NY Woman Arrested for Videotaping Police Traffic Stop

June 24, 2011

A controversy is arising after a video was posted online earlier this week showing a New York woman being taken into police custody for videotaping a police traffic stop from her front yard.

The video, which is expected to go viral, was shot in Rochester on the night of May 9 by Emily Good. In it, officers with the Rochester Police Department are seen conducting a search of a man's vehicle on Aldine Street. Roughly 40 seconds into the four -and-a-half-minute video, one of the officers directs his attention at Good and asks her if she needs something.

"This is my front yard. I'm just recording what you're doing. It's my right," Good replies.

"Actually, not from the sidewalk," the officer responds.

The officer tells her on the video that he does not "feel safe" with her standing behind him. He then asks her to go inside her home.

The verbal exchange continues until the office finally says, "You know what? You're gonna go to jail. That's just not right."

Good was taken into custody and charged with obstructing governmental administration.

The arrest has sparked a lot of debate online, and the police department announced that an internal investigation is underway to determine whether the arrest was justified. The case, however, may not be so cut and dried, according to one expert.

"While our protagonist-antagonist had a right to videotape in a public place where there is no expectation of privacy and where generally police officers don’t have an expectation of privacy in any event, she could have been a little more – shall we say – reasonable," famed Seattle attorney and legal analyst Anne Bremner told Investigation Discovery.

"Here's the law: her videotaping was legal. Standing in her yard was legal. She was within her rights to do what she did and stand where she stood," Bremner said.

According to the veteran attorney, Good could argue that the police officer's demand that she go in her house was an unlawful order, as she had a right to stand her ground in her yard, which could put her in a good legal position.

On the other hand, police officers do not like to allow any interference in their arrests or turn their backs on anyone.

"Their arrests command their total attention," Bremner said. "That is why we see officers telling people, 'Get back in your house' ; 'Step back' ; 'Please, don't cross this line' ; etc. Officers can give out orders for their own safety, the safety of the arrestee(s) and bystanders, … and [they] have latitude in making attendant orders and arrests."

Good is scheduled to appear in court on June 27. According to local media reports, her public defender is hoping to get the case dismissed. In the event it is not, Bremner said it could prove to be a good "legal balancing test."

"Does anyone really want to test this out in court?" Bremner asked. "Could everyone have acted a little more reasonably? Could she have cooperated? Could they have not arrested her?"

Serial Killer John Wayne Gacy Art Exhibition Under Fire

May 13, 2011

[From the Investigation Discovery Editors]

Artwork created by serial killer John Wayne Gacy while on death row is on exhibit and for sale by a Las Vegas gallery, according to CNN. 

Representatives of the gallery said their intent was to host a charity exhibition and sale to benefit the National Center for Victims of Crime. 

However, the victims organization says they never agreed to partner with the gallery on the exhibit.  They have issued a cease-and-desist letter, requesting that the gallery stop use of their name.

What do you think?  Has the gallery gone too far?  Share your thoughts in the Comments section below and let us know how you feel.

Visit the Fearbook and Get More on Gacy >>

Read John Wayne Gacy's Criminal Profile >>

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More on the Web
CNN, Controversial serial killer's paintings go on display in Las Vegas
ARTINFO, Is It Ethical to Profit From a Serial Killer's Art? Behind the John Wayne Gacy Show Uproar

Casey Anthony: Wife of Serial Killer Joins Casey Anthony Defense

[This article is by contributing writer Ivy Bigbee. She is a Washington, D.C.-based writer.]

CLEARWATER, Fla. — Entering through the revolving door of Casey Anthony’s legal team, a woman packing her own notoriety has joined the defense group.  Mitigation specialist Rosalie Bolin, who married serial killer Oscar Ray Bolin via telephone, made her initial court appearance on May 11.  Although her official role has not been identified, Bolin acted as Casey “whisperer” on a difficult day for the defendant.

What could save her from the death penalty?

Suppose Casey Anthony receives a guilty verdict in her capital murder trial.  In the penalty phase, grappling with her possible execution, will a jury make allowances for any number of events and crises people encounter in everyday life, yet who are not charged with killing their child?

Consider Anthony defense attorney Ann Finnell’s extensive list of the numerous issues -- common to many, but when linked to the defendant, could offset her potential execution:

“ . . .  age, lack of maturity, brain development, lack of impulse control, history of sexual abuse, has insomnia and nightmares, lack of parental guidance, mother and father failed to protect her as a child, verbally and emotionally abused as a child, taught poor coping skills, taught to project false appearances, used as a decoy or pawn by parents and a scapegoat for parental misconduct, good conduct in school, above-average grades, sports, loved Caylee and Caylee loved her, good detainee at jail . .   “

On the fourth day of jury selection, Finnell hastily tendered her astonishing list, continuing until Judge Perry advised that the defense could not present case strategy during jury selection.

Introduced to Finnell’s catalog of human behavior, potential jurors and trial watchers likely were shaking their heads over such an assortment.   It may be that in addition to exploring Casey Anthony’s history and background, the defense created its compendium of behaviors to introduce and support reasonable doubt, if and when the decision regarding lethal injection must be determined.  Additionally, since jurors bring their life experiences to the table, different mitigating factors may resonate unevenly among jury members.

Wearing a pale yellow blouse tucked into dark slacks and, for the most part, sitting quietly at the defense table — despite her histrionics the previous day — Anthony appeared more calm and attentive to her surroundings and seemed more aware of the voir dire process.

Juror 1398 was among the group of potential panelists.   The mental health counselor and married mother of two grown children and 3 grandchildren seemed centered, informed and reasonable.  When asked her thoughts on the death penalty, the former nurse, age 68 and white, noted, “I value life.  I also value our criminal justice system, as it has evolved over the years.”  She added, “I do not think it’s necessarily a wrong thing to do.”

Dismissive of the hovering helicopters and “media blitz” surrounding the trial, the composed candidate indicated she “had a life,” and that she viewed the monstrous pre-trial publicity as “background stuff.”

Photo Credit: Florida Dept. of Corrections

Related Links:

How Much Do You Know About the Casey Anthony Case? Take a Quiz.
Discuss The Caylee Anthony Case
Full Coverage : Casey Anthony Case

Osama Bin Laden Killed in Pakistan

May 02, 2011

Osama bin Laden, founder of the terror group al-Qaeda and mastermind of the attacks on September 11, 2001 that killed thousands of innocent men, women, and children, has been killed.

President Barack Obama made the announcement late Sunday evening during an address that was televised around the world. The president said he had been briefed by the intelligence community last August that bin Laden may be located at a compound in Pakistan. By mid-February, the president said it was determined that there was sound basis for that intelligence and, on Sunday, he issued the order to take action.

"Today, at my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound," the president said from the East Room of the White House. "A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability."

The attack against bin Laden took place at a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. The team of soldiers was involved in a brief firefight, during which Osama bin Laden and three adult males were killed. U.S. officials believe two of the men were couriers and the third was bin Laden's son. One woman, rumored to be one of bin Laden's wives, was also killed when she was used as a shield by a male combatant. No Americans were harmed during the raid.

 

A History of the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List

 

Bin Laden had been on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list as well as the State Department's Most Wanted Terrorists list. The United States Department of State had been offering a reward of up to $25 million for information leading directly to his apprehension or conviction.

 

 

According to the FBI's website, bin Laden was wanted for "murder of U.S. nationals outside the United States; conspiracy to murder U.S. nationals outside the United States and attack on a federal facility resulting in death."

The terrorist mastermind was wanted in connection with the August 7, 1998, bombings of the United States Embassies in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Nairobi, Kenya. Those attacks killed more than 200 people. In addition, bin Laden is a suspect in other terrorist attacks throughout the world, including the orchestration of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, which claimed the lives of more than 3,000 people.

Bin Laden's body was prepared for burial in accordance with Islamic practice and tradition and was then buried at sea within 24 hours of his death.

"The cause of securing our country is not complete. But tonight, we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to," President Obama said. "That is the story of our history, whether it's the pursuit of prosperity for our people, or the struggle for equality for all our citizens; our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world a safer place."

 

Investigation Discovery Videos: A Look Back: Osama Bin Laden

 

The president added, "Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because of who we are: one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. May God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America."

Related Links:
Investigation Discovery: Top 10 Bombers

Preliminary Annual Crime Statistics for 2009

May 29, 2010

The FBI has released its Preliminary Annual Uniform Crime Report, which indicates a decrease in violent crime.

All four violent crime offenses - murder and non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault - declined nationwide in 2009 when compared with 2008 data. Robbery dropped eight percent, murder decreased seven percent, aggravated assault declined four percent, and forcible rape decreased three percent.

Violent Crime

The largest decrease, seven percent, was in cities with populations ranging from 500,000 to 999,999 inhabitants. Violent crime declined four percent in the nation's metropolitan counties and three percent in non-metropolitan counties.

Cities with 25,000 to 49,999 inhabitants were the only city population group to report a five percent increase in the number of murders. The number of murders in the nation's non-metropolitan counties also rose, one percent.

Forcible rape trends dropped in all city population groups. The largest decrease was seven percent in cities of less than 10,000 residents. Metropolitan counties reported a three percent decline in the number of rapes, but the number of rapes reported in non-metropolitan counties rose slightly, 0.3 percent.

All population groups reported decreases in the volume of robbery in 2009. Of the city groups, cities with populations of 100,000 to 249,999 had the largest decrease at 10 percent. Metropolitan counties reported a six percent drop in robberies; non-metropolitan counties reported a 0.7 percent decline.

The number of aggravated assaults declined in all population groups, with cities of 500,000 to 999,999 inhabitants reporting a six percent decrease. Aggravated assaults declined three percent in non-metropolitan counties and three percent in metropolitan counties.

All four regions in the nation showed decreases in violent crime in 2009 when compared with data from 2008. Violent crime decreased six percent in the South, five percent in the West, four percent in the Midwest, and three percent in the Northeast.

Property Crime

All property crime offenses — burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft —decreased in 2009 when compared with 2008 data. Motor vehicle theft showed the largest drop in volume at seventeen percent, larceny-thefts declined four percent, and burglaries decreased one percent.

The nation's largest cities, one million or more inhabitants, reported the greatest decrease, seven percent, in property crime overall. Of the city groupings, this population group also reported the biggest decreases in the offenses that comprise property crime: a 21 percent drop in motor vehicle theft, a five percent decline in burglary, and a five percent decrease in larceny-theft. In the nation's non-metropolitan counties, larceny-thefts fell nine percent; in metropolitan counties, larceny-thefts declined five percent.

The only population group to indicate a rise in any type of property crime was in non-metropolitan counties, where burglary rose 0.5 percent.

In comparing 2008 data and 2009 data by region, law enforcement agencies in the West reported the biggest decline in property crime, with a decrease of six percent. Property crime declined five percent in the Midwest and Northeast, and three percent in the South.

Arson

Arson offenses, which are tracked separately from other property crimes, declined 10 percent nationwide.

All population groups reported decreases in the volume of arson offenses. In addition, arson fell in all four of the nation's regions: 11 percent in the West, 10 percent in the South, nine percent in the Midwest, and eight percent in the Northeast.

Data in the report came from 13,237 law enforcement agencies that submitted six to 12 months of data in both 2008 and 2009.

Photo Credit: iStock

Controversial Cadaver Sex Show

September 17, 2009

It could be coming to a neighborhood near you!

Since 1995, German anatomist Gunther von Hagens has managed to generate both curiosity and controversy with his traveling Body Worlds exhibition, which showcases preserved human bodies and body parts. Now von Hagens is attempting to up the ante by posing the corpses in sexual positions, a move that is being protested in some countries.

Born in Skalmierzyce in 1945, von Hagens spent much of his youth in East Germany and later moved to Greiz, where he remained until his late teens. Von Hagens enrolled at the University of Jena in 1965. Following a brush with the law, von Hagens continued his medical studies in Lubeck, and in 1975, he received a doctorate from the University of Heidelberg.

In 1977, von Hagens invented a plastination technique used to preserve specimens for medical study. Von Hagen's Web site, bodyworlds.com, describes the process:

"In order to make a specimen permanent, decomposition must be halted.… By removing water and fats from the tissue and replacing these with polymers, the Plastination process deprives bacteria of what they need to survive. Bodily fluids cannot, however, be replaced directly with polymers, because the two are chemically incompatible.… Water in the tissues (which comprises approximately 70% of the human body) and fatty tissues are replaced with acetone, a solvent that readily evaporates. In the second step, the acetone is replaced with a polymer solution.… A specimen is placed in a vacuum chamber and the pressure is reduced to the point where the solvent boils. The acetone is suctioned out of the tissue at the moment it vaporizes, and the resulting vacuum in the specimen causes the polymer solution to permeate the tissue. This exchange process is allowed to continue until all of the tissue has been completely saturated."

Von Hagens initially used the plastination process to preserve small specimens; however, in the early 1990s, he began to plastinate whole bodies. Later, during the mid-1990s, Von Hagens developed the Body Worlds exhibit. Since that time, his specimens have been displayed at dozens of museums throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. The exhibits generally include about 25 whole-body plastinates, both human and animal, in various positions.

"We want to present to the public a comprehensive, multidisciplinary view of the various systems of the body," von Hagens is quoted as saying on the bodyworlds.com Web site.

The exhibits have been an obvious success, drawing nearly 30 million visitors to date; however, they have also caused a lot of controversy, resulting in laws being passed in the UK, Czech Republic, France and United States. Most of the laws control the transportation, sale, display and documentation of the human remains.

According to von Hagens, the bodies that he plastinated were donated, with each individual giving an informed consent. Despite these claims, in Jan. 2004, the German news magazine Der Spiegel reported that von Hagens had acquired corpses of executed prisoners from China. Von Hagens denied the allegations, and in 2004, he obtained an injunction against the magazine.

"I have never plastinated the bodies of executed persons, for, based on my ethical convictions, I disapprove of using such bodies for anatomical purposes," Dr. von Hagens said in a press release.

In addition to von Hagens' statements, an independent review of his practices that was launched by the California Science Center found that von Hagens was committed to ethical practices.

The center's report stated, "In March – April 2004, Dr. [Hans-Martin] Sass traveled to the Body Worlds' offices in Germany (Institut fuer Plastination [IfP] in Heidelberg) where he had extensive conferences with principal IfP staff, and reviewed body donor consent documentation. In addition he visited the Body Worlds exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany. On behalf of the Science Center, Dr. Sass reviewed all deceased body donor consent forms (206), matched the donor forms with death certificates, verified that the body specimens were properly donated for the purpose of public exhibition, and verified that the donor forms met established informed consent standards."

Click here to continue reading this story >

Brazilian prosecutor accuses crime TV Host of plotting judge's murder

August 27, 2009

Earlier this month, police in Brazil accused Wallace Souza, the former host of the true crime television show "Canal Livre," of commissioning a variety of criminal acts - including at least 5 murders - to bolster the show's ratings. Since that time, officials have filed multiple charges against Souza and prosecutors are now saying that he even attempted to have a federal judge assassinated.

The most recent accusation in the case was made yesterday by Ronaldo Andrade, the lead prosecutor in the case. According to Andrade, Souza tried to orchestrate the murder of Judge Jaiza Fraxe in 2007, because of Fraxe's role in the arrest of one of Souza's associates. Andrade said the assassination plot was ultimately foiled when Souza's alleged gunman, Luiz Joao Macedo, refused to participate. Macedo was later murdered, leading to speculation that Souza was behind his killing.

Andrade also announced yesterday that his office suspects Souza was involved in as many as 19 killings.

Souza has yet to be arrested on a single murder count; however police have charged him with other crimes; including drug trafficking, gang formation and weapons possession. Despite those charges, Souza, a state congressman, remains free because of legislative immunity. Nevertheless, police say he is still under investigation and a state judiciary committee is expected to determine whether he should face further charges.

Prior to becoming a media personality and congressman, Souza worked as police officer. That career, which began in 1979, came to an abrupt end in 1987, when, according to state police intelligence chief Thomaz Vasconcelos, Souza was fired for his alleged involvement in a series of scams involving fuel theft and pension fraud. Souza has always denied the allegations, claiming that he was forced to resign because of a fraud scheme he was investigating. 

Ten years later, in 1989, Souza launched "Canal Livre," a TV show intended to give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at what he once described as "naked and raw reality" – everything from police pursuits and arrests to homicide cases.

The original reporting, along with Souza's outspoken personality, proved to be popular with viewers, and the show was soon a hit. Banking on his new-found fame, Souza was eventually elected to the state legislature; however, even after winning the position, he continued to host the program.

Souza's TV success did not go unnoticed; eventually, authorities began to question how he was able to get to so many crime scenes ahead of anyone else – including the authorities.

Click here to continue reading this story >

Brazilian police accuse crime TV Host of organizing murders to boost ratings

August 12, 2009

Authorities in Brazil have accused Wallace Souza, the former host of the true crime television show "Canal Livre," of commissioning a variety of criminal acts - including at least 5 murders - to bolster the show's ratings.

Launched in 1989, "Canal Livre" was intended to give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at what Souza once described as "naked and raw reality" – everything from police pursuits and arrests to homicide cases.

The original reporting, along with Souza's outspoken personality, proved to be popular with viewers, and the show was soon a hit. Banking on his new-found fame, Souza was eventually elected to the state legislature; however, even after winning the position, he continued to host the program.

Souza's TV success did not go unnoticed; eventually, authorities began to question how he was able to get to so many crime scenes ahead of anyone else – including the authorities.

In one particular episode, a reporter filming a freshly burned corpse related to the viewers that it smelled like "barbecue."

A police probe was soon launched into the show, and when the investigation intensified late last year, it went off the air.

According to state police intelligence chief Thomaz Vasconcelos, the investigation revealed that Souza allegedly worked with a gang of former police officers who were involved in drug trafficking. Vasconcelos told the Associated Press that the killings served two purposes – to eliminate rivals and to increase ratings.

"We believe that they organized a kind of death squad to execute rivals who disputed with them the drug trafficking business," Vasconcelos said, adding, "[Souza] would eliminate his rival and use the killing as a news story for his program."

Click here to continue reading this story >

Trafficking in Persons Report 2009

June 18, 2009

"The ninth annual Trafficking in Persons Report sheds light on the faces of modern-day slavery and on new facets of this global problem. The human trafficking phenomenon affects virtually every country, including the United States. In acknowledging America’s own struggle with modern-day slavery and slavery-related practices, we offer partnership. We call on every government to join us in working to build consensus and leverage resources to eliminate all forms of human trafficking." - Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

The report is available in PDF format at http://www.state.gov/g/tip/rls/tiprpt/2009/index.htm.

Unsolved: The Missing and Murdered Women of Chautauqua County

May 13, 2009

Situated in the southwestern corner of New York State, Chautauqua County is the westernmost of New York's counties. The Web site of the visitors' bureau describes the area as a "gateway to the west," where visitors can enjoy "grapes, wineries, cultural, culinary, and resort centers." What you won't find on that Web site is information about the county's unsolved abductions and murders of women - some of which date to the 1980s.

Jane Doe: On Dec. 6, 1983, utility company employees discovered the partially clad body of a woman in a ditch along Route 17 in Ellery. The victim, who has never been identified, had been shot once in the back, twice in the chest, and once inside the mouth. Based upon the victim's characteristics, investigators believe she was a European; however, all attempts to identify her have been unsuccessful. She is described as a white female, 33-37 years of age, 5'4" and 128 lbs., with grayish brown hair and brown eyes. She had a wart above her left eye and a mole behind her left ear. The autopsy revealed that the victim had given birth to at least one child, some 15 years prior to her death.  The victim had bridge work on the right side of her mouth, which is believed to have been done in Europe. A handwritten note found with the victim was from the Blue Boy Motor Lodge in Vancouver, British Columbia; however, investigators have been unable to decipher the abbreviations and numbers written on it.

Kathy Wilson: Last seen on May 18, 1988, Kathy disappeared after an afternoon trip to Quality Markets in Falconer. Her vehicle was later found at another grocery store on the opposite side of town. On Sept. 24, 1989, Kathy's remains were found in a wooded area along Lindell Road in Warren County, Pennsylvania.  Her case remains unsolved.

Judith Lynn McElheney: The body of 27-year-old Judith McElheney was found on Oct. 8, 1990, at a rest stop on Route 5 in Sheridan. According to police, she had sustained a single gunshot to her head close to her left ear. Investigators have been unable to determine a motive in the case, and no suspects have ever been identified.

Rebecca Nicholson: On Dec. 13, 1990, Rebecca's body was discovered inside her Westfield home. According to police, she had been shot. To date, no one has been arrested in the case.

Melinda Juul: An on-duty police officer discovered the body of 32-year-old Melinda Juul on the morning of Jan. 20, 1993, along Marion Street in Jamestown. The victim had been shot, and a .40-caliber shell casing was found at the scene. Neighborhood residents reported being suspicious of a black car that had driven through the area, but it remains unclear if the vehicle was connected to the crime. Melinda's body was approximately two blocks from a resource center, where she had helped care for the developmentally disabled. Melinda was last seen when she left work to go on break. According to police, she used her bank debit card at a plaza shortly before her murder. She also purchased a magazine at the Foote Avenue Quality Markets. Melinda's husband and four children were at home during the incident. The motive behind the murder remains unknown, and police have yet to name a suspect in the case.

Lori Ceci Bova: On the evening of June 7, 1997, 26-year-old Lori Bova, her husband Tyrone Bova, and her sister went to dinner at Red Lobster in Lakewood. Lori and her husband left the restaurant at about 10:30 p.m. and returned home together. According to the initial statements Tyrone gave to police, he last saw his wife shortly after their return home, when they got into an argument and she went outside to smoke a cigarette. What happened to her after that remains a mystery. Lori is described as a white female, 5'4" tall, 106 pounds, with long curly brown hair and green eyes. She was last seen wearing gray sweatpants and a gray sweatshirt printed with the words "Freeport Bahamas."

Yolanda Bindics: Twenty-five-year-old Yolanda was last seen on the night of Aug. 10, 2004, when she left her job at the Family Dollar store in Jamestown. The following day, police found Yolanda's car in the parking lot of an Arby's restaurant on Fluvanna Ave., about half a mile from the Family Dollar store.  On Sept. 8, 2004, police found Yolanda's purse, keys, and other personal items in two separate storm drains in Jamestown. The search for Yolanda continued until Sep. 10, 2006, when hunters discovered her remains in a state forest in the Town of Charlotte. Yolanda's death has been ruled a homicide, and at least two persons of interest - both of whom maintain their innocence - have been named in the case; however, no one has been arrested, and the case remains unsolved.

Corrie Anderson: On Oct. 28, 2008, 36-year-old Corrie L. Anderson, a mother of three from Ashville, disappeared after visiting her boyfriend at the Lake County Dodge dealership on Washington Street in Jamestown. Items found at Corrie's house suggest she made it home before her disappearance. On Oct. 30, a hunter discovered Corrie's car abandoned at a gas well off Kortwright Road in the town of Busti, approximately two miles from Corrie's house. Multiple agencies have participated in a search effort. Authorities and members of the search and recovery group 3 View have used ATVs, helicopters, and dogs to inspect areas of interest; however, no sign of her has been found. Corrie Anderson is 5'11", 170 pounds, with green eyes and blond hair. She was last seen wearing black corduroy pants, a black leather jacket, and small wire-rimmed glasses. Her keys and black, 8" x 8" square purse, with a G.H. Bass & Company logo, are also missing.

Though investigators do not believe any of the cases mentioned here are connected, they have acknowledged that some of them have similar characteristics. Unfortunately, County Legislatures have repeatedly turned down funding requests for a cold case squad. As a result, it is unclear if any of these cases will ever be solved.

Anyone with information on any of the cases listed here should contact the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office at 716-753-2131 or the New York State Police at 716-665-3113.

Related Links:
Missing Mother of Three, Corrie Anderson, Needs Your Help
Who Killed Yolanda Bindics?

Photo Credits: Contributed

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Has an Ohio School Overstepped Its Authority?

May 11, 2009

A high school student from northwest Ohio was suspended from school because he attended prom at another school. Is the incident another case of a school district overstepping its bounds, or has the student been punished appropriately? Read the story and decide for yourself.

For over 25-years, Heritage Christian School in Findlay, Ohio, has operated according to several statements of faith, including the belief that "the Bible, both the Old and New Testaments, was given by inspiration of God" and that it is the only rule in matters of faith and practice. To wit, the fundamentalist Baptist high school's handbook contains several policies that are generally not found in similar rule books at nondenominational schools. Relevant to this particular case is a rule stating that rock music is banned because it "is part of the counterculture which seeks to implant seeds of rebellion in young people's hearts and minds." Dancing, hand-holding and kissing are also banned.

Students and their parents are required to sign a "statement of cooperation" at the beginning of the school year, indicating that they will follow the rules in the handbook. Among the students to sign the pledge was 17-year-old senior Tyler Frost.

Frost, who has attended Heritage since kindergarten, never had any problems abiding by the rules. However, that changed last week when his girlfriend, who attends nearby Findlay High School, invited him to her school's prom.

"Prom itself I don't see anything wrong with it," Frost said in an interview with keyc.com. "And I'm not going to change my viewpoints on something just because someone else doesn't like it."

Students who do not attend Findlay High School are required to have their principal sign a permission slip before they are allowed to attend the school's prom. Interestingly enough, Tim England, principal of Heritage Christian School, did sign the form; however, he also warned Frost about the potential consequences. Later, England took the matter before the school committee, which decided to threaten Frost with suspension.

"In life, we constantly make decisions whether we are going to please self or please God," England is quoted as saying by galioninquirer.com. "[Frost] chose one path, and the school committee chose the other."

Despite the warning, Frost attended the prom. He and his girlfriend enjoyed the night along with some 800 other attendees. Having caught wind of the conflict, several national news networks were on hand to film Frost's act of defiance.

In response to Frost's rebellious act, England sent a letter to his parents, which stated that he is suspended from school, is receiving an "incomplete" on all outstanding assignments, and is banned from attending the school's graduation ceremony that is scheduled to take place on May 24. If Frost wishes to obtain his diploma, England said that he will be allowed to complete his final exams the week after graduation.

England has not returned calls requesting a comment, but he did post a statement to the school's Web site in which he defends the decision. That statement reads in part:

"In the Old Testament, Joseph was in a place of temptation and he fled. Unlike this situation, he didn't put himself in that place. Proverbs 4:23 says, "Keep your heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life." II Timothy 2:22 says, "Flee also youthful lusts but follow after righteousness faith charity and peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." When the school committee, many years before I became the principal, set up the policy regarding dancing, I am confident that they had the principle of fleeing lustful situations in mind. The question as I see it is, should a Christian place themselves at an event where young ladies will have low cut dresses and be dancing in them? Isn't it contrary to the example of Joseph and the verses that I stated?"

Regardless of the school's policy and the reasoning behind it, Frost's stepfather, Stephan Johnson, wants the suspension and other punishments overturned because he does not feel the school's rules should apply outside the classroom. According to wtol.com, Johnson is planning to file a lawsuit against Heritage Christian.

Regardless of who is right or wrong, the media remains focused on the case. Earlier today, 92.5 KISS FM, a music station based in Toledo, Ohio, broadcast a live protest in front of the school. In addition Frost and Johnson are flying to New York later today, so that they can make an appearance on CBS's The Early Show tomorrow. The two have also been asked to appear on Inside Edition and ABC's Primetime.

It is interesting to note that some media outlets have already compared the story to the 1980s film Footloose, which has a plot similar to this story.

UPDATE
Prior to publishing this entry, Heritage Christian School posted a second statement to their Web site. It reads in part:

"At the beginning of the school year, every family must sign a statement of cooperation. Students in 7th through 12th grades must also sign it. It doesn’t say that you have to agree with them, but that we will all abide by them. What kind of a school would we be if we suspended a policy because it was convenient to do so? That would not be a Christ-like response ... This is a time for Heritage to shine as a light in this world. It isn’t easy, but it is right."

So what do you think? Does the school have the right to take this action, or has the committee overstepped its bounds? Vote in our poll and share your opinion on this case.

Online Surveys & Market Research

Photo Credit: Getty Images

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission from Discovery Communications. All quotes must include a link back.

Drunk Off-Duty Cops Lenient Punishment Angers Erie Clergy

April 22, 2009

Yesterday, Investigation Discovery brought you the story of James Cousins II, a police officer in Erie, PA, who was videotaped at a bar joking about a homicide victim. Since that time, the slap on the wrist punishment that Cousins received has caused many citizens and civil rights groups to demand an independent investigation of the Erie City Police Department and Mayor Joe Sinnott.

"The message they gave us today was a slap in the face," Rev. Curtis Henderson said at a press conference last night. "Especially as we're all trying to move forward."

Henderson's comments were echoed by Rev. Michael T. Williams, who made it clear that the issue was far from being resolved.

"We will not sit idly by without fighting this ruling," Williams said. "We do not plan to be appeased or pacified in any way, shape, form or fashion."

At another press conference held yesterday, National NAACP President Benjamin Todd Jealous said that he had contacted U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and asked the Justice Department to launch an investigation into the case.

"We need an independent investigative process, one that has teeth," Jealous said.

The U.S. Attorney General's office has not yet commented on the case. At this time it remains unclear if an actual investigation will take place.

Meanwhile, Cousins is hoping that a letter of apology - addressed to the victim's mother, Yvette Jennings, fellow police officers, the Mayor, and the community - will help put out some of the fires that his actions have started.

Drunk Erie Cop Receives Slap on Wrist for Dissing Murder Victim

April 21, 2009

A cop in Erie, Pennsylvania, recently left egg on the face of his department after a video was released that shows him drunk and jubilantly joking about a homicide victim. Nonetheless, his actions - as disrespectful and disturbing as they are - were not enough to get him kicked off the force, and he will be welcomed back in less than two weeks.

The video in question was made on the night of April 6 at the Treehouse Tavern in Girard, PA. In it, off-duty patrolman James Cousins II goes off on a profanity-laced rant about 31-year-old Rondale Jennings Sr., a man who was shot and murdered outside an Erie bar on March 28.

"It looked like (expletive) out of a movie. Right in the middle of the (expletive) forehead, right between the (expletive) eyes," James Cousins II says on the video that was posted online. "The mom's right on the scene. They (expletive) lift the (expletive) bag off his face, and (it is) like 'that's him.' We're looking at it like, 'One less drug dealer to deal with. Cool'"

The seven minute video was posted on YouTube by an individual from Australia who was visiting family in the area.

On April 14, Erie Police Chief Steve Franklin was informed about the existence of the video.  As a result, he instructed Erie police Internal-affairs Inspector James DeDionisio to determine whether Cousins' behavior had violated the agency's conduct standards.

Hours later, the brother of the man who posted the video was visited by Cousins and DeDionisio. During the meeting, the man was asked to have his brother remove the video from the Internet and was also allegedly told that the video could result in charges stemming from a federal wiretap violation.

"They were just kind of threatening that they had talked to the DA and that it is a federal wiretap charge, and I must get it off," the brother said in an interview with Erie Times-News.

Should Bush Have Commuted Sentences of Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean?

January 20, 2009

On Monday, President George W. Bush made a surprise move during his last full day in office when he commuted the sentences of two former Border Patrol agents who have been in prison since 2005 when they were convicted of shooting a Mexican drug dealer.

According to the commutation order, Ignacio Ramos, 39, and Jose Alonso Compean, 32, will both be released from prison on or about March 20.

The incident resulting in both Ramos' and Compean's incarceration occurred near the unincorporated Fabens settlement in El Paso County, Texas, on Feb. 17, 2005. On that day, the two men were patrolling the border when they stopped a van containing several hundred pounds of marijuana. The alleged driver of the van, Osvaldo Aldrete Dávila, jumped out of the vehicle and ran away, during which time both Ramos and Compean drew their weapons and shot at Dávila a total of 15 times. They later claimed they thought he was armed. Compean's shots missed; however Ramos managed to shoot Dávila in the buttocks before he crossed over into Mexico.

Following the incident, Ramos and Compean filed a false investigative report, disposed of their shell casings, and lied to their supervisor.

Dávila later filed a complaint against Ramos and Compean, and the two were arrested. A two-week-long trial ensued, and a jury found both men guilty of civil-rights violations and discharging a firearm during the commission of a violent crime. Ramos was sentenced to 11 years in a federal prison, and Compean was sentenced to 12.

Both men filed an appeal with the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans; however, both appeals were rejected.

Criminal Profiler Predicted India Would Be Hit

December 01, 2008

A series of coordinated terrorist attacks took place in Mumbai, India, last month, claiming the lives of at least 172 people. Another 293 people have been reported injured. Eight of the attacks took place in South Mumbai, with the other two occurring at Vile Parle and in the Mumbai port area. According to an email sent to the press, a group identifying itself as Deccan Mujahideen is responsible for the attacks; however, a terrorist who was captured alive claims to be a member of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba Islamist group. Others place the blame on Indian domestic terrorism.

Two weeks prior to the attacks, expert criminal profiler Dr. Deborah Schurman-Kauflin released her new book, Disturbed: Terrorist Behavioral Profiles, in which she predicted India would be the next big terror target.

According to a weekend interview with Dr. Schurman-Kauflin, the citizens of India remain in danger of further terrorist attacks.

"India is in really big trouble, and tensions have been rising for a long time," Dr. Schurman-Kauflin told Investigation Discovery. "Various disaffected groups have grown increasingly bold and vicious in their attacks. Terror groups have been continually springing up in India, but the government response has been lackluster. Some groups are Hindu; others are Muslim. And the fighting has been horrific. One group attacks, and then the other strikes back."

According to Dr. Schurman-Kauflin, the terrorists have set their sights on the financial sector and entertainment districts "due to the value of targeting wealthy Westerners."

Many Muslims believe they are facing discrimination, and others are concerned with the increasing Hindu ties to the West.

"Radical Hindu groups have been extremely vicious and have worked to strengthen alliance with Israel," Dr. Schurman-Kauflin said. "The idea is that Israel has Washington's ear, and Israel does not look kindly upon any violent Muslim population. To Hindu extremists, this would hopefully lead to Israel and the U.S. being sympathetic and, thus, helping them attain weapons and training. Add the fact that many Muslim radicals believe that Hindus are descendants of a Jewish tribe, and this stirs hatred. Then, with the troubles of Kashmir, growing Western influence, and the lack of communication between enforcement agencies, there was no doubt India would be hit."

Terrorist Bull's Eye on India: A Threat to the West : Guest Blog by Dr. Deborah Schurman-Kauflin

November 26, 2008

[Dr. Deborah Schurman-Kauflin is an expert criminal profiler who has studied and investigated serial killers for over 20 years. At the request of police agencies around the world, Dr. Schurman-Kauflin has profiled hundreds of serial murders, aberrant sex crimes, sadistic murders, serial rapes, stalking, abductions, and other unusual cases. Visit Dr. Deborah Schurman-Kauflin's Website at: www.drdsk.com]

November 26, 2008, it has been reported that terrorists have struck at 7 sites in India. Gunmen have attacked targets which include hotels in Mumbai. At least 20 people are dead. This brings a very important threat to light. In my book Disturbed: Terrorist Behavioral Profiles,  I discussed this risk in the conclusion section because based on what I have seen, India is at a great risk.

Israel, Russia, Pakistan, Indonesia, Spain, U.K.,  United States, and so many oher countries face the growing threat of terrorism. And then there is India. Interestingly, India has seen a dramatic increase in these crimes.  As the years have passed, India has argued with Pakistan over Kashmir.  As a result, terror attacks within India have risen.  Some say that Pakistan is behind the attacks which have rocked the fast growing country.  There is a jihad against Hindus in Kashmir, and this carries to India.  Radical Muslims are angered by many things about Hindus.  One, they are descendants of a Jewish tribe.  Second, they are considered idolaters because they worship the cow.  And of course, Muslims feel persecuted in India because of their religion.  The anger can carry over and produce violent attacks.

Abu Salem was involved in the 1993 Mumbai bombings which killed 278 victims.  These bombings were attributed to revenge against the killings of hundreds of Muslims by the Hindu Shiv Sena political party (BBC, 2005).  Muslims felt that they were being treated unfairly and even thrown off sports teams due to their allegiance to Islam.  Specifically, Mohammad Azharuddin was fired from his position of captain of the Cricket team.  Additionally, Muslims were angry because Hindus would not allow Muslims to be elected to power positions.  There is still anger between lower cast Indians and the Muslims who have been flocking into India with oil money (Ashraf, 1999). 

In 2005, terrorists blew up a Janpur commuter train and killed 13 victims.  Similarly, October 29, 2005, terrorists set off several bombs in New Dehli killing 61 victims.  In March 2006, terrorists blew up Varanasi which is the Hindu holy city.  In the multiple bombings, 28 people were killed and over 100 injured.  Within four months, another series of bombings targeted commuter trains again in Mumbai.  At least 209 people were killed and over 700 victims were harmed.  This particular attack was linked to al-Qaeda which was said to fund the attack.  Mohammad Atta, the leader of the martyrs who carried out the 9/11 terrorist attacks trained with 3 men who were involved in the Mumbai attack (South Asian Intelligence Review, 2006).  And the bombings continued as the terrorists returned to a religious target and set off a bomb at a Hindu temple close to Imphal.  Nearly 50 people were wounded and 5 were killed. 

The next attack occurred on September 8, 2006, terrorists targeted a Muslim cemetery in Malegaon during Shab-e-Baraat.  Shab-e-Baraat is a very holy night in Islam when Muslims travel to the cemetery to pray for their ancestors.  The three bombs (rigged to bicycles) killed 37 people.

In August 2007, there were simultaneous bombings at Hyderabad killing 44 and injuring 54.  On October 14th, a bomb went off at the Shingar Cinema and killed 6 people.  Government officials blame Islamic extremists and suggest that the extremists want to exacerbate relations between Muslims and Hindus. Again, Pakistan's involvement is questioned. 

New York Governor Eliot Spitzer Resigns amid Sex Scandal

March 13, 2008

Earlier this week, New York Governor Eliot Spitzer was accused of being "Client 9," an individual named in a federal indictment filed last week involving the Emperors Club, an alleged prostitution ring that caters to upscale clients. In response to the allegations, Spitzer held a press conference, during which he apologized to both his family and the public. Spitzer stated, "I have acted in a way that violates my obligations to my family and violates my sense of right and wrong." Now, just days after the story originally surfaced, Spitzer has announced his formal resignation.

"In the past few days, I have begun to atone for my private failings with my wife, Silda, my children, and my entire family," Spitzer said in a Wednesday press release. "The remorse I feel will always be with me … I am deeply sorry that I did not live up to what was expected of me. To every New Yorker, and to all those who believed in what I tried to stand for, I sincerely apologize … Over the course of my public life, I have insisted, I believe correctly, that people, regardless of their position or power, take responsibility for their conduct. I can and will ask no less of myself. For this reason, I am resigning from the Office of Governor. At Lt. Gov. Paterson’s request, the resignation will be effective Monday, March 17, a date that he believes will permit an orderly transition."

To read the complete article, click here.

New York's Governor, Eliot Spitzer, Implicated in Prostitution Ring

March 11, 2008

Seven days. That's how many days had passed since New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer received three standing ovations during a speech in New Albany. Who then would have thought that Spitzer was about to be accused of soliciting sex from prostitutes? Nothing amazes me anymore, but I am sure the citizens of New York are less then pleased with Spitzer's alleged improprieties.

Yesterday, the New York Times identified Spitzer as "Client 9," an individual who was named in a federal indictment filed last week involving the Emperors Club, an alleged prostitution ring that caters to upscale clients. According to the indictment, FBI wiretap recordings captured conversations "Client 9" had with an employee of the Emperors Club, in which "Client 9" made arrangements to meet a prostitute at a Washington hotel last month.

On Feb. 14, the prostitute who allegedly met with "Client 9" called the Emperors Club to let them know how the appointment went.

"I don't think he's difficult. I mean it's just kind of like whatever," Kristen said, according to the indictment. "I'm here for a purpose. I know what my purpose is. I am not a moron. You know what I mean."

The indictment lists the Emperors Club Web site as Emperorsclubvip.com. That site has since been removed from the Internet, but the Google-cached welcome page, dated Feb. 12, reads in part:

"We specialize in marketing fashion models, pageant winners and exquisite students, graduates and women of successful careers (finance, art, media etc…) to leading gentlemen of the world. Catering to clients who will not compromise in any area of their life. We provide our customers and associates with complete discretion and privacy while we guarantee the most exclusively valuable dating and travel companionship. You can be certain that each Emperors Club model introduction experience, while it may be novel for you, will be one of complete enjoyment in every way."

The cached version of a separate page on the site lists "introduction" rates. The fees varied and were based on "individual education, sophistication, and ambiance." Hourly rates ranged from $1,000 to $3,100, and daily rates ranged from $10,000 to $31,000...

To read the rest of the article, click here.