NY - Christopher Porco - Another Menandez situation? - sentenced

[hockeymom]

Oh,so even thought the 2 vets aren't married they are partners in the business and privately. Who's children are they? I wouldn't think the Ex husband would think highly of having an ax murderer living with his kids.
As far as Chris and the female vet having a romantic relationship,nothing would surprise me. I know that Chris used to frequent a local restaurant my niece worked at (she used to get stuck waiting on him),and she mentioned the Vet was with him. I'll have to ask if looking back,she noticed anything "funny" between them. She always thought it was weird that he would go to a restaurant that was loaded with local patrons,including the Bethlehem police. She felt that he was flaunting himself.I realize that he was free to go anywhere he wanted,but given the circumstances,most people would try to keep a low profile. There are million restaurants in the Capital District,why choose the one where everyone knows who you are?

 

[Malapoo]

Wonder if he was a "fan/reader" of Lizzie Borden story? Seriously, I keep thinking that. I mean an axe rather the gun or knife?

 

[PolkSaladAnnie]

Dear PolkSaladAnnie,
Barrister is now living with Joan...although this wonderful, gentle, loving animal is old and suffers from many medical problems, including diabetes. It won't be long before Barrister goes to live with Peter..if such things actually happen.

Thank you for your kind response, Captain. Bless Barrister - seems he's loved by extended family and friends ... and yep, he'll join Peter . More on Barrister: The fact that he was closed away in the basement showed care and/or at least attention. Now, forget about being worried the dog would bark - but 'intruders' capable of the atrocities inflicted upon Peter and Joan do *not* give an ape's lost grape about domestic animals. If the dog had been a nuisance, he'd have suffered the same fate. Tells me the perp wanted to shield, save or secure Barrister before anything else. Here, actions spoke LOUDER than words.

If you could have seen the pictures the DA presented to the jury with Christopher wearing his vet operating clothes... you would know why there was no blood on Chris. He was covered from head to toe. As for those clothes...he probably drove the 5 minutes to the Vet's commercial laundry dumpster, threw the clothes in, and headed out of town.

Not seen the pics, (my heart goes out to you for what you've endured, Captain). Yes, I imagined he may have been dressed in 'full scrubs' and completely sterile: head to toe. The reason I think about this is because if he 'cleaned up afterwards' he may have known Peter was still alive. I've also wondered if Peter was struggling/trying to get help and tried the phone and it was cut; decided to get dressed and get help (either to a neighbor, hospital or wherever) and then went over to the cupboard (where he'd allegedly stacked plate) near the dishwasher to get Christopher's check. Maybe touching all those plates happened when he was looking for a check that had been placed nearby?

As for Vetenarian Elaine, she provided food and housing for Chris and paid him $400.00 a week salary. That's a pretty generous salary for a high school graduate vet clinic worker. They also posted money for his bail... she appeared at trial as a witness for the defense... and appeared on 48 Hours. I don't think her motives were cheap labor. Why would a professional women take in an accused murderer, allow him to live with her children, present him to her clients, defend him 100% in public even though she had proof he had stolen from her and her partner (the vets aren't married) and from his parents, and still visit this convicted murderer in jail? Anyone want to venture a guess?

Beggars belief! But ..... the reasons are not far off the horizon, sadly.

Please note two absolute lies told by Shanks in the 48 Hours program [edited by PSA]:
1. "Chris wandered around campus until 3:30 when he fell asleep on the couch."
2. Shanks says she never met one family member or friend that didn't think Chris was innocent.
Shanks is a chronic liar and a disgrace to the legal profession. Kindlon will do the devil's work if it will win him a case.

Captain, on your point 1:very few give a shred of cognizance to Shanks' theory that Chris 'was wandering around the campus until 3:30'. On point 2: That's almost laughable; appalling as it would have been for you to endure watching Shanks on 48 Hours. How many of those 'family and friends' testified for the defense (outside of perceived characteristic traits) that exonerated Chris? None.

Gosh, you know, sometimes I wonder if some of these defense attornies are out there to 'prove a lie' rather than to serve justice! Perhaps because truth and logic hurts their case. Communicating and talking about these things - even reaching a network of (anonymous) support through some very seasoned posters here - adds to the healing procees, I'd imagine. Thank God the majority of the USA public - and people worldwide - are not that stupid and gullible. Many more folk care and share your frustrations than might ever be realized. Justice was served and 48 Hours ran an incomplete story!

I think Chris realized his dismal shortcomings, so in order to feed a tainted ego, he created an alter-ego that he worshipped and paraded around to gain and maintain credibility and acceptance. He cheated, lied, manipulated and stole to keep this 'thing' alive and admired. He compromised everything to act out his *selected* double-life and remain undetected as a real loser. Horrifically, his fear of loss went too far. I think this man was destined to do something like this - aside from his partying and alcohol binges. Whomsoever dared to step in his way ... he'd eventually have dealt with. This is all my humble opinion, of course. Very, very tragic and so unnecessary.... Continued strength to you and yours.

 

[PolkSaladAnnie]

Wonder if he was a "fan/reader" of Lizzie Borden story? Seriously, I keep thinking that. I mean an axe rather the gun or knife?

Interesting thought, Malapoo - thanks for posting this. Another great mind out there thinks the way you do, btw... A little while back I stumbled across a lizzie border blog (didn't read it all or save link) while searching info on Porco. The blogster discussed aspects of the Porco trial,too! Maybe CP did research ax murders when planning this act.

I'm going to go to Crime Library and find that story again.

 

[PolkSaladAnnie]

Sacandaga Captain,
I can't imagine what the Vet's motives are,other than maybe she is romantically involved with Chris? It appears these sociopaths are quite charming and seem to be able to mesmorize even the most seemingly bright people. [edited by PSA] I'm assuming because Chris worked at the vets,both partners agreed to it,but was one more hesitant to keep him than the other? Has the other vet changed his opinion after hearing all the evidence?

Hi hockeymom. That's exactly the question I have.

Plus one more: have *either* of them changed their minds or opinions of CP since the verdict? Were they blocked from ongoing discovery in the run-up to trial? Were they brainwashed that LE 'rushed to judgement'? Or does he/she ignore the evidence and verdict to maintain their beliefs? Some people will lose everything in the hope of salvaging pride.... sadly ...

 

[PolkSaladAnnie]

Sacandaga Captain,
I can't imagine what the Vet's motives are,other than maybe she is romantically involved with Chris?

Personally I thought she simply developed a close friendship with Chris and was convinced of his innocense, which is why I think she was so quick to initially take him in. I think her dislike towards one of the Bethlehem cops, who she thought had it in for Chris; is what led her to come unhinged and irrational and blind to the reality of the case. She ended up looking like a fool in my opinion and she probably knows this herself. Ironically it was John Kerney who laid the final knockout punch to Chris when he testified that Chris was trained specifically for after surgery work and blood clean up. That was just a few days before the trial ended. I doubt he slept very well on those last couple of days with Chris in the house.

Hi SheerLuck. Only read this after the previous posts (been away nibbling at what I should be concetrating more on.... work!). Thanks for the insight and opinion. If your perceptions hold fast - then I'd fathom a guess the (female) vet may have indeed changed her mind: whether or not she'd admit as much is left to be seen. If details were withheld from her (by choice or force) I'm convinced she's intelligent and logical enough to see the dots actually joined up to form a vivid, if not vile, picture. Wonder if she's visited CP?

 

[PolkSaladAnnie]

There are million restaurants in the Capital District,why choose the one where everyone knows who you are?

Maybe he figured guilty people would hide or stay away; I'm not scared of them - I'm entitled to be here just as much as they are and when I get off, these same people will congratulate and welcome me. (Emphasis on CP's concept of entitlement!)

He believed he committed the perfect crime. His legal team obviously convinced him they'd get him off if not at trial then on appeal. He acted out the doting son after the fact - and only for the media, or so it seems to me. Was he around his mom at other times? Did he ever express genuine grief over this horrific act against his parents? Where was he and what was he doing close to the first anniversary of his father's death? And I also think his alter-ego is combing his delusional locks, even now.

My dad died of cancer close to Christmas, 10 years this year. His was a quiet death - not free of pain - but in caring hands. I still feel it, especially when I put up the first couple of centirues-old (lol) baubles on the tree.

 

[SheerLuck]

Hi PSA, another thing with these vets to remember is that they took Porco in and strongly believed him in. Here's my guess about their strange behavior because I doubt this lady and Chris had an affair. Maybe all along Kindon was telling those around Chris(his mom, the vets, the girls that liked Chris, etc) that there was some powerful evidence to show Chris was innocent, but that he couldn't reveal this evidence; until during the trial. So maybe all along those who trusted Chris were being jerked around by shallow promises from Kindlon. If that was the case; then maybe as the trial neared the end; the vets might have finally started to catch on to the truth. So they might have gone from believing in Chris; to actually being frightened by him. I'm just speculating here but if this is how it played out and the gullable vets were conned by BOTH Chris and KIndlon; then the only option the vets would have had if they finally caught on at the end, would have been to either kick him out or let him stay just a few more days until the trial ended. Maybe they figured; let him stay, play on his ego and tell him he'll win; as opposed to kicking out an axe murderer?

 

[hockeymom]

SheerLuck,
You could be right about Kindlon,telling Joan and the Vets that he had some surprise. If thats the case and Chris was in the house with them and they were doubting his innocence,that would be pretty scary for them.I know I couldn't fake it!!
This is one of those cases that I would just love to have the convicted murderer admit what he did,and show some remorse. Help us to understand what he was thinking,but as in the case of Peterson,it just won't happen.

 

[PolkSaladAnnie]

..... [edited] ....If that was the case; then maybe as the trial neared the end; the vets might have finally started to catch on to the truth. So they might have gone from believing in Chris; to actually being frightened by him. I'm just speculating here but if this is how it played out and the gullable vets were conned by BOTH Chris and KIndlon; then the only option the vets would have had if they finally caught on at the end, would have been to either kick him out or let him stay just a few more days until the trial ended. Maybe they figured; let him stay, play on his ego and tell him he'll win; as opposed to kicking out an axe murderer?

Makes sense to me, SL. Perhaps the cold realization of 'what lurked beneath' did hang over the final days of trial and who'd want to cross an axe murderer? Chris was a competent manipulator, alright. He'd perfected *his* rationale - to the degree his own parents were long-fooled by him, so your thoughts are well-founded.

 

[SheerLuck]

Wonder if he was a "fan/reader" of Lizzie Borden story? Seriously, I keep thinking that. I mean an axe rather the gun or knife?

Fortunately justice was served here with guilty verdict. I think Lizzie Borden was similar(just circumstantial); but found innocent. Porco might have followed Lizzie Borden; or maybe he's just a coward. If Porco owned a gun it could be traced and purchasing one can also be traced. So maybe he used an axe instead of a knife because he's a very tall person, so he could keep his distance and swing. I was thinking; only a real coward would attack people while they slept and a coward would also want to keep their distance and not risk a hand to hand fight. He better get the max!

 

[PolkSaladAnnie]

I was thinking; only a real coward would attack people while they slept and a coward would also want to keep their distance and not risk a hand to hand fight. He better get the max!

Coward indeed, SL, because using the axe also meant he could keep a good distance away from any defense wounds if his parents had tried to get ahold of him or swing back!!! He protected himself literally to the hilt and out of harm's way. Dispicable. "The Max" ... isn't he facing only 50 years? Wonder what may transpire if his mother's memory ever returns? Poor woman; she must be having nightmares. What a horrendous ordeal this man put his (entire) family through. Beggars belief!

 

[OriginalJerseyGirl]

About Chris' sociopathy ... is it true that he could have lashed out as a form of punishment to his parents? I didn't think that sociopaths were even capable of emotion on that level? I perceive Chris (and other murderers like him) as coldly calculating their situation and what needs to be done. I've always believed that Chris did this as what he perceived as a necessity to simply dispose of those that stood in his way, not so much as a punishment. To me, punishment would somehow include some degree of emotion.

 

[OriginalJerseyGirl]

I also think that Chris flaunted himself around town because he knew that he was a celebrity of sorts. The sociopath in him just loves that attention. He's nauseating. Truly.

 

[hockeymom]

About Chris' sociopathy ... is it true that he could have lashed out as a form of punishment to his parents? I didn't think that sociopaths were even capable of emotion on that level? I perceive Chris (and other murderers like him) as coldly calculating their situation and what needs to be done. I've always believed that Chris did this as what he perceived as a necessity to simply dispose of those that stood in his way, not so much as a punishment. To me, punishment would somehow include some degree of emotion.

Jersey girl,
I think you are right on about that one. His parents were obstacles in his way. Scary!!

 

[Sacandaga Captain]

Dear Friends,
Sociopaths can feel rage! Especially if they perceive they are about to be cornered, or exposed. That rage allows the sociopath to lash out at whatever or whoever is preventing his/her success. While it lasts, that rage is personal against his/her "enemy/enemies."
Chris saw that his parents were about to unravel his deceptions. The house of cards he had so 'cleverly' constructed out of lies, forged credit card purchases, burglaries at his home and others, forged college transcripts, Ebay scams, fenced stolen property, crimes against his very own brother (using his brother's identity to escape parking fines that he had accumulated), failures to appear for traffic violations(scofflawed), lying to his frat brothers about his wealth, breaking into coin machine dispensers, failure to attend classes, choking a classmate in a fit of anger, and on and on, and on....
The benefits of killing his parents were overwhelming:
Not only would he escape exposure; he would inherit 1/2 of whatever assets his parents had, including insurance policies that carried double indemnity clauses. He would be able to continue his "alter-ego" lifestyle with no one to answer to. No more parents asking questions, no more worry over finances, and all the freedom he needed to continue to lie, cheat, and use anyone and everyone for his benefit.

Chris loved to talk about the Porco's distant relative with connections to the "MOB'...Frankie the Fireman. At family dinners he would bring up 'Frankie' and if there was interest in the topic, he would bring out the newspaper article of Frankie being sentenced to prison. Frankie the Fireman was an embarrassment to Joan and Peter, and Chris loved to let everyone know about this 'black sheep' in the family...for that very reason...because it made his parents uncomfortable. It also gave Chris a certain 'bad guy' status. But, what Frankie the Fireman really provided to Chris was a weapon to use in the murder of his mother and father and a connection between the murderer and the Mob. Chris had thought about a gun... but unregistered guns are hard to come by... and, they make a lot of noise in a quiet suburban setting. (The police found websites that Chris visited on his computer dealing with gun silencers. ) Chris had to forego the idea of a gun...there were too many problems with that scenario. Then, Chris thought about Frankie the Fireman and he remembered the fireman's ax that hung in his parents garage. Perfect! He could tell the police all about his Mob relative when they told him the murderer used an ax. Which is, in fact, exactly what Chris did during his original interview with the police. He thought he could lead the police to a mob connection when he left that fireman's ax at the foot of his parents' bed after he had so viciously attacked them. He knew that ax wouldn't lead to him because he had worn gloves to prevent fingerprints.
But, unlike the Mob, Chris didn't make sure the victims were dead. No mob hitman would have left his targets alive. Kindlon and Shanks wanted the jury to believe the mob committed this crime. They kept hammering away at this theory...just like Chris kept swing that ax at his parents. What is that old saying? 'Birds of a feather flock together.' Guilty defendants need defense attorneys who aren't above acting unethically.

 

[nanandjim]

...Chris saw that his parents were about to unravel his deceptions...

Thanks for the post. You certainly have Chris figured out. So do we; and so did the jury...Thank goodness...

 

[s_finch]

Captain,


Very interesting! Can you tell us something about Porco's childhood? Did he display sociopathic characteristics at an early age? Was there a point before the murders that the family (maybe extended family) begin to think Chris wasn't safe to be around or were the murders a complete shock. In other words, did anyone ever say or think, "Chris is not normal, I wouldn't be surprised if he snaps one day".

Thanks in advance and thank you for sharing your information. I'm sorry for what the family has been through and can't imagine how hard it must be.

 

[SheerLuck]

Here's a story from local Bethlehem paper; The Spotlight. It is about possible appeal


http://www.spotlightnews.com/spotlightnews/article.php?article_id=tK1163167785t45548829e7f1c

 

[OriginalJerseyGirl]

The article makes me wonder if these attorneys weren't simply chosen based on their appeals record. Good grief. I suppose that if the money is good enough, morals don't matter. How can these people not see what is so evident??? Or do they see it but this defense is "all in a day's work"?