Prosecutor says DNA discovery should set Masters free
By Kevin Vaughan, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Friday, January 18, 2008
Special to the Rocky
Tim Masters listens at a hearing at the Larimer County Justice Center. Masters was convicted in the 1987 slaying of Peggy Hettrick.
Tim Masters, who has spent nearly 9 1/2 years in prison for a murder he has always denied committing, could be freed any day after a stunning DNA discovery Friday.
The lab work, completed at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, found skin cell DNA on the clothes of Peggy Hettrick that matched the genetic profile of a man who had once been considered a potential suspect in the case.
As a result, Adams County District Attorney Don Quick, the special prosecutor in the case, said at a hastily called press conference that he will file a motion Tuesday seeking to have Masters’ conviction thrown out.
“I always hoped this day would come,” said former Fort Collins police detective Linda Wheeler-Holloway, one of the first to believe in Masters. “There were times in these years when I didn’t know if it would ever happen.
“This case has caused me to have the worst days of my career, and today the best day of my career.”
Multiple sources confirmed that the DNA on Hettrick’s clothes matched the genetic profile of a former boyfriend of hers, who was among dozens of people considered potential suspects in the case.
“I have such mixed emotions,” said Erik Fischer, one of the attorneys who defended Masters at his trial. “I’m extremely happy for Tim Masters and his family. I’m still extremely upset, and can’t imagine how this ever happened, quite frankly.”
Hettrick, a 37-year-old manager at a Fort Collins Fashion Bar, was stabbed in the back early on the morning of Feb. 11, 1987.
Her killer sexually mutilated her, slicing away tissue from her genitalia and left breast, and drug her into a vacant field with her pants pulled down and her shirt pulled up.
The recently discovered DNA was on the cuff of Hettrick’s blouse and on the inside band of her panties — places that her killer may have touched dragging her body into the field or pulling down her pants.
Within hours of the discovery of her body, the focus of the investigation shifted to Masters. At the time, he was a 15-year-old high school student who lived with his widower father in a mobile home that overlooked the field where Hettrick’s body was found.
Despite hours of questioning, Masters never cracked, insisting repeatedly that he had nothing to do with Hettrick’s death.
But investigators were suspicious of his collection of survival knives, of his hundreds of pages of violent writings and drawings, and of some of the statements he made, and by 1992 they believed they had a strong enough case to arrest him. That year, detectives traveled to Philadelphia, where Masters was serving in the Navy, with a warrant for his arrest.
But after questioning Masters, they realized they had problems with their case, and they returned to Fort Collins without arresting him.
In the mid-1990s, a forensic psychologist breathed new life into the case after he examined hundreds of drawings and writings produced by Masters. He concluded that one in particular represented Masters reliving the killing.
Fort Collins police investigators arrested Masters in August 1998, and he was convicted in 1999 and sentenced to life in prison.
Both the Colorado Court of Appeals and the Colorado Supreme Court upheld the verdict.
But over the past several years, attorneys David Wymore and Maria Liu have fought to win Masters a new trial, and in a series of hearings they have raised numerous questions about information that was never turned over by prosecutors before the trial.
As part of their work, they had sophisticated DNA testing done at a laboratory in the Netherlands. That testing found skin-cell DNA on Hettrick’s clothing, but none of it matched Masters.
At the same time, Wymore and Liu had testing done on genetic samples taken by Fort Collins police investigators years ago from other potential suspects. Technicians in the Netherlands matched the DNA on her clothing to a sample that had been given by a former boyfriend of Hettrick’s.
It also excluded Dr. Richard Hammond, a Fort Collins doctor who committed suicide in 1995 after being arrested in a sexual exploitation case.
Attorneys for Masters had pointed to Hammond as a potential suspect who should have been investigated by police.
On Tuesday, Wymore and Liu shared the findings with Quick.
His office turned to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, seeking a separate set of tests to confirm the findings of the lab used by the defense. Officials at CBI rushed the testing, and Friday morning they confirmed the results — confirming DNA “consistent” with a man considered a potential suspect in the initial stages of the investigation.
As a result, Quick and two members of his staff who have been handling the courtroom work, Assistant District Attorney Mike Goodbee and Chief Deputy District Attorney Tom Quammen, gathered with lab technicians and investigators at CBI early Friday afternoon to go over the test results.
By 3 p.m., they concluded that the murder conviction against Masters should be thrown out, and they called his attorneys to tell them.
At 5 p.m., Quick stepped before a bank of television cameras and reporters and announced his intention to file a motion Tuesday. It will call for the conviction to be vacated, for Masters to be released on a personal recognizance bond, and for Judge Joseph Weatherby to determine whether he should be granted a new trial or whether the charges against him should be dismissed.
“I had no faith that anything good would ever come out of anything,” Wymore said. “I had no faith that it would happen.
“I was somewhat flabbergasted that somebody finally did the right thing.”
He initially said he hoped to have Masters freed over the weekend, but later Friday it appeared that nothing would happen before Tuesday’s scheduled court hearing.
“I have a full, unwavering, founded belief that he’s innocent,” he said.
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January 18, 2008
6:21 p.m.
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AKuser writes:
What a shame. The forensic psychologist, DA and prosecutors should have to serve the same amount of time this victim of our justice system served.
January 18, 2008
7:23 p.m.
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bxwatso writes:
Aren't forensic psychologists the same people who ginned up the daycare child rape witch hunts of the 80's? The jury pool should be educated that certain types of 'expert' testimonies are based on weak science at best. My favorite is 'repressed memories.' AFAIK, there is no such thing and the use of such testimony is shameful.
Still, if I were accused of a crime, there is no place I would rather be than the USA. Imperfect, yes, but more or less the best achievement in justice in human history.
January 18, 2008
7:57 p.m.
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Betsy writes:
I'm am Tim Masters cousin. We (his family) have been waiting for this day for so long. Thanks to the Rocky Mountain News, especially Miles Moffet for the recent exposure. TIM, WE ALWAYS KNEW YOU WERE INNOCENT, NOW YOU ARE FREE!!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!
January 18, 2008
8:01 p.m.
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susan writes:
Kudos to investigator Linda Holloway, who has been suffering the wrath of fellow cops for years because she has been fighting to see justice served in this case. You go, girl!!!
January 18, 2008
8:48 p.m.
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aeb1barfo writes:
For the KARMA cycle to be complete, the people who PERJURED and CREATED the evidence to convict should suffer the destruction of their careers...
We don't need this kind of " ( out )LAW and ( dis ) ORDER in this country....
This way lies ANARCHY....
January 18, 2008
9:21 p.m.
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maya writes:
So happy for Tim Masters and his family that this day has finally come! Tuesday will be a great, great day for them. I have just read about this case from the start, and many a time with tears in my eyes at the obvious injustice done to him and his family. At Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, I thought of him many times, sitting in jail.
Now if the cops and DAs and others who railroaded Tim would only have to resign, lose their licenses, and be held civilly and criminally responsible for the crimes they have committed against Tim Masters, justice might truly then be served. Their conduct has been an outrage from start to finish. They may justify this to themselves, but there is NO justification that will ever wash with the community. They should just hang it up now, take off the badges and black robes, and slime their way out the doors of the justice system.
January 18, 2008
9:49 p.m.
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windbourne writes:
As one who lived in Fort Fun during those days, I can not say that I am shocked. The FCPD as well as the city prosecution has always left a lot to be desired. The city has kept ppl like Ernie Telez on the staff. All in all, the city needs to clean up it act in the PD/City prosecution arena. The fact that they were still claiming that he was guilty with overwhelming evidence in his favor speaks plenty about the ppl. I only wish that all the individuals who were behind this could be sued and thrown in prison for the same length of time as Masters was.
January 18, 2008
11:02 p.m.
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nonayerbsns writes:
To Betsy, his family member: THANK YOU FOR STILL BEING THERE FOR HIM. That will (hopefully) help him reenter the society that so horribly wronged him. I hope for his speedy adjustment and may the nightmares end, quickly.
As I have said MANY TIMES BEFORE, the ba$tards that helped convict him, most notably, the 'psychologist' should face a punishment worse than hell. But, we all know they are going to say 'oh, whoops.. I was correct, at the time, given the information I was given... or some other such CRAPPOLA.
I don't believe in the hereafter, but it would be nice to imagine that the psychologist, the prosecutors (and all the others involved in his railroading) find a horrible ever-after.
PEACE AND WELCOME BACK TO THE WORLD, TIM MASTERS!!!
January 19, 2008
12:15 a.m.
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travis22 writes:
The forensic psychologist in question (Reid Meloy) and his employer Paladin in Highlands Ranch are cash-rich and should be sued into the next century by Tim Masters
Reid is a scam artist with a long history of fraudulent testimony. Looks like he's in for a hellish decade as the innocent he worked so hard to convict (for a fast buck) come back to haunt him.
January 19, 2008
2:48 a.m.
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LOUIE writes:
Can we the people at least expect if the prosecutors willfully disregarded the law for sake of conviction, that thier bar licenses be examined and perhaps suspended if not confiscated? How many men have now been exonerated by DNA, walked off Death Row nationwide? A lot, enough for some states to suspend it's imposition. I'd rather a guilty man walk than a innocent man hang; always heard that said about our system. Seems a lot of innocent men were put under a death sentence in America. I wish we had this technology years ago, it's a two edged sword. DNA both convicts as well as exonerates, police are solving some previously unsolved cases. Thank God justice is coming to those victims as well. Most prosectors I have known play a tough game, I commend them for thier hard scrabble, no holds barred approach when doing thier job representing the people. Go to prison and you'll find yourself thanking thier efforts when you meet the scum they put away. If they willfully disobey the law however, they should have thier license to practice taken. I am glad that DNA is here not only because innocent men will be freed, but those who thought they got away with the crime so many years ago may now be brought to justice. This man and those like him who having been clearly exonerated should be reimbursed financially by the people (state). Where it was willful intent to conceal evidence that would have exonerated the accused, that prosecutor should be charged with a felony if proven in a court of law, and finacial compensation increased to the victim. I can say from firsthand knowledge, don't ever think the penitentary isn't full of heinous scum like child rapists, murderers, and such; my sincere thanks to all the prosecutors that put them there. I find it hard to condemn all for the sake of a few, most of the prosecutors I squared off with as a criminal really cared about the victims of my crimes. He wasn't my pal for sure, till I changed my ways some twenty years ago when I walked out of prison. After being there, I have to give them credit as you better be glad there are prisons. Good luck Mr. Masters, I hope you finally have justice within your grasp!
January 19, 2008
3:55 a.m.
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Onepersonsview writes:
Why did Quick and crew spend time organizing a press conference instead of getting their rears into court so that Masters did not have to sit in jail over a "holiday weekend"? Seems to be the same approach that has been used in this case all along -- publicity over justice for Masters. Sad commentary on the "justice" system.
January 19, 2008
7:28 a.m.
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Earl writes:
well the folks who railroaded Tim, as they knew he was trailer trash, were so smart that they had to dream up every thing instead of doing real investating stuff. maybe they should watch more tv to learn how to do it right.
once again the serve and protect crowd will gather to cover their collective butts. I do hope a law suit comes of this one as it will be a deserved end to injustice just because they had a hunch and use voodoo drawing interpertation to convit this kid.
i guess that having a conviction on your resume helps all the lawyers who didnt want facts to get in the way.
and people still want government to run their health care.
January 19, 2008
8:02 a.m.
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buffsblg writes:
onepersonsview
while I share your outrage about this case, from what I understand both the prosecution and the defense tried to get to court before the press conference and were unable to get the judge and clerk there to get the paperwork done. The special prosecutor, Mr. Quick really seems to have tried to do the correct thing but the evidence came in on a Friday before a holiday weekend and the bureaucracy got in the way.
January 19, 2008
8:34 a.m.
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pegasus99_aka_DR writes:
I recall some of the things that went on when this case was initially tried, and I believe I remember that all of the "evidence" that was presented was circumstantial or unsubstantiated in nature. I also recall the prosecutor was over-zealous and aggressive, to say the least. I agree with the first post, and several after it, which suggest that when a miscarriage of justice such as this can be set at the doorstep of the judge, the prosecutor, the truth-stretching (or outright lying) witnesses, and the jury members who allow themselves to find guilt without proper evidence, they should all spend an equal amount of time behind bars. And by the way, this is another in a long, long line of cases that shows why the death penalty should be allowed only in the face of multiple witnesses, irrefutable forensic and/or video evidence, and a confession from the accused.
January 19, 2008
9:26 a.m.
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David_R writes:
"...shows why the death penalty should be allowed only in the face of multiple witnesses, irrefutable forensic and/or video evidence, and a confession from the accused."
The apparent abundance of evidence provided in this quote is still subject to misinterpretation, manipulation, falsification and coercion. Tim Masters was fortunate in that the truth will finally set him free -- executed people can't be brought back to life after the fact. For this reason alone the death penalty will always be suspect of being applied to an innocent person and should abolished.
Tim Masters was railroaded by a overzealous, self righteous cop (Broddrick {SP?}), the equally overzealous and politically motivated prosecutors who not only rejected sound psychological and physical forensics from proven FBI experts, but chose to both embrace and enhance the psycho-babbling from a questionable forensic psychologist of mixed -- at best-- reputation. It has been demonstrated to the court that they have withheld exculpatory evidence, allowed the pseudo-psychologist to be intimately involved in building and prosecuting the fabricated case against Masters.
All four of the zealots who persecuted and prosecuted Tim Masters should be themselves prosecuted and imprisoned. All ignored evidence and logic, withheld or fabricated "evidence" (especially the pseudo-forensic psychologist) in their rush to score points favorable to their so-called professional careers.This case goes well beyond the pale of an honest mistake -- these people collaborated and colluded together in a joint effort of their respective career advancements at the expense of an innocent man.
I would hate to be a citizen involved in a case being investigated by this cop, or to find myself in the court of the prosecutors who were elevated to judges. Citizens of Ft. Collins should be afraid -- very afraid of brushing against any of these individuals in the law enforcement and legal system in place in their city with these irresponsible loose canons still roaming loose in positions of authority.
January 19, 2008
9:31 a.m.
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mhow88 writes:
This poor guy just lost 9+yrs of his life due to the gross negligence of prosecutors and DAs. Also, what about the jury? They sent a man to prison without substantial evidence proving beyond a reasonable doubt that he did it. They are at fault as well.
Each one of these people at fault should pay Mr. Masters financial compensation for all of this lost time which he cannot get back. And the prosecutors and DAs in the original case deserve prison time for their negligence.
January 19, 2008
10:22 a.m.
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David_R writes:
I just read in the "Coloradoan", the Ft. Collins newspaper, that Lt. Jim Broderick - the lead "investigator" in this case; the one who rejected and withheld evidence in order to fit Masters into this case as the doer, is the head of Internal Affairs for the police department. Talk about the fox guarding the hen house...
It must give Ft. Collins citizenry a sense of insecurity to know that the man responsible for honesty and integrity in police work for their city was capable of such a smooth railroading of an innocent man.
Just think about being investigated by the Ft. Collins police, that bastion of honesty and integrity, and then being dragged into court before a judge who was a prosecutor against Masters. What chance of a fair trail to you think you'd have?
January 19, 2008
12:57 p.m.
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rocket writes:
Lets not waste any more taxpayer's money on prosecuting Tim. Enough is enough! Lets prosecute Gilmore, Blair, Brodderick and Zoellner. At least get some answers from Brodderick, Blair and Gilmore. Also it is time for Larry Abrahamson to stop hiding behind " it would not be appropriate to comment". Does Larimer County have any funds for the lawsuit Tim will file?
January 19, 2008
2:45 p.m.
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Russel_Muscle writes:
Let's get outside agencies to continue on with anything in Larimer County. Let us also get the law students at our state law schools to get involved with reviewing all criminal cases in last two decades to determine if they were treated with fairness or railroaded and manipulated for the benefit of the corrupt judicial system. They are all in bed together in Larimer County slapping each other on the back, promoting from within the cesspool group and on and on. This has been going on for long enough and they just got caught BIG TIME. Now it is time for the citizens of the state to let all judicial systems know that they can't get by with this. We need a complete and thorough investigation of the Larimer County Judicial System LIFETIME of last two decades and see what else we can expose to illustrate a point. CHOP CHOP
January 19, 2008
3:49 p.m.
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jvb writes:
Tim Masters brain was twisted; he was in good company with Nazi, Ku Klux Klan, and misogynists. Hopefully prison has mellowed his brain. Find here two paragraphs from defense counsel's brief:
http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts...
Defendant’s writings and drawings are graphic and often repulsive. They indicate that Defendant was deeply fascinated with death, particularly with death by stabbing or slicing. There are numerous drawings of survival knives, and knives, of one sort or another, are frequently the instrument of murder in Defendant’s productions. Many of the victims in Defendant’s productions are killed from behind in a surprise attack or have distinctive scratch marks on their faces. Pools or trails of blood often accompany images of murder, torture, decapitation, or dismemberment.
Hatred of women is a common theme throughout many of the Defendant’s productions, and much of the violence is associated with sexual overtones. For example, in one narrative that approaches 150 pages in length Defendant relates a world in which a group of boys, the Recons, are at war with a group of girls, the Reds. At one point, a character named Madic, with whom Defendant identifies himself, states that "[i]t gave me a hard-on to see at least ten Reds drop instantly." In another, more graphic example, there is a drawing of a knife slicing through what appears to be a vagina.
Space does not permit the inclusion of the brief; however, it is extremely sordid. Don't be quick to condemn the system. Tim Masters reveals himself in a thousand pages of depravity. If you can't bring up the brief, I can send you a few pages of it: jbalzano1937@yahoo.com
January 19, 2008
4:20 p.m.
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jvb writes:
http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts...
The Brief won't come up on Tim, to wit:
"Masters was 15 at the time, and investigators focused on him immediately, and with good reason, it would seem. He lived in a mobile home just steps away from the murder scene and had walked within feet of Hettrick's body on his way to school and did not report it to police. Furthermore, Masters was a creepy guy. He owned knives similar to what may have been used in her killing, penned violent drawings and seemed oddly emotionless when he was first questioned. Despite searching Masters' home and repeatedly interrogating him, the prosecution never came up with a shred of physical evidence or anything approaching a confession. They managed to get a conviction, however, by spending more than a decade collecting evidence that he was a disturbed individual."
Essentially, says jvb, they will be letting a crazy out of prison whereas they should turn him over to an asylum for disturbed persons, for the mentally ill. Not too long ago, a man was wrongfully convicted and released but only to kill a young girl with the help of his nephew after raping her while he was in the process of a 30 million dollars lawsuit for wrongful conviction. jvb
January 19, 2008
4:36 p.m.
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David_R writes:
jvb:
A vivid, even sordid imagination and writings should not condemn an individual. If so, many screenwriters and popular modern authors (along with a whole slew of the "classics") would be incarcerated.
And, obviously, Tim Masters outgrew his morbid fascinations and imagination as he lived and functioned for ten years after the murder took place as a productive member of society without any hint of trouble. And, they didn't have a string of unsolved sexual homicides in Ridge Crest at the time of his arrest.
Much of the interpretation of his writings and drawings, and the subsequent conclusions damning to Masters, were made by a psycho-babble forensic psychologist who made his bones by assuring convictions. The fact that Melroy's conclusions were in direct conflict with FBI psychologists and forensics was not included in discovery nor mentioned in trial.
Almost the same could be said of the "police discoveries" and comments allegedly made by Masters -- they were polished and spun to fit the preconceived case by either Broderick or the overzealous prosecutors -- or in collusion by all parties concerned with convicting Masters. Evidence was either totally hidden/withheld, or modified to fit the scenario the police and prosecutors wanted. Even the blood splatter expert who testified against Masters was shocked to find out that he was only given selected photos, not all of the photos which would have rendered a different opinion.
The Colorado Supreme Court brief you refer to is simply a reiteration of what was presented in Masters' trial; much of which has been successfully challenged or proven to be falsehoods in the recent hearings.
Did young (15 year old) Masters need a little psychological counseling? Perhaps, perhaps not, but he didn't deserve to have his gruesome imagination and fantasies deprive him of freedom for almost a decade.
January 19, 2008
4:54 p.m.
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seevee writes:
I hope Masters got the help he needed while in prison. If he wasn't messed up when he went in, he certainly had reason to be after years in jail while being innocent.
I've seen several examples of gross and disturbing drawings by adolescent men and these guys grew up to be "normal" folks.
If we locked up every "strange" kid, we'd have a shortage of kids.
January 19, 2008
6:29 p.m.
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thecrabpot writes:
I often wonder why the "experts" in these stories are only referred to as a "forensic psychologist" instead of by name. Do they enjoy some sort of press shield?
January 19, 2008
7:58 p.m.
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buffsblg writes:
jvb
Nice job, condemn a man, already horribly mistreated, to an asylum for things he drew years ago. Are you a psychological professional, have you examined Masters? No, well you have that in common with the quack who said those things at trial. Masters was out for ten years before he was arrested and never was in trouble. In his time in prison, a place that will drive the most sane to the edge, he has not been accused of any serious offenses. In other words, all the terrible stuff predicted has turned out to be WRONG. Let me guess, you are either connected to the quack who helped put him away or you are that quack. This type of profiling is in large part what caused this injustice.
January 19, 2008
11:16 p.m.
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maya writes:
jvb
You're just continuing to spew the same baloney that got Tim convicted in the first place. The "knife in the vagina" drawing? That was what the "experts" saw it to be. Tim said it was a knife cutting open a tent. For some reason, I tend to believe Tim. He's the only one involved in the case who hasn't lied yet.
As for the graphic violence...you clearly don't know many teenage boys who read Stephen King and paint or draw as a creative outlet. Teenage boys (and younger) have been playing war, building forts, destroying enemies in the minds and on playgrounds, drawing aliens and rocket ships, writing and painting graphic renditions of violence almost universally since the beginning of recorded history. Educate yourself. Get to know some bright, creative teenage boys who draw or write. Just don't be so quick to rush them all off to the asylum for depicting violence, violence, I might add, that our society cultivates and encourages in young men. All the easier to make warriors of them. By the way, Tim went on to serve his country honorably and is now a military veteran deserving of our respect and support, not knee-jerk arm-chair psychology. I think he's had enough of that for a lifetime.
January 20, 2008
10:42 a.m.
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whoisjohngault writes:
REF. "Susan's" Comment: "Kudos to investigator Linda Holloway, who has been suffering the wrath of fellow cops for years because she has been fighting to see justice served in this case. You go, girl!!!"
Yea, way to go. So you knew an injustice was being done, but, either for concern for your job or because you suffered the "wrath" of fellow cops, you kept your mouth shut while Tim suffered in prison. Tell me, when did you feel it was "safe" to express your deep conviction that Tim was innocent -- When it was safe and convenient for you? From the articles I've read, you weren't the only officer in Ft. Collins who suddenly came out of the woodwork once his conviction came under question by others. Tell me, what stopped you and your cohorts back then from going to his defense attorney's with your suspicions. I think we all know the answer to that, which makes you all the more reprehensible.
You go, girl.
January 20, 2008
2:21 p.m.
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jvb writes:
DNA frees Masters; DNA convicts B; it is the "finger of god" and DNA does not lie, to wit: 1980 X entered a home in Adam's County to visit 16-year-old D as he was smitten by her. They attended the same school and he lived two blocks from her. D was not home, so N, doing her homework let him in. B savagely attacked 15-year-old N stabbing, slicing her 86 times and leaving her in a blood pulp in the fetus position on a water bed while he went about washing since in the struggle N had taken his knife and he wrested it back injuring himself. He left his blood (DNA) inside and outside in six locations plus more degraded in other locations. Twenty-five years pass. His parents noticed his injury (still a scar 25 years later) and kept silent.
B is in the process of getting out of jail and having to comply with AZ law that he gives a DNA sample. B has been in and out of jail his adult life; he has rap sheets in at least two states. It is a hit.
The finger of god points at Troy Brownlow. He is convicted and now appeals his conviction. He claims "Big dude" did it though he was on the premises and only his blood and N's blood is found. His girlfriend, L claims the devil did it; his pregnant girlfriend G claims someone did it as with O. J. Simpson; Troy's parents pray the jury will find him Not Guilty. To wit:
Adam's County spent tens of thousands of dollars to convict; Troy is somewhat of a career criminal; yet: five are convinced he did not savagely assassinate N. The Master's case is an anomaly; it is an aberration; however, the system works. Sure, it has shortcomings; however, it works even though nine out of ten guilty defendants go free.
Before you convict our system of justice, understand that Troy is guilty pursuant to the finger of god and his family and friends still contend he is innocent. DNA frees Tim; DNA convicts Troy. Yet: you (you know who you are) convict the system. jbalzano1937@yahoo for several page Deft. Brief
January 20, 2008
2:58 p.m.
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mexirule writes:
The psychologists name was Reid Meloy. He is the most arrogant blowhard I have ever seen. I hope he loses his license. He lives in San Diego.
January 21, 2008
4:52 p.m.
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Devil_Dog writes:
No jvb not the system, just those who pervert it. The system (in this case) was perverted and manipulated by the DA's office and the Police investigators. It was done so to get a conviction, the conviction they had settled upon, not the one that could've been found had they kept an open mind. That is not our system at work that is a perversion of justice brought about by irresponsible people, out to prove a point. They distorted the facts to fit their theory, our system is designed to have a theory based on the facts, which is exactly the opposite of how this case was run.
January 22, 2008
10:52 p.m.
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CaptainFrench writes:
Please remember this little tidbit:
Defendant was asked if he had any suggestions concerning the investigation. Defendant suggested that the detective canvas a ditch near a particular bridge. Six months later, a survival knife with a serrated blade and hollow handle was found in this ditch very close to the bridge. At trial, the coroner opined that the serration on that knife could account for the irregularity in the stab wound in the victim�s back.
Survival knife wit a hollow handle. Just like most of the one's Tim had. I think if I were a juror I would have convicted him as well. What a lot of you seem to be missing here is that there seems to be another trial. He is not free. Everything I have read states that there will be another trial. If they get to use a lot of the same evidence then he may be found guilty again. Just because there has been no crimes since does not mean Tim is innocent.
to all of you think that it is ok to depict these things in drawings need your head examined. There is a difference in playing war, cowboys and indians, aliens is not the same as over 2000 drawings of very disgusting drawings. What about the suitcase of porn pics of genitala or the maps of the crime scene.
To the person that said that Tim is the only person that who has not lied, you don't know if he has or hasn't. Have you seen the interview of Tim at 15? If I was 15 being questioned about a crime I had nothing to do with, I would be bawling like a little girl. I would have been so scared pleading for my daddy that you would have to wonder whether or not I did it. That's not what you get from Tim. I'm not saying he did it but he was definatley disturbed and fit the profile.
January 23, 2008
10:33 a.m.
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jvb writes:
The jury heard the circumstantial evidence and arrived at a conclusion. Since when does a woman with her panties down and her shirt up look like a mannequin. At any rate: Based on thousand plus pages the jury convicted. It is true they didn't see hundreds of pages held back by the police; however, according to the special prosecutor Don Quick the verdict would have been the same had all pages been turned over to the prosecution and the prosecution turned them over to defense. It is a fact that DNA found on Peggy does not match Tim's DNA; therefore, it is concluded he could not have killed Peggy.
The jury looked at the evidence and convicted Tim; however, there are some that do not look at the evidence and convict the system. Devil Dog agrees with me that the system is healthy enough but that there are those who will pervert it such as NiFong in the Duke Lacross case. In the Master’s the police hold back hundreds of pages after submitting thousand plus of pages that wouldn't have made a ripple in the Juror's mind. Had I been the juror and delved into Tim's twisted mind in which Captain French agrees, I would have said "guilty."
Clearly, Tim Masters fingered himself. At 15 he hated Women, Blacks, and Asians and embraced the mind-seat of racists, the Klan, the Nazi, but I'm repeating myself. Therefore, before you condemn the system; examine the evidence. Only Tim knows if he is guilty; DNA, I’ve heard described as the “Finger of God” opens his cell door because his DNA is not found on Peggy and what DNA is found points to her ex-boyfriend. In the final analysis DNA exonerates; DNA convicts; the “Finger of God” does not lie. Tim Masters needs to say: "Hey! I was not fit company for myself and must accept the consequences for my conduct."
January 24, 2008
9:38 a.m.
Suggest removal
rg writes:
The prosecution is between a rock and a hard place. DNA from Tim is not found on Peggy; however, my DNA is not found on her either; therefore, we are both innocent. If I had seen the lifeless form of Peggy I'd have noticed amongst other things a full head of black hair and a full head of pubic hair not to suggest I am perverted. A dead woman totally exposed causes the male to rivit his eyes on her. To my knowledge, a mannequin does not have a full head of hair unless it is a wig and does not reveal pubic hair. Black pubic hair is quite noticeable. Tim sees a lifeless form with pubic hair and assumes it is a replica of a human. I'm not so sure that lawyering is a good vocation. I do know that without lawyers, the system of justice would be Saddamic (a new word)even though in our system 9 out of 10 criminals go free.