TN - Gail Nowacki Palmgren, 44, Signal Mountain, 30 April 2011 - #6

[Emeralgem]

At this point, I'm convinced we are chasing imaginary rabbits with the mental defect/voluntary disappearance theories. JMO. We've analyzed those ideas repeatedly, and it just seems to me that most of the evidence contradicts both.

If someone did away with her--which is what I believe--I don't really see the point of wasting time going far away for that. There are too many possibilities closer to home. And after all, that leaves more time for covering tracks over the weekend.

I can't get away from suspicion of the Suck Creek Road area, although I understand Suck Creek was already searched. From the beginning, I thought about water as well. There's also the possibility of the Tennessee River or Chickamauga Lake, although not so "convenient." We have the River Walk path that provides so many easy access points to the river. Though not so much for a vehicle.

Agree with you 100% I was looking at a map the other day of the SM area and I agree with you about Suck Creek. It is right there and just screams at you from the map. My very first thought when I heard about this case was water.

I thought water also and Prentice Cooper State Forest covers approximately 27,000 acres so it is quite posiible she is up there on Suck Creek Mtn somewhere...JMHO

 

[confused]

I haven't said that Matt wanted any role...my comments were in response to the posts about what roles the family and friends should be taking.

I think you must have misunderstood my comments. I didn't say that Matt had been pushed into any role. My statement was that immediately, the siblings came into town and started passing out fliers and appearing on the news, and AD immediately starting implying that Matt had done something. During the first days when they were going at this publicity campaign, I would think that Matt was trying to explain to and support the kids, meeting/interviewing/being interrogated by the LE, and yes, meeting with attorneys. Very quickly, many people who had heard of the case had already formed the opinion that Matt had done something.

I don't understand your statements about Matt's attorney pushing him. I don't see where his being fired has anything to do with what we are discussing.

As for putting myself in the situation...I have thought about that at great length. I would hope that even if my family member was seperated or divorcing from the spouse, I would be able to work with them toward the return of my family member. I am sure there is tension there, but for the most part they seem to have the same general approach, stay quiet and see what the LE does/says. It seems to be the "friends" group taking everything to the public, whether it should be or not.

RSBM:

In your opinion confused, what lead role is Matt wanting here?

No one is pushing Matt except his defense attorney...which he chose to hire days after her disappearance, even tho it's ultimately... still his choice in how he handled/handles things....that includes how much he chooses to be in the public eye. Matt was fired for actions he chose to do...not because of anything Gail or her family pushed him into doing.

I understand your side of the situation, but have you put yourself in Gail's families shoes with all the information that has come out and ask yourself what you would do if in that situation? What would you have done differently?

 

[Melodie]

I've tried to "see" where she could have been abducted between her home and the main Taft Hwy. I don't think it would have been too logical really. If she was abducted, it would have been from her driveway or at a meeting spot previously arranged, imo. OTOH, it doesn't make sense that she would voluntarily leave on her own without any funds and still be out there off the grid. Suicide would have to go against everything we have been told or what other's perceived. Could she really have not wanted a divorce and not wanted any other options? Suicide would have been throwing in the towel and hurting her children. Hard for me to fathom. The last speculation would be some outside source on the parameters that we have heard nothing about, but might exist.

I think the conversaton with GP asking Diane to call SMPD was crucial and she prolly did reveal to Di what or who she thought was trying to follow or harm her and Di---for obvious reasons wants to keep it between her and LE.

hollyb, do you think when she left the house after dropping off the kids that she was headed somewhere benign, like the grocery store, or do you think she was headed to meet someone or proceeding at the direction of someone else? I also find the suicide theory unlikely for the reasons you mentioned and the fact that nothing has been found. I believe they would have found her Jeep at the least.

 

[happy409]

To be honest, it's a holiday and I was being lazy with my snipping and bolding. I can agree that we all have our opinions, I can also agree the we have the right to share them and to change them. That is where my agreement stops.

I do think that Gail's family should have the total say concerning handling the publicity. That being said, Gail's immediate family is Matt and the kids. Her siblings take second seat to them, and friends take an even lesser roll. in this instance there are 3 very distinct groups, and my opinion is that the one group who should have the least say is making the biggest noise. many would counter by saying that the other 2 factions are not doing it, but there could be excellent reasons for that. The "friends" group don't appear to be concerned about any reasons for being quiet or holding info back, they only want publicity. Each time I hear AD on the news or CB, the term "15 minutes of fame" always pop to mind. I don't doubt that they both want to do good, but I wonder when I see and hear their comments if they haven't got caught up in the moment.
Most of you know how my feelings on this run, so it shouldn't surprise you. Matt is Gail's closest relative. Legally, I think he has more power and rights than Diane or Kevin. Although most of you disagree, he has not been shown to have done anything wrong, so he ultimately should have the lead role. many will claim that he isn't doing anything, but as we have seen with the LE, our not knowing doesn't mean that nothings happening. Matt didn't have much of a chance to absorb the situation and address it with the kids before D&K were swooping in and AD began with accusations. Once they had appeared on the news, Matt was pushed aside in the public eye and became the suspect.

As for ruffling feathers... If I were in this situation, it would be a little late to be worried about that. Ties have obviously been broken and bridges burned. I think that Gail's siblings don't want the national publicity for some other reason. They have no concern for Matt or his reputation, they know that the family bond has disappeared. They must be withholding something that the national media would discover-either about Gail or about the family.

So now you have my opinion. Thanks for asking.

BBM - I don't see what they can gain from being chastized on TV, by their community, and manipulated to look foolish?? I do disagree with that statement. You have to see that also, they are people that care, and yes there are people out there that do and feel they must keep her name out there. If someone gets a million dollar TV/movie contract, I'll change my opinion. Otherwise, who would want that type of exposure, that can place them in a position to have their past dragged through the mud. Naah, no way! JMHO

 

[happy409]

I thought water also and Prentice Cooper State Forest covers approximately 27,000 acres so it is quite posiible she is up there on Suck Creek Mtn somewhere...JMHO

You made me think that a more logical place would be Sand Mountain, isn't that TH's old stomping grounds? Who knows the area better. It's a huge area and not a great place to be at all, I have heard. :twocents:

 

[happy409]

hollyb, do you think when she left the house after dropping off the kids that she was headed somewhere benign, like the grocery store, or do you think she was headed to meet someone or proceeding at the direction of someone else? I also find the suicide theory unlikely for the reasons you mentioned and the fact that nothing has been found. I believe they would have found her Jeep at the least.

I don't think we can rule out anything at this point. I do think she left the house to meet someone, possibly MP and he may have given her news she didn't want to hear...just speculation. Where she went from there is a mystery, or where she went from the house is a mystery. Unfortunately, I find it hard to believe that GP was galavanting at Big Fork that day, until someone else can come forward (since two more people seem to be involved) and collaborate that story...JMO

 

[Emeralgem]

You made me think that a more logical place would be Sand Mountain, isn't that TH's old stomping grounds? Who knows the area better. It's a huge area and not a great place to be at all, I have heard. :twocents:

BBM...My understanding is you have heard correctly...Do we know IF TH hailed from Sand Mtn originally or was she transplanted there when she got married? JMHO

 

[Pearl*]

Do we know for sure that they have not given positive feedback or that one has and another has not? Just wondering. What to do in that situation?

Think like a politician. Try to appeal to a diverse group of people and persuade them to share your viewpoint. Be confident and vocal yet tactful. Be a leader rather than a dictator.

And if you have an abrasive personality, try to hide it until after you get what you want.

 

[Pearl*]

hollyb, do you think when she left the house after dropping off the kids that she was headed somewhere benign, like the grocery store, or do you think she was headed to meet someone or proceeding at the direction of someone else? I also find the suicide theory unlikely for the reasons you mentioned and the fact that nothing has been found. I believe they would have found her Jeep at the least.

I still think someone took over her vehicle in the garage after the children went inside.

 

[Emeralgem]

I don't think we can rule out anything at this point. I do think she left the house to meet someone, possibly MP and he may have given her news she didn't want to hear...just speculation. Where she went from there is a mystery, or where she went from the house is a mystery. Unfortunately, I find it hard to believe that GP was galavanting at Big Fork that day, until someone else can come forward (since two more people seem to be involved) and collaborate that story...JMO

BBM Dark Red In reference to myself IF those other two people are responsible for whatever happened to Gail, I doubt seriously they are going to come forward... I'm inclined to believe she just may have beenseen on Big Fork and was not there willingly...JMHO

 

[happy409]

BBM...My understanding is you have heard correctly...Do we know IF TH hailed from Sand Mtn originally or was she transplanted there when she got married? JMHO

I don't specifically recall how she got there, married or raised. Either way, she was there and would know the ins and outs. I just recall my first impression when I heard it, was not good. JMHO

 

[fireflylink]

I thought water also and Prentice Cooper State Forest covers approximately 27,000 acres so it is quite posiible she is up there on Suck Creek Mtn somewhere...JMHO

Emeralgem,

Assuming foul play in a variety of scenarios, I would have to agree with you. We had some really bad storms come in this afternoon, power went out, hail, etc. This reminded me of the storms which took place just prior to her disappearance, AND the clean-up efforts which went on for days after. Actually, there are still a lot of areas which still have storm debris waiting for pickup.

FYI, as of yesterday, the area near the power lines and housing near the base of the mountain are still waiting for storm debris pickup (trees and branches only). The general area seems to have returned to normal otherwise, and atv's and kids were out riding the woods and the power line access roads which run from the Walmart area, back to 153.

My pioint is, in this area there were power crews and tree workers crawling all over this area for several days following the storm and tweaking the "quick work" which had been done immediately after the storm just to restore power. Hypothetically, if someone were to participate in one of the foul play scenarios, he/she would NOT want to be out and about in areas where all of these power and tree crews were. Folks were out cleaning up, cutting trees, fixing roofs, etc. Too much of a chance near the "regular" roads or the power lines of being observed. The opposite of that would be, IMO, a more removed and relatively unused area... such as Prentice Cooper.

Also, If I recall correctly, and please other locals chime in, I seem to remember that Suck Creek Rd was cut off and flooded for a period of time following the storm (how long ???). I do know that small sections of Mtn Creek were under water in low spots and impassable early on, but receded within an hour or so after the rains let up. I distinctly remember driving home that day, hearing on the radio that the W and Roberts Mill were no longer an available option, and chose to come home towards the mountain via Hixson/153 and exiting Mtn Creek...only to have to turn around and take 153 further south to Signal Mtn Blvd and head up that way. I seem to recall being concerned that with Suck Creek being flooded, it may extend to Signal Mtn Blvd and I might have to head up and around to Dunlap to get home, and being thankful that it was not winter (no ice).

Not discounting a possible vehicle accident, but if that were the case I would have to think mother nature is keeping that information to herself, and will continue until fall and the greenery recedes. There are just too many areas which cannot be checked (terrain) without the use of SAR/Repelling teams to cut through the folliage and access the various bluffs (on SM, Prentice Cooper and north towards Dunlap).

 

[spurdie]

Hey now, what do you mean Sand Mountain isn't a good place to be? My Family and I have lived up here for years and we love it. Sure there are some questionable areas but everywhere has those. Wasn't there talk of Timsville rd earlier? That is right beside where Gail lived.

Sand Mountain is absolutely huge and encompasses many towns. To say it isn't a good place to be is very myopic. We are way more concerned with our safety when we are in Chattanooga than when we are on the Mtn. Lots of really good country people up here, and people tend to pay a little more attention to what is going on around them.

Long time lurker first time poster btw.

 

[happy409]

Emeralgem,

Assuming foul play in a variety of scenarios, I would have to agree with you. We had some really bad storms come in this afternoon, power went out, hail, etc. This reminded me of the storms which took place just prior to her disappearance, AND the clean-up efforts which went on for days after. Actually, there are still a lot of areas which still have storm debris waiting for pickup.

<snipped for space>

Also, If I recall correctly, and please other locals chime in, I seem to remember that Suck Creek Rd was cut off and flooded for a period of time following the storm (how long ???). I do know that small sections of Mtn Creek were under water in low spots and impassable early on, but receded within an hour or so after the rains let up. I distinctly remember driving home that day, hearing on the radio that the W and Roberts Mill were no longer an available option, and chose to come home towards the mountain via Hixson/153 and exiting Mtn Creek...only to have to turn around and take 153 further south to Signal Mtn Blvd and head up that way. I seem to recall being concerned that with Suck Creek being flooded, it may extend to Signal Mtn Blvd and I might have to head up and around to Dunlap to get home, and being thankful that it was not winter (no ice).

Not discounting a possible vehicle accident, but if that were the case I would have to think mother nature is keeping that information to herself, and will continue until fall and the greenery recedes. There are just too many areas which cannot be checked (terrain) without the use of SAR/Repelling teams to cut through the folliage and access the various bluffs (on SM, Prentice Cooper and north towards Dunlap).

I completely agree, and I have the feeling it is very close as well. So many speculations..... :juggle:

 

[Pearl*]

I am sure there is tension there, but for the most part they seem to have the same general approach, stay quiet and see what the LE does/says. It seems to be the "friends" group taking everything to the public, whether it should be or not.

Confused, I think that's a very interesting point, and I haven't thought of it that way before.

Matt's family and friends naturally think Matt should take the lead, since they believe he is not guilty of having a role in Gail's disappearance.

Gail's brother and sister naturally think they should be in the lead, since they believe Matt caused their sister's disappearance.

Both of those groups is relatively quiet. So on that particular point, they are in agreement.

But we have the friends exercising their freedom of speech in opposition to both. Very odd IMO.

As far as Matt being under scrutiny, however, he has brought some of that on himself by his actions and the circumstances; some of it is on him because of the fact that the spouse is usually the first suspect. I really don't think the public is at fault for thinking it likely that he did something to her.

 

[happy409]

Hey now, what do you mean Sand Mountain isn't a good place to be? My Family and I have lived up here for years and we love it. Sure there are some questionable areas but everywhere has those. Wasn't there talk of Timsville rd earlier? That is right beside where Gail lived.

Sand Mountain is absolutely huge and encompasses many towns. To say it isn't a good place to be is very myopic. We are way more concerned with our safety when we are in Chattanooga than when we are on the Mtn. Lots of really good country people up here, and people tend to pay a little more attention to what is going on around them.

Long time lurker first time poster btw.

I didn't mean ill will, just what I have heard. I appreciate hearing the other side that there are parts that are good, just like in any town. My impression was similiar to timberlinks (small area of the road) or the outer parts that the mountain encompass. I am not from here, so could only base it on what I have heard. eace:

 

[hollyblue]

hollyb, do you think when she left the house after dropping off the kids that she was headed somewhere benign, like the grocery store, or do you think she was headed to meet someone or proceeding at the direction of someone else? I also find the suicide theory unlikely for the reasons you mentioned and the fact that nothing has been found. I believe they would have found her Jeep at the least.

Nope, I don't think she was running any errands. She was head strong---for whatever reason. Someone forcing her under commands, she was in great fear as stated by Diane, or had jumped from that fear into immense anger. JMO, but, if she made it out of the driveway, she might have been going to meet or confront MP elsewhere.....or TH if she thought she knew where she was. There's always that possibility too of the unknown someone---who she may have found out about. Beside TH. Maybe an unknown person following her for some reason. Others have speculated there may have been more going on with GP and/or MP being involved with something or some other entity. JMO

 

[Emeralgem]

Hey now, what do you mean Sand Mountain isn't a good place to be? My Family and I have lived up here for years and we love it. Sure there are some questionable areas but everywhere has those. Wasn't there talk of Timsville rd earlier? That is right beside where Gail lived.

Sand Mountain is absolutely huge and encompasses many towns. To say it isn't a good place to be is very myopic. We are way more concerned with our safety when we are in Chattanooga than when we are on the Mtn. Lots of really good country people up here, and people tend to pay a little more attention to what is going on around them.

Long time lurker first time poster btw.

Welcome spurdie, and please accept my apologies... I full realize "good folk" can be found just about anywhere... And you are wise to feel concerned about your safety while here in Chattanooga..Last I heard we have had eight shootings in the last three days...JMHO

 

[happy409]

Emeralgem,

Assuming foul play in a variety of scenarios, I would have to agree with you. We had some really bad storms come in this afternoon, power went out, hail, etc. This reminded me of the storms which took place just prior to her disappearance, AND the clean-up efforts which went on for days after. Actually, there are still a lot of areas which still have storm debris waiting for pickup.

Also, If I recall correctly, and please other locals chime in, I seem to remember that Suck Creek Rd was cut off and flooded for a period of time following the storm (how long ???). I do know that small sections of Mtn Creek were under water in low spots and impassable early on, but receded within an hour or so after the rains let up. I distinctly remember driving home that day, hearing on the radio that the W and Roberts Mill were no longer an available option, and chose to come home towards the mountain via Hixson/153 and exiting Mtn Creek...only to have to turn around and take 153 further south to Signal Mtn Blvd and head up that way. I seem to recall being concerned that with Suck Creek being flooded, it may extend to Signal Mtn Blvd and I might have to head up and around to Dunlap to get home, and being thankful that it was not winter (no ice).Not discounting a possible vehicle accident, but if that were the case I would have to think mother nature is keeping that information to herself, and will continue until fall and the greenery recedes. There are just too many areas which cannot be checked (terrain) without the use of SAR/Repelling teams to cut through the folliage and access the various bluffs (on SM, Prentice Cooper and north towards Dunlap).

FWIW, as of Saturday, we were mobile, up and down the mountain and it was business as usual. All focus was on the outskirts of Red Bank off Dayton Blvd. I do not think by Friday night and Saturday at noon had anything to do to hinder or assist, IMHO her disappearance.

In addition, the immediate part of suck creek off Signal Mountain Boulevard I heard is the deepest. I do not believe they searched a large enough area as much time that had passed from the day she become missing, but they didn't ask me. :banghead:

 

[Pearl*]

Agree with you 100% I was looking at a map the other day of the SM area and I agree with you about Suck Creek. It is right there and just screams at you from the map. My very first thought when I heard about this case was water.

Another thought that would back up the "close to home" theory is that the longer she was held against her will, the greater the chance for her to somehow escape. I think it more likely that she was incapacitated quickly. And beyond that point, finding an "end point" quickly would minimize concern about being "caught" with her. The more delay, the more variables could have messed up the plan. What if the vehicle broke down with her in the vehicle, for instance? What if it were driven a distance and someone remembered seeing it? And, IIRC, we are somewhat confident there were no stops for gas. Of course, it could just be that it was a cash payment and no one remembers noticing the vehicle, but why would a perp take that chance?