August: U.S. Department of Defense Casualties Report (August 31, 2016)

On August 31, 2016July 31, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, In Their Name, Military Policy, National Guard, Non Combat Death, Scandals, Suicide, USAFLeave a comment

Aug. 24, 2016: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Matthew Thompson, 28, Afghanistan, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

Aug. 14, 2016: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Christopher Wilbur, 36, NCD, Afghanistan, Fort Carson, Colorado

Aug. 6, 2016: DOD Identifies Air Force Casualty: Flando Jackson, 45, NCD, Qatar, Washington Air National Guard

Fort Carson Army SSG Christopher Wilbur Died of Non Combat-Related Injury in Kandahar, Afghanistan; Official Cause of Death Unknown (August 12, 2016)

On August 12, 2016August 12, 2020 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, In Their Name, Military Policy, Non Combat DeathLeave a comment

Screen Shot 2016-08-14 at 5.21.31 PM — SSG Christopher Wilbur, U.S. Army

Army SSG Christopher Wilbur, 36, of Granite City, Illinois, died of a non combat related injury in Kandahar, Afghanistan on August 12, 2016. SSG Wilbur was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel on behalf of the 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado. SSG Wilbur was in the Army for eleven (11) years and was on his fourth wartime deployment when he died. According to the Department of Defense press release, the incident was under investigation at the time of reporting. The Saint Louis Post-Dispatch reported SSG Wilbur installed drywall before joining the Army in 2005; he served two tours in Iraq and died during his second tour in Afghanistan.

SSG Wilbur was known in Army circles as a friendly leader who instilled discipline in his troops. Wilbur was described as a history buff and avid reader who also enjoyed camping, hiking, rock climbing, snowboarding, fishing, playing chess and rooting for the Cardinals. At the funeral service, those who spoke said Wilbur’s family was most important to him. They described Wilbur and his wife as soulmates who had their own love language; the couple was known to say they shared the same brain. The couple have two children together. The outcome of the investigation and official cause of death are unknown, although a public affairs officer stated once the investigation was concluded, the findings would be shared with SSG Wilbur’s family.

“Lt. Col. Don Korpi chief of public affairs and community relations for U.S. forces in Afghanistan, said the death investigation is ongoing and a final report has not yet been completed. ‘We can reaffirm that his death appears to be non-combat related and did occur on the airfield,’ he said. ‘Any specific details on his location and his mission on the base other than to say he was stationed and present at the Airfield at the time of his death would not be appropriate.’ Once completed, he said, the findings of the investigation would be shared with Wilbur’s family.” –STL Today (August 25, 2016)

Fort Carson Army Soldier Branden Harms Pleaded Guilty to Child Abuse Resulting in Death; Faced 40-48 Years in Prison at Sentencing (2016)

On April 18, 2016July 1, 2017 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Child Abuse, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military PolicyLeave a comment

Screen Shot 2017-07-01 at 1.42.23 PM — Branden Harms, US Army

Fort Carson soldier Branden Harms, 28, admitted to raising his hand against 4-month-old Ava Bermudez inflicting injuries severe enough to kill her on April 18, 2016. Harms was entrusted to care for his girlfriend’s newborn daughter. Investigators say the injuries were inflicted while the child’s mother, also his live-in girlfriend, Jessica Bermudez, went out with a friend. Harms was arrested by the Fountain Police on April 19, 2016. Branden Harms pleaded guilty to child abuse resulting in death and also admitted to withholding medical care. He faced 40-48 years in prison at sentencing on May 16, 2017.

Taking a deep breath in court, Harms described how he “almost saw black” and then began to “excessively spank her. Sometime after that, I began to choke her,” he said. “Further after that, when I was putting her in her crib, I wasn’t gentle.” The former soldier suggested that he threw the girl into her crib with enough force to split its wooden bottom, sending the infant to the floor beneath. “After that,” he added, “I kind of snapped to, and it was too late.” –Colorado Gazette

ProPublica & The Marshall Project Published ‘An Unbelievable Story of Rape’ by T. Christian Miller and Ken Armstrong (December 16, 2015)

On December 16, 2015August 11, 2020 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Cold Cases, Felony Crime, In Their Name, Military Policy, Scandals, Sexual AssaultLeave a comment

screen-shot-2017-08-20-at-7-08-41-pm — Marc O’Leary, US Army

An 18-year-old said she was attacked at knifepoint. Then she said she made it up. That’s where our story begins. ‘An Unbelievable Story of Rape’ by T. Christian Miller, ProPublica and Ken Armstrong, The Marshall Project

“She had reported being raped in her apartment by a man who had bound and gagged her. Then, confronted by police with inconsistencies in her story, she had conceded it might have been a dream. Then she admitted making the story up. One TV newscast announced, “A Western Washington woman has confessed that she cried wolf when it came to her rape she reported earlier this week.” She had been charged with filing a false report, which is why she was here today, to accept or turn down a plea deal. Her lawyer was surprised she had been charged. Her story hadn’t hurt anyone — no suspects arrested, or even questioned. His guess was, the police felt used. They don’t appreciate having their time wasted.” Read more from ProPublica & The Marshall Project here.

Cops can be protective about their cases, fearing that information could be leaked that would jeopardize their investigations. They often don’t know about, or fail to use, an FBI database created years ago to help catch repeat offenders. Between one-fourth to two-thirds of rapists are serial attackers, studies show. -ProPublica & The Marshall Project

Homicide Hunter Premiered ‘Point of No Return’ on ID: Estevan Maestas Killed By Live Hand Grenade Left Behind in Rental Garage (December 1, 2015)

On December 1, 2015October 1, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, True Crime, VeteransLeave a comment

When a mysterious explosion rocks a sleepy suburb, it’s up to Kenda to ID a pile of charred remains and find the killer who triggered the blast. Then…a young mother’s murder leads the CSPD on a harrowing car chase that ends in a violent showdown. -Point of No Return, Homicide Hunter (S5,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.

Homicide Hunter Premiered ‘Pop Goes the Witness’ on ID: Fort Carson Army Officer Convicted of Attempted Murder of Wife (November 3, 2015)

On November 3, 2015October 1, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Domestic Violence, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, True CrimeLeave a comment

When the lifeless body of Willie McCarty is found at the base of a staircase, neighbors direct Kenda to a mysterious truck spotted fleeing the scene. Then… Kenda must solve a bizarre case of poisoning at a busy downtown hospital. -Pop Goes the Witness, Homicide Hunter (S5,E10)

Lt Joe Kenda of Homicide Hunter featured another case where he was tasked with investigating what hospital officials suspected was an attempted murder. Upon arrival at the hospital, he was bombarded by the press because they heard the call for service over the scanner. The hospital was secure and police officers were on the scene. Upon an initial briefing, Lt Kenda discovered that a nurse suspected that someone had tampered with one of their patient’s IVs. Lt Kenda then interviewed Carol Taylor, the wife of an Army officer also present at the hospital with their two children.

Lt Kenda learned that Carol had broken her leg and had developed some blood clots. She was simply visiting with her husband and children when all of a sudden the alarm on the IV infusion machine went off. And somehow the IV had been pulled from her arm. Lt Kenda immediately began to suspect that someone was trying to kill her because it looked like someone had either tampered with or inserted something into the IV line. Because the crime lab was not proficient in the hospital’s medical equipment, they called in a hospital employee who was considered an expert. This person determined that someone had injected something into the line. The only other people in the room were her husband and children.

Lt Kenda started his next line of questioning with the husband. He learned that Lt Col Dennis Taylor served in the US Army for 27 years and was currently working as the Chief of Oral Surgery at the Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado. Lt Kenda observed that the doctor was unusually calm and appeared to be minimizing the event and brushing it off as a mistake. So then Lt Kenda went back to the wife and asked her if she thought that maybe her husband did this. The wife claimed she was fine and that everyone was making a big deal out of it and she just wanted it to go away. She claimed that they had a great marriage and life. Lt Joe Kenda had a hard time believing that her marriage was as perfect as she made it out to be and moved forward with the investigation because there was in fact liquid in the IV pump that was not supposed to be there.

Kenda reached out to a family friend who worked alongside the doctor over the years. He learned from Stan that the doctor had confided in him that Carol was verbally abusive, demeaning him, telling him he is pathetic, and even punched him. She also was upset about his drinking and knew that he had been having extra-marital affairs. Stan told Kenda that the doctor wanted to leave Carol but she had threatened to go to his commander and report him for the drinking and adultery (both considered UCMJ infractions and punishable under military law) if he left her. Carol enjoyed the privileges of being a military wife too much to lose them to divorce. He felt trapped in his current abusive marriage and was drinking more and having affairs as a way to cope with his current situation. In the civilian world, Carol would not be able to get away with threatening her husband because it is not illegal to drink and have affairs.

As it turns out, the results of the pump came back and they found Diazinon, which is a poison used to kill ants, spiders, cockroaches, etc. She would have been dead in a matter of minutes and would have been in excruciating pain, as the poison would have burned her from the inside out. As a result, Kenda arrested the doctor for attempted murder. During the arrest he found a plunged hypodermic in his pocket. The doctor told him he didn’t need an attorney and admitted his guilt. He told Kenda that earlier that morning while he was out shopping, the idea came to him that this was the only way out. Because he is a doctor, he knew how to do it. He inserted the poison and the alarm went off so he pulled the IV out of her arm for fear of arrest.

Instead of the civilians pressing forward with a case, the Army decided that they were going to court martial the doctor. They claimed they wanted to make an example of the disgraced colonel in front of a jury of his peers. He was sentenced to 18 months hard labor and he and his family were stripped of all Army privileges. And this may be why Carol Taylor protected her husband despite the fact that he just tried to kill her. Why would the Army doctor rather kill his wife then report the domestic violence to the commander? Why would the doctor feel that going to the commander was not an option and his only way out of this abusive situation was to murder his wife? Why was the doctor so intimidated by the threat of his wife reporting what would be considered minor infractions, even under UCMJ standards?

We need to evaluate why the doctor felt that he was not able to report the abuse and threatening to the Commander. Would he automatically be in trouble with military leadership if he admitted that he had been drinking and having affairs? Was he concerned about losing his career, his retirement, or facing disciplinary action? Why did he feel that he had to choose murder over reporting the threats and abuse to his commander? These are all things that we must ponder. We are seeing a pattern over and over. Our military men do not feel that reporting to the commander is an option when they are the victim of a crime. If that is the case, how can we help our military men, who find themselves the victim of threats, domestic violence, or sexual assault, report to a safe place? Right now, some would rather resort to murder then report the crimes to their commander. There must be a better way.

Source: Pop Goes the Witness, Homicide Hunter, Investigation Discovery

Homicide Hunter Premiered ‘Victim Zero’ on ID: Fort Carson Soldier Christopher Walton Fatally Shot Outside Colorado Springs Night Club (October 20, 2015)

On October 20, 2015September 14, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, Stateside Death, True CrimeLeave a comment

All Hell Breaks Loose In Club Brawl Leaving A Young Solider Dead -Victim Zero, Homicide Hunter (Preview)

A massive brawl erupts at a local bar ends with the shooting death of a young army soldier. To unravel the murder, Lt. Joe Kenda must infiltrate a revered military institution, and expose a dangerous vendetta. -Victim Zero, Homicide Hunter (S5,E9)

Violent Crime, Suicide, and Non Combat Death at Fort Carson, Colorado (US Army)

On October 19, 2015July 15, 2017 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, Scandals, Sexual AssaultLeave a comment

***RESEARCH NOT COMPLETE***

Fort Carson prepares trained and ready expeditionary forces for deployment in support of Combatant Commander requirements, provides first class support to Soldiers and families, and enables unified action with community, state, and interagency partners for the greater good of our Soldiers and their mission.

Roman Alred, US Army (2016): One of Four Soldiers Charged with First-degree Burglary, Felony Menacing, and Child Abuse

Andrew Byers, US Army (2016): Combat Death, Engaging Enemy Forces

Ryan Gloyer, US Army (2016): Combat Death, Engaging Enemy Forces

Mykal Hall, US Army (2016): One of Four Soldiers Charged with First-degree Burglary, Felony Menacing, and Child Abuse

Branden Harms, US Army (2016): Plead Guilty to Death of 4 Month Old Infant

Dustin Mincy, US Army (2016): One of Four Soldiers Charged with First-degree Burglary, Felony Menacing, and Child Abuse

Aaron Perry, US Army (2016): One of Four Soldiers Charged with First-degree Burglary, Felony Menacing, and Child Abuse

Adam Thomas, US Army (2016): Died of Injuries Caused by IED

Christopher Wilbur, US Army (2016): Non Combat Death, Afghanistan

Benjamin Cardwell, US Army (2015): Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Government Property

Todd Crow, US Army Veteran (2015): Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Government Property

Monterrious Daniel, US Army (2015): Non Combat Related Incident, Kuwait

Johnny Herrera, US Army (2015): Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Government Property

Justin Holt, US Army (2015): Died After Stryker Vehicle Rollover in Training Area

Joseph Kimsey, US Army (2015): Sentenced to Life without Parole for Homicide of Ashley Melnyczok

Ashley Melnyczok, Civilian (2015): Homicide Victim of Boyfriend Joseph Kimsey

Ashley Pullen, US Army Veteran (2015): Serial Rapist, Sentenced to Life in Prison

Noel Acevedo-Mercado, US Army (2014): Accused of Raping Teenager with John Donathan; Disposition Unknown

John Donathan, US Army (2014): Accused of Raping Teenager with Noel Acevedo-Mercado; Died Before Trial

Jeffrey Page, US Army (2014): Homicide of Army Spc. Adrian Perkins in Jordan

Benjamin Prange, US Army (2014): Died from Wounds Suffered in IED Attack, Afghanistan

Keith Williams, US Army (2014): Died from Wounds Suffered in IED Attack, Afghanistan

Deangelo Brown, US Army (2013): Homicide Victim; Larry Spencer, Jr. Sentenced to Life, No Parole

Jonathan Clark III, US Army (2013): Suicide by Cop; PTSD, Deployed 3 Times

David Dunlap, US Army (2013): Homicide Victim; Macyo Joelle Sentenced to Life, Parole After 40 Years

Whitney Butler Dunlap, US Army Spouse (2013): Pregnant; Homicide Victim; Macyo Joelle Sentenced to Life, Parole After 40 Years

Joseph Garcia, US Army (2013): Two Counts of Sexual Assault on Child by a Person in Position of Trust; Sentenced to 30 Years Minimum

Saul Lucas, US Army (2013): Accused of Four Counts of Attempted First Degree Murder, First Degree Burglary, Third-degree assault; Disposition Unknown

Montrell Mayo, US Army (2013): Homicide of Girlfriend & Army Soldier Kimberly Walker; Sentenced to Life in Prison, No Parole

Mark Petrosky, US Army (2013): Accused of Child Sexual Assault
Soldier Arrested On Charge Of Sex Assault On Child
Fort Carson soldier arrested in sex assault on 14-year-old
Soldier Arrested At Colorado Army Base On Sex Charge
Private at U.S. Army base in Colorado base arrested on sex charge
Soldier at Colorado army base accused of sex with 14-year-old girl

Patrick Quinn, US Army (2013): Afghanistan-Injuries Caused by Small-Arms Fire

Richard Sheltra, US Army (2013): Child Sexual Assault
Soldier pleads guilty, gets 10 years for having sex with 13-year-old girl

Kimberly Walker, US Army (2013): Homicide Victim

Eric Bartholomew, US Army (2012):
John Burrell second soldier busted in Virgil Means killing near motorcycle club
Third Arrest In Motorcycle Club Murder
Killing at Colorado Springs biker clubhouse leads to 21-year sentence
Colorado soldier gets 21 years in fatal shooting

John Burrell, US Army (2012)
John Burrell second soldier busted in Virgil Means killing near motorcycle club
Third Arrest In Motorcycle Club Murder
Killing at Colorado Springs biker clubhouse leads to 21-year sentence
Colorado soldier gets 21 years in fatal shooting

Kevin Corley, US Army (2012)
Murder-for-hire sting nabs soldier, ex-Army officer
Ex-Carson soldier pleads guilty in murder-for-hire
Former U.S. Army Officer Hitman Sentenced in Murder-for-Hire Plot

John Dupree, US Army (2012): Accused of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence
Soldier Arrested For Alleged Sexual Assault
Fort Carson soldier arrested on local sexual assault, domestic violence charges

Calvin Epps, US Army (2012)
Murder-for-hire sting nabs soldier, ex-Army officer
Verdict Returned Against Two Remaining Defendants in Murder-for-Hire and Drug Trafficking Conspiracy
Former Army soldier sentenced for murder-for-hire and gun possession

Brandy Fonteneaux, US Army (2012): Homicide Victim

Vincinte Jackson, US Army (2012): Homicide of Female Army Soldier

Aaron Lucas, US Army (2012): Indecent Exposure, Kidnapping, Child Rape

Christopher Mountjoy, US Army (2012)
John Burrell second soldier busted in Virgil Means killing near motorcycle club
Third Arrest In Motorcycle Club Murder
Killing at Colorado Springs biker clubhouse leads to 21-year sentence
Colorado soldier gets 21 years in fatal shooting

Stephen Payne, US Army (2012): Accused of Assault, False Imprisonment
Suspect Shot By Fountain Police Is Active Duty Soldier
Police Cleared In Wounding Of Fort Carson Soldier

Samuel Walker, US Army (2012)
Murder-for-hire sting nabs soldier, ex-Army officer
Verdict Returned Against Two Remaining Defendants in Murder-for-Hire and Drug Trafficking Conspiracy
Former Army soldier sentenced for murder-for-hire and gun possession

Stephanie Charboneau, US Army (2010): Bribery, Conspiracy to Commit Bribery
Army Soldier and Civilian Sentenced on Bribery Charges for Facilitating Thefts of Fuel in Afghanistan
Army Soldier Sentenced on Bribery Charges for Facilitating Thefts of Fuel in Afghanistan

Thaddeus Montgomery II, US Army (2010): Non Combat Death

Christopher Weaver, US Army (2010): Bribery, Facilitating Theft of Fuel
Army Sergeant Pleads Guilty to Facilitating Theft of Fuel in Afghanistan
Former Fort Carson soldier sentenced in $1M fuel theft from US military
Army Soldier and Civilian Sentenced on Bribery Charges for Facilitating Thefts of Fuel in Afghanistan
Army Soldier Sentenced in Kentucky on Bribery Charges for Facilitating Thefts of Fuel in Afghanistan

Roy Mason, US Army (2009): Suicide
Missing Fort Carson Soldier Found Dead
Memorial grows at spot of soldier’s suicide
Soldier who killed himself in Santa Cruz was part of troubled Army unit

Jose Barco, US Army (2008)
Fort Carson soldiers’ killing spree after Iraq combat
Ex-soldier who wounded pregnant woman sentenced to 52 years
Three stories from FRONTLINE’s The Wounded Platoon

Jomar Falu-Vives, US Army (2008)
2 Fort Carson soldiers arrested in double homicide
Army soldier gets 12 years
Ft. Carson GI sentenced as accessory to 2 murders

Judilianna Lawrence, Civilian (2008): Rape/Homicide Victim

Courtney Lockhart, US Army (2008)
PTSD: How the U.S. Army Failed Veteran Courtney Lockhart
Combat experience is factor in death penalty cases, experts say
How Did a Lifelong Prison Sentence for an Iraq Vet Turn Into an Imminent Death Sentence?

Robert Marko, US Army (2008): Rape/Homicide of 19 yo Civilian

John Needham, US Army (2008): Accused of Homicide, Overdosed Awaiting Trial

Rodolfo Torres-Gandarilla, US Army (2008)
2 Fort Carson soldiers arrested in double homicide
Army soldier gets 12 years
Ft. Carson GI sentenced as accessory to 2 murders

Jacqwelyn Villagomez, Civilian (2008): Homicide Victim

Bruce Bastien, US Army (2007): Accessory to Murder of Pfc. Robert James & Spc. Kevin Shields

Louis Bressler, US Army (2007): Accessory to Murder of Pfc. Robert James & Spc. Kevin Shields; Aggravated Robbery & Stabbing of Erica Hamm

Kenneth Eastridge, US Army (2007): Accessory to Murder of Spc. Kevin Shields

Robert James, US Army (2007): Homicide Victim

Kevin Shields, US Army (2007): Homicide Victim

Olin Ferrier, US Army (2007)
Carson soldier accused in slaying
War Stresses Linked to Soldiers’ Crimes
New Details On Pueblo Cab Driver Death Investigation
Intense combat tied to homicides by Ft. Carson GIs

Reggie Martinez, US Army (2004)
U.S. Soldiers Charged in Iraqi Drowning Death
Soldiers charged with manslaughter in Iraqi’s drowning death
Soldier in Iraqi drowning case blames commanders
GIs Deny Drowning Iraqi

Tracy Perkins, US Army (2004)
U.S. Soldiers Charged in Iraqi Drowning Death
Soldiers charged with manslaughter in Iraqi’s drowning death
Soldier in Iraqi drowning case blames commanders
GIs Deny Drowning Iraqi

Jack Saville, US Army (2004)
U.S. Soldiers Charged in Iraqi Drowning Death
Soldiers charged with manslaughter in Iraqi’s drowning death
Soldier in Iraqi drowning case blames commanders
GIs Deny Drowning Iraqi

James Neal, US Army Veteran (1996): Homicide of Spouse

Kevin Gooley, Civilan (1994): Homicide of Brandin Penza

Brandin Penza, US Army Veteran (1994): Homicide Victim

Michael Pelkey, US Army (1993): Homicide of Spouse

James Catlin, US Army (1991): Homicide of Maggie Fetty

Leroy Davis, US Army (1991): Homicide of Christopher Walton, US Army

Maggie Fetty, Civilian (1991): Homicide Victim by Army Soldier

Daniel Stewart, US Army (1991): Homicide of Maggie Fetty

Christopher Walton, US Army (1991): Homicide Victim

Jennifer Reali, US Army Spouse (1990): Homicide of Diane Hood

Darlene Krashoc, US Army (1987): Unsolved Rape & Homicide; $10,000 Reward

Micki Filmore, US Army Veteran (1986): Rape and Homicide Victim

Barbara Kramer, Civilian (1986): Rape and Homicide Victim

Tracy Spencer, US Army (1986): Homicide of Micki Filmore & Barbara Kramer

Nolly Depadua, US Army (1985): Homicide of Lourdes Riddles, USAF Spouse

Brian Hawkins, US Army (1985): Accessory to Homicide

Lourdes Riddle, US Air Force Spouse (1985): Homicide Victim

Ronnie Ball, US Air Force (1979): Homicide, Temporary Insanity

Michael Faast, Civilian (1979): Homicide Victim

Estevan Maestas, Civilian (1978): Detonated Stolen Fort Carson Grenade

Dennis Taylor, US Army (Year Unknown): Attempted Homicide

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

On August 18, 2015September 14, 2019 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)

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

On June 3, 2015November 15, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military PolicyLeave a comment

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)

MILITARY JUSTICE FOR ALL

Tag: Fort Carson

Fort Carson Army Soldier Branden Harms Pleaded Guilty to Child Abuse Resulting in Death; Faced 40-48 Years in Prison at Sentencing (2016)

ProPublica & The Marshall Project Published ‘An Unbelievable Story of Rape’ by T. Christian Miller and Ken Armstrong (December 16, 2015)

Homicide Hunter Premiered ‘Point of No Return’ on ID: Estevan Maestas Killed By Live Hand Grenade Left Behind in Rental Garage (December 1, 2015)

Homicide Hunter Premiered ‘Pop Goes the Witness’ on ID: Fort Carson Army Officer Convicted of Attempted Murder of Wife (November 3, 2015)

Homicide Hunter Premiered ‘Victim Zero’ on ID: Fort Carson Soldier Christopher Walton Fatally Shot Outside Colorado Springs Night Club (October 20, 2015)

Violent Crime, Suicide, and Non Combat Death at Fort Carson, Colorado (US Army)

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

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