IA - Mollie Tibbetts, 20, Poweshiek County, 19 Jul 2018 *Arrest* #39

[Mom24]

So many emotions and so much to say about this entire thing on the day of Mollie's funeral, but in keeping with Mollie's sweet spirit I wish her family peace and comfort. In just reading Mollie's twitter posts and her FB postings I found myself smiling and feeling happy, I can only imagine the smiles and happiness she brought to those who blessed to have been in her inner circle. Thank you, Mollie, for making the world a better place.

 

[ChuckMaureen]

Regarding CR's "blocked memory" event, maybe he feels an obligation to tell what he 'knows' in the presence of LE, especially since being caught dead-to-rights and feigning 'blocked memory' episodes is a way for him to justify to LE that he can't tell them everything he really knows? Are there any psychologists on the thread who could weigh in on this?

 

[The Farm]

It is possible, though not likely that MT carried a defensive weapon with her on her runs, whether it was a knife or other item and CR took it from her during a struggle.

I'm throwing that out there just to be complete.

Honestly Brooklyn, Iowa is just a beautiful little American farm town, it would be the last place I would think I would need a weapon. But now look.

 

[EaglesSpeical]

The earbud is bothering me. Why was the earbud mentioned-how did it play into the story? Was it in his pocket when they brought him in for questioning? Why was it so specific- did they keep hammering away at him and he threw that detail in for the end of his blackout? Was it tied to the blood on the side of her head? Blood on the earpiece to tie it all together as it was in his possession?

Agreed in his pocket or they found it under the seat in the car etc. MOO

 

[TL4S]

It is possible, though not likely that MT carried a defensive weapon with her on her runs, whether it was a knife or other item and CR took it from her during a struggle.

I'm throwing that out there just to be complete.

My guess is that if she did, her boyfriend or family would have reported it missing along with her other accessories.

 

[MsBetsy]

it does sound like a strange phrase. I don't think it would be made by another American, and it was probably used to describe their impression of him before they found out he did this.

I'm sure it went something like this: So, did you have any idea he was capable of this? Her reply: " no, he was quiet and clean cut", and the reporter said, " just like any other American? And that turned into " He was a clean cut American Person." No doubt that's what went down. It was absolutely NOT before the murder, it was just yesterday!!

 

[Al Hoffman]

Very possible scenario. My one question to the WS'ers is how did the sharp instrument play into this crime? Did he threaten her with it to get her to go with him in the vehicle? Was it used initially then she was put in the trunk and driven to the cornfield? The sharp instrument and its role are key IMHO but changes this situation to premeditated assault and murder I would think. Sure LE looking at this issue. I do not mean to be to "Law and Order" on this post as today is the funeral for MT and that should be the main focus but have been really curious on this point. MOO

The charge that CR currently is facing requires premedation as a key component. Aside from following MT in a car, having a knife at the time of the attack could show further evidence of CR's intent and planing.

 

[Jaclin]

I looked at the Iowa DOC quick facts page and found that the State prison population is around 8400, and over half are violent offenders. The system is overcrowded by about 1000. Less than 800 inmates are serving terms of more than 40 years. It costs $92/day to maintain an inmate. In a state that is 95% white, the racial make up of the prison population is 67% White, 25% Black, and 7% Hispanic.

CR may be too high profile to be safe in GenPop, as there are such things as status killings. Consider what happened to Jeffrey Dahmer. Nor do I think that CR's anger management skills will endear him to anyone. Depending on how bad the backlash is on the outside Latino community from his actions, I don't think that the inside Hispanic pop will be too happy with CR, and he might not be able to find safe harbor with any of the main groups. I think that life without parole in Adminstative Segration is a start.

Though, as the Iowa penal system is over capacity, one could wish that they pay Louisiana to hold CR for them at Angola. Even today, the new guys start working in the prison farm fields, working crops the old fashion way, in the hot Delta sun, and may work on the farms for years before getting a better job. But that is just wishful thinking on my part!

yeah, i agree that genpop wouldn't be in his best interest, but I think that's where he deserves to be.

 

[ChuckMaureen]

Honestly Brooklyn, Iowa is just a beautiful little American farm town, it would be the last place I would think I would need a weapon. But now look.

A jogger in the broader Brooklyn area may have a slightly different outlook, noting that jogging routes may take one past large, abandoned buildings and stretches of road where nary a soul is to be found. Given what we think we know of MT I find it quite remote that MT would have carried a defensive weapon but, even though it is Brooklyn, Iowa, it is 2018 in America and even Brooklyn has its share of crime, regardless of how low the rates may be.

Iowa Crime Rates and Statistics - NeighborhoodScout

Keep in mind: the "per 1000" stats at the link above, as applied to Brooklyn, reference against a city sporting a total population of only ~1450.

 

[ChuckMaureen]

My guess is that if she did, her boyfriend or family would have reported it missing along with her other accessories.

Unless LE instructed them to not reveal that element, since such a device could have been used against her in a crime and LE would want only the perp to know it existed.

It's also possible MT might not have revealed doing such a thing so as not to have her family become concerned.

 

[Ms. Fletcher]

Exactly. The vehicle on the flatbed is, indeed, a Chevrolet Malibu. Match the taillights.

My family owns/has owned both of these car models, ironically the same color and possibly the same year as the Impala pictured at the house. No doubt at all they are different cars and the model of each.

 

[The Farm]

I'm comparing the license plate to the Nissan's, as well as the tow truck's. They look the same, and at least the tow truck you would assume is Iowa. The Nissan's is a little closer and I think it looks like a smaller word at the top, Iowa vs. Minnesota.

But yes, VERY hard to tell!!
http://oskynews.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/DSC3560sm.jpg

The more I think about it I am going to go out on a limb and say both those vehicles are the workers. Neither one is something I would give farm workers to use, especially in winter. Yes they could have used them to go for "snacks" but you would have a vehicle that could be used on and off road. Just my little opinion and I could be wrong.

 

[MsBetsy]

Regarding CR's "blocked memory" event, maybe he feels an obligation to tell what he 'knows' in the presence of LE, especially since being caught dead-to-rights and feigning 'blocked memory' episodes is a way for him to justify to LE that he can't tell them everything he really knows? Are there any psychologists on the thread who could weigh in on this?

He is justifying it to HIMSELF. The black out excuse is very common in this type of person. He personally doesn't care what he has done, and in his own superior mind has justified his behavior. He only fears the investigators, and the public's response. He doesn't want anybody to know what he's done, but he is not necessarily ashamed. Does that help?

 

[Ms. Fletcher]

It is possible, though not likely that MT carried a defensive weapon with her on her runs, whether it was a knife or other item and CR took it from her during a struggle.

I'm throwing that out there just to be complete.

Pondering this possibility...car keys or something on a keychain?

 

[Stormy415]

I’ve been following along since the beginning, but I think I am going to take a break until August 31. A lot of posts are just rehashing everything that I have read.
I still do not believe everything he has told the LE, especially the blacking out. Oh how I wish Iowa had the death penalty! Justice for Mollie
Cya soon!

 

[MsBetsy]

The more I think about it I am going to go out on a limb and say both those vehicles are the workers. Neither one is something I would give farm workers to use, especially in winter. Yes they could have used them to go for "snacks" but you would have a vehicle that could be used on and off road. Just my little opinion and I could be wrong.

My guess would be you are correct. My ex husband had a construction company and employees were supplied with pick up trucks. So if anything it would be a truck, not a car. jmo

 

[Al Hoffman]

Maybe Supermax in Colorado will take him, that seems to be a spot where the really bad boys go.

That Supermax is a Federal facility. Which is one reason I keep opining for a Federal murder prosecution over State! But, by the Constitution and the 10th Amendment, Iowa has primacy and will do a great job with CR's conviction and subsequent life incarciration.

 

[jillycat]

True but I believe he was in his car when he " arrived at the cornfield."

Until he wasn't in his car because he was busily dragging her, and either committing murder, or covering it up.

I was responding to the post that he found it in his lap when he "came to" in the car. His claim is that he "came to" at an intersection, did a u-turn and went to the cornfield, where he noticed the earpiece, which to him meant his victim was in the trunk.

I just don't see how he abducted someone, got her into a trunk and to a cornfield and arrived with an ear piece lying in his lap. ? I assume the earpiece is a feature of something pretty important or he wouldn't be focused on it. Unless there was a phone attached to it. Maybe. No idea.

 

[Jaclin]

I'm sure it went something like this: So, did you have any idea he was capable of this? Her reply: " no, he was quiet and clean cut", and the reporter said, " just like any other American? And that turned into " He was a clean cut American Person." No doubt that's what went down. It was absolutely NOT before the murder, it was just yesterday!!

I believe that was her impression of him as he presented himself to her. His employer had a favorable impression of him as well. I don't think she or his employer thinks of him that way now is what I'm saying.

 

[ChuckMaureen]

yeah, i agree that genpop wouldn't be in his best interest, but I think that's where he deserves to be.

I believe CR will not receive special treatment (he will get genpop) unless someone wants him to become a poster boy for a cause, in which case they'd want him 'around' for as long as possible.