Tag: USAF

Non Combat Deaths of Female Service Members in the U.S. Military (Iraq)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Cold Cases, Domestic Violence, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Non Combat Death, Scandals, Sexual Assault1 Comment

Map of Iraq

    • 111 US women died in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)
    • 69 female soldiers considered Combat Death (63%)
    • 41 female soldiers considered Non-Combat Death (37%)
    • 1 civilian journalist from the Boston Globe died in a vehicle accident
    • Non-Combat Death: Homicide, Suicide, Unknown, Accidents, Medical
      • Combat: 69 (63%)
      • Homicide/Suicide/Unknown: 23 (21%)
      • Accidents: 12 (11%)
      • Medical: 6 (5%)
    • 36 of 41 Non-Combat Deaths are in Army (88%) 

Screen Shot 2016-08-11 at 7.42.00 PM

2018
19 Feb 18: Sgt. Christina Schoenecker, U.S. Army (non-combat related incident)

(Editor’s Note: 2018 not included in stats)

2010
2 Jul 10: Spc Morganne McBeth, U.S. Army (ruled negligent homicide, stabbed by a knife wielding soldier)
8 Mar 10: SSG Lakeshia Bailey, U.S. Army (vehicle rollover, accident)
21 Feb 10: CWO2 Billie Grinder, Tennessee Army National Guard (hard landing, family sued helicopter maker for faulty system that caused crash and settled)
10 Feb 10: Pfc Adriana Alvarez, U.S. Army (gunshot wound, outcome of investigation unknown)

2009
4 Nov 09: SSG Amy (Seyboth) Tirador, U.S. Army (gunshot wound, Army ruled suicide, family believes execution style murder, cold case)

2008
19 Oct 08: LCpl Stacy Dryden, U.S. Marine Corps (fight with fellow soldier, ruled homicide, cold case)
1 Sep 08: SSG Renee Deville, U.S. Army (injured in Iraq, died unexpectedly at Walter Reed Army Medical Center after graduating from NCO course)
14 Aug 08: Pvt Janelle King, U.S. Army (non combat related incident, outcome of investigation unknown)
2 Aug 08: Pfc Jennifer Cole, U.S. Army (gunshot wound to abdomen, ruled negligent homicide)
17 Jul 08: TSgt Jackie Larsen, U.S. Air Force (medical, natural causes)
9 May 08: Spc Mary Jaenichen, U.S. Army (non-combat related injury, outcome of investigation unknown)
22 Feb 08: Spc Keisha Morgan, U.S. Army (death ruled accidental overdose, family suspects rape and murder, cold case)
25 Jan 08: Sgt Tracy Birkman, U.S. Army (non-combat related injury, outcome of investigation unknown)

2007
20 Sep 07: Capt (Dr) Roselle Hoffmaster, U.S. Army (death ruled suicide)
7 Sep 07: Spc Marisol Heredia, U.S. Army (non-combat injuries, medical, severely burned, died in Texas from infection, outcome of investigation unknown)
16 Aug 07: Spc Kamisha J Block, U.S. Army (gunshot wound, ruled homicide, domestic violence and workplace violence)
9 Aug 07: SSG Alicia Birchett, U.S. Army (vehicle ran over her while she was changing tire, outcome of investigation unknown)
7 Feb 07: Capt Jennifer Harris, U.S. Marine Corps (helicopter crash, no sign that it involved hostile fire, outcome of investigation unknown)
28 Jan 07: Spc Carla Stewart, U.S. Army (wounds sustained when convoy vehicle rolled over)
20 Jan 07: CSM Marilyn Gabbard, Iowa Army National Guard (helicopter crash, might have been shot down, outcome of investigation unknown)

2006
12 Dec 06: Major Gloria Davis, U.S. Army (gunshot wound, death ruled suicide)
26 Nov 06: SSG Jeannette Dunn, U.S. Army (non-combat related injury, outcome of investigation unknown)
4 Sep 06: Pfc Hannah McKinney, U.S. Army (struck by vehicle, family believes rape & murder)
8 Apr 06: Lance Cpl. Juana Arellano, U.S. Marine Corps (wounds received supporting combat operations)
11 Mar 06: Pfc Amy Duerksen, U.S. Army (non-combat gunshot injury, parents share in media Amy was raped at Fort Hood prior to deployment)
1 Mar 06: Pfc Tina Priest, U.S. Army (reported rape, died of non-combat gunshot wound to the chest, cold case)
7 Jan 06: 1LT Jaime L. Campbell, Alaska Army National Guard (helicopter crash)

2005
19 Jul 05: Pfc LaVena Johnson, U.S. Army (non-combat gunshot injury, death ruled suicide, family claims rape and murder based on autopsy evidence)
4 Mar 05: Spc Adriana Salem, U.S. Army (accident, military vehicle roll over)
1 Mar 05: Spc Lizbeth Robles, U.S. Army (injuries sustained in a military vehicle accident)
16 Feb 05: Spc Katrina Bell-Johnson, U.S. Army (accident, vehicle rollover)

2004
13 Dec 04: SSG Tina Time, U.S. Army Reserve (supply truck she was driving during a dust storm collided with another military vehicle)
4 Oct 04: SSG Gina Sparks, U.S. Army (died at Fort Polk, Louisiana from injuries sustained from a non-combat gunshot wound in Iraq)
6 Jun 04: Pfc Melissa Hobart, U.S. Army (undetermined cause, died after collapsing while on guard duty)
7 Mar 04: Capt Gussie Jones, U.S. Army (non-combat related cause, outcome of investigation unknown)
14 Jan 04: SSG Keicia Hines, U.S. Army (Army reports accidentally struck by a vehicle)

2003
8 Nov 03: SSG Linda Jimenez, U.S. Army (medical, fell running to keep up with friends, died of complications at Walter Reed after a blood clot formed, caused stroke)
1 Oct 03: Spc Tamarra Ramos, U.S. Army (medical, non-combat related injuries, cancer)
15 Sep 03: Spc Alyssa Peterson, U.S. Army (gunshot wound, death ruled suicide)
9 Jul 03: SSG Melissa Valles, U.S. Army (noncombat gunshot wound to abdomen)
8 May 03: CIVILIAN Elizabeth Neuffer, Boston Globe Journalist (automobile accident)

Related Links:
Non Combat Deaths of Female Service Members in the U.S. Military (Afghanistan)
Non Combat Deaths of Female Service Members in the U.S. Military (Other Areas)
Noonie Fortin: Killed in Iraq or in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom
Is There an Army Cover-Up of Rape and Murder of Women Soldiers?
U.S. Military Keeping Secrets About Female Soldiers’ ‘Suicides’?
Military Policy and Legislation Considerations for the Investigations of Non Combat Death, Homicide, and Suicide of US Service Members

Fear Thy Neighbor Premiered ‘Landlord, Death Lord’ on Investigation Discovery: John Kendall Shot at Erich & Abigail Mounce 17 Times With an AK-47 (July 6, 2015)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Suicide, True Crime, USAF, Veterans1 Comment

ID Go: A young couple finds their paradise in a Vancouver, Washington housing development with strict codes of community conduct. But someone forgot to tell their neighbour the rules, and he will resist them at all costs. -Landlord, Death Lord, Fear Thy Neighbor (S2, E12)

Date: October 31, 2014
Victims: Erich Mounce, 46, and Abigail Mounce, 33, both employed at local silicon wafer manufacturing plant
Offender: John Kendall, 59, Air Force veteran, disabled
Location: Vancouver, Washington
Circumstances: John got annoyed by the smoke from a BBQ grill, John started building a shed for his vacuum repair business but this went against HOA rules (no commercial businesses), the Mounce family was concerned about dust from John’s business, HOA rules were not enforced in the beginning, John’s noisy construction was bothering the Mounces, John’s guest vehicles were blocking the Mounce’s driveway and interfering with traffic flow, John was renting out rooms in his home to tenants (5 at the time), John’s house was like a multi-family apartment complex (against the HOA rules), John refused to follow the HOA rules, John was never held accountable for breaking the HOA rules, John felt like he was being harassed, John said he was not going to be told what to do with his property, John would hammer and turn on skill saw during day impacting Abigail’s studying and sleep, John ignored the Mounces when they asked him to quiet down, someone vandalized the Mounce’s BBQ grill, burglaries and robberies started occurring in the neighborhood, the neighborhood was concerned about John’s transient tenants because John would rent to anyone, John’s tenants had no regard for the neighborhood, the developer and the HOA would not assist the Mounces, John put up a tarp to hide the neighbor’s view of his property (eye sore), John installed a halogen light that shined into the neighbor’s windows (clear act of intimidation), John poisoned the Mounce’s trees, John shot Erich in the face with a water gun, Erich called the police and asked them to press assault charges, John said Erich assaulted him and threatened to rape him, the police blew the whole incident off, living next to John’s shed was like living next to a toxic dump site, the Mounce’s got a civil lawyer to address their concerns in court, written request for John to take down his shed, evict his tenants, stop working from home, he had 30 days to comply, John refused the registered letter, John felt bullied by the neighbors, John’s tenants didn’t help the situation, numerous problems with the tenants including illegal drug activity and fights, John wanted to work out a deal with the County and rent out rooms to sex offenders, the Mounces put their plans for a family on hold, the Mounces took John to court, John represented himself, John said bizarre things while in court, court decided John had to evict his tenants within 30 days, stop vacuum cleaner business, and remove the shed, the judge awarded the Mounces $3000 a month every month John was in violation of the court order, John was furious after losing court battle, John threatened to kill Abigail and Erich, Erich confronted John and told him not to threaten his wife, John threatened to kill Erich and Abigail again, the Mounces called the police but they didn’t do anything, John lied and twisted stories around making Erich look like the bad guy, John walked around with a weapon on his side, John owed the Mounces close to $60,000 after months of ignoring the court order, John finally knocked down his shed but wouldn’t evict his tenants, John was summoned to court for contempt, John went to the Mounce’s attorney’s office in an attempt to confront the lawyer, lawyer was concerned about personal safety, on way to court, John runs out of his house and follows the Mounce’s in their car, he pulled up beside them and shot at them three times, Abigail was shot in the head but lived, John turned his car around and shot at them again with his AK-47 for a total of 17 times, Erich escapes harm, John killed himself and was found 2.5 hours later, John wanted revenge, Abigail is severely disabled
Disposition: Suicide

In the News:

John Kendall, 59, died Friday of an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound after shooting neighbor Abigail Mounce and leading police on a manhunt in Central Vancouver. -The Columbian (October 31, 2014)

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:
Abigail’s Medical Bills | GoFundMe
Sheriff: Vancouver shooting suspect found dead
Shooter Dead Following Vancouver Manhunt, Two Wounded
Wash. woman may lose eye after being shot by neighbor
Vancouver property dispute between neighbors ends in hail of gunfire
Officers in Vancouver manhunt, shooting identified
Vancouver Police Shoot 911 Caller During Manhunt
Wash. cops mistakenly shoot 911 caller during manhunt
Police In Washington State Mistakenly Shoot 911 Caller During Manhunt For Gunman
Police mistakenly shoot 911 caller thinking he was gunman
911 caller mistaken for armed suspect and shot in leg by Washington state cops
Vancouver woman speaks about surviving drive-by shooting
Woman describes surviving shot to face
Vancouver woman describes surviving shot to face
Woman shot in face: ‘I remember seeing the barrel’
Shooting victim: ‘I’m really, really lucky’
Clark County woman expected to survive after being shot by neighbor
Mounce, husband of victim, describes shooting, aftermath
Vancouver shooting victim: ‘I’m getting better every day’
Good Samaritan Shot By Police After Calling 911 to Report Location of Shooting Suspect
Several Green Meadows residents still shaken by shooting
Man mistakenly shot by Vancouver police says there was no warning
Shooting The Messenger | Simple Justice
See Something, Get Shot | RHDefense
10-31-2014 WASHINGTON VANCOUVER 2-1 | Gun Violence Archive
Central Vancouver shooting and manhunt on Halloween
Landlord, Death Lord | Fear Thy Neighbor | Investigation Discovery (S2, E12)
Landlord, Death Lord | Fear Thy Neighbor | Investigation Discovery (website)
Landlord, Death Lord | Fear Thy Neighbor | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
Fear Thy Neighbor: 23 Veteran Cases Featured on Investigation Discovery

Scorned, Love Kills Premiered ‘Sex, Secrets & Sergeants’ on Investigation Discovery: Kathy Lipscomb Found Dead on Side of Texas Highway (April 10, 2015)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Domestic Violence, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, Sexual Assault, True Crime, USAFLeave a comment

Preview: When a wife begins an affair behind her domineering husband’s back with a coworker, he soon finds out and begins an affair of his own. Little do they realize that the relationships they have entered into are not what they seem. -Sex, Secrets & Sergeants, Scorned: Love Kills (S5,E5)

While Kathy Lipscomb spends late nights at the hospital with the handsome Dr. Pearle, her husband’s career in the Air Force is taking off, but so is his relationship with a hot young officer. When the affairs are exposed the consequences are fatal. -Sex, Secrets & Sergeants, Scorned: Love Kills (S5,E5)

Forensic Files:

Full episode: Kathleen Lipscomb’s body was found on a deserted street outside of San Antonio. Months passed, then years, and the crime went cold. Then Kathleen’s family hired a private investigator who discovered a diary among her personal effects. Two of the diary entries helped police to piece together what had happened to Kathleen Lipscomb, and why. -True Lies, Forensic Files (S8,E27)

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:
“A Clue From the Grave” by Irene Pence
True Lies | Forensic Files [Full Episode]
Two Couples, Two Dangerous Affairs | Scorned: Love Kills (Preview)
Sex, Secrets & Sergeants | Scorned: Love Kills | Investigation Discovery (S5,E5)
Sex, Secrets & Sergeants | Scorned: Love Kills | Investigation Discovery (website)
Sex, Secrets & Sergeants | Scorned: Love Kills | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
Kathleen Lipscomb Found Dead on Side of Highway; Air Force MSgt William Lipscomb Pleaded Guilty to Rape & Murder, Sentenced to Life (June 9, 1986)
‘A Clue From the Grave’ by Irene Pence Unveils the Military Homicide Investigation of Air Force Spouse Kathleen Lipscomb in Texas (May 1, 1997)
Scorned, Love Kills: 6 Active Duty Military Homicide Cases Featured on Investigation Discovery

Air Force A1C James Thomas Sentenced to 32 Years for the Hammer Death of Fellow Service Member SrA Clinton Reeves in Alaska (2015)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Felony Crime, USAFLeave a comment

USAF Seal

Air Force SrA Clinton Reeves went missing on April 19, 2012 and was later found dead on the side of the road on May 8, 2012 by Anchorage police. Air Force A1C James Thomas plead guilty to the murder of Clinton Reeves and was sentenced to 32 years in prison. Thomas used a hammer and bludgeoned Clinton Reeves to death. They were both stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) in Alaska.

Related Links:
Airman Disappears, His Family Looks to Craigslist for Clues
Body of missing Air Force member found on Alaska roadside with fellow airman and ‘friend’ held as person of interest
Anchorage police: Body found was missing airman
Slain airman’s body found on Alaska roadside
Police confirm body found in Alaska is missing Raytown airman Clint Reeves
Missing JBER Airman found dead; fellow Airman arrested
Airman charged in Reeves case
JBER Airman faces charges in slaying of fellow service member
Thomas indicted for murdering 24-year-old airman Clinton Reeves in Alaska
Accused Killer Pleads Not Guilty, Had Blood-Stained Hammer
Mom grieves death of Elmendorf airman son
Mother of Alaska murder victim asks indicted airman to ‘tell the truth’
Prosecutors Say JBER Airman Was Killed With Hammer
Former Alaska airman pleads guilty in hammer killing
Man pleads guilty to killing fellow Air Force airman in 2012

Web of Lies Premiered ‘Hate Mail’ on Investigation Discovery: Dangerous Internet Troll Targets Family of Head of Security for Joyce Meyer in Illinois (March 25, 2015)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, True Crime, USAF, USMC, VeteransLeave a comment

ID Go: Shortly after Chris Coleman starts a new job as Security Chief for a Christian ministry, he begins receiving threatening emails. Then, tragedy strikes: his wife and two sons are found dead. Police must work to trace the emails back to the killer. -Hate Mail, Web of Lies (S2,E11)

Date: May 5, 2009
Victims: Sheri Coleman, Air Force veteran, Garett Coleman, Gavin Coleman
Offender: Chris Coleman, Marine Corps veteran
Location: Waterloo, Illinois
Circumstances: Devout Christians, rushed to get married because Sheri was pregnant, moved to Waterloo, Illinois after getting out of the military, Chris got a job as head of security for Joyce Meyer, Joyce attracted extreme fanatics, Chris monitors e-mails and hate mail for Meyer, paid $100,000 a year, Joyce travels the world and Chris goes with her, unrelenting schedule that keeps him away from home, Chris was gone 260 days out of the year, Chris starts getting threatening emails at work, threats escalate to include harm to Chris’ family, neighbor finds Sheri, Garett, and Gavin strangled to death in their Illinois home, investigation leads police to Chris Coleman, Chris wanted to end his marriage to be with a woman he was having an affair with, Chris knew Sheri didn’t want a divorce
Disposition: Sentenced to life in prison, no parole

In the News:

Press conference in 2009 about the triple murder of Sheri, Garett and Gavin Coleman in Columbia, Illinois. Their father Chris Coleman was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for the murders two years later. -Belleville News-Democrat (May 12, 2011)

Unedited video from Joyce Meyer’s testimony in the Chris Coleman Murder Trial. -Belleville News-Democrat (July 7, 2011)

Excerpt from the Chris Coleman interview. Coleman was convicted of killing his wife and two sons. This interview took place after the bodies were found in their Columbia, Illinois home. The evidence was released by the judge on July 7, 2011. -Belleville News-Democrat (July 8, 2011)

“The Writing on the Wall” | 48 Hours | CBS (May 5, 2012)

Angela DeCicco, mother of Sheri Coleman, talks about the civil suit. Her daughter and grandsons were murder by Chris Coleman. -Belleville News-Democrat (May 12, 2012)

Sheri Coleman and her two boys were found brutally murdered in a scene that looked like it was right out of the Manson Family Horror. They were strangled to death and someone spray painted over their bodies. Sheri’s husband Christopher, a bodyguard for a televangelist, claimed his family had been threatened prior to the murders because of his line of work, but was his family actually targeted for the job he held? -True Crime Daily (April 26, 2018)

Pt. 2: Woman, Sons Found Strangled After Home Spray Painted – Crime Watch Daily with Chris Hansen -True Crime Daily (April 26, 2018)

Pt. 3: Woman, Sons Found Strangled After Home Spray Painted – Crime Watch Daily with Chris Hansen -True Crime Daily (April 26, 2018)

Pt. 4: Woman, Sons Found Strangled After Home Spray Painted – Crime Watch Daily with Chris Hansen -True Crime Daily (April 26, 2018)

Chris Coleman was convicted in 2011 of murdering his wife Sherri and sons, Garret & Gavin to death. -Crime Statement Analysis (November 26, 2018)

Convicted murderer Chris Coleman is back in a Columbia, Illinois court Tuesday. Ten years ago, Coleman was convicted of killing his wife and sons. Fox 2/News 11’s Kelley Hoskins is live in Waterloo with what was decided today during Coleman’s attempted appeal. -FOX 2 St. Louis (April 17, 2019)

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:
Hate Mail | Web of Lies | Investigation Discovery (S2,E11)
Hate Mail | Web of Lies | Investigation Discovery (website)
Hate Mail | Web of Lies | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
Sheri Ann Weiss Coleman (1977-2009) – Find A Grave Memorial
Christopher Coleman charged with strangling his family
Dad pleads not guilty to killing family
Man Accused of Killing Family Texts Girlfriend from Wife’s Funeral
Documents: Coleman texted his girlfriend on the days the wake, funeral were held for his wife and sons
Family: Threats Found in Home Where Woman, 2 Sons Found Strangled
Convicted Murderer Chris Coleman Interview part 1
First Responders Describe Horrific Scene at Coleman House
Family of slain woman drops lawsuit against Joyce Meyer Ministries
Warning: Graphic Pictures – Coleman Murder Evidence
A Family Erased: The Chris Coleman Story
Joyce Meyer Testimony
Joyce Meyer Testifies In Ex-Bodyguard’s Murder Trial
Coleman guilty of murders
Joyce Meyer’s Ex-Bodyguard Convicted of Murder
Murder, 2009 Coleman Family Triple murder
Televangelist’s bodyguard ‘strangled wife and sons so he could marry his mistress’
Coming up on 48 Hours Mystery: Televangelist Joyce Meyer’s Former Head of Security Found Guilty in Triple Murder – “The Writing on the Wall,” Saturday, May 5 (10:00 PM, ET/PT)
Mother Sheri Coleman speaks
Sheri Coleman’s family speaks to media 2
Chris Coleman speaks from prison about murder of wife, 2 sons
Court sides with Sheri Coleman family in lawsuit against ministry
Millionaire father plotted the death of his own family to be with his mistress
Court upholds life sentence for televangelist’s bodyguard who strangled his family to death while they slept after starting an affair with his wife’s childhood friend
Dad strangled wife and sons to death before trying to blame imaginary stalker
2009 Coleman family triple murder
Chris Coleman, convicted of strangling his family, seeks appeal over explicit photos
Was Christopher Coleman’s family murdered by a serial killer? Former cop thinks so.
New trial may be warranted for man convicted of murdering wife, two sons
Head of security for religious figure convicted of murdering wife, two sons
Pt. 1: Woman, Sons Found Strangled After Home Spray Painted – Crime Watch Daily
Pt. 2: Woman, Sons Found Strangled After Home Spray Painted – Crime Watch Daily
Pt. 3: Woman, Sons Found Strangled After Home Spray Painted – Crime Watch Daily
Pt. 4: Woman, Sons Found Strangled After Home Spray Painted – Crime Watch Daily
Convicted killer Chris Coleman talks to ‘Crime Watch Daily,’ proclaims innocence
The story behind ‘Crime Watch Daily’s report on the Chris Coleman murders
Illinois man appeals murder conviction after jury sees four dirty pictures
Motion to dismiss Coleman petition
Mother Sheri Coleman speaks
Chris Coleman seeking new trial in 2009 murder of wife, sons
Could convicted family killer Chris Coleman get a new trial?
Judge grants request for new evidentiary hearing in Coleman murders
Murdered: The Coleman Family | Crime Junkie Podcast
Interrogation of Convicted Murderer Chris Coleman | Crime Statement Analysis
One Last Kiss: The True Story of a Minister’s Bodyguard, His Beautiful Mistress, and a Brutal Triple Homicide (Book)
Chris Coleman on 48 Hours [Full Episode)

Air Force Reserve Capt. Jamie Brunette Died by Suicide After What Parents Allege May Have Been an Unreported Sex Assault in Afghanistan (February 9, 2015)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Felony Crime, In Their Name, Military Policy, PTSD, TBI, Mental Illness, Sexual Assault, Suicide, USAFLeave a comment
jamie-brunette4
Captain Jamie Brunette, US Air Force

Captain Jamie Brunette, 30, US Air Force, was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound in her car on February 9, 2015 in Tampa, Florida. Tampa police found her in the parking lot of a Harbour Island cafe near her apartment slumped over in the back seat of a locked vehicle. She purchased the hand gun six months earlier. According to friends and family, Jamie didn’t speak much about her time in Afghanistan but her parents believe she may have suffered with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after a sexual assault while deployed to Afghanistan. The issue sheds light on whether or not military members feel comfortable reporting crimes and asking for help for the aftermath. According to one MacDill Air Force Base official, they actively encourage airman to reach out for help and assured they would not lose their careers. They also reminded airman that reaching out for help early will help prevent the Post Traumatic Stress from getting worse and in the end help save their military career.

Related Links:
Lieutenant US Air Force Jamie Brunette and Sergeant US Army Thomas Penkal
Tampa reservist’s suicide brings home tragedy
Suicide of Florida soldier recently returned from Afghanistan leads to questions of whether she was sexually assaulted overseas
Family of Afghanistan Veteran: She Committed Suicide Due To Unreported Sexual Assault
Air Force captain, 30, shoots herself dead ‘after being sexually assaulted in Afghanistan’
Jamie Brunette’s Suicide: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know
Friends Grapple with Suicide of Woman, 30, Who May Have Suffered from PTSD
Family believe sexual assault led to Air Force Reserve Captain Jamie Brunette’s suicide
Sexually assaulted former Air Force captain Jamie Brunette driven to suicide, family say
Captain Jamie Brunette Suicide: Mystery Surrounds Soldier Found Dead in Car – What Happened?
#22toZero: Captain Jamie Brunette and “The Moment”
Air Force veteran’s suicide sheds light on female soldiers and PTSD

Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals Overturns Rape Conviction & 20 Year Prison Sentence for Lackland Basic Military Training Instructor MSgt Michael Silva (2017)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Felony Crime, Sexual Assault, USAFLeave a comment
image1-4
MSgt Michael Silva, USAF

In the 2011/2012 timeframe, the Lackland Air Force Base Sex Scandal coverage began to gain serious momentum in the media. As a result, military leadership set up a hotline number for former recruits to report claims of sexual abuse while attending basic training. After a base wide investigation, 35 basic military training instructors were court-martialed for allegedly abusing trainees or sex related offenses. MSgt Michael Silva was one of two basic military training instructors at Lackland AFB found guilty and sentenced by the military courts to 20 years for rape. SSgt Luis Walker was the other instructor and committed suicide shortly after learning his appeal was denied. At an Article 32 evidentiary hearing convened in Silva’s case, he was facing charges of raping a basic trainee from 1995 and two ex-wives (one in the 1992-1993 time frame and another in 2007). In January 2015, Silva was convicted of raping two of the alleged victims, the basic trainee in 1995 and one of the ex-wives. MSgt Silva wrote a clemency letter to the convening authority in the courts-martial at Joint Base San-Antonio claiming that he was falsely accused and wanted to retire with the rank, pay and benefits of an Air Force senior master sergeant, the rank he earned but was never allowed to wear. Silva claims that his accusers (also military members at the time of the alleged incidents) were motivated to accuse him of rape in an effort to collect veteran’s benefits totaling over $3000 a month. The alleged victim’s names in this case have been protected for their own privacy. Both the 2nd AF SJA office and the convening authority taking action on this case were provided over 150 pages of evidence found post trial proving that the alleged victims were either lying or not credible.

On July 20, 2017, Save Our Heroes reported that MSgt Michael Silva’s rape conviction and twenty year prison sentence had been overturned by the Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals. MSgt Silva’s defense presented seven arguments and the Court of Criminal Appeals made their decision after seeing only one of those arguments, although they referenced some of the injustice in the other arguments, they ruled them moot at this point and would not be answered. MSgt Silva’s case was overturned due to an error on the part of Judge (Col) Natalie Richardson provided, inter alia, the following instructions to the court members before counsels’ arguments on findings:

“An accused may be convicted based only on evidence before the court, not on evidence of a general criminal predisposition. Each offense must stand on its own, and you must keep the evidence of each offense separate. Stated differently: if you find or believe that the accused is guilty of one offense, that—you may not use that finding, or that belief as a basis for inferring, assuming, or proving that he committed any other offense. . . . Proof of one offense carries with it no inference that the accused is guilty of any other offense.”

“Evidence that the accused committed one sexual offense alleged in a Specification—so 1, 2, 3, or 4 of the Charge—may have no bearing on your deliberations in relation to any other of those Specifications unless you first determine by preponderance of the evidence, that is more likely than not, that one offense alleged oc- curred. So if you determine by preponderance of the evidence that the offense alleged in the specification of the Charge occurred, even if you are not convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused is guilty of that offense, you may nonetheless then con- sider the evidence of that offense for its bearing on any matter to which it is relevant in relation to the other alleged specifications. You may also consider the evidence of such other sexual offenses for its tendency, if any, to show the accused [sic] propensity or predisposition to engage in sexual offenses. You may not, how- ever, convict the accused solely because you believe he commit- ted this other offense or solely because you believe the accused has a propensity or predisposition to engage in sexual offenses. In other words you cannot use this evidence to overcome a fail- ure of proof in the government’s case if you perceive any to exist. The accused may be convicted of an alleged offense only if the prosecution has proven each element beyond a reasonable doubt. Each offense must stand on its own, and the proof of one offense carries no inference that the accused is guilty of any other of- fense. In other words, proof of one sexual offense creates no in- ference that the accused is guilty of any other sexual offense. However, it may demonstrate that the accused has a propensity to commit that type of offense. The prosecution’s burden of proof to establish the accused [sic] guilt beyond a reasonable doubt re- mains as to each and every element of each offense charged. Proof of one, proof of one charged offense carries with it no infer-ence that the accused is guilty of any other charged offense.”

“…There were weaknesses in the Government’s case. The alleged crimes occurred far in the past. There were no eyewitnesses other than the victims themselves. The only one of the charged or uncharged victims to report the alleged crimes to law enforcement prior to 2012 was JB, and she recanted her initial allegation. The Prosecution presented no physical, scientific, or photographic evidence of any of the offenses. The Government offered no confessions or admissions to any of the offenses by Appellant, who did not testify.” –United States Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals

MSgt Silva was merely a scapegoat in the Lackland sex scandal. His wife Lisa made the following statement: “They finally did the right thing by admitting that my husband wasn’t afforded a fair trial. They simply used him as a scape goat because of all the political pressure and attention on the alleged Lackland Sex Scandal. By convicting Mike they were sending a message to all the MTI’s both past and present demonstrating that they would go after them no matter what. I don’t know who would want want to even be a MTI knowing that a potential false allegation could be hanging over their head for 20 years and potentially ruin your life. Mike was an amazing mentor to so many over his 24 year career and all they did was destroy him. He was defeated by the very institution he served to protect and defend.”

The political witch hunts produced convictions of military training instructors to appease congressional leaders, and it resulted in one sided investigations. In MSgt Silva’s case, they didn’t even verify statements made by the accusers. In other words, there was no evidence to charge MSgt Silva to begin with because this was indeed a purely ‘he said, she said’ case. And the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) went on a fishing expedition when they sought out MSgt Silva’s ex-wives, who technically may not have the necessary credibility if they were at all resentful or angry that the marriage ended. It appears the AFOSI attempted to connect three accusers in an effort to prove MSgt Silva was a serial rapist with a propensity to commit crimes in the future. As part of a response to the high profile Lackland sex scandal, the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) set up a temporary hot line. One accuser used the specially created hotline to report an alleged rape in 1995 and the other two accusers were ex-wives sought out by AFOSI to bolster their case (one recanted her allegation). Instead, they gave the Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals grounds to throw the conviction out because the alleged criminal modus operandi was not similar in pattern whatsoever and MSgt Silva was never charged or convicted of any crimes prior to his court-martial. Let’s hope the United States Air Force does the right thing in this case and demonstrates to Congress and the civilian organizations that they are serious about fighting crime only when there is evidence to support it.

“The court authorized a rehearing where the government could, in theory, bring new evidence justifying a new trial. This is highly unlikely, given that a new trial would only deepen the embarrassment.” –John Q. Public

Related Links:
Lackland Rape Charge the Result of Air Force Outreach
New Charges At Lackland On 20-Year-Old Case
Air Force sergeant charged with raping 3 women
Master sgt. faces hearing on multiple rape charges
Master sgt. Michael Silva on trial in 1995 rape
Rape hearing runs 30 minutes
Lackland’s Master Sgt. Silva guilty in 1995 rape
Lackland instructor gets 20 years in prison in rape cases
Air Force instructor at Lackland AFB gets 20 years in prison for rapes
Air Force instructor gets 20 years in prison for rapes
Conviction in Air Force rape case
Air Force jury sentences former instructor to 20 years in prison for rapes
Gender-based focus groups to address sex harassment at AMC
Is Accuser’s Facebook Update Riddled With Inaccuracies?
Social Media Postings Reveal Much About ‘Psychic Medium’ Who Accused AF Basic Training Instructor of Sexual Assault
Something’s Seriously Wrong When Military Justice System Sides With Psychics, Convicted Felons and Porn Queens
Clemency Letter Reveals Much About Pentagon’s Eagerness to Convict Military Men on False Sexual Assault Allegations
MSgt Michael Silva. Falsely accused and convicted of rape…serving 20 years for a crime he didn’t commit
A Complete List of the 35 Basic Military Training Instructors Court Martialed in the Lackland Air Force Base Sex Scandal
The Lackland Air Force Base Sex Scandal, Texas (2011)
Save Our Heroes Official Website
Save Our Heroes on Facebook
U.S. Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals Decision for MSgt Michael Silva (2017)
MSgt Michael Silva is Save Our Heroes very first client and the husband of Save Our Heroes co-founder Lisa Silva
Military appeals court drops sexual misconduct conviction of former Air Force drill sergeant
Lackland Rape Case Tossed on Appeal, Wrongly Convicted SNCO to Walk Free
30 Days After Appellate Ruling, Air Force Continues Wrongful Imprisonment of MSgt. Mike Silva


A widening sex scandal has rocked Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. Four male instructors are charged with having sex with trainees and in one case raping female trainees. -AP

A Stranger in My Home Premiered ‘Star-Crossed Murder’ on ID: Air Force Veteran Gene Thurnau Murdered by Obsessed Co-Worker (December 11, 2014)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, True Crime, USAF, VeteransLeave a comment

Air traffic controller Gene Thurnau moves to St-Petersburg, Florida to start over. He meets Jaye-Jaye, and soon they marry and begin building their dream home. But ghosts from Gene’s past bring unwanted tension and horror into their perfect home. -Star-Crossed Murder, A Stranger In My Home (S2,E1)

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:
Star-Crossed Murder | A Stranger In My Home | Investigation Discovery (S2,E1)
Star-Crossed Murder | A Stranger In My Home | Investigation Discovery (website)
Star-Crossed Murder | A Stranger In My Home | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
Air Force Veteran Gene Thurnau Found Dead in Murder-Suicide Committed by Obsessed Co-Worker Robert Peterson in Florida (November 3, 2006)

Air Force Captain William DuBois Died When F-16 Aircraft Crashed in Jordan; USAF Accident Investigation Board Ruled Rapid Descent Caused Crash (2014)

On By AdministratorIn Accidents, Armed Forces, In Their Name, Military Policy, Non Combat Death, USAFLeave a comment
Screen Shot 2017-07-15 at 1.22.50 PM
Captain William DuBois, US Air Force

Air Force Captain William DuBois, 30, of New Castle, Colorado died December 1, 2014 when his F-16 aircraft crashed near a coalition air base in Jordan. Captain DuBois was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve on behalf of the 77th Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. Captain DuBois grew up in New Castle, Colorado and graduated from the Reserve Officer Training Corps at the University of Colorado at Boulder. The accident was investigated and the Air Force accident investigation board reported that a rapid descent caused the fatal F-16 crash.

Because he was flying so low, DuBois was unable to recognize and recover from the descent. After pulling out of the turn, about one second before hitting the ground, DuBois apparently was able to see he was too low and attempted a 4G level pull away from the ground, but it was too late. –Air Force Times

Related Links:
Obituary: Capt William H “Will” Dubois
Air Force Capt. William H. Dubois
About Captain H.”Pyro” DuBois, Jr
Remembering Capt. William H. Dubois
DoD Identifies Air Force Casualty
Captain William H. DuBois Memorial Service
Shaw AFB pilot dies in F-16 crash in Middle East
US Air Force pilot killed in crash in Mideast
Air Force: Colorado Captain Killed In F-16 Crash
Badass Alert: Remembering Capt. Will “Pyro” Dubois
A Nickel On The Grass for Captain William H. Dubois
Air Force pilot killed in Middle East crash identified
Colorado pilot killed in F-16 crash in Middle East
New Castle man dies in mission against ISIS
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Fallen Air Force Captain William DuBois Returns Home
Body Of Fallen Air Force Pilot Returning To Home State Colorado
Governor Hickenlooper Orders Flags Lowered in Honor of Capt. William DuBois
New Castle plans memorial to Air Force pilot
USAF: Rapid descent caused fatal F-16 crash in December
Air Force: F-16 pilot in crash didn’t know he was descending
In Memoriam: William H. Dubois
In Memory Of Captain William H. DuBois
5K honors fallen Colorado Air Force captain
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fallen jet pilot
New Castle honoring Air Force pilot killed in combat
Air Force Captain William H. DuBois (Congressional Record)
Aviation Safety Network Wikibase Occurrence #171812


U.S. Air Force Capt. William H. DuBois, 30, of New Castle, Colorado, was killed in a crash Monday in the Middle East. -Denver 7

Scorned, Love Kills Premiered ‘Sergeant Swinger’ on ID: Air Force Captain’s Murder Reveals Wife’s Evil Intent, Adultery & Greed (October 4, 2014)

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

Sexy psychologist and doting Air Force wife Michelle begins a swinging affair with Army Sgt. Diamond while her husband, Captain Marty Theer, is away. But all’s fair in love and war, and Marty’s return will remind them that love is a battlefield. -Sergeant Swinger, Scorned: Love Kills (S4,E1)

In 2000, Michelle Theer was an Air Force wife in the military town of Fayetteville until a fatal shooting made her a widow. The investigation into her husband’s death led police to the door of an Army Ranger – taking orders from very unlikely accomplices. -Fayetteville, Sins and Secrets (S2,E3)

Oxygen:

A frantic, distraught woman runs into a video rental store screaming that her husband has been shot. -Michelle Theer & John Diamond, Killer Couples

Killer Couples: S8 E5 Preview – Michelle Theer and John Diamond | Oxygen

Killer Couples: S8 E5 After the Verdict – Michelle Theer and John Diamond | Oxygen

Psychologist Debbie Layton-Tholl talks about her experience meeting with Michelle Theer. -Michelle Theer & John Diamond, Killer Couples

A lonely military wife and psychologist go searching for sex on the Internet with deadly results. -Michelle Theer & John Diamond, Killer Couples (S8,E5)

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:
Sergeant Swinger | Scorned: Love Kills | Investigation Discovery (S4,E1)
Sergeant Swinger | Scorned: Love Kills | Investigation Discovery (website)
Sergeant Swinger | Scorned: Love Kills | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
Fayetteville | Sins and Secrets | Investigation Discovery (S2,E3)
Fayetteville | Sins and Secrets | Investigation Discovery (website)
Fayetteville | Sins and Secrets | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
Killer Couples: S8 E5 Sneak Peek – My Husband Has Been Shot! | Oxygen
Killer Couples: S8 E5 Preview – Michelle Theer and John Diamond | Oxygen
Killer Couples: S8 E5 After the Verdict – Michelle Theer and John Diamond | Oxygen
Killer Couples: S8 E5 Bonus Clip – Michelle Was Villified by the Media | Oxygen
Michelle Theer & John Diamond | Killer Couples | Oxygen (S8,E5)
Michelle Theer & John Diamond | Killer Couples | Oxygen (Amazon)
Air Force Capt. Frank Theer Murdered by Unidentified Gunman; Wife Michelle & Army SSG John Diamond Sentenced to Life in Prison (December 17, 2000)
Army SSG John Diamond Convicted of Murder of Air Force Capt. Frank Theer; Military Court Sentenced to Life in Prison, No Parole (August 28, 2001)
Former Air Force Reservist Michelle Theer Convicted of Murder of Husband Frank Theer; Sentenced to Life in Prison, No Parole (December 3, 2004)
Sins and Secrets Premiered ‘Fayetteville’ on Investigation Discovery: Michelle Theer & John Diamond Left a Permanent Mark on Community (January 26, 2012)
Killer Couples Premiered ‘Michelle Theer & John Diamond’ on Oxygen: Affair Leads to Murder of Air Force Capt. Marty Theer (September 3, 2016)
Scorned, Love Kills: 6 Active Duty Military Homicide Cases Featured on Investigation Discovery