Think Preventive – Life Is Precious

Why? Shouldn’t law like medicine reflect reality and "First, do no harm"to the victims?

NAMES OF MURDER VICTIMS


Unsolved Murder Victim: Lacey Claire Gaines, Solved Murder Victims: Victoria Larson, Det Mike Mayborne, Jenny Crompton

2 Criminal and victim rights hang in an ugly imbalance. You would think that America - one of the greatest countries in the world - would know better how to protect it’s citizens.

Restoring the Balance of Justice to the Victim
Wouldn’t it be nice if the justice system supported homicide survivors with the same love and understanding the medical community shows a cancer victim? Undergoing chemotherapy is scary and so is trying to recover from a homicide. But there’s no TLC for homicide survivors. Medical advancements are advancing the war with cancer. The same can’t be said about homicide. Why? Shouldn’t law like medicine reflect reality and "First, do no harm"to the victims?”

Our justice system does more to uphold criminal rights than it does victim’s rights. It means criminals should be prosecuted in a just way. This shouldn’t mean letting the criminal lie, cheat, manipulate or slip his way out of the truth or justice, or God forbid coddling him at the expense of the victim!

How many of us remember the names of the Ted Bundy’s victim’s? You don’t! - but you remember the killer Ted Bundy’s name. It's high time that we remember the names and the lives of the VICTIMS.

There should be someone who will argue for the rights of the victim. The Prosecutor doesn’t do it they represent the State, and the Defense represents the Accused. So who’s looking out for the victim? In reality victim’s rights are rarely enforced. Therefore, we need to restore the balance of justice to the victims.

Crime victims have a right to be heard in criminal proceedings and may directly address the court, with their own private attorney, to advance their rights under victims' "Bill of Rights" laws.


Andrea Will murder victim 1999

Andrea’s Law - Murder Registry
1 The legislation, known as “Andrea’s Law,” is named after Andrea Will who was strangled to death in 1998 by her ex-boyfriend, Justin J. Boulay who was released from prison in November after serving only 12 of his 24-year sentence.

One of the first in the country, State Representative Dennis Reboletti (R-Elmhurst) passed Andrea’s Law recently out of the Judiciary II Committee that calls for the creation of a murderer registry. House Bill 263 is a natural extension to the state’s current sex offender and child murderer registry that will allow residents to take proper safeguards if a convicted murderer lives in their neighborhood,” said Reboletti, a former prosecutor. “Law enforcement will also be put on notice as to the movement and locations of these individuals, long after they are released from custody.”

Patricia Rosenberg of Batavia - Andrea Will’s mother, supports the murderer registry.

“House Bill 263 Andrea’s Law, would not only finally service justice for Andrea, but also for all of the families who have lost a loved one at the hands of another. We need to make sure there is accountability for first-degree murder beyond the prison gate. We all have the right to know if that murderer is living in our neighborhood or right next door,” said Rosenberg. “I was not able to protect my child from what happened to her, but his bill may help to protect someone else – if only they knew.”

In March 1999, Boulay was convicted of first-degree murder. At the time of the sentence, Illinois law allowed one day cut from the sentence for every day of good behavior. Since then, Illinois adopted truth-in-sentencing laws that require those convicted of violent crimes to serve at least 85 percent of their sentences.

Upon his release from prison, Boulay moved to Hawaii with his wife and will be on parole for three years and must undergo anger management.

Due to the Boulay case, Hawaii legislators are also proposing a murderer registry. Hopefully other states will follow.

Many citizens think they are protected by the national NICE or LEADS systems but in reality they are not. There is no standardization of forms state to state. The murder registry will be in a sense a work around to the problem of criminals staying under the radar. It will act as a deterrent and save lives.


Cindy Bischof Murder Victim

GPS Tracking Another Crime Deterrent Tool
The Cindy Bischof Law was put into effect in 2009.

The GPS has a 100% success rate in keeping women alive. We need an effective legal guarantee of personal-security for victims of domestic abuse. I think it’s a wonderful tool and will not only help save lives but prevents crime and helps to prosecute crime. We all have GPS on our phones and now we’ve got a microchip being put on our 4USPS postage stamps because of anthrax and congress. They already use them on sex offenders DOC has them and have monitored and used the data to prosecute perpetrators. I believe it is inevitable we will all see them utilized soon in many different ways.

I also think the GPS is important for women’s human rights. Too many women are dying from domestic violence. It saves lives. It shouldn’t be about money, it should be about saving lives. At the rate prisoners are being released early we all need this crime deterrent tool.

Women are being blamed for getting themselves beat and raped by men they know and then chastised for not liking them after wards. We need the state to recognize that women are violated because we are women (a form of unequal treatment which needs legal teeth) the GPS helps do exactly that and more.

Primal Prevention of Homicide
While we may never see a Hallmark Card saying “I’m sorry for your child’s homicide” it’s good to know there are some like State Representative Dennis Reboletti and the Cindy Bischof Foundation taking Primal Prevention of Homicide seriously.

I'd be remiss if I didn't also include a daughter of a murdered mother by her abusive Dad (who then killed himself), a friend who maybe because she lost her parents, has spent her life trying to save others. Susan Murphy-Milano has come up with an interesting set of homicide prevention tools, i.e., Evidentiary Abuse Affidavide and 6 Intimate Partner Harm Reduction Act.

Another key to success is everyday practicability. Funds need to be applied to epidemiological research towards finding ways to prevent homicide and stop waiting until there’s another homicide victim willing to testify for Bills needed to to protect the living.

References:

1. CBS Chicago Victim’s Mother Campaigns For Murder Registry Law
2. Time’s Up Blog Support for Homicide Survivors will Enhance Victim’s Rights in Illinois
3. GPS Tracking: http://www.thehotline.org/2009/05/gps-tracking/
4. ‘Smart stamps’ next in war on terrorism http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2003/oct/26/20031026-124606-8419r/
5. Cindy Bischof Foundation: http://cindysmemorial.org/

6. Intimate Partner Harm Reduction Act: http://www.susanmurphymilano.com/p/intimate-partner-harm-reduction-act.html

Living in Midtown Disturbia?

The first time I became aware of house arrest and ankle bracelets was watching the 2007 suspense thriller movie “Disturbia”. The lead young man “Kale”, played by Shai LeBeouf, went stir crazy because he was not allowed to leave his house. Kale is on house arrest for a minor infraction, the story has a beautiful girl and a murderer living next door. It’s a little like Rear Window with a twist. A very bored Kale decides to spy on his neighbors, one who just happens to be a serial killer. Hence the title of the movie “Disturbia” - after all even killers have to live next door to someone.

What Is House Arrest?

According to ehow.com - A arrest is an alternative form of incarceration in which the prisoner serves his or her sentence while in the confines of his or her home. House arrest is utilized in few cases. These cases usually involve a low degree of seriousness; thus, crimes such as murder and manslaughter usually do not qualify for consideration of house-arrest sentencing.

This is of course unless you live on Georgia St. in Midtown “Disturbia” where an accused murderer can live right next door. If you live in this neighborhood just don’t stumble across any secrets that could just cost you your life. Remember the quote from the movie, “He’s hiding something and he knows that we know that.”

In a "Life imitates Art far more than Art imitates Life" funny kind-of-way, Steve Nodine was recently released and placed on house arrest in Midtown Mobile, AL. Unlike Kale, Nodine is no young man (he turned 47 last week). He isn’t on house arrest for a minor infraction, he’s accused of murdering a beautiful woman named Angel Downs. The neighbors don’t like thinking they are living next door to an accused killer.

Stealth Steve - I like to Play

“Do you think he sees us?” “No but he feels us watching.” is what I imagine is being said between the media and law enforcement as they sit on stakeout watching Stealth Steve.

There’s been “Stealth Steve” sightings posted on Lagniappe FaceBook Page with interesting comments.

I just saw Nodine stroll into Spot of Tea with a "Y'all keep praying" sign-off to 2 greeters. Drove away in a mini- SUV after spending 3 minutes inside. Weds 6/23/2010

Nodine was spotted at Griffith Shell this morning filling up his interestingly-named Ford Escape. He was dressed for business and chatting up customers. Tues 6/22/2010 9:01am

Those who know of Nodine’s penchant for womanizing won’t think it odd that he may also be looking for a new pigeon to prey on - albeit online. Rumor is his Match.com ID might be Beach47M, and profile says “Lets get on with life. We all have issues and hurdels, so lets jump over them and enjoy life.” Comforting to think he’s so understanding, isn’t it?

Where else do you get this kind of entertainment?

Nodine has a visible Facebook page, complete with an orange glo Steve on Orange Beach (Man Tan) His sister Laura Coffey commented on Steve's status after July 6th. Something about her baking him a cake with toenail shavings in it. Steve's witty comeback was something like - probably but out of the joint with those toes shaving instead of file :)

The cake was in honor of Nodine’s 47th birthday. Gossip at the gas station was Steve was having a party at his new digs - Lynam’s house, with an open bar. It was reported that Steve wouldn’t be drinking, not because he’s turned over a new leaf, but because he can’t. Some say his GPS Bio Sensor ankle bracelet not only knows where he is but may also know and if he has any alcohol enter his system. Other's say it's not a bio-sensor just GPS. A small consolation (see questions below)

Last Fri night John Lynam was said to be entertaining the friends of Steve Nodine. Spare no expense. It’s costing John his regularly scheduled visitation with his own children. Isn't this a violation of the house arrest? Gas station talk and Facebook friends seem to know more about the goings on in the haunted house on Georgia street then the authorities. Does this haunted victorian house hold more twisted secrets? Here’s hoping it’s not a friendly ghost visiting Steve.

Nodine now has a website called Friends of Steve Nodine Legal Defense Fund soliciting funds for his attorney. Funny thing is there’s lots of pic’s of Steve but few photo’s of any friends (and shrinking). Sen. Richard Shelby and Jo Bonner have disappeared from the site. It was also reported the alleged friend who put up the site was very irate when it leaked out who he was. Seems the only friends who’ll make a personal appearance on Steve’s behalf are of questionable character. Imagine that?!

With no court date set the accused killer now has time now to sun on the deck, texting, emailing (so called) friends, play video games, build the tower of twinkie (from stalkers handbook) and look for virtual love on-line. Warning - he’s bored as hell ... don’t send him your pics!.

Can a leopard change his spots? I don’t think so. “There’s something seriously messed up here.” No more flashing a badge and pretending to be an officer but it won’t be long and he’ll be back in the spotlight. He just can’t help himself.

Support Justice for Angel Downs on Facebook - Unwavering commitment to convicting her killer.

I wish the media would cover this story more. Why is there not more transparency to the working of the justice system? I have a few questions about the Alabama House Arrest and Electronic Monitoring Programs.

• What is the Alabama Code covering House arrest program and electronic monitoring program? Who approves this program what board? (Note: Nodine Served on Alabama Sentencing Commission, 2004-2008.)
• If he is on restricted travel? How was he able to go into his friend's restaurant A Spot of Tea? His parole officer would have had to given prior approval. If not was he reprimanded or once again given special treatment?
  
• Nodine has had behavior patterns such as drug addiction, violence, flight risk, fed indictment and impeachment, I consider him to pose to great a risk to the community. How did he qualify for these programs? How could a judge with a good conscience allow him to qualify?
• What are the policies and procedures for House arrest and electronic monitoring programs? Who approves and implements the programs? Is it Federal? Are the cases being grouped together?
  
• What is the frequency of face-to-face and collateral contacts to ensure offenders’ compliance with the conditions of the House Arrest Program.
• Was Lynam's rented house approved as a stable residence? Did the owner of the home have to approve of the home being used as a branch of the jail? (Can a stable residence have a open bar party for the participant? Isn't home suppose to be gun, drug and alcohol free?)
• Is it a requirement that Nodine have stable employment as defined by Department rules and regulations? Is Nodine required to pay for the house arrest and electronic monitoring and what is it costing him? If he's not employed who is paying for it?
• What are the requirements for his participation and continued participation?
• What are the procedures for violations?
• Is Nodine attending classes or counseling as a ordered by the court?
• Is the ankle-worn device one that measures ingested alcohol through a sensor that rests firmly on the client's skin? Does it also have drug testing capability? If not how is he being tested and how often?
• Why wasn't Nodine arrested for impersonating an officer - a Class C misdemeanor.
  
• Didn't Nodine violate his duty to support the U.S. and Alabama Constitutions? Why not be charged?