Anyone know about contributing information to a murder investigation?

[Rora]

I found out last night my cousin was murdered by her ex-boyfriend and the father her 4 year old child. Right now he is being charged with aggrevated vehicular manslaughter for hitting her with his car and purposefully running her over mulitple times (sentence term: 2-8 years). The detectives said that if more information is found about his past abuse or anything else, he could be convicted for a greater crime.

She had a temporary restraining order against him which I know the detectives are aware of. The detectives have already determined that he intended to hit her with the car.

I have MANY Facebook messages from her to me that are detailed accounts of horrible things he said to her, accounts of him hitting her, etc. In addition to messages, he posted terrible terrible things on her "wall" on Facebook.

Does anyone know if these would be useful to the detectives? If so, do I contact the police department and share what I know? Unfortunately, I don't live in her state (OH) and doubt I would be able to actually be present in the police department or for any trials (unless, of course, asked).

Thank you for all and any help. This is been the most devestating thing that has ever occured within my family and we're all having a hard time. I just want to help get my cousin justice.

 

[AKL_Megs]

I would.

I don't know how far a Facebook post will get in a criminal trial, as it could have been anyone posting that stuff according to the defense , but it is worth a shot.

So, so sorry to hear about your cousin. How sad.

 

[mamacatnv]

OP How very sad

I'd just call the detective outright and ask them.

 

[Jennasis]

Any info is useful. Call the detectives and share the information. The detectives can then disseminate what they can use against that scumbag and what they can't.

I am SO sorry for what you and your family are going through. Prayes to you all.

 

[Heidict]

First off, so sorry to hear about your cousin. Two to eight years is not enough.

Call the police department for the town that the murder happened in. Ask to speak to the homicide detective that is working her case and tell them what info you have. They can look it over and give it to the prosecutor who will determine if it is something that he can use in trial.

 

[Rora]

I would.

I don't know how far a Facebook post will get in a criminal trial, as it could have been anyone posting that stuff according to the defense , but it is worth a shot.

So, so sorry to hear about your cousin. How sad.

That's certainly my fear as well. I figure it's worth as shot but at the same time I don't want to disclose the messages unless they'll help (they are other personal things in the messages that I know she wouldn't want shared, even if they were within a controlled environment, like an investigation). I guess that's silly.. Just confused right, now I guess.

Thank you for the kind words.

 

[AKL_Megs]

That's certainly my fear as well. I figure it's worth as shot but at the same time don't to disclose the messages unless they'll help (they are other personal things in the messages that I know she wouldn't want shared, even if they were within a controlled environment, like an investigation). I guess that's silly.. Just confused right, now I guess.

Thank you for the kind words.

I would call the detective and get a feel. If the prosecutor thinks it would help THEIR case, disclose them. If not, keep them to yourself if they think they would cause more harm than good.

Things get real tricky when it comes to murder/manslaughter trials.

 

[angie@dvcstore]

Sorry to hear about your cousin that is so devastating wishing all the best for you and your family

 

[Hoodie]

I am so sorry for your loss.

Definitely contact the detective. Since Facebook is new, I don't know if the actual messages/postings would be used, but they will definitely be interested in knowing that she confided what he did to her.

Should the case co to trial, you probably will be called to testify. A friend of my best friend was murdered several years ago. Even though she didn't live in the same state anymore and wasn't there when the murder occured, she was called to give testimony for character and give a victim statement.

 

[autumnpalm]

I'll echo everyone else who has posted and contact the police about it, but I just wanted to tell you I am so sorry. How awful, there are no words.

 

[Darsa]

OMG, 2-8 years for purposely running over someone and killing them?? That is so very wrong, and I'm so sorry that this has happened to your family!

I truly hope that they get enough information to be able to put someone that's such a menace behind bars for a LOT longer than that!

 

[Robinrs]

Vehicular manslaughter???? The fact that he ran over her SEVERAL times is proof of murder.

This reminds me so much of the Clara Harris case, the woman who ran over her cheating husband. She got 20 years for murder and so should this animal who did this to your cousin. http://www.joelaw.cc/harris.html

I am so sorry for your family and especially for that little child. One parent dead and and the other parent did it... happens too often.

 

[Rora]

OP here: Thank for all the kind words and making me not feel crazy for wanting him in jail a lot longer.

Can someone tell me how murder and manslaughter are different? I guess I just don't get it. I thought that when you killed someone (except out of defense) it was murder. Plain and simple. Now I hear "manslaughter" and a max of 8 years. A life is a life. I don't get it..?

 

[Sgt Mickey]

OP here: Thank for all the kind words and making me not feel crazy for wanting him in jail a lot longer.

Can someone tell me how murder and manslaughter are different? I guess I just don't get it. I thought that when you killed someone (except out of defense) it was murder. Plain and simple. Now I hear "manslaughter" and a max of 8 years. A life is a life. I don't get it..?

Manslaughter means that someone died but it wasn't becasue you were trying to kill them but they died becasue of your Negligence and murder is well you were trying to kill them/hurt them.


I am really sorry. I would for sure take it all to the police.

 

[AKL_Megs]

OP here: Thank for all the kind words and making me not feel crazy for wanting him in jail a lot longer.

Can someone tell me how murder and manslaughter are different? I guess I just don't get it. I thought that when you killed someone (except out of defense) it was murder. Plain and simple. Now I hear "manslaughter" and a max of 8 years. A life is a life. I don't get it..?

From Wikipedia...

Murder, as defined in common law countries, is the unlawful killing of another human being with intent (or malice aforethought), and generally this state of mind distinguishes murder from other forms of unlawful homicide (such as manslaughter).


Manslaughter is a legal term for the killing of a human being, in a manner considered by law as less culpable than murder.

The law generally differentiates between levels of criminal culpability based on the mens rea, or state of mind. This is particularly true within the law of homicide, where murder requires either the intent to kill, a state of mind called malice, or malice aforethought, which may involve an unintentional killing but with a wilful disregard for life.

Manslaughter is usually broken down into two distinct categories: voluntary manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter.

Voluntary manslaughter occurs when the defendant kills with malice aforethought (intention to kill or cause serious harm), but there are mitigating circumstances which reduce culpability. Voluntary manslaughter is a lesser included offence of murder. The traditional mitigating factor was provocation, however others have been added in various jurisdictions.

Involuntary manslaughter is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought. It is distinguished from voluntary manslaughter by the absence of intention.


Vehicular manslaughter is a kind of misdemeanour manslaughter, which holds people liable for any death which occurs because of criminal negligence, or a violation of traffic safety laws.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

OP here: Thank for all the kind words and making me not feel crazy for wanting him in jail a lot longer.

Can someone tell me how murder and manslaughter are different? I guess I just don't get it. I thought that when you killed someone (except out of defense) it was murder. Plain and simple. Now I hear "manslaughter" and a max of 8 years. A life is a life. I don't get it..?

Manslaughter is when you kill someone "accidentally". Like a drunk driver takes someone out while drunk. He did not intend on killing the people in the car however his criminal driving resulted in it, so he gets the charge of manslaughter.

Murder is you intended on killing the person and planned it out for the most part.

I would say "intent" is the bottom line.

Maybe he is striking a deal with the prosecution for a lesser charge? Or maybe they believe he did not intend on killing her?

All I can say is how awful for you and your family. I don't know what you can do to help but I hope it is something.

 

[Rora]

Thank you so much for posting that AKL Megs! I really appreciate it.

EDIT: Mystery Machine-- You just made a really good point I didn't think of. The detectives said they he had intended to hit her with his car but I guess if he hadn't intended to kill her then it's not murder. UGH. You are probably 100% correct. Bad news for us.

 

[Robinrs]

Thank you so much for posting that AKL Megs! I really appreciate it.

EDIT: Mystery Machine-- You just made a really good point I didn't think of. The detectives said they he had intended to hit her with his car but I guess if he hadn't intended to kill her then it's not murder. UGH. You are probably 100% correct. Bad news for us.

Wait, I thought he ran over her several times?

 

[bettymae1121]

They could be planning on adding or amending the charges once they get some more info, meanwhile they charge him with what they know will stick, just in case the new information doesn't pan out.

To answer your question, the only way to know if they can use the Facebook posting is to let the police and/or DA's office know about them.

I'm so sorry for you and your family!

 

[monkeybug]

I am so sorry this is happening to your family OP. What a nightmare!
I have never been part of a murder investigation, but I have been part of a criminal investigation. I know that the DA and the detective wanted ANY information, no matter how insignificant or irrelevant I thought it might be. I would call right away and let who ever is handling the case know about the facebook posts. Don't let the fact that they contain personal information or might not hold up in court deter you.