Cape Cod Crusader

In the name of Truth & Justice--hear it on audio

At the trial of Christopher McCowen, one of the most compelling testimonies came from Sgt. Burke of the Massachusetts State Police.  It was his vagueness and avoiding answers to questions under cross examination by defense Attorney Robert George that struck me as so odd.  Why did Sgt. Burke allow so much to slip through his fingers?  Didn't he think it strange David Murphy, a convicted murderer had been working with Jeremy Frazier at the same moving company that held Christa's belongings in a storage unit? And they were sharing a cell phone? Wouldn't David Murphy be primo suspect numero uno? I thought it was the job of MSP to investigate all witnesses in homicides? So when did it become the job of defense attorney's? It sounded like Bob really had his work cut out for him if he was forced to do the work usually done by the DA's office.

Bob George asked, "You wanted to be certain Jeremy Frazier was not involved in this, so when did you interview Jeremy Frazier?" Sgt. Burke replies, "on May 5, 2005." 

So what took so long to find Jeremy Frazier if Christopher McCowen told police Jeremy Frazier was the biggest drug dealer on lower Cape.  I saw Sgt. Burke's testimony as weak. He didn't do the prosecution justice by admitting under oath what a poor job he did investigating this crime.  Why didn't the DA's office bring in Jeremy and his friends earlier as Bob George mentioned? Wasn't that important to the case, since we later found out, with the assistance of  Bob George, David Murphy was involved in a horrific murder and incarcerated for over 10 years?  And why was he released from prison just months before Christa was killed?  I didn't know they released murderers who dismember bodies after 10 years.  Shouldn't these guys get life?  Oh, silly me, I guess they reserve those sentences for those who get convicted with zero evidence, like Chris McCowen.  His seminal DNA proved consentual sex and only sex, not rape, not murder, not burgulary.   

"..........he went home with Shawn Mulvey"(Sgt. Burke)......"What steps did you take to interview Shawn Mulvey to his alibi {objection by Prosecutor Welsh} as to whether Shawn Mulvey admitted he was NOT with Jeremy Frazier on Friday, January 4, 2002 (BG)........."don't remember exact date", replied Sgt. Burke.......Bob George pressed,  "was it before the Grand Jury? on May 13 the 2005, the Grand Jury was on June 14^th 2005."  I guess Welsh didn't want that questioned answered.  I can see why.  Can I have a buck for each time Burke, Mason, Jeremy, and other witnesses said, "I don't remember". 

So Bob George points out the discrepancy in Jeremy's testimony with the alibi.  He and Shawn had never established their alibi and although Burke and Mason traveled to Florida to question Shawn as to the accuracy of this alibi, Shawn had said he was never with Jeremy, and on the stand says he was at his house. So which is it? Was he there or not? Maybe they were both at Christa's house? Had they mixed up the details, muddying the waters so no one can tell what is what?  

 I don't understand why a key witness, William Mulvey, Shawn's father, did not testify at the trial with regard to his son's alibi.  Afterall, his testimony would clear this matter up, wouldn't it? Why did he remain in Florida, while his son was forced to testify?  Maybe his girlfriend Elaine, who also testified, knows why Mr. Mulvey couldn't make the trip.  I'd like to know, wouldn't you?  Maybe the Easthman Fire Department could tell us.  

It's apparent Jeremy lied to the Grand Jury. Is there no penalty for  lying to a Grand Jury? One would think so.  I guess McCowen didn't know who he was dealing with. Jeremy having connections to MSP?  Is that what Bob George was implying during questioning of Sgt. Burke. Sgt. Burke was not a happy camper.  Why didn't Sgt. Burke follow up on Jeremy and his friends?  Good question.  Anybody know the answer?  Maybe someone should go to Florida where Sgt. Burke has retired and go ask him. 

 George questioned Sgt. Burke of the cell phone records and the all important  incoming call of 12:03 a.m. from the MSP S. Yarmouth Barracks. Burke responds, "we didn't discuss the numbers with him, he worked for Magnum Movers at that time".....Bob George continues,  "Worked during the time of the murder?"

 He did not discuss  numbers?  Why not? Why have the cell phone records and not discuss the numbers?  And how can you be a member of Yarmouth MSP and not know the phone numbers at the Barracks? 

"Was Jeremy Frazier telling the truth about why he was carrying Dave Murphy's phone, what did Dave Murphy say about Jeremy carrying his phone", asked Bob George. 

 "Dave Murphy said he didn't want to be involved",  replied Sgt. Burke. 

"Dave Murphy was convicted of 1^st degree murder, and working on the Cape, 6 months prior to Christa Worthington's murder, a convicted killer who served 10-15 years in Walpole, born in 1969. Dave Murphy is 14 years older than Jeremy who was 19 years old at that time.  Did you find it troubling that Jeremy was carrying the phone of a convicted killer and was lying about why he was carrying it?", Bob George continues, "Jim Hardy, Murphy's cousin of Somerville, he and Dave Murphy both arrive on Cape Cod together. Magnum Movers kept CW's belongings in storage....of her Gramercy Park apartment, in NY. Jeremy Frazier, Dave Murphy, Jim Hardy, and Shawn Mulvey all worked at Magnum Movers. Had they been in and out of her storage locker before she died. Did they talk to each other via cell phone, Jeremy and Dave? Dave was arrested for assault and battery of a deadly weapon in Dec. 01'. Murphy was arrested for assault and battery on his wife", said Bob George.....

Sgt Burke replies,  "I was not aware of that"...........Not aware of that?  Why not, isn't that his job?

Sgt. Burke.....ignored the connections of Magnum Movers....."did you ever pull Dave Murphy's record?", Bob George pressed on...  Sgt. Burke responds, "I did a probation check.

BG asks, "Was Jeremy a cooperating informant "......Sgt.Burke answered,  "NO".........

Bob George: "Frazier has connection with MSP in Yarmouth?..........Who was speaking to Jeremy from the MSP Yarmouth Barracks?  I have the documents from Magnum Movers, Christa Worthington's belongings were signed in 1999 by her"........

Another document was presented to Sgt. Burke by Bob George and asks,  "Does that appear to be a certification of a murder indictment for David Murphy from Cambridge Superior Court and a certified conviction?"

Sgt. Burke: "Jeremy Frazier never identified David Murphy as one of his cell phone numbers on his phone"...........

BG:  

Welsh: 

During the testimony of Sgt. Burke addressed by prosecutor Welsh, Christopher McCowen said he blacked out, from drinking, didn't remember having sex with Christa Worthington.  Christopher McCowen provided the  information of Jeremy Frazier to Massachusetts State Police.

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Cape Cod of yesterday--In the words of a local

Either you're a part of the problem, or a part of the solution

"Either you're a part of the problem, or a part of the solution or don't care to do anything about it.  All you're doing is admitting that this happens. Police sleeping in their cruisers and in houses around town is stealing from the taxpayers. There's no other way to put it. If someone was at my house shooting how would  the police be the first ones there if they're asleep and don't hear the call?  Most, if not all of the older police around town understand that if you were caught doing something wrong, strict punishment wasn't always required to rehabilitate someone. Nowadays it seems to be less about teaching people what is and isn't right, and more about smiting those who cross the law. It's getting to the point of becoming an exclusive Mafia-type underground, where some people are in, and others are out.

When a man shot at the Eastham police station all of the cars were being detoured down the road where eventually the police had a shootout with and killed the shooter.

Well, what I'm trying to say is maybe our boys in blue should either be more lenient with everyone, or stop giving breaks to the people they personally know or like. Like giving the police and fire department stickers to friends so they won't be pulled over if an officer sees them speeding. They can kill someone just as easily, regardless of whether and officer knows them or not. Or putting one of those black and blue striped plates on the front of their personal vehicle while having one of the newer red, white and blue MA license plates (in which case it's illegal to not have the front and rear license plates). I understand that there is crime in Truro, just as there is crime everywhere, but is a signifigant degree less. And I've come to understand that the police motto is "To serve and protect," which doesn't include patronizing our local boys and making them out to be kingpin smack dealing drug lords. A couple guys were caught with some pot..... Maybe when I see a few less officers hiding in their cruisers behind the library with their lights off, I'll be less cynical.

Yeah, theres a lot of things that happen around here, that don't really get spoken of. I've lived in Truro my entire life.  Both of my parents are Truro natives born and raised.  My grandparents moved here in the 40's, we can trace the lineage back to generations living in either Provincetown and Truro. I work with local (and by local I mean born and raised) townies.  What I mean to say is I have heard about the way things were, and not from people who move here 10, 15 years ago, but from the people who know everyone, every place, and every thing.  I can find a person who can tell me anything I want to know.  And I know the reliable sources from the unreliable ones. So the Lower Cape is my home more than 99% of the people who live here.  So naturally I get more and more frustrated as people move here and shape the towns based on their values, not the ones of the people who already live here. An example being a few years back when Stop and Shop was considering buying the Pilgrim Spring Motel and building a supermarket there.  The Truro locals were excited, because that would mean no more drives to Orleans or Provincetown to buy groceries.  This upset local businesses, of course, but that's with obvious merit.  One major debate was concerning the fact that if a supermarket was to be built, a stoplight would have to be put out on the highway to help with traffic.  This set the locals against the summer residents and recent washashores.  The locals didn't want to have to drive as far, and saw it as progress.  The tourists didn't want a stoplight to ruin the quaint feel of the town.  The locals wanted functionality, for this is our home, our life, everything.  But the tourists didn't seem to care.  They didn't want their vacation home to be less appealing.  But I digress.

What I mean to say is I wish there was a way to preserve what the Lower Cape really is.  Not what Thoreau and JFK said it was.  But what the Cape really is.  Putting together what I hear from people, the Cape is beyond repair.  Cape Cod no longer exists.  Between the drugs, corruption in police forces, and rich elitists moving here and shaping the towns into their playthings, the "quaint" innocent Cape Cod can never be resurrected.

I'll admit, the police in Truro aren't as bad as in other towns.  Some of these men are devoted to their families, and the concerns of the people in town were what they focused on most.  What it seems to me is that most new police and firefighters post - 9/11 are less focused on keeping people safe and more focused on being a hero.  This can be seen in how they react to the people around town.  Even off duty, they're overly stern, and don't hesitate to give advice on what is and isn't safe, or is and isn't legal.  You can tell an off duty cop around here, by how they hold themselves, and by "the strut."

But there are things that don't get mentioned.  Like that fact that  three Truro officers were often showing up at Christa Worthington's house before her murder for a little extra-friendly interaction.  But that was never brought up in the recent trial. I don't know what to say about that trial.  There's so much information, but at the same time there's such a lack of it.  On the news you would hear a lot of reports interviewing people who knew McGowan and were friends with him.  But there were never many of people who knew him and didn't like him.  Frazier has had his share of issues.  So I gave up on trying to piece things together there.

I'm wondering why you're interested.  Just out of curiosity.  I don't want to give out any names. I just don't want there to be so many lies and so much bullsh*t around here any more. I guess there isn't a way to make people become more civil with each other, but if there's at least some way that I could let everyone know what really goes on without throwing myself to the wolves...."                                                                           

                 See you around,

174 comments »

Dead Men Don't Talk

The story of Patrick Lancaster 

The news headlines of wife shoots husband shocked Barnstable and Cambridge, where Dr. Ann Gryboski practiced medicine, while adoring patients grew in large numbers and later would rush to her defense.  What about the outcry for justice ---for her husband Pat Lancaster, the man who died in their kitchen on Easter Sunday, by two bullets lodged in his abdomen?  Don't marriage vows demand, "for better, for worse, for sickness and in health, until death..........?"  Did she really do all in her power to prevent this great tragedy?  I'm not convinced she did.   After all, she is the doctor, sworn to assist those in need, one who counsels patients on the devastating effects of domestic violence, yet she didn't take her own advice?  I heard how she was a battered woman for many years, but I don't hear Mr. Lancaster's side of the story--because dead men can't talk. 

Did Ann Gryboski have to pull the trigger? And while her grown son was present at the time of the alleged attack by her husband?  We were told he was recovering from hip surgery---was she was so much in fear of her own life, she felt the need to reach for her loaded gun in her purse? Why carry a gun in the presence of her infant grandson?  How long before and ambulance and law enforcement were called to the home?  What would the phone records tell us?  We won't learn the answers  because there will be no trial.

Who made up the panel of Grand Jury members and who were the witnesses who testified before them?  Although, both the prosecution and defense claim Ann Gryboski was a victim of domestic violence, she is the one still standing.  Having once endured the pain of being a battered wife,  I could sympathize and we also worked at the same hospital.  But she killed a man--her husband.  Why kill him if he was unarmed? 

Mr. Lancaster's last job was on Long Island, where he spent four days out of the week away from his Cape home.  Did this marriage become one of convenience, for reasons of financial security and keeping up appearances?  Was Ann Gryboski going through mid-life crisis? It's been rumored by neighbors of Michael O'Keefe and Ann Gryboski, that they are on friendly terms.  If this is true, shouldn't the DA have removed himself from the case?  He seemed to rush to her defense, acting more as her defense attorney than prosecutor for the state.  Why?

When she was arrested, her bail was a mere 50k. The Grand Jury cleared her of any charges.  She is now a free woman, one of means; education, career, and wealth.  She said she is looking forward to returning to her practice, but the medical board hasn't yet granted her privileges.  Will her father, a prominent physician in Cambridge use his influence with the medical board to aid in the reinstatement of his daughter's medical license? 

If she is allowed to return, will she continue to hand out pamphlets to her female patients about domestic violence?  

I too had choices while stuck in an abusive relationship, but I chose divorce.  After evaluating all that has been decided for Ann Gryboski, to her own benefit, I think she got off easy.   Does Ann Gryboski get preferential treatment because of who she is?  Why did the DA tell the family not to discuss the events of her husband's death with the media?   Would a woman who is making minimum wage at the local donut shop be granted the same considerations?  Or is it because Ann Gryboski knows a man who made this all too easy for her---Michael O'Keefe, the DA, once again is at the height of controversy over another case with too many questions begging for answers.

What do you believe?   Is Ann Gryboski a villain for shooting her husband or is she a heroine who escaped the wrath of a man set to kill his wife while using his walker?  He brought no weapon to this gunfight.  He was unarmed.  She had choices, she could have run from her home, with her grown son, she could have left him sooner--but chose to shoot him instead.

Killing is never the answer to domestic violence--but separation is one good remedy Ann Gryboski chose not to take.  Maybe it's time Dr. Gryboski take some of her own medicine, only this medicine doesn't come in the shape of a pill.  She said,  " I was trained to fix things".  Well, Ann, this is one mess you just can't fix.   But you can start by volunteering your time to help the thousands of women and children who suffer from the effects of domestic violence everyday.   Then maybe someday we can forgive you for killing your husband when clearly, you had more choices than granted other women across the globe that choose to remain in battered relationships.   Avoiding personal and professional responsibility while returning to your practice is not the remedy for the cure.

Read more about this story below:

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Back to the first Blog

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Christa Lost

Who was Christa Worthington?

Somehow I believe she got lost within the untold story of her murder.  The articles below provide a different perspective from what I had read in the past about Christa Worthington.  The Vassar article written by a college friend as tribute to Christa describing the friendship they shared, tells a story of a young woman in search of herself, propelled into the fast paced world of the fashion industry and realizing maybe she didn't want to be there, after all.   The Christa at Vassar seemed much different from the one portrayed after the murder;  where she is described as a once shy, but friendly girl who enjoyed her privacy, struggled with pressures of school and of finding herself in a world maybe too overwhelming for a single woman to tackle alone. 

We are led to believe that maybe she opted for a much simpler life, as in the days of her childhood with "Tiny" her beloved grandmother and summers spent by the shores of Pamet harbor.                                                  

The other article is an in depth review of the book, written by Maria Flook which is refreshingly insightful in its description of a book not worth reading. As many of us learned of her murder, most were fixed on who might be the killer.  But as the investigation, case and trial came and went, without anyone gaining a sense of satisfaction of what really happened, I continued to wonder-- Who was the real Christa Worthington?  What I had read or learned from others failed to explain all she was, and maybe we will never know.

Somehow in all the media hype of this story, Christa is lost.  All we have are repetitive stories found in  newspapers, a book of "faction", and various accounts told in their own perspective from those who claimed to have known her.

Just as Christa was, we are multi-dimensional with a variety of characteristics, some good, some bad, and some having more complications than others.  We should not forget Christa in all that surrounded her life---a life she had and all that she was about. 

For me, this  journey began with a burning curiosity in the face of negative comments I heard over and over again about Christa----but never really understanding why?  There must be more to her story than simply her failed romances.  I was hoping someone would provide more facts, not distortions and half-truths aimed at building their careers in media.

Although, Christa can no longer be among us, there is someone who will be learning about her mother one day.  Doesn't she deserve to learn the truth about a mother who loved her more than life itself? Christa was not perfect, but who in this world is?

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Did "Chief Popcorn" ever get his new cruiser---one equipped with a hot seat?

Truro's new cruiser 

Maybe the selectmen began to wonder about the spending of the Truro Police Department budget.  And Chief Thomas was  also wondering---was it time for a town hearing, already?  How much did that new cruiser cost? I recall  reading a story a few months back about his new purchase and how people of the town took notice.  I believe I read it cost 50G's.  And they don't have enough money for gas.......so how are they going to drive around the tiny town of Truro with an overabundant fleet of cruisers if  no money for gas? And one of the town selectmen also works for Truro LE?  Isn't that conflict of interest? Recuses herself from these latest developments with regard to the police department's budget .......really?  Why does the chief need a month to answer questions about how he spent the money? Does it take that long to remember?

“I am exercising my rights guaranteed to me under the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution and Article Twelve of the Massachusetts Constitution. As such, I respectfully decline to answer this particular question.” - Truro Police Chief John ThomasWhile addressing the selectmen, the chief said, " I am shocked that any town employee would be subject to this rather unorthodox public grandstanding, not to mention a department head."  Some arrogance.......how is it grandstanding when questions are being asked about how the grant funds had been allocated? I'd say the chief may have a bit of a problem here.

(see link below to article , "Chief Thomas on the hot seat", by The Cape Codder);"Lucy went through a list of questions including justifications for training and conferences, why a small town like Truro has so many police cruisers and why there was a breakdown in communication between the police department and the board of selectmen. "

Why do they need more cruisers than what's needed? How many cruisers are they talking here.......for how many cops? Maybe the chief should include those numbers  in his report.

"Thomas said that he had not presented quarterly reports for years to the selectmen, as he was not asked and that it was an oversight, as doing so is a requirement of his contract."

No quarterly reports you say? An oversight? Who is minding the store.........I mean the police budget?  No one, apparently.  But the good news is, the selectmen will vote in favor of having the chief's spending activities soon monitored by the town administrator........just who might that be? Another close friend, neighbor,  or relative perhaps? So here comes pass the buck-----I mean pass the chief, onto someone else so this will just get swept under the dusty rug.   What of the recycled police cruisers going to the town mechanic and those unspent bullets found and bag of pot under the seat?  And why does the chief need a cruiser that costs so much? Haven't they always boasted that Truro see's very little crime? Looks like this may be just the beginning............of Colonel Sanders........I mean, "Chief Popcorn".

(source of excerpts)

I wonder which one?

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Read about, "Troopers Gone Bad"

Everyone's reading Boston Now ! 

I don't know... Florida, Cape Cod, Norfolk County, state troopers, drug trafficking, informants...
Sounds like another story we all know. Are all the dots connecting yet? I hope so.

Everyone boarding the train, was taking a free copy of BostonNow, great front page photo BTW....photo of staties lined up in uniform, from the legs down, all we see are their dark navy stretch pants with yellow stripe and black boots---passengers couldn't wait to read this story. And kudos to Chris Loh for putting it out there on the Boston subways for all to see.

"Troopers gone bad"
State Police pair held for OxyCotin hearing:

By Christopher Loh
cloh@BostonNOW.com

U.S. Attorney Michael Sullivan said the arrest of two Massachusetts State Police troopers allegedly involved in an OxyContin ring was a "somber moment." The pair await a detention hearing next Wednesday. Trooper Mark Lemieux of Norfolk, his girlfriend Tara Drummey, former trooper Joseph Catanese of Sandwich, and Yarmouth's Patrick McCarthy were all charged with conspiring to distribute OxyContin.

According to Sullivan the drug ring was discovered when an informant admitted that Drummey traveled to Florida and met with physicians who provided her with the drug. Lemeiux, a 20-year veteran, Catanese, who served from 1982-2004, and McCarthy were also charged with conspiring to use extortion.

On April 11, the informant met McCarthy in East Boston to make a collection from an individual who supposedly owed about $9,000 - that individual, however, was an undercover New Hampshire state trooper.

"McCarthy demanded that the drug debt be repaid and ultimately warned the undercover agent that he would be 'picking splinters' out of his head and that McCarthy would 'cut him from ear-to-ear' if he didn't pay the drug debt," according to the press release by Sullivan's office.

Another link for a more detailed story here.

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Failed Jury on "Lily White" Cape Cod

"Insufficient evidence leads to speculation."---Important words the jury failed to remember during deliberations.

But I'm sure we all remember those memorable words of Attorney Robert George and more:  "This case is based on the one premise, a false assumption---That a Vassar educated, 46 year old, world traveling, wealthy heiress could not possibly have had consensual sex with a black, uneducated, troubled garbage man.  That's what this case is based on."

__________________

The story of Christa Worthington's untimely death was truly heartbreaking.  Equally as heartbreaking, was to learn of a young daughter she left behind, who will never know of her mother's love.  Regarded by former Vassar classmates and friends as a brilliant writer with a warm smile, she had finally found true joy in the birth of her daughter, Ava.   Christa, as we heard, spent her life in search of love and had her dream of becoming a new mother shattered---when her life was tragically cut short in early January of 2002.

There is yet another tragedy to be told in this story---about an innocent black man who was unjustly sent to prison for a crime he did not commit.  His name is Christopher McCowen.  Many of us who followed the trial closely were left bewildered at the time the verdict was read .  Surprisingly, to most of us he was charged with this murder ---in a place as its' been described by the media---on "Lily White" Cape Cod.

A trial that seemed to provide enough "reasonable doubt", which left many spectators with far more questions than answers. 

McCowen's trial was depicted as a travesty of our justice system ----by some who watched closely via Court TV broadcast, while reading newspapers or sitting at the trial.  It was a shock to some of us, that Christopher McCowen was found guilty of this crime because there was insufficient evidence to convict him.   But not all would agree---and why is that?  When the prosecution failed to provide  sufficient evidence?  Bob George reminded the jury, the burden of proof lied on the prosecution---they failed to establish.

Below, I have listed excerpts taken during the opening statement by Robert George, McCowen's defense attorney, that may serve to shed some light on what went wrong during the investigation and trial.  If these events described below are true, then how is it that this man was sent to jail?  It just makes no sense.

As he addresses the jury---in Bob George's own words:

Put aside your passion, prejudice and natural feelings of horror, you promised the judge.  Look at this case with a critical eye.  I'm asking you to keep that promise.  The problem with the prosecution's case is it's not that simple. Feelings about race? Pay attention to people on that stand when these issues pop up.

Demand in your hearts--- ALL the evidence.

Former boyfriend, Tim Arnold and his father stroll about the house looking for a phone, father steps over the body, going about the house touching, moving things.  How many EMT's where in that house, how many police where in that house, what was done to protect that scene? ---NOTHING.

How many personal vehicles arrived at the crime scene? How many vehicles parked in the driveway, and ran over the evidence.  From the first responders---do you trust anything at that scene?

They don't know when Christa Worthington died.  She was seen in Orleans Stop & Shop at 4 p.m. on Friday, January 4, 2002.  She spoke with her babysitter at 8 p.m. that same night.  She was discovered dead on Sunday, January 6 at 4:28 p.m. by former boyfriend and neighbor, Tim Arnold.

We have to determine the whereabouts of people during that weekend.

The Crime Scene was CONTAMINATED.

Her boyfriend's, those who have mater's degrees, fancy jobs.....say, "stop I'm getting a lawyer".....McGowen who was not smart enough.....certainly doesn't have a master's degree.....no education......an IQ of 76.....his background, his upbringing......

This investigation lasted 39 months.  The police have spent over 1,000 hours trying to solve this case, despite the public demands, despite the reward presented by the family.

The police knew Christopher McCowen was her trash collector.  They knew who installed her screen door, who moved her cherry tree, every contractor who worked there, the electrician, all within the first few days.

Of course he would tell the police he didn't know her, because when he did tell them---he was INDICTED FOR MURDER.

He offered them anything they wanted----his  DNA, and his fingerprints.  And in 2002, just 48 hours after they met with him, they said, "We'll get back to you".

He tells police that Jeremy Frazier is the biggest drug dealer on Cape Cod.

He wasn't going anywhere. He was just waiting for the police to come back the following year with the DNA results, 15 months later. This person they want you to believe murdered Christa Worthington, working on the Cape, staying on the Cape, he had a girlfriend and baby on the Cape.  They knew where to find him. 

They didn't go back because---HE WASN'T A SUSPECT. 

And for 39 months, they were looking for one of her lover's.

There was no evidence of rape, and no physical trauma.

They ignored the possibility that they could have had consensual sex---and DNA cannot be dated. 

The cops knew, there was other seminal fluid in the house, on the brown blanket belonging to former boyfriend, Tim Arnold.  Although he stated he hadn't had sex with her in over 12 months.  DNA 1 in 1 trillion, this white guy, with the master's degree, the children's book illustrator---got his lawyer.

Then the cops say that the house was burglarized......where did that come from?

Disregard the alibi of Jeremy Frazier that he was with Shawn Mulvey.

They tried to get him to confess, but HE DID NOT CONFESS, you will see how many times he told them he did not kill her, and how many times he did not rape her, and how many times they told him they did not believe him.

You will hear from an expert of false confessions..... there was another case: the Central Park jogging case.  African American and Hispanics between the ages of 16-17, spent 17 years in prison before being set free--and they were FOUND INNOCENT.

THEY IGNORED OTHER PHYSICAL EVIDENCE---There were no fingerprints, trace evidence linking him, no foot prints, nothing matching him to that scene. And the police knew there was another man's DNA on the brown blanket in her bedroom---that of  former boyfriend, Tim Arnold.

The police had unknown male DNA from 3 other individuals under her fingernails.

They also found--- 3 other hairs unidentified at the crime scene.

A false statement was produced and it consisted of 29 pages, the defendant NEVER READ, WAS NEVER SHOWN, NEVER SIGNED, NEVER REVEIWED by the defendant, never initialed, unrecorded, not videoed......and typed a week later.

The real killer could be at home right now watching this on TV!

____________

I have to agree with Bob George---This case WAS solely based on ---"one premise, a false assumption---That a Vassar educated, 46 year old, world traveling, wealthy heiress could not possibly have had consensual sex with a black, uneducated, troubled garbage man. "  That's REALLY all it's based on. 

On another note, I'd like to respond to Jack Coleman, journalist for Cape Cod Today about  the "Johnny Whitebread" comment from his blog titled, " As false confessions go, not a very good one", listed under the heading--- Cape Cod Murder.  I am aware of some real life "Johnny Whitebread's", from "affluent families".  Tell me if you've heard of them:

Johnny Whitebread Hadden Clark, and --- Johnny Whitebread Luster.  Maybe some  were spending holidays by the fire this past season, and some right there on "Lily-White" Cape Cod and perhaps drinking hot cocoa and caroling with family and friends. 

But not Christopher McCowen, the black trashman falsely accused and convicted of a crime he did not commit! No, he was spending the holiday's this year locked up in prison---and, unjustly so!

By the way, Jack, I didn't know the Cape & Islands DA,  who was only wearing a towel while being interviewed by a local writer---was also a closet Nazi.    Thanks for the tip, Jack.

And finally, as far as the jury is concerned: 

Many of us believe they FAILED miserably to do the job which was expected of them.   Why? Because---

They FAILED to attend to jury instructions

They FAILED to ask vital questions of the judge for clarification 

And they also FAILED to deliberate in a proper manner

There is speculation racial bias played a role in this tragic outcome--- by several jurors---- which, I'd like to point out is in violation of Christopher McCowen's constitutional rights.   

Christopher McCowen, a citizen of this commonwealth had the right to recieve a fair trial,  for which he did not.  And it is now clear, at least to some of us,  he did not receive what should have been granted him by law.  

The jurors who decided Mr. McCowen's fate---FAILED in such way that many who look upon our judicial system for fairness, now realize this may not always be so.  But in this case, mistakes were made by the DA's office and judge that should be corrected.

And as Bob George pointed out, until this happens to one of our own---we just don't care.  But Bob George is both right and wrong in this statement. 

If it was one of our own, he is right, we would be shouting from the rooftops about this grave injustice! 

But many of us do care about this man, Christopher McCowen, who deserved a fair trial,  yet somehow was never granted one.  Instead, what he got was a RAW DEAL---by the DA's Office located on Cape Cod---but still very much apart of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

May God forgive you, because I will never find it in my heart to forgive such a disgraceful atrocity befallen to a man who did not deserve what he got.  Christopher McCowen is an innocent man who deserved better.

__________________

About Hadden Clark-for inquiring minds here.

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Boston Magazine's Explosive Story of Worthington Trial

An Unjust Conclusion
This is a summary of a Boston magazine exclusive report on the Christa Worthington trial, written by Cape Cod author Peter Manso

As the newest edition of Boston Magazine slid across my desk today, I couldn't help notice the headline on the left side cover--- something about the Worthington trial.   The article, "An Unjust Conclusion", spans throughout the magazine to include a large glossy photo of that memorable court room scene the day the verdict was read.

As I turned the page, I was overcome by a sad and teary Christopher McCowen, filled with a look of ---genuine innocence which leaped from the page to beg the question......why?  Why was an innocent man sent to jail? 

In detail, the article describes point by point harrowing accounts which occurred during jury deliberations.  From the words of two jurors, the story illustrates how some were bordering onto the brink of violence over accusations of racial bias.   One juror stated how she felt deliberately, systematically and emotionally beaten down---eventually swayed in favor of a conviction.

Boldly written, the article states, "The crime scene had been corrupted by local cops who'd never handled a murder case.  They had no witnesses, no murder weapon, and no fingerprints other than those deposited by the victim and her daughter, the medics, and Truro police personnel (one of whom was rumored to have had an affair with the victim's cousin; some said with the victim herself).  The once powerful case had been exposed as poorly investigated, and run by a District Attorney's Office bent on an arrest and, in some quarters, regarded as irresponsible, if not corrupt.  The state police had ignored sure suspects when the evidence pointed directly at them for a variety of reasons, which seemed to be business as usual on Cape Cod". 

There is much more to read in the article, but I don't want to give all the surprises away.  That wouldn't be fair to Boston Magazine.

Hopefully, as the public continues to become more aware of the disturbing circumstances that surround this case and trial, an appeal would seem to be imminent.

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