Tag: 2012

Army Sgt Vincinte Jackson Convicted of Murder of Co-Worker Sgt. Brandy Fonteneaux at Fort Carson; Sentenced to Life in Prison, No Parole (2012)

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Screen Shot 2016-09-03 at 3.19.51 PM
Sgt. Vincinte Jackson, US Army

Sgt. Vincinte Jackson, US Army, was convicted of the brutal murder of co-worker and fellow Army soldier Brandy Fonteneaux. Both Sgt. Vincinte and Brandy were assigned to the 4th Engineer Battalion at Fort Carson, Colorado. Brandy was found stabbed to death in her barracks room at Fort Carson on January 9, 2012. After an investigation, Sgt. Jackson was accused of finding the first unlocked door he could in the barracks, entering, and then stabbing and slashing Brandy Fonteneaux 74 times. Jackson was courts martialed by the Army and found guilty of murder by a jury of eight of his peers but they acquitted him on the charge of premeditated murder. Jackson’s defense lawyers blamed heavy drinking with the combination of anti-depressants leaving him unable to control his own actions. The prosecution scoffed at the defense and accused Jackson of trying doors in the Fort Carson Army barracks corridor until he found one that was unlocked. They deduced that Jackson made the conscience decision to leave his room and walk to Brandy’s room where he stabbed and slashed her to near death. An autopsy revealed Jackson choked her to death to take her out of the misery he put her in. Sgt. Vincinte Jackson was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Related Links:
Brandy Fonteneaux: Houston Soldier Found Nude, Stabbed to Death in Colorado Barracks
Female Soldier Stabbed 74 Times In Own Barracks [VIDEO]
Army: Death of Sgt. Brandy Fonteneau in Ft. Carson barracks a homicide
Army ‘Aggressively’ Investigating Soldier’s Slaying
Fort Carson Soldier Arrested In Murder On Base
Court martial begins nearly one year after soldier’s death
Fort Carson Soldier Faces Hearing In Female Soldier’s Slaying
Fort Carson sergeant charged in soldier’s death
Court-martial starts Monday for soldier charged in stabbing death
Court martial begins nearly one year after soldier’s death
Court-martial under way in Army barracks killing
Soldier’s Mental State Barracks Killing Issue
Expert testifies that pills, alcohol led soldier to kill
Carson soldier sentenced to life in January slaying
Colorado soldier guilty of unpremeditated murder
Army sergeant sentenced to life in Colorado slaying
Soldier Sentenced To Life For Slaying At Fort Carson
Army sergeant sentenced to life in prison for murder of female solider after stabbing her 74 times while high on cocktail of drugs and alcohol
Army sgt. apologizes to family of slain soldier
Soldier’s slaying in US is bitter irony for family
Life in Prison for Fort Carson Soldier Sgt Vincinte Jackson
Violent Crime, Suicide & Non Combat Death at Fort Carson, Colorado (US Army)

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

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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

Unusual Suspects Premiered ‘Maritime Murder’ on ID: NCIS Cold Case Squad Investigates the 1982 Homicide of Navy Lt. Lee Hartley (December 10, 2012)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Cold Cases, Domestic Violence, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, NavyLeave a comment

In 1982, a naval officer dies from a mysterious illness. When toxicology reports reveal he was poisoned, Naval investigators sift through a ship of thousands, and countless theories before the truth behind the victim’s painful death is revealed. -Maritime Murder, Unusual Suspects (S4,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:
John Prudhont Unusual Suspects Maritime Murder 30 sec Clip
‘Unusual Suspects’: Woman Poisoned Navy Husband Over Years Through Care Packages
Mayport cases to appear on TV’s ‘The Real NCIS’
NCIS Agents Take Viewers Inside Two Murder Cases Filled with Twisted Relationships, Greed, Lies and Double-Lives, in the Back-to-Back Third Season Premiere of “NCIS: The Cases They Can’t Forget”
NCIS: The Cases They Can’t Forget Premiere Season 3 Time & Channel
Mysterious poisoning of a Navy lieutenant leads to one of NCIS’ most notorious cold cases
United States Naval Criminal Investigative Services (October 1998)
Navy Lt. Verle Lee Hartley Died of Arsenic Poisoning in 1982; NCIS Cold Case Squad Solved Murder 13 Years Later; Wife Pamela Served 16 of 40 Years in Prison, Paroled (November 18, 1982)
Navy Spouse Pamela Hartley Pleaded Guilty to the 2nd Degree Murder of Lt. Verle Lee Hartley in Florida State Court; Served 16 Years of 40 Year Prison Sentence Before Paroled (October 16, 1996)
A List of Soldiers Targeted & Murdered for Military Survivor and Life Insurance Benefits (SGLI)
Maritime Murder | Unusual Suspects | Investigation Discovery (website)
Maritime Murder | Unusual Suspects | Investigation Discovery (Prime Video)
Real NCIS | E02 | Verle Lee Hartley Case [Full Episode]

Deadly Women Premiered Mommy’s Little Helpers on ID: Hilma Marie Witte Manipulated Children to Kill Family Members (November 24, 2012)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, Navy, True CrimeLeave a comment

Preview: Growing up, Eric Witte’s father taught him to protect his family. But when his father became increasingly violent, Eric realised that his father was the evil his family needed protection from. -She Made Me Do It, Evil Lives Here (S2, E2)

As a boy, Eric Witte’s father taught him to protect his family. But as his father grows increasingly violent, Eric realizes that he is the evil his family needs protection from. -She Made Me Do It, Evil Lives Here (S2, E2)

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:
Mommy’s Little Helpers | Deadly Women | Investigation Discovery (S6, E15)
Mommy’s Little Helpers | Deadly Women | Investigation Discovery (website)
Mommy’s Little Helpers | Deadly Women | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
Mommy’s Little Helpers | Deadly Women | Investigation Discovery (Hulu)
Eric Witte | Evil Lives Here | Investigation Discovery UK (Preview)
She Made Me Do It | Evil Lives Here | Investigation Discovery (S2, E2)
She Made Me Do It | Evil Lives Here | Investigation Discovery (website)
She Made Me Do It | Evil Lives Here | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
Eric Witte Manipulated by Mother Hilma Witte to Murder Abusive Father at Age 15; Joined Navy to Prevent Grandmother from Dying (September 1, 1981)
Evil Lives Here Premiered ‘She Made Me Do It’ on Investigation Discovery: Eric Witte Kills Abusive Father for Mother Hilma Witte (January 9, 2017)
Deadly Women: 30 Military and Veteran Homicide Cases Featured on Investigation Discovery

Georgia Army National Guard Spc. Miranda Nichols Murdered in Apparent Domestic Dispute; Army Spc. Samuel Tellu Died by Suicide (November 24, 2012)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Domestic Violence, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, National Guard, Stateside Death, Suicide2 Comments
Miranda Nichols National Guard
Spc. Miranda Nichols, Georgia Army National Guard

Georgia Army National Guard Spc. Miranda Nichols, 28, was shot and killed outside of her mother’s home in Vidalia, Georgia two days after Thanksgiving on November 24, 2012. It is believed that her boyfriend of six months Army Spc. Samuel Tellu shot Miranda in an apparent domestic dispute. After Tellu shot Miranda, he jumped in his vehicle and took off. Tellu was later found in his vehicle with a fatal gunshot wound to his head. Tellu was assigned to the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd ID, as a petroleum specialist. Nichols served in the 3rd ID and the Georgia Army National Guard. They had both deployed overseas. The Fort Stewart Criminal Investigation Division (CID) informed the public they were assisting local authorities with the apparent murder-suicide investigation.

Related Links:
3rd ID veteran killed in domestic dispute, suspect also dead
2 soldiers dead in Ga. domestic dispute
Apparent murder-suicide claims soldier, vet
Shelter counselor: Abuse victims are not alone
History: The Military And Domestic Abuse (January 28, 2009)
Rep. Mike Turner Says New Military Legislation Closes a Loophole & Includes Domestic Violence Victims in the Expedited Transfer Policy Law (May 1, 2018)
House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel: Hearings on Domestic Violence in the Military (September 18, 2019)
30 Domestic Abuse Cases in the Military That Ended in the Murder of Female Partners

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

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, In Their Name, Military Policy, Stateside Death, Suicide, USAFLeave a comment
Melissa Birtzer
Major Melissa Birtzer, U.S. Air Force

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

Army Veteran Patricia MacCallum Murdered Husband Christopher for the Children, Social Security Benefits, and Life Insurance; Sentenced to Fifty Years in Oregon Prison (2012)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Domestic Violence, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military PolicyLeave a comment
Chris-2
Christopher MacCallum (2012)

Christopher MacCallum was discovered dead at the bottom of a cliff in Oregon on November 20, 2012. Christopher was reported missing by his wife Patricia and her step-sister after disappearing while they were camping at the Applegate River campsite. Investigators could find no one who had motive to harm Christopher so they started digging into his relationship with Patricia. Christopher and Patricia met in 2008. Patricia joined the Army in January 2011 and five months later in December 2011, she was medically discharged. She moved back to Oregon with the children and left Christopher behind; he was waiting until the lease on their San Antonio, Texas apartment was up. It turns out they separated and reconciled a couple times throughout the course of their relationship. Christopher moved back in with Patricia again in September 2012 and she immediately began plotting his murder with her step-sister. Christopher was dead the next month. From all accounts, Christopher was a good man who loved his children and simply wanted to be with them.

Eventually Patricia MacCallum admitted to shooting Christopher multiple times while he lay asleep in his tent. Patricia’s step-sister Amber Lubbers admitted to assisting with the cover-up of the crime. Together they dumped his body off a cliff and told police that he had gone missing. Prosecutors revealed that the motive for the crime was the custody of the children, social security benefits, and life insurance. Patricia admitted to intentionally getting her husband drunk so that once he passed out, she could kill him when he was most defenseless. Christopher’s father Mike MacCallum shared that he believes that Christopher wanted to save the marriage to prevent the kids from going through a divorce and this desire turned out to be a fatal error. Patricia MacCallum was found guilty and sentenced to 50 years in prison. Amber Lubbers was charged as an accessory after the fact, found guilty, and sentenced to 16 months in prison. She served about half her sentence and was released early because of good behavior.

Related Links:
Obituary: Michael Christopher MacCallum
MacCallum’s Mother Speaks Out; Donations Accepted for Children
Oregon woman to be tried for husband’s murder
Prosecution: MacCallum did it for ‘money, kids and insurance’
Medford woman guilty of murder
Jury finds MacCallum guilty of murdering her husband
The Trial of Patricia MacCallum Convicted of Murdering her Husband, Michael Christopher MacCallum
Woman admits helping cover up murder
Woman sentenced as accomplice in camping trip killing of Medford man
Accomplice in Siskiyou County murder is freed early
Patricia MacCallum, Christopher MacCallum: ‘Snapped’ Spotlights Applegate Creek Campsite Murder of Oregon Husband Found Dead at Bottom of Cliff
Life Insurance Fraud is a Common Motive for Murder in the Military


Sheriffs show up to a campsite where Patricia MacCallum’s husband went missing. -Oxygen Media

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

On 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

Air National Guard SealBehind 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.”

Read more from NBC Bay Area here.

Related Links:
NBC Bay Area: California Guard Tries to Serve Firing Papers to Member After Suicide Attempt (June 25, 2013)
NBC Bay Area | Military Women: We Got Fired for Being Raped (August 21, 2014)
NBC Bay Area: California National Guard Military Sexual Assault Bill Becomes Law (August 21, 2014)

Homicide Hunter Premiered ‘Slaughterhouse Six’ on ID: Army Spc. Layne Schmidtke Beat to Death in Unprovoked, Random Attack (November 6, 2012)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, Stateside Death, True CrimeLeave a comment

Soldier and young father Layne Schmidtke is brutally beaten to death by a mob of teenagers. Kenda must reconstruct the chaotic scene through forensic evidence and witness testimonies, which reveals an unlikely suspect as the murderous ringleader. -Slaughterhouse Six, Homicide Hunter (S2, E5)

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:
Slaughterhouse Six | Homicide Hunter | Investigation Discovery (S2,E5)
Slaughterhouse Six | Homicide Hunter | Investigation Discovery (website)
Slaughterhouse Six | Homicide Hunter | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
Slaughterhouse Six | Homicide Hunter | Investigation Discovery (Hulu)
Fort Carson Army Spc. Layne Schmidtke Died From Blunt Force Trauma in Unprovoked Street Fight; Six Teenagers Convicted for Roles in Murder (September 22, 1991)
Violent Crime, Suicide & Non Combat Death at Fort Carson, Colorado

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

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

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)