Senator Kirsten Gillibrand Leads Bipartisan Coalition to Reform the Military Justice System: Introduced the Military Justice Improvement Act (2013)

Gillibrand Leads Bipartisan Coalition to Reform Military Justice System
Senator Susan Collins Leads Effort to Reform Military Justice System to Address Sexual Assaults

Washington D.C. – During a news conference today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), along with a bipartisan group of their colleagues in the Senate and House, announced new legislation that would reform the military justice system by removing the prosecution of all crimes punishable by one year or more in confinement from the chain of command, except crimes that are uniquely military in nature, such as disobeying orders or going Absent Without Leave. 

Senators Collins and Gillibrand were joined by survivors of sexual assault in the military, including Jennifer Norris of Maine, and by representatives from organizations who assist victims of Military Sexual Trauma. The Military Justice Improvement Act would for the first time remove the decision whether to take a case to special or general court-martial completely out of the chain of command and give that discretion to experienced military prosecutors for all crimes punishable by one year or more in confinement, except crimes that are uniquely military in nature, such as disobeying orders or going AWOL. 

“To be sure, the vast, overwhelming majority of our military personnel are honorable, conscientious, and respectful individuals, not rapists or harassers. It is for their sake that the pattern of covering up, blaming the victim, and failing to provide even the most basic protections that has been all too common for far too long must end,” said Senator Collins. “What does it say about us as a people, as the nation, as the foremost military in the world when some of our service members have more to fear from their fellow soldiers than from the enemy? This epidemic of sexual abuse cannot stand. We must ensure that justice is swift and certain to the criminals who have perpetuated these crimes.”

Gillibrand Leads Bipartisan Coalition to Reform Military Justice System (Full Video)

With tears streaming down her face, Jennifer Norris, a former Technical Sergeant in the Air Force, describes her harrowing experience with sexual assault and the difficulty she had in seeking justice within the military chain of command, saying, “The system is rigged against the victims” and in favor of the “often higher-ranking perpetrators.” [VIDEO]

Norris, who did not serve in Hawaii, said she’d been reluctant to report the rape because, “in the Air Force, I witnessed first hand what happens to those who stepped forward to report their assaults. I did not want to be stigmatized for reporting my assault — as I tried to move forward with my career. Instead, the best option for me was to try and endure it, to suck it up and try and make it until I could get transferred somewhere else — only to have it happen over and over again, like a recurring nightmare.”

She never did get justice, she said, even when she did come forward. “My perpetrators were allowed to resign in lieu of Administrative Hearings, which would have become a matter of public record. My command never offered the chance to proceed with a court martial.”

She said, “If the chain of command had been removed from handling sexual assault cases before I was attacked I believe justice would have been served or perhaps it would have been prevented in the first place.”

-Jennifer Norris (Civil Beat, May 16, 2013)

Gillibrand: “I’m Distressed That The Victims’ Voices Aren’t Being Heard In This Debate

Gillibrand: “I’m Distressed That The Victims’ Voices Aren’t Being Heard In This Debate

Related Links:
Sexual assault victim: “The system is rigged”
‘A Place to Begin’ by Jennifer Norris, USAF Retired [Video]
Air National Guard Recruiter Drugs and Rapes New Recruit (1996)
Sexual Assault and Abuse of Authority at Keesler Air Force Base (1997)
Non Combat Deaths of Female Service Members in the U.S. Military (Iraq)
House Armed Services Committee Initiatives Regarding Military Sexual Assault (2011)
Combat Military Rape, Jackie Speier Introduces Legislation and Campaign (2011)
Air Force TSgt. Jennifer Norris Testified Before the HASC in Washington DC (2013)
Defense Department Rescinds Direct Combat Exclusion Rule; Services to Expand Integration of Women into Previously Restricted Occupations and Units (January 24, 2013)
Pentagon battling military rape “epidemic” (2013) – CBS News
Now That Women Are Cleared For Combat, How About A Rape-Free Workplace? (2013)
Senator Collins Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Effort To Reform Military Justice System (2013)
Military sexual assault victim Jennifer Norris discusses new bill – Democrat & Chronicle
Bill would take sexual assault cases out of commanders’ hands – Democrat & Chronicle
Legislation Aims to Strengthen Prosecution of Sexual Assaults in Military
Senators Lead Push To Change Military’s Sexual Assault Policy – NPR
Senators Lead Push To Change Military’s Sexual Assault Policy – NPR
Bill attacks ‘epidemic’ of military sex assaults – Portland Press Herald
Hawaii Delegation Backs Reforms Against Military Sexual Assaults
Changes proposed as military struggles with sex assaults
Military cracks down on rampant sexual abuse – CBS News
Obama, lawmakers tackle military sexual assault – The State
Gillibrand Builds Bipartisan Support for Change of Military Justice Code (UPDATED)
US Military Officials Call Sex Abuse In Ranks Serious Problem
The Deep Cultural Roots of Military Sex Abuse – CT Mirror
Military sex assault victims get aspirin: Our view – USA Today Editorial Board
Sexual assault victims say military’s promises of reform don’t go far enough
S. 967: Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013 – U.S. Senate Voting Record (March 6, 2014)
Senator Collins speaks in support of efforts to address military sexual assault (March 7, 2014)
Gillibrand turns empathy into political stock in trade (Poughkeepsie Journal)
The Modus Operandi of Social Justice Warriors (2016)
Vox: The War in Congress Over Rape in the Military, Explained (June 8, 2016)
Trends in Active-Duty Military Deaths Since 2006 | Congressional Research Service (2020)
“Veteran Advocates” Use Defamatory Newspaper Article & the Small Town Cops Who Created the Narrative to Bounce Medically Retired Service Members Out of the Advocacy Game (2024)
Military Injustice: Nowhere to Turn, Nowhere to Run, Nowhere to Hide; The Story of Kamisha Block and How U.S. Army Leadership Contributed to Her Death

Murder in Paradise Premiered ‘Hook, Lines & Murder’ on ID: Kirby Archer & Guillermo Zarabozo Charter the Joe Cool from Miami to Bimini, But Never Make It… (May 4, 2013)

ID Go: The crew of a luxury charter yacht falls prey to a fugitive’s cold-blooded escape plan en route to Bimini, a remote Bahamian paradise in the Bermuda Triangle. -Hook, Line & Murder, Murder in Paradise (S1,E4)

Editor’s note: With a cable subscription, you can download the free ID Go app and watch all of the 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. Download the ID Go app and binge away. 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 $2.99 a month. It’s a compilation of older seasons but totally worth the cost if you are a true crime addict.

Related Links:
Fatal Voyage | Fatal Encounters | Investigation Discovery (S1,E4)
Fatal Voyage | Fatal Encounters | Investigation Discovery (website)
Fatal Voyage | Fatal Encounters | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
Hook, Lines & Murder | Murder in Paradise | Investigation Discovery (S1,E4)
Hook, Lines & Murder | Murder in Paradise | Investigation Discovery (website)
Hook, Lines & Murder | Murder in Paradise | ID True Crime Files (Amazon)
Hijacked | Dark Waters: Murder in the Deep | Investigation Discovery (S2,E4)
Hijacked | Dark Waters: Murder in the Deep | Investigation Discovery (website)
Hijacked | Dark Waters: Murders in the Deep | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
Kirby Archer Commits String of Crimes After Dishonorable Discharge from Army Including Four Murders in an Attempt to Flee to Cuba (September 22, 2007)
Fatal Encounters Premiered ‘Fatal Voyage’ on ID: Charter Boat Joe Cool Discovered by U.S. Coast Guard But No One Found On Board (April 9, 2012)
Dark Waters Premiered ‘Hijacked’ on Investigation Discovery: When the Joe Cool Didn’t Return Home, Friends & Family Knew Something Was Wrong (August 7, 2019)

Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel: Hearings on ‘Sexual Assault in the Military’ (March 13, 2013)

Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel: Sexual Assault in the Military (Photo: C-SPAN)

Senator Gillibrand’s Opening Statement at Armed Services Subcommittee Hearing Examining Sexual Assaults in the Military

Hearing is Gillibrand’s First As Chair Of Senate Armed Services Subcommittee On Personnel – Has Been Leading The Fight To End Sexual Violence In Military

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following prepared remarks of her opening statement at today’s Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel hearing examining sexual assault in the military:

“It is an honor and privilege to Chair this hearing of the Personnel Subcommittee this morning. I want to thank the Ranking Member of this Subcommittee, Senator Lindsey Graham, for his support and working with me to move this hearing forward as quickly as possible.

“I know that all of our colleagues on the Armed Services Committee share our deep commitment to improving the quality of life of the men and women who serve in our all-volunteer force on active duty, or in the National Guard and Reserves, their families, military retirees, and Department of Defense Civilian personnel. 

“And that is why this hearing today is so important to me personally…and to thousands of servicemembers…and their families across the country.

“The issue of sexual violence in the military is not new. And it has been allowed to go on in the shadows for far too long. The scourge of sexual violence in the military should be intolerable and infuriating to us all.  Our best, brightest, and bravest join our armed forces for all the right reasons – to serve our country, protect our freedom, and keep America safe.

“The United States has the best military in the world and the overwhelmingly vast majority of our brave men and women serving in uniform do so honorably and bravely. But there is also no doubt that we have men and women in uniform who are committing acts of sexual violence and should no longer be allowed to serve.  

“Too often, women and men have found themselves in the fight of their lives not in the theater of war – but in their own ranks, among their own brothers and sisters, and ranking officers, in an environment that enables sexual assault. 

“And after an assault occurs, an estimated 19,000 sexual assaults happened in 2011 alone according to the Defense Department’s own estimates…some of these victims have to fight all over again with every ounce of their being just to have their voice heard…their assailant brought to any measure of justice… and the disability claims they deserve fulfilled. Congress would be derelict in its duty of oversight if we just shrugged our shoulders at these 19,000 sons and daughters…husbands and wives…mothers and fathers…and did nothing. We simply have to do better by them.

“When brave men and women volunteer to serve in our military they know the risks involved. But sexual assault at the hands of a fellow service member should never be one of them.  

“Because not only does sexual assault cause unconscionable harm to the victim — sexual violence is reported to be the leading cause of post-traumatic stress disorder among women veterans — but it destabilizes our military, threatens unit cohesion and national security. Beyond the enormous human costs both psychologically and physically, this crisis is costing us significant assets – making us weaker both morally and militarily.   

“Already, this Committee and the Pentagon took some first steps on this issue as part of last year’s National Defense Authorization bill that President Obama signed into law. While obviously our work is not done, I am hopeful that we can build on these initial changes which include:

Ensuring that all convicted sex offenders in the military are processed for discharge or dismissal from the Armed Forces regardless of which branch they serve in;

Reserving case-disposition authority for only high-ranking officers in sexual assault cases;

Pushing the Pentagon to lift the combat ban that prevents women from officially serving in many of the combat positions that can lead to significant promotion opportunities. By opening the door for more qualified women to excel in our military, we will have increased diversity in top leadership positions, improving response from leadership when it comes to preventing and responding to sexual violence;

And an amendment introduced by my colleague Senator Jeanne Shaheen and based on my legislation, the MARCH Act, means that troops who become pregnant as a result of an act of rape no longer have to pay out of pocket to have those pregnancies terminated. 

“Concerning our first panel of witnesses, I want to salute each of you for your courage today in telling your very painful and personal stories. It is my hope and belief that by committing this selfless act you are encouraging others to step forward and are also helping to prevent other crimes from going unpunished.

“We have a duty to you, and the thousands of victims you represent, to examine whether the military justice system is the most effective and fairest system it can be.  

“Despite some very dedicated JAG officers, I do not believe the current system adequately meets that standard.  The statistics on prosecution rates for sexual assaults in the military are devastating.  Of the 2,439 unrestricted reports filed in 2011 for sexual violence cases – only 240 proceeded to trial. Nearly 70 percent of these reports were for rape, aggravated sexual assault or non-consensual sodomy.

“A system where less than 1 out of 10 reported perpetrators are held accountable for their alleged crimes is not a system that is working. And that is just reported crimes. The Defense Department itself puts the real number closer to 19,000! A system where in reality less than 2 out of 100 alleged perpetrators are faced with any trial at all is clearly inadequate and unacceptable.

“My view is that emphasizing institutional accountability and the prosecution of cases is needed to create a real deterrent of criminal behavior. The system needs to encourage victims that coming forward and participating in their perpetrator’s prosecution is not detrimental to their safety or future, and will result in justice being done.  Because currently, according to the DOD, 47 percent of service members are too afraid to report their assaults, because of fear of retaliation, harm or punishment. Too many victims do not feel that justice is likely or even possible.

“We need to take a close look at our military justice system, and we need to be asking the hard questions, with all options on the table, including moving this issue outside of the chain of command, so we can get closer to a true zero tolerance reality in the Armed Forces. The case we have all read about at Aviano Air Base is shocking, and the outcome should compel all of us to take the necessary action to ensure that justice is swift and certain, not rare and fleeting.   

“I had the opportunityto press Secretary Hagel on the issue of sexual violence in the military during his confirmation hearing. Secretary Hagel responded by saying, ‘I agree it is not good enough just to say zero tolerance. The whole chain of command needs to be accountable for this.’

“I could not agree more. I was very pleased with the Secretary’s public statement earlier this week that he is open to considering changes to the military justice system as well as legislation to ‘ensure the effectiveness of our responses to the crime of sexual assault.’

“It is with this spirit as our guide that I look forward to hearing from our witnesses.

“After Ranking Member Graham makes his opening remarks, we will hear testimony from my colleague from California, Senator Barbara Boxer who has been a leading voice on this issue. In last year’s Defense bill she successfully included an amendment that prohibits any individual who is convicted of a felony sexual assault from being issued a waiver to join the military.

“We will then have the following witnesses who have either been the victims of sexual assault while serving in the military, or are very knowledgeable advocates for addressing the issue of sexual assaults in the military:

Anu Bhagwati is Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Service Women’s Action Network. Anu is a former Captain and Company Commander, she served as a Marine officer from 1999 to 2004. While serving, Anu faced discrimination and harassment as a woman in the military, and has borne direct witness to the military’s handling of sexual violence.

BriGette McCoy, former Specialist in the U.S. Army. BriGette served in the U.S. Army from 1987 to 1991. She was just eighteen years old when she signed up to serve her country in the first Gulf War. While stationed in Germany from 1988 to 1991, she was sexually assaulted by a non-commanding officer. 

Rebekah Havrilla, former Sergeant in the U.S. Army. Rebekah served in the U.S. Army from 2004 to 2008. She was the only female member of a bomb squad in eastern Afghanistan and was attacked by a colleague at Salerno Forward Operating Base near the Pakistani border during her last week in the country in 2007.

Brian Lewis, former Petty Officer Third Class, US. Navy. Brian enlisted in the U.S. Navy in June of 1997. During his tour aboard USS Frank Cable (AS-40), he was raped by a superior non-commissioned officer and forced to go back out to sea after the assault. 

“I encourage you to express your views candidly and to tell us what is working and what is not working.  Help us to understand what we can do to address this unacceptable problem of sexual assaults in the military. 

“Later this afternoon at 2:00 p.m., we will have a third panel of witnesses from the Department of Defense, and the military services, including the Coast Guard. I want to acknowledge that many of those witnesses are here this morning to listen to the critically important testimony from our first and second panels and I would like to thank them for their participation.”

Sexual Assault in the Military Senate Hearing:

Senator Gillibrand’s opening statement at the SASC Committee Hearing on Sexual Assault in the Military (March 13, 2013)
Survivors Share Sexual Assault Experiences in the Military (March 13, 2013)

Related Links:
Sexual Assault in the Military, Part 1 (C-SPAN)
Sexual Assault in the Military, Part 2 (C-SPAN)
Senator Gillibrand’s Opening Statement at Armed Services Subcommittee Hearing Examining Sexual Assaults in the Military
Gillibrand Opening Statement at SASC Hearing on Military Sexual Assault
Survivors Share Sexual Assault Experiences in the Military [Video]
Air Force TSgt. Jennifer Norris Testified Before the House Armed Services Committee in Washington DC (January 23, 2013)
Defense Department Rescinds Direct Combat Exclusion Rule; Services to Expand Integration of Women into Previously Restricted Occupations and Units (January 24, 2013)
CBS News: Sexual assault victim, “The system is rigged” (May 16, 2013)
Stars and Stripes: ‘White House, Congress bear down on military sexual assault’ (May 16, 2013)
S. 967: Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013 – U.S. Senate Voting Record (March 6, 2014)
Vox: The War in Congress Over Rape in the Military, Explained (June 8, 2016)

Ice Cold Killers Premiered ‘Frozen Carnage’ on Investigation Discovery: Army Veteran Michael Silka Went on Killing Spree in Alaska (January 8, 2013)

Manley Hot Springs, Alaska is a remote mountain hide-a-way known for simplicity and solitude. But, that innocent existence is shattered when a newcomer goes on rampage and guns down residents one by one, ultimately taking out one tenth of the town. -Frozen Carnage, Ice Cold Killers (S1,E5)

This week we focus on a heinous & horrific crime as well as the killing spree committed by a wandering “mountain man”. Get ready for scary mysteries Twisted Two’s. -Michael Silka, Scary Mysteries Podcast (July 4, 2018)

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:
Frozen Carnage | Ice Cold Killers | Investigation Discovery (S1,E5)
Frozen Carnage | Ice Cold Killers | Investigation Discovery (website)
Frozen Carnage | Ice Cold Killers | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
Twisted 2s #33 Damon & Devon Routier & Michael Silka | Scary Mysteries Podcast
Book: Murder at 40 Below: True Crime Stories from Alaska by Tom Brennan
Army Veteran Michael Silka Died After a Stand Off with Police; Silka Murdered Eight Manley Hot Springs Residents & Trooper Troy L. Duncan (May 19, 1984)
Ice Cold Killers: Five Military & Veteran Homicide Cases Featured on Investigation Discovery

Homicide Hunter Premiered ‘Mr. Violence’ on ID: Ex-Marine Kicked Out for Violence Commits Murder in Colorado Springs (December 11, 2012)

29-year-old Chris Devoy is shot in cold blood outside a neighborhood bar. Faced with a trio of suspects, Kenda trusts his gut and makes a controversial decision. The case hits a dead end, but Kenda gets an unexpected tip that proves his instincts right. -Mr. Violence, Homicide Hunter (S2,E10)

Christopher Devoy Find A Grave
Christopher Devoy (Photo: Find A Grave)

In a random act of violence, ex-Marine James Shackelford decided to steal a Mitsubishi Eclipse outside a bar and ended up fatally shooting the driver of the car Christopher Devoy on May 31, 1996 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. James Shackelford was kicked out of the Marine Corps for punching a sergeant in the mouth. He turned to a life of crime robbing banks, stealing cars, and then eventually murder in the course of a robbery. Ultimately three individuals were held responsible for the murder of Christopher Devoy. James Shackelford was arrested for first degree murder. Jeffrey K. and Jeremy Kirby were convicted of murder and their combined sentences totaled more than fifty years behind bars. The ring leader of the murder got off with the lightest sentence. James Shackelford got sixteen years in prison. Shackelford never even got convicted of murder.

Source: Mr. Violence, Homicide Hunter, Investigation Discovery

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:
Christopher Paul Devoy | Find A Grave
Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda (Season 2), Mr. Violence (Preview)
Mr. Violence | Homicide Hunter | Investigation Discovery (S2,E10)
Mr. Violence | Homicide Hunter | Investigation Discovery (website)
Mr. Violence | Homicide Hunter | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
Mr. Violence | Homicide Hunter | Investigation Discovery (Hulu)
The BEST Episodes of Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda
Homicide Hunter: 10 Active Duty Military and Veteran Murder Cases Featured on Investigation Discovery

Homicide Hunter Premiered ‘Drive Thru Murder’ on ID: Army Veteran Flees From Colorado After Execution Style Murder & Robbery (November 13, 2012)

Hard-working fast food manager Missy Berry is found dead in an idling car at a deserted intersection. Kenda discovers suspects from Missy’s past who may have wanted her dead. But a surprise twist in the investigation leads him into uncharted territory. -Drive Thru Murder, Homicide Hunter (S2,E6)

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:
Drive Thru Murder | Homicide Hunter | Investigation Discovery (S2,E6)
Drive Thru Murder | Homicide Hunter | Investigation Discovery (website)
Drive Thru Murder | Homicide Hunter | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
Drive Thru Murder | Homicide Hunter | Investigation Discovery (Hulu)
Missy Berry Found Murdered in Stopped Vehicle at Intersection; Army Veteran Clifford McDaniel Sentenced to Life in Prison, No Parole (September 17, 1994)
The PEOPLE of the State of Colorado, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. George C. McDANIEL, Defendant (March 13, 2003)

Homicide Hunter Premiered ‘The Spy Who Killed Me’ on ID: William Jennes II Shot & Killed Wife Elspeth ‘Elsie’ Jennes Over Finances (October 30, 2012)

Housewife Elsie Jennes is found dead in the basement of her burning home. Lt Joe Kenda has no leads until Elsie’s son, William, turns up in a police station over 50 miles away, equipped with a suitcase, a pet yellow labrador, and a bizarre story to tell. -The Spy Who Killed Me, Homicide Hunter (S2, 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:
News Footage 1995: Elspeth T. Jennes Case | Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda
Actual news footage from 1995 surrounding the Elspeth Jennes case | Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda
The Spy Who Killed Me | Homicide Hunter | Investigation Discovery (preview)
The Spy Who Killed Me | Homicide Hunter | Investigation Discovery (S2, E4)
The Spy Who Killed Me | Homicide Hunter | Investigation Discovery (website)
The Spy Who Killed Me | Homicide Hunter | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
The Spy Who Killed Me | Homicide Hunter | Investigation Discovery (Hulu)
Elsie Jennes Found Murdered in House Fire; Army Veteran William Jennes II Pleaded Guilty to 2nd Degree Murder, Sentenced to 48 Years in Prison (July 17, 1995)

Navy Veteran Victor Saucedo Shot and Killed in Home by Ex-Girlfriend; Navy Veteran Vegas Bray Sentenced to 50 Years to Life in Prison (October 16, 2012)

victor-saucedo
Victor Saucedo, U.S. Navy Veteran

Victor Saucedo served as a damage controlman in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at Naval Base San Diego in California. Victor left the Navy in 2012 and began working on a college degree in law enforcement right away. He wanted to do well so he could provide for his four year old son. He had lots of friends, a loving family, and was an all around great guy. Victor met Vegas Bray in the Navy at the Naval Base in San Diego; they remained friends even after she was discharged. Victor reconnected with Vegas at the gym; they both liked to work out. Victor was smitten initially and the two started a serious relationship in March 2011. Victor and Vegas spent a lot of time together.

Then Vegas realized she had to share Victor with his child, an ex-girlfriend, and all his friends. Vegas was especially jealous of the mother of his child because she had to be the only person in Victor’s life. She was immature. Vegas Bray was abandoned and abused, and as a result had a difficult time with men. Vegas tried to use sex to control Victor. If Victor went out with his friends, Vegas would show up and ask him to leave. This behavior embarrassed Victor and he may have lost his friends but he was never going to give up on his son. Vegas accused Victor of spending all his time with his son. Victor didn’t hide the fact that his kid came first and broke up with Vegas in March 2012. Although they still hooked up even after the break-up.

Vegas had a rough childhood. Her mother abandoned her when she was twelve; she didn’t know who her father was. She was described as nice by those who grew up with her. She grew up in the military community in San Diego and as a result was inspired to join the Navy’s enlisted ranks after high school graduation in 2007. She worked as a Machinist at Naval Base San Diego. But Vegas didn’t like it. She did not adjust well to the rules and regulations and as a result applied for an early discharge. The discharge application was approved and she was administratively discharged from the Navy in 2010. She wasn’t sure what she wanted to do so she began working as a cocktail waitress. She met Victor in 2011. After the break-up in 2012, Vegas started pulling childish pranks.

Vegas sat outside his home, followed him, threw eggs at his car, keyed his car, punctured his tires, threw paint at his door, and threatened to kill him. Victor moved to a new apartment within the complex to escape her escalating abuse. He even considered moving back to Chicago, Illinois but didn’t want to leave his son behind. He had a feeling Vegas would kill him. After she found out where he lived, Vegas broke a window at the new place. Victor didn’t want any confrontations with her. And even after all this, he still wanted to be friends. He went to the police once to report the stalking behavior and the threats to his life but he didn’t feel like he was taken seriously. He also chased Vegas down after she threw a bottle through his car window. He called the police but declined to press charges hoping the warning would do the trick.

Vegas told Victor she was going to move into the same apartment complex as him and Victor agreed to be a co-signer on the new apartment. Vegas went to Victor’s place on October 15, 2012 to talk about the co-signing arrangement. Vegas and Victor drank and talked all evening; they had a good time and ended up sleeping together. The next morning, Vegas wanted to go to breakfast but Victor did not. Vegas felt used and taken advantage of; she was angry. What Victor thought was a casual night with an ex meant something completely different to Vegas. This night made her feel closer to Victor, more possessive, and got her hopes up that something would rekindle. Once Victor realized his mistake, it was too late. Because of her abandonment issues, she felt rejected.

Vegas was devastated by this experience and her rage kicked into overdrive. Vegas was obsessed with Victor and wanted to know why he broke up with her. On October 16, 2012, Vegas went to Victor’s home in Imperial Beach and confronted him. He reiterated that it was over. She shot him six times at close range. Then when he was down, she coldly pointed the gun at his head and fired three more times. Police learned she left him a message on his answering machine begging him not to leave her. She went to his apartment with a plan after he didn’t call her back and she murdered him in cold blood. Once he was dead, she called the police to report that she found Victor dead with his gun lying next to him. Vegas implied that Victor committed suicide.

After detectives observed the crime scene, they found Victor lying in the hallway with a gun at his side. He had been shot multiple times in the face, head, and upper body; a suicide was not possible. The police felt that referring to Victor’s death as a suicide was preposterous; they quickly deduced this was a homicide. But Vegas continued to insist that Victor’s death was a suicide. Then Vegas voluntarily went to the police station and told investigators that she couldn’t remember what happened because she blacked out. During the interview, Vegas told investigators that Victor broke up with her on the phone and unfriended her Facebook. She turned around on the highway and went to Victor’s home to confront him. Vegas Bray said she didn’t plan on going back to Victor’s house.

Vegas said she didn’t remember anything and blacked out but remembered her ears were ringing. She also admitted that the black-outs began in childhood. She said she was sexually abused as a child and when she reported it to her mother, she wasn’t believed. She did see a psychiatrist to work on her depression and post traumatic stress disorder. She also admitted that the 38 caliber revolver was hers. Others described Vegas as unstable; she had quick temper and flew off at the handle. Witnesses confirmed she was jealous of the ex-girlfriend and would often cause scenes. They said one time she even held a gun to Victor’s face and this is when he left her. He didn’t want anymore drama unfortunately leaving her only heightened the drama.

Vegas Bray was arrested later that day and charged with the murder of Victor Saucedo. It took two years to declare Vegas mentally fit to stand trial. The jury learned Victor was shot nine times with hollow point bullets meant to do maximum damage. And they learned that a 38 caliber revolver only held six bullets so Vegas had to reload the gun before shooting Victor three more times. This fact also matched testimony by witnesses who said they heard 5-6 gunshots, silence, then three more shots. The defense brought up Vegas’ difficult upbringing with her abusive, neglectful mother but the jury decided it didn’t excuse taking a life. In 2016, Vegas Bray was found guilty of first degree murder and sentenced to fifty years to life in prison. Vegas Bray was an unstable, jealous ex with a gun who killed Victor Saucedo because she couldn’t control him.

Never have sex with a crazy ex. -Profiler Candice DeLong, Deadly Women

Source: Deadly Women ‘Cling ‘Til Death’, Investigation Discovery

In the News:

A woman accused of fatally shooting her ex-boyfriend pleaded not guilty. -ABC 10 News (October 19, 2012)

A woman accused of fatally shooting her ex-lover inside his Imperial Beach apartment last year was ordered Wednesday to undergo a mental competency examination after shouting out in court that she was not jealous of the victim and didn’t remember the shooting. -ABC 10 News (April 24, 2013)

A preliminary hearing was held Wednesday for a 24-year-old woman accused of fatally shooting her ex-lover inside his Imperial Beach apartment after stalking and harassing him for a year. -ABC 10 News (April 24, 2013)

A Dec. 10 mental competency trial was set Monday for a woman accused of fatally shooting her ex-boyfriend inside his Imperial Beach apartment after stalking and harassing him for a year. -ABC 10 News (October 28, 2013)

Vegas Bray convicted of killing ex-boyfriend. -ABC 10 News (November 2, 2015)

Oxygen:

There’s a gun lying next to the victim. Is it suicide or murder? -Vegas Bray, Snapped, Oxygen (May 9, 2017)

An attractive woman witnesses her ex-boyfriend’s shooting, but can’t remember what happened, raising questions about suicide, stalking and split personalities. -Vegas Bray, Snapped, Oxygen (May 9, 2017)

Vegas Bray is convicted of murder and sentenced 25 years to life in prison. A friend of Vegas’s, Kevin Oseguera says “the monster inside of her” shot Victor, not his friend. -Vegas Bray, Snapped, Oxygen (May 14, 2017)

Vegas Bray says it’s hard to talk about what happened to her. She shows no remorse. -Vegas Bray, Snapped, Oxygen (May 15, 2017)

An attractive woman witnesses her ex-boyfriend’s shooting, but can’t remember what happened, raising questions about suicide, stalking and split personalities. -Vegas Bray, Snapped, Oxygen (S20,E2)

Investigation Discovery:

A young Navy recruit falls for a fellow officer, but becomes overwhelmed by jealousy when she learns he is friendly with the mother of his child. -Deadly Women, Investigation Discovery

These Deadly Women won’t let their men go… they “Cling ‘Til Death.” -Cling ‘Til Death, Deadly Women (S10,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:
Emotional Vigil Held for Slain Father
‘Fly Guy’ Victor Saucedo Remembered at Candlelight Vigil
Friends remember local sailor killed in Imperial Beach
Family, friends say shooting victim was stalked
Ex-Girlfriend Arrested in IB Homicide Case
Woman accused of gunning down ex-boyfriend in Imperial Beach
Woman accused of killing ex-lover in court: Vegas Bray suspected in death of Victor Saucedo
Woman Charged with 1st Degree Murder After Man Is Shot
Murder suspect: ‘I was never jealous’
Vegas Bray Pleads Not Guilty to Shooting Ex-Boyfriend
Imperial Beach Murder Suspect’s Facebook Page Can’t Help
Prosecutors: Woman harassed ex-boyfriend before killing him
Family: Sheriff Failed to Protect Ex-Sailor From Shooting Death
Homicide Charge On Hold: Vegas Bray Headed to Mental Hospital
Woman accused of killing ex-boyfriend determined to be mentally competent to stand trial
Trial set for suspected boyfriend killer
Trial Date Set For Woman Who Shot Ex-boyfriend Nine Times, San Diego
January Trial Set for Vegas Bray in Navy ‘Fatal Attraction’ Case
Vegas Bray (Hellbeasts)
Former Navy sailor found guilty of murdering ex-boyfriend
Fatal attraction case ends in woman’s conviction
Ex-Girlfriend Said to Have Stalked, Harassed Ex-Boyfriend, Convicted in His Murder
Woman involved in fatal attraction case convicted of first-degree murder
Long term for stalker who shot boyfriend to death
Woman who shot ex-boyfriend to death sentenced
Woman Who Stalked, Murdered Ex-Boyfriend Gets 50 Years
Woman Who Stalked, Killed Ex-Boyfriend Gets 50 Years to Life in Prison
Woman who stalked and shot her ex-boyfriend 9 times claimed his death was suicide
Ex-Lover Jealousy Turns Lethal: The Vegas Bray Story
Woman accused of killing ex-lover in court: Vegas Bray suspected in death of Victor Saucedo
Woman accused in fatal shooting of ex-boyfriend appears in court
Woman accused of killing ex-lover in court: Vegas Bray suspected in death of Victor Saucedo
Mental competency hearing set for woman accused of murder
Guilty verdict in fatal attraction case
Ex-Lover Jealousy Turns Lethal: The Vegas Bray Story (Preview)
Cling ‘Til Death | Deadly Wonen | Investigation Discovery (S10,E4)
Cling ‘Til Death | Deadly Wonen | Investigation Discovery (website)
Cling ‘Til Death | Deadly Wonen | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
Cling ‘Til Death | Deadly Wonen | Investigation Discovery (Hulu)
Snapped: S20 E1 Sneak Peek – Vegas Bray Calls 911 | Oxygen
Snapped: S20 E1 Preview – Vegas Bray | Oxygen
Snapped: S20 E1 Bonus Clip – Stalking is Serious | Oxygen
Snapped: Vegas Bray Interrogation (Season 20, Episode 1) | Oxygen
Vegas Bray | Snapped | Oxygen (S20,E2)
Deadly Women Premiered ‘Cling ‘Til Death’ on ID: Vegas Bray Killed Navy Veteran Victor Saucedo Because He Dumped Her (September 17, 2016)
Snapped Premiered ‘Vegas Bray’ on Oxygen: Controlling Crazy Ex Stalks Victor Saucedo, Kills Him Because He Rejected Her (May 14, 2017)
Deadly Women: 30 Military and Veteran Homicide Cases Featured on Investigation Discovery

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

Thomas Boyle
Thomas J. Boyle, Jr. died in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan on June 19, 2012.

“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)

Who Killed Thomas Boyle? (Part 2)

Who Killed Thomas Boyle? (Part 3)

Who Killed Thomas Boyle? (Part 4)

Who Killed Thomas Boyle? (Part 5)

Who Killed Thomas Boyle? (Part 6)

Who Killed Thomas Boyle? (Part 7)

Who Killed Thomas Boyle? (Part 8)

Who Killed Thomas Boyle? (Part 9)

Related Links:
Obituary: Thomas J. Boyle, Jr.
Thomas Boyle Remembered on Anniversary of Death
“Who Killed Thomas Boyle?” Part 5 Video Released
Who Killed Thomas Boyle? Part 6
Who Killed Thomas Boyle? Part 8
Who Killed Thomas Boyle? (Part 1)
Who Killed Thomas Boyle? (Part 2)
Who Killed Thomas Boyle? (Part 3)
Who Killed Thomas Boyle? (Part 4)
Who Killed Thomas Boyle? (Part 5)
Who Killed Thomas Boyle? (Part 6)
Who Killed Thomas Boyle? (Part 7)
Who Killed Thomas Boyle? (Part 8)
Who Killed Thomas Boyle? (Part 9)