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

29-year-old Chris Devoy is shot in cold blood outside a neighborhood bar. Faced with a trio of suspects, Kenda trusts his gut and makes a controversial decision. The case hits a dead end, but Kenda gets an unexpected tip that proves his instincts right. -Mr. Violence, Homicide Hunter (S2,E10)

Christopher Devoy Find A Grave
Christopher Devoy (Photo: Find A Grave)

In a random act of violence, ex-Marine James Shackelford decided to steal a Mitsubishi Eclipse outside a bar and ended up fatally shooting the driver of the car Christopher Devoy on May 31, 1996 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. James Shackelford was kicked out of the Marine Corps for punching a sergeant in the mouth. He turned to a life of crime robbing banks, stealing cars, and then eventually murder in the course of a robbery. Ultimately three individuals were held responsible for the murder of Christopher Devoy. James Shackelford was arrested for first degree murder. Jeffrey K. and Jeremy Kirby were convicted of murder and their combined sentences totaled more than fifty years behind bars. The ring leader of the murder got off with the lightest sentence. James Shackelford got sixteen years in prison. Shackelford never even got convicted of murder.

Source: Mr. Violence, Homicide Hunter, Investigation Discovery

Editor’s note: With a cable subscription, you can download the free ID Go app and watch Investigation Discovery programming at your convenience. And for those who do not have cable, you can watch “unlocked” episodes on the ID Go app including the latest premieres. For those who prefer commercial free programming during your binge session, Prime Video has an ID channel: ‘True Crime Files by Investigation Discovery” available for $3.99 a month. It’s a compilation of older seasons but totally worth the cost if you are a true crime addict. Download the ID Go app or purchase ID True Crime Files & binge away.

Related Links:
Christopher Paul Devoy | Find A Grave
Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda (Season 2), Mr. Violence (Preview)
Mr. Violence | Homicide Hunter | Investigation Discovery (S2,E10)
Mr. Violence | Homicide Hunter | Investigation Discovery (website)
Mr. Violence | Homicide Hunter | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
Mr. Violence | Homicide Hunter | Investigation Discovery (Hulu)
The BEST Episodes of Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda
Homicide Hunter: 10 Active Duty Military and Veteran Murder Cases Featured on Investigation Discovery

Marine Sgt. Camella Steedley Died While Supporting Combat Operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, Under Investigation (2012)

Honoring Sgt Camella Steedley, USMC (2012)
Sgt. Camella Steedley, US Marine Corps

Marine Sgt. Camella Steedley died while supporting combat operations on October 3, 2012 in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Sgt. Steedley was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom on behalf of the Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton, California. At the time of the Department of Defense press release, the cause of death was under investigation. She is survived by her husband, also in the US Marine Corps, and four children.

Related Links:
DOD Identifies Marine Casualty
Marine Sgt. Camella M. Steedley
Local Marine Killed in Afghanistan
Marine from SD dies in Afghanistan
Sgt. Camella M. Steedley, Camp Pendleton-based Marine dies in Afghanistan
Death Of Female Camp Pendleton Marine In Afghanistan Under Investigation
USMC investigates Marine’s death in Afghanistan
Colonel mirrored soldiers concerns in Afghanistan
Female servicewomen: ‘I am not here by mistake’

August: U.S. Department of Defense Casualties Report (2012)

Department of Defense

08/28/2012:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Jessica Wing, 42, NCD, Kuwait, Maine Army National Guard

08/28/2012:  DOD Identifies Army Casualties: Christopher Birdwell, 25, and Mabry Anders, 21, Afghanistan, Fort Carson, Colorado

08/27/2012:  Soldiers Missing From Vietnam War Identified: William T. Brown, US Army

08/26/2012:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Patricia Horne, 20, NCD, Afghanistan, Fort Campbell, Kentucky

08/23/2012:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Louis Torres, 23, Afghanistan, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

08/22/2012:  Airman Missing in Action from WWII Identified: John E. Hogan, US Army Air Forces

08/21/2012:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: David V. Williams, 24, NCD, Afghanistan, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

08/21/2012:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Coater Debose, 55, Afghanistan, Camp Shelby, Mississippi

08/20/2012:  DOD Identifies 4 Army Casualties in Helicopter Crash: Brian Hornsby, 37, Suresh Krause, 29, Richard Essex, 23, and Luis Oliver Galbreath, NCDs, Afghanistan, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii

08/20/2012:  DOD Identifies 2 Navy Casualties in Helicopter Crash: Patrick Feeks, 28, and David Warsen, 27, NCDs, Afghanistan, West Coast-based Naval Special Warfare

08/20/2012:  DOD Identifies 1 Navy Casualty in Helicopter Crash: Sean Carson, 32, NCDs, Afghanistan, EOD, San Diego, California

08/20/2012:  DOD Identifies Marine and Navy Casualties: Gregory Copes, 36, and Darrel Enos, 36, Afghanistan, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

08/19/2012:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: James Justice, 21, Afghanistan, Vicenza, Italy

08/18/2012:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Michael Demarsico II, Afghanistan, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

08/17/2012:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Eric Holman, 39, Afghanistan, Fort Bragg, North Carolina

08/16/2012:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Andrew Keller, 22, Afghanistan, Vicenza, Italy

08/13/2012:  DOD Identifies Marine Casualties: Scott Dickinson, 29, Richard Rivera, 20, and Gregory Buckley, 21, Afghanistan, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

08/13/2012:  DOD Identifies Marine Casualties: Matthew Manoukian, 29, Ryan Jeschke, 31, and Sky Mote, 27, Afghanistan, Camp Pendleton, California

08/11/2012:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Gregory Trent, 38, Afghanistan, Fort Bragg, North Carolina

08/09/2012:  DOD Identifies Army Casualties: Thomas Kennedy, 35, and Kevin Griffin, 45, Afghanistan, Fort Carson, Colorado

08/09/2012:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Ethan Martin, 22, Afghanistan, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska

08/09/2012:  DOD Identifies Air Force Casualty: Walter Gray, 38, Afghanistan, Fort Carson, Colorado

08/08/2012:  DOD Identifies Navy Casualty: Clayton Beauchamp, 21, Afghanistan, Camp Pendleton, California

08/08/2012:  DOD Identifies Marine Casualty: Daniel Linnabary II, 23, Afghanistan, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

08/06/2012:  Airmen Missing from Vietnam War Identified: Charles M. Walling, US Air Force

08/05/2012:  DOD Identifies Army Casualties: Russell Bell, 37, and Matthew Sitton, 26, Afghanistan, Fort Bragg, North Carolina

08/03/2012:  DOD Identifies Army Casualties: Todd Lambka, 25, and Jesus Lopez, 22, Afghanistan, Fort Riley, Kansas

08/02/2012:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Kyle McClain, 25, Afghanistan, Michigan Army National Guard

08/02/2012:  DOD Identifies Marine Casualty: Curtis Duarte, 22, Afghanistan, Twentynine Palms, California

Related Links:
Insider outrage: Lance Cpl. Gregory Buckley Jr., 21
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2002)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2003)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2004)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2005)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2006)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2007)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2008)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2009)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2010)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2011)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2013)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2014)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2015)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2016)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2017)
Non Combat Deaths of Female Soldiers in the US Military (Iraq)
Non Combat Deaths of Female Soldiers in the US Military (Afghanistan)
Non Combat Deaths of Female Soldiers in the US Military (Other Areas)

Fox 31 Denver | Home from War: Soldier Suicides on the Rise (June 18, 2012)

The U.S. military is grappling with a disturbing trend—soldiers are killing themselves at an alarming rate. So far this year, an average of one soldier a day is committing suicide. The suicide rate is outpacing the number of soldiers killed in Afghanistan this year by some 50-percent. -Fox 31 Denver

DENVER – The U.S. military is grappling with a disturbing trend—soldiers are killing themselves at an alarming rate. So far this year, an average of one soldier a day is committing suicide.

The suicide rate is outpacing the number of soldiers killed in Afghanistan this year by some 50-percent. And there have been high-profile cases here in Colorado.

It’s gotten so bad, that the defense department has even set up a suicide prevention office. Soldiers we talk to say the reasons for their life-threatening depression are many.

Read more from Fox 31 Denver here.

Related Links:
Suicide in the Military | Center for Deployment Psychology
Military Suicides: Most Attempts Come Before Soldiers Ever See Combat
DOD: Among services, Army had highest suicide rate in 2014
Experts worry high military suicide rates are ‘new normal’
New VA study finds 20 veterans commit suicide each day
America’s Soldiers and Veterans Commit Suicide at Vexingly High Rates
Shocking Military Suicide Rates And Identifying The Signs
A suicide attempt in an Army unit can lead to more, study finds
The missing context behind the widely cited statistic that there are 22 veteran suicides a day
Study reveals top reason behind soldiers’ suicides

On This Day, Marine Corps Lance Corporal Hollye Meeks Passed Away in Houston, Texas (June 1, 2012)

Honoring LCpl Hollye Meeks @USMC (2012)
Photo by: Staff Sgt. Raymie G. Cruz

Photo: “Lance Cpl. Hollye K. Meeks (left) searches Cpl. Roxanne Cox, after receiving a class on the proper procedures from members of a police transition team. Eight female Marines from different units within 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing volunteered for the Lioness Program to conduct security searches of women crossing into Iraq. Meeks is a motor transport vehicle operator, Marine Wing Support Squadron 374, Marine Wing Support Group 37 (Reinforced), 3rd MAW, and a Houston, Texas native. Cox is a maintenance management specialist, with Marine Aircraft Group 16 (Reinforced), 3rd MAW, and a Cincinnati native.” (22 Aug 2006)

Obituary: Marine Corps Lance Corporal Hollye Meeks, 25, was born July 4, 1986 in Richmond to Randy and Becky (Kunz) Meeks. She passed away June 1, 2012 in Houston. She graduated from B.F. Terry High School and was an accomplished basketball player. She also pole vaulted and ran track. Upon graduation she enlisted in the USMC. She spent time in 29 Palms, CA. and proudly served her country in Syria and Iraq. Hollye is survived by her parents, Randy and Becky; aunts and uncles, Carol and Russell Clayton, Bob and Margaret Kunz, Linda and Duane Segers and Danny and Margie Meeks; birth father, William Brown; 4 half sisters and one half brother; and numerous cousins; Godparents, Marvin “Bud” and Shirley Nordt; and a multitude of good friends; and her dog “Boss”.

Related Links:
Hollye Krystine Meeks Obituary
Lance Cpl. Hollye K. Meeks searches Cpl. Roxanne Cox
Female Marines train for Iraq border security
Marines Dodging Death: Sixty-Two Accounts of Close Calls

Disappeared Premiered ‘A Soldier’s Story’ on Investigation Discovery: Noah Pippin’s Body Located in Montana’s Bob Marshall Wilderness (February 27, 2012)

Former Marine Noah Pippin is reported missing after failing to appear at drill. -A Soldier’s Story, Disappeared (November 21, 2011)

ID Go: In August 2010, 31-year-old ex-marine Noah Pippin left Michigan to report to the California National Guard. But Noah never shows up. Police trace his path to the forests of Montana, leaving Noah’s parents to wonder why he is venturing into the wild. -A Soldier’s Story, Disappeared (S5,E8)

Editor’s note: With a cable subscription, you can download the free ID Go app and watch all of the Investigation Discovery programming at your convenience. And for those who do not have cable, you can watch “unlocked” episodes on the ID Go app including the latest premieres. Download the ID Go app and binge away. For those who prefer commercial free programming during your binge session, Prime Video has an ID channel: ‘True Crime Files by Investigation Discovery” available for $2.99 a month. It’s a compilation of older seasons but totally worth the cost if you are a true crime addict.

Related Links:
Did Noah Pippin Go AWOL? | Disappeared (YouTube)
A Soldier’s Story | Disappeared | Investigation Discovery (S5,E8)
A Soldier’s Story | Disappeared | Investigation Discovery (website)
A Soldier’s Story | Disappeared | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
Missing California Army National Guardsman Noah Pippin Recovered in Montana’s Bob Marshall Wilderness; Died From Exposure (August 24, 2012)

Lauterbach Case Prompts Policy Reforms for Victims of Sexual Assault in the Military (December 25, 2011)

Maria Lauterbach
LCpl. Maria Lauterbach, U.S. Marine Corps

The family of slain Marine Lance Cpl. Maria Lauterbach is hailing recent provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act that profoundly change the way the Department of Defense will handle sexual assault charges.

The Defense STRONG Act has cleared both the House and the Senate and is awaiting President Barack Obama’s signature. Provisions include access to legal counsel for victims and the right to request a base transfer.

Lauterbach’s mother, Mary Lauterbach of Vandalia, said the new law would have made the difference in the case of her daughter, who was denied a base transfer after accusing fellow Marine Cesar Laurean of sexual assault. “Maria would be alive today if the base transfer had been available to her,” she said.

Turner concurred, “In civilian life you have complete control of your movements, and if you’re in an unsafe situation you can remove yourself. In military life, the victim needs permission to take even basic self-preservation actions.”

In the News:

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 Mary Lauterbach. The provisions make certain that a victim has legal counsel throughout the whole process so they understand what their legal rights are and how to protect themselves. The provisions also remove the accused from the situation and not the victim. -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. Congress approved a bill that would give military sexual assault victims legal counsel and criminalize retaliation against any victim. “If Maria had had this, she would be alive today, it’s very important.” The bill now heads to President Barack Obama for his signature. -WKEF/WRGT (December 20, 2013)

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

Key changes in military policy

  • By executive order, communication between victims and victim advocates will now be privileged. Previously conversations between victim and victim advocates can be subpoenaed in court, making victims reluctant to come forward. Pending legislation HR 1540, passed by both the House and Senate, provides for:
  • Legal assistance for victims of sexual assault. Previously, only defendants in the military have been guaranteed access to a lawyer.
  • Stricter training guidelines and greater oversight for Sexual Assault Response Coordinators and Sexual Assault Victim Advocates.
  • Retention of sexual assault records with lifetime access for service members.
  • The victim’s right to a base transfer or unit transfer. Under the new law, these requests will be expedited, with decisions being made within 72 hours and the bias should be in favor of the victim.

Read more here.

Deadly Women Premiered ‘Deadly Possession’ on Investigation Discovery: Caroline Young Murdered Two Grandchildren for Revenge (November 11, 2011)

A grandmother caring for her grandchildren, a young girl in love with a boy, a mother protecting her son – are all consumed with intense love. But when that love is threatened, they find it too much to bear and take measures into their own hands. -Deadly Possession, Deadly Women (S5, E10)

Editor’s note: With a cable subscription, you can download the free ID Go app and watch Investigation Discovery programming at your convenience. And for those who do not have cable, you can watch “unlocked” episodes on the ID Go app including the latest premieres. For those who prefer commercial free programming during your binge session, Prime Video has an ID channel: ‘True Crime Files by Investigation Discovery” available for $3.99 a month. It’s a compilation of older seasons but totally worth the cost if you are a true crime addict. Download the ID Go app or purchase ID True Crime Files & binge away.

Related Links:
Caroline Young Murdered Her Grandchildren for Revenge
Caroline Young | Murderpedia, the encyclopedia of murderers
Deadly Possession | Deadly Women | Investigation Discovery (S5, E10)
Deadly Possession | Deadly Women | Investigation Discovery (website)
Deadly Possession | Deadly Women | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
Deadly Possession | Deadly Women | Investigation Discovery (Hulu)
Caroline Young Killed 2 Grandchildren After Losing Custody to Marine Recruiter Barrington Bruce; Sentenced to Death (June 18, 1993)
Deadly Women: 30 Military and Veteran Homicide Cases Featured on Investigation Discovery

August: U.S. Department of Defense Casualties Report (2011)

Department of Defense

08/29/2011:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Douglas Green, 23, Afghanistan, Fort Wainwright, Alaska

08/28/2011:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Michael Roberts, 23, Afghanistan, Fort Campbell, Kentucky

08/27/2011:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Jesse Dietrich, 20, Afghanistan, Fort Drum, New York

08/27/2011:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Brandon Mullins, 21, Afghanistan, Fort Wainwright, Alaska

08/26/2011:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Andrew Tobin, 24, Afghanistan, Fort Drum, New York

08/24/2011:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Timothy Steele, 25, Afghanistan, Fort Drum, New York

08/20/2011:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Douglas Cordo, 20, Afghanistan, Fort Wainwright, Alaska

08/19/2011:  DOD Identifies Marine Casualty: Travis Nelson, 19, Afghanistan, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

08/17/2011:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Joshua Seals, 21, NCD, Afghanistan, Oklahoma Army National Guard

08/17/2011:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Dennis Jensen, 21, NCD, Afghanistan, South Dakota Army National Guard

08/17/2011:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Damon Leehan, 30, Afghanistan, Oklahoma Army National Guard

08/16/2011:  DOD Identifies Army Casualties: Matthew Harmon, 29, and Joseph VanDreumel, 32, Afghanistan, Grafenwoehr, Germany

08/16/2011:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Charles Price III, Afghanistan, Fort Carson, Colorado

08/15/2011:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Joe Cunningham, 27, NCD, Afghanistan, Oklahoma Army National Guard

08/13/2011:  DOD Identifies Army Casualties: Edward Frank II, 26, Jameel Freeman, 26, Patrick Lay II, 21, Jordan Morris, 23, and Rueben Lopez, 27, Afghanistan, Fort Drum, New York

08/13/2011:  DOD Identifies Navy Casualty: Riley Gallinger-Long, 19, Afghanistan, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

08/11/2011:  DOD Identifies Marine Casualty: Nicholas Ott, 23, Afghanistan, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

08/11/2011:  DOD Identifies 20 US Navy Service Members Killed In CH-47 Crash: Jonas Kelsall, 29, Louis Langlais, 44, Thomas Ratzlaff, 34, Kraig Vickers, 36, Brian Bill, 31, John Faas, 31, Kevin Houston, 35, Matthew Mason, 37, Stephen Mills, 35, Nicholas Hull, 30, Robert Reeves, 32, Heath Robinson, 34, Darrik Benson, 28, Christopher Campbell, 36, Jared Day, 28, John Douangdara, 26, Michael Strange, 25, Jon Tumilson, 35, Aaron Vaughn, 30, and Jason Workman, 32, NCDs, Afghanistan, East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare

08/11/2011:  DOD Identifies 2 US Navy Service Members Killed In CH-47 Crash: Jesse Pittman, 27, and Nicholas Spehar, 24, NCDs, Afghanistan, West Coast-based Naval Special Warfare

08/11/2011:  DOD Identifies 5 US Army Service Members Killed In CH-47 Crash: David Carter, 47, Bryan Nichols, 31, Patrick Hamburger, 30, Alexander Bennett, 24, and Spencer Duncan, 21, NCDs, Afghanistan, Army General Support Aviation Battalion

08/11/2011:  DOD Identifies 3 US Air Force Service Members Killed In CH-47 Crash: John Brown, 33, Andrew Harvell, 26, and Daniel Zerbe, 28, NCDs, Afghanistan, Pope Field, North Carolina

08/09/2011:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Alessandro Plutino, 28, Afghanistan, Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia

08/09/2011:  DOD Identifies Marine Casualties: Adan Gonzales Jr, 28, and Joshua Robinson, 29, Afghanistan, Camp Pendleton, California

08/08/2011:  DOD Identifies Marine Casualty: Daniel Patron, 26, Afghanistan, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

08/08/2011:  Soldier Missing in Action from WWII Identified: William F. Stehlin, US Army

08/06/2011:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Mark Downer, 23, Afghanistan, Fort Drum, New York

08/06/2011:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Jinsu Lee, 34, NCD, Afghanistan, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii

08/06/2011:  DOD Identifies Marine Casualty: Daniel Gurr, 21, Afghanistan, Okinawa, Japan

08/05/2011:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Anthony Del Mar Peterson, 24, Afghanistan, Oklahoma Army National Guard

08/05/2011:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Waid Ramsey, 41, Afghanistan, Army Special Operations Command

08/05/2011:  DOD Identifies Army Casualties: Cody Baker, 19, and Gil Morales Del Valle, 21, Afghanistan, Fort Polk, Louisiana

08/05/2011:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Barun Rai, 24, NCD, Afghanistan, Bamberg, Germany

08/03/2011:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Kirk Owen, 37, Afganistan, Oklahoma Army National Guard

08/03/2011:  DOD Identifies Marine Casualties: Patrick Dolphin, 29, Dennis Kancler, 26, and Christopher Wrinkle, 29, Afghanistan, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

08/02/2011:  DOD Identifies Marine Casualty: Leon Lucas Jr, 32, Afghanistan, Twentynine Palms, California

08/02/2011:  Soldier Missing from Vietnam War Identified: George A. Howes, US Army

08/02/2011:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Brice Scott, 22, Afghanistan, Fort Riley, Kansas

08/01/2011:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: William GrossPaniagua, 28, Afghanistan, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii

Related Links:
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2002)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2003)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2004)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2005)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2006)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2007)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2008)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2009)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2010)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2012)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2013)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2014)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2015)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2016)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2017)
Non Combat Deaths of Female Soldiers in the US Military (Iraq)
Non Combat Deaths of Female Soldiers in the US Military (Afghanistan)
Non Combat Deaths of Female Soldiers in the US Military (Other Areas)

Former Representative Bruce Braley (D-IA) Introduced the Holley Lynn James Act (April 12, 2011)

[Former] 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 [former] Rep. Braley who was killed by her husband while both were in the service. -[Former] Rep. Bruce Braley (April 12, 2011)

In Their Name:

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

Holley Lynn James Wimunc 2
2nd Lt. Holley Lynn James, U.S. Army

“The U.S. military could crack down on internal cases of sexual and domestic abuse. That’s if a bill that [former] Congressman Bruce Braley has written becomes law. The bill is named after this former Dubuque [Iowa] woman. In 2008, Holley Lynn James’ husband killed her at their home at a military base in North Carolina. Both James and her husband John Wimunc were in the military. [KCRG spoke with James’ father] Call it a gut feeling or a father’s intuition, during the spring of 2008 Jesse James knew something wasn’t right with his daughter’s marriage. ‘We were constantly calling the unit, calling the unit and they would do something but it didn’t last very long’ (Jesse James) Two months before her death, Army 2nd Lt. Holley James filed a domestic violence complaint with police against her estranged husband Marine Corporal John Wimunc.

[Wimunc] later killed Holley, dismembered her body, then set her apartment on fire. ‘The military has never had a system of investigating and prosecuting these cases’ (Jesse James). But [former] Congressman Braley’s new bill aims to change all that. It would create an Inspector General’s office to handle abuse cases. There would be a resource department for victims and would include a neutral third party investigator. ‘This isn’t an indictment on military leaders, it’s just that people who are more qualified with the life experiences to investigate and prosecute these things need to be doing it’ (Jesse James). James says he’ll never know but a department like this may have saved his daughter’s life…John Wimunc pleaded guilty to Holley James murder and a judge sentenced him to life in prison without parole. James had two children from a previous relationship. Jesse James says the children are doing well and living with their father…”

“Last year the Department of Defense reported more than 3000 instances of sexual assault in the military. Now [former] Iowa Congressman Bruce Braley has introduced legislation that aims to bring that number down. ‘When it has to do with woman serving their country in the military, I can’t think of a better reason for people to come together and come up with a solution to an alarming problem’ (Rep. Bruce Braley). In Dubuque today, Braley spoke about the Holley Lynn James Act. It would help victims of sexual and domestic abuse in the military. The bill is named after the Dubuque native and Army 2nd Lt. [Holley Lynn James] who was killed by her husband [John Wimunc] in 2008. The bill would enlist the office of Inspector General to provide independent oversight in reported cases.” –KCRG-TV (April 12, 2011)

Related Links:
Rep. Braley introduces Holley Lynn James Act (April 12, 2011)
H.R.1517 – Holley Lynn James Act (112th Congress, 2011-2012)
To amend titles 10 and 28, United States Code, to provide for military sexual assault and domestic violence accountability, and for other purposes.
Domestic Violence, Where Does it End? (Interview with Jesse James)
Braley says Defense Department moves involving domestic violence are encouraging
Accountability for Sexual Assault Perpetrator in the Military
Battle over dedication to the military
New Braley ad pushes Senate hopeful’s ability to work across party lines
Slain soldier’s father lauds Braley
Sgt. Bill Coffin Murdered Ex-Fiancee After Civilian Courts Issued Protective Order, Judge Alleges Army Routinely Ignores Court Orders (December 15, 1997)
Army Staff Sgt. Paul Norris Fatally Shot Army Spc. Kamisha Block in Iraq After She Ended a Forbidden Relationship, Then Ended His Own Life (August 16, 2007)
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)
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)
HOR Oversight Subcommittee on National Security & Foreign Affairs Held a Hearing on Sexual Assault in the Military (July 31, 2008)
History: The Military And Domestic Abuse (2009)
Congress Told That DOD Data on Sexual Assault and Rape in Military Is ‘Lacking in Accuracy, Reliability and Validity’ (2010)
Lauterbach Case Prompts Policy Reforms for Victims of Crime in the Military (December 25, 2011)
Air Force TSgt. Jennifer Norris Testified Before the House Armed Services Committee in Washington DC (January 23, 2013)
Evidence Reveals Army Reserve Recruiter Adam Arndt Murdered High School Student & Recruit Michelle Miller, Then Killed Self; Army Claims Double Suicide (April 8, 2013)
WMAR-2 News: Family of Katherine Morris wants Dept. of Justice to investigate death (August 10, 2015)
An Open Letter to the Senate and House of Representatives in Support of the Military Justice Improvement Act (June 1, 2016)
Army Pfc. Shadow McClaine Reported Missing at Fort Campbell; Ex-Husband Sgt. Jamal Williams-McCray & Spc. Charles Robinson Pleaded Guilty to Murder (September 2, 2016)
Military Policy and Legislation Considerations for the Investigations of Non Combat Death, Homicide, and Suicide of US Service Members (2016)
Army Pvt. Paige Fontenot Briles Found Unresponsive in Vehicle at Fort Hood Housing in Texas; Initially CID Investigated as Homicide But Later Ruled Suicide (December 24, 2016)
30 Domestic Abuse Cases in the Military That Ended in the Murder of Female Partners
48 Hours NCIS Premiered ‘Trail of Fire’ on CBS: Holley Wimunc, Domestic Violence, and the Holley Lynn James Act (June 26, 2018)
Military Families for Justice