Totally Unshocking Crime Headlines, Vol. 13

"Evangelist arrested in child porn case"

I don't really have anything else to add to this. Perhaps he could call Ted Haggard or Joe Barron for advice?

Totally Unshocking Crime Headlines, Vol. 11

"Fugitive mom 'uncomfortable,' wants out of prison"

I thought this was worthy of an Unshocking Crime Headline not so much because of Ms. LeFevre herself -- whose case we have discussed before -- but because of the notion that incarceration would be "extremely uncomfortable" for someone who had been living a quiet suburban life prior to being locked up:

"There's nowhere she can go to be alone. There's nowhere she can go to get peace," [her defense] attorney said.

Well, duh. She's in prison. That's the whole point!

Totally Unshocking Crime Headlines, Vol. 12

"Husband charged with murdering soldier wife"

It's getting to the point where I wonder why I even bother posting stories like this.

More from ABC News here.

Totally Unshocking Crime Headlines, Vol. 11

"Justice Department favored applicants of a Republican bent, audit says"

What?!?!!!! [*clutches chest, keels over*]

Ahem. From the article:

WASHINGTON — A new audit concludes that rookie attorneys with Republican roots got interviewed for plum Justice Department jobs while their liberal-leaning counterparts got passed over...

Improper use of the screening program peaked in 2006, when politics and ideology disqualified what the audit called a significant number of newly graduated lawyers and summer interns seeking jobs.

The long-awaited report confirms widespread criticism last year that the once fiercely independent Justice Department was victim to political meddling by the Bush administration. The scandal led to the resignation last September of former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.

While I'm on the subject, check out this fascinating Daily Show interview with David Iglesias, one of the U.S. Attorneys fired by the Bush administration:

P.S. The NY Times has a similar article about this report here.

Totally Unshocking Crime Headlines, Vol. 10

"[Nathaniel] Abraham arraigned on drug charges"

A refresher: In 1997, 11-year old Nathaniel Abraham shot and killed 18-year old Ronnie Greene, Jr. Two years later, at the age of 13, Abraham became one of the youngest people ever tried and convicted as an adult in the U.S. -- and the youngest ever in Michigan. Though tried as an adult, Abraham received a juvenile sentence in January 2000: he was incarcerated in a maximum-security juvenile detention facility until his 21st birthday, after which he was released in January of last year.

Naturally, at the time of his trial Abraham gained national (and international) notoriety, propelled in no small part by defense counsel Geoffrey Feiger. (Who can forget the image of an avuncular Feiger leading a cardigan-clad Abraham into court by hand? A stroke of theatrical brilliance if ever I saw one.) However, Abraham caused an equally big media stir last year for the outlandish outfit he wore upon his release, which many observers interpreted as a tasteless (and egomanical) taunt to the public. As if to underscore Abraham's prominence in the public consciousness, he was personally summoned by Oprah Winfrey to a private meeting with Greene's relatives, during which Winfrey convinced Abraham to apologize to the Greene family. Needless to say, this young man was under far more public scrutiny than the average recently-released offender.

However, Abraham also received far more benefits than the average recently-released offender as well -- namely, state-funded rent and college tuition:

[Abraham] is being given free services through a Foster Care Demonstration Project. The pilot program is designed to help Wayne County foster care children who are phased out of the system at age 18 but still need the support of the state....

Under the program, Abraham will be eligible for two years of free rent, full college tuition paid by Michigan Rehabilitation Services through age 25 and food stamps, which he has applied for. He must live in Michigan and attend college in the state to remain eligible in the program.

And yet. And yet. And yet last week he was picked up on drug charges -- specifically, possession with intent to distribute ecstasy:

Undercover officers were working surveillance at about 1 a.m. in the neighborhood where there had been three separate armed robberies recently, when one of them witnessed what appeared to be a drug sale between Abraham and a man on a bicycle.

Abraham, 22, had parked a red 1970 Cadillac convertible in the parking lot of a Sunoco station on North Perry Street just south of Pontiac Northern High School. After the officers witnessed the exchange, they called for additional officers and moved in on Abraham, who was standing behind the vehicle with the trunk open. As the officers approached, they asked to see Abraham’s hand, and he said he was just changing a tire.

“He didn’t see the guys coming up behind him, and he threw away a bag,” said Pontiac police Sgt. Kevin Braddock.

When officers recovered a purple Crown Royal liquor bag, they found inside 254 individual tablets of the street drug ecstasy. Police said the pills typically sell on the street for between $10 and $30 each. Abraham was arrested without incident, and the vehicle, which did have a flat, was impounded.

Since his release, the Michigan Department of Human Services has spent $1,200 on Abraham – money that helped him set up an apartment and paid his rent, said DHS spokeswoman Maureen Sorbet.

And really, how many people expected any other outcome? Though his mentors and supporters are "shocked and devastated" that Abraham failed to make good on his promise to stay clean (by -- what else? -- becoming a famous rapper), he exhibited many warning signs of failure:

Looking back on the year, Abraham says he tried college, one semester at Wayne State University last fall, but chose not to reapply to focus on his music. He is also writing stories that he hopes to put into a book.

Abraham has his own apartment in Oakland County and has worked a series of odd jobs, but has not taken any full-time employment.

So, all of this makes his arrest last week a complete and utter non-surprise. The only question is, who is to blame here? Is it Abraham himself, who has made incredibly poor choices even in the face of unparalleled social and economic support? Or the system itself, which treated a troubled boy (who committed a very serious crime, true) as a mature adult and incarcerated him for the bulk of his formative years? Or the news media, whose incessant coverage of his case granted an impressionable youngster instant celebrity status of the worst kind? Most likely the answer is "all of the above" -- not that attributions of blame make this case any less sad.

Totally Unshocking Crime Headlines, Vol. 9

It's been a while since our last Totally Unshocking Crime Headline, so posting a new one seems like a nice way to round out the work week:

"Murder charges await Marine captured in Mexico"

Well, duh.

Regarding the capture of and charges facing U.S. Marine Cpl. Cesar Laurean, the mother of the victim -- 20-year old Lance Cpl. Maria Lauterbach, who had accused Laurean of raping her and who was approximately eight months pregnant at the time of her death -- said, "Of course, I'm a great believer too in the American system of justice, where you have a presumption of innoncence until proven guilty...But in my heart of hearts I do believe he probably is [Maria's killer]."

Totally Unshocking Crime Headlines, Vol. 8

Death of former cop's third wife ruled a homicide

I think it is now safe to assume that Drew Peterson has murdered not one but two of his wives. Of course, as I stated before, should Ms. Peterson suddenly appear healthy, happy, and in the arms of the secret paramour with whom her husband claims she has fled, I will be happy to offer my heartfelt apologies to Drew Peterson. Until then, I hope the DA's office is working around the clock to assemble a rock-solid case that will put this guy behind bars forever.

The CNN article notes that the classification of Kathleen Savio's death as a homicide leaves Stacy Peterson's family "with a feeling of dread". My sincere condolences to the families of both Kathleen Savio and Stacy Peterson. I can't imagine losing a loved one this way.

P.S. Incidentally, the death of Kathleen Savio shares some eerie similarities with another death making headlines lately: that of Julie Jensen, whose husband recently was found guilty of murdering her. Like Savio, Jensen--who died of ethylene glycol (antifreeze) poisioning her husband claimed was self-inflicted--had expressed concern that her husband would kill her. In Savio's case, she reportedly had told her sister, "He's gonna kill me. It's gonna look like an accident." Likewise, Jensen had a similar fear, writing in a letter: "I pray I'm wrong + nothing happens ... but I am suspicious of Mark's suspicious behaviors + fear for my early demise".

Totally Unshocking Crime Headlines, Vol. 7

"U.S. Seeking Execution for 6 in Sept. 11 Case"

Truly, I think this might be the least shocking crime headline yet. Was there any doubt that the U.S. would seek the death penalty against those (allegedly) responsible for the 9-11 attacks?

Totally Unshocking Crime Headlines, Vol. 6

"Woman accuses Pacman of punching woman in club"

'nuff said.

Totally Unshocking Crime Headlines, Vol. 5

"Murdered Marine Had Protection Order"

This is not a surprising headline. We have all been inundated by the media about the story of the missing pregnant marine and the man who allegedly killed her (currently on the loose). The female marine (Maria Lauterbach) had taken out a protection order on the male marine (Cesar Laurean), after she accused him of raping her.

However, the story is not that simple--which is no big surprise to anyone who studies domestic violence. He is married, but was in a relationship with Lauterbach. She accused him of rape and took out a protection order, but it's unclear in what order those events occurred. After the rape was reported, they continued some kind of relationship--when asked why Laurean was not arrested after the claim of rape, authorities replied:

Military officials have said Laurean was not taken into custody after Lauterbach reported the rape allegation because there was information the two carried on "some sort of friendly relationship" after she filed the complaint. (from CNN)

Ugh. Add this to the fact that her own mother called her a "compulsive liar," and you have a huge mess for law enforcement.

Finally, I have one question: In the same story, the local Sheriff stated:

Brown said the military protection order was not shared with civilian law enforcement.

"We had no reason to be on his trail," Brown said of Laurean. "This has nothing to do with the civilian world. Nothing about this had anything to do with the civilian world."

Riiiiight... because domestic violence between two military officers cannot take place off base. Wasn't VAWA designed to overcome this specific problem? Dr. HnK, any thoughts? Perhaps military bases don't count?

(I have now met my blogging obligations for the week. You get what you ask for, Velma.)

Totally Unshocking Crime Headlines, Vol. 4

"FL Sheriff To Review Inmate Transfers After Deputy Killed"

I hope this doesn't sound ageist, but I do not think that it is good policy to have someone the age of 76 driving groups of inmates around the state of Florida. The offenders are likely in their late 30s early 40s, and I am sure that one pistol is not enough of a deterrent if they have their minds set on an escape (particularly if you are already serving time for a life sentence). I know that Florida is strapped for cash, but I think that multiple correctional officers are needed for this type of transfer. Handcuffs are also a good idea. File this in the No Duh book of correctional management (along that with the many incidences of prison riots in which COs forgot to lock doors to other parts of the building). Another example that good management matters.

The Broward County, Fl., Sheriff's office will review its policy of transports as many as four or five inmates at a time, escorted by a lone armed guard, reports the Miami Herald. Yesterday, deputy Paul Rein, 76, transporting bank robbery suspect Michael Mazza alone, died after Mazza, 40, overpowered him and shot him with his own revolver.

''Does it concern me that a guy with a life sentence did this? Yes,'' said Sheriff Al Lamberti. "You learn from every incident. If we have to fix any policy we will.'' The Florida Department of Corrections requires two armed guards anytime an inmate is transported. About 300 to 400 inmates are transported in Broward each day, often to the courthouse and back. Rein was killed while taking Mazza to court for the second day of his trial on charges of holding up a bank. The sheriff admitted he did not know whether Mazza was handcuffed in the van. No handcuffs were found when Mazza was arrested hours later at a pawnshop.

(From the Miami Herald, via Ted Gest.)

FUTURE Totally Unshocking Crime Headline

CNN.com's main page currently features a story about a young woman who a month ago disappeared from the home she shared with her police sergeant husband. It appears that the woman was unhappy in her marriage and wanted a divorce, though her husband contends that she had "mood issues" and that she has run off with another man.

Without telling anyone.

Or taking her two young children.

In completely unrelated news -- nothing more than a coincidence, really -- the man's former wife was discovered dead in her bathtub just three years ago, the victim of a presumed accidental drowning. This woman also had complained about her husband, going so far as to obtain a protection order against him in response to his alleged threats and physical abuse.

Ladies and gentlemen: In a truly historic event, this blog is about to feature the first ever FUTURE Totally Unshocking Crime Headline...coming soon to a media outlet near you!

"Cop Arrested in Wife's Disappearance After Grisly Discovery"

Now, I will be the first to publicly eat humble pie if the wife turns up in Albuquerque holed up with her secret boyfriend. That said, I'd put the over/under for publication of my future unshocking crime headline at two weeks, and I'm taking the under.

Totally Unshocking Crime Headlines, Vol. 3

"Census: More Blacks, Latinos live in cells than in dorms"

Isn't this one of the more enduring criminological findings, referenced in every Intro to CJ class -- that young, Black men (and other men of color) are more likely to end up behind bars than enrolled in college?

The article makes some good observations; namely, that conservatives tend to attribute this finding to deficient family values in minority communities while liberals tend to blame insufficient government programs for communities of color, with "neither side seeing the whole picture." Also, as someone who teaches about the nexus of education, family, work, and crime, I was pleased to see the following discussion:

There are a lot of reasons why black students do not reach college at the same rate as whites, said Amy Stuart Wells, a professor of sociology and education at Columbia University's Teachers College. Black students are more likely to attend segregated schools with high concentrations of poverty, less qualified teachers, lower expectations and a less demanding curriculum, she said. "And they are perceived by society as terrible schools, so it is hard to get accepted into college," Wells said. "Even if you are a high-achieving kid who beats the odds, you are less likely to have access to the kinds of courses that colleges are looking for." [emphasis mine]

As is often the case when examining racial disparities of any variety in the criminal justice system, access to opportunities is crucial.

Totally Unshocking Crime Headlines, Vol. 2

"Drugs behind string of killings, cops say"

Inner-city gun crime is motivated by a feud over drugs? You don't say!

Totally Unshocking Crime Headlines, Vol. 1

"Suspected killer's life full of neglect, violence"

An article in today's Detroit Free Press reveals that the 27-year old man accused of brutally beating to death several Lansing area women grew up in a deplorable home environment. His formative years were marked by parental substance abuse, physical and sexual violence, and shuffling between a series of different caregivers:

A neglect petition filed in court that year paints his father, Jim Henry Macon Jr., as a violent alcoholic who sexually assaulted one of his young stepdaughters in their home. It was unclear from court records whether charges were filed against the father, who could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Predictably, the consequences of his troubled home life manifested early on:

From age 9, Matthew Macon's life was filled with criminal court appearances, foster homes, juvenile detention facilities and camps for incorrigible youth, petty crime -- he often broke into bike shops and stores -- and not-so-petty charges.

It is a tragedy that young people reared in abusive, traumatic home environments grow up to become violent criminals, often responsible for the deaths of others. What may be most disturbing, though, is the ignorant, reactionary response of the masses to these types of news stories, as evidenced by some of the reader comments that accompany the article. A sampling:

Oh boo-hoo-hoo!!! Cry me a freaking river. The poor poor criminal got no love as a child. I guess that absolves him from the horrible crimes he's committed, right? I say feed the guy into a tree-chipper... make mulch out of him. At least he'd be more useful to society than he is now. This feel-sorry for the poor criminal crap does nothing but ENABLE more behavior of this type. Start doing away with trash like him and clean up society.

Of course, the matter is not nearly so simple. Recognizing that violent offenders often grew up in violent homes is not even close to the same thing as enabling violent offending. And I don't think anyone believes that this man -- should he be found guilty -- ought to be absolved of punishment for these abhorrent crimes. But, if over twenty years of unassailable social science research documenting the intergenerational transmission of violence (see, for example, the pioneering work of Cathy Spatz Widom) has not translated into (at the very least) public understanding of this link, then where does that leave researchers? Reader comments like the one excerpted above that equate documenting this man's extremely troubled childhood with engaging in -- and I quote -- "coddle-the-minority-murderer" journalism would be laughable if they weren't sincere. (And if Stephen Colbert hadn't gone the "murder hugger" route first.) And I haven't even gotten to the not-so-thinly veiled racism at work here. Depressing stuff, indeed.