Neighbor2 said:
Thanks, Fran for that history. I think one of things that makes this thread so interesting is the fact that there are several of us (about 4 by my count) who actually know the victim and her husband. I haven't seen that in any other cases in this blog (but I haven't looked at all of them either!) I do soemtimes wonder if we are hurting, helping, having no effect,(on the case) or just making it more personal? Anyone have any thoughts?
I haven't seen a thread on WS where there were so many 'friends' of the victim or POI and i've been here for a few years. I believe, and someone can correct me if I'm wrong, often times the mods will recommend that friends or family stay away from the forum, especially if it becomes too emotional for them. It often times brings out stuff, or references someone and the 'friend' becomes offended or whatever.
There is one case in particular we were following and a regular on our board became involved because of a close family member's personal relationship with ONE of the POI. It really did cause quite a stir and she eventually left. FWIW, the POI her family member was in contact with ended up not being the perp. She tried to tell us that, but you know some people didn't believe her and carried on...
Having so many friends of the victim contribute does make it more personal for us WSers, but if it ever gets too emotional for you, feel free to leave and don't worry about us. We understand perfectly. I'm sure you all have enough on your plate just with what has happened, let alone adding fuel by our sometimes wild speculations.
I've heard that sometimes LE does cruise our boards. I know one case in particular, the Daniel VanDam kidnap and murder case was aided by a poster. It had something to do with a piece of evidence found in the murderers motorhome, a strand of hair, the length of the hair and the fact the child had just had her hair cut. It ended up being one of the key pieces of evidence against the now convicted killer, David Westerfield. IIRC, the fact was first brought up on the CTV board, a fact the DA had overlooked.
Also the SP murder trial ended up having two posters from CTV being subpoened by the pros for some pictures they took during trial of the Peterson home (when they traveled from Ariz to Calif to attend a few days of the trial). The judge and pros and def met in judges chambers and the def agreed to stand-down with objections of a certain item (cement), thus making the posters testimony unnecessary and the pros won on the issue. (which aided the pros, btw).
But we do enjoy the 'personal touch' given by friends and family and hope you all stick around. We realize you can't tell us EVERYTHING you MAY know and that's ok. We're all just arm-chair sleuths trying to figure it out. Often times your 'personal insight' helps us to figure out if we're on the right track or not.
JMHO
fran