Please pray for our city
 

A lot has happened for us in the past couple of months and in the last ten years. There have been three murders of young women in our area, two of which occured just minutes from our university. It appears that these three were commited by the same man (through DNA). However, the police have not said if another murder that happened recently is connected. Our city is on alert, as it should be. Once the police released info. that this was a serial killer, newspapers and news shows started airing old video of their coverage on other unsolved murders of women in our area that have occured over the last ten years. The news was shocking. Around thirty unsolved murders of women in the last ten years!! I know it seems strange that this could go relatively unnoticed by the public, but I honestly never thought a serial killer could be responsible. Of course the police wouldn't comment on if all were related until they know for sure, but it appears that more must be related other than the three. For most of the murders, there was no forced entry, so please, lock your doors, even in the daytime as many of these occured in the daytime. Don't open the door for anyone!!! Be cautious when you bring your car to the mechanic and things like that, to only leave your car key and not your whole set of keys. The murderer is probably someone that the women do not feel threatened by (clean cut, maybe attractive.) The victims were well educated, business women, so anyone could fall prey to this killer. I'm worried about school starting August 26 and about the thousands of women that will be on campus. I don't want to seem narrow minded and to say that crime never occurs in our city. Believe me, we have had the average amount of rapes or robberies and murders too (usually these murders were related to drugs and things, but no one can remember ever having a serial killer. Please pray for us and for our safety. Thanks!

You all are in my prayers. That must be scary to think about all the possibilities and past occurances that have happened there. Please be safe......




__________________
CW

Thetalove, you know I'm worred sick! h2oot sent me one of the more recent articles and I've been following the Advocate Online since.

Iwrote FOX about it because I thought a little more coveage would help, but they had a profile that said he probably LOVES the attention. Gretta coverd it last night, but nothing new was mentioned. The papers across the country are starting to pick it up. The profile they have drawn so far indicates the man could be in the 45 year old range and they think he may be considered short. His attacks are showing an increase in violence and confidence-like he is taunting investigators by becoming more and more bold. Hence the dead, nude woman in the truck.

They also believe he is the type to brag to men, yet be polite and "protective" towards women as a ruse. He is believed to stalk as well as seize the opportunity. They do not believe he lives in the area of the murders, but knows the area well.
I PRAY everyday for the safety of my daughter her friends and all
those who may somehow cross his path.

it would help if the rest of us knew what city you are in!?

LSU
 

I'm assuming this is LSU?!

One of the murdered women was Charlotte Murray Pace, a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. She had just moved there for grad school -- been there for 2 days -- when she was found dead.

Yeah she is talking about Baton Rouge and LSU. I'm also an LSU student and I share the sentiments of thetalove. I no longer feel safe on campus or near campus. LSU is in South Baton Rouge. I would consider South Baton Rouge to have some of the nicer homes in Baton Rouge and it's just very scary to think that this is happening literally in my own backyard. I moved about 3 blocks from where Charlotte Murray Pace was murdered about a week after it happened. I cried and cried the night before I moved because I was scared that something might happen to either myself, a sister, or friend. I just pray that they will soon find this person and bring him to justice. Not only do I ask that you pray for the citizens of Baton Rouge and the students of LSU...please keep the women murdered by this man and their families in your prayers as well as the Baton Rouge police.

Allison

Thanks so much for all of your prayers. I had no idea that Charlotte Pace was a KD. That is horrible. I know that doesn't change the fact that she was murdered, but it hits close to home because the more you know about someone, the more you can identify with them. It's not just a face anymore, it could have been someone you or I knew. I know that the Baton Rouge police asked us to remove sorority stickers/plates from our cars, but I didn't really understand why. I thought that it was a result of the unsolved death of Christine Moore who was a Delta Sigma Theta.
Update: As most of you know, the BR Police have set up a tip line and so far they have received over 950 tips on the white truck alone- that was seen with a woman slumped over, the cops believe that it was the body of Pam Kinamore who was later found murdered by this serial killer. Hopefully, one of the tips will lead us to the killer. Also, I don't remember exactly when this occured but it was a couple of weeks ago, a woman was driving on the interstate and was pulled over by a man with flashing lights and a badge, who told her to get in his truck. He drove her to a truck stop and raped her. They showed a sketch of the man on the news tonight. He was also driving a white truck so they are comparing the DNA. I don't remember if I read this but I thought the reports said that he was driving a dodge truck. Has anyone read this? I'm guessing they are unsure or maybe it is a Chevrolet (like the murderers) or else they wouldn't suspect it was related.

So I'm a dork and I look everything up.

I can't find any info about this though. Can anyone give me a link to a news article or anything?

I feel for all of those in Baton Rouge and you will be in my prayers. To be honest I no longer feel safe anywhere anymore. I guess the key is to not live in fear but to be very aware of your surroundings and live smart. I never thought of the car key thing before but from now on I will only give my car key to any attendant even if I am valet parking, no house keys. Such good advice-spread the word to everyone you know.

Reminds me of that saying......

"Trust in God,
but lock your car.

Okay, I tried to do a link to the most recent article, but I'm kind of dumb on the computer so it didn't work. Maybe someone else knows how to do it. For now you can just go to www.theadvocate.com. (BR's newspaper). I searched for the name of one of the most recent victims (Pam Kinamore) and a ton of articles came up. The one that will fill you in on the latest says "DNA links three cases." The truck that I spoke of earlier (the rapist's) was infact a white chevy about the same year as the killers (96 or 97). So maybe it is the same person, which would be good because there is a sketch of the rapist. However, I believe that the rape occured in the Slidell area about 1 hr from Baton Rouge. I'll let ya'll know when I hear about the official DNA results.
This is kind of odd, but a friend of mine told me to always carry a magazine with me because no one will realize it is a weapon. You could roll it up and hit an attacker in the throat or in the temple. I don't know, I think I'll stick with my mace. Another thing, it kills me when I see women who not only jog alone but wear headphones! How are they supposed to hear someone coming up behind them?

I heard the rape occured at the Louisiana/Mississippi state line, just outside of Slidell.

Thetalove I feel the same way. It kills me to see the women out there by themselves at the Lakes or on the path on Brightside jogging by themselves. I hear that the number of women who work out at the rec has doubled since all of this happened. Just be careful from now on. Make sure that you and your sisters aren't out walking around campus or Tigerland or ANYWHERE by yourselves anymore. Take a small army with you to take out anybody sketchy!!!! :) Plus there are tons of self defense courses being offered for free now. It's a good sisterhood event. I'm gonna try to get my sisters to take one with me.

Now here's my beef with this entire situation:

Did you hear how the police chief told that town meeting after Pace's murder that if his daughter was living in Tigerland he would make her move home? That comment made me so mad because it wouldn't be such a scary area if they would actually patrol instead of sit there and ogle the girls that go into the clubs. Then our freakin' university goes and drops $65,000 on a new athletic logo (that we don't need) instead of investing that money on more security around campus. You just gotta wonder sometimes!!! :)

Last night, FOX's "On the Record..." Gretta's show, dedicated close to the entire hour on the B.R. murders. First they reported the facts then a mother spoke and it was followed by interviews with the police ad a B.R. Advocate Reporter. They are going to meet daily with the media starting (they hope) Monday.

In our local paper, they actually had Gov. Foster saying get mace-get a gun and learn how to use it, get a baseball bat anything to protect yourself!:eek:

The criminal pshchologist said they need to reopen those 30+ cases and scour them for links. They felt that many unsolved murders was a disproportionate number for the size ofthe city.
I AGREE!!!

FINALLY the news is across the wires and they think the girl who was abducted and raped (returned alive to her car) could be another victim because it was a similar truck.

This is the Advocate link. Search arcives and type in "serial killer"
http://www.theadvocate.com/
This is a Google link that pulls up the stories.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&i...=Google+Search

Thanks for the info., justamom. Yes Tigergirl, I was always careful, (carrying mace, not walking alone) but now I am extrememly careful! A friend of mine signed up for TaeKwan Doe (spelled wrong) classes and I thought that was a great idea. I did think that police chief should not have made a comment like that because I feel that it was a relatively safe area. Yes, two high profile murders have occured around LSU but one also occured in an otherwise quiet neighborhood, about 15 min or more from there (Kinamore) I am also concerned with the number of women who are choosing to buy guns. Most guns stores were sold out. I am doubtful that in the event of an emergency the women would have time to get their guns. I am also fearful of children finding these guns, or women being so afraid that they shoot someone who was harmless. About ten years ago I guess, a foreign exchange student went to the wrong house looking for a costume party and a lady opened the door and then quickly shut it. She told her husband to get a gun and he did. He told the boy to freeze and I guess the boy didn't understand because the husband shot him.

Tigergirl- Do you remember in 1999 a Theta, Kassie Federer was shot in her apartment? This was before I came to LSU but my mom remembers it. This is one of our unsolved murders. I don't remember the description that they gave of the man, but my mom said that it sounded similar to the description of the serial killer. Light skin and hair and thin to medium build. It could be related. However the way of killing is different. Although the police said that the killer is becoming more and more violent.

I was slightly comforted when I went out in Tigerland to see more cops patrolling the area than ever before. I think security also needs to be increased during the daytime as well.

I feel like such a bearer of bad news, I am always posting about sad things.
:(

Just a bit of safety advice: If you are ever driving alone and someone in an umarked car tries to pull you over, DO NOT pull over. Instead, put on your hazards and drive slowly to a populated area. If it is a real cop, he will understand that you don't want to risk putting yourself in danger. I don't know the statistics, but I know that impersonating a police officer is a common ploy for those who prey on women. Also, any woman who does not have a cell phone should really consider getting one in case of emergencies.

It seems like the whole world is going crazy right now, with the murders at LSU, those kidnappings in California, and there was just a double rape here in Philadelphia. :( It's really scary. :(

LOOK WHAT I GOT IN THE MAIL!!!!!
I have deleted my personal info.

CC: gvsreply@aol.com
Sent from the Internet (Details)



i imagine you and other parents are worried as that is only normal (parents
worry no matter where their children go to school since they are now off on
their own..my own parents worried about me)....but i hope by the time your
daughter starts school, the killer will be caught. i also suspect that with
all the national attention on the area, it is now quite safe...they probably
have lots of police on the street etc...thaks for watching...best, greta


THIS WAS MINE-
To: Show -OnTheRecord
Sent: 8/2/2002 6:46 AM
Subject: Serial Killer

I wanted to express my gratitude for your coverage of the recent
slayings in Baton Rouge. My daughter will be attending this fall and
like all parents, we are concerned for her safety. Only AFTER the news
was covered on a national level did our own local paper cover the story.
Perhaps with the eyes and ears of our citizens we can help catch this
murderer. I am glad the suggestion to reopen the old cases and scour
for ANY link was suggested. I agree that we may find some are indeed
tied together.

So Greta emailed you back??? WOW!!! But I honestly haven't seen any more police on the street than before. I was going home one day and this police car sped past me then turned the corner super quick. I figured out that he was sweeping the neighborhood. Only thing that bothered me is that it's kinda hard to stop potential crime at 60 plus mph. And if you do happen to see police out on the streets now...it's more than likely they're campaigning for a pay raise. Can y'all tell I have a beef with the Baton Rouge police? LOL.

I agree with you Allison! I know that now would be the time that I should support the police, but I honestly don't have much faith in them at all. Oh the irony, just a few days after the latest victim was found they were campaigning on the steps of the Capitol with a slogan that said something like, "Crime is down, we need a raise." The reporter covering it sort of laughed and said, "I don't think many people would agree with that." I think that the manager of one of the apartments near LSU said it best when she said, "We are under terrorist attack. Baton Rouge is being attacked and we need to do all we can to protect ourselves." I saw in the Quad how LSU has cut down many bushes to prevent attackers from hiding out. Honestly, I don't think the police will solve these murders, I think it will be a tip from an ordinary person or someone in the victims families that does their own detective work. Also, why in Louisiana does it take FOREVER for DNA results to be in. In Samantha Runnion, the little girl from California, it didn't take them half as long to positively ID her killer. Okay, more tips........ this is really long.......
>The first thing men look for in a potential victim is hairstyle. They are
>most likely to go after a woman with a ponytail, bun, braid, or other
>hairstyle that can easily be grabbed. They are also likely to go after a
>woman with long hair. Women with short hair are not common targets.
>
>The second thing men look for is clothing. They will look for women whose
>clothing is easy to remove quickly. Many of them carry scissors around to
>cut clothing. (like overalls)
>
>They also look for women on their cell phones, searching through their
>purse or doing other activities while walking because they are off guard
>and can be easily overpowered. I also heard they look for women who aren't paying attention at stop lights, I guess they aren't aware of their surroundings.
>
>The time of day men are most likely to attack and rape a woman is in the
>early morning, between 5 and 8:30 a.m.
>
>The number one place women are abducted from/attacked at is grocery store
>parking lots. Number two is office parking lots/garages. Number three is
>public restrooms.
>
>The thing about these men is that they are looking to grab a woman and
>quickly move her to a second location where they don't have to worry about
>getting caught.
>
>Only 2% said they carried weapons because rape carries a 3-5 year sentence
>but rape with a weapon is a 15-20 year sentence.
>
>If you put up any kind of a fight at all, they get discouraged because it
>only takes a minute or two for them to realize that going after you isn't
>worth it because it will be time-consuming.
>
>These men said they would not pick on women who have umbrellas, or other
>similar objects that can be used from a distance, in their hands. Keys are
>not a deterrent because you have to get really close to the attacker to use
>them as a weapon. So, the idea is to convince these guys you're not worth
>it.
>
>Several defense mechanisms he taught us are: If someone is following behind
>you on a street or in a garage or with you in a elevator or stairwell, look
>them in the face and ask them a question, like what time is it , or make
>general small talk, I can't believe it is so cold out here, we're in for a
>bad winter. Now you've seen their face and could identify them in a
>line-up, you lose appeal as a target.
>
>If someone is coming toward you, hold out your hands in fron tof you and
>yell Stop or Stay back! Most of the rapists this man talked to said they'd
>leave a woman alone if she yelled or showed that she would not be afraid to
>fight back. Again, they are looking for an EASY target.
>
>If you carry pepper spray (this instructor was a huge advocate and carries
>it with him wherever he goes,) yelling I HAVE PEPPER SPRAY and holding it
>out will be a deterrent.
>
>If someone grabs you, you can't beat them with strength but you can by
>outsmarting them. If you are grabbed around the waist from behind, pinch
>the attacker either under the arm between the elbow and armpit or in the
>upper inner thight - HARD. One woman in a class this guy taught told him
>she used the underarm pinch on a guy who was trying to date rape her and
>was so upset she broke through the skin and tore out muscle strands - the
>guy needed stitches. Try pinching yourself in those places as hard as you
>can stand it; it hurts.
>
>After the initial hit, always go for the groin. I know from a particularly
>unfortunate experience that if you slap a guy's parts it is extremely
>painful. You might think that you'll anger the guy and make him want to
>hurt you more, but the thing these rapists told our instructor is that they
>want a woman who will not cause a lot of trouble. Start causing trouble,
>and he's out of there.
>
>When the guy puts his hands up to you, grab his first two fingers and bend
>them back as far as possible with as much pressure pushing down on them as
>possible. The instructor did it to me without using much pressure, and I
>ended up on my knees and both knuckles cracked audibly.
>
>Of course the things we always hear still apply. Always be aware of your
>surroundings, take someone with you if you can and if you see any odd
>behavior, don't dismiss it, go with your instincts. You may feel a little
>silly at the time, but you'd feel much worse if the guy really was trouble.

And last, but not least, I think now is the time for the women of BR and everywhere to be rude. That's right, rude, if a man asks you for directions or to use your phone, run--don't walk away. If he is close enough to you to grab you, be careful because when you spin around to get away, he may grab your hair and pull you back. You may feel silly, but at least you'll be alive. Another thing men use is to say they've lost their baby and women sometimes fall for this.
>
>PLEASE READ THEN FORWARD THIS TO ANY WOMAN YOU KNOW, IT'S SIMPLE STUFF THAT
>COULD SAVE HER LIFE

Yeah I don't think many women in Baton Rouge have much faith in them. I think the timing of their campaign is really funny. I don't think they're going to get much support on it unless they start solving some murders. The number of unsolved murders in Baton Rouge is just really unsettling. I agree with you about DNA results. It's a shame that the turnaround on all that stuff isn't faster considering that the state police crime lab is in Baton Rouge. Thanks for posting all of those safety tips. I've given that to my sisters once before but I may just print it out and give it to them again.

I think the thing that bothers me the most about all of the recent murders and even some in the past few years is that none show forced entry. Kassie Federer's murderer didn't force his way in. Neither did the murderer of Gina Wilson Green, Charlotte Murray Pace, or Pam Kinnamore. The murderer had to have been someone the women thought they could trust. Makes you take a second glance at just average people now. I know I'm a little more leery now of the cable guys and electricians and workmen who frequent my apartment complex.

OK...now that this post is forever long...I just wanted to say that I'll be thinking of you and your Theta sisters. I know these murders and the investigations into all of the unsolved murders probably bring up memories of Kassie. I will keep y'all in my thoughts and prayers as all of this continues. Hopefully they will find her killer so that she and her family may have the peace they deserve.

Allison

Hi ladies --

My father's a federal agent, and from growing up with him and attending class after class of self-defence techniques and rape prevention talks, I wanted to help dispell some of the myths:

- There is no evidence to support the idea that an attacker will go after a woman wearing overalls or with a certain (or long) hairstyle. The single best indicator is the way a woman carries herself -- is she aware of her surroundings? Walking confidantly, as if she has somewhere to be? Making eye contact? etc.

- Mace, pepper spray, etc. are often used against the woman. Typically an attacker is stronger than the attackee, and is able to overwhelm the woman and gain control of her "weapon." Best defence: a personal alarm. Increasingly police are finding that women who employ use of a whistle are suffering dental problems after the attacker hits the woman in the mouth (source of the noise.) Pull the cord/push the button on the alarm and throw it in the bushes. An attacker will often seek to silence the alarm initially, giving you time to get away.

- Do not bit an attacker. Two reasons: (1) this is a great way to transmit disease and (2) time and time again has proven to be an instigator like NONE OTHER when dealing with a man who wishes to control his victim.

- Do not let yourself be taken to a "secondary location" -- a car, his apartment, etc. Your chances for survival decrease dramatically. Your chances of getting away, even if he claims to have a weapon, are much greater in public.


An incredible book to read on this subject is The Gift of Fear, by Gavin de Becker.



geek love! stay safe.
~ Jacquelyn.

Thanks Allison for all of your support. Many of the girls that were in Kassie's pledge class graduated either in Dec. or May. However some are returning to LSU for a fifth year. I am a little fuzzy on the details-- I thought that she tried to lock the door behind her and the murderer pushed the door down.

The fact that there was no forced entry bothers me as well. I was thinking about all of the possible ways that these women would have let someone in their home and I reasoned that since Charlotte Pace was living three doors down from Gina Wilson Green at the time of Gina's murder, maybe a man with a badge came to Charlotte's door posing as a detective asking about the recent murder and she let him in. The crime scene was slightly different from the other two, she actually struggled with him. For those of you who don't know, the two women did not know each other. Pam was hit in the back of the head and I believe that Gina was too, and then strangled. Gina Wilson Green could have either trusted him and opened her door, or it was unlocked and he suprised her. I also heard (and this could be rumor as well) that Pam had lost a set of keys at work. And that there were a set of keys left in the back door and her set of keys on the counter. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. This theory would fit if the man who raped the woman was the same as the serial killer because he had a fake police badge. I heard of someone who came to a lady's door and asked her about all the murders. Luckily her husband was home. The couple just didn't feel right about the whole thing and called the police department and they said that no one had been sent out to do anything like that.

I am currently reading this book-excellent points are made and I am learning something with every chapter. I highly recommend it.

You're welcome. I was a first semester freshman when Kassie was murdered. I remember how devastated the Greek community was when that happened. You would probably know better than I about all of the details but from everything I remember there never seemed to be forced entry.

Maybe it's just me but I feel like there are so many leads that the police aren't looking at. But then again...no one really knows what they're doing because they haven't talked to the media about the investigation until now.

Did you see the WAFB 6 pm news today? They showed some girl who would have been a freshman this year packing up her stuff in Baton Rouge and moving home. My roommate and I just thought that was ridiculous. Yes there is a serial killer out there but you can't stay inside and hide until the murders are solved. I feel I'll be safe as long as I stay very aware of my surroundings and I don't walk around campus with my head up my ass. But that's just me.

Okay Allison, it literally took me ten minutes to regain composure from what you said, that was so funny! I'll be away from my computer, but I'll check back with ya'll in a few days. I'm pressed for time now, but you know I have an opinion on the people who were on the news.

I have to agree with you guys. Though I haven't followed the local politics, it does seem UNBELIEVABLE that 37 murders are not solved. I mean, what are they DOING? I understand that some cases just don't have enough evidence to go on, but 37???

I had no idea about the pay raise request...bad timing!
It's odd that we had a similar truck approach a young female driver in the past couple of weeks and as some of the people chiming in have said, we don't know how far this all stretches
up and down the I-10 corridor.

Keep safe girls, and like they say-"Stay alert. Stay alive!"

Thanks for the tips, all. My daughter is getting tired of my constant reminders. I can send this to her!

I hate to bring this back up, but I feel the need to chime in too - been away for a few days.

For lack of a better word, I've been scared crapless about all this going on. Its bad enough that I'm worried about starting law school, getting 2 roomates that I don't know very well, and having my boyfriend 90 min away (in Slidell, near where the rape at the rest stop happened. Its our hometown, the white trash capital of the world. People come there solely to commit crimes and abuse their children *sigh*), but I've got to worry about a serial murderer too? Its becoming overwhelming, almost paralyzing. I read the advocate online every day to see what's going on, the New Orleans news affiliates have something on it almost every day. Pam Kinamore was originally from New Orleans and her death hit close to home.

When I was looking at law schools, I had a VERY good scholarship at Loyola, New Orleans but part of my decision was based on locale. While I love New Orleans, and consider it home, its crime factor is a deterrent. I don't think of this stuff happening in Baton Rouge. Funny, how things change.

I was coming in from Houston today and saw the Whiskey Bay exit where they found Pam's body and I just couldn't help but worry who would be next. There was a murder in Houston that was similar to these crimes and I couldn't help but think "I wouldn't wish this criminal on anyone, but please, go away from our city!"

I just hope they get to the bottom of this soon. If not, I'm gonna need Paxil!

I know I shouldn't think this-Karma and all- but I honestly hope one night when he's stalking, a mosquito bites him and he gets the West Nile or equine encephalitis virus! Save the state some money and rid us of this animal...

LOL, JAM :)

Thank you - I needed to laugh.

How is your daughter taking all this? The Times-Picayune had a huge article about everything today, and the news showed women taking self-defense classes. Its all so scary. One mom put it best "This is just really putting a damper on something that should be exiciting" (her daughter will be a first semester freshman at LSU).


I'm glad this is getting national attention. Every night I pray that this animal will be caught.

Thank you so much for this information, that's what I was going to say. The thing about pepper spray...what if the wind is blowing in the wrong direction? Sounds crazy, but it's not farfetched. Also, I want to add some things I've learned:

1) If you are in danger, or God forbid you are being attacked, DO NOT YELL "RAPE!" or something to the extent of "I'm being attacked!" Yell "FIRE!" Why? People are scared of getting involved in what they feel is a "personal" situation (a rape). A fire threatens everyone in the surrounding area, and they are more likely to come running.

2) If you are approached by someone strange and feel uncomfortable, don't be afraid to decline to talk to him, or tell hime to go away. Better to be thought of as rude than be attacked.

3) I cannot emphasize this enough: Always look as though you know where you're going, even if you don't.

I'm thinking of all of you, stay safe. Safety, especially for children, has become a big issue here in southern CA. Stanton is only 8 miles from where I live, and there's been much worrying by parents. Being alert and informed is your best defense.

Hi everyone, I'm back again. I did see the news about the girl who is packing up and moving back home. I kind of came in half way so I didn't understand if she was still going to LSU and just moving back home- that would be one long drive everyday. I thought that it was unwise for her to change her plans that much because of this, but like the police said- "Do what makes you feel comfortable and safe." Second of all, she was moving back home to Covington- I think. That is about an hour- more or less from Baton Rouge. I don't know anything about serial killers but this one seems like a coward and if he does strike again- I don't think it will be near LSU. Maybe some of you know experts who would know if he would strike in this area to make everyone more enraged or if he would move on.
I know ya'll are probably getting tons of tips to be safe, but I thought I would add some more. I posted on another message board and a man emailed me back. I'm only passing along what he sent me, and I'm unsure about the effectiveness of some of his tips. Here it is.....


There are many forensic scientists watching the investigation in BR very carefully. Yesterday I sent a copy of my book, Catching Serial Killers, to the Chief of Detectives in BR along with a lengthy letter containing some investigative suggestions. It is my understanding that FBI help has been requested and is probably in BR right now. I have offered my help, and I believe many others who have dealt with these kinds of cases have too.

In the meantime, I would suggest that you all take a firearms safety course and arm yourselves, get a cell phone and keep it by your bed. Keep your bedroom door locked. Buy a baby monitor and place the transmitter outside your bedroom door with the monitor near your bed. Put dead bolt locks on your doors. Install and alarm system, or if you cannot afford that, go to Radio Shack and purchase motion detectors for your windows and alarms for your doors. They aren't very expensive. Also I would have security lights w/motion detectors around your houses in dark areas. If you are a dog lover, and have time to spend with it for years to come, I would get a good watch dog like a German Shepherd. I would also have a man's voice on your answering machine ... perhaps your Father or brother could help you there. Just put your last name on the mail box. If you are really scared, it might be advisable for two of you to sleep in the same room ... call it the buddy system. And keep in mind, the murderer is obviously scouting out potential victims before he attacks. He knows that the victim is living by herself and there is no man there to protect her. He is quite probably window peeking. The times they usually do this is when women are getting ready for bed and early in the morning when they are showering, dressing, and getting ready for work. In addition, watch yourself as you are getting out of your car going into your house or apartment. Do not let him slip up behind you and put a knife to your throat or a gun in your back.

Thus far, the only information I am getting on this is what is on TV and in the Lansing Journal. Could you please send me clippings from the local newspaper re: this case? Or at least give me the telephone number and name of the newspaper in BR so I can call them.

My snail mail address is:

Dr. Earl W. Krueger James J.D.,Ph.D.
Int'l. Forensic Svcs., Inc.
P.O.Box 80242
Lansing, MI 48908-0242

I know that you are frightened, but if you do the things I've mentioned above, I think you'll all get through this okay. I hope I have been of some help.

This week my mom and I have been taking a women's self-defense type class. Its been more practical knowlege than hands-on stuff, but this is some of it:

*Don't EVER let them get you somewhere else. Chances are if they've got a gun and are trying to get you in a car, etc, they are just trying to use it to scare you. Call their bluff - try and make them use it in a public area, not in that secluded second crime scene. Chances are that even if they do attack, you'll be surrounded by people and can get help.

*If you have to go somewhere alone at night like the store, try to park with your driver's door facing the store. That puts you in view of more people. Also, don't park out of the view of the doors of the business.

*Remember that potential rapists, killers, etc are looking for someone that's an easy target. A woman that's parked in a secluded spot, that looks distracted, etc will be easy.

*Don't dress/undress in front of windows

*Keep all doors and windows locked at all times - NO EXCEPTIONS

*TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. If it doesn't feel right, if it doesn't look right, more than likely its NOT RIGHT.


Also, if we look at all these cases, Pam Kinamore had a husband, Charlotte Murray Pace had a roomate, and I'm not sure about Gina Green. But 2 of the 3 women did NOT live alone. And since its possible that Kassie Federer's murder is connected, she did not live alone either. None of the homes had forced entry. Girls, DO NOT let ANYONE into your apartment. If anyone comes to my door, claming to be a repairman, I'd get his name, badge number, etc. and then call the company he claims to be from. I still dont' know if I'd let them in w/o a police officer.

I'm planning on keeping the phone numbers of the BR Police/EBR Sherriff's office handy, Cox Cable, Entergy, Bellsouth - anyone who could possibly send personnel out.

I hope this person does not strike again and that the police can catch him.

Stay safe, everyone :)

Juniorgrrl-I like the idea about the phone numbers handy. I also told my daughtere even if it's an OFFICER to get the badge number and call it in.

Theta Love-I really like te baby monitor, the guys voice on the answering machine and only a last name on te mail box. So many little details.

There is some talk going around that they are saying "No sign of forced entry" because the doors had been jimmied PRIOR to the actual attack. Has ANYONE heard this as well??? The implication being that the killer had access to the door maybe as a painter-exterminator-cable guy etc... SURELY they wold have tracked that sort of ting down! I know they did mention impersonating a police officer, this is REALLY a scare!

We never saw the need for guns, but now I'm wondering if it has come to this-needing guns in our homes-what a horrid thought.
I did get her some pepper spray, but it seems so inadequate, like spitting into a hurricane. I thought about the taeser (sp???) but think it woul be easy to turn against the user. :(

There have been some really good tips on this thread. I agree with justamom; ThetaLove's post really covered some little details that you might not think of.
One thing that was touched upon: if you have a roommate, you still might not be safe. The rapes that happened in Philadelphia last week happened to roommates. The guy managed to squeeze through some bars that were over their window (there were only 7 inches between the bars, but he still did it) and he tied both of them up so they couldn't help each other. Sick bastard. :mad: I hope they catch him soon and fry him. :mad:
The thing about getting a dog isn't a bad idea, either. The "center city rapist," who was just convicted of being a serial rapist in Philadelphia and Colorado, said that he wouldn't attack any woman that had a dog.
Please be smart about what you do and stay safe.

Last name on your mailbox? I think it is best to have NO name on your mailbox. I think in some ways having your last name on your mailbox can make you even more of a target.

Speaking of names. Here's a great safety tip my dad brought up that I didn't even think of:
If you own a car make sure you don't have any documents (i.e. schedules, bills, etc) with your name, addres, phone no, etc. sitting on your seat or anywhere else visble. If you work anywhere that requires a name tag, ONLY WEAR IT AT WORK, don't where it to or from work.

Good ones Dionysus!
Here's an update frome the Advocate-Another kidnapping attempt-same type of truck but with a NONcustom black paint job!!!


Woman escapes kidnap try

By STEVEN WARD
sward@theadvocate.com
River parishes bureau
GEISMAR -- While investigators pressed a search for a serial killer in and around Baton Rouge, an 18-year-old Prairieville woman escaped what appeared to be an attempted kidnapping Tuesday in a grocery store parking lot.

Ascension Parish Sheriff Jeff Wiley said a witness sitting in his Federal Express van saw a man walk up to the woman about 5:45 p.m. in the parking lot of LeBlanc's Payless Food Store on La. 42 and grab her.

"It looked like an attempted kidnapping. He grabbed her by the leg and chest, like he wanted to pick her up and hoist her away," Wiley said.

Related Story:
BR officials meet victims' families
Wiley said the witness -- a Federal Express employee who was picking up a package at the Galvez Pharmacy next to the grocery store -- got out of his van and walked toward the suspect and the woman.

The suspect let go of the woman and hopped into a black pickup truck, the sheriff said. Wiley would not release the name of the victim or the witness.

Wiley said the last information he received from his deputies was that the suspect raced away on La. 42 in the pickup and was heading for Livingston Parish.

Wiley said he had all his manpower looking for the black pickup.

"The witness already said that the truck fits the description of the white truck authorities are looking for in the serial killer case except that the truck is black," Wiley said.

Wiley said the suspect driving the black pickup was described by the witness as a white man between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet in height, with a slim build. He was wearing a blue denim welder's cap and sunglasses hanging around his neck.

His hair, dark and curly brown, was collar length and he possibly has a mustache. He was wearing light-colored blue jeans and a blue plaid, flannel long-sleeved shirt. He was also wearing brown work boots.

Wiley said the black truck was a mid-1990s black Chevrolet single-cab truck. The license plate looked damaged. Wiley said the paint job was fair and the rear window was tinted. The bumper looked chrome, according to the witness.

"Obviously we would be foolish not to realize the potential here," Wiley said when he was asked whether he thought the suspect could be the serial killer


http://www.theadvocate.com/stories/0...idnap001.shtml

I don't know if anyone who lives here watched the news yesterday or read the paper this morning, but I just wanted to keep everyone updated on what's been happening. Check out this article at http://www.theadvocate.com/stories/0...idnap001.shtml

justamom, are you reading my mind? lol
We must have posted about the same time.:D

ThetaLove-first, I know recruitment is around the corner and my daughter thinks a lot of your members, so I wanted to wish you good luck!!!

I think you have to be in the middle of it like all of us are to feel what we are feeling. Heck, we had a guy chopping off womens' heads when I lived in Houston. Thank heaven I didn't live alone or I would have been a real mental case.......

I guess we all just need to be updated and let anyone who is lurking know the real deal here. The sad thing is, it's happening in other places as well. The safety tips have a universal appeal and application!

Justamom, thanks so much! I wish your daughter and her sisters luck as well. I know they're gonna do great!

I just wanted to thank everyone for their prayers for the victims families and for all of us who are in some way affected by everything that's been happening. I know it must be prayers because I was so scared before and now I am alert but I have more of a sense of peace. (I know that sounds odd in light of everything.)

Preparing for rush really makes me think of all the young women coming to LSU in just a few weeks. I know that they are fearful. It makes me so angry that they have to worry about a serial killer. Murders are happening everywhere and will continue to happen. It is hard to use the word good to describe any of these tragedies, but I guess in some way, it did heighten women's awareness.