The case of Hannah Graham, the missing University of VA student, who went missing over two weeks ago, is now becoming like something straight out of a TV series, either Criminal Minds, Cold Case or 48 Hours or all combined. In some other ways, it is eerily similar to the case of Charles Severance, the man now charged in the three Alexandria, VA murders of Ruthanne Lodato, Ron Kirby and of realtor Nancy Dunning from over a decade ago. Police were looking into the murder of Ruthanne Lodato from a composite sketch made by a witness when forensics evidence from Severance’s home linked him to the two earlier murders. And now in the case of suspect Jesse Matthew, police leaked information that forensics evidence found at either his car or house may link him to another student who went missing over 2 years ago. And a composite sketch of a suspect wanted for another rape in 2005 appears in his likeness. But what does all of this mean in the case of Hannah Graham? Up to now, the police have … [Read more...] about Is the Suspect in Missing U VA Student Case a Serial Abductor?
Archives for September 2014
Eric Holder’s Resignation Will Leave a Void
It is with sadness and a heavy heart that I heard the news of Attorney General Eric Holder resigning as U.S. Attorney General. Yet, I know that everything that has a beginning has an ending. Attorney General Holder is the fourth longest serving Attorney General. As the first African American Attorney General, Eric Holder has been one of the best Attorney General’s that has served at the Department of Justice. I have felt that he has carried the true meaning of the Justice Department and the Constitution in fighting for “liberty and justice for all”. Those words have not been realized for everyone in our imperfect union. And with the fights against equal access to the voting ballot, the basis and backbone of our democracy, I find that Eric Holder has fought the hardest battles. His strong support for reducing the disproportionate sentencing guidelines of African Americans in certain drug cases showed strength and power to do the right thing. His fights and firm stance … [Read more...] about Eric Holder’s Resignation Will Leave a Void
How the NFL Can Really Help Domestic Violence Victims
The controversy surrounding the Ray Rice incident of hitting and punching his now wife, Janay Palmer unconscious in a an elevator in February, 2014 highlights why the Violence Against Women Act was passed 20 years ago and why it needs further awareness and support even today. It further provides an opportunity for what the NFL's 32 teams and Commissioner Roger Goodell can do if they really mean business about a no tolerance policy against domestic violence. Twenty years ago today, the Violence Against Women Act (“VAWA”) was signed into law by President Bill Clinton. At that time, an assault of hitting, kicking, pushing or severely injuring a woman by a male partner was considered a “family affair”. And it is so ironic that even today Janay Rice posts to her Instagram and Twitter accounts that the incident involving her husband is a “personal one”. Sorry Janay but there is nothing personal about the occurrence of a criminal act. That’s why court records are public … [Read more...] about How the NFL Can Really Help Domestic Violence Victims
Ray Rice Fans and Supporters Need a Reality Check
The Chris Brown type supporting Ray Rice fans who still support their man in spite of proof before their eyes of a violent attack in February on Janay Rice need a reality check. On Thursday night with the Ravens game held in Baltimore against the Pittsburgh Steelers, many Baltimore Ravens fans, both men and women, were spotted wearing Ray Rice’s No. 27 jersey, standing by their man. Many fans, who were interviewed, did not think that Rice deserved to be terminated from the Ravens and receive an indefinite suspension from the NFL. There are two sides to a coin and often two sides to a discussion. However, in this instance, those in full support of Ray Rice are in denial of what occurred and misunderstand why he was terminated from the Ravens. Supporting Rice fans on Thursday stated it was a personal matter between Rice and his now wife, Janay Rice. It was a personal matter. As for former NFL player Ray Rice, his employment contract, as with all NFL contracts, had a morals … [Read more...] about Ray Rice Fans and Supporters Need a Reality Check
Charles Severance Indicted in 3 VA Murders
DC News FOX 5 DC WTTG Charles Severance was indicted on 3 murders in Alexandria, VA from 2003 killing of realtor Nancy Dunning, 2013 killing of transportation planner Ron Kirby and beloved music teacher Ruthanne Lodato in February, 2014. In a surprise move, the prosecutors declined to seek the death penalty even though the Grand Jury indictment on 2 capital cases pursuant to VA law in Lodato and Kirby. The third case of Nancy Dunning was outside the 3 year period of time for a capital murder case. Severance is currently in jail on a weapons violation which has a trial date in October, 2014. The case was investigated by the FBI, Alexandria police and the VA State police to bring about the indictments. Of the three cases, the one involving Ruthanne Lodato is the strongest with a living eyewitness who made the composite sketch which looks identical to Severance. The killing of Nancy Dunning in 2003 is the weakest case as her now deceased husband, former … [Read more...] about Charles Severance Indicted in 3 VA Murders
Ray Rice’s Domestic Abuse “Nightmare” is his Own Fault
Former NFL Ravens player Ray Rice has no one to blame except himself for his termination from the Baltimore Ravens, indefinite NFL suspension and possible loss of his football career due to the domestic violence inflicted on his then fiancé and now wife, Janay Rice. This is not about media “ratings” as his wife posted in an Instagram. This is about the NFL finally getting it right this time, after so long getting it wrong. And what happened to Ray Rice is what happens across America every day. He acted out his violent temper on his fiancé, knocking her unconscious. He and the Ravens tried to make it seem like it was only 30 seconds in his life. Well, I hate to be the one to let the Ravens, Rice and the NFL in on a simple truth. Every person, who appears in a court room as a criminal defendant and is convicted, wishes they had 30 seconds back of their life too. It doesn’t take hours, days or minutes to commit a crime. It usually takes only seconds of one’s lifetime. And the … [Read more...] about Ray Rice’s Domestic Abuse “Nightmare” is his Own Fault