Brett Seacat Guilty Of First-Degree Murder, Kansas Seeks 'Hard 50' Sentence

I realize that there are always the chance for a fluke to occur. Yet at the same time in my opinion the fact that this woman exhibited an apparent sincere desire to get on with her life following an understandable period of depression that normally follows the realization that your marriage is over gives me cause to believe that this was a homicide and not a suicide.



That coupled with the fact that according to some psychologists and criminologists suicidal women tend to kill themselves by medical overdose, poison or slitting their wrists in the bathtub to prevent someone else from having to clean up after them. Additionally, it also very rare that these women would either one: include their children in the suicide or two: endanger them by burning down the house.



Historically women with children who have reached the point where suicide is the answer will customarily take their children to the home of a relative or close friend because they don't want their children to be the ones who discover their body.



I do believe that this jury reached the appropriate verdict.
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Skylar Neese Murdered Because Teen Girls 'Didn't Want To Be Friends Anymore': Dad (VIDEO)

I'm not sure if you actually believe that or just trying to get a rise out of folks. Either way it is an ill though out statement. My father was so abusive I thanked God the day my Mother walked away from him. I know many families where the Father's are missing for one reason or another and the children have grown into some fine adults. Instead of zeroing in on one single factor, perhaps you should also consider the environment where these youths spend far more of their time than they do at home and that is school. I would think that with the ever growing number of teachers, both male and female being arrested for sex related crimes involving students tells a great deal about the type of bad influences today's children are facing. There is so much more to these types of tragic events than single Mom's struggling in the world today.
About Video
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Supreme Court: DNA Samples Can Be Taken From Arrestees Without Warrant

I must say as appealing as this process may be [even to me] there are many pros and cons. First and foremost in my mind is that there are far too many cases where law enforcement has operated through tunnel vision thus the resulting need to overturn [faulty] convictions. This is the exact same reason that I personally have mixed emotions on the death penalty. Forensic science has thankfully come a long way and has been an immeasurable tool but it is ONLY a tool that like any other tool in the tool box can be misused. The taking of DNA following an arrest is something I could support provided there were additional considerations such as it is a felony arrest and there exists equally substantiating evidence supporting the idea that the individual is truly a viable suspect for the crime.



Personally I believe that DNA is very compelling evidence however, I also believe that it should be further substantiated with additional physical evidence. I feel that we have reached a point in time where jurors have not only come to expect forensic evidence as part of the process, but they also demand that the presentation of this evidence provide a clear connection between the suspect and the crime. As a criminal justice student I naturally support whatever helps solve crimes, but not to the detriment our constitutional rights.
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Marsha Blackburn: Women 'Don't Want' Equal Pay Laws

Somehow her little mind just can't wrap itself around the idea that women actually demand both of those options! We want to get hired because the company knows and believes we are the most qualified applicant for the position and can do the job AND we want to get paid the same as any man out there doing the same job. Quite frankly I just don't get it, these two issues go hand in hand, period.
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Jodi Arias Denied Case Review By Arizona Supreme Court

I totally agree that there is a definite problem within the system but not with the system. The problem is the very real fact that there are far too many people that do not believe a young, female of small stature or who is pretty, or any combination there of is capable of committing such heinous acts. News flash to those individuals - it has been going on since the early 1600's. The justice system would work if all emotions and/or personal opinions were removed. However, that is impossible since the weakest link is the human link. As for my take on what has been revealed in this trial even without all the media commentary, it meets all the requirements as a death penalty case, I totally agree with the murder 1 conviction and think she should get the death penalty. While information has revealed that the breakdown as 8-4 for death, I think if the jury had the option of LWOP, they could have reached a unanimous decision.
About Jodi Arias
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William Zervakos, Jodi Arias' Jury Foreman, Says 'System Is Flawed,' Death Decision Unfair

Not dumping, just curious. I’m curious as to just “how heinous of a killing deserves a similar fate?” The question that these jurors appeared to ‘struggle with’ during their deliberations. There are those who feel that she murdered him three times: Stabbed him in the chest [possibly aiming for the heart], slashed his throat [nearly decapitating him and then shot him in the head [just for good measure]. While I give those their opinion, that goes beyond the level warranting the PD in my opinion. Then add all the evidence of premeditation and all the actions taken to cover it up. I think those jurors who did not vote for the DP got caught up in false mitigating circumstances. Everything that could have been considered according to her defense team, she took away from Travis. She gave him no mercy, she cut short a life that already accomplished many positive things. He art, her prison book club, her recycling project are so shallow IMO when compared to what she took. It does not matter which way the jury votes, there are no winners in this case.
About Jodi Arias
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Jodi Arias Says She 'Deserves A Second Chance At Freedom Someday'

“In a surprise jailhouse interview…” What is so surprising about that? This is Jodi Arias. It would have been far more surprising of she had ‘gone quietly’ back to her cell. As we sit and wait, once again on Verdict Watch, I have to say that while I still feel that Martinez has done an outstanding job, I saw two missed opportunities in his closing arguments yesterday. Willmott hammered the jury with the term ‘mercy’ throughout her closing arguments. She also drilled the idea that Jodi has redeeming qualities in the things she wants to accomplish if she is sentenced to Life rather than Death. I waited for Martinez to ask what mercy did Jodi show Travis? I waited to hear him speak of all the positive things that Travis had already accomplished and will not be able to accomplish.
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Jodi Arias Death Wish Not Sincere, Travis Alexander's Friends Say

The primary advantage I see in going ahead and sentencing her to Death is that (under normal circumstances) the average stay on Death Row is about 10 – 12 years, while some are longer. Inmates on Death Row do not have the socialization ‘enjoyed’ by the prisons general population. I agree with the sentiments expressed by Travis’ friends in that if Jodi has actually been threatening suicide since high school and has not accomplished it yet then she really has no intentions of taking her own life. By going ahead and sentencing her to Death, she will lose what she craves most in life. Her only contact will be her guards, there will be nobody to manipulate, to tell her wild tales to, or to seek pity from.



Every state runs its’ prisons differently based mostly associated with funding and other cost cutting measures. However, as a criminal justice student I am not only concerned with the process of justice that is carried out within the court system but the eventual end of that process and what it really means in the name of justice, for the victims and our society as a whole. With that in mind I would like to share the following link (supposedly) written by an inmate on Death Row in a Texas prison. Personally (if true) I find it a very fitting outcome for Jodi Arias.



“Life on Death Row: An Inmate’s Perspective” http://voices.yahoo.com/life-death-row-inmates-perspective-1372477.html
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Jodi Arias Trial Is Spectacle On Cable, Twitter And In Person

As a criminal justice student I’ve been following this case since the story first hit the news. I personally find it disheartening that there is so much of it that appears to be such a mockery of justice than a murder trial. I find it sickening that the judge has allowed Arias and her defense team to slander the name of Travis Alexander. They have never proven in any way, shape or form that Arias is or was a victim of domestic violence, she is not a battered woman, therefore there is no justification in what they have done to the character of a man who cannot speak in his own defense. I have spent nearly 30 years volunteering as a Recovery Coach for victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and I am flabbergasted that the defense would even touch this topic based on the nonexistent evidence. My primary concern at this point is that the defense has conducted itself so inappropriately because of the mounting evidence that should result in a first degree felony murder conviction for the purpose of laying the groundwork for a least a hung jury that will result in a mistrial. That is my greatest fear regarding this case. The family and friends of Travis Alexander have waited four years for justice, lets pray that they get it.
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Barack Obama: Newtown Shooting 'The Worst Day Of My Presidency'

Thanks, I'm more accustomed to getting bashed on here for my comments [grin]. Not that I actually set out to argue with anyone, it's just that I'm allergic to blanket statements. I'm a criminal justice student working toward my Masters' Degree and have an affinity for statistics. My 'side' as far as this article is concerned is that I support the ban on assault rifles and high capacity magazines among other things. Huff Post doesn't allow enough room to fully state my opinion on this subject.
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Journal News To List More Gun Permit Holders After Uproar

Journal News to List More Gun Permit Holders After Uproar

Over the years there have been countless times when one must call into question the ethical practices of journalism.  I find myself at that point yet again.  In the wake of the massacre in Newtown, CT it seems to me that there are those journalists who have made the choice to capitalize on the blended emotions of both fear and anger.  The unfortunate result of such action will do nothing to assist in the ability of proponents and opponents to actually engage in a productive discourse for the purpose of finding a workable solution.

The publication 'Journal News' with two offices located in Westchester, New York and Bronx, New York has deemed it prudent to publish the names and addresses of those citizens that have gun permits.  A decision that I for one can only see as a grave mistake.  Primarily because this tactic falls squarely in the category of what I call 'exacting a pound of flesh in the name of justice' verses serving any real purpose.  The obvious misconception in this ideology is that these permits are for hand guns only as there are currently no requirements for a permit when it comes to a rifle of any kind.  Beyond the breech of privacy, the reality of this situation is that publishing this information puts many other innocent people at risk.

Modern media is no longer restricted to the printed form or available through your favorite local news station.  In the face of a growing number of news outlets, many of these sources have placed a much higher value on ratings and circulation verses accuracy and the quality of the content, ethical practices have long since fallen by the wayside.  All of this is further complicated by the far reaching effects of the availability of the internet and the growing use of social media.

Law enforcement makes no effort to hide the fact that they use information obtained through social media networks such as Facebook in the process of investigating criminal activity.  Although accomplished anonymously, the criminal element is quite prolific at collecting and using the same sources and information.

Publishing the names and addresses of those who have legally obtained permits for hand guns will accomplish one of two things and neither will be beneficial to the reasoning behind the action.  Guns are relatively easy to fence with a decent profit which will result in yet another weapon entering the abyss of non-registered, untraceable weapons out on the streets.  The second scenario is simply that burglars now know which house has a lower probability of containing weapons, which is appealing to the small time burglar who is only interested in the high dollar televisions, stereos, computers, etc. and wants no confrontation with an armed homeowner.

Once considered the battle cry of journalists everywhere, the 'right to know' has become a weapon against the 'right to privacy' by supporters of gun control.  In this same context, freedom of speech has degenerated to the choice between ethics and ratings when it comes to the media.

About Guns
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Adam Lanza's Motive: Did Fear Of Being Committed Lead To Sandy Hook Elementary Shooting? (UPDATE)

You make far too many assumptions. Yes, I would love to have a wooden desk as my personal preference in décor is Old World/Mediterranean. I have a simple metal reject from the Army Surplus Store that’s sitting in an equally plain no frills office, it happens that way when you’re on a limited budget. Interestingly enough I did state in my post that my office was in a separate building from my house because it is not a home office or even a home based business, should have elaborated I guess. My office is located downtown, to get to my desk they would have to get through a set of security doors, find my office among seven others, then get through that door before they even got to the desk to break into it. They would have to do all of that before the police arrived since the silent alarm would have notified them as soon as they broke into the building. Yep, you’re right it doesn’t take a genius just an idiot.
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Obama: Shooting Should Lead To More Action 'Regardless Of The Politics'

Thank you for your brilliant deduction Einstein. Where in my post did I advocate taking the guns away from private citizens? Both sides on this issue must work together to reach a solution that is in the best interest of the community/nation as a whole. This means not going from one extreme to the other. I am advocating that stricter legislation be put in place that governs the sale of assault weapons and large capacity magazines regardless of the weapon. Posting guards with machine guns at the schools will not be in the best interest of the emotional well-being of our children.



I have already advocated that as a taxpayer within my own community I am willing to pay higher taxes for the purpose of installing more sensitive screening/scanning equipment at the entrances of the schools. This includes the hiring of plain clothed armed trained security and to have a plan in place that is fully understood by the entire school staff. Any person attempting to enter the school should be required to prove that they have a valid reason for being there and must show proof of that that validity.
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Obama: Shooting Should Lead To More Action 'Regardless Of The Politics'

Thank you for the fave and I agree with the flaw. Personally I should not have added the ‘[or any public building]’ part to the comment as well. The Oklahoma City Bombing was and still is a very tragic event that is unfortunately still surrounded by conspiracy theories, which is not to say that I view it any less tragic today than when it first happened.



My commentary on this article/issue is primarily concerned with what measures we as a society can take without waiting on the federal government to get through the bureaucracy of special interests groups such as the NRA and associated groups.



Personally I do not want to see our schools turned into prison-like institutions because it will inhibit an environment conducive to the encouragement of the growth of the imagination and learning. But if keeping them safe means that we pay for the installation of tougher, more sensitive metal detectors at all entrances, severely limit public access to the front door after a specific time, have plain clothed armed security at the doors and on the grounds will accomplish this them I’m all for it.
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Gun Advocate On Connecticut Shooting: Armed Teachers Could Have Minimized Tragedy (VIDEO)

No Mr. Dulan arming the teachers not the answer. I am a gun advocate but I am also an advocate for the protection and preservation of human life. I own a number of guns but none of them would even remotely qualify as an assault weapon, I personally see no need for the average citizen to possess these types of weapons. If there are to be more weapons on school grounds let them be in the hands of trained security. My personal opinion is that rather than wait for Washington and all the Lobbyists to get their act together, we need to do something now. As a taxpayer I would vote to help fund additional security measures at our schools to prevent people who intend to do harm from even being able to enter the buildings.
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Ron Johnson: High-Capacity Magazines Are A Constitutional Right (VIDEO)

With all due respect to your position, we do not live in a world where the largest threat is an armed invasion of ground troops from another country such as existed at the time the various amendments were written and thus installed as our current Bill of Rights. We live in a world where this threat can actually be our neighbor, all because he or she perceived a threat based on some moronic ideology that we just might not believe exactly the way that they do.



Personally I don’t want the ‘standing army’ coming into my town with any form of control in mind. I don’t even want the National Guard of this State doing the same. I don’t want them requisitioning my land as an encampment all because they have some stamp of approval from some level of government.



I live on 40 acres in a very rural community where law enforcement is so shorthanded that getting assistance can be a hit or miss situation depending on what is going on in the county. Out here we simply batten down the hatches when the sun goes down and stay alert. We do this because of the close proximity of two vocal unsanctioned and heavily armed private militia groups that nobody seems to be able to do anything about because so far they haven’t broken any laws.
About Aurora Shooting
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Ron Johnson: High-Capacity Magazines Are A Constitutional Right (VIDEO)

Even as a gun advocate I don’t feel that individual citizens actually need a magazine that contains 100 rounds. I also do not believe that tightening gun control will make a marked difference in who is able to obtain weapons of any kind. Thousands, if not more, illegal weapons are shipped into this country and are confiscated yearly by the ATF. Yet there are thousands more that make it into the hands of both criminals as well as those who have been caught in the red tape of gun laws and deemed not authorized to purchase a weapon.



When crimes are committed with an illegally purchased weapon, the ability of law enforcement to trace it and ultimately locate the offender is severely hampered, whereas weapons that were purchased legally at least do provide a more feasible starting point.



While my household has four weapons, one handgun each, a rifle and a shotgun, there are so many others who hide what can only be described as an arsenal of weapons and ammunition. These arsenals include high powered weapons that go well beyond the need for hunting purposes.
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President Obama's Statement On Ramadan

As a strong supporter of Separation of Church and State I can sincerely appreciate what you’re saying. Over the years however I have come to see some things a little differently and reached the concession that while the Christian religion may very well be the predominant religion, we as a nation are made up of many beliefs and cultures. Personally I believe that our diversity is one of the strengths of our nation. It is important for the President to at least ‘acknowledge’ the most important part of the lives of those he is supposed to be governing.



I would agree that if the President is going to comment on one religious holiday or event, then it should follow that comments be made concerning all of them. This should be accomplished without any demonstration of support for one specific belief over another, which in my opinion lays the ground work in crossing the line between Separation of Church and State.



The key factor in my reaching this conclusion is that Christianity is the accepted religious belief in this country and there are certain events regarding this particular belief that the President is expected to participate in. Examples are the official lighting of the National Christmas Tree which was started by President Coolidge in 1923 and the Easter Egg Roll has a history dating back to 1878. Both of which are Christian events.
About Ramadan
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Latino Advertising Can Alienate Non-Latinos, Study Says

I agree. I'm white and totally understand the need for 'target specific' advertizing, whether it is a race, a gender or whatever issue. Personally, I don't care where people come from, if they are all here through due process, in the end we are all Americans with a voice when it comes to deciding who will sit in the White House.
About Photo Galleries
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Ohio Voters Unhappy With Obama-Romney Choice

I also feel that a lot more could have been accomplished these past 3 years if the GOP wasn't so determined to block everything.



Obama 2012!
About Barack Obama 2012
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