Tag: United States

Killer Couples Premiered ‘Peggy Thomas and Jim Huden’ on Oxygen: Russel Douglas Found Shot Execution Style on Whidbey Island the Day After Christmas (August 27, 2016)

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Russel Douglas
Russel Douglas, Whidbey Island, Washington

Russel Douglas was found murdered in his car in a remote location on Whidbey Island in Washington on December 26, 2003. Russel was shot execution style in the head and there were few clues at the scene but the police knew it was a murder because they couldn’t find the gun. It took the police a few years but eventually they got a phone call from someone who said they had information about a murder. Investigators learned that a man by the name of Jim Huden admitted that he wanted to kill someone and did in fact kill someone. Through the course of the investigation, they also learned that Jim, who was married, had been having an affair with Peggy Thomas, a Navy veteran and former beauty queen in Washington. Peggy was the connection to Russel Douglas because she once worked with his wife Brenna at a hair salon and Russel’s wife was renting a home from her on Whidbey Island. When Jim Huden and Peggy Thomas were interviewed by the police, they didn’t admit to anything and would not cooperate. Therefore, detectives didn’t have enough evidence to arrest them.

After being questioned by police, Jim Huden started drinking more and fled to Mexico; Peggy Thomas got married and divorced; and the police continued investigating Russel Douglas’ murder. And then the unexpected happened. Jim’s estranged wife was arrested for drugs and check fraud. Detectives offered her a deal and promised if she gave them information about the Russel Douglas’ murder and where Jim was located, they would drop the charges against her; she gave them the information. Investigators began developing a theory based on the witnesses they had interviewed and the evidence they gathered. They believed the end game was money for Peggy and she was the one that put things in motion. Russel and his wife were having marital problems and investigators believe that Peggy offered to help Brenna murder her husband in return for some of the life insurance pay out. They theorized that Peggy convinced Jim that Russel was abusive so he would want to kill him. Jim was abused as a child so he was easily manipulated to believe that Russel deserved to die. In the end, both Peggy and Jim conspired to murder Russel Douglas for different motives.

Jim Huden wanted revenge for his childhood abuses and Peggy Thomas wanted cash. Investigators suspected the duo committed the murder for Brenna who claimed Russel abused her but there was no past history of domestic violence or child abuse on record; Jim didn’t know that and most likely went on the word of Peggy who used it to manipulate him. In court, Brenna testified that Russel mentally abused her but never admitted to any physical abuse. Unfortunately, police didn’t have enough evidence to charge Brenna Douglas with any crimes because both Jim and Peggy refused to talk. Jim Huden and Peggy Thomas were charged with Russel Douglas’ murder. In July 2012, Jim Huden was found guilty and sentenced to eighty years in prison. A month later, Peggy Thomas agreed to a plea deal in exchange for a reduced sentence and was given four years in prison for her role in the murder. Jim refused to testify against Peggy and pleaded the fifth at her trial. Peggy continues to deny any involvement in the murder and claims she didn’t know Jim was going to kill Russel. Peggy Thomas was released from prison in 2016.

Peggy Thomas, U.S. Navy Veteran
Jim Huden

Killer Couples (Oxygen):

A Las Vegas red haired siren and her millionaire boyfriend become suspects in a murder, hundreds of miles away. -Peggy Sue Thomas & Jim Huden, Snapped: Killer Couples

Killer Couples: S8 E4 After the Verdict – Peggy Thomas and Jim Huden | Oxygen

Killer Couples: S8 E4 Bonus Clip – Peggy’s New Self | Oxygen

Full Episode: A Las Vegas red haired siren and her millionaire boyfriend become suspects in a murder, hundreds of miles away. -Peggy Thomas & Jim Huden, Snapped: Killer Couples (S8, E4)

In the News:

From pageants to famous husband to prison, murder suspect allowed to visit NM. -KRQE (October 7, 2011)

Related Links:
Peggy Sue Thomas: Drop-Dead Gorgeous
Documents show victim’s wife is suspect in murder
Washington jury says ‘guilty’ in Russel Douglas murder
Former Washington beauty queen pleads guilty to lesser charge in murder case
Ex-beauty queen gets 4-year sentence in killing
Ex-beauty queen sentenced for role in Whidbey Island murder
48 Hours: Tracing a fugitive killer’s footsteps in Mexico
Man lured to his death by beauty queen and wannabe rockstar on Boxing Day
‘I’m giving up four years of my life for something I didn’t do’: Ex-beauty queen jailed for helping her lover carry out 2003 murder claims she is an innocent ‘victim’
Peggy Sue got released: TV show recounts sensational Whidbey Island murder
Peggy Thomas, Jim Huden: ‘Snapped Killer Couples’ Details Whidbey Island Murder Case Involving Sultry Beauty Queen and Rock Star Lover
Murder of Russel Douglas by Jim Huden spotlighted on The Perfect Murder
Pageants to Famous Husband to Prison
If Looks Could Kill | Beauty Queen Murders | Investigation Discovery (S1, E5)
Snapped: Killer Couples ‘Peggy Thomas and Jim Huden’
Sneak Peek: Dangerous Beauty | 48 Hours
Why Ann Rule was intrigued with the Russel Douglas murder case | 48 Hours
Remembering Russel Douglas | 48 Hours
Band mates open up about rocker, murder suspect | 48 Hours
Suspects surprised with simultaneous, separate interrogations | 48 Hours
Whidbey Island Mystery | The Perfect Murder | Investigation Discovery (S5, E6)
Russel Douglas Found Murdered on Whidbey Island in Washington; Navy Veteran Peggy Thomas & Lover Jim Huden Convicted For Their Roles in the Homicide (December 26, 2003)
The Perfect Murder Premiered ‘Whidbey Island Mystery’ on Investigation Discovery: Peggy Sue Thomas Manipulated Jim Huden to Kill Russel Douglas (August 30, 2018)

Oxygen:
Peggy Sue got released: TV show recounts sensational Whidbey Island murder
Peggy Thomas, Jim Huden: ‘Snapped Killer Couples’ Details Whidbey Island Murder Case Involving Sultry Beauty Queen And Rock Star Lover
Peggy Thomas and Jim Huden (Oxygen website)
Killer Couples: S8 E4 Preview – Peggy Thomas and Jim Huden | Oxygen
Killer Couples: S8 E4 After the Verdict – Peggy Thomas and Jim Huden | Oxygen
Killer Couples: S8 E4 Bonus Clip – Peggy’s New Self | Oxygen
Peggy Thomas & Jim Huden | Snapped: Killer Couples | Oxygen (S8, E4)

Deadly Women Premiered ‘Killer Cougars’ on Investigation Discovery: Two Teenagers Promised Money if They Killed Kevin Spann (August 26, 2016)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Domestic Violence, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, Stateside Death, True CrimeLeave a comment

Some women can’t resist boy toys. But fur flies when these Deadly Women reveal they’re “Killer Cougars.” -Deadly Women (S10,E1)

Kevin and Gina Spann know that life in the military is anything but easy. But when Kevin goes away, Gina plays. Adam Kostewicz and Grace Pianka are trying to live the American dream. But when that dream turns into a nightmare, someone ends up dead. -Special Delivery, Deadly Affairs (S2,E9)

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:
Murderpedia: Gina Lynn Spann
The Mother’s Day Murder by Wensley Clarkson
Killer Cougars | Deadly Women | Investigation Discovery (S10,E1)
Killer Cougars | Deadly Women | Investigation Discovery (website)
Killer Cougars | Deadly Women | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
Killer Cougars | Deadly Women | Investigation Discovery (Hulu)
Special Delivery | Deadly Affairs | Investigation Discovery (S2,E9)
Special Delivery | Deadly Affairs | Investigation Discovery (website)
Special Delivery | Deadly Affairs | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
Army Soldier Kevin Spann Fatally Shot by Two Teenagers at Front Door of Georgia Home; Wife Gina Spann Sentenced to Life in Prison, No Parole (May 11, 1997)
Deadly Affairs Premiered ‘Special Delivery’ on ID: Gina Spann Manipulated Teenagers to Kill Her Husband (September 28, 2013)
Deadly Women: 30 Military and Veteran Homicide Cases Featured on Investigation Discovery

Army Spc. Dion Servant Found Dead in Barracks at Fort Hood, Texas (August 19, 2016)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, In Their Name, Military Policy, Stateside DeathLeave a comment
soldier
Spc. Dion Servant, U.S. Army

Spc. Dion Servant, 24, US Army, was found dead in the barracks at Fort Hood, Texas on August 19, 2016. Spc. Servant’s home of record is listed as Maywood, Illinois and he entered military service in June 2014. He was a petroleum supply specialist assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. At the time of his death, military officials indicated they were investigating the circumstances surrounding the death. The official cause of death is unknown.

“His found his little niche in life, and that was military.” She says her nephew loved the military so much he was going to re-enlist. “He was planning on signing up because he told us that. He was just home in July, and he told me that personally that that’s what he was going to do,” Barbara Servant says. –CBS Chicago

Related Links:
Death of a Fort Hood Soldier
Fort Hood IDs soldier found dead in barracks room
Fort Hood: Soldier found dead in barracks room identified
Fort Hood releases name of soldier found dead in barracks
Fort Hood identifies soldier found dead in barracks
Soldier From Suburban Chicago Found Dead At Fort Hood
Soldier from Maywood found dead in Fort Hood barracks
Illinois Soldier Found Dead in Fort Hood Barracks
Soldier from Maywood Found Dead at Fort Hood
Soldier From Suburban Chicago Found Dead At Fort Hood
Illinois soldier dies at Fort Hood, death is being investigated
24-Year-Old Fort Hood Soldier Suicide Under Investigation
Violent Crime, Suicide, and Non Combat Death at Fort Hood, Texas
Army Soldiers at Fort Hood in Texas Are Dying at Alarming Rates Stateside (January 1, 2016 to Present)

Fort Hood Army Sgt. Calvin Aguilar Found Dead in Copperas Cove, Texas (August 4, 2016)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, In Their Name, Military Policy, Stateside DeathLeave a comment
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Sgt. Calvin Aguilar, U.S. Army

Fort Hood Army Sgt. Calvin Aguilar, 32, was found dead in Copperas Cove, Texas on August 4, 2016. Sgt. Aguilar’s home of record is listed as Hayward, California and he joined the Army in October 2006. Sgt. Aguilar was a working dog handler assigned to the 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade at Fort Hood. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from December 2007 to March 2009 and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan from January 2012 to January 2013. He was married with one daughter and the proud owner of Nico, a military working dog he was reunited with. At the time of the Fort Hood press release, the circumstances surrounding the incident were under investigation.

Sgt. Aguilar was the kind of person you can only hope to encounter once in your life. He wore many hats: brother, friend, counselor, drinking buddy, designated driver, wingman, jokester. He was the calming presence in the midst of chaos. He had a sixth sense about it: he knew when you were off your game and he would do anything in his power to make you right again. –Obituary

“Retiring MWD Nico P432 (U.S. Army) is reunited with battle buddy SGT. Calvin Aguilar. After serving together in Afghanistan, they were apart for one year. Aguilar adopted Nico, and Mission K9 Rescue raised the funds for Nico to be shipped from Weisbaden, Germany to Texas.”

Related Links:
Obituary: Sgt. Calvin W. Aguilar
A canine’s farewell: Soldiers pay tribute to faithful working dog
It’s a dog’s life after Army retirement
It’s a dog’s life after Army retirement
‘Every one of them is a hero’: Group helps working dogs retire with dignity
Death of a Fort Hood Soldier
Fort Hood officials ID soldier found dead in Copperas Cove
Fort Hood announces death of a soldier in Cove
Fort Hood: Soldier found dead identified
Deceased Fort Hood Soldier Identified
Fort Hood military police sergeant found dead
Ft. Hood identifies Soldier found unresponsive last week
Army to investigate mistreatment claims by injured, ill soldiers at Fort Hood
Violent Crime, Suicide, and Non Combat Death at Fort Hood, Texas
Army Soldiers at Fort Hood in Texas Are Dying at Alarming Rates Stateside (January 1, 2016 to Present)
Reunion of MWD Nico P432 and his former handler, Calvin Aguilar, together again (YouTube)

Fort Hood Army Spc. Logan Rainwater Died From Injuries Sustained in a Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Killeen, Texas; Other Driver Failed to Yield Right of Way (August 1, 2016)

On By AdministratorIn Accidents, Armed Forces, Army, In Their Name, Stateside DeathLeave a comment
Logan Rainwater
Spc. Logan Rainwater, U.S. Army

“Killeen Police identified 24-year-old Logan Ellis Rainwater as the victim of a fatal motorcycle accident that occurred at the intersection of Clear Creek Road and Janelle Drive in Killeen, Texas on August 1, 2016. Authorities reported that at around 9:15 a.m., the 72-year-old driver of an SUV was traveling southbound on Clear Creek Road when he or she attempted to turn onto Janelle Drive. However, the driver of the SUV failed to yield right-of-way and struck a northbound motorcycle, driven by Rainwater. According to Killeen PIO Ofelia Miramontez, Rainwater was ejected in the collision and the bike struck a white Nissan 370Z at the stop sign. Rainwater was transported to Metroplex Hospital in critical condition, where he was pronounced deceased at 9:42 a.m. The driver of the SUV was taken to the same hospital with non-life threatening injuries. According to police, the driver of the SUV will likely be ticketed for failing to yield the right of way. It is unknown if the driver will face more-serious charges such as vehicular manslaughter, however the accident is still under investigation.” –Texas Car Accident News (August 3, 2016)

Related Links:
Obituary: Logan Ellis Rainwater
Obituary: Logan Ellis Rainwater
Fort Hood soldier dies in motorcycle crash
Fort Hood identifies soldier killed in Killeen crash
Motorcyclist killed in Monday accident identified as Fort Hood soldier
Man Killed in Killeen Motorcycle Collision Was a Fort Hood Soldier
Motorcyclist killed in Killeen crash indentified as Fort Hood soldier
Man killed in fatal motorcycle crash was Fort Hood soldier
Logan Rainwater Killed in a Motorcycle Wreck in Killeen, TX
Memorial service held for First Team trooper
Army Soldiers at Fort Hood in Texas Are Dying at Alarming Rates Stateside (January 1, 2016 to Present)

Army Veteran Brandon Ransom Charged with Shooting Death of Christopher Bailey in Alabama Parking Lot; Lack of Witness Cooperation Leads to Dismissal of Murder Case (July 30, 2016)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, PTSD, TBI, Mental Illness, VeteransLeave a comment
Brandon Ransom
Brandon Ransom, U.S. Army Veteran (Alabama)

Steensland said his client is a disabled veteran of the U.S. military: “It’s my understanding he’s 100 percent disabled, and diagnosed with PTSD,” Steensland said. “I believe he served a 15-month tour in Iraq, and served approximately eight years in the Army.” Read more from Dothan Eagle here.

Related Links:
Plum’s Lounge shooting suspect surrenders to police
Dothan Police Release Identity of Suspect in Weekend Murder
Attorney: Dothan murder suspect an Army veteran diagnosed with PTSD
Attorney seeks to get accused killer out of jail
Bond cut for man accused of fatal shooting in Dothan parking lot
Man charged in fatal shooting outside nightclub: ‘It was an execution’
Lack of witness cooperation leads to dismissal of Brandon Ransom’s murder case
Dothan Eagle: Lack of Witness Cooperation Leads to Dismissal of Army Veteran Brandon Ransom’s Murder Case (October 1, 2018)

Lt. Col. Teresa James Shares Experience with Sexual Assault & Reprisal at DoD IG Worldwide Hotline Outreach Conference (July 28, 2016)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Felony Crime, In Their Name, Military Policy, National Guard, PTSD, TBI, Mental Illness, Sexual Assault, VeteransLeave a comment

Screen Shot 2016-07-28 at 12.35.17 PM

The Department of Defense Inspector General’s office held a Worldwide Hotline Outreach Conference today July 28, 2016. One of their keynote speakers was Lt Col Teresa James, US Army, Retired, highlighted before on this site. The DoD IG twitter feed shared excerpts from her presentation summarized below. As she spoke, I tweeted with them to bring awareness to the specifics that Lt Col James noted and why they are so important. For a complete listing of the tweets by the DoD IG, please visit their Twitter feed here.

Continue reading “Lt. Col. Teresa James Shares Experience with Sexual Assault & Reprisal at DoD IG Worldwide Hotline Outreach Conference (July 28, 2016)” →

Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton Picks Virginia U.S. Senator Tim Kaine As VP Running Mate; Kaine Blocked Military Justice Improvement Act in Historic Vote (July 22, 2016)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Felony Crime, Military Policy, Sexual AssaultLeave a comment
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Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA)

Hillary Clinton picked Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia as her Vice Presidential running mate. What is interesting about this pick is at one point in a Time magazine article in 2014, Clinton showed public support of the Military Justice Improvement Act, yet she chooses Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) as her vice presidential running mate who has been blocking the bill since 2013. Of course Senator Angus King (I-ME) endorses this choice since he too has been blocking the due process bill sponsored by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Senator Susan Collins, Senator Rand Paul, Senator Ted Cruz, and many other bi-partisan Senators advocating for constitutional rights for military personnel and veterans.

“The move was surprising in that it means that if she becomes President, the normally hawkish Clinton would go against the advice of military brass and remove the cases from the chain of command. It also must have had a little bit of a silver lining dig at McCaskill, who endorsed Barack Obama over Clinton in 2008.” ~Time (2014)

Continue reading “Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton Picks Virginia U.S. Senator Tim Kaine As VP Running Mate; Kaine Blocked Military Justice Improvement Act in Historic Vote (July 22, 2016)” →

Fort Hood Army Spc. Alexander Johnson Found Dead Near Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area Paintball Court in Texas (July 12, 2016)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, In Their Name, Military Policy, SuicideLeave a comment
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Spc. Alexander Johnson, U.S. Army

Army Spc. Alexander Johnson, 21, was found dead near the Belton Lake Outdoor Recreational Area’s paintball court at Fort Hood on July 12, 2016. Spc. Johnson’s home of record is listed as Mulberry, Florida and he entered military service in July 2013. Spc. Johnson was an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter repairer assigned to the 615th Aviation Support Battalion, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood. At the time of Spc. Johnson’s death, Fort Hood officials indicated the incident was under investigation. The circumstances surrounding his death and official cause of death are unknown.

Related Links:
Obituary: SPC. Alexander “Alex” Johnson
Death of a Fort Hood Soldier
Fort Hood announces death of soldier
Fort Hood soldier found dead near BLORA
Fort Hood: Soldier found dead at BLORA identified
Fort Hood IDs soldier found dead near recreation area
Fort Hood releases name of Soldier found dead at Belton Lake paintball court
Army Soldiers at Fort Hood in Texas Are Dying at Alarming Rates Stateside (January 1, 2016 to Present)
Violent Crime, Suicide, and Non Combat Death at Fort Hood

Fort Bragg Army Soldier Iris Armstrong Found Murdered in Home; Accused Spouse Jason Armstrong Found Dead After Intense Manhunt & Police Stand-Off (July 1, 2016)

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

Related Links:
RNE graduate slain at Fort Bragg
Army investigating death of Fort Bragg soldier
Army: Fort Bragg soldier’s death investigated as a homicide
FBI offers $5K reward for man suspected of killing Fort Bragg soldier
Man who killed Army soldier wife wanted by the FBI with $5,000 reward
FBI manhunt for husband caught on camera using his Army soldier wife’s debit card at ATM hours after ‘brutally killing her at their home in Fort Bragg’
Suspect in Fort Bragg soldier’s death found dead in Arizona
Dependent Army husband who killed his wife at Fort Bragg found by FBI
Man found dead after police standoff was wanted for soldier’s Fort Bragg murder