Exactly, Colette.
New Albany, Mississippi is my hometown. Although I moved away years ago, my family and I come "home" 2 or 3 times a year for visits, and I'm in constant contact with friends and family who still live there. From the second the story broke, I felt a strong sense that this was a murder -- too many red flags and details that don't pass even a cursory smell test -- and that this case was far above and beyond the abilities of the local police department to handle. The local "good ol' boys" don't exactly have the "resources" (I'm being extremely tactful, here) with which to take on a case such as this. This lack of experience and "resources" is compounded by the fact that the local police and I dare say the entire town, from the get-go, refuse to entertain any scenario other than that a lone, random- shooter committed this truly heartless, senseless crime. Granted, I don't know the victims, but from all accounts they were "the perfect couple" and Über-Christians -- free from reproach or even the mere suggestion of "trouble in paradise", and damn anyone straight to Hell for even suggesting the tiniest hint that it could possibly be otherwise. I think we all know the danger in that line of thinking. I realize people are practically canonized when something like this happens in a small town, but apparently this couple were truly special and beloved by all. I noticed on the murder victim Amanda's Facebook page, which at this time is still up and "open", a family member had posted (several weeks ago) a popular bit of prose about holding out for "the perfect guy" and said, "This reminded me of you and Sir Roncelot". By which I inferred, that at least to that family member, Ron was Amanda's chivalrous Knight, like Lancelot. Perhaps that lovely compliment was a true characterization of their marriage, but I certainly have no idea if it is or not. My point is that if all was not as it seemed, and law enforcement allows their objectivity to be compromised and swayed by all the hero-worship, then they might as well be investigating this crime with their hands and feet bound, and with hoodwinks on their heads. And cotten stuffed in their ears.
Of course, I don't have any proof the husband did it, or hired someone to do it . . . or if the shooting was pre-meditated, regardless of who pulled the trigger, but I think we all can agree that in a bigger town the first thing the police would do, the very FIRST thing, would be to set about clearing the most likely suspect -- the husband -- just to get that bit of business squared away. Since the husband's injuries weren't life-threatening, I'd imagine his hands would fairly quickly be bagged to test for gun powder residue, and his shoulder would be examined and photographed to document any tell-tale powder burns. Was this done? I can't say for sure, but my guess would be, no, it most likely was not. Was the crime scene preserved and kept pristine as possible during the aftermath? Most assuredly not! News reports state the mayor of New Albany raced to the scene and arrived ahead of law enforcement and E.M.S., and was holding the couple's young daughter in his arms by the time the first police cruiser pulled into the driveway. Other news reports have "people" traipsing in and out of the house and around the grounds and who knows what-all.
And then there's the matter of the husband postponing surgery so he could hurry up and get back to his daughter and other family. Perhaps, it was for the reason he gave, to comfort them and be with them, but's it's quite strange, nonetheless. For whatever reason, he did not want to be in the hospital in Tupelo, approximately 20 miles away. My suspicious mind thinks that's kinda weird that he wouldn't just get that minor medical matter (bullet removal, according to the Police Chief) over and done with, but maybe that's just me and my suspicious mind.
Other forum members have mentioned a few of the red flags and "troubling aspects" with which this case is rife, and I feel somewhat validated in knowing I'm not the only one who immediately saw
the classic signs of spousal muder in this case, because believe me, I dare not speak of my suspicions with anyone other than my best friend, also a New Albany native, and my husband, both of whom share my extreme distress that this case WILL be bungled by a refusal to look into any theory that might suggest the husband was involved in any way. He needs to be cleared first, if he's innocent, but the whole town is in a complete and utter tizzy over the fear of a lone, masked prowling around at night with a gun. Perhaps they should be afraid, but what if the only person ever in danger was the coach's wife, Amanda Price? From the coffeshops to Facebook, area residents are truly in a panic-fueled rage. What if their rage is misplaced? What if someone gets away with murder because no one would ever suspect them?
I'm also troubled by the obvious lack of professional objectivity and competence being displayed by the Police Chief. He's even misquoted known details of the case during media interviews. I know this man, and I'm being tactful and kind when I say that if it were *my* dear, loved one who was murdered, I'd feel zero confidence, absolutely zero confidence in the abilities of this man and his police force to be able to solve this case and bring justice for Amanda Price. This has the potential to turn into a never-solved mysterious cold case, or even one in which an innocent person is arrested and prosecuted in an attempt by law enforcement to get this tragedy "solved" by any means necessary.
Thank you for allowing me to join and voice my concerns. I don't dare post this on a local site, because I will be eaten alive. This tragedy is on my mind constantly, and I'm so afraid someone is going to get away with murder because the murderer knew he or she could get away with it in New Albany, Mississippi.
