A New Chapter…. Timeline of a Fugitive… 22 Years of Secrecy!

Posted by Administrator in Judicial System, Justice, Sentencing, Survivors of Homicide on April 26, 2012

Donna R. Gore, LadyJustice

Could Addie Carone have foreseen that the West Hartford Police would come knocking on her door after 22 years of torment?  Of course not…. There are many layers to this senseless homicide saga.  Today’s focus will be on the timeline that recently became available through the Freedom of Information Act – a 400 page document.  Please refer to former blogs for background information: Twenty Seven Minutes for Twenty Two Years of Agony and The Sins of a Son Fall on the Father

  • Adam Zachs murdered Peter Carone in 1987. [Ladyjustice attended this trial as a court escort with members of the Carone family.]
  • Zachs was convicted of first degree murder and was sentenced to 60 years. *** A pre-existing Connecticut state law allowed convicted murderers to post bail while awaiting appeal !!!
  • A “more than generous“ aunt posted a $250,000 bond, setting in motion a chain of events that would see no just conclusion until 2011!
  • Adam’s Zach’s father conspired to hide his son from authorities, using his employees at the C-Thru Ruler Company. As one example, Zachs made his escape and was driven  to New York City by employee Moses Alphonse;
  • Also accompanying Zachs was his girlfriend at the time, Carmen Mangual, whom he used for her Spanish speaking abilities;
  • Zachs also received vital assistance from his family such as weekly phone calls and a former C- Thru Ruler employee, Isador Bendrihem assisted in funneling money to Zachs;
  • Zachs began his life on the run in Mexico City (population 8.84 million);
  • Adams Zachs honed his skills in Spanish and started a business – “Hospital de Computadoras “Accesa” with an income of $300,000 to $400.000 annually;
  • Assumed names – Adam became Mitchell Robertson… and later changed his name to Ruben Fridman.

Family Life:

  • Zachs, who was 47 in 2011, had a 21 year old wife and two children from a previous marriage.  However, early on Carmen Mangual began dating Zachs immediately after the murder of Peter Carone and stayed in the relationship until late 1990, whereupon she went to Puerto Rico;
  • Intimate partner violence appeared to be present as Ms. Mangual’s accounts included controlling behavior, inability to make phone calls, isolation from her family resulting in depression;

Aiding and Abetting:

  • The fugitive moved often… Zach’s brother, Neil and family also travelled from New Jersey to visit him;
  • Adam’s father, Frederick, called weekly in the beginning and then the calls were more infrequent as time went on;
  • Additional assistance came from a Mexican immigration attorney and a Rabbi;
  • Moses Alphonse, his wife and a taxi driver from Belize named Collet Maskall visited Zachs and delivered money at Fredrick Zach’s request;
  • Western Union transfers were also used;
  • Employees from C-Thru Ruler conspired by forwarding letters to Zachs in Mexico to check on his welfare.

The Search:

  • The West Hartford police headed by Police Chief James Strillacci never gave up!;
  • The Carone-Zachs case had been featured on “America’s Most Wanted” show four times over the years;
  • Although tips came in from several states, “the perp” was an avid watcher of the show and continued to elude law enforcement;
  • The State of Connecticut Department of Public Safety forensics lab tried to authenticate handwriting on photocopied envelopes addressed to Zachs. However, such attempts were inconclusive;
  • The FBI was involved… Until the attacks on September 11, 2011 focusing on terrorism,  such international effort and collaboration wasn’t part of the equation;
  • West Hartford Police received reliable information in 2006 from recorded phone conversations that Zachs was in Mexico City; He later moved to Leon, population 1.4 million people “which may have been part of his fatal mistakes.”
  •  In January 2006, Chief Strillacci requested assistance from the U.S. Marshall’s office in Connecticut and Washington, D.C. A partnership was formed and this forged new methods of investigation;

The Key to Success:

  • The fact that the search was focused solely in Mexico… and they were able to “follow the money trail” from Fred Zachs to his employees and then to Adam Zachs was imperative…and a turning point in the case;
  • Zachs was arrested by U.S. and Mexican officials at 3:50 p.m. on February 1, 2011 while he walked from his business to home;
  • Extradition delays occurred… A request was made to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to expedite the matter. It is uncertain if she interceded…                     We would hope so!
  • A deputy marshal accompanied Detective Puglielli – the detective who was in it for the long haul (six years).  They accompanied Adam Zachs on an Aeromexico flight to JFK airport in New York City;
  • Puglielli and another West Hartford detective drove Zachs from the airport to the Superior Court lock up in Hartford where he had a brief court appearance;
  • Zachs was sent directly to  McDougall-Walker Correctional facility  in Suffield, CT to begin serving his 60 year sentence;

Stats: McDougall-Walker Correctional Institution  is a level 4/5 high maximum security level multi-mission facility for adult males and is the largest correctional facility in New England. Population as of July, 1, 2011 – Accused- 397; Sentenced-1,726; Total- 2,123. Staffing as of 7-1-2011- 678. It “provides a highly structured environment to manage long term sentenced offenders, protective custody offenders and high bond unsentenced offenders with programs designed to address the needs of each population.”

“The Perp” Talked… He Knew the Jig was up:

Zachs had a few close calls and eluded police .  But let’s not glorify his efforts….   He was careful for himself and very, very careless with wanton disregard for the lives of the Carone family!

When Addie Carone answered the door on February 2, 2011 and saw three officers at the door, it could only mean one thing…

Zachs was captured!  [LJ- Perhaps we will know  more on a future “Shattered Lives” show when this fine lady is available.]  A civil suit against Frederick Zachs is pending…

Postscript: The sad reprehensible and immoral Frederick Zachs was sentenced to a pitiful six months in Federal Prison for aiding and abetting the concealment of his son for 22 years. *** No one else was charged in this case as the statute  of limitations had run out!

 The Fictitious Fugitive- David Janssen:

Donna R. Gore, LadyJusticeDavid Janssen, a seemingly overlooked an underappreciated actor played the demanding role of Dr. Richard Kimble, accused of killing his wife.

Synopsis: Richard David Kimble was a pediatrician from Stafford, IN who in the 1960s became the most famous fugitive in memory. Born in 1930, Kimble joined the Marines and became a corpsman; in Korea he was injured by an enemy grenade but was rescued by soldier Joe Hallop, who was disfigured and mentally scarred by the battle enough to make an attempt on Kimble’s life many years later.

In 1955 Kimble interned at the hospital in Fairgreen, IN, where he met a nurse, Helen Waverly. They fell in love and soon married. However, when they tried to have a child, Helen bore a son, but their son was stillborn, and in the operation that followed, Helen Waverly-Kimble was rendered infertile.

Richard wished to adopt a child, but Helen, refusing to believe she could love another’s child, angrily refused, and the two quarreled with enough frequency that, on the night of September 19, 1961, Richard was about to take Helen out to a restaurant but let slip it was an eatery recommended by a member of an adoption clinic, which threw Helen into another rage. Kimble stormed out of their house and drove off, wandering about the countryside and noticing a boy fishing in a lake before relaxing.

Unknown to Richard, Helen telephoned their friend Lloyd Chandler and he visited their house, trying to calm her down after she had begun drinking furiously. A commotion in their living room brought Helen face-to-face with a heavyset drifter whose right arm was missing. The stranger – who was eventually identified as Fred Johnson – tried to escape but in the ensuing fight he threw down Helen then killed her with a massive blow to the head with a lamp. Chandler, freezing in fear, could not bring himself to intervene, and Johnson escaped out the front door while Chandler supinely snapped out of his funk and slipped out the back.

Johnson ran out and immediately ran into the returning Richard Kimble. Richard got enough of a look at Johnson’s face to have the image seared in his memory. When Johnson fled, Richard ran into the house and found Helen’s body. But interrogation by the office of Lt. Philip Gerard resulted in interviews of 83 men matching the description provided by Kimble, none of whom were in the area at the time of the murder. Kimble was convicted and sentenced to die, but after a year’s worth of appeals he was being escorted by Gerard to the death house in March 1963 when their train derailed.

The crash freed Kimble from Gerard, and he now became a fugitive, wandering the country and working odd jobs in his search for Fred Johnson.

During this series, Janssen’s show demanded 12-15 hour days, essentially appearing in every scene with filming 1-8 days per show, 30 shows per year.. Although the show was considered high quality, the actor was exhausted and declined a fifth year.  Janssen stated he’d “go home to study his lines and would fall asleep in his mashed potatoes.”  The final show received a 72% share of the audience (unbeaten for 13 years until the “Who Shot JR?” episode of “Dallas.)

Zachs versus Kimble:

The big difference between Adam Zachs alias Mitchel Robertson alias Ruben Fridman is that Dr. Kimball was a fictitious character and wrongfully accused, whereas Zachs, with his Napoleon complex, his short fuse and murderous ways finally caught up with his past!

References: Article by Amanda Falcon www.courant.com; February 5, 2012;                                                                                                                  www.donnagore.com; www.ct.gov-DOC McDougall-Walker CI; www.davidjanssen.net;                                             http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0003748/bio

 

Leave a Comment

“Trying to Get It Right the First Time”

Posted by Administrator in Radio Show Shattered Lives on April 22, 2012

Tim Palmbach,Shattered Lives,Donna R. Gore,LadyJustice

Tim Palmbach: The Challenges of Forensic Science  and Assisting Crime Victims

Tim Palmbach is tall in stature…with an equally big heart to match…  His background includes law enforcement as a former Major in the Connecticut State Police, a forensic scientist as Director of Forensic Science at the Henry C. Lee Institute and an Associate Professor at the University of New Haven.  And … in his spare time, he feels obligated to give back to crime victims, assisting with cold cases and/or providing awareness to the general public.

Ladyjustice could feel a common thread throughout the discussion… one of respect.  Tim Palmbach respects crime victims… He respects good science that yields results that cannot be argued.  He respects the judicial process even with its many flaws… Tim respects that there are many shades of gray, many layers to the process and that much of forensic science often is anything but “cut and dried.”  He respects that there is often no clear-cut answers…that there are always multiple avenues to pursue in addition to DNA.  Team work is required with all parties doing their due diligence and hopefully coming together with a plausible scenario.  Above all, he respects competency and training, for that is the only way that victim’s families can have a piece of justice.

To listen to the show, Tim Palmbach Talks Forensics, CLICK HERE

As an associate professor, who mentors students in forensic science, Tim tries to engage students so that they apply theory to real life problems they encounter in law enforcement. If his students succeed in the classroom, he may offer the opportunity to visit a crime scene.  In fact, crime scene reconstruction is his area of expertise.

The “CSI Effect” can wreak havoc on our sensibilities…   As Tim stated, the real truth is that in TV land, investigators always have the correct evidence… scientific analysis always yields positive results, there is always one perpetrator…and there is always a “singular unique theory of the case.”  The real truth is a long way from the 60 minute show, including commercials!

Tim’s  skills were honed under the tutelage of Dr. Henry C. Lee, known for many qualities…including his keen mind, quick wit, workaholic nature and his generosity to crime victims.  As a three time “retired person” Dr. Lee has ~ 800 open cases at last count.  He is able to keep a “running mental card file” of cases and applicable technologies that could possibly be used on the many cold cases.  At least, he attempts to use such strategies…

Other areas you will learn about when you listen to this show…

  • Tim’s perspective on the Michael Petersen case and the importance of a new trial;
  • How to correctly work a cold case to yield the best outcome;
  • Theories’ concerning what really goes wrong in high-profile cases;
  • Considerations when weighing scientific/physical evidence and circumstantial evidence in the solvability of cases;
  • Possible reasons for cases to stall and become “Cold;”
  • Juries demands and the “CSI effect” – a good or bad thing?
  • Illustrative Example of Forensic Science and law enforcement working together in solving the deaths of 11 street women in Hartford, CT (1998-2000);
  • How good are criminal profiles and when should they be done?
  • Is there an order to every investigation that should be followed?
  • How do you get it right the first time, according to Tim?
  • The “good bad and the ugly” that media creates;
  • Discussion of how a crime scene is contaminated and how it impacts the solvability and status of a case;
  • Is it a good idea for crime victims to call medical examiners asking for assistance regarding data/evidence they may have?
  • Being the “Squeaky wheel”- Example- the New Haven Murder Case  of Penny Serra;
  • Medical Examiners versus Coroners:  How do they impact cases?
  • DNA- The End All Beat All…or a very complex issue? (Don’t lose sight of other aspects of the job…);
  • New Technologies…. Teleforensics- What’s it all about?
  • The cutting edge at the Henry C. Lee Institute;
  • Tim’s words of advice to crime victims

, , , , , , ,

Leave a Comment

Pickin’ Up the Pieces… Dealing with the Criminal Justice System

Posted by Administrator in Judicial System, Justice on April 21, 2012

Donna R. Gore, LadyJustice

Ladyjustice’s convoluted brain realized that it might be useful to tell it like it really is in an entertaining way…..  Dealing with the criminal justice system is such a chore…So exhausting … Frequently so disappointing. It’s like going through combat maneuvers….

A more accurate way is to describe it like going through the obstacle course in the game “Mousetrap.”  Baby boomers will recall this board game with a million plastic pieces as a mouse goes through the obstacles to “Capture the cheese” (perpetrator)- to get off as lightly as possible…. [Mouse equals the victim].  There are obstacles galore, delays, postponements by the opposing side [defense attorneys]; legal ploys designed to assassinate the character of the murder victim; barriers to scale; media to deal with…    And decorum…there must be decorum in the courtroom… Don’t you dare show emotion or lose control, as it is disrespectful to the court!  Excuse me???  Life and work are disrupted as we dutifully show up to hear the next barrage of accounts…the criminal and his deprived childhood; the victim as a fallible person who deserved to be killed for his human frailties…..Blah, Blah, Blah!

But, back to the “Mousetrap” game…. (Roughly 2 1/2 minutes). You MUST view this video below, as it is so illustrative of life…. (Don’t mind a little “poop terminology”…It is appropriate!)  Some of the speaker’s comments in trying to understand how to “put the pieces together” in the Mousetrap parallel the criminal justice system…   Such as, “A mindless race to the end” with the die (the jury) “controlling the whole outcome.” We as victims/survivors desperately want the system to “Just drop the trap.”  The “purpose” of the game… to “roll the die, move around the board, hoping the mouse will get as much cheese as possible” (i.e. the longest sentence possible!

If you, as the crime victim/survivor make it through the obstacle course with your faculties somewhat in tact so much the better.   And…. the perpetrator is trapped for a LONG time.

As the speaker says in the video, It’s just as cool to see it happen again and again!

It’s RAD, Man!

Too bad real life isn’t like a board game- Just land on the right space and win!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZCplp_AtRo

Signing Off for Now….

Donna “Ladyjustice”,   “Your Cool Defender of Justice”

 


 

Related articles

, ,

Leave a Comment

“31 Candles”

Posted by Administrator in Survivors of Homicide on April 17, 2012

  Donna R. Gore,LadyJustice

experiment
by Don Gore (dgdraws) (from Flickr, not the original Don Gore of this story)

If Ladyjustice was to go to the bakery and order a cake, she would request 31 candles, placed strategically in the icing in the middle and around the perimeter. However, can you imagine ordering a “death anniversary cake”?  No…  Therefore, this blog …and the advocacy work LJ is committed to will have to suffice.  April 17, 1981 seems like yesterday …and a lifetime ago all in the same breath! (The day Ladyjustice’s father was murdered).

Donna R. Gore, LadyJusticeHow does one portray 31 years of life without a parent?  Well, it isn’t easy.  But, LJ did have her father during the “formative growing up years,” often times while she was staring up at the stainless steel décor and felt the  distinct chill of many hospital  operating rooms…. for yet another surgery.  He was there for all of “that trauma,” part of this writer’s routine.

When Ladyjustice chose the wheat fields of Kansas State University for graduate school, she recalls her father carrying her across the tarmac to return to school after having foot surgery (as the “connector thingamajigs” were not yet used at her world class airport).

And… those milestones that people talk about like marriage, birth of a child; grandchildren have escaped Ladyjustice partly by life circumstance and partly by personal design.  LJ is mostly content as a single person these days…  She tries like hell to keep her upbeat attitude.  And besides… a female is seldom left behind to “carry on the family name.”  (This writer believes that you’ve already heard the story of the “two Donna Gores” in the same nuclear family – one “original” and one sister-in-law.  Hence, the use of the middle initial “R” for Ladyjustice.)

This writer has come such a long way in yet another year since the 30th anniversary!  There’s been so much to write about, so many new ideas forged, new rewards and opportunities given!

Ladyjustice has but two people to thank (in addition to her) for such achievements…  A million blessings and a heart filled with gratitude is sent to Delilah Jones and Susan Murphy Milano who ALWAYS believe in Ladyjustice!  They have helped to shape another glorious year for this writer!  Her father would like you both… and he would thank you!

To read the special 30th anniversary tribute to Donald W. Gore, please CLICK HERE

“The Eldest Daughter”

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

Finding Those Who Go Missing: It’s a MAZE

Posted by Administrator in Uncategorized on April 15, 2012

Donna R. Gore, LadyJustice,Shattered Lives

The following blog “hits the highlights” regarding the “Shattered Lives “episode regarding Missing Persons Advocates, Maureen Reinjtes, Administrator of Peace 4the Missing and Christy Davis, Founder of Finder’s Hope , and Florida State Coordinator for the CUE Center for Missing Persons.

For lively conversational repartee among four dedicated women and detailed info, we invite you to listen to the full hour show!  

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

In addition, please support all of the events and organizations listed below in alphabetical order:]

Organizations and Events: (O & E)

  • Cue Center for the Missing: (O)  http://www.ncmissingpersons.org/
  • Finders Hope: (O) http://www.findershope.org/About_Us.html (O); 
  • Dedication and Tree Planting for Britanee Drexel, Myrtle Beach, SC, April 28, 2012 (E) http://helpfindbrittaneedrexel.com; 
  • Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with One Step: Hope for Texas Missing(E); June 3, 2012, Mesquite, Texas (via CUE Center); 
  • Holding My Hand Through Hell (E) (Susan Murphy Milano) via  SEMO and Scott County Search and Rescue; Cape Girardeau, MO  April 28-May 2, 2012; 
  • Keys to Healing Retreat (E) August 10-12, 2012 (Via Project Jason); 

 Maureen Reinjtes:  Salient Points:

Her husband went missing  in 2005 after many years of marriage; There was no “handbook “ to follow; Maureen came home each night after working two jobs and desperately searched .. for his bones…  He reappeared in 2009; There are many unanswered questions and no clear picture of where he is to this day. There are no legal rights for a spouse in such a position of limbo and desperation.  She obtained help from a private investigator, staff at Project Jason and Monica Caison of the CUE Center.  Since then she has peen a pioneer in forging the way… nominated to the NamUs Academy, assisting police officers in use of NamUS the largest single data base –repository for the missing and unidentified in addition to administrating the “Platform” format  of Peace4the Missing. 

Christy Davis:  Salient Points: 

Christy is the mother of missing son Michael “Austin” Davis who disappeared on June 26, 2007. Since that time; she has spent her time founding Finder’s Hope, a non-profit providing direct support, education, advocacy and awareness to other families with missing loved ones. Christy has been named a State Coordinator for the CUE Center for Missing Persons in Florida.

Please Listen to the show and learn more about: 

  • When is a missing person declared dead?
  • Who to reach out to when there is no “Handbook?” 
  • What are your legal rights as the spouse of a missing person? 
  • What you have to do to advocate for your case?
  • What small things you can do to help others? 
  • Why are resort areas more vulnerable to the missing and what learn what two families accomplished with many resources working on their behalf to locate their minor teens;
  • What is the Road to Remember Tour all about? 
  • Why is the Healing Retreat a one of a kind event and how does Project Jason assist? 
  • Why are NamUS and Billy’s Law vital to crime victims?                
  • And other topics….


 

Related articles

Leave a Comment

The Part II Seven (Wonder)fuls of the World: In Life…and as it pertains to the Justice System

Posted by Administrator in Justice on April 15, 2012

 

When  the justice system fails miserably, people of courage make it right!

In Life: Sharing your most trying experiences with others will set you free of  shouldering the burden alone and could change other’s lives in the future.

Regardless of the nature of your problem, even if you are a private person by nature;  seeking out an objective person to hear you out and to offer advice may be your best medicine toward healing.   The chosen one should  not your “best girlfriend,” as she will often tell you what you want to hear and say whatever to avoid conflict and hurt feelings.   Rather, find an educated person who has training, common sense  and experience in the problem area with which you are dealing.  You may come to realize that the power of relating your experience has long-term benefits for you and others, as you feel more comfortable sharing in an effort to help others.

In the Justice System: When an everyday citizen becomes a victim of crime, very frequently they become “double victimized” by the various entities and layers of bureaucracy designed to assist them.  Throw the roadmap out the window…  In fact, there is no standard roadmap to cling to, as every case and geographical jurisdiction handles cases somewhat differently.  As you become victimized again by the system, your losses  and the number of problems multiply. Grief and anger weaken your resolve, and your ability to comprehend and tolerate “your new reality.”

However, with time, support (and progress and resolution of your crime, hopefully),  many crime victims become “consummate survivors” (Such as LadyJustice and many others…).  We chose to  use the grief, anger and disillusionment that still exists for the benefit of new victims to come.

One of the most dramatic and effective examples occurred  in mid October, 2011. Intimate partner violence survivor, Claudine Dombrowski, courageously shared her story with the world after 16 years of  unspeakable abuse.  Claudine also discovered that the prosecutor for the City of Topeka was ready to decriminalize intimate partner violence to the misdemeanor level, on par with parking tickets!    Can you imagine the consequences and the utter disrespect for the lives of vulnerable women?   Luckily, she shared this information with Susan Murphy Milano, Imagine Publicity and other consultants who exposed the terrible injustice….  Collaboratively,  Claudine and  all parties worked strategically  to make change but fast!  Lo and behold… Claudine and her team of advocates put pressure on the “deranged prosecutor” who was  “only trying to make budget cuts.”  ‘Next thing ya’ know, LadyJustice  was watching Brian Williams, NBC Anchor, report on Claudine’s efforts to change the tide in the name of justice and future domestic violence victims!  Many other stations followed suit.  Indeed, there was a reversal!

To view video news report of Claudine go to:     The Lights Went Out in Topeka

In Life: When you notice that an important personal need, which also affects others is unmet, meet it! Start your own grass-roots organization.  Americans are hungry, without housing, without employment.  The elderly is subsisting on nothing and viewed as the “disposable generation.”   Young people are bullied for their differences and are committing suicide.  Child sexual abuse is rampant. Homicide is now a household word.  Shall I continue??

Government agencies cut benefits, entitlement programs and human service needs are relegated to the back burner.  Bad things are happening.   Few , if any, corporations continue to consistently demonstrate civic responsibility.  They are more focused on making money and growing already inflated pensions.

Starting your own non-profit begins with just one person at your kitchen table or in your living room.  Sure it’s harder in the current economy.  However, this should not deter you from meeting the need!  Or, if creating your own organization seems too overwhelming, there are alternatives. Check out:http://managementhelp.org/startingorganizations/start-nonprofit.htm

In the Justice System: People who have risen to the occasion and met the need to correct the multitude of injustices.  They have passed legislation and formed organizations.  They depend on grant monies and public donations.  The brand of justice doesn’t matter.  It’s the fact that they exist.  Some of Ladyjustice’s favorites include:

Billy’s Law: The legislation helps to streamline the reporting process for law enforcement and medical examiners by connecting two major federal missing persons and unidentified remains databases- the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the NamUs.  Connecting these databases makes them more comprehensive and more likely to lead to a match between a missing person and unidentified human remains.

“Billy’s Law” also creates an incentive grants program to coroners, medical examiners, and law enforcement agencies to help facilitate the reporting of missing persons and unidentified remains to the federal databases. Grants can also be used for training programs on how to correctly use the databases and best handle these cases, and the recipients of these grants must provide a dollar in matching funds for every two dollars in federal funds.

PFLAG: Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays:  Nation wide  organization with local chapters to provide support, provide education and advocate against discrimination for persons s who identify as gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, or transgendered;

True Colors.org- True Colors is a non-profit organization that works with other social service agencies, schools, organizations, and within communities to ensure that the needs of sexual and gender minority youth are both recognized and competently met. The organization trains more than 2400 people annually, organizes the largest LGBT youth conference in the country with more than 2000 attendees and manages the state of Connecticut’s  only LGBT mentoring program.

Petit Family Foundation; In memory of Jennifer, Hayley and  Michalea. The  PETIT FAMILY FOUNDATION continues to raise and distribute funds to fulfill our mission to help educate young people especially those with interests in science, to help support those with chronic illnesses, and to help protect those affected by violence.

Voices of September 11th: Provides information, support, sponsors commemorations and promotes public policy at the highest levels of government; to prevent and prepare for terroristic events.

In Life: Take it to the next level….  Don’t stand idly by and say that,  “My work is done after  accomplishing  “X”.  So, you’ve solved your problem to your satisfaction …and you’ve assisted others too.  That is truly wonderful.  Often there is no one willing to take over the reins.  You need a new challenge.  You are tiring of your weekly trips to the food bank or the shelter with clothing.  You will revitalize your spirit  if you add something to the mix.  Start a coat drive  or bake healthy cookies for undernourished kids at school!  Whatever!

In the Justice System: The  same applies for justice issues….  Marry Fetchet of Voices for September 11th brought her organization of support for victims out of her living room and into the national spotlight, forcing the President to form an investigative commission and subsequently created a stellar organization.

Daniel Hernandez Jr. not only graduated from the Upward Bound Program in Arizona, he also became an intern for Representative Gabrielle Giffords and saved her life during the mass murder spree!

Susan Murphy Milano  went through hell and back to valiantly  keep her mother and herself alive against her abusive and cowardly  cop father for years! She has taken it to the next level for over 20 years, empowering and facilitating others to save their lives using her many skills, resources, publicity and people power methods!

In Life: Pass on the torch when it is time…    This is easier said than done. We are working at something important to our identity…or perhaps out of necessity because of financial reasons.  However, I don’t care what it is… If you can’t provide good customer service; if  your people skills are stuck on “whine and complain,” give it up!  If you have the foresight to see it coming, engage others to take over, interview the best candidates and give up the control .   (Although an icon for his time, how long did Frank Sinatra hang on crooning his ballads just a bit off-tune?)

In the Justice System: Human service providers are big on allowing others to suck the life out of them! Crime victim services and criminal justice is no different .  LadyJustice has been there several times….  Compassion fatigue!  You get burned out… You get cynical … You don’t trust anyone or anything anymore.  BURN OUT, WILL ROBINSON!

But it is truly wonderful and a blessed thing when you recognize it before you do too much damage.  Time to re-invent yourself!  Yeah, that’s just what Ladyjustice is doing!  So, listen up employers!

 

Related articles

,

Leave a Comment

The Seven Wonder(fuls) of the World: in life….and how it pertains to the Justice System Part I

Posted by Administrator in Uncategorized on April 12, 2012

In Life: The true measure of people’s worth is not what they say, (Words are cheap…) but what they do for you!  Their acts of kindness planned or random are “the glue” in any relationship.

In the Justice System: Be aware that victim advocates have defined roles depending upon the setting in which they work.  Given the variables of time and resources, they may go above and beyond the call of duty or provide the minimum services.  Prosecuting attorneys don’t typically communicate much during the process.  The reasons are many and varied.  However, most likely, they do not share too readily in order not to compromise the investigation and trial.  In addition, they don’t want to be put in the position of making promises they can’t keep!  Police investigators may or may not communicate often with victims depending upon their experience, their interest in the case and their “department’s protocol.”

This is not to say that criminal justice professionals intentionally lie.  However, as a crime victim, trust what is done … or not done as your reality in the process versus “what someone said…or what you heard on TV.”  If you are dissatisfied, it is your right, your obligation  to question and pursue additional assistance.

In Life: There are many free things in life of greater value than material goods.  Happiness can be fleeting… so surround yourself with experiences versus “things.”  You will be infinitely happier in the long run and leave a lasting legacy versus a contribution to a landfill.

In the Justice System: Although it has many flaws, the criminal justice system provides services at low cost-no cost to victims of crime. (Specific services may vary from state to state.)

For example:

A)  A variety of support groups are available depending upon the circumstances of your crime.(Sexual Assault Crisis Centers,   Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Survivors of Homicide, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers etc.)

B) Pro bono attorneys and private investigators can be obtained from your judicial branch of state government, the American Bar Association.  Examples in the State of Connecticut: www.jud.ct.gov/lawlib/referral.html;   http://probono.ctlawhelp.org.  State by State Directory= http://lawyers.justia.com/.

C) State Office of the Victim Advocate – monitors services by other agencies, investigates  victim complaints, reinforces and represents victim’s state constitutional rights;

D) Judicial Branch Office of Victim Services  can assist with victim impact statements , apply for personal injury compensation or survivor’s benefits, provide a limited number of counseling sessions etc.

In Life: Setting our personal expectations too high, is to set ourselves up for failure…. particularly if we also expect “X” behavior from others in response.  LadyJustice has learned this the hard way… and maybe sometimes has to be reminded!  Allowing others to guide you along the path with encouragement will save much stress providing that we can control our own little corner of the world… on a good day!

In the Justice System: If you “charge in like gangbusters,” demanding answers and information NOW, those who are supposed to help you may be turned off and may avoid you altogether.  The best way to deal with “the process” is to educate yourself about the system and then build allies along the way.  For example, California’s “Citizens Against Homicide  (Assists nationally)http://citizensagainsthomicide.org/ and Connecticut’s Survivors of Homicide Inc.http://www.survivorsofhomicide.com/Website/Home.htm, can be invaluable resources in explaining the process and representing your interests with various key people.  Getting to know a local investigative reporter can also be an asset to further your cause, should you learn that your rights as a crime victim have not been respected or carried out.

Stay Tuned for Part II….

Donna/ “LadyJustice”

 

 

 

Related articles

, , , ,

Leave a Comment

But He’s a Powerful Man…

Posted by Administrator in Justice on April 10, 2012

LadyJustice,Donna R. Gore

The wheels are always turning ….The mind never shuts off… It’s enough to drive others to distraction who know Ladyjustice best. But, hopefully this is viewed in a good way. So they put up with her. Ladyjustice can and does laugh at herself all the time…in spite of all of the injustices imposed on her over the years. She also gently pokes fun at those she cares about most. It is a skill for others to accept this in a good natured way.
LJ comes from a family of “teasers.” Don’t you know and love some people who never have a good thing to say about you, as they are always kidding you about this or that? For those people, (usually guys) that’s how they communicate caring.

We NEVER denigrate women. The same should hold for the male population (except for in all seriousness murderers, rapists, child molesters and all around jerks.) There are still a sizeable number of good males left somewhere and good women hope to locate them.

Everyone is well aware that historically, women have been treated as second class citizens for years. In general, we have made great strides. But, we still have catching up to do in the corporate world. Women remain very much underrepresented leaders in these arenas for a variety of reasons.

In corporate boardrooms for example, a Post Gazette article reported just 10 to a maximum of 14% of females are sitting on corporate boards in 30 years time! They wait to be asked, can’t be located as the pool of candidates sits on multiple boards, they seek such positions in the sunset years or “just aren’t qualified” some say (probably male counterparts.)
And so, even against our better judgment, we are forced to “play the game” to climb the ladder. In that spirit, this writer presents the following entertaining musical piece that takes place at a cocktail party.

Listen to the lyrics twice – quick repartee…. arranged by John Bucchino and sung by Jimmy Webb. Enjoy and cherish the cleverness of women everywhere!


Women Rock!
Ladyjustice

 

 

Related articles

, , , , ,

Leave a Comment

Denny Griffin: “It’s One Thing to Forgive… But You Don’t Forget… The Loss of a Child

Posted by Administrator in Radio Show Shattered Lives on April 9, 2012

Donna R. Gore, ImaginePublicity,Shattered Lives

The 2009 Census Bureau tells us that there were 3,800 fatal car accidents committed by elderly drivers aged 65 to over 75 years….   In 1986, it took but one life, the precious life of Kim Griffin to shatter Denny and Faith Griffin’s world as they knew it…  Life can change in just an instant!

To Listen to Shattered Lives with Denny and Faith Griffin CLICK HERE

 In Upstate New York, on August 5, 1986, while coming home from a “swimming hole” 40 miles away, (as innocent as a Mark Twain novel), Kim was a passenger in a car that went out of control after a 70 year old father, coming from the opposite direction unlawfully sped, appeared to panic upon seeing the other car at the crest of the hill – obviously was unable to anticipate change and respond safely. The driver slammed on the brakes, skid and hit their car.  The car in which Kim was riding, went down an embankment.  Kim as well as the perpetrator/driver of the other car was killed.

This is NOT a Denny Griffin fictionalized tale… It is real life and it is gruesome!   Faith Griffin wanted to tell their story… even if it would help just one family…

Background and Family Life:

  • Kim graduated  high school in 1986 and was due to begin her college studies in September;
  • Her intended major-career choice was to become a child psychologist;
  • Kim was always helping others… In fact, she worked at a group home for children with special needs and dreamed of assisting them further as a professional;  After her death,  residents  of the group home requested that their parents send $5.00 of their stipends and cards  in memory of Kim…which deeply touched the Griffins;
  • Kim loved her nieces and had a large group of friends whom she enjoyed spending time with;
  • Kim would be visiting this campground 40 miles from home for the first time, based upon the recommendation of a friend.  (We hope that Kim and her friends  had the time of their lives during that fateful trip!)
  • Kim had a sister, Pam, five years older who was “more like a mother figure” when it came to this tragedy, as Faith told us;
  • Kim also had a brother, Rob, who was just 17 months apart in age…. As siblings will do, Rob and Kim fought the day of her death…. ‘Probably something insignificant for kids in high school.  However, Rob carries the burden of that incident to this day….  He cannot bring himself to discuss it, nor can he visit his sister’s grave.   Is it survivor’s guilt…or just the love of a brother who never got to say goodbye?   We can only guess…and hope that someday… in his own time and way, Rob will forgive himself and be relieved of his sorrow;
  •  Denny and Faith grieved separately, each in their own ways.  Faith needed to talk…  Denny was the “take care of business”  guy and organizer who withheld his feeling from his wife.  Faith felt shut out and voiced her feelings and the cruel  loss of her daughter as  “unfair”;   Up until that point, Denny stated he was two different people…. The cop who laughed at the dark humor so typical of his peer group, desperately trying to act “normal” and then the grieving father and husband;
  • Denny replied, Who said life is fair?….. a turning point in their relationship and ability to cope . (Studies indicate that approximately 80-85% of couples who experience the death of a child ultimately divorce.);
  • Faith spoke of the guilt felt when she might allow herself to have  good time, along with the heavy heart she had for the loss of her daughter – a tormenting   combination of emotions which were experienced for a long time…  Faith went to see a professional bereavement counselor for over a year…in addition to her strong and abiding faith in God which ultimately saved her.
  • Faith began a local support group for bereaved parents losing children, as another woman lost a child in a similar way just two weeks after Kim was killed. Although it benefitted others….   Faith bowed out, as the other woman was “angry with God”  and that was in sharp contrast to the loving God Faith knew….   Instead, Faith turned her outreach  to letter writing and sending Mass cards.  Again, making a difference in other’s lives.  Misery loves company.   Faith  instinctively knew that she had what it took to help others… thereby  starting down the road to self-healing.

 

A Knock at the Door and the “Crime That Wasn’t Criminal” 

  • A Deputy Sheriff and a Village police Officer were at the door to deliver the death notification. Instinctively, Denny knew in his heart upon seeing them that this was not a social call….
  • As the operator of the motor vehicle casing Kim’s death was also killed… there were no criminal charges…..  No justice!  No way to question the perpetrator.   It was learned later that the father was speeding in order to make an appointment for his daughter.  Ladyjustice says…. No excuse…. No comfort… No reason to speed…. Certainly not worth taking lives needlessly!
  • No type of medication, alcohol or mind altering substance was found to be involved in the crash…. ‘Just a father in a hurry!
  • Civil Action- Wrongful Death!  There were four in the vehicle prior to it careening over the embankment.  The car was owned by a local businessman who lent the car to his son.  The INSURANCE HAD LAPSED…
  • One day after the accident, the same business owner quickly transferred his house, bank accounts and other assets to another person for fear of a civil suit by the Griffins.  THIS WAS THE LAST THING ON THEIR MINDS!  They were actively grieving and could think of nothing else but their beautiful daughter!  The Griffins hired an attorney and were able to cover basic expenses involved in Kim’s death from whatever assets were left;

 Unconscionable Behavior by County Attorney- 

The County attorney made it clear that this scenario was not a “get rich quick scheme” and that the Griffins were forewarned…..  As Faith told it, the Attorney told them that as Kim had been a student, was not yet working and had no income, Kim had no worth!! (Legally speaking).  However, picture yourself in Denny and Faith’s shoes, hearing such a blatant and insensitive remark…..    Ladyjustice is sick at the thought of such terrible words by an obviously  despicable  man;

 

A Horrible Coincidence?  

  • Denny told of a circumstance in the death of his daughter that coincidentally was interwoven with an ongoing investigation of the local medical examiner from his book,   http://www.amazon.com/The-Morgue-Dennis-N-Griffin/dp/1585000345 in which this same medical examiner was taking tissue samples from those deceased up to 18 years od age and selling the samples without consent for experimentation.  Kim’s body was handled by this same medical examiner….She was, in fact, within the same age group with those whose tissue samples were unlawfully taken. However, much to his relief, Denny learned that Kim’s tissue had not ben confiscated….; 
  • The  man who was driving the car that Kim was in, never came to the wake.  The business owner  never expressed any remorse or made any gestures to the Griffins during or after the death of their daughter. .. 
  • As a police officer, Denny was able to stay in contact with police officials in the county in question as a professional courtesy, but was never actively involved in the investigation.    (Ladyjustice – How tormenting this must have been as a member of law enforcement!)

 

Accountability and Other Considerations

  • Delilah brought up the issue of accountability…  How do we deal with the situation when it is determined that criminality is not involved?  How do we justify the loss?  Who is held accountable?  Do we deal with our pain inwardly and then at some point decide to reach out to others?
  • Denny agreed that this is indeed a difficult issue….   However, those of us in the baby boomer generation and before, were brought up to believe that there is always someone else who has a larger burden than ours… who is worse off….
  • Denny related this to the situation that he often encounters with crime victims featured on Crime wire, in which families often know the circumstances of their loved one’s murder…. But the evidence isn’t quite there for an arrest….. Or worse case scenario, the perpetrator is known and free to walk in the same  community among the victims!  Denny has  tremendous empathy for those in such situations.  He states he is more patient since Kim’s death and makes it a point to never leave an angry or conflicting situation unresolved….
  • Dealing with “Friends”   They may run away from you in the grocery store or at community events… They don’t know what to say… How to approach the situation?  Ladyjustice has seen such behavior over and over as well….  As we are not trained to know how to deal with grief and major loss, many instinctively try to hide.   Denny advises against this behavior, as it will eventually “rear it’s ugly head” and the neighbors will have to confront it sooner or later…
  • “If the shoe is on the other foot”, Faith advises that there is always something you can do to demonstrate that you care – And… don’t be afraid to show your feelings when faced by death. When you know you’re in pain, she highly recommends going to a bereavement therapist.
  • And… about that nickname “Bear”….She got it when Denny and she were courting.  She was married previously and had three hungry children to feed, so the “Mama Bear” went without….  In addition, she wore a fur coat that was too big for her to which Denny remarked, “You look just like a Bear”.   The nickname stuck. 

Please visit Denny’s website, read/listen to his radio shows at www.dennisngriffin.com .  His eleven books are available for purchase at Amazon.com as well as some selectively on Kindle.

 


Related articles

Leave a Comment

Shattered Lives: Dennis and Faith Griffin: How Life Changes in an Instant

Posted by Administrator in Uncategorized on April 7, 2012

SHATTERED LIVES with Donna R. Gore, “LadyJustice”

Examining the effects of those who have survived violent crime and how it has impacted their lives.

Real people, real tragedy, real help.

Saturdays at 5pm ET Listen LIVE:  CLICK HERE

Donna R. Gore, LadyJustice, Shattered Lives

True crime author and former NY officer, Dennis Griffin, and his right arm and inspiration, wife Faith, are the guests for the hour on Shattered Lives.

In 1986 their lives were shattered when their vibrant daughter, Kim, was suddenly killed in a car accident. A bright 18 year old, Kim had just graduated from high school in June and was scheduled to enter college in September. On August 5 she went swimming with three other friends at a popular spot about 40 miles from home. On the way home from a day in the sun and fun, the accident happened as they neared the top of a hill. An elderly driver was coming in the opposite direction at a high rate of speed, panicked, and his car slammed into the car that Kim and her friends were riding in, knocking it over an embankment. The driver died at the scene as well as Kim.

Their lives changed by the instant loss of a beloved daughter, Denny and Faith were surely tested in the aftermath of the crash.  How did they manage to get through the grief and the pain? How would anyone deal with losing a child at the prime of her life with so much to look forward to?

After Denny retired from law enforcement he began a new career, writing. Denny and Faith, affectionately known as “Bear,” spend half their time in Las Vegas where Denny has written several books about the mob influence in “Sin City.” He’s made numerous appearances and is the host of radio shows, Crime Wire, with co-host Susan Murphy Milano, and Real Wiseguys, with former Gambino family member, Andrew DiDonato.

Join us for the hour as Denny and Faith share the aftermath of their shattered lives and the impact their loss has had.

ImaginePublicity,Social Media Marketing for Individuals

Related articles

,

Leave a Comment

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.