GUILTY GA - Lauren Giddings, 27, Macon, 26 June 2011 #15 *appeals denied*

[MaconMom]

Does a person have to register and pay to view the McDaniel information at the Macon paper? I can't access it.

I can see it fine on my phone.

 

[pearl]

Does a person have to register and pay to view the McDaniel information at the Macon paper? I can't access it.

It tells me I do not have a Press+ account. Is there a way to bypass this?

 

[Sonya610]

It tells me I do not have a Press+ account. Is there a way to bypass this?

You must not visit regularly. Be fast and hit "escape" (or esc....top key on left) after the article loads but BEFORE you get the "join now" popup. I had the same problem a while back but I could read all articles with a little fast and crafty keyboard work, now the popup doesn't even happen.

Then again a browser with pop-up blocker may also work. Regardless the articles are accessible, it is some sort of script they are running and not real password protection.

 

[bessie]

Does a person have to register and pay to view the McDaniel information at the Macon paper? I can't access it.

Pearl, see if the Twitter links work for you.


http://t.co/RIRJjPD82i


https://twitter.com/middlegeorgia/status/460406760273358848

https://twitter.com/middlegeorgia/status/460463436837974016

https://twitter.com/middlegeorgia/status/460272811198922752

https://twitter.com/middlegeorgia/status/460269984812634113

 

[pearl]

I finally accessed the information on Mozilla. I have had quite a bit of trouble with Internet Explorer the last couple of weeks. Thanks for the help.

 

[bessie]

I don't have the document (one you consulted, bessie) with report included open right now and am kind of posting between other duties so can't hunt it right now, but I think the autopsy report says SOME of the bags had tears in them...?

How many bags was it ...three, or five? Arrghh, can't remember, sorry.

Anyhow, when I first read that weeks ago, I remember wondering WHICH bags the tears were in ... thinking, if in inner bags, could be from weight/shifting of contents and perp added more bags to cover tears; or, if outer bags, could be from tearing as perp was first placing into trash OR could be from an attempt to lift out and move to another location AFTER first being put where found. Or, as I've mentioned before, could be from an on-time garbage worker trying to lift out, bag tearing, and worker thinking ...uh-oh, something is not right here, better make a phone call ...

I think -- especially if there were five bags -- the torso could have been placed when he said it was and, as long as the receptacle was not opened more than briefly and the tears had not yet occurred, there might have not been a very noticeable odor or insects, and so BB might not have noticed. I wonder, therefore, if he may have planned originally to MOVE the torso, perhaps to the law school dumpster, and could not for some reason -- but maybe in the attempt tore the bags. Just one theory. Or garbage worker tore them...

I wonder what BB placed in the trash can...if she or someone else dropped something heavy or sharp in there, it could have made the tears in the layered bags holding the torso.

Other than that he was "keeping" the torso, as long discussed as a possibility (and yes, I think still a possibility), I can't think of another good reason why he would lie about WHEN he placed the torso...?

Sorry, BW. I missed this the other day.

The report says five bags with "overlapping tears". They sound like stress tears to me.

"...five black plastic garbage bags, and some of the bags had overlapping tears of varying size on their surfaces. The torso was clad only in pink-tone "Champion" brand shorts, size large."
​

pdf p.17, paragraph 1

http://download.gannett.edgesuite.net/wmaz/docs/fbi-mcdaniel.pdf

There's no indication that sanitation workers handled the remains. Detective Chapman said the truck arrived 20 minutes after the discovery. JMO. but I think it's unlikely a worker would have been that far ahead of the truck.

http://www.13wmaz.com/story/news/crime/giddings-case/2014/04/24/mcdaniel-investigators/8120311/

Based on personal experience with power outages while I was away from home, even in a brand new, well sealed refrigerator/freezer, biological changes occur rapidly, and become overwhelmingly apparent within days. A case in point would be Katrina. I'd left frozen meat in doubled trash bags inside the freezer. When we returned several days later to check on our home, after opening, and immediately slamming shut the freezer door, the odor permeated the entire house. Rather foolishly, we opened doors and windows to let in fresh air, and in no time at all, flies were swarming near the refrigerator. Compare that to a rubber trash can, outdoors in temperatures reaching 98 degrees, with high humidity, and I'm extremely hard pressed to believe human remains 48 hours post mortem sat unnoticed in that garbage can for an additional two days.

Yet, I don't see any apparent reason for him to lie about the timeline, or the neighbor's refrigerator, either. Perhaps we shouldn't even talk about it. It's a sensitive subject, and I'm always mindful of those who knew LG, and might read here. On the other hand, I'm of the belief that McD shouldn't be allowed to hide behind lies. The very fact that he makes a point to say, "I never used the refrigerator in apartment 1," makes me skeptical. Why mention it at all? Why the emphasis on non-events? That statement stands out to me as much as the denial of sexual activity, and the pink shorts found on LG's body, (as though they could not have been removed, and later replaced). This is what he says (emphasis is mine):

"She was wearing the pink running shorts when she died, and I never removed them; they were found on the torso just as I had left them."
​

Does anyone else feel like this begs a reply? "Oh, yes, Stephen, we noticed. You're a good boy, Stephen." It's as though he wants to make sure we know that he could have removed them, but no-no. He wouldn't do a thing like that. He left them right where they should be. He also tells us that he didn't sexually accost LG, and he didn't perform a sexual act with "regard to her remains". Hmm...okay. That doesn't remove other possibilities, and the fact that he carried out a sexually motivated murder, which he can't bring himself to admit, nor to fully deny.

Lastly, something that has received little mention is the chest wound.

"In the center of the mid to lower chest there was an incised wound which measure 2-5/8 inch in length and was variable in width, with the widest portion being 3/4 inch. It was vertically oriented and extended 3/8 inch in depth through the skin and subcutaneous tissue."
​

Apparently, this cut was made post mortem, probably to facilitate the dismemberment process. It's significant, and should be noted, imo, because it's another indication of the forethought and planning that preceded the crime.

JMO

 

[Indy Anna]

I've always believed he overestimated himself. Thought he could play it cool and avoid being caught. Baloney. When he was interviewed, it was obvious to me he was suffering high anxiety, and feeling the walls closing in on him. Seizure, my eye. He knew his butt was cooked.

ITA! That letter complaining about his treatment only proves he lacks empathy. Everything is about him. Of course, he's never had to accept the consequences of his actions before. He probably expected his mother to come to his rescue.

I think he fell apart when LE found Lauren's torso. He just didn't plan on that. But, why not? Everyone is thinking how close McD was to getting away with this crime (had no one started looking for Lauren until after the trash was picked up), but what if friends had starting look for Lauren on Monday or Tuesday? Or, if someone had reached out to Lauren as early as Sunday, certain she would have taken time out of studying to attend mass? What would LE have found if they conducted a search that much earlier? Really, McD almost got lucky.

But, it's like Lauren reached out from beyond the grave and made sure she was given justice. In a way, she triumphed over McD in the end in that respect. I think he had sort of a love-hate relationship with Lauren. On one hand, he was attracted to her. On the other hand, he was deeply envious because she was smart, popular, personable and engaged to somebody else. We know from previous conversations that McD had already mapped out the perfect murder. All he needed was a target and Lauren fit the profile. She conveniently lived next door and she lived alone, so she was vulnerable, but she also presented some challenges: she was tall and athletic, she had lots of friends and family who stayed in contact with her, and she used a door stop device to secure her door at night. The latter likely frustrated McD because it rendered the key he had to her apartment useless. He probably felt that Lauren had outsmarted him again, which made him even more determined to victimize her.

IMO, McD felt he needed to prove to himself how smart he is. A few threads back, I suggested that the reason McD decided to attend law school was to enable him to commit the perfect crime by learning the law thoroughly. I noticed in pictures of McD in the courtroom there was a gleam of excitement in his eyes and in some he had a ravenous smile on his face. So, I think now he is disappointed that, first of all, he was suspected of and arrested for Lauren's murder, and also that he cannot at least have the satisfaction of partaking in a criminal trial where he was sure he could weasel his way out of the charges. :no: :jail:

Another victory for Lauren. :rose:

 

[Backwoods]

McDaniel obsessed with Giddings, web history shows

...McDaniel’s Internet browsing history from April through June 30, 2011, the day Giddings’ dismembered torso was found, points to an obsession with his neighbor. ...

...On June 30, 2011, about four hours before Giddings’ torso was discovered, McDaniel researched how to erase his browsing history. ...

read more at: http://www.macon.com/2014/04/27/3069647/mcdaniel-obsessed-with-giddings.html?sp=/99/100/&ihp=1

 

[Backwoods]

It is driving me kinda crazy that all this information is pouring out and I am having to just make little spots of time here and there trying to read/view it all. My daughter's move is getting close so lots of activity there; we have a medical appointment coming up this week, which always freaks me out --though it's just a routine visit; and one of my dogs got snakebit. (He is going to be OK but is requiring a good bit of extra care. Copperhead snake.)

What I cannot keep from thinking about is the computer and camera evidence apparently coming forth right here in the final months...why? Why so long? I remember that Judge Simms suggested at one of the hearings that perhaps it was because the case was originally a death penalty case and thus the GBI was in no great hurry, thinking the delays, etc., to be expected with a capital case gave plenty of time. Is that the reason (it doesn't quite make full sense to me), or is there more to the story?

It just seems so uncomfortably close to not having come to light at all.

 

[Backwoods]

You're right! I forgot about the Westboro Baptist Church thing!

I would think they wanted to prevent a civil lawsuit possibly for SMD's parents? If he is inheriting part of Grandpa's farm then I can understand why he wouldn't want his parents drug into a lawsuit that takes some of the property or forces them to sell it. They are probably broke after all of the legal fees.

I'd just think that, under the circumstances, any possible inheritance would have been transferred or something well ahead of time. But I don't know...if he was convinced that he would walk or serve little time, maybe not. I think there was a comment somewhere that his mother inherited all that property...? But I have no idea if that is true, consider it rumor.

 

[Backwoods]

Ditto on the thanks! And thanks to you for posting the link. I've just started to look it over, and I have to say: seeing the panties lying on top of his clothes in the drawer made me queasy.

And the pantry cabinet is rather freaky, too.

JMO

There is a lot that freaks one out a bit, for sure.

But you know, of what I've had a chance to view so far, I think the thing that most affected me emotionally was the photos/videos of Lauren's place. It just seemed like she should walk back in at any second -- and viewing it made ME feel just a bit like a creeper. Like "I shouldn't be here". Murder victims lose a lot in addition to their life sometimes, like privacy.

I've wanted so much, at times, to know the contents of Lauren's last email. Then I would think -- that's terrible. That's her personal correspondence. I can imagine her sitting down and typing that, never dreaming, of course, the significance it would soon be taking on for so many people. It's spooky and sad, to me, to think about.

Heck, I admit -- I still really, really want to know what she said in the email about the Thursday night break-in attempt.

 

[bessie]

As early as May 1, he searched for “escape prison.”

^^I hope he was paying attention^^

http://www.macon.com/2014/04/27/3069647/mcdaniel-obsessed-with-giddings.html?sp=/99/148/198/210/


The web history is as twisted as one would've expected. It also proves that he'd been contemplating the murder for at least two months.

 

[bessie]

IMO, McD felt he needed to prove to himself how smart he is. A few threads back, I suggested that the reason McD decided to attend law school was to enable him to commit the perfect crime by learning the law thoroughly. I noticed in pictures of McD in the courtroom there was a gleam of excitement in his eyes and in some he had a ravenous smile on his face. So, I think now he is disappointed that, first of all, he was suspected of and arrested for Lauren's murder, and also that he cannot at least have the satisfaction of partaking in a criminal trial where he was sure he could weasel his way out of the charges. :no: :jail:

Another victory for Lauren. :rose:

<rsbm>

Indy, one of the infamous web posts which stuck in my mind says something to the effect that the American legal system is a "beautiful thing" because -- in so many words -- you can be guilty as he!!, but if you find "a sympathetic jury, you can walk away free".

It is driving me kinda crazy that all this information is pouring out and I am having to just make little spots of time here and there trying to read/view it all. My daughter's move is getting close so lots of activity there; we have a medical appointment coming up this week, which always freaks me out --though it's just a routine visit; and one of my dogs got snakebit. (He is going to be OK but is requiring a good bit of extra care. Copperhead snake.)

<rsbm>

Ouch! Hope all turns out well.

 

[Backwoods]

McDaniel had been inside Giddings&#8217; apartment before

Stephen McDaniel had been in Lauren Giddings&#8217; apartment 18 days before he snuck in as she slept on June 26, 2011, and strangled her.

A picture proves it. ...

...Aside from the photo and videos, McDaniel had covered his tracks well.

No blood or hair evidence linked him to the killing of his 27-year-old next-door neighbor and Mercer University law school classmate, according to evidence reports that The Telegraph reviewed. ...

more at: http://www.macon.com/2014/04/28/3071070/mcdaniel-had-been-inside-giddings.html?sp=/99/100/&ihp=1

 

[al66pine]

more at: http://www.macon.com/2014/04/28/3071070/mcdaniel-had-been-inside-giddings.html?sp=/99/100/&ihp=1

In photo at above link, defendant's shirt collar looks like it is a couple sizes too big for him. Ditto the suit jacket.
IIRC, from his arrest to this month, he went from ~150 to ~125 pounds.

Not offering any sympathy to him, just noticing.

 

[Backwoods]

...No blood or hair evidence linked him to the killing of his 27-year-old next-door neighbor and Mercer University law school classmate, according to evidence reports that The Telegraph reviewed. ...

http://www.macon.com/2014/04/28/3071.../99/100/&ihp=1

Unless there's evidence reports of this type that The Telegraph hasn't reviewed ... I guess this would mean that the story that Lauren's blood/dna was found on Stephen's shoes was not correct.

Assuming there was no word yet of the late-coming computer/camera evidence, I understand better now why Judge Brown decided that the middle of this case was a good time to retire.

The part in this story about the camera-on-a-stick footage is, well, just as the story says, chilling. Can you imagine the way the technician (or whatever) who first found that must have felt? Or maybe it's just all in a day's work for that person, I don't know -- but, what a find.

 

[al66pine]

In various LE photos of Defendant's apt- at MT links after his plea - there appeared to be GUNS.
Were they 'real' or airsoft or other replicas?
IIRC he posted on the op chan site something about thinking about buying a handgun and/or getting a CCW permit, about fingerprints that would be taken.
Seems like he hesitated about getting fingerprinted for that.

Unless my eyes deceived me, I saw a crossbow and beside one interior door were 3 or 4 baseball bats.

Does it seem like the crossbow and bats were out of character for him?
Hard to imagine his using them in a 'normal' sporting context.

Ditto the bar bell & weights in the pix.

 

[bettiepageturner]

McDaniel obsessed with Giddings, web history shows

...McDaniel&#8217;s Internet browsing history from April through June 30, 2011, the day Giddings&#8217; dismembered torso was found, points to an obsession with his neighbor.

...On June 30, 2011, about four hours before Giddings&#8217; torso was discovered, McDaniel researched how to erase his browsing history. ...
read more at: http://www.macon.com/2014/04/27/3069647/mcdaniel-obsessed-with-giddings.html?sp=/99/100/&ihp=1

Oh gross... what did he possibly think he could find? Clearly he was in the throes of "something." This voyeuristic fetishism disturbs me to no end.

It brings no solace, but the contents of this article are the worst nightmare of the borderline addictive viewer.. Totally unrelated observation, but there are some mighty hostile and defensive comments on the article.

 

[al66pine]

Many times ppl comment about 'senseless deaths.'
Each and every single one of us is going to die sooner or later,
but the timing of this - just after her law school grad,
the TIMING was so unbelievably sad.
Ditto the METHOD of her death.

Of all the ppl in the world this less than human monster could have chosen as a target,
why her?
Maybe, like others here have said, she was everything he wasn't and never could be.
RIP Lauren and healing to her family and friends.

Thank you to the regular posters who have updated us.
(The thanks button has not been working right on this new tablet I'm trying to use)

 

[Backwoods]

In various LE photos of Defendant's apt- at MT links after his plea - there appeared to be GUNS.
Were they 'real' or airsoft or other replicas?
IIRC he posted on the op chan site something about thinking about buying a handgun and/or getting a CCW permit, about fingerprints that would be taken.
Seems like he hesitated about getting fingerprinted for that.

Unless my eyes deceived me, I saw a crossbow and beside one interior door were 3 or 4 baseball bats.

Does it seem like the crossbow and bats were out of character for him?
Hard to imagine his using them in a 'normal' sporting context.


Ditto the bar bell & weights in the pix.

The guns were real. He was quite a weapons enthusiast, apparently. Knives and swords were a big thing, too.

I remember talk that he had relatives who hunted -- if true, maybe he had at one time, too, with the crossbow. Or it could have been just another kind of weapon to add to his collection -- guess it would have been sort of the modern version of medieval/time fantasy weaponry, and he was interested in those at points, IIRC, so that could have had allure, too.

I wonderer about the bats myself. He tells the investigators that he is not into any kind of sports ... but perhaps he was, at one time, or hoped to be...?

ETA: Forgot to say: Regarding his post about worrying about getting fingerprinted for a CCW. Yeah, I remember that one. In some of the pix or videos released, looks like a passport in a drawer...? If it's real and it's his, wouldn't he have been fingerprinted for that? (I think, too, I remember that he would have to be fingerprinted to take the bar exam, something like that?)