The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has an effort underway to help identify dozens of human remains using the latest DNA technology. According to their Website, "Many of these people were discovered decades ago when DNA testing was not available. As part of its effort, the BCA needs DNA samples from families of missing people to compare to the DNA obtained from the remains."
The BCA released a press release today explaining more about the effort and what families of missing should do.
A CBS news story also aired about the effort.
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
September 22, 2011
Victim Sketches Released in Long Island Serial Killer Mystery
 |
| Suffolk County victim sketches: Jane Doe #6 and John Doe #8 (right) Credit: WCBS. |
Police have released sketches of two unidentified victims found in the Gilgo Beach area of Long Island, New York. The remains were among ten bodies found in the area, and police are investigating the possibility that a serial killer is at work.
One of the victims, John Doe No. 8, is believed to have died between five and ten years ago. Forensic specialists have determined that the remains belonged to an Asian man, approximately 5'6" tall, between the ages of 17 and 23. He was missing two molars and one of his top front teeth. Authorities announced have also announced that the victim had been wearing women's clothing at the time of his death. Police are comparing the remains to known missing persons fitting that description, including Yim Yeung Tsui, a Stony Brook University student who disappeared in August 1998. Tsui's sister has provided a DNA sample for comparison.
The other sketch is of a woman known as Jane Doe No. 6. She is Caucasian, 5'2" tall and between the ages of 18 and 35. According to IBTimes.com, "Police said her torso was discovered in Manorville in November 2000 and, through a DNA analysis, was later linked to a head, hands and a right foot that was recovered along Ocean Parkway in April."
Five of the ten bodies found near Gilgo Beach, including that of a female toddler, approximately 18-24 months old, have not been identified. The toddler was found on a highway, wrapped in a blanket. It appears that she may be related to one of the other unidentified women, who was found seven miles away in Nassau County. The other five victims have been identified. Four were escorts who had advertised their services on Craigslist, leading police to believe that they were targeted by a serial killer.
Links:
48 Hours Mystery
June 17, 2011
Illinois Missing and Unidentified Persons Awareness Day - June 18
Missing since 11/21/06 Chicago, IL |
- 10 cases of missing endangered adults
- 128 cases of missing children
- 22 cases of unidentified remains
The Ross family will be holding of a virtual event on Facebook today to celebrate. We encourage you to show your support by holding a small ceremony at home, lighting candles of remembrance, or hosting a gathering. Be sure to post photos and messages on Facebook. If you cannot participate in the virtual event, messages of support and encouragement are appreciated.
Over the years, Footprints has profiled many missing adults, including Jesse Ross and a number of other young men from Illinois. Many are still missing. Please click on their photos or names to learn more about them. We urge you to spread the word, so these young men can be brought home to their families!
| Lee Cutler Last seen: 10/20/07 Buffalo Grove, IL |
| Keith Ryan Last seen: 4/13/05 Peoria, IL |
To read more about all of Illinois's missing, visit:
February 11, 2011
Footprints of Courage announcement
The following message is from Jan and Steve Jenkins, the parents of Christopher Jenkins, who disappeared Halloween night 2002. Ever since Chris's case was ruled a homicide, his parents have been raising awareness with young adults and spreading a message of safety. Jan Jenkins has also written a book, Footprints of Courage, about the family's journey and their hope for positive future change.
Happy Birthday to Sara on Feb.12 (33) and to Chris on Feb.17 (30).
To honor our children's birthdays, we’re offering the second edition of Footprints of Courage for $15 plus FREE shipping, when purchased Feb.12 - Feb.17 from http://www.legacyofcourage.com/.
All books will be personalized, signed by the author and will include our new custom bookmark. This edition has an index, some new pics, and resource updates. So if you know anyone who could benefit from learning tips to stay safe and countless life lessons, this could be a great gift. If $15 saves a life, you are an extraordinary hero!
- Jan and Steve Jenkins
January 24, 2011
Project Jason: A Voice for the Missing (A documentary by Christina Fontana)
"If you are over the age of 18 and you go missing in the United States, your hope of rescue is commonly placed in the hands of local law enforcement. In most states, if they don’t know how or don’t want to look for you, they won’t."Kelly Jolkowski, the founder of Project Jason, is working with accomplished documentary filmmaker Christina Fontana to produce a film that will raise awareness about missing people and promote new state legislation that will save lives.
- "Project Jason: A Voice for the Missing" Web site
The film, "Project Jason: A Voice for the Missing," takes a hard-hitting look at the plight of missing adults in the United States, highlighting how some families have been left "abandoned and sometimes even abused because of a failed system." The film points out that, "unlike children, who are federally protected, adult missing person cases are handled by local law enforcement who all to frequently have no protocols or training in place on how to proceed with recovery efforts."
Kelly Jolkowski experienced this firsthand when her 19-year old son, Jason, disppeared on June 13, 2001, after setting out from his home in Omaha, Nebraska. He was to join his awaiting carpool to work, just walk eight blocks away, but he never made it. He is still missing today.
After struggling to find adequate, trained resources in the community who could assist her in finding her son, Jolkowski decided to create Project Jason, a non-profit organization, so other families would never feel as alone as she and her husband felt. Project Jason has reached out to the families of the missing to provide not only media exposure, but counseling and support retreats, and also outreach education to the community, and DNA training for law enforcement. Project Jason is now leading the fight to have grounbreaking legislation passed in all 50 states that will mprove the efficiency of the response in missing persons' cases. The legislation has already passed in 10 states and is now underway in others.
You can read more about the film and Project Jason here. I also encourage you to watch the video clip below.
December 10, 2010
New Reading Room
Footprints has a new Reading Room! Click here to find a collection of interesting articles related to topics discussed on this site. (A link has also been added to the menu.)
Of particular interest are two articles written by Mario Vittone, an educator and former Coast Guard rescue swimmer with 19 years of combined military service in the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. The articles provide some interesting insights into water safety that aren't widely known.
More articles will be added to the Reading Room in the future.
If you have additional articles you'd like to suggest, please send a .pdf to: footprints.blogmail@yahoo.com.
Of particular interest are two articles written by Mario Vittone, an educator and former Coast Guard rescue swimmer with 19 years of combined military service in the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. The articles provide some interesting insights into water safety that aren't widely known.
More articles will be added to the Reading Room in the future.
If you have additional articles you'd like to suggest, please send a .pdf to: footprints.blogmail@yahoo.com.
December 1, 2010
Fox 9 Investigative Report on Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office
Originally published: 12/1/10. Updated: 9/21/12
A 9-month long investigation by Fox 9 News raises serious concerns about a Minnesota medical examiner.
In the two-part series that aired on Nov. 22, 2010 reporter Jeff Baillion examines some of the determinations made by the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office and, in particular, by Dr. Michael McGee, the county's chief medical examiner for the past 25 years. The report by Fox 9 highlights potential errors that may have caused offenders to go free, or the innocent to be wrongfully imprisoned.
The attorney for one family faults McGee for not examining all the evidence in her shooting death. Mark Gherty, the attorney for the family of Jane Nuemann, says McGee reached the conclusion that her death was a suicide before examining death scene photos. The case was later sent to other experts from around the state who arrived at a different conclusion--homicide. Gherty believes her husband, Jim, got away with murder.
In two other cases, men were given life sentences for murder when evidence casting doubt on their guilt was never heard by the jury. Both accuse McGee of making serious errors in their cases.
In the summer of 1996 while on a family vacation, Thomas Rhodes, a young vice president of a business firm, was driving a boat when he claims his wife, Jane, fell overboard. He circled back and jumped in to look for her but was unable to find her in the water. Her bruised body was recovered the following day. Dr. McGee declared it a homicide, and Rhodes was indicted for her murder. During the trial, McGee presented a graphic clay model that illustrated bruising on her face and neck. Rhodes was convicted. In a bid for a new trial, two other forensic pathologists reviewed the autopsy findings. One said the bruises occurred after Mrs. Rhodes had died and that her death was an accidental drowning. Another pathologist called McGee's findings, "highly speculative and unsupported by the medical evidence." He apologized to Thomas Rhodes' parents for the mistakes of his colleague. Despite the new testimony, Rhodes was denied a new trial in 2007. He is still in prison.
Kent Jones was found guilty in two separate trials for the murder of Linda Jensen. Dr. McGee's findings of sexual assault and his subsequent testimony played a pivotal role in Jones' conviction. An independent review of his findings showed that Dr. McGee had miscalculated crucial test results. The miscalculation opened a 4-hour window in which another perpetrator could have killed Jensen. The timing matches an eye witness account from a mail carrier who saw a man leaving the house. The Innocence Project is working with Kent Jones to get his conviction overturned.
The report also shows that two forensic pathologists on his staff are not board certified, nor do staff members from his office regularly attend forensic conferences.
McGee is not a government employee, but a contractor hired by Ramsey County. He serves as the chief medical examiner for Ramsey County, and he is also the chief medical examiner for Washington County. In addition, he provides services to 11 other Minnesota counties (Aitken, Cass, Clay, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Kannabec, Norman, Pine, Polk, Sherburne, Waseca) and has done work in Iowa, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas. The Fox 9 report reveals that contracts with his office in 2009 for Minnesota alone totalled nearly a million dollars. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner, by comparison, is a government employee who earned $232,860. The concern, some defense attorneys have argued, is the potential for bias when benefitting from such valuable contracts.
It has been reported that the Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office conducted examinations of Dan Zamlen, Joey Kaiser, Nicholas Rossini, and Jeremy Steinkeoway--a man fell through the ice in 2003.
You can check out the two-part report by Fox 9 News below, as well as other news reports on this topic.
Part 1
Part 2
A 9-month long investigation by Fox 9 News raises serious concerns about a Minnesota medical examiner.
In the two-part series that aired on Nov. 22, 2010 reporter Jeff Baillion examines some of the determinations made by the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office and, in particular, by Dr. Michael McGee, the county's chief medical examiner for the past 25 years. The report by Fox 9 highlights potential errors that may have caused offenders to go free, or the innocent to be wrongfully imprisoned.
The attorney for one family faults McGee for not examining all the evidence in her shooting death. Mark Gherty, the attorney for the family of Jane Nuemann, says McGee reached the conclusion that her death was a suicide before examining death scene photos. The case was later sent to other experts from around the state who arrived at a different conclusion--homicide. Gherty believes her husband, Jim, got away with murder.
In two other cases, men were given life sentences for murder when evidence casting doubt on their guilt was never heard by the jury. Both accuse McGee of making serious errors in their cases.
In the summer of 1996 while on a family vacation, Thomas Rhodes, a young vice president of a business firm, was driving a boat when he claims his wife, Jane, fell overboard. He circled back and jumped in to look for her but was unable to find her in the water. Her bruised body was recovered the following day. Dr. McGee declared it a homicide, and Rhodes was indicted for her murder. During the trial, McGee presented a graphic clay model that illustrated bruising on her face and neck. Rhodes was convicted. In a bid for a new trial, two other forensic pathologists reviewed the autopsy findings. One said the bruises occurred after Mrs. Rhodes had died and that her death was an accidental drowning. Another pathologist called McGee's findings, "highly speculative and unsupported by the medical evidence." He apologized to Thomas Rhodes' parents for the mistakes of his colleague. Despite the new testimony, Rhodes was denied a new trial in 2007. He is still in prison.
Kent Jones was found guilty in two separate trials for the murder of Linda Jensen. Dr. McGee's findings of sexual assault and his subsequent testimony played a pivotal role in Jones' conviction. An independent review of his findings showed that Dr. McGee had miscalculated crucial test results. The miscalculation opened a 4-hour window in which another perpetrator could have killed Jensen. The timing matches an eye witness account from a mail carrier who saw a man leaving the house. The Innocence Project is working with Kent Jones to get his conviction overturned.
The report also shows that two forensic pathologists on his staff are not board certified, nor do staff members from his office regularly attend forensic conferences.
McGee is not a government employee, but a contractor hired by Ramsey County. He serves as the chief medical examiner for Ramsey County, and he is also the chief medical examiner for Washington County. In addition, he provides services to 11 other Minnesota counties (Aitken, Cass, Clay, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Kannabec, Norman, Pine, Polk, Sherburne, Waseca) and has done work in Iowa, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas. The Fox 9 report reveals that contracts with his office in 2009 for Minnesota alone totalled nearly a million dollars. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner, by comparison, is a government employee who earned $232,860. The concern, some defense attorneys have argued, is the potential for bias when benefitting from such valuable contracts.
It has been reported that the Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office conducted examinations of Dan Zamlen, Joey Kaiser, Nicholas Rossini, and Jeremy Steinkeoway--a man fell through the ice in 2003.
You can check out the two-part report by Fox 9 News below, as well as other news reports on this topic.
Part 1
Part 2
November 9, 2010
Light a Candle for Joshua
 |
| Josh Guimond, Nov. 2009 |
On November 9, 2002--eight years ago today--Joshua Guimond disappeared from the St. John's University campus in Collegeville, MN.
Josh had been playing cards with friends at the Metten Court residence hall when he left around midnight. He never made it back to his dorm room.
It was three minutes away.
Josh's family continues to hope that they will one day find answers
and, hopefully, some justice.
Answers to what happened to Josh cannot come without more public awareness.
We need to remember Josh Guimond, and keep hope alive.
Please place a lit candle in your window on Nov. 9th.
For more information about Joshua Guimond, visit: http://www.findjoshua.com/.
September 17, 2010
Jan Jenkins speaking out to keep families safe
As part of her new speaking platform, Jan Jenkins has been giving talks to communities about how families can keep their kids safe. Jan's next speaking event will be in Rochester on September 30. Check out the postcard at the left for more information about how to register.
Or click here to read more about Jan's workshops.
August 20, 2010
Sly McCurry Memorial Bench
 |
| Sly McCurry Memorial Bench, Lake Superior |
On August 16, a memorial service was held to honor the life of Slyvester McCurry. During the ceremony, the family dedicated a memorial bench in Sly's name. Friends on Facebook later commented:
"I am going to go sit there one of these and pray to him and talk to him and tell him how great of a person he is and how much love there is for him."
"Sly is such a wonderful memory in my heart. He always did the funniest things, and I always knew that being with him would be the best time. I can not say I have ever met anyone so happy to be wake up every morning as Sly. He made my day everyday, and he will forever be missed. ♥"
If you are able to make a donation to help cover the cost of the bench (any amount would be greatly appreciated), please go to the family's PayPal site or e-mail sylvestersmemorialfund@yahoo.com.
August 10, 2010
Solve My Mystery: The True Chris Jenkins Story yields high ratings for NBC
On Friday night, August 6, NBC aired "Solve My Mystery: The True Story of Chris Jenkins." We just learned it was the highest rated show on NBC that night!
We'd love to hear your opinion on the show. Please feel free to leave a comment below or on the Footprints discussion forum.
MSNBC's website has also featured additional video highlights, portions of the case file, redacted versions of the investigator's notes, and a link to the Minneapolis Police Department where you can leave a tip. We urge you to check it out.
We'd love to hear your opinion on the show. Please feel free to leave a comment below or on the Footprints discussion forum.
MSNBC's website has also featured additional video highlights, portions of the case file, redacted versions of the investigator's notes, and a link to the Minneapolis Police Department where you can leave a tip. We urge you to check it out.
August 6, 2010
NBC coverage in Chris Jenkins case
Just a reminder to please tune in to NBC for coverage on the Chris Jenkins case tonight!
Jan and Steve Jenkins appeared live on the Today Show this morning to discuss the gripping one-hour special, Solve My Mystery: The True Story of Chris Jenkins, will air tonight (10 PM EST/ 9 PM CT, NBC).
A clip of tonight's special was shown during the Today Show.
The Jenkins family hopes the show will spur people who have information to come forward. They are also delighted that Solve My Mystery: The True Story of Chris Jenkins will bring awareness to the real danger in the street.
Footprints at the River's Edge would like to thank NBC for highlighting this remarkable family. Our gratitude also goes out to all our readers who plan to tune in to support the Jenkins family! Thank you all!
More about Chris Jenkins can be read here.
Jan and Steve Jenkins appeared live on the Today Show this morning to discuss the gripping one-hour special, Solve My Mystery: The True Story of Chris Jenkins, will air tonight (10 PM EST/ 9 PM CT, NBC).
A clip of tonight's special was shown during the Today Show.
The Jenkins family hopes the show will spur people who have information to come forward. They are also delighted that Solve My Mystery: The True Story of Chris Jenkins will bring awareness to the real danger in the street.
Solve My Mystery: The True Story of Chris Jenkins
Airs Friday, August 6 at 10 PM EST/ 9 PM CT, NBC
Show your support for the Jenkins family by tuning in!
Footprints at the River's Edge would like to thank NBC for highlighting this remarkable family. Our gratitude also goes out to all our readers who plan to tune in to support the Jenkins family! Thank you all!
More about Chris Jenkins can be read here.
August 2, 2010
Slyvester McCurry memorial dedication Aug. 16
A memorial bench will be dedicated to Sylvester "Sly" McCurry Jr. along the banks of Lake Superior on August 16--his birthday. The ceremony will be held on London Road (behind the Perkins Restaurant) and will celebrate honor Sly's life and legacy. It is open for anyone who would like to come. Please view the family's Facebook page, for more details. If you would like to donate to the bench fund, please e-mail: sylvestersmemorialfund@yahoo.com.
August 1, 2010
September Remembrances
This month, please take a moment of silence for these special young men; or click on the links to leave a message of hope and encouragement to their loved ones.
9/12/04 - Jesse Miller
9/18/98 - Robert Kovack
9/23/05 - Patrick Kycia
9/25/06 - Paul Schumann-Moore
9/28/97 - Charles Blatz
9/28/04 - Nate Williams
9/29/02 - Craig Burrows
9/30/06 - Aaron Derbyshire
9/30/06 - Lucas Homan
9/30/07 - Christopher Melancon
These young men and their families are in our thoughts and prayers--now and always.
9/12/04 - Jesse Miller
9/18/98 - Robert Kovack
9/23/05 - Patrick Kycia
9/25/06 - Paul Schumann-Moore
9/28/97 - Charles Blatz
9/28/04 - Nate Williams
9/29/02 - Craig Burrows
9/30/06 - Aaron Derbyshire
9/30/06 - Lucas Homan
9/30/07 - Christopher Melancon
These young men and their families are in our thoughts and prayers--now and always.
July 23, 2010
NBC to air Chris Jenkins special
The family of Chris Jenkins confirmed today that the 1-hour story about their son is slated to air on Friday, August 6 at 9 p.m. Central Time on NBC. The show will be called, "Solve My Mystery: The Chris Jenkins Story."According to Chris's mom, Jan, the story will be "stirring, unique, touching, factual." The family believes the show will be "like nothing you've ever seen before."
Jan sent me the following announcement about the show:
You can show support for the Jenkins family--and, perhaps, encourage similar coverage in other cases--by tuning in to this show and giving its ratings a boost!
Jan sent me the following announcement about the show:
"Over the top good news for Chris Jenkins's family, friends, and anyone who likes to see crimes solved, and killers off the streets: Friday, August 6, prime time (9 CT/10 EST) on NBC, here comes a 1-hour story of Chris's life/death. Encourage anyone who cares about family, safety, and justice to watch the show. It will be amazing!"The Jenkinses hope the show will spur people who have information to come forward. They are also delighted that the show will bring awareness to the real danger in the street. Jan is launching a speaking platform, detailed on www.legacyofcourage.com, a new Web site that will be functioning next week. The family wants to save lives and promote safety in the hopes that their message "will prevent another innocent young man from death and spare his family the agony of missing, murder, no investigation, no justice," says Jan. "The pattern is shockingly familiar."
You can show support for the Jenkins family--and, perhaps, encourage similar coverage in other cases--by tuning in to this show and giving its ratings a boost!
April 22, 2010
Red Oak tree planted to remember Jon Lacina
A red oak tree was planted on the Iowa State University campus today to commorate the life of Jon Lacina. The following article appeared on KCCI.com today:
Tom Lacina Talks Search, Support, Remembering His Son
ISU Student Found Dead In Former Dairy Barn
POSTED: 2:53 pm CDT April 18, 2010
UPDATED: 5:14 pm CDT April 22, 2010
DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowa State University officials and Jon Lacina's family planted a tree Thursday in memory of the student who went missing and was later found dead.
Jon Lacina's father, Tom, spoke Thursday at the memorial ceremony before the family and ISU students planned a tree in Jon's honor. Tom Lacina said the tree would be a constant reminder of Jon.
"Reminds us, I think, that we wanted to remember who Jon was and the delight he brought to our lives as a family, plus as the campus community," said Tom Lacina, Jon's father at the ceremony on Thursday. "As a reminder every day that he was here. And the consequence of his live will go on just like all of us who will someday not be here and we hope that that consequences goes on."
Jon Lacina was found dead in an abandoned building on the old ISU dairy farm. Authorities said it would be weeks until they have enough evidence from the autopsy and other tests to determine how he died.
Lacina, a graphic design major, was last seen leaving a campus gathering on Jan. 22. Friends thought he was heading home, but the barn where he was found is in the opposite direction.
The tree was planted Thursday outside the ISU College of Design where Lacina attended classes. More than 125 people attended the ceremony. Lacina's father, mother and brother helped plant the red oak tree.
Tom Lacina talked to KCCI on Thursday about the search for his son.
"Within 24 hours, they had already conducted a search with over 100 people, professionals and they continued diligently until the day they found Jon's body," said Tom Lacina.
Tom Lacina also talked about the support the family has received from the ISU community and people across Iowa.
"I probably have over a foot of letters from people very concerned from across the state of Iowa and wanting to support us in practical ways, but also just emotionally," said Tom Lacina.
Tom Lacina also talked about how he wants people to remember his son.
"The last two hours or three hours of his life doesn't define 21 years. So what everybody should take away is, is what they shared with him while he was living life fully. And that's what, if he was standing here beside me, he would say 'yes, that would be correct,'" said Tom Lacina.
The memorial service gave friends, family and colleagues a chance to grieve and remember Lacina as a hard-working student.
"Each day in class he would quietly go about his work, guided by his intuitive sense of design. We will always remember his bright friendly smile and we are honored to have worked with him as his instructors," said Professor Paul Bruski.
"Jon was not only an amazing friend, but a very talented artist. The smiles he brought to out faces and the memories made will never be forgotten," said Parker Peterson.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Grinnell at 10:30 a.m. Friday [4/23], followed by a public luncheon with the family.
Memorial donations can be made to the Jon Lacina Arts Fund at the Grinnell Area Arts Council, P.O. Box 657 in Grinnell, 50112.
Jon Lacina's obituary talked about his passion for art, music, nature, Legos, video games and great food. It said family and friends knew him as a quiet and sensible artist and musician, with a pleasant wit and an easy smile.
April 19, 2010
Canada's growing concern
There do seem to be some marked differences between the missing men in Canada and those in the United States, particularly the wider age range. But as in the U.S., most young men were attractive, physically fit, and had last been seen eating or drinking with friends before they disappeared.
According to the Water Poverty Index (WPI), Canada is ranked as one of the most water-rich nations in the world. The WPI measures "the impact of water scarcity and water provision on human populations" for a particular country, taking into account the amount of water present. And Canada has a lot of it. Canada, the second largest country in the world behind Russia, may contain the largest surface area of freshwater of any country (Natural Resources Canada, 08/26/03).
Yet, despite so many disappearances in such a water-rich country, very few of the men have been found in water. In fact, nearly all of the Canadian men are still missing. It is partly because of this--what has not been found--that I am growing increasingly concerned.
Kim Rossmo, a former profiler with the Vancouver Police Department, told the Vancouver Courier that statistically speaking, he finds it unusual that the men have not yet been recovered, as "90 percent of missing people are found within three weeks, and 98 percent are found within two months. After that the chance of finding a missing person decreases." According to the Courier, Rossmo is currently leading the Texas State University Center for Geospatial Intelligence and Investigation; he is considered to be a leading expert in geographic profiling and environmental criminology.
For now, Rossmo says he will remain doubtful as to the existence of a serial killer, at least until he sees evidence. He cautions that it could be difficult to determine if there has been an increase in the number of missing men because "the interest could fluctuate by what's being covered in the media." (Vancouver Courier.)
According to The Canadian Press, "The police have shied away from suggesting any of the cases are connected, but an RCMP spokeswoman said investigators would likely be considering the possibility."
Yet, it would seem that the RCMP has had its hands full investigating other serial killers of late. In December 2007, serial killer Robert "Willie" Pickton was convicted of second-degree murder in the deaths of 6 women and sentenced to life in prison without parole for 25 years. Pickton had been charged with the first-degree murder of 26 women, but a decision was made to split the case into two separate trials, so he was only tried for six. There do not appear to be plans to try him for the remaining cases. Pickton, a pig farmer from Port Coquitlam, had been murdering women in the Downtown Eastside area of Vancouver from June 1983, or possibly even as early as 1979, until 2001 when he was arrested. According to CBS News, the Pickton case became the largest serial killer investigation in Canadian history. Around the same time Pickton was operating, women began disappearing along a northern stretch of Highway 16 between Prince George and Prince Rupert. The area, dubbed the "Highway of Tears," is roughly 490 miles north of Vancouver (about 9 hours by car) and spans 446 miles from west to east. At least 18 women--mostly described as aboriginal teenagers who were hitchhiking--have disappeared or been murdered along this route since 1989. According to some reports, the number could be much higher. In October 2007, CBS News reported that police said, "the evidence neither discounts nor supports the theory that a serial killer was responsible for the murders and disappearances of the 18 women."
Ron Braumberger, the father of Bryan Braumberger, one of the first men to disappear in British Columbia, told The Canadian Press in May 2009, “there was an awful lot of young people that went missing around that time. I don’t know if it’s connected or what. Look how long it took them to connect the missing women down in (Vancouver’s Downtown) Eastside. So who knows.”
This may be comforting to the families of some of the young men who are wondering if the disappearances could be related.
Due to the mounting concerns about these disappearances in Canada, their close proximity to the border, and how helpful it might be to compare these tragic events in our two countries, I will be making a concentrated effort over the next month to post the faces of Canada's missing.
I hope we can help spread the word about these men.
Sources:
Map: Canada.com
Photos: Province.com via Facebook posting.
March 14, 2010
Police investigating third gorge death at Cornell University
The Ithaca Police Department is investigating the death of Cornell University engineering student Matthew Zika, who died near the suspension bridge over Fall Creek Gorge. According to the Cornell Daily Sun, "police first responded to Fall Creek Gorge at around 3:45 p.m. Friday afternoon [March 12.] The IPD temporarily closed the suspension bridge and the Stewart Avenue Bridge after a motorist reported seeing a man drop from the suspension bridge. Other witnesses found an unattended jacket and backpack containing a wallet, cell phone and other personal possessions on the suspension bridge."
This incident follows two other student deaths in the Fall Creek Gorge---William Sinclair on March 10 and Bradley Ginsberg on February 17. On March 22, CNN.com reported that the causes of all three deaths were determined to be suicide, bringing the total number to six for the academic year for Cornell, which CNN described as a "highly competitive Ivy League school."
Monitors have been temporarily placed at all bridges at Cornell University 24-7 and has plans to put up taller fences to act as a deterrent. They are also making students more aware of student support services.
This incident follows two other student deaths in the Fall Creek Gorge---William Sinclair on March 10 and Bradley Ginsberg on February 17. On March 22, CNN.com reported that the causes of all three deaths were determined to be suicide, bringing the total number to six for the academic year for Cornell, which CNN described as a "highly competitive Ivy League school."
Monitors have been temporarily placed at all bridges at Cornell University 24-7 and has plans to put up taller fences to act as a deterrent. They are also making students more aware of student support services.
March 10, 2010
Setting the record straight about Dan Zamlen
Dan's mother, Sally Zamlen, has been investigating the case on her own and, in the hopes of setting the record straight, she has shared with me some of her alarming findings with me, such as:
- inconsistencies in statements made by those who last saw Dan
- cell phone records that do not match up with witness statements
- text messages deleted from the phone of witnesses
- physical evidence suggesting that Dan Zamlen was not overly intoxicated/incoherent
- reasons to believe Dan was not gay and having an identity crisis
- evidence that Dan had been thrown out of a bar in downtown Minneapolis the night before he disappeared and an attempted robbery had taken place
- medical examiner findings that point away from an accidental fall or jump into the river
- witness statements that Dan drank Vodka that "tasted bad" and that other partygoers had gotten unusually sick after drinking it; high levels of GHB in his body
March 6, 2010
Informational meeting to be rescheduled
Update: Due to the short notice of this event, we have learned it would be best for most people if we reschedule it at a later date in the Twin Cities. We will be working on the agenda and planning additional details. I'll get them to you as soon as more is known. We would welcome any suggestions/input. Thanks go out to all of you who responded so quickly and who were willing to make the trek; we look forward to rescheduling this soon!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)