Police say parents are not answering vital questions

[tehcloser]

People in litigation wouldn't need lawyers if the lawyers were there only to follow their instructions. Lawyers counsel on the meaning of the law, the applicability of the law to their situation and the best means of handling the problem. JT's advice is standard for a criminal defense lawyer. He has let these folks cooperate far more than many other defense lawyer would because JT sees that he is also representing them as victims of a crime. It is a difficult position.
We really do not know everything that is going on in the background in what is a very complex case. If it is ever solved, it is going to hold many surprises.
If DB had killed this child, it would have been solved as quickly as the tragic death of Tyler Dash.

If that were only true................Tyler's case being solved so fast was the EXCEPTION, not the RULE.

 

[Cazzie]

I don't think they could face any charges for refusing to talk. Everyone has a right to remain silent, whether they're charged with a crime or not. Even if they're charged and taken to trial, it is their absolute right to take the 5th amendment on the stand and it is not to be held against them.

Imo, if the parents continue to refuse LE's requests for separate interviews and no big breaks in the case emerge, the best chance LE has to hear about goings on in the house in relation to the children (the night of the 3rd and all other nights) will come in civil/family court if Ms. Raim follows through with a custody suit. If Jeremy and/or Debbi refuse to answer questions about that night in the custody suit, it is my understanding that it will be a huge strike against them in retaining custody. The judge needs that information to determine the best interest of the chid. The testimony from the custody suit could then be used by LE in a possible criminal case against the parents. If Jeremy and Debbi take the 5th in civil/family court, Jeremy could end up losing custody of his son to the mother (or to someone else if the mother is deemed unfit), like Terri Horman did. Terri couldn't fight for custody of her daughter because she would have been required to answer questions and defend herself regarding her activities and behavior with the children and at the home, testimony which LE then could have used if they decided to charge her in relation to Kyron's disappearance.

ETA: It might well boil down to Jeremy and Debbi having to decide between answering some of the same questions LE wants answered in civil/family court OR continuing to refuse answering those questions and losing custody of the 8 year old boy.

JMO...

Again, you're reading my mind, but faster than I can think. I agree that this is much like Terri Horman, who apparently has given up all rights to her very precious Baby K in exchange for her continued freedom. And Kyron is still missing. Don't get me started.

I'm left wondering if SeanB and/or his family will fight for the other boy's safety and future.

 

[Cazzie]

BBM.

No, I think the defense attorneys are doing what defense attorneys do: defending their clients using any means possible. I don't like some of the tactics and it makes me mad, but Debbi and Jeremy are their clients, not Lisa. I am saying that it is the parents who are doing an embarassing job in that they are not willing to do whatever it takes on behalf of Lisa; they are instead claiming that it's uncomfortable for them and they have nothing to contribute at this point. LE is busy trying to find Lisa. The defense attorneys are busy spinning, distracting, and defending. The parents are, well, busy doing nothing. JMO, MOO...

Thanks for clarifying...I misunderstood. I'm pretty sure I know "where you stand" and thus it didn't "read right". :blowkiss:

 

[cluciano63]

People in litigation wouldn't need lawyers if the lawyers were there only to follow their instructions. Lawyers counsel on the meaning of the law, the applicability of the law to their situation and the best means of handling the problem. JT's advice is standard for a criminal defense lawyer. He has let these folks cooperate far more than many other defense lawyer would because JT sees that he is also representing them as victims of a crime. It is a difficult position.
We really do not know everything that is going on in the background in what is a very complex case. If it is ever solved, it is going to hold many surprises.
If DB had killed this child, it would have been solved as quickly as the tragic death of Tyler Dash.

Tyler's case was solved, IMO, because he was found...

 

[Minette]

Aargh, this is killing me! I find myself agreeing with people on both sides of the fence! The only good thing about this case is that there is a place with so many smart, informed people with whom to discuss it.

:rose: to my fellow Web Sleuthers!

P.S. I used to work for a cell phone company 10 years ago (anyone remember Nextel?) and I have no idea about the current technology--it changes so quickly!

 

[Cazzie]

In thinking about DB/JI's refusal to meet in person, and separately, with LE (since either 10/4-5 or 10/8, not sure)...I really can't think of anything bigger (i.e. more important) that they could be hiding other than what happened to Lisa. KWIM?

 

[BritsKate]

People in litigation wouldn't need lawyers if the lawyers were there only to follow their instructions. Lawyers counsel on the meaning of the law, the applicability of the law to their situation and the best means of handling the problem. JT's advice is standard for a criminal defense lawyer. He has let these folks cooperate far more than many other defense lawyer would because JT sees that he is also representing them as victims of a crime. It is a difficult position.
We really do not know everything that is going on in the background in what is a very complex case. If it is ever solved, it is going to hold many surprises.
If DB had killed this child, it would have been solved as quickly as the tragic death of Tyler Dash.

BBM
Parental involvement is suspected in the following cases:

• Kyron Horman went missing June 4, 2010.
• Haleigh Cummings went missing February 9, 2009.
• The Schepp twins were last seen by their mother January 28th, 2011. Their father, with whom they were visiting, committed suicide in Italy. The girls, presumed by many to be dead since the father sent a letter stating he killed them, have not been recovered.
• The Skelton boys have been missing since Thanksgiving weekend, 2010.
• Hailey Dunn was reported missing December 27, 2010.
• Lauryn Dickens was reported missing September 15, 2009. She remains missing to this day but her mother has been indicted on first degree murder charges.
• Madeleine McCann disappeared May 3, 2007.
• Baby Gabriel Johnson went missing December 26, 2009. Mother Elizabeth Johnson sent a text message to baby's father claiming to have killed him. Remains have not been recovered and mother, though in jail, has not been charged with murder.
  
  This should be considered a brief list - there are many more whose names presently elude me.

 

[cityslick]

In thinking about DB/JI's refusal to meet in person, and separately, with LE (since either 10/4-5 or 10/8, not sure)...I really can't think of anything bigger (i.e. more important) that they could be hiding other than what happened to Lisa. KWIM?

Lets be honest. There is only one reason LE wants to interview them separately. They want to try to catch them in a lie. They want to use every interrogation technique in the book to see what one knows and doesn't know and see if they add up. The parents know that, the lawyers know that, everyone knows that. And if they truly are innocent, that does nothing to bring their daughter home. If they are guilty, well the answer is obvious why. Either way, I don't blame them for not wanting to go through that. I don't blame their lawyers for telling them it's a bad idea.

 

[jadejazzkayla]

Lets be honest. There is only one reason LE wants to interview them separately. They want to try to catch them in a lie. They want to use every interrogation technique in the book to see what one knows and doesn't know and see if they add up. The parents know that, the lawyers know that, everyone knows that. And if they truly are innocent, that does nothing to bring their daughter home. If they are guilty, well the answer is obvious why. Either way, I don't blame them for not wanting to go through that. I don't blame their lawyers for telling them it's a bad idea.

agreed. imo the police want to talk to the parents in an attempt to garner evidence against them - thus the "separately" stipulation.[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]




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[cluciano63]

There really shouldn't be anything for them to worry about, alone or together, if they are both telling the truth. LE cannot force them to lie and incriminate themselves, especially if they cannot lead them to Lisa. This is all such BS...I hope this case is solved one day, don't have good feelings that it will be, but will leave it to the rest of you. If the parents don't care enough to help, I can't lose sleep over it.

Not to say I don't care about Lisa...but I tend to believe she is beyond further harm now. I do hope she is found one day.

JMO

 

[scmom]

Most people have got that the parents don't have to answer questions if they don't want to. That is the legal issue. The moral issue, central to being a parent, is doing whatever it takes for the good of your child. If the parents are happy that they are doing what is best for them legally, so be it. If this is the path they have chosen, they will have to deal with the unpopularity of choosing the legal over the moral good.

 

[cityslick]

Most people have got that the parents don't have to answer questions if they don't want to. That is the legal issue. The moral issue, central to being a parent, is doing whatever it takes for the good of your child. If the parents are happy that they are doing what is best for them legally, so be it. If this is the path they have chosen, they will have to deal with the unpopularity of choosing the legal over the moral good.

If its proven they are innocent of all this, they are not going to care what people thought of them. Outside of some comments by JT they haven't been whining about their unpopularity. They seem to have support of their family and in he end, that's all that matters.

People are going to think what they want to think. You can't control that.

 

[scmom]

If its proven they are innocent of all this, they are not going to care what people thought of them. Outside of some comments by JT they haven't been whining about their unpopularity. They seem to have support of their family and in he end, that's all that matters.

People are going to think what they want to think. You can't control that.

BBM I agree.

 

[Rosemarie]

Is it possible that the stalemate between JI/DB and KCPD/FBI could drag on forever if BL never turns up alive, there is no confession, and no body is ever found?

OR -- could JI/DB be arrested on a charge of "obstruction of justice" if they continue to ignore LE's request for separate interrogation sessions? I have no idea who/what agency would be able to bring such a charge. . . .possibly the DA?

MOO. TIA.

If I'm remembering correctly, DB can still be arrested for neglect because Lisa 'disappeared' when under her mother's care.

 

[Rosemarie]

If its proven they are innocent of all this, they are not going to care what people thought of them. Outside of some comments by JT they haven't been whining about their unpopularity. They seem to have support of their family and in he end, that's all that matters.

People are going to think what they want to think. You can't control that.

Of course they can do that, they can be like Casey Anthony. :banghead:

 

[Rosemarie]

BBM.

No, I think the defense attorneys are doing what defense attorneys do: defending their clients using any means possible. I don't like some of the tactics and it makes me mad, but Debbi and Jeremy are their clients, not Lisa. I am saying that it is the parents who are doing an embarassing job in that they are not willing to do whatever it takes on behalf of Lisa; they are instead claiming that it's uncomfortable for them and they have nothing to contribute at this point. LE is busy trying to find Lisa. The defense attorneys are busy spinning, distracting, and defending. The parents are, well, busy doing nothing. JMO, MOO...

color by me
I don't think I've seen parents so self consummed.

 

[Rosemarie]

Lets be honest. There is only one reason LE wants to interview them separately. They want to try to catch them in a lie. They want to use every interrogation technique in the book to see what one knows and doesn't know and see if they add up. The parents know that, the lawyers know that, everyone knows that. And if they truly are innocent, that does nothing to bring their daughter home. If they are guilty, well the answer is obvious why. Either way, I don't blame them for not wanting to go through that. I don't blame their lawyers for telling them it's a bad idea.

It doesn't matter why LE needs or wants to interview the parents again.
THEIR BABY IS MISSING. :furious:

Their interest should lie with doing any thing and every thing to find their beautiful missing baby.

 

[Sherbie]

Lets be honest. There is only one reason LE wants to interview them separately. They want to try to catch them in a lie. They want to use every interrogation technique in the book to see what one knows and doesn't know and see if they add up. The parents know that, the lawyers know that, everyone knows that. And if they truly are innocent, that does nothing to bring their daughter home. If they are guilty, well the answer is obvious why. Either way, I don't blame them for not wanting to go through that. I don't blame their lawyers for telling them it's a bad idea.

Although I'm sure they certainly want to check for inconsistencies (that's why LE always separates potential witnesses - it helps get to the truth), I think it's also possible they feel one or the other of the parents may feel like they can speak more freely about certain things without the other present. So, not just to see if their stories match up, but to see if the parents might offer something individually that they wouldn't in the presence of the other.

If its proven they are innocent of all this, they are not going to care what people thought of them. Outside of some comments by JT they haven't been whining about their unpopularity. They seem to have support of their family and in he end, that's all that matters.

People are going to think what they want to think. You can't control that.

I honestly don't know whether they did something or know anything more than they've already told LE. But this "standoff" with LE needs to be put in perspective.

It is the parents whose precious baby is missing and needs to be brought home. They don't "win" anything by being stubborn about the interviews. There is nothing to gain by stonewalling LE (certainly doesn't help convince LE to redirect the investigation), but potentially everything to lose. The parents have the vested interest here - far more than LE ever could - it's their child's life at stake. Being petulant because they're pissed at the way LE has treated them doesn't help Lisa one tiny bit.

I agree with Katshep upthread that JT is giving fairly standard defense attorney advice, but that's all it is - advice intended to protect the legal interests of the parents. He is doing his job. But it's not mandatory the parents follow that advice. In any other situation, it'd be pretty clear cut, but when your own child is the victim, protecting yourself comes a distant second to protecting your child.

If the parents are uninvolved in Lisa's disappearance, how in the world could they possibly know that they have nothing else to offer that might help? Why not give an innocent, helpless baby every chance, do all humanly possible to assist LE in finding her? If innocent (and they may well be), it sure seems mighty selfish to put their interests ahead of the baby's.

I realize that different people react differently in crisis situations; however, it's fairly universal that parents would lay down their lives in a heartbeat for their children. So it's difficult to understand that protecting themselves seems to be the priority.

I can't imagine passing up any opportunity to find my child, no matter how remote the possibility seems. You just never know what memory might be triggered, what we might think unimportant that to LE helps piece something together. In addition, if both are innocent, they may be able to redirect LE's focus by their honest responses to new questions.

I don't expect what we or anyone else think of the parents to influence their decisions, but I do expect them to get back in there and do anything they possibly can to help. This sweet baby deserves at least that much from her parents, regardless the cost to them.

 

[Sherbie]

cityslick, I just want to be sure to say that my frustration isn't directed at you whatsoever, but with the situation itself. As the case has progressed, it's become clear to me that LE does not have tunnel vision. They've investigated so many tips and so many people, and not necessarily openly - we only learn of it (or some of it) weeks after the fact, as Jim Spellman said. They need help from the parents, regardless who the current focus of the investigation may be. :hug:

 

[writer7]

I really wish there were some way we could know how the interrogations go in this particular situation. If LE is asking legitimate questions, or certainly in the case of new questions, I can't see where agreeing to it would be a bad idea.

OTOH, if they just want to repeatedly ask what kind of a mother gets drunk while keeping her children, etc, that would be the sort of question that is not helpful, imho. It can be helpful to LE if the parents are guilty, of course. It doesn't help an innocent parent find their child is why I can see innocent parents getting very frustrated.