Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Red-Faced Chicago Official Have A Mess to Clean Up
Chicago, Il—They had a contest for artists to design the Chicago Vehicle Tax sticker for every car in the city.
They found a “winner” who placed the hand signals of his own violent street gang on his offering for the prize. City officials actually gave this little gang puke a $1,000.00 savings bond for his stunt.
I’d hope that no Chicago cop would dare write a citation for anyone refusing to purchase or place that garbage on his windshield.
My fellow blogger, Detective Shaved Longcock blew the whistle on this stunt and the story has gone national.
UPDATE! : It seems the city is scrapping the gang version! Shaved submitted his own replacement design for the city sticker. Click on it and take a close look! I think he's git a winner!
Paradise Valley Cops Arrest Five Suspects for Shapiro Murders
Town of Paradise Valley, AZ – Police Chief John Bennett announced the arrests of five suspects in connection with the gruesome murders of Glenna and Lawrence Shapiro.
Bennett identified the suspect as:
Michael Lee Crane, 31
Brittnay Beinhauer, 29
Kelly Steward, 29
Shawn Nicloy, 29
Danielle Rossman, 26
Michael Crane is charged with two counts of First Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Robbery, two counts of Kidnapping, one count each for Burglary and Arson. Others are charged with offenses from Hindering Prosecution to or including, Trafficking in Stolen Property
Crane is an ex-convict serving time for drugs, weapons violations and promoting prison contraband,
Every one of the suspects has a criminal history.
Police said they have no evidence that the Shapiro’s were specifically targeted. Police also say they recovered property and the murder weapon. For now we must guess on just who snitched breaking this case.
You will find court documents posted here as soon as they become available.
Monday, February 06, 2012
Police have no News of the Shapiro Murders in Paradise Valley
Town of Paradise Valley, AZ—Today's news from the police department on the gruesome Shapiro murders is that there’s no news.
Last week a town council official and the mayor spread rumors that two or three arrests had been made in the case.
Bringing people in for interviews does not an arrest make. Spreading misinformation is a poor way to put the town’s residents at ease. It became obvious when nobody was brought before a judge for initial appearance the town’s red-faced officials jumped the gun.
Today a polite press release suggested that they are making progress with the investigation and will notify the media when it’s appropriate.
The reality here is that the cops are not clairvoyant and these days most murders remain unsolved. If they make arrests they must be sure not destroy the life of anyone who is innocent. That’s easier said than done.
Last week a town council official and the mayor spread rumors that two or three arrests had been made in the case.
Bringing people in for interviews does not an arrest make. Spreading misinformation is a poor way to put the town’s residents at ease. It became obvious when nobody was brought before a judge for initial appearance the town’s red-faced officials jumped the gun.
Today a polite press release suggested that they are making progress with the investigation and will notify the media when it’s appropriate.
The reality here is that the cops are not clairvoyant and these days most murders remain unsolved. If they make arrests they must be sure not destroy the life of anyone who is innocent. That’s easier said than done.
Illinois Failed Gun Laws and Government
Chicago, IL—The Illinois State Police Firearms Owner’s Identification Card program is in total meltdown. They can’t or won’t process applications and renewals and don’t look for a fix anytime soon.
This is really about Governor Pat Quinn who is antagonistic and hostile to gun owners and their rights.
The only answer is civil disobedience and making Quinn’s life as miserable as possible.
It’s time to direct all calls to his offices in Springfield and Chicago. It’s also time to boycott his campaign contributors, even those who gave him small amounts of cash.
In America a right cannot be licensed like a privilege. FIOD cards violate that principal.
There is a short-term compromise answer and that’s to extend the life of an FOID card until it’s revoked for cause. Then the State Police won’t be pushing so many tons of paper saving thousands of man hours and postage costs.
Of course the Chicago faction in the Illinois Legislature will go into a massive group seizure should any gun law be relaxed. Gun owners must stand their ground and hold those despotic jerks accountable in every possible way.
This is really about Governor Pat Quinn who is antagonistic and hostile to gun owners and their rights.
The only answer is civil disobedience and making Quinn’s life as miserable as possible.
It’s time to direct all calls to his offices in Springfield and Chicago. It’s also time to boycott his campaign contributors, even those who gave him small amounts of cash.
In America a right cannot be licensed like a privilege. FIOD cards violate that principal.
There is a short-term compromise answer and that’s to extend the life of an FOID card until it’s revoked for cause. Then the State Police won’t be pushing so many tons of paper saving thousands of man hours and postage costs.
Of course the Chicago faction in the Illinois Legislature will go into a massive group seizure should any gun law be relaxed. Gun owners must stand their ground and hold those despotic jerks accountable in every possible way.
Newspapers Magazines and Journalists Must adapt to Video to Survive
Chicago, IL—The newsstand racks here like everywhere are starting to vanish. The IPad or Kindle Fire has already replaced our morning newspaper.
The new devices use text, photographs, audio and video. Broadband Internet is everywhere so publishers cannot afford not to begin adding significant amounts of video programing to their websites.
Print media was a one trick pony that has not been staying on the technology curve to keep their readers who are suddenly an audience.
The early forays into video were boring and hard to watch because print reporters were reading their stories to a camera. The right way is to get the video along with sound bites from newsmakers and mix in some narration. It’s far less complicated than it sounds.
Crisp clean video with great audio moves the story along. I should be ashamed that I’m too lazy to do this story only in print. Of course I’m not being paid for my time or I’d be delighted to do so.
Print media has come over to the web the printing press and typesetters have all but become extinct. Now they have no choice but to adapt.
The television news model was okay but lacked so much creativity. They dared not to experiment with what they felt was working for them. With terrific affordable equipment end editing software we should expect print media refugees to invent new and exciting ways to bring us our information.
Live broadcasts are cheap and easy. The only difficulty I see is to have their reporters learn personal grooming and to look sharp. They need not look like television news’ pretty boys and girls. They just have to display some energy as they report.
Yes there is a new learning curve. Journalists of today must know more than writing but shooting and editing and uploading video. There is the theater of good sounding voiceovers and the ability to simply relax on camera. It is either news organizations and their reporters learn or be left in the dirt.
Journalism is being replaced by broadcast journalism.
There still is a place for the printed word integrated with video and the web is the perfect home for this. We should welcome this change and so should every Webmaster, newspaper and magazine editor or corporate public relations department and educator.
The opportunities are beginning to surface for those that have the Knowhow. Assuming you already can write specialized training can be obtained at the New York Video School. They offer their course on line or in the classroom. Click here for NYVS.
The new devices use text, photographs, audio and video. Broadband Internet is everywhere so publishers cannot afford not to begin adding significant amounts of video programing to their websites.
Print media was a one trick pony that has not been staying on the technology curve to keep their readers who are suddenly an audience.
The early forays into video were boring and hard to watch because print reporters were reading their stories to a camera. The right way is to get the video along with sound bites from newsmakers and mix in some narration. It’s far less complicated than it sounds.
Crisp clean video with great audio moves the story along. I should be ashamed that I’m too lazy to do this story only in print. Of course I’m not being paid for my time or I’d be delighted to do so.
Print media has come over to the web the printing press and typesetters have all but become extinct. Now they have no choice but to adapt.
The television news model was okay but lacked so much creativity. They dared not to experiment with what they felt was working for them. With terrific affordable equipment end editing software we should expect print media refugees to invent new and exciting ways to bring us our information.
Live broadcasts are cheap and easy. The only difficulty I see is to have their reporters learn personal grooming and to look sharp. They need not look like television news’ pretty boys and girls. They just have to display some energy as they report.
Yes there is a new learning curve. Journalists of today must know more than writing but shooting and editing and uploading video. There is the theater of good sounding voiceovers and the ability to simply relax on camera. It is either news organizations and their reporters learn or be left in the dirt.
Journalism is being replaced by broadcast journalism.
There still is a place for the printed word integrated with video and the web is the perfect home for this. We should welcome this change and so should every Webmaster, newspaper and magazine editor or corporate public relations department and educator.
The opportunities are beginning to surface for those that have the Knowhow. Assuming you already can write specialized training can be obtained at the New York Video School. They offer their course on line or in the classroom. Click here for NYVS.
Why it can’t be, Made in America
Washington, DC—America has a long and proud manufacturing tradition that has been banished from our shores.
I’m saying banished because the Socialists and Communists in our own Whitehouse, government and Congress are to blame. The manufacturers have all fled extortionate government taxation and excessive demands by labor unions.
I’ve always supported the concept of workers being paid fairly if for no other reasons it keeps them off the dole and we all benefit from what they/we consume.
The Socialist and Communist traitors also have intentionally regulated business to death. There has been an ongoing effort to destroy productivity and the American way of life. They’re out to replace our form of government with the failed Communist model.
Productivity must be rewarded in our system, and instead it’s punished. Instead we reward the ignorant and lazy by robbing those that produce.
Our nation cannot survive until every last Communist is purged from our government.
The Communists have made every effort to import crime, poverty, violence and drugs through obstruction of justice. They have simply ended the prosecution of our immigration laws. If the immigration laws are so unpopular they can be changed. Americans want their laws enforced or they’d have demanded the laws be repealed.
The reason for government obstruction of immigration laws is to dilute the Conservative vote. The ignorant and poor are totally dependent on the Communists and the handouts they provide.
If you support keeping manufacturing in America it’s more important that you keep government’s sticky fingers out of employer’s pockets. Until then there’s no reason to make anything in America. Until then, why should you pay more for a second rate product? When your government becomes punitive it's time for a revolution or flight anywhere you can find freedom and liberty.
I’m saying banished because the Socialists and Communists in our own Whitehouse, government and Congress are to blame. The manufacturers have all fled extortionate government taxation and excessive demands by labor unions.
I’ve always supported the concept of workers being paid fairly if for no other reasons it keeps them off the dole and we all benefit from what they/we consume.
The Socialist and Communist traitors also have intentionally regulated business to death. There has been an ongoing effort to destroy productivity and the American way of life. They’re out to replace our form of government with the failed Communist model.
Productivity must be rewarded in our system, and instead it’s punished. Instead we reward the ignorant and lazy by robbing those that produce.
Our nation cannot survive until every last Communist is purged from our government.
The Communists have made every effort to import crime, poverty, violence and drugs through obstruction of justice. They have simply ended the prosecution of our immigration laws. If the immigration laws are so unpopular they can be changed. Americans want their laws enforced or they’d have demanded the laws be repealed.
The reason for government obstruction of immigration laws is to dilute the Conservative vote. The ignorant and poor are totally dependent on the Communists and the handouts they provide.
If you support keeping manufacturing in America it’s more important that you keep government’s sticky fingers out of employer’s pockets. Until then there’s no reason to make anything in America. Until then, why should you pay more for a second rate product? When your government becomes punitive it's time for a revolution or flight anywhere you can find freedom and liberty.
Saturday, February 04, 2012
So You Think You Want to be a Chicago Cop?
Chicago, IL—One of my young blog visitors asked me for advice on how to get his dream job as a Chicago cop. This was what I wrote back…
Dear Mike,
Let me say first and foremost I’ve had an exciting life as a cop and private investigator. Now that I said that I must say if I was you, I’d spend a few more years in school and become an RN, a lawyer, or anything at all but a cop. At one time it was a decent job. Now you’re in a goldfish bowl and everyone wants you, on their cell phone cameras as they agitate you into something regrettable.
In Chicago the politicians are racist, rotten and for the most part totally hate cops. If being a cop was what it should be or used to be I’d say go for it. Now you’d just be in for heartbreak, frustration and self-loathing for taking that job.
Promotions used to be based somewhat on skills and ability. Now they are based solely on one’s ability to perform fellatio or bribe ward bosses.
Rather than having a mission to serve and protect the politicians want you to be their bag men extorting money from underemployed citizens in the name of traffic safety. The politicians then use the funds as personal ATMs.
Everyone either hates cops or wants to kill them except other cops. Most attractive women will ignore you unless they are whack jobs that want domination or abuse. Cops usually have horrible multiple marriages.
If you want excitement be an emergency room RN or better yet a physician. Women chase doctors down the street with mattresses. Criminal law can be exciting. TV news was once a good job but that’s all changed now.
Please don’t waste your time trying out for a job you will quickly learn to hate. Do something where you will win respect and admiration instead of hate.
I hope I have helped you change directions.
Sincerely,
Paul
Dear Mike,
Let me say first and foremost I’ve had an exciting life as a cop and private investigator. Now that I said that I must say if I was you, I’d spend a few more years in school and become an RN, a lawyer, or anything at all but a cop. At one time it was a decent job. Now you’re in a goldfish bowl and everyone wants you, on their cell phone cameras as they agitate you into something regrettable.
In Chicago the politicians are racist, rotten and for the most part totally hate cops. If being a cop was what it should be or used to be I’d say go for it. Now you’d just be in for heartbreak, frustration and self-loathing for taking that job.
Promotions used to be based somewhat on skills and ability. Now they are based solely on one’s ability to perform fellatio or bribe ward bosses.
Rather than having a mission to serve and protect the politicians want you to be their bag men extorting money from underemployed citizens in the name of traffic safety. The politicians then use the funds as personal ATMs.
Everyone either hates cops or wants to kill them except other cops. Most attractive women will ignore you unless they are whack jobs that want domination or abuse. Cops usually have horrible multiple marriages.
If you want excitement be an emergency room RN or better yet a physician. Women chase doctors down the street with mattresses. Criminal law can be exciting. TV news was once a good job but that’s all changed now.
Please don’t waste your time trying out for a job you will quickly learn to hate. Do something where you will win respect and admiration instead of hate.
I hope I have helped you change directions.
Sincerely,
Paul
Town of Paradise Valley’s Troubled Police Department is Still a Disappointment.
Town of Paradise Valley, AZ—I somehow thought the days of police mismanagement and deceit might be buried in this town's past. That was until I discovered that its current Chief of Police has misled the media.
With the shocking and sadistic home invasion murders of Glenna and Larry Shapiro I somehow mistakenly expected good things from this department that seemed smart enough to request investigative resources from outside the, 25 member department.
KPHO-TV CBS 5’s reporter Jason Berry asked Chief John Bennett about similar recent crimes in the community where home invasion robbers tied their victims up. Bennett proved to either be totally incompetent or he outright fibbed to reporters about two other such events in this town with some 14,000 residents.
Having three dangerous home invasions in this town reflects very badly upon the department. Apparently they’d rather tie up their cops extorting money from motorists passing through their over-regulated Lincoln Drive with robot cameras. Traffic enforcement is important but here revenue collection is more important than protecting the lives of their residents.
Bennett’s deception here is unforgivable and should not be tolerated by the people of that town.
Now I have to wonder if any arrests made in connection with the Shapiro case will tainted with perjury, evidence and witness tampering that this agency is well known for in past. Cops are expected to always tell the truth and in this town they failed redundantly for decades.
Perhaps it’s long past time to disband this department and contract with the Sherriff’s office or City of Phoenix for police services.
Watch the KPHO-TV CBS5 video below and see Chief John Bennett lie to everyone:
With the shocking and sadistic home invasion murders of Glenna and Larry Shapiro I somehow mistakenly expected good things from this department that seemed smart enough to request investigative resources from outside the, 25 member department.
KPHO-TV CBS 5’s reporter Jason Berry asked Chief John Bennett about similar recent crimes in the community where home invasion robbers tied their victims up. Bennett proved to either be totally incompetent or he outright fibbed to reporters about two other such events in this town with some 14,000 residents.
Having three dangerous home invasions in this town reflects very badly upon the department. Apparently they’d rather tie up their cops extorting money from motorists passing through their over-regulated Lincoln Drive with robot cameras. Traffic enforcement is important but here revenue collection is more important than protecting the lives of their residents.
Bennett’s deception here is unforgivable and should not be tolerated by the people of that town.
Now I have to wonder if any arrests made in connection with the Shapiro case will tainted with perjury, evidence and witness tampering that this agency is well known for in past. Cops are expected to always tell the truth and in this town they failed redundantly for decades.
Perhaps it’s long past time to disband this department and contract with the Sherriff’s office or City of Phoenix for police services.
Watch the KPHO-TV CBS5 video below and see Chief John Bennett lie to everyone:
Friday, February 03, 2012
Arrests Made In Paradise Valley Shapiro Murders and Arson
Town of Paradise Valley, AZ-I called it right when I said last night that the cops avoidance of the media was a sure sign they were moving in on suspects. The cops only go to the media when they need to reach out for tips and information. Of course they need to announce their victorious arrests on high profile cases.
Sometime this morning the town’s council members and mayor were buzzing about the developments in this horrific and gruesome crime. It's all very unofficial right now.
Reportedly they have at least three unidentified suspects in custody in connection with the murders. That information was passed on to neighbors by the town's mayor and at least one council member.
If this is indeed true police would are putting the finishing touches on their investigation in preparation of a Probable Cause Statement for court booking purposes.
The evidentry keys here are service of search warrants and the recovery of property taken from the Shapiros along with credit card transactions. Of course most suspects let loose in the interrogation rooms either through confession or lies to hang themselves.
Calls and e-mails to the town police department have yet to be returned.
I expect they’ll have a formal press conference to announce the arrests. Right now we’re waiting for that to happen.
We can only hope that the officers and investigators of this small department have learned from past disasters along with the expensive litigation that followed. Perhaps this time they will get it right.
Update: It’s 8:00 PM in Arizona and they have not officially announced the arrests. Perhaps there are other outstanding suspects being sought. In any event they must get anyone in custody in front of a judge or let them go.
Click here for the latest and all articles connected to this case.
Sometime this morning the town’s council members and mayor were buzzing about the developments in this horrific and gruesome crime. It's all very unofficial right now.
Reportedly they have at least three unidentified suspects in custody in connection with the murders. That information was passed on to neighbors by the town's mayor and at least one council member.
If this is indeed true police would are putting the finishing touches on their investigation in preparation of a Probable Cause Statement for court booking purposes.
The evidentry keys here are service of search warrants and the recovery of property taken from the Shapiros along with credit card transactions. Of course most suspects let loose in the interrogation rooms either through confession or lies to hang themselves.
Calls and e-mails to the town police department have yet to be returned.
I expect they’ll have a formal press conference to announce the arrests. Right now we’re waiting for that to happen.
We can only hope that the officers and investigators of this small department have learned from past disasters along with the expensive litigation that followed. Perhaps this time they will get it right.
Update: It’s 8:00 PM in Arizona and they have not officially announced the arrests. Perhaps there are other outstanding suspects being sought. In any event they must get anyone in custody in front of a judge or let them go.
Click here for the latest and all articles connected to this case.
Please Don’t Invite Me To The Super Bowl!
Indianapolis, IN—If someone offered me free first class air transportation, the best hotel room, meals and seats on the Super Bowl 50 yard line, I’d pass on the opportunity.
I resent lining up like a sheep for some jerk demanding I submit to a search like a criminal. I quit going to any event in any venue where people are required to waive their liberty and privacy.
The fact that the NFL can fill a stadium with people willing to submit to this form of Tyranny tells me that the American spirit and love for freedom is dead.
There are those morons that will sigh and say, “But now we live in different times with the terrorism…” To that I say hogwash! We went through a Civil War, World Wars I and II without accepting a Police State.
They’ve had terrorism, bombs and explosives throughout the history of the United States. I don’t object to vigilant security just stay out of my pockets! No metal detectors, body scans or X-Rays for me thank you!
Americans have been brainwashed into believing there is a need to jettison freedom and our hard won Bill of Rights. We need to stand up and reject this trend because it gets worse by the second. If the NFL was unable to sell or even give away tickets and the airlines began to fly empty planes everywhere we'd see our privacy and dignity returned.
I always refuse jury duty because they demand I volunteer for a search before I enter the courthouses. I send a quick letter saying I will serve but won’t submit to the frisking and always get excused.
It's such a paradox that the games always begin with the Star Spangled Banner. We are after all in the land of the enslaved and in the home of total cowards.
Stand up America! I think it’s already too late…
I resent lining up like a sheep for some jerk demanding I submit to a search like a criminal. I quit going to any event in any venue where people are required to waive their liberty and privacy.
The fact that the NFL can fill a stadium with people willing to submit to this form of Tyranny tells me that the American spirit and love for freedom is dead.
There are those morons that will sigh and say, “But now we live in different times with the terrorism…” To that I say hogwash! We went through a Civil War, World Wars I and II without accepting a Police State.
They’ve had terrorism, bombs and explosives throughout the history of the United States. I don’t object to vigilant security just stay out of my pockets! No metal detectors, body scans or X-Rays for me thank you!
Americans have been brainwashed into believing there is a need to jettison freedom and our hard won Bill of Rights. We need to stand up and reject this trend because it gets worse by the second. If the NFL was unable to sell or even give away tickets and the airlines began to fly empty planes everywhere we'd see our privacy and dignity returned.
I always refuse jury duty because they demand I volunteer for a search before I enter the courthouses. I send a quick letter saying I will serve but won’t submit to the frisking and always get excused.
It's such a paradox that the games always begin with the Star Spangled Banner. We are after all in the land of the enslaved and in the home of total cowards.
Stand up America! I think it’s already too late…
Thursday, February 02, 2012
Horrifying Double Murder Challenges The Paradise Valley Arizona Police Department
Paradise Valley, AZ—In this tranquil and upscale community crime is rare. The people here generally have wealth and in our faltering economy burglaries and home invasions are bound to increase. As bank robber Willie Sutton once answered a reporter asking him why he robbed banks, “It’s where the money is!”
Today gold, gems and a simple set of silver flatware will fetch record prices. Most people use banks and credit cards and don’t keep much cash on hand.
The police department here is comprised of 25 sworn and certified officers. This department has a history of incompetence and became a place for otherwise unemployable cops fired from other agencies. This was the case in the 70's, 80's and 90's.
I don’t want to leave anyone with that impression today because the troubled officers for the most part have faded off into the sunset with their substandard supervisors and chiefs.
Commander Alan Laitsch has been around a long time and has proven himself to be contentious and professional in every respect.
There is a problem though and that is no fault of any current officer, it’s that they just don’t have experience with murder or shooting investigations in this promised land.
Paradise Valley has simply turned their police into a revenue robot traffic camera extortion racket that rakes in the cash. The first and foremost purpose of the department is generating revenue.
This agency also monitors resident’s burglar alarms and provides a vacation watch. Of course they do have burglaries and occasional vandalism. The clear up rate for these crimes is low in every community.
Glenna and Lawrence Shapiro was a lovely couple enjoying their golden years doting on their children and grand children. The couple have been married forever and shared their good fortune and wealth with several charities. All good things come from better education and Stanford’s School of Medicine did not fail Lawrence in that regard.
A follow-up investigation to a torched automobile belonging to the Shapiro’s led police to the couple’s Paradise Valley Home. The home was on fire and the couple was found bound and burned beyond recognition.
The Maricopa County Medical Examiner has not formally identified the bodies and has been diligently trying to determine the exact cause of death.
There’s little doubt that last moments of the Shapiro’s lives was as frightening as it gets. The sadistic animals responsible for this need to be removed from the streets or this will not be their last crime.
Paradise Valley Police reportedly have obtained the help of the FBI, Secret Service and US Marshall’s service. That’s not enough. What’s needed is a crack team of big city homicide detectives where there are a lot of homicides.
There is another problem with this case and that is wealthy people have different issues than the residents of a large crime ridden city where the homicide victims tend to be poor.
Investigation of the Shapiro murders is going to require a massive paper investigation to determine just how and why this couple was targeted. Somehow I doubt seriously this was a random crime.
It will prove interesting if the killer/s used any of the couple’s credit cards. Many savvy criminals dump cards in places, were they can be found and used by petty crooks to throw investigators off their scent. The fact that the Secret Service is involved is a sure sign the cards were believed to be used after the couple was murdered since this organization is well known for their prowess at investigation of credit card fraud. Bringing in the US Marshall's Service suggests to me that someone thinks a federal fugitive is somehow involved.
I have to say that I can’t imagine the heartbreak this crime has brought a lovely family.
This crime is solvable.
Anyone with information should contact Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (948-6377), 1-800-343-TIPS (8477) or 480-TESTIGO (837-8446). So far the reward stands at $5,000.00.
I’m also willing to accept information on this case and to pass it on to police investigators.
Udate: I was in Beverly Hills on assignment when KPHO-TV CBS 5 requested a Skype interview. http://www.kpho.com/story/16667248/pi
Today gold, gems and a simple set of silver flatware will fetch record prices. Most people use banks and credit cards and don’t keep much cash on hand.
The police department here is comprised of 25 sworn and certified officers. This department has a history of incompetence and became a place for otherwise unemployable cops fired from other agencies. This was the case in the 70's, 80's and 90's.
I don’t want to leave anyone with that impression today because the troubled officers for the most part have faded off into the sunset with their substandard supervisors and chiefs.
Commander Alan Laitsch has been around a long time and has proven himself to be contentious and professional in every respect.
There is a problem though and that is no fault of any current officer, it’s that they just don’t have experience with murder or shooting investigations in this promised land.
Paradise Valley has simply turned their police into a revenue robot traffic camera extortion racket that rakes in the cash. The first and foremost purpose of the department is generating revenue.
This agency also monitors resident’s burglar alarms and provides a vacation watch. Of course they do have burglaries and occasional vandalism. The clear up rate for these crimes is low in every community.
Glenna and Lawrence Shapiro was a lovely couple enjoying their golden years doting on their children and grand children. The couple have been married forever and shared their good fortune and wealth with several charities. All good things come from better education and Stanford’s School of Medicine did not fail Lawrence in that regard.
A follow-up investigation to a torched automobile belonging to the Shapiro’s led police to the couple’s Paradise Valley Home. The home was on fire and the couple was found bound and burned beyond recognition.
The Maricopa County Medical Examiner has not formally identified the bodies and has been diligently trying to determine the exact cause of death.
There’s little doubt that last moments of the Shapiro’s lives was as frightening as it gets. The sadistic animals responsible for this need to be removed from the streets or this will not be their last crime.
Paradise Valley Police reportedly have obtained the help of the FBI, Secret Service and US Marshall’s service. That’s not enough. What’s needed is a crack team of big city homicide detectives where there are a lot of homicides.
There is another problem with this case and that is wealthy people have different issues than the residents of a large crime ridden city where the homicide victims tend to be poor.
Investigation of the Shapiro murders is going to require a massive paper investigation to determine just how and why this couple was targeted. Somehow I doubt seriously this was a random crime.
It will prove interesting if the killer/s used any of the couple’s credit cards. Many savvy criminals dump cards in places, were they can be found and used by petty crooks to throw investigators off their scent. The fact that the Secret Service is involved is a sure sign the cards were believed to be used after the couple was murdered since this organization is well known for their prowess at investigation of credit card fraud. Bringing in the US Marshall's Service suggests to me that someone thinks a federal fugitive is somehow involved.
I have to say that I can’t imagine the heartbreak this crime has brought a lovely family.
This crime is solvable.
Anyone with information should contact Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (948-6377), 1-800-343-TIPS (8477) or 480-TESTIGO (837-8446). So far the reward stands at $5,000.00.
I’m also willing to accept information on this case and to pass it on to police investigators.
Udate: I was in Beverly Hills on assignment when KPHO-TV CBS 5 requested a Skype interview. http://www.kpho.com/story/16667248/pi
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
The Explosion of Social Media is Influencing the Outcome of Our Criminal Trials
Los Angeles, CA—I have been telling anyone who’d listen that Social Media is a huge game changer in the criminal justice system.
The lawyers especially those older warhorses that are not so computer savvy are incredibly ignorant. They don’t see the major influence that bloggers, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube has on prosecutors, judges and jurors.
In the real world judges controlling the reading and television habits was a losing battle. Jurors lie about what and when they read especially when they are admonished. Human nature requires people touch the wall when they see the wet paint sign.
The Internet is a powerful magnet that has put millions of us in front of computer screens. We get instant information on anything we want and love that empowerment. Many experts agree that the Internet becomes an addiction that can’t be overcome, certainly by some judge that can’t view what jurors do at home.
People probing search engines can quickly compromise any case involving someone who has a profile or news stories on the Internet.
The real issue is the planting of land mines by those seeking to sway or influence the verdict on any case.
I suspect that prosecutors are influenced to file cases or not based on early Social Media hype. Being political creatures hey want to be on the popular side of those prosecutions.
Judges are also caught up in the politics of popularity and don’t want to rule on the wrong side of a case especially when they could go either way.
Jury Internet shenanigans were out-of-control at the murder trial of music legend, Phil Spector. The lawyers in that case or Judge Larry Fiddler had neither a clue nor inclination to explore this uncharted territory. The massive amount of venom, outright lies and hate spewed by the so-called “True Crime” gossipmongers rather than credible evidence decided that case.
When I write stories about crimes and court cases I watch my web counter for the origin of my visitors. It’s always the same cops; prosecutors, jurors and even judges are Googling the name of the people involved in some investigation. They bookmark their favorite sites, that favor their opinions.
Right now the only way to beat this is to join in by leveling the playing field.
Lawyer’s hands are tied but the supporters, family and friends are not. They are always free to put up blogs, videos and tweets that counter-balance the negatives.
The best way to do it is to make a mini documentary that exposes the failings of the police investigation. Additionally you need to make sure you include all that helpful evidence the judges will undoubtedly exclude.
Putting up the story with proper meta-tags will insure the expose’ will be viewed by the very people who should not be viewing it.
It may be years or longer before they find a solution to this problem. The information age monster is growing by the second and so are prosecutor’s conviction rates. Remember it’s always the cops and prosecutors that routinely smear the accused with those press releases just before a judge is assigned to the case. The defense lawyers can do little since by the time they’re involved the rules of the court apply.
The best thing for the family and supporters can do is finding a TV producer/reporter willing to put together a professional documentary that serves the accused in the fight to counter the negatives. Yes, it will cost several thousand dollars but it is worth it in the long run.
Six minutes is the format of TV’s 60 Minutes and is the best way to make your case. If needed a second or third piece can be put up for the jurors that will be sure to get just a little more information. We must play to the short attention span of the public.
Can you really afford not to use and abuse the Social Media? I have my video production company always ready to roll on just such an assignment!
The lawyers especially those older warhorses that are not so computer savvy are incredibly ignorant. They don’t see the major influence that bloggers, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube has on prosecutors, judges and jurors.
In the real world judges controlling the reading and television habits was a losing battle. Jurors lie about what and when they read especially when they are admonished. Human nature requires people touch the wall when they see the wet paint sign.
The Internet is a powerful magnet that has put millions of us in front of computer screens. We get instant information on anything we want and love that empowerment. Many experts agree that the Internet becomes an addiction that can’t be overcome, certainly by some judge that can’t view what jurors do at home.
People probing search engines can quickly compromise any case involving someone who has a profile or news stories on the Internet.
The real issue is the planting of land mines by those seeking to sway or influence the verdict on any case.
I suspect that prosecutors are influenced to file cases or not based on early Social Media hype. Being political creatures hey want to be on the popular side of those prosecutions.
Judges are also caught up in the politics of popularity and don’t want to rule on the wrong side of a case especially when they could go either way.
Jury Internet shenanigans were out-of-control at the murder trial of music legend, Phil Spector. The lawyers in that case or Judge Larry Fiddler had neither a clue nor inclination to explore this uncharted territory. The massive amount of venom, outright lies and hate spewed by the so-called “True Crime” gossipmongers rather than credible evidence decided that case.
When I write stories about crimes and court cases I watch my web counter for the origin of my visitors. It’s always the same cops; prosecutors, jurors and even judges are Googling the name of the people involved in some investigation. They bookmark their favorite sites, that favor their opinions.
Right now the only way to beat this is to join in by leveling the playing field.
Lawyer’s hands are tied but the supporters, family and friends are not. They are always free to put up blogs, videos and tweets that counter-balance the negatives.
The best way to do it is to make a mini documentary that exposes the failings of the police investigation. Additionally you need to make sure you include all that helpful evidence the judges will undoubtedly exclude.
Putting up the story with proper meta-tags will insure the expose’ will be viewed by the very people who should not be viewing it.
It may be years or longer before they find a solution to this problem. The information age monster is growing by the second and so are prosecutor’s conviction rates. Remember it’s always the cops and prosecutors that routinely smear the accused with those press releases just before a judge is assigned to the case. The defense lawyers can do little since by the time they’re involved the rules of the court apply.
The best thing for the family and supporters can do is finding a TV producer/reporter willing to put together a professional documentary that serves the accused in the fight to counter the negatives. Yes, it will cost several thousand dollars but it is worth it in the long run.
Six minutes is the format of TV’s 60 Minutes and is the best way to make your case. If needed a second or third piece can be put up for the jurors that will be sure to get just a little more information. We must play to the short attention span of the public.
Can you really afford not to use and abuse the Social Media? I have my video production company always ready to roll on just such an assignment!
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