Jennifer Chase's Blog, page 82

The Attempted Assassination of a President Thirty Years Ago

Monday will mark the thirtieth anniversary of the shooting of President Ronald Reagan by John Hinckley, Jr. The assassination attempt, which took place on March 21, 1981 outside of the Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., will certainly be reviewed in television specials and magazine articles over the next week.

President Reagan suffered a punctured lung during that horrible moment of violence, as well as a bullet that stopped only an inch from his heart. Three other men were shot and wounded, including White House Press Secretary James Brady. His critical head injury resulted in the passage of the Brady Bill a decade later.

Highlighted in these anniversary commemorations will be the shooter himself and the mindset of a man who tried to take the life of a sitting president. Hinckley has claimed that his act was a love offering for the actress Jodie Foster, and he was determined not guilty by reason of insanity in 1982. He continues to live in a psychiatric hospital to this day and has never shown regret for his actions.

Hinckley apparently had been planning his actions for quite a while. He had enrolled in a course at Yale in 1980 in hopes of gaining the attention of Ms. Foster, who was also a student there, and even managed to have a couple of phone conversations with her. That fall, he also stalked President Carter but never found an opportunity to carry out his violent plan.

Assuming you are not too young to remember 1981, do you remember where you were when you heard the news that President Reagan had been shot? Regardless of your political persuasion, there is something frightening and unknown about a threat to the life of the leader of your country. And, what was your reaction when you heard about Hinckley and his motive?

Book Review of "Silent Partner" by Jennifer Chase

Reviewed by Cathy of Kittling: Books

Title: Silent Partner
Author: Jennifer Chase
ISBN: 9780982953600
Publisher: JEC Press, 2010
Paperback, 318 pages
Genre: Thriller
Source: Author

First Line: The rain stopped abruptly on the thirty-sixth consecutive day of torrential downpours.

A prolific serial killer is leaving a bloody trail that will unlock one family's secrets while it tears a police department apart. Jack Davis, a K9 cop, finds himself falling in love with a suspect. Megan O'Connell, an agoraphobic, is the prime suspect in her sister's murder. Psychopath Darrell Brooks is on a mission to drive Megan insane. Everyone is a suspect. Everyone has a secret. If the truth is going to remain buried, someone is going to have to die.

Silent Partner is a fast-paced roller coaster ride with a surprising climax. I really enjoyed reading about crime fighting from the point of view of the police K9 units. It's something that I hope Chase continues in future books.

Chase also shows a talent for characterization. The bad guy, Darrell Brooks, aroused so much disgust in me that I wanted Keno and all his other four-legged buddies on the force to tackle him and chew on him for a long time. Even one of the victims who lasts for only a page or two is drawn with poignancy: "She eyed the stash. Her friend Tiffany was going to be so jealous. Maybe this guy was going to be her Richard Gere from Pretty Woman, she thought hopefully to herself."

As much as I enjoyed the characters and the story, I feel that the book needed more proof-reading and more editing. It's a rare book these days that isn't published with at least one glitch, but Silent Partner had more than its fair share. The tendency towards sentence fragments repeatedly threw me out of the story and interrupted the pace of the narrative. Like this one:

"Darrell emerged from the other end of the alley kicking an empty whiskey bottle as he rounded the corner. Feeling better, relaxed, and wanted to get back to the anonymity of his car."
Or this example:

"Detective Preston sat annoyed at her desk, cluttered with a mountain of paperwork. Eyes sunken, weary from the lack of sleep. Stuck with endless paperwork, glued to her desk without a break in seven hours."

I like the occasional sentence fragment; I use them myself. However, too many can break the flow of reading-- almost like a case of the hiccups.

Regardless of whether these things bother you, too, as a reader, Silent Partner is a fast, action-packed read with a K9 cop, Jack Davis, and his four-legged partner, Keno, at the heart of an engaging story. I will be keeping an eye on author Jennifer Chase.

What Does it Take to Search a Major Case Crime Scene?

Cooperation. Dedication. Experience. Crime scene examination must be done in a careful and methodical manner. A crime scene is three dimensional, it's imperative that it be looked at it from that perspective.

Pay close attention to the located evidence, even use a flashlight at the ground at an oblique level to capture light in a different way. Take an overall look of the scene, and then step-by-step from different angels, making notes and sketches.

BODY
Never move or position the body prior to the investigation. Each investigator should approach the body one at a time, not in a group. This helps to determine if it has been moved, altered, or staged. Take detailed notes of everything. Sketch what you see. Describe the clothing, condition, new or old wounds, defense wounds, position, signs of struggle, evidence, everything, etc.

PHOTOGRPAHS
· Keep a detailed photo log

· Groups of photos should be taken from far, medium, and close range.

· Photograph the scene from a clockwise pattern, make sure that all four corners of the area are the vantage point.

· Photograph around the body and even from the highest perspective of the body. This can show things missed from eye level.

FINGERPRINT EVIDENCE
Fingerprint evidence is the most delicate evidence and should be searched, documented, and collected first. Weather and other environmental factors play an important role.

· Latent, visible, and molded or plastic prints can be found at or around the crime scene area.

· Photograph the prints before lifting them.

· Prints from other sources can also be found at the crime scene, such as wrist, palm, foot, and lip or ear prints. Take special note.

EXPANDING THE SEARCH
Once the body has been removed from the crime scene, investigators should begin to systematically check the remainder of the area, whether it's a house, business, vehicle, roadway, park, etc.

CURIOUS ONLOOKERS AT THE SCENE
· Keep onlookers away from the scene in order to prevent contamination.

· Keep detailed notes of evidence, make sure that outside onlookers didn't leave anything that might be misconstrued as crime scene evidence.

· Keep other officers out of the scene that aren't working the area.

· In large common areas, such as streets and walkways, cordoned off several areas for searches.

· Make sure there is only one way in and out of the crime scene to make sure that it can't be contaminated.


Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist

Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch: www.emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase
Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting

BOOK SIGNING WITH JENNIFER CHASE AT THE GILROY ART ALLIANCE

BOOK SIGNING

" SILENT PARTNER ": JENNIFER CHASE

Jennifer Chase is an award winning author, freelance writer, and criminologist. She has authored three fiction/thriller novels: " Compulsion ", award-winning " Dead Game ", and " Silent Partner ". Chase holds a bachelors degree in police forensics and a masters degree in criminology. In addition, she has certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling. The author will read some from her new book, " Silent Partner ", and answer questions from the public. March 19, 2011- 2pm to 5pm. Free.

Gilroy Arts Alliance
Interim Center for the Arts
7341 Monterey Street
Downtown Gilroy
408.842.6999

Life of a Military Combat Tracker

Photo Taken By Ed Wheeler and his four-legged tracher Sam



I'm amazed by the heroic stories of dogs in the military, even today. The combat tracker teams in Vietnam inspired me to write a prologue in my newest thriller, Silent Partner . The book is about a modern day police K9 officer who tracks down a serial killer. I wanted to begin the book with one of the supporting characters back in Vietnam and the feeling of what it was like for combat trackers.

An "actual" Vietnam combat tracker, Ed Wheeler and his four-legged tracker Sam, who just happens to be a black Labrador retriever, has graciously lent me the photo for this article. This photo was taken just after they landed by helicopter in Vietnam.
Thank you Ed!


Excerpt from Silent Partner :
1969


The rain stopped abruptly on the thirty-sixth consecutive day of torrential downpours. An intense humidity reeked from the undergrowth of the dense, twisted jungle foliage and saturated earth.

Sticky uniforms clung to the bodies of the weary soldiers and it reflected a constant reminder of the unbearable weather. Fond memories of living at home in the United States kept them company on their forward journey.

Each difficult breath compressed heavily inward. Exhalation helped to alleviate some of the anxiety and fatigue.

The men trudged onward.

The U.S. Army Platoon of the 26th Infantry found themselves deep inside the harsh world of Vietnam fighting a war they didn't completely understand. Many of the men, barely eighteen years old, had lived at home with their parents. Drafted from small towns in places like Iowa, Delaware, and Georgia. They hiked with a moderate amount of stealth through the wild, overgrown vegetation.

Carrying his military weapon, poised, and eyeing every possible moving shadow around him that might resemble the enemy, Alec Weaver walked his point position as a combat tracker that assisted the platoon. His nineteenth birthday neared, almost two weeks away.

The soldiers hunted rogue, enemy assassins. It wasn't the choice spot for anyone in the military, but Alec thrived on it. His eyes dropped downward, the strength and skill of his teammate instilled security.

A regal German shepherd dutifully guided the men with his ears perked and alert, head low, with keen canine senses picking up everything around them as he led. A thick tail fell against a lean ninety-five pound body, an unwavering navigation system. The mugginess didn't bother him in the least as it did most of the men. Oblivious to the discomforts of the jungle, he had a job to do and did it well.

Alec's combat tracking squad consisted of five men, including himself as the dog handler.

Butch reigned as the leader and had most of the combat experience in the group. Only two years older, it made a significant difference in battle maneuvers. From a tiny town in Indiana, one that most had never heard of in casual conversation, had unknowingly thrust Butch into the middle of a complicated war.

Tom acted as coverman with a clear-cut expertise in weapons. He never wasted any words, but always had your back.

Brett controlled the intense and essential job of visual tracker. Always the jokester of the group, he gave the entire platoon some much-needed comic relief from time to time.

Terry manned the RTO, radio-telephone operator. The most educated member with three semesters of college under his belt, and yet he was the most conservative of the group. He aspired to become a lawyer and if he survived the war, there's no doubt that he would succeed.

Alec had spent several months training with Max in obedience class and then went on to the combat tracker dog handler course. Hand picked from a list of volunteers, he soon graduated with a sharp set of tracking skills…


Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist

Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/ Crime Watch: www.emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/ Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase
Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting

Two Deputies Killed, Two Others Injured in Virginia

Over the past several months, we have been hearing about the increase in violence enacted against members of law enforcement. While the number of shootings of police officers fell dramatically in 2008 , with numbers reported at their lowest levels in fifty years, such events quickly jumped again with the number of officer deaths rising 37% in 2010 . And, the beginning of this year spurred a discussion about a " war on cops ," with eleven police officers shot in just twenty-four hours in January. Events that took place in southwest Virginia on Monday show that 2011 continues to be a difficult one for police forces around our country.

In Vansant, Virginia, a small town of around 1000 people, two deputies were killed and another two seriously injured while responding to an attempted robbery at a local salvage yard. The suspected shooter, Randy Newberry, shot at the officers from a nearby wooded area. Newberry was shot and killed near the scene of the crime two hours later when he was discovered by officers engaged in the manhunt and drew a pistol instead of complying and showing his hands.

The entire tight-knit community is in mourning for their fallen officers, with a candlelight vigil held the same night at the Buchanan County Courthouse .

My thoughts are with the family and other loved ones of the two slain men and the two officers who were injured. I have worked closely with police officers, both during my educational pursuits and my book research, and I have such respect for the dedication and bravery they show in keeping our communities safe. These men and women are amazing professionals who risk their lives every day, a reality that was proven once again this week.

Cold Cases Part- IV Jodi's Abduction

Upcoming Show: 3/15/2011 8:00 PM (CST)
Show Name: Cold Cases Part- Jodi's abduction IV
Date: 3/15/2011
Time: 8:00 PM (CST)
Length: 2 hrs
Link to the show: HERE

Description:

Co-Host Mr G. www.phillyspyshop.com/ Private Investigator & Author of "YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE" Owner of the Philly Spy Shop. GARY PETERSON- www.findjodi.com/ Death Scene Investigator, Missing Person Consultant. Gary is certified by the Air Force in ground search and rescue techniques and procedures. He is also a Medico/Legal Death Scene Investigator for the Minnesota Regional Medical Examiners Office. He is a former member of Texas EquuSearch assisting in locating missing people worldwide. He has worked on the Cayle Anthony case in Orlando and the disappearance of Stacey Peterson in Chicago. Gary's expertise in conducting searches and following up leads makes him a valuable resource when searching for missing persons and solving cold cases.

JENNIFER CHASE- www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/ is an author, freelance writer, and criminologist. She has authored three thriller novels " Compulsion ", award winning " Dead Game ", and " Silent Partner ". In addition, she currently assists clients in publishing, ghostwriting, book reviews, copyrighting, screenwriting, editing, research, and writer's assistant.

GALE ST.JOHN- www.psychicgalestjohn.com/media.htm Gale St. John is a well-known psychic detective appearing on many shows including on "Larry King Live," "Court TV" and "Discovery." A total four team members and two cadaver dogs known as the Body Hunter Team are in town searching for Caylee Anthony. St. John has been involved in a number of cases including missing persons, murders and serial cases.expand

It's Sarge's 1st Birthday Today!

There was such a loss in the household after my constant companion, black Lab Trucker died from cancer early last year -- it was sudden and well before his time. I didn't want to get another dog or try to replace such an exceptional Labrador. I thought about adopting another breed, such as a German shepherd, but I realized that everything I love about dogs is instilled in the Labrador retriever breed.

Sarge has been a blessing. He's fun, energetic, intelligent, and happy all the time. I couldn't ask for such a wonderful companion. He was a dream to obedience train and has taught me a few things too. Later this year, we will be a K9 tracking team. Sarge's adventures have only just begun.

Here's a brief look at his first year...

First day at his new home.

Summer was a splash with his own kiddie pool.

Hangin with his buddy Cliff.

Showing off at the soccer field.

Surfin at the beach.

Happy Birthday Sarge!

Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist

Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch: www.emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase
Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting

Ohio Man Put to Death with Drug Used for Animal Euthanasia

The world has long struggled with the question of how to handle the men and women who commit the worst crimes against other humans. While the death penalty has been around since the beginning of time, many countries have banned the practice over the course of the past century. The United States still allows for executions, but many questions also continue in our country over when it should be used and the acceptable methods for enacting this ultimate punishment. This past week in Ohio, a convicted murderer became the first to die using a drug that had previously been used for animal euthanasia .

Johnnie Baston, sentenced to death for shooting a Toledo store owner in the head at close range, was given a lethal dose of pentobarbital. It is unusual for an execution to involve only one drug, as it is usually performed with a three-drug cocktail, and Baston's death marks the first time that pentobarbital was the single drug involved. This new method was adopted largely because the company that made the sodium thiopental used in executions was discontinuing production of the drug.

During his final statement right before his execution, Baston remarked that he wished Governor Kasich had respected the rights of the victim's family, who had expressed their opposition to the death penalty. Baston, who was twenty years old at the time the crime was committed, maintained his innocence, admitting that he was present at the murder but that someone else pulled the trigger.

Discussions about the death penalty are rightfully emotional and complicated. What should the justice system do with people who commit murder, brutally rape, or take part in other devastating crimes? From the ongoing court battles and changes in how we exact this final punishment, it is obvious that we are far from answering these questions.

Book Signing with award winning author Jennifer Chase

Out & About Magazine invites you to a Book Signing with Award Winning Author and Criminologist Jennifer Chase - Book- " Silent Partner "

When: Sat Mar 19, 2011
Where: Gilroy Interim Center for the Arts
Time: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Come meet Out & About's newest columnist and award winning author and criminologist, Jennifer Chase. Ask about writing screenplays and just about anything else. Refreshments will be served. Get your copy of her latest book signed while you are there.

For More Information: www.outandaboutmagazine.com
Phone: 408-842-7071

If you cannot attend the signing you can purchase " Silent Partner " at Amazon.com
Paperback - Purchase Here
Kindle Format - Purchase Here