GA - Theresa Parker, 41, Lafayette, 21 March 2007 - #1

[scandi]

Welcome from me too, NGCitizen! Did you hear me hollerin' for locals LOL I've never been down South so I'm still learning. I looked up LaFayette and it said it was a part of the greater Chattanooga metro area! I knew that couldn't be correct because I saw rural roads on the map.

So as a Norwester looking at GA, I think of it as pretty dead center South. Like I mentioned earlier I think of moonshine, Starsky and Hutch and LE in the area hiding under white sheets, following the 'big boy' attitude where they always scratch each others backs. I'm sure this isn't the truth anymore, but did see a recent clan meeting on the news. It does bother me that American Blacks haven't made the inroads into the justice system as I expected, and realize that prejudice is still quite strong in the whole South like it is in Alabama.

All this does is set a flavor or tone for the enviroment of Teresa's disapearance. A setting. When I study a case I always try to visualize the area and the people.

Back to the case, I was hoping to get any news from the late afternoon hours, but maybe the dog hit is what we have. That is very good news! I wonder if they will keep searching the pond with lights tonight. If they've had a hit and think she is close by, they might if they have the equipment.

Saying a little prayer for her family. I saw her sister on TV and she is holding up well but you can see her every thought is about Teresa.

 

[Amster]

Well thank you all!

I'll be around for sure. This case has me captivated too......You all seem to really be on top of the reports, as soon as even I see them, but I possibly can help when there is a question about the area or people involved.

Is the pond being searched across the road from the house? I read somewhere that is is, but then, someone else said there are 2 ponds in the area.

 

[Utopia]

Well thank you all!

I'll be around for sure. This case has me captivated too......You all seem to really be on top of the reports, as soon as even I see them, but I possibly can help when there is a question about the area or people involved.

NGC,

A question. You mentioned you were familiar with Sam Parker's second wife, are you aware of any domestic abuse in either of his first two marriages?

Also, as Scandi mentions there was thought that there might be some late afternoon news based on what was said in the news conference about having the pond drained enough for LE to get a better look. However, the news reports say it will take "a couple of days" to drain the pond. What are you hearing locally about this?

Thank you in advance.

Edited to change NG to NGC - I think I'll call you NGC - NG reminds me too much of Nancy Grace! (no offense Nancy)

 

[NGCitizen]

Oh Scandi, I have to respond to your post......I did hear you hollerin for locals!

We are dead center South! I've never had moonshine, although I'm sure it is made in the general area somewhere, (prefer to buy my Crown Royal from the local Liquor Store), really don't think racism is as strong as you seem to think it is, but the good ole boy system is alive and well and I suspect that that happens anywhere you live. If your connected, you can get away with lots of things.

We recently had friends visit here from New York City and they loved our area! He IS in Law Enforcement as a Deputy with the Suffolk County New York Sheriff's Department and they were even talking about selling their expensive home there and buying a mansion here with the money they would make.

From what I've seen, people are people and there are good and bad everywhere. Some of the friendliest we've met are in New York City (imagine that)......)

Theresa was moving to a town about 3 miles from where I am and her sister lives there. It isn't as small a town as LaFayette and I do not know her sister but I'm afraid she has a long road ahead of her. I just keep thinking if it were me, how devastated I would be, and how much I would be despising my brother-in-law at this time. They have been very cautious in their words regarding Sam and I just don't think I could be so gracious!

 

[NGCitizen]

There is the pond directly across from the house (that's the one they are draining) and also the pond that Sam went fishing in with the attorney which is in Chattooga County approximately 10-15 miles away. I guess that is the other pond you are referring to.

 

[NGCitizen]

NGC,

A question. You mentioned you were familiar with Sam Parker's second wife, are you aware of any domestic abuse in either of his first two marriages?

There has been a report (I can't provide a link because I've read so much I don't remember where I saw it) that abuse was a problem with the prior marriages. I do think Theresa's sister has alluded to that fact in interviews. I however, do not know the situation with Sam's prior wives.....

Also, as Scandi mentions there was thought that there might be some late afternoon news based on what was said in the news conference about having the pond drained enough for LE to get a better look. However, the news reports say it will take "a couple of days" to drain the pond. What are you hearing locally about this?

Locally, it has been reported that possiblt it might be drained enough to know something by "Tuesday afternoon"! However, nothing new to report on that as of now.

Thank you in advance.

Edited to change NG to NGC - I think I'll call you NGC - NG reminds me too much of Nancy Grace! (no offense Nancy)

I don't know if that was a compliment or not!

 

[Utopia]

Thanks NGC.

LOL - I guess it depends on whether or not you are a NG fan. I know she means well but frankly my tolerance for her program has dropped considerably. I got addicted for awhile during the Scott Peterson case. Actually I haven't had access to television since last September so who knows maybe her program has improved. The "no offense Nancy" was for her sake in case she reads here. I doubt it.

 

[scandi]

Thanks NG, It is great to get a feel about the South because it is such a part of American culture and history.

This post is O/T , but studying Natalee Holloway's case we did get a good glimpse of the South but it was from a different perspective. We had debutant qualified teens living in an exclusive area of Birmingham. That is part of the
South as are Mint Julips, but not the norm I don't think.

BTW, doesn't Paula have a restaurant in Savannah? Have you ever been there? I would love to go someday!

Well it's after 8pm in LaFayette now, so we probably won't her anything till tomorrow.

 

[wicket]

Welcome NGCITIZEN. That was a great post and filled in quite a few blanks for me. Anyway, I'm from the NE but this case has really grabbed me. I live a short distance from what eventually became the Entwhistle case and that trial begins in Oct. Keep jumping in - you lend us a terrific feel for a small town.

 

[wicket]

I know it's probably too early in this investigation, but could Ben be kept away from SP for obvious reasons of keeping stories straight? And would it be possible that Ben, after lawyering up, be offered immunity from prosecution? Who would have to offer it to him? The district attorney?

 

[Lisahas2cats]

LaFayette

OT, but I haven't heard how the pronounciation of LaFayette has been mangled on national media. I know that non-Southerners pronounce it as "Lah-fee-YET", but around here it's "Lah-FAY-ett" (actually, more like "L'-FAY-ett).

 

[chicoliving]

How about Lafet?

 

[chicoliving]

~snip~

LaFayette Police Chief Tommy Freeman said Chaffin and Ms. Parker's estranged husband, both worked the evening shift.

But he said they were both off duty the night she disappeared - Wednesday night, March 21.

Officials declined to say what kind of false statement Chaffin gave.

~snip~

Sheriff Wilson said authorities do not have any evidence leading them to believe that Ms. Parker's body is in the pond. He said divers checked out portions of the pond earlier, but there was so much brush along the edges that they could not safely check it all.

~snip~

He confirmed that some members of the city police had been given lie detector tests.

Sgt. Parker is the immediate supervisor of Corporal Chaffin.

http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_104811.asp

 

[NGCitizen]

Well I just know I should :silenced: on this thread, because I can flip-flop from minute to minute on it, LOL. May I first of say that my foremost thoughts are with Theresa and her family.

This is where my LE history puts up the defense mechanisms when I see LE slammed. Yet, realistically, we all know there's good and there's bad, just as many other careers. There are a lot of really wonderful people in LE, of which I've been blessed to have known (and married, LOL); people who are wonderful 75% of the time, and some I just really struggle to find something good to say about them at all. :slap: However, it's a public service profession, and LEO's are expected to take the higher road (both on and off the job!) and protect those who need them. Some can do that year after year after year, and some seem to forget years later why they were hired to begin with. Just today a few of us went to lunch and had to vent over a lazy officer who forgot that yes, it IS in his job description to take accident investigations :razz:

It's obviously too early to exactly know what role Sam and Ben played in her disappearance. I don't have a problem with everyone speculating (we're sleuthing) it's a message board. If she's been murdered, I hope the killer gets swift justice for what has occurred.

But I did want to briefly chime in on those who wonder why an officer with a history such as what we've heard about Sam (firearms discharge in FL and prior DV calls to the home, IIRC and I'm not sure if it's been proven as fact yet) would still be employed. Speaking from much experience with internal investigations, etc., there can be layers and layers of issues that have to be handled before an employee might be terminated. Some people think it's like a private company where one boss or owner says, "You're Fired!" (Do I owe Trump royalty $ for saying that?!) Much of my position directly involves internal complaints against officers: citizen complaints, administrative inquiries and formal complaints.

The employee's chain of command may recommend termination, but at least in the LE agency's I'm aware of, there can be several other governmental departments or even outside agencies involved that must agree. And depending on where, there can also be a strong police union, etc. And then of course, there are lawyers in herds for each side. In most situations of any type of erratic/angry/violent behavior, a respectable department will have a psych eval done on the employee to ensure he/she is still fit for duty. If he passes that psych eval, guess what? That's got strong holding with the agency and their legal department. Also, the state's agency that hold that officer's police commission. And, many agencies will suspend an employee until the legal system has handled their case. Why? Because an employee can be charged with numerous criminal or civil actions, but may not be convicted. Believe me, oftentimes the supervisory chain can be feeling :furious: as one of their own dirtbags sits at home on paid suspension until a GJ indictment or similar. In our agency, if an employee has been arrested for breaking a law (i.e., DWI, assault, falsification of governmental records, etc., he/she will be put on paid suspension until that time where the GJ has indicted them, etc. Then we can change it to an unpaid suspension. None of us like it when you just KNOW they're guilty with what they're charged, but still being paid.)

I just wanted to emphasize that although we're hearing comments about the good ol' boy network, etc. that used to be so prevalent (from what I hear, more in the south, historically) and may still be around in some of the smaller agencies...I wouldn't be surprised if the City's legal department, etc. was involved in clearing SP on previous situations, etc. Don't just point fingers at the Police Chief, etc. (And oh, as someone said, he's only been there 3 weeks or so? God help him!) In general, maybe a police chief or Sheriff wanted a certain employee gone, but there was some reason why Legal or someone else pushed them back. It happens :sick:

Okay, just needed to give a little more insight at some of the behind-the-scenes at a LE agency. Yes, many times there's a tendancy to want to protect their own...and other times, supervisors can feel helpless and that the decision to discipline or terminate an employee is ultimately out of their hands, and in the hands of lawyers and the courtroom.

Back to Theresa...did anyone else pick up on the Sheriff's statement where he stated something about hoping she may still be found alive? Hmmm, I was surprised to read that.

JMHO,
DD

P.S. I think it was less0305 that clarified the Corporal and Sergeant levels. I agree with all she said, Corporals are never higher than a Sergeant (as far as I've ever heard). In our agency, a Corporal is like a right-hand assistant to our Sergeants. An commissioned administrative type assistant (helps with scheduling, evidence processing and logging, preliminary report checking for accuracy and completeness, supplies/errands, other misc duties - but is also expected to go work the road.)

Sorry DeputyDawg, but I just gotta say "HUH"? If you work in LE, then of course you are more knowlegable than I am about the inner workings. I only spoke from experience and that isn't the experience of being arrested or in trouble with the legal system at all as I am a 47 year old who has never been in trouble or arrested in my life. It was merely in my dealings with particular officers. Won't say more because that is water under the old bridge now......

Please do not misunderstand my comments on the new Police Chief. I was NOT pointing fingers at all. Merely making the observation to those here that he is NOT familiar with his employees at this time because due to the death of the long standing chief from cancer, he's only been on the job for 3 weeks.

Thanks for your insight to the legalities of how agencies handle incident's with their officers. I, too am curious to see why SP was allowed to remain on the job after the domestic calls to his home and especially after the incident on Florida. How that one got justified is beyond me. Can you imagine being the one responsible for him being allowed to return to work and how that person or panel of people must feel now if indeed, SP is found to be responsible for harming Theresa.

I am NOT bashing LE at all and I hope you did not mis-understand my post. They put their lives on the line daily and I agree with you that most are 100% true blue and loyal to their profession.

Just wanted to make that clear to you and others.

 

[concernedperson]

OT, but I haven't heard how the pronounciation of LaFayette has been mangled on national media. I know that non-Southerners pronounce it as "Lah-fee-YET", but around here it's "Lah-FAY-ett" (actually, more like "L'-FAY-ett).

I live in Georgia and I know it is Lah-Fay-ette. But from La. orignially and it is Laf-fay-Yet. So, not all yankees and some southerners pronounce it that way. We all know where they both are..or most of us.

I will say this...this Georgia critter is not one I would tuck under my arm. Also, this Ben had big time scratches around his neck. Obviously, these two have a lot to answer for.

 

[chicoliving]

On Greta...Jonathon Serries reporting. Mainly an update on the presser but at the end of his report Greta asked if "any items were removed from the patrol car" and the answer was several items of interest were taken from the patrol car and sent to GBI for testing. Items were also removed from Theresa Parkers home.

 

[scandi]

First of all I want to thank you Dawgie for that very informative post.

Second, I just heard on Greta that they have a flood light up and are still searching the pond as we speak.

Here is a little conundrum in the case that I have noticed, with Ben telling the investigators they were both off that Wed night - comes another bit of information:

"It's reported he told GBI investigators both he and Sgt. Sam Parker were off duty the night of Theresa Parker's disappearance when they were actually on duty; according to LaFayette Police Chief Tommy Freeman". Jade #300

So if this is true and this 'whatever happened' with Ben took place when they were being paid by the city, it bites a bit deeper. And I see the info came to Jade as 'they', so I guess we don't have to pussyfoot around about Sam.

Scandi

 

[scandi]

Hi Chico, I just watched a rerun of the presser on Greta and heard the police chief's comments again. Even though he seem composed, I think he was quite rattled down deep about the situation, and being as he is only 3 weeks into the job, think he just misspoke about who supervised who. Understandable.
But hey, I learned something else new today - the ranking of military and LE personel :dance: lol

 

[concernedperson]

I hope they keep on working tonight and bring Teresa home. It has been a tortuous ordeal for her family. Her sister tonight on Greta was so washed out that I thought she needed medical attention. The going on the shows especially when it is almost assured that your loved one has perished takes a huge toll on the survivors. It is like they are in the make sure justice is done roll more than anything.

 

[chicoliving]

Hi Chico, I just watched a rerun of the presser on Greta and heard the police chief's comments again. Even though he seem composed, I think he was quite rattled down deep about the situation, and being as he is only 3 weeks into the job, think he just misspoke about who supervised who. Understandable.
But hey, I learned something else new today - the ranking of military and LE personel :dance: lol

We always learn something huh? Parts are still confusing but the sheriff said that they can't discuss much of what they have or even discuss that they have anything. Not his exact words at all but the jist of the statements he made about not being able to answer much. Oh, and for the media and public to have patience. That's the hard part.