Who Killed Theresa?: 08/01/2007

Friday, August 31, 2007

The Dream Team

What if….you could handpick a dream team to solve Theresa’s case and win a conviction?

Who would you assign to the case? Here are my picks:

Criminalist/Forensic Scientist
Dr. Henry Lee
Dr. Lee is one the world's foremost forensic scientists. He is presently the Chief Emeritus of the Connecticut State Police, Founder and Professor of the Forensic Science Program at the University of New Haven, Editor of seven academic journals, author/ co-author of 30 books and over 300 articles. The legendary investigator is known for finding the tiniest clues. He has even solved a murder without a body. Over the past 40 years, Lee assisted in the investigations of more than 6,000 cases, including war crimes in Bosnia and Croatia, the suicide of President Clinton's former White House attorney, Vince Foster, review of the JFK assassination, and the death of JonBenet Ramsey

Lead Detective
Wendell Stradford
“Detective Wendell Stradford is one of the original members of New York’s Cold Case Squad. (Previously), he worked for Jack Maple, the deputy commissioner of Operations, in a special unit called the Police Commissioner's Investigation Squad, the PC Squad for short. If a precinct was having problems, someone from the PC Squad was sent to help. They were the cavalry. Maple had a hand in selecting detectives when the Cold Case Squad began, and Jack Maple did not f*** around. He only picked the best, and he picked Wendell twice.”
-- The Restless Sleep, (a non-fiction book about NYC’s Cold Case Squad) by Stacy Horn

Since 1985, Stradford has made 328 arrests, 23 of them while in Cold Case. He brought in another 74 suspects of murder or attempted murder in cases opened by other detectives who were unable to do so themselves.

In his words:
“In some ways I think the older the better. (Cold) cases are sadder, they are the most forgotten, and the hardest to solve. After two years, if a murder hasn't been solved, the chances of it ever being solved goes down to .01%. Solving a 32 year old case was really beating the odds.”

Prosecutor
Nancy Grace
OK…I know you’re thinking Nancy is a loudmouthed, ultra-rightwing talking head but don’t forget that she spent a decade as special prosecutor of felony cases involving serial murder, rape, child molestation and arson. She went into law school after the murder of her fiancé and is now an outspoken victims' rights advocate in addition to her show on CNN.

Judge
Retired Canadian Supreme Court Justice, Peter Cory
“I don't think the significance and magnitude of what he did has been sufficiently understood," said Michael Finucane, the son of one of the victims. "It was an absolutely astounding thing to do. The courage of that man, in the face of the British government trying to intimidate and shut him up, really staggers the imagination."
-- http://www.injusticebusters.com/04/Cory_Peter.htm

Maritime Missy

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Muskrat Trapping Seasons...

One of our blog readers sent me some more detailed information about muskrat trapping seasons from the Quebec Department of Natural Resources website.

Apparently, there are two different trapping seasons for muskrats--one for submarine (underwater) traps and one for above-water traps. In the zone where Theresa was found, above-water muskrat traps can be placed between October and the end of April. If you're laying underwater traps, you can only do it between October and the end of December.

Based on this information, Robert Ride must have been doing above-water traps when he discovered Theresa.

On the subject of blogging...

You've probably noticed that I haven't been posting every day. The reason for this is that I've had some feedback from readers. A few people suggested I leave posts up longer to allow them more time to digest the information before I move on to another topic. Someone also suggested I not blog on Sundays so everybody can catch up on the week's activities. I'll take their advice.

FYI...I keep an eye on the number of comments each blog entry receives. It helps me gauge reader interest. So please...don't keep your thoughts to yourself...write a comment! Your feedback is important!

Maritime Missy

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

More troubling questions…

“…Two days after Theresa Allore disappeared, two young men walking along a wooded road between Magog and Austin came across a pair of woman's slacks and a shirt, draped across a log. When Theresa was reported missing some days later, the men called Detective Leo Hamell, who went over to investigate. The clothes could no longer be found.I checked Hamell's notes, which John had copied from his sister's file, and studied my map of the Eastern Townships. The road where the young men had seen the women's slacks and shirt was Rue Giguere.”
--Patricia Pearson, National Post article, August 10, 2002

“…On Saturday, November 4th, 1978 two hunters – Stephen Mandigo and Samuel Burnham – spotted clothing in the woods off Giguare road near Austin, Quebec. The location was ¼ a mile down Giguare road, about 500 yards into the interior of the forest, left off Giguare. The hunters described seeing “darkish pants and a t-shirt”. Theresa Allore was last seen wearing dark blue corduroys and a t-shirt. On Wednesday, November 15th, 1978 the hunters and the chief of the Lennoxville police went back to the sight but were unable to re-locate the clothing.”
--April 12, 2006 Who Killed Theresa (WTK) blog entry

“…The paper also mentions that just two days after her disappearance, some hunters found women’s clothing in a wood near the village of Austin, and that these clothes matched the description of those worn by Theresa Allore.”
-- May 5, 2007, WTK blog entry

1. Why did it take Leo Hamel 11 days to investigate the discovery of women’s clothing in Austin?

2. Who, besides the hunters and Leo Hamel, knew that clothing had been found? (In other words, how did the person(s) who retrieved the shirt/pants know that the clothing had been discovered in the first place?)

3. Hunters found the clothing. A trapper found Theresa. Both locations seem to be frequented mostly by hunters. Can we extrapolate from this that a hunter was involved in Theresa’s murder?

4. Hunters seem to have favourite spots. Who else hunted near the rue Giguere and/or trapped along the Compton Station Road? (Again, would the Quebec Dept. of Natural Resources keep records of hunting/trapping licenses for Zone 81 from 1978-79?)

5. If the clothes that the hunter found were in fact Theresa’s, why were they found so far away from the Compton Station Road?

Maritime Missy

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Why wasn't Theresa discovered sooner?

Photo 1: Compton Station Road (looking toward Gagnon farm)

Photo 2: View from Gagnon farm looking toward bog/bridge.

Photo 3: Side view from road showing Gagnon farm behind clump of trees on left and the bog treeline next to the bridge on the right.

Photo 4: Where Theresa was finally discovered by muskrat trapper in April 1979. (34m from bridge)

A dedicated reader of this blog took some photos this summer of areas significant to Theresa’s case. I am grateful that this person also carefully labeled each photo so that I could get a better perspective of where certain sites were in relation to other landmarks. After reviewing them, I couldn’t help but wonder why Theresa wasn’t found until April 1979—especially considering the proximity of the Gagnon farm to the bridge. If the farm had dogs (and every farmer I know has at least one), surely the animal would have noticed Theresa before the spring.

I also wondered why muskrat trappers didn’t notice her in the fall since the trapping season in that zone would have probably started in late October. Robert Ride, the trapper who discovered Theresa, said it was a “good spot” so I was thinking that other trappers would have traveled the Compton Road in the fall looking for places to lay their own traps. Why didn’t they see her? The trees wouldn’t have been as big then…and they wouldn’t have had much foliage (if any) on them.

I know that during the winter months, the area would have been covered in snow. But it didn't snow every day in November 1979 did it?

(Is it terribly obvious that I've never been to the Eastern Townships?)

Maritime Missy

Friday, August 24, 2007

Unsolved Statistics…

The Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics provides a fairly detailed report (“Homicide in Canada”, 2005 by Mia Dauvergne and Geoffrey Li.) about homicide clearance rates in Canada.

Some numbers are surprising. Others…not so much.

.... 24,000 homicides have been reported since 1961 (when the numbers first started being recorded)

....85% of homicides were solved by police (Who solved the other 15%??)

....Between 1976 and 2005, clearance rates were lowest in Quebec at 74%. (Are you surprised?)

....London, Greater Sudbury and Niagara Regional in Ontario reported the highest clearance rates--above 95%. (Good detective work or solvable cases?)

....Only 5% of homicides were solved a year or more after the date of incident. (Leads grow cold or law enforcement moves on?)

....Homicides committed by strangers … tended to take police longer to solve compared to homicides in which the accused person was known to the victim. On average, homicides committed by strangers were solved by police a little over four months after the date of the incident.

....In 2005, almost two-thirds (64%) of adults (18 years or older) accused of homicide had a Canadian criminal record. Among those adults with a criminal history, 62% had a prior conviction for a violent offence: 6 for homicide, 53 for robbery and 145 for another type of violent offence (such as assault). (Could Theresa’s murderer already be sitting in jail?)

....Most homicides are committed by lone accused; however, homicides committed by youth often involve more than one accused. Of the 51 incidents involving youth, more than half were committed by two or more individuals. Comparatively, of the 403 solved incidents committed solely by adults, 14% involved two or more accused. (Is this an avenue we need to explore—TWO suspects?)

Maritime Missy

We are not alone....

If you're looking for proof that volunteers can make a difference in solving cold cases, check out these websites...

The Cold Case Cowboys
They are retired police officers in Oregon who make up a volunteer Cold Case Squad investigating old homicides. Although they are volunteers, they are sworn officers who work Tuesday and Wednesday of each week solving old murders.
http://www.thecoldcasecowboys.com/

The Vidocq Society
An unusual, exclusive crime-solving organization that meets monthly Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In a famed walnut-paneled meeting room, members of The Vidocq Society honor Eugène François Vidocq, the brilliant 18th century French detective who served France's Sûreté, by applying their collective forensic skills and experience to "cold case" homicides and unsolved deaths. At Vidocq meetings Vidocq Society Members (V.S.M.'s) evaluate, investigate, refocus, revivify and solve the unsolved deaths officially brought to them.
http://www.vidocq.org/

Caselockers
A private, volunteer organization dedicated to resolving cold cases.
http://www.caselocker.com/

Maritime Missy

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

"There's never a case that I've seen that is not solvable."
--Jerry Boyce, Police Detective, Elizabeth City, North Carolina commenting on the 18-year-old cold case of Bob Hughes. (Source: "Cracking a Cold Case", by Diana Mazzella, The Daily Advance)

How do you think Theresa's case will be solved?

1. The killer will confess.
2. Law enforcement will nab the killer for another crime.
3. Amateur/volunteer detectives will piece the case together.
4. A family member/associate of a suspect will come forward.
5. New evidence will be discovered (either physical or another victim's testimony).

Maritime Missy

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

"Let no one be discouraged by the belief that there is nothing one man or one woman can do against the enormous array of the world's ills -- against misery and ignorance, injustice and violence... Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation..."
--Robert F. Kennedy

Now that I'm getting more familiar with the "blogosphere", I thought I should share some of my goals regarding this blog in particular.

1. I hope to update the blog daily so people have something new to read every time they visit. I don't know about the rest of you...but I hate it when I check out a blog and realize they only update it every couple of days. I usually don't bother returning. An active blog attracts readers. And the more that people are thinking and talking about Theresa...the better our chances of keeping the momentum going.

2. I hope that whatever I post will generate some discussion and feedback. I've already accepted the fact that I'm not going to please all of the people all of the time...so my only concerns are that whatever I post is accurate, relevant and doesn't cause hardship for John and his family.

3. I hope that each person who reads this blog understands that each of us has the ability to change the outcome of Theresa's case. Whether you're asking questions...combing through dusty documents or simply offering encouragement...you're making a difference. Never think that what you have to offer isn't appreciated or isn't important. It is.

I'm not sure how this blog will unfold in the days and months to come. I don't know what format it will take....whether it's polls, musings, statistics or news, I just hope that whatever I post will keep you coming back. And again, if there's something you want to know, write a comment. I bet there's someone out there who will have an answer.

Thanks for your patience. Let's see what tomorrow holds!

Maritime Missy

Monday, August 20, 2007

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
- Margaret Mead

As everyone knows, John Allore has spent the past five years on an intense and emotionally draining journey trying to get justice in the death of his sister, Theresa Allore. He has managed to resurrect a 29-year-old cold case, bring national attention to his sister’s story, challenge the Quebec judicial system and serve as a voice for crime victims and judicial reform.

Along the way, he assembled a group of dedicated supporters of which I am one.

As John re-prioritizes his life and takes a much-needed breather from the case and this blog, he asked if I would be interested in helping to keep the momentum going by continuing to update the blog.

I was a bit hesitant to commit because I know the responsibility this entails. I ultimately agreed because I would hate to see someone with information relevant to the case be directed to a stagnant blog or a dead link. He’s gone too far to let his efforts dissipate into the void.

So here we are.

I hope that everyone who has accompanied John on his journey (some of whom have been with him since the start) will continue to visit this blog, share their thoughts and hopefully, bring this case to a conclusion.

I invite anyone who has a theory, facts about the case or suggestions on how we can resolve this cold case to post their comments or email me at maritime.missy@gmail.com. Although I may be taking the lead in posting new entries on John’s blog, I will not be acting as a spokesperson or lead investigator on this case. This is still John’s blog and I will be ever-mindful of this.

That being said, I will post my thoughts and suggest some avenues that I think we could explore to bring about a resolution. If I am unable to post for a few days, you may see an entry from another member of our small but mighty group of volunteers.

Please be assured that any information you share with me will be protected and treated with the utmost of discretion.

Let’s see if Margaret Mead is right—that a small group of committed volunteers can make a difference.

Sincerely,

Maritime Missy

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Any Last Words?

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Girlshapedlovedrug

A few final things before we shut Mother down

1. I did not want to leave you hanging on the matter of evidence retention. After four years I finally heard from the RCMP (thanks to the initiative of the Federal Victims Ombudsman, Steve Sullivan). Here are the words of Donald Perrett, policy analyst for the RCMP (my emphasis):

In Canada, it is up to each police force to set their own policy and guidelines for each set of circumstances. Although the Criminal Code is National, the administration of the Judicial System is a Provincial responsibility unless it is a specific Federal Statute. For the RCMP, we are a National Police Force and have a hierarchy system of offences that range from open liquor (provincial statutes) to Murder, treason,etc. However, our policies do not govern other police forces and there is no onus on them to follow our policy or investigational guidelines.

For the RCMP, a murder or attempt of is at the top of our hierarchy and the file is never destroyed. To try and explain, I will deal specifically with a murder.The investigation file is maintained at the specific detachment until the investigation or court proceedings (and appeal period) are finished. At that point, they would be transferred to the Division file archives for a period of 15 years. After the15 years, they are transferred to the RCMP national archives who in turn log and transfer them to the National archives. There they stay forever. Unsolved murders are maintained investigative for a period of 70 years, after which they would be transferred to the national archives as well. The 70 years is used due to the fact that any suspect would likely be deceased 70 years after a murder takes place.

Specifically for physical evidence, we do have policy in place which states that biological evidence with respect to murder investigations must be kept indefinitely.Within the RCMP, we are continually in the process of implementing and enhancing policy in relation to evidence and this evidence will range from investigators notebooks to biological/physical evidence. As for any type of national policy, it would still be up to individual police forces to create their own policy as we govern only the RCMP. Other police forces including ourselves do have a good working relationship with each other and readily share best practises across the board.

I don't know if this answers your questions, but rest assure that we are constantly writing and improving on policy everyday. As a policy writer yourself, if you have any suggestions I would be glad to hear from you and any ideas you may have to improve our commitment of safe homes and safe communities.If you wish to obtain more specific information about the RCMP policy in place, I would direct you to contact our Access to Information and Privacy Branch within the Public Affairs and Communication Services at (613)993-5162. As you indicated your specific family connection deals with the Surete du Quebec,you may also contact them at mail to: webadmin@surete.qc.ca or mailto:info@surete.qc.ca.

Yes I have a suggestion. Insist that all Provincial and Local law enforcement agencies follow the practice of the RCMP (in practice, I can cite many RCMP cases where this hasn't been the case, but maybe they need to be reminded) . If they don't, hold them accountable.

2. I contacted the central headquarters of the Surete du Quebec today. I wanted to tell Theresa's investigator, Benoit Patinaude, that I was moving on and to thank him for his services... I was informed that Benoit was on vacation for 5 weeks. When I asked for another investigator I was informed that all central investigators, "... had been dispatched to the Trois Riviere region" and there was no one I could speak with. I am certainly happy they are so dedicated to finding Cedrika Provencher, mais...

plus ca change...

3. Yes, I am leaving... don't doubt it. a few last points:

Wacky Theories I Have Had to Endure Over The Years:

a. THE PSYCHIC WHO GOT IT ALL WRONG:

- Theresa never snowboarded (I don't think it was invented in '78).

- I do not have 2 boys

- My parents are not dead

b. THE BOSTON STRANGLER DID NOT KILL HER

c. I DON'T KNOW WHAT, "DEHHREESSSHLTOEWPSWWEDFFNS" MEANS

4. To those who have written... YES I leave clues in my posts. References and forwards lead to information about what I feel, what I think, who I feel about, what I think of them, what she felt, what she means, and where the investigation has gone...

I can't help it, I'm a "parlor game" sort of guy...

Bonne chance!

OK , ok duffus inc., the lyrics are thus:

She's a wicked girl
Worse than all the world
A mystery lies in her
She spends her days
In a violent rage
Try as I might, I love her
Everytime the tears are dry
The story goes
What's left behind
Shivers like a leaf
Tossed and turned and gentle

It's not hard to believe
The girlshapedlovedrug messes with my mind
(Don't, don't) don't ask me why
The girlshapedlovedrug messes with your mind

She likes to fight
The whole world binds her eyes
Yours truely would die for her
The growing pains
Dissolve in lemonade
The sweetness flies to her
Everytime her temper flames
The storm will blow
What's left so rare
A fragment of the girl
Soft and sentimental

The side she tries not to share
The girlshapedlovedrug messes with my head
(Don't, don't) don't ask me why
The girlshapedlovedrug messes with your mind
(Don't, don't) don't ask me why
The girlshapedlovedrug messes with my mind

When the song is sung
Don't let it call your opinion
That girl's my life
I tell you everytime
My tears run dry
The moment's long
And we design
My feelings for the girl
I could not be without her

I would still surely find
The girlshapedlovedrug messes with my mind
(Don't, don't) don't ask me why
The girlshapedlovedrug messes with my mind
(Don't, don't) don't ask me why
The girlshapedlovedrug messes with your mind
(Don't, don't) don't ask me why
The girlshapedlovedrug messes with my mind

Thursday, August 02, 2007

For Tree Tops

How I wish, how I wish you were here.
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl,
year after year,
Running over the same old ground.
What have we found?
The same old fears.
Wish you were here.

Who Killed Theresa?

Friday, August 31, 2007

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Friday, August 24, 2007

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Monday, August 20, 2007

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Thursday, August 02, 2007

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