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
