Disabled Teen Judilianna Lawrence Lured on MySpace by Army Soldier; Robert Marko Sentenced to Life in Prison for Rape & Murder (2008)

On October 13, 2008September 13, 2016 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Sexual AssaultLeave a comment

Judilianna Lawrence, Colorado — Judilianna Lawrence

Honoring Judilianna Lawrence, 19, a disabled civilian teen who went missing on October 10, 2008 after meeting up with US Army soldier Robert Marko. Marko, an active soldier stationed at Fort Carson, lured the teen using MySpace with the intent to rape and murder. She was found dead on October 13th after Marko led police to her body. Judilianna was Marko’s second victim that week. His first victim was a fourteen year old he violently raped and threatened to murder. Marko was charged by the civilian authorities with rape and first degree murder. Marko attempted to plead insanity and blame Post Traumatic Stress Disorder but was found guilty in 2011 of the rape and first degree murder of Judilianna. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Related Links:
Teen Missing After MySpace Meeting
Police: Soldier Led Searchers to Teen’s Body
Body Identified As Missing Girl
Search for Missing Teen Ends In Tragedy
Soldier With History of Delusions Is Suspect
Ft. Carson soldier accused in killing
Soldier Accused of Murder
Carson soldier admits he killed woman, sheriff’s office says
Decatur soldier accused in rape, murder led chilling life online
Man Accused In Two Rapes, Murder Back in Court
“He hears sounds which seem to be voices”
Mental State of Soldier Questioned
Fort Carson Soldier Pleads Insanity In Slaying
Fort Carson: Iraq Veteran Stands Trial For Murder
Fort Carson Soldier In Court In MySpace Slaying
SUNRISE: Jury to get case of soldier accused of murder, rape
Decatur soldier convicted of murder
Fort Carson Soldier Convicted In Woman’s Slaying
Soldier Convicted Of Killing Woman He Met On MySpace
Fort Carson soldier found guilty of first-degree murder and sexual assault
War Vet Gets Life Sentence for Rape, Murder of Teen
Ex-Soldier Convicted Of Murder Gets Life In Prison
Decatur soldier accused in rape, murder led chilling life online
Victim’s father in Marko case speaks out: ‘My baby gets some justice’
When Judilianna Lawrence Met the Predator
The rape and murder of Judi Lawrence
Soldiers suspected in Colorado slayings
Death on the Home Front
U.S. Slayings by Vets Linked to War Stress
War trauma may have role in slayings
Army looks at troops accused in U.S. killings
Army To Probe 5 Slayings Linked To Colo. Brigade
A Focus on Violence by G.I.’s Back From War

US Army Soldier Robert Marko Convicted of the Rape & Murder of Disabled Civilian Teen Judilianna Lawrence in Colorado (2008)

On October 13, 2008September 3, 2016 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Felony Crime, Homicide, Sexual AssaultLeave a comment

Screen Shot 2016-09-03 at 7.54.09 AM — Robert Marko, US Army

On October 10, 2008 Judilianna Lawrence, 19, was reported missing. On October 13 the body of Judilianna was discovered after Robert Marko led the police to her. After an investigation, it was learned that US Army soldier Robert Marko of Fort Carson lured the disabled teen on MySpace, raped, and murdered her. He was also accused of raping another teenager and threatening to kill her five days earlier. Marko was convicted of the rape and first degree murder of Judilianna in 2011 and sentenced to life without parole.

Learn more: Violent Crime, Suicide & Non Combat Death at Fort Carson, Colorado (US Army)

Civilian Jacqwelyn Villagomez Died at the Hands of Boyfriend and Retired Army Private John Needham (2008)

On September 1, 2008September 1, 2017 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Domestic Violence, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, PTSD, TBI, Mental IllnessLeave a comment

Jacqwelyn Joann Villagomez (2008) — Jacqwelyn Villagomez

Honoring Jacqwelyn Joann Villagomez, 19, who tragically died on September 1, 2008 at the hands of Army Private John Needham, a medically retired soldier struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury. Although John was charged with her murder, he died on February 19, 2010 shortly before the trial of an apparent overdose on painkillers.

Related Links:
Woman, 19, dies after apparent beating in condo
‘Mentally unstable’ Iraq veteran arrested in death of girlfriend, 19
Iraq vet charged with killing girlfriend is found dead in Arizona
Former Carson soldier Needham, charged in slaying, dies in Arizona
Private Needham’s War: A soldier is accused of killing the woman he loves
Deadly duty for Fort Carson
‘Lethal Warriors’ in Iraq, Linked to String of Crimes Back Home
John Needham Back in Court
Iraq War Vet’s Dad Accused of Threatening Victim’s Friend
Was PTSD to blame? Mystery over troubled Iraq veteran who killed girlfriend and was found dead after overdosing 18 months later
Soldier in “Coming Home” series dies after surgery
Iraq veteran accused of murder has died
Troubled Iraq vet charged with murder dies
Military Whistleblower Ends Up Dead
A Focus on Violence by Returning G.I.’s
The Hell of War Comes Home: Newspaper Series Documents Murder, Suicide, Kidnappings by Iraq Vets
John Needham, Iraq Veteran, Accuses Army Of War Crimes
New Photos Released of Iraq Atrocity, With Documents and Video
Are they both victims? Veteran Suffering Traumatic Brain Injury Beats Girlfriend to Death, Kills Himself
Army Ranger John Needham Exposes Possible American War Crimes in Iraq, and is Punished For it
Project Censored Recommends: Video “On the Dark Side in Al Doura, A Soldier in the Shadows” Addresses Soldier’s War Crimes Allegations & Iraq Atrocity Photos
On the Dark Side in Al Doura – A Soldier in the Shadows
“48 Hours” preview: Private Needham’s war

August: U.S. Department of Defense Casualties Report (2008)

On August 31, 2008August 19, 2017 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, In Their Name, Military Policy, Navy, Non Combat Death, Suicide, USMCLeave a comment

08/29/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Michael Gonzalez, 20, Iraq, 340th Military Police Company, Fort Totten, N.Y.

08/29/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: David Cooper, 25, Iraq, Fort Hood, Texas

08/28/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Tan Ngo, 20, Afghanistan, Hohenfels, Germany

08/26/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Brian Studer, 28, Afghanistan, Mannheim, Germany

08/24/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: David Paquet, 26, NCD, Afghanistan, Fort Hood, Texas

08/22/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: David Todd Jr., 36, Afghan Regional Security Integration Command-West, Herat, Afghanistan

08/22/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: George Stanciel, 40, Iraq, Bamberg, Germany

08/22/2008: DoD Identifies Marine Casualty: Nickolas Hopper, 27, Iraq, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Cherry Point, N.C.

08/20/2008: DoD Identifies Marine Casualty: Travis Stottlemyer, 20, NCD, Bahrain, Marine Corps Security Forces, Norfolk, Va

08/19/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Jonathon Luscher, 20, NCD, Afghanistan, Pennsylvania Army National Guard

08/19/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualties: Donald Carwile, 29, and Paul Conlon Jr., 21, Aghanistan, Fort Campbell, Kentucky

08/19/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Janelle King, 23, NCD, Iraq, Fort Polk, Louisiana

08/19/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Kristopher Rodgers, 29, Afghanistan, Fort Hood, Texas

08/18/2008: DoD Identifies Marine Casualties: Anthony Mihalo, 23, and Juan Lopez-Castaneda, 19, Afghanistan, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, California

08/18/2008: DoD Identifies Marine Casualty: Jacob Toves, 27, Afghanistan, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, California

08/15/2008: DoD Identifies Marine Casualty: Daniel McGuire, 19, Iraq, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

08/14/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: James Hale, 23, Iraq, Fort Bliss, Texas

08/14/2008: DoD Identifies Marine Casualty: Michael Ferschke Jr., 22, Iraq, Okinawa, Japan

08/13/2008: Missing WWII Pilot Is Identified: Howard Enoch Jr., US Army Air Forces

08/12/2008: DoD Identifies Marine Casualties: Adam McKiski, 21, and Stewart Trejo, 25, Iraq, Camp Pendleton

08/11/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: John Mattox, 23, NCD, Afghanistan, Fort Hood, Texas

08/11/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Kenneth Gibson, 25, Iraq, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii

08/11/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Jose Ulloa, 23, Iraq, Mannheim, Germany

08/10/2008: DoD Identifies Navy Casualty: Anthony Carbullido, 25, Guam, Naval Hospital Corps School, Great Lakes, Illinois

08/09/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Danny Maybin, 47, NCD, Kuwait, Fort McPherson, Georgia

08/07/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Errol James, 29, NCD, Afghanistan, Grafenwoehr, Germany

08/06/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Ronald Schmidt, 18, NCD, Iraq, Kansas Army National Guard

08/06/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Timothy Hutton, 21, NCD, Iraq, Bamberg, Germany

08/06/2008: DoD Identifies Marine Casualty: Garrett Lawton, 31, Afghanistan, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

08/06/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualties: Gary Henry, 34, and Jonathan Menke, 22, Iraq, Indiana Army National Guard

08/05/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Jaime Gonzalez, Jr., 40, Afghanistan, Texas Army National Guard

08/05/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Brian Miller, 37, NCD, Iraq, Indiana Army National Guard

08/04/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Ryan Baumann, 24, Afghanistan, Fort Campbell, Kentucky

08/04/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Jennifer Cole, 34, NCD, Iraq, Fort Campbell, Kentucky

08/04/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Andre Mitchell, 25, NCD, Iraq, Fort Hood, Texas

08/04/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualties: David Badie, 23, Michael Girdano, 23, William Mulvihill, 20, and Jair De Jesus Garcia, 29, Afghanistan, Fort Hood, Texas

08/04/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Kevin Dickson, 21, NCD, Iraq, Fort Carson, Colorado

08/04/2008: Sailor Missing from The Vietnam War is Identified: Manuel Denton, US Navy

Cold Case: Army Veteran Kanika Powell Shot Several Times at Doorway of Maryland Home, No Known Suspects At This Time (August 28, 2008)

On August 28, 2008August 16, 2018 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Cold Cases, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their NameLeave a comment

Army veteran Kanika Powell, 28, was brutally gunned down outside the door of her home on August 28, 2008 in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Kanika enlisted in the Army in 2000, served in Korea, and then got out of the military and was finally living her dream job in national security. Kanika had a top secret security clearance. Prior to the murder, Kanika had some odd encounters. Two men showed up at her house claiming to be the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). They called her by name and put a fake FBI badge up to her peephole. She did not open the door. She called her work to ask if someone sent them; they had not. The incident frightened Tanika. Five days later another man showed up at her house, asked for her by name, claimed to have a package for her then left. Twelve hours later someone else showed up again claiming to have a package for her then left. Tanika was fearful for her safety. A few days later Kanika was shot several times. The gunman was standing right outside her door waiting for her. The police report that no hand gun was found and there are no known suspects at this time. The case has turned up few leads. Kanika’s wallet and keys were found next to her body so robbery was ruled out as a motive. The police do not believe her job was the motive. The police and Crime Watch Daily welcome tips.

“On Saturday, August 23rd, 2008, Kanika had a frightening experience where a man posing as an FBI agent had tried to gain access to her apartment. He knew her name, and approached her door, but Kanika was intelligent enough to not allow him inside. She later called the police to report the incident…When she arrived back at her apartment at approximately 11:50 a.m., someone was waiting in the hallway and shot her multiple times…Police were baffled by the seemingly motiveless crime and didn’t have so much as a single suspect.” –Trace Evidence

The Murder of Kanika Powell (027) | Trace Evidence

Related Links:
Prince George’s Killing, Apparently Planned, Opens Host of Mysteries
Unsolved: National security worker gunned down amid mysterious circumstances
Don’t Open the Door: The Kanika Powell Murder
Crime Watch Daily: Military Veteran Found Dead at Door; Who Killed Her?
The Mysterious Unsolved Murder of Kanika Powell
The Murder of Kanika Powell (027) | Trace Evidence
The Murder of Kanika Powell (EP.#027) True Crime Podcast – Trace Evidence

HOR Oversight Subcommittee on National Security & Foreign Affairs Held a Hearing on Sexual Assault in the Military (July 31, 2008)

On July 31, 2008February 27, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, Navy, PTSD, TBI, Mental Illness, Scandals, Sexual Assault, USAF, USCG, USMCLeave a comment

The Oversight Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs holds a hearing, “Sexual Assault in the Military.” Here Subcommittee Chairman John Tierney gives opening remarks. -Nancy Pelosi

The Oversight Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs holds a hearing, “Sexual Assault in the Military.” Panel one is Reps. Louise Slaughter (NY-28) and Jane Harman (CA-36). -Nancy Pelosi

The Oversight Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs holds a hearing, “Sexual Assault in the Military.” Panel two is Ingrid Torres, MSW, CSW and Mary Lauterbach, Mother of Lance Cpl. Maria Lauterbach. -Nancy Pelosi

The Oversight Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs holds a hearing, “Sexual Assault in the Military.” Panel three includes representatives of the Defense Department, the Army, and the GAO. -Nancy Pelosi

***********************************************************

In the News:

The Other PTSD – Sexual Abuse of Women in the Military -NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams (May 4, 2007)

Congress takes on the Department of Defense in the first oversight hearing held this year by the subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs on sexual assault in the military. Some House members are accusing the DOD of a cover up. -American News Project (August 2, 2008)

According to recent GAO survey, a female soldier is more likely to be raped by a fellow soldier than die by enemy fire in Iraq. David Martin reports on this startling increase. -CBS Evening News (October 28, 2008)

MST: Military Sexual Trauma -CBS Evening News (October 28, 2008)

Katie Couric investigates an alarming trend in the U.S. military, as more and more female soldiers have come forward with tales of sexual abuse at the hands of male soldiers and superior officers. -CBS News (March 17, 2009)

Women and men from all branches of the US military spoke out in Washington Tuesday about sexual assault in the ranks. They were all military sexual assault survivors — appearing at a summit held to call attention to the issue. The US military has announced new efforts to combat these crimes. VOA’s Carolyn Presutti brings us the issue through the eyes of two women, both survivors of alleged sexual attacks. -VOA News (May 8, 2012)

DAYTON – The military is fighting another battle, an “invisible war” on sexual assault. Today, Congressman Mike Turner talked about an award-winning documentary that sheds light on that very topic. -WKEF/WRGT (September 5, 2012)

New provisions handed down from the Department of Defense are giving sexual assault victims in the military rights they never had before.It’s all thanks to the fight from Congressman Mike Turner and a local mother. -WKEF/WRGT (August 15, 2013)

A major hurdle cleared for sexual assault victims in the military.Congress passed a bill that would give victims rights and protection they never had before.The push came after the tragic murder of local marine Maria Lauterbach and her unborn son.Maria’s mother, Mary, was thrilled when she heard the news that the bill had passed the Senate. -WKEFandWRGT (December 20, 2013)

Sexual assault in the military is being reported more and more everyday.But our military is now learning how to protect themselves and teaching civilians the same thing. -WKEF/WRGT (March 10, 2014)

DAYTON — Today, Congressman Michael Turner (R-OH), Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces, hosted Congresswoman Niki Tsongas (D-MA), at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Turner says he and Tsongas have worked together since 2007 to eliminate sexual assault from the U.S. military. Bother co-chair the Military Sexual Assault Prevention Caucus. -WKEF/WRGT (September 9, 2014)

It is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Congressman Mike Turner was in town to talk about ways to cut down on sex assault in the military. Turner led a meeting with top brass from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and Wright State University in hopes of continuing open conversations about the issue. The objective is to educate everyone on how to prevent sexual assaults from happening in the first place. -WKEF/WRGT (April 21, 2015)

Law protecting military victims of sexual assault discussed -WDTN TV (May 1, 2018)

Congressman Mike Turner changed the laws to make women serving in the military safer. -Mike Turner (August 20, 2018)

Video Links:
The Other PTSD – Sexual Abuse of Women in the Military | NBC Nightly News
Hearing on Sexual Assault in the Military – Tierney Opening
Hearing on Sexual Assault in the Military – Rep. Harman
Hearing on Sexual Assault in the Military – Rep. Slaughter
Hearing on Sexual Assault in the Military – Torres
Hearing on Sexual Assault in the Military – Lauterbach
Hearing on Sexual Assault in the Military – Contempt for DOD
Rape in the Military: Congress Charges Cover-Up
Harassment In The Military | CBS News
MST: Military Sexual Trauma | CBS News
Sex Abuse And Female Soldiers | CBS News
Military Sexual Assault Victims Heal, Discuss Policy
DAI Offers Screening of Documentary on Sexual Assault in Military
Dept. of Defense Gives New Provisions to Military’s Victims of Sexual Assault
Major Hurdle Cleared for Victims of Sexual Assault in the Military
Defense Against Sexual Assault Class for WPAFB and Wright State University
Reps. Turner, Tsongas Talk Sexual Assault
Military Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Law protecting military victims of sexual assault discussed
Mary Lauterbach | Representative Mike Turner (Ohio)

Related Links:
Camp Lejeune Marine Maria Lauterbach & Unborn Child Murdered, Remains Discovered in Fellow Marine’s Backyard; Cesar Laurean Sentenced to Life in Prison, No Parole (December 15, 2007)
Lauterbach’s family questions handling of case
Rep. Mike Turner: Marine Corps Response Shows Lack Of Urgency For Maria Lauterbach
The hunt for the missing Marine | Dateline NBC
Raping America’s female soldiers
Mary Lauterbach To Testify At Congressional Hearing
HOR Sexual Assault in the Military Hearings (July 31, 2008)
Oversight Hearing on Sexual Assault in the Military | Nancy Pelosi
House panel blasts DOD over response to sexual assault claims
Sex Assaults Against Women in Military ‘Epidemic’
Sexual assault in military ‘jaw-dropping,’ lawmaker says
Tierney Holds Hearing on Sex Assault in Military
Tierney’s subcommittee looking into sexual assaults in the military
Sexual Assault in the Military: A DoD Cover-Up?
Rape in the military: Congress charges cover-up
Rep. Turner Demands Answers from DoD on Status of Maria Lauterbach Investigation
Front and Center: Sexual Violence in U.S. Military Law | Elizabeth L. Hillman (2009)
Laurean convicted in pregnant Marine’s death
Camp Lejeune’s Statement
Mike Turner’s Military Sexual Assault Protections Approved by House Armed Services Committee
Did the Marines Leave Two Bodies on the Field?*
Mary Lauterbach leads training sessions on sexual assault cases
Sexual Assault in the Military Part IV: Are We Making Progress?
Review of Matters Related to the Sexual Assault of Lance Corporal Maria Lauterbach, U.S. Marine Corps | DoD IG (October 18, 2011)
Carry That Weight: Victim Privacy Within the Military Sexual Assault Reporting Methods, 28 J. Marshall Computer & Info. L. 551 (2011)
Bureaucracy has blossomed in military’s war on rape
At summit, sexual assault survivors share trauma, seek change
‘A Marine’s Story’ highlights importance of preventing sexual assault
Sexual Assault in the Military: Ethical Dilemma or National Security Issue? | Georgetown University (2012)
STATE of North Carolina v. Ceasar Armando LAUREAN (May 1, 2012)
Continuing to Battle Sexual Assault within the Ranks of Our Military
Ohio congressman’s bill ensures punishment for sexual assaults in military
Lawmakers outraged over sexual assault case aim to change military justice system
Department of Defense Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military (2013)
For Tsongas and GOP colleague, a long fight on military sexual assault
Marine mother shares tragic story of daughter’s sexual assault, murder
Recalling the case that changed military sex assault laws
Mother of slain local Marine Maria Lauterbach to be honored for ‘survivorship, resilience’
Focus on Military Sexual Assault Continues in House
Sexual Assault in the Military | Quantum Units Education
A farewell to arms: Misogyny wrapped in camouflage
No Place in the Military: The Judiciary’s Failure to Compensate Victims of Military Sexual Assault and a Suggested Path Forward Using Lessons from the Prison Context
The Politics of Sex Abuse in Sacred Hierarchies: a Comparative Study of the Catholic Church and the Military in the United States 1
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Fort Hood Army Spc. Seteria Brown Died of a Non-Combat Related Incident in Afghanistan; Army Said Found in Barracks with Gunshot Wound From M-16 (July 25, 2008)

On July 25, 2008September 11, 2020 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Cold Cases, In Their Name, Military Policy, Non Combat DeathLeave a comment

Army Spc. Seteria Brown, 22, of Orlando, Florida, died of injuries sustained in a non-combat related incident in Sharana, Afghanistan on July 25, 2008. She was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom on behalf of the 62nd Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade in Fort Hood, Texas. At the time of the DoD press release, the incident was under investigation. The official cause of death and outcome of the investigation is unknown.

Rumors quickly circulated she committed suicide, but her family and friends don’t believe that. “The Army has not ruled anything yet,” Harris said. “They’re still investigating. They didn’t rule it suicide. They just said she was found in the barracks. The type of weapon she was shot with, a M16, is a tall weapon. It might even be the same height she is. It’s hard to shoot yourself with that. –Tuscaloosa News

Related Links:
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
Army Spc. Seteria L. Brown
Army Spc. Seteria Brown
Pickens County soldier dies in Afghanistan
Army investigating shooting death of soldier (Army Times)
Aliceville soldier went after what she wanted
Army Spc. Seteria L. Harris Brown (22) allegedly shot herself while serving in Afghanistan
Fort Hood soldier from Florida dies in Afghanistan
Benning Survivor Outreach Service helps slain soldiers’ families
Hiding Military Sexual Trauma
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Central Florida’s war dead: The stories of the fallen soldiers
Is This How We Treat Our Female Soldiers?
Noonie Fortin: Killed in Afghanistan or in Support of Operation Enduring Freedom
Non Combat Deaths of Female Soldiers in the US Military (Afghanistan)
Violent Crime, Suicide, and Non Combat Death at Fort Hood, Texas (US Army)

Army Nurse Lt. Holley Lynn James Murdered by Marine Husband the Day After She Announced Divorce; John Wimunc Plead Guilty, Sentenced to Life in Prison (July 9, 2008)

On July 9, 2008July 1, 2018 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Domestic Violence, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, Scandals, USMCLeave a comment

Rep. Bruce Braley introduces the Holley Lynn James Act — a bill to help victims of sexual assault and domestic violence in the military get justice. The bill is named after Holley Lynn James, a constituent of Rep. Braley who was killed by her husband while both were in the service.

Fort Bragg Army nurse, Lt Holley (Lynn James) Wimunc, 24, was murdered by her Marine husband John Wimunc on July 9, 2008 in Fayetteville, North Carolina. After Holley didn’t show up to work, her friends went looking for her. They found her apartment had been set on fire but Holley was nowhere to be found. Three days later authorities discovered Holley’s mutilated remains in a shallow grave outside of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Her body had been chopped up with an axe and burned repeatedly in an effort to try and destroy evidence. John Wimunc also started her apartment on fire in an effort to hide evidence with no regard for any of the nineteen other families in the apartment building. Holley’s father Jesse James shared that she planned on divorcing John Wimunc after putting up with the domestic abuse for over seven months. It would be the day after she told John that she was leaving him that she would go missing. Marine Cpl. John Wimunc, 23, was charged with first-degree murder, second-degree arson and conspiracy to commit arson. An accomplice, Lance Cpl. Kyle Alden, 22, was charged with being an accessory after the fact of a felony, second-degree arson and conspiracy to commit arson. John Wimunc plead guilty to avoid the death penalty and was sentenced to life in prison. Kyle Alden plead guilty and was sentenced to 44 to 62 months in prison. Jesse James worked with Representative Bruce Braley on legislation that would improve conditions for both domestic violence and sexual assault victims in the military. The Holley Lynn James Act (H.R. 1517) was introduced to the 112th Congress in 2011 but did not pass.

“I didn’t know much about domestic violence. But the thought that he would murder Holley is a thought that never occurred to me. I wish it had occurred to me. I wish for one moment I would have thought maybe he’ll kill Holley or murder Holley. My reaction would have been so different. I didn’t know about domestic violence.” -Jesse James (Holley’s father)

Friends searching for a missing Army nurse find her apartment smoldering and no sign of their friend. Can NCIS agents find her? -Trail of Fire, 48 Hours NCIS

The apartment of a missing Army nurse was found smoldering. This was the season finale of “48 Hours: NCIS” and producer Jonathan Leach joined CBS News to discuss the episode. -Trail of Fire, 48 Hours NCIS

Editor’s Note: If you would like to watch the full episode of ‘Trail of Fire,’ please visit the CBS All Access website, visit the 48 Hours website, or download the 48 Hours app for iPad. The most recent episodes are unlocked on the 48 Hours website and app. If you would like to watch past episodes on the 48 Hours app, it cost’s $4.99 a year. There’s programming dating back to 2005 on the 48 Hours app, including some classics, to feed your true crime addiction.

Related Links:
Obituary: Lt Holley Lynn James
Second Missing Ft. Bragg Soldier Is Divorcing Husband
Evidence to be preserved in case of slain Army nurse
Authorities suspect charred remains could be Fort Bragg nurse
Fort Bragg nurse sought protection from Marine husband after gun incident
Apartment complex denies access to slain soldier’s family
Slain soldier’s brother retrieves belongings from apartment
Autopsy: Army nurse was shot, buried
Funeral set for Army nurse Holley Wimunc
Vigil planned for slain Army nurse
Fort Bragg hosts memorial service for slain nurse
Wimunc’s father: Daughter ‘never met a stranger’
Family, attorney: Marine charged in wife’s death is innocent
Marine’s parents: Claims of violence against wife ‘unfounded’
Husband, 2nd man arrested in slaying of Bragg-based soldier
2 Marines charged in nurse’s death due in NC court
Marine charged in wife’s death
Marine charged in death of Army nurse wife
Husband charged with murdering soldier wife
Missing Nurse’s Marine Husband Charged With Murder
Dead Army nurse’s husband charged with murder
Camp Lejeune husband charged with the murder of his Fort Bragg wife
Soldier’s Husband Charged With Murder
Marines appear in court in Army nurse’s death
Marines charged in slaying appear in court
Marines indicted in Army nurse’s slaying
Death penalty sought in Army nurse’s slaying
NC to seek death penalty in killing of Army wife from Dubuque
Wimunc Faces Death Penalty
Plea deal reached in Marine murder case
Camp Lejeune Marine pleads guilty to killing wife
Second Marine pleads guilty in Army nurse’s death
Marine Pleads Guilty in Army Wife’s Murder
Slain Army nurse’s dad in war against domestic violence
Death on the Home Front
The Fort Bragg Murders
U.S. Military Is Keeping Secrets About Female Soldiers’ ‘Suicides’
When a Military Nurse Fails to Show Up for Work, Worried Friends Rush to Her Apartment Only to Find her Home Burned & Their Friend Missing
Did a Missing Army Nurse Fall Prey to a Serial Killer Targeting Military Women?
Fort Bragg soldier Holley Wimunc’s 2008 murder featured on CBS’ ’48 Hours: NCIS’
Fort Bragg soldier Holley Wimunc’s 2008 murder featured on CBS’ ’48 Hours: NCIS’
History: The Military And Domestic Abuse (January 28, 2009)
30 Domestic Abuse Cases in the Military That Ended in the Murder of Female Partners (2017)

Video Links:
AP Top Stories: Holley Wimunc
Dead Army Nurse’s Husband Charged With Murder
Marine Charged in Army Wife’s Death
Holley James we miss you
Domestic Violence in the Military Part 1 | CBS News
Domestic Violence in the Military Part 2 | CBS News
Rep. Braley introduces Holley Lynn James Act
Domestic Violence: Holley Wimunc
Did a missing Army nurse fall prey to a serial killer targeting military women?
“48 Hours: NCIS” sneak peek: Trail of Fire
“48 Hours: NCIS: Trail of Fire” preview

May: U.S. Department of Defense Casualties Report (May 31, 2008)

On May 31, 2008May 4, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, In Their Name, Military Policy, Navy, Non Combat Death, Suicide, USAF, USMCLeave a comment

05/31/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: David Nunez, 27, Afghanistan, Fort Bragg, North Carolina

05/29/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Chad Trimble, 29, Afghanistan, Fort Campbell, Kentucky

05/28/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Justin Buxbaum, 23, NCD, Afghanistan, Fort Hood, Texas

05/28/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Christopher Gathercole, 21, Afghanistan, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

05/28/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Jason Dene, 37, NCD, Afghanistan, Fort Stewart, Georgia

05/27/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: David Leimbach, 38, Afghanistan, South Carolina Army National Guard

05/27/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Frank Gasper, 25, Afghanistan, Fort Carson, Colorado

05/27/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Blake Evans, 24, Iraq, Fort Campbell, Kentucky

05/27/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Kyle Norris, 22, Iraq, Fort Stewart, Georgia

05/27/2008: Airmen MIA From Vietnam War are Identified

05/23/2008: DoD Identifies Navy Casualty: Jeffrey Ammon, 37, Afghanistan, Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni

05/21/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Jeffrey Deprimo, 35, Afghanistan, Pennsylvania Army National Guard

05/21/2008: DoD Identifies Air Force Casualty: Joseph Moore, 54, NCD, Djibouti, Idaho Air National Guard

05/20/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Davy Weaver, 39, Afghanistan, Georgia Army National Guard

05/20/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Branden Haunert, 21, Iraq, Fort Campbell, Kentucky

05/20/2008: DoD Identifies Marine Casualty: William Cooper, 22, Afghanistan, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

05/16/2008: Soldiers Missing from The Korean War are Identified

05/16/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: John Daggett, 21, Iraq, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii

05/14/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Victor Cota, 33, Iraq, Fort Hood, Texas

05/12/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Jessica Ellis, 24, Iraq, Fort Campbell, Kentucky

05/12/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Matthew Brown, 20, NCD, Afghanistan, Fort Bragg, North Carolina

05/12/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Joseph Ford, 23, NCD, Iraq, Indiana Army National Guard

05/11/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Ara Deysie, 18, Afghanistan, Fort Campbell, Kentucky

05/10/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Mary Jaenichen, 20, NCD, Iraq, Fort Stewart, Georgia

05/10/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Isaac Palomarez, 26, Afghanistan, Fort Campbell, Kentucky

05/09/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Aaron Ward, 19, Iraq, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

05/09/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Alex Gonzalez, 21, Iraq, Fort Hood, Texas

05/08/2008: DoD Identifies Marine Casualties: Casey Casanova, 22, Miguel Guzman, 21, James Kimple, 21, and Glen Martinez, 31, Iraq, Camp Pendleton, California

05/08/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualties: Jeremy Gullett, 22, and Kevin Roberts, 25, Afghanistan, Fort Campbell, Kentucky

05/05/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Corey Hicks, 22, Iraq, Fort Hood, Texas

05/04/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Jeffrey Nichols, 21, Iraq, Fort Polk, Louisiana

05/03/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Lawrence Ezell, 30, Iraq, Fort Carson, Colorado

05/03/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Chad Caldwell, 24, Iraq, Fort Hood, Texas

05/03/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Jerry DeLoach, 45, NCD, Iraq, WTU, Fort Knox, Kentucky

05/02/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualties: Andrew Pearson, 32, and Ronald Tucker, 21, Iraq, Fort Hood, Texas

05/01/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Bryan Bolander, 26, Iraq, Fort Campbell, Kentucky

05/01/2008: DoD Identifies Marine Casualty: Merlin German, 22, Iraq, Camp Pendleton, California

05/01/2008: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Clay Craig, 22, Iraq, Fort Campbell, Kentucky

Army Paratrooper Sgt Matthew Rhoads Found Dead in On-Post Residence at Fort Bragg (2008)

On March 2, 2008March 3, 2017 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, In Their Name, SuicideLeave a comment

Army paratrooper Sgt. Matthew Rhoads, 29, was found dead March 2, 2008 in his on-post residence at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Investigators did not suspect foul play and indicated an autopsy was conducted. Rhoads was assigned to the 82d Airborne Division in October 2004 and became a small-arms master gunner assigned to the division’s 1st Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team at Fort Bragg.

“Sgt. Rhoads, 29, of Kensington, survived seven months of combat in Iraq but was found dead Sunday at his residence near Fort Bragg, N.C.” -Philly.com

Related Links:
Phila. paratrooper found dead in N.C.
Funeral set for Phila. paratrooper
Sgt. Matthew J Rhoads Fort Bragg Death Under Investigation
Soldiers/Veterans Dead of Probably Sudden Cardiac Death (Prob SCD)

MILITARY JUSTICE FOR ALL

Tag: Army

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Army Paratrooper Sgt Matthew Rhoads Found Dead in On-Post Residence at Fort Bragg (2008)

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