Shon Pernice: Right Where We Want Him

Shon Pernice is finally behind bars, charged with the murder of his wife and mother of his children, Renee Perince, whose body has yet to be found.  Renee went missing in the dead of the night a year and a half ago, leaving behind two small children which she adored.  Shon has always claimed that she just left, but, as those who look into these cases of missing mothers know, that scenario is highly unlikely.

The fact that Renee has been murdered is one that her family has come to terms with, however, there has been no resolution for them because of the fact that she has not been found.  Many cases are successfully prosecuted without a body based on the evidence surrounding the investigation.  Just as in another high profile case, the disappearance of Stacy Peterson, we can hold out hope to their families that justice will be served.

But, is that enough?  Is justice served for them if they still don't know where her body is?  No, it's not, and we can only believe that someday these murdering fathers will grow a conscience and lead the family to their missing loved one in order for them to have some finality, some peace of mind.

"I'm very happy that we've gotten to this point," Renee's mother Linda Lockwood said. "Hopefully we'll get justice for Renee because that's what we've always wanted."

Another family eagerly watching the proceedings surrounding Shon Pernice's arrest is the family of Star Boomer.  Boomer went missing after an altercation in a bar in 1999 and one of the last persons to see her there was none other than Shon Pernice.  Star Boomer was recently in the news when a barrel with a female body was found in Kansas City and hopes were up that it was Star.  It was not.

Like his counterpart, Drew Peterson, who is also in jail charged with murder of his third wife, Kathleen Savio, Shon will most likely not be forthcoming with information anytime soon.  As in most cases such as this, they "lawyer up" and start the long, tedious process of a trial, costing us all millions,  but worse, re-victimizing a family who must live through it in a glass bowl.  As this progresses they will be the ones in the courtroom every day listening to any and all testimony, and being forced to relive the pain.

The other side of the story, and a side that isn't addressed often, is the fact that there are children now growing up without either parent.  While I'm sure they are well taken care of by loving grandparents, they still have so much to deal with as they grow up.  To experience the questions surrounding the loss of their mothers, and now the incarceration of their fathers, is not a normal part of childhood, and not something any child should have to be put through.  There are no support groups and associations available to take care of their upcoming needs, other than years of expensive therapy, unaffordable by most.

In the days ahead, we will be watching and waiting, along with these families, for the day their nightmares end.  But, keep in mind, those nightmares will only end when their loved one is found and properly put to rest.

Star Boomer: Loved and Missed

The name "Star Boomer" fascinates me, I don't know why, but I remember the day I first saw it, thought it was actually pretty cool, like something my "60's" mind would make up.  But Star Boomer is not just a cool name, but a real woman, a woman who has been missing under suspicious circumstances for way too long.

I first wrote about Star Boomer's disappearance, a mother of a young boy at the time, last year when I learned that another mother was missing from the same area, Renee Pernice, and that her husband, Shon Pernice, was one of the last persons to see each of them alive.   Another year has passed and still there is nothing to investigate until bodies are found.  Each family has dealt with the fact that murders have occurred, however, they can't come close to starting the grieving process until they have answers and until these women are in a place of peace.

The following is an article written about Star's sister, Cynthia Hurtie, who has made a mission of finding, not only her sister, but, as many others with missing loved ones do, she has set out to help find other missing persons.  So many family members I've communicated with seem to have a need to give.  Whether it be by physically searching, changing legislation, calming spirits with support or setting up internet sites for information, all of them have the need for a way to give answers to others if they can't have the resolutions they want for themselves. Each day may be a personal struggle, but they find a way to step above it and face each obstacle with courage.

While researching "Star Boomer" I came across the site of someone from Australia who designs and makes toys.  One of her toy sets are called "Star Boomers" based on an Australian Christmas song.  As she explained the toys there was a paragraph that struck me as being written for the "real" Star Boomer!

I hope that next time you look up into the night sky you might imagine a mob of Star Boomers traversing the heavens, bounding over the Milky Way in search of green starry pastures.

I hope one day, while looking into the heavens for answers, the family of Star Boomer will find her.

WOMAN SEARCHES FOR MISSING SISTER

Finding the lost has been something of an obsession for Cynthia Hurtie, Spring Hill. She’ll settle for finding just one missing person, but ideally, Hurtie, a recent graduate with a degree in forensic science, would like to find her sister, Star Boomer.

"If you have a person go missing in your life, it’s unrepairable," she said. "It does major damage to the family members."

The last people to see Boomer alive told police that Boomer got into an altercation on Feb. 23, 1999 at Uncle Mike’s Bar in Kansas City, Kan. She was allegedly knocked to the ground and where she lost consciousness.

According to old news accounts, Boomer went to the local watering hole with friend and roommate, Carolyn Marshall. Marshall stayed for one drink and planned to return to pick up Boomer later in the evening. Marshall was told that Boomer had left with two men, when she returned to pick Boomer up. Investigators believe she was killed at the bar and her body was dumped.

Star Boomer, Who Is She, and Where Is She?

It's been reported that Shon Pernice of Kansas City, MO. is not only being questioned about his role in the disappearance of his wife, Renee Pernice, but now he is linked to another missing mother, Star Boomer. Star Boomer has been missing since 1999, 10 years, and she left behind a son and a family that deserve some real, truthful answers.

According to recent reports, Star Boomer was last seen during an altercation in a local bar. By all accounts there were 13 witnesses who saw Star literally beaten to unconsciousness. That's where the story of Star Boomer ends. No one is talking about what happened afterwards. Not one of 13 witnesses has told authorities where to find Star Boomer after 10 long years, and now it's stated that Shon Pernice was one of the last persons to see her alive.

Who is Star Boomer? In light of all the recent attention given to missing women, missing mothers, and the men suspected of knowledge, we often forget the main characters of these mysteries, the one who no longer has a voice to say to the world, "here I am!". The media tends to look closer at the ones who are possibly involved in these women's vanishings, scrutinizing their every move, and, in some cases (Peterson), surrounding the case in a circus atmosphere. But who are these Vanished Mothers?

Ten years ago, Star Gail Hurtie Boomer was a mother of a young son, Cody. Being the mother of a young son is not an easy task, and I would imagine that she took time off to unwind at a local bar.

Sources say that Star did not drink that much while at the bar, but went to the aide of another woman who was being physically beaten by another patron. Star was the only one to step up to help the woman, and later she was hit her off her own bar stool by a friend of the patron as he walked by and said something to her. She was knocked unconscious and dragged out of the bar. It's at this point, witness have said, Shon Pernice injected her with something and Star was never seen again.

Star Boomer came to the aide of another woman and paid the ultimate price for it.

There is a young man who does not know what has happened to his mother, and has only local rumors and stories to fill in the blanks. I have to believe that Cody wants answers, and he deserves the truth, along with other family members who love her and miss her in their lives.

"Until the day we find closure and justice for her, I can't give up and I have to be a voice for Star," said Cynthia Hurtie.

"I believe we will find her. I really believe that. I've never given up hope," said Hazel Hurtie.

I hope that during the investigation into the now declared death investigation of Renee Pernice, that her husband Shon will at the very least be questioned about the last night in the life of Star Boomer, and help her family find resolution.

I am pleased to include some personal insight about Star from a source close to the family:

Ten years ago, Star never thought to herself that this photo, would be used to help bring her home.

She had no way of knowing.. she wouldn't be going home..ever again, that the bright spot of her world..her son, would be left behind. She would never see him open his Christmas gifts, watch him play ball.. she wouldn't be there for her father..before he passed away, or to hug her Mother when he did. The chance to finish school.. Gone. No more shopping trips with her nieces, or getting her hair done in the new style. All Gone.

Gone by two men who ruthlessly removed the future of this young woman. The witnesses, who keep her family 'suffering' by their deafening 'silence'. There has been no justice, no one has been punished. There is no resting place to visit to acknowledge Star existed..no place to run to when the their tears fall, no place to put the flowers she so loved.. in her remembrance .

She was instead taken, and hidden.. in a place where no one visits. There are no flowers. No family ever comes...

She dreamed of one day living on a farm and watching her son enjoy the warmth of a day, tending her beautiful garden..and caring for a variety of animals. Most importantly to watch her son grow to be a man.

Star was a florist at heart, who loved flower arranging, she created beautiful arrangements and wreaths and had

won awards for her creations at local craft shows. She had nearly completed her GED and had plans to further her education. She was a warm hearted soul, that would offer her hand to others, and make it a point to bring a smile, even when times were troubled.

A true optimist is hard to find, and the loss her family has endured is inconsolable.

Cindy recounted to me when Star bought corrective shoe's for Cindy's daughter. A wonderful sister, and Loving Aunt to Cindy's children. She is remembered by the twinkle in her eye, I thought to myself while the family spoke of her.. that her name was rightly 'given' at birth "Star"

Her bright smile has been handed to her son Cody, who shares her warmth, kindness and love, and his laugh is a thought of Star brought home..and brings back those 'wonderful memories'. Star would be so very 'proud' of the young man she brought into this world. So, grateful for her family who have all come together in the nurturing of her son. She would be "so" very grateful to her Mother who has kept her in prayer 'everyday'. Hazel has waited on bended knee, for the day her daughter would come home. Her fervent prayers have been answered and faith will bring closure..soon. Cindy who has taken up the torch to find her sister, is a timid loving soul. Having been lost for a time herself... has found her strength and has become a 'star' herself. In Star's legacy Cindy will assist families of the lost, and help them to find the closure that she yearns for in her own life.

The pub that Star was in the evening she was taken. The twelve that sat by, watched. Those that were witnesses and have kept quiet 'all these years'. The burden lays with them. For a family to experience a death of a loved one, is an excruciating experience. To have that loved one plucked from life and out of reach for all 'time' is beyond horrific. To those who know and will not speak. I would like you to imagine the face of a small boy.. who sits on the edge of his bed.. and waits. His eyes looking up to 'you' for the answer. Where is my Mom? For her Mother who sits with folded hands at her kitchen table, still waiting. She smiles and it is apparent 'where' Star got her shine. To Cindy, Star has given you the greatest gift. Your direction..your path.

Please help give "Star" a gift. A place to rest..a place to be remembered. If you have information, no matter how small.. it will be kept confidential. Please visit http://helpfindthelost.blogspot.com/ and bring star home.

Please join us at Peace4 the Missing
Network and support for missing persons and victims of abuse.

Renee Pernice, Not The Only One Missing?

There have been questions asked about Shon Pernice in connection with another missing woman, Star Boomer. It seems Shon was present at the same bar, the same night Star Boomer went missing. Coincidence?

For the family of Star Boomer who have been searching for her all these years, I pray that there are answers. I hope that this is a very active investigation into the whereabouts of Renee Pernice and Star Boomer!

Fox News reported the following story:

Monday, February 02, 2009

Renee Pernice

While the case of a missing mother from Missouri remains a mystery to law enforcement, but a possible link to another woman's disappearance may be emerging.

Renee Pernice vanished from her Northland home last month. Shon Pernice, her husband, whom she was in the process of divorcing, was the last person to see her alive.
Ten years ago, another woman, Star Boomer, disappeared from a bar in Kansas City and hasn't been seen since. On that night in February of 1999, Shon Pernice was at the same bar, sources told FOX4KC.com.

Witnesses said Boomer got into a fight with a man at the bar. Two men were originally charged with second-degree murder, but the case was eventually dropped to avoid "double jeopardy."

Boomer’s family believes it was because none of the witnesses at the bar that night would testify.

"There were 13 witnesses in the bar and no one wants to come forward or say anything," Cynthia Hurtie, Star’s sister, told FOX4KC.com.

Hurtie, now a private investigator, has never stopped trying to solve her sister’s case. When she heard about the specifics of Renee’s case she said, “My heart just fell to my stomach. I just put two and two together, there were two witnesses and Shon was one of them.”

Although Shon Pernice was never on the list of official court witnesses, he has been linked to the Boomer investigation, according to FOX4KC.com sources.

“Until the day we find closure and justice for her, I can’t give up. I have to be a voice for Star,” said Hurtie.

Boomer’s mother, Hazel Hurtie, holds out hope that her daughter will be found.
"I believe that we will find her," she told FOX4KC.com. "I really believe that. I have never given up hope."

Shon Pernice and his attorney could not be reached for comment about the story.
There is a $5,000 reward for information in the Star Boomer case.