Ice Cold Killers Premiered ‘North Pole Slay Ride’ on ID: Five Victims Found Murdered Near Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska (January 1, 2013)

On January 1, 2013August 25, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, True Crime, USAFLeave a comment

The tiny town of North Pole, Alaska is a quiet, safe haven best known for Santa Claus. But when the bodies of young women begin turning up one by one, investigators slowly piece together the clues and discover the unlikeliest of killers. -North Pole Slay Ride, Ice Cold Killers (S1,E4)

Editor’s note: With a cable subscription, you can download the free ID Go app and watch Investigation Discovery programming at your convenience. And for those who do not have cable, you can watch “unlocked” episodes on the ID Go app including the latest premieres. For those who prefer commercial free programming during your binge session, Prime Video has an ID channel: ‘True Crime Files by Investigation Discovery” available for $3.99 a month. It’s a compilation of older seasons but totally worth the cost if you are a true crime addict. Download the ID Go app or purchase ID True Crime Files & binge away.

Related Links:
North Pole Slay Ride | Ice Cold Killers | Investigation Discovery (S1,E4)
North Pole Slay Ride | Ice Cold Killers | Investigation Discovery (website)
North Pole Slay Ride | Ice Cold Killers | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
Air Force TSgt Thomas Richard Bunday Died By Suicide in Texas on Day of Arrest; Bunday Confessed to 5 Murders Near Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska from 1979-1981 (March 15, 1983)
Ice Cold Killers: Five Military & Veteran Homicide Cases Featured on Investigation Discovery

Air Force Major Melissa Birtzer Found Dead at Eglin Air Force Base Range in Florida; No Foul Play Suspected (November 20, 2012)

On November 20, 2012November 17, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, In Their Name, Military Policy, Stateside Death, Suicide, USAFLeave a comment

Air Force Major Melissa Birtzer, 42, went missing from the Fort Walton Beach area in Florida on November 17, 2012. A few days later on Nov 20th, Major Birtzer was found dead at the Eglin Air Force Base range. The Air Force reported that the case was under investigation and then updated the public with the announcement that there was no foul play suspected. The official cause of death is unknown but was not ruled a homicide. Co-workers shared she may have been ‘depressed’ prior to her disappearance. Major Birtzer served honorably for 18 years first as an enlisted Intelligence Specialist and then as a Nurse. She also completed two tours in Afghanistan. Melissa is survived by a spouse and two children.

Related Links:
Melissa Birtzer Obituary
Tribute for Melissa Ann Birtzer
Missing Hurlburt Major Found Dead
Body of missing woman found; no foul play suspected
Melissa Ann Birtzer Discovered Three Days After Disappearance from Fort Walton Beach Home

NBC Bay Area: California National Guard Culture Questioned (November 14, 2012)

On November 14, 2012May 28, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Felony Crime, In Their Name, Military Policy, National Guard, Scandals, Sexual Assault, USAFLeave a comment

Whistleblowers expose hidden culture inside the California National Guard

Behind the Gates of the Guard

‘The California National Guard has a long history of serving the country in critical times of need. Its members have fought wildfires, responded to Hurricane Katrina and recently assisted with rescue efforts in super storm Sandy. It is a reserve military force of 23,000 guard members—the largest in the nation—where “integrity first” is a guiding principle. But a joint-investigation by NBC Bay Area and KNBC-TV in Los Angeles has uncovered a disturbing hidden culture in the California National Guard where some guard members say sexual assault and racism at times go unchecked, and where retaliation is a frequent method of discipline. During the past six months reporters spoke with nearly two dozen men and women from the California Guard who have found no solution inside and now want to expose what they say is the truth.”

Lackland Military Training Instructor SSgt Kwinton Estacio Pleaded Guilty; Sentenced to 1 Year in Prison for Unprofessional Relationship (September 10, 2012)

On September 10, 2012September 1, 2020 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Sexual Assault, USAFLeave a comment

Screen Shot 2016-07-30 at 4.01.44 PM — SSgt Kwinton Estacio, US Air Force

“If Estacio had been convicted of sexual assault or wrongful sexual contact, the Air Force would have been required to notify state officials so he could be placed on a sex-offender registry, said Lt. Col. Mark Hoover, an Air Force training command attorney.” -My SA

SSgt Kwinton Estacio was a basic military training instructor as Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. He was one of the 35 instructors courts martialed in what is referred to as the Lackland Sex Scandal. SSgt Estacio was accused of a sexual assault and wrongful sexual contact with a trainee. The judge found him not guilty of sexual assault as there was not enough evidence to support the charge. A sexual assault conviction carried a maximum sentence of thirty years. A jury found him not guilty of wrongful sexual contact. Sexual assault and wrongful sexual contact indictments could have landed him on the sex offender registry. SSgt Estacio pleaded guilty to an unprofessional relationship, disobeying a direct order, and obstruction of justice. He was sentenced to one year in prison and received a bad conduct discharge. He appealed his sentence but the appeal was denied. Although the actions for which he was found guilty were unprofessional and in fact UCMJ infractions, they were not criminal in nature yet he was sentenced to 1 year in prison. SSgt Estacio had the sixth longest prison sentence in the Lackland scandal. SrA Christopher Oliver had the fifth longest sentence at 2 years for unprofessional relationships and adultery. SSgt Craig LeBlanc had the fourth longest sentence at 2 1/2 years for unprofessional relationships & adultery. SSgt Eddy Soto had the third longest sentence at 4 years for rape but Soto’s conviction was later overturned by the Air Force Criminal Court of Appeals. The rape charge lacked sufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt. SSgt Luis Walker and MSgt Michael Silva both received 20 year sentences for rape and sexual assault.

Related Links:
Air Force trainer pleads guilty in sex scandal
Lackland training instructor pleads not guilty to sexual assault charge
Air Force instructor in Texas acquitted on sex charge
Air Force trainer acquitted in sexual assault at Texas’ Lackland
Former Lackland trainer receives 1-year sentence
Air Force trainer is spared a 30-year penalty
Air Force boot-camp instructor sentenced to prison in sex scandal
US v. SSgt KWINTON K. ESTACIO, US Air Force, ACM 38256, 11 June 2014
The Lackland Air Force Base Sex Scandal, Texas (2011)
A Complete List of the 35 Basic Military Training Instructors Court Martialed in the Lackland Air Force Base Sex Scandal

August: U.S. Department of Defense Casualties Report (2012)

On August 31, 2012August 20, 2017 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, In Their Name, Military Policy, Navy, Non Combat Death, Scandals, USAF, USMCLeave a comment

08/28/2012: DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Jessica Wing, 42, NCD, Kuwait, Maine Army National Guard

08/28/2012: DOD Identifies Army Casualties: Christopher Birdwell, 25, and Mabry Anders, 21, Afghanistan, Fort Carson, Colorado

08/27/2012: Soldiers Missing From Vietnam War Identified: William T. Brown, US Army

08/26/2012: DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Patricia Horne, 20, NCD, Afghanistan, Fort Campbell, Kentucky

08/23/2012: DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Louis Torres, 23, Afghanistan, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

08/22/2012: Airman Missing in Action from WWII Identified: John E. Hogan, US Army Air Forces

08/21/2012: DOD Identifies Army Casualty: David V. Williams, 24, NCD, Afghanistan, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

08/21/2012: DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Coater Debose, 55, Afghanistan, Camp Shelby, Mississippi

08/20/2012: DOD Identifies 4 Army Casualties in Helicopter Crash: Brian Hornsby, 37, Suresh Krause, 29, Richard Essex, 23, and Luis Oliver Galbreath, NCDs, Afghanistan, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii

08/20/2012: DOD Identifies 2 Navy Casualties in Helicopter Crash: Patrick Feeks, 28, and David Warsen, 27, NCDs, Afghanistan, West Coast-based Naval Special Warfare

08/20/2012: DOD Identifies 1 Navy Casualty in Helicopter Crash: Sean Carson, 32, NCDs, Afghanistan, EOD, San Diego, California

08/20/2012: DOD Identifies Marine and Navy Casualties: Gregory Copes, 36, and Darrel Enos, 36, Afghanistan, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

08/19/2012: DOD Identifies Army Casualty: James Justice, 21, Afghanistan, Vicenza, Italy

08/18/2012: DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Michael Demarsico II, Afghanistan, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

08/17/2012: DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Eric Holman, 39, Afghanistan, Fort Bragg, North Carolina

08/16/2012: DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Andrew Keller, 22, Afghanistan, Vicenza, Italy

08/13/2012: DOD Identifies Marine Casualties: Scott Dickinson, 29, Richard Rivera, 20, and Gregory Buckley, 21, Afghanistan, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

08/13/2012: DOD Identifies Marine Casualties: Matthew Manoukian, 29, Ryan Jeschke, 31, and Sky Mote, 27, Afghanistan, Camp Pendleton, California

08/11/2012: DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Gregory Trent, 38, Afghanistan, Fort Bragg, North Carolina

08/09/2012: DOD Identifies Army Casualties: Thomas Kennedy, 35, and Kevin Griffin, 45, Afghanistan, Fort Carson, Colorado

08/09/2012: DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Ethan Martin, 22, Afghanistan, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska

08/09/2012: DOD Identifies Air Force Casualty: Walter Gray, 38, Afghanistan, Fort Carson, Colorado

08/08/2012: DOD Identifies Navy Casualty: Clayton Beauchamp, 21, Afghanistan, Camp Pendleton, California

08/08/2012: DOD Identifies Marine Casualty: Daniel Linnabary II, 23, Afghanistan, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

08/06/2012: Airmen Missing from Vietnam War Identified: Charles M. Walling, US Air Force

08/05/2012: DOD Identifies Army Casualties: Russell Bell, 37, and Matthew Sitton, 26, Afghanistan, Fort Bragg, North Carolina

08/03/2012: DOD Identifies Army Casualties: Todd Lambka, 25, and Jesus Lopez, 22, Afghanistan, Fort Riley, Kansas

08/02/2012: DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Kyle McClain, 25, Afghanistan, Michigan Army National Guard

08/02/2012: DOD Identifies Marine Casualty: Curtis Duarte, 22, Afghanistan, Twentynine Palms, California

WIGS Premiered the Season 1 Web Series of ‘Lauren’ on YouTube: Sexual Assault in the Military (August 13, 2012)

On August 13, 2012March 5, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Felony Crime, In Their Name, Military Policy, Navy, PTSD, TBI, Mental Illness, Sexual Assault, USAF, USCG, USMCLeave a comment

“Lauren”: Episode 1 of 3 — “The Report”: Sergeant Lauren Weil must defend her report when Major Stone raises serious concerns. -WIGS (August 13, 2012)

“Lauren”: Episode 2 of 3 — “The Third Man”: Weil endures an uncomfortable interrogation while Stone gets disappointing news. -WIGS (August 15, 2012)

“Lauren”: Episode 3 of 3 — “The Suck”: After Lauren learns the fate of her case, she gains an unlikely ally. -WIGS (August 17, 2012)

Related Links:
Lauren | Season 1, Ep. 1 of 3 | Feat. Troian Bellisario & Jennifer Beals | WIGS
Lauren | Season 1, Ep. 2 of 3 | Feat. Troian Bellisario & Jennifer Beals | WIGS
Lauren (+ Leslie Trailer) | Season 1, Ep. 3 of 3 | Feat. Troian Bellisario & Jennifer Beals | WIGS
YouTube’s ‘Lauren’ series focuses on military sexual assault
New YouTube Series Focuses On Military Sexual Assault (Video)
New Female-Centric Web Series WIGS Features Jennifer Beals, America Ferrera, Others
Review: WIGS web series ‘Lauren’ focuses on military sexual misconduct
YouTube series shines a light on military sexual assault
Watch: Jennifer Beals and Troian Bellisario Star in Heavyhitting Web Series ‘Lauren,’ About Military Rape
A military victim advocate talks about “Lauren”
WIGS Announces New Season and New Series
Season 2 of WIGS Award-Winning Series LAUREN to Premiere 5/3
Jennifer Beals and Troian Bellisario reunite for a second season of “Lauren”
“Lauren” Finale Roundtable on Military Sexual Assault (May 20, 2013)
What’s Trending And WIGS Host Live Roundtable On Military Sexual Assault Feat. “Lauren” Star Troian Bellisario
Military sexual assault is focus of YouTube series
‘Lauren’ Explores Sexual Assault in the Military
Jennifer Beals Takes on Sexual Assault in the Military in Web Series Lauren
Troian Bellisario “Soldiers Up” in the Web Series Lauren – Taking on Rape in the Military
Interview with Jennifer Beals and Troian Bellisario
Jennifer Beals and Sen. Claire McCaskill: ‘Military Sexual Assault Survivors, We Have Your Back’
Sexual Violence Issues in the Military | NCDSV
Congress Still Dragging Its Feet On Military Sexual Assault Reform

Lackland Basic Military Training Instructor Air Force SSgt Luis Walker Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Rape and Sexual Assault; Died By Suicide Two Years Later (July 21, 2012)

On July 21, 2012August 30, 2020 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Felony Crime, Military Policy, Scandals, Sexual Assault, Stateside Death, Suicide, USAFLeave a comment

Screen Shot 2016-07-07 at 11.45.13 AM — SSgt Luis Walker, U.S. Air Force (Photo: Billy Calzada/San Antonio Express-News via AP)

Air Force SSgt. Luis Walker was a basic training instructor at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. After an investigation into allegations of improper relationships and abuse of power at the training facility in 2011, SSgt Walker was charged with sexual assault. One of his victims stated under sworn testimony that he had raped her. As a result of the court martial, he was found guilty and sentenced to 20 years in prison as opposed to the original life sentence he was faced with. Shortly after the conviction, his wife spoke out publicly claiming that her husband was innocent and that he did not get a fair trial. SSgt Walker also echoed those sentiments when asked for a statement from the Air Force Times (see quote below). A few months later, one of the victims in the trial went public with her story. Virginia Messick shared that she was raped by SSgt Walker and that it was a harrowing experience. She also later reported that she was facing battles trying to get disability benefits for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from the Department of Veterans Affairs. SSgt Walker’s attempt to overturn the sexual assault conviction on appeal were eventually denied. It was only a few months later that he would be found dead in his cell at Fort Leavenworth from an apparent suicide.

“These setbacks have discouraged me and at times I have wanted to give up, but because of my family, I can not. I am a human being and an American, I deserve the right to a fair trial. There has been a lot of focus on the number of alleged victims in my case, instead of the charges against me, when in fact each charge should stand on its own.” -SSgt Luis Walker (USA Today, September 3, 2014)

Related Links:
Lackland Air Force instructor faces sexual assault charges
Air Force sex scandal: Court-martial begins for Texas instructor
Woman says Lackland Air Force Base trainer attacked her
Drill sergeant texted explicit photos, U.S. Air Force trainee tells court
Four women testify in growing Air Force sex scandal
Sergeant charged in Air Force sex scandal a “predator”: Prosecutor
Air Force instructor convicted of rape in wide sexual misconduct investigation
Air Force Staff Sgt. Luis Walker guilty
Air Force instructor convicted of rape asks for leniency
Convicted Air Force Instructor Gets Twenty Years
Disgraced Air Force instructor sentenced to 20 years in sex scandal
SSgt Luis Walker, One Of The Lackland Air Force Rapists, Sentenced To 20 Years In Prison
Air Force instructor sentenced to 20 years in prison after raping female recruit and sexually assaulting several other women
Wife of Staff Sgt. Luis Walker: My husband is innocent
Release Of Former SSGT Luis Walker (Petition)
Lackland Rape Scandal Shines Spotlight On Military Failure
Lackland fallout: Rape victim turned whistleblower calls for congressional hearings
Attacked at 19 by an Air Force Trainer, and Speaking Out
Lackland Air Force Base Rape Victim Talks of Ordeal
A victim in the Air Force rape scandal breaks her silence
Survivor of sexual violence at Lackland Air Force Base speaks out
Lackland instructor’s victim speaks of trauma, fear
Lackland sex scandal prompts U.S. Air Force to discipline former commanders
Edward Rice, AF general who handled Lackland instructor scandals, retires
GI sex-assault victims face battle for disability benefits
United States vs SSgt Luis Walker, US Air Force (Court of Criminal Appeals)
Ex-Lackland instructor dead in apparent suicide
Ex-Air Force instructor in prison for sex assault dies
Convicted Rapist Found Dead in Cell at Leavenworth Disciplinary Barracks
Results unclear for new sex assault safeguards at Air Force facilities
The Lackland Air Force Base Sex Scandal, Texas (2011)
A Complete List of the 35 Basic Military Training Instructors Court Martialed in the Lackland Air Force Base Sex Scandal

Amy Herrera Shot Air Force Husband Marc Herrera in New Mexico Home; Jury Acquitted of Murder Five Years Later (July 1, 2012)

On July 1, 2012June 30, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, USAFLeave a comment

Major Marc Herrera, US Air Force

Amy Herrera

Air Force Major Marc Herrera, 37, died of a gunshot wound on July 1, 2012 in his Albuquerque, New Mexico home. Amy Herrera was charged with his murder but a jury acquitted her of the charge five years later. Reports indicate the family was pleased that Amy was finally charged with the crime regardless of the outcome of the trial.

Amy Herrera was accused of shooting Marc Herrera in 2012, in their home during a party police say they were hosting for foreign exchange students. -KOAT (August 8, 2017)

Related Links:
Murder charges dropped for man’s wife
Woman charged again for husband’s murder
Air Force major’s widow back in court in bizarre death case
Amy HERRERA, Petitioner, v. Hon. Ross C. SANCHEZ, Second Judicial District Judge, Respondent, State of New Mexico, Real Party in Interest. 2014
Prosecutors try for third time in major’s shooting death
Air Force wife accused of murder asks again to have statement thrown out
Husband’s former supervisor testifies in woman’s murder trial
Trial for woman accused of killing husband continues
Jury finds woman accused of murdering Air Force husband not guilty
Wife cleared in shooting of Air Force major
Amy Herrera charged with the murder of her husband, Major Marc Herrera, whose murder was made to look like a suicide

NPR: Pentagon Revamps Rules On Reporting Sex Crimes (June 19, 2012)

On June 19, 2012May 28, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, Navy, Sexual Assault, USAF, USMCLeave a comment

xl_deptofdefenselogo NPR: Pentagon Revamps Rules On Reporting Sex Crimes

“The Pentagon has announced new steps to deter assaults and make it easier to prosecute offenders, a move that follows President Obama’s recent remark that sexual assault “has no place” in the U.S. military.

Still, many victims believe it will be difficult to change a military culture that makes it tough for the victims to report these crimes. For victims, the nightmare starts with the attack. Many say that things get worse when they try to do something about it.”

“We anticipate maybe about 14 or 15 percent of people who have been sexually assaulted come forward to report.” -Air Force Maj. Gen. Mary Kay Hertog

Who Killed Thomas Boyle in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan? (June 19, 2012)

On June 19, 2012May 28, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Cold Cases, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, Non Combat Death, USAF, VeteransLeave a comment

“Obviously, suspicions are not proof of wrong doing, but Pauline Boyle has discovered enough evidence to warrant an all-out independent investigation. The problem is that asking the Army to investigate itself is asking the Fox to guard the hen house. The result will always be questionable. The Boyle family does have hard facts that clearly indicates there was an overt attempt to cover-up the circumstances of Thomas J. Boyle’s death.

Was there a military drug cartel that no one wanted to talk about, or was it a conspiracy of some of the soldiers on base to stop the change of command and keep the lieutenant colonel in command for as long as possible.”

Learn more here: The Pre-Meditated Murder of Thomas Boyle, and Ensuing Cover-Up of his Murder by the United States Army | Military Corruption

Who Killed Thomas Boyle? (Part 1)