Army Staff Sgt Amy Seyboth Tirador Died of Non-Combat Related Incident in Kirkush, Iraq; CID Ruled Suicide But Family Suspects Execution Style Murder & Cover-Up (November 4, 2009)

On November 4, 2009September 13, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, In Their Name, Military Policy, Non Combat Death, Suicide, Suspicious DeathsLeave a comment

Amy Tirador — Staff Sgt. Amy Seyboth Tirador, U.S. Army

Army Staff Sgt. Amy (Seyboth) Tirador died of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident in Kirkush, Iraq on November 4, 2009. Staff Sgt. Tirador was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom on behalf of the 209th Military Intelligence Company, 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division in Fort Lewis, Washington. This was Amy’s third tour of duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Department of Defense announced the circumstances surrounding the incident were under investigation at the time of the press release. Media reports declared that Amy was found by a maintenance worker in the base’s small generator room with a single gunshot wound to the back of the head. The Army pathologist ruled the cause of death as a ‘self inflicted gunshot wound’ but Amy’s mother Colleen Murphy disagreed and vowed to launch a private investigation. The family expressed concerns publicly that this was an execution style murder on a secure base and that she was killed in the generator room to muffle the sounds of the gunshot. Amy’s DNA evidence was found on the 9mm and that of another person. The family shared that the investigation report attempted to lead one to believe that Amy was considered high risk for suicide because of pressures at work as an Arabic translator and a strained marriage. Amy’s husband Michael Tirador was living at the same deployed location in Iraq as Amy at the time of her death. Amy’s mother denied any history of depression or substance abuse and does not believe her daughter died by suicide.

A year after Amy’s death the Army Criminal Investigation Division indicated in media reports that the investigation was not completed and no final rulings had been made. Yet Colleen Murphy shared that she was told the case was officially closed and expressed frustration with the miscommunication she typically experienced with Army bureaucracy. Amy’s mother also indicated that a lot of women in the military who have died have had their deaths falsely ruled as suicides. Colleen learned from other families who have lost their loved ones that they have even exhumed their daughters’ bodies and found that, without a shadow of a doubt, they did not kill themselves. Colleen indicated that she was going to get a second autopsy in light of the Army pathologist’s determination of cause of death. Michael Tirador expressed in interviews that he did not believe that his wife committed suicide and ordered that her body be exhumed for a second autopsy. Michael was of course a person of interest but his DNA did not match the second DNA profile on the gun. Colleen Murphy indicated that despite Michael’s claims that they had a good marriage, Amy wanted to divorce him. Amy’s father Greg Seyboth expressed concern that her work as a interrogator made her a high-profile target. Retired Army Colonel Ann Wright validated Amy’s family when she published an article stating that several female soldier’s deaths have been grossly mislabled by the military yet when faced with further evidence, they refused to change their findings. Colleen Murphy stated that she will never accept that her daughter committed suicide and that the Army is covering up the real reason that she was killed.

Tirador’s “greatness” has been shrouded in military “secrecy”. Her military legacy clouded by the military’s label of a “non-combat” death. An execution-style death in a “secure area” on an American military base in a war zone. –Family of Amy Tirador

Learn more: Who Murdered Staff Sgt. Amy C. Tirador While On An American Base In A Secure Location?

In the News:

Amy Seyboth-Tirador should have been coming home from her tour of duty overseas very soon. Instead, family and friends are planning a big memorial event in her honor. It’s a ride to remember the Army staff sergeant whose death still remains a mystery to loved ones. -WNYT NewsChannel 13 (August 6, 2010)

Interview with Amy Seyboth Tirador’s mother, 2 of 4 -810 WGY News (February 4, 2010)

Interview with Amy Seyboth Tirador’s mother, 4 of 4 -810 WGY News (February 4, 2010)

Civilian Joy Owen Shot Four Times by Boyfriend; Army Veteran Steven Russell, Jr. Sentenced to Life in Prison for Capital Murder, No Parole (2009)

On November 3, 2009January 6, 2018 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Domestic Violence, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, PTSD, TBI, Mental IllnessLeave a comment

Army veteran Steven Russell, Jr. was convicted of the capital murder of his girlfriend Joy Owen on January 27, 2012. Russell was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Prosecutors say Russell killed Joy because she tried to leave him. In the middle of the night on November 3, 2009, Russell cocked his gun and fired it four times at Owen with no apparent provocation. The North Little Rock Police Department found Joy Owen’s body around 4:30 a.m. In the course of the homicide investigation, police learned that Russell had received 5-years probation in Clark County, Arkansas for the second-degree domestic battery of another girlfriend in 2008. According to reports, the U.S. Army said Russell was a mechanic stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and he enlisted in the Army in 2001; the year he left the Army was not available.

Steven Russell’s defense team admitted he killed Owen but blamed the shooting on post-traumatic stress disorder brought on by his war service in Iraq in 2003. The attorneys appealed the decision claiming he “had the dubious task of recovering bodies and equipment after they had come in contact with improvised explosive devices.” But the state Supreme Court disagreed with the defense saying the judge was confronted with conflicting forensic evaluations. While two mental health professionals “found that Russell lacked capacity as a result of mental disease or defect to conform his conduct to the requirements of the law or to appreciate the criminality of his conduct, the court also had before it (another doctor’s) opinion to the contrary.” The Supreme Court upheld a Pulaski County jury’s 2012 conviction of capital murder.

“You would have to believe [Owen] did something that reminded him of his Iraqi war experience … and I can’t make that jump. To me, it was too convenient, and there was too much purposeful action.” –Dr. Brad Diner, psychologist

Pregnant Samira Watkins Found Dead in Bayou Grande in Florida; Navy Sailor Zachary Littleton Convicted of 1st Degree Murder, Sentenced to Life in Prison (November 3, 2009)

On November 3, 2009August 11, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Domestic Violence, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, NavyLeave a comment

Samira Watkins, Pensacola, Florida

Zachary Litteton, US Navy

Pensacola, Florida resident Samira Watkins’ body was discovered stuffed inside a duffel bag floating along the west bank of the Bayou Grande on November 3, 2009. Samira, 25, was 2-months’-pregnant and the mother of one child; she was reported missing by her family on October 29, 2009. After an investigation, Navy sailor Zachary Littleton, 26, was arrested for homicide at the Pensacola Naval Air Station on November 23, 2009 and held without bond. A search of Zachary Littleton’s computer showed that he planned Samira Watkins’ murder.

Prosecutors allege Littleton could no longer juggle his affairs with other women: Samira was pregnant with his child and would not have an abortion; his wife, who was also in the Navy, was about to move to Pensacola to live with him; and, if the Navy found out about Samira’s pregnancy, it could end his military career. Adultery is a crime in the military and punishable by the Uniform Code of Military Justice. In June 2011, Zachary Littleton was found guilty of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. Littleton’s attorney said the evidence in the case was circumstantial and maintained his innocence.

According to prosecutors, the crime happened like this:

After breaking it off with Samira Watkins, Zachary Littleton made several phone calls to Samira.
He lured her to his home under the guise of working things out and discussing the pregnancy.
When she arrived, he strangled her until she was unconscious.
He put tape on her mouth and then stuffed her inside of duffel bag.
After that, he drove to the Bayou Grande and dumped her body from the bridge.
He later dumped her car in another area, before calling a taxi to pick him up at the Waffle House.

Investigation Discovery:

ID Go: A young mom falls for a married military man after a chance meeting at his naval base. -The Girl with the Gold Earring, Forbidden: Dying for Love (S2,E8)

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.

Sgt. Christopher Cooper, US Army, Died from a Non Combat-Related Incident at Camp Scania, Iraq (2009)

On October 30, 2009August 17, 2016 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, In Their Name, Non Combat Death1 Comment

Screen Shot 2016-08-17 at 11.51.52 AM — Sgt. Christopher Cooper, US Army

Sgt. Christopher Cooper, 28, US Army, died from a non combat related incident at Camp Scania, Iraq on October 30, 2009. Sgt. Cooper was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom on behalf of the 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry, 172nd Infantry Brigade in Schweinfurt, Germany. Sgt. Cooper also served in the US Marine Corps for four years and completed an Iraq tour during that time. According to the Department of Defense the incident is under investigation.

Spc. Adrian Avila, US Army, Died of a Non Combat Related Accident in Khabari Crossing, Kuwait (2009)

On October 29, 2009August 17, 2016 By AdministratorIn Accidents, Armed Forces, Army, In Their Name, Military Policy, National Guard, Non Combat DeathLeave a comment

50f9aa62f15cc.image — Spc. Adrian Avila, US Army

Spc. Adrian Avila, 19, US Army, died of a non combat related accident in Khabari Crossing, Kuwait on October 29, 2009. Spc. Avila was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom on behalf of the 1343rd Chemical Company, 151st Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Battalion, 115th Fires Brigade of the Alabama Army National Guard in Fort Payne, Alabama. According to the Department of Defense the incident is under investigation.

Solved Premiered ‘Last Man Standing’ on Investigation Discovery: Navy Sailors Elise Makdessi & Quincy Brown Found Murdered in Makdessi’s Virginia Home (October 26, 2009)

On October 26, 2009July 7, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Domestic Violence, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, Navy, ScandalsLeave a comment

Paramedics respond to a horrific crime scene – a woman is found tied to a bed with slashes across her body. Next to her on the floor, a man with three gunshot wounds. Detectives spend the next several years unraveling this bizarre mystery. -Last Man Standing, Solved (S2,E10)

Navy Petty Officer Elise Makdessi worked as an Air Traffic Controller at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia. Elise was married to Eddie Makdessi for five years and they lived off base in Virginia Beach. Elise unknowingly helped plan, organize, and carry out her own murder and it is unclear if she was a willing participant in the original plot with Eddie to scam the government out of money or if she was controlled by Eddie. Eddie Makdessi murdered Elise Makdessi and Navy Petty Officer Quincy Brown on May 14, 1996 as part of an elaborate scam. The whole thing was a set up. Elise thought she was part of an arrangement where she would invite Quincy Brown to the house, have sex with him, then accuse him of rape. She also manufactured evidence to make it look like she was documenting sexual abuse in an effort to sue the Navy and make millions. She had journals and created what looked like a rehearsed video outlining what four Navy men, including Quincy Brown, did to her on the job.

Deadly Women Premiered ‘Lethal Lovers’ on ID: Erika and Benjamin Sifrit Murdered Maryland Tourists Joshua Ford and Martha Crutchley (October 15, 2009)

On October 15, 2009August 16, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, Navy, True Crime, VeteransLeave a comment

Erika Benjamin Sifrit — Psychopathic killers lurk in society, mostly acting alone. Sometimes fate brings them into contact with another person who shares their power to kill. Apart they are dangerous, together they form teams that commit murders beyond our comprehension. -Lethal Lovers, Deadly Women (S3,E9)

Forensic Files:

Full Episode: The couple spent Memorial Day weekend at the beach, and then they simply vanished. Their clothes and personal items were still in the rented condo, their car was parked outside, and there were no signs of forced entry or foul play. A week later, police would get an unexpected lead from a robbery in progress, and the evidence they found helped them to solve a crime of unparalleled violence and brutality. -Dirty Little Seacret, Forensic Files (S13, E46)

Investigation Discovery:

In 2002, Erika and BJ Sifrit’s vacation in Ocean City, MD ended with them in the back of a squad car arrested for armed robbery. When two dismembered bodies were later unearthed, the connection between the two crimes would reveal a grisly murder. -Ocean City, Sins and Secrets (S2,E8)

A seemingly perfect young couple is concealing a sinful life of crime and sexual depravity. Then later, a threesome of lovers ends in a bizarre homicide and cover-up. -Killers on the Run, Deadly Sins (S3,E9)

Oxygen:

A young woman’s scrapbook offers insight into a shocking crime. -Erika Sifrit, Snapped (S8,E11)

A vacationing couple’s disappearance exposes the horrific crimes of a murderous husband and wife. -Erika and BJ Sifrit, Killer Couples (S11,E2)

Podcast:

Once Upon A Crime – Episode 112: Listener Suggestions: Erika and Benjamin Sifrit – Killer Couple (December 22, 2018)

Brittney Brashers, US Air Force (2009)

On October 1, 2009October 23, 2013 By AdministratorIn Domestic Violence, Felony Crime, In Their NameLeave a comment

Honoring Brittney Brashers, USAF who was murdered by another airman who she met in Iraq; 9 months later in 2009, she was found dead near her permanent duty station at Peterson AFB, Colorado.

Watch 48 Hours Mystery: Collision Course, The Murder of Brittney Brashers

September: U.S. Department of Defense Casualties Report (2009)

On September 30, 2009September 10, 2017 By AdministratorIn Accidents, Armed Forces, Army, In Their Name, Medical, Military Policy, Navy, Non Combat Death, USAF, USMCLeave a comment

09/30/2009: DoD Identifies Marine Casualty: Jordan Chrobot, 24, Afghanistan, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

09/28/2009: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Kevin Graham, 27, Afghanistan, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

09/25/2009: DoD Identifies Army Casualties: Titus Reynolds, 23, Edward Smith, 30, and Joseph White, 21, Afghanistan, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

09/25/2009: DoD Identifies Marine Casualty: John Malone, 24, Afghanistan, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

09/23/2009: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: William Meredith, 26, Afghanistan, Fort Carson, Colorado

09/23/2009: DoD Identifies Air Force Casualty: James Hornbarger, 33, NCD, Mediterranean, Beale Air Force Base, California

09/22/2009: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: David Davis, 28, Afghanistan, Fort Carson, Colorado

09/22/2009: DoD Identifies Army Casualties: Corey Kowall, 20, and Damon Winkleman, 23, Afghanistan, Fort Bragg, North Carolina

09/21/2009: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Michael Cote Jr, 20, NCD, Iraq, Fort Wainwright, Alaska

09/21/2009: DoD Identifies Air Force Casualty: Matthew Courtois, 22, NCD, Kuwait, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho

09/19/2009: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Jeremiah Monroe, 31, Afghanistan, Fort Drum, New York

09/17/2009: DoD Identifies Army Casualties: Bradley Bohle, 29, Shawn McCloskey, 33, and Joshua Mills, 24, Afghanistan, Fort Bragg, North Carolina

09/17/2009: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Robert Gordon II, 22, NCD, Afghanistan, Joint Base Lewis-McCord, Washington

09/16/2009: DoD Identifies Army Casualties: David Wright II, 26, and Andrew McConnell, 24, Afghanistan, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

09/16/2009: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Demetrius Void, 20, NCD, Afghanistan, Fort Hood, Texas

09/15/2009: DoD Identifies Air Force Casualty: Bryan Berky, 25, Afghanistan, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota

09/14/2009: DoD Identifies Army Casualties: Nekl Allen, 29, and Daniel Cox, 23, Afghanistan, Fort Drum, New York

09/14/2009: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Matthew Martinek, 20, Afghanistan, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska

09/14/2009: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Duane Thornsbury, 30, NCD, Iraq, Fort Carson, Colorado

09/14/2009: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Tyler Juden, 23, Afghanistan, Fort Bragg, North Carolina

09/11/2009: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Tyler Parten, 24, Afghanistan, Fort Carson, Colorado

09/11/2009: DoD Identifies Marine Casualty: Christopher Fowlkes, 20, Afghanistan, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

09/10/2009: DoD Identifies Army Casualties: Shannon Smith, 31, Thomas Lyons, 20, and Zachary Myers, 21, Iraq, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska

09/10/2009: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Youvert Loney, 28, Afghanistan, Fort Carson, Colorado

09/10/2009: DoD Identifies Marine Casualties: Edwin Johnson Jr, 31, Michael Johnson, 25, and Aaron Kenefick, 30, Afghanistan, Okinawa, Japan

09/10/2009: Army Releases August Suicide Data

09/10/2009: DoD Identifies Navy Casualty: James Layton, 22, Afghanistan, Combined Security Transition Command, Japan

09/09/2009: DoD Identifies Marine Casualty: Joshua Meadows, 30, Afghanistan, Camp Pendleton, California

09/09/2009: DoD Identifies Air Force Casualty: Joseph Helton, 24, Iraq, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida

09/08/2009: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Michael Murphrey, 25, Afghanistan, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska

09/07/2009: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Randy Haney, 27, Afghanistan, Fort Carson, Colorado

09/06/2009: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Darryn Andrews, 34, Afghanistan, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska

09/05/2009: DoD Identifies Marine Casualty: Christopher Baltazar Jr, 19, Afghanistan, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

09/04/2009: DoD Identifies Navy Casualty: Benjamin Castiglione, 21, Afghanistan, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Battalion, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

09/04/2009: DoD Identifies Army Casualties: Todd Selge, 25, and Jordan Shay, 22, NCDs, Iraq, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

09/02/2009: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Tyler Walshe, 21, Afghanistan, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

09/02/2009: DoD Identifies Army Casualties: Jonathan Welch, 19, and Jordan Brochu, 20, Afghanistan, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

09/01/2009: DoD Identifies Marine Casualty: David Hall, 31, Afghanistan, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

Art Student Samantha ‘Shelley’ Nance Found Murdered in Dallas, Texas; Navy Veteran Daniel Willyam Sentenced to Life in Prison (September 11, 2009)

On September 11, 2009October 25, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, Navy, VeteransLeave a comment

Samantha Shelley Nance 2 — Samantha ‘Shelley’ Nance was found murdered on September 11, 2009 in Dallas, Texas.

Dallas News: It wasn’t the first time the gay former Navy pastry chef had had thoughts of using knives on someone who upset him, according to Veterans Affairs medical records submitted as evidence during the punishment phase of Willyam’s trial. In describing March 2005 problems that led to his removal from his ship at his own request, Willyam told a psychologist “that he was so upset with superiors that he might be tempted to use pots and pans or hot grease and knives to hurt them,” the records said. “He asked to be removed from the ship [because] he was concerned that in the heat of the moment he wouldn’t be rational.” There was also at least one prior occasion on which Willyam acted violently, according to the records. “He reports nightmares, general anxiety, and one rageful outburst, though he was typically more mellow and calm,” the records said. “This outburst occurred in November and he tore up his brother’s room in his mother’s house with a Samurai sword and says that he was surprised by his actions after he had calmed down.” (November 4, 2011)

Investigation Discovery:

Teresa Palaia discusses the murder of Samantha Nance. -Investigation Discovery (March 19, 2012)

When Shelley Nance is found stabbed to death, the shocking murder sends the community of Lake Highlands, Texas into a panic. Friends are stunned as police zero in on her closest friends. What they uncover is jealousy, hate, and a bizarre fatal attraction. -Investigation Discovery (October 29, 2016)

Shelley Nance Art Exhibit:

The family of Shelley Nance held an art exhibit to showcase her talent and to raise funds for a scholarship in her name Saturday, March 10 at the Ellis County Art Museum. -Waxahachie Daily Light (March 13, 2012)

MILITARY JUSTICE FOR ALL

Category: Military Policy

Civilian Joy Owen Shot Four Times by Boyfriend; Army Veteran Steven Russell, Jr. Sentenced to Life in Prison for Capital Murder, No Parole (2009)

Pregnant Samira Watkins Found Dead in Bayou Grande in Florida; Navy Sailor Zachary Littleton Convicted of 1st Degree Murder, Sentenced to Life in Prison (November 3, 2009)

Solved Premiered ‘Last Man Standing’ on Investigation Discovery: Navy Sailors Elise Makdessi & Quincy Brown Found Murdered in Makdessi’s Virginia Home (October 26, 2009)

Deadly Women Premiered ‘Lethal Lovers’ on ID: Erika and Benjamin Sifrit Murdered Maryland Tourists Joshua Ford and Martha Crutchley (October 15, 2009)

Brittney Brashers, US Air Force (2009)

September: U.S. Department of Defense Casualties Report (2009)

Art Student Samantha ‘Shelley’ Nance Found Murdered in Dallas, Texas; Navy Veteran Daniel Willyam Sentenced to Life in Prison (September 11, 2009)

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