VA - Cullen, 1, Emily Bivens, 24, & Joan Bernard, 62, Pittsylvania, murdered, 26 Aug 2019 *Arrest*

[gitana1]

Quite possible. My younger brother had sudden onset of schizophrenia when he was about 20. It took us a couple of years to figure out what was happening to him.

What were the first signs?

 

[gitana1]

There was no reason to shoot him.
He was an unarmed, naked 18 year old in obvious crisis.

Very likely LE knows the family and handled the situation in a way that would be most compassionate to the surviving family members (Including the mentally ill teen.).

Just out of curiosity, why would you have shot him?

He had just murdered three people and started strangling a random man in a church parking lot. He was on a murderous spree. He was rushing at cops and could have grabbed their weaponry.

People are shot running away from cops, in the back, unarmed, after a simple traffic stop. And for some reason society thinks THAT's okay. But this baby killer needs help and should be allowed to run around choking and chasing people (instead of shot) and instead he should taken to the hospital for treatment instead of incarcerated for life.

We definitely have two systems of justice in this country.

 

[YESorNO]

Matthew Bernard, suspect in Blake Bivens family killings, put on suicide watch (with clip)

August 29, 2019

"The Virginia madman accused of killing his mother, sister and 14-month-old nephew was put on suicide watch ahead of his initial court appearance, which was canceled after he was rushed to the hospital early Thursday for an “undisclosed reason,” according to a report.

Matthew Thomas Bernard — the 18-year-old brother-in-law of Blake Bivens, a pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays’ Double-A affiliate, the Montgomery Biscuits — was scheduled to appear in court for the first time early Thursday, but the hearing was abruptly canceled due to an unknown medical issue, WSET reports....

Cops said Bernard was banging his head against the cage of a police cruiser after being arrested and was released back to the sheriff’s office at 3 a.m. Wednesday following his hospital visit. He has since been placed on suicide watch, Taylor said....

He remains held without bail on three counts of first-degree murder in the Pittsylvania County Jail ahead of what was to have been his initial court appearance Thursday, WSET reports...

Bernard is now scheduled to be arraigned on Sept. 5, the Danville Register & Bee reports."

https://nypost.com/2019/08/29/matth...-bivens-family-killings-put-on-suicide-watch/

 

[gitana1]

This!
There was a press release statement from VA State police. I will try to find it but it did state LE followed protocol. #1 the teen was unarmed so they can’t shoot. (Had they done so we would be discussing why they didn’t use other means when he was clearly unarmed) #2 they stated it was apparent he was having a mental crisis #3 they are taught to keep a good distance from the suspect so that their weapon is not accessible to the suspect.
this teen has no prior criminal record and it has been said he and his family were good people. It’s an extremely tragic situation and it’s JMO but I am speculating he absolutely had no idea what he had done. I believe he is extremely ill and should be treated as such.

He just murdered three people including a baby and rushed at a bystander strangling him. So no. I don't believe we would be questioning why they shot an unarmed man. He was dangerous.

Or maybe we would. We justify shooting other unarmed people in the back as they run from a traffic stop but this known murderer who is still violently attacking people? He's just sick and the cops did the right thing, apparently.

I'd agree if everyone was treated the same way. Instead, some are shot in the back while running away after NOT murdering three people. Some are shot while calmly reaching for ID at a simple traffic stop after being asked to do so. Some are shot while lying on the ground with arms raised up while trying to calm an autistic patient. Some are shot while sitting on a park bench at age 12, shot as the police car comes rolling up and hadn't even stopped.

This guy murders three people and a baby and continues to rampage and we nod our heads at how well the cops handled it.

I don't understand why all those other people are perceived as dangerous enough to shoot dead and this truly dangerous man isn't.

 

[YESorNO]

New details emerge in Virginia triple homicide involving pitcher Blake Bivens' family

Aug 29, 2019

New details emerge in Virginia triple homicide involving pitcher Blake Bivens' family

 

[gitana1]

I agree. I criticize cops all the time for shooting to kill when there was no reason. This time it was impossible he had a weapon and, yes, was clearly off his gourd. I'm also glad they were able to take him down without even more violence. We need MORE police officers like that.

He had his hands which he used to strangle a man and he was rushing at cops who did have weapons, which the man could've grabbed. But he wasn't deemed a threat.

Believe me, we do have plenty of cops who use restraint. But that sometimes depends on what the suspect looks like rather than the level of threat they pose.

But frankly I would actually have had no problem with them shooting this dangerous maniac instead of running around like keystone cops as he strangles someone and chased after them. .

 

[gitana1]

Unfazed by pepper spray and running around naked sounds like he was into either bath salts, PCP, or smoking spice. JMO

He was a good Christian kid heavily involved in church and not one hint he would be doing drugs. His age is right for the onset of psychosis. And bath salts are not at all common despite the hype. PCP is likewise rare. It's not 1979 anymore. Kids today are mostly into pot, "Molly" or opiates and in some circles, meth.

 

[Momof4RN]

He just murdered three people including a baby and rushed at a bystander strangling him. So no. I don't believe we would be questioning why they shot an unarmed man. He was dangerous.

Or maybe we would. We justify shooting other unarmed people in the back as they run from a traffic stop but this known murderer who is still violently attacking people? He's just sick and the cops did the right thing, apparently.

I'd agree if everyone was treated the same way. Instead, some are shot in the back while running away after NOT murdering three people. Some are shot while calmly reaching for ID at a simple traffic stop after being asked to do so. Some are shot while lying on the ground with arms raised up while trying to calm an autistic patient. Some are shot while sitting on a park bench at age 12, shot as the police car comes rolling up and hadn't even stopped.

This guy murders three people and a baby and continues to rampage and we nod our heads at how well the cops handled it.

I don't understand why all those other people are perceived as dangerous enough to shoot dead and this truly dangerous man isn't.

Are you providing professional facts in these posts or are they your personal opinion?

 

[YESorNO]

Just terrible . He's This poor family . the right age for schizophrenia to present, right? Maybe his bad dreams were actually voices .

10 Facts You Should Know About Schizophrenia

 

[Simply Southern]

He had just murdered three people and started strangling a random man in a church parking lot. He was on a murderous spree. He was rushing at cops and could have grabbed their weaponry.

People are shot running away from cops, in the back, unarmed, after a simple traffic stop. And for some reason society thinks THAT's okay. But this baby killer needs help and should be allowed to run around choking and chasing people (instead of shot) and instead he should taken to the hospital for treatment instead of incarcerated for life.

We definitely have two systems of justice in this country.

I do respect your opinion and yes!!!! many cops shoot first and ask questions later.

I grew up about 10 miles from this community.

Its so different in a small farming community when everybody knows everybody. They are use to jumping in and helping their neighbors. Sometimes its getting in crops for a sick farmer, providing shelter due to fires, and sick friends. Nobody ever goes hungry or without, nobody. It's so different from the big city.

Yes, it could appear racial but most communities are mixed. In farming most don't see black or white. The rescue squads, fire depts and most services are ALL volunteers!!! The only paid service is LE and most of them are your neighbors. There is a deep sense of helping each other, even if you don't know them. Cleaning up storm damage, rebuilding houses, providing clothes, scholarships, food is just a part of everyday life. Its taught from birth.

JMHO, no matter the race, I feel that LE would have reacted the same way. LE knew the family, they are well known, for their campground and community service. The lady who checked on and found the family, was of color. She takes care of two mentally ill persons for the state. So LE is aware of mental illness in this community and I praise them for not using excessive force. They had him cornered, he had no gun, they knew he was not in his right mind. Mr. Gualdin was opening the church so LE had bathrooms and a place to work, if needed. Thats always the first thing communities do, open the church, make sandwiches, provide water, and pray. LE was not going to let Mr Gualdin get hurt. Jmo

I realize large city LE are not afforded the ability to know the people of the area they serve and make decisions quickly and with very limited knowledge. This many times results in a negative outcome and loss of life. It makes me so sad.

Jmho

 

[Quill]

I do respect your opinion and yes!!!! many cops shoot first and ask questions later.

I grew up about 10 miles from this community.

Its so different in a small farming community when everybody knows everybody. They are use to jumping in and helping their neighbors. Sometimes its getting in crops for a sick farmer, providing shelter due to fires, and sick friends. Nobody ever goes hungry or without, nobody. It's so different from the big city.

Yes, it could appear racial but most communities are mixed. In farming most don't see black or white. The rescue squads, fire depts and most services are ALL volunteers!!! The only paid service is LE and most of them are your neighbors. There is a deep sense of helping each other, even if you don't know them. Cleaning up storm damage, rebuilding houses, providing clothes, scholarships, food is just a part of everyday life. Its taught from birth.

JMHO, no matter the race, I feel that LE would have reacted the same way. LE knew the family, they are well known, for their campground and community service. The lady who checked on and found the family, was of color. She takes care of two mentally ill persons for the state. So LE is aware of mental illness in this community and I praise them for not using excessive force. They had him cornered, he had no gun, they knew he was not in his right mind. Mr. Gualdin was opening the church so LE had bathrooms and a place to work, if needed. Thats always the first thing communities do, open the church, make sandwiches, provide water, and pray. LE was not going to let Mr Gualdin get hurt. Jmo

I realize large city LE are not afforded the ability to know the people of the area they serve and make decisions quickly and with very limited knowledge. This many times results in a negative outcome and loss of life. It makes me so sad.

Jmho

Thank you for this! I have visited family nearby this community for many years and have family who grew up and still live nearby. Its all that you said and it is sad to me that so many people can no longer relate to what it means to be a member of this kind of community.

When you personally know someone that you are trying to apprehend as in this case, it definitely affects how you handle it, and in my opinion for the better.

 

[Simply Southern]

But frankly I would actually have had no problem with them shooting this dangerous maniac instead of running around like keystone cops as he strangles someone and chased after them. .

If we had more LE like these "keystones cops" , we may save more lives of the mentally ill. So many times I read about LE shooting folks when the family is screaming don't they are MI. Is it due to lack of training, is LE really scared for their life, or in a hurry to get to the next call?

These cops were afforded knowledge of the suspect, lots of open land, had him surrounded, he was clearly buck naked and unarmed. LE was not scare of him. LE walked right up to him and hit him with the baton. LE followed him up the hill to awaiting SWAT, armored vehicles and hundreds of cops. Had they needed SWAT, they were there.

Jmho

 

[Simply Southern]

New details emerge in Virginia triple homicide involving pitcher Blake Bivens' family

Aug 29, 2019

New details emerge in Virginia triple homicide involving pitcher Blake Bivens' family

The first indication that something was amiss at 1949 Keeling Drive came when Matthew Thomas Bernard went to a neighbor’s home and punched the woman in the arm before running off. A few minutes later, she heard gunshots.

The criminal complaint in the case, obtained by WSET in Lynchburg, states that the neighbor drove to Joan Bernard’s home, where Matthew Bernard also lived, after hearing gunshots and found Joan Bernard, 62, lying dead in the driveway. She called 911.

A great example of this community compared to a big city. She didn't call LE, she DROVE over, even after hearing guns shoots. Ms. Jefferson was not afraid, she went to help her neighbor.

 

[Lillymac]

He just murdered three people including a baby and rushed at a bystander strangling him. So no. I don't believe we would be questioning why they shot an unarmed man. He was dangerous.

Or maybe we would. We justify shooting other unarmed people in the back as they run from a traffic stop but this known murderer who is still violently attacking people? He's just sick and the cops did the right thing, apparently.

I'd agree if everyone was treated the same way. Instead, some are shot in the back while running away after NOT murdering three people. Some are shot while calmly reaching for ID at a simple traffic stop after being asked to do so. Some are shot while lying on the ground with arms raised up while trying to calm an autistic patient. Some are shot while sitting on a park bench at age 12, shot as the police car comes rolling up and hadn't even stopped.

This guy murders three people and a baby and continues to rampage and we nod our heads at how well the cops handled it.

I don't understand why all those other people are perceived as dangerous enough to shoot dead and this truly dangerous man isn't.

I don't think the officers knew he had murdered three family members at that point. Only that he was a grown man running thru the streets naked. Police officers are not clairvoyant. Personally I wish they would have shot him. He was sane enough to run and hide...jmo

 

[Lillymac]

Thank you for this! I have visited family nearby this community for many years and have family who grew up and still live nearby. Its all that you said and it is sad to me that so many people can no longer relate to what it means to be a member of this kind of community.

When you personally know someone that you are trying to apprehend as in this case, it definitely affects how you handle it, and in my opinion for the better.

So do you think the officers knew he was nuts?

 

[Simply Southern]

I don't think the officers knew he had murdered three family members at that point. Only that he was a grown man running thru the streets naked. Police officers are not clairvoyant. Personally I wish they would have shot him. He was sane enough to run and hide...jmo

LE knew he had killed his family. A BOLO was immediately issued. They followed protocol. He was not armed, we don't usually shoot unarmed naked people in Virginia. This is very rural farm land, few houses, open fields, and a campground, no real streets to speak of. It's barely a two lane road, unlined and curvey. That would be a law suit for sure. Two or three of LE could have physically taken him out, at any point.

Why would we choose to shoot anyone, when we could capture without harm?

JMHO

 

[Simply Southern]

So do you think the officers knew he was nuts?

The Sheriff stated in presser he knew the family. I feel sure LE knew this was NOT normal for this kid. A very small community everybody knows everybody.

There's been no official determination of mental illness. He was fine the day before. Expressed to his mother he was having weird dreams was the only red flag. One relative has stated MI, but she does not live in the area any longer.

JMHO, I'm thinking brain tumor, head injury or maybe mental illness. He just has a confused look in all the video. Its like he's just does not comprehend or process what is happening. He beat his head on the cage in the police car. He was taken to the local hospital due to head injury and transferred to a Trauma Center in Roanoke and then taken to jail. The next day he was unable to appear in court and has been hospitalized.

Something is definitely wrong either mentally or physically.

JMHO.... I can add the links if I need to....

 

[Lillymac]

The Sheriff stated in presser he knew the family. I feel sure LE knew this was NOT normal for this kid. A very small community everybody knows everybody.

There's been no official determination of mental illness. He was fine the day before. Expressed to his mother he was having weird dreams was the only red flag. One relative has stated MI, but she does not live in the area any longer.

JMHO, I'm thinking brain tumor, head injury or maybe mental illness. He just has a confused look in all the video. Its like he's just does not comprehend or process what is happening. He beat his head on the cage in the police car. He was taken to the local hospital due to head injury and transferred to a Trauma Center in Roanoke and then taken to jail. The next day he was unable to appear in court and has been hospitalized.

Something is definitely wrong either mentally or physically.

JMHO.... I can add the links if I need to....

Thanks. I've read all the reports, seen the video of the chase and PC.

 

[gitana1]

I do respect your opinion and yes!!!! many cops shoot first and ask questions later.

I grew up about 10 miles from this community.

Its so different in a small farming community when everybody knows everybody. They are use to jumping in and helping their neighbors. Sometimes its getting in crops for a sick farmer, providing shelter due to fires, and sick friends. Nobody ever goes hungry or without, nobody. It's so different from the big city.

Yes, it could appear racial but most communities are mixed. In farming most don't see black or white. The rescue squads, fire depts and most services are ALL volunteers!!! The only paid service is LE and most of them are your neighbors. There is a deep sense of helping each other, even if you don't know them. Cleaning up storm damage, rebuilding houses, providing clothes, scholarships, food is just a part of everyday life. Its taught from birth.

JMHO, no matter the race, I feel that LE would have reacted the same way. LE knew the family, they are well known, for their campground and community service. The lady who checked on and found the family, was of color. She takes care of two mentally ill persons for the state. So LE is aware of mental illness in this community and I praise them for not using excessive force. They had him cornered, he had no gun, they knew he was not in his right mind. Mr. Gualdin was opening the church so LE had bathrooms and a place to work, if needed. Thats always the first thing communities do, open the church, make sandwiches, provide water, and pray. LE was not going to let Mr Gualdin get hurt. Jmo

I realize large city LE are not afforded the ability to know the people of the area they serve and make decisions quickly and with very limited knowledge. This many times results in a negative outcome and loss of life. It makes me so sad.

Jmho

Thanks for that. It does make more sense if this is a small town and everyone knows each other. But many of the shootings of unarmed people by LE we hear about aren't in big cities. Although admittedly they aren't in small towns either.

I truly hope that LE in that town would treat everyone the same regardless. But statistics show that nationwide, both in terms of initial encounters with LE, whether a person is arrested, what they're charged with, whether they're found guilty and what they're sentenced to is radically different in general, depending on what group a person belongs to, for the exact same conduct.

I have a problem with that. And I do think this man was as dangerous as can be except if he was carrying a knife or gun, due to what he had done, his state of mind and his continued efforts to attack and harm people including cops.

I'm surprised by how he seems to be given a pass I'm certain others wouldn't be- feeling he should be treated instead of locked up.

I have no problem with him receiving treatment. As long as it's in a locked facility and he can never get out for the rest of his life.

A person like this is a dog gone bad IMO.

 

[gitana1]

If we had more LE like these "keystones cops" , we may save more lives of the mentally ill. So many times I read about LE shooting folks when the family is screaming don't they are MI. Is it due to lack of training, is LE really scared for their life, or in a hurry to get to the next call?

These cops were afforded knowledge of the suspect, lots of open land, had him surrounded, he was clearly buck naked and unarmed. LE was not scare of him. LE walked right up to him and hit him with the baton. LE followed him up the hill to awaiting SWAT, armored vehicles and hundreds of cops. Had they needed SWAT, they were there.

Jmho

Except they should have been afraid of him. He choked a man and it could have been worse. He also chased the cops and could've gotten their weaponry. I feel he needed to be subdued much more quickly than he was. Why don't they carry tasers?