Dad HORACE JOHNSON is finally going to trial on 2nd-degree murder charges for the torture death of his 2-year-old son.
http://www.connectmidmissouri.com/news/story.aspx?id=383825
Trial for father charged with child abuse starts Tuesday
Monday, November 30, 2009 at 6:19 p.m.
COLUMBIA, MO. -- Boone County Prosecutor Dan Knight is headed to Kansas City tonight for tomorrow's jury selection in the murder trial of 27-year-old Horace Johnson.
Knight has charged Johnson with second-degree murder in the 2008 death of his two-year-old son, Cortez.
Medical examiners said the boy had been burned, cut, and bound before he eventually died from a blow to the head.
A jury is selected in Clay County will be brought back to Columbia for the trial.
In September, a jury found the boy's mother guilty of second-degree murder.
The judge sentenced 27-year-old Keyonda Lumpkin to 24 years in prison.
During her trial, the prosecutor said the boy's body bore evidence of more than 200 injuries at the time of his death.
Monday, November 30, 2009
More questions about the Department of Children and Families, the courts, and abductor dad; who's jiving who? (St. Petersburg, Florida)
This article from the St. Petersburg Times is the most comprehensive review I have seen thus far about this case. As most Dastardly readers are aware of by now, dad PAUL MARTIKAINEN abducted his 3-year-old son from a court-ordered visitation session, and the two of them now appear to be on a sailboat somewhere in the Gulf of Mexico. Let's review some of the salient points as I see them at this stage:
1) We still have no idea how Dad "dodged" the court-appointed visitation supervisor. Are we supposed to believe that this person is just a dimwit, and that it's just an amazing coincidence that Dad's "alleged" abuse was "verified" just days before by the Florida Department of Children and Families, and yet there was no stepped-up attention at all? At this point, why was visitation even continued? Clearly, Dad was pretty confident he could pull this stunt, since he had his sailboat all ready to go and waiting--and now repainted a battleship gray with all identifying numbers removed, so as to make detection more difficult. Why was Dad so confident? This "monitor" needs to be thoroughly investigated for any role he or she may have played in this fiasco. And subjected to any and all appropriate disciplinary actions including jail.
2) In a move that the Florida Department of Children and Families is now famous for--deftly passing the buck and absolving itself of responsibility--DCF basically says "not my problem, man" because the mother had primary custody (so?) and "the child was under the supervision of the judge." And also, you know, the investigation was closed the day before Thanskgiving and our part was done, man (in other words, they didn't follow through because they were thinking about their long holiday weekend and not about the welfare of a 3-year-old boy. We got it.). Well then. Maybe the judge needs to be fired along with most of the DCF staff.
3) For the moronic enablers who still insist that Dad is not abusive or neglectful, consider the following points:
* Dad is taking a 3-year-old child out on a sailboat when Dad has little to no sailing experience, on a boat that is difficult to identify from the air because of the gray paint job. This makes it difficult to catch, yes, but also difficult to locate in case of distress. Do you wonder if Dad even thought of that, or if he even cares?
* The boat has no EPIRB, a devise that helps rescuers locate boats in distress, and the boat has no child life vests. Though it's possible that Dad went out and bought a child vest, it sure doesn't look like this was a priority given the context of his other actions. How do these actions rate in terms of Dad's overall concern for the boy's safety and well being, folks?
* Given that Dad appears to be sailing alone, how does he, an inexperienced sailor, plan to supervise an active preschooler on a 32-foot sailboat? Is he going to devote himself totally to child care under the rather demanding circumstances? (I'd hate to be supervising a preschooler on a boat this size even if I had no other responsibilities.) Yea, sure he is. And embark on a crash course in sailing at the same time. How's that for multi-tasking? Actually it's just pure freaking stupidity. He's going to be ignoring the kid, that's what. He has no choice if he's going to keep the boat afloat.
* A bad storm is expected to move across the Gulf from Texas on Wednesday. But did a bad weather forecast put a crimp in Dad's plans? Did it make him reconsider his son's well-being in this nutty scheme for even a second? Apparently not.
4) Why are these guy's "rights" even under consideration at this point? We now find out that Dad gave up his parental rights after the initial divorce in 2005, when the baby hadn't even been born yet! The couple then makes an effort to reconcile, so Dad changes his mind and wants joint custody because he's "developed a bond" with the child. Yea, right. Work out the timeline. Basically as soon as Dad enters the picture, he's abusing the child. And not "alleged" abuse as initially reported in error. We're talking "verified" abuse. So you want to tell me about bonding? My @$$.
5) Note that in addition to the "verified" (not "alleged") child abuse charges, this guy has a general criminal record that includes drug trafficking. Oh yes, great dad this one.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/mother-of-abducted-boy-issues-a-tearful-plea-for-his-safe-return/1055279
Mother of abducted boy issues a tearful plea for his safe return
By Emily Nipps and Andy Boyle, Times Staff Writers
In Print: Tuesday, December 1, 2009
ST. PETERSBURG — Nothing about Paul Martikainen seemed suspicious when he showed up in St. Petersburg nearly two months ago to retrieve a boat a friend purchased.
The 35-year-old Palm Bay man made friends with other Salt Creek Marina boat owners, sharing beer and doughnuts as he lived on the sailboat while refurbishing it. He spoke fondly of his son and asked about basic boating tips, the boaters recall.
He certainly didn't seem like the kind of guy who would abduct his 3-year-old son and take off with him in the boat, braving the Gulf of Mexico with no sailing experience. But that's what authorities accuse Martikainen of doing after escaping a supervised visit with the boy at a Cocoa park on Saturday.
By Monday, Cocoa police, the FBI and the U.S. Coast Guard were still searching for Martikainen and the boy, Luke Finch. Luke's mother issued a tearful televised appeal.
"Please," said 29-year-old Christa Finch, "just bring Lukey home."
Finch didn't elaborate on how Martikainen and the boy got away from the court-appointed supervisor. But interviews with authorities and witnesses suggest what happened before and after the abduction.
About 4 p.m. Saturday — a few hours after Martikainen left the park — Gabriel Guzman and Sam Mageramov saw Martikainen sailing away from Salt Creek Marina.
As Martikainen was leaving, a dinghy attached to his boat came loose, they said. They helped him tie it back — not knowing what the man on the boat was accused of doing.
At one point the boy emerged from inside the boat, Guzman said, but Martikainen told him to go back. The boy didn't seem scared, Guzman said.
"We should have saved the boy," Guzman said. "We could have saved him had we known."
In recent weeks, Guzman said, Martikainen started asking basic boating questions, such as how to tie certain types of knots.
Debra Van Skiver, who works for Neptune Towing and Recovery near the marina, said she sold the 1977 32-foot Bristol to Martikainen for $6,109 during the third week of October. He told friends he was purchasing it for someone in Arkansas. He was going to fix it up and transport it to his friend, he said, though Martikainen had no sailing experience.
He appeared to be living aboard the boat as he worked on it, said Ted Suratt, whose boat was docked next to Martikainen's.
Van Skiver said the boat has a sleeping cabin, kitchenette, compass and VHF radio. Martikainen purchased a GPS before Thanksgiving, she said, but had no EPIRB, a device that helps rescuers locate boats in distress.
The boat had adult life vests but no child vests, and Van Skiver didn't know if Martikainen bought one.
"This is a man with not a lot of sailing experience," Van Skiver said. "It is impossible to take care of a child and sail a boat without multiple people."
Authorities believe the abduction was planned because the boat was recently painted gray — covering identifying numbers and making it tough to see in the water.
Martikainen was ordered to have supervised visitation because of previous allegations that he physically abused the boy, Cocoa Police Department spokeswoman Barbara Matthews said. The visits have been ongoing for about six months, his ex-wife said. The allegations were verified by a Department of Children and Families investigation just days before the child disappeared, said DCF spokeswoman Carrie Hoeppner.
DCF said there was no reason for the state to intervene because the mother had primary custody and the child was under the supervision of a judge.
DCF said it conducted several investigations of Martikainen this year, but the only one it could comment on was the most recent, which verified the abuse. DCF closed its investigation Nov. 25, the day before Thanksgiving.
Records show that Martikainen and Christa Lee Finch got a marriage license in 2004 in Palm Beach County. A wedding was held at Great Outdoors in Titusville in Brevard County on Dec. 3, 2004.
They filed for divorce in July 2005, Florida Today reported. She was pregnant with Luke, and Martikainen agreed to give up his parental rights as part of their divorce agreement, the newspaper reported.
The two began living together again in September 2006, then separated in January 2008, Today reported. He filed for joint custody because he said he had developed a bond with Luke.
Martikainen has an arrest record that includes driving without a license and failing to go to court multiple times in the 1990s. In 1999, he was arrested in Palm Beach on a felony charge of trafficking the drug ecstasy.
In February he was charged with child abuse and domestic battery.
The Coast Guard said it was searching for Martikainen and his son during patrols Monday. A bad storm is expected to move across the gulf from Texas on Wednesday.
Times researcher Carolyn Edds and staff writer Jamal Thalji contributed to this report. Emily Nipps can be reached at nipps@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8452.
Police seek help
Paul Martikainen is described as being 5 feet 11, 176 pounds, with blond hair and green eyes. Luke Finch is described as 2 feet 9, 33 pounds, with blond hair and blue eyes. According to the Amber Alert, the child was last seen wearing a blue sweatshirt, blue pants and black and red fire engine sneakers. Cocoa police ask anyone with information to call (321) 639-7620 or dial 911.
1) We still have no idea how Dad "dodged" the court-appointed visitation supervisor. Are we supposed to believe that this person is just a dimwit, and that it's just an amazing coincidence that Dad's "alleged" abuse was "verified" just days before by the Florida Department of Children and Families, and yet there was no stepped-up attention at all? At this point, why was visitation even continued? Clearly, Dad was pretty confident he could pull this stunt, since he had his sailboat all ready to go and waiting--and now repainted a battleship gray with all identifying numbers removed, so as to make detection more difficult. Why was Dad so confident? This "monitor" needs to be thoroughly investigated for any role he or she may have played in this fiasco. And subjected to any and all appropriate disciplinary actions including jail.
2) In a move that the Florida Department of Children and Families is now famous for--deftly passing the buck and absolving itself of responsibility--DCF basically says "not my problem, man" because the mother had primary custody (so?) and "the child was under the supervision of the judge." And also, you know, the investigation was closed the day before Thanskgiving and our part was done, man (in other words, they didn't follow through because they were thinking about their long holiday weekend and not about the welfare of a 3-year-old boy. We got it.). Well then. Maybe the judge needs to be fired along with most of the DCF staff.
3) For the moronic enablers who still insist that Dad is not abusive or neglectful, consider the following points:
* Dad is taking a 3-year-old child out on a sailboat when Dad has little to no sailing experience, on a boat that is difficult to identify from the air because of the gray paint job. This makes it difficult to catch, yes, but also difficult to locate in case of distress. Do you wonder if Dad even thought of that, or if he even cares?
* The boat has no EPIRB, a devise that helps rescuers locate boats in distress, and the boat has no child life vests. Though it's possible that Dad went out and bought a child vest, it sure doesn't look like this was a priority given the context of his other actions. How do these actions rate in terms of Dad's overall concern for the boy's safety and well being, folks?
* Given that Dad appears to be sailing alone, how does he, an inexperienced sailor, plan to supervise an active preschooler on a 32-foot sailboat? Is he going to devote himself totally to child care under the rather demanding circumstances? (I'd hate to be supervising a preschooler on a boat this size even if I had no other responsibilities.) Yea, sure he is. And embark on a crash course in sailing at the same time. How's that for multi-tasking? Actually it's just pure freaking stupidity. He's going to be ignoring the kid, that's what. He has no choice if he's going to keep the boat afloat.
* A bad storm is expected to move across the Gulf from Texas on Wednesday. But did a bad weather forecast put a crimp in Dad's plans? Did it make him reconsider his son's well-being in this nutty scheme for even a second? Apparently not.
4) Why are these guy's "rights" even under consideration at this point? We now find out that Dad gave up his parental rights after the initial divorce in 2005, when the baby hadn't even been born yet! The couple then makes an effort to reconcile, so Dad changes his mind and wants joint custody because he's "developed a bond" with the child. Yea, right. Work out the timeline. Basically as soon as Dad enters the picture, he's abusing the child. And not "alleged" abuse as initially reported in error. We're talking "verified" abuse. So you want to tell me about bonding? My @$$.
5) Note that in addition to the "verified" (not "alleged") child abuse charges, this guy has a general criminal record that includes drug trafficking. Oh yes, great dad this one.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/mother-of-abducted-boy-issues-a-tearful-plea-for-his-safe-return/1055279
Mother of abducted boy issues a tearful plea for his safe return
By Emily Nipps and Andy Boyle, Times Staff Writers
In Print: Tuesday, December 1, 2009
ST. PETERSBURG — Nothing about Paul Martikainen seemed suspicious when he showed up in St. Petersburg nearly two months ago to retrieve a boat a friend purchased.
The 35-year-old Palm Bay man made friends with other Salt Creek Marina boat owners, sharing beer and doughnuts as he lived on the sailboat while refurbishing it. He spoke fondly of his son and asked about basic boating tips, the boaters recall.
He certainly didn't seem like the kind of guy who would abduct his 3-year-old son and take off with him in the boat, braving the Gulf of Mexico with no sailing experience. But that's what authorities accuse Martikainen of doing after escaping a supervised visit with the boy at a Cocoa park on Saturday.
By Monday, Cocoa police, the FBI and the U.S. Coast Guard were still searching for Martikainen and the boy, Luke Finch. Luke's mother issued a tearful televised appeal.
"Please," said 29-year-old Christa Finch, "just bring Lukey home."
Finch didn't elaborate on how Martikainen and the boy got away from the court-appointed supervisor. But interviews with authorities and witnesses suggest what happened before and after the abduction.
About 4 p.m. Saturday — a few hours after Martikainen left the park — Gabriel Guzman and Sam Mageramov saw Martikainen sailing away from Salt Creek Marina.
As Martikainen was leaving, a dinghy attached to his boat came loose, they said. They helped him tie it back — not knowing what the man on the boat was accused of doing.
At one point the boy emerged from inside the boat, Guzman said, but Martikainen told him to go back. The boy didn't seem scared, Guzman said.
"We should have saved the boy," Guzman said. "We could have saved him had we known."
In recent weeks, Guzman said, Martikainen started asking basic boating questions, such as how to tie certain types of knots.
Debra Van Skiver, who works for Neptune Towing and Recovery near the marina, said she sold the 1977 32-foot Bristol to Martikainen for $6,109 during the third week of October. He told friends he was purchasing it for someone in Arkansas. He was going to fix it up and transport it to his friend, he said, though Martikainen had no sailing experience.
He appeared to be living aboard the boat as he worked on it, said Ted Suratt, whose boat was docked next to Martikainen's.
Van Skiver said the boat has a sleeping cabin, kitchenette, compass and VHF radio. Martikainen purchased a GPS before Thanksgiving, she said, but had no EPIRB, a device that helps rescuers locate boats in distress.
The boat had adult life vests but no child vests, and Van Skiver didn't know if Martikainen bought one.
"This is a man with not a lot of sailing experience," Van Skiver said. "It is impossible to take care of a child and sail a boat without multiple people."
Authorities believe the abduction was planned because the boat was recently painted gray — covering identifying numbers and making it tough to see in the water.
Martikainen was ordered to have supervised visitation because of previous allegations that he physically abused the boy, Cocoa Police Department spokeswoman Barbara Matthews said. The visits have been ongoing for about six months, his ex-wife said. The allegations were verified by a Department of Children and Families investigation just days before the child disappeared, said DCF spokeswoman Carrie Hoeppner.
DCF said there was no reason for the state to intervene because the mother had primary custody and the child was under the supervision of a judge.
DCF said it conducted several investigations of Martikainen this year, but the only one it could comment on was the most recent, which verified the abuse. DCF closed its investigation Nov. 25, the day before Thanksgiving.
Records show that Martikainen and Christa Lee Finch got a marriage license in 2004 in Palm Beach County. A wedding was held at Great Outdoors in Titusville in Brevard County on Dec. 3, 2004.
They filed for divorce in July 2005, Florida Today reported. She was pregnant with Luke, and Martikainen agreed to give up his parental rights as part of their divorce agreement, the newspaper reported.
The two began living together again in September 2006, then separated in January 2008, Today reported. He filed for joint custody because he said he had developed a bond with Luke.
Martikainen has an arrest record that includes driving without a license and failing to go to court multiple times in the 1990s. In 1999, he was arrested in Palm Beach on a felony charge of trafficking the drug ecstasy.
In February he was charged with child abuse and domestic battery.
The Coast Guard said it was searching for Martikainen and his son during patrols Monday. A bad storm is expected to move across the gulf from Texas on Wednesday.
Times researcher Carolyn Edds and staff writer Jamal Thalji contributed to this report. Emily Nipps can be reached at nipps@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8452.
Police seek help
Paul Martikainen is described as being 5 feet 11, 176 pounds, with blond hair and green eyes. Luke Finch is described as 2 feet 9, 33 pounds, with blond hair and blue eyes. According to the Amber Alert, the child was last seen wearing a blue sweatshirt, blue pants and black and red fire engine sneakers. Cocoa police ask anyone with information to call (321) 639-7620 or dial 911.
Dad charged with capital murder in shootings of 2 teen daughters, wife (Lyndon, Kansas)
Another devoted daddy who shows his great love for his family by gunning everybody down in cold blood. JAMES KRAIG KAHLER, who was already scheduled to appear in court on a domestic assault charge against his wife, has shown his true mettle. Observe that Daddy had been harrassing the mother about custody (here phrased as "the couple had been sparring about the children," as if this were some damn fencing tournament). But we can see how much he really wanted those kids, right? Dead or alive was all the same to him.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gpb-PPO8ZanJboYIP6eDaxQJPERwD9CA56980
Man charged with capital murder in 3 Kan. deaths
By JOHN HANNA (AP) – 3 hours ago
LYNDON, Kan. — A former Missouri city official previously accused of assaulting his wife was charged Monday with capital murder in the shootings of her and their two teenage daughters in eastern Kansas.
James Kraig Kahler, 46, also was charged with one count of attempted first-degree murder in the shooting of his estranged wife's 89-year-old grandmother and one count of aggravated burglary. Authorities suspect he broke into the grandmother's home near Topeka, where the shootings occurred.
During Kahler's first appearance in Osage County District Court, Judge Phillip Fromme set bail at $10 million and scheduled another hearing for Dec. 10.
Kahler, who often went by his middle name Kraig, declined to comment as sheriff's deputies escorted him in handcuffs from jail to the courthouse. He had been scheduled to appear in court in Columbia, Mo., on Wednesday on a domestic assault charge stemming from an altercation with his wife in March that led to the loss of his job as director of Columbia's Water & Light Department.
A divorce trial for Kahler and his 44-year-old wife, Karen, was scheduled to start Dec. 21, but a settlement hearing was planned for Friday. Court records showed that he complained of financial pressures and the couple had been sparring over their children.
The Kahlers' daughters, Emily, 18, and Lauren, 16, were killed Saturday, along with their mother. His wife's grandmother, Dorothy Wight, 89, was wounded. The couple's 10-year-old son, Sean, was at Wight's house south of Burlingame on Saturday but was uninjured.
Wight remained in critical condition at a Topeka hospital, said Ashley Anstaett, spokeswoman for the attorney general's office. She declined to say where the boy was staying.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gpb-PPO8ZanJboYIP6eDaxQJPERwD9CA56980
Man charged with capital murder in 3 Kan. deaths
By JOHN HANNA (AP) – 3 hours ago
LYNDON, Kan. — A former Missouri city official previously accused of assaulting his wife was charged Monday with capital murder in the shootings of her and their two teenage daughters in eastern Kansas.
James Kraig Kahler, 46, also was charged with one count of attempted first-degree murder in the shooting of his estranged wife's 89-year-old grandmother and one count of aggravated burglary. Authorities suspect he broke into the grandmother's home near Topeka, where the shootings occurred.
During Kahler's first appearance in Osage County District Court, Judge Phillip Fromme set bail at $10 million and scheduled another hearing for Dec. 10.
Kahler, who often went by his middle name Kraig, declined to comment as sheriff's deputies escorted him in handcuffs from jail to the courthouse. He had been scheduled to appear in court in Columbia, Mo., on Wednesday on a domestic assault charge stemming from an altercation with his wife in March that led to the loss of his job as director of Columbia's Water & Light Department.
A divorce trial for Kahler and his 44-year-old wife, Karen, was scheduled to start Dec. 21, but a settlement hearing was planned for Friday. Court records showed that he complained of financial pressures and the couple had been sparring over their children.
The Kahlers' daughters, Emily, 18, and Lauren, 16, were killed Saturday, along with their mother. His wife's grandmother, Dorothy Wight, 89, was wounded. The couple's 10-year-old son, Sean, was at Wight's house south of Burlingame on Saturday but was uninjured.
Wight remained in critical condition at a Topeka hospital, said Ashley Anstaett, spokeswoman for the attorney general's office. She declined to say where the boy was staying.
Mom of abducted boy issues plea for safe return; dad's "alleged" abuse was "verified" just days before boy's disappearance (St. Petersburg, Florida)
Once again, what an amazing coincidence we have in this case! Dad's "alleged" abuse was in fact "confirmed" as abuse--and just days before dad PAUL MARTIKAINEN and his 3-year-old son happened to "vanish" under the watchful eye of the court-ordered monitor! Wow, and on the same day we just happened to have a newly repainted boat waiting for us at the marina! All these "coincidences" just keep piling up higher and deeper, don't they?
http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/at-st-petersburg-marina-boaters-worry-about-father-son-he-may-have-abducted/1055279
Mother of abducted boy issues a tearful plea for his safe return
By Emily Nipps and Andy Boyle, Times Staff Writers
Posted: Nov 30, 2009 09:19 AM
ST. PETERSBURG — Nothing about Paul Martikainen seemed suspicious when he showed up in St. Petersburg nearly two months ago to retrieve a boat a friend purchased.
The 35-year-old Palm Bay man made friends with other Salt Creek Marina boat owners, sharing beer and doughnuts as he lived on the sailboat while refurbishing it. He spoke fondly of his son and asked about basic boating tips, the boaters recall.
He certainly didn't seem like the kind of guy who would abduct his 3-year-old son and take off with him in the boat, braving the Gulf of Mexico with no sailing experience. But that's what authorities accuse Martikainen of doing after escaping a supervised visit with the boy at a Cocoa park on Saturday.
By Monday Cocoa police, the FBI and the U.S. Coast Guard were still searching for Martikainen and the boy, Luke Finch. Luke's mother issued a tearful televised appeal.
"Please," said 29-year-old Christa Finch, "just bring Lukey home."
Finch didn't elaborate on how Martikainen and the boy got away from the court-appointed supervisor. But interviews with authorities and witnesses suggest what happened before and after the abduction.
About 4 p.m. that Saturday — a few hours after Martikainen left the park — Gabriel Guzman and Sam Mageramov saw Martikainen sailing away from Salt Creek Marina.
As he was leaving, a dinghy attached to Martikainen's boat came loose, they said. They helped him tie it back to his boat — not knowing what the man on the boat was accused of doing.
At one point the boy emerged from inside the boat, Guzman said, but Martikainen told him to go back. The boy didn't seem scared, Guzman said.
"We should have saved the boy," Guzman said. "We could have saved him had we known."
In recent weeks, Guzman said, Martikainen started asking basic boating questions, such as how to tie certain types of knots.
Debra Van Skiver, who works for Neptune Towing and Recovery near the marina, said she sold the 1977 32-foot Bristol to Martikainen for $6,109 during the third week of October. He told friends he was purchasing it for someone in Arkansas. He was going to fix it up and transport it to his friend, he said, though Martikainen had no sailing experience.
He appeared to be living aboard the boat as he worked on it, said Ted Suratt, whose boat was docked next to Martikainen's.
Suratt said Martikainen claimed to have dual citizenship and once served in the military in Finland. "He never gave an indication that he was capable of this," Suratt said.
Van Skiver said the boat has a sleeping cabin, kitchenette, compass and VHF radio. Martikainen purchased a GPS before Thanksgiving, she said, but had no EPIRB, a device that helps rescuers locate boats in distress.
The boat had adult life vests but no child vests, and Van Skiver didn't know if Martikainen bought one.
He said he would try sailing it after visiting his son over Thanksgiving, Van Skiver said, but she advised him to take boating classes first.
"This is a man with not a lot of sailing experience," Van Skiver said. "It is impossible to take care of a child and sail a boat without multiple people."
Authorities believe the abduction was planned because the boat was recently painted battleship gray — covering identifying numbers and making it tough to see in the water.
Martikainen was ordered to have supervised visitation because of previous allegations that he physically abused the boy, Matthews said. The visits have been ongoing for about six months, his ex-wife said.
The allegations were verified by a Department of Children and Families investigation just days before the child went missing, said DCF spokeswoman Carrie Hoeppner.
DCF said there was no reason for the state to intervene because the mother had primary custody and the child was under the supervision of a judge.
DCF said it conducted several investigations of Martikainen this year but the only one it could comment on was the most recent, which verified the abuse. DCF closed its investigation Nov. 25, the day before Thanksgiving.
Records show that Martikainen and Christa Lee Finch got a marriage license in 2004 in Palm Beach County. A wedding was held at Great Outdoors in Titusville in Brevard County on Dec. 3, 2004.
They filed for divorce in July 2005, Florida Today reported. She was pregnant with Luke, and Martikainen agreed to give up his parental rights as part of their divorce agreement, the newspaper reported.
The two began living together again in September 2006, then separated in January 2008, Today reported. He filed for joint custody because he said he had developed a bond with Luke.
Martikainen has an arrest record that includes driving without a license and failing to go to court multiple times in the 1990s. In 1999 he was arrested in Palm Beach on a felony charge of trafficking Ecstasy.
In February he was charged with child abuse and domestic battery.
The Coast Guard said it was searching for Martikainen and his son during patrols Monday. A bad storm is expected to move across the Gulf from Texas on Wednesday.
Times researcher Carolyn Edds and staff writer Jamal Thalji contributed to this report. Emily Nipps can be reached at nipps@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8452.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/at-st-petersburg-marina-boaters-worry-about-father-son-he-may-have-abducted/1055279
Mother of abducted boy issues a tearful plea for his safe return
By Emily Nipps and Andy Boyle, Times Staff Writers
Posted: Nov 30, 2009 09:19 AM
ST. PETERSBURG — Nothing about Paul Martikainen seemed suspicious when he showed up in St. Petersburg nearly two months ago to retrieve a boat a friend purchased.
The 35-year-old Palm Bay man made friends with other Salt Creek Marina boat owners, sharing beer and doughnuts as he lived on the sailboat while refurbishing it. He spoke fondly of his son and asked about basic boating tips, the boaters recall.
He certainly didn't seem like the kind of guy who would abduct his 3-year-old son and take off with him in the boat, braving the Gulf of Mexico with no sailing experience. But that's what authorities accuse Martikainen of doing after escaping a supervised visit with the boy at a Cocoa park on Saturday.
By Monday Cocoa police, the FBI and the U.S. Coast Guard were still searching for Martikainen and the boy, Luke Finch. Luke's mother issued a tearful televised appeal.
"Please," said 29-year-old Christa Finch, "just bring Lukey home."
Finch didn't elaborate on how Martikainen and the boy got away from the court-appointed supervisor. But interviews with authorities and witnesses suggest what happened before and after the abduction.
About 4 p.m. that Saturday — a few hours after Martikainen left the park — Gabriel Guzman and Sam Mageramov saw Martikainen sailing away from Salt Creek Marina.
As he was leaving, a dinghy attached to Martikainen's boat came loose, they said. They helped him tie it back to his boat — not knowing what the man on the boat was accused of doing.
At one point the boy emerged from inside the boat, Guzman said, but Martikainen told him to go back. The boy didn't seem scared, Guzman said.
"We should have saved the boy," Guzman said. "We could have saved him had we known."
In recent weeks, Guzman said, Martikainen started asking basic boating questions, such as how to tie certain types of knots.
Debra Van Skiver, who works for Neptune Towing and Recovery near the marina, said she sold the 1977 32-foot Bristol to Martikainen for $6,109 during the third week of October. He told friends he was purchasing it for someone in Arkansas. He was going to fix it up and transport it to his friend, he said, though Martikainen had no sailing experience.
He appeared to be living aboard the boat as he worked on it, said Ted Suratt, whose boat was docked next to Martikainen's.
Suratt said Martikainen claimed to have dual citizenship and once served in the military in Finland. "He never gave an indication that he was capable of this," Suratt said.
Van Skiver said the boat has a sleeping cabin, kitchenette, compass and VHF radio. Martikainen purchased a GPS before Thanksgiving, she said, but had no EPIRB, a device that helps rescuers locate boats in distress.
The boat had adult life vests but no child vests, and Van Skiver didn't know if Martikainen bought one.
He said he would try sailing it after visiting his son over Thanksgiving, Van Skiver said, but she advised him to take boating classes first.
"This is a man with not a lot of sailing experience," Van Skiver said. "It is impossible to take care of a child and sail a boat without multiple people."
Authorities believe the abduction was planned because the boat was recently painted battleship gray — covering identifying numbers and making it tough to see in the water.
Martikainen was ordered to have supervised visitation because of previous allegations that he physically abused the boy, Matthews said. The visits have been ongoing for about six months, his ex-wife said.
The allegations were verified by a Department of Children and Families investigation just days before the child went missing, said DCF spokeswoman Carrie Hoeppner.
DCF said there was no reason for the state to intervene because the mother had primary custody and the child was under the supervision of a judge.
DCF said it conducted several investigations of Martikainen this year but the only one it could comment on was the most recent, which verified the abuse. DCF closed its investigation Nov. 25, the day before Thanksgiving.
Records show that Martikainen and Christa Lee Finch got a marriage license in 2004 in Palm Beach County. A wedding was held at Great Outdoors in Titusville in Brevard County on Dec. 3, 2004.
They filed for divorce in July 2005, Florida Today reported. She was pregnant with Luke, and Martikainen agreed to give up his parental rights as part of their divorce agreement, the newspaper reported.
The two began living together again in September 2006, then separated in January 2008, Today reported. He filed for joint custody because he said he had developed a bond with Luke.
Martikainen has an arrest record that includes driving without a license and failing to go to court multiple times in the 1990s. In 1999 he was arrested in Palm Beach on a felony charge of trafficking Ecstasy.
In February he was charged with child abuse and domestic battery.
The Coast Guard said it was searching for Martikainen and his son during patrols Monday. A bad storm is expected to move across the Gulf from Texas on Wednesday.
Times researcher Carolyn Edds and staff writer Jamal Thalji contributed to this report. Emily Nipps can be reached at nipps@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8452.
Kidnapper dad wasn't "allegedly" abusive; there are "confirmed" reports (Brevard County, Florida)
Interesting, that after all the reports about "allegedly" abusive father PAUL MARTIKAINEN, we now hear from Florida DCF via Fox that there are "confirmed reports of child abuse by the father several times in 2009." Thanks for finally sharing that with us, Fox. Since nobody else seemed to ferret out that rather important information.
Puts a whole different spin on this voyage thing, doesn't it? So much for the falsely-accused- brave-daddy-sailing-into freedom-with-little-son-at-his-side baloney that some folks are trying to pawn off on us.
Search continues for missing boy, dad
Updated: Monday, 30 Nov 2009, 4:39 PM EST
Published : Monday, 30 Nov 2009, 4:39 PM EST
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - The search continues for a missing 3-year-old Palm Bay boy. Police in Cocoa say witnesses reported seeing Paul Martikainen and his 3-year-old son, Luke Finch, get in a 32-foot sailboat at a St. Petersburg marina on Saturday.
On Monday the boy’s mother, Christa Finch, appeared in front of media cameras Monday holding up pictures of her son 3-year old son Luke, and his favorite stuffed animal. She says the boys father, 35-year old Paul martikainen, didn't bring him back from a court supervised visit Saturday night, and her intuition tells her he needs his mom. "I'm sure that he's telling him he wants to come home to Mom. I'm sure that he is."
Christa last saw her son at the Cocoa Police Department, where she handed over the three year old to her ex-husband. During a visit to a Cocoa Park, the Palm Bay father allegedly slipped away from supervision. The two were next spotted at this Saint Petersburg marina, getting onboard a sailboat which left the harbor. “He's probably scared... he's never been on a boat in the water, and I'm sure he's very scared," said Christa.
The department of children and families tells FOX 35 they have confirmed reports of child abuse by the father several times in 2009, but wouldn't specify how many. Martikainen is allowed supervised visits, but not overnight.
The boy's mother, Christa, has sole custody after the couple divorced four years ago.
Puts a whole different spin on this voyage thing, doesn't it? So much for the falsely-accused- brave-daddy-sailing-into freedom-with-little-son-at-his-side baloney that some folks are trying to pawn off on us.
So let's ask the next obvious question. Why was a confirmed abuser allowed any child visitation, especially under such a sloppy set-up as the one in Brevard County?
http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/brevard_news/113009-missing-boySearch continues for missing boy, dad
Updated: Monday, 30 Nov 2009, 4:39 PM EST
Published : Monday, 30 Nov 2009, 4:39 PM EST
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - The search continues for a missing 3-year-old Palm Bay boy. Police in Cocoa say witnesses reported seeing Paul Martikainen and his 3-year-old son, Luke Finch, get in a 32-foot sailboat at a St. Petersburg marina on Saturday.
On Monday the boy’s mother, Christa Finch, appeared in front of media cameras Monday holding up pictures of her son 3-year old son Luke, and his favorite stuffed animal. She says the boys father, 35-year old Paul martikainen, didn't bring him back from a court supervised visit Saturday night, and her intuition tells her he needs his mom. "I'm sure that he's telling him he wants to come home to Mom. I'm sure that he is."
Christa last saw her son at the Cocoa Police Department, where she handed over the three year old to her ex-husband. During a visit to a Cocoa Park, the Palm Bay father allegedly slipped away from supervision. The two were next spotted at this Saint Petersburg marina, getting onboard a sailboat which left the harbor. “He's probably scared... he's never been on a boat in the water, and I'm sure he's very scared," said Christa.
The department of children and families tells FOX 35 they have confirmed reports of child abuse by the father several times in 2009, but wouldn't specify how many. Martikainen is allowed supervised visits, but not overnight.
The boy's mother, Christa, has sole custody after the couple divorced four years ago.
Abusive dad kidnaps children, flees with them to South Korea (Corvallis, Oregon)
Does everybody remembers the American dad whose ex-wife, the custodial mother, "abducted" his children and took them to Japan? Sure you do. The Tennesee courts automatically gave him sole custody they were so irate, and his case was splashed all over Fox, CNN, and all the big-boy media outlets. He was made into the Great American Hero. Only later were some less flattering details leaked to the press (such as the fact that the Great American Hero had dropped his American citizenship), but the details arrived too late to attract much press attention.
Have you heard of mother Hee Son, whose children were abducted by their non-custodial father SHIWOO LEE and taken to South Korea? Didn't think so. A bit of a double standard media-wise?
In this case, the father is clearly abusive--just as the Japanese mother clearly wasn't. In fact, he has a long, documented history of domestic violence and child abuse, and he has warned the mother that if she searched for the children, he would make sure she never saw them again. This mother is impoverished with long-term health problems related to the abuse, which makes it very difficult for her to launch a media campaign or major international custody fight.
http://www.gazettetimes.com/news/local/article_c9c8864a-dcad-11de-a422-001cc4c03286.html
A mother's nightmare
Story Discussion By Rachel Beck, Corvallis Gazette-Times Posted: Saturday, November 28, 2009 11:45 pm
To help
Hee Son’s efforts to get her children back will involve going to South Korea, hiring a Korean attorney and much more. A fund to help with expenses has been set up at attorney Lorena Reynolds’ office. Donations may be made to the Client Trust Account at the Reynolds Law Firm, 225 S.W. Fourth St., Corvallis, OR 97333.
Hee Son keeps asking questions.
Why are her children in South Korea with their father, who doesn’t have custody of them?
Why is Son in debt for the foreseeable future?
Why, instead of pursuing a nursing degree at Linn-Benton Community College, is she spending much of her time meeting with an attorney, trying to figure out how she can get her kids back?
But for all the “why” questions Son has, the most important question is a “will”:
Will she ever see her children again?
Son’s attorney, Lorena Reynolds, doesn’t have many answers.
What is known is that on Nov. 7, Son’s ex-husband, Shiwoo Lee, took their two boys for an overnight visit.
Son and Lee were in the middle of a divorce, and until then Lee had been limited to short visits only. Reynolds and Son had fought to limit Lee’s visits with the kids to eight hours and had gotten him to relinquish his passport due to a fear that he would take the children to South Korea.
On Nov. 8, Lee called Son to tell her he’d done just that.
Numerous attempts to reach Lee by phone and e-mail for this story were unsuccessful. His attorney declined to comment.
Not only has Lee violated a court order, he’s left a pile of bills and virtually no way for Son to pay them. Any efforts Son makes to get her sons back will be extremely expensive, time-consuming, complicated and stressful: In the Nov. 8 call, Lee warned Son that if she tried to find her sons, he would make sure she never saw them again.
For Son, it is the latest excruciating development in a nightmare that has been going on for years.
An arranged match
Son, 35, moved to Corvallis about four years ago with her husband, Lee, 40. The couple have two boys: Andrew Jisoo, 6, is a quiet boy and a talented and gifted student who always wants to know how things work. Alex Jiho, 4, is athletic, sweet and easygoing with a cute baby face.
Son and Lee were wed in 2002 in their native South Korea. It was an arranged marriage, and people thought it was a good one.
They soon moved to Boston, where Lee, who has a Ph.D. in engineering from Penn State, took a job at a university.
That was where the abuse started, Son said.
Twice police were called because Lee was being violent toward her, Son said, but Lee was never arrested.
After a few years, Lee, Son and Andrew moved to Chicago, where Lee had another job at a university.
The abuse resumed, Son said: At one point, he hit her in the face and choked her, forcing a visit to an emergency room. She got a temporary restraining order against him and moved with Andrew to a shelter for a few weeks.
Lee begged her to come back.
“He was very afraid to go to the jail,” Son said. “He said that he would be nice.”
Members of the couple’s church also urged Son not to pursue criminal charges, saying it would be wrong to ruin Lee’s reputation after he had worked so hard.
At the same time, they knew he was hurting her and said they would help keep her safe.
When they found out the family was moving, Son said, they were worried for her.
A move to Corvallis
In July 2005, Alex was born. One month later, the family moved to a nice house in northwest Corvallis. Lee took a job at Oregon State University as an assistant professor.
About a month after they moved, Lee went into a rage, Son said, punching her and knocking her down. He dragged her to the master bedroom, where Son says he hit her until her two front teeth came out.
Andrew, who was about 18 months old at the time, saw it all.
Lee put them both in the closet, where they stayed for hours. In the evening, they climbed out the bedroom window and went to a neighbor’s house. Son asked for help, but also told the residents not to call the police — she didn’t want to make Lee angrier.
Lee followed them. When he showed up, he told the neighbors it was all a misunderstanding and persuaded Son to come back to the house with him.
“He didn’t hit me anymore on that day,” she said.
The next day, one of the neighbors came over to check on Son. Lee told Son, whose face was now visibly bruised, to stay in the bedroom. She called out that she was fine.
About a week later, Lee took her to a dentist. He told them her injuries were the result of an accident.
In the summer of 2006, Lee pushed Son and knocked her to the floor. A worker fixing siding on the house called police.
Lee told the cops Son had fallen and he was helping her up. He wasn’t arrested, but Son and the boys went to the Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence shelter.
In 2007, Lee was arrested for driving under the influence of intoxicants. His driver’s license was temporarily suspended, so he finally allowed Son to get a license.
The last time Lee hit her was on March 30, 2008, Son said. That day, the family went to McDonald’s. The boys were on the play structure and Andrew was afraid to walk across the swinging rope bridge, though Alex seemed to love it.
This angered Lee and he forced Andrew across several times, Son said.
When the family got home, Lee’s anger continued. He began yelling at Son. Then, she said, he pushed, choked and threw things at her.
He kept her from getting to a phone to call the police, she said. But a few hours later, he calmed down and went upstairs to his computer. Son got the phone and called the police from the bathroom.
The police report says Son did not complain of injuries and Lee told officers there had been “mutual” shoving during an argument. Lee denied hitting Son and said she often got angry without reason.
Lee didn’t go to jail, but Son and her children again went to the CARDV shelter.
No arrests
Son and Reynolds wonder why Lee was never arrested for assault.
Police are required to make an arrest if there is probable cause to believe that an assault or a menacing has occurred, said Capt. Jon Sassaman of the Corvallis Police Department, but when officers respond hours after an incident, it’s sometimes hard to make that determination. In those cases, officers need evidence such as a visible injury or an independent witness. According to police reports, those weren’t available when officers responded to Son’s house.
“If there’s no markings, there’s nothing that would indicate or be consistent with the fact that someone was struck, it doesn’t work so well,” Sassaman said. “Those are very difficult cases.”
He said officers may refer people to CARDV even if they don’t think there’s enough proof to arrest the perpetrator.
“Just because evidence doesn’t present itself strong enough for an officer to make an arrest truly doesn’t mean something didn’t happen,” Sassaman said.
Pattern of abuse
When Son talks about her husband, the word she uses most to describe him is “strange.”
He told her what television programs she could watch, where she could go, who she could talk to, how much money she could spend.
While Son was pregnant with Andrew, she met a Korean woman with a similar due date. The woman invited Son to go shopping. Lee followed them the entire time.
Son has a bachelor’s degree in French but says she began to lose her language skills in both English and French simply because she never had anyone to talk to.
“I never had a personal friend before I separated from him,” Son said. “I know that it’s hard to believe and hard to understand.”
But Son’s story is not that unusual, said Nancy O’Mara, executive director of CARDV.
While most people think of domestic violence as just physical assault, O’Mara said abusers have other ways of hurting a victim: Isolation from friends and family. Forbidding the victim to have a job. Sexual assault.
“It’s just that constant, constant controlling, demeaning behavior that is meant to crush someone’s spirit,” O’Mara said.
Everything is compounded when there are children involved.
“It’s horrifying and terrifying enough to know that you yourself are the target of someone’s threats of harm (and) degrading, cruel behavior,” O’Mara said. “It’s even more horrifying when you’re needing to protect your children from that.”
Abusers often use the threat of taking the children away as another means of controlling the victim.
“Of the thousands of women I’ve worked with over 28 years, it is a threat that is made in the vast majority of cases,” O’Mara said.
And leaving an abuser with children is harder than leaving alone.
“It just makes it that much more fraught with consequences and terror,” O’Mara said.
For Son, the worst part of it all is the effect the abuse has had on her children.
They’ve started to accept it, she said, especially her oldest child, Andrew.
Her voice cracking, Son said the boy just saw too much violence.
“He doesn’t think that it’s so serious,” she said.
A new life
Despite having no legal recourse against Lee for the abuse, Son left him and filed for divorce shortly after the March 2008 incident. She lived in the CARDV shelter for a month and then moved into an apartment.
The divorce proceedings dragged on, complicated by constant custody battles, but Son, Andrew and Alex forged ahead.
Andrew’s teacher reported improvements in the boy.
“I believe that because Mom is much happier, kids are much better,” Son said.
Son enrolled at Linn-Benton Community College. She planned to enter the nursing program after she finished her prerequisites.
But things were not going well for Lee.
He frequently violated the court order on visitation or “parenting” time, Reynolds said. Son would call the police when Lee didn’t return the boys on time, but they said it was a civil issue.
Sassaman said custody cases present unique challenges for law enforcement. Generally, a custody complaint is considered a civil matter.
A parent who isn’t following the court-ordered arrangement has to have “an intent to permanently violate that custody arrangement or violate it for a protracted period of time” for it to be considered criminal, Sassaman said.
Criminal charges
On April 1, 2008, the case took a criminal turn. On that day, Son and her sons went to the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. When they went back to their car, parked in the underground lot, Lee confronted them.
A friend of Lee’s got Andrew into the back of his car. Son screamed at him and tried to get Andrew out as the car started to drive off.
Bystanders called police to report an attempted kidnapping. When police arrived, they saw Son, carrying Alex, running away from the garage. A car with Andrew in the back was trying to drive away.
According to a police report of the incident, “several bystanders witnessed the incident and were alarmed and disturbed by Lee’s actions.”
Lee was arrested; he also was served with the restraining order Son had filed against him.
Charges of second-degree disorderly conduct and interfering with a police officer were dismissed after he completed a diversion program, including 40 hours of community service and an anger-management course.
More than a year later, on July 4, 2009, Lee was arrested in Polk County after he checked into a hotel room at Spirit Mountain Casino with the boys. At the time, Lee had been ordered by the court not to take the children out of Benton County.
Gone
In October the court said Lee, who generally had been limited to eight-hour visits with his children, could have an overnight visit. He picked them up at 9 a.m. Nov. 7. At about 4:40 p.m. Nov. 8, he called Son to tell her they were in South Korea. His tenure-track appointment at OSU had ended in June.
Police accompanied Son to Lee’s house. All of the furniture was gone. Debris was strewn throughout. One piece of paper found there was shocking: instead of listing the house for sale, as he had agreed to do (Son and Lee were to split the money from the sale), Lee had taken out a second mortgage.
The next day, an emergency order was made granting Son sole custody of Alex and Andrew. It was little consolation.
On Nov. 18, Judge David Connell issued a judgment on the divorce. He ordered the marriage dissolved immediately and granted Son sole custody of the children.
The order states that Son has suffered “severe and sustained” abuse from Lee, causing “extreme distress and physical injury,” that “the children are in immediate danger of abuse and irreparable emotional harm while in (Lee’s) care” and that Lee is “emotionally unstable and presents a credible threat of harm” to Son, Andrew and Alex.
The same week, Lee’s attorney, Jason Castanza, filed a motion to withdraw as Lee’s lawyer. The request was denied.
Castanza declined to comment for this story.
Reynolds has been frustrated by how the kidnapping has been treated by law enforcement. Her understanding is that the Benton County District Attorney’s Office and the FBI weren’t involved until Nov. 9, the day after the children were reported missing.
Reynolds said that even for a period of time that day, there was hope the children might not have left the country, despite Lee’s call.
“If it had not been true, if he had made that call from Seattle or he had made that call from the road, it could’ve made a huge difference,” Reynolds said.
Benton County District Attorney John Haroldson said he couldn’t disclose specifics of the case due to the ongoing investigation.
“We have committed intense resources into this case in order to be responsive in a timely fashion,” he said.
South Korea
Getting children back when they’ve been taken out of the country is always difficult. The complications increase dramatically when the country in question is not part of the Hague Convention.
The Hague Convention on Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is a treaty signed in 1980 that is meant to help return children who have been abducted to another country. Nations that have signed the treaty agree children should be returned to the country they were taken from and have mechanisms in place to make that happen. Nations that have not signed do not recognize court orders or custody arrangements made in other countries.
Son and Reynolds plan to hire a Korean lawyer. Son will go to Korea.
“I’m trying to do my best to get custody legally,” Son said.
But it will still be quite a process.
“The chance of recovering the kids is very small, and without substantial amounts of money it’s virtually impossible to do,” Reynolds said.
Her office has set up a fund for Son. Hopefully, the house will sell soon.
Even with money, Son faces an uphill battle.
Bob Lowery of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children said getting kids back from a country like South Korea is particularly difficult because the nation doesn’t even recognize parental abduction as a crime.
“We work with federal authorities for warrants for criminal abduction, and then we get the State Department involved. It’s a complicated task with a lot of red tape.”
The center also works with law enforcement to charge noncustodial parents in the United States in case they are brought back.
South Korea may not think it’s a crime, Lowery said, but courts determine custody for a reason.
“People seem to dismiss parental abductions as not important,” he said. “We take these cases very seriously.”
A Christmas wish
Son is trying to hold up, but the circumstances are trying.
“She’s very, very poor, she’s lost weight, she hasn’t had money to eat sometimes,” Reynolds said. “This is an absolutely devastating case.”
Nevertheless, Son has had some hopeful moments.
Last weekend a crew of people, many of them from Reynolds’ office, showed up to help clean the house, for which Son is extremely grateful. She also feels she’s gotten excellent care from CARDV staff members and her dentist.
Son hopes that Alex and Andrew aren’t aware how serious the situation is. She’d rather they think they’re just on vacation.
She also hopes, for their safety, that they are not alone with Lee. If other people are around, she thinks he will control his temper.
Her dream right now is to be reunited with Alex and Andrew.
“I just want to get back my children,” she said. “I want to spend my Christmas with my family and my children in Korea.”
And then, she said, she’d like to return to Corvallis and not be afraid.
“If I can come back with my kids (and) he cannot do anything to me and my children? That’s what I want.”
Have you heard of mother Hee Son, whose children were abducted by their non-custodial father SHIWOO LEE and taken to South Korea? Didn't think so. A bit of a double standard media-wise?
In this case, the father is clearly abusive--just as the Japanese mother clearly wasn't. In fact, he has a long, documented history of domestic violence and child abuse, and he has warned the mother that if she searched for the children, he would make sure she never saw them again. This mother is impoverished with long-term health problems related to the abuse, which makes it very difficult for her to launch a media campaign or major international custody fight.
http://www.gazettetimes.com/news/local/article_c9c8864a-dcad-11de-a422-001cc4c03286.html
A mother's nightmare
Story Discussion By Rachel Beck, Corvallis Gazette-Times Posted: Saturday, November 28, 2009 11:45 pm
To help
Hee Son’s efforts to get her children back will involve going to South Korea, hiring a Korean attorney and much more. A fund to help with expenses has been set up at attorney Lorena Reynolds’ office. Donations may be made to the Client Trust Account at the Reynolds Law Firm, 225 S.W. Fourth St., Corvallis, OR 97333.
Hee Son keeps asking questions.
Why are her children in South Korea with their father, who doesn’t have custody of them?
Why is Son in debt for the foreseeable future?
Why, instead of pursuing a nursing degree at Linn-Benton Community College, is she spending much of her time meeting with an attorney, trying to figure out how she can get her kids back?
But for all the “why” questions Son has, the most important question is a “will”:
Will she ever see her children again?
Son’s attorney, Lorena Reynolds, doesn’t have many answers.
What is known is that on Nov. 7, Son’s ex-husband, Shiwoo Lee, took their two boys for an overnight visit.
Son and Lee were in the middle of a divorce, and until then Lee had been limited to short visits only. Reynolds and Son had fought to limit Lee’s visits with the kids to eight hours and had gotten him to relinquish his passport due to a fear that he would take the children to South Korea.
On Nov. 8, Lee called Son to tell her he’d done just that.
Numerous attempts to reach Lee by phone and e-mail for this story were unsuccessful. His attorney declined to comment.
Not only has Lee violated a court order, he’s left a pile of bills and virtually no way for Son to pay them. Any efforts Son makes to get her sons back will be extremely expensive, time-consuming, complicated and stressful: In the Nov. 8 call, Lee warned Son that if she tried to find her sons, he would make sure she never saw them again.
For Son, it is the latest excruciating development in a nightmare that has been going on for years.
An arranged match
Son, 35, moved to Corvallis about four years ago with her husband, Lee, 40. The couple have two boys: Andrew Jisoo, 6, is a quiet boy and a talented and gifted student who always wants to know how things work. Alex Jiho, 4, is athletic, sweet and easygoing with a cute baby face.
Son and Lee were wed in 2002 in their native South Korea. It was an arranged marriage, and people thought it was a good one.
They soon moved to Boston, where Lee, who has a Ph.D. in engineering from Penn State, took a job at a university.
That was where the abuse started, Son said.
Twice police were called because Lee was being violent toward her, Son said, but Lee was never arrested.
After a few years, Lee, Son and Andrew moved to Chicago, where Lee had another job at a university.
The abuse resumed, Son said: At one point, he hit her in the face and choked her, forcing a visit to an emergency room. She got a temporary restraining order against him and moved with Andrew to a shelter for a few weeks.
Lee begged her to come back.
“He was very afraid to go to the jail,” Son said. “He said that he would be nice.”
Members of the couple’s church also urged Son not to pursue criminal charges, saying it would be wrong to ruin Lee’s reputation after he had worked so hard.
At the same time, they knew he was hurting her and said they would help keep her safe.
When they found out the family was moving, Son said, they were worried for her.
A move to Corvallis
In July 2005, Alex was born. One month later, the family moved to a nice house in northwest Corvallis. Lee took a job at Oregon State University as an assistant professor.
About a month after they moved, Lee went into a rage, Son said, punching her and knocking her down. He dragged her to the master bedroom, where Son says he hit her until her two front teeth came out.
Andrew, who was about 18 months old at the time, saw it all.
Lee put them both in the closet, where they stayed for hours. In the evening, they climbed out the bedroom window and went to a neighbor’s house. Son asked for help, but also told the residents not to call the police — she didn’t want to make Lee angrier.
Lee followed them. When he showed up, he told the neighbors it was all a misunderstanding and persuaded Son to come back to the house with him.
“He didn’t hit me anymore on that day,” she said.
The next day, one of the neighbors came over to check on Son. Lee told Son, whose face was now visibly bruised, to stay in the bedroom. She called out that she was fine.
About a week later, Lee took her to a dentist. He told them her injuries were the result of an accident.
In the summer of 2006, Lee pushed Son and knocked her to the floor. A worker fixing siding on the house called police.
Lee told the cops Son had fallen and he was helping her up. He wasn’t arrested, but Son and the boys went to the Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence shelter.
In 2007, Lee was arrested for driving under the influence of intoxicants. His driver’s license was temporarily suspended, so he finally allowed Son to get a license.
The last time Lee hit her was on March 30, 2008, Son said. That day, the family went to McDonald’s. The boys were on the play structure and Andrew was afraid to walk across the swinging rope bridge, though Alex seemed to love it.
This angered Lee and he forced Andrew across several times, Son said.
When the family got home, Lee’s anger continued. He began yelling at Son. Then, she said, he pushed, choked and threw things at her.
He kept her from getting to a phone to call the police, she said. But a few hours later, he calmed down and went upstairs to his computer. Son got the phone and called the police from the bathroom.
The police report says Son did not complain of injuries and Lee told officers there had been “mutual” shoving during an argument. Lee denied hitting Son and said she often got angry without reason.
Lee didn’t go to jail, but Son and her children again went to the CARDV shelter.
No arrests
Son and Reynolds wonder why Lee was never arrested for assault.
Police are required to make an arrest if there is probable cause to believe that an assault or a menacing has occurred, said Capt. Jon Sassaman of the Corvallis Police Department, but when officers respond hours after an incident, it’s sometimes hard to make that determination. In those cases, officers need evidence such as a visible injury or an independent witness. According to police reports, those weren’t available when officers responded to Son’s house.
“If there’s no markings, there’s nothing that would indicate or be consistent with the fact that someone was struck, it doesn’t work so well,” Sassaman said. “Those are very difficult cases.”
He said officers may refer people to CARDV even if they don’t think there’s enough proof to arrest the perpetrator.
“Just because evidence doesn’t present itself strong enough for an officer to make an arrest truly doesn’t mean something didn’t happen,” Sassaman said.
Pattern of abuse
When Son talks about her husband, the word she uses most to describe him is “strange.”
He told her what television programs she could watch, where she could go, who she could talk to, how much money she could spend.
While Son was pregnant with Andrew, she met a Korean woman with a similar due date. The woman invited Son to go shopping. Lee followed them the entire time.
Son has a bachelor’s degree in French but says she began to lose her language skills in both English and French simply because she never had anyone to talk to.
“I never had a personal friend before I separated from him,” Son said. “I know that it’s hard to believe and hard to understand.”
But Son’s story is not that unusual, said Nancy O’Mara, executive director of CARDV.
While most people think of domestic violence as just physical assault, O’Mara said abusers have other ways of hurting a victim: Isolation from friends and family. Forbidding the victim to have a job. Sexual assault.
“It’s just that constant, constant controlling, demeaning behavior that is meant to crush someone’s spirit,” O’Mara said.
Everything is compounded when there are children involved.
“It’s horrifying and terrifying enough to know that you yourself are the target of someone’s threats of harm (and) degrading, cruel behavior,” O’Mara said. “It’s even more horrifying when you’re needing to protect your children from that.”
Abusers often use the threat of taking the children away as another means of controlling the victim.
“Of the thousands of women I’ve worked with over 28 years, it is a threat that is made in the vast majority of cases,” O’Mara said.
And leaving an abuser with children is harder than leaving alone.
“It just makes it that much more fraught with consequences and terror,” O’Mara said.
For Son, the worst part of it all is the effect the abuse has had on her children.
They’ve started to accept it, she said, especially her oldest child, Andrew.
Her voice cracking, Son said the boy just saw too much violence.
“He doesn’t think that it’s so serious,” she said.
A new life
Despite having no legal recourse against Lee for the abuse, Son left him and filed for divorce shortly after the March 2008 incident. She lived in the CARDV shelter for a month and then moved into an apartment.
The divorce proceedings dragged on, complicated by constant custody battles, but Son, Andrew and Alex forged ahead.
Andrew’s teacher reported improvements in the boy.
“I believe that because Mom is much happier, kids are much better,” Son said.
Son enrolled at Linn-Benton Community College. She planned to enter the nursing program after she finished her prerequisites.
But things were not going well for Lee.
He frequently violated the court order on visitation or “parenting” time, Reynolds said. Son would call the police when Lee didn’t return the boys on time, but they said it was a civil issue.
Sassaman said custody cases present unique challenges for law enforcement. Generally, a custody complaint is considered a civil matter.
A parent who isn’t following the court-ordered arrangement has to have “an intent to permanently violate that custody arrangement or violate it for a protracted period of time” for it to be considered criminal, Sassaman said.
Criminal charges
On April 1, 2008, the case took a criminal turn. On that day, Son and her sons went to the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. When they went back to their car, parked in the underground lot, Lee confronted them.
A friend of Lee’s got Andrew into the back of his car. Son screamed at him and tried to get Andrew out as the car started to drive off.
Bystanders called police to report an attempted kidnapping. When police arrived, they saw Son, carrying Alex, running away from the garage. A car with Andrew in the back was trying to drive away.
According to a police report of the incident, “several bystanders witnessed the incident and were alarmed and disturbed by Lee’s actions.”
Lee was arrested; he also was served with the restraining order Son had filed against him.
Charges of second-degree disorderly conduct and interfering with a police officer were dismissed after he completed a diversion program, including 40 hours of community service and an anger-management course.
More than a year later, on July 4, 2009, Lee was arrested in Polk County after he checked into a hotel room at Spirit Mountain Casino with the boys. At the time, Lee had been ordered by the court not to take the children out of Benton County.
Gone
In October the court said Lee, who generally had been limited to eight-hour visits with his children, could have an overnight visit. He picked them up at 9 a.m. Nov. 7. At about 4:40 p.m. Nov. 8, he called Son to tell her they were in South Korea. His tenure-track appointment at OSU had ended in June.
Police accompanied Son to Lee’s house. All of the furniture was gone. Debris was strewn throughout. One piece of paper found there was shocking: instead of listing the house for sale, as he had agreed to do (Son and Lee were to split the money from the sale), Lee had taken out a second mortgage.
The next day, an emergency order was made granting Son sole custody of Alex and Andrew. It was little consolation.
On Nov. 18, Judge David Connell issued a judgment on the divorce. He ordered the marriage dissolved immediately and granted Son sole custody of the children.
The order states that Son has suffered “severe and sustained” abuse from Lee, causing “extreme distress and physical injury,” that “the children are in immediate danger of abuse and irreparable emotional harm while in (Lee’s) care” and that Lee is “emotionally unstable and presents a credible threat of harm” to Son, Andrew and Alex.
The same week, Lee’s attorney, Jason Castanza, filed a motion to withdraw as Lee’s lawyer. The request was denied.
Castanza declined to comment for this story.
Reynolds has been frustrated by how the kidnapping has been treated by law enforcement. Her understanding is that the Benton County District Attorney’s Office and the FBI weren’t involved until Nov. 9, the day after the children were reported missing.
Reynolds said that even for a period of time that day, there was hope the children might not have left the country, despite Lee’s call.
“If it had not been true, if he had made that call from Seattle or he had made that call from the road, it could’ve made a huge difference,” Reynolds said.
Benton County District Attorney John Haroldson said he couldn’t disclose specifics of the case due to the ongoing investigation.
“We have committed intense resources into this case in order to be responsive in a timely fashion,” he said.
South Korea
Getting children back when they’ve been taken out of the country is always difficult. The complications increase dramatically when the country in question is not part of the Hague Convention.
The Hague Convention on Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is a treaty signed in 1980 that is meant to help return children who have been abducted to another country. Nations that have signed the treaty agree children should be returned to the country they were taken from and have mechanisms in place to make that happen. Nations that have not signed do not recognize court orders or custody arrangements made in other countries.
Son and Reynolds plan to hire a Korean lawyer. Son will go to Korea.
“I’m trying to do my best to get custody legally,” Son said.
But it will still be quite a process.
“The chance of recovering the kids is very small, and without substantial amounts of money it’s virtually impossible to do,” Reynolds said.
Her office has set up a fund for Son. Hopefully, the house will sell soon.
Even with money, Son faces an uphill battle.
Bob Lowery of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children said getting kids back from a country like South Korea is particularly difficult because the nation doesn’t even recognize parental abduction as a crime.
“We work with federal authorities for warrants for criminal abduction, and then we get the State Department involved. It’s a complicated task with a lot of red tape.”
The center also works with law enforcement to charge noncustodial parents in the United States in case they are brought back.
South Korea may not think it’s a crime, Lowery said, but courts determine custody for a reason.
“People seem to dismiss parental abductions as not important,” he said. “We take these cases very seriously.”
A Christmas wish
Son is trying to hold up, but the circumstances are trying.
“She’s very, very poor, she’s lost weight, she hasn’t had money to eat sometimes,” Reynolds said. “This is an absolutely devastating case.”
Nevertheless, Son has had some hopeful moments.
Last weekend a crew of people, many of them from Reynolds’ office, showed up to help clean the house, for which Son is extremely grateful. She also feels she’s gotten excellent care from CARDV staff members and her dentist.
Son hopes that Alex and Andrew aren’t aware how serious the situation is. She’d rather they think they’re just on vacation.
She also hopes, for their safety, that they are not alone with Lee. If other people are around, she thinks he will control his temper.
Her dream right now is to be reunited with Alex and Andrew.
“I just want to get back my children,” she said. “I want to spend my Christmas with my family and my children in Korea.”
And then, she said, she’d like to return to Corvallis and not be afraid.
“If I can come back with my kids (and) he cannot do anything to me and my children? That’s what I want.”
Dad on trial for murder in death of 5-month-old son (Shelby, North Carolina)
Dad CHAD JARRETT BARROW is on trial for 1st-degree murder in the death of his 5-month-old son. It appears that the baby was "vigorously" shaken, which resulted in a fatal brain bleed.
http://www.shelbystar.com/news/continues-43353-murder-shelby.html
Murder trial continues
Monday, Nov 30 2009, 11:34 am
Olivia Neeley
SHELBY – The trial continues today in the death of 5-month-old Jace Barrow, who prosecutors alleged died at the hands of his father.
Chad Jarrett Barrow is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the baby’s August 2007 death.
Jurors took last week off from the trial due to the holidays. The defense is expected to present evidence this week and should begin to call witnesses today.
The case
On Aug. 22, 2007, EMS responded to the family’s then Brookhill Road home to a 911 call about a baby not breathing, according to court testimony.
An EMS paramedic testified the baby was “gasping” for breath and later “bagged” Jace to help him breath until they arrived at Cleveland Regional Medical Center.
The 5-month-old was later flown to Carolinas Medical Center but died a day later.
So far
Prosecutor Bill Young showed photos of Jace to jurors that illustrated bruising on the bridge of his nose that extended to underneath his eye.
Two linear markings just above the child’s ear were also shown in other photos.
A brain bleed led to the child’s death, according to court testimony. Defense attorney, David Teddy, cross-examined by asking the medical examiner if he reported an “impact site.”
Although his records didn’t reflect an impact site the examiner did testify that injuries the 5-month-old sustained “encompassed the mechanism of shaking and impact.”
The child suffered from a brain bleed that eventually led to swelling, according to a radiologist who testified.
Teddy asked if an event such as lack of oxygen to the brain could lead to brain swelling and pressure within the brain that is similar to the finding.
The radiologist said it could have.
Lake House
Angela Alexander testified she heard the infant screaming and crying as she walked into a room at their family’s lake house July 4, 2007.
Alexander testified to Barrow shaking Jace “vigorously” and said she felt like Barrow was “losing control.”
Teddy said police notes indicated Alexander didn’t tell police about the alleged incident until Sept. 20, 2007.
http://www.shelbystar.com/news/continues-43353-murder-shelby.html
Murder trial continues
Monday, Nov 30 2009, 11:34 am
Olivia Neeley
SHELBY – The trial continues today in the death of 5-month-old Jace Barrow, who prosecutors alleged died at the hands of his father.
Chad Jarrett Barrow is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the baby’s August 2007 death.
Jurors took last week off from the trial due to the holidays. The defense is expected to present evidence this week and should begin to call witnesses today.
The case
On Aug. 22, 2007, EMS responded to the family’s then Brookhill Road home to a 911 call about a baby not breathing, according to court testimony.
An EMS paramedic testified the baby was “gasping” for breath and later “bagged” Jace to help him breath until they arrived at Cleveland Regional Medical Center.
The 5-month-old was later flown to Carolinas Medical Center but died a day later.
So far
Prosecutor Bill Young showed photos of Jace to jurors that illustrated bruising on the bridge of his nose that extended to underneath his eye.
Two linear markings just above the child’s ear were also shown in other photos.
A brain bleed led to the child’s death, according to court testimony. Defense attorney, David Teddy, cross-examined by asking the medical examiner if he reported an “impact site.”
Although his records didn’t reflect an impact site the examiner did testify that injuries the 5-month-old sustained “encompassed the mechanism of shaking and impact.”
The child suffered from a brain bleed that eventually led to swelling, according to a radiologist who testified.
Teddy asked if an event such as lack of oxygen to the brain could lead to brain swelling and pressure within the brain that is similar to the finding.
The radiologist said it could have.
Lake House
Angela Alexander testified she heard the infant screaming and crying as she walked into a room at their family’s lake house July 4, 2007.
Alexander testified to Barrow shaking Jace “vigorously” and said she felt like Barrow was “losing control.”
Teddy said police notes indicated Alexander didn’t tell police about the alleged incident until Sept. 20, 2007.
Ex-boyfriend/dad charged with murder in death of 2-month-old baby (Davenport, Iowa)
Mom had two children with ex-boyfriend/dad BRYAN MICHAEL FIX. The murdered 2-month-old infant was apparently not "his," but Mom was apparently still using Fix as a babysitter while she was working.
Mamas, please listen. Ex-boyfriends, boyfriends, baby daddies, and other young men of dubious reputation don't make good childcare providers. Please make other arrangements if you possibly can. In particular, guys with outstanding warrants for assault probably don't have the temperament nor the social skills to deal with babies. Makes sense when you think about it, yes? Bad enough that the courts order children into the care of these creeps. Let's not contribute to the carnage if we can.
http://www.qctimes.com/news/local/article_fad34892-dde3-11de-bf82-001cc4c03286.html
Davenport man faces murder charge
Posted: Monday, November 30, 2009 1:10 pm
A Davenport man has been charged this morning in the death of a 2-month-old baby.
Bryan Michael Fix, 25, is charged with first degree murder, child endangerment resulting in death and multiple acts of child endangerment in the death of Chase Kloppenborg.
Chase was seriously injured Nov. 19 and taken to University Hospitals in Iowa City where he died Friday.
Police have ruled the death a homicide.
Fix remains in the Scott County Jail. Bond is set at $500,000.
According to police records, the baby’s mother had returned home from work and found the child in a listless and lethargic condition. The baby was taken to his doctor and then to the emergency room at Genesis East Medical Center. The baby was subsequently flown to Iowa City by Med Force.
The baby was in the care of Fix, a former boyfriend with whom the mother has had two children with. Fix is not the father of Chase.
Fix was taken into custody at that time on an outstanding unrelated assault warrant.
Mamas, please listen. Ex-boyfriends, boyfriends, baby daddies, and other young men of dubious reputation don't make good childcare providers. Please make other arrangements if you possibly can. In particular, guys with outstanding warrants for assault probably don't have the temperament nor the social skills to deal with babies. Makes sense when you think about it, yes? Bad enough that the courts order children into the care of these creeps. Let's not contribute to the carnage if we can.
http://www.qctimes.com/news/local/article_fad34892-dde3-11de-bf82-001cc4c03286.html
Davenport man faces murder charge
Posted: Monday, November 30, 2009 1:10 pm
A Davenport man has been charged this morning in the death of a 2-month-old baby.
Bryan Michael Fix, 25, is charged with first degree murder, child endangerment resulting in death and multiple acts of child endangerment in the death of Chase Kloppenborg.
Chase was seriously injured Nov. 19 and taken to University Hospitals in Iowa City where he died Friday.
Police have ruled the death a homicide.
Fix remains in the Scott County Jail. Bond is set at $500,000.
According to police records, the baby’s mother had returned home from work and found the child in a listless and lethargic condition. The baby was taken to his doctor and then to the emergency room at Genesis East Medical Center. The baby was subsequently flown to Iowa City by Med Force.
The baby was in the care of Fix, a former boyfriend with whom the mother has had two children with. Fix is not the father of Chase.
Fix was taken into custody at that time on an outstanding unrelated assault warrant.
Trial set for dad accused of slaying wife in front of son (Aurora, Colorado)
It seems that dad MATTHEW WATKINS stabbed his wife to death in front of his 5-year-old son, as the boy was later able to tell investigators about the incident. A 3-year-old daughter was also at home at the time.
http://www.aurorasentinel.com/articles/2009/11/29/news/metro_aurora/doc4b134444b0cbe295157930.txt
Trial set for man accused of slaying wife in front of son
BY BRANDON JOHANSSON
The Aurora Sentinel
Published: Sunday, November 29, 2009 9:06 PM MST
AURORA An Aurora man accused of killing his wife last year in front of the couple’s son is set to go on trial in February, more than two years since his wife’s slaying.
Matthew Watkins, 41, appeared in Arapahoe County District Court in Centennial last week where a judge scheduled his first-degree murder trial for Feb. 1, according to court records. The trial is scheduled to last seven days.
Watkins’ case has moved slowly in recent months.
His defense team, citing concerns about his competency to stand trial, asked that a hearing in April be delayed and that the judge wait to schedule a trial date.
State doctors deemed Watkins fit to stand trial, but his lawyers have disagreed with the ruling.
A spokeswoman for the district attorney’s office said the delay last spring was designed to give Watkins’ defense team more time to investigate his competency and seek a second opinion.
Watkins has been in jail since police arrested him in the hours after his wife was stabbed to death last year at the couple’s home on South Helena Street in Aurora.
He could face life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted of the Jan. 21, 2008 stabbing of his wife, Cora Watkins, 31.
Police say Watkins stabbed his wife while in the kitchen of the family’s home. The couple’s two children, ages 3 and 5, were home at the time of the slaying, police said.
Prosecutors say Watkins’ children are with a family member.
In an arrest affidavit, police said Watkins’ 5-year-old son described to investigators how his father used a knife to stab his mother.
Matthew Watkins told a friend that he thought his son might have seen him stab his wife. The friend convinced Matthew Watkins to call police, who showed up a few minutes later and arrested him.
http://www.aurorasentinel.com/articles/2009/11/29/news/metro_aurora/doc4b134444b0cbe295157930.txt
Trial set for man accused of slaying wife in front of son
BY BRANDON JOHANSSON
The Aurora Sentinel
Published: Sunday, November 29, 2009 9:06 PM MST
AURORA An Aurora man accused of killing his wife last year in front of the couple’s son is set to go on trial in February, more than two years since his wife’s slaying.
Matthew Watkins, 41, appeared in Arapahoe County District Court in Centennial last week where a judge scheduled his first-degree murder trial for Feb. 1, according to court records. The trial is scheduled to last seven days.
Watkins’ case has moved slowly in recent months.
His defense team, citing concerns about his competency to stand trial, asked that a hearing in April be delayed and that the judge wait to schedule a trial date.
State doctors deemed Watkins fit to stand trial, but his lawyers have disagreed with the ruling.
A spokeswoman for the district attorney’s office said the delay last spring was designed to give Watkins’ defense team more time to investigate his competency and seek a second opinion.
Watkins has been in jail since police arrested him in the hours after his wife was stabbed to death last year at the couple’s home on South Helena Street in Aurora.
He could face life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted of the Jan. 21, 2008 stabbing of his wife, Cora Watkins, 31.
Police say Watkins stabbed his wife while in the kitchen of the family’s home. The couple’s two children, ages 3 and 5, were home at the time of the slaying, police said.
Prosecutors say Watkins’ children are with a family member.
In an arrest affidavit, police said Watkins’ 5-year-old son described to investigators how his father used a knife to stab his mother.
Matthew Watkins told a friend that he thought his son might have seen him stab his wife. The friend convinced Matthew Watkins to call police, who showed up a few minutes later and arrested him.
Fundraiser nets $1,100 for motherless infant son; dad charged with murder, kidnapping, and attempted murder (West Des Moines, Iowa)
It's so sad that motherless babies have to have fundraisers to help them survive. Meanwhile, dad RANDALL TODD MOORE is charged with murder (0f the mother), kidnapping, and attempted murder in the case.
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20091130/NEWS/911300324/-1/NEWS04/-Fundraiser-nets-1-100-for-vet-s-infant-son
Fundraiser nets $1,100 for vet's infant son
from register staff and news services • November 30, 2009
A charity event at a West Des Moines bar raised $1,100 for the infant son of an Iraq war veteran who was shot and killed in Des Moines this month.
The Ocean Beach Bar & Grill at Valley West Mall hosted a fundraiser for Levi Lynch, 8-month-old son of TereseAnn Lynch Moore, who died Nov. 11.
Her estranged husband and the infant's father, Randall Todd Moore, 38, is charged with murder, kidnapping and attempted murder in the case.
Donations still are being collected and may be sent to the Levi Lynch Trust Fund, c/o Mike Baker, 1205 N.W. Norton St., Grimes, IA 50111.
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20091130/NEWS/911300324/-1/NEWS04/-Fundraiser-nets-1-100-for-vet-s-infant-son
Fundraiser nets $1,100 for vet's infant son
from register staff and news services • November 30, 2009
A charity event at a West Des Moines bar raised $1,100 for the infant son of an Iraq war veteran who was shot and killed in Des Moines this month.
The Ocean Beach Bar & Grill at Valley West Mall hosted a fundraiser for Levi Lynch, 8-month-old son of TereseAnn Lynch Moore, who died Nov. 11.
Her estranged husband and the infant's father, Randall Todd Moore, 38, is charged with murder, kidnapping and attempted murder in the case.
Donations still are being collected and may be sent to the Levi Lynch Trust Fund, c/o Mike Baker, 1205 N.W. Norton St., Grimes, IA 50111.
Ministry of Community Safety: No excuse for child abuse (Western Cape, South Africa)
I love pretty speeches, really I do. But I'd like to see some concrete proposals, please.
http://www.capegateway.gov.za/eng/your_gov/3576/news/2009/nov/191730
No Excuse for Child Abuse
SOURCE: Ministry of Community Safety (Provincial Government of the Western Cape)
Parents who abuse their children will feel the full brunt of the law and will have to account to the courts of South Africa for their cold hearted deeds, says the Western Cape Minister of Community Safety, Adv. Lennit Max, who came out strongly against the recent report of a father from Old Crossroads who allegedly beat his two year old son with an electric wire.
Max stated his dismay that these incidents of child abuse happen on a daily basis in our communities and that far too many children face abuse by the hands of their parents who should be the primary custodians of their children. All parents should ensure that their homes are a haven of safety and security for their children and not the very place abuse occurs.
We, as the Western Cape Government, will not turn a blind eye when our children are being hurt and therefore will bring such offenders against children to book. It is a tragedy that we have reached the stage where a child needs to be protected against his or her own father and/or mother.
Max urged the community to report any form of child negligence or abuse to the police and says that members of communities cannot keep quiet on such attacks on children. By keeping quiet, you silently condone these callous and cowardly attacks on defenseless children which make you equally accountable for these deeds.
http://www.capegateway.gov.za/eng/your_gov/3576/news/2009/nov/191730
No Excuse for Child Abuse
SOURCE: Ministry of Community Safety (Provincial Government of the Western Cape)
Parents who abuse their children will feel the full brunt of the law and will have to account to the courts of South Africa for their cold hearted deeds, says the Western Cape Minister of Community Safety, Adv. Lennit Max, who came out strongly against the recent report of a father from Old Crossroads who allegedly beat his two year old son with an electric wire.
Max stated his dismay that these incidents of child abuse happen on a daily basis in our communities and that far too many children face abuse by the hands of their parents who should be the primary custodians of their children. All parents should ensure that their homes are a haven of safety and security for their children and not the very place abuse occurs.
We, as the Western Cape Government, will not turn a blind eye when our children are being hurt and therefore will bring such offenders against children to book. It is a tragedy that we have reached the stage where a child needs to be protected against his or her own father and/or mother.
Max urged the community to report any form of child negligence or abuse to the police and says that members of communities cannot keep quiet on such attacks on children. By keeping quiet, you silently condone these callous and cowardly attacks on defenseless children which make you equally accountable for these deeds.
Memorial planned for little girl murdered by custodial father (Aurora, Colorado)
What is not mentioned here, is that dad AARON THOMPSON took custody of this little girl by abducting her from the mother in Michigan. The mother had no idea what had happened to the father or child until the girl's "disappearance" hit the media. The girl is now presumed to have been murdered by her father--who has been convicted--though no body has been found and Dad refuses to say where it is.
http://www.kjct8.com/Global/story.asp?S=11589838
Memorial planned for abused Aurora girl
Associated Press - November 30, 2009 8:04 AM ET
AURORA, Colo. (AP) - Activists who work to stop child abuse are gathering in Aurora Monday to remember a little girl whose body was never found.
Aarone (AIR'-uh-nay) Thompson will be honored with a candlelight vigil by the Kempe Foundation. The service is planned for 4:30 p.m. in the playground area at The Children's Hospital on the Anschutz Medical Campus.
Her father, Aaron Thompson, was convicted this fall of causing her death and sentenced to 114 years in prison. The father has ackowledged that the girl is dead, but has not said what happened to her remains. Monday would have been the girl's 11th birthday.
http://www.kjct8.com/Global/story.asp?S=11589838
Memorial planned for abused Aurora girl
Associated Press - November 30, 2009 8:04 AM ET
AURORA, Colo. (AP) - Activists who work to stop child abuse are gathering in Aurora Monday to remember a little girl whose body was never found.
Aarone (AIR'-uh-nay) Thompson will be honored with a candlelight vigil by the Kempe Foundation. The service is planned for 4:30 p.m. in the playground area at The Children's Hospital on the Anschutz Medical Campus.
Her father, Aaron Thompson, was convicted this fall of causing her death and sentenced to 114 years in prison. The father has ackowledged that the girl is dead, but has not said what happened to her remains. Monday would have been the girl's 11th birthday.
Tom Petty opens up about abusive dad; "he beat the living hell out of me"
It seems we're seeing a lot of celebrities open up about their abusive fathers recently. I think that's good thing, as it increases awareness among young people who don't necessarily read statistical reports or articles on domestic violence or child abuse.
http://www.spinner.com/2009/11/30/tom-petty-violent-dad/
Tom Petty Opens Up About Abusive Father
Posted on Nov 30th 2009 11:30AM by John D. Luerssen
Tom Petty has come clean about his upbringing and says he still has nightmares about his violent father. According to Petty, his old man didn't understand his love of the arts and thought he was homosexual because he had no interest in playing football or baseball. Petty also says he loathed joining his dad, an outdoorsman, on hunting trips.
"(My father) was scary and violent," Petty said in the new issue of Rolling Stone. "He beat the living hell out of me, and there was constant verbal abuse."
"Looking back on it, he probably was disappointed that I was so drawn to the arts," the rocker added. "He probably thought I was gay. I wasn't interested in sports. I didn't know the names of any baseball players. I liked films and books and records."
"He liked to fish and hunt," Petty explained. "He'd drag me on these trips, and it was a nightmare. Shooting something repelled me."
http://www.spinner.com/2009/11/30/tom-petty-violent-dad/
Tom Petty Opens Up About Abusive Father
Posted on Nov 30th 2009 11:30AM by John D. Luerssen
Tom Petty has come clean about his upbringing and says he still has nightmares about his violent father. According to Petty, his old man didn't understand his love of the arts and thought he was homosexual because he had no interest in playing football or baseball. Petty also says he loathed joining his dad, an outdoorsman, on hunting trips.
"(My father) was scary and violent," Petty said in the new issue of Rolling Stone. "He beat the living hell out of me, and there was constant verbal abuse."
"Looking back on it, he probably was disappointed that I was so drawn to the arts," the rocker added. "He probably thought I was gay. I wasn't interested in sports. I didn't know the names of any baseball players. I liked films and books and records."
"He liked to fish and hunt," Petty explained. "He'd drag me on these trips, and it was a nightmare. Shooting something repelled me."
Dad obviously planned abduction, very possibly with help, but with no concern for son's safety (St. Petersburg, Florida)
In Florida, there is still a lot of news about "allegedly" abusive dad PAUL MARTIKAINEN, who kidnapped his son from a court-ordered supervised visitation (where the "supervisor" was either a drooling idiot--or was "encouraged" on some level to look the other way). If this was truly a "lucky accident" for dad, then it was certainly an extraordinarily lucky one. The supervisor just happened to not be paying attention on the same day that dad had a pre-camoflaged boat waiting at the marina. My, my. What an amazing coincidence! And for all the folks who claim that the abuse claims were false or fabricated, let's look at the cavalier actions this "loving" and "protective" father has taken thus far:
A) No hesitation with separating a 3-year-old boy from his mother, and the trauma that's connected with that (so much for the fathers rights rhetoric on how a child needs a father AND mother)
B) Given that Dad has little to no sailing experience, putting this child at an extraordinary risk so Dad can play out his romantic martyr/pirate fantasy
C) Refusing to admit that he might need lessons before sailing, especially with a child (another manifestation of Dad's romantic martyr/pirate fantasy)
D) And two tiny, but significant details. For all Dad's planning efforts (like painting the boat a battleship gray to make detection more difficult, painting over the identification numbers), two things were overlooked (deliberately omitted?): No EPIRB, a device that helps rescuers locate boats in distress, and no child vests. Why? Could it be the case that Dad has no intention of being rescued if this little voyage runs into trouble? No plan to save his son?
I hope the authorities find this dad IMMEDIATELY because this has bad intentions written all over it, despite all the predictable excuse-making we're hearing from Dad's family and friends.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/at-st-petersburg-marina-boaters-worry-about-father-son-he-may-have-abducted/1055279
At St. Petersburg marina, boaters worry about father, son he may have abducted
By Emily Nipps and Andy Boyle, Times Staff Writers
Posted: Nov 30, 2009 09:19 AM
ST. PETERSBURG — A Palm Bay father who authorities say kidnapped his 3-year-old son and set out to sea in a camouflaged sailboat had no prior boating or sailing experience, according to boaters who say they know him.
Those who got to know 35-year-old Paul Martikainen were worried Monday morning as they tended to their boats at Salt Creek Marina in St. Petersburg. Witnesses at the marina said they saw Martikainen and the boy, Luke Finch, get into the 32-foot Bristol sailboat, according to Cocoa Beach Police.
Debra Van Skiver, who works for a towing company near the marina, said she sold the boat, a 1977 32-foot Bristol, to Martikainen for $6,109 during the third week of October. He told friends he was purchasing it for someone in Arkansas and would be transporting it after working on it, but Martikainen himself had no sailing experience.
He appeared to be living aboard the boat as he worked on it, said Ted Scaratt, whose boat was docked next to Martik's.
He mentioned he would try sailing it after visiting his son over Thanksgiving, Van Skiver said, and she advised him to take some boating classes first.
"This is a man with not a lot of sailing experience," Van Skiver said, noting that she has a child too. "It is impossible to take care of a child and sail a boat without multiple people."
The boat was recently painted battleship gray, covering the identifying numbers and making the vessel difficult to find in the water. This led authorities to believe the abduction was planned, according to Cocoa Beach police spokeswoman Barbara Matthews.
Finch was reported missing Saturday afternoon after he disappeared from a Cocoa park during a visit with his father monitored by a court-appointed supervisor. Martikainen, 35, was able to slip away sometime after noon.
An Amber Alert sent out Saturday evening said Martikainen was thought to be traveling in a green 1995 Ford Explorer with tag number 142KEA. Shortly after news of the alert ran on local news broadcasts, a caller told authorities that the vehicle was at the marina, Matthews said.
People who got to know Martikainen at the marina described him as a nice, friendly guy who often brought doughnuts to share with other boaters.
Scaratt, Martikainen's neighbor at the marina, said Martikainen has dual citizenship and said he once served in the military in Finland. "He never gave an indication that he was capable of this," Scaratt said.
Van Skiver said the boat was seaworthy. It has a sleeping cabin, a kitchenette and standard safety equipment such as a compass and VHF radio. He recently purchased a GPS system before Thanksgiving, she said, but it has no EPIRB, a device that helps rescuers locate boats in distress.
The boat also had adult life vests but no child vests, and Van Skiver didn't know if Martikainen bought one.
The U.S. Coast Guard is assisting the Cocoa Beach police in the search for the father and son, thought to be in danger. The Coast Guard is broadcasting an alert about Martikainen on a marine emergency channel, the Orlando Sentinel reported
Martikainen was ordered to have supervised visitation because of previous allegations of abuse against the boy, Matthews said.
Matthews said the child's mother is "afraid … but very hopeful." The mother or other relatives of the boy could not be reached.
Martikainen has an arrest record that includes driving without a license and failing to go to court multiple times in the 1990's. In 1999 he was arrested in Palm Beach for trafficking Ecstasy, a felony.
In February he was charged with child abuse and domestic battery.
A) No hesitation with separating a 3-year-old boy from his mother, and the trauma that's connected with that (so much for the fathers rights rhetoric on how a child needs a father AND mother)
B) Given that Dad has little to no sailing experience, putting this child at an extraordinary risk so Dad can play out his romantic martyr/pirate fantasy
C) Refusing to admit that he might need lessons before sailing, especially with a child (another manifestation of Dad's romantic martyr/pirate fantasy)
D) And two tiny, but significant details. For all Dad's planning efforts (like painting the boat a battleship gray to make detection more difficult, painting over the identification numbers), two things were overlooked (deliberately omitted?): No EPIRB, a device that helps rescuers locate boats in distress, and no child vests. Why? Could it be the case that Dad has no intention of being rescued if this little voyage runs into trouble? No plan to save his son?
I hope the authorities find this dad IMMEDIATELY because this has bad intentions written all over it, despite all the predictable excuse-making we're hearing from Dad's family and friends.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/at-st-petersburg-marina-boaters-worry-about-father-son-he-may-have-abducted/1055279
At St. Petersburg marina, boaters worry about father, son he may have abducted
By Emily Nipps and Andy Boyle, Times Staff Writers
Posted: Nov 30, 2009 09:19 AM
ST. PETERSBURG — A Palm Bay father who authorities say kidnapped his 3-year-old son and set out to sea in a camouflaged sailboat had no prior boating or sailing experience, according to boaters who say they know him.
Those who got to know 35-year-old Paul Martikainen were worried Monday morning as they tended to their boats at Salt Creek Marina in St. Petersburg. Witnesses at the marina said they saw Martikainen and the boy, Luke Finch, get into the 32-foot Bristol sailboat, according to Cocoa Beach Police.
Debra Van Skiver, who works for a towing company near the marina, said she sold the boat, a 1977 32-foot Bristol, to Martikainen for $6,109 during the third week of October. He told friends he was purchasing it for someone in Arkansas and would be transporting it after working on it, but Martikainen himself had no sailing experience.
He appeared to be living aboard the boat as he worked on it, said Ted Scaratt, whose boat was docked next to Martik's.
He mentioned he would try sailing it after visiting his son over Thanksgiving, Van Skiver said, and she advised him to take some boating classes first.
"This is a man with not a lot of sailing experience," Van Skiver said, noting that she has a child too. "It is impossible to take care of a child and sail a boat without multiple people."
The boat was recently painted battleship gray, covering the identifying numbers and making the vessel difficult to find in the water. This led authorities to believe the abduction was planned, according to Cocoa Beach police spokeswoman Barbara Matthews.
Finch was reported missing Saturday afternoon after he disappeared from a Cocoa park during a visit with his father monitored by a court-appointed supervisor. Martikainen, 35, was able to slip away sometime after noon.
An Amber Alert sent out Saturday evening said Martikainen was thought to be traveling in a green 1995 Ford Explorer with tag number 142KEA. Shortly after news of the alert ran on local news broadcasts, a caller told authorities that the vehicle was at the marina, Matthews said.
People who got to know Martikainen at the marina described him as a nice, friendly guy who often brought doughnuts to share with other boaters.
Scaratt, Martikainen's neighbor at the marina, said Martikainen has dual citizenship and said he once served in the military in Finland. "He never gave an indication that he was capable of this," Scaratt said.
Van Skiver said the boat was seaworthy. It has a sleeping cabin, a kitchenette and standard safety equipment such as a compass and VHF radio. He recently purchased a GPS system before Thanksgiving, she said, but it has no EPIRB, a device that helps rescuers locate boats in distress.
The boat also had adult life vests but no child vests, and Van Skiver didn't know if Martikainen bought one.
The U.S. Coast Guard is assisting the Cocoa Beach police in the search for the father and son, thought to be in danger. The Coast Guard is broadcasting an alert about Martikainen on a marine emergency channel, the Orlando Sentinel reported
Martikainen was ordered to have supervised visitation because of previous allegations of abuse against the boy, Matthews said.
Matthews said the child's mother is "afraid … but very hopeful." The mother or other relatives of the boy could not be reached.
Martikainen has an arrest record that includes driving without a license and failing to go to court multiple times in the 1990's. In 1999 he was arrested in Palm Beach for trafficking Ecstasy, a felony.
In February he was charged with child abuse and domestic battery.
Book delves in stepdad sex abuse, murder-suicide case (Millville, New Jersey)
Sounds like a great book for those who like to get behind the headlines. Stepdad SCOTT MCCARTER molested his stepdaughter, then murdered his wife and own two children (and self) rather than take responsibility for his actions in a court of law. This is another case where child protective services screwed up.
http://www.app.com/article/20091129/NEWS03/91129006/Book-delves-into-NJ-sex-abuse--murder-suicide-case
Book delves into NJ sex abuse, murder-suicide case
DEBORAH M. MARKO • Staff Writer • November 29, 2009
MILLVILLE — In an instant, veteran reporter Eileen Bennett's life went from byline to headline.
On May 25, 2006, her son-in-law, Scott McCarter, was set to take the stand to answer charges that he had sexually molested his stepdaughter, Amanda Bennett.
He never made it to court. Instead, investigators say he fatally shot his wife, Wendy, and their two children, Scotty, 12, and Melanie, 6, before turning the gun on himself.
"I felt like a broken reporter, after being through this, I didn't know if I could ever be fully objective again," said Bennett, a retired Press of Atlantic City reporter and editor.
It was Amanda Bennett who coaxed her "Mom-Mom" back to writing. Bennett was inspired by her granddaughter's ability to cope with her loss, focus on the positive and move forward with her life.
She recalled a candid moment when Amanda Bennett was talking about her lost family members and feeling so many things had been left unsaid.
"I feel like I should write a letter... but I don't know who I would send it to," Bennett recalled her granddaughter saying. That sparked a three-year labor of love that resulted in the book, "Amanda's Voice." Fireside Publications of Lady Lake, Fla., released the 210-page publication earlier this month.
The book details Amanda Bennett's decision to publicly name her stepfather, McCarter, as a sexual abuser and how she coped with the devastating ramifications.
"She's an extremely private person, but I think she came to the realization that speaking out would help others," Bennett said. "She threw herself in the public arena, I know other girls are going through this -- it has to be revealed, it can't be cloaked in secrecy."
Before coming forward to confront her stepfather, Amanda Bennett lived in fear.
"The thing that may have pushed her over edge was she was extremely worried about Melanie and that (Scott) may have done something to her," Eileen Bennett said.
Amanda Bennett was aware there would be consequences in speaking out.
"She was afraid her world would implode -- and it did," Bennett said, first with an estranged relationship with her mother and the eventual slaying of her family.
With the determination she gathered to face her stepfather in court, Amanda Bennett also took on the N.J. Division of Youth and Family Services. She filed a civil lawsuit against the agency charged with improperly handling the case, winning a $750,000 settlement.
"I want to help some other girls out there," Amanda Bennett said.
The 21-year-old is in her final semester at Cumberland County College, where she is studying to be a paralegal.
Compiling the book took about three years of listening to more than 200 hours of court transcripts, interviewing police, the prosecutors and all the others whose lives were intertwined with the case.
Amanda Bennett was spare with her words, but she wanted them to matter.
During the process, Eileen Bennett recovered her reporter instincts.
"I wanted to make sure everything was quoted correctly," she said, noting she also extended an invitation to the McCarter family to be included in the book. They declined.
"When I read some of the passages, I cringe but it is what it is," Bennett said. "Amanda is a very strong-willed person, if she thinks something is right, she will do it."
"I don't think of it as the story of her abuse, it is the story about the beautiful person she has become," she said. "I see the beautiful young lady picking herself up and getting on with life -- there are not many people that can do it."
http://www.app.com/article/20091129/NEWS03/91129006/Book-delves-into-NJ-sex-abuse--murder-suicide-case
Book delves into NJ sex abuse, murder-suicide case
DEBORAH M. MARKO • Staff Writer • November 29, 2009
MILLVILLE — In an instant, veteran reporter Eileen Bennett's life went from byline to headline.
On May 25, 2006, her son-in-law, Scott McCarter, was set to take the stand to answer charges that he had sexually molested his stepdaughter, Amanda Bennett.
He never made it to court. Instead, investigators say he fatally shot his wife, Wendy, and their two children, Scotty, 12, and Melanie, 6, before turning the gun on himself.
"I felt like a broken reporter, after being through this, I didn't know if I could ever be fully objective again," said Bennett, a retired Press of Atlantic City reporter and editor.
It was Amanda Bennett who coaxed her "Mom-Mom" back to writing. Bennett was inspired by her granddaughter's ability to cope with her loss, focus on the positive and move forward with her life.
She recalled a candid moment when Amanda Bennett was talking about her lost family members and feeling so many things had been left unsaid.
"I feel like I should write a letter... but I don't know who I would send it to," Bennett recalled her granddaughter saying. That sparked a three-year labor of love that resulted in the book, "Amanda's Voice." Fireside Publications of Lady Lake, Fla., released the 210-page publication earlier this month.
The book details Amanda Bennett's decision to publicly name her stepfather, McCarter, as a sexual abuser and how she coped with the devastating ramifications.
"She's an extremely private person, but I think she came to the realization that speaking out would help others," Bennett said. "She threw herself in the public arena, I know other girls are going through this -- it has to be revealed, it can't be cloaked in secrecy."
Before coming forward to confront her stepfather, Amanda Bennett lived in fear.
"The thing that may have pushed her over edge was she was extremely worried about Melanie and that (Scott) may have done something to her," Eileen Bennett said.
Amanda Bennett was aware there would be consequences in speaking out.
"She was afraid her world would implode -- and it did," Bennett said, first with an estranged relationship with her mother and the eventual slaying of her family.
With the determination she gathered to face her stepfather in court, Amanda Bennett also took on the N.J. Division of Youth and Family Services. She filed a civil lawsuit against the agency charged with improperly handling the case, winning a $750,000 settlement.
"I want to help some other girls out there," Amanda Bennett said.
The 21-year-old is in her final semester at Cumberland County College, where she is studying to be a paralegal.
Compiling the book took about three years of listening to more than 200 hours of court transcripts, interviewing police, the prosecutors and all the others whose lives were intertwined with the case.
Amanda Bennett was spare with her words, but she wanted them to matter.
During the process, Eileen Bennett recovered her reporter instincts.
"I wanted to make sure everything was quoted correctly," she said, noting she also extended an invitation to the McCarter family to be included in the book. They declined.
"When I read some of the passages, I cringe but it is what it is," Bennett said. "Amanda is a very strong-willed person, if she thinks something is right, she will do it."
"I don't think of it as the story of her abuse, it is the story about the beautiful person she has become," she said. "I see the beautiful young lady picking herself up and getting on with life -- there are not many people that can do it."
Sunday, November 29, 2009
UPDATE: Dad who killed son had history of domestic violence, was in "bitter custody dispute" (Paterson, New Jersey)
Sooo surprising. Now we find out that dad EDELMIRO GONZALEZ who gunned down and murdered his 7-year-old son, has a history of domestic violence (the 11-year-old son and the boys' mom were also shot and are in critical condition). It also appears that Mom tried to protect herself and her children by obtaining restraining order, which Dad obviously ignored.
In addition, it appears that there was a "bitter custody dispute" (read: Dad's abusive behavior also included harrassment directed against the mother, and threats to strip her of her children, leaving them at a heightened risk of injury and death).
Families of abusers are often conditioned into knee jerk defenses of their actions, which we see here. For all the talk that Dad wasn't really a "violent man," his actions certainly prove otherwise. And in retrospect, I think we can safely conclude that this man would not have been a good bet for additional child custody/visitation rights of any sort. Not when he's perfectly willing to gun down his own children because he's frustrated or "fed up." Lots of people get "fed up" from all kinds of aggravation everyday, but they don't murder their children.
http://www.northjersey.com/passaic/112909_Police_Paterson_Father_who_killed_son_shot_family_had_history_of_domestic_violence.html?c=y&page=1
Police: Paterson father who killed son, shot family had history of domestic violence
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Last updated: Sunday November 29, 2009, 9:12 PM
BY JUSTO BAUTISTA AND MEREDITH MANDELL
The Record
STAFF WRITERS
A Paterson man who murdered his young son and shot his estranged wife and a second son on a busy city street Saturday had a history of domestic violence and was under a restraining order at the time of the shootings, police said Sunday.
Authorities declined to speculate on a motive for the rampage, but Edelmiro Gonzalez’s daughter said Sunday that her father was locked in a bitter custody dispute with his estranged wife, Johanna Gonzalez, 31.
“He was just fed up with the situation,” said the daughter, Yulisa Robles, 30.
Police said Johanna Gonzalez was dropping her sons off at her mother’s Broadway apartment around 9 a.m. and was about to drive to her job at the Garden State Plaza in Paramus when Edelmiro Gonzalez, 54, approached her sport utility vehicle.
Brandishing two handguns, Edelmiro Gonzalez shot his son Adrian, 7, then chased down his other son Edryn, 11, and shot the boy in the neck, police said. The crazed father then went back to the SUV and chased his estranged wife past a McDonald’s on Madison Avenue, where he shot her once in the shoulder, police said.
Adrian was pronounced dead at the scene. Edryn and his mother remained in critical condition Sunday at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center.
An off-duty police officer shot and killed Edelmiro Gonzalez after ordering him to drop his weapon. When he didn’t, Lt. Washington Griffin fired twice, hitting Gonzalez in the head and right leg, police said.
Johanna Gonzalez got the restraining order in September, following “previous incidents of domestic violence,” Detective Lt. Ron Humphrey said. He declined to elaborate on the circumstances surrounding the order of protection.
Police are tracing the guns used in the shooting — a .45 caliber and a small caliber handgun — to determine if they were legally owned, Humphrey said.
Edelmiro Gonzalez’s family members — gathered at their 21st Avenue house on Sunday — painted a portrait of a man on the brink. He was upset over the custody battle, the home he owned on Eighth Avenue was in foreclosure, and his gutter cleaning and installation business was failing.
“Business wasn’t going so well,” Robles said.
She said, however, that she never knew her father to have a handgun and has no idea where he got them from.
The family will decide Monday on the funeral arrangements for her father, Robles said.
The funeral arrangements for Adrian were unknown Sunday.
Robles said she has been in contact with Johanna Gonzalez’s family and visited them at St. Joseph’s.
Griffin, the officer who killed Edelmiro Gonzalez, declined comment at his home on Sunday. He has been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation, a standard procedure in police-involved shootings.
Alberto Rodriguez, manager of the 99 Cent El Gigante store across the street from the shootings, said he was opening his store when Edelmiro Gonzalez was shot by Griffin.
“I just heard a pop, pop, pop, and I saw a woman screaming. … I hid under my car,”
Dominga Nuez, Edelmiro Gonzalez’s girlfriend, said he was separated for about three years and was not a violent man. Nuez said Gonzalez said he was going to pick up his sons and take them to the home of a daughter from a former marriage.
David Cozart, the principal of School 8, where the boys attended, said he’d be meeting with district officials today about setting up counseling for students and staff at the school.
“I ask the staff to keep the Gonzalez family in their prayers. Once we find out more details we are going to come together as a school family to provide any services we can,” Cozart said.
In addition, it appears that there was a "bitter custody dispute" (read: Dad's abusive behavior also included harrassment directed against the mother, and threats to strip her of her children, leaving them at a heightened risk of injury and death).
Families of abusers are often conditioned into knee jerk defenses of their actions, which we see here. For all the talk that Dad wasn't really a "violent man," his actions certainly prove otherwise. And in retrospect, I think we can safely conclude that this man would not have been a good bet for additional child custody/visitation rights of any sort. Not when he's perfectly willing to gun down his own children because he's frustrated or "fed up." Lots of people get "fed up" from all kinds of aggravation everyday, but they don't murder their children.
http://www.northjersey.com/passaic/112909_Police_Paterson_Father_who_killed_son_shot_family_had_history_of_domestic_violence.html?c=y&page=1
Police: Paterson father who killed son, shot family had history of domestic violence
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Last updated: Sunday November 29, 2009, 9:12 PM
BY JUSTO BAUTISTA AND MEREDITH MANDELL
The Record
STAFF WRITERS
A Paterson man who murdered his young son and shot his estranged wife and a second son on a busy city street Saturday had a history of domestic violence and was under a restraining order at the time of the shootings, police said Sunday.
Authorities declined to speculate on a motive for the rampage, but Edelmiro Gonzalez’s daughter said Sunday that her father was locked in a bitter custody dispute with his estranged wife, Johanna Gonzalez, 31.
“He was just fed up with the situation,” said the daughter, Yulisa Robles, 30.
Police said Johanna Gonzalez was dropping her sons off at her mother’s Broadway apartment around 9 a.m. and was about to drive to her job at the Garden State Plaza in Paramus when Edelmiro Gonzalez, 54, approached her sport utility vehicle.
Brandishing two handguns, Edelmiro Gonzalez shot his son Adrian, 7, then chased down his other son Edryn, 11, and shot the boy in the neck, police said. The crazed father then went back to the SUV and chased his estranged wife past a McDonald’s on Madison Avenue, where he shot her once in the shoulder, police said.
Adrian was pronounced dead at the scene. Edryn and his mother remained in critical condition Sunday at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center.
An off-duty police officer shot and killed Edelmiro Gonzalez after ordering him to drop his weapon. When he didn’t, Lt. Washington Griffin fired twice, hitting Gonzalez in the head and right leg, police said.
Johanna Gonzalez got the restraining order in September, following “previous incidents of domestic violence,” Detective Lt. Ron Humphrey said. He declined to elaborate on the circumstances surrounding the order of protection.
Police are tracing the guns used in the shooting — a .45 caliber and a small caliber handgun — to determine if they were legally owned, Humphrey said.
Edelmiro Gonzalez’s family members — gathered at their 21st Avenue house on Sunday — painted a portrait of a man on the brink. He was upset over the custody battle, the home he owned on Eighth Avenue was in foreclosure, and his gutter cleaning and installation business was failing.
“Business wasn’t going so well,” Robles said.
She said, however, that she never knew her father to have a handgun and has no idea where he got them from.
The family will decide Monday on the funeral arrangements for her father, Robles said.
The funeral arrangements for Adrian were unknown Sunday.
Robles said she has been in contact with Johanna Gonzalez’s family and visited them at St. Joseph’s.
Griffin, the officer who killed Edelmiro Gonzalez, declined comment at his home on Sunday. He has been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation, a standard procedure in police-involved shootings.
Alberto Rodriguez, manager of the 99 Cent El Gigante store across the street from the shootings, said he was opening his store when Edelmiro Gonzalez was shot by Griffin.
“I just heard a pop, pop, pop, and I saw a woman screaming. … I hid under my car,”
Dominga Nuez, Edelmiro Gonzalez’s girlfriend, said he was separated for about three years and was not a violent man. Nuez said Gonzalez said he was going to pick up his sons and take them to the home of a daughter from a former marriage.
David Cozart, the principal of School 8, where the boys attended, said he’d be meeting with district officials today about setting up counseling for students and staff at the school.
“I ask the staff to keep the Gonzalez family in their prayers. Once we find out more details we are going to come together as a school family to provide any services we can,” Cozart said.
Dad guns down two sons, sons' mother (Paterson, New Jersey)
Dad EDELMIRO GONZALEZ shot and killed his 7-year-old son. The 11-year-old son and the boys' mom were also shot, and are in critical condition. An off-duty cop shot and killed dad--thank you, sir, for taking this guy out before he killed anybody else. (And thank goodness we have no quotes from the neighbors saying what a "great guy" dad was for once.)
When is the carnage going to stop?
http://www.northjersey.com/news/crime_courts/Man_guns_down_mother_two_children_in_Paterson.html?c=y&page=1
Man guns down his sons and their mother in Paterson, killing a 7-year-old
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Last updated: Saturday November 28, 2009, 7:59 PM
BY MICHAEL GARTLAND
The Record
STAFF WRITER
PATERSON — A man shot his two boys and their mother in front of dozens of horrified witnesses Saturday morning, killing the 7-year-old and wounding the 11-year-old before being shot and killed by an off-duty officer, police said.
The 11-year-old boy, Edryn Gonzalez, and his mother, Johanna Gonzalez, 31, were in critical but stable condition Saturday night at St. Joseph’s Hospital, according to Paterson Police Det. Lt. Ron Humphrey.
Adrian Gonzalez, 7, was lying dead in a driveway when police responded to one of the city’s major thoroughfares at approximately 8:53 a.m. His body, later covered with a yellow tarp, remained there for the rest of the morning and into the afternoon, just feet away from the debris-strewn railroad tracks that run through the Eastside.
Police said Johanna Gonzalez was dropping her sons off at her mother’s Broadway apartment and was about to drive away to her job at the Garden State Plaza when her estranged husband, Edelmiro Gonzalez, approached her green SUV.
Edelmiro Gonzalez then shot Adrian once and chased Edryn down the driveway toward the rear of the building, where he shot him in the neck, Humphrey said.
After shooting his older son, Edelmiro Gonzalez then proceeded back to Broadway and chased his wife past a McDonald’s on Madison Avenue, where he shot her once in the shoulder.
People who peeked through the fence adjacent to that rear lot later on Saturday could still see the trail of blood and a bloody rag left behind by the young boy.
Paterson Police Lt. Washington Griffin was picking up breakfast with his young son in the McDonald’s drive-thru lane when he heard the gunshots. Griffin, who was off-duty at the time, emerged from his car, identified himself as a police officer and told Gonzalez to put down the gun, according to Humphrey.
A witness, Will Hayes, said he was in the McDonald’s when it happened.
“I was in here, and I heard the shooting,” he said. “Everybody ducked.”
Hayes said he looked up and saw a man identify himself as a police officer and tell the gunman to stop.
“The guy didn’t, and that’s when he shot him,” Hayes said.
Griffin fired twice, hitting Edelmiro Gonzalez once in the head and once in the right femur, Humphrey said. Griffin and his son did not sustain any injuries.
Edelmiro Gonzalez, who lived on Green Street in Paterson, was carrying two pistols, a .45 and smaller caliber gun, Humphrey said.
“As tragic as it was, it could have been worse,” he said.
Edelmiro Gonzalez, 54, had been separated from his wife for three years. He died at the hospital, Humphrey said.
Hayes said when he left the McDonald’s, he saw the two boys on Broadway. One appeared to be dead, and the other boy’s face was covered in blood, but was still alive. He was taken away in an ambulance, Hayes said.
“Right in front of the salon, the one kid was trying to get up … the other one was face down,” he said. “I started crying.”
The homicide is the 15th in Paterson this year, according to Humphrey. Almost three years ago, a police officer was murdered just feet away from where police found Adrian Gonzalez’s body. Tyron Franklin was off-duty when he was shot multiple times during a robbery at Broadway Fried Chicken.
Mike Rodriguez had not yet begun working at the liquor store on the corner of Broadway and East 18th Street when that happened, but said he has seen plenty of violence in the neighborhood over the last year.
“A lot of shootings – too much,” he said. “The last shooting, they were two of my friends – they were fighting over a girl … a lot of problems around here I guess.”
When is the carnage going to stop?
http://www.northjersey.com/news/crime_courts/Man_guns_down_mother_two_children_in_Paterson.html?c=y&page=1
Man guns down his sons and their mother in Paterson, killing a 7-year-old
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Last updated: Saturday November 28, 2009, 7:59 PM
BY MICHAEL GARTLAND
The Record
STAFF WRITER
PATERSON — A man shot his two boys and their mother in front of dozens of horrified witnesses Saturday morning, killing the 7-year-old and wounding the 11-year-old before being shot and killed by an off-duty officer, police said.
The 11-year-old boy, Edryn Gonzalez, and his mother, Johanna Gonzalez, 31, were in critical but stable condition Saturday night at St. Joseph’s Hospital, according to Paterson Police Det. Lt. Ron Humphrey.
Adrian Gonzalez, 7, was lying dead in a driveway when police responded to one of the city’s major thoroughfares at approximately 8:53 a.m. His body, later covered with a yellow tarp, remained there for the rest of the morning and into the afternoon, just feet away from the debris-strewn railroad tracks that run through the Eastside.
Police said Johanna Gonzalez was dropping her sons off at her mother’s Broadway apartment and was about to drive away to her job at the Garden State Plaza when her estranged husband, Edelmiro Gonzalez, approached her green SUV.
Edelmiro Gonzalez then shot Adrian once and chased Edryn down the driveway toward the rear of the building, where he shot him in the neck, Humphrey said.
After shooting his older son, Edelmiro Gonzalez then proceeded back to Broadway and chased his wife past a McDonald’s on Madison Avenue, where he shot her once in the shoulder.
People who peeked through the fence adjacent to that rear lot later on Saturday could still see the trail of blood and a bloody rag left behind by the young boy.
Paterson Police Lt. Washington Griffin was picking up breakfast with his young son in the McDonald’s drive-thru lane when he heard the gunshots. Griffin, who was off-duty at the time, emerged from his car, identified himself as a police officer and told Gonzalez to put down the gun, according to Humphrey.
A witness, Will Hayes, said he was in the McDonald’s when it happened.
“I was in here, and I heard the shooting,” he said. “Everybody ducked.”
Hayes said he looked up and saw a man identify himself as a police officer and tell the gunman to stop.
“The guy didn’t, and that’s when he shot him,” Hayes said.
Griffin fired twice, hitting Edelmiro Gonzalez once in the head and once in the right femur, Humphrey said. Griffin and his son did not sustain any injuries.
Edelmiro Gonzalez, who lived on Green Street in Paterson, was carrying two pistols, a .45 and smaller caliber gun, Humphrey said.
“As tragic as it was, it could have been worse,” he said.
Edelmiro Gonzalez, 54, had been separated from his wife for three years. He died at the hospital, Humphrey said.
Hayes said when he left the McDonald’s, he saw the two boys on Broadway. One appeared to be dead, and the other boy’s face was covered in blood, but was still alive. He was taken away in an ambulance, Hayes said.
“Right in front of the salon, the one kid was trying to get up … the other one was face down,” he said. “I started crying.”
The homicide is the 15th in Paterson this year, according to Humphrey. Almost three years ago, a police officer was murdered just feet away from where police found Adrian Gonzalez’s body. Tyron Franklin was off-duty when he was shot multiple times during a robbery at Broadway Fried Chicken.
Mike Rodriguez had not yet begun working at the liquor store on the corner of Broadway and East 18th Street when that happened, but said he has seen plenty of violence in the neighborhood over the last year.
“A lot of shootings – too much,” he said. “The last shooting, they were two of my friends – they were fighting over a girl … a lot of problems around here I guess.”
UPDATE: Abducting abuser dad, 3-year-old son spotted in St. Petersburg (Cocoa, Florida)
Dad PAUL MARTIKAINEN, who is "allegedly" abusive to his 3-year-old son, abducted his son after a court-ordered visitation monitor screwed up. Now Dad's SUV has been found at a St. Petersburg marina, and it appears that the two took off in a sailboat. Note that Dad apparently has little to no sailing experience, so it appears that he's putting the child in considerable danger.
So let's ask the question again. Why are children being forced into visitation with parents where there is credible evidence of abuse? This is the potentially disastrous scenario that results.
http://www.baynews9.com/content/9/2009/11/29/552839.html?title=Police:+missing+boy,+father+spotted+in+St.+Petersburg
Police: missing boy, father spotted in St. Petersburg
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Luke Finch has been missing since Saturday.
COCOA -- A statewide missing child alert out of Brevard County has been issued for a 3-year-old boy.
Police say Luke Finch's father, Paul Martikainen, was at a court-appointed visit with Finch on Saturday when he took off with the boy.
On Sunday, witnesses called police and said they had seen the pair at a marina in St. Petersburg. Police were called to the marina where they found Martikainen's SUV.
The witnesses said they saw the two get into a 32' Bristol sailboat and leave the marina.
Investigators learned the boat, which belongs to a friend of Martikainen's, was recently painted battleship gray, possibly as a method of concealment because gray is one of the most difficult colors to spot on the water.
Finch is thought to be with his non-custodial father, Paul Martikainen. Martikainen has no known extensive boating experience.
Martikainen, 36, was under supervision because of prior child abuse allegations against his son.
Anyone who sees Finch or Martikainen is asked to call Cocoa police at (321) 639-7620.
So let's ask the question again. Why are children being forced into visitation with parents where there is credible evidence of abuse? This is the potentially disastrous scenario that results.
http://www.baynews9.com/content/9/2009/11/29/552839.html?title=Police:+missing+boy,+father+spotted+in+St.+Petersburg
Police: missing boy, father spotted in St. Petersburg
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Luke Finch has been missing since Saturday.
COCOA -- A statewide missing child alert out of Brevard County has been issued for a 3-year-old boy.
Police say Luke Finch's father, Paul Martikainen, was at a court-appointed visit with Finch on Saturday when he took off with the boy.
On Sunday, witnesses called police and said they had seen the pair at a marina in St. Petersburg. Police were called to the marina where they found Martikainen's SUV.
The witnesses said they saw the two get into a 32' Bristol sailboat and leave the marina.
Investigators learned the boat, which belongs to a friend of Martikainen's, was recently painted battleship gray, possibly as a method of concealment because gray is one of the most difficult colors to spot on the water.
Finch is thought to be with his non-custodial father, Paul Martikainen. Martikainen has no known extensive boating experience.
Martikainen, 36, was under supervision because of prior child abuse allegations against his son.
Anyone who sees Finch or Martikainen is asked to call Cocoa police at (321) 639-7620.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Dad on probation for DV murders wife, son (Forest Grove, Oregon)
Dad STEVEN ENGLUND, who was on probation for a criminal domestic violence charge, has shot to death his son and the mother of his son.
Oh yea, and then the coward knocked himself out of the gene pool.
Hat tip to Annie for finding this.
http://www.forestgrovenewstimes.com/news/story.php?story_id=125937746097876500
Murder-suicide in Forest Grove claims three lives
Father shoots his wife and son, then kills himself in western Washington County's third murder this month
By Christian Gaston
The Forest Grove News-Times, Nov 27, 2009, Updated 3.4 hours ago
Forest Grove police say a man on probation for domestic violence killed his wife and shot his son twice before shooting himself Friday night.
Police were called to the a house located in the 2500 block of 21st Avenue in Forest Grove around 6:30 p.m.
Inside police found Kevin Coleman who had been shot several times. Also in the house, police found the Coleman's mother, Cindy England, 52, dead from gunshot wounds.
Police searched the house and the surrounding property and finally found 56-year-old Steven England, 56, dead from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
The wounded man was taken by Life Flight helicopter to Oregon Health and Science University Hospital in Portland where he died later that night.
The shooter, Steven England, apparently just moved back into the house with Cindy England, even though he was on probation for a criminal domestic violence charge stemming from their relationship.
Police said they weren't sure where England got the revolver that he used in the crime, or whether it was his gun.
Capt. Aaron Ashbaugh, spokesman for the Forest Grove Police, said some family members arrived at the scene, and were shocked by the violence.
"This is just absolutely devastating," Ashbaugh said. Two of Washington County's volunteer chaplains helped the family cope as best they could, Ashbaugh said.
"It's tough for everybody, the officers, too," Ashbaugh said. "They've been dealing with a lot of death and violence."
This is the third homicide investigation in western Washington County in November. Last weekend, Forest Grove police aided Hillsboro and Cornelius police in a chase after a shooter who fled a crime scene in Hillsboro then opened fire on police. Police shot him dead.
Then on Monday, police conducted a manhunt for Josh David Nicholas, who was wanted on multiple warrants. Once police had him in custody, they said he was a person of interest in a Nov. 7 killing.
"In my 23 years out here in Forest Grove this is the most intense string of violent events in this area that I have seen," said Ashbaugh.
Oh yea, and then the coward knocked himself out of the gene pool.
Hat tip to Annie for finding this.
http://www.forestgrovenewstimes.com/news/story.php?story_id=125937746097876500
Murder-suicide in Forest Grove claims three lives
Father shoots his wife and son, then kills himself in western Washington County's third murder this month
By Christian Gaston
The Forest Grove News-Times, Nov 27, 2009, Updated 3.4 hours ago
Forest Grove police say a man on probation for domestic violence killed his wife and shot his son twice before shooting himself Friday night.
Police were called to the a house located in the 2500 block of 21st Avenue in Forest Grove around 6:30 p.m.
Inside police found Kevin Coleman who had been shot several times. Also in the house, police found the Coleman's mother, Cindy England, 52, dead from gunshot wounds.
Police searched the house and the surrounding property and finally found 56-year-old Steven England, 56, dead from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
The wounded man was taken by Life Flight helicopter to Oregon Health and Science University Hospital in Portland where he died later that night.
The shooter, Steven England, apparently just moved back into the house with Cindy England, even though he was on probation for a criminal domestic violence charge stemming from their relationship.
Police said they weren't sure where England got the revolver that he used in the crime, or whether it was his gun.
Capt. Aaron Ashbaugh, spokesman for the Forest Grove Police, said some family members arrived at the scene, and were shocked by the violence.
"This is just absolutely devastating," Ashbaugh said. Two of Washington County's volunteer chaplains helped the family cope as best they could, Ashbaugh said.
"It's tough for everybody, the officers, too," Ashbaugh said. "They've been dealing with a lot of death and violence."
This is the third homicide investigation in western Washington County in November. Last weekend, Forest Grove police aided Hillsboro and Cornelius police in a chase after a shooter who fled a crime scene in Hillsboro then opened fire on police. Police shot him dead.
Then on Monday, police conducted a manhunt for Josh David Nicholas, who was wanted on multiple warrants. Once police had him in custody, they said he was a person of interest in a Nov. 7 killing.
"In my 23 years out here in Forest Grove this is the most intense string of violent events in this area that I have seen," said Ashbaugh.
"Allegedly" abusive dad kidnaps 3-year-old son during court-ordered visitation (Palm Bay, Florida)
The State of Florida has one of the worst records for child abuse and domestic violence fatalities in the country. Ever wonder why? This little news article will give you a solid, step-by step introduction into one of the big reasons why.
Step 1) Carefully read paragraph #1. Note that Dad abducted his 3-year-old son after a COURT-SCHEDULED VISITATION. This means that this visitation wasn't at Mom's discretion or anybody else's in the family. This is the court's decision. A Court in the State of Florida. Are we clear on this?
Step 2) After perusing paragraph #2 and noting dad's name--PAUL MARTIKAINEN--observe that in paragraph #3, we find out that Dad has a HISTORY OF "ALLEGED" ABUSE against the child.
So that's why the brilliant officials in the State of Florida thought it would be a great idea--not to end visitation unless or until the child's safety and well-being could be guaranteed, which would be the logical choice--but to appoint a dimwitted "supervisor" to monitor said visitation.
Step 3) Now go to the paragraph #4. The predictable outcome of a stupid and dangerous policy: The "allegedly" abusive father manages to evade the dimwitted supervisor, and abduct the child.
Just brilliant, Florida! Take a bow! If your aim is to stay competive as a leader in child abuse and child abuse fatalies, this is the just about perfect way to maintain your lead!
http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20091128/BREAKINGNEWS/91128014/1006/news01/Police+looking+for+dad+in+abduction
Police looking for dad in abduction
FLORIDA TODAY • November 28, 2009
Cocoa police are asking for help in locating a father who is accused of abducting his 3-year-old son today after a court-scheduled visitation.
Palm Bay resident Paul Martikainen, 36, was with his son, Luke Finch, at Riverfront Park in Cocoa around noon.
A court-appointed supervisor monitored Martikainen and his son because of the father’s history of alleged abuse against the child, according to a news release.
Martikainen slipped away from the supervisor, according to the release. Neither he nor Luke have been since around 1 p.m. today.
Martikainen’s address is 554 Fournier Street, S.W., Palm Bay. He was last seen driving a 1990s model Ford Explorer with a Florida tag of 142-KEA.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Cocoa Police Department at 639-7620 and press “4.”
Step 1) Carefully read paragraph #1. Note that Dad abducted his 3-year-old son after a COURT-SCHEDULED VISITATION. This means that this visitation wasn't at Mom's discretion or anybody else's in the family. This is the court's decision. A Court in the State of Florida. Are we clear on this?
Step 2) After perusing paragraph #2 and noting dad's name--PAUL MARTIKAINEN--observe that in paragraph #3, we find out that Dad has a HISTORY OF "ALLEGED" ABUSE against the child.
So that's why the brilliant officials in the State of Florida thought it would be a great idea--not to end visitation unless or until the child's safety and well-being could be guaranteed, which would be the logical choice--but to appoint a dimwitted "supervisor" to monitor said visitation.
Step 3) Now go to the paragraph #4. The predictable outcome of a stupid and dangerous policy: The "allegedly" abusive father manages to evade the dimwitted supervisor, and abduct the child.
Just brilliant, Florida! Take a bow! If your aim is to stay competive as a leader in child abuse and child abuse fatalies, this is the just about perfect way to maintain your lead!
http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20091128/BREAKINGNEWS/91128014/1006/news01/Police+looking+for+dad+in+abduction
Police looking for dad in abduction
FLORIDA TODAY • November 28, 2009
Cocoa police are asking for help in locating a father who is accused of abducting his 3-year-old son today after a court-scheduled visitation.
Palm Bay resident Paul Martikainen, 36, was with his son, Luke Finch, at Riverfront Park in Cocoa around noon.
A court-appointed supervisor monitored Martikainen and his son because of the father’s history of alleged abuse against the child, according to a news release.
Martikainen slipped away from the supervisor, according to the release. Neither he nor Luke have been since around 1 p.m. today.
Martikainen’s address is 554 Fournier Street, S.W., Palm Bay. He was last seen driving a 1990s model Ford Explorer with a Florida tag of 142-KEA.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Cocoa Police Department at 639-7620 and press “4.”
Dad in custody in murder of 13-year-old son, 9-year-old daughter; mother is hospitalized (Calgary, Canada)
UNNAMED DAD has been taken into custody in the murder of his two children. A timely police response prevented the murder of the children's mother, who has been hospitalized.
http://www.canada.com/news/children+found+dead+Calgary+home+father+custody/2280824/story.html
Two children found dead at Calgary home, father in custody
By Deborah Tetley, Michelle Butterfield and Suzanne Wilton, Calgary Herald
November 28, 2009 5:46 PM
CALGARY — The father of two children found slain at a home in Calgary on Friday night is in custody — and the city’s police chief says only the quick response of his officers saved the life a potential third victim, the children’s mother.
Police kicked down the door of a home in Calgary’s northwest and immediately found the body of a 13-year-old boy, police Chief Rick Hanson told reporters Saturday, as he revealed details about the horrific crime.
"The officers continued searching and came upon a man and woman in the upstairs part of the home. Both were involved in a physical struggle," Hanson said.
"It is our firm belief that the rapid intervention of our officers interrupted a potential homicide," he said.
The body of a nine-year-old girl was also found upstairs.
Police said the father is in custody and considered a murder suspect.
Hanson praised the action of officers, saying from the time they got the 911 call to the time they forced their way inside was only 16 minutes.
Investigators said the deaths are domestic homicides and that they aren’t looking for any other suspects.
The woman believed to be the mother of the two children remained in hospital Saturday.
Police haven’t released their names.
Cindy ten Broek said she was putting her own four children to bed Friday night when police cruisers and emergency vehicles began to arrive at a nearby home.
"I didn’t sleep at all," said ten Broek.
"I’m very upset about it."
The tragedy brought back memories of another domestic murder that devastated two families and stunned Calgarians in 2008.
Joshua Lall killed his two children, wife and a downstairs tenant before taking his own life on an otherwise quiet suburban street.
On the evening of May 27, 2008, Lall killed his wife Alison, 35, and their two daughters, Kristen, 5 1/2, and Rochelle, 3 1/2, but left a one-year-old baby unharmed. He also killed Amber Bowerman, 30, who was renting a basement suite in the house.
http://www.canada.com/news/children+found+dead+Calgary+home+father+custody/2280824/story.html
Two children found dead at Calgary home, father in custody
By Deborah Tetley, Michelle Butterfield and Suzanne Wilton, Calgary Herald
November 28, 2009 5:46 PM
CALGARY — The father of two children found slain at a home in Calgary on Friday night is in custody — and the city’s police chief says only the quick response of his officers saved the life a potential third victim, the children’s mother.
Police kicked down the door of a home in Calgary’s northwest and immediately found the body of a 13-year-old boy, police Chief Rick Hanson told reporters Saturday, as he revealed details about the horrific crime.
"The officers continued searching and came upon a man and woman in the upstairs part of the home. Both were involved in a physical struggle," Hanson said.
"It is our firm belief that the rapid intervention of our officers interrupted a potential homicide," he said.
The body of a nine-year-old girl was also found upstairs.
Police said the father is in custody and considered a murder suspect.
Hanson praised the action of officers, saying from the time they got the 911 call to the time they forced their way inside was only 16 minutes.
Investigators said the deaths are domestic homicides and that they aren’t looking for any other suspects.
The woman believed to be the mother of the two children remained in hospital Saturday.
Police haven’t released their names.
Cindy ten Broek said she was putting her own four children to bed Friday night when police cruisers and emergency vehicles began to arrive at a nearby home.
"I didn’t sleep at all," said ten Broek.
"I’m very upset about it."
The tragedy brought back memories of another domestic murder that devastated two families and stunned Calgarians in 2008.
Joshua Lall killed his two children, wife and a downstairs tenant before taking his own life on an otherwise quiet suburban street.
On the evening of May 27, 2008, Lall killed his wife Alison, 35, and their two daughters, Kristen, 5 1/2, and Rochelle, 3 1/2, but left a one-year-old baby unharmed. He also killed Amber Bowerman, 30, who was renting a basement suite in the house.
Dad arrested for killing infant daughter, but Grandpa just can't believe it (Wyoming, Michigan)
Dad JEFFERY ALLEN HOLMES has been arrested on manslaughter charges in the death of his infant daughter, but Grandpa just can't wrap his head around this at all! I know the type: The King of Denial. Very common among the parents of abusers. The fact that the baby was with Dad at the time of the fatal brain injury "incident" isn't allowed to cloud our fantasy version of events in the slightest.
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/11/father_defends_wyoming_man_cha.html
Father defends Wyoming man charged in death of baby: 'He took good care of that little girl'
By Nate Reens The Grand Rapids Press
November 26, 2009, 5:02AM
WYOMING — In the span of three weeks, Michael Holmes said he observed his 4-month-old granddaughter transform from a smiling, spunky infant into a listless little girl with obvious health trouble.
“I looked at that baby and you could tell something wasn’t right, that something had gone wrong,” Holmes said Wednesday. “I told (the mother) that the baby didn’t look right and she should have her checked out.”
Police say a trip to the hospital last Thursday and Ahlanna Tolbert’s subsequent death Saturday was a result of alleged abuse from her father, whom family members identified as Jeffery Allen Holmes.
Holmes, 25, was jailed Tuesday and charged with manslaughter after doctors called police and child protective services workers with concerns about abuse. He is to be arraigned on Friday.
Wyoming Police would not confirm the suspect’s name, but state police records show Jeffery Holmes was arrested on a homicide charge. Police said the child was in her father’s care when the injuries occurred.
Michael Holmes said authorities arrested his son. He contends Jeffery Holmes is innocent and wants police to widen their investigation.
“He took good care of that little girl,” Michael Holmes said. “He’s a good father, and it shows with his other daughter. No one can believe this.”
Michael Holmes said his son has a 2-year-old daughter with another woman.
Police told Jeffery Holmes’ family members the baby suffered a brain injury from either a shaking or beating. There was evidence of blood on Ahlanna’s brain from an injury within 12 hours of when she was taken to the hospital on Thursday, and dried blood from older injuries, Michael Holmes said.
“I guarantee it’s not my son who did something harsh to that child,” Michael Holmes said.
The baby’s mother, Latasha Tolbert, could not be reached Wednesday, the same day Michael Holmes said Ahlanna was buried.
“It’s tragic,” Michael Holmes said. “I’m trying to piece this together.”
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/11/father_defends_wyoming_man_cha.html
Father defends Wyoming man charged in death of baby: 'He took good care of that little girl'
By Nate Reens The Grand Rapids Press
November 26, 2009, 5:02AM
WYOMING — In the span of three weeks, Michael Holmes said he observed his 4-month-old granddaughter transform from a smiling, spunky infant into a listless little girl with obvious health trouble.
“I looked at that baby and you could tell something wasn’t right, that something had gone wrong,” Holmes said Wednesday. “I told (the mother) that the baby didn’t look right and she should have her checked out.”
Police say a trip to the hospital last Thursday and Ahlanna Tolbert’s subsequent death Saturday was a result of alleged abuse from her father, whom family members identified as Jeffery Allen Holmes.
Holmes, 25, was jailed Tuesday and charged with manslaughter after doctors called police and child protective services workers with concerns about abuse. He is to be arraigned on Friday.
Wyoming Police would not confirm the suspect’s name, but state police records show Jeffery Holmes was arrested on a homicide charge. Police said the child was in her father’s care when the injuries occurred.
Michael Holmes said authorities arrested his son. He contends Jeffery Holmes is innocent and wants police to widen their investigation.
“He took good care of that little girl,” Michael Holmes said. “He’s a good father, and it shows with his other daughter. No one can believe this.”
Michael Holmes said his son has a 2-year-old daughter with another woman.
Police told Jeffery Holmes’ family members the baby suffered a brain injury from either a shaking or beating. There was evidence of blood on Ahlanna’s brain from an injury within 12 hours of when she was taken to the hospital on Thursday, and dried blood from older injuries, Michael Holmes said.
“I guarantee it’s not my son who did something harsh to that child,” Michael Holmes said.
The baby’s mother, Latasha Tolbert, could not be reached Wednesday, the same day Michael Holmes said Ahlanna was buried.
“It’s tragic,” Michael Holmes said. “I’m trying to piece this together.”
Custodial dad murders 2-year-old daughter, and Mum not even informed a report was underway (Victoria, Australia)
We've posted on this case several times. What we have yet to see--despite months of waiting-- is any explanation as to why the (here) UNNAMED DAD of baby Hayley was awarded custody, and who made that decision.
Given that authorities knew at least 6 MONTHS before the little girl's death that there was "violence in Hayley's home" (an offensively euphemistic way of skirting the fact that her custodial father beat her), it is beyond appalling (but typical) that the authorities did nothing to help this child.
And why the hell is Mum being gagged by the state? She didn't kill anybody! And why is the cowardly media shying away from uttering dad's real name again? He's already committed suicide, so why all the pussyfooting around? And why won't anybody release the full report? Don't tell me "privacy" concerns. The "alleged" killer has already offed himself, so a fair trial is not the issue. Sounds to me like there's a lot of @$$ covering going on down under.
Given that authorities knew at least 6 MONTHS before the little girl's death that there was "violence in Hayley's home" (an offensively euphemistic way of skirting the fact that her custodial father beat her), it is beyond appalling (but typical) that the authorities did nothing to help this child.
And why the hell is Mum being gagged by the state? She didn't kill anybody! And why is the cowardly media shying away from uttering dad's real name again? He's already committed suicide, so why all the pussyfooting around? And why won't anybody release the full report? Don't tell me "privacy" concerns. The "alleged" killer has already offed himself, so a fair trial is not the issue. Sounds to me like there's a lot of @$$ covering going on down under.
Since we at Dastardly believe in accountability and naming names whenever possible, we'll gladly repeat for the record that Dad was ROBERT MONTEAU. And here are some earlier posts about this case if you want additional background:
http://dastardlydads.blogspot.com/2009/09/dhs-knew-about-risk-to-toddler-with.html
http://dastardlydads.blogspot.com/2009/08/grandpa-how-could-father-that-had.html
http://dastardlydads.blogspot.com/2009/08/2-year-old-in-coma-for-past-month-dies.html
http://dastardlydads.blogspot.com/2009/07/custodial-dad-commits-suicide-after.html
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/hayleys-mum-left-in-dark-over-damning-ombudsman-report-into-child-welfare/story-e6frf7jo-1225804370814
Hayley's mum left in dark over damning Ombudsman report into child welfare
Padraic Murphy
From: Herald Sun
November 27, 2009 12:00AM
THE mother of baby Hayley, the two-year-old who died in August after being bashed by her father, said she was not warned a report into her death was to be released.
The Herald Sun revealed in July that Hayley was admitted to hospital after being attacked by her father - just days after childcare authorities had seen her with black eyes.
Immediately after Hayley died, Child Safety Commissioner Bernie Geary launched a high-level investigation into the case.
The Brumby Government issued a three-page response to Mr Geary's recommendations, but refused to release the full report because of privacy issues and a coming coroner's investigation.
But Hayley's mother said she had not even been told the report was underway.
"I've been told by a magistrate and authorities I'll be charged if I speak to (the media), but I want to see the report. Everybody should know what happened to Hayley," said the mother.
"It's my daughter, so they should have at least told me about the report."
The report is believed to concentrate on co-operation between police, government agencies and child welfare groups.
"The importance of ... partnership to the safety and wellbeing of children is obvious," Mr Geary said.
He said Victoria's child protection system was underfunded and in urgent need of community support.
In August, the Herald Sun revealed authorities had been aware of violence in Hayley's home more than six months before the fatal attack.
"The report revolved around the response of government," Mr Geary said yesterday.
"I thought they clunked along quite frankly. I think the lack of cohesiveness is something that shouldn't have occurred. They failed to work together adequately."
The Government says it has committed an extra $77 million to boost child protection services.
It plans to look for extra child safety workers from as far afield as Britain and New Zealand.
New book for kids on domestic violence (Longmont, Colorado)
This sounds like a wonderful book. Hope to get a copy soon.
http://www.dailycamera.com/longmont-news/ci_13871811
Longmont detective writes children's book on domestic violence
Author says book is for kids to 'realize that they're not alone'
By Peter Budoff Camera Staff Writer
Posted: 11/28/2009 10:00:00 AM MST
If you go
What: Launch party for "On a Dark, Dark Night"
When: 4 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Longmont Public Library, 409 Fourth Ave.
For details and to purchase book: longmontdomesticviolence.org
As a detective for the Longmont Police Department, Sara Pierce has seen her share of domestic violence cases. She's seen how hard it is for children to understand and cope with the incidents they witness at home.
It's because of those experiences that Pierce decided to write a children's book about dealing with domestic violence.
"On a Dark, Dark Night" tells the story of a polar bear cub who one day witnesses his father strike his mother. The book follows Cub's experiences as he deals with the events and finds support from his friends Moose and Eagle.
Pierce said she sought to deal with the complex and serious issue of domestic violence in a way that even very young kids could understand.
"I think kids can place themselves in the story and find some comfort in it," Pierce said. "It can be an outlet for kids to turn to and relate it to their own stories, and realize that they're not alone."
Pierce originally began writing down her thoughts on domestic violence, never intending to produce a children's book. She pitched the idea when she realized the lack of resources for children to read about the issue.
She said her foray into writing was a difficult experience with many unexpected challenges, but that it has been rewarding to finally finish.
"It's neat to see a few words turn into a finished product," she said. "It's been a great learning experience."
The book is being published by the Longmont Ending Domestic Violence Initiative and was funded largely by donations from local Rotary Clubs and the Boulder County District
Proceeds from book sales will go to LEVI and will be used partly to fund future releases of the book.
Pierce will sign copies of the book at a launch party Wednesday at the Longmont Public Library.
She said she will view the success of the book in terms of the effect it has on children, rather than sales.
"If it affects just one child, and it can make a difference in their life, that's a success for me," she said.
http://www.dailycamera.com/longmont-news/ci_13871811
Longmont detective writes children's book on domestic violence
Author says book is for kids to 'realize that they're not alone'
By Peter Budoff Camera Staff Writer
Posted: 11/28/2009 10:00:00 AM MST
If you go
What: Launch party for "On a Dark, Dark Night"
When: 4 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Longmont Public Library, 409 Fourth Ave.
For details and to purchase book: longmontdomesticviolence.org
As a detective for the Longmont Police Department, Sara Pierce has seen her share of domestic violence cases. She's seen how hard it is for children to understand and cope with the incidents they witness at home.
It's because of those experiences that Pierce decided to write a children's book about dealing with domestic violence.
"On a Dark, Dark Night" tells the story of a polar bear cub who one day witnesses his father strike his mother. The book follows Cub's experiences as he deals with the events and finds support from his friends Moose and Eagle.
Pierce said she sought to deal with the complex and serious issue of domestic violence in a way that even very young kids could understand.
"I think kids can place themselves in the story and find some comfort in it," Pierce said. "It can be an outlet for kids to turn to and relate it to their own stories, and realize that they're not alone."
Pierce originally began writing down her thoughts on domestic violence, never intending to produce a children's book. She pitched the idea when she realized the lack of resources for children to read about the issue.
She said her foray into writing was a difficult experience with many unexpected challenges, but that it has been rewarding to finally finish.
"It's neat to see a few words turn into a finished product," she said. "It's been a great learning experience."
The book is being published by the Longmont Ending Domestic Violence Initiative and was funded largely by donations from local Rotary Clubs and the Boulder County District
Proceeds from book sales will go to LEVI and will be used partly to fund future releases of the book.
Pierce will sign copies of the book at a launch party Wednesday at the Longmont Public Library.
She said she will view the success of the book in terms of the effect it has on children, rather than sales.
"If it affects just one child, and it can make a difference in their life, that's a success for me," she said.
Dad "allegedly" attacked 5-day-old son on hospital ward; infant dies a year later from injuries (Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom)
UNNAMED DAD "allegedly" assaulted his 5-day-old son while he was still in the hospital. The baby developed a severe brain injury from the assault, and a host of health problems--cerebral palsy, blindness, epilepsy. After a year, the baby has died, but no charges have yet been filed. Of course, the father appears to have a history of domestic violence (though the article below is extraordinarily vague in identifying who was perpetrating the violence--talking about domestic violence "in the family" doesn't tell the reader much, does it? You might as well be talking about the rain at a picnic. Implies it was just sort of there, doesn't it? With no human agency.) Also appears that both parents had drug problems or mental health issues, though what this means is also left vague.
In all, we have the same pious handwringing that occurs after every one of these "tragic" events, how the authorities failed this child, yada yada. Big promises for reform, and then-- nothing.
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/Probe-into-death-of-baby.5866534.jp
Probe into death of baby attacked on hospital ward
Corinthian Kemp never recovered from an assault in Huddersfield Royal Infirmary
Date: 27 November 2009
By Rob Preece Crime Correspondent
A MAJOR police investigation is under way into the death of a baby who was allegedly attacked by his father on a Yorkshire hospital ward when he was only five days old.
Corinthian Kemp, who can be named for the first time today, never recovered from a severe brain injury caused in an assault in Huddersfield Royal Infirmary in August 2007.
He suffered from cerebral palsy, blindness and epilepsy, and died in August this year – less than a year after a damning independent report criticised health and social workers who failed to protect him.
Detectives from West Yorkshire Police are now investigating whether anyone should be charged over the infant's death.
The Yorkshire Post revealed in July how care professionals decided to keep Corinthian in hospital after he was born because they feared he was at risk from domestic violence.
They were also concerned the boy's parents, who were understood to be drug users with mental health problems, would be unable to meet his needs.
But Corinthian was injured after he and his mother were moved to a side ward where they could not be watched so frequently.
A review panel reporting to Kirklees Safeguarding Children Board (KSCB) later found the decision to keep Corinthian in hospital was "flawed" because agencies assumed he would receive "a level of supervision that in truth did not exist".
Panel members heard there had been two serious incidents of domestic violence in the boy's family in the months before his birth.
They found that social workers, health professionals and police all had concerns about the family's well-being but failed to compel each other to take more "assertive action".
A short-term foster placement could not be arranged, and the panel found that Kirklees Council's children's social care department was "truly between a rock and a hard place" after Corinthian's birth – faced with breaking up the family or keeping him in an unsuitable place.
The baby's care arrangements were considered in court in May last year, when a judge found that his father was responsible for his injuries and his mother "was at least complicit in hiding the truth".
But no charges have been brought in the case, even since Corinthian died three months ago.
A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said a post-mortem examination of his body had proved "inconclusive".
"Although the post-mortem was inconclusive," the spokesman added, "we await a pathologist's report and investigations into the cause of death are ongoing."
The review panel which considered Corinthian's case told agencies to make a host of improvements to the way they monitor children at risk.
Recommendations included ensuring social workers begin assessing a baby's situation 12 weeks before it is born.
The panel also demanded that planning meetings should be held by social workers and health professionals whenever a child is kept on a hospital ward because of concerns about abuse or neglect.
After the review was published, a spokesman for the KSCB said it had taken steps to improve "information sharing and subsequent risk management", including contact between children and parents, in cases where such concerns existed.
In all, we have the same pious handwringing that occurs after every one of these "tragic" events, how the authorities failed this child, yada yada. Big promises for reform, and then-- nothing.
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/Probe-into-death-of-baby.5866534.jp
Probe into death of baby attacked on hospital ward
Corinthian Kemp never recovered from an assault in Huddersfield Royal Infirmary
Date: 27 November 2009
By Rob Preece Crime Correspondent
A MAJOR police investigation is under way into the death of a baby who was allegedly attacked by his father on a Yorkshire hospital ward when he was only five days old.
Corinthian Kemp, who can be named for the first time today, never recovered from a severe brain injury caused in an assault in Huddersfield Royal Infirmary in August 2007.
He suffered from cerebral palsy, blindness and epilepsy, and died in August this year – less than a year after a damning independent report criticised health and social workers who failed to protect him.
Detectives from West Yorkshire Police are now investigating whether anyone should be charged over the infant's death.
The Yorkshire Post revealed in July how care professionals decided to keep Corinthian in hospital after he was born because they feared he was at risk from domestic violence.
They were also concerned the boy's parents, who were understood to be drug users with mental health problems, would be unable to meet his needs.
But Corinthian was injured after he and his mother were moved to a side ward where they could not be watched so frequently.
A review panel reporting to Kirklees Safeguarding Children Board (KSCB) later found the decision to keep Corinthian in hospital was "flawed" because agencies assumed he would receive "a level of supervision that in truth did not exist".
Panel members heard there had been two serious incidents of domestic violence in the boy's family in the months before his birth.
They found that social workers, health professionals and police all had concerns about the family's well-being but failed to compel each other to take more "assertive action".
A short-term foster placement could not be arranged, and the panel found that Kirklees Council's children's social care department was "truly between a rock and a hard place" after Corinthian's birth – faced with breaking up the family or keeping him in an unsuitable place.
The baby's care arrangements were considered in court in May last year, when a judge found that his father was responsible for his injuries and his mother "was at least complicit in hiding the truth".
But no charges have been brought in the case, even since Corinthian died three months ago.
A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said a post-mortem examination of his body had proved "inconclusive".
"Although the post-mortem was inconclusive," the spokesman added, "we await a pathologist's report and investigations into the cause of death are ongoing."
The review panel which considered Corinthian's case told agencies to make a host of improvements to the way they monitor children at risk.
Recommendations included ensuring social workers begin assessing a baby's situation 12 weeks before it is born.
The panel also demanded that planning meetings should be held by social workers and health professionals whenever a child is kept on a hospital ward because of concerns about abuse or neglect.
After the review was published, a spokesman for the KSCB said it had taken steps to improve "information sharing and subsequent risk management", including contact between children and parents, in cases where such concerns existed.
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