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PINNED POST. CLICK HERE: Keeping these 3 videos of officer-involved domestic violence fatalities on top from now on...

Officer-Involved Domestic Fatalities - 1 Officer-Involved Domestic Fatalities - 2 [WA] Tragedy Will Occur If They Don't Have ...

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Monday, June 30, 2014

[WA] Seattle Police Officer was arrested today accused of molestation of ex's daughter



A Seattle Police Officer was arrested today accused of molesting his ex girlfriend's daughter. His name wasn't officially released but the news agencies have it and are sharing it. I'll wait until there's at least some indication of what kind of evidence they have or how solid the case is. I don't think that they'd arrest him without solid evidence, but I'd still rather wait. God bless everyone involved in this.
...He's now facing charges of first degree child molestation and communicating with a minor for immoral purposes. Deputies say the victim in the case was between 7- and 11-years old when the alleged crimes were committed...
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence ipv abuse law enforcement public safety child abuse sex assault washington state politics]

[NY] Always positive, State Police Trooper Kerstin Williams death ruled suicide within a day

New York State Police Trooper Kerstin Williams

Gleaned from the news:

27-year-old New York State Trooper Kerstin Williams was found by boaters shot to death on the bank of Nassau Lake in the Town of Nassau, Rensselaer County last night with her division issued firearm near her body. State Police say they found no sign of foul play and no note, and according to NY State Police Captain Scott Coburn of Troop G, the autopsy conducted today confirmed the cause of Kerstin's death as a suicide. 
..."Trooper Williams always had a positive attitude and was eager to do a good job while on the road," Major Patrick Regan, the Troop F commander, said in a statement...
"My dear friend. I can't believe I am writing in your guest book. I replay every wonderful memory of you in my head. I cherish them greatly. I miss you and love you and will carry our friendship with me always. Be at peace." ~ Angela Blaney

Check for most recent news here
new+york+police+kerstin+williams

I don't know and wouldn't guess what actually happened because people do take their own lives, but Kerstin deserves a longer investigation than one day before ruling her cause of death. We all deserve that and it would seem at LEAST when it's one of their own they'd really want to say something more like 

it appears to be suicide 
but the investigation is ongoing. 

Rest in peace, 
and to the weary please reach out for help.
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence ipv abuse law enforcement public safety lethal fatality fatalities murder state politics Schodack New York service weapon]

[GA] Police Sgt. Haggas and his young wife are both arrested on a domestic charge, out on bond

Columbus Georgia Police Sgt. Craig Haggas and his wife Whitney Compton-Haggas have been arrested and charged with misdemeanor simple battery stemming from domestic violence that happened in May. They are due in court today, Monday June 30th.

Columbus police sergeant arrested, charged with misdemeanor battery
WRBL
Posted: Jun 28, 2014
Updated: Jun 28, 2014
By David Hurst
[Excerpts] ...Mayor Teresa Tomlinson, the city's Director of Public Safety, confirms the arrest comes from a domestic dispute and says Haggas has been placed on administrative leave. Tomlinson referred all other details to Columbus Police Chief Ricky Boren, who declined to comment any further... [Full article here]

[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence ipv abuse law enforcement public safety mutual combat female perp accused georgia murder state politics]

Sunday, June 29, 2014

[CO] Denver officers and wives fighting, pressure to swing, child abuse (Stephanie you deserve better)


Swingers, Denver Police Officer Jeremy Ownbey
and his wife Jamie Ownbey

Gleaned from 3 articles:

Denver Police Officers Jeremy Ownbey and Steve Sloan, along with their wives - partially dressed Jamie Ownbey and fully dressed Stephanie Sloan - had a violent altercation in the home of the Sloans' where alcohol was involved. All but Stephanie were throwing punches. While this was going on between the formerly swapping "swinging" lovers - minus Stephanie ["Steven wanted Stephanie to join, but she refused"], the Ownbeys had left their two "small children" at home without supervision.

Four Aurora police officers responded to the the Sloan's home after Officer Ownbey (and Jamie?) had left, but while APD officers were still there Jeremy Ownbey is said to have returned, appearing and admitting to being drunk. Who is surprised that the Aurora officers did not arrest Officer Ownbey for drunk driving, cite him, or give him a sobriety test? Instead they gave him a ride home. Aurora police spokesman Frank Fania reportedly said that the Aurora officers made a "poor decision" and that he wished the officers could have a do-over because, "It’s not our way of doing business".

He said there is an investigation into why the Aurora officers didn't arrest Officer Ownbey.

It takes an investigation to figure that out?

Injuries are not mentioned in the articles and the danger is downplayed. What injuries occurred when Officer Sloan punched Jamie Ownbey in the face or when he was punched "numerous" times in the head by Jeremy Ownbey? And I can't imagine the police would call it "gun play" if *I* pulled a gun, pointed it, and threatened to shoot someone. What the Aurora spokesman calls a "brawl" was lethal with head punches, forceful falls, drunk (mad) driving, and a gun in the hand of a trained shooter. That's not playing.

How long were the children left alone and just how "small" are they? I'm wondering why the writers of the articles don't ask or say.

Officer Ownbey and Jamie Ownbey are now facing child abuse charges, and respectively trespassing and assault.

Swinger, Denver Police Officer Steve Sloan
whose wife Stephanie refuses to participate


Sources:
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence ipv abuse law enforcement public safety lethal colorado state politics]

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

[FL] Will Plant City Officer Combs "resign" and be rehired - again? [Domestic Battery]

Plant City police Officer Matthew Combs was arrested for domestic violence battery, put on unpaid leave, then he was ALLOWED to resign within 2 days. That sure sounds like there was evidence that an assault occurred. An internal investigation had been "initiated" but that process would have shut down as soon as he resigned - so there will be no finished report of what happened. When he resigned it STOPS the internal investigation because he is no longer an employee. Without a completed report he can actually be hired back or by another department if he can intimidate the victim to not cooperate with the criminal charges or if the good ol' boy system spanks his hands by letting him do an alternate program that will erase the assault from his record.

There is a list of folks on Facebook begging the chief to not accept the resignation because Matthew is a good guy and because he's served the community. Neither of those things has anything to do with the crime of domestic violence. His supporters say he touched her forehead with a finger and that this is a he-said she-said. (I'm doubting both of those scenarios because of the immediate UNpaid leave.) His supporters don't realize how that resignation HELPS "Matt" not be accountable for his criminal actions or how it is actually a part of his becoming rehired at the same department or another one nearby. Too often there is a formula for making domestic charges roll off the back of officers so they can keep their weapon and stay in the profession:
"...Combs was originally hired as a Plant City police officer in September 2002. He resigned in January 2004 and was rehired June 2005..."
~ Source: Plant City police officer resigns in wake of arrest, The Tampa Tribune, By Dave Nicholson, June 16, 2014, Updated: June 18, 2014 at 11:29 am

The chief, city manager, judge, and district attorney are usually there for the officer - meaning NOT-there for the victim. The victim has not been mentioned in any of the articles other than she is his EX and it was Father's Day. We aren't told if she is hurt, afraid, hiding, recanting, safe, getting services, or fearless. IN THESE STORIES she's usually just the backdrop with only room for one "important" person, - the accused officer.

I hope she is okay.

None of these Facebook folks spoke up for the alleged victim or even wondered...



HERE
[teflon repeat hx police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence ipv abuse law enforcement public safety florida state politics]

Friday, June 20, 2014

[MD] Officer Dwight Jones pleads guilty to domestic violence but is not fired - Prince George's County Police

Read on the United States Federal Law banning domestic violence offenders from having firearms - "the Lautenberg Amendment"

Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Domestic Assault, Faces Probe

Bowie Patch
Posted by Deb Belt (Editor)
June 13, 2014 at 04:34 PM

A Prince George's County Police officer faces a departmental investigation after he pleaded guilty to domestic assault and was sentenced to four years probation.

Officer Dwight Jones, 45, of Upper Marlboro, pleaded guilty to second-degree assault in Prince George's County District Court on June 9. He was charged following a Nov. 30, 2013, domestic incident in Upper Marlboro. 

He received a three-year suspended jail sentence, and was placed on probation for four years, according to Maryland online court records. Jones must also pay a $250 fine.

Police Chief Mark Magaw said Friday, "Our officers are held to the highest standard, whether they are on or off duty. Any behavior that betrays the trust of our community will not be tolerated and is not acceptable."

The departmental investigation could lead to termination. Jones' police powers are suspended and he is on administrative duty. 

Jones has been with the department for nine years and is assigned to the Telephone Reporting Unit

http://bowie.patch.com/groups/police-and-fire/p/police-officer-pleads-guilty-to-domestic-assault-faces-probe
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence ipv abuse law enforcement public safety lethal fatality fatalities murder maryland state politics lautenburg gun law]

Thursday, June 19, 2014

[CA] LAPD Officer Figueroa could go to jail for life for brutal wife-attack


...[Los Angeles police officer Jose Robert Figueroa's] wife said in Spanish that Figueroa had tried to strangle her... With a black eye and bruises, she said she was very scared but believed God was with her and that was what saved her... Figueroa choked his wife and threatened to kill her, himself and their young son, the prosecutor said... “The defendant’s conduct on May 18 was vicious... This is one of the more serious and severe strangulation cases that this court will ever see... He has the training and the skill to accomplish what he began on May 18”...  He faces a possible life sentence if convicted on all counts...



LAPD OFFICER TO FACE TRIAL IN ATTEMPTED MURDER OF WIFE
Los Angeles Register
By Jessica Terrell
June 17, 2014
Updated June 18, 2014 1:48 p.m.
[Excerpts] A Los Angeles Police Department officer accused of attacking his estranged wife should stand trial on charges of attempted murder and making criminal threats, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge in Inglewood ruled Tuesday. Jose Robert Figueroa’s estranged wife told police that Figueroa showed up uninvited at her apartment in Inglewood on May 18, choked her until she passed out and tied her hands behind her back... Figueroa also is charged with causing great bodily harm. He faces a possible life sentence if convicted on all counts. [Full article here]

LAST MONTH:

LAPD OFFICER CHOKED ESTRANGED WIFE ‘UNTIL SHE PASSED OUT’: PROSECUTOR
KTLA
By Melissa Pamer and Melissa Pamer
2:24 PM, MAY 22, 2014,
UPDATED AT 11:43AM, MAY 23, 2014
[Excerpts] A Los Angeles Police Department officer [Jose Robert Figueroa] who allegedly choked his estranged wife until she passed out has been charged with premeditated, attempted murder in connection the Inglewood attack, authorities confirmed Thursday... In an interview at the door of her Inglewood home Thursday, his wife said in Spanish that Figueroa had tried to strangle her on Sunday. With a black eye and bruises, she said she was very scared but believed God was with her and that was what saved her. Deputy District Attorney Sam Ahmadpour said Figueroa threatened to kill his estranged wife in her apartment and “choked her until she passed out,” according to a press release issued by the DA’s office Thursday afternoon. “When she awoke, she was tied up,” the release stated... Figueroa was charged with the attempted willful, deliberate and premeditated murder of his wife on May 18, according to a criminal complaint... Under the second count in the criminal complaint, Figueroa was charged under a penal code section that covers injuring a spouse, cohabitant, fiancé, boyfriend, girlfriend or child’s parent. The count stated that Jose Figueroa “willfully inflicted corporal injury resulting in a traumatic condition upon (the victim), who was the mother of the minor’s child,” and referred to “circumstances involving domestic violence.” The third count alleged criminal threats, stating that Figueroa threatened to kill the woman in a manner that was “so unequivocal, unconditional, immediate and specific as to convey to (her) a gravity of purpose and an immediate prospect of execution.”... [Full article here]

LAPD OFFICER THREATENED TO KILL SON, WIFE AND HIMSELF: PROSECUTOR
KTLA
By Melissa Pamer and Melissa Pamer
POSTED 2:09 PM, MAY 23, 2014,
UPDATED AT 02:15PM, MAY 23, 2014
[Excerpts] ...[Los Angeles police officer Jose Robert] Figueroa choked his wife and threatened to kill her, himself and their young son, the prosecutor said... “The defendant’s conduct on May 18 was vicious... This is one of the more serious and severe strangulation cases that this court will ever see.” Figueroa was charged Wednesday with attempted murder, injuring a spouse and making criminal threats in an alleged attack on his wife at her Inglewood apartment on Sunday... The two have a 6-year-old son, she said. The child was present during part of the alleged violence... Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Victor L. Wright said he had been shown photos of the alleged victim that revealed “serious physical harm”... He was placed on paid leave pending the outcome of the investigation, an LAPD commander said. He had turned in his service weapon but was believed to have additional firearms registered to his name... “He has the training and the skill to accomplish what he began on May 18,” Ahmadpour said. Wright said that the seriousness of Figueroa’s alleged conduct and threats necessitated an elevated bail amount of $2.5 million out of concern for the safety of the defendant, his wife and their child... [Full article here]
[terroristic threatening tactical brutal police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence ipv abuse law enforcement public safety lethal fatality fatalities murder california state politics]

[CO] Police Dispatcher Priscilla Samento and ex-officer husband die in his murder-suicide


Canon City Police Dispatcher Priscilla Elaine Jenkins Samento and her husband, Retired Canon City Police Officer Daniel David Samento, have died in his murder-suicide.

Service: 9:00 a.m., Friday, June 20, 2014 at the Canon City High School Gymnasium. Arrangements are under the care of Holt Family Funeral Home. Online condolences at Holt Family Funeral Homes.

...Samento had retired Oct. 28, 2011, after 30 years with Canon City police. Priscilla Samento was a 21-year veteran of the Canon City police dispatch crew... He and Priscilla had been married about 20 years...


CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR DANIEL AND PRISCILLA SAMENTO SET FOR FRIDAY: Husband, wife died in what authorities believe was a murder/suicide
Canon City Daily Record
By Carie Canterbury
06/18/2014
[Excerpts] A Celebration of Life for a husband and wife who were employed by the Cañon City Police Department for a combined 51 years is slated for 9 a.m. Friday at the Cañon City High School gymnasium at 1313 College Ave. Daniel Samento, 56, a retired CCPD officer, and Priscilla Samento, 49, a CCPD dispatcher, were found dead in their home Thursday, both having had sustained fatal gunshot wounds.... It appears as if Mr. Samento shot his wife, Priscilla, and then took his own life... "We are in a deep state of mourning," Schultz said Friday. "These were excellent people, excellent employees, and they served the community here exceptionally well. We are, literally, in a state of shock." [Full article here]

PRISCILLA SAMENTO OBITUARY
The Canon City Daily Record
Published in  on June 18, 2014
[Excerpts] Priscilla Elaine Jenkins Samento. What can be said about Priscilla Samento that nearly everyone she met hasn't already said? Priscilla would take the weight of the world off the shoulders of anyone in need, many times at the expense of her own needs. She could be the most sensitive person you would meet and at the same time had the strength of many... [Full obit at Legacy here]

Daniel David Samento Obituary
The Canon City Daily Record
Published in  on June 18, 2014  [Obituary at Legacy here]

Rocky Mountain Corvette Social club
THREAD: Sad News about Dan and Prisicilla Samento
[Excerpt] "...Dan lead the cruise to the car show... He also was the DJ... and put on the annual car show... He had 3 Corvettes, C5 convertible, C5 Coupe and C6 Z06, all black. He also had a business where he repaired Corvettes with his son... Last Thursday, June 12, Dan evidently shot Prisicilla while she slept and then committed suicide. No one that I know of suspected this was coming. I talked with Dan for quite some time [May 10]... He seemed dispondent, disillusioned, and out of sorts. He told me he recently had sold his C5s, sold his truck, and property where he had just completed his garage and was going to build a new house, and was going to sell his Z06. I had asked [R.N.](Corvette Center) if he knew what was wrong with Dan as I had never seen him this low. [R.N.] did not know. Always cheerful, helpful, and forthcoming, Dan was a good friend to Corvette people and others and will be sorely missed. Patti and I took it very hard when we heard the news, as did all of his friends and RMCSC members. I do not know if we will ever know why this happened, but I will always have fond memories of Dan and Prisicilla and the times we shared at events and at his home in Canon City. RIP Dan and Prisicilla..."

LAST WEEK:



CANON CITY DISPATCHER, RETIRED COP FOUND DEAD; MURDER-SUICIDE SUSPECTED
The Pueblo Chieftan
By Tracy Harmon
June 13, 2014
[Excerpts] Police here are mourning the murder of a dispatcher and the suicide of her retired police officer husband... Canon City Police Department Dispatcher Priscilla Samento...  and (retired police officer) Daniel Samento, 56,” said Canon City police Capt. Jim Cox. “All indications point towards a murder-suicide... I don’t know what caused this — there was no note. Police work is very challenging and I am sure he (Samento) experienced his fair share of difficult situations.” Samento had retired Oct. 28, 2011, after 30 years with Canon City police. Priscilla Samento was a 21-year veteran of the Canon City police dispatch crew... He and Priscilla had been married about 20 years, Cox said. [Full article here]



FORMER POLICE OFFICER KILLS WIFE, THEN HIMSELF
KRDO [w/video]
Jonathan Petramala
POSTED: 11:22 PM MDT Jun 13, 2014
[Excerpts] ...Neighbors say they recently noticed a deterioration of Daniel’s health…both physically and mentally. “We knew something was going on just because his physical health was starting to deteriorate and we were worried but you don’t know what to do unless somebody really asks for help,” said neighbor... [Full article here]


POLICE: FORMER OFFICER SHOOTS WIFE, TAKES HIS OWN LIFE
KKTV
Gina Esposito
Jun 14, 2014
[Excerpts] ...The police department is still reeling from the news that two of their own were involved in an apparent murder-suicide. 11 News reporter Gina Esposito says the officer conducting the news conference Friday was in tears while speaking to the press. Daniel, who retired less than three years ago, was a 30-year veteran of the department, while Priscilla was lauded as an excellent employee for the 21 years she worked as a dispatcher. Three grief stations have been set up by the police department for employees. "These were excellent people, excellent employees. They served the community exceptionally well. We extend our deepest sympathies to their family. We are literally in a state of shock.," Canon City Police Chief Paul Shultz said... Daniel's son, Jesse, said his father was recently diagnosed with schizophrenia and paranoia... At this time, there is no known motive. Anyone who has information to this case is asked to call the Cañon City Police Department at 276-5600 or contact Crime Stoppers. [Full article here]

[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence ipv abuse law enforcement public safety lethal fatality fatalities murder colorado state politics murder suicide funeral]