MS - Jessica Chambers, 19, found burned near her car, Panola County, 6 Dec 2014 - #7

[Joan Friday]

Just saying she was supposed to go right home. Was she abducted from the service station? Or did she have a difference of opinion with mom and stay out?

I think it was a bit of a fight with mom. She was nagging on her rightly or wrongly. MOO

 

[MyBelle]

I am with you when you say that this is one instance that you wish you were wrong. I am one of those people that sincerely likes to be proven wrong-I love a good discussion, and I enjoy being educated by others while taking in new information, new perspectives, etc. Unfortunately, the mishandling of this particular crime scene is nothing that we can wish away.
I am keeping my fingers crossed that Jessica's body preserved some type of evidence-beacuse the entire scene of the fire as well as her car can pretty much be written off as a bust, IMO. What wasn't ruined by LE and first responders was tainted by the complete lack of protocol. However the increased tip $ from the FBI did put a damper in my vibe as far as hoping for evidence to have came from her body. While trying my very hardest not to be pessimistic, I am currently of the opinion that aside from either a direct confession from a perp or somebody snitching with VERY persuasive information-along with some type of evidence-be it shoes/clothing from the night of the murder, the container of accelerant used, a video, or some other sort of physical evidence tying said persons directly to the crime; this is going to be an extremely difficult case to prosecute. This is clearly JMO, and it is subject to change in the morning, and I sincerely hope that what my gut is telling me, is wrong.

I've yet to see any proof the crime scene was mishandled. There seems to be a continuing misconception about chain of custody even though at one point on this forum an attorney pointed out that a expert forensic examination of the car would show whether it had been tampered with after it left the crime scene but before it arrived at forensics. That also would be true of the telephone and anything else no matter when it was collected. If the defense in this case wants to challenge it, they'll have to come up with something more compelling than the fact someone took a photo of the car while it was on the tow truck. Tampering of evidence is a serious crime in itself and I just don't see that it has happened in this case.

JMO

Chain of Custody

To maintain chain of custody, you must preserve evidence from the time it is collected to the time it is presented in court. To prove the chain of custody, and ultimately show that the evidence has remained intact, prosecutors generally need service providers who can testify—

• That the evidence offered in court is the same evidence they collected or received.
• To the time and date the evidence was received or transferred to another provider.
• That there was no tampering with the item while it was in custody.
  

http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/sartkit/develop/issues-coc.html

 

[Joan Friday]

I personally agree, but every case I have followed here that got broken up into subforums was met with far more resistance than acceptance, and invariably, many people get discouraged and leave, feeling it is too difficult to negotiate subforums. JMO

It's a really great idea in theory but I have a hard enough time with the threads as it is. MOO

 

[MyBelle]

It could be a good cover up, indeed. But also, this could be where he/they got the idea from. Or perhaps it was used on Jessica because it was there and available at the moment the fight (or whatever happened before her death) happened..?

BBM. A real possibility, imo.

 

[MyBelle]

Possible. Perhaps the person didn't intend on killing Jessica, or didn't even want to do her harm in the first place. Something could've happened, things went down fast and they chose gas as a ''weapon'' or as a way to cover their prints or DNA.

This case is so confusing. We're going all over the place with theories and I think most of them could make sense. After looking at social media for a while, I thought I knew who'd did it. But how would it make sense that the people we suspected at first are the killers if LE hasn't arrested them yet? Plus, they increased the reward for information. Weird, weird, weird.

I don't find the delay in arrest or the reward to be in any way unusual. This is a possible death penalty crime. Dousing of flammable liquid is heinous. If she was forced to ingest via her nose or mouth, that bumps it into the diabolical range.

The social media aspect isn't enough "proof" but it certainly is a compelling trail. And so is the fact that several have also made comments directly to the news media. Their own actions have invited scrutiny and I think they are getting it.

JMO

 

[MyBelle]

I think it was a bit of a fight with mom. She was nagging on her rightly or wrongly. MOO

I don't know about anybody else but when my kids were teenagers, they sure wouldn't stay on the phone for 20 minutes if all I was doing is nagging them. My daughter worked as a server while attending college in Chicago. I was on the phone every night with her every night as she walked to the train. She feared for her safety and so did I. If it is true Jessica was assaulted a week prior to her death, I think both she and her mom were concerned and sadly, their worst fears came true.

 

[sarahgg]

Who assaulted Jessica a week before her death? Where did this info come from? Who was the first black male that they held and let go? Was he connected to Bryan rudd or the Bryan's friend?

 

[Joan Friday]

JMO We really have no idea why she left Leah's. She may have decided to leave because she felt ready to challenge her demons. Maybe Mom missed her, and just wanted her home. JC was 19, she had the final decision as to when she would leave, I assume. I just don't buy the chit chat about the difference of opinion between Mom and Dad. I think it was JC's decision, ultimately. JMO

What was the difference of opinion between her mom and dad? I was wondering was she in close contact with her dad, besides it being such a small town. I don't know if her mom had/has remarried either. MOO

 

[Joan Friday]

I don't know about anybody else but when my kids were teenagers, they sure wouldn't stay on the phone for 20 minutes if all I was doing is nagging them. My daughter worked as a server while attending college in Chicago. I was on the phone every night with her every night as she walked to the train. She feared for her safety and so did I. If it is true Jessica was assaulted a week prior to her death, I think both she and her mom were concerned and sadly, their worst fears came true.

Yeah I can see that. I've said before that if I was in Jessica's shoes I would be really leery of leaving home except to go to work at all, especially at night, even though it was early evening. But her mom didn't say anything about Jessica feeling like she was in danger during that conversation. (No, I cannot link it.) However, given that the parent and "child" have had problems recently, I guess I might risk going to get my car filled up just for a change of scenery. MOO

 

[brandalous]

Does anyone know if there will be a transcript provided for the chat?

 

[dairydog]

Given the dearth of reporting of this story by certain TV hosts who we would expect to give updates, I'm linking to a story in today's Toronto Star. I must confess that I defended NG in the past, when friends would criticize her, but I am now so annoyed. She did one program (as far as I know) when the case first broke but that's all she wrote on that front. Many folks are tweeting her and asking her to please cover the story to aid in obtaining justice for Jessica. I and I'm sure many have emailed her. But nothing. If no information is available for reporters then at least say so. Something is very strange. And NG is not the only one who is silent!

http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/2015/01/14/what-has-nancy-grace-been-smoking-menon.html

Here is a quote from this article.

"With no high-profile murder case to exploit these days, the HLN anchor has taken up a new cause. Grace is leading a moral crusade against the possible legalization of marijuana on the grounds — at least, based on Tuesday’s surreal interview with rapper 2 Chainz — that it could lead to an epidemic in which toddlers are forced to toke up, stoners burn down their houses and America devolves into a nation of Dorito-eating, mouth-breathing sloths who watch cartoons all day."

BBM. This case should be high profile. A poor young lady was brutally murdered and yet NG chooses to debate the marijuana issue among others! This just isn't right.

 

[MyBelle]

Yeah I can see that. I've said before that if I was in Jessica's shoes I would be really leery of leaving home except to go to work at all, especially at night, even though it was early evening. But her mom didn't say anything about Jessica feeling like she was in danger during that conversation. (No, I cannot link it.) However, given that the parent and "child" have had problems recently, I guess I might risk going to get my car filled up just for a change of scenery. MOO

What problems recently? Her mother noted the problems that led to the stay at Leah's House. I'm not aware of any problems between Jessica and her mother AFTER the stay at Leah's House. In fact, my point was that if there were problems between them at home, it is highly unlikely Jessica left and then spent 20 minutes on the phone with her.

JMO

 

[MyBelle]

Who assaulted Jessica a week before her death? Where did this info come from? Who was the first black male that they held and let go? Was he connected to Bryan rudd or the Bryan's friend?

Good questions and I wish we had the answers.

 

[MyBelle]

Given the dearth of reporting of this story by certain TV hosts who we would expect to give updates, I'm linking to a story in today's Toronto Star. I must confess that I defended NG in the past, when friends would criticize her, but I am now so annoyed. She did one program (as far as I know) when the case first broke but that's all she wrote on that front. Many folks are tweeting her and asking her to please cover the story to aid in obtaining justice for Jessica. I and I'm sure many have emailed her. But nothing. If no information is available for reporters then at least say so. Something is very strange. And NG is not the only one who is silent!

http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/2015/01/14/what-has-nancy-grace-been-smoking-menon.html

Here is a quote from this article.

"With no high-profile murder case to exploit these days, the HLN anchor has taken up a new cause. Grace is leading a moral crusade against the possible legalization of marijuana on the grounds — at least, based on Tuesday’s surreal interview with rapper 2 Chainz — that it could lead to an epidemic in which toddlers are forced to toke up, stoners burn down their houses and America devolves into a nation of Dorito-eating, mouth-breathing sloths who watch cartoons all day."

BBM. This case should be high profile. A poor young lady was brutally murdered and yet NG chooses to debate the marijuana issue among others! This just isn't right.

Coverage by Nancy Grace will not help LE solve this case. I haven't watched her since she verbally destroyed Melinda Duckett....a case still not solved. Nancy's show isn't about justice, it is all about Nancy.

JMO

 

[cady]

Coverage by Nancy Grace will not help LE solve this case. I haven't watched her since she verbally destroyed Melinda Duckett....a case still not solved. Nancy's show isn't about justice, it is all about Nancy.

JMO

LOL.......BOMBSHELL!!! The twins had lunch today. JMO

 

[dairydog]

Coverage by Nancy Grace will not help LE solve this case. I haven't watched her since she verbally destroyed Melinda Duckett....a case still not solved. Nancy's show isn't about justice, it is all about Nancy.

JMO

I don't disagree MyBelle. It may not solve the case but this heinous crime needs far more exposure than it is now receiving and that is basically zilch. Many people do watch NG and exposure may just tweak someone's mind about someone or some folks who have been acting abnormally. We have to open as many doors as possible. Sometimes it's a freak happening or the tiniest of clues that can solve a murder.

 

[FelicityLemon]

What problems recently? Her mother noted the problems that led to the stay at Leah's House. I'm not aware of any problems between Jessica and her mother AFTER the stay at Leah's House. In fact, my point was that if there were problems between them at home, it is highly unlikely Jessica left and then spent 20 minutes on the phone with her.

JMO

It's highly likely!

As far as problems? The normal mother-daughter issues that can occur. Mother said she was on Jessica for a few days about cleaning her room. Jessica had spent good portion of day in bed - could have been depression or simply down-time we all need. Mother and daughter could have been snarky to each other "don't nag me" and daughter needs some air before things could possibly escalate, so she goes to do some errands. While away from source of discord, mother calls to (?) apologize, "let's discuss" whatever. And feeling a little better after leaving the house, they talked for 20 minutes.

I remember being 19. We didn't have cell phones then or this could have been me. Mom and I always talked at length after a disagreement when we had both cooled off a little.

http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2014/12/10/authorities-jessica-chambers-last-hours/20196555/

My opinion and speculation only.

 

[jujube]

I've yet to see any proof the crime scene was mishandled. There seems to be a continuing misconception about chain of custody even though at one point on this forum an attorney pointed out that a expert forensic examination of the car would show whether it had been tampered with after it left the crime scene but before it arrived at forensics. That also would be true of the telephone and anything else no matter when it was collected. If the defense in this case wants to challenge it, they'll have to come up with something more compelling than the fact someone took a photo of the car while it was on the tow truck. Tampering of evidence is a serious crime in itself and I just don't see that it has happened in this case.

JMO

Chain of Custody

To maintain chain of custody, you must preserve evidence from the time it is collected to the time it is presented in court. To prove the chain of custody, and ultimately show that the evidence has remained intact, prosecutors generally need service providers who can testify—

• That the evidence offered in court is the same evidence they collected or received.
• To the time and date the evidence was received or transferred to another provider.
• That there was no tampering with the item while it was in custody.
  

http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/sartkit/develop/issues-coc.html

Who can say that no one tampered with Jessica's car at the M&M? The guy who went in to get something to drink?

Jessica's car should not have been driven to a convenience store. It should have gone straight to an LE lot. IMO, the burn site should have been secured and guarded that first night. How much investigative work could have been done on her car in 1 hour in the dark? Any good defense lawyer can point to Jessica's car being driven to the M&M and say any evidence was planted at that time. Dumb. dumb, dumb move, even if an expert can say her car was not tampered with after it left the site, IMO, it opens up reasonable doubt. How many times have we seen in cases, jurors say that expert testimony didn't make that big a difference in their decision?

After her car was driven from the burn site, the site should have at least been secured. Crime scene tape was not even put up until Dec. 9th, 3 DAYS after the incident. Again, because the site was not secured, evidence can be thrown out or a defense attorney can say evidence was planted or tampered with.

CNN reporter saw LE picking up items a few days after Jessica was burned. WTH was up with that?

IMO, the only way this case will be solved and a case stick is with a confession, an eyewitness turning state's evidence, or if when Jessica was examined, the coroner found semen and evidence of vaginal and/or anal trauma. Semen alone will not be enough because a defendant can claim that Jessica agreed to have sex. I pray that Jessica will receive justice.

 

[absentia]

Of course not. Mishandled regarding the evidence once it was established (seemingly immediately) that this wasn't an accident and that someone else was involved.

Where I live, LE will take several hours to investigate a single car accident (rolling over, hitting a pole), more if it involves suspects fleeing from LE, suspected street racing, shooting, road rage.

Photographs are taken from every possible angle and that takes time. Did they have all that equipment at the scene - if not, now long did it take to get it there? The location of Jessica's homicide would be lit up like a Christmas tree at night and this wasn't in the wee hours. Since it was apparent to them from the beginning, how on earth does ANY crime scene investigation - let alone such a sadistic, heinous murder - get wrapped up in approx. 2.5 hours. Why not even wait until daybreak before towing the car and being able to see even more clearly the surroundings? You do what you can do in the meantime, secure the area for sure and leave men there, but what the heck? Smells pretty bad to a lot of us.

My opinions and yes, I watch a lot of tv, but don't judge me.

It it true that LE found out JC died while on scene? she died around 2AM on the 7th. The car was found at 8:10 (or 8:40?). So they were there for 6 hours. the car was removed within 2.5 hours. but still, I think LE botched the initial investigation/evidence.

 

[absentia]

Who can say that no one tampered with Jessica's car at the M&M? The guy who went in to get something to drink?

Jessica's car should not have been driven to a convenience store. It should have gone straight to an LE lot. IMO, the burn site should have been secured and guarded that first night. How much investigative work could have been done on her car in 1 hour in the dark? Any good defense lawyer can point to Jessica's car being driven to the M&M and say any evidence was planted at that time. Dumb. dumb, dumb move, even if an expert can say her car was not tampered with after it left the site, IMO, it opens up reasonable doubt. How many times have we seen in cases, jurors say that expert testimony didn't make that big a difference in their decision?

After her car was driven from the burn site, the site should have at least been secured. Crime scene tape was not even put up until Dec. 9th, 3 DAYS after the incident. Again, because the site was not secured, evidence can be thrown out or a defense attorney can say evidence was planted or tampered with.

CNN reporter saw LE picking up items a few days after Jessica was burned. WTH was up with that?

IMO, the only way this case will be solved and a case stick is with a confession, an eyewitness turning state's evidence, or if when Jessica was examined, the coroner found semen and evidence of vaginal and/or anal trauma. Semen alone will not be enough because a defendant can claim that Jessica agreed to have sex. I pray that Jessica will receive justice.

the car should have had an LE escort as well, right? I mean, even if a tow truck takes it to an LE lot, defense can still claim it was out of custody during transport? unless the tow company is LE operated.