Monday's venue hearing for Fred Cooper felt like the local media was on trial. The defense submitted CD's documenting hundreds of reports done on the Gateway case. (Yes, I believe NBC2 may have had the most reports on any television station... Not that we were competing for the title)
Public Defender Robert Jacobs argued his client couldn't get a fair trial because of our "prejudice reports". First I would say prejudice is a strong word. A lot of thought goes into every story... To tell it as fairly and as factual as possible.
It is extremely difficult to tell a story that no one wants to talk about it. By no one I mean: prosecutors, Cooper's public defender, family members, close friends, neighbors... And as we've seen not even Cooper's mother. Everyone has their reasons for not talking. However I don't think much could be said at this point that would have significant impact on the case... That is unless Cooper's going to confess or suddenly a new suspect turns himself in.
So with no one talking... We are left with the facts and that's what we report. Deposition and court dates become a big deal. And young reporters are learning the rules of a beautiful thing called "discovery."
In court Monday, prosecutor Tony Kunasek compared this case to that of the Lords of Chaos. (1996 - Teenagers who killed a Riverdale band teacher) Kunasek was trying to make a point that those teenagers received a fair trial with a jury picked in Southwest Florida. This is not the first time I've heard the comparison of Gateway to the Lords of Chaos. Those who were around 10 years ago in our newsroom and our community, say Coopers case has become just as big a deal (if not bigger). All that's missing is the national media... Which I expect to arrive around trial time.
One has to wonder though, does Cooper really deserve all of this coverage? The media has a responsibility to keep the public informed. I believe we are definitely doing that. But have we gone overboard? Somewhere over the past 8 months... This story gained a powerful tabloid element. I'm not sure what launched the story to such status... But I can only assume it's a combination of things including: those disturbing emails, the "perfect life" everyone thought the Andrews lived, and a little boy left to be raised by his grandparents.
Realizing the potential of the Gateway story, it is without a doubt television stations and newspapers are trying to maximize this story to gain and retain viewers. We have aired this story so much... We've become part of it (venue hearing).
PLEASE POST YOUR COMMENTS BELOW
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Monday, August 14, 2006
SANIBEL MURDER MOTIVE: ANOTHER LOVE TRIANGLE?
The case of Sanibel's first murder in more than 20 years is one that has perplexed me for some time. David Baugher is being held on $500,000 bond for murdering Stacie Davis, a girl he was dating. What perplexed me was why would he kill?
Baugher is known by friends and family to be pretty laid back and non-violent. Investigations we have done have shown he had a drug problem (likely pain killers). I have a hard time believing he killed for or because he was on pain killers.
Today we took a second look at the discovery of the case (evidence the State Attorney's office is building) and found new statements made by the woman who turned Baugher in. There it was (as if I should have known from the start)... The motive: another "Love triangle." However a bit deranged.
Baugher was dating a woman named Angela Rovere and Stacie Davis at the same time. Rovere found out and cut Baugher off. Devastated, Baugher tries to break things off with Davis. But even then Rovere wouldn't take him back. Angry, Baugher took Davis to Sanibel and killed her. He then expects Rovere to take him back?
It all makes sense... and yet it doesn't. Did Scott Peterson write a manual?
Baugher's thought pattern seem deranged and unstable. Rovere mentions that several times in her testimony. Baugher's brother makes similar statements. Which leads me to the question many of you probably have... Could Baugher use an insanity defense? Perhaps he could pull a "Justin Grodin" with a "Mental Heart Attack".
Don't get me wrong. Mental illness is a serious issue. And if Baugher is sick he should get some help. But he also knew right from wrong. He tried to cover his tracks and his confessions.
How devastating would it be to Stacie Davis' widowed husband, their children, her parents... If he walks out of a courtroom... Without a trial.
I'm sure Kevin Davis is probably wondering why... If this motive holds true... Isn't Baugher charged with First Degree murder?
PLEASE POST YOUR COMMENTS BELOW
Baugher is known by friends and family to be pretty laid back and non-violent. Investigations we have done have shown he had a drug problem (likely pain killers). I have a hard time believing he killed for or because he was on pain killers.
Today we took a second look at the discovery of the case (evidence the State Attorney's office is building) and found new statements made by the woman who turned Baugher in. There it was (as if I should have known from the start)... The motive: another "Love triangle." However a bit deranged.
Baugher was dating a woman named Angela Rovere and Stacie Davis at the same time. Rovere found out and cut Baugher off. Devastated, Baugher tries to break things off with Davis. But even then Rovere wouldn't take him back. Angry, Baugher took Davis to Sanibel and killed her. He then expects Rovere to take him back?
It all makes sense... and yet it doesn't. Did Scott Peterson write a manual?
Baugher's thought pattern seem deranged and unstable. Rovere mentions that several times in her testimony. Baugher's brother makes similar statements. Which leads me to the question many of you probably have... Could Baugher use an insanity defense? Perhaps he could pull a "Justin Grodin" with a "Mental Heart Attack".
Don't get me wrong. Mental illness is a serious issue. And if Baugher is sick he should get some help. But he also knew right from wrong. He tried to cover his tracks and his confessions.
How devastating would it be to Stacie Davis' widowed husband, their children, her parents... If he walks out of a courtroom... Without a trial.
I'm sure Kevin Davis is probably wondering why... If this motive holds true... Isn't Baugher charged with First Degree murder?
PLEASE POST YOUR COMMENTS BELOW
Friday, August 11, 2006
Another Internal Investigation, Another embarrassment?
Thursday the Lee County Sheriff's office announced the results of an internal investigation involving high level members. The allegations: Captain Jeff Hollan and two of his deputies (Detective Jessica Schipansky - lieutenant Kim Falk) were performing lap dances and essentially openly flirting with each other at a private party. The party was for outgoing Captain Dennis Brooks... Who Hollan was replacing. The investigation also alleges some favoritism on behalf of Hollan towards his two dancing deputies. (No, I don't believe Gina Wisely was there)
The allegations were proven true, as far as internal affairs is concerned. Ok, so you're guilty of being human and perhaps making some poor decisions. Embarrassing decisions. But really, should you be fired for performing a lap dance at a private party, off duty? I would think a demotion, suspension, etc would be more in line.
To me, they really screwed up WHEN THEY LIED.
During the investigation several witnesses came forward, members of the sheriff's office. They gave accounts of seeing the three rubbing, fondling, and kissing among other things. Before being questioned by internal affairs investigator Lt. Bob Sherry, all three of the accused had the opportunity to read the transcripts of all those witnesses (some 16). After reading them, they still denied the allegations.
They then agreed to take polygraph tests? And failed! I don't get it... These are smart cops. If they aren't how did they make it to the higher ranks? Did they really think they were going to beat the system? Have they done so in the past?
I say once you have dirty danced, read eyewitness accounts about it and boldly lied... You deserve to be fired. I guess they beat the Sheriff to the punch... To keep their pension... To keep a clear record?
As embarrassing as this internal investigation and others have been this year.... I have to commend our sheriff's office. They are not sweeping their problems under the rug. They are addressing them.
Let's face it... with an agency of I believe 1,400 members, people are going to screw up.
The allegations were proven true, as far as internal affairs is concerned. Ok, so you're guilty of being human and perhaps making some poor decisions. Embarrassing decisions. But really, should you be fired for performing a lap dance at a private party, off duty? I would think a demotion, suspension, etc would be more in line.
To me, they really screwed up WHEN THEY LIED.
During the investigation several witnesses came forward, members of the sheriff's office. They gave accounts of seeing the three rubbing, fondling, and kissing among other things. Before being questioned by internal affairs investigator Lt. Bob Sherry, all three of the accused had the opportunity to read the transcripts of all those witnesses (some 16). After reading them, they still denied the allegations.
They then agreed to take polygraph tests? And failed! I don't get it... These are smart cops. If they aren't how did they make it to the higher ranks? Did they really think they were going to beat the system? Have they done so in the past?
I say once you have dirty danced, read eyewitness accounts about it and boldly lied... You deserve to be fired. I guess they beat the Sheriff to the punch... To keep their pension... To keep a clear record?
As embarrassing as this internal investigation and others have been this year.... I have to commend our sheriff's office. They are not sweeping their problems under the rug. They are addressing them.
Let's face it... with an agency of I believe 1,400 members, people are going to screw up.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Fred Cooper Speaks? Fact or Fiction
The Fred Cooper case takes another unusual turn?
A viewer wrote to me today to inform me about a web forum post made (allegedly) by Fred Cooper's grandmother. The letter is said to be an open letter Cooper sent her to post on the internet... to his "fans."
First read the post:
"I would like to thank those of you that have supported my innocence and have chosen not to buy into what the LCSO would have you believe. As my trial gets closer there will be evidence brought to light that the LCSO doesn't want you to know yet. For example; certain reports were purposely left out of the information leaked to the media (by the LCSO). When I was arrested on January 11th the LCSO held a press conference stating that they had Positively identified my DNA under one of Michelle Andrews fingernails. They also led people to believe that my jacket was covered in blood. Neither of those statements having any truth to them, and their own laboratories have proven this. I am innocent of all charges brought against me and their own lab reports will prove this in court. I would just like to thank those of you that have kept an open mind and have chosen to wait until the evidence (or lack thereof) is presented and not believe everything the LCSO would say without question. Once everything is brought to light in this case, I am certain the public will have a hard time believing anything the LCSO has to say.I also want to thank those of you who have offered to set up a fund in my behalf. Although I could not accept it, I appreciate your offer of kindness.Your thoughts and prayers mean a great deal to me and I thank you from the bottom of my heart."
WOW! Right?
I immediately called Cooper's public defender to verify the authenticity of the post. After all, you would think someone being held on two first degree murder charges would first clear this kind of message with their attorney first.
News of the post not only surprised Public Defender Ken Garber... he asked where can he could find this "letter." I sent him a copy and a link. After allowing him time to review I called Garber back to verify if his client had written the letter. Garber says he wants to think it over before he responds.
So unfortunately there is no confirmation yet whether Cooper is really breaking his silence. Almost everyone I've spoken to about the post believe it to be fiction. Their comments include "It's too well written" and "Come on... a fund for Cooper!?"
Part of us in the media wants to believe Cooper is speaking out. Especially since no one directly related to this case has spoken out (Cooper's mother, Kellie Ballew, the Andrews, the Kokoras).
However the timing of this letter seems a bit odd to me... as if someone is trying to ensure that Cooper's case is moved out of the area. We (the media) go nuts about his letter, broadcast it, print it, and a judge sees how "Cooper Crazy" Southwest Florida is.
We're not broadcasting it until the letter is authenticated.
See you in court on August 21st. (Decision day)
________________________________________________
UPDATE AUGUST 22, 2006
Ken Garber has opted to not comment on the letter "allegedely posted" by Fred's grandmother.
It looks like decision day... could now be any day or never.
A viewer wrote to me today to inform me about a web forum post made (allegedly) by Fred Cooper's grandmother. The letter is said to be an open letter Cooper sent her to post on the internet... to his "fans."
First read the post:
"I would like to thank those of you that have supported my innocence and have chosen not to buy into what the LCSO would have you believe. As my trial gets closer there will be evidence brought to light that the LCSO doesn't want you to know yet. For example; certain reports were purposely left out of the information leaked to the media (by the LCSO). When I was arrested on January 11th the LCSO held a press conference stating that they had Positively identified my DNA under one of Michelle Andrews fingernails. They also led people to believe that my jacket was covered in blood. Neither of those statements having any truth to them, and their own laboratories have proven this. I am innocent of all charges brought against me and their own lab reports will prove this in court. I would just like to thank those of you that have kept an open mind and have chosen to wait until the evidence (or lack thereof) is presented and not believe everything the LCSO would say without question. Once everything is brought to light in this case, I am certain the public will have a hard time believing anything the LCSO has to say.I also want to thank those of you who have offered to set up a fund in my behalf. Although I could not accept it, I appreciate your offer of kindness.Your thoughts and prayers mean a great deal to me and I thank you from the bottom of my heart."
WOW! Right?
I immediately called Cooper's public defender to verify the authenticity of the post. After all, you would think someone being held on two first degree murder charges would first clear this kind of message with their attorney first.
News of the post not only surprised Public Defender Ken Garber... he asked where can he could find this "letter." I sent him a copy and a link. After allowing him time to review I called Garber back to verify if his client had written the letter. Garber says he wants to think it over before he responds.
So unfortunately there is no confirmation yet whether Cooper is really breaking his silence. Almost everyone I've spoken to about the post believe it to be fiction. Their comments include "It's too well written" and "Come on... a fund for Cooper!?"
Part of us in the media wants to believe Cooper is speaking out. Especially since no one directly related to this case has spoken out (Cooper's mother, Kellie Ballew, the Andrews, the Kokoras).
However the timing of this letter seems a bit odd to me... as if someone is trying to ensure that Cooper's case is moved out of the area. We (the media) go nuts about his letter, broadcast it, print it, and a judge sees how "Cooper Crazy" Southwest Florida is.
We're not broadcasting it until the letter is authenticated.
See you in court on August 21st. (Decision day)
________________________________________________
UPDATE AUGUST 22, 2006
Ken Garber has opted to not comment on the letter "allegedely posted" by Fred's grandmother.
It looks like decision day... could now be any day or never.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Locking up a local Pastor
WARNING THIS BLOG HAS GRAPHIC DETAILS OF A MOLESTATION CASE
Tuesday's report on a Fort Myers Pastor accused of molesting children within his parish is one of the most disturbing stories I've covered in some time. Some of the graphic details we didn't broadcast on the air, included accounts from various children. They described the pastor giving them hugs, then running his hands down their pants. They described the pastor making them strip and then he would strip and molest them with his genitals. Their is also an account given by the pastors wife... But it's blocked out. What did she know about all this? Did she keep his secret?
Despite all of the accusations, church members say they still think the Pastor is a great man. "He made a mistake... He will pay the price... But he's still a great role model." Then there is those who choose not to believe the Pastor committed these horrible crimes... despite six children now coming forward.
Six children making all this up? Why?
Fort Myers Police say Pastor Russell Brown confessed to some of the molestation, even expressed remorse. Brown, you need not address your remorse to the police. You were a trusted member of society and a mentor to these children. The embarrassing announcement of your arrest is over... Now step up and address what was your congregation, your community, your family. A church resignation LETTER, hiding the truth behind your abrupt departure, doesn't count.
Brown is charged with life felonies. Meaning if found guilty he will spend the rest of his life (he's 53) in prison. I hope sometime between now and the conviction he comes forward to apologize. I don't know if he should expect forgiveness, though.
Maybe I'm a bit tough on Pastor Brown... but what about those children. Life is forever changed for them.
Tuesday's report on a Fort Myers Pastor accused of molesting children within his parish is one of the most disturbing stories I've covered in some time. Some of the graphic details we didn't broadcast on the air, included accounts from various children. They described the pastor giving them hugs, then running his hands down their pants. They described the pastor making them strip and then he would strip and molest them with his genitals. Their is also an account given by the pastors wife... But it's blocked out. What did she know about all this? Did she keep his secret?
Despite all of the accusations, church members say they still think the Pastor is a great man. "He made a mistake... He will pay the price... But he's still a great role model." Then there is those who choose not to believe the Pastor committed these horrible crimes... despite six children now coming forward.
Six children making all this up? Why?
Fort Myers Police say Pastor Russell Brown confessed to some of the molestation, even expressed remorse. Brown, you need not address your remorse to the police. You were a trusted member of society and a mentor to these children. The embarrassing announcement of your arrest is over... Now step up and address what was your congregation, your community, your family. A church resignation LETTER, hiding the truth behind your abrupt departure, doesn't count.
Brown is charged with life felonies. Meaning if found guilty he will spend the rest of his life (he's 53) in prison. I hope sometime between now and the conviction he comes forward to apologize. I don't know if he should expect forgiveness, though.
Maybe I'm a bit tough on Pastor Brown... but what about those children. Life is forever changed for them.
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