With hearts of stone, these Deadly Women give their men special send-offs when “Love Leaves Town.” A young mom prefers her vices to her boyfriend. -Love Leaves Town, Deadly Women (S10, E12)
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.
ID Go: An argument about access to a disputed road puts two Lompico, California men at each other’s throats. Things progress from intimidation and property damage to a backhoe attack and, finally, one of the most shocking murders the area has ever seen. -Bonfire of Blood, Fear Thy Neighbor (S3, E9)
Coast Guard veteran Walter Stephens shot and killed Bob Hall in Lompico, California on November 20, 1998. After killing Bob, Walt burned and attempted to hide his body in a bonfire on his property. Bob’s co-workers grew concerned when Bob didn’t show up for his retirement party at work. They called the police and asked them to do a welfare check on Bob. In the course of the investigation, police learned from family members that if anything happened to Bob, they needed to talk to his neighbor Walter Stephens. Bob and Walter had been in a long standing neighborhood feud with one another over a property issue. When police went to visit Walter at his home, they found him tending a large fire. They questioned Walter about Bob’s disappearance but he denied having any knowledge or information useful to the missing persons investigation. Upon closer examination of the bonfire, the police observed what appeared to be human remains in the fire. Walter admitted to killing Bob and he was arrested.
Fellow neighbors always thought it would be the other way around, that Bob would kill Walter. Some believe Walter finally snapped. Bob’s family believed it was first degree murder. Facing a possible death sentence, Walter pleaded self-defense but the prosecutors believed otherwise after the forensic evidence was examined. Walter said he thought Bob had a weapon when he approached him late one night on his property but his gun told another story. Walter pistol whipped Bob with his gun and then shot him while he was helpless and down on the ground. Prosecutors argued it wasn’t self-defense, it was straight up murder. They believed Walter started that confrontation with Bob that night with the intent to kill. Walter Stephens was found guilty and sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for second degree murder. He got 14 years for the murder and another 25 years for use of weapon. Bob’s bones were burned and mostly disintegrated and his body was not recognizable. Detectives believe that had the police not discovered Bob’s remains in the fire, Walter Stephens may have got away with it.
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.
A secret addiction drives a young woman to sacrifice her wheelchair bound employer; a scheming caregiver betrays the man who trusts her; and a single mother’s desire for a better life leads to a brutal dismemberment. -The Vulnerable, Deadly Women (S9, 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.
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson: On July 30, 2010, the 673d Air Base Wing activated as the host wing combining installation management functions of Elmendorf Air Force Base’s 3rd Wing and U.S. Army Garrison Fort Richardson and consists of four groups that operate and maintain the Joint Base for air sovereignty, combat training, force staging and through output operations in support of worldwide contingencies. The installation hosts the headquarters for the United States Alaskan Command, 11th Air Force, U.S. Army Alaska, and the Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region. The 673 ABW comprises of 5,500 joint military and civilian personnel, supporting America’s Arctic Warriors and their families. The wing supports and enables three Air Force total-force wings, two Army brigades and 75 associate and tenant units.
Shareef Abdullah, US Army (2015): Convicted of of sexual assault and abusive sexual contact; reduced to E-1, confined for six years, and dishonorably discharged.
Alexander Denson, US Army (2015): Convicted of false official statement, aggravated sexual assault, assault with force likely to produce death or grievous bodily harm, simple assault and communicating a threat; reduced to E-1, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, confined for 68 months, and bad-conduct discharge.
Dakota Simmons, US Army (2015): Convicted of willfully disobeying a superior commissioned officer and assault consummated by a battery upon a child under the age of 16; confined for 34 months and 15 days and bad-conduct discharge.
Jeremiah Smith, US Army (2015): Convicted of failure to obey a regulation and false official statement; acquitted of maltreatment and abusive sexual contact; reduced to E-7.
Timothy Worlds, US Army (2015): Convicted of aggravated assault and assault consummated by a battery; acquitted of sexual assault and maiming; reduced to E-1, confined for 23 months and bad-conduct discharge.
Kip Lynch, US Army (2010): Convicted of 1st Degree Murder in Raquell Lynch’s Death, 2 Counts of 2nd Degree Murder for Wife & Daughter, Sentenced to 80 Years
Michael Hensley, US Army (2007): Acquitted of premeditated murder; convicted of planting AK-47 and disrespecting a commanding officer; sentenced to time served
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.
ID Go: Two families in Elyria, Ohio live beside each other in friendship and peace for decades, but as time goes on things deteriorate into acrimony, mutual accusation, violence, and finally a shocking and bloody shoot out. -There Bleeds the Neighborhood, Fear Thy Neighbor (S2, E5)
Date: January 19, 2004 Victim: Darrell Oskins, 54 Offender: Paul Hashman, 84, WWII Army veteran, retired Location: Elyria, Ohio Circumstances: Paul filed complaint with city over the Hoskins new garage, city would not help him, Paul loses his wife to cancer, becomes more passive-aggressive with neighbors, when police were called, Paul denied he owned a handgun, Paul threatened to kill the neighbors, Paul choked the neighbor’s daughter, Paul guilty of disorderly conduct charge, Paul shot Darrell Oskins 7 times but he lived, Darrel now permanently disabled, Paul admitted that he acted with the intent to kill Disposition: Paul Hashman acquitted of attempted murder, convicted of felonious assault in 2006, sentenced to 7 years in prison, died in 2009
In the News:
Paul Hashman trial Day 1. -The Chronicle Telegram (July 17, 2006)
Video footage of the verdict being read in the Paul Hashman trial. -The Chronicle Telegram (July 26, 2006)
The defense and the prosecution plead their cases before sentencing. -The Chronicle Telegram (July 29, 2006)
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.
ID Go: Instead of a brand new start, a man’s move to Canyon Country, California, finds him locked in a bizarre and increasingly acrimonious eight year feud with his neighbor that is finally resolved with blasts from a shotgun. -Good Fences Make Dead Neighbors, Fear Thy Neighbor (S2, E4)
Date: September 24, 2011 Homicide Victim: Anthony ‘Tony’ Davis, disabled, teacher Offender: Lennie Paul Tracey, 51, Army veteran (self-described), disabled Location: Santa Clarita, California Circumstances: Escalating neighborhood dispute, Paul created a military kill zone on his property, Paul lured Tony and shot him twice, homicide, Paul stated he discharged weapon in anger, claimed he was an Army veteran (incriminated self), obsessed with what neighbors were up to, paranoid, video recording revealed premeditated murder Disposition: Paul Tracey claimed self-defense, found guilty of first degree murder, sentenced to 50 years in prison for Tony’s homicide and 14 years in prison for threatening to kill Cindy Davis
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.
Preview: Neighbors go to war when an older man obssesses over the boundary lines of his property and won’t let his neighbors anywhere near it. -Driveway of Death, Fear Thy Neighbor (S2, E3)
Korean War veteran John Kenney fatally shot and killed his neigbors Mel and Elizabeth Grimes on January 29, 2007 in Carmel Valley, California. In the beginning, the three were friends and Elizabeth even looked after John’s house when he was gone for months at a time. And the Grime’s dog used to visit John on his property. The two neighbors got along great although they were very different. John was neat and tidy and his yard wasn’t cluttered whatsoever. The Grimes home on the other hand was decorated in their own way. They collected some odd stuff but only John could see it. The problems began when John’s need for order kicked into overdrive and he began to assert himself. John started complaining about the dog digging holes and invasive plant species. John and the Grimes also had to share a driveway and the Grimes had to cross over a small piece of John’s property to get to their carport. The arrangement had worked for years until a shared bridge needed to be repaired.
John and the Grimes shared a road with a bridge in need of repair. Mel Grimes offered to fix it and told John he had a lot of people who owed him labor. John Kenney didn’t want to cut corners and told Mel he wanted everything to be built to code. And then a short time later, on his own, Kenney hired an engineer to draw up the plans. Afterwards, he handed a bill to the Grimes and expected them to pay half. The Grimes didn’t want to pay for half of the cost of the engineer because they felt they could have done it cheaper. John went to court and sued the Grimes for the portion of the bill they should pay for and the court ruled in John’s favor. John wasn’t the only one in disputes with the Grimes. Another neighbor complained about the Grimes using their land as a dumping ground too. This neighbor said the Grimes dumped invasive plant species on his property and the behavior didn’t stop until they were reported; the Grimes mostly complied with the city ordinances.
John Kenney started getting really upset about the Grime’s dog making a mess on his property. The dog was defecating on another neighbor’s property as well. Kenney’s obsession with order and the Grime’s chaos clashed once again and this time it was over the shared driveway. Kenney decided to draw a line in the sand and assert his property rights. He told the Grimes not to drive over his property anymore to get to their carport. The Grimes blew him off because it was a very small piece of land and the only way to get to their carport. In response, the Grimes put up no trespassing signs on their property facing John Kenney. He was the only one who could see the signs and Kenney thought they were trying to provoke him. The Grimes also blared loud music in their yard in what seemed to be another aggressive move. John turned to City Hall for help and started reporting the Grimes for out of code buildings on their land. They both reported each other for building without a permit.
According to the Mel and Elizabeth’s son, the couple wanted John Kenney to leave and Mel Grimes was the type to fight back and never back down to a bully. But some in the neighborhood felt the Grimes were the bullies. The shared driveway made things complicated between John Kenney and the Grimes. As a result, the issue went to court and this decision didn’t go in Mel Grimes way either. John Kenney planted a garden on the dirt patch in front of the Grimes’ carport to stake out his property. When Mel came home from work, he ran over the garden that blocked his access to his carport and destroyed it with his vehicle. John started taking pictures of Mel destroying the plants with his car. Elizabeth ran out and grabbed John Kenney’s camera which was attached to him with a lanyard. As a result, John slammed his head and was harmed in the process. John felt threatened by the Grimes and thought the neighbors wanted to kill him. The Grimes felt imprisoned in their own home.
Elizabeth & Mel Grimes
This escalating feud was confusing to those on the outside. Some bystanders felt for John Kenney and some felt for the Grimes. No one ever imagined it would escalate the way it did. Elizabeth attempted to resolve the situation in her own way. She knew where John went to church and wrote to John’s pastor. But this did nothing to resolve the bitter disagreement and John fired back with a letter in response. Nothing ever came of this exchange either so Elizabeth went public. She went to John’s church and interrupted a bible study meeting he attended and asked them for prayer and resolution. She questioned how John could be at a bible study meeting and harass them at the same time. Elizabeth felt this was hypocrisy. Now John didn’t feel safe anywhere and filed a restraining order. The restraining order required that both parties turn in their guns. John did not tell the courts he had a gun; the Grimes turned in a decorative gun. Mel developed an irregular heartbeat due to the stress.
It was hard to avoid one another when John Kenney and the Grimes had to share a driveway. John Kenney wasn’t backing down either. On January 29, 2007, Kenney had a boulder delivered to stake out his property in front of the Grimes’ carport. This made it impossible for the Grimes to get to their carport. Kenney knew that rock would get a reaction out of Mel and he would blow a fuse. When Mel returned home from work, he began destroying the rock so he could gain access to his carport. Elizabeth called the police to resolve the situation and asked Mel not to touch the boulder because she wanted the police to handle it. Once John Kenney realized Mel Grimes was destroying the boulder, Kenney reached his boiling point and confronted the Grimes with a gun in hand. When police got to the scene, they found two gunshot victims. Mel Grimes was dead and Elizabeth Grimes was shot but still alive. Elizabeth told the police John Kenney was the one who shot them.
John Kenney was arrested for two homicides because Elizabeth died en route to the hospital. The neighbors were shocked that things escalated to this kind of violence. The tragedy created a split in the community. Kenney’s fellow church members couldn’t believe he committed first degree murder and supported his claims of self defense. John Kenney said he shot the Grimes because he was attacked with a sledge hammer first. But the forensic evidence and recorded 911 call said otherwise. While Elizabeth was on the phone with 911, John Kenney walked down his driveway with a loaded, concealed gun. When John Kenney reached the Grimes, he pushed Elizabeth out of the way and out of instinct Mel came to her rescue. It was at this time, Kenney pistol whipped Mel Grimes and then shot him. Mel Grimes’ DNA was found on the weapon and the head injuries on Mel were consistent with blows to the head. John Kenney didn’t stop there.
After shooting Mel Grimes, Kenney turned the gun on Elizabeth and shot her. The 911 recording captured the last words the Grimes said to each other as they lay on the ground with gunshot wounds. “I love you.” An investigation revealed that Elizabeth was shot while she was laying on the ground next to her husband. She attempted to protect herself and block the bullets with her arms. John was heard on the 911 recording saying “welcome to hell Elizabeth” before he shot her in the back. John Kenney went to trial and was found guilty of the first degree murder of Elizabeth Grimes and second degree murder of Mel Grimes. Kenney was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. What John Kenney didn’t know was Elizabeth and Mel Grimes had purchased a home in Hawaii and were planning to move. The Grimes’ family found solace with the fact that Elizabeth and Mel got to say I love you to one another before they died together.
John Kenney, the Carmel Valley man accused of killing two of his neighbors, is set to appear at a preliminary hearing. -KSBW Action News 8 (October 26, 2007)
A preliminary hearing has begun for Carmel Valley resident John Kenney, who is accused of killing neighbors Mel And Elizabeth Grimes. -KSBW Action News 8 (October 29, 2007)
KSWB reports on John Kenney, the Central Coast man ordered to stand trial for the murder of his neighbors and the fate of the couple’s dogs. -KSBW Action News 8 (December 21, 2007)
Prosecutors say they are seeking a new trial for perjury charges. -KSBW Action News 8 (March 21, 2008)
A 911 call was played out in court Wednesday in the case of a Carmel Valley man accused of killing his neighbors. -KSBW Action News 8 (April 3, 2008)
Almost 800 people have been summoned for jury duty, one of the largest jury pools for a trial in Monterey County. -KSBW Action News 8 (May 6, 2008)
Jury selection continued and the judge made a ruling that could give a glimpse into John Kenney’s mind. -KSBW Action News 8 (May 7, 2008)
The prosecutor in the John Kenny murder trial was removed from the case. -KSBW Action News 8 (May 16, 2008)
A new development is revealed in the case against John Kenney, the man accused of murdering his neighbors, Mel and Elizabeth Grimes. -KSBW Action News 8 (August 11, 2008)
The defense attorneys for John Kenney argued in court Wednesday about calling witnesses that would show Elisabeth Grimes had a propensity for aggressive behavior. -KSBW Action News 8 (August 13, 2008)
The jury for the trail of John Kenney was seated Wednesday afternoon and opening arguments were scheduled for Friday. -KSBW Action News 8 (August 20, 2008)
The jury in the trial of John Kenney visited the scene where Kenney is accused of killing Mel and Elizabeth Grimes. -KSBW Action News 8 (August 25, 2008)
A U.S. Army colonel testified on Tuesday as a character witness as the testimony phase of the John Kenney trial continued. -KSBW Action News 8 (August 26, 2008)
The deputy who failed to respond to John Kenney’s call for help testified Wednesday about what happened the day Mel and Elizabeth Grimes were shot. -KSBW Action News 8 (August 27, 2008)
The Carmel Valley man accused of killing his neighbors took the stand Thursday in his own defense. -KSBW Action News 8 (August 28, 2008)
John Kenney took the stand for the second day in a row Friday and attempted to explain what happened the day Mel and Elizabeth Grimes were shot to death. -KSBW Action News 8 (August 29, 2008)
An attorney formerly employed by John Kenney testified that he suggested the boulder be placed as a barrier on the disputed land. -KSBW Action News 8 (September 2, 2008)
The brother of one of the victims shot and killed by John Kenney testified Wednesday in court. -KSBW Action News 8 (September 3, 2008)
The former security consultant hired by John Kenney testified that he told Kenney to stay inside his home when Mel Grimes came home from work. -KSBW Action News 8 (September 8, 2008)
The final witnesses were called by the defense Tuesday in the trial of John Kenney. -KSBW Action News 8 (September 9, 2008)
The jury received their instructions from the judge presiding over the trial of John Kenney on Wednesday. -KSBW Action News 8 (September 10, 2008)
Closing arguments wrapped up Thursday in the trial of a Carmel Valley man accused of killing his neighbors. -KSBW Action News 8 (September 11, 2008)
Closing arguments ended and jury deliberation began on Friday in the trial of a Carmel Valley man accused of killing his neighbors. -KSBW Action News 8 (September 12, 2008)
Jurors visited the scene on Monday where a Carmel Valley man is accused of killing his neighbors. -KSBW Action News 8 (September 15, 2008)
John Kenney was sentenced to life without parole on Monday for killing his former neighbors, Mel and Elizabeth Grimes. -KSBW Action News 8 (November 3, 2008)
Investigation Discovery:
ID Go: In the idyllic hills of Carmel Canyon, California, wealthy neighbors get into a dispute over everything from shared roads and bridges to upkeep of their respective properties. Anger finally boils over and the feud is resolved with fatal gunfire. -Driveway of Death, Fear Thy Neighbor (S2, E3)
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.
Preview: An older man obsessed with his property lines soon learns that his neighbor’s dock is actually on his property, and wants it moved immediately. His neighbors aren’t going to go down without a fight. Lake of Madness, Fear Thy Neighbor (S2, E2)
Military veteran Paul Crawford, 72, shot and killed Warren Schloegl, 41, Marcella Schloegl, 39, Jodi Schloegl, 12, Eric Schloegl, 11, and the family dog in Sauk Centre, Minnesota on June 20, 1996. Nicole Schloegl, 16, was at a game when her entire family was executed in their own home. Warren Schloegl and Paul Crawford had been in an on-going legal dispute over property boundaries and on this particular night Paul decided to deal with the conflict his way and then ended his own life. Paul Crawford was private and liked precision, order, regiment, plans, his land defined, and boundaries. He also had a history of property disputes with his neighbors. Warren on the other hand was the type to have large gatherings, playtime with kids, and recreational access to the lake in front of his house. Warren had been using the dock he believed was on his property long before Paul moved in until a land surveyor Paul hired said otherwise. Paul did not want to share the boat dock until the dispute was settled which meant the Schloegl family lost access to the dock. Warren accepted this over the winter months but come spring, he gave his children permission to play on the dock. But, Paul didn’t want the children on the dock for insurance and liability reasons. The escalating land dispute between Paul and Warren reached a boiling point.
Paul was angry that one of the Schloegl kids accidentally hit and knocked out one of his boundary stakes because he had to pay someone to remeasure and legally replace the stake. Paul tried putting up a fence to define the boundaries and Warren stopped him and asked him to wait until the court date. And on the day of the murder-suicide, the Schloegl children were playing on the docks when Paul yelled at them and told them to leave. Warren was angry that Paul spoke to his children like he did and confronted him. Paul called the cops to complain about trespassing. After police intervention, Warren agreed to stay off the docks. It’s unclear what triggered Paul Crawford but he went to the Schloegl’s home with a loaded gun and first shot Warren in the back of the head. Next, Paul shot Jodi and then Marcy, who was shot while on the phone with 911. After Paul ran out of ammunition, he went back to his residence and the youngest child Eric called the police to report that Paul shot his mom, dad, and sister. Nicole questioned why the police didn’t tell Eric to hide because Paul got another gun and returned back to the home to finish the job. Paul shot the dog, shot the others again, and in his last act of evil, he ripped the phone line out of the wall and shot little Eric. All of Nicole’s family died. Police found Paul dead in his yard with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Investigation Discovery:
ID Go: A family moves into their dream home on a Minnesota lake, and welcomes the single retiree who soon takes up residence next door. But a dispute over access to the water they all love escalates until one party snaps, and others pay the price in blood. -Lake of Madness, Fear Thy Neighbor (S2, E2)
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.
Army veteran Jacques Garcia, 38, is accused of shooting and killing Manuel Trejo, 41, in a parking lot in Austin, Texas on March 28, 2015. Garcia has been charged with first degree felony murder and a third-degree felony of evading in a motor vehicle. Garcia’s bond for the murder charge was set at $250,000 and $20,000 for the evading arrest charge.
Anyone with any information about the shooting is asked to call the Homicide Tip Line at 512-477-3588 or Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS or text “Tip 103” + your message to CRIMES.
MILITARY JUSTICE FOR ALL 