Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy New Year!

Renee Pernice: Remembering You

Two years ago on New Year's Day 2009, Renee Pernice vanished, leaving behind her home in Kansas City, MO, her husband and three children. Two years ago her husband, Shon Pernice, says she just walked out of the house on foot and he couldn't "remember" where she said she was going. Renee has not been seen nor heard from since.

Following this case for the last two years has been a series of twists and turns, watching Shon Pernice sidestepping with inconsistencies in his original story, never participating in searches for his wife, and being arrested on several charges, finally for the murder of Renee. He will go to trial in 2011.

The pattern of conduct of Renee Pernice leading up to the day she vanished could be like so many other women trying to leave a marriage. Renee held a good job with a salary enough to support herself and her children, in fact, Renee alone cared for her children while her husband was stationed overseas. During the investigation divorce papers were discovered in Renee's home office, leading us to believe she was serious about leaving her marriage this time.

Renee Pernice was close to her family, was in constant contact, and, as is often heard in cases of missing mothers, "she would NEVER leave her children." Most of the statements from Shon Pernice are in direct contrast with the woman and mother her family knew her to be. Perhaps Renee confided in her family or close friends about the upcoming divorce, or the problems in her marriage leading her to make the decision to finalize it.

Maybe Shon Pernice has a history of being at the wrong place at the wrong time, being one of the last to see another missing mother, Star Boomer who vanished in 1999. It would be a great service to the family of Star Boomer if information on her whereabouts would come forth during the investigation of Renee's murder. Although there were a reported 13 witnesses, no one is talking. As always, someone knows where the remains of these two mothers are today.

Hindsight is always valuable, and one of the reasons many blog about cases like this is to learn and use the information to educate others in the hope that another mother may be spared. Had Renee Pernice, or Susan Powell, or Stacy Peterson taken precautionary measures while preparing to leave their marriages, this blog would not have been written. A revolutionary new procedure has been introduced by Susan Murphy Milano in her latest book, "Time's Up: A Guide on How to Leave an Abusive and Stalking Relationship" called the Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit. This simple procedure is likened to a living will, spelling out in notarized, witnessed documents and video testimony the evidence of what went wrong in the relationship and, if abuse is present, it's documented as well. Procedures utilized by Murphy Milano over the last 20 years have led to a perfect track record in keep women alive during the traumatic end to their relationships.

Writing about missing mothers has given me an insight, as well as working closely with advocates and organizations surrounding the issues of intimate partner violence and missing persons. In many cases, there is a clear pattern of conduct in the actions of those involved, a relationship with violence, or at the least an "ownership" attitude, that if you leave me, no one else will have you and my children. It's a pattern that is seen over and over, and the results, unfortunately, are usually the same.

While remembering Renee on the second anniversary of her missing, I also urge readers to remember her children. They are now in the care of Renee's father, Rick Pretz, and although trying to give them the best childhood they deserve, it can't be easy. Children left behind with no answers, children left to deal with the trauma, children who were unconditionally loved by their mother, have daily reminders that their lives have changed dramatically. They have needs expressed in ways that we sometimes don't understand, and will be forever branded in their psyches. They are the innocent bystanders in the chaos surrounding them that makes no sense to them. Never will they have the opportunity to know what could have been.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Missing Mother, Diane Corado: A Victim of Intimate Partner Violence

On a cold December morning Diane Corado, a 57 year old mother, awoke to the front door being kicked in and her ex-boyfriend pulling her out of bed by her hair and beating her with a pipe.

Kenneth Patterson, who was released from prison in January, then kidnapped Corado and a friend, releasing the friend a short time later, and drove away towards a park in which he and Corado spent time when they first met approximately 5 years ago. Diane Corado has not been seen since being abducted from her Falls, PA home. Her car was later found abandoned with a "substantial" amount of blood inside, according to news reports.

It's known that Patterson then drove to Trenton, NJ, stayed in a motel, and was arrested with stains consistent with blood on his clothes. Kenneth Patterson has a previous arrest record from 2008 for kidnapping, assault and carjacking involving a different ex-girlfriend, however, most of the charges were dismissed during a plea bargain and Patterson spent time in prison on weapons and stolen property charges.

Neighbors reported that Patterson still spent time at Diane Corado's home, unsure when they were broken up, and her friend reported she heard Patterson yell, "I told you this wasn't over," and saw him go into the kitchen and return with a butcher knife.

"He told Corado, 'I told you Diane that I would kill you - I will kill you' as he stood over her," the police affidavit reads.

Extensive searches continue around the Falls, PA area including checking toll booths on bridges leading into New Jersey, under bridges and through several acres of land using K9 units. At this point, nothing has turned up that would point to Diane Corado.

This case is a classic example how the dots connect from intimate partner violence to missing persons. Patterson's past shows a pattern of violence towards women, which was all but excused in plea bargaining the former charges and allowing him to continue his violent ways. His arrogance is evident during his hearings in New Jersey when he refused to face the judge and plans to fight extradition back to Pennsylvania.

Until our court system recognizes that certain behaviors can not, under any circumstances, be excused or reduced, we will continue to see cases of missing women, cases which have their roots in intimate partner violence.

Another family spent Christmas in the world of the "not knowing," no doubt agonizing over the fate of their mother, Diane Corado.

Call Falls Township police at 215-949-9117 or county detectives at 215-348-6534

UPDATES

Former Flemington woman, kidnapped, is feared dead

“We haven’t found the body yet, but we’re far, far from giving up,” said Bucks County District Attorney David Heckler, who on Monday admitted the chances are “pretty slim” that Corado is still alive.

“We certainly can prosecute him for the kidnapping,” said Heckler, who expects Patterson to be tried in Pennsylvania, where the kidnapping took place. Even if the victim is not located, “we will prosecute for homicide not withstanding,” he said.

Searches at Maple Beach at the foot of the Burlington-Bristol Bridge and near the Pennsylvania Turnpike Interchange in Bristol Township, Pa., and examination of surveillance tapes from three bridges linking Morrisville with Trenton, returned no results.

http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2010/12/former_flemington_woman_kidnap_1.html

Investigators search Camden for missing woman

December 30

Investigators on Wednesday swept through Camden, NJ and searched 4 square miles of the roughly 9-square-mile city where the alleged abductor, 48-year-old Kenneth Patterson, had abandoned Corado’s car shortly after the kidnapping, a police source said.

http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/courier_times/courier_times_news_details/article/2463/2010/december/29/investigators-search-camden-for-missing-woman.html

Ex-boyfriend to be charged with murdering missing Bucks woman

January 13

Kenneth L. Patterson will be charged with murdering his missing ex-girlfriend, Bucks County District Attorney David W. Heckler said Wednesday, regardless of whether Diane Corado's body is ever found.

"That is our intention," Heckler said after Patterson, 48, of no known address, was arraigned on kidnapping, assault, and other charges in the Dec. 19 abduction of Corado from her Falls Township apartment. "I am satisfied that, this far into the investigation, there is ample circumstantial evidence to prove that Ms. Corado is dead and that the death penalty is warranted."

http://articles.philly.com/2011-01-13/news/27026017_1_bucks-woman-falls-township-police-county-detectives

Friday, December 24, 2010

A Christmas Tree for All the Mothers Vanished

you may not be here on Christmas Day, but you are never forgotten....

a tree for each of you, wherever you are, and a prayer that you will be home to decorate it next year.

your tree may look a little bare, but it's because it, too, is missing the bright and shiny spirit you bring.

be home next year for the children who wait, the family living with pain.

your tree will be here waiting, until then, nothing is the same.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Megan Waterman Missing MOTHER: Found Deceased

There has already been tons written about the disappearance of Megan Waterman, who worked as an escort by placing ads on Craigslist. The continuing controversy surrounds Ms. Waterman as well as the founders of Craigslist for allowing ads on their site which some say advertise and encourage prostitution and sexual human trafficking.

I'm not here to jump into that subject, it's already been done, however, I'm here to object to the headline grabbing prostitutes.....the mainstream media! In order to sensationalize and boost their ratings, the networks, newspapers and online news services have, in my opinion, negatively affected the outcome of hundreds of cases of missing persons.

By negatively labeling a missing person, the general public puts less "value" on, let's say, a "prostitute" or a "runaway" or even a "black male." It's been debated, and rightfully so, that African American missing persons get less favorable media attention, if any at all. One of the main reasons organizations such as Black and Missing and Not Forgotten and Peas In Their Pods have been founded is to fill in the gap where traditional organizations, and especially media and law enforcement agencies, are lacking.

First and foremost, Megan Waterman is a 22 year old, single missing MOTHER. She is also the child, sister, aunt or niece of others who care deeply for her. I don't care what she did for a living, it shouldn't be an issue, she is someone's lost child whether to the streets or to foul play by others. To constantly and consistently label her as a prostitute is demeaning and offensive, she is a missing person, and a mother, regardless of her profession.

An article written by Cynthia Caron, the Founder of LostnMissing, Inc. on the Time's Up Network blog states:

On June 06, 2010 at 1:30 am Megan left the hotel in Hauppauge, NY alone and has met an unknown terrible fate. Whether it be she was abducted and trafficked, or murdered, nobody knows. What we do know is whatever happened to Ms. Waterman was done by those who utilize Craigslist to catch their prey on the personal ad section. We know her family is devastated, grieving and her three year old daughter wants to know where is her mommy?

There has been a recovery of the remains of 4 bodies on a Long Island, NY beach, and there is a good possiblity that Megan Waterman could be among them, along with another missing woman, Shannon Gilbert, who also did business through Craigslist. This find has the earmarks of the dumping ground of a serial killer according to detectives who say that the different levels of decomposition lead them to believe the bodies were dumped at different times.

So, where do we point the finger of blame? Does it go towards the victims because of their choice of employment and because they are labeled prostitutes? Does it go towards Craigslist who made the site available for advertising this line of work? Or does it go towards the evil killer who brutally murdered and dumped these women? You decide.

In the meantime, Megan Waterman's sweet 4 year old little girl is facing a lifetime of questions with very little hope of answers that she will ever understand. She is facing Christmas and every other day of her life without the mother who gave her life. What will she think when the time comes that she is able to read the accounts about her mother? Truth is one thing, but "in your face" sensationalism is another.

Media must learn to be more mindful when dealing with stories about people. No matter what they were, they didn't deserve to die at the hands of another, and they certainly don't deserve to be negatively labelled.

Cases of missing prostitutes don't capture public attention until a serial killer might be to blame

As reported by the New York Daily news 12/16:

Both Megan Waterman and Shannon Gilbert have families as heartsick as the families of any other missing young woman.

"She might not have always made good choices, but she was loved," said Waterman's aunt, Elizabeth Meserve.

"My mommy is missing," her 4-year-old daughter keeps saying.

The aunt took the daughter to see Santa on the weekend, but Christmas seems likely to come without her getting what she wants more than anything.

"Why aren't you looking for my mommy, too?" she asks when the aunt baby-sits her.

Gilbert also has loved ones who want nothing more this Christmas than to see her again.

UPDATE

YAPHANK, N.Y. --

The mother of a Maine woman who was reported missing last year says the family has been told her remains were among four discovered on a New York beach.

Lorraine Ela told The Associated Press on Wednesday that police notified her son about Megan Waterman's body being one of the four women whose decomposing bodies were dumped on eastern Long Island.

Waterman was last seen at a hotel in Hauppauge (HAWP'-awg) on June 6.

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Richard Dormer and Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota are scheduled to hold a news conference Wednesday afternoon to discuss the bodies.

Police accidentally discovered the bodies in December.

They were strewn over a quarter-mile stretch of marshy grasslands, overgrown shrubbery and sea grass on a barrier island, near an oceanfront parkway.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/19/AR2011011903669.html

http://www.longislandpress.com/2011/01/19/megan-waterman-confirmed-among-bodies-found-at-gilgo-beach/

Friday, December 10, 2010

Angela Biggers Daughters Searching for Their Mother Missing From Oklahoma City(FOUND)

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Angela Biggers has been missing since Monday, December 6. Her employee was the last person to see the 48-year-old.

Biggers hasn't shown up to work all week and her daughter said that's not like her.

"Everybody at the nursing home where she works is extremely worried about her because that's completely out of her character," said Jennifer Timberlake, Biggers daughter-in-law.

Detectives said they are hoping to talk to Biggers' boyfriend, 34-year-old Ronald Banks. They believe Banks may be able to provide critical information about Biggers' whereabouts.

"We would like to get in personal contact with him physically and speak with him again to find out about the timeline and hopefully he can assist us and give us the whereabouts of his girlfriend," said OKC Police Capt. Patrick Stewart.

Detectives said Banks may be driving Biggers' car. It's a Cobalt blue 2001 Ford Focus hatch back with the Oklahoma tag 617FYE.

The Biggers family can only wait and hope for the best while they search for their loved one.

"We're riding the streets, we're looking around. We're going anywhere and everywhere she might have been or might be, looking for anything you know," said Timberlake.

The family will also be passing out fliers to spread the word about their missing loved one.

Banks does have a criminal history. He has served prison time for shooting with intent to kill, burglary, and stealing a car. Banks was released from prison in August of 2009. He was also arrested by Moore police in May of 2010 for driving with a suspended license and joyriding.

Anyone with information about Biggers or Banks should call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 235-7300.

UPDATES:

Police Get Murder Warrant For Missing Woman's Boyfriend

December 11
Oklahoma City police said an arrest warrant has been issued for the boyfriend of a woman who has been missing since last Monday.

Police said they want to arrest Biggers' boyfriend, Ronald Seth Banks, 34, on suspicion of murder.

Detectives said they believe Banks may be able to provide critical information on the whereabouts of Biggers.

http://www.koco.com/r/26089375/detail.html

Missing OKC woman's boyfriend arrested

December 12
Oklahoma City police believe Banks is involved in Biggers’ disappearance. Police obtained a warrant for his arrest Saturday, saying he was wanted on a murder complaint. Biggers hasn’t been found, but detectives have uncovered enough evidence to suspect Banks was involved in her death, Oklahoma City police Capt. Patrick Stewart said Saturday.

Read more from this Tulsa World article at http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=11&articleid=20101211_11_0_OKLAHO325649

Police Find Missing Woman's Car

December 13
Police said Biggers' car was found near the intersection of Southeast 15th Street and High Avenue on Monday morning. Police said Biggers' boyfriend, Ronald Seth Banks, 34, was arrested on a murder warrant in Texas late Saturday.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 405-235-7300.
http://www.koco.com/r/26116566/detail.html

Suspect In Disappearance Says 'Something Bad Happened'

December 13

Officers said Banks also called his family members and made repeated comments about "doing something stupid."

Police said he also told family members, "I didn't mean for it to happen."

Officers said Banks also told a family member, "It's all over the news."

Officers said the family member encouraged Banks to turn himself in, but Banks said he could not go back to prison and asked for money to leave town.

The family member told officers Banks then said, "'The only thing going for me is no body, no crime."

Family members told police they haven't heard from Banks since.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 405-235-7300.

http://www.koco.com/r/26116566/detail.html
http://www.newsok.com/police-find-missing-oklahoma-city-womans-car/article/3523295?custom_click=headlines_widget

Family hopes candles will lead missing Oklahoma City mom home

Police say Angela Biggers is dead. But her family holds out hope

December 21
Monday, Capt. Patrick Stewart, Oklahoma City police spokesman, said there have been no new developments in the search for Angela Biggers since Banks was brought back to Oklahoma County from Texas.

Her car was found Dec. 13 at an apartment complex at SE 15 and High Avenue. The affidavit filed in Oklahoma County states that Banks told a friend “she won’t be reporting anything stolen.”

“I just wish they (police) had leads or something,” Jenea Biggers said. “You never think you’re going to be that family. You pray for others, but you never thought that it would be you.”

Grave Found In Norman; Could Be Tied To Biggers Case

January 27, 2011

Oklahoma City police say a shallow grave was found in the back yard of a home in Norman on Thursday.

It was found in the back yard of a home located in the 1100 block of Fountain Gate Court, police said. An Oklahoma City police spokesman said that detectives had recently received a tip that the body of Angela Biggers had been buried at this location.

Crews went to the scene, found no body but found a shallow grave. Police said those crews are in the process of excavating it.

http://www.koco.com/r/26641004/detail.html

Police Recover Remains From Norman Yard

January 28,2011

Police began digging in the yard Thursday afternoon after hearing a confession from murder suspect Ronald Banks.

According to News 9's sources, Banks told an investigator that he and Biggers were arguing in her car on Interstate 240. Banks said he strangled Biggers with a telephone cord then buried her body in the backyard of 1100 Fountain Gate Court in Norman.

Banks reportedly said he buried her there because he knew the house was vacant because he had friends who had lived there.

The remains will now be turned over to the medical examiner's office to be identified.

http://www.news9.com/Global/story.asp?S=13927816

Thursday, December 9, 2010

CUE Center’s 2011 National Conference for Missing Persons

National Conference for Missing Persons

HOPE LIGHTS THE WAY

The 7th Annual National Round Table Conference
March 24th thru 27th of 2011

Holiday Inn Hotel Conference Center 5032 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28405 (910) 392-1101

Everyone is invited to attend our upcoming national conference for missing persons and all who work in the arena from advocating, volunterism, investigation, search and rescue and identification process of those who are lost. This event is open to all who support the mission of finding a resolution for families who have suffered a missing loved one.

Please share this information to anyone in this line of work and or a family of a missing person or homicide victim. To learn more about CUE Center for Missing Persons please visit us at our web sitewww.ncmissingpersons.org or email us cuecenter@aol.com

Thank you

CLICK HERE to print flyer below (PDF)

FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION PLEASE GO TO THE CUE CENTER FOR MISSING PERSONS WEBSITE HTTP://CUECENTER.ORG

Information for the 2011 instructors, guest speakers, and exciting events will be posted as confirmations are made, please keep check back, thank you….

TRAINING SESSION, Certificate Classes

“Illuminations”, Surviving Victimization and Suicide, Allison West

“Intimate Partner Violence”, My Loved One is Missing”, Susan Murphy Milano

“Psyhics & Missing Perons – Help or Hindrance?, Kelly Jolkowki and Robert Cooke

GUEST SPEAKERS AND PRESENTATIONS

Pat Brown, Investigate Criminal Profiler

Curtis Barnhill, Project Life Saver, New Hanover County Sheriff Office

Jane Bradley, Author of “YOU Believers”

Victims Hours, Friday

National Candle Light Service – HonoreesMarch 26, 2011 @ Riverfront Park, Downtown Wilmington Waterfront – 7:30 pm, the public is welcome
MC -
Guest Speaker - Susan Murphy Milano “Moving Forward”
Reading of the Poem – Sheree Justus
Vocal Tribute - Mallory Malter
National Prayer – Angie Davis
Unveiling of the Wall
Service Dedication (see posters)

Conference aims to provide training to help find missing people

Wilmington | The annual conference by a local group focused on missing persons is expected to bring together various roles in the search and rescue field ranging from Federal Bureau of Investigation representatives to families of people who have gone missing.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Lacey Gaines: A Mother Murdered, Remembered

Occasionally I will write about a mother who is not missing in the sense of "vanishing," but who is missing from the life of the child or children which will never see her again.

One year ago today, on December 7, 2009, Lacey Gaines was found brutally murdered, lying on the floor in her apartment in Justice, IL. One year later, ironically, there is no justice served for Lacey's murder, no one has been arrested, nor named a suspect or person of interest.

Cherry Simpson, Lacey's beloved aunt and staunch activist for victim's rights, has pulled out all the stops, asked for help from various expert sources, and yet, the investigation seems to be moving at a snail's pace. Her offers for outside help from experts have been turned down continuously, but she has been assured by the authorities in charge that this is an active investigation and that the facts will be presented to the District Attorney at the appropriate time, but still.....she waits.

Cherry's relationship with her niece, Lacey, was a special bond of love, life and laughter. Her remembrances of Lacey's life brings her into the hearts of total strangers and we now know a piece of Lacey through Cherry. Now that we know her, her murder is personal to us, and we support all efforts to find out who snuffed out her young life and bring that person/persons to justice.

The most heartbreaking aspect of a murdered mother is the child left behind that will never know the warmth of it's mother's touch. Lacey's son will grow up without the guidance, love and support of his mother, which can not be replaced by another human being.

By gathering together as supporters of justice, advocates and activists, we all mourn the loss of Lacey along with her family. Through websites, blogs and radio shows, as well as connections with those with influence, we will continue to remember Lacey Gaines and continue to seek justice for her.

A candlelight vigil was held for Lacey on Sat Dec 4th,2010 in Justice, IL (the site of her murder). It was snowing, family and friends handed out brochures looking for answers in Lacey's murder. Lacey's brother closed by saying a beautiful prayer thanking GOD for Lacey and everyone attending.

Please show your support for Lacey, her son and her family by visiting the various sites set up for her:

www.laceygaines.com
Facebook page
Lacey Claire Gaines

If you have infomation, call your anonymous tip into the hotline at 1-800-535-STOP. Your name is not needed, you will be given a code number to remain anonymous.Or you can call Det.Joe Malloy at 708-458-2194

Monday, December 6, 2010

Dawn Meree Boothe and Three Children Missing From Shallotte, NC

A woman and her three children have been reported missing from Shallotte, North Carolina.

Dawn Meree Boothe, 22, and her three daughters, Hailey Hane DeCaire, 6, Izabelle Maree Kay Boothe, 3, and Annabelle Rosemeree Booth, 2, were last seen on Friday, according to the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office.

Bryan Boothe, the father of the children and husband to Dawn Boothe, reported them missing.

The sheriff's office said they could be in the company of Don DeCaire, Dawn Boothe's father, heading to Michigan.

Dawn Booth has a tattoo of the sun with the words Bryan and Dawn on the upper part of her right arm and a tattoo of "BRB" on her left forearm.

Annabelle Boothe has a scan under her left eye and Hailey DeCaire was last seen wearing blue jeans, a pink shirt, a pink winter coat and black tennis shoes.

Anyone with any information on them is encouraged to contact the Brunswick County Sheriffs Office.

The Sun News

Caroline Thomas and Her Two Children Missing From Oklahoma City:FOUND

When her common law husband returned from a trip to WalMart, Caroline Thomas and her two children, 7-year-old Gabriel Thomas and 2-year-old Danny Williams Jr. were gone.

Details are sketchy at this time, Caroline Thomas and her children have been missing since Friday, December 3, 2010 when it's reported that the common law husband found the house empty when he returned.

Reports say there was no sign of struggle at the home in the Northwest section of Oklahoma City, OK, however, it's also reported that Thomas did not have a vehicle.

At this time there are more questions than answers, such as how did a woman and two children vanish without a vehicle? Reports haven't disclosed whether her purse, cell phone or belongings are at the home or missing also.

Now that it's Monday, will little 7 year old Gabriel show up for school this morning? Could this just be a weekend getaway for Caroline and her children? Is the relationship with the common law husband a good one, or are there signs of trouble? I hope investigators are asking these questions and looking into all possibilities and not just looking at this case as another adult wanting a break from their life.

Although, hoping she did take the children on a weekend trip, because the alternatives will not give as positive an outcome.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911. ( Isn't there an officer assigned to the case?)

Caroline Thomas is described as black, about 5 feet 2 inches tall, 125 pounds with light brown hair. She was last seen wearing capri pants and a multi-colored, flower-pattern blouse. Both children are also black.

Peas In Their Pods

http://www.koco.com/r/26021814/detail.html

http://www.newsok.com/woman-kids-reported-missing-in-oklahoma-city/article/3521026?custom_click=headlines_widget