Police: Plant shooter kills 5 co-workers, then self
Story Highlights
NEW: Two people die at scene, four pass away at nearby hospitals, police say
Police say worker "had words" with supervisor before leaving on a break
It's unclear whether the supervisor was among those killed, police say
About 35 people were working overnight shift at plastic plant in Henderson, Kentucky
(CNN) -- A worker at a plastics plant in Henderson, Kentucky, allegedly shot and killed five co-workers, then himself, after an argument with a supervisor Wednesday, police said.
The worker "had words with a supervisor" before going on a half-hour break Tuesday night, Henderson police Sgt. John Nevels said.
"He came back," Nevels said. "Witnesses saw the supervisor and the shooter walk outside together. They heard a gunshot and the shooter come back inside the plant, and he shot numerous people."
Two people died at the scene and four others died at hospitals in Henderson and nearby Evansville, Indiana, said Janet Campbell of the Henderson Police Department.
Another victim is hospitalized and is expected to survive, she said.
It is unclear if the supervisor was among those killed.
Watch authorities respond to the scene »
About 35 people were inside the Atlantis Molded Plastics Inc. plant working the overnight shift when the shooting happened, Nevels said.
Investigators were interviewing witnesses to determine the motive of the shooting and the identity of the victims, another police officer said.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/06/25/plant.shooting/index.html
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Enterprise Rent-A-Car refused to help find hit and run killer of Marine
Troopers seize car suspected in Marine's death
By Jamal Thalji, Times Staff Writer
In print: Wednesday, June 25, 2008
PORT RICHEY — The Florida Highway Patrol trooper at the door was looking for a car that killed a motorcyclist on U.S. 19.
The first clue the trooper might be at the right place: Two small children came up and asked him, are you here to see the car that hit the motorcycle?
That's what happened on Saturday, according to an FHP search warrant, before troopers got a court order to seize the vehicle they think was involved in the June 18 hit-and-run crash that killed Nicholas Burns Jr.
The 22-year-old Marine reservist and Citrus County resident was set to deploy to Iraq in December. His funeral was on Tuesday.
After last week's crash, the FHP asked for help in finding the vehicle, described as a gray sedan with a spoiler on the back.
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By Jamal Thalji, Times Staff Writer
In print: Wednesday, June 25, 2008
PORT RICHEY — The Florida Highway Patrol trooper at the door was looking for a car that killed a motorcyclist on U.S. 19.
The first clue the trooper might be at the right place: Two small children came up and asked him, are you here to see the car that hit the motorcycle?
That's what happened on Saturday, according to an FHP search warrant, before troopers got a court order to seize the vehicle they think was involved in the June 18 hit-and-run crash that killed Nicholas Burns Jr.
The 22-year-old Marine reservist and Citrus County resident was set to deploy to Iraq in December. His funeral was on Tuesday.
After last week's crash, the FHP asked for help in finding the vehicle, described as a gray sedan with a spoiler on the back.
click post title for more
Orlando mayor defends regulations for feeding the homeless
Orlando mayor defends regulations for feeding the homeless
Mark Schlueb Sentinel Staff Writer
June 25, 2008
A confident Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer took the stand in federal court Tuesday, defending the city's regulations on feeding the homeless in public parks.
It was the final day of a trial that pitted the rights of the homeless against the city's responsibility to protect its parks and citizens.The homeless advocates who are suing the city over the 2006 rules are the ones who called Dyer to testify. But that decision may have hurt their case.
Attorneys for Orlando Food Not Bombs and First Vagabonds Church of God questioned Dyer for less than five minutes, and he had no problem coming up with answers.
The city's lawyers then questioned the mayor for 20 minutes, discussing his administration's programs to help the homeless and the complaints the city had received about feedings that regularly drew dozens of transients to Lake Eola Park.
16-year-old boy, mother shot in Volusia County FL
16-year-old boy, mother shot in Volusia County
Jun 25, 2008 10:28 -0400
Updated: 10:28 a.m.
Sheriff's deputies are searching for the person who shot a 16-year-old Deltona boy in the chest and his mother in the leg this morning.
16-year-old boy, mother shot in Deltona Photos
Jun 25, 2008 10:28 -0400
Updated: 10:28 a.m.
Sheriff's deputies are searching for the person who shot a 16-year-old Deltona boy in the chest and his mother in the leg this morning.
16-year-old boy, mother shot in Deltona Photos
NH VA hospital unlikely to be made full-service
NH VA hospital unlikely to be made full-service
By Clare Trapasso
Associated Press Writer / June 24, 2008
MANCHESTER, N.H.—Despite requests from members of the congressional delegation, the head of the Department of Veterans Affairs said Tuesday he does not foresee returning the state's VA hospital to full service.
After touring the Manchester VA Medical Center, VA Secretary James Peake also said he is against giving veterans cards to let them receive treatment at non-VA facilities.
"That's called Yellow-Page medicine," Peake said. "I think that potentially is dangerous, because I'm not sure the individual is necessarily the best consumer. It's hard to be an educated consumer of health care."
He said keeping veterans in the system improves care by keeping it coordinated.
Peake commented hours after being asked by Sen. John Sununu, who invited him on the tour, to return the hospital to full service.
"When Granite State veterans are forced to travel out of the state to receive medical care, it can be a hardship for them and their families," Sununu said in a statement.
Reps. Carol Shea-Porter and Paul Hodes also support making the hospital full-service, and Sununu said veterans should be able to use local non-VA hospitals.
click post title for more
By Clare Trapasso
Associated Press Writer / June 24, 2008
MANCHESTER, N.H.—Despite requests from members of the congressional delegation, the head of the Department of Veterans Affairs said Tuesday he does not foresee returning the state's VA hospital to full service.
After touring the Manchester VA Medical Center, VA Secretary James Peake also said he is against giving veterans cards to let them receive treatment at non-VA facilities.
"That's called Yellow-Page medicine," Peake said. "I think that potentially is dangerous, because I'm not sure the individual is necessarily the best consumer. It's hard to be an educated consumer of health care."
He said keeping veterans in the system improves care by keeping it coordinated.
Peake commented hours after being asked by Sen. John Sununu, who invited him on the tour, to return the hospital to full service.
"When Granite State veterans are forced to travel out of the state to receive medical care, it can be a hardship for them and their families," Sununu said in a statement.
Reps. Carol Shea-Porter and Paul Hodes also support making the hospital full-service, and Sununu said veterans should be able to use local non-VA hospitals.
click post title for more
VA Can Help Veterans Avoid Foreclosure
VA Can Help Veterans Avoid Foreclosure
Wednesday June 25, 2008
The Veterans Administration (VA) is making a special effort to assist veterans who are having trouble making their home mortgage payments.
"VA is reaching out to veterans -- both those who use our home-loan guaranty program and those who don’t take advantage of our guaranties -- to keep people in their homes," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake in a press release. "I’m proud of our solid record of success in helping veterans and active-duty personnel deal with financial crises."
By beefing up the staff at its regional loan centers, VA can now provide financial counselors to personally offer advice and even work out special financing arrangements to help veterans and active duty personnel with VA-guarantied loans avoid foreclosure.
The VA can work directly with the lenders on the veteran’s behalf to establish repayment plans, forbearance, and loan modifications that can help veterans keep their homes.
To obtain help from a VA financial counselor, veterans can call VA toll-free at 1-877-827-3702 or visit the VA's home loan guaranty program Web site.
Also See:
VA Releases 2008 Veterans Benefits Booklet
Veteran's Suicide Prevention Hotline Begins Operation
http://usgovinfo.about.com/b/2008/06/25/va-can-help-veterans-avoid-foreclosure.htm
Wednesday June 25, 2008
The Veterans Administration (VA) is making a special effort to assist veterans who are having trouble making their home mortgage payments.
"VA is reaching out to veterans -- both those who use our home-loan guaranty program and those who don’t take advantage of our guaranties -- to keep people in their homes," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake in a press release. "I’m proud of our solid record of success in helping veterans and active-duty personnel deal with financial crises."
By beefing up the staff at its regional loan centers, VA can now provide financial counselors to personally offer advice and even work out special financing arrangements to help veterans and active duty personnel with VA-guarantied loans avoid foreclosure.
The VA can work directly with the lenders on the veteran’s behalf to establish repayment plans, forbearance, and loan modifications that can help veterans keep their homes.
To obtain help from a VA financial counselor, veterans can call VA toll-free at 1-877-827-3702 or visit the VA's home loan guaranty program Web site.
Also See:
VA Releases 2008 Veterans Benefits Booklet
Veteran's Suicide Prevention Hotline Begins Operation
http://usgovinfo.about.com/b/2008/06/25/va-can-help-veterans-avoid-foreclosure.htm
UK: Train crash killer wins compensation case
June 25, 2008
Train crash killer wins compensation case
Hannah Strange
A Paddington train crash survivor who claimed he was turned into a killer by post-traumatic stress disorder stands to receive thousands in compensation after a landmark Appeal Court ruling today.
Judges ruled that Kerrie Gray, 48, is due damages from rail firms after he was incarcarated in a mental hospital for stabbing a pedestrian to death with a kitchen knife in August 2001, two years after the horrific crash in which 31 people died.
The High Court, which had previously rejected the claim, must now decide the level of his payout.
The court heard that Gray was "perfectly normal" until the Ladbroke Grove crash in October 1999 but afterwards underwent a significant personality change, suffering depression, anxiety and uncontrollable anger.
go here for more
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article4210869.ece
Train crash killer wins compensation case
Hannah Strange
A Paddington train crash survivor who claimed he was turned into a killer by post-traumatic stress disorder stands to receive thousands in compensation after a landmark Appeal Court ruling today.
Judges ruled that Kerrie Gray, 48, is due damages from rail firms after he was incarcarated in a mental hospital for stabbing a pedestrian to death with a kitchen knife in August 2001, two years after the horrific crash in which 31 people died.
The High Court, which had previously rejected the claim, must now decide the level of his payout.
The court heard that Gray was "perfectly normal" until the Ladbroke Grove crash in October 1999 but afterwards underwent a significant personality change, suffering depression, anxiety and uncontrollable anger.
go here for more
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article4210869.ece
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Fort Bragg pregnant solider found dead
Police: Death of pregnant soldier suspicious
The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jun 24, 2008 19:08:37 EDT
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Authorities are investigating the “suspicious” death of a pregnant soldier after her body was found at a Fayetteville motel just days after she arrived at Fort Bragg from Germany, officials said.
Spc. Megan Lynn Touma was identified Tuesday, two days after her body was found in a motel room identified by an odor. The 23-year-old dental specialist with the 19th Replacement Company was from Cold Springs, Ky., and was born in Seoul, South Korea.
go here for more
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/06/ap_pregnant_soldier_062408/
The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jun 24, 2008 19:08:37 EDT
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Authorities are investigating the “suspicious” death of a pregnant soldier after her body was found at a Fayetteville motel just days after she arrived at Fort Bragg from Germany, officials said.
Spc. Megan Lynn Touma was identified Tuesday, two days after her body was found in a motel room identified by an odor. The 23-year-old dental specialist with the 19th Replacement Company was from Cold Springs, Ky., and was born in Seoul, South Korea.
go here for more
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/06/ap_pregnant_soldier_062408/
Woman Who Shot Cop Struggled With Mental Illness
Woman Who Shot Cop Struggled With Mental Illness, Family Says
KUTV - Salt Lake City,UT,USA
Written by: Doug G. Ware
Email: dware@kutv2.com
Last Update: 6/24 11:50 pm
SALT LAKE CITY - The woman who shot a Lehi police captain twice in the head during a traffic stop Monday struggled with mental illness over the past year, and was working toward a new life, family members said.
According to a report in Tuesday's Salt Lake Tribune, Kelly Wark suffered from "severe" mental illness -- which might have included post-traumatic stress disorder and paranoia.
Wark, 34, of Gig Harbor, Wash., was shot to death in Lehi on Monday following a traffic stop -- during which she pulled a handgun and shot Lehi Police Capt. Harold Terry twice in the head. (Click for photos of Kelly Wark)
A gas station clerk nearby called police and claimed Wark seemed a bit unstable and was driving erratically. The shootout occurred when Capt. Terry stopped her less than a mile away.
Terry was hospitalized with critical injuries, but was expected to survive.
An investigation into the shooting continued Tuesday, as officials try to determine what led a troubled young woman to turn to violence during a seemingly minor offense.
click above for more
KUTV - Salt Lake City,UT,USA
Written by: Doug G. Ware
Email: dware@kutv2.com
Last Update: 6/24 11:50 pm
SALT LAKE CITY - The woman who shot a Lehi police captain twice in the head during a traffic stop Monday struggled with mental illness over the past year, and was working toward a new life, family members said.
According to a report in Tuesday's Salt Lake Tribune, Kelly Wark suffered from "severe" mental illness -- which might have included post-traumatic stress disorder and paranoia.
Wark, 34, of Gig Harbor, Wash., was shot to death in Lehi on Monday following a traffic stop -- during which she pulled a handgun and shot Lehi Police Capt. Harold Terry twice in the head. (Click for photos of Kelly Wark)
A gas station clerk nearby called police and claimed Wark seemed a bit unstable and was driving erratically. The shootout occurred when Capt. Terry stopped her less than a mile away.
Terry was hospitalized with critical injuries, but was expected to survive.
An investigation into the shooting continued Tuesday, as officials try to determine what led a troubled young woman to turn to violence during a seemingly minor offense.
click above for more
Death of Spc. Ciara Durkin ruled suicide
Death of Quincy soldier in Afghanistan ruled a suicide
By Sue Scheible
GateHouse News Service
Posted Jun 24, 2008 @ 11:20 AM
Last update Jun 24, 2008 @ 11:00 PM
QUINCY — The Army has ruled that Ciara Durkin, a 30-year-old National Guard corporal who died in mysterious circumstances last fall in Afghanistan, killed herself.
Her body was found on Sept. 28 near a church at Bagram Air Base with a single bullet wound to the head, her M-16 rifle nearby.
Durkin’s family, aided by U.S. Sen. John Kerry, has been pushing for almost nine months for answers regarding the soldier’s death.
The family posted the following on their web site early Tuesday morning:
“The Durkin family has received the Army's final report into Ciara's death with their conclusion that she took her own life. We are very upset and saddened by their conclusion.
“We have borne an extraordinary amount of pain over the past nine months, compounded by a protracted and at times ambiguous investigation. We now need time and privacy to grieve, and let our Ciara finally rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.”
The Gaelic expression means, “May her noble soul be at the right hand of God.”
By Sue Scheible
GateHouse News Service
Posted Jun 24, 2008 @ 11:20 AM
Last update Jun 24, 2008 @ 11:00 PM
QUINCY — The Army has ruled that Ciara Durkin, a 30-year-old National Guard corporal who died in mysterious circumstances last fall in Afghanistan, killed herself.
Her body was found on Sept. 28 near a church at Bagram Air Base with a single bullet wound to the head, her M-16 rifle nearby.
Durkin’s family, aided by U.S. Sen. John Kerry, has been pushing for almost nine months for answers regarding the soldier’s death.
The family posted the following on their web site early Tuesday morning:
“The Durkin family has received the Army's final report into Ciara's death with their conclusion that she took her own life. We are very upset and saddened by their conclusion.
“We have borne an extraordinary amount of pain over the past nine months, compounded by a protracted and at times ambiguous investigation. We now need time and privacy to grieve, and let our Ciara finally rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.”
The Gaelic expression means, “May her noble soul be at the right hand of God.”
The Boston Globe reported in November that a friend said Durkin had several years prior been taking medication for depression, but she stopped because she found it made her manic.
go here for more
http://www.enterprisenews.com/news/x222994713/Death-of-Quincy-soldier-in-Afghanistan-ruled-a-suicide-family-says
UK:Homeless veterans still sleeping rough
Homeless veterans still sleeping rough
Alexandra Topping
The Guardian,
Wednesday June 25, 2008
The number of homeless ex-forces veterans in London has dropped dramatically, but the group remains vulnerable and hard to reach, according to new research. The percentage of former service personnel in London's homeless population has dropped from 22% in 1997 to 6% in 2007, according to a study by York University. The number of homeless veterans remained significant, however, with an estimated 1,100 non-statutory homeless ex-service personnel living in London on any given night.
Only one in six homeless veterans cited problems adjusting to civilian life as the cause of their difficulties, and only a small minority suffered from military-related problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder. But a military background had an impact on how veterans experience homelessness, with many considering themselves better equipped to deal with the hardships of street life and less inclined to seek help.
go here for more
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/jun/25/housing.communities?commentpage=1
Alexandra Topping
The Guardian,
Wednesday June 25, 2008
The number of homeless ex-forces veterans in London has dropped dramatically, but the group remains vulnerable and hard to reach, according to new research. The percentage of former service personnel in London's homeless population has dropped from 22% in 1997 to 6% in 2007, according to a study by York University. The number of homeless veterans remained significant, however, with an estimated 1,100 non-statutory homeless ex-service personnel living in London on any given night.
Only one in six homeless veterans cited problems adjusting to civilian life as the cause of their difficulties, and only a small minority suffered from military-related problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder. But a military background had an impact on how veterans experience homelessness, with many considering themselves better equipped to deal with the hardships of street life and less inclined to seek help.
go here for more
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/jun/25/housing.communities?commentpage=1
Shelter Plus Care caring for disabled and homeless
Shelter Plus Care Program helps the homeless
Updated: June 23, 2008 06:13 PM EDT
LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Chronically homeless people who also have disabilities have a new opportunity to get housing. Shelter Plus Care is part of the Weed and Seed initiative and will be funded through state agencies. For the next 6 years, the program will receive $700,000 to help those in need with rental assistance. The first recipients will be two grateful men. Frederick Clark became homeless several years ago after he suffered a hip injury and lost his job.
"It started through an injury I had, where I finally had to have a hip replacement, and through drug addictions, and chronic depression and through those situations I became homeless," Clark said.
Clark said ever since times have been tough.
" It's been a battle and a struggle," Clark said.
Dennis McKim, a lifelong resident of Lafayette and a Military Veteran said being homeless is like wearing your house on your back.
go here for more
http://www.wlfi.com/Global/story.asp?S=8543232&nav=menu591_3
Updated: June 23, 2008 06:13 PM EDT
LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Chronically homeless people who also have disabilities have a new opportunity to get housing. Shelter Plus Care is part of the Weed and Seed initiative and will be funded through state agencies. For the next 6 years, the program will receive $700,000 to help those in need with rental assistance. The first recipients will be two grateful men. Frederick Clark became homeless several years ago after he suffered a hip injury and lost his job.
"It started through an injury I had, where I finally had to have a hip replacement, and through drug addictions, and chronic depression and through those situations I became homeless," Clark said.
Clark said ever since times have been tough.
" It's been a battle and a struggle," Clark said.
Dennis McKim, a lifelong resident of Lafayette and a Military Veteran said being homeless is like wearing your house on your back.
go here for more
http://www.wlfi.com/Global/story.asp?S=8543232&nav=menu591_3
Soldier who beat infant sons spared jail time
Soldier who beat infant sons spared jail time
Mike McIntyre, Winnipeg Free Press
Published: Tuesday, June 24, 2008
WINNIPEG -- He's lost his children -- but regained his freedom.
A Canadian soldier who repeatedly assaulted his six-month-old triplets walked out of jail Tuesday after a judge ruled he doesn't have to serve more time behind bars.
The 25-year-old father -- who can't be named to protect the identity of his children -- broke down in tears after being given an 18-month conditional sentence that allows him to remain free in the community.
The disturbing case has raised the issue of post-traumatic stress disorder for soldiers.
The court heard this week the Winnipeg-based soldier was suffering from a serious mental disorder caused by several factors -- including his time spent in Afghanistan -- when he repeatedly assaulted his children.
The tiny victims were suffering from a total of 19 broken bones when they were taken to hospital last summer. They have since recovered.
go here for more
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/story.html?id=610824
Mike McIntyre, Winnipeg Free Press
Published: Tuesday, June 24, 2008
WINNIPEG -- He's lost his children -- but regained his freedom.
A Canadian soldier who repeatedly assaulted his six-month-old triplets walked out of jail Tuesday after a judge ruled he doesn't have to serve more time behind bars.
The 25-year-old father -- who can't be named to protect the identity of his children -- broke down in tears after being given an 18-month conditional sentence that allows him to remain free in the community.
The disturbing case has raised the issue of post-traumatic stress disorder for soldiers.
The court heard this week the Winnipeg-based soldier was suffering from a serious mental disorder caused by several factors -- including his time spent in Afghanistan -- when he repeatedly assaulted his children.
The tiny victims were suffering from a total of 19 broken bones when they were taken to hospital last summer. They have since recovered.
The man will be under a curfew and must attend therapy and counselling. He is also banned from having any unsupervised contact with his children or any children under the age of 18.
go here for more
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/story.html?id=610824
Update on the sham for SHAD vets
Lily over at Healing Combat Trauma sent me an update on SHAD. This is a sham and a shame our veterans are still being treated as if their lives just didn't matter.
June 24, 2008
Needless Trauma: What Vietnam Vets Still Don't Know about Their Service Could Hurt Them
Saw this recent press release from a California congressman, who himself is a decorated Vietnam vet, and wondered about the pain that comes from NOT knowing the full extent of what you've been exposed to, as you were serving your country. For the particulars, keep on reading:
– Today (June 12), Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA) took another step toward helping veterans who were unknowingly tested with chemical and biological weapons in the 1960s and 70s.
The House Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing on a Thompson-authored bill that would give these veterans health benefits and compensation for illnesses resulting from “Project 112” weapons tests. Thompson hopes this hearing will ultimately push his bill toward consideration by the House.
Project 112, which included ship-based Project SHAD, was conducted between 1963 and 1973 by the Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal agencies. The DoD now admits that during these projects, unknowing military personnel were involved a number of chemical weapon tests such as VX nerve gas and Sarin nerve gas and were exposed to biological weapons such as E. Coli, Tularemia (Rabbit Fever) and Q fever.
“First the government denied the tests existed. Then they said the tests happened but were harmless. Now they admit dangerous substances were used on our military personnel, yet they still refuse to give them care for their illnesses,” said Thompson. “We can’t change the past, but we can begin to right this wrong by giving these men the proper healthcare and compensation they earned.”
HR 5954, introduced by Thompson and Congressman Denny Rehberg (R-MT) in May, provides veterans of Project 112 a “Presumption of Service Connection.” This means the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) presumes the relationship between service and a health condition, making the veterans involved eligible for medical benefits and/or compensation for their conditions. For example, veterans exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War are already given a “Presumption of Service Connection.”
go here for more
http://www.healingcombattrauma.com/2008/06/what-vietnam
-vets-dont-know-could-still-hurt-them.html
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