Category: In Their Name

The Perfect Murder Premiered ‘Curtain Call’ on ID; Sam Herr & Julie Kibuishi Murdered in Costa Mesa, California by Unusual Suspect (August 24, 2016)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, True Crime, VeteransLeave a comment

California student Julie Kibuishi is found dead in the bed of her friend, Sam Herr, a decorated war hero. But Sam is nowhere to be found. As police hunt for their prime suspect, they’ll find this case is far more complicated than it first appeared. -Curtain Call, The Perfect Murder (S3,E13)

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:
Curtain Call | The Perfect Murder | Investigation Discovery (S3,E13)
Curtain Call | The Perfect Murder | Investigation Discovery (website)
Curtain Call | The Perfect Murder | Investigation Discovery (Prime Video)
Daniel Wozniak Murdered Army Veteran Sam Herr & Stole $50,000 to Pay for Wedding; Sentenced to Death in California for Two Murders (May 21, 2010)
Unusual Suspects, Deadly Intent Premiered ‘Final Curtain’ on ID: Sam Herr & Julie Kibuishi Murdered in Costa Mesa, California (November 1, 2017)

Army Spc. Dion Servant Found Dead in Barracks at Fort Hood, Texas (August 19, 2016)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, In Their Name, Military Policy, Stateside DeathLeave a comment
soldier
Spc. Dion Servant, U.S. Army

Spc. Dion Servant, 24, US Army, was found dead in the barracks at Fort Hood, Texas on August 19, 2016. Spc. Servant’s home of record is listed as Maywood, Illinois and he entered military service in June 2014. He was a petroleum supply specialist assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. At the time of his death, military officials indicated they were investigating the circumstances surrounding the death. The official cause of death is unknown.

“His found his little niche in life, and that was military.” She says her nephew loved the military so much he was going to re-enlist. “He was planning on signing up because he told us that. He was just home in July, and he told me that personally that that’s what he was going to do,” Barbara Servant says. –CBS Chicago

Related Links:
Death of a Fort Hood Soldier
Fort Hood IDs soldier found dead in barracks room
Fort Hood: Soldier found dead in barracks room identified
Fort Hood releases name of soldier found dead in barracks
Fort Hood identifies soldier found dead in barracks
Soldier From Suburban Chicago Found Dead At Fort Hood
Soldier from Maywood found dead in Fort Hood barracks
Illinois Soldier Found Dead in Fort Hood Barracks
Soldier from Maywood Found Dead at Fort Hood
Soldier From Suburban Chicago Found Dead At Fort Hood
Illinois soldier dies at Fort Hood, death is being investigated
24-Year-Old Fort Hood Soldier Suicide Under Investigation
Violent Crime, Suicide, and Non Combat Death at Fort Hood, Texas
Army Soldiers at Fort Hood in Texas Are Dying at Alarming Rates Stateside (January 1, 2016 to Present)

Fort Carson Army SSG Christopher Wilbur Died of Non Combat-Related Injury in Kandahar, Afghanistan; Official Cause of Death Unknown (August 12, 2016)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, In Their Name, Military Policy, Non Combat DeathLeave a comment
Screen Shot 2016-08-14 at 5.21.31 PM
SSG Christopher Wilbur, U.S. Army

Army SSG Christopher Wilbur, 36, of Granite City, Illinois, died of a non combat related injury in Kandahar, Afghanistan on August 12, 2016. SSG Wilbur was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel on behalf of the 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado. SSG Wilbur was in the Army for eleven (11) years and was on his fourth wartime deployment when he died. According to the Department of Defense press release, the incident was under investigation at the time of reporting. The Saint Louis Post-Dispatch reported SSG Wilbur installed drywall before joining the Army in 2005; he served two tours in Iraq and died during his second tour in Afghanistan.

SSG Wilbur was known in Army circles as a friendly leader who instilled discipline in his troops. Wilbur was described as a history buff and avid reader who also enjoyed camping, hiking, rock climbing, snowboarding, fishing, playing chess and rooting for the Cardinals. At the funeral service, those who spoke said Wilbur’s family was most important to him. They described Wilbur and his wife as soulmates who had their own love language; the couple was known to say they shared the same brain. The couple have two children together. The outcome of the investigation and official cause of death are unknown, although a public affairs officer stated once the investigation was concluded, the findings would be shared with SSG Wilbur’s family.

“Lt. Col. Don Korpi chief of public affairs and community relations for U.S. forces in Afghanistan, said the death investigation is ongoing and a final report has not yet been completed. ‘We can reaffirm that his death appears to be non-combat related and did occur on the airfield,’ he said. ‘Any specific details on his location and his mission on the base other than to say he was stationed and present at the Airfield at the time of his death would not be appropriate.’ Once completed, he said, the findings of the investigation would be shared with Wilbur’s family.” –STL Today (August 25, 2016)

Related Links:
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
Fort Carson Army Sergeant killed
Fort Carson army sergeant killed in Afghanistan incident
Army sergeant from Illinois killed in Afghanistan incident
4th ID soldier dies of noncombat injury in Kandahar
Fort Carson Army sergeant Christopher Wilbur of Illinois killed in Afghanistan incident
Bost Issues Statement on Death of Granite City Native in Afghanistan
Dept. of Defense investigating death of Granite City soldier
Body of Granite City soldier returns home
Body Of Fallen Illinois Soldier Returned To Family
Army Staff Sgt. Wilbur eulogized in Granite City after dying in Afghanistan
Staff Sgt. Christopher A. Wilbur will get Army memorial today
Staff Sgt. Christopher Wilbur remembered at Fort Carson service
Fort Carson To Hold Memorial For Soldier Killed In Afghanistan
SSG Christopher Wilbur, U.S. Army | Freedom Isn’t Free | Facebook
Editor’s view: What about our military personnel?
Illinois military deaths in Iraq, Afghanistan since 9/11

Veteran James Jennings Jr. Casualty of ‘Suicide by Cop’ in Richland County, South Carolina (August 9, 2016)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Domestic Violence, Felony Crime, In Their Name, Military Policy, PTSD, TBI, Mental Illness, Suicide, VeteransLeave a comment

PTSD

Richland County Sheriff’s Department says a man who engaged in an hours-long standoff with law enforcement agents on August 8th was a former member of the military and suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. James Jennings Jr., 69, died from multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body, one self-inflicted. Police were called to a domestic situation at Jennings’ residence. Jennings barricaded himself inside his home and police responded after he pointed a weapon at his wife and threatened to kill her. “He wanted us to kill him,” said the Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott. After he went down, he was transported to the hospital where he later died from the injuries. The Sheriff’s Department said that Jennings suffered from PTSD after serving in the military and believes it played a role in his death.

“It is real, these people are suffering and they need help.” Sheriff Lott

Related Links:
Sheriff: Man in “suicide by cop” case was ex-military with PTSD

Navy Sailor Ashley Barnes Died Unexpectedly While Stationed as an Information Systems Technician in Gaeta, Italy; Official Cause of Death Unknown (August 7, 2016)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, In Their Name, Military Policy, Navy, Non Combat DeathLeave a comment
694817e2-d512-4639-8d89-ccc4573751f4
Ashley Barnes, U.S. Navy

Navy sailor Ashley Barnes, 19, died unexpectedly on August 7, 2016 while stationed as an Information Systems Technician in Gaeta, Italy. Ashley’s family said they have not been informed of the exact cause of death and are awaiting autopsy results. Ashley graduated from Great Lakes Naval Training Center on October 3, 2014, Information Systems Technician “A” School on March 26, 2015, and reported to the U.S.S. Mount Whitney (LCC 20) on April 19, 2015. On July 1, 2016, Ashley was qualified as an enlisted surface warfare specialist. According to her obituary, Ashley Barnes was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania but she lived in Totowa for most of her life.

Ashley was a 2014 graduate of Passaic Valley High School, where she played varsity field hockey. And the Passaic Valley reports she also played softball and basketball. The family and the whole community were devastated by the loss. “We were all devastated when we found out she passed suddenly and you can’t believe this could happen to someone so young. My daughter had just seen and talked to her before she returned back to Italy after being on leave,” family friend Marianne Puluse said. She emphasized that Ashley was someone who deserves to be remembered. The outcome of the investigation and the official cause of death are unknown.

Related Links:
Obituary of Ashley Ann Barnes
Obituary: Ashley Barnes, 19, Of Totowa
Vigil being held tonight for Passaic Valley grad who served in U.S. Navy
Totowa Opening Day Ceremony Will Honor Ashley Barnes

Washington Air National Guardsman Lt. Col. Flando Jackson Died of a Non Combat-Related Injury at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar (August 4, 2016)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, In Their Name, Military Policy, National Guard, Non Combat Death, USAFLeave a comment
Screen Shot 2016-08-06 at 3.30.24 PM
Lt. Col. Flando Jackson, Washington Air National Guard

Air National Guardsman Lt. Col. Flando Jackson died of a non combat related injury at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on August 4, 2016. Lt. Col. Jackson was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve on behalf of the 194th Wing, Camp Murray, Washington National Guard. At the time of the press release, the Department of Defense announced the incident was under investigation. The official cause of death is unknown.

Related Links:
DOD Identifies Air Force Casualty
Air Force officer supporting fight against Islamic State dies
Pentagon identifies lieutenant colonel who died in Southwest Asia
Department of Defense identifies airman killed in Southwest Asia
Washington National Guard mourns loss of Air Guard Lt Col

Fort Hood Army Sgt. Calvin Aguilar Found Dead in Copperas Cove, Texas (August 4, 2016)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, In Their Name, Military Policy, Stateside DeathLeave a comment
screen-shot-2017-02-22-at-2-41-27-pm
Sgt. Calvin Aguilar, U.S. Army

Fort Hood Army Sgt. Calvin Aguilar, 32, was found dead in Copperas Cove, Texas on August 4, 2016. Sgt. Aguilar’s home of record is listed as Hayward, California and he joined the Army in October 2006. Sgt. Aguilar was a working dog handler assigned to the 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade at Fort Hood. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from December 2007 to March 2009 and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan from January 2012 to January 2013. He was married with one daughter and the proud owner of Nico, a military working dog he was reunited with. At the time of the Fort Hood press release, the circumstances surrounding the incident were under investigation.

Sgt. Aguilar was the kind of person you can only hope to encounter once in your life. He wore many hats: brother, friend, counselor, drinking buddy, designated driver, wingman, jokester. He was the calming presence in the midst of chaos. He had a sixth sense about it: he knew when you were off your game and he would do anything in his power to make you right again. –Obituary

“Retiring MWD Nico P432 (U.S. Army) is reunited with battle buddy SGT. Calvin Aguilar. After serving together in Afghanistan, they were apart for one year. Aguilar adopted Nico, and Mission K9 Rescue raised the funds for Nico to be shipped from Weisbaden, Germany to Texas.”

Related Links:
Obituary: Sgt. Calvin W. Aguilar
A canine’s farewell: Soldiers pay tribute to faithful working dog
It’s a dog’s life after Army retirement
It’s a dog’s life after Army retirement
‘Every one of them is a hero’: Group helps working dogs retire with dignity
Death of a Fort Hood Soldier
Fort Hood officials ID soldier found dead in Copperas Cove
Fort Hood announces death of a soldier in Cove
Fort Hood: Soldier found dead identified
Deceased Fort Hood Soldier Identified
Fort Hood military police sergeant found dead
Ft. Hood identifies Soldier found unresponsive last week
Army to investigate mistreatment claims by injured, ill soldiers at Fort Hood
Violent Crime, Suicide, and Non Combat Death at Fort Hood, Texas
Army Soldiers at Fort Hood in Texas Are Dying at Alarming Rates Stateside (January 1, 2016 to Present)
Reunion of MWD Nico P432 and his former handler, Calvin Aguilar, together again (YouTube)

Air Force A1C Rhianda Dillard Found Murdered in Offutt AFB Dorm Room; Military Judge Sentenced A1C Timothy Wilsey to Life in Prison, Possibility of Parole (August 1, 2016)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, Scandals, USAFLeave a comment
57b3af4ab4bb3-image
Rhianda Dillard, US Air Force

Air Force A1C Rhianda Dillard, 20, was found dead in her dorm room at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska on August 1, 2016. A1C Timothy Wilsey, 21, disappeared after the murder and was arrested eleven days later in Emporia, Virginia on desertion and murder charges. Timothy Wilsey was charged with pre-meditated murder under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). A1C Dillard was from Biloxi, Mississippi and had only been in the Air Force for five months before she was murdered. She was a cyber systems operation specialist assigned to the 55th Strategic Communications Squadron. On August 4, 2018, AP reported that Wilsey’s court martial was scheduled for trial at Omaha’s federal courthouse. If found guilty of the federal charges, Wilsey risked a life sentence without parole. “Court-martial proceedings were moved off the base to a federal courthouse to make room for the public.” Wilsey pleaded guilty to a single count of premeditated murder and one count of deserting his unit. On April 11, 2018, a military judge sentenced Timothy Wilsey to life in prison with no possibility of parole but because of a pretrial agreement with his command (26th Air Force) Wilsey will be eligible for parole in the future. “Wilsey also received a reprimand and reduction to the lowest enlisted rank, forfeits all future pay and allowances, and is to be dishonorably discharged.”

“I killed Airman Dillard by putting my arm around her neck. Then I switched arms,” he said as he entered his guilty plea. “I sat on top of her and strangled her with both my hands.” -Timothy Wilsey (Clarion Ledger, April 6, 2018)

Airman 1st Class Timothy M. Wilsey of the 55th Intelligence Support Squadron has been charged with premeditated murder and desertion in connection with the death of Airman 1st Class Rhianda N. Dillard at Offutt Air Force Base, a news release from the 55th Wing said. -KETV (December 13, 2016)

Related Links:
Offutt airman charged with murder in connection with fellow airman’s death
Offutt airman charged in murder case
Air Force airman charged in death of fellow airman
Air Force airman charged in August death of fellow airman
She died, he disappeared. Now he’s charged with murder.
Airman faces premeditated murder, desertion charges in death at Offutt Air Force Base
Offutt airman charged with murder, desertion in death of fellow airman
Airman accused of murdering fellow airman at Offutt AFB officially charged
Airman from Valdosta charged with murder
‘He’s not talking’: Offutt airman charged with murder in connection with fellow airman’s death
Airman at Offutt Charged With Murder Appears in Court
Journal details Offutt airman’s slaying
Prosecutors: Journal details Offutt airman’s slaying
Airman at Offutt detailed killing of fellow service member in journal, agent testifies at hearing
‘My bad’: Chilling diary entries and texts of ‘murder-obsessed’ soldier ‘who strangled female classmate for fun and to steal a pack of Oreos’
Court martial for airman charged with murder moved downtown
Court martial for airman charged with murder moved downtown
Court martial for airman charged with murder moved downtown
Airman pleads guilty to murder
Airman pleads guilty to murder at Air Force base near Omaha
Mississippi airman’s killer pleads guilty to her Nebraska murder
While on the run, Offutt airman wrote that he had thoughts of killing again
‘I just enjoy killing. Simple as that.’ Quotes from airman’s journal shared at sentencing in Offutt slaying
‘I just enjoy killing’: Nebraska airman’s journal reveals ‘a thirst’ for murder
‘What went wrong?’ Friends, family are baffled as to how Offutt airman became killer
Airman from Valdosta gets life in prison
Former airman sentenced to life in prison
Airman who described himself as ‘homicidal’ is sentenced to life with possibility of parole for Offutt slaying
Airman who killed colleague at Offutt gets life with chance at parole
Airman Who Killed Colleague Gets Life with Chance at Parole
‘I Just Enjoy Killing’: Airman Gets Life in Prison for Strangling Another Air Force Member
Airman Gets Life In Prison For Murdering Colleague, Wrote In Journal ‘I Just Like Killing’
Military Judge Sentenced Air Force A1C Timothy Wilsey to Life in Prison, Possibility of Parole for the Strangulation Death of Colleague A1C Rhianda Dillard (April 11, 2018)

Fort Hood Army Spc. Logan Rainwater Died From Injuries Sustained in a Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Killeen, Texas; Other Driver Failed to Yield Right of Way (August 1, 2016)

On By AdministratorIn Accidents, Armed Forces, Army, In Their Name, Stateside DeathLeave a comment
Logan Rainwater
Spc. Logan Rainwater, U.S. Army

“Killeen Police identified 24-year-old Logan Ellis Rainwater as the victim of a fatal motorcycle accident that occurred at the intersection of Clear Creek Road and Janelle Drive in Killeen, Texas on August 1, 2016. Authorities reported that at around 9:15 a.m., the 72-year-old driver of an SUV was traveling southbound on Clear Creek Road when he or she attempted to turn onto Janelle Drive. However, the driver of the SUV failed to yield right-of-way and struck a northbound motorcycle, driven by Rainwater. According to Killeen PIO Ofelia Miramontez, Rainwater was ejected in the collision and the bike struck a white Nissan 370Z at the stop sign. Rainwater was transported to Metroplex Hospital in critical condition, where he was pronounced deceased at 9:42 a.m. The driver of the SUV was taken to the same hospital with non-life threatening injuries. According to police, the driver of the SUV will likely be ticketed for failing to yield the right of way. It is unknown if the driver will face more-serious charges such as vehicular manslaughter, however the accident is still under investigation.” –Texas Car Accident News (August 3, 2016)

Related Links:
Obituary: Logan Ellis Rainwater
Obituary: Logan Ellis Rainwater
Fort Hood soldier dies in motorcycle crash
Fort Hood identifies soldier killed in Killeen crash
Motorcyclist killed in Monday accident identified as Fort Hood soldier
Man Killed in Killeen Motorcycle Collision Was a Fort Hood Soldier
Motorcyclist killed in Killeen crash indentified as Fort Hood soldier
Man killed in fatal motorcycle crash was Fort Hood soldier
Logan Rainwater Killed in a Motorcycle Wreck in Killeen, TX
Memorial service held for First Team trooper
Army Soldiers at Fort Hood in Texas Are Dying at Alarming Rates Stateside (January 1, 2016 to Present)

Camp Casey Army Sgt. Jacqueline Anderson Found Dead by Husband in Seoul, South Korea Apartment; Official Cause of Death Unknown (July 31, 2016)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, In Their Name, Military Policy, Non Combat DeathLeave a comment
Jacqueline Anderson
Sgt. Jacqueline Anderson, U.S. Army

Army Sgt. Jacqueline Anderson, 26, was found dead in her apartment in Seoul, South Korea on July 31, 2016. Sgt. Anderson’s husband, Sgt. Carl Anderson, found her unresponsive and asked neighbors to contact the police but she was dead upon their arrival. Sgt. Anderson was from Leesville, Louisiana and she joined the Army in January 2011. She was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 38th Field Artillery Regiment, 210th Field Artillery Brigade at Camp Casey, South Korea. She was stationed in Dongducheon with her husband who is also with the 210th Field Artillery Brigade. At the time of reporting, Jacqueline’s cause of death was under investigation by the Army Criminal Investigation Division. The outcome of the investigation and official cause of death is unknown.

Related Links:
2ID soldier found dead at home in South Korea
Cause of death of 2ID soldier from Leesville under investigation in South Korea