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A grandes males, grandes remedies! Gang culture will not be tolerated…

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A grandes males, grandes remedies!

(Big Troubles Call for Big Remedies!)

Gang culture will not be tolerated…

According to the Gospels, when Jesus heard that John the Baptist had been killed, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place near Bethsaida. The crowds followed Jesus on foot. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. The disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”

Jesus said,“But we only have five loaves of bread and two fish for them,” said the disciples.  Jesus directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fishes and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Jesus and the disciples gave the loaves and fishes to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. Approximately five thousand men, in addition to women and children were fed that miraculous day!

What a life lesson! Miracles do occasionally happen. One such miracle is the miracle of the MAG Coalition. The heart and soul of this organization is Yuli Alonso Garza and her community in Imperial Valley, California.  From the tragedy and loss of her beloved son, Martin Alberto Garza, a better quality of life away from gang culture is being fostered! The community has embraced this cause wholeheartedly for the betterment of all  and much has been accomplished since that dark night of January 6, 2013 when Martin’s life was snuffed out.

The next chapter, the judicial chapter, has stalled like a sputtering engine starting and stopping, causing  much frustration.  However, the Garza family rises above and looks to God. They are hopeful and confident, relying on the wisdom of a higher power and faith in the criminal justice system.  It is at this intersection, once a trial and eventual sentencing date is set, that a victim impact statement can be provided to the court from families like the Garzas. The statement customizes their thoughts and feelings and creates a lasting, positive, impact,  painting a true picture and presence in the courtroom for who the victim truly was!  (Victim Impact Assistance Service available)

Shattered Lives Radio welcomed Yuli Garza  back for a special update following the initial show. Please listen to the Podcast of the original radio show for more detail about Yuli’s son, Martin, and the case at hand.  The outcome has yet to be revealed. Patience is a virtue, and the Garza family is virtuous, and we are hopeful that they will be victorious.

 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST – ESCUCHA!

·         Introduction to our guest;

·         A stellar 17 year old  with a full life ahead of him and abruptly stuck down

·         The importance of MEN getting involved in the lives of their children and communities

·         Are gangs glamorized in Southern California?

·         The Letterman Jacket program “GO BIG OR GO HOME FUN RAISER” – a model activity

·         The court process and the importance of the California Gang Enhancement Statutes: “The California Step Act:”

·         A new reality…

·
·         CONTACT INFO: magcoatition@gmail.com
MAG Coalition    PO BOX 1639  Brawley, California 92227

 

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Questions- Preguntas!

·         What were some of the qualities that made Martin such a special young man?

·         What were the circumstances surrounding the crime?

·         How did the family cope?

·         How does the highest unemployment rate impact crime in the Imperial Valley?

·         What is the easiest way to acquire funds for kids?

·         Is rehabilitation and prevention part of the MAG Coalition?

·         What was the pilot program about concerning the Letterman Jacket program?

·         What does the blue and gold colors represent?

·         What kinds of community partners have joined and what has been the benefit to students?

·         What is the significance of the Gang enhancement statutes to the Garza’s case?

·         What does “one day at a time“ truly mean now over a year later?

·         How did Yuli commemorate the first anniversary of Martin’s death and a future project?

·         What is her long range goal for MAG?

 

The comments expressed on this website or on the broadcasts of Shattered Lives do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the hosts, producers, or other guests.

A grandes males, grandes remedies! Gang culture will not be tolerated…

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The “Maze” of Crime Scene Investigation According to Pete Valentin

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The maze of Longleat House

The maze of Longleat House (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“They want to have answers … This is a difficult one….” Dr. Henry C. Lee

“In the realm of ideas everything depends on enthusiasm… in the real world all rests on perseverance.” 

 Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

It is at the crossroads in which ideas intersect with perseverance that things get done. However, when it comes to solving crimes, whether determining a suicide, homicide or accidental death, there is a right way and a wrong way to go about it, and if there is one important message from our guest, Peter Valentin, a forensic scientist, former Connecticut State Police detective, crime scene investigator, and professor at the Henry Lee Institute of Forensic Science, is that “slow and steady” generally wins the race.”

Never before in the history of civilization has life been so complex, so multi-layered, and fraught with policies, procedures, bureaucracies, legal considerations and ways in which the solving of a case can go wrong.  Citizens are given a steady stream of media messages that justice and answers should be quick and “figured out before the next commercial,” but not so in real life. The secret is to combine the best of both worlds; combining old fashioned detective, tried and true, methods with “science and gadgetry” as appropriate.

“Shattered Lives”  interviewed Pete Valentin for a second time, learning still more about the intricacies involved in crime scene investigation. Join us for this fascinating show!

Listen to the Podcast

  • Intimate Partner Violence PSA by Amy Robinson

    Peter Valentin

    Peter Valentin

  • Introduction to our guest, Peter Valentin
  • What is a prerequisite skill prior to getting to the “nitty-gritty” investigation?
  • Thought processes…the many aspects – detective work, scientific work and thinking beyond the obvious
  • Delilah asks about why many investigators rush to judgment by ruling a case a suicide versus a homicide and how can we prevent it?
  • Looking beyond the information and the source…
  • The importance of credible information and not taking short cuts…
  • There should be one standard of investigation and family involvement
  • The beginnings of an A to Z thorough investigation…
  • The first person on the scene….
  • Preservation of the crimes scene versus saving of a life…Which is more important?
  • What to know about witnesses and securing the scene….
  • People who make the discovery,  their recall and manipulation of the scene
  • Delilah on the interpretation of evidence and transfer… So many steps by so many people…
  • “After the emergency is over, I must leave…”
  • Search warrants- Carte blanche?
  • Documentation process- What’s involved?
  • Photography and videotaping…
  • Delilah asks about cold cases and the importance of preserving evidence…
  • DNA preservation…. What enhances, what destroys?
  • Ladyjustice asks if there is a benchmark or time period to be considered “Cold?”
  • Ladyjustice brings up the issue of backlogs and Pete’s strategies to deal with it…
  • Becoming smarter…. and collaborating…
  • The problem with integration and interpretation…
  • Advocacy- Sometimes less is more….
  • Doing tests- The best way to educate about the limitations of forensic science is ____?
  • Example – The Casey Anthony Trial and Duct Tape…
  • DNA and its probative value…
  • Ladyjustice asks about what crime victims can do to move a cold case along?
  • Questioning everything you believe on the “second look” – fact versus opinions
  • Less than forthcoming witnesses and attitudes over time….
  • Pete’s parting messages re the nature of Crime Scene Investigation….
  • Closing Intimate Partner Violence PSA by Amy Robinson

Questions for the Audience

  • How many sub-specialties are needed to be a competent crime scene analyst?
  • What is the difference between bringing your experience to the scene and “creating a bias?”
  • What is the hierarchy of assumptions as to the possible manner of death – Homicide, suicide or accidental death?
  • What is the important distinction between a county coroner and a forensic examiner?
  • Do you secure the scene or document as your first steps?
  • What is the responsibility of first responders initially re “transient evidence?”
  • What’s involved in a walk through?
  • What’s Pete’s opinion regarding narrated videotaping?
  • In the matter of cold cases, what’s the most important factor?
  • How long can preserved evidence last?
  • What is Pete’s definition of a “Cold Case?”
  • What’s the real issue with evidence and backlog?
  • What’s the threshold for solvability re crime scene examiners?
  • How do you manage the expectations of juries?

The comments expressed on this website or on the broadcasts of Shattered Lives do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the hosts, producers, or other guests.

 The “Maze” of Crime Scene Investigation According to Pete Valentin

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The Multi-Faceted Aspects of Murder- A Tutorial of “Murder 101”

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At this point in time, in our American history, we are on the heels of the 50th anniversary of the John F. Kennedy assassination.  In 1963, we all were struck by a plethora of emotions – shock, disbelief, anger, incredible sadness and overwhelming collective grief. Why?  In my opinion, this President represented all that was new and spurred our hopes for a bright future. JFK captivated the nation and the world!  But… in truth, we didn’t know him personally. However, he captivated us as if he was a family member.  Just imagine… if a “political stranger’s” death can affect us in such a way, what must it be like when murder happens to our immediate family and friends?  That is the question… and the real life situation that tries many people’s souls.  How do we understand this type of loss as compared to other types?

“Shattered Lives” hosts invited as their guest, psychologist Alyssa Rheingold, Ph.D. of the National Crime Victims Center located at the Medical University of South Carolina to discuss such issues and try to answer the hard questions based upon her research and expertise.

 LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST

  • Intimate Partner Violence PSA by Amy Robinson
  • Introduction to our guest
  • An overview of what homicide looks like…
  • LJ asks why there is not more research on homicide.
  • Alyssa explains what the Medical University of South Carolina offers
  • If you can’t come in…. they have clinicians that go to the home and do community visits
  • “These victims need more than a support group”- a hole in the needs of an underserved populationrheingold_13
  • Trainings and their program as a model
  • The level of preconceived planning – the crux of the terms murder versus homicide
  • Signs and symptoms common in homicide
  • Some variables- Stigma, law enforcement, media involvement,
  • Intensity, recovery time, greater risk of having other mental health problems
  • Delilah marvels about inner strength, the human spirit, rebounding and “coming to a fork in the road” What is it about the makeup of people?
  • Alyssa responds about resiliency – the factors involved
  • Ladyjustice personally “figuring out a way to cope successfully with homicide”
  • Ladyjustice asks about other problem areas that people may not always recognize
  • Example – When the breadwinner is murdered
  • When you begin to heal… and then the trial…
  • The dilemma of religion when a homicide occurs
  • Therapists working with homicide victims – Are they qualified?
  • Prolonged grief- What is it and what is done to get “unstuck?”
  • Discussion of positively reinforcing behaviors
  • LJ asks about progress of the trial and amount of grief– Are they emotionally linked.
  • What do you do with victims whose cases have gone cold? “Life on hold”
  • Delilah asks about families of missing persons and no “event” to overcome.
  • Discussion of those who need and respond best to counselling versus others
  • The problems with “friends”
  • Working with families and different styles of grieving
  • The holidays-  The stress and the grief
  • Alyssa’s advice:   “No shoulds” “Anything goes”  as long as it isn’t harmful
  • Being alone versus support on anniversary days and holidays…
  • Plan ahead for integrating your loved one into the holiday in some way
  • Entering the homicide support group setting- What it’s like? The bond of loss…
  • Alyssa’s advice – You are not alone… there is support and help out there if you reach out.
  • Discussion of Parents of Murdered Children (POMC ) and other victims beyond parents
  • Contact Information:  Dr. Alyssa A. Rheingold, Ph.D. c/o National Crime Victims Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina E-mail:  rheingaa@musc.edu

Questions for Listeners

  • How many people are killed via homicide each year?
  • How did their level of care at MUSC start?
  • What does their model of service consist of?
  • What’s the difference between the terms homicide versus murder?
  • How are my symptoms of grief with the passing of “Aunt Betty” different from grief in a homicide?
  • Are some people more prepared to withstand homicide- Why, or why-not?
  • Examples of cases- Managing beyond the system- What other complications can occur?
  • Do you have to “forgive” in order to move on?
  • What does an assessment for counseling entail?
  • How can victims work on their acceptance of the homicide?
  • How do you find enjoyment in things that remind you of your loved one?
  • Is there a medication for grief?
  • What are “okay” behaviors in grieving versus the need- timetable for counselling?
  • How can we get through the holidays in a better way after such a loss?
  • How can you feel more comfortable in a support group?
  • Where can you find a support group if you are not in a big city?

 The Multi-Faceted Aspects of Murder- A Tutorial of “Murder 101”

The comments expressed on this website or on the broadcasts of Shattered Lives do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the hosts, producers, or other guests.

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The First Line of Defense: Safeguarding Victims of Trafficking- The Mission of Truckers Against Trafficking

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Truckers Against Trafficking, human trafficking prevention, Shattered Lives Radio, Donna R. Gore

“A man’s conscience, like a warning line on the highway, tells him what he shouldn’t do –

but it does not keep him from doing it.”

Frank A Clark

 

We are forewarned by red flags in life, but often we don’t see them for whatever reason.  With each passing generation it appears that new forms of human degradation are created, whether out of greed, perversity, or pushing the boundaries of cultural acceptance.

In 2013, truckers, “the Good Samaritans of the Highways” are taking on a new charge.

Now, when I hear the dull roar of the truckers far in the distance on a sleepy morning, I will think twice, as a new appreciation abounds.

Set against the backdrop of all kinds of potential hazards, regulations, fragile cargo, time constraints, and family who are oh so faraway, there is yet another responsibility that those in the trucking industry have embraced, that of  a special kind of guardian angel at truck stops and plazas.

Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) educates, trains, empowers, and builds coalitions while being the first line of defense when victims literally “come knocking on their doors” at truck stops. Those dedicated to the cause of stopping this industry of exploiting children, young people, and vulnerable adults for profit MUST END. The chain of supply and demand must be disconnected, for the human toll is just too great!

TAT has taken the first steps, being the eyes and ears within the landscape they know so well, making vital connections to truck stop managers and the police when a situation “doesn’t feel right.”

Executive Director, Kendis Paris, and  Andy Anastasio, Jr.,TAT member and Chairman of the  Connecticut Motor Transport Association, were the featured guests during this episode of “Shattered Lives.”

Join us for this very enlightening story!

 

    LISTEN TO THE PODCAST of Truckers Against Trafficking

  • Introduction to our guestsTruckers Against Trafficking, Shattered Lives, Donna R. Gore, human trafficking
  • Andy speaks about the 93rd Annual Convention of the Motor Transport Association of Connecticut…and his introduction of TAT to their Board of Directors
  • Kendis speaks of her experience as a keynote and the support of a State Trucking Association such as Connecticut’s
  • The evolution of Truckers Against Trafficking and explanation of goals
  • What is involved in coalition building and obtaining resources
  • Explaining the training DVD and the story of Sherry and her cousin Chrissy and a 13 state prostitution ring
  • New training for general managers of truck stop
  • Discussion of whether truckers should approach pimps and get directly involved
  • Delilah asks about the perception of truckers using truck stops for buying sex?
  • Andy responds… a very small minority of 9 million CDL drivers…
  • Video tape message-Three options for trafficking – invite them in, do nothing or make a phone call
  • “Working a truck stop”- What happens?
  • Getting the victims and a safe haven
  • The level of security at truck stops and suspicious activity on the “row”
  • A mind-set shift – Lot lizard versus “potential victim of human trafficking”
  • Discussion of rest areas and where “more eyes need to be”
  • Goals- If every truck having a huge TAT sticker to deter traffickers and get arrested along the way
  • Delilah asks about interfacing with missing persons and truckers?
  • Kendis on some truckers and Amber Alerts, the Center of Missing & Exploited Children- “Mission Drift”
  • National Association of Truck Stop Operators – http://www.natso.com ;  National Association of Independent Truckers http://www.insideview.com/directory/national-association-of-independent-truckers-l-l-c
  • Andy on Statistics- Is it that big a deal?
  • DOJ- 100-300,000 children in” sex for sale” in America
  • Discussion of the prolific industry of trafficking -32 billion 
  • How does it compare to drugs and arms trafficking?
  • Creation of TAT against the statistics and history of the hotline calls
  • Training is not extensive in length but IS impactful!
  • Ladyjustice asks how close they are to getting TAT stickers on all trucks and use of social media with 3 million drivers?
  • Training drivers with the wallet card is their priority
  • Polaris’s involvement with follow-up on cases and TAT’s desire to have more information re feedback in the future
  • Andy’s vision regional collaboration- with police, DMV, DOT and CT leaders in Washington for legislation.  Andy’s appointment to committees and Boards in Connecticut
  • Iowa DOT and an innovative Pilot Project using the training videos, at truck stops, mandatory compliance meetings,
  • Asset forfeiture laws  funding for TAT materials- Woo Hoo!
  • How to get involved www.truckersagaisttrakicking.org;
  • Contact:  tat.truckers@gmail.com   Get your own training video!

 

Questions Regarding Truckers Against Trafficking

What was the Board’s reaction to TAT?Truckers Against Trafficking

  • What are the main goals of TAT?
  • How many members are there in the trucking industry and how are they reached
  • How are truckers trained?
  • What is the importance of the wallet card?
  • Are truckers still the “knights of the highway?”
  • What are lot lizards?
  • Are we asking too much of truckers? How do those in the industry feel?
  • How many children were rescued& perps were arrested in the FBI Innocence Lost sting in three days?
  • How many calls have been received into the National Trafficking Hotline and its impact within the last three years?
  • Are they active legislatively?
  • Is the focus always state by state or are their regional organizations?
  • Everyone has a part to play…

The First Line of Defense: Safeguarding Victims of Trafficking- The Mission of Truckers Against Trafficking

 

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