Jennifer Chase's Blog, page 83

Award Winning Author and Criminologist Jennifer Chase Has A New Column

That is right, Out & About Magazine - In the Valley & on the Coast - The South Bay's Premiere Entertainment Guide

New Column Starting This Month (March)
Book Reviews by Local Award Winning Author and Criminologist Jennifer Chase.

Her first review can be found on Page 30- 31 of this month's magazine. The Magazine can be viewed on line or downloaded to a PDF file.

The Magazine can be accessed here:

The Beauty of the Beach

All Photos were taken by Award Winning Author and Criminologist Jennifer Chase

East Coast Rapist Likens Himself to Jekyll and Hyde

A serial rapist who was arrested in New Haven, Connecticut last week has described himself as having a "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" personality when it comes to women. This similarity to an undesirable character in fiction has resulted in charges of first-degree sexual assault, first-degree burglary, and risk of injury to a minor.

Aaron Thomas is now sitting in jail in lieu of paying $1.5 million bail after an initial appearance in court to stand and face the accusation that he raped at least a dozen women between Virginia and Connecticut between 1997 and 2009. He was brought to justice thanks in part to billboards displaying black-and-white sketches of his face posted along the I-95 corridor—a visual depiction that was possible after one of his victims managed to remove his mask. Following an anonymous tip from a caller in Virginia, U. S. marshals and local police followed Thomas around New Haven and grabbed one of his discarded cigarettes. The DNA he left behind on his trash linked him to the DNA of the attacker who had eluded authorities for years.

Even though the attacks were usually done outdoors, Thomas managed to avoid capture for more than a decade. Thomas himself seemed surprised by his criminal longevity, as he asked what took authorities so long once they arrived to arrest him.

In addition to spending time in prison while he waits for the next step in the judicial proceedings, Thomas has been ordered to visit a psychiatrist. This requirement came as a result of Thomas' unsuccessful attempt to hang himself with articles of his own clothing shortly after his arrest. Once again, the expertise of forensic psychologists is certain to prove critical as the case against Aaron Thomas continues to mount. If convicted of the charges brought against him, Thomas will spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Cold Cases Part 3 with Cubanarama, Gumersindo Vidot, Gale St. John, Jennifer Chase, Gary Peterson

When: Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Time: 8:00 PM CST
To hear the show tonight click here!

The idea for the Cold Cases Radio Show was born after a heart to heart conversation I had with my daughter about missing children, women and men. I mentioned Jodi Huisentruit during the conversation and that evening Jodi's picture was engraved in my mind, it was like a song that played over and over and over. I called PI Gumersindo Vidot and told him I had an idea for a missing person's show and I wanted him to be a part of it. Gumersindo put together a team of experts I could have only dreamed of, Award Winning Author and Criminologist Jennifer Chase. Most known for her work in missing person cases Psychic & Medium Gale St. John. Death Scene Investigator for the Minnesota Regional Medical Examiners Office and Co Investigator from FindJodi.com Gary Peterson.

High Tech Alert: Twitter Helps Law Enforcement

The Modesto Police Department in California has stepped up into the evolving age of technology. They have implemented the social network Twitter for updates on major investigations, traffic accidents, and news releases about investigations. There are over 3,400 followers who receive these updates.

Twitter is another tool used to find out what's going on in your city. The police scanner was used to find out where sirens were heading and why there were so many patrol cars parked at a specific location. Now, Twitter can update followers on many handheld devices instantly and discreetly.

As with any form of technology, there are good points and some bad ones. As with anything new, there are some kinks to work out.

Pros:

· Warns neighborhoods of suspects at large and to stay inside.

· Let's motorists know to steer clear of major accident areas.

· Helps with child abduction and missing person cases. Keeps everyone informed – both law enforcement and the public.

· Contributes to more eyes on the street.

· Tool to help get the message out to large amount of people quickly.

· Can send out information immediately and with little effort.

· It's like an Online Neighborhood Watch.

Cons:

· Some details could put officers at risk, especially during a manhunt.

· Can hamper police work due to rapidly changing incidents or unverified information.

· Due to such quick information being distributed, there isn't a procedure to check facts first before posting.

· It's raw information, and may not be what has actually occurred.



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

What Makes a Powerful Character

There are so many wonderful aspects to being a writer. It's a career for which I have a true passion and I feel so fortunate to share my labors of love with readers. From developing the storyline to creating a heightened sense of psychological tension that is always critical in my books to determining how much detail should be explicit versus left to the imagination, the entire process is amazing.

In addition to the components listed above, I also enjoy developing the characters that readers get to know through my pages. I spend a lot of time thinking about every person who plays a role in my novels. What are their fears? What drives them? What kind of relationships do they have? Is their physical presence intimidating, disturbing, captivating, etc.? I want the men and women in my novels to be three-dimensional and believable. When readers can relate to the characters, I think that makes the events that unfold even more thrilling and sometimes terrifying.

If you are reading this blog, you are likely a fan of thriller novels and/or crime dramas. So, I want your opinion on what makes a powerful character in the books we all love. What are some elements of your "ideal" villain? Does he live an isolated life, or is he charming and surrounded by women who adore him? Does she wear a power business suit by day and kill by night or is she the nanny who takes care of thee little children?

What about the person who is committed to solving the crimes?" Is your detective suave or bumbling, troubled by personal demons or dedicated to the ideals of fairness and justice, experienced and decorated or a rookie from whom no one expects great things?

Maybe there is a character in a novel you've read that stands out to you for some reason. Who is it and why? Or, if you haven't read a book that houses the criminal that sends shivers up your spine, create him or her for us now!

If you have not read my three novels— Compulsion , Dead Game , and Silent Partner —I hope you will do so and then let me know what you think of the characters I've created.

Sarge is in Charge for the Day

Hi everyone, I am Sarge, and my mom is Award Winning Author and Criminologist Jennifer Chase. Mom is holding a "How to Write a Screenplay" Workshop today and will be busy all day.

If you have questions for my mom, just leave her an email and she will get back to you, of course after I get my walk on the beach.

Oh Yes, I forgot to tell you, if you are not attending the workshop today, I think more workshops will be coming in the future or you can purchase copy her book at Amazon.com

"How to Write A Screenplay" is available in Paperback: ( You can Purchase Here )
"How to Write A Screenplay" is available in Kindle Format ( You can Purchase Here )

Wishing all my friends a Great Day!

Importance of First Officer at the Crime Scene

The first police officer that arrives at a crime scene is the often the driving force behind a successful crime scene investigation. The crime scene locale is where most of the physical evidence associated with the crime is obtained. Evidence is located, documented, and collected.

The MOST important task for the police officer first at a scene is to prevent the destruction or diminished value of potential evidence. This evidence will (hopefully) lead to the apprehension of the criminal responsible for the crime. Police departments should have policies and procedures for their officers.

I can't stress the importance of the first officer at any crime scene. The officer should record the time and enter the crime scene properly. They should quickly assess the overall scene and proceed with extreme caution. The officer's notes should include anything about doors, windows, lights, shades, odors, signs of activity, and anything that quickly depicts the scene.

The most important task for the first officer on the scene is to protect the integrity at the scene. That means ANYONE not directly related to the investigation should not be allowed to enter the area. Ever. The perimeter should be cordoned off with crime scene tape, rope, or barricades. Anyone coming or going should be documented on a list. Evidence should be untouched and left for crime scene technicians or investigators.

While waiting for the investigating team to arrive, the first officer should always:

· Write down names of witnesses and anyone else at the scene.

· Note who was at the scene when the officer arrived.

· Establish the basic facts.

· Keep ALL suspects and witnesses separated.

· Instruct the witnesses not to discuss the events or compare notes.

· Do not discuss the crime scene with witnesses or bystanders.

· Listen – sometimes an officer can pick up subtle clues by being a good listener.

Protect evidence that might be in danger of being destroyed (weather poses a big problem for crime scenes). Sometimes, it's important to expand the crime scene area as an added precaution.

Final Pizza Bomber Conspirator Sentenced

One of the most mysterious and bizarre crimes in recent history closed another chapter when Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong was sentenced to life in prison for her role in what became known as the "pizza bomber" robbery and murder.

Many of you will remember this case, which earned fascination in the media for weeks. Pizza deliveryman Brian Wells held up a bank in Erie, Pennsylvania with a live bomb strapped around his neck. He told the teller that three people he did not know had forced him to complete the robbery and several other tasks before the bomb detonated. Prosecutors contend that Wells was a willing accomplice in the robbery and had helped in the planning with his three co-conspirators, but did not realize that the bomb he would wear was going to be real until the day of the crime arrived. Despite his protests, he was forced at gunpoint to have the bomb put on him.

Wells died when the bomb detonated as he sat in a car following the robbery. So, the exact nature of his involvement can only be determined through assumptions and the testimonies of the others who planned the robbery.

Ms. Diehl-Armstrong was convicted of conspiracy to commit armed bank robbery, armed bank robbery in which death resulted, and use of a destructive device in furtherance of a crime of violence. Kenneth Barnes, another member of the group, was sentenced to 45 years in prison three years ago. And, the final co-conspirator died of a drug overdose shortly after the robbery.
The sentencing of Diehl-Armstrong is coming so much later than that of Barnes because, in part, she was deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial and had been undergoing treatment at a federal facility.

There is plenty for forensic psychologists to study with this case, from the terrifying use of a live bomb on a man who is supposedly a friend to the elaborate story developed to explain the bomb to the fact that the robbery was planned in order to get enough money to pay someone to kill Diehl-Armstrong's father.

Do you recall how confusing and unsettling this case was when it first made the news?

Author Appearance & Book Signing By Award Winning Author and Criminologist Jennifer Chase

" Silent Partner " - Jennifer Chase, Author Event
Presented by Gilroy Arts Alliance at Gilroy Center for the Arts




Author Appearance & Book Signing
Gilroy Center for the Arts
7341 Monterey Street
Gilroy, CA 95020
When: Saturday, March 19th, 2011
Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

For further Information Click Here


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 . Jennifer holds a bachelor degree in police forensics and a master's degree in criminology. In addition, she holds certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling. Jennifer will read some from her new book, Silent Partner , and answer questions.