Tag: 2015

Army Pfc. Karlyn Ramirez Found Murdered in Maryland Home; Army Veteran Dolores Delgado & Army Sgt. Maliek Kearney Receive Prison Sentences for Roles in Homicide (August 25, 2015)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Domestic Violence, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their NameLeave a comment
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Pfc. Karlyn Ramirez, US Army

Army soldier Pfc. Karlyn Ramirez, 24, of Fort Meade, Maryland was found shot to death in her home on August 25, 2015 while she lay next to her newborn baby. Karlyn worked for the National Security Agency (NSA) and had a top secret security clearance. Investigators looked to her roommate and her husband as persons of interests. The media speculated that maybe this crime had something to do with her job. The Anne Arundel Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation worked jointly to solve Karlyn’s homicide. A $20,000 reward was offered for information leading to the arrest of a suspect. More then a year later on October 6, 2016 Karlyn’s husband Army Sgt. Maliek Kearney and his new girlfriend Army veteran Dolores Delgado were arrested for the murder. In testimony, Sgt. Kearney admitted to shooting Karlyn four times, placing their baby in her dead mother’s arms, and then fleeing the scene leaving a sliding glass door open. Investigators report that the crime was a well thought out and executed plan implemented in an effort to throw homicide detectives off.

Dolores Delgado gave Sgt. Kearney the car, the gun, and gas cans to refuel with so he wouldn’t be caught on any security cameras as he drove from South Carolina to Maryland on August 24th to carry out the murder. Sgt. Kearney returned back to work the next morning at Fort Jackson in South Carolina to establish an alibi. Additional testimony revealed that Karlyn and Sgt. Kearney separated only two weeks after they had been married. They had been married for roughly five weeks when Karlyn was murdered. Karlyn attempted to get a restraining order on Sgt. Kearney just days before the murder after he showed up to her home unannounced in an effort to reconcile with her. After the failed attempt at reconciliation, Sgt. Kearney was hospitalized because he tried to end his life with sleeping pills. Sgt. Kearney was a decorated Army veteran of 15 years who had served tours in Iraq, Pakistan and South Korea. One of Sgt. Kearney’s superiors at Fort Sam Houston testified that he has been “nothing but an exemplary soldier.” A friend reported that he had no idea that Sgt. Kearney and Dolores Delgado were even dating. Sgt. Kearney  and Dolores Delgado are being prosecuted by the federal courts because they crossed state lines to execute a murder in another state. The U.S. Magistrate denied bail for Sgt. Kearney and Dolores Delgado and ordered they be transferred to Maryland to await trial. In August 2017, Dolores Delgado plead guilty to helping Sgt. Kearney with the murder of Karlyn Ramirez. On November 30, 2018, Maliek Kearney was sentence to life in federal prison with no parole for premeditated murder.

“He is sick and depraved. Slightly laughable was his compassionate transfer to San Antonio to be close to the child he put in her dead mother’s arms.” -Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Wannarka

Screen Shot 2017-08-06 at 5.54.40 PM
Maliek Kearney and Karlyn Ramirez

In the News:

Anne Arundel County police have identified a woman whose body was found at a home in Severn. -WBAL-TV 11 Baltimore (August 27, 2015)

Army Mom Murdered in Cold-Blood. -True Crime Daily (March 7, 2016)

Karlyn Ramirez, 24, was killed in her Maryland home. When police found her, she wasn’t alone. But the only living witness can’t say who killed her. -True Crime Daily (March 8, 2016)

Karlyn Ramirez, 24, was killed in her Maryland home. When police found her, she wasn’t alone. But the only living witness can’t say who killed her. -True Crime Daily (March 8, 2016)

24-year-old Karyln Ramirez, an army private stationed at Fort Meade, was found shot to death in her Severn home. Now, more than a year later, authorities make a big break in the investigation. -WJZ (October 10, 2016)

A couple will return to Maryland to face trial in the August 2015 shooting of the man’s wife. -WMAR-2 News (October 19, 2016)

A military mom with top-secret security clearance is gunned down in her Maryland home on August 25, 2015. Who killed 24-year-old mother Karlyn Ramirez, and why? -True Crime Daily (December 15, 2017)

A former girlfriend took the stand Wednesday in the trial of Army Sgt. Maliek Kearney, who is accused of fatally shooting his estranged wife in 2015. Kearney, 37, faces federal charges in the killing of Karlyn Ramirez, of Severn. Delores Delgado struck a plea deal last summer and pleaded guilty to the federal crime of crossing state lines to commit domestic violence that resulted in Ramirez’s death. The plea was in exchange for federal officials not seeking the death penalty. -WBAL-TV 11 Baltimore (July 18, 2018)

Trial Underway For Army Sergeant Charged In His Wife’s Killing. -WJZ (July 18, 2018)

The mistress of Army sergeant charged in the death of his estranged wife testified Thursday about the plot to kill the Fort Meade soldier. Dolores Delgado testified she “lied to give him an alibi.” -CBS News (July 20, 2018)

The case against a U.S. Army sergeant who is charged in connection with the fatal shooting of his estranged wife resumed Monday with Delores Delgado back on the witness stand. She is the mistress and co-conspirator of Sgt. Maliek Kearney. -WBAL-TV 11 Baltimore (July 30, 2018)

Former Army Sergeant Maliek Kearney has been sentenced to life without parole Friday for the 2015 murder of his wife in Anne Arundel County. -WJZ (November 30, 2018)

A federal judge sentenced Army Sgt. Maliek Kearney to life in prison without possibility of parole plus 10 years, in the 2015 killing of his estranged wife. In August, a federal jury found Kearney guilty in the killing of Karlyn Ramirez. Prosecutors called Kearney a cold-blooded, callous murderer who executed his estranged wife. -WBAL-TV 11 Baltimore (November 30, 2018)

Investigation Discovery:

She had top security clearance from the U.S. military and was only 24 when she was found dead at home, her 5-month-old daughter by her side. Who would want Karlyn Ramirez dead and why? -Investigation Discovery (September 20, 2018)

Dateline NBC:

Andrea Canning reports on the homicide of private first class soldier and young mother Karlyn Ramirez. Canning also takes a glimpse into the FBI’s crime lab and an in-depth look at how multiple agencies uncovered a plot that spanned several states and prompted suspicions of espionage. -Dateline NBC (January 9, 2019)

Related Links:
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Six Months Later, Still No Suspects in Fort Meade Soldier’s Death
$20,000 reward for details in Meade soldier’s killing
Police, Army offer $20K reward in death of soldier in Severn
Anne Arundel County Police Press Release for February 25, 2016
Army CID, Information Wanted, Homicide Investigation, Karlyn Ramirez
Female Soldier Found Shot Dead Next to Baby After Making Panicked Calls
Female Soldier Found Shot Dead Next to Baby After Panicked Calls – Pt. 1 (YouTube)
Female Soldier Found Shot Dead Next to Baby After Panicked Calls – Pt. 2 (YouTube)
Soldier arrested in San Antonio, charged in killing of wife
US Army Sergeant and his girlfriend are arrested over killing of his soldier wife who was found shot dead next to their unharmed baby daughter at home
Soldier and Girlfriend Arrested in His Wife’s Death — More Than a Year After Her Slaying
Army sergeant, girlfriend charged in the killing of his wife
Army sergeant, girlfriend charged in death of wife, also a soldier
2 arrested in 2015 slaying of soldier assigned to Fort Meade
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Husband Killed Wife, Placed Baby in Her Arms, Fled Maryland: FBI
Husband, His Girlfriend Charged In Fort Meade Mom’s Murder (Update)
Testimony: San Antonio soldier placed baby in his dead wife’s arms
South Carolina soldier accused of killing wife appears in San Antonio court
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This Army Soldier And Loving Mother Tragically Murdered, Please Pray For Her 5-Month-Old Baby
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Woman pleads guilty to helping her soldier boyfriend kill his wife
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An Army Sergeant Was Convicted Of Fatally Shooting His Wife — After His Girlfriend Admitted She Gave Him The Gun
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Jury finds Army sergeant guilty of killing his wife
Jury finds Army soldier guilty of killing his wife, a young private at Fort Meade
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Army sergeant gets life without parole for slaying soldier wife
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Army sergeant sentenced to life in prison in wife’s killing
Estranged Husband Sentenced In Fort Meade Soldier’s Murder
Army Sgt Gets Life Without Parole for Slaying Soldier Wife
US Army Sergeant Gets Life Without Parole for Slaying Wife
NBC to feature Anne Arundel murder on ‘Dateline’
Dateline to feature brutal killing by soldier from San Antonio
Dateline to feature brutal killing by soldier from San Antonio
Love Triangle at Ft. Meade Army Base Results in Premeditated Murder – Wife is Dead, Girlfriend Gets 17 Years, Sgt. Husband May Receive a Life Sentence
Army Sgt. Maliek Kearney Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison, No Parole for the Premeditated Murder of Estranged Wife Pfc. Karlyn Ramirez (November 30, 2018)

Video Links:
Police identify Severn homicide victim
Woman, 24, Found Murdered in Maryland Home Next to Unharmed Baby
Army Mom Murdered in Cold-Blood – Crime Watch Daily
Female Soldier Found Shot Dead Next to Baby After Panicked Calls – Pt. 1
Female Soldier Found Shot Dead Next to Baby After Panicked Calls – Pt. 2
Fort Meade Murder Arrest
Couple to return to Maryland to face trial in soldier’s death
Dolores Delgado Pleads Guilty to Role in Karlyn Ramirez Murder
Former girlfriend testifies about man’s plot to kill estranged wife
Trial Underway For Army Sergeant Charged In His Wife’s Killing
Second day of testimony for mistress of Army sergeant accused of murder of estranged wife
Testimony: Murder suspect wanted mistress to take responsibility
Former Army Sgt. Who Murdered Wife And Left Baby In Her Arms Sentenced To Life In Prison
Judge calls Kearney dangerous, predatory person
Karlyn Ramirez: Military Murder? | ID Now
Dateline Episode Trailer: The Alibi

Navy Seaman Elizabeth Shelton and Unborn Baby Survive Murder-For-Hire Plot; Spouse & Two Acquaintances Guilty of Conspiracy to Commit Murder for Life Insurance (August 22, 2015)

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

US Navy

Navy seaman Elizabeth Shelton, 19, stationed at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia survived a brutal assault in her home on August 22, 2015. Police got a call for a suspected home invasion and found Shelton unconscious, lying in a pool of blood. She suffered extensive facial injuries and was having difficulty breathing; she was rushed to the hospital. Shelton’s husband Anthony Johnson was also hurt during the home invasion. He reported that one of them tried to choke him to death while he lay in his bed. Johnson also reported that some of his friends stole his car. This led police to Tristan Reeder who told them that Johnson hired him and two others to kill his wife in exchange for the life insurance. Reeder said Johnson promised to give him $40,000 and Robert Burnette $70,000. Reeder also told police he pretended to choke Johnson unconscious while Burnette actually choked Shelton. Burnette then threw her off the bed and stomped on her head a half dozen times. They took off in Johnson’s car after they saw blood.

Three men were indicted on charges for trying to kill Anthony Johnson’s pregnant wife in a murder-for-hire plot: Robert Burnette, 19; Tristan Reeder, 21; and Joseph Apodaca, 21. They were charged with conspiracy to commit second-degree murder and conspiracy to maliciously wound Elizabeth Shelton. Anthony Johnson, 21, was charged with three felonies connected with hiring the men to kill his wife. Court documents revealed that Johnson promised Burnette and Reeder more than $100,000 after he cashed in Shelton’s $400,000 life insurance pay-out. Reed, Burnette, and Johnson were held in Norfolk City Jail while they awaited trial. Johnson claimed he was framed and Elizabeth initially believed that he was innocent. She thought the men broke into the apartment because they were mad after they kicked them out the day before.

“He [Anthony Johnson] called my mother from jail and told her it wasn’t true,” Elizabeth Johnson said. “She told me he’s innocent. I didn’t have to ask him, I believed him.” -WAVY

In May 2o16, Anthony Johnson was found guilty of plotting to kill his pregnant wife in exchange for money from her life insurance policy. Joseph Apodaca testified in court that Johnson had been pressuring all three of them to kill his wife and make it look like a break-in. Initially Apodaca agreed but then when it came time to execute the plan, he backed out. A civilian jury sentenced Johnson to 35 years: 25 years for attempted capital murder, 5 years for conspiracy to commit capital murder, and 5 years for malicious wounding. Robert Burnette was found guilty of attempted capital murder and sentenced to 27 years in prison with 15 years suspended. Tristan Reeder pleaded guilty to attempted capital murder for hire and was sentenced to 5 years in prison. Apodaca was charged with failure to report a felony and sentenced to 12 months in jail. Elizabeth Shelton recovered and gave birth to a healthy baby girl.

Related Links:
3 men charged in plot to kill acquaintance’s wife
Police: Man hired trio to kill pregnant wife
Man accused of hiring hit men: I didn’t try to kill my wife
Husband charged with murder-for-hire claims he was framed
Man accused of plotting pregnant wife’s murder says he’s innocent
Judge certifies murder-for-hire charge against Anthony Johnson
Charge against husband in Norfolk murder-for-hire plot certified to grand jury
Court documents map out timeline of Norfolk murder-for-hire case
Suspect in murder-for-hire plot testifies against victim’s husband
Man found guilty in Norfolk murder-for-hire plot of pregnant wife
Jury finds Norfolk man guilty in murder-for-hire case
Virginia man convicted of hiring hit men to kill wife for life insurance
Man sentenced to 35 years in prison for murder-for-hire plot
One of three men in Norfolk murder-for-hire sentenced to 12 years in prison
Man sentenced in husband’s murder-for-hire plot against pregnant wife
Hearing continued for suspect in Norfolk murder-for-hire
Guilty plea in murder-for-hire plot
Vancouver, Wash. Native Serves with Naval Beach Group TWO (NBG 2)

Disabled Army Veteran Felicia Reeves Found Hanging in a New Jersey Motel Room; Homicide Task Force’s Probe of Cause of Death Upholds Suicide Finding (August 19, 2015)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Cold Cases, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, PTSD, TBI, Mental Illness, Sexual Assault, Suicide, VeteransLeave a comment
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Felicia Reeves, US Army

US Army veteran Felicia Reeves, 40, was found hanging August 19, 2015 in a bathroom in a room at the Royal Motel in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Initially the police ruled her death a suicide but the family questioned the investigator’s decision. One year later, Union County prosecutor’s reopened the probe into the investigation of Felicia to determine if in fact this was a homicide. According to her family, Felicia Reeves was a disabled veteran and had ties to organized criminal elements who might have wanted to silence her. The family also shared that she was sexually assaulted while stationed in Korea and her back was hurt during the attack which is what caused her permanent disability. She suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as well. Felicia escaped a couple abusive relationships and in the past couple years became associated with people who appeared to be taking advantage of her and manipulating her. Felicia’s painkiller prescription from the Department of Veterans Affairs was a frequent target for her new found friends. Felicia was in the process of trying to get custody of her two sons and had recently become concerned that she may be in danger. In February 2017, a homicide task force looking into the death of Felicia Reeves told the family that their investigation upholds the suicide ruling and the case was closed. Reeves’ sister Suzan Bayorgeon said “nothing about the New Jersey decision surprises her. Nor does it change her belief that Reeves was murdered, with her death made to look like a suicide.”

“Reeves had been in several bad relationships before her death and didn’t trust other people. Reeves’ sister, Suzan Bayorgeon, told the news outlet that Reeves had repeatedly commented that if she were discovered dead, it would be a murder.” -NJ.com

Related Links:
Family disputes police claims about daughter’s case
Death of WNC Veteran Raises More Questions than Answers
Hendersonville family questions circumstances of Felicia Reeves’ death
Hendersonville Family Raises Questions About Sister’s Suicide
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Army vet’s family questions whether she really took her own life
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Authorities Revisit Mysterious Death Of North Carolina Woman
Probe of woman’s death upholds suicide finding

Homicide Hunter Premiered ‘Bad Blood’ on ID: Army Veteran Brandin Penza Found Stabbed to Death in Colorado Springs Parking Lot (August 18, 2015)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, True Crime, Veterans1 Comment

Every Body Tells Its Own Story -Bad Blood, Homicide Hunter (Preview)

A popular army vet is found bleeding to death on the cold asphalt of a shadowy parking lot -his chest littered with too many knife wounds to count. A gruesome clue leads Kenda’s team to an unlikely killer whose motive for murder is as heartless. -Bad Blood, Homicide Hunter (S5,E1)

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:
Life is Random
Every Body Tells Its Own Story | Homicide Hunter | Investigation Discovery
Bad Blood | Homicide Hunter | Investigation Discovery (S5,E1)
Bad Blood | Homicide Hunter | Investigation Discovery (website)
Bad Blood | Homicide Hunter | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
Bad Blood | Homicide Hunter | Investigation Discovery (Hulu)
Army Veteran Brandin Penza Stabbed 74 Times in Colorado Springs Parking Lot by Stranger; Kevin Gooley Sentenced to 32 Years in Prison (September 23, 1994)
Violent Crime, Suicide & Non Combat Death at Fort Carson, Colorado

Highlights of Army National Guard Lt. Col. Teresa James’ Military Sexual Assault and DoD IG Substantiated Retaliation Case

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Felony Crime, In Their Name, Military Policy, National Guard, Sexual Assault1 Comment
Lt Col Teresa James
Lt Col Teresa James

Lt Col Teresa James had a stellar career in the Army National Guard for over 30 years until she reported being sexually assaulted by a senior officer. Shortly after reporting the crime, she took convalescent leave for 30 days to seek medical treatment and eventually was medically retired because “she refused to come into work” according to leadership in the West Virginia Army National Guard. Lt Col James states that she asked for an extension to her convalescent leave (while continuing to seek medical treatment) or to work at an alternate location away from those who were retaliating against her. She did not want to retire and fought the forced medical retirement process but lost those appeals. She is now speaking up about the sexual assault and retaliation she experienced after reporting the assault.  This case is a good example of the complications associated with the expedited transfer policy and how it is applies to the National Guard when both the accused and the victim are permanently stationed at the same location.

In May 2016, news broke that the Department of Defense Inspector General found that a brigadier general in the West Virginia Army National Guard did in fact retaliate against Lt Col James after she reported that she had been sexually assaulted by another officer. This is the first time that the DoD IG has confirmed a report of retaliation in the military. This case highlights the need for coordinated reform on the part of the Chief, the National Guard Bureau, and all of the state National Guard headquarters. The federal government does not have jurisdiction over the States therefore only the Governor and State Congressional members have authority to enact new laws for the National Guard. The National Guard must enact it’s own policies. The DoD IG has no jurisdiction over the West Virginia Army National Guard therefore cannot court martial or admonish the individuals involved. Lt Col James is focusing on ensuring that all State’s enact legislation to protect their National Guard members.

“My whole reason for speaking out is to educate other survivors,” she said,“ ‘That you are not alone. There are people out there that will help you, and that the best thing to do if you are assaulted is report it.’” (via Charleston Gazette-Mail)

Related Links:
Lt. col. says speaking up about assault hurt her career
Serving in Silence: Rape in the National Guard
Troops who report sexual assault face retaliation
Retiring National Guard officer: Leadership should have done more in sexual assault case
62 Percent of Military Sex Assault Reports Result in Retaliation (A Taste of Creole)
62 Percent of Military Sex Assault Reports Result in Retaliation (NBC Washington)
US: Military Whistleblowers At Risk, Retaliation for Reporting Sexual Assault
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Reporting and Law Enforcement Facts For LTC Teresa James, West Virginia National Guard
Reporting and Law Enforcement Facts For LTC Teresa James, West Virginia National Guard 2
One-star general retaliated against LTC sex assault victim, IG finds
First time: IG confirms retaliation against rape whistleblower
Lt. col. says speaking up about assault hurt her career
IG: Rape whistleblower saw retaliation
DOD report: WV National Guard general retaliated against assault victim
Lt Col Teresa James Shares Experience with Sexual Assault & Reprisal at DoD IG Worldwide Hotline Outreach Conference
DoD substantiates its first-ever sexual assault reprisal case, but victim still waiting for relief
Serving in Silence: Sex Assault Retaliation Complaints Investigated
Retired officer tells of sexual assault, retaliation in WV National Guard
New DOD investigative unit to focus on sexual assault-related reprisals
Military Sexual-Assault Victim Tells Her Story to Social Workers Conference

Family of Katherine Morris Wants Department of Justice to Investigate Death (August 10, 2015)

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

Family of Katherine Morris wants Dept. of Justice to investigate death. -WMAR-2 News (August 10, 2015)

Army Spouse Katherine Morris Found Dead in Car Near Mall; Cause of Death Initially Ruled Suicide But Further Investigation Suggests Homicide Motivated by Insurance Fraud (May 6, 2012): https://wp.me/p3XTUi-5ve

Never forgotten Katherine.

Related Links:
Katherine Morris on Military Justice for All (May 6, 2012)
Family of Katherine Morris wants Dept. of Justice to investigate death

Fear Thy Neighbor Premiered ‘Landlord, Death Lord’ on Investigation Discovery: John Kendall Shot at Erich & Abigail Mounce 17 Times With an AK-47 (July 6, 2015)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Suicide, True Crime, USAF, Veterans1 Comment

ID Go: A young couple finds their paradise in a Vancouver, Washington housing development with strict codes of community conduct. But someone forgot to tell their neighbour the rules, and he will resist them at all costs. -Landlord, Death Lord, Fear Thy Neighbor (S2, E12)

Date: October 31, 2014
Victims: Erich Mounce, 46, and Abigail Mounce, 33, both employed at local silicon wafer manufacturing plant
Offender: John Kendall, 59, Air Force veteran, disabled
Location: Vancouver, Washington
Circumstances: John got annoyed by the smoke from a BBQ grill, John started building a shed for his vacuum repair business but this went against HOA rules (no commercial businesses), the Mounce family was concerned about dust from John’s business, HOA rules were not enforced in the beginning, John’s noisy construction was bothering the Mounces, John’s guest vehicles were blocking the Mounce’s driveway and interfering with traffic flow, John was renting out rooms in his home to tenants (5 at the time), John’s house was like a multi-family apartment complex (against the HOA rules), John refused to follow the HOA rules, John was never held accountable for breaking the HOA rules, John felt like he was being harassed, John said he was not going to be told what to do with his property, John would hammer and turn on skill saw during day impacting Abigail’s studying and sleep, John ignored the Mounces when they asked him to quiet down, someone vandalized the Mounce’s BBQ grill, burglaries and robberies started occurring in the neighborhood, the neighborhood was concerned about John’s transient tenants because John would rent to anyone, John’s tenants had no regard for the neighborhood, the developer and the HOA would not assist the Mounces, John put up a tarp to hide the neighbor’s view of his property (eye sore), John installed a halogen light that shined into the neighbor’s windows (clear act of intimidation), John poisoned the Mounce’s trees, John shot Erich in the face with a water gun, Erich called the police and asked them to press assault charges, John said Erich assaulted him and threatened to rape him, the police blew the whole incident off, living next to John’s shed was like living next to a toxic dump site, the Mounce’s got a civil lawyer to address their concerns in court, written request for John to take down his shed, evict his tenants, stop working from home, he had 30 days to comply, John refused the registered letter, John felt bullied by the neighbors, John’s tenants didn’t help the situation, numerous problems with the tenants including illegal drug activity and fights, John wanted to work out a deal with the County and rent out rooms to sex offenders, the Mounces put their plans for a family on hold, the Mounces took John to court, John represented himself, John said bizarre things while in court, court decided John had to evict his tenants within 30 days, stop vacuum cleaner business, and remove the shed, the judge awarded the Mounces $3000 a month every month John was in violation of the court order, John was furious after losing court battle, John threatened to kill Abigail and Erich, Erich confronted John and told him not to threaten his wife, John threatened to kill Erich and Abigail again, the Mounces called the police but they didn’t do anything, John lied and twisted stories around making Erich look like the bad guy, John walked around with a weapon on his side, John owed the Mounces close to $60,000 after months of ignoring the court order, John finally knocked down his shed but wouldn’t evict his tenants, John was summoned to court for contempt, John went to the Mounce’s attorney’s office in an attempt to confront the lawyer, lawyer was concerned about personal safety, on way to court, John runs out of his house and follows the Mounce’s in their car, he pulled up beside them and shot at them three times, Abigail was shot in the head but lived, John turned his car around and shot at them again with his AK-47 for a total of 17 times, Erich escapes harm, John killed himself and was found 2.5 hours later, John wanted revenge, Abigail is severely disabled
Disposition: Suicide

In the News:

John Kendall, 59, died Friday of an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound after shooting neighbor Abigail Mounce and leading police on a manhunt in Central Vancouver. -The Columbian (October 31, 2014)

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:
Abigail’s Medical Bills | GoFundMe
Sheriff: Vancouver shooting suspect found dead
Shooter Dead Following Vancouver Manhunt, Two Wounded
Wash. woman may lose eye after being shot by neighbor
Vancouver property dispute between neighbors ends in hail of gunfire
Officers in Vancouver manhunt, shooting identified
Vancouver Police Shoot 911 Caller During Manhunt
Wash. cops mistakenly shoot 911 caller during manhunt
Police In Washington State Mistakenly Shoot 911 Caller During Manhunt For Gunman
Police mistakenly shoot 911 caller thinking he was gunman
911 caller mistaken for armed suspect and shot in leg by Washington state cops
Vancouver woman speaks about surviving drive-by shooting
Woman describes surviving shot to face
Vancouver woman describes surviving shot to face
Woman shot in face: ‘I remember seeing the barrel’
Shooting victim: ‘I’m really, really lucky’
Clark County woman expected to survive after being shot by neighbor
Mounce, husband of victim, describes shooting, aftermath
Vancouver shooting victim: ‘I’m getting better every day’
Good Samaritan Shot By Police After Calling 911 to Report Location of Shooting Suspect
Several Green Meadows residents still shaken by shooting
Man mistakenly shot by Vancouver police says there was no warning
Shooting The Messenger | Simple Justice
See Something, Get Shot | RHDefense
10-31-2014 WASHINGTON VANCOUVER 2-1 | Gun Violence Archive
Central Vancouver shooting and manhunt on Halloween
Landlord, Death Lord | Fear Thy Neighbor | Investigation Discovery (S2, E12)
Landlord, Death Lord | Fear Thy Neighbor | Investigation Discovery (website)
Landlord, Death Lord | Fear Thy Neighbor | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
Fear Thy Neighbor: 23 Veteran Cases Featured on Investigation Discovery

Fear Thy Neighbor Premiered ‘Homeowner Hell’ on Investigation Discovery: Donald Easley Killed 2 Property Owners, Kenneth Vaughn & Laron Estes (June 29, 2015)

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

ID Go: A couple settles in Josephine County, Oregon, where they learn their new neighbor has a deadly past. Now, as relations sour and tempers flare, blood will be spilled on this land…. -Homeowner Hell, Fear Thy Neighbor (S2, E11)

Date: September 7, 2013
Victim: Laron Estes, 59, Army veteran, former industrial welder, disabled
Offender: Donald Easley, 64, Army veteran (two tours), disabled
Location: Kerby, Oregon (Josephine County)
Circumstances: Laron collected junk & it annoyed neighbors, Laron cut down an apple tree for no reason, Donald killed his former neighbor, Laron’s dogs were barking all the time, Laron didn’t like cats in his vegetable garden, Donald put up lights for his mother’s safety but they were shining on Laron’s property & too bright, Laron put up plastic barrier to block light, Donald installed another light shining on Laron’s property, Donald started his diesel truck in the middle of the night and left it running for an hour or more, someone shot out Donald’s lights (they suspected Laron did it), Donald calls sheriff but Laron denies he shot out the lights, Donald had 13 security lights aimed at Laron’s windows and they couldn’t sleep, someone wounded two of Donald’s mom’s cats with pellet gun, Laron denies harming animals because he loves them, Donald called animal control about Laron’s dogs claiming Laron didn’t have licensing to breed dogs, Donald contacted media, animal control took some of the dogs & Laron was fined for ordnance violations, Laron could not breed the dogs anymore, Laron was described as unpredictable, others said Donald was the aggressor, Laron sprayed Donald’s mom with water and Donald threatened to kill Laron, Donald smeared Laron’s name in any way he could, Donald called the EPA about a polluted well on Laron’s property, Donald wouldn’t let Laron use his property to remove the debris from the well, someone removed a property stake from Laron’s land, surveyor told Laron about Kenneth Vaughn, Donald had same issues with Vaughn, they were both fighting over 3 or 4 feet of property, according to Donald’s mom, Kenneth stopped taking medications, Kenneth drew a gun on Donald and Donald shot him in self-defense, but some believe Donald was jealous of Kenneth and it was murder, Donald’s fence was on Laron’s property but he refused to move it, Laron started fearing for his life, some neighbors said Laron wasn’t a nice guy, Donald called the sheriff’s department over 200 times throughout the years, Donald told cops he hopes he never has to kill Laron, Laron received a letter from a psychiatrist at the local VA cautioning him that Donald threatened to kill him, VA advised him to contact the police immediately, Laron tried to get a restraining order with new information but the judge wouldn’t allow the letter from the VA due to rules of evidence, psychiatrist couldn’t be at hearing so restraining order was denied, Laron made a ‘murderer’ sign and it pointed to Donald’s property, Donald was very angry about the sign, Donald reached out to the media asking for help with Laron, local police still didn’t take any action, physical altercation occurred between Donald and Laron and Laron allegedly beat the crap out of him, attorney told Donald to get a restraining order and they were successful using elderly laws, police were concerned that someone was going to get hurt or killed, there was constant feuding, the restraining order amplified the fear and hatred between them, Donald started carrying a gun so he wouldn’t be beat up again, the cops said the threat was from both sides, they were both pointing guns at each other and making threats, Laron pulled Donald off a ladder while he was trying to poke holes in the privacy fence, Donald fired his gun at Laron, Laron’s family said Laron was on the ladder trying to tape up the holes in the fence, Donald claimed Laron was trespassing and called the police, Donald pointed his gun at him and as Laron was running from the scene, Donald fired his weapon twice and shot Laron once in the back, Laron bled out and died on his property, at trial Donald claimed self-defense after characterizing Laron as a bully.
Disposition: Easley found guilty of murder, sentenced to 25 years to life in prison

In the News:

Detectives arrested Donald Easley in Kerby Monday afternoon. The charges against Easley are murder and unlawful use of a firearm. Josephine County Chief Deputy District Attorney, Lisa Turner, says this is not a case of whodunnit? Last weekend police say Easley shot and killed his neighbor, Laron Estes. -KTVL News10 (October 19, 2013)

The man suspected of killing his neighbor was in court Tuesday & he’ll be staying behind bars for a while. It’s been two weeks since Laron Estes was shot & killed, and the arraignment helped family breath a sigh of relief. Donald Easley was in court, via video, where a judge denied bail. Estes wife, Barbara Hicks, says some of the weight lifted when she heard the person suspected of murder, will stay behind bars. -KTVL News10 (Oct. 19, 2013)

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:
Justice for Laron Estes | Facebook
Southern Oregon man involved again in a neighbor killing
Oregon Man Donald Easley Shoots And Kills Second Neighbor In Four Years, No Arrest Made Yet (Video)
Kerby Man Arrested in Connection with Neighbors Death
1st Oregon News Minute from the AP (Donald Easley)
Victim’s girlfriend says suspect shot neighbor in the back
Victim’s partner describes shooting in Kerby murder trial
Long-running feud that led to death was murder, jury rules
Jury finds Kerby man guilty of murdering his neighbor
Man guilty in ‘fence from hell’ shooting
Man sentenced to life in prison for killing neighbor
Neighbor slaying: Man sentenced to life in prison
Donald Easley | True Crime Stories
Donald Easley Arrested
Easley denied bail, family sighs relief
Homeowner Hell | Fear Thy Neighbor | Investigation Discovery (S2, E11)
Homeowner Hell | Fear Thy Neighbor | Investigation Discovery (website)
Homeowner Hell | Fear Thy Neighbor | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
Fear Thy Neighbor: 23 Veteran Cases Featured on Investigation Discovery

Ashley Melnyczok Found Murdered in Colorado Home; Army Soldier Joseph Kimsey & Jonathon Nelson Sentenced to Life in Prison (June 3, 2015)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military PolicyLeave a comment
Ashley Melnyczok
Ashley Melnyczok, Colorado Springs, Colorado (photo: Investigation Discovery)

On June 3, 2015, Ashley Melnyczok was found stabbed to death in her Colorado Springs, Colorado apartment. She had been stabbed four times, twice in the neck and twice in the back; the killer also put a plastic bag over her head causing suffocation. Ashley was discovered by her friend who was initially considered a suspect but he was quickly ruled out. With no known suspects, detectives started doing a victimology to learn more about Ashley and her life. They learned that Ashely had a rocky relationship with the father of her daughter, Jason Connor, and had lost custody as a result of the tumultuous relationship. But Ashley was determined to get custody of her daughter and began to make positive changes to improve her life. She got a new waitressing job, a new apartment, and was determined to fight off depression in an effort to provide stability for her daughter. Jason was also ruled out as a suspect.

When investigators looked into Ashley’s criminal history, they found multiple domestic violence incidents and a pending domestic violence case against Joseph Kimsey. Kimsey, 23, was an Army soldier stationed at Fort Carson and according to Army leadership was nowhere to be found and considered Absent without Leave (AWOL). In the course of the investigation, investigators also learned that Ashley’s car was missing so they were on the hunt for it. And eventually, two individuals were pulled over in the stolen car. When police asked where they got the car, the pair claimed that Jonathon “JP” Nelson gave it to them. This was the same person a witness said answered Ashley’s door on June 1st. According to records, JP Nelson was dishonorably discharged from the Army a couple years earlier and had a pending criminal case; he was accused of hitting a female in the back of the head with a sledgehammer. JP was apprehended and arrested by police after trying to make entry into Ashley’s apartment with a large duffel bag.

While JP Nelson was in county jail, an inmate contacted detectives to inform them JP had confessed to the murder and said he didn’t do it alone. They knew the inmate was being truthful because he revealed a detail about the homicide that had been kept from the press. When pressed for a name, he could only provide them with a nickname “Pony Boy” so police set out to find out who Pony Boy was. About a month after the homicide, Ashley’s ex-boyfriend Joseph Kimsey was arrested for failure to appear in court. When interviewed, police learned that Kimsey was Pony Boy and that Nelson and Kimsey served in the Army together at Fort Carson. They were also both in county jail at the same time. JP Nelson bonded out on May 1st but he continued to stay in contact with Kimsey who was still in jail. The two of them initially schemed to rob Ashley to get money for Kimsey’s bond but Ashley didn’t take the bait.

Kimsey was released from county jail on June 1st. He made contact with Ashley and she agreed to meet with him at her new apartment, but he didn’t go alone. Once inside, Kimsey and JP Nelson demanded that Ashley open her safe but she refused so the pair attacked her. Ashley fought hard for her life and as a result it took two of them to kill her. The prosecution theorized that the bag was put over her head to keep her quiet. Both Jonathon Nelson and Joseph Kimsey were charged with first degree murder. A fingerprint in Ashley’s blood tied Jonathon Nelson directly to the murder. Investigators ascertained that JP returned to Ashley’s apartment two days later to dismember and dispose of Ashley’s body, instead he was spotted and arrested. In 2017, both Jonathon Nelson and Joseph Kimsey were found guilty of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Source: Murder Behind Closed Doors, Grave Mysteries

Jonathon Nelson (Dishonorably Discharged Army Veteran)
Joseph Kimsey, U.S. Army

Investigation Discovery:

ID Go: 27 year-old Ashley Melnyczok is a single mother. Her daughter is her life’s joy. In June 2015, Ashley is murdered in her Colorado Springs home. While hunting for clues, police hunt down a cast of dangerous characters and uncover a heinous plot. -Murder Behind Closed Doors, Grave Mysteries (S2,E3)

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:
Vehicle wanted in Colorado Springs homicide probe found; man arrested
AWOL Fort Carson soldier arrested after being found in car wanted in murder case
AWOL Fort Carson soldier arrested in ex-girlfriend’s death
Family Goat Helps Catch Fugitive; Fort Carson Confirms Suspect Is Soldier
Police make second arrest in northeastern Colorado Springs murder
AWOL soldier arrested in death of Colorado Springs woman
AWOL Fort Carson soldier arrested in ex-girlfriend’s death
Colorado Springs police arrest AWOL Fort Carson soldier as 2nd suspect in killing
AWOL Fort Carson Soldier Arrested in Death of Colorado Springs Woman
Two ordered to stand trial in stabbing death of Colorado Springs woman
Hearing in homicide of Colorado Springs woman focuses on involvement of man levied with upgraded murder charge
Verdict reached for Colorado Springs murder suspect
Man convicted in 2015 murder at Colorado Springs apartment complex
Ex-Fort Carson soldier sentenced to life without parole in escort slaying
Jury selection begins for man accused of killing Colorado Springs woman
Colorado Springs prostitute had a ‘horrible, horrible, death,’ prosecutor says
Cell-phone records help seal murder conviction against former Fort Carson soldier
Second man found guilty of 2015 Colorado Springs murder
Second man found guilty of 2015 murder in Colorado Springs
Former Fort Carson soldier gets life for fatal stabbing
Cell-phone records help seal murder conviction against former Fort Carson soldier
Murder of Ashley Melnyczok by Joseph Kimsey and Jonathon Nelson — Grave Mysteries spotlights the case
Vanessa Franzen as Detective Smith in Grave Mysteries, S2, “Murder Behind Closed Doors”
What the DoD Doesn’t Want You to Know: 50 Shocking Military Homicides in the Last 30 Years (March 23, 2018)
Violent Crime, Suicide, and Non Combat Death at Fort Carson, Colorado (US Army)
A Month in Review: In the News on Military Justice for All (June 2018)
Grave Mysteries Premiered ‘Murder Behind Closed Doors’ on ID: Ashley Melnyczok Found Murdered in Colorado Springs Home (February 25, 2019)
Murder Behind Closed Doors | Grave Mysteries | Investigation Discovery (S2,E3)
Murder Behind Closed Doors | Grave Mysteries | Investigation Discovery (website)
Murder Behind Closed Doors | Grave Mysteries | Investigation Discovery (Prime Video)

NBC Washington: 62 Percent of Military Sex Assault Reports Result in Retaliation (May 18, 2015)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Felony Crime, In Their Name, Military Policy, National Guard, Navy, Sexual Assault, USAF, USCG, USMC, VeteransLeave a comment

Punishing the Victim Retaliation NBC Washington.jpg

“One of the women interviewed was Lt. Col. Teresa James, the highest ranking officer to come forward with a rape claim in the National Guard, according to a recent report by the Guard. The News4 I-Team first brought you her story when she said she believes her 34-year military career with the West Virginia National Guard was destroyed after she reported her rape. Lt. Col. James attended the news conference and told the I-Team, ‘There’s nothing else they can do to hurt me. They did everything they could possibly do. It’s effecting change. That’s why I’m out today. It’s effecting change, and if I have to speak it, shout it from the rooftops, that’s what I’m going to do.’ Read more from NBC Washington here.

Related Links:
Serving in Silence: Sex Assault Retaliation Complaints Investigated
62 Percent of Military Sex Assault Reports Result in Retaliation
Troops who report sexual assault face retaliation
Highlights of Army National Guard Lt. Col. Teresa James’ Military Sexual Assault and DoD IG Substantiated Retaliation Case
DoD Retaliation Prevention and Response Strategy: Regarding Sexual Assault and Harassment Reports
DoD Retaliation Prevention and Response Strategy Implementation Plan
Military Sex Assault Reports Edge Up; Retaliation Persists
DoD Releases Annual Report on Sexual Assault in Military
Department of Defense Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military
Military Sexual Assault Reports Are Up for the Seventh Year in a Row
Pentagon: Claims of Retaliation for Sexual Offense Complaints on Rise
Reports of Military Sexual Assault, Retaliation Increase
The Biggest Obstacle to the Pentagon’s War on Sexual Assault: The Military Justice System
Military sexual assault reports rise in 2017 but fewer servicemembers faced courts-martial
Sexual assault, harassment spikes at military academies, strategies fail to stem crisis
Reports of sexual assault in the military soar
Pentagon report shows sharp rise in military sexual assaults
Sexual assaults in military rise to more than 20,000, Pentagon survey says
“A cultural rot”: Sex assaults spike at U.S. service academies
Defense Department to make sexual harassment a crime
‘It was rape:’ Wisconsin Army National Guard officer Megan Plunkett says she was retaliated against, disciplined for reporting sexual assaults
Gabbard says ‘there is still a fear of retaliation’ in the military about reporting sexual assault
Senators Hirono, Gillibrand Reintroduce Legislation to Bring Justice to Survivors of Sexual Assault in the Military
Sexual assaults in the military are on the rise. This bill would authorize Congress to intervene
Sexual Assault in the Military | C-SPAN.org