resident during a hurricane,” says Sal.

The couple also claims that it was the breakage of the levees that killed their residents and not the actual hurricane. “The hurricane came that night and it was windy,” explains Mabel. “The parking lot didn’t have any water in it…So we felt real good the morning of the hurricane. We felt like, ‘God, it’s gone. We have made it. All of our residents are safe.’” Then, she says, “I heard them say, ‘The water is coming.’”

“Everything just happened so fast. Whoever was right there, you try and grab them,” Sal describes. “If they was in a wheelchair or the wheelchair turned over, as fast as it came in the building, they drowned within a matter of just a bit. It was horrible.”

Prosecutors maintain that the absence of a mandatory evacuation order was merely a technicality and that the Manganos were to blame for the deaths, a sentiment shared by the family members of those lost. “What’s sad is it could’ve been avoided,“ says Joe Galladoro, son of one of the victims. “We placed our faith and our trust in them...They betrayed that trust that we had.”

Now, two years after Katrina and five months after the trial many find it hard to forgive the Manganos. Others question whether the couple should still be held accountable for what was ultimately a larger breakdown among government officials and design mistakes by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer, who built the failed levee system.

Harold Dow reports on the Manganos and their trial on 48 HOURS MYSTERY: "No Way Out," on Saturday, Feb. 2 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. This broadcast is produced by Paul Ryan and Sara Rodriguez. Peter Schweitzer is the senior producer and Al Briganti is the executive editor. Susan Zirinsky is the executive producer.

For a video preview of this episode, click here.

48 Hours Mystery: Trigger Point

2008-01-28T10:06:00.000-08:00

Drew and Jenny Eisenman, in happier days.
(photo courtesy of Louise Bashi, press contact for CBS News)

This week's 48 Hours Mystery is on a special night with an all new episode. The episode highlights the case of Jenny Eisenman and her side of the story regarding the murder of her husband, Drew. Thanks to Louise Bashi once again for sending all the details. The episode airs Tuesday, January 29th. Check broadcast times in your area.

A SWEET, SOFT-SPOKEN WIFE AND TEACHER KILLS HER HUSBAND – WAS IT SELF DEFENSE OR MURDER?

"48 HOURS MYSTERY" ON TUESDAY, JAN. 29, 2008

In May 2004, Jenny Eisenman shot her husband Drew six times, killing him instantly, an act she claimed was self-defense. Drew was handsome, athletic and fun, while Jenny was slender, pretty and sweet. Living in Houston , both shared an interest in children and education – Jenny was an elementary school teacher, while Drew was a high school basketball coach. But behind the scenes, their fairytale relationship was quickly deteriorating. Jenny discovered that Drew was having an affair while she was pregnant with their first child. Worse, when their son was born, Drew brought his mistress to Jenny’s hospital room to hold the baby. Jenny and Drew separated a few months later.

Both Drew and Jenny attempted to maintain a civil relationship for the sake of their son, but all that changed one night in May 2004 when police were summoned to Jenny’s apartment after a frantic 911 call in which she admitted to shooting Drew. Expecting to find a homicide scene, police were in for two surprises – a pristine apartment with no sign of struggle or blood and the discovery of Drew’s body outside on the curb stuffed into a storage tub, the same one used to store the family Christmas tree.

Jenny claimed the shooting was an act of self defense against a brutal beating, and told police that Drew had abused her repeatedly in the past. Despite numerous bruises on her legs, police were convinced otherwise. They discovered there was something Jenny didn’t tell them: about an hour after the shooting she had gone to Wal-Mart to pick up spackle and paint to hide the bullet holes. But it was a series of provocative and sexual emails that Jenny sent Drew during the time that he was allegedly abusing her that helped convince a jury that this was not an act of self defense.

Although it would seem that this would be the end of the story, it is far from it. Did Jenny kill Drew in self defense or was it a calculated murder? Jenny Eisenman speaks on camera for the first time and tells her story to 48 HOURS MYSTERY.

Richard Schlesinger reports 48 HOURS MYSTERY: "Trigger Point," on Tuesday, Jan. 29 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. This broadcast is produced by Marcelena Spencer and Jenna Jackson. Judy Tygard is the senior producer and Al Briganti is the executive editor. Susan Zirinsky is the executive producer.

For a preview of the broadcast, please click here.

Wouldn't You Like To Know?

2008-01-23T22:50:00.000-08:00

A convicted murderer is set free because of a Supreme Court ruling. He's spent most of his life in and out of the prison system. He's free and clear to go where he chooses. He will have no supervision, no rehabilitation.

He's moving to your state.

Do you want to know? Do you think you have the RIGHT to know that a man who killed a single mother in 1977 -resides in your state? Do you think you have the RIGHT to know that this same man, who attempted to molested his stepdaughter during a prison visitation and attempted to ellicit phone-sex from her on another occasion-could potentially be your neighbor?

Ross Renecker could very well become your neighbor, if you live in Arizona.

Some people may say Renecker has served his time, and a man-supposedly dying from cancer-should be able to live out the rest of his life in peace. If you were to ask Frances Stubberfield's family, and hear her story-you may change your mind.

I only heard of this case because of Mark Horner and his blog "Beyond 90 Seconds". If not for him, I may have never heard the potential danger that Arizona residents like myself could face-until it was too late. In order to get the bigger picture- especially if you live in Arizona-you should listen to his interview with the victim's son, Scott Stubberfield.

Then answer the question:

Wouldn't you like to know?

Sources: Mark Horner-Beyond 90 Seconds
Yakima Herald-Republic

There's Still Time To Vote!

2008-01-23T08:24:00.000-08:00

If you haven't voted yet for your favorites in true crime, there's still time!

You can find all the details on the 2007 Capote Awards at Los Angeles Times best selling author Corey Mitchell's blog- In Cold Blog.

I was not nominated this time around, but I have to say that it is such an honor to be listed alongside of so many tremendously talented authors and bloggers!

Go Vote!

48 Hours Mystery: "Secrets In Palm Beach"

2008-01-18T11:34:00.000-08:00

Top- Linda Fishman

Bottom- Michael Jamrock, Linda's nephew and suspect in her murder.

Once again, I am pleased to present this preview of another episode of 48 Hours Mystery. This week's episode highlights the case of murdered Florida socialite Linda Fishman. All preview information, photos, and video provided by Louise Bashi, press contact for CBS News-unless otherwise noted.

A FLORIDA SOCIALITE IS FOUND STANGLED UNVEILING A SECRET LIFE OF DANGEROUS LOVERS AND A BOMBSHELL NO ONE WAS EXPECTING.

"48 HOURS MYSTERY" ON SATURDAY, JAN. 19, 2008

Palm Beach, Fl invokes images of wealth, sun and beauty, but on February 7, 2003 a sinister side of this town exposed itself when Linda Fishman, a beloved socialite known for her kindness, generosity and outgoing personality – who spent a lot of time there – was found murdered in her nearby home.

After working for years as the chief court administrator in Hartford , CT , where she met her husband Judge Milton Fishman, Linda moved to Boca Raton when he died unexpectedly of heart failure. Determined to make a fresh start Linda inserted herself in to the Palm Beach social scene, where the vivacious socialite developed a reputation as a caregiver to everyone from her nephew to her hairdresser.

It was this benevolence that police believed was the ultimate cause of her death. But who would want Linda dead? At first, they suspected her nephew, Michael Jamrock, a popular DJ at local radio stations. With a shaky alibi and questionable financial situation compounded with his odd behavior in the wake of his aunt’s death and a failed lie detector test, authorities had a powerful case. So powerful in fact that Michael’s own family began to question his involvement too.

As police dug deeper, however, they discovered that this socialite had a secret life – one filled with dubious younger men. But Linda’s murder remained unsolved until investigators received a bombshell anonymous letter that would turn this case on its head.

Troy Roberts reports 48 HOURS MYSTERY: "Secrets in Palm Beach ," on Saturday, Jan. 19 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. This broadcast is produced by Mary Noonan. Anthony Batson is the senior broadcast producer and Al Briganti is the executive editor. Susan Zirinsky is the executive producer.

Finally Some Relief For Chandler

2008-01-12T15:50:00.000-08:00

Finally, the community of Chandler, Arizona can rest a little easier knowing that a violent sexual predator allegedly responsible for the sexual assaults of 5 girls between 12 and 14 years old has been arrested. He is believed to be the elusive "Chandler Serial Rapist".

A press conference that took place about 2 1/2 hours ago with the Chandler Police Department confirmed that they arrested 39 year old Santana Batiz Aceves in the attacks. Aceves, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, had similar clothing in his vehicle that matched descriptions by victims. Also, DNA swabs matched evidence taken from the attacks. Aceves was living under the alias "Ricardo Ramirez Lopez".

Aceves, an illegal immigrant, was working as a heavy equipment operator, and living in the same area as an attempted attack on November 8, 2007. He has a wife, a son, and a daughter. I'm unaware at this time of their legal status. Surely, Aceves' legal status adds more fuel to the fire regarding the hot-button issue of immigration.

No matter what Aceves' legal status is, this case is about one thing only: The victims. The young girls who have been violated in their own homes. The focus should be on what this creep allegedly did, and on justice for the victims. While I can certainly agree that his legal status is an important element in the case, it usually ends up overshadowing the issue of the major aspect of the crime, and the victims.

I can only imagine the relief of this community that this creep has finally been caught and is off the streets. Tonight, they will rest a little bit easier.

Source(s): eastvalleytribune.com; azcentral.com; azfamily.com

Additional Information: [azfamily.com] Press Conference Video; Chandler PD press release [pdf]

He Needs A New Girlfriend Now.

2008-01-11T16:47:00.000-08:00

Looking a man? Okay, well he's not exactly a "man", other than the chronological sense, but he's back on the market, nevertheless.

Matthew Henry Fleming, 22, may be just the guy you're looking for. Of course, you may have to get used to him blaming you for leading the police on high-speed chases. You would also have to be understanding of his twenty-some prior charges and convictions. Here's a snip from azcentral: [full article]

Chandler police have arrested a man they believe fled from officers while driving drunk in south Chandler - then crashed the vehicle, jumped into his girlfriend's lap and told police she was the driver, court records show.
Police arrested Matthew Henry Fleming, 22, Wednesday on suspicion of unlawful flight, endangerment and DUI, police said.

You never know, he could be a great catch. Then again, there may be a long wait....

Sorry, ladies.

Beyond 90 Seconds

2008-01-11T11:18:00.000-08:00

It is my pleasure to share with you a blog from a friend, award-winning journalist, television news reporter, and acclaimed author of September Sacrifice-Mark Horner. While Mark's blog is actually "not-so-new", he recently dusted off the cobwebs and brought it back to life!

Mark has made appearances on numerous television programs, such as Dateline NBC and A&E's "American Justice".

Mark's blog is called "Beyond 90 Seconds" and is sure to be a hit with true crime readers! Please take a moment and check it out!

Enjoy!

Happy (Belated) Blogiversary!!

2007-12-26T11:02:00.000-08:00

I'm about 2 weeks late on commemorating the first anniversary of this blog, "Crime, Interrupted". Generally speaking, I am a procrastinator. This time however, the delay was not due to my procrastinating nature, but rather for a reason that has brought much happiness to myself and my family. My parents took a cross-country RV ride from NY (upstate) to Arizona, so that they could spend the holidays with me, my husband, and our kids. The day they came into town was the same day as my blogiversary, December 14th. The last Christmas I spent with my parents was 10 years ago, and the last time I saw them was when they visited in 2000. My son, at the time was 2 months old. Since then, I also had a daughter, whom they had not seen in person, only in pictures.

On December 14, 2006, one of my debut blog entries consisted of the Kanye West/Evel Knievel lawsuit. Since that time, the suit was settled, the two men put their animosity behind them, and sadly-- Evel Knievel passed away, as did Kanye West's mother.

My biggest thanks and gratitude goes to you, the reader, obviously for reading. I cannot express enough the appreciation that I have for all my readers. Thank you!!

It Must Take A Lot Of Gall.....

2007-12-19T13:39:00.000-08:00

Imagine you are having a routine surgery. You're in the operating room, unconscious, oblivious to what is taking place. Of course, what should be taking place is your surgery. The surgery that Sean Dubowik went in for was supposed to be gall bladder surgery-which he got-along with much more. Here's a snip from the AZcentral website:

A Mayo Clinic Hospital surgeon in training used a cellphone to photograph a patient's genitals during surgery and now may face disciplinary action and a patient's attorney. Dr. Adam Hansen, chief resident of general surgery at the Phoenix hospital, admitted to Mayo administrators he snapped the photo during a Dec. 11 gallbladder surgery on patient Sean Dubowik, whose penis bears the tattooed slogan, "Hot Rod."

Please read the full article here.

Judging by the numerous comments on the article, I guess most people think this doctor should not lose his job. And since Mr. Dubowik is a strip club owner and has a tattoo on his penis, then how dare he be upset that someone take a picture of it while he's unconcious and is unable to consent to such a photo.

That, of course, is sarcasm-because I don't think it's ever "okay" to take a picture of someone's genitals while they are unable to consent, no matter what the person does for a living, and no matter what is tattooed on that region. Only Mr. Dubowik knows how truly violated he feels. Just because he owns a strip club and has a penis tattoo, doesn't mean that he's not human, and can't feel humiliation.

What do you think?

This Week's "48 Hours Mystery": Castro Valley's Jane Doe

2007-12-14T07:58:00.000-08:00

Once again, I would like to bring your attention to a case featured on "48 Hours Mystery". You may remember seeing the recontruction of the young girl who was found brutally murdered in 2003. This 48 Hours Mystery episode takes you through the process of the reconstruction, highlights the determination of a cop who was haunted by this case from the beginning, the outrage of a community, and finally the identification of the victim. Please check your local listings for broadcast times. The show is on an hour earlier this week!!

Left to Right: Reconstruction of "Jane Doe"; Yesenia Nungaray/"Jane Doe"; Miguel Castaneda, potential suspect.
(Thanks to Louise Bashi, CBS News press contact, for providing the photos.)

A COP’S OBSESSION, A COMMUNITY’S RESOLVE, A FORENSIC SCULPTOR AND A 48 HOURS BROADCAST HELP IDENTIFY A MURDERED GIRL THEY CALLED JANE DOE--- BUT WILL POLICE FIND HER KILLER?

"48 HOURS MYSTERY" ON SATURDAY, DEC. 15

On the night of May 1, 2003, a teenage girl’s body was found in a trash bag left behind a restaurant in peaceful Castro Valley , Calif. The gruesome discovery became one detective’s obsession and touched the entire community, which came to call the young girl “ Castro Valley ’s Jane Doe.”

With no identity, the chances of tracking down Jane Doe’s killer were slim. Following countless leads, police eventually turned to forensic sculptor Gloria Nusse who embarked on an incredible effort over several weeks, to recreate Jane Doe’s face. Armed with this lifelike construction, police hoped to track down the victim’s identity, an effort that was fruitless, until suddenly the tide turned.

After the relentless efforts of the authorities and the local community, and a tip after a 48 Hours broadcast, police finally caught a break that led them to Yahualica , Mexico , a bereaved mother and a potential suspect.

Now, knowing the identity of their beloved Jane Doe, will police find their killer, and close the case that has haunted them for five years?

Harold Dow reports 48 HOURS MYSTERY: "The Girl Next Door," on Saturday, Dec. 15 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT)** on the CBS Television Network. This broadcast is produced by Clare Friedland. Judy Tygard is the senior producer, Al Briganti is the executive editor and Susan Zirinsky is the executive producer.

To preview this week's episode, please click here.

Tonight on 48 Hours Mystery: Fugitive Esther Reed

2007-12-01T09:23:00.000-08:00

Top: Esther Reed, using Brooke Henson's identity; Bottom: The real Brooke Henson, still missing. (Photos provided by Louise Bashi, press contact for CBS news)

I apologize for being so late on this, as many projects and other life "goings-ons" have taken up a large portion of my week. So, for those interested in watching this week's episode of 48 Hours Mystery (CBS), here are the highlights of the episode sent to me via email from Louise Bashi. Thanks, Louise :)

INVESTIGATORS THOUGHT THEY TRACKED DOWN A MISSING SOUTH CAROLINA GIRL TO AN IVY LEAGUE SCHOOL , BUT DISCOVERED INSTEAD, A YOUNG CON WOMAN WHO IS OUTSMARTING THEM ALL

"48 HOURS MYSTERY" ON SATURDAY, DEC. 1

In the summer of 2006, Lisa Henson received the call that she patiently waited seven years for - police had found her missing niece, Brooke, enrolled at Columbia University and were on their way to meet her. But just as Henson's greatest hope was realized, it was quickly dashed when police discovered that the woman they had found was not Brooke. In fact, they had stumbled onto the trail of Esther Reed, a young woman who is still outsmarting them all.

Esther Elizabeth Reed disappeared from her Seattle home in the summer of 1999, right around the time of Brooke Henson's disappearance from her home in Travelers Rest, S.C. While Brooke was a free spirit, Esther was a sullen teen, a gifted chess player whose intelligence far exceeded her age and, as police would uncover, one whose life became a cross-country con of fake identities and frustrated dreams.

From Seattle to Arizona to California , Chicago , Boston and New York , among others, Reed has reinvented herself as a career chess player, a debate champion and even an Ivy League student attending Columbia and Harvard Universities . Over the course of her journey, Reed has used at least four different names, seduced military personnel, and allegedly stolen over $100,000 in student loans.

With a federal indictment and the Secret Service on the hunt, Reed, a high school dropout remains one step ahead, giving authorities a run for their money. "She is not Esther Reed. She is not Brooke Henson," says John Urquhardt a Sergeant with the King County Sheriff's Office in Seattle , Washington , "but she is somewhere and she is somebody."

Now, 48 HOURS MYSTERY launches its own investigation in conjunction with local police, private investigators, friends and family, and obtains exclusive interviews with one of Esther Reed's victims, a number of former lovers, an ex-con in Chicago, and a medical student who remained best friends with Reed for years, never suspecting what she was really up to. Additionally FBI consultant Frank Abagnale, whose exploits as a phony pilot, lawyer, and doctor inspired the motion picture "Catch Me If You Can," weighs in on the case.

Peter Van Sant reports 48 HOURS MYSTERY: "Capture the Queen," on Saturday, Dec. 1 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. The broadcast is produced by Miguel Sancho. Chris O'Connell is the associate producer. Peter Schweitzer is the senior producer. Al Briganti is the executive editor. Susan Zirinsky is the executive producer.

You can find the video preview here.

Shevy Wright--One Wish

2007-11-20T08:09:00.000-08:00

With so much death, destruction, and evil in the world, I thought it would be nice for once to write about a story about something sad, yet heart-warming. It's not too often that we hear about the good things that our law enforcement do. A great number of people focus on putting down our officers of the law-they aren't doing enough, they are corrupt-blah, blah, blah....the list goes on.

They take an oath to protect all citizens. They risk their lives, see things that everyday people wouldn't wish to see in a million years. Shevy Wright took that oath also. He took the oath in front of the Chief of the Chandler (Arizona) Police Department, as any officer would-amid his fellow officers and other public officals. He had a uniform and other police equipment, as well as his own personal locker. His badge number was #1018. Yes, Shevy was a full-fledged member of the Chandler Police Department.

Shevy had one of his greatest wishes come true-to be a police officer. A nine-year-old little boy wished for one thing- to put away the bad guys just like his fellow officers.

It all started with a diagnosis of a brain tumor in December 2006, a Disney World trip provided by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and eventually the Chandler Police Department caught wind of Shevy's wish to be a police officer.

Sadly, Shevy lost his battle with his tumor. It was one "bad guy" that he couldn't catch, and that no one could protect him from.

Shevy's short life should serve as an example that the people that protect and serve us are human. They are hard-working individuals that really do want to make a difference, protect the community, and make wishes come true.

Rest In Peace Shevy, and may your memory continue to serve what "community" is all about.

If you are interested in sending your condolences to Shevy's family, there is an online guestbook available here.

Shevy Wright, left, with Chandler Police Chief Sherry Kiyler
(photo from the chandlerpd website.)

Sources: azcentral.com; kpho.com

This Week's "48 Hours Mystery": The Madeleine McCann

2007-11-16T10:17:00.000-08:00

First, a personal note to everyone. My apologies for the light amount of blogging lately. I've had really crazy work hours lately, and I'm also trying to work on a couple other projects as well.

Left to Right:
Jane Tanner, McCann family, composite of alleged kidnapper.
(Courtesy of Louise Bashi, CBS News)

I received an email from Louise Bashi, the press contact for CBS News about an exclusive episode of "48 Hours Mystery". This week's episode covers the Madeleine McCann case. While I haven't blogged about the case before this time, I thought you all would be interested in this episode.

48 HOURS EXCLUSIVE

“I MIGHT HAVE SEEN MADELEINE BEING ABDUCTED,”
SAYS JANE TANNER, ONE OF THE McCANN DINNER COMPANIONS THE NIGHT OF MADELEINE’S DISAPPEARANCE

Private Investigator Says He is 100% Sure Maddie is Alive

“I never in a million years thought it could have been Madeleine…It was just complete shock and complete horror that I might have seen Madeleine being abducted,” says Jane Tanner in her first public interview to be broadcast on 48 HOURS MYSTERY reported by Peter Van Sant on Saturday, Nov. 17 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

In this exclusive interview, Tanner, one of the McCanns’ friends and dinner companions at The Tapas Restaurant the night of Maddie’s disappearance, describes catching a glimpse of an oddly dressed man carrying a child. “I just saw somebody walking across the top of the road…that person was carrying a child,” she recounts. “I could tell it was a child…I could see the pajamas and the feet.” Tanner initially thought nothing of it, but is now certain that she saw the abduction in progress.

Tanner goes on to say that she told police what she saw that same night. “As soon as the police arrived, they were brought to the apartment and I told them what I’d seen…And then the CID (Criminal Investigative Department) people arrived a little later I again told them exactly what I’d seen.” Her description even led to an artist’s rendering distributed by the family a month ago.

Tanner strongly supports the McCanns, saying they had nothing to do with Madeleine’s disappearance, “We know Kate and Gerry well. We know that there’s no way that what the media are saying is true. It’s just madness.”

Francisco Marco, a Spanish private investigator hired by a supporter of the McCanns, expresses a similar sentiment, claiming to have answers the whole world has been waiting for. “We’re 100% sure that she is alive. We are sure she was abducted. We are very, very close to finding the kidnapper.”

In addition to these explosive revelations, 48 HOURS has acquired information from a highly placed source in the investigation who discloses that Portuguese police are now not investigating homicide by Kate and Gerry McCann as a possibility. 48 Hours has also learned from police sources that the DNA is inconclusive and will not solve this case. 48 Hours also went undercover, hiring top US private investigator Joseph Moura, who has handled cases in Portugal . Moura unearthed eyewitness accounts that contradict both the local investigators’ and the McCanns’ versions of the events of May 3.

What really happened the night Madeleine McCann vanished? Are the McCanns and their friends telling the entire truth? Are authorities close to catching someone?

48 HOURS MYSTERY: WHERE’S MADDIE? is produced by Doug Longhini, Joe Halderman, Liza Finley, Avi Cohen, Patti Aronofsky and Peter Henderson. Al Briganti is the executive editor. Susan Zirinsky is the executive producer.

This 48 HOURS report was prepared in cooperation with the BBC and Sociedade Independente de Comunicaco Sa/TV of Portugal . CBS’ 48 HOURS program and BBC’s Panorama are prepared independently.

There is also a video preview of the episode. It's an episode you won't want to miss with never before seen footage of Kate and Gerry McCann.

In The Year 2037

2007-11-07T13:41:00.000-08:00

Taegen Elise McKinney

She would have and should have been able to celebrate her second birthday on November 11th. In 30 years, she probably would have been a beautiful, married woman with children of her own-celebrating her 32nd birthday. That was all taken away from little Taegen McKinney. Now her killer, Jose Garcia will have, at the very least, the next 30 years of his life taken away.

Jose Garcia pleaded guilty to child abuse in the stomping death of Taegen McKinney. He will be eligible for parole in the year 2037. In the year 2037, Jose Garcia will be 49 years old. No "spring chicken" by any stretch--but still young enough to live a productive life, when and if he gets out.

Taegen, on the other hand, as well as her family will never get that opportunity. Her Daddy will never get to walk her down the aisle, and give her away to her would-be husband. Her Mommy will never get the chance to give her advice or hold her when she's mending a broken heart. There will be no groundings for sneaking in late from a date. There will be no praise for good grades, no punishment for bad grades. All these moments--good, bad, and otherwise--have been taken away.

In September, I had the pleasure to go to Sahuarita, AZ and help out with the rally for Taegen's Law. It was an experience that I will never forget. I am grateful to have been able to help out in any way to honor Taegen's memory.

Taegen's family have a website in her memory. There is also a petition for tougher laws for child abusers and killers. Even though Taegen's killer is where he belongs, her family still needs help from everyone. This shouldn't have to happen to another family.

Sources: KOAT.com
memory-of.com
i-petitions.com

Paging Doctor Peter Normann--Stat!

2007-10-30T08:49:00.000-07:00

Dr. Peter J. Normann

The whole story sounds like a bizarre science fiction film, but for the families of Dr. Normann's victims, it's all too real. A doctor, performing liposuction procedures, loses 3 patients in a seven month period. One death occurred in December 2006, another in April 2007. The latter death resulted in restricting Normann's medical practice. Yet even after the restrictions, Normann-- with the assistance of a homeopathic doctor named Gary Page, was allegedly the cause of yet another death in July 2007.

Both Normann and Page were barred from practicing medicine.

What's bizarre still is Normann's "medical staff", which according to the Arizona Medical Board, included a "license massage therapist, a former restaurant owner, two former pre-school teachers and his mother" .

Two of the families of the deceased patients have filed lawsuits against Normann. But Normann is nowhere to be found. He disappeared shortly after his license was revoked.

These families deserve justice for their loved ones, and they deserve compensation for the barbaric practices that destroyed their lives.

Someone knows where he is. If it's you, do the right thing and turn him in to the authorities.

Sources: Arizona Republic, azcentral.com; Arizona Medical Board.

Four Corners Creep Of The Week: "The Cream Of The Creep"

2007-10-29T09:27:00.000-07:00

So, just who is the creepiest creep of all? This week, you get to decide just who is the biggest creep out of all our Four Corners Creeps thus far.

If you would like a recap of who exactly you are voting for, just click here. Then come back and cast your vote!!

48 Hours Mystery Highlights Dr. Stidham Murder Case

2007-10-25T10:57:00.000-07:00

I first found out when the 48 Hours Mystery show highlighting the Dr. Stidham murder case from reading Tucson Citizen reporter A.J. Flick's blog about the Stidham case.

I also received an email with a profile of the upcoming episode, which I would like to share.

Dr. Brian Stidham with his son

Dr. Brian Stidham with Dr. Bradley Schwartz(R)

(Logo and Photos provided by Louise Bashi, press contact for CBS News)

A BELOVED CHILDREN’S EYE DOCTOR IS BRUTALLY MURDERED IN TUCSON REVEALING A SHOCKING WEB OF SEX, DRUGS AND REVENGE ON "48 HOURS MYSTERY" ON SATURDAY, OCT. 27

Brian Stidham was a beloved family man and a talented eye surgeon who graduated with honors from Harvard Medical School. The 37 year-old doctor’s career was taking off when he moved his family from Texas to Tucson for a position alongside a renowned surgeon named Dr. Bradley Schwartz. But Stidham’s promising life was cut short in October of 2004 when he was found murdered in the parking lot outside his office. Stabbed 15 times, Stidham’s death shook the town to its core. The results of the subsequent investigation contained shocking revelations about Dr. Schwartz, involving sex, drugs and an insatiable hatred of Dr. Stidham. Schwartz had been living a secret life that included extramarital affairs, and an addiction to Vicodin. When he was indicted on drug charges, his new partner, Dr. Brian Stidham, decided to launch his own successful practice. Schwartz became enraged and blamed Stidham for stealing his patients and staff. For years, Schwartz was consumed by rage and a desire for revenge. Detectives believe Schwartz hired a hitman to kill his former partner on the night of October 5, 2004, but he cunningly established an alibi by going on a date at the time of the murder. Lead investigator Jill Murphy recalls “some of the witnesses that came forward had told us that Dr. Schwartz had said that he would not have committed the murder himself, that he would have someone do it for him.” This story of an unquenchable hatred and obsession for revenge that ends in murder is reported by Peter Van Sant, on 48 HOURS MYSTERY, this Saturday, Oct. 27 ( 10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

“An Eye for an Eye” is produced by Ian Paisley, Joe Halderman, and Lourdes Aguiar. Anthony Batson is senior producer and Al Briganti is the executive editor. Susan Zirinsky is the executive producer.

For a video preview, go to the following link 48 Hours Mystery: Eye For An Eye.

Many of you already know that Dr. Brian Stidham was my daughter's eye doctor. He performed her first eye surgery in June 4, 2004, four months before his brutal murder.

Four Corners Creep Of The Week: The Rude Lady

2007-10-23T08:17:00.000-07:00

Votes were a little slow last week, but overall Michael Anthony Douglas, as you can see is definitely an alleged creep.

I apologize for the delay on this week's creep. Things have been busy, busy, busy......

This week's creep is not a creep that is once again "ripped from the headlines", but rather one that I had encountered yesterday. So, for the purpose of this story, she shall be called "The Rude Lady" AKA "The Money Order Lady".

It may not be a crime in the literal sense, but I will let you all decide if she is a creep or not. Okay, on with the story.....

Every day I stop at the local convienence store on my way to get my son from school to purchase a drink. The afternoons are still pretty warm here, so nothing beats an ice cold beverage. Apparently, the gentleman behind me felt the same way. Enter "The Rude Lady". She had just stepped in line in front of me and the gentleman. She had a list that she handed to the cashier, different amounts for different money orders. Her list contained approximately 6 separate money orders.

Now, don't get me wrong, I don't mind waiting in line. But if you have ever been in line behind someone getting a money order, you know they take awhile. I leave in plenty of time to account for a long line or any other mishap that could delay me in picking up my son from school.

The cashier kindly asked the lady- and I stress kindly because she really was very polite and professional about it-if she would mind letting me and the gentleman go ahead of her, given the fact that we both only had a soda each that would take about 30 seconds for her to ring up and just send us on our way. Of course, any normal person-myself included-would have said "sure". The Rude/Money Order Lady, with the maturity of a six-year-old said this:

"Why should I? I was here first."

So as you can see, basic courtesy and human kindness are running rampant in these parts. If it was a crime, I would charge her with failure to get a bank account, or if I wanted to get even, I would just charge her with a 5 pound bag of ice upside her head.

But I'm a nice person.

And, just to add for the record, if it wasn't for those ridiculous plastic straw wrappers that are impossible to get off of your straw-I would have been in line first. SO THERE!!!

Stupidity and Another Innocent Victim

2007-10-22T08:43:00.000-07:00

Sunday is the only day that I work in the morning, due to my husband's work schedule. I mainly work in the evenings. Because of this fact, there are some co-workers that I only see on Sundays.

When one of my co-workers was dropped off by a vehicle, which was not the vehicle he normally drives or arrives in, I was a little curious and admittedly-nosy. So I asked him where his car was.

He had crashed his car. He was speeding and totalled it. Of course, naturally, I had to ask if he was drinking and driving. He said he was, and also added that he had spent 3 days in jail, and had a court date. If I had more time, I probably would have said more. I probably would have mentioned the fact that he had a little baby. I probably would have asked him how he would feel if he had killed someone. I probably would have asked him how he would feel if some drunk person had run down him and killed someone, like his child, or his child's mother. But, I didn't. I sure plan to, though.

There's another case though that needs to be heard. Another innocent victim, a little girl. Her story is in the news, but yet she is another victim whose name we do not know. Here is a snip of the online article from the Arizona Republic.

Police say Wilson Gilberto Alba-Cano, 27, was the driver in a hit-and-run accident that killed a 5-year-old girl Sunday afternoon in south Phoenix. Alba-Cano, was reportedly intoxicated, when he collided with another vehicle at Seventh Avenue and Roeser Road, Phoenix police spokeswoman Stacie Derge said.

Another innocent victim of an alleged drunk driver. And the guy just drove away, until he plowed into a fence, it seems.

I hate to be a pessimist-- but already knowing how easily these drunk drivers get off, only to do the same thing over, and over--I can already see a probable defense for this guy. Another quote from the article:

Police said it appears that some of the children in the truck were not wearing seatbelts.

Of course, when you have four children, ages 3-7, it's not okay for them to be riding in a vehicle without seatbelts. That doesn't excuse the alleged drunk driver from killing this little girl. She is still the victim here. But of course, the justice system usually finds a way to blame the victim.

Source: Arizona Republic

A Birthday In Heaven

2007-10-18T11:11:00.000-07:00

Five years ago today, Ariana Socorro "NaNa" Payne was born. For those who have been following Ariana's case, you know that Ariana is not with us in the physical sense to celebrate. If you haven't been following the case, you can find several past posts about both Ariana and her older brother, Tyler here.

I would like to take this opportunity to ask everyone to take a moment of silence in honor of Ariana, Tyler, and every other child that has lost their lives- whether it's from abuse, accident, or disease. Thank you.

I can imagine that Ariana is in heaven, coloring and watching Scooby Doo movies with Tyler! God Bless You, and Happy Birthday, little angel!

Carnival Of The True Crime Blogs #98

2007-10-18T09:35:00.000-07:00

Want to know what your favorite crime bloggers are talking about this week? Then please visit the True Crime Blogroll Homepage for this week's carnival!!!

Little Girl Dies From Gunshot Wound (Updated)

2007-10-16T08:50:00.000-07:00

At 5:00 a.m. this morning, most children in the surrounding area of Southwest Tucson would still be sleeping. Still in dreamland for a couple more hours before the morning rush of breakfast, washing up, brushing teeth, getting backpacks ready.

For one little girl and her family, it didn't quite go that way. Instead, the 6-year-old little girl was rushed to University Medical Center with a gunshot wound. Here's a snip from the Tucson Citizen:

Sheriff investigators have determined shots were fired outside the home, in which there were two adults ad three children.

The girl was sleeping on the couch and apparently was hit by a bullet that went through the home's front door.
She was alive when sheriff deputies arrived around 5 a.m. and airlifted to a local hospital, Ogden said.
She was taken to University Medical Center, said Tracy Koslowski of the Drexel Heights Fire District.

No more information has been released at this time, but this is very close to my neighborhood so needless to say I will be following closely. The complete article can be found here.

I really hope they find these sub-human creatures that did this to an innocent little girl who should have been going to school this morning with the rest of her peers. I am just disgusted and heartbroken for this little girl's family.

**UPDATE**- 10:45 a.m.

According to the updated article in the online version of the Arizona Daily Star the little girl's name is Analissa Monares-Leon, 6. Police are still looking for potential suspects in this case.

Deadly Weapons, Innocent Lives, and Intent

2007-10-15T12:27:00.000-07:00

When we think of deadly weapons, we usually think of guns, knives-things of that nature.

What about your car? Would you ever consider your car a “deadly weapon”? Your car, in and of itself, may not be a deadly weapon, but add alcohol to the driver-“ammunition”, if you will-suddenly the car becomes a dangerous, deadly weapon.

We have the DUI task-force and checkpoints out every holiday. We have organizations such as Mother’s Against Drunk Driving. Both are great in their efforts.

What concerns me is the amount of DUI’s a person is able to rack up, and serve little or no time in jail. What concerns me is how, I could go into a room full of strangers, intentionally fire a gun, killing or attempting to kill as many people as possible and be charged with multiple counts of murder, as well as attempted murder. Yet, a person who gets behind the wheel of a car intentionally drunk, on a street full of strangers, driving aimlessly, killing innocent people-they are charged with manslaughter or second-degree murder. Let’s not forget the word “intent”. If you drink to the point that you are legally drunk, then drive, it should be a given that you intend to take an innocent person’s life. Doesn’t this warrant a harsher punishment?

In the last couple weeks, we have seen our community mourn the loss of Julia Sunderlin, an innocent woman, performing an everyday task in her life-walking her dog. The people that allegedly killed her, perfect strangers, were allegedly drunk and on their way to buy more beer. They are charged with manslaughter in this case. Had they walked up to her on the side of the road, shot and killed her, they would more than likely be charged with first-degree murder.

Intent.

There are more than enough examples of multiple DUI offenders. There are more than enough examples of ridiculous sentences that DUI offenders receive after killing an innocent person, again-perfect strangers.

A car with a drunk person behind the wheel is a deadly weapon. Nobody gets behind the wheel drunk, involuntarily. A punishment should fit the crime.

Think intent.

Four Corners Creep Of The Week: Michael Anthony Douglas

2007-10-15T09:10:00.000-07:00

**NOTE: **This entry is edited to note that the child victim is 21 days old, NOT 21 months old. Thanks again to Kathy for catching my error!

Well, by the looks of the poll, I think that most people would agree that Michelle Tufts is pretty creepy.

Let's move on to this week's alleged creep. His name is Michael Anthony Douglas, 23, of Colorado Springs, CO. He's accused of smacking his 21 day-old baby on the side of his head and causing injuries. The child is in critical condition, according to this article at the Rocky Mountain News website.

Just as a personal note, I'm getting a little tired of hearing about these creeps that hit and beat babies because they cry. That's how babies- who have no other way of communicating-tell you that they need something, or something is wrong. It's up to you to figure out what that is most of the time. If you can't figure out what to do then you need to do one of two things: Either hold and comfort the baby until they stop crying, or if you feel yourself breaking down, put the baby in a safe place, such as their crib, leave the room, have someone else take him or her---whatever you have to do, other than hitting the child or putting them in another unsafe situation. Stop beating on defenseless little babies that have no communication skills. Jerks.