GUILTY NC - Kathy Taft, 62, Raleigh, 6 March 2010 - #5

[Topsail Girl]

Hey TG.:sunshine:
I considered reviewing KT's autopsy photos, but decided to pass.
On the other hand, I felt compelled to see the photos of Michelle's remains so I could put in perspective how a husband/father could inflict such a cruel, vicious beating on his loving wife and unborn son.:furious:

Hey cutie patootie - that is what I was thinking. Injuries were similar so thinking you would view but I understand why you didn't. Seems Kathy had a beating as badly if not worse than Michelle's. I keep telling myself that I'm going to get the nerve to view them myself but so far no go. It was hard enough to deal with Michelle's. WHY oh WHY is violence the answer with these men??

 

[susubaby]

Is the only way to view the autopsy photos to actually go down to the coroners office and see them?

 

[Noway]

They are public record, but JTF would know the process for viewing them.

But I found this:

http://sunshinereview.org/index.php/North_Carolina_Public_Records_Law

The North Carolina's statement of purpose indicates, "The public records and public information compiled by the agencies of North Carolina government or its subdivisions are the property of the people. Therefore, it is the policy of this State that the people may obtain copies of their public records and public information free or at minimal cost unless otherwise specifically provided by law."[4] What records are covered?

Records include all documents, no matter the physical form, "made or received pursuant to law or ordinance in connection with the transaction of public business by any agency". [5]


Notable exceptions include but are not limited to:

...

Autopsy photos [12]

 

[susubaby]

Thank you for the helpful information Noway!

 

[Noway]

Williford scheduled for Monday court hearing

http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/local/article/williford_scheduled_for_monday_court_hearing/140061/

Prosecutors could disclose some of the details they say connects Williford to the beating death of the State Board of Education member.

 

[sloothseeker]

Williford scheduled for Monday court hearing

http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/local/article/williford_scheduled_for_monday_court_hearing/140061/

Prosecutors could disclose some of the details they say connects Williford to the beating death of the State Board of Education member.

which subsequently was cancelled --

http://www.witn.com/home/headlines/93289099.html

 

[Just the Fax]

Is the only way to view the autopsy photos to actually go down to the coroners office and see them?

Correct, the only way to view the photos is to make an appointment with Bill Hollaman at the medical examiners office in Chapel Hill. State law allows the public to view the photos, but they cannot be copied or removed from the premises.

 

[Noway]

which subsequently was cancelled --

http://www.witn.com/home/headlines/93289099.html

From that story:

Court officials say Monday's hearing was cancelled because Williford was indicted last week for Taft's murder and rape. A preliminary hearing verifies there is enough evidence for a case to go before a grand jury, but since Williford has already been indicted there is no need for the hearing.

 

[Prancy]

I drove down Wayland last weekend. The house that they thought someone had broken into the basement, has a for sale sign in the front yard. Maybe they just want to start fresh elsewhere.

I tell myself that since they have apprehended a person who supposedly did this horrible thing right in the neighborhood, that the odds of it happening again in the same vicinity are very small. Am I correct? If so, I guess percentage wise, I'm safer to stay in this area as opposed to moving somewhere where they haven't had it happen before.

That street is so crowded, that I could not determine where JW's apt building was located. I didn't stop to look, just drove through casually. It is a very dense area. The houses and cars are all very close together. When they showed it on tv it looked like a clearing in the front of the apt. I didn't see that.

 

[sloothseeker]

Latest story -

http://www.wral.com/news/news_briefs/story/7590601/

"Raleigh, N.C. — Raleigh police investigating the homicide of a state school board member obtained text messages from cell phones belonging to her, according to a search warrant returned Wednesday.

Authorities obtained the search warrant March 18, nine days after Kathy Taft died from a fractured skull and extensive brain damage resulting from the attack.

Jason Keith Williford, 30, was arrested April 16 and charged with first-degree murder and first-degree forcible rape in the case. Investigators have said they do not believe the two knew each other.

As part of murder investigations, a victim's communications are usually examined for evidence. The warrant lists five telephone numbers from which police wanted text messages and other information from March 1 to March 17.

Taft, 62, of Greenville, was recovering from plastic surgery at a friend's home on Cartier Drive in Raleigh when she was raped and beaten repeatedly on the head with a blunt object, according to an autopsy report. She died March 9, three days after her sister found her bloodied and unresponsive, police have said.

Williford, who was later also indicted on a first-degree burglary charge, is being held without bond at Central Prison in Raleigh."

 

[Just the Fax]

Not sure why WRAL posted that story about a SW for KT's cell?
At this point, it just shows the cops used standard detective work shortly after the murder.
The cops already made it clear they think KT and JW had no prior connection.

 

[Prancy]

Not sure why WRAL posted that story about a SW for KT's cell?
At this point, it just shows the cops used standard detective work shortly after the murder.
The cops already made it clear they think KT and JW had no prior connection.

I'm sure LE has to explore every detail of what happened. If they didn't, the defendant could possibly create a scenerio that could explain the evidence the state has against him and deny harming KT at all. By confirming every contact, they will prevent that from happening.

 

[diphi]

Hi, Everyone:

Just doing my daily check-in. When is the next event we should be looking for in this case? Has anyone decided to go look at the autopsy photos?

 

[Just the Fax]

Hi diphi

I still wonder about the weapon and what the wounds might suggest.
If you (or anyone else) want me to arrange a photo view, let me know.

 

[wolcotte]

In regards to sister DH, I'd like to posit a theory that's gone unmentioned. I have worked with the elderly for many years and she has multiple signs of an emerging dementia syndrome. Locking her keys in her running car, her confusion and slow reaction upon discovering her sister unresponsive, all of these are indicators that she could be in the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease. Oftentimes family members are in denial over such things, and it strikes me that KT chose the worst possible caretaker for her post-op recovery. It's also possible that KT did suspect something, and wanted to keep her close in a misguided attempt to keep an eye on DH, not understanding the huge responsibility she was giving her and how ill-equipped she was to rise to it.

If this turns out to be the case DH will be unable to take the stand since her dementia will likely have worsened by the time Williford is up for trial- stress can speed these things along. Hopefully she will have been diagnosed by then and won't be allowed to testify. Otherwise she might simply seem confused and "flakey" or worse- somehow complicit in the eyes of the jury, just as many have already judged her here and in the press. The defense would have a field day with someone in such a fragile state.

 

[Prancy]

In regards to sister DH, I'd like to posit a theory that's gone unmentioned. I have worked with the elderly for many years and she has multiple signs of an emerging dementia syndrome. Locking her keys in her running car, her confusion and slow reaction upon discovering her sister unresponsive, all of these are indicators that she could be in the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease. Oftentimes family members are in denial over such things, and it strikes me that KT chose the worst possible caretaker for her post-op recovery. It's also possible that KT did suspect something, and wanted to keep her close in a misguided attempt to keep an eye on DH, not understanding the huge responsibility she was giving her and how ill-equipped she was to rise to it.

If this turns out to be the case DH will be unable to take the stand since her dementia will likely have worsened by the time Williford is up for trial- stress can speed these things along. Hopefully she will have been diagnosed by then and won't be allowed to testify. Otherwise she might simply seem confused and "flakey" or worse- somehow complicit in the eyes of the jury, just as many have already judged her here and in the press. The defense would have a field day with someone in such a fragile state.

You make some good points. I share your concern about the stability of the witnesses in the case. The problem could be attributed to a number of things though. We can only hope the prosecution recognizes the problem and addresses it.

I will have to pass on the photos. Normally, that kind of thing does not bother me, but due to this happening near my home, I don't think it would be wise. This murder has really affected the way I live my life. It has really impacted the enjoyment I have in my home and neighorhood.

New neighbors are just moving in next to me. I am very apprehensive and want to do a criminal check on them. Is that crazy or what? I used to not be like that. I am very angry at the person who has not only taken KT's life, but devasted her family and friends, and shaken the people who live in this community to the core.

 

[sloothseeker]

We should all be apprehensive and concerned Prancy and just not in our own neighborhoods.

When is murder not murder, when it's a plea bargain!


Raleigh, N.C. — Wake County prosecutors are offering a plea deal to a Raleigh doctor charged in a DWI wreck that killed a ballerina.

Assistant District Attorney Jeff Cruden said in court Monday morning that the details would remain confidential until Raymond Dwight Cook and his attorney decide whether to accept the deal.

If he rejects the deal, Cruden said the state is prepared to take the case to trial.

Raleigh police said Cook, of 10516 Beckridge Lane, was traveling 90 mph when he crashed into the back of Elena Bright Shapiro's vehicle at Lead Mine and Strickland roads the evening of Sept. 11.

Shapiro, 20, of Winston-Salem, died as a result of the crash.

Cook had been drinking at a local country club and at a local tavern prior to the crash, witnesses said.

Cook, who is out of jail on a $250,000 bond on charges of second-degree murder and driving while impaired, reportedly underwent rehab out of state.

Public records indicate he has a DWI conviction from 1989 in Camden County, Ga., where he pleaded no contest to the charge.

A ballerina with the Carolina Ballet, Shapiro had been in Raleigh rehearsing for "Swan Lake."

http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/7615612/

 

[diphi]

In regards to sister DH, I'd like to posit a theory that's gone unmentioned. I have worked with the elderly for many years and she has multiple signs of an emerging dementia syndrome. Locking her keys in her running car, her confusion and slow reaction upon discovering her sister unresponsive, all of these are indicators that she could be in the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease. Oftentimes family members are in denial over such things, and it strikes me that KT chose the worst possible caretaker for her post-op recovery. It's also possible that KT did suspect something, and wanted to keep her close in a misguided attempt to keep an eye on DH, not understanding the huge responsibility she was giving her and how ill-equipped she was to rise to it.

If this turns out to be the case DH will be unable to take the stand since her dementia will likely have worsened by the time Williford is up for trial- stress can speed these things along. Hopefully she will have been diagnosed by then and won't be allowed to testify. Otherwise she might simply seem confused and "flakey" or worse- somehow complicit in the eyes of the jury, just as many have already judged her here and in the press. The defense would have a field day with someone in such a fragile state.

What is the percentage of people who are diagnosed with dementia in their 50s?

 

[Skittles]

What is the percentage of people who are diagnosed with dementia in their 50s?

I heard a news report about this recently but I was unable to locate. I did find a 2008 article from the Wall Street Journal.

"Overall, an estimated 5.2 million Americans have Alzheimer's, with as many as 10% diagnosed under the age of 65 -- the definition of early onset, according to the Alzheimer's Association, a national research organization. As the population ages, the number of individuals with Alzheimer's is expected to hit 7.7 million in 2030."


Full article:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122661621189526173.html

 

[sloothseeker]

What is the percentage of people who are diagnosed with dementia in their 50s?

not alot according to this fact sheet but I would imagine there are often cases of misdiagnosis when it comes to early aged dementia.

http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/adfact.htm

In DH's case, IMO - lifestyle probably contributes to her "forgetfulness".